CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/692,989, which was filed on August 24, 2012. The foregoing U.S.

provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This application relates generally to the field of seat assemblies for use in vehicles and including wire (or wiring) harnesses. More specifically, this application relates to connectors for securing a wire harness relative to another component (e.g., of a seat structure) in a vehicle.

SUMMARY

[0003] One embodiment relates to a connector for a vehicle seat for securing a section of a wiring harness to a structure of the seat. The connector includes a first member, a second member, a receiving feature, and a flexible extension. The first member has a first opening for attaching to the structure, and the second member has a second opening for receiving and retaining the section of the wiring harness therein. The fiexible extension is configured to engage the receiving feature to secure a second section of the wiring harness.

[0004] Another embodiment relates to a vehicle seat that includes a structure, an electronic device, a wiring harness for supplying electric power to the electronic device, and a connector. The connector includes a first member, a second member, a receiving feature, and a flexible extension. The first member includes a first bore configured to receive a section of the structure. The second member is disposed adjacent to the first member, and the second member includes a second bore configured to receive a first section of the wiring harness. The receiving feature is disposed on one of the first and second members. The flexible extension is configured to selectively engage the receiving feature, wherein the extension is able to wrap around a second section of the wiring harness to secure the wiring harness to the connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including an embodiment of the invention.

[0006] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a seat assembly having a wire harness configured to be secured to the seat by the connector.

[0007] Figure 3 is front view of a portion of a seat, such as the seat of Figure 2, having a connector configured to secure the wire harness to another component of the seat, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 is a side view of the seat of Figure 3.

[0009] Figure 5 is a detail view of the connector of Figure 3 securing the harness and coupled to a member of the seat.

[0010] Figure 6 is a side view of the connector, harness, and seat component of Figure 5.

[0011] Figure 7 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a connector (e.g., a clip) for securing a wire harness to a seat component.

[0012] Figure 8 is a top view of the connector of Figure 7.

[0013] Figure 9 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a connector for securing a wire harness of a seat to another seat component.

[0014] Figure 10 is a top view of the connector of Figure 9.

[0015] Figure 11 is a right-side view of the connector of Figure 9.

[0016] Figure 12 is a detail view of the connector of Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Referring generally to the Figures, disclosed herein are connectors (e.g., clips) for securing wiring harnesses in a vehicle. For example, the connectors disclosed herein may be used in a seat assembly of a vehicle to secure a wire harness to the seat, such as a frame member, to improve the durability of the wire harness. The wire harness may be routed through the seat and configured to provide electric power to a seat device. The connectors may advantageously improve durability of the secured wire harness by, for example, prohibiting the wire harness from being crushed as the seat is loaded, such as by an occupant. For example, during operation of the vehicle, the weight of the occupant may produce a cyclical loading condition of the seat, such as from irregularity of the surface on which the vehicle travels. If not protected adequately, this cyclical loading could damage the wire harness in the seat. The connectors may include a feature (e.g., a support, a bridge, etc.) that is configured to absorb the loads to prohibit or substantially reduce the loading of the wire harness.

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle 100 having a seat assembly 1 for providing seating to an occupant (not shown) of the vehicle, where the seat assembly 1 includes a connector as disclosed herein. The vehicle 100 is shown as a typical sedan, however, it should be noted that the seat assemblies and connectors disclosed herein may be provided with any type of vehicle, such as, for example, SUVs, vans, trucks, mass- transit vehicles. Accordingly, the vehicle shown is not limiting.

[0019] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a seat 1 configured to provide seating to an occupant of a vehicle, such as the vehicle shown in Figure 1. The seat 1 may include a seat back 10 and a seat bottom 12. The seat back 10 may include a back frame 11 including one or more than one structural member. The seat bottom 12 may include a bottom frame 13 including one or more than one structural member. The seat back and/or seat bottom may also include other features, such as cushions including foam and trim components (removed for clarity).

