Closure with Sequentially Breaking Connections

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2024/031653, filed May 30, 2024, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Application No. 63/505,793 filed on Jun. 2, 2023, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of closures for containers. The present disclosure relates specifically to a closure for a container, the closure including a cap and a base pivotally coupled to the cap via a hinge. The base and cap are coupled together via a series of frangible connections that break sequentially when the closure is being opened for the first time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a closure including an axis, a top panel centered on the axis, a first cylindrical wall extending downward from the top panel, the first cylindrical wall centered on the axis, a hinge extending from and coupled to a rear portion of the first cylindrical wall, a second cylindrical wall centered on the axis, a securing element extending from the second cylindrical wall, a first frangible connection, and a second frangible connection. The second cylindrical wall is pivotally coupled to the first cylindrical wall via the hinge, the first cylindrical wall and top panel pivoting with respect to the second cylindrical wall via the hinge between an open position and a closed position. The securing element is configured to couple the second cylindrical wall to a container neck of a container. The first frangible connection couples the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall, the first frangible connection providing evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened. The first frangible connection extends circumferentially around the axis a first circumferential distance. The second frangible connection couples the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall, the second frangible connection providing evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened, and the second frangible connection is closer to the hinge than the first frangible connection. The second frangible connection extends circumferentially around the axis a second circumferential distance, and the second circumferential distance is greater than the first circumferential distance.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a closure including an axis, a top panel centered on the axis, a first cylindrical wall extending downward from the top panel, the first cylindrical wall centered on the axis, a hinge extending from and coupled to a rear portion of the first cylindrical wall, a second cylindrical wall centered on the axis, a securing element extending from the second cylindrical wall, a first frangible connection, and a second frangible connection. The second cylindrical wall is pivotally coupled to the first cylindrical wall via the hinge, the first cylindrical wall and top panel pivoting with respect to the second cylindrical wall via the hinge between an open position and a closed position. The securing element is configured to couple the second cylindrical wall to a container neck of a container. The first frangible connection couples the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall, the first frangible connection providing evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened. The first frangible connection defines a first radial thickness with respect to the axis. The second frangible connection couples the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall, the second frangible connection providing evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened, and the second frangible connection is closer to the hinge than the first frangible connection. The second frangible connection defines a second radial thickness with respect to the axis, and the second radial thickness is greater than the first radial thickness.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a closure including an axis, a top panel centered on the axis, a first cylindrical wall extending downward from the top panel, the first cylindrical wall centered on the axis, a hinge extending from and coupled to a rear portion of the first cylindrical wall, a second cylindrical wall centered on the axis, a securing element extending from the second cylindrical wall, a first frangible connection, and a second frangible connection. The second cylindrical wall is pivotally coupled to the first cylindrical wall via the hinge, the first cylindrical wall and top panel pivoting with respect to the second cylindrical wall via the hinge between an open position and a closed position. The securing element is configured to couple the second cylindrical wall to a container neck of a container. The first frangible connection couples the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall, the first frangible connection providing evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened. The first frangible connection defines a first cross-section area. The second frangible connection couples the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall, the second frangible connection providing evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened, and the second frangible connection is closer to the hinge than the first frangible connection. The second frangible connection defines a second cross-section area, and the second cross-section area is greater than the first cross-section area.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a closure including an axis, a top panel centered on the axis, a first cylindrical wall extending downward from the top panel, the first cylindrical wall centered on the axis, a hinge extending from and coupled to a rear portion of the first cylindrical wall, a second cylindrical wall centered on the axis, the second cylindrical wall pivotally coupled to the first cylindrical wall via the hinge, the first cylindrical wall and top panel pivoting with respect to the second cylindrical wall via the hinge between an open position and a closed position, a securing element extending from the second cylindrical wall, the securing element configured to couple the second cylindrical wall to a container neck of a container, and a plurality of frangible connections circumferentially surrounding the closure. In various embodiments the plurality of frangible connections include a first frangible connection coupling the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall, and a second frangible connection coupling the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall. The first and second frangible connections provide evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened. The second frangible connection is closer to the hinge than the first frangible connection, and the second frangible connection is configured to break subsequent to the first frangible connection when the closure is being opened for the first time.

In various embodiments, the second frangible connection is thicker than the first frangible connection.

