Blade accessory with guide

An accessory includes a blade, a coupling, and a guide. The blade includes a cutting edge. The coupling includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is attachable to and detachable from the power tool. The second portion is connected to the blade. The guide is structured to guide the blade along a work piece by interacting with a surface of the work piece as the blade moves in an advancing direction. The guide is structured to provide a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the guide is engaged with the coupling such that the guide is attached to the coupling. In the unlocked state, the guide is disengaged from the coupling such that the guide is detached from the coupling.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to guides, and more particularly to guides for tools.

BACKGROUND

In general, oscillating tools may accommodate various types of attachments. For example, plunge-cut blades are configured to attach to oscillating tools and perform plunge cuts on work pieces. Despite their structural configuration, some users nevertheless attempt to perform long, straight cuts with these plunge-cut blades. However, when performing long, straight cuts, these plunge-cut blades tend to sink into or pop out of the work pieces and thus tend to stall out during cutting operations in a manner that may damage at least the blades, the work pieces, or both the blades and the work pieces.

SUMMARY

The following is a summary of certain embodiments described in detail below. The described aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and the description of these aspects is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be explicitly set forth below.

In an example embodiment, an accessory includes a blade, a coupling, and a guide. The blade includes a cutting edge. The coupling includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is attachable to and detachable from the power tool. The second portion is connected to the blade. The guide is structured to guide the blade along a work piece by interacting with a surface of the work piece as the blade moves in an advancing direction. The guide is structured to provide a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the guide is engaged with the coupling such that the guide is attached to the coupling. In the unlocked state, the guide is disengaged from the coupling such that the guide is detached from the coupling.

In an example embodiment, a power tool includes a motor and an accessory. The accessory is drivable by the motor. The accessory includes a blade, a coupling, and a guide. The blade includes a cutting edge. The coupling includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is attachable to and detachable from the power tool. The second portion is connected to the blade. The guide is structured to guide the blade along a work piece by interacting with a surface of the work piece as the blade moves in an advancing direction. The guide is structured to provide a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the guide is engaged with the coupling such that the guide is attached to the coupling. In the unlocked state, the guide is disengaged from the coupling such that the guide is detached from the coupling.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are further clarified by the following detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments in view of the accompanying drawings throughout which like characters represent like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described above, which have been shown and described by way of example, and many of their advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes can be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing one or more of its advantages. Indeed, the described forms of these embodiments are merely explanatory. These embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and the following claims are intended to encompass and include such changes and not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling with the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 1-2illustrate an apparatus10that includes a power tool, which drives an accessory to perform a particular function or operation. In this regard, for instance, the power tool is an oscillating tool20, which is configured to drive a blade accessory100. More specifically, in an example embodiment, the oscillating tool20includes at least a housing30, a motor (disposed within the housing30and thus not visible inFIGS. 1-2), a driving member (disposed within the housing30and thus not visible inFIGS. 1-2), and an accessory holder40. Obviously, other components (e.g., a connection to a power source, a power switch, etc.), which are known and not discussed herein, are included as a part of the oscillating tool20. In an example embodiment, the motor is provided within the housing30. In an example embodiment, the motor is configured to oscillate the driving member about its axis200at suitable frequencies (e.g., predetermined oscillations per minute). In an example embodiment, the accessory holder40is connected to one end of the driving member. In addition, as shown inFIG. 2, the accessory holder40extends outside the housing30. In an example embodiment, the accessory holder40is configured to hold a removable attachment, such as an accessory or any suitable tool. In this regard, for instance,FIG. 1illustrates an example in which the blade accessory100is detached or removed from the oscillating tool20. In contrast,FIG. 2illustrates an example in which the blade accessory100is attached to the oscillating tool20in a secure manner. More specifically, inFIG. 2, the accessory holder40includes a central holder50and a plurality of protrusions60. With these structural features, the accessory holder40is configured to provide a secure connection to a corresponding part of the blade accessory100. When attached to the accessory holder40, the blade accessory100oscillates about the axis200when driven by the oscillating tool20.

In an example embodiment, the accessory is configured to utilize these oscillations to perform at least one function. In this regard, depending on the type of accessory that is attached to the accessory holder40, the oscillating tool20is configured to provide at least one particular action, such as sanding, grinding, shaping, polishing, etc. For example, when the accessory is the blade accessory100, as shown inFIGS. 1-2, the oscillating tool20is configured to drive the blade accessory100and its cutting edge142to perform at least a cutting operation. The cutting operation can unguided or guided by a guide member166. The cutting operation can include a plunge cut, a straight/linear cut, or any suitable cut. In this regard, the blade accessory100advantageously provides a user with various cutting options.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3Cillustrate various cutting operations according to an example embodiment. Although not shown in each ofFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the oscillating tool20is connected to a tool interface portion112of the blade accessory100during these cutting operations. More specifically,FIG. 3Aillustrates an example of the blade accessory100performing a plunge-cut on a work piece300by moving the cutting edge142along an axis202, which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to at least a first surface302of the work piece300. InFIG. 3A, the blade accessory100is enabled to successfully perform a plunge-cut on the work piece300without the aid of the guide106.FIG. 3B, on the other hand, illustrates an example of the blade accessory100performing a plunge-cut with the guide106secured to the blade accessory100. InFIG. 3B, although the guide106is not being utilized, the guide106can be secured to the blade accessory100as the blade accessory100performs a plunge cut on a work piece300. In this regard,FIG. 3Billustrates the blade accessory100moving along the axis202and plunging its cutting edge142through the work piece300from the first surface302to the second surface304. That is, as demonstrated byFIGS. 3A and 3B, the blade accessory100is configured to perform a plunge cut with or without the guide106. Meanwhile,FIG. 3Cillustrates an example of the blade accessory100performing a long, straight/linear cut on a work piece300in a successful manner. More specifically,FIG. 3Cillustrