CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/009,734, filed on April 14, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/079,074 filed September 16, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/151,978, filed February 22, 2021, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to the field of containers and related devices. The present disclosure relates specifically to a beverage container with a coupling mechanism to detachably couple the beverage container to a tool storage device, unit or container.

[0003] Tool storage units are often used to transport tools and tool accessories. Some storage units are designed to incorporate into a modular storage system. Various accessories can be configured to interface with a storage unit in a modular storage system, such as a container for beverages that couples to the modular storage system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One embodiment of the invention relates to a drinking container including a storage body defining a containment area for liquids, the storage body extending along a longitudinal axis. The drinking container includes an opening at a top of the containment area, a bottom panel coupled to the storage body, and a first ledge. The bottom panel includes a bottom-most surface facing away from the opening. The first ledge extends radially outward from the bottom panel with respect to the axis. The first ledge includes an upper surface facing away from the bottom -most surface of the bottom panel.

[0005] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a drinking container including a storage body defining a containment area for liquids, the storage body extending along a longitudinal axis. The drinking container includes an opening at a top of the containment area, a bottom panel coupled to the storage body, and a plurality of tabs. The bottom panel includes a bottom-most surface facing away from the opening. The plurality of tabs extend radially outwardly from the bottom panel with respect to the axis. Each of the plurality of tabs extends circumferentially around the bottom panel with respect to the axis.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a drinking container including a storage body defining a containment area for liquids, the storage body extending along a longitudinal axis. The drinking container includes an axis around which the storage body is centered, an opening at a top of the containment area, a biasing element coupled to a bottom of the storage body, and a bottom panel. The bottom panel is coupled to the biasing element. The bottom panel is configured to couple the drinking container to a modular storage unit. The biasing element biases the bottom surface of the storage body against the modular storage unit when the drinking container is coupled to the modular storage unit.

[0007] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0008] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. l is a perspective view of a beverage container, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the beverage container of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tool storage device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the beverage container of FIG. 1 coupled to the tool storage device of FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the beverage container of FIG. 1 coupled to a modular storage system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a beverage container, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the beverage container of FIG. 6, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the beverage container of FIG. 7 coupled to a tool storage device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the beverage container of FIG. 7 coupled to the tool storage device of FIG. 8, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of a beverage container, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lower portion of a beverage container, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the beverage container of FIG. 11, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a side view of a beverage container, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a side view of a drinking container, according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the drinking container of FIG. 14 with the storage body removed, the drinking container is coupled to a modular storage unit, according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a side view of a drinking container, according to another embodiment. [0025] FIG. 17 is a bottom schematic view of a drinking container, according to another embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a bottom schematic view of the drinking container of FIG. 17, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a beverage container are shown. One or more of the containers are configured to selectively couple and decouple with components in a modular storage system, such as a tool storage unit. The container includes an interface to couple to one or more coupling recesses of the tool storage unit. When coupled to the tool storage unit, the container interface is biased to remain coupled to the tool storage unit when the tool storage unit is being moved, such as being moved around a construction site. In specific embodiments, the container interface is a portion of a base or lower portion of the container with one or more structures that are shaped to releasably/reversibly engage with a coupling structure or recess of the tool storage unit.

[0028] Still referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a cup, tumbler, or drinking container are shown. One or more of the drinking containers include a coupling mechanism that couple the drinking container to a coupling mechanism of a modular storage unit. In one example, the drinking container includes a spring or a clamp that couples the drinking container to a cleat in a Milwaukee PACKOUT’ ¹¹¹ modular storage unit.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a container, unit and/or device, such as beverage container 10, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. A bottom panel, shown as base portion 14, is coupled to a bottom end of side wall 20 of storage body 19, and lid 36 is removably coupled to a top opening 24 of side wall 20. Base portion 14 includes bottom-most surface 16 of drinking container 10 facing away from top opening 24. A body for storing liquids, shown as storage body 19, includes side wall 20, and base portion 14. In a specific embodiment, storage body 19 extends along axis 12 and/or storage body 19 is centered around axis 12. Storage body 19 defines an internal containment area for liquids, shown as storage area 22. Storage area 22 includes an opening, shown as top opening 24. Storage area 22 is defined within bottom wall 42 of base portion 14, a connecting element 46, side wall 20 and optionally lid 36. In use, storage area 22 stores liquids, such as a beverage for consumption. In various embodiments, one or more of base portion 14, side wall 20, and lid 36 are centered around axis 12 of container 10, and specifically are radially symmetric about axis 12. In a specific embodiment, connecting element 46 is a biasing element that biases projection 38 upward against a rib that container 10 is coupled to.