In various embodiments, the first frangible connection extends circumferentially a first arcuate distance with respect to the axis and the second frangible connection extends circumferentially a second arcuate distance with respect to the axis, and the first arcuate distance is less than the second arcuate distance.

In various embodiments, the closure includes a third frangible connection coupling the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall, the third frangible connection providing evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened. The third frangible connection is closer to the hinge than the first frangible connection and the second frangible connection, and the third frangible connection is thicker than each of the first frangible connection and the second frangible connection. In various embodiments, the first frangible connection extends circumferentially a first arcuate distance with respect to the axis, the second frangible connection extends circumferentially a second arcuate distance with respect to the axis, the third frangible connection extends circumferentially a third arcuate distance with respect to the axis, and the third arcuate distance is greater than each of first arcuate distance and the second arcuate distance.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a closure including an axis, a top panel centered on the axis, a first cylindrical wall extending downward from the top panel, the first cylindrical wall centered on the axis, a hinge extending from and coupled to a rear portion of the first cylindrical wall, a second cylindrical wall centered on the axis, the second cylindrical wall pivotally coupled to the first cylindrical wall via the hinge, the first cylindrical wall and top panel pivoting with respect to the second cylindrical wall via the hinge between an open position and a closed position, a securing element extending from the second cylindrical wall, the securing element configured to couple the second cylindrical wall to a container neck of a container, and a plurality of frangible connections circumferentially surrounding the closure and coupling the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall. In various embodiments, the plurality of frangible connections include a first frangible connection coupling the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall, the first frangible connection extending a first length, and a second frangible connection coupling the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall. The first and second frangible connections provide evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened, the first frangible connection extending a first length. The second frangible connection is closer to the hinge than the first frangible connection, and the second frangible connection extends a second length that is longer than the first length.

In various embodiments, the second frangible connection is configured to break subsequent to the first frangible connection when the closure is opened for the first time at least in part because the second length is longer than the first length.

In various embodiments, the closure includes a third frangible connection coupling the first cylindrical wall to the second cylindrical wall, the third frangible connection providing evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened. The third frangible connection is closer to the hinge than the first frangible connection and the second frangible connection, and the third frangible connection extends a third length that is longer than each of the first length and the second length. In various embodiments, the third frangible connection is configured to break subsequent to each of the first frangible connection and the second frangible connection when the closure is opened for the first time at least in part because the third length is longer than each of the first length and the second length.

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 included, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

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. In addition, alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the closure of FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of frangible connections of the closure of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of frangible connections of the closure of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 9 shown with broken frangible connections, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 11 shown in a first position as the closure is being opened, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 11 shown in a second position as the closure is being opened, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 11 shown in a third position as the closure is being opened, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a fifth closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 15 shown in a first position as the closure is being opened, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 15 shown in a second position as the closure is being opened, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 15 shown in a third position as the closure is being opened, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a detailed schematic view of a frangible connection of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a detailed schematic view of a frangible connection of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a detailed schematic view of a frangible connection of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, various aspects of a closure are shown. Closures are used to enclose storage compartments of containers, such as bottles for drinkable liquids. Many closures include a tamper band that remains permanently or semi-permanently coupled to the container neck. An upper portion of the closure is detachably coupled to a lower portion of the closure via one or more frangible connections. Described herein are frangible connections surrounding the closure that break sequentially when the closure is opened for the first time.

One of the results of recent trends to use lighter weight closures is that the closures tend to have less space available to visually display that the seal of the closure has broken. For example, some closure suppliers have been sacrificing distance by shortening the corresponding closure height. Applicant has observed that providing sequentially breaking frangible connections facilitates providing closures that utilize less material while still providing easily detectable feedback to the user that the user is opening the closure for the first time (e.g., via the frangible connections breaking).

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a closure 110 for closing a container 190 according to an embodiment is shown. Closure 110 includes cap 120 and base 140 pivotally coupled together via hinge 114. In various embodiments, cap 120 and base 140 are centered on axis 112.

Cap 120 includes top panel 122, which in various embodiments is centered on axis 112. Cap 120 includes tab 124 extending radially outward from top panel 122 away from axis 112, and cylindrical wall 126, such as a first cylindrical wall, extending downward from top panel 122 and centered on axis 112. In various embodiments, tab 124 extends from a front portion 128 of cylindrical wall 126 and/or top panel 122, and hinge 114 is coupled to a rear portion 130 of cylindrical wall 126 and/or top panel 122 opposite the front portion 128.

