CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/022,259, filed May 8, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/025,625, filed May 15, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of protective equipment. The present invention relates specifically to various non-impact face shields for use in jobsite/construction settings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One embodiment of the invention relates to a non-impact face shield including a frame and a deformable non-impact cover coupled to the frame. The frame is configured to couple to a hard-shelled safety headwear worn on a head of a user. The frame is rotatable with respect to the head of the user such that the cover actuates between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user. The cover defines an outer surface and in opposing inner surface. The outer surface faces in a direction away from the face of the user when the cover is in the covered position.

[0004] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a headwear assembly including a hard- shelled safety headwear configured to be worn on a head of a use, a pivot coupled to the safety headwear, and a deformable non-impact cover coupled to the pivot. The cover is pivotable with respect to the head of the user between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user. The cover pivots vertically when the cover is repositioned from the covered position to the opened position.

[0005] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a non-impact face shield including a non-impact cover, a frame coupled to the cover, a first coupling mechanism configured to couple the frame to a hard-shelled safety headwear worn on the head of the user, and a second coupling mechanism configured to couple the frame to a stretchable band worn around the head of the user. The frame is rotatable with respect to a head of a user such that the cover actuates between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a non-impact face shield. The face shield includes a pivot coupled to a head of a user, and a cover coupled to the pivot. The cover is pivotable with respect to the head of the user between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user.

[0007] In a specific embodiment, the pivot engages with a coupling component (e.g., an aperture) of a safety helmet worn by the user, and the cover is pivotable with respect to the safety helmet. In another specific embodiment, the cover defines an outer surface and an opposing inner surface, and the outer surface faces laterally away from the face of the user when the cover is in the covered position. In another specific embodiment, the cover pivots vertically when the cover is repositioned from the covered position to the opened position. In another specific embodiment, the pivot couples to a brim of a safety helmet worn by the user.

[0008] In another specific embodiment, the face shield also includes a frame coupled to the pivot and coupled to the cover. In a specific embodiment, the cover is slidable with respect to the frame. In a specific embodiment, the frame encircles a periphery of the cover.

[0009] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a non-impact face shield. The face shield includes a non-impact cover, a frame coupled to the cover, and at least one of the following three couplers: a first coupler that couples the frame to an aperture in a safety helmet worn by a user, a second coupler that couples the frame to a soft-shelled head cover worn by the user, and a third coupler that couples the frame to a head of the user via a band. In a specific embodiment the face shield includes each of the first coupling mechanism, the second coupling mechanism and the third coupling mechanism.

[0010] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a non-impact face shield. The face shield is configured to be worn in a construction/jobsite setting. In various embodiments, the face shield is configured for use in combination with other construction protection equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, face masks, respirators, etc.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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

