CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS N/A
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to suitcases, and more particularly to space-saving suitcase handle assemblies for suitcases.
2. Description of Related Art
In the art of suitcases, traditional handle assemblies extend along the complete length of the suitcase limiting the amount of useable space available when packing. The handle assemblies are usually mounted to the bottom of the suitcase, which occupies approximately 10% of the internal volume of the suitcase. Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to redesign the handle assembly to increase the available space, while fitting existing suitcase designs without compromising on handle stability.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment of the present invention an assembly is provided, comprising a suitcase having a top side, a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a bottom side, and an internal volume; a plurality of telescoping tubes, the plurality of telescoping tubes including a base tube and a top tube; a handle connected to the top tube; a release button positioned on the center of the handle; a stabilizing element; the base tube proximally positioned near the top side of the suitcase.
In one embodiment, the stabilizing element is a single modular unit and made from a rigid material. In another embodiment, the stabilizing element is affixed to the base tube providing support to the telescoping tubes. In another embodiment, the single modular unit includes the base tube. In one embodiment, the stabilizing element is a rectangular ridge having a top surface, wherein the base tube is supported on the top surface. In yet another embodiment, the stabilizing element is rectangular having a front surface and a back surface, wherein the front surface is affixed to the base tube and the back surface is affixed to the back side of the suitcase via mounting hardware.
In one embodiment, the stabilizing element is affixed to the top side of the suitcase via mounting hardware. In one embodiment, the stabilizing element is affixed to the left and right side of the suitcase via mounting hardware. In another embodiment, the base tube extends below the stabilizing element at a distance above the bottom side of the suitcase, in yet another embodiment, the handle has a first width equal to a second width defined by a second distance between the left side and the right side of the suitcase.
In one embodiment, the plurality of telescoping tubes are located along the left and right side of the suitcase. In one embodiment, a first corner is provided, the first corner defined by a first intersection where the left side and the back side of the suitcase meet, and a second corner defined by a second intersection where the right side and the back side of the suitcase meet; wherein the plurality of telescoping tubes are located along the first and second corners such that the plurality of telescoping tubes occupy no internal volume of the suitcase.
In one embodiment, the stabilizing element includes a back portion, a top portion, and a curved portion; wherein the curved potion is connected to the top and back portions defining a recess. In one embodiment, the top portion and back portions are affixed to the top side and back side of the suitcase respectively, via mounting hardware. In another embodiment, the stabilizing element includes the base tube and the base tube protrudes from the curved portion. In one embodiment, the base tube extends below the stabilizing element at a distance above the bottom side of the suitcase. In yet another embodiment, a stowed position is provided, the stowed position defined by the plurality of telescoping tubes and the handle located in the recess such that the handle is below the top side of the suitcase.
In one embodiment, the rectangular ridge has a third width equal to the width of the base tube. In one embodiment, the rectangular ridge extends from the left side to the right side of the suitcase. In another embodiment, a connecting material is provided, the connection material connecting to the rectangular ridge and the base tube; wherein the connecting material is made from a rigid material.
In another aspect to the invention a space-saving suitcase assembly is provided, comprising a plurality of telescoping tubes, the plurality of telescoping tubes including a base tube and a top tube; a handle connected to the top tube; a release button positioned on the handle; the suitcase having a top side, a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, and a bottom side creating a perimeter surface and an internal volume; a modular stabilizing element made from a rigid material, the modular stabilizing element affixed to the top side underneath the fabric via mounting hardware; or the modular stabilizing unit and the top of the suitcase are manufactured as one unit by injection molding, CNC machining, or 3D additive manufacturing (3D printing), or other manufacturing process; or the entire suitcase with modular stabilizing unit and base tube and telescoping handles are manufactured as one unit by injection molding, CNC machining, or 3D additive manufacturing (3D printing), or other manufacturing process; the base tube connected to the modular stabilizing element providing support to the plurality of telescoping tubes.
In one embodiment, the base tube is the modular stabilizing element and the modular stabilizing element is manufactured as one unit by injection molding, CNC machining, or 3D additive manufacturing (3D printing), or other manufacturing process.
Such stated summary and advantages of the invention are only examples and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent o those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, taken together with the drawings and the claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGS. 1A-B are front perspective views of a space-saving handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1C is a side perspective view of a space-saving handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1D is a side perspective view of a space-saving handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A-B are front perspective views of a space-saving handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2C is a top perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly as shown in FIGS. 2A-B.
FIGS. 3A-D are side perspective views of space-saving handle assemblies according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIGS. 4A-B are front perspective views of a space-saving handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a space-saving handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5B is a side perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly as shown in FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5C is a section view of the space-saving handle assembly taken along section line 5c-5c in FIG. 5B.
FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a space-saving handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly as shown in FIG. 6A.
FIG. 6C is a section view of the space-saving handle assembly taken along section line 6c-6c in FIG. 6B.
FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a space-saving handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7B is a top perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly as shown in FIG. 7A.
FIG. 7C is a front perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly with the telescoping handle assembly in a stowed position according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7D is a side perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly as shown in FIG. 7C.
FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a space-saving handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8B is a top perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly as shown in FIG. 8A.
FIG. 8C is a front perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly with the telescoping handle assembly in a stowed position according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8D is a side perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly as shown in FIG. 8C.
FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of a space-saving handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly as shown in FIG. 9A.
FIG. 9C is a front perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly with the telescoping handle assembly in a stowed position according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9D is a side perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly as shown in FIG. 9C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide space-saving handle assemblies for suitcases. It should also be understood that the drawings are not to scale and in certain instances details have been omitted, which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention
FIGS. 1A-B are front perspective views of a space-saving handle assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 1A, the space-saving handle assembly comprises a suitcase 101 and telescoping handle assembly 102. The suitcase may be any suitcase known in the art, such as a wheeled suitcase. The telescoping handle assembly includes telescoping tubes 103, handle 104, and release button 105. The telescoping tubes have a plurality of tube sections. Each of the plurality of tube sections are constructed of the same, or approximately same, length, with various diameters. Each of the plurality of tube sections have a diameter which allows each tube section to fit into another tube section of the plurality of tube sections, as well known in the art. Although four tube sections are illustrated, it is understood that any number of telescoping tubes may exist. The number of tube sections depends on the specific requirements of the individual suitcase, and the desired length of the telescoping handle assembly. The release button is positioned in the center of the handle. In other embodiments, the release button may be positioned at various locations on the handle. When the release button is engaged, the telescoping handle assembly is unlocked and various length positions may be selected. The amount of tube sections determines the various length positions. The most common length positions are fully extended, as illustrated, or fully closed and stowed (FIG. 1b). Once the release button is disengaged, the telescoping handle assembly becomes locked, in which the selected position of the various length positions is locked.
A stabilizing element 106 is affixed to the suitcase with mounting hardware 107. The stabilizing element is designed to stabilize the telescoping handle assembly. The mounting hardware may be positioned at any location to best secure the stabilizing element to the suitcase, as well known in the art. The stabilizing element may be constructed of a hard modular unit positioned underneath the top surface of the suitcase. The stabilizing element is made from a rigid material, such as plastic and High-density polyethylene (HDPE). The stabilizing element may extend along the top of the suitcase or only partially cover the top. The telescoping handle assembly is affixed to the stabilizing element with mounting bolts. In some embodiments, the base tubes of telescoping tubes 103 may be part of the hard modular unit. A particular advantage of the present invention, the telescoping handle assembly extends at a distance 108 less than length of the suitcase, saving space, and providing more available packing volume compared to typical suitcases.
FIG. 1B illustrates the space-saving handle assembly in the stowed position, wherein the telescoping handle assembly and specifically the telescoping tubes are in a fully closed position. The fully closed position is defined by the handle being generally flush with the top of the suitcase.
FIGS. 1C-D are side perspective views of space-saving handle assemblies according to an embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1C illustrates a space-saving handle assembly 100 including a stabilizing element 106 having a width partially covering the top of the suitcase. The stabilizing element may be constructed of a hard modular unit positioned underneath the top surface of the suitcase. The stabilizing element may be manufactured as one material unit piece by a plurality of manufacturing methods, including but not limited to injection molding, computerized numerical control (CNC) machining, or 3D additive manufacturing (3D printing) or other manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the complete save-saving assembly, or complete suitcase with space-saving assembly, may be 3D printed. FIG. 1D illustrates a space-saving handle assembly 100b including a stabilizing element 106b having a width covering the top of the suitcase. In some embodiments, the stabilizing element replaces the hardened top surface of the suitcase located underneath the fabric of the suitcase. In other embodiments, the stabilizing element is affixed to the top surface of the suitcase via mounting hardware. In some embodiments, the suitcase may be constructed from a hard shell, without fabric, wherein the stabilizing element is affixed to the hard shell, or the stabilizing element may be manufactured as one material unit piece by a plurality of manufacturing methods, including but not limited to injection molding, computerized numerical control (CNC) machining, or 3D additive manufacturing (3D printing) or other manufacturing process.