Base 140 includes cylindrical wall 142, which in various embodiments is centered on axis 112. Rear portion 144 of cylindrical wall 142 is coupled to hinge 114, thereby coupling cylindrical wall 142 to cylindrical wall 126. In various embodiments, hinge 114 extends from and is coupled to a rear portion 130 of cylindrical wall 126 of cap 120. Second cylindrical wall 142 is pivotally coupled to first cylindrical wall 126 via hinge 114. First cylindrical wall 126 and top panel 122 pivot with respect to second cylindrical wall 142 via hinge 114 between an open position and a closed position.

As will be explained, front portion 146 of cylindrical wall 142 is detachably coupled to front portion 128 of cylindrical wall 126 via one or more frangible connections. In various embodiments, base 140 includes a securing element, shown as protrusion 148, to secure cylindrical wall 142 to neck 192 of container 190. In an alternative embodiment, the securing element is a threading that engages the thread of neck 192. In various embodiments, protrusion 148 extends from second cylindrical wall 142, protrusion 148 being configured to couple second cylindrical wall 142 to a container neck of a container (e.g., container neck 192 of container 190).

Weakened section 160 extends circumferentially around closure 110 with respect to axis 112. As will be shown, one or more frangible connections extend across weakened section 160, thereby detachably coupling cylindrical wall 126 of cap 120 and cylindrical wall 142 of base 140.

In various embodiments, cap 120 and base 140 are detachably coupled via a plurality of frangible connections that circumferentially surround the closure. As shown, cap 120 and base 140 are detachably coupled via first frangible connection 162, such as a pair of first frangible connections 162 on each side of the cap 120, second frangible connection 168, such as a pair of second frangible connections 168 on each side of the cap 120, and third frangible connection 174, such as a pair of third frangible connections 174 on each side of the cap 120. In various embodiments, second frangible connection 168 is closer to hinge 114 than first frangible connection 162, and third frangible connection 174 is closer to hinge 114 than each of first frangible connection 162 and second frangible connection 168. In various embodiments, first frangible connection(s) 162, second frangible connection(s) 168, and third frangible connection(s) 174 provide evidence, when broken, that closure 110 has been opened.

First frangible connection 162 extends first length 166 between cap 120 and base 140 (e.g., vertically, so parallel to axis 112), second frangible connection 168 extends second length 172 between cap 120 and base 140, and third frangible connection 174 extends third length 178 between cap 120 and base 140.

In various embodiments, second length 172 is greater than first length 166. Second frangible connection 168 is configured to break subsequent to the first frangible connection 162 when the closure 110 is opened for the first time at least in part because the second length 172 is longer than first length 166.

In various embodiments, third length 178 is greater than each of first length 166 and second length 172. Third frangible connection 174 is configured to break subsequent to each of first frangible connection 162 and second frangible connection 168 when the closure 110 is opened for the first time at least in part because the third length 178 is longer than each of the first length 166 and second length 172.

In various embodiments, the plurality of frangible connections 162, 168, 174 includes at least 6 frangible connections. In various embodiments, the plurality of frangible connections 162, 168, 174 includes at least 3 pairs of frangible connections, and the frangible connections of each of the pairs of frangible connections are the same circumferential distance from the hinge.

Stated another way, each frangible connection 162, 168, 174 of a pair of frangible connections 162, 168, 174 is symmetrical with respect to the other element of the pair from the perspective of line 5-5 in FIG. 4. Thus, each frangible connection 162, 168, 174 of a pair of frangible connections 162, 168, 174 is the same circumferential distance from both tab 124 and hinge 114.

Referring to FIG. 5, various aspects of a cross-section of closure 110 are shown. Protrusion 148 extends inwardly from base 140 towards axis 112. Protrusion 148 interfaces with a container neck (e.g., container neck 192) to couple closure 110 to the container (e.g., container 190). Plug 132 extends downwardly from top panel 122 to seal contents of container 190 within container 190.

Referring to FIG. 6, first frangible connection 162 extends radially away from axis 112 first radial thickness 163, second frangible connection 168 extends radially away from axis 112 second radial thickness 169, and third frangible connection 174 extends radially away from axis 112 third radial thickness 175.