[0020] The seat 1 may also include an electronic device that is configured to be powered by electric power. For example, the seat 1 may include a power actuated seat mechanism (e.g., a power actuated seat recliner, seat track, ventilation system, heating system, etc.) that receives electric power through a wiring harness 16 (e.g., cable, bundle). The location in the seat in which the wiring harness 16 may be routed (e.g., located, provided, etc.) may depend on where the electronic device is located in the seat. For example, if the seat includes a power track assembly and/or a cushion that is configured to be heated and/or ventilated, the wiring harness(es) is(are) likely to be routed through the frame of the seat bottom 12.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the wiring harness 16 may be routed under a portion (e.g., a cushion pan) of the bottom frame 13 that is configured to support the seated occupant. The seat 1 may include a connector or clip 2 (as shown in Figure 3) configured to secure the wiring harness 16 to the seat 1, such as to a portion of the bottom frame 13.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3-6, the bottom frame 13 of the seat 1 includes a rod 18 (as shown in Figure 4) that is interconnected with the bottom frame 13, where the connector 2 is configured to couple (e.g., snap) to a section 18a of the rod 18. As shown in Figures 4-6, the connector 2 is also configured to receive a section 16a of the wiring harness 16 in order to retain and secure the wiring harness 16 in place relative to the connector 2 and to the rod 18. The connector 2 may advantageously prohibit the wiring harness 16 from being crushed as the seat is loaded by the seated occupant(s), such as from the cyclical loading of the seat during vehicle operation to improve the durability of the wiring harness 16. Also, the connector 2 may be positioned on the seat in a location that is outside of the pinch points of the vehicle, which may advantageously prohibit pinching of the wiring harness 16. The connector 2 may also be configured to advantageously permit a predetermined amount of axial movement of the wiring harness 16 or bundle received in the connector 2.

[0023] The connector 2 may optionally include a flexible extension 4 that is configured to secure a second section 16b of the wire harness 16. The extension 4 may advantageously allow for a common connector 2 to be used with different sized (e.g., diameter) wiring harnesses, since the extension 4 can accommodate different sizes.

[0024] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a connector 2 for a vehicle. For example, the connector 2 may be used on a seat of the vehicle to secure a section of a wiring harness (e.g., the wiring harness 16) to a structure (e.g., a structural member, the rod 18) of the seat. As shown, the connector 2 includes a body 3 and an extension 4 that extends away from the body 3. The body 3 may include one or more members that are configured to attach (e.g., receive, retain, etc.) one or more other elements (e.g., components, members), such as a structure and/or a wiring harness of the seat. According to one example, the body 3 includes a first member 31 and a second member 32. As shown in Figure 7, the first and second members 31, 32 extend in an opposing directions from an end of the extension 4.

[0025] The first member 31 is configured to detachably couple (e.g., snap, attach, etc.) to another feature or member of the seat, such as to a portion of a structure of the seat. For example, the first member 31 may be configured to receive a rod (e.g., support wire, the rod 18) of a frame of the seat, such as to attach the connector 2 to the rod. In other words, the first member 31 may be configured to couple the connector 2 to another object, such as to secure the connector 2 in place to an element of the seat structure.

[0026] The first member 31 includes an inner surface 33 that defines an opening 34, such as a cavity or a bore, that is configured to receive a section or portion of the structure of the seat. For example, the opening 34 may be configured to receive a section of the rod 18 of the seat therein. According to one example, the inner surface 33 has a curved shaped with an open section to allow the portion of the structure to be inserted into the opening 34. For example, the inner surface 33 may include a semi-circular portion and an arcuate portion extending from the semi-circular portion. As shown in Figure 7, the semi-circular portion is provided at the opposite side of the open section and an arcuate portion extends from each end of the semi-circular portion in a spaced apart configuration to define the open section.

