Synthetic Feces

Abstract

A device may include a first cylindrical structure having an outer edge, a nonplanar top surface, and a nonplanar bottom surface, wherein the first cylindrical structure has a minimum transverse dimension, and the first cylindrical structure has a density greater than 0.5 g / cm3.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] N / AFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a synthetic feces and manufacturing thereof.BACKGROUND

[0003] Synthetic feces are often used as entertainment. Synthetic feces can be dangerous to put into the toilet because accidental flushing could cause damage to the drain; however, synthetic feces are more effective when seen in the toilet.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces including: a first cylindrical structure having an inner edge, an outer edge, a nonplanar top surface, and a nonplanar bottom surface; wherein the first cylindrical structure has a minimum transverse dimension, and the first cylindrical structure has a density greater than 0.7 g / cm3.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, wherein the first cylindrical structure has a surface texture with a relief depth of between 0.25 millimeters and 1 millimeter.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, further including a water-soluble coating on an outer surface thereof.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, wherein the first cylindrical structure includes a hollow therein and is completely enclosed.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, wherein the first cylindrical structure is rigid.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, further including a first longitudinal end wherein the first longitudinal end tapers radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical structure.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, wherein the longitudinal axis proximate to the first longitudinal end curves toward the bottom surface.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, wherein the longitudinal axis proximate to the first longitudinal end is below at least a portion of the bottom surface when the first cylindrical structure is buoyant in water.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, wherein the minimum transverse dimension is at least 3 inches.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, further including a second cylindrical structure attached to the first cylindrical structure.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, wherein the second cylindrical structure is attached to the first cylindrical structure by a rigid connector.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, wherein the second cylindrical structure is attached to the first cylindrical structure by a flexible connector.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a synthetic feces, wherein the cord is not visible.

[0017] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0018] Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments as set forth hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific implementations thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example implementations, the implementations will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a synthetic feces, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a synthetic feces, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a synthetic feces, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a synthetic feces with a rigid connection between the first cylindrical structure and the second cylindrical structure, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a synthetic feces with a non-rigid connection between the first cylindrical structure and the second cylindrical structure, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a synthetic feces, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an extractor, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a representation of an additive treatment, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] This disclosure generally relates to a synthetic feces having a minimum diameter to prevent the synthetic feces from fitting down a standard toilet drain. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a synthetic feces having a minimum transverse dimension that prevents the synthetic feces from fitting down a standard toilet drain.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a synthetic feces 100, according to some embodiments. The synthetic feces 100 is a first cylindrical structure 102 that includes an outer edge 104, a nonplanar top surface 106, a nonplanar bottom surface 108, and a minimum transverse dimension. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 102 has a greater than 0.5 gram per cubic centimeter (g / cm3). In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 102 has a density less than 1 g / cm3. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 102 has a density less than 2.0 g / cm3 and greater than 0.5 g / cm3. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 102 has a density less than 1 g / cm3 and greater than 0.7 g / cm3. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 102 also includes an inner edge 110. In some embodiments, the inner edge 110 is substantially parallel to the outer edge 104 for 90% of the longitudinal length of the first cylindrical structure 102. For example, substantially parallel edges have a distance therebetween (e.g., transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body) that has no less than 10% variation along a longitudinal length thereof. In some embodiments, the inner edge 110 is substantially parallel to the outer edge 104 for less than 90% of the longitudinal length of the first cylindrical structure 102. In some embodiments, the inner edge 110 is substantially parallel to the outer edge 104 for more than 90% of the longitudinal length of the first cylindrical structure 102.