[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a suite of various face shields and covers, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 2 depicts a suite of various face shields and covers, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0015] FIGS. 3-6 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIGS. 7-11 are several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIGS. 12-14 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIGS. 15-20 are several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIGS. 21-25 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIGS. 26-28 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment. [0021] FIGS. 29-31 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIGS. 32-34 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 35 depicts a side view of a portion of a face shield, according to an embodiment. [0024] FIGS. 36-39 are several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIGS. 40-42 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIGS. 43-46 are several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIGS. 47-50 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIGS. 51-52 are several views of a face shield and a user, according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 53 is several views of a cover of a face shield, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 54 is several views of a cover of a face shield, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 55 is several views of a face shield, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 56 is several views of a face shield herein, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 57 depicts a suite of various face shields and covers described herein, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 58 is several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 59 is several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 60 is several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 61 is several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 62 is several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 63 is several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment. [0040] FIG. 64 is several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 65 depicts a suite of face shields, according to exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of non-impact face shields are shown. In general, the designs shown herein allow for a non-impact face shield to be worn with a variety of protective equipment common on jobsites, such as hard hats. In contrast to impact face shields (designed to protect the user from flying debris) that are common in the construction industry, the face shields discussed herein are designed to provide a number of functions such as limit the spread of airborne pathogens either to or from the wearer. Because of this different use, the face shield designs discussed herein can be lighter weight, less expensive, less wear resistant, etc. than the typical impact face shield for construction uses. The various designs discussed herein are also configured to be conveniently used in the construction environment, allow for good ventilation, allow for working in a variety of positions, compatible with hardhats, compatible with other protective equipment, allow the wearer to drink water, are rugged enough for a construction environment, etc.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a suite of protective headwear, shown as face shields, are illustrated.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, face shield 20 is a full frame face shield. In a specific embodiment, face shield 40 is a front brim clip face shield. In a specific embodiment, face shield 60 is a top frame face shield. In a specific embodiment, face shield 80 is a multifunction face shield, such as a multi -wear top frame face shield. In a specific embodiment, face shield 100 is a face shield with a headlamp clip with lock. In a specific embodiment, face shield 120 is a face shield with a headlamp pivot. In a specific embodiment, face shield 140 is a face shield with a zip tied pivot. In a specific embodiment, face shield 160 is a face shield with a universal slot pivot. In a specific embodiment, cover 180 is a face shield with a die cut sheet. In a specific embodiment, face shield 200 is a face shield with a safety glasses rack. In a specific embodiment, face shield 220 is a 3 in 1 pivot face shield. In a specific embodiment, face shield 240 is a face shield with a solo die cut. [0045] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, various aspects of face shield 20 are shown. Face shield 20 includes pivot 21 that is rigidly coupled to hard hat 8 worn on a head 4 of a user 2. In a specific embodiment, face shield 20 is coupled to safety headgear, shown as hard hat 8, worn by user 2. Frame 23 is rigidly coupled to pivot 21, and cover 22 is coupled to frame 23. The pivoting aspect of pivot 21 actuates cover 22 with respect to hard hat 8. Cover 22 actuates, such as by pivoting, between a face-covering or closed position (best-shown FIG. 3) and a face-exposing or opened position (best-shown FIG. 4). Cover 22 is pivotable with respect to the head 4 of the user 2 between a covered position in which the cover 22 is positioned in front of the face 6 of the user 2 and an opened position in which the cover 22 is not positioned in front of the face 6 of the user 2. Frame 23 is configured to couple to hard-shelled safety headwear worn on head 4 of a user 2. When in the closed position, cover 22 is in front of face 6 of user 2 such that outer surface 24 of cover 22 faces laterally and/or forward in direction 26 away from the face of the user 2, and inner surface 25 of cover 22 faces towards face 6 of user 2. Cover 22 rotates vertically along arc 27 of motion when cover 22 actuates between the covered position and the opened position. In a specific embodiment, face shield 20 couples to hard hat 8 via a coupling mechanism, shown as slot 10.

[0046] Frame 23 encircles a periphery 28 of cover 22. Cover 22 is removable from frame 23 via vertically sliding in direction 29, thereby allowing a replacement cover 22 to be inserted into frame 23.

[0047] In a specific embodiment, cover 22 is a deformable non-impact cover configured to be lightweight and protect the people near the user from being sneezed on and/or breathed on by the user. In a specific embodiment, cover 22 is not configured and/or sufficiently impact- resistant to protect the user from heavier objects, such as a hammer, that may be mistakenly moved towards the head of the user.

[0048] Frame 23 is rotatable with respect to the head 4 of the user 2 such that the cover 22 actuates between a covered position in which the cover 22 is positioned in front of the face 6 of the user 2 and an opened position in which the cover 22 is not positioned in front of the face 6 of the user 2. Pivot 21 is rigidly coupled to frame 23, and the pivot 21 rotates frame 23 with respect to the head of the user 2. [0049] In a specific embodiment, cover 22 is slidable with respect to frame 23. In a specific embodiment, cover 22 is slidably removed from the frame 23 by sliding the cover 22 upward with respect to the frame 23 when the cover 22 is in the covered position.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, face shield 20 includes a first pivot 21 rigidly coupled to the frame 23 and rigidly coupled to a first side 540 of hard hat 8, and face shield 20 includes a second pivot 21 rigidly coupled to the frame 23 and rigidly coupled to a second side 541 of the hard hat 8 opposite the first side 540. The first pivot 21 and the second pivot 21 rotate the frame 23 with respect to the hard hat 8.