[0030] In a specific embodiment, base portion 14 includes body 15 and a biasing element, shown as gasket 18. Gasket 18 is coupled to body 15 of base portion 14. Gasket 18 secures container 10 to unit 82, by biasing ledge surface 26 of container 10 against an inner/lower surface of rib 88 of unit 82. In a specific embodiment, body 15 is formed from a first material and gasket is formed from a second material more compressible than the first material. Gasket 18 defines bottom-most surface 16 of base portion 14 and container 10. In a specific embodiment, the base portion 14 is formed from a first material and gasket 18 is formed from a second material, such as silicone, that is more compressible than the first material. In a specific embodiment, the base portion 14 is formed from a first material and gasket 18 is formed from a second material, such as silicone, that is more elastic and/or has a lower durometer than the first material. In various embodiments, the compressible material of gasket 18 has a spring constant and generates a coupling force normal to the lower surface of rib 88.

[0031] A ledge, shown as projection 38, extends radially outwards a distance 28 from connecting element 46 of base portion 14 with respect to axis 12. In a specific embodiment, projection 38 circumferentially surrounds base portion 14. Ledge surface 26 of projection 38 faces upwards away from bottom-most surface 16. In a specific embodiment, ledge surface 26 of projection 38 extends circumferentially around the entire container 10.

[0032] Recess 30 extends height 34 between projection 38 and a lowermost end of side wall 20 of storage body 19. Projection 38 defines a lower end of recess 30 and storage body 19 defines an upper end of recess 30. Side wall 20 extends a distance 32 radially outward, past recess 30 away from axis 12 to define an upper end of recess 30.

[0033] To couple container 10 to a unit 82, the bottom of container 10 is inserted into recess 86 located on unit 82. The user pushes down on container 10 to compress gasket 18 against the upward facing surface defining the bottom of recess 86. The user then moves container 10 in direction 40 until a portion of ledge surface 26 is located underneath ribs 88. When the user releases container 10, gasket 18 biases ledge surface 26 against ribs 88, thereby securing container 10 to unit 82.

[0034] It is contemplated herein that unit 82 is part of a modular storage system 80. For example, it is contemplated herein that unit 82 is a storage unit or tool box, such as a tool storage unit. Modular storage system 80 includes unit 82 coupled to a top of unit 84. It should be understood that while unit 82 is shown as a tool box, unit 82 may be a wide variety of stackable, modular devices, that include coupling structures that engage with modular storage system 80, such as batteries, radios, vacuums, lighting devices, charging devices, coolers, back packs, bags, etc. [0035] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, a container, unit and/or device, such as beverage container 110, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Beverage container 110 is substantially the same as beverage container 10 except for the differences described herein.

[0036] Base portion 114 is coupled to a bottom of side wall 120 opposite top opening 124 of container 110. An internal containment area, shown as storage area 122, is defined within bottom wall 152 of base portion 114, base side wall 154 of base portion 114, and side wall 120.

In various embodiments, one or more of base portion 114 and side wall 120 are centered around axis 112 of container 110, and specifically are radially symmetric about axis 112.