[0030] In some embodiments, the synthetic feces 100 may have a surface texture on at least a portion of the surface thereof. In some embodiments, the surface texture may be from a surface treatment or coating that is added to the surface of the cylindrical structure 102. The surface treatment or coating may help retain water on the inner edge 110, outer edge 104, nonplanar top surface 106, or the nonplanar bottom surface 108. In some embodiments, the surface treatment is subtractive. In some embodiments, the surface treatment is additive. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 102 has a first longitudinal end 112. In some embodiments, the first longitudinal end 112 tapers radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical structure 102. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis proximate to the first longitudinal end 112 curves toward the nonplanar bottom surface 108. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis proximate to the first longitudinal end 112 is below at least a portion of the nonplanar bottom surface 108 when the first cylindrical structure 102 is buoyant in water. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 102 has a second longitudinal end 114. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 102 includes a hollow therein and is completely enclosed.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a synthetic feces 200, according to some embodiments. The synthetic feces 200 is a first cylindrical structure 202 that includes an inner edge 210, an outer edge 204, a nonplanar top surface 206, a nonplanar bottom surface, and a minimum transverse dimension 213. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 302 has any feature described in relation to FIG. 1 or 2. For example, the first cylindrical structure 302 may have a density less than 1 g / cm3 and greater than 0.7 g / cm3. In some embodiments, the distance between the inner edge 210 and the outer edge 204 (e.g., width 211 of the cylindrical structure 202) is about 1.5 inches for the circumference of the first cylindrical structure 202. In some embodiments, the width 211 between the inner edge 210 and the outer edge 204 is less than 1.5 inches for the circumference of the first cylindrical structure 202. In some embodiments, the width 211 between the inner edge 210 and the outer edge 204 is more than 1.5 inches for the circumference of the first cylindrical structure 202.

[0032] In some embodiments, the synthetic feces 200 may have a surface treatment or coating. In some embodiments, the surface treatment is additive. In some embodiments, the additive treatment is a deposited coating that deposits a water-soluble dye. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 202 has a surface texture with a relief depth of between 0.25 millimeters and 1 millimeter. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 202 has a surface texture with a relief depth over 1 millimeter. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 202 has a surface texture with a relief depth of under 0.25 millimeters.

[0033] As described in relation to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the cylindrical structure 202 has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the cylindrical structure 202 is a substantially continuous ring or annulus without defined longitudinal ends. In some embodiments, the cylindrical structure 202 may have features or structures thereon that simulate the appearance of longitudinal ends while remaining connected and integrally formed with one another.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a synthetic feces 300, according to some embodiments. The synthetic feces 300 is a first cylindrical structure 302 that includes an inner edge 310, an outer edge 304, a nonplanar top surface 306, a nonplanar bottom surface, and a minimum transverse dimension. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 302 has any feature described in relation to FIG. 1 or 2. For example, the first cylindrical structure 302 may have a density less than 1 g / cm3 and greater than 0.7 g / cm3. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 302 may be one uniform color. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 302 may have multiple colors. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical structure 302 may have strategic placing of different shades of the same color to give it the appearance of having certain contours.

[0035] In some embodiments, the synthetic feces 300 has a minimum transverse dimension 315. For example, the minimum transverse dimension 315 is the smallest dimension of the synthetic feces 400 in a plan view irrespective of orientation in space. In some embodiments, the minimum transverse dimension 315 is at least 3 inches. In some embodiments, the minimum transverse dimension 315 is at least 3.5 inches. In some embodiments, the minimum transverse dimension 315 is at least 4 inches. In some embodiments, the minimum transverse dimension 315 is at least three times the width (such as the width 211 described in relation to FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the minimum transverse dimension 315 is at least four times the width. In some embodiments, the minimum transverse dimension 315 is at least five times the width.

[0036] In some embodiments, the minimum transverse dimension 315 is greater than a diameter or maximum transverse dimension of a toilet drain. It should be understood that “toilet drain”, as used herein, refers to any portion of a toilet through which liquid and / or solid material can evacuate the toilet bowl toward a sewer, septic tank, holding tank, etc. The toilet drain may be or include an opening at the bottom of a toilet bowl or basin, a trap pipe, a drain pipe, a wax ring, the toilet flange connecting the toilet to the floor, etc. For example, a synthetic feces 300 according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may resist passing through or down a toilet drain when the toilet is flushed. During a flushing process, water is added to a toilet bowl inducing a rotation of the water while the water drains through the toilet drain. Therefore, the synthetic feces 300 may be oriented to the toilet drain at a variety of rotational orientations. A minimum transverse dimension 315 of the synthetic feces 300 that is greater than a maximum transverse dimension of the toilet drain may limit and / or prevent the movement of the synthetic feces 300 down the toilet drain irrespective of orientations (similar to a manhole cover design).

[0037] In some embodiments, the synthetic feces 300 may have an elongated structure with a longitudinal length sufficient to limit and / or prevent flushing. For example, the elongated structure (i.e., of the cylindrical structure) may be long enough to limit and / or prevent passing through a P-trap or other trap of a conventional toilet. In some embodiments, the longitudinal length of the synthetic feces is greater than a radius of curvature of the outer wall of the P-trap. In some examples, a P-trap has an outer radius of curvature that is 8 inches and the synthetic feces has a longitudinal length that is greater than 8 inches. In some examples, a P-trap has an outer radius of curvature that is 7 inches and the synthetic feces has a longitudinal length that is greater than 7 inches.

[0038] In some embodiments, the cylindrical structure 302 of the synthetic feces 300 has a rigidity sufficient to resist passing through the toilet drain. For example, the synthetic feces 300 may experience less than 30% deflection during flushing relative to an unstressed initial state floating in water. In such examples, the minimum transverse dimension 315 may be greater than 30% greater than the maximum transverse dimension of the toilet drain. In some examples, the synthetic feces 300 may experience less than 20% deflection during flushing relative to an unstressed initial state floating in water. In some examples, the synthetic feces 300 may experience less than 10% deflection during flushing relative to an unstressed initial state floating in water. In some embodiments, the deflection is elastic deformation and the synthetic feces restores to the original unstressed state in the water after the force of the flushing stops.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a synthetic feces 400 with a rigid connector 418 between the first cylindrical structure 402 and the second cylindrical structure 416, according to some embodiments. The synthetic feces 400 is a first cylindrical structure 402 that includes an inner edge 410, an outer edge 404, a nonplanar top surface 406, a nonplanar bottom surface, and a minimum transverse dimension. The first cylindrical structure 402 has any feature(s) described in relation to FIG. 1 through 3. In some embodiments, the synthetic feces 400 further comprises a second cylindrical structure 416. In some embodiments, the second cylindrical structure 416 is attached to the first cylindrical structure 402 by a rigid connector 418.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a synthetic feces 500 with a flexible connector 520 between the first cylindrical structure 502 and the second cylindrical structure 516, according to some embodiments. The synthetic feces 500 is a first cylindrical structure 502 that includes an inner edge 510, an outer edge 504, a nonplanar top surface 506, a nonplanar bottom surface, and a minimum transverse dimension. The first cylindrical structure 402 has any feature(s) described in relation to FIG. 1 through 4. In some embodiments, the synthetic feces 500 further comprises a second cylindrical structure 516. In some embodiments, the second cylindrical structure 516 is attached to the first cylindrical structure 502 by a flexible connector 520. In some embodiments, the flexible connector 520 is a cord. In some embodiments, the cord is not visible when submerged in water. For example, the flexible connector 520 may include or be made of a clear polymer. In some examples, the flexible connector 520 may include or be made of a clear polymer with an index of refraction the same as or similar to that of water.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an example series of acts 600 for a method of manufacturing and / or producing a synthetic feces, according to some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 6 includes an example flowchart including a series of acts for manufacturing and implementing a synthetic feces according to one or more embodiments described herein. While FIG. 6 illustrates acts according to one or more embodiments, alternative embodiments may omit, add to, reorder, and / or modify any of the acts shown in FIG. 6. The acts of FIG. 6 may be performed as part of a method (e.g., a method for manufacturing a synthetic feces). In one or more embodiments, one or more machines may perform one or more of the acts of FIG. 6 with the aid of a processor(s) and computing device(s).

[0042] It will be appreciated that the series of acts illustrated in FIG. 6 are provided as an example implementation and is not intended to limit the synthetic feces or specific components thereof to a specific example. Moreover, it will be understood that any of the features discussed in connection with FIGS. 1-5 may be implemented within the flow diagram of FIG. 6 and, conversely, any of the features described in connection with FIG. 6 may be similarly implemented within the examples shown and described in connection with FIGS. 1-5.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the series of acts 600 includes act 622 of preparing a mixture comprising a solid material and one or more colorants. In some embodiments, the solid material of act 622 could include a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and thermoplastic rubber. In some embodiments, the solid material is silicone. In some embodiments, the solid material is a natural or synthetic rubber. In some embodiments, the series of acts 600 includes act 624 of feeding the mixture into an extrusion device. In some embodiments the series of acts 600 includes act 626 of extruding the mixture through a die configured to form the extruded material into the shape of the synthetic feces. In some embodiments, the extruded material is cut into predetermined lengths 628. In some embodiments, the extruded material is allowed to cool and solidify 630.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an extractor 700, according to some embodiments. An extractor 700 is used to pull a synthetic feces 100 out of a toilet bowl. The extractor 700 can take several forms. The extractor 700 is a clasping device consisting of a first arm 732 with a first gripping surface 734 (e.g. tongs, pliers, clamps) and a second arm 736 with a second gripping surface 738. In some embodiments, the first arm 732 is connected to the second arm 736. The two gripping surfaces can be closed around the synthetic feces 100 by applying pressure to one or more of the arms, forcing the first gripping surface 734 towards the second gripping surface 738. In another embodiment, the extractor 700 is a scooping device consisting of a handle and a scooping portion (e.g. net, or basket) enabling a user to lift the synthetic feces 100 out of a toilet bowl by catching it in the scooping portion and lifting it off the bottom. In another embodiment, the extractor 700 is a hooking mechanism consisting of a handle and a hook (e.g. grappling hook, or j-hook). In other embodiments, the extractor 700 could include magnets, suction cups, or retractable claws.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an additive treatment 800, according to some embodiments. The additive treatment 800 is configured to be placed along with the first cylindrical structure 120 in a toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the additive treatment 800 is a colored liquid 840. In some embodiments, the colored liquid 840 is sprayed into the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the colored liquid 840 is poured into the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the additive treatment 800 is a water-soluble dye. In some embodiments, the water-soluble dye is a surface treatment that deposits the water-soluble dye when placed in water. In some embodiments, the additive treatment 800 is or includes an odorant to simulate a smell of feces, urine, flatulence, or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, the odorant is or includes skatole.

[0046] One or more components of the embodiments described herein may be provided in a kit. For example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a kit for using the synthetic feces 100 that has at least a first cylindrical structure 102, an extractor 700, and an additive treatment 800, as described herein. The additive treatment 800 can be configured to be placed along with the first cylindrical structure 802 in a toilet bowl and the extractor 700 can be used to remove the first cylindrical structure 702 from the toilet bowl.

[0047] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0048] The articles “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combinable with any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.

[0049] A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.

[0050] The terms “approximately,”“about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,”“about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements.

[0051] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A synthetic feces comprising:a first cylindrical structure having an outer edge, a nonplanar top surface, and a nonplanar bottom surface;wherein the first cylindrical structure has a minimum transverse dimension, and the first cylindrical structure has a density greater than 0.5 g / cm3.

2. The synthetic feces of claim 1, wherein the first cylindrical structure has a surface texture with a relief depth of between 0.25 millimeters and 1 millimeter.

3. The synthetic feces of claim 1, further comprising a water-soluble coating on an outer surface thereof.

4. The synthetic feces of claim 1, wherein the first cylindrical structure includes a hollow therein and is completely enclosed.

5. The synthetic feces of claim 1, wherein the first cylindrical structure is rigid.

6. The synthetic feces of claim 1, further comprising a first longitudinal end wherein the first longitudinal end tapers radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical structure.

7. The synthetic feces of claim 6, wherein the longitudinal axis proximate to the first longitudinal end curves toward the bottom surface.

8. The synthetic feces of claim 7, wherein the longitudinal axis proximate to the first longitudinal end is below at least a portion of the bottom surface when the first cylindrical structure is buoyant in water.

9. The synthetic feces of claim 1, wherein the minimum transverse dimension is at least 3 inches.

10. The synthetic feces of claim 1, further comprising a second cylindrical structure connected to the first cylindrical structure.

11. The synthetic feces of claim 10, wherein the second cylindrical structure is attached to the first cylindrical structure by a rigid connector.

12. The synthetic feces of claim 10, wherein the second cylindrical structure is attached to the first cylindrical structure by a flexible cord.

13. The synthetic feces of claim 12, wherein the cord is not visible when submerged in water.

14. The synthetic feces of claim 1, wherein the first cylindrical structure has a substantially constant width for at least 90% of a longitudinal length of the first cylindrical structure.

15. A method for manufacturing a synthetic feces, the method comprising:preparing a mixture comprising a solid material and one or more colorants;feeding the mixture into an extrusion device;extruding the mixture through a die configured to form the extruded material into a substantially cylindrical structure;cutting the extruded material into predetermined lengths; andapplying a water-soluble dye to a surface of the extruded material.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the solid material is a thermoplastic material including one or more of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and thermoplastic rubber.

17. A kit for using a synthetic feces, comprising:a first cylindrical structure;an extractor, andan additive treatment;wherein the additive treatment is configured to be placed along with the first cylindrical structure in a toilet bowl and the extractor is configured to remove the first cylindrical structure from the toilet bowl.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the additive treatment is a water-soluble dye.

19. The kit of claim 17, wherein the additive treatment is a surface coating for the first cylindrical structure.

20. The kit of claim 17, further comprising a second cylindrical structure attached to the first cylindrical structure.

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