VENTED CONTAINER AND RELATED METHODS

Description

BACKGROUND

Disposable containers for packaging, distributing, displaying or otherwise housing consumer items, especially perishable foods, are becoming increasingly important. Historically, perishable products were brought to market and sold quickly to avoid loss due to exposure to natural elements causing ripeness and eventual decay.

The advent of plastics resulted in many products being wrapped or packaged in plastic, both in the form of flexible plastic bags and solid plastic containers. The use of plastics in the modern-day convenience food industry has significantly improved the “shelf life” of perishable products, allowing both merchants and their customers to store the products for longer periods of time, resulting in substantial savings, and greater distribution.

In addition, consumers may prefer to visually inspect the food product within such containers. Thus, fabricating containers from clear see-through plastics is desirable. For example, packaging provided for bakery goods or agriculture products has often been in the form of clear, plastic clamshell packaging, because, among other things, such clear, plastic clamshell packaging, provides a baked-on-the-premises or homegrown image that grocery retailers have found to be especially appealing to consumers.

Typically, plastic containers will include a fairly rigid lid and base. Ideally, the lid should be capable of properly and effectively sealing the container, yet the container should be constructed so that the lid is relatively easy to remove, and in some circumstances, replace, since it may be expected that the container and lid would be reused. In addition, the lid should provide adequate space for product branding and meeting regulatory product identification (e.g., identification of the product, place of product origin, weight, etc.) in the form of a label that may comprise paper, plastic or both. Typically, these containers are either pre-labeled or labeled after the product is filled in a secondary application.

Contents placed inside of the container when warm can eventually lead to condensate forming on the inside of the container. This condensate can then trickle down to pool at the bottom of the container. Food containers tend to include a flat bottom where the contents typically rest. Pooling condensate at the bottom of the container would then mean that the intended contents of the container are resting in a pool of condensate. Dampen food may be less desirable than dry and crispy food. Using an example of fried chicken as the contents, it may be less desirable to eat dampened fried chicken rather than crispy fried chicken.

It may also be difficult to discern any contents of the container from outside of the container. When given multiple options of contents, operators in the past have marked with pen on the container to differentiate contents or have left no indication, leaving the end user to later open the container to visual assess. Further, if marked on the side of the container, it may be difficult to read the marking from the top, such as when the container is in a bag.

There is thus a need for a container, particularly a disposable container, that addresses present challenges and characteristics such as those discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective front view of one example of a container with a lid connected to a base by an exemplary inner lid securement;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective rear view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged cross-section view of the container of FIG. 1 taken about line 5-5;

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of multiple containers of FIG. 1 in a stacked configuration;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective front view of another example of a container with a lid connected to a base by an exemplary inner lid securement in a closed configuration; and

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective front view of the container of FIG. 7 in an open configuration.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

It will be appreciated that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

I. CONSUMER-FRIENDLY CONTAINER FOR FOOD PACKAGING

With respect to FIGS. 1-2, a consumer-friendly container (10) of the present example includes a lid (12) and a base (14) with a lid securement (16) to releasably connect lid (12) and base (14) for single-handed application thereof for selective containment of inner storage space (18). As shown in the present example, lid securement (16) has a lid securement portion (20) (see FIG. 4) on lid (12) and a base securement portion (22) on base (14) configured to releasably connect lid (12) to base (14) with single-handed compression for greater ease of enclosing contents, such as food, within container (10). Of course, lid (12) may be connected to base (14) with lid securement (16) with single-handed application, but more than one hand may be applied in other examples. The invention is thus not intended to be unnecessarily limited to single-handed application such that even more than one hand of application, such as two hands, may benefit from greater ease of connection therebetween.

As briefly discussed above, lid securement (16) of the present example includes lid and base securement portions (20, 22) respectively on lid (12) and base (14). Base (14) more particularly includes a front sidewall (24), a rear sidewall (26) opposite front sidewall (24), a left sidewall (28), and a right sidewall (30) opposite left sidewall (28). Front and rear sidewalls (24, 26) extend to corner sidewalls (32) with left and right sidewalls (28, 30) similarly extending to corner sidewalls (32) defining a generally rectangular shape in the present example. Notably, any references to front, rear, left, and right are merely exemplary as to the present figures and not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention described herein. Also, while the present arrangement of sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) define a generally rectangular base (14), it will be appreciated that alternative shapes may be similarly constructed such that the invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited the example described herein.