[0027] The first member 31 is configured to surround the opening 34 to provide a positive engagement with the portion of the structure to which the first member 31 is coupled to. According to one example, the first member 31 includes a base and at least one arm extending away from the base. As shown in Figure 7, the first member includes a base 31a and a pair of arms 3 lb extending from opposing sides of the base 3 la to define the opening 34. The arms 3 lb may be disconnected or separated having the open section provided between the two arms 31b. The base 31a may be curved, such as having a semi-circular shape, and each arm 3 lb may be curved, such as having an arcuate shape. As shown in Figure 7, the first member 31 is generally C-shaped, and may include generally

complementing inner and outer surfaces. Alternatively, the first member 31 (e.g., the base 31a and/or arms 3 lb) may have a different shape. For example, the first member 31 is configured having an annular (e.g., semi-annular) shape. [0028] According to one example, the inner surface 33 is configured to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the structure (e.g., rod 18) to provide a tight connection between the connector 2 and the structure. This arrangement may be advantageous when the body 3, such as the first member 31, is made from a stiffer and less resilient material.

[0029] According to another example, the inner surface 33 is configured to be the same size as or slightly smaller than the structure. For example, the inner surface 33 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the rod 18. This arrangement may be advantageous when the first member 31 is made from a resilient material. Thus, the entire body 3 or any portion thereof, such as the first member 31 , may be made from a resilient material to allow elastic deformation (e.g., flexing) of at least a portion of the body 3 when subjected to loading. The resilience may advantageously improve assembly of the connector 2 to the other objects, such as the rod 18, by allowing the first member 31 to flex to increase the size of the opening 34 defined by the inner surface 33. For example, the arms 3 lb of the resilient first member 31 may be configured to elastically deform, upon loading induced by inserting a structure (e.g., the rod 18) into the opening 34, to increase the size of the open section and the opening 34 to receive the larger structure (e.g., the rod 18) therein. The resilient first member 31 may return to a pre-deformed configuration (or less deformed configuration) after the structure is disposed (e.g., seated) in the opening 34. The size of the open section may be smaller than the rod 18 before and after insertion of the rod, while the size of the open section may increase during insertion of the rod. This arrangement may advantageously provide a mechanical locking condition between the first member 31 and the structure (e.g., the rod 18) to secure the first member 31 to the structure.

[0030] The first member 31 may also include a finger to provide a lead-in for receiving the portion of the structure that is inserted into the opening 34. As shown in Figure 7, each arm 3 lb includes a finger 35 that extends away from the arm 3 lb, such that a spacing between the fingers 35 increases along the lengths of the fingers moving away from the ends of the arms 31b. In other words, the fingers 35 may be configured to extend outwardly and away from the opposing finger 35 of the first member 31 to increase the size (e.g., width) of the open section provided between the fingers 35 to provide a lead-in for receiving the structure. The fingers 35 may be curved, such as arcuate or semi-circular. The fingers 35 may be substantially linear, such as where the two fingers 35 are configured as an angle from one another. The fingers 35 may have any suitable configuration (e.g., shape, alignment, length, etc.), which provides a lead-in when coupling the first member 31 to the seat structure.

[0031] It is noted that the first member 31 , including the size (e.g., diameter) and shape (e.g., round, square, oval etc.) of the opening 34, may be tailored to the configuration (e.g., size, shape, hardness, etc.) of the feature or member (e.g., the rod 18) to which the first member 31 of the connector 2 is configured to be coupled to.

[0032] The second member 32 is configured to detachably couple (e.g., snap, attach, etc.) to another feature or member of the seat. For example, the second member 32 may be configured to receive and retain a portion of a wire harness (e.g., the wiring harness 16) to provide a support (e.g., a bridge) around the wire harness (e.g., the bundle) to absorb loads that would otherwise compress the wire harness. In other words, the second member 32 is configured to couple the connector 2 to the wire harness 16, such as to secure a portion of the wire harness 16 in place relative to the connector 2.