[0037] A plurality of shown as tabs 136 extend radially outward from base side wall 154 of base portion 114 with respect to axis 112. In a specific embodiment, tabs 136 are ledges extending radially outward from base side wall 154. Ledge surfaces 126 of tabs 136 face upwards away from bottom-most surface 116 of container 110. In a specific embodiment, each of tabs 136 includes a ledge surface 126 facing away from the bottom-most surface 116 of container 110. Recessed portions, shown as slots 140, extend circumferentially between tabs 136. Tabs 136 and slots 140 extend circumferentially around container 110 in alternating order. Recess 130 extends vertically between side wall 120 and tabs 136. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of tabs 136 includes three tabs 136, and the three tabs 136 define three slots 140 that extend circumferentially between the three tabs 136. In various embodiments, the plurality of tabs 136 includes four or more tabs 136, and the four or more tabs 136 define four or more slots 140 that extend circumferentially between the four or more tabs 136.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 7, tabs 136 extend angle 142 around container 10 with respect to axis 112. Slots 140 extend angle 144 (e.g., arc length) around container 10 with respect to axis 112. In a specific embodiment, container 10 includes a plurality of tabs 136 and slots 140 that extend circumferentially around container 10. In a specific embodiment, container 10 includes three tabs 136 and three slots 140, and angle 142 and angle 144 collectively define a 120 degree angle with respect to axis 112. In a specific embodiment, angle 142 of each of tabs 136 is less than 100 degrees, and more specifically is less than 90 degrees. In a specific embodiment, angle 144 of each of slots 140 is between 30 and 60 degrees, and more specifically is between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. In a specific embodiment, angle 144 of each of slots 140 is between 10 and 40 degrees, and more specifically is between 15 degrees and 20 degrees (e.g., if the container includes four tabs). [0039] Referring to FIGS. 8-9, container 110 is shown coupled to recess 196 of unit 192. A user inserts container 110 into recess 196 with a tab 136 extending between ribs 198 of recess 196 and slots 140 being aligned with ribs 198. The user rotates container 10 in direction 146 around axis 112. Direction 146 is a clockwise rotation of container 110 when container 110 is viewed from above. After rotating container 110, one or more of tabs 136 are located beneath one or more of ribs 198. As a result, ledge surfaces 126 of tabs 136 interface with ribs 198 to bias container 110 to remain coupled to recess 196 of unit 192. In a specific embodiment, two ledge surfaces 126 interface with two distinct ribs 198 when container 110 is coupled to unit 192. In a specific embodiment, ledge surfaces 126 of tabs 136 are sloped so that the height of tabs 136 varies at different circumferential locations around container 110, and the slope facilitates tabs 136 engaging with ribs 198.

[0040] To remove container 110 from recess 196, container 110 is rotated in a direction opposite direction 146 until tab 136 is between ribs 198 and no longer interfaces with rib 198. Alternatively, container 110 may be removed from recess 196 by continuing to rotate container 110 in direction 146 until tabs 136 do not interface with ribs 198.

[0041] In a specific embodiment, coupling recesses 86 of unit 82, unit 84 and unit 192 are compatible with the coupling mechanism(s) described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/044629, which is hereby incorporated by references in its entirety. In a specific embodiment, container 10 couples with the coupling recesses described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/044629.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 10, a bottom portion 214 of a container, unit and/or device, such as a beverage container 210, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Beverage container 210 is substantially the same as beverage container 10 or beverage container 110 except for the differences discussed herein. Bottom portion 214 is similar to bottom portion 14 and bottom portion 114 except for the differences described herein. In various embodiments bottom portion 214 is coupled to containers, units and/or devices, such as for exemplary purposes only, drinking container 10 and drinking container 110.

[0043] Bottom portion 214 of a drinking container is centered around axis 212. Bottom portion 214 includes a plurality of tabs 250 and slots 240 that extend circumferentially around bottom portion 214. In a specific embodiment, bottom portion 214 includes four tabs 250 and four slots 240 symmetrically arranged around a periphery of bottom portion 214. [0044] Tab 250 includes upper surface 252 that faces upwards away from bottom surface 260. Upper surface 252 includes central portion 258 that faces upwards away from bottom-most surface 216 of bottom portion 214.

[0045] In a specific embodiment, upper surface 252 includes an outer portion, shown as first outer portion 254, that extends downward and circumferentially away from central portion 258. As a result, first outer portion 254 is angled such that first outer portion 254 faces upwards and slightly circumferentially away from central portion 258. Second outer portion 256 is angled such that second outer portion 256 faces upwards and slightly circumferentially away from central portion 258. In a specific embodiment, upper surface 252 includes central portion 258 and two outer portions 254, 256 on opposing sides of central portion 258, and each of two outer portions 254, 256 extend downward and circumferentially away from central portion 258. In a specific embodiment, first outer portion 254 and second outer portion 256 are symmetrical to each other with respect to central portion 258. Upper surface 252 is sloped such that different portions of tab 250 define different heights 270 above bottom-most surface 216. First outer portion 254 and second outer portion 256 provide varying heights relative to height 270 of central portion 258.

[0046] Outer periphery 262 defines an outer-most periphery of upper surface 252. In a specific embodiment, bottom surface 260 defines a convex curve as bottom surface 260 extends from outer periphery 262 to bottom-most surface 216.

[0047] In use, bottom portion 214 is inserted in a recess within a modular storage unit (e.g., recess 196 of unit 192 in FIGS. 8-9). The user rotates bottom portion 214 and/or the container that bottom portion 214 is coupled to, in rotational direction 246. First outer portion 254 rotates beneath one or more of ribs of the recess in the modular unit. The varying heights of first outer portion 254 and central portion 258 with respect to bottom -most surface 216 facilitates bottom portion 214 being coupled within recesses of different depths (e.g., recesses having a depth between 10-16 mm).