In various embodiments, first radial thickness 163 is less than second radial thickness 169, and both first radial thickness 163 and second radial thickness 169 are less than third radial thickness 175. Second frangible connection 168 is configured to stretch further and thus take longer to break compared to first frangible connection 162 when the closure 110 is opened for the first time at least in part because the second radial thickness 169 is greater than the first radial thickness 163.

In various embodiments, third radial thickness 175 is greater than each of first radial thickness 163 and second radial thickness 169. Third frangible connection 174 is configured to stretch further and thus take longer to break compared to each of first frangible connection 162 and second frangible connection 168 when the closure 110 is opened for the first time at least in part because the third radial thickness 175 is greater than each of the first radial thickness 163 and second radial thickness 169, for example because third frangible connection 174 is stronger than first frangible connection 162 and second frangible connection 168.

Referring to FIG. 7, first frangible connection 162 extends circumferentially first distance 164 around axis 112, second frangible connection 168 extends circumferentially second distance 170 around axis 112, and third frangible connection 174 extends circumferentially third distance 176 around axis 112. In various embodiments, first circumferential distance 164 is less than second circumferential distance 170, and both first circumferential distance 164 and second circumferential distance 170 are less than third circumferential distance 176. Stated another way, in various embodiments second circumferential distance 170 is greater than first circumferential distance 164. Second frangible connection 168 is configured to stretch further and thus take longer to break compared to first frangible connection 162 when the closure 110 is opened for the first time at least in part because the second circumferential distance 170 is longer than the first circumferential distance 164.

In various embodiments, third circumferential distance 176 is greater than each of first circumferential distance 164 and second circumferential distance 170. Third frangible connection 174 is configured to break subsequent to each of first frangible connection 162 and second frangible connection 168 when the closure 110 is opened for the first time at least in part because the third circumferential distance 176 is longer than each of the first circumferential distance 164 and second circumferential distance 170, for example because third frangible connection 174 is stronger than first frangible connection 162 and second frangible connection 168.

In various embodiments, closure 110 includes a front pair of frangible connections 162 (including the first frangible connection 162), and each of the front pair of frangible connections 162 extend circumferentially around axis 112 the first circumferential distance 164. In various embodiments, closure 110 includes a middle pair of frangible connections 168 (including the second frangible connection 168), and each of the middle pair of frangible connections 168 extends circumferentially around axis 112 the second circumferential distance 170. In various embodiments, closure 110 includes a rear pair of frangible connections 174 (including the third frangible connection 174), and each of the rear pair of frangible connections 174 extend circumferentially around axis 112 third circumferential distance 176.

In various embodiments, closure 110 includes a plurality of frangible connections 162, 168, 174 coupling the first cylindrical wall 126 to the second cylindrical wall 142, the plurality of frangible connections 162, 168, 174 providing evidence, when broken, that the closure has been opened, and each of the plurality of frangible connections extending a circumferential width 164, 170, 176 (respectively) with respect to axis 112, and the respective circumferential width 164, 170, 176 for each of the plurality of frangible connections 162, 168, 174 is less than the respective circumferential width 164, 170, 176 for each of the other plurality of plurality of frangible connections 162, 168, 174 that are closer to hinge 114.

First frangible connection 162 defines first cross-section area 165, second frangible connection 168 defines second cross-section area 171, and third frangible connection 174 defines third cross-section area 177. In various embodiments, first cross-section area 165 is less than second cross-section area 171, and each of first cross-section area 165 and second cross-section area 171 are less than third cross-section area 177. In various embodiments, cross-section areas 165, 171, 177 are defined by the cross-section of frangible connections 162, 168, 174 along a plane that is perpendicular to axis 112.

Second frangible connection 168 is configured to stretch further and thus take longer to break compared to first frangible connection 162 when the closure 110 is opened for the first time at least in part because the second cross-section area 171 is larger than the first cross-section area 165.

Third frangible connection 174 is configured to stretch further and thus take longer to break compared to each of first frangible connection 162 and second frangible connection 168 when the closure 110 is opened for the first time at least in part because the third cross-section area 177 is larger than each of the first cross-section area 165 and second cross-section area 171, for example because third frangible connection 174 is stronger than first frangible connection 162 and second frangible connection 168.