Base (14) further includes a bottom (34)(see FIG. 4), including a base stacking frame (35), horizontally extending between sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) with sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) vertically extending upward therefrom to an upper peripheral frame (36), which defines an opening (38) into a base chamber (40). In this respect, base chamber (40) is defined by sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32), bottom (34), and upper peripheral frame (36), although additional features may further define base chamber (40) in one or more examples. Upper peripheral frame (36) is configured to provide rigidity to base (14) about opening (38) and further includes an upper sealing surface (42) configured to engage a lower sealing surface (44) (see FIG. 5) on lid (12) to inhibit contents within inner storage space (18) from leaking between upper and lower sealing surfaces (42, 44) (see FIG. 5) and outward to the surrounding environment. Notably, sealing that occurs against “sealing surfaces” as those terms are used herein generally inhibits contents from leaking therethrough, but some leaking may still be possible as used herein. References to “sealing surfaces” are thus not intended to be unnecessarily limited to a fluid seal.

To this end, lid (12) of the present example includes a cover (46) with a lid stacking frame (47)(see FIG. 6 for stacking illustration) and a lower peripheral frame (48) configured to provide rigidity to lid (12) about opening (38). Lower peripheral frame (48) further includes lower sealing surface (44) as discussed above and surrounds cover (46) such that cover (46) extends therebetween and upward therefrom. Cover (46) of the present example is also generally rectangular in shape to complement base (14) and is domed to further define a lid chamber (50). When connected together, lid chamber (50) and base chamber (40) collectively define inner storage space (18). Of course, lid (12) may take alternative shapes to that shown in the present example such that the invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to the domed and/or rectangular shape described herein. Lid (12) and base (14) also respectively include grip tabs (51)(see FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8) extending therefrom to aid in gripping and removal of lid (12) from base (14) as discussed below in greater detail.

With respect to FIG. 3, lid (12) and base (14) depict an angled opening such that an operator has easier access to contents within container (10) from a front rather than a rear. That is to say, front sidewall (24) of base (14) is shorter than rear sidewall (26) such that opening (38) is angled towards the front. This angle allows an operator to more easily view and gather the contents of the container (10) from the front. Lid (12) is shaped the opposite such that cover (46), when combined with base (14), has a horizontal top for linear stacking of containers (10). See FIG. 6 for an example of horizontal stacking of multiple containers. Lid (12) may be sized and shaped to nest with other lids (12) for storage and shipment and base (14) may similarly be sized and shaped to nest with other bases (14) for storage and shipment. While lids (12) and base (14) are shown as separately formed part, the may alternatively be hinged along a rear side near rear sidewall (26), such as discussed below in container (210) (see FIGS. 7-8).

A. Cover Venting

With respect to FIGS. 1-2 and 4, cover (46) of lid (12) may include a set of oblique planes (110) extending upwards from sidewalls (105) and corners (106). Oblique planes (110) may be slightly angled relative to the ground such that escape vents (112) remain exposed to the surrounding environment when one container (10) is stacked on top of another container (10), as shown in FIG. 6. Each oblique plane defines an escape vent (112) for circulating moisture away from inner storage space (18). Moisture may result from stored contents of inner storage space (18) releasing heat which results in condensation within container (10). By venting hot air from inside of inner storage space (18) to an outside area, moisture condensate can be reduced or prevented. Oblique planes (110) act to inhibit escape vents (112) from occluding should a second container (10) be stacked on top of the first.

B. Lid Securement Venting

A return vent (120) may be needed to allow incoming cool dry air from outside of container (10) to offset any warm moist air leaving through escape vent (112). Return vent (120) may be formed between portions of lid securement (16) where lid (12) defines a cutout (122) and base (14) defines an opening (124). As shown in FIG. 4, cutout (122) in lid (12) may be shallow enough to still maintain a portion of lower peripheral frame (48) to thereby maintain rigidity of lid (12). Opening (124) may also be formed in such a way as to maintain a portion of upper peripheral frame (36) to thereby maintain rigidity of base (14). Collectively, cutout (122) and opening (124) define return vent (120). Separate return vents (120) may be positioned approximately 90 degrees apart from each other along container (10). In other words, a respective return vent (120) may be positioned above each the front sidewall (24), rear sidewall (26), left sidewall (28), and right sidewall (30). As shown best in FIGS. 1-2, and 5, upper peripheral frame (36) includes a lower plane (136) and an upper plane (137). Lower plane (136) may be flush with base plane (138) of base (14). Cutout (122) extends into upper plane (137) such that return vent (120) includes a vertical separation between lid (12) and base (14), in addition to a horizontal separation. With escape vents (112) and return vents (120) being central on container (10) to immediately adjacent edges, venting of inner storage space (18) may still be accomplished even with container (10) captured inside a flexible plastic bag, such as a grocery bag.

