Folding Chair

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. For example, this application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63/568,614, filed Mar. 22, 2024 and 63/713,423, filed Oct. 29, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes and form a part of the present specification.

The present disclosure is directed to a foldable chair, and more particularly to a foldable chair with an ergonomic and easy to reach operating latch and connectors for cup holders and other accessories, as well as a frame with removable covers.

Chairs come in a variety of different styles and can be used for different settings. For example, dining chairs are used to comfortably eat at a table while office chairs are used to work at a desk, and beach chairs or camping chairs can be used outdoors. Traditionally, chairs used for outdoor activities do not have the necessary structure or support to assist users during common outdoor tasks, such as eating a meal. As a result, individuals are often forced to use makeshift solutions, or require users to use multiple separate components. These solutions are often unstable and prone to failure, leading to spills, accidents, and inconvenience. Additionally, if a chair gets damaged (e.g., the seat gets stained, or the seat material rips) the entire chair must be replaced. Furthermore, some chairs may be overly specialized. These overspecialized chairs may be bulky, large, and expensive. Bulky chairs may also be difficult to transport, carry, and store. Some chairs may be used more for their aesthetic features than their functionality. For example, some chairs are used to accent the style of a room or patio. Thus, users may need to buy multiple chairs for different environments and tasks.

Folding chairs are often difficult or dangerous to transition from a folded arrangement to an open arrangement. These folding chairs often have pinch points and the locking mechanisms that hold the chair in one position or the other can be difficult to actuate—often being located close to the ground or pivots. Additionally, the locking mechanisms are often bulky, large, and obtrusive making them aesthetically distracting.

The embodiments disclosed herein each have several aspects no single one of which is solely responsible for the disclosure's desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, its more prominent features will now be briefly discussed. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of the embodiments described herein provide advantages over existing systems and devices and methods for foldable chairs.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable chair, including: a frame including a seat back having a first stile and a second stile and a seat bottom having a first side apron and a second side apron, the frame movable between a folded configuration where the seat bottom and seat back are generally adjacent each other and a seating configuration where the seat bottom extends transverse to the seat back, a pair of front legs pivotally coupled to a pair of rear legs via a hinge and attached to a left side and a right side of the seat bottom, a pair of arm rests coupled to the pair of front legs and to the pair of rear legs via the hinge, each of the pair of arm rests having an aperture at a distal portion thereof and having a channel on a side surface thereof, the aperture and the channel each configured to receive and removably engage an accessory, and a cover removably coupleable to the foldable chair, the cover including: a first cover portion removably coupleable to the seat bottom comprising a first sleeve pocket extending over at least a portion of the seat bottom, and a second cover portion removably coupleable to the seat back having a second sleeve pocket extending over at least a portion of the seat back.

In some examples, the foldable chair further includes a locking mechanism, where the locking mechanism may be unlocked by actuating a handle. In some examples, the handle is located proximate a front edge of the seat bottom. In some examples, the handle is attached to a cable attached to one or more spring-loaded pins, where each of the one or more spring-loaded pins correspond to one or more slots on the rear legs that restricts a movement of the one or more spring-loaded pins, and where actuating the handle disengages the one or more spring-loaded pins from the corresponding one or more slots. In some examples, the foldable chair further includes a locking mechanism, where the locking mechanism automatically locks when either the folded configuration or the seating configuration is reached. In some examples, the accessory is a cup holder. In some examples, the cup holder includes a chair connector via which the cup holder couples to the aperture, a body with an opening configured to receive a beverage container, and a ring rotatably coupled to the body and an accessory hook that extends outward from the ring and is configured to receive a stem of a wine glass. In some examples, the accessory hook is C-shaped.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable chair, including: a frame including a seat back having a first stile and a second stile and a seat bottom having a first side apron and a second side apron, the frame movable between a folded configuration where the seat bottom and seat back are generally adjacent each other and a seating configuration where the seat bottom extends transverse to the seat back, a pair of front legs pivotally coupled to a pair of rear legs via a hinge and attached to a left side and a right side of the seat bottom, and a pair of arm rests coupled to the pair of front legs and to the pair of rear legs via the hinge, each of the pair of arm rests having a aperture at a distal portion thereof and having a channel on a side surface thereof, the aperture and the channel each configured to receive and removably engage an accessory.