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 11-12, a container, unit and/or device, such as beverage container 310, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Beverage container 310 is substantially the same as beverage container 10, beverage container 110, or beverage container 210 except for the differences discussed herein. Container 310 is similar to container 10, container 110, and a container including bottom portion 214. [0049] Container 310 is centered around axis 312. Container 310 includes a plurality of tabs 350 and slots 340 that extend circumferentially around container 310. In a specific embodiment, container 310 includes four tabs 350 and four slots 340 symmetrically arranged around a periphery of container 310.

[0050] Tab 350 includes upper surface 352 that faces upwards (from the perspective shown in FIG. 11). Upper surface 252 includes first portion 354, which is angled slightly relative to longitudinal axis 312. Central portion 356 extends circumferentially from first portion 354 and faces upwards away from bottom-most surface 316 of container 310. Central portion 356 is height 370 above bottom-most surface 316. First portion 354 provides varying heights relative to height 370 of central portion 356. In a specific embodiment, upper surface 352 of a first tab 350 includes a central portion 356 and two outer portions 354, 358 on opposing sides of central portion 356, a first outer portion 354 of the two outer portions 354, 358 extends downward and circumferentially away from the central portion 356, and a second outer portion 358 of the two outer portions 354, 358 extends upward and circumferentially away from the central portion 356. [0051] Second angled portion 358 extends upwards and circumferentially away from central portion 356. In use, the steep angle of second angled portion 358 relative to central portion 356 (e.g., 45 degrees) helps prevent over-rotation of container 310 when being coupled to a recess of a unit, such as a modular storage unit.

[0052] Outer periphery 360 defines an outer-most periphery of upper surface 352. In a specific embodiment, first lower surface 362 and second lower surface 364 each extend in a straight and/or generally straight line from outer periphery 360 to bottom-most surface 316. [0053] In use, first lower surface 362 and second lower surface 364 provide a varying radius 380 of outer periphery 360 compared to radius 382 of bottom-most surface 316 (FIG. 12). The varying radius of tab 350 results in a decreasing diameter (e.g., 70-80 mm) that permits container 310 to sit deeper within a recess of a storage unit relative to, for example, the concave bottom surface 260 of bottom portion 214 (FIG. 10).

[0054] In use, container 310 is inserted in a recess within a modular storage unit (e.g., recess 196 of unit 192 in FIGS. 8-9). The user rotates container 310 in rotational direction 346. First portion 354 rotates beneath one or more of ribs of the recess in the modular unit. The varying height 370 of first portion 354, central portion 356, second angled portion 358, and upper portion 366 with respect to bottom-most surface 316 facilitates container 310 being coupled within recesses of different depths (e.g., recesses having a depth between 10-16 mm). As noted above, second angled portion 358 biases container 310 against being over rotated. In various embodiments, container 310 includes a ledge with two steps of varying heights relative to the bottom of container, three steps of varying heights relative to the bottom of container, or four or more steps of varying heights relative to the bottom of container.

[0055] In various embodiments, tabs define arcs of a circular shape, with each tab extending radially outward from container 310 (FIG. 12). In alternate embodiments, tabs define non circular style shapes, such as tabs collectively defining a triangular shape. For example, the container includes three tabs and the center of each tab extends further from the axis than either end of the respective tab, and the outer walls of the three tabs are aligned with each other to create a triangular type shape when the container is viewed from below.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 13, a container, unit and/or device, such as beverage container 410, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Beverage container 410 is substantially the same as beverage container 10, beverage container 110, beverage container 210, or beverage container 310 except for the differences discussed herein. Container 410 is similar to container 10, container 110, a container including bottom portion 214, and container 310.

[0057] Container 410 includes an element that biases container 410 from being over-rotated, shown as stopping wall 468. A stopping element, shown as stopping wall 468, extends generally upwards from upper portion 466. In a specific embodiment, stopping wall 468 extends vertically between the storage body and a first tab of the plurality of tabs. Stopping wall 468 interfaces with a rib that is interfacing with tab 450, thereby biasing container 410 from being over-rotated. In a specific embodiment, stopping wall 468 extends between tab 450 and sidewall 420. In a specific embodiment, stopping wall 468 extends from each of tab 450 and sidewall 420.