C. Cover Indicia

With lid (12) secured to base (14), it may be difficult for an operator to determine the contents stored inside of container (10). In other words, and as a non-limiting example, it may be difficult to determine if container (10) is storing chicken, steak, particular flavorings, or a particular combination meal. Even with container (10) open, it may be even more difficult for an operator to determine the caliber of the contents stored, such as medium-sauced chicken or hot-sauced chicken. This may become even more difficult if container (10) is storing two similar items, such as medium-sauced chicken and hot-sauced chicken. Cover (46) of lid (12) includes three sets of indicia; a left set of indicia (140), a middle set of indicia (142), and right set of indicia (144). Left set of indicia (140) and right set of indicia (144) may be substantially similar to each and may be used to indicate contents of container (10) closest to respective left sidewall (28) and right sidewall (30). Alternatively, they may each include respective indicia which differ from the other side. As another alternative, left set of indicia (140) and right set of indicia (144) may collectively indicate an entire range, such as a spice range. Middle indicia (142) may include the same or differing indicia to that of left set of indicia (140) and right set of indicia (144). Middle indicia (142) may generally indicate contents of container (10) while left set of indicia (140) and right set of indicia (144) may indicate specifics. As a non-limiting example, middle indicia (142) may indicate to an operator whether a combination #1, #2, #3, or #4 is in container (10), left set of indicia (140) may indicate whether chicken wings, breasts, thighs are included, and right set of indicia (144) may indicate a spice level of a spice range (i.e. Scoville scale) from 1-7. In any case, sets of indicia (140, 142, 144) are viewable from above container (10) such that an operator viewing container (10) inside of a bag may quickly discern the contents without removing container (10) from the bag, without opening container (10), and without otherwise marking container (10).

Sets of indicia (140, 142, 144) may each include a hinged flap having a bulge such that, once pressed by an operator, the selected flap pivots into lid chamber (50) to thus indicate a selection. Alternatively, sets of indicia (140, 142, 144) may include a convex bulge such that, once pressed by an operator, the selected convex bulge converts to a concave bulge and thus protrudes inside of lid chamber (50) to thus indicate a selection. In either example, a previously selected indicia of the sets of indicia (140, 142, 144) may be unselected may applying an opposite press on the indicia from inside of lid chamber (50), should an incorrect indicia have previously been selected by the operator.

D. Vertical Support of Contents and Container Stacking

During use of container (10) to store contents, condensate from the air and liquids from the contents (collectively fluids) may collect overtime along bottom (34). These fluids may adversely degrade the contents and decrease their appeal for consumption by the operator. Container (10) includes separate means for vertically supporting the contents away from the fluids which inherently allow for container stacking.

As depicted in FIG. 4, lid (12) includes a lid plateau (150), defined by lid stacking frame (47), which includes a centrally located profile when viewed from the top of container (10). Lid plateau (150) is raised relative to surrounding portions of cover (46). Complementary to lid plateau (150), base (14) includes a base plateau (152) projecting into base chamber (40). Base plateau (152) be hollow from the underneath and sized to fit lid plateau (150). Lid plateau (150) and base plateau (152) allow for stacking and lateral/rotational locking of separate containers (10) when stacked one on top of the other.

Bottom (34) also includes a left trough (154) and a right trough (156) on respective ends of base plateau (152) which are each lower than base plateau (152). Left trough (154) and a right trough (156) may be used to separate different contents of container (10) as discussed above. Along each of base plateau (152), left trough (154), and right trough (156) are a series of ribs (160) raised above a lower surface. The food contents of container (10) may be raised above the lower surface (157) by the series of ribs (160). Extending along a perimeter of bottom (34) and positioned between base plateau (152), left trough (154), right trough (156) and sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30) is a channel (158). Channel (158) is lower than lower surface (157) and is sized such the fluids may drain and collect inside to thus be positioned away from the contents of container (10).

E. Inner Lid Securement

Lid securement (16) has base securement portion (22) on base (14) and lid securement portion (20) on lid (12). FIG. 4 shows base securement portion (22) of lid securement (16) as more particularly including a plurality of posts (52) extending upward to releasably connect with lid securement portion (20) on lid (12) discussed below in greater detail.