In some examples, the foldable chair further includes a locking mechanism, where the locking mechanism may be unlocked by actuating a handle. In some examples, the handle is located proximate a front edge of the seat bottom. In some examples, the handle is attached to a cable attached to one or more spring-loaded pins, where each of the one or more spring-loaded pins correspond to one or more slots on the rear legs that restricts a movement of the one or more spring-loaded pins, and where actuating the handle disengages the one or more spring-loaded pins from the corresponding one or more slots. In some examples, the foldable chair further includes a hook at an end of each of the first stile and the second stile distal from the seat bottom, each hook configured to receive and removably engage another accessory. In some examples, the accessory is a cup holder. In some examples, the cup holder includes a chair connector via which the cup holder couples to the aperture, a body with an opening configured to receive a beverage container, and a ring rotatably coupled to the body and an accessory hook that extends outward from the ring and is configured to receive a stem of a wine glass. In some examples, the accessory hook is C-shaped.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a kit, including: a foldable chair, a first cover portion, and a second cover portion. The foldable chair including: a frame including a seat back having a first stile and a second stile and a seat bottom having a first side apron and a second side apron, the frame movable between a folded configuration where the seat bottom and seat back are generally adjacent each other and a seating configuration where the seat bottom extends transverse to the seat back, a pair of front legs pivotally coupled to a pair of rear legs via a hinge and attached to a left side and a right side of the seat bottom, and a pair of arm rests coupled to the pair of front legs and to the pair of rear legs via the hinge, each of the pair of arm rests having an aperture at a distal portion thereof and having a channel on a side surface thereof the aperture and the channel each configured to receive and removably engage an accessory, the first cover portion removably coupleable to the seat bottom including a first sleeve pocket extending over at least a portion of the seat bottom, and the second cover portion removably coupleable to the seat back having a second sleeve pocket extending over at least a portion of the seat back.

In some examples, the kit further includes an accessory configured to removably couple to each aperture in the pair of arm rests. In some examples, the accessory is a cup holder. In some examples, the cup holder includes a chair connector via which the cup holder couples to the aperture, a body with an opening configured to receive a beverage container, and a ring rotatably coupled to the body and an accessory hook that extends outward from the ring and is configured to receive a stem of a wine glass.

The present disclosure describes various implementations of a foldable chair. The foldable chair can be put in an open (unfolded) configuration or a closed (folded) configuration. The multiple configurations make the foldable chair convenient to store, transport, and use. In the closed position, the chair takes up much less space than a standard chair (e.g., a non-foldable chair). The foldable chair is also easier to carry in the closed position. Additionally, the folded chair is less awkward to carry than a standard chair. The foldable chair is also made of lightweight components and materials (e.g., a plastic material) which reduce the chair's weight. Once a user is done transporting the foldable chair, the user can easily use the release tab to unlock the chair, as further described below. Once the chair is unfolded, the foldable chair can automatically lock into the open position.

The foldable chair is also customizable to improve the experience and comfort of a user. For example, the foldable chair supports attachments such as a cup holder, and other accessories. Additionally, the foldable chair may have removable slip covers. The removable slip covers are made of a fabric (e.g., a mesh fabric, a cloth fabric, etc.). Thus, a user can remove and replace the slip cover if the fabric gets damaged. Additionally, the user can replace the fabric to personalize their chair. For example, a custom slip cover may include the logo of the user's alma mater, favorite sports team or have other images or insignia (e.g., a picture of the user's beloved family pet). Furthermore, the foldable chair has a seat back that can be adjusted to a number of reclined positions.

