CARRIER FRAME AND LATCH MECHANISM

Description

BACKGROUND

In many industries, such as agriculture, construction, forestry, or the like, work vehicles such as loaders, are utilized for a variety of activities (e.g., lifting, moving materials, etc.). Such vehicles may utilize various implements. A loader, for example, may include a bucket pivotally coupled by loader arms to a vehicle chassis. One or more hydraulic cylinders move the loader arms and/or the bucket to move the bucket between positions relative to the chassis to lift and move materials. In some implementations, the implement (e.g., a bucket) is removably coupled to a front end loader of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one implementation, a carrier for coupling an implement to a work vehicle is provided. The carrier includes a pair of brackets, where each bracket defines a receptacle and has a latch receptacle. The carrier also includes a latch mechanism movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch mechanism includes a first latch plate coupled to an actuator, a first lock pin coupled to the first latch plate at a first end of the first latch plate, a second latch plate coupled to the first latch plate at a second end of the first latch plate, and a second lock pin coupled to the second latch plate at an end of the second latch plate opposed from the first latch plate. In the locked position, the first lock pin and the second lock pin are engaged with respective latch receptacles of respective brackets of the pair of brackets. In the unlocked position, the first lock pin and the second lock pin are at least partially withdrawn from the respective latch receptacles.

In another implementation, a latch mechanism for a carrier is provided. The latch mechanism includes a first latch plate having a first end and a second end separated by a center point. In addition, the latch mechanism includes a second latch plate coupled to the first latch plate at the first end. The latch mechanism also includes a locking state indicator coupled to the first latch plate at the second end. Further, the latch mechanism includes a first lock pin coupled to the first latch plate at the second end. The latch mechanism also includes a second lock pin coupled to the second latch plate. The latch mechanism further includes an actuator coupled to the first latch plate at the center point, the actuator configured to transition the latch mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position.

In yet another implementation, a carrier for coupling an implement to a work vehicle is provided. The carrier includes a pair of vehicle brackets configured to couple to a pair of loader arms of the work vehicle. The carrier further includes a pair of implement brackets. Each implement bracket defines a space to receive a mounting feature of the implement and has a latch bore. The carrier also includes an upper cross rod and a lower cross rod. The upper cross rod and the lower cross rod separate the vehicle brackets of the pair of vehicles brackets and the implement brackets of the pair of implement brackets. The carrier further includes a latch mechanism movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch mechanism includes including a latch plate extending transversely to the carrier. The latch mechanism also includes an actuator coupled to the latch patch and configured to transition the latch mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position. The latch mechanism further includes a first lock pin coupled to a first end of the latch plate and a second lock pin coupled to a second end of the latch plate. In the locked position, the first lock pin and the second lock pin are received within respective latch bores of respective implement brackets. In the unlocked position, the first lock pin and the second lock pin are at least partially withdrawn from the respective latch bores.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various non-limiting embodiments are further described in the detailed description given below with reference the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary, non-limiting implementation of a carrier and latch mechanisms according to various aspects.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the carrier and a front view of the latch mechanism in a locked position in accordance with an aspect.

FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the carrier and a front view of the latch mechanism in an unlocked position in accordance with an aspect.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detail view of an exemplary, non-limiting implementation of a locking indicator in accordance with various aspects.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front detail view of a portion of the carrier and the latch mechanism in accordance with various aspects.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detail view of an exemplary, non-limiting implementation of an actuator for the latch mechanism in accordance with various aspects.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary, non-limiting implementation of a latch mechanism according to various aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, carriers enable removable coupling of work implements, such as buckets, to work vehicles, such as loaders. Some carriers may require manual attachment and/or latching (or unlatching) of implements by operators. In other examples, a latch device configured to lock/unlock the implement from the carrier may be operated by an actuator. For instance, in some implementations, a locking force is provided by a spring and the actuator is utilized to unlock a latch device. In the case of a hydraulic cylinder, the carrier may be rolled multiple times to charge an accumulator to execute the unlocking.

According to an aspect, a carrier and latch mechanism is described that provides numerous benefits over conventional designs. The carrier described herein eliminates manual adjustment between Scandinavian ISO-similar and SMS carrier configuration. The carrier and latch mechanism enable latching at any boom height to improve visibility. The latch mechanism provides an increased locking force. The carrier includes a front shield and bottom cross bar to protect the latch mechanism. In addition, carrier wear is reduced with the design described herein.