Each post (52) of the present example includes a pair of detent projections (56) on opposing sides thereof with an undercut (58) configured to overlap with a portion of lid securement portion (20) (see FIG. 4). Detent projections (56) of the present example are also resilient and deflectable for snapping locked as discussed below in greater detail. Posts (52) are more particularly positioned on corner sidewalls (32) such that four posts (52) are incorporated into base (14) in the present example. Alternative numbers of more or less than four posts (52) may be used in one or more examples such that the invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to four posts (52).

With respect to FIG. 5, support frame (54) with posts (52) extending upward therefrom are positioned horizontally outward from upper peripheral frame (36) such that posts (52) surround upper peripheral frame (36). Notably, all of base (14), including sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32), bottom (34), upper peripheral frame (36), support frame (54), and posts (52), are integrally formed of unitary construction, specifically thermoformed of polypropylene material in the present example. Alternative constructions of differing material may be used in one or more examples such that the invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to being constructed as shown herein.

FIG. 4 shows lid (12) of the present example as including a plurality of caps (60) of lid securement portion (20). Each cap (60) more particularly includes a pair of detent recesses (62) on opposing sides thereof with an undercut (64) configured to overlap with detent projection (56) on post (52) (see FIG. 4). Detent projections (56) of the present example are also resilient and deflectable for snapping locked as discussed below in greater detail. Caps (60) are more particularly positioned in corners of cover (46) such that four caps (60) are incorporated into cover (46) in the present example to complement respective positions of posts (52) (see FIG. 4) for connection therewith. Alternative numbers of more or less than four caps (60) may be used in one or more examples such that the invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to four caps (60).

FIG. 5 shows releasable connection between lid (12) and base (14) via lid securement (16) in greater detail. Upon removal of lid (12) from base (14), sufficient separation force is applied to overcome the interlocking of detent projections (56) and detent recesses (62) such that at least one resiliently deflects until released. Lid (12) may then be reconnected to base (14) by applying pressure downward against lid (12) and horizontally inward of upper and lower peripheral frames (36, 48), such as with one hand, until each of detent projections (56) resiliently deflect to interlock within detent recesses (62). In addition, the present example shows grip tabs (51) on lid (12) and base (14) positioned overlapping each other and similarly adjacent to and extending horizontally outward from cap (60) and post (52) to more easily pry apart for removal of lid (12) from base (14).

As mentioned above, FIG. 6 shows two separate containers (10) stacked one on top of the other. When stacked, each container is capable of venting out of escape vents (112) and return vents (120) without occluding. Containers (10) are further locked via previously mentioned lid plateau (150) of the bottom container (10) and base plateau (152) of the top container (10) such that top container (10) is inhibited from shifting or rotating relative to bottom container (10) about a plane horizontal to the ground. To separate containers (10), an operator may lift the top container (10) from bottom container (10).

F. Container with Clamshell Arrangement

FIGS. 7-8 show another example of a container (210) with a lid (212) and a base (214) in a closed configuration and an open configuration respectively. In contrast with container (10) discussed above in greater detail, container (210) is formed with lid (212) pivotally connected to base (214) at a living hinge (215) in a clamshell arrangement. Also in contrast with container (10) discussed above in greater detail, front sidewall (24) of base (14) is generally of like dimension to rear sidewall (26) such that opening (38) is horizontally rather than angled. Container (210) is otherwise like container (10) unless otherwise stated and shown herein with like numbers indicating like features discussed above in greater detail. In any case, the invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to a particular connection between lids (12, 212) and bases (14, 214) nor unnecessarily limited to a particular orientation of opening (38).

II. EXEMPLARY COMBINATIONS

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

Example 1

A container, comprising: a lid including a cover extending along a horizontal plane perpendicular to a vertical plane, the lid further including a first oblique surface extending along a first oblique plane that is oblique relative to the horizontal and vertical planes, wherein the first oblique surface has a first vent extending therethrough; and a base including a bottom configured to support contents therein, the lid being configured to couple to the base above the bottom, wherein the lid is configured to receive another container thereon while inhibiting occlusion of the vent during use.

Example 2

The container of Example 1, further comprising a return vent configured to vent cool air therethrough, and wherein the first vent includes an escape vent configured to vent warm air therethrough.