The chair is simple to operate, safe, and visually appealing. The chair can include an easy to reach and ergonomic to operate latch mechanism. Additionally, the latch is positioned away from any pivots or pinch-points beneficially reducing the risk of pinching a finger while opening or closing the chair. The chair is also visually appealing due to the unobtrusive and discrete positioning of the latch.

illustrate a foldable chairin an open position. The chaircan have a front leg member, a rear leg member, a back, a seat assembly, a first arm restA and a second arm restB. In some embodiments, the back, seat assembly, front leg member, and rear leg memberare made of a lightweight and durable material, such as carbon fiber or aluminum. The chaircomponents can also, or alternatively, be made of wood, plastic, metal, wicker, or a composite. The arm restsA andB can be made of fabric, plastic, rubber, wood, carbon fiber, metal, or a composite material. The arm restsA andB may also be made from a combination of these materials (e.g., fabric-covered wood). Regardless of the material, the arm restsA andB allow a user to position (e.g., support) his or her arms more comfortably while seated on the chair. Overall, the arm restsA andB may reduce the strain on the shoulder and back of a user by allowing the user to sit in a healthier position.

The front leg membercan have two feetA andB and the rear leg membercan have two feetA andB which support the chairwhile in an open position. The front leg memberis connected to the rear leg memberon a first side by a first front leg—rear leg pivotA. The front leg memberis connected to the rear leg memberon a second side by a second front leg—rear leg pivotB.

The seat assemblycan include a front apron, a rear apron, a first side apronA, and a second side apronB. A seatcan span from the first side apronA to the second side apronB creating a platform to sit on. A first loopA can be attached to the front end of the first side apronA. A second loopB can be attached to the front end of the second side apronB.

The chair backcan include a bottom rail, a top rail, a first stileA, and a second stileB which together form a rectangular frame.

The first side apronA of the seat assemblycan connect to the front leg memberon a first side with a first front leg—seat pivotA. The second side apronB of the seat assemblycan connect to the front leg memberon a second side with a second front leg—seat pivotB. The seat assemblycan have a first linkA attached to the rear of the first side apronA, proximal to the rear apronof the seat assembly. The first linkA can pivotally connect to the bottom of the first stileA of the chair backat a chair back—first link pivotA. The seat assemblycan have a second linkB attached to the rear of the second side apronB, proximal to the rear apronof the seat assembly. The second linkB can pivotally connect to the bottom end of the second stileB of the chair backat a chair back—second link pivotB.

The first stileA of the chair backcan connect to the first arm restA with a chair back—first arm pivotA. The second stileA of the chair backcan connect to the second arm restB with a chair back—second arm pivotB. The first arm restA can attach to the first front leg—rear leg pivotA. The second arm restB can attach to the second front leg—rear leg pivotB.

As best illustrated in, the rear leg memberhas a first rear leg slideA on the first side and a second rear leg slideB on the second side. The first rear leg slideA is an elongate channel positioned between the first front leg—rear leg pivotA and a footA. The second rear leg slideB is an elongate channel positioned between the second front leg—rear leg pivotB and a footB.

As best illustrated in, the first linkA on the rear of the seat assemblyconnects to the rear leg memberon the first side with a first lock assemblyA. The second linkB on the rear of the seat assemblyconnects to the rear leg memberon the second side with a second lock assemblyB.

In the open position, the first lock assemblyA engages with the first open lock pin boreA and the second lock assemblyB engage with the second open lock pin boreB. When in the open position, when the feetA,B andA,B are on the ground, the seat assemblyis substantially parallel to the ground.

A first cable housingA engages with the first lock assemblyA at a first end of the first cable housingA. The second end of the first cable housingA connects to a latch body. The latch bodyis positioned under the seat assemblyand connected to the middle of the front apron. This positioning advantageously makes the latch easy to access and discrete. A second cable housingB engages with the second lock assemblyB at a first end of the second cable housingB. The second end of the second cable housingB connects to the latch body. The first cable housingA is a housing similar to derailleur housing for bicycles and is capable of transferring force through a tensioned cable which can pass through the housing.

illustrate a chairwith cover slips. As illustrated, the chairhas a back slipand a seat slip. The back slipcan slide onto the stilesA andB of the chair back, until the back slipis touching the top railand the bottom rail. The back sliphas openings which expose each end of the first stileA and each end of the second stileB from the back slip.