According to additional aspects, in an unlocked position, the latch bar remains within a carrier envelope. Shorter locking pins are utilized with the latch mechanism, which reduces replacement costs or spare parts costs. Further, a greaser is provided on a latch bushing. Still further, the actuator is configured to readily integrate into operator interfaces (e.g., in-cab controls), which may be touchscreen based.

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

As utilized herein, ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” are utilized to distinguish components or features to facilitate description. For example, the terms enable one component or feature to be specifically identified to describe an associated aspect. These ordinal terms are not limiting and may not correspond to similar usage of these terms in the claims. Further, the ordinal terms may be omitted to improve clarity.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an exemplary, non-limiting implementation of a carrier 100 with latch mechanism 118 is illustrated. Carrier 100 couples a work vehicle, such as loader, a tractor, or the like, with an implement (e.g., a bucket, etc.). Latch mechanism 118 locks the implement to the carrier 100 when coupled.

Carrier 100 includes a pair of vehicle brackets including a first vehicle bracket 102 and a second vehicle bracket 104. The vehicle brackets 102, 104 are spaced apart at opposed ends of carrier 100 and separated and connected by a first cross rod 110 and a second cross rod 112. It is to be appreciated that the first and second cross rods 110, 112 provide stiffness and/or stability, but one or both may be omitted. Further, in other implementations, the cross rods 110, 112 may not span an entire width of carrier 100. As utilized herein, the cross rods 110, 112 may be referred to as cross bars, transverse struts, or the like. As shown, the cross rods 110, 112 transversely extend across carrier 100. The vehicle brackets 102, 104 facilitate coupling to loader arms of a work vehicle. In some implementations, the loader arms may be pivotably coupled to the vehicle brackets 102, 104 to enable the carrier 100 (and an attached implement) to be pivoted, lifted, etc. through operation of various actuators of the work vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, each vehicle bracket 102, 104 may be formed by two plates in a spaced arrangement wherein the plates extend from a top of carrier 100 to a bottom of carrier 100. For instance, the plates may extend between the top or upper cross bar 110 and the bottom or lower cross bar 112.

Carrier 100 further includes a pair of implement brackets including a first implement bracket 106 and a second implement bracket 108. The implement brackets 106, 108 are spaced apart from each other and separated and connected by the cross rods 110, 112. As shown, the implement brackets 106, 108 are positioned adjacent to respective vehicle brackets 102, 104. Further, the implement brackets 106, 108 are positioned within a space between the vehicle brackets 102, 104. Similar to the vehicle brackets 102 and 104, the implement brackets 106, 108 may each be formed by two plates extending between the top cross bar 110 and the bottom cross bar 112. The plates define a receptacle or space to receive a corresponding receiving or attachment feature of an implement. As shown, first implement bracket 106 defines a first receptacle 114 and the second implement bracket 108 defines a second receptacle 116.

A shield plate 115 is provided on carrier 100. The shield plate 115 is arranged on an implement engaging side of carrier 100 and protects latch mechanism 118. The shield plate 115 may include indicator features generally shown at 210 that operate with corresponding features of latch mechanism 118 to indicator a latch status of an implement.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, a back view of carrier 100 is illustrated in a locked position (FIG. 2) and an unlocked position (FIG. 3). Latch mechanism is movably transitioned between the locked position and unlocked position by actuator 130. In one example, the actuator 130 may include a hydraulic cylinder 132 coupled to the latch mechanism. In one implementation, the actuator 130 provides a locking force to maintain the latch mechanism 118 in the locked position as shown in FIG. 2. A check valve 212 (FIG. 1) may be integrated with the hydraulic cylinder 132 to prevent unlocking due to leaks, etc. FIG. 6 illustrates actuator 130 in greater detail.

Latch mechanism 120 includes a latch bar 120 movable transversely via actuator 130 to lock and unlock an implement attached to carrier 100. The latch bar 120 may include a first latch plate 122 and a second latch plate 126 coupled together to move jointly. In one implementation, actuator 130 may couple to the latch bar 120 at a central point or mount point on first latch plate 122. A first lock pin 124 is coupled to the first latch plate 122. A second lock pin 128 is coupled to the second latch plate 126. The lock pins 124, 128 extend along axes offset from an axis of the latch bar 120.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the locked position, the locks pins 124, 128 span respective receptacles (e.g., space between plates of respective implement brackets) 116, 114. In an example, a receiving flange or feature of an implement may have a receiving bore through which locks pins 124, 128 pass to securely retain the implement. As shown in FIG. 3, in the unlocked position, the lock pins 124, 128 withdraw from receptacles 116, 114. Thus, the pins withdraw from receiving bores of the implement to enable the implement to be removed from carrier 100.