[0058] Turning to FIGS. 14-15, depicted therein are various aspects of a cup, tumbler and container, shown as drinking container 510, are shown. Beverage container 510 is substantially the same as beverage container 10, beverage container 110, beverage container 210, beverage container 310, or beverage container 410 except for the differences discussed herein. Drinking container 510 couples with the coupling mechanisms described herein. A coupling mechanism, such as a biasing element, shown as tension spring 512, will expand (vertically expand from the perspective of FIG. 14) to permit shoulders 514 to slide into a coupler recess 516 such as those referenced herein (e.g., a Milwaukee Tool PACKOUT™ Cleat). Tension spring 512 is coupled to a bottom of the storage body of drinking container 510. Shoulders 514 are coupled to tension spring 512, and the shoulders 514 are configured to couple drinking container 510 to a modular storage unit. Lower shoulder 514 sits in coupler recess 516 while the two shoulders 514 on either side of spring 512 have pressure pulling them together thereby holding the drinking container 510 in place. In a specific embodiment, tension spring 512 biases the storage body against the modular storage unit to which drinking container 510 is coupled. This design is a 360° circle that matches the base of the drinking container 510. In a specific embodiment the tension portion (e.g., spring 512) will be smaller (e.g., less wide when viewed from the perspective of FIG. 14) than shoulders 514 to allow room for the cleat wings to fit and the shoulders 514 are angled to help slide over the cleat wings with the static tension. FIG. 15 depicts drinking container 510 with body 518 removed, so that the interface between spring 512 and shoulders 514 and the coupler of the storage unit can be better seen. It is contemplated herein that the arrangement of tension spring 512 and storage body of drinking container 510 could be utilized with one or more of the drinking containers described abvoe.

[0059] Turning to FIG. 16 in particular, an alternate embodiment, shown as drinking container 610, is shown. Drinking container 610 includes clamps 612, which couple drinking container 610 to couplers such as described herein (e.g., to a coupler of a top panel of a storage unit).

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 17-18, a container, unit and/or device, such as beverage container 710, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Beverage container 710 is substantially the same as beverage container 10, beverage container 110, beverage container 210, beverage container 310, or beverage container 410 except for the differences discussed herein.

[0061] In a specific embodiment, base portion 714 of container 710 includes first tab 720, second tab 730, and third tab 740, each of which extending outward relative to axis 12. In a specific embodiment, tabs extending from container 710 collectively define a shape having three points or peaks (somewhat similar to a triangle). In a specific embodiment, tabs 720, 730, 740 are defined as the portions of base portion 714 that extend further from axis 12 than the sidewalls of container 710. For example, the tabs are defined as the portions of base portion 714 that extend further from axis 12 than a bottom of the sidewalls of container 710.

[0062] Peak 722 of first tab 720 extends distance 726 from axis 12, which is further than distance 728 that lateral portions 724 of first tab 720 extend from axis 12. Second tab 730 and third tab 740 similarly include peaks 732, 742 that extend further from axis 12 than lateral portions 734, 744, respectively.

[0063] In use, container 710 is inserted into a recess of a unit, such as a storage unit, such that one of tabs is placed between ribs 198 of the storage unit. In the example shown in FIG. 17, first tab 720 is inserted between ribs 198. To couple container 710 to ribs 198 and thus the storage container, the user rotates container 710 in direction 770 until one or more of the tabs are disposed under the ribs 198. In the example shown in FIG. 18, container 710 was rotated until first tab 720 and third tab 740 are rotated under ribs 198. To decouple container 710 from ribs 198, the user rotates container 710 in direction 780 with respect to axis 12.

[0064] In a specific embodiment, sidewall 760 extends between first tab 720 and second tab 730 and is outwardly curved away from axis 12. In a specific embodiment, sidewall 760 extends between second tab 730 and third tab 740 and is outwardly curved away from axis 12. In a specific embodiment, sidewall 760 extends between first tab 720 and third tab 740 and is inwardly curved towards axis, such as at the middle of sidewall between first tab 720 and third tab 740. This configuration of sidewall 760 between first tab 720 and third tab 740 results in a recess 762 in sidewall 760 between first tab 720 and third tab 740.

[0065] In a specific embodiment, one of the tabs extends further from axis 12 than the other two tabs. For example, second tab 730 extends further from axis 12 than first tab 720 and third tab 740, and first tab 720 and third tab 740 extend from axis 12 the same or a similar distance. [0066] It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0067] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, 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. Some 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, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. 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.

[0068] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

[0069] Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.