The seat slipcan slide onto the first side apronA and the second side apronB until the seat slipcovers the seatand contacts the front apron. As best illustrated in, the seat sliphas openings for each end of the side apronsA andB, the latch body, the first front leg—seat pivotA, and the second front leg—seat pivotB. The seat slipalso has openings which allow for clearance for the first cable housingA and the second cable housingB. The seat slipcan have a closureat the rear which allows the seat slipto be put on and taken off easily.

illustrates a detailed view of a rear leg slide. The rear leg slidehas an open lock pin boreon a first end of the rear leg slideand a closed lock pin boreon a second end of the rear leg slide. A linkconnects to the rear leg membera lock assembly. In the open position, the lock assemblyincludes a lock pinwhich engages with the open lock pin bore.

illustrates a section view of the lock assembly. The lock assemblyincludes a link cavity. Within the link cavity, there is a spring. The springis wrapped around the circumference of a lock pin. The springis disposed against a shoulderof the lock pin. The lock pinextends out of the link cavity. The shoulder, is disposed against an inner surfaceof the link cavity. The opposing end of the springabuts an endcapwhich connects to a second end of the link cavitydistal from the inner surface. The springis compressed between the endcapand the shoulder. A cable housingis external to the link cavity. The cable housingis positioned within a cavityin the endcapexternal to the link cavity. This advantageously holds the cable housingin place. A cablepasses through the cable housing. The cableis in tension and is attached to the lock pin. The cablehas a headwhich is fitted within a cavityof the lock pin.

The springapplies a force to the shoulder, which holds the lock pinin place. When the cableis pulled, the springis compressed, pulling the lock pinand disengaging the shoulderfrom the inner surface. This reduces the portion of the lock pinwhich extends out of the link cavity(e.g., allowing the chair to be folded or unfolded). When springis fully compressed, all or substantially all of the lock pinmay be housed within the link cavityand outside the lock pin boreA orB.

illustrate a section view of a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism has a latch bodywhich can include two engagement portsA andB. Each engagement port can hold an end of a cable housingA andB (e.g., cables) respectively. A cableA can connect the first cable housingA to a first pivot linkA through a cable portA. A cableB can connect the second cable housingB to a second pivot linkB through a cable portB. The pivot linksA andB can rotate around a through bolt. The through boltpasses through a handle. A portion of the handleis positioned within the latch body. The latch bodycan also have two slotsA andB. The first slotA can be on a first side of the latch bodyand the second slotB can be on a second side of the latch body. The through boltpasses through the first slotA on the first side and the through boltpasses through the second slotB on the second side. As best illustrated in, the portion of the handlewhich is positioned within the latch bodycan be a cam. The camrotates around a cam pivotwhich has a separate axis from the through bolt. This causes the camto slide the through boltalong the first slotA and the second slotB when the handleis pulled. This can pull the cablesA andB through the cable portsA andB and into the latch body—increasing the tension on the cablesA andB.

illustrates a latch mechanism—lock assembly configuration. As illustrated, when a handleis pulled, a force is transferred through the cablesA andB because the cable housingA andB is not compressed. This pulls lock pinsA andB into link cavitiesA andB, which disengages the lock pinsA andB from open lock pin boresA andB. When the lock pinsA andB are disengaged from the open lock pin boresA andB, the chairis free to slide between open and closed positions. When the lock pinsA andB encounter the open lock pin boresA andB or the closed lock pin boresA andB, the lock pinsA andB will reengage with the lock pin bores which will lock the chair in either the open or the closed position.

illustrates the chairin a closed position. When in the closed position, the first lock assemblyA engages with the first closed lock pin boreA and the second lock assemblyB engages with the second closed lock pin boreB. When in the closed position, the seat assemblyis substantially parallel to the chair backand the front legis substantially parallel to the rear leg. This advantageously makes the chaircompact for storage or transportation purposes.

illustrate an arm rest. As shown in, a stilecan connect to the arm restwith a chair back—first arm pivot. The arm restcan have an arm slide. A front leg—rear leg pivotcan slidably connect to the arm restvia a slide memberwhich attaches to the arm slide. The slide membercan slide along the arm slideand pivot around the front leg—rear leg pivot.

is a section view of the arm rest. A plurality of stopscan be positioned within the arm rest. The slide membercan include an arm latch. The arm latchengages with the stopsto hold the arm rest in a fix position, while allowing adjustability in the chair configuration. For example, when the arm latchtouched the top of the arm rest, the arm latchwill engage with one of stops. If the arm restis lifted up, the arm latchwill disengage from the stop. The arm latchretains the arm rest within the arm slide, but when disengaged from the stop, the arm restcan slide forwards or backwards. If the arm restis pushed down, the arm latchwill engage with a stop.