Example 3

The container of Example 2, wherein the lid and the base collectively define the return vent.

Example 4

The container of Example 3, wherein the return vent includes a vertical separation between the lid and the base.

Example 5

The container of Example 3, wherein each of the lid and the base respectively include a ridge around a respective perimeter to thereby increase rigidity of the lid and the base, wherein the respective ridge of the lid and the respective ridge of the base are configured to contact each other when the lid is coupled to the base.

Example 6

The container of Example 1, wherein the lid further includes a second oblique surface extending along second first oblique plane that is oblique relative to the horizontal and vertical planes, wherein the second oblique surface has a second vent extending therethrough, wherein the first oblique plane is different than the second oblique plane.

Example 7

The container of Example 6, wherein the first oblique plane is on a first half portion of the lid, and wherein and the second oblique plane is on a second half portion of the lid opposite from the first half portion.

Example 8

The container of Example 1, further comprising a lid securement configured to couple the lid to the base, wherein the lid securement defines an opening inside of the base, and wherein the opening is angled greater than the horizontal plane such that the opening extends along a plane that is not parallel to the cover.

Example 9

The container of Example 1, wherein the lid includes at least one set of indicia configured to indicate contents therein, wherein the at least one set of indicia includes a selectable, predefined indicator configured to indicate contents therein.

Example 10

The container of Example 1, wherein the at least one set of indicia includes a first set of indicia, a second set of indicia, and a third set of indicia, wherein each of the first, second, and third sets of indicia are configured to indicate a separate category of contents therein.

Example 11

The container of Example 1, wherein the lid further includes a lid plateau, wherein the base includes a base plateau, wherein the lid plateau is sized and shaped to fit within a hollow portion of the base plateau to thereby inhibit movement of the lid against the base along the horizontal plane, wherein the lid plateau and the base plateau are configured to be parallel to the horizontal plane when the lid is coupled to the base.

Example 12

The container of Example 1, wherein the bottom of the base has a lower surface and a series of ribs extending upwards from the lower surface, wherein the series of ribs is configured to support contents therein.

Example 13

The container of Example 12, wherein the bottom further has a channel extending around the lower surface, wherein the channel is lower than the lower surface and configured to collect fluids draining from the series of ribs and the lower surface.

Example 14

The container of Example 13, wherein the bottom has a base plateau adjacent to and above the lower surface, wherein the base plateau includes the series of ribs.

Example 15

The container of Example 14, wherein the lower surface include has a right trough and a left trough, and wherein the base plateau separates the right trough from the left trough for separating different contents therein.

Example 16

A container, comprising: a lid including at least one vent positioned along an at least one oblique plane of the lid, wherein the at least one oblique plane is oblique to a horizontal and a vertical plane; and a base including a bottom configured to support contents between the lid and the base, wherein the lid is configured to couple to the base above the bottom, wherein the container includes a plurality of sides and a plurality of corners, wherein a respective corner of the plurality of corners being positioned between two sides of the plurality of sides, wherein the container includes at least one return vent, wherein the at least one vent includes an escape vent configured to vent warm air to an outside of the container, wherein the container further includes a return vent configured to vent cool air to an inside of the container, wherein the at least one escape vent is positioned along a corner of the plurality of corners, wherein the at least one return vent is positioned along a side of the plurality sides.

Example 17

The container of Example 16, wherein the container is configured to contain chicken and to prevent moisture from dampening the chicken.

Example 18

The container of Example 16, wherein the lid includes a lid plateau, wherein the base includes a base plateau, wherein the lid plateau is sized and shaped to fit within a hollow portion of the base plateau to thereby inhibit movement of the lid against the base along the horizontal plane, wherein the lid plateau and the base plateau are configured to be parallel to the horizontal plane when the lid is coupled to the base.

Example 19

A method of producing a food container, wherein the container includes a base and lid, the method comprising: including an escape vent on an oblique plane at a top portion of the lid, the oblique plane being oblique to a vertical plane and a horizontal plane; and including a return vent below the escape vent, the return vent being positioned along the lid and/or the base.

Example 20

The method of Example 19, further comprising including a series of ribs extending from a bottom of the base, the series of ribs being configured to elevate contents inside of the container above the bottom.

III. MISCELLANEOUS

It should be understood that any of the examples described herein may include various other features in addition to or in lieu of those described above. By way of example only, any of the examples described herein may also include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references that are incorporated by reference herein.

It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Having shown and described various versions of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, versions, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.