[0033] The second member 32 includes an inner surface 36 that defines an opening 37, such as a cavity or a bore, which is configured to receive a section or portion of the seat. For example, the opening 37 may be configured to receive a section 16a of the wiring harness 16 therein. According to one example, the inner surface 36 has a curved shaped with an open section to allow the portion of the structure to be inserted into the opening 37. For example, the inner surface 36 may include a semi-circular portion, an arcuate portion, or a combination thereof. The arcuate portion may be configured to extend from the semi-circular portion. According to the example shown in Figure 7, the inner surface 36 is configured as a semicircle having an open section defined by ends of the semi-circle.

[0034] The second member 32 is configured having structure that surrounds the opening 37 to provide a positive engagement with, for example, the section 16a of the wiring harness 16 and to absorb loading that might otherwise load the wire harness 16. Thus, the second member 32 may surround the section 16a of the wire harness 16 to prohibit loading of the wire harness 16, such as by absorbing loads through the surrounding structure.

[0035] According to one example, the second member 32 is configured having an annular (e.g., semi-annular) shape. As shown in Figure 7, the second member 32 is generally C- shaped, including a semi-annular portion with an open section, where the inner surface 36 defines the opening 37 (e.g., the second opening) that is configured to receive and retaining the wire harness (e.g., the bundle) therein. The semi-annular potion of the second member 32 may be configured to absorb loading. The second member 32 may be configured to include a base and at least one arm extending away from the base. The second member 32 may include more than one arm, which may be similar to, the same as, or different than the arm(s) of the first member 31. The arm(s) of the second member 32 may be configured to absorb loading.

[0036] The inner surface 36 of the second member 32 may be configured to be larger than an external size (e.g., outer diameter, outer periphery) of the section 16a of the wiring harness 16. In other words, the opening 37 may be larger than the wire harness 16. Accordingly, the size (e.g., diameter) and shape (e.g., round, square, oval, etc.) of the opening 37 may be tailored to the size and shape of the sections of the wire harnesses that are to be retained by the second member 32. The size of the second member 32 (e.g., the opening 37) may advantageously be configured for use with multiple embodiments of seats having wiring harnesses of different sizes (e.g., diameter), since the opening 37 can be tailored to the size of the relatively largest bundle or wire harness size.

[0037] The second member 32 may also include one or more than one finger or any other suitable feature(s) to provide a lead-in to help improve the assembly of the wire harness and the connector 2. For example, the fingers may be configured similar to, the same as, or different than the fingers 35 of the first member 31.

[0038] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the connector 2 is configured with the first member 31 and the second member 32 having a generally parallel configuration or arrangement with the openings 34, 37 configured to receive objects from opposing directions. For example, the first and second members 31 , 32 of the connector 2 may be disposed in a generally similar plane with the openings 34, 37 being configured to receive objects that extend in a generally parallel manner. The connector 2 having the parallel configuration between the members 31 , 32 may be particularly suitable for use in a seat having a wire harness that extends generally parallel to a section of the frame or structure to which the connector 2 may be coupled to in order to retain a section of the wire harness. [0039] The connector 2 may be configured with the first member 31 aligned at an angle relative to the second member 32. It is noted that the angle may be tailored to the specific configuration of the seat and its elements.

[0040] The extension 4 of the connector 2 is configured to secure the connector 2 to another object, such as, for example, a wire harness of the seat. As shown, the extension 4 is configured as a flexible elongated strap that extends away from the body 3 a length LI . In other words, the elongated strap may be able to be moved relative to the first member 31 and/or the second member 32. For example, the extension 4 may be configured as a zip tie or cable tie. It is noted that the extension 4 may have other suitable configurations that can secure the connector 2 to the desired object (e.g., the wire harness). The length LI may be tailored to accommodate, for example, the different sizes (e.g., diameters) of bundles or wire harness(es).