The arm slidesadvantageously allow adjustability in the chair position. For example, when the slide memberis positioned forward in the arm slide(e.g., when the arm latchengages with the forward most stop), the chair backwill be in a reclined position and when the slide memberis positioned rearward in the arm slide(e.g., as illustrated in, when the arm latchengages with the rearward most stop), the chair backwill be in an upright position.

As illustrated in, the arm restcan include a channel. The channelis an attachment point for accessories. The accessories can engage with the channelvia a tab on the accessory. The arm restcan also have a hole(e.g., on an upper surface of the arm rest).illustrates a section view of the arm rest illustrating the hole. The holeis an attachment point for accessories such as a cup holder. The hole can include a ballwhich can engage with accessories (e.g., a cup holder) to create a secure snap fit. In other embodiments, other connection methods may be used.

is a view of a chair back. The chair backcan include a bottom rail, a top rail, a first stileA, and a second stileB. A hookA can be attached to the end of the first stileA proximal to the top rail. A hookB can be attached to the end of the second stileB proximal to the top rail. The hooksA andB can allow accessories such as sunshades or head rests to be attached to the chair back.

is a perspective view of an arm rest. As illustrated, a cup holdercan connected to the arm rest. The cup holdercan be removably attached to an end of the arm rest. The removably attachable cup holdercan advantageously be removed from the arm restto improve the compactness of the chair in storage. The cup holdercan include a chair connectorwhich can attach to a holein the arm restto couple the cup holderto the arm rest. The cup holdercan include a framewhich includes a bodywith an opening (e.g., circular opening) and an armattached to the body. The armcan connect the bodyto the chair connector. A pocketcan connect to the body. In one example, the pocketis made of the same material as the body. In another example, the pocketis made of a different material than the body. In one example, the pocketcan be made of a fabric material. An accessory hookcan attach to a ring that is rotatably coupled to the body, the ring having an opening that is coaxial with the opening of the body.

illustrate a cup holder.is a perspective view of the cup holder. The cup holdercan include a framewhich can include a bodyand an arm. The bodycan be ring shaped (e.g., have an opening, such a circular opening). The bodycan be sized to fit around a bottle, cup, glass, or another drinking implement. The bodycan connect to a pocket. The pocketcan include sides and a bottom to support a beverage or another item place in the cup holder(e.g., keys, phone, etc.). An accessory hookcan include an attachment ringwhich can rotatably connect circumferentially to the bodyand an accessory mountwhich extends radially outward from the attachment ring. The accessory mountcan in one example be a c-shaped hook. The accessory mountcan, in one example, hold the stem of a stemmed glassware (e.g., a wine glass, coupe, margarita glass, or martini glass). The cup holdercan include a chair connector. The chair connectorcan include a pinwhich can be pressed into the holeof an arm restand a divot(e.g., circumferential recess, neck portion) that can receive a ballof an arm restto securely connect the chair connectorto the arm rest. The pincan include a tapered cylindrical shaft to facilitate snapping the ballinto the divot. As illustrated in, the accessory hookcan rotate around the bodyallowing the accessory mountto be positioned anywhere around the circumference of the body.