[0051] Frame 23 extending around face shield 20 adds rigidity and durability to cover 22. In a specific embodiment, face shield 20 is compatible with multiple versions of hard-shelled headwear, such as all hard hats and/or helmets that include universal slots.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 7-11, various aspects of face shield 40 are shown. Face shield 40 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Face shield 40 includes coupling mechanism(s), shown as clips 53, that couple frame 43 to brim 12 of hard hat 8 (FIGS. 7 and 9) and pivots up. Face shield 40 also couples to brim 12 of a leisure headgear, shown as hat 14 (e.g., a soft shell hat, such as a baseball hat). In a specific embodiment cover 42 slides into frame 43 and cover 42 is held in place with respect to frame 43 by friction between cover 42 and frame 43.

[0053] In a specific embodiment, pivot 41 is rigidly coupled to a brim 12 of hard hat 8 worn by the user, and pivot 41 rotates frame 43 with respect to the head of the user. In a specific embodiment, a plurality of clips 53 are coupled, such as rigidly coupled, to a brim 12 of hard hat 8 worn by the user, and pivot 41 is coupled to the plurality of clips 53 such that the pivot 41 rotates the frame 43 with respect to the head of the user. In a specific embodiment, frame 43 is reversibly mechanically coupled to cover 42, such as via cover 42 being detachable and re- attachable to frame 43. Referring to FIG. 11, various pieces of headwear are shown that a user can wear with face shield 40.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, various aspects of face shield 60 are shown. Face shield 60 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Face shield 60 includes pivot 61, which is coupled to slot 10 of hard hat 8. Frame 63 is coupled to pivot 61 and rotates with respect to hard hat 8 via pivot 61. Cover 62 is coupled to frame 63 by a coupling mechanism, shown as protrusions 79, which extend from frame 63. Frame 63 includes upper arm 74 and side arms 75. In a specific embodiment side arms 75 extend perpendicularly from upper arm 74.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, face shield 40 includes a plurality of protrusions 79 that extend from the frame 63, and the plurality of protrusions 79 are configured to engage with a plurality of apertures 542 defined by the cover 62. In a specific embodiment, face shield 60 works with hard hats, ball caps, or standalone. In a specific embodiment, face shield 60 is a large single injection molded part.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 15-20, various aspects of face shield 80 are shown. Face shield 80 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Face shield 80 includes inner frame 96, which extends circumferentially around a front and side of a front of a head, outer frame 97, and extensions 98, which couple inner frame 96 to outer frame 97. Cover 82 is coupled to outer frame 97 via coupling mechanisms, shown as clips 53. First coupling mechanism 90 couples inner frame 96 to slot 10 of hard hat 8. Second coupling mechanism 91 couples inner frame 96 to hat 14. Third coupling mechanism 92 couples inner frame 96 to band 16, shown as a stretchable band (e.g., an elastic band).

[0057] In a specific embodiment, face shield 80 includes first coupling mechanism 90 and second coupling mechanism 91. In a specific embodiment, first coupling mechanism 90 is configured to couple the frame, such as the inner frame 96, to a hard-shelled safety headwear worn on the head of the user. In a specific embodiment, second coupling mechanism 91 is configured to couple the frame, such as the inner frame 96, to a stretchable band worn around the head of the user. In a specific embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 90 is coupled to a first side of the hard-shelled safety headwear and the second coupling mechanism 91 is coupled to a second side of the hard-shelled safety headwear opposite the first side. Referring to FIG. 16, various pieces of headwear are shown that a user can wear with face shield 80.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 21-25, various aspects of face shield 100 are shown. Face shield 100 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Cover 102 is pivotally coupled to a user via pivot 101. Cover 102 pivots between a closed position (best-shown FIG. 21) and an opened position (best-shown FIG. 22). Face shield 100 couples to band 16 (best-shown FIG. 24) and/or face shield 100 couples to slot 10 of hard hat 8 (FIG. 25).

[0059] In a specific embodiment, cover 102 includes a plurality of apertures 543. In a specific embodiment, a first aperture 543 of the plurality of apertures 543 defines an arcuate path 544, wherein a first protrusion 545 of the plurality of protrusions 545 slides within the arcuate path when the cover 102 actuates between the covered position and the opened position. In a specific embodiment, face shield 100 locks in both the up (opened) and down (closed) positions. [0060] Referring to FIGS. 26-28, various aspects of face shield 120 are shown. Face shield 120 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed.