[0041] The extension 4 may also include a locking feature 41 that is configured to selectively lock the extension 4 in place to another feature of the connector 2. For example, the locking feature 41 may be configured to engage a locking member (e.g., a locking pawl) of a receiving feature 5. The locking feature 41 may be provided on one or more surfaces of the extension 4. For example, the locking feature 41 may extend a length L2 along a top surface 42 and/or a bottom surface 43 of the extension 4. The length L2 may be the same as or any length that is shorter than the length LI . Preferably, the length L2 is shorter than the length LI to provide a lead-in when the extension 4 engages the locking member.

[0042] The locking feature 41 may include a plurality of teeth configured to engage a locking pawl or member. According to one example, the teeth of the locking feature 41 have an arrangement such that a force to remove the extension 4 from the receiving feature 5 (e.g., the locking member) is greater than a force to insert the extension 4 into the receiving feature 5. For example, the teeth of the locking feature 41 may have any suitable shape (e.g., generally triangular) and may be aligned at an angle relative to the base, in order to act as a ratchet with the locking pawl. In other words, the teeth may be configured to be able to freely pass by the locking pawl in only one direction (e.g., an insertion direction) and prohibit passing back through (e.g., back-driving by) the locking pawl, such as in the direction opposite to the insertion direction (i.e., an extraction direction). Thus, the locking pawl may be configured to lock a section of the extension 4 that is engaged by the locking pawl.

[0043] The body 3 may include the receiving feature 5 that is configured to receive and retain the extension 4. The receiving feature 5 may include a slot or passage through which the extension 4 may pass or extend. The receiving feature 5 may include a locking pawl disposed in the slot and configured to engage the teeth of the locking feature 41 of the extension 4 when the extension 4 is inserted into the slot. It is noted that the locking features of the extension and body may have other locking configurations.

[0044] Figures 9-12 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a connector 102 having a body 103 and an extension 104. The connector 102 may optionally include a receiving feature 105. The extension 104 of the connector 102 is configured to secure the connector 102 to another object, such as, for example, a wire harness of the seat. The extension 104 may be configured generally the same as the extension 4 of the connector 2, or the extension 104 may be configured differently than the extension 4 of the connector 2. For example, the extension 104 may include a locking feature 141 having a plurality of teeth configured to engage a locking pawl 152 (e.g., locking member) of the receiving feature 105 to secure the extension 104 in place relative to the locking pawl 152. The body 103 includes a first member 131 and a second member 132 extending away from the first member 131. It is noted that the connector 102 (e.g., the body 103) may include additional members (e.g., a third member, etc.), such as to couple additional objects to the connector 102.

[0045] The first member 131 of the connector 102 may be configured to detachably couple (e.g., snap, attach, etc.) to another feature or member of the seat, such as to part of a wire or rod of the frame. In other words, the first member 131 may couple the connector 102 to another object. For example, the first member 131 includes a cavity 134 that is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to accommodate the section of the seat frame being received therein. The cavity 134 is at least partially defined by an inner surface 133 of the first member 131. It is noted that the first member 131 of the connector 102 may be configured generally the same as the first member 31 of the connector 2, or the first member 131 may be configured differently than the first member 31. [0046] The second member 132 of the connector 102 may be configured to receive and retain the wire harness or bundle to provide a support (e.g., a bridge) around the wire harness (e.g., the bundle) in order to absorb loads that would otherwise act to compress the wire harness. In other words, the second member 132 may retain another object and provide structural support thereto. For example, the second member 132 includes a cavity 137 that is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to accommodate the wire harness being received therein. The cavity 137 is at least partially defined by an inner surface 136 of the second member 132. The size of the cavity 137 (e.g., the diameter of the inner surface 136) may advantageously be configured larger than the wiring harness to allow elastic deformation of the second member 132 (e.g., the annular portion, arms, etc.). This arrangement may allow the second member 132 to absorb loads without loading the wiring harness. It is noted that the second member 132 of the connector 102 may be configured generally the same as the second member 32 of the connector 2, or the second member 132 may be configured differently than the second member 32.