The second lock pin 128 operates with a latch receptacle 310 of implement bracket 106. When locked, the second lock pin 128 is engaged with latch receptacle 310. When unlocked, the second lock pin 128 is withdrawn from the latch receptacle 310. In one example, the latch receptacle 310 may include first and second latch bores 312, 314 provided on respective plates forming the implement bracket 106. The latch bores 312, 314 may be coaxially aligned to enable the second lock pin 128 to pass through.

Similarly, the first lock pin 124 operates with a latch receptacle 320 of implement bracket 108. When locked, the first lock pin 124 is engaged with latch receptacle 320. When unlocked, the first lock pin 124 is withdrawn from the latch receptacle 320. In one example, the latch receptacle 320 may include latch bores 322, 324 provided on respective plates forming the implement bracket 108. The latch bores 322, 324 may be coaxially aligned to enable the first lock pin 124 to pass through to engage the lock position.

The lock status indicator 210 is shown in respective locked and unlocked positions in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. FIG. 4 illustrates the lock status indicator 210 in greater detail. In FIG. 4, a first status indicator 402 and a second status indicator 404 may be fixedly provided on carrier 100 (e.g., on shield plate 115). In the example of FIG. 4, first status indicator 402 corresponds to a locked position or state and second status indicator 404 corresponds to an unlocked position or state. An indicator 406 is coupled to the latch mechanism 118. In particular, the indicator 406 may be coupled to the first latch plate 122. Accordingly, the indicator 406 is movably coupled with the latch mechanism 118. When the latch mechanism 118 is in the locked position, the indicator 406 aligns with the first status indicator 402 as shown in FIG. 4. When the latch mechanism 118 is in the unlocked position, the indicator 406 aligns with the second status indicator 404 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 5, a first latch bar slot 502 is provided on a plate of implement bracket 106 and a second latch bar slot 504 is provided on a plate of vehicle bracket 102. The slots 502, 504 enable the second latch plate 126 to freely move between locked (see FIG. 2) and unlocked positions (see FIG. 3) without obstruction by the brackets.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of latch mechanism 118. As shown, the first latch plate 122 couples to the second latch plate 126 on a first end. On a second end of the first latch plate 122, the first lock pin 124 is coupled. The second lock pin 128 couples to the second latch plate 126 at an end opposed from end at which the first latch plate 122 couples. In an example, the first latch plate 122 has a center point 700 or mount point 700. The actuator 130 couples to the latch mechanism 118 at center point 700. The first latch plate 122 includes a first arm or projection 702 and a second arm or projection 704. The first and second arms 704 form the second end of the first latch plate 122 and generally branch from center point 700 and extend along offset axes from a central axis of latch plate 122. The indicator 406 may be coupled to the second arm 704 and the lock pin 124 may couple to the first arm 702. The space defined between the first arm 702 and second arm 704 provide clearance for the actuator 130 to be coupled.

According to an aspect, a carrier for coupling an implement to a work vehicle is provided. The carrier includes a pair of brackets, with each bracket defining a receptacle and having a latch receptacle, and a latch mechanism movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch mechanism includes a first latch plate coupled to an actuator, a first lock pin coupled to the first latch plate at a first end of the first latch plate, a second latch plate coupled to the first latch plate at a second end of the first latch plate, and a second lock pin coupled to the second latch plate at an end of the second latch plate opposed from the first latch plate. In the locked position, the first lock pin and the second lock pin are engaged with respective latch receptacles of respective brackets of the pair of brackets. In the unlocked position, the first lock pin and the second lock pin are at least partially withdrawn from the respective latch receptacles.

In an example, the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder and the latch mechanism further includes a check valve. In another example, the actuator provides a force to maintain the latch mechanism in the locked position. In another example, the carrier further includes a shield plate extending between the pair of brackets. The shield plate includes features indicative of a first indicator position and a second indicator position. The latch mechanism further includes an indicator that aligns with the first indicator position when in the unlocked position and aligns with the second indicator position when in the locked position.

In another example, the first latch plate couples to the actuator at a mount point and the first latch plate includes a first projection and a second projection respectively extending from the mount point. The first projection couples to the indicator and the second projection couples to the first lock pin. In another example, the first lock pin couples to the first latch plate and extends along an axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the first latch plate.