Face shield 120 couples to band 16 via coupling mechanism 132, and face shield 120 couples to brim 12 of hard hat 8 via coupling mechanism 133. Face shield 120 includes pivot 121 around which cover 122 pivots with respect to hard hat 8.

[0061] In a specific embodiment, pivots are placed above the ears of the user.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 29-31, various aspects of face shield 160 are shown. Face shield 160 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Cover 162 defines apertures 501, which interface with pivot 161. Cover 162 pivots with respect to hard hat 8 via pivot 161. Face shield 160 includes a stopper, shown as foam 500, which interfaces against brim 12 of hard hat 8 to maintain the position of cover 162 while face shield 160 is in the closed position.

[0063] In an alternate embodiment, face shield 160 includes folds of cover instead of foam to form a stop on the brim and reduce the cost of face shield 160.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 32-34, various aspects of face shield 140 are shown. Face shield 140 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Cover 142 is coupled to pivot 141 and pivots with respect to head of a user. In a specific embodiment, an elongate structure, shown as a zip tie, extends through aperture 502. Coupling mechanism 153 couples face shield 140 to a bottom of hard hat 8.

[0065] In a specific embodiment, face shield 140 uses two clips above the ears of the user and one clip in the back of the head of the user. [0066] Referring to FIG. 35, various aspects of face shield 260 are shown. Face shield 260 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such as face shield 140, except for the differences discussed. Face shield 260 is coupled to an elongate structure, such as a zip tie or a band, via aperture 503. Face shield 260 couples to head gear, such as hard hat 8 or hat 14, via coupling mechanism 273. Cover is coupled to face shield via pivot 261, around which the cover rotates with respect to the head of the user.

[0067] In a specific embodiment, clips of face shield 260 and clips of face shield 140 may be used together, such as two clips from face shield 140 and one clip from face shield 260.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 36-39, various aspects of face shield 220 are shown. Face shield 220 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Cover 222 pivots with respect to a head of a user via pivot 221. Face shield 220 couples to one or more of slots 10 of hard hat 8 via coupling mechanism 230 (best-shown FIG. 36). Face shield 220 couples to band 16 via coupling mechanism 231 (best-shown FIG. 37) and a bottom of hard hat 8 via coupling mechanism 233. Face shield 220 couples to an elongate structure, shown as a zip tie, via coupling mechanism 232, and hard hat via coupling mechanism 233.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 39, various pieces of headwear are shown that a user can wear with face shield 220.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 40-46, various aspects of cover 180 are shown. Cover 180 is similar to the other face shields and covers described herein, except for the differences discussed. Cover 180 couples to hard hat 8, such as slots 10, via arm 513 extending through slot 10 and tab 511 engaging with slot 512. Cover 180 includes one or more structures, shown as pleats 520, to facilitate bending cover 180 around hard hat 8. Turning to FIGS. 43-46, to engage cover 180 with hard hat 8, tab 511 is pushed through slot 10 until arm 513 is within slot 10. Arm 513 is then curved around (best-shown FIG. 43) and tab 511 is engaged with slot 512 to couple cover 180 to hard hat 8.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 44, various pieces of headwear, such as a head lamp and a helmet, are shown that a user can wear with cover 180.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 47-50, various aspects of face shield 200 are shown. Face shield 200 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Frame 203 of face shield 200 couples to glasses 18 via coupling mechanism 213. Cover 202 is coupled to frame 203.

[0073] In a specific embodiment, cover 202 does not pivot with respect to glasses 18. In a specific embodiment, frame 203 is injection molded.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 51-52, various aspects of face shield 240 are shown. Face shield 240 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed.