[0047] The first member 131 may be configured at an angle relative to the second member 132. In other words, the first and second member 131, 132 may be configured having a non- parallel relative arrangement. According to the example shown in Figures 9 and 11 , the first member 131 and the second member 132 have a generally perpendicular configuration or arrangement. For example, the first member 131 of connector 102 may be disposed in a first plane that is perpendicular (or transverse) to a second plane in which the second member 132 of the connector 102 is disposed. Thus, the cavity 134 defined by the first member 131 may be generally perpendicular to the cavity 137 defined by the second member 132. The connector 102 having the perpendicular configuration between the members 131, 132 may be particularly suitable for use in a seat having the wire harness configured to extend in a generally perpendicular direction relative to a section of the frame or structure to which the connector 102 is configured to be coupled to in order to retain a section of the wire harness.

[0048] It is noted that the connectors (e.g., clips, etc.) as disclosed herein may be configured differently than shown and described herein, and the examples disclosed herein are not limiting. For example, the connectors or clips as disclosed herein may be configured with the first member configured at an angle of alignment relative to the second member. The angle of alignment can be any angle, such as, for example, between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, and may be tailored to accommodate, for example, different seats having different configurations. Also, for example, the connectors may be configured having additional members to secure other elements or components of the seat, such as another section of the wiring harness.

[0049] The body 3, 103 may include a receiving feature 5, 105 that is configured to receive and retain the extension 4, 104. For example, the receiving feature 105 of the body 103 may include an opening 151 and a locking member, such as a locking pawl 152 configured to engage the teeth of the locking feature 141 of the extension 104 when the extension 104 is inserted into the opening 151. In other words, the locking pawl 152 is configured to secure a portion of the extension 104 to prohibit its withdrawal (e.g., removal) from the receiving feature 105. The configuration of the opening 151 may be tailored to the configuration of the portion of the extension 104 that engages the opening 151. For example, the opening 151 may be configured as a slot.

[0050] The locking pawl 152 may have any suitable configuration, such as, for example, may have one or more than one tooth that is configured to engage the teeth of the locking feature 141 in a locking fashion. The teeth of the locking pawl 152 and/or the locking feature 141 may be slanted or orientated to provide a ratchet between the extension 104 and the receiving feature 105. In other words, the extension 104 may be inserted into the receiving feature 105 with a relative low force, but the locking pawl 152 prohibits the extraction (or removal) of the extension 104 from the receiving feature 105 with a relative high force to thereby retain the extension 104 in place relative to the receiving feature 105. It is noted that the locking features of the extensions 4, 104 and bodies 3, 103 may be configured differently than those disclosed herein.

[0051] According to one example, the receiving feature 105 is disposed on the second member 132. For example, the receiving feature 105 may be disposed on a base of the second member 132, such that a surface 153 of the receiving feature 105, which is adjacent to the cavity 137, is flush with or recessed from the inner surface 136 of the second member 132 that defines the cavity 137. In other words, the surface 153, which is shown as a bottom surface in Figure 12, is configured to not obstruct the object (e.g., the wiring harness) that is inserted into the cavity 137. [0052] The extension 104 may be configured to be coupled to the receiving feature 105 in a locking manner. For example, the extension 104 may be configured having a first end 143 that is disposed on the receiving feature 105 and a second end 144 that is configured to engage an opening 151 in the receiving feature 105. The extension 104 may be flexible, such that the extension 104 wraps around the wiring harness (or other object being secured to the connector). Thus, the extension 104 may be configured adjacent to the second member 132 and the open section to prohibit the wiring harness from becoming disconnected from the second member 132 of the connector 102.

[0053] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially", and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0054] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0055] The terms "coupled," "connected," and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0056] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the

FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0057] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the seat structures having mounting connectors or clips as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

[0058] Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, an element or feature that is shown and described for one example or embodiment may be used with any other example or embodiment disclosed herein.