FIGS. 2A-B are front perspective views of a space-saving handle assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 2A, the space-saving handle assembly comprises a suitcase 201 and telescoping handle assembly 202. The suitcase may be any suitcase known in the art, such as a wheeled suitcase. The telescoping handle assembly includes telescoping tubes 203, handle 204, and release button 205. The telescoping tubes have a plurality of tube sections. Each of the plurality of tube sections are constructed of the same length, with various diameters. Each of the plurality of tube sections have a diameter which allows each tube section to fit into another tube section of the plurality of tube sections, as well known in the art. Although four tube sections are illustrated, it is understood that any number of telescoping tubes may exist. The number of tube sections depends on the specific requirements of the individual suitcase, and the desired length of the telescoping handle assembly. The release button is positioned in the center of the handle. When the release button is engaged, the telescoping handle assembly is unlocked and various length positions may be selected. Once the release button is disengaged, the telescoping handle assembly becomes locked, in which the selected position of the various length positions is locked.
A stabilizing element having a top portion 206 and side portion 207 is affixed to the suitcase with mounting hardware 208. The stabilizing element is designed to stabilize the telescoping handle assembly. The mounting hardware may be positioned at any location to best secure the stabilizing element to the suitcase, as well known in the art. The stabilizing element may be constructed of a hard modular unit positioned underneath the top surface of the suitcase. The stabilizing element is made from a rigid material, such as plastic and High-density polyethylene (HDPE). The telescoping handle assembly is affixed to the stabilizing element with mounting bolts. In some embodiments, the base tubes of telescoping tubes 103 may be part of the hard modular unit. A particular advantage of the present invention, the telescoping handle assembly extends at a distance 208 less than the length of the suitcase, saving space, and providing more available packing volume compared to typical suitcases.
FIG. 2b illustrates the space-saving handle assembly in the stowed position, wherein the telescoping handle assembly and specifically the telescoping tubes are in a fully closed position. The fully closed position is defined by the handle being generally flush with the top of the suitcase, or positioned in the recess of the stabilizing element.
FIG. 2C is a top perspective view of the space-saving handle assembly as shown in FIGS. 2A-B. As illustrated, top portion 206 of the stabilizing element may partially extend the length of the top of the suitcase. In some embodiments, the top portion of the stabilizing element may extend and substantially cover the complete area of the top portion, such as to the zipper area located near the front portion of the suitcase. The stabilizing element and the telescoping handle assembly are generally positioned towards the back portion of the suitcase, to save the most space possible.
FIGS. 3A-D are side perspective views of space-saving handle assemblies according to some embodiments of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 3A, a side perspective view of space-saving handle assembly 300 is illustrated, comprising a suitcase 301, telescoping handle assembly 302, and stabilizing element 303. The stabilizing element supports the telescoping handle assembly with a rigid back and top portion. The stabilizing element may extend along the entire width of the suitcase, or correspond to the width of the handle assembly. In some embodiments, the stabilizing element is constructed as a modular unit affixed to the assembly. In another embodiment, the stabilizing element is constructed as a modular unit, wherein the modular unit includes a portion of the telescoping handle assembly, such as the largest diameter tube section or base tube section, as mentioned previously. In some embodiments, the stabilizing element is the base tube section.
FIG. 3B illustrates a side perspective view of space-saving handle assembly 310 comprising a suitcase 311, telescoping handle assembly 312, and stabilizing element 313. The stabilizing element supports the telescoping handle assembly with a rigid back. The stabilizing element may extend along the entire width of the suitcase, or correspond to the width of the handle assembly. The stabilizing element may be affixed to the back and/or sides of the suitcase, using suitable means as well known in the art. In some embodiments, the stabilizing element is constructed as a modular unit affixed to the assembly. In another embodiment, the stabilizing element is constructed as a modular unit, wherein the modular unit includes a portion of the telescoping handle assembly, such as the largest diameter tube section or base tube section, as mentioned previously.
FIG. 3C illustrates a side perspective view of space-saving handle assembly 320 comprising a suitcase 321, telescoping handle assembly 322, and stabilizing element 323. The stabilizing element supports the telescoping handle assembly with a rigid back and ridge portion. The ridge portion is located below the telescoping handle assembly, supporting the bottom of the assembly. The stabilizing element may extend along the entire width of the suitcase, or correspond to the width of the handle assembly. In some embodiments, the stabilizing element is constructed as a modular unit affixed to the assembly. In another embodiment, the stabilizing element is constructed as a modular unit, wherein the modular unit includes a portion of the telescoping handle assembly, such as the largest diameter tube section or base tube section, as mentioned previously.