In another example, the second lock pin couples to the second latch plate and extends along an axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the second latch plate. In another example, each bracket of the pair of brackets includes a pair of plates. The pair of plates are spaced apart to define the receptacle. The receptacle is configured to receive a receiving flange of the implement.

In another example, a first bracket of the pair of brackets includes a latch bar slot on each plate of the respective pair of plates. The latch bar slot receives the second latch plate. In another example, each plate includes a latch bore. The latch bores of respective plates of respective brackets are coaxially aligned and configured to receive one of the first lock pin or the second lock pin.

According to another aspect, a latch mechanism for a carrier is provided. The latch mechanism includes a first latch plate having a first end and a second end separated by a center point and a second latch plate coupled to the first latch plate at the first end. The latch mechanism also includes a locking state indicator coupled to the first latch plate at the second end. In addition, the latch mechanism also includes a first lock pin coupled to the first latch plate at the second end and a second lock pin coupled to the second latch plate. The latch mechanism further includes an actuator coupled to the first latch plate at the center point. The actuator is configured to transition the latch mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position.

In an example, the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder. A locking force for the latch mechanism, when in the locked position, is provided by the hydraulic cylinder. The latch mechanism further includes a check valve to prevent unlocking due to leaking.

In another example, the second end of the first latch plate includes a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms extend from center point along respective axes offset from a longitudinal axis of the first latch plate. The actuator is positioned between the first and second arms.

In another example, the locking state indicator is coupled to the first arm of the first latch plate and the first lock pin is coupled to the second arm of the first latch plate.

In another example, the first lock pin and the second lock pin extend along respective axes offset from a longitudinal axis of the first latch plate or second latch plate.

According to yet another aspect, a carrier for coupling an implement to a work vehicle is provided. The carrier includes a pair of vehicle brackets configured to couple to a pair of loader arms of the work vehicle. The carrier also includes a pair of implement brackets, with each implement bracket defining a space to receive a mounting feature of the implement and having a latch bore. The carrier also includes an upper cross rod and a lower cross rod. The upper cross rod and the lower cross rod separate the vehicle brackets of the pair of vehicles brackets and the implement brackets of the pair of implement brackets. The carrier includes a latch mechanism movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch mechanism includes a latch plate extending transversely to the carrier, an actuator coupled to the latch patch and configured to transition the latch mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position, a first lock pin coupled to a first end of the latch plate, and a second lock pin coupled to a second end of the latch plate. In the locked position, the first lock pin and the second lock pin are received within respective latch bores of respective implement brackets. In the unlocked position, the first lock pin and the second lock pin are at least partially withdrawn from the respective latch bores.

In an example, the carrier further includes a shield plate extending transversely to the carrier and positioned between the latch mechanism and an implement engaging side of the carrier. The shield plate includes a first indicator feature and a second indicator feature. The latch mechanism further includes an indicator movable with the latch mechanism. The indicator aligns with the first indicator feature in the locked position and aligns with the second indicator feature in the unlocked position.

In another example, the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder provides a locking force to maintain the latch mechanisms in the locked position and includes a check valve to prevent unlocking due to leaking.

The foregoing description and examples has been set forth merely to illustrate the disclosure and are not intended as being limiting. Each of the disclosed aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may be considered individually or in combination with other aspects, embodiments, and variations of the disclosure. In addition, unless otherwise specified, none of the steps of the methods of the present disclosure are confined to any particular order of performance. Modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the disclosure may occur to persons skilled in the art and such modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that some embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, blocks, and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Likewise, the terms “some,” “certain,” and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims. The language of the claims is not to be limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that are illustrated and described in this disclosure, or that are discussed during the prosecution of the application.

Although systems and methods for carriers and latch mechanisms have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of systems and methods for carriers and latch mechanisms. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

While the methods and devices described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments described and the appended claims. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein.

Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described herein should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying figures. Certain figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, subranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, etc.). For example, “about 1 V” includes “1 V.” Phrases preceded by a term such as “substantially” include the recited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as much as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For example, “substantially perpendicular” includes “perpendicular.” Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are at standard conditions including temperature and pressure.

In summary, various embodiments and examples of systems and methods for carriers and latch mechanisms have been disclosed. Although the systems and methods for carriers and latch mechanisms have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Thus, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.