In various embodiments, a frangible connection closer to hinge 114 is configured to break before another frangible connection further from hinge 114 at least in part because of one or more of, the frangible connection closer to hinge 114 is thicker, the frangible connection closer to hinge 114 is longer, the frangible connection closer to hinge 114 is not stretched as quickly as the further frangible connection because the frangible connection closer to hinge 114 is closer to the axis of rotation between cap 120 and base 140.

Referring to FIG. 8, closure 210 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Closure 210 is substantially the same as closure 110 except for the differences discussed herein.

In particular, each frangible connection within weakened section 220 include one or more recesses adjacent to the frangible connection. Applicant has observed that providing recesses adjacent to frangible connections facilitates users visually detecting whether the closure has previously been opened by more easily seeing whether the frangible connection is broken.

In a specific embodiment, first frangible connection 222 is surrounded on opposing sides by two lateral recesses 224, and second frangible connection 226 is surrounded on opposing sides by two lateral recesses 228.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, closure 310 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Closure 310 is substantially the same as closure 110 or closure 210 except for the differences discussed herein.

In particular, before closure 310 is opened (FIG. 9) via cap 312 being pivoted away from base 314 for the first time, first frangible connection 330 and second frangible connection 340 extend between cap 312 and base 314. After closure 310 is opened (FIG. 10), the broken frangible connections become disfigured, such as via being misaligned (e.g., the top of the frangible connections extends away from the bottom of the frangible connection), stretched, and a lighter color due to the material being stressed (sometimes referred to as “stress whitening”). One or more of those factors facilitate users more easily identifying that closure 310 has been opened.

Referring to FIGS. 11-14, closure 410 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Closure 410 is substantially the same as closure 110, closure 210, or closure 310 except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, closure 410 provides increasing bridge lengths of frangible connections on angles to delay breakage to provide additional time for the user to hear/feel the breakages in a distinguishable sequence.

Closure 410 provides an increased amount of time for the frangible connections to break when the closure 410 is opened (FIG. 11) via cap 412 being pivoted away from base 414 for the first time compared to other closures on the market currently. In various embodiments, second frangible connection 440 is longer than first frangible connection 430.

As closure 410 is being opened, initially first frangible connection 430 breaks (FIG. 12), while second frangible connection 440 extends without breaking. In various embodiments, the reason second frangible connection 440 extends after first frangible connection 430 breaks is because second frangible connection 440 is longer than first frangible connection 430. As the closure 410 continues to open (FIG. 13), second frangible connections 440 also breaks.

Because second frangible connection 440 resists breaking for so much more time compared to first frangible connection 430, the user experiences a longer time frame of feeling frangible connections breaking. Thus, the user has more time to experience the sensation of the frangible connections breaking, thereby providing assurance to the user that closure 410 has not previously been opened.

Referring to FIGS. 15-18, closure 510 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Closure 510 is substantially the same as closure 110, closure 210, closure 310, or closure 410 except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, closure 510 includes different bridge structures for the frangible connections to facilitate stretching before breakage. This creates a delay between breakage to provide more time to allow the user to hear/feel the breakages in a distinguishable sequence.

Closure 510 provides an increased amount of time for the frangible connections to break when the closure 510 is opened (FIG. 15) via cap 512 being pivoted away from base 514 for the first time compared to other closures on the market currently. In various embodiments, first frangible connection 530 extends vertically between cap 512 and base 514, second frangible connection 540 extends at a slight angle between cap 512 and base 514 (e.g., similar to frangible connection 610 in FIG. 19), and third frangible connection 550 extends along a curve that is longer than second frangible connection 540 (e.g., similar to frangible connection 620 in FIG. 217).

As closure 410 is being opened, the frangible connections break over a longer period of time compared to closures in which each frangible connection is the same or similar length and/or structure. In particular, initially first frangible connection 530 breaks (FIG. 16), then second frangible connection 540 breaks (FIG. 17), and finally third frangible connection 550 breaks (FIG. 18).

Referring to FIGS. 19-21, various aspects of frangible connections are shown. It is contemplated herein that the frangible connections shown in FIGS. 19-21 may be used with closure 110 and/or closure 210.

Referring to FIGS. 19-21, frangible connection 610 extends between recesses 612, frangible connection 620 extends between recesses 622 (FIGS. 19, 20), and frangible connection 630 extends between recesses 632 (FIG. 21).

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.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure 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 disclosure.

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.

Various embodiments of the disclosure 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.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with 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 member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, 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 used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.