Face shield 240 includes frame 243, which circumferentially wraps around head of user. As shown, frame 243 includes a band coupled to an elongate structure. Cover 242 is coupled to frame 243.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 53-56, various aspects of one or more of the face shields described herein are described. In a specific embodiment, covers are distributed in packs of multiple shields, such as packs of five shields. In a specific embodiment, the ease with which the covers can be replaced facilitates users buying the covers in bulk (FIG. 53). In a specific embodiment, the covers include an indicia, shown as color-coded tag, which indicates what elements/irritants the face shield protects against. Referring to FIG. 55, various aspects of face shield 60 and face shield 140 are shown.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 56, various aspects of shield 60 are shown. In a specific embodiment, face shield 60 includes include frame 63, and one or more of the pivot points 61, and a cover 62.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 57, various aspects of face shields described herein are shown, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 58, various aspects of face shield 280 are shown. Face shield 280 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such as face shield 40 and face shield 60, except for the differences discussed. Face shield 280 is coupled to a brim of a hard hat. The cover actuates between a closed position and an opened position, pivoting up and down with respect to the hard hat and the user. The cover is coupled to the frame via several protrusions, one of which is centered on a top arm of the frame, one of which extends from the intersection of the top arm and one of the side arms, and one of which extends from one of the side arms. Face shield 280 can be coupled to several types of head gear, including a soft-shell hat such as a baseball hat.

[0079] In a specific embodiment, face shield 280 is formed from one or more injection molded parts. In a specific embodiment, face shield 280 includes a cover that snaps on a front of the frame. In a specific embodiment, face shield 280 provides sufficient clearance for the user to simultaneously wear a headlamp.

[0080] Turning to FIG. 59, various aspects of face shield 300 are shown. Face shield 300 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such as face shield 280, except for the differences discussed. Face shield 300 includes a light mount for a head lamp.

[0081] In a specific embodiment, face shield 300 is formed from one or more injection molded parts. In a specific embodiment, face shield 300 leaves open one or more slots on a hard hat, thereby permitting the user to couple alternate items to the hard hat (e.g., head lamps, ear muffs, etc.).

[0082] Turning to FIG. 60, various aspects of face shield 320 are shown. Face shield 320 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such as face shield 120, except for the differences discussed. Face shield 320 couples to apertures within a hard hat, such as a universal slot 10. Face shield 320 also couples to stretchable straps, such as a headlamp strap 19, and zip ties 17. Face shield 320 couples to a lower edge of hard hat. The cover couples to face shield 320 and pivots with respect to a hard hat and a head of the user.

[0083] Turning to FIG. 61, various aspects of face shield 340 are shown. Face shield 340 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such as face shield 80, except for the differences discussed. Face shield 340 couples to hard hats, soft shell hats, and bands. The frame of face shield pivots with respect to the head of the user. The cover couples to the frame via several protrusions that extend from the frame.

[0084] Turning to FIG. 62, various aspects of cover 360 are shown. Cover 360 is similar to the other face shields and/or covers described herein, such as cover 180, except for the differences discussed. Legs of cover 360 are inserted through an aperture in a hard hat, and couples to a slit at a top portion of the leg. [0085] In a specific embodiment, face shield 360 includes a cover 362 that is folded at a top of cover 362 to couple to a front, such as a brim, of safety headwear, such as a hard hat.

[0086] Turning to FIG. 63, various aspects of face shield 380 are shown. Face shield 380 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such as face shield 240, except for the differences discussed. The frame of face shield 380 includes an elongate strap and a stretchable band that circumferentially extend around the head of the user. The cover pivots with respect to the head of the user. Cover defines an arc-shaped aperture, and a protrusion extends from the frame that engages with the arc-shaped aperture.

[0087] Turning to FIG. 64, various aspects of face shield 400 are shown. Face shield 400 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such as face shield 80, except for the differences discussed. Face shield 400 includes a frame that couples to a head of a user. One or more protrusions, such as five protrusions 419, extend from the frame to couple the frame to a cover.

[0088] Turning to FIG. 65, various aspects of face shields described herein are shown, according to exemplary embodiments. Face shield 420 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed.

[0089] One or more face shields described herein are configured to be used in conjunction with headlamps on a head of a user with reduced and/or minimal interference between the face shield(s) and the headlamp.

[0090] As discussed, the face shields discussed herein are non-impact face shields. Thus, in some embodiments, the face shields discussed herein may be formed from lighter weight, less dense and/or thinner material than impact-resistant face shields. In some embodiments, the face shields discussed herein may be formed from different types or classes of material than impact- resistant face shields.

[0091] In some embodiments the frame may permit more deformation of the cover than would be permitted with an impact face shield (e.g., the frame only surrounds part of the cover, the frame has a friction-coupling with the cover as compared to a more rigid coupling).

[0092] 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. [0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.