FIG. 3D illustrates a side perspective view of space-saving handle assembly 330 comprising a suitcase 331, telescoping handle assembly 332, and stabilizing element 333. The stabilizing element supports the telescoping handle assembly with a ridge portion. The ridge portion is parallel to the top of the suitcase and is located below the telescoping handle assembly, supporting the bottom of the assembly. The stabilizing element may extend along the entire width of the suitcase, or correspond to the width of the handle assembly. In some embodiments, the stabilizing element is constructed as a modular unit affixed to the assembly. In another embodiment, the stabilizing element is constructed as a modular unit, wherein the modular unit includes a portion of the telescoping handle assembly, such as the largest diameter tube section or base tube section.
FIGS. 4A-B are front perspective views of a space-saving handle assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The space-saving handle assembly comprises a suitcase 401 and telescoping handle assembly 402. The telescoping handle assembly includes telescoping tubes 403, handle 404, and release button 405. The telescoping tubes are constructed of the same length, with various diameters. The handle extends the width of the suitcase. The release button is positioned in the center of the handle. When the release button is engaged, the telescoping handle assembly is unlocked and various length positions may be selected along a downward direction 406. Each length position is the height of one tube of the telescoping tubes. A stabilizing element 407 designed to stabilize the telescoping handle assembly is provided. The stabilizing element may be constructed of a hard modular unit positioned along the back corners of the suitcase, or in the corners themselves. This allows the telescoping handle assembly to occupy almost no internal space. The stabilizing element is made from a rigid material, such as plastic and High-density polyethylene (HDPE). The telescoping handle assembly is affixed to the stabilizing element with mounting bolts. In some embodiments, the base tubes of telescoping tubes 103 may be part of the hard modular unit. In some embodiments, for additional support the stabilizing element may include a top portion 408 and ridge portion 409. In alternative embodiments, the top portion and ridge portion are not present (FIG. 4B), occupying a minimum amount of internal space providing more available packing volume compared to typical suitcases.
FIGS. 5A-C illustrate views of a space-saving handle assembly 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The space-saving handle assembly comprises a suitcase 501, telescoping handle assembly 502, and stabilizing element 507. The suitcase may be any suitcase known in the art, such as a wheeled suitcase. The telescoping handle assembly includes telescoping tubes 503, handle 504, and release button 505. The telescoping tubes include a plurality of tube sections having a base tube 506. Each of the plurality of tube sections fit inside the base tube when the telescoping handle assembly is in the stowed position, as well known in the art. The stabilizing element is designed to support the telescoping handle assembly, and is positioned below the handle assembly and along the back of the suitcase. The stabilizing element may be affixed using mounting bolts to the side and/or back of the suitcase. The stabilizing element 507 is constructed as a modular unit, wherein the modular unit includes the base tube of the telescoping tubes. The stabilizing element is made from a rigid material, such as plastic and High-density polyethylene (HDPE). In some embodiments, the telescoping handle assembly is flush with the back of the suitcase. In some embodiments, a rigid connecting material is located between the base tube and stabilizing element to provide additional support.
FIGS. 6A-C illustrate views of a space-saving handle assembly 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The space-saving handle assembly comprises a suitcase 601, telescoping handle assembly 602, and stabilizing element 607. The suitcase may be any suitcase known in the art, such as a wheeled suitcase. The telescoping handle assembly includes telescoping tubes 603, handle 604, and release button 605. The telescoping tubes include a plurality of tube sections having a base tube 606. Each of the plurality of tube sections fit inside the base tube when the telescoping handle assembly is in the stowed position, as well known in the art. The stabilizing element is designed to support the telescoping handle assembly, and is positioned below the handle assembly and along the width of the base tube. The stabilizing element may be affixed using mounting bolts to the back of the suitcase. The stabilizing element 507 is constructed as a modular unit, wherein the modular unit includes the base tube of the telescoping tubes. The stabilizing element is made from a rigid material, such as plastic and High-density polyethylene (HDPE). In some embodiments, the telescoping handle assembly is flush with the back of the suitcase. In some embodiments, a rigid connecting material is located between the base tube and stabilizing element to provide additional support.