In some embodiments, the framecan be made of plastic (e.g., ABS, Nylon, HDPE, LDPE, Polycarbonate, or TPU), or metal (e.g., aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel). In some embodiments, the pocketcan be integral to the frame(e.g., co-molded or permanently attached to the frame). In some embodiments, the pocketcan be removably attached to the frame. In some embodiments, the pocketcan be made of plastic (e.g., ABS, Nylon, HDPE, LDPE, Polycarbonate, or TPU), fabric (e.g., cotton, linen, polyester, or nylon), or metal (e.g., aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel). In some embodiments, the pocketcan be flexible (e.g., formed of a flexible fabric or flexible plastic). In some embodiments, the pocketcan be rigid (e.g., formed from a rigid plastic or metal). In some embodiments, the bottom of the pocketcan be rigid and the sides of the pocketcan be flexible. In some embodiments, the pocketcan be insulated to advantageously keep a beverage cold. In some examples, the pocketcan be detached from the body, such as for cleaning.

In some embodiments, the accessory hookcan have a fixed position around the circumference of the body. In some embodiments, the accessory hookcan be removably attached to the body. In some embodiments, the accessory hookcan connection to the body via a snap fit or a threaded connection. In some embodiments, the accessory hookcan be fixedly attached to the body. In some embodiments, the accessory hookcan include an accessory hookfor attaching another accessory (e.g., a bottle opener or corkscrew). The accessory hookcan be for example, a platform, a pocket, or a hook configured to hold a loop attached to an accessory.

In some embodiments, the chair connectorcan be a threaded attachment, a snap fit attachment, a clamp attachment, or a suction cup attachment. In some embodiments, the chair connectorcan removably thread onto the arm. In some embodiments, the chair connectorcan be replaced with an alternative chair connector which can include an alternative attachment (e.g., a snap fit attachment, a clamp attachment, or a suction cup attachment).

In some embodiments, the cup holdercan attach to the end of an arm restof a chair. In some embodiments, the cup holdercan attach to approximately the midpoint of an arm restof a chair. In some embodiments, the cup holdercan attach to a table, a desk, a sofa, a hammock, a boat, a car, a cooler, or another implement.

illustrates a chair slip. The chair slipcan form a pocket having an openingat one end and a closed endopposite from the opening. A first side edgeA can extend between the openingand the closed end, and a second side edgeB can extend between the openingand the closed end. A first closureA can be positioned along and inset from the first side edgeA near the openingand a second closureB can be positioned along and inset from the second side edgeB near the opening. The first closureA and the second closureB can be selectively opened, forming a rear flapand a front flapin the pocket adjacent to the opening. The front flapcan be wider and the rear flapcan be narrower when the first closureA and the second closureB are open. The first closureA and the second closureB can be selectively closed. One or more (e.g., three) attachment loopscan be positioned adjacent to an edge of the openingon the front flap. In some embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more attachment loopscan be positioned adjacent to the edge of the openingin the front flap. In some embodiments, the chair slipcan be a back slip (e.g., slip for a seat back of a chair) or a seat slip (e.g. slip for a seat bottom of a chair). In some embodiments, the first closureA and the second closureB are zippers. In some embodiments, the first closureA and the second closureB are hook and loop closures. In some embodiments, the first closureA and the second closureB can be snap fasteners. In some embodiments, the attachment loopscan attach via snap buckles, hook and loop closures, ties, or clasps.

illustrates a chair slippositioned on a chair. As illustrated, the chair slipcan slide over the first stileA and the second stileB of a chair. The first side edgeA can be positioned along the length of the first stileA and the second side edgeB can be positioned along the length of the of the second stileB. The first closureA can begin adjacent to the back—first arm pivotA and the second closureB can begin adjacent to the back—second arm pivotB. The chair slipcan slide onto the backof the chair with the first closureA and second closureB in the open configuration until the closed endcontacts the top rail, then the first closureA and the second closureB can be closed on the far side of the back—first arm pivotA and the back—second arm pivotB. As shown in, the first closureA and the second closureB can attach the chair sliponto the backand be positioned on the rear side of the chair.

illustrates the chair slippositioned on a chairwith the rear flapmoved to show the attachment loopsattached around the bottom rail. When assembled, the attachment loopsare positioned between the rear flapand the front flapwhen assembled on the chairso that the attachment loopsare hidden. The attachment loopsfurther secure the chair sliponto the back. In some embodiments, the chair slipcan attach in a similar manner described above to the seatas to the back.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.