FIGS. 7A-D are perspective views of a space-saving handle assembly 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The space-saving handle assembly comprises a suitcase 701, telescoping handle assembly 702, and modular stabilizing element 707. The suitcase may be any suitcase known in the art, such as a wheeled suitcase. The telescoping handle assembly includes telescoping tubes 703, handle 704, and release button 705. The telescoping tubes have a plurality of tube sections, including a base tube section 706. Each of the plurality of tube sections are constructed of the same length, with various diameters. Each of the plurality of tube sections have a diameter which allows each tube section to fit into another tube section of the plurality of tube sections, such as the assembly in the stowed position (FIGS. 7C-D). The modular stabilizing element comprises back portion 708, top portion 709, and curved portion 710. The modular stabilizing element includes the base tube section for additional support of the telescoping tubes and telescoping handle assembly. In some embodiments, the base tube section is affixed to the modular stabilizing element with mounting hardware. The modular stabilizing element is made from a rigid material, such as plastic and High-density polyethylene (HDPE). The top portion is located just underneath the top of the suitcase, such as underneath the fabric located on the top of the suitcase which is made of hardened material. In some embodiments, the top portion is attached to the bottom of the top surface of the suitcase. Mounting hardware 711 secures the modular stabilizing element to the suitcase. In some embodiments, mounting hardware is also used on the back portion providing further securing means. The width of the modular stabilizing element is slightly wider than the width of the handle. When the telescoping handle assembly is in the stowed position, the modular stabilizing element creates a recess allowing the handle to be positioned at or below the top of the suitcase. The present invention provides a stable and secure telescoping handle assembly that maximizes the useable space in a traditional suitcase.
FIGS. 8A-D are perspective views of a space-saving handle assembly 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The space-saving handle assembly comprises a suitcase 801, telescoping handle assembly 802, and modular stabilizing element 806. The suitcase may be any suitcase known in the art, such as a wheeled suitcase. The telescoping handle assembly includes telescoping tubes 803, handle 804, and release button 805. The telescoping tubes have a plurality of tube sections, including a base tube section 807. Each of the plurality of tube sections are constructed of the same length, with various diameters. Each of the plurality of tube sections have a diameter which allows each tube section to fit into another tube section of the plurality of tube sections, such as the assembly in the stowed position (FIGS. 8C-D). The modular stabilizing element comprises back portion 808, top portion 809, and curved portion 810. The modular stabilizing element is affixed to the base tube section with mounting hardware. The modular stabilizing element is made from a rigid material, such as plastic and High-density polyethylene (HDPE). The top portion is located just underneath the top of the suitcase, such as underneath the fabric located on the top of the suitcase. Mounting hardware 811 secures the modular stabilizing element to the suitcase. In some embodiments, mounting hardware is also used on the back portion providing further securing means. The width of the modular stabilizing element is slightly wider than the width of the handle. When the telescoping handle assembly is in the stowed position, the modular stabilizing element creates a recess allowing the handle to be positioned at or below the top of the suitcase. The present invention provides a stable and secure telescoping handle assembly that maximizes the useable space in a traditional suitcase. A particular advantage of the present invention, the telescoping handle assembly extends at a distance equal to the bottom of base portion 807, wherein the distance is less than length of the suitcase, saving space, and providing more available packing volume compared to typical suitcases.
FIGS. 9A-D are perspective views of a space-saving handle assembly 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The space-saving handle assembly comprises a suitcase 901, telescoping handle assembly 902, and modular stabilizing element 907. The suitcase may be any suitcase known in the art, such as a wheeled suitcase. The telescoping handle assembly includes telescoping tubes 903, handle 904, and release button 905. The telescoping tubes have a plurality of tube sections, including a base tube section 906. Each of the plurality of tube sections are constructed of approximately the same length, with various diameters. Each of the plurality of tube sections have a diameter which allows each tube section to fit into another tube section of the plurality of tube sections, such as the assembly in the stowed position (FIGS. 9C-D). The modular stabilizing element comprises back portion 908, top portion 909, front portion 910, and bottom portion 911. The modular stabilizing element includes the base tube section for additional support of the telescoping tubes and telescoping handle assembly. The base tube section protrudes from the bottom portion of the modular stabilizing element. In some embodiments, the base tube section is affixed to the modular stabilizing element with mounting hardware. The modular stabilizing element is made from a rigid material, such as plastic and High-density polyethylene (HDPE). The top portion is located just underneath the top of the suitcase, such as underneath the fabric located on the top of the suitcase which is made of hardened material. In some embodiments, the top portion is attached to the bottom of the top surface of the suitcase. Mounting hardware 912 secures the modular stabilizing element to the suitcase. In some embodiments, mounting hardware is also used on the back portion providing further securing means. The width of the modular stabilizing element is slightly wider than the width of the handle. When the telescoping handle assembly is in the stowed position, the modular stabilizing element creates a recess allowing the handle to be positioned at or below the top of the suitcase. The present invention provides a stable and secure telescoping handle assembly that maximizes the useable space in a traditional suitcase.
Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited o the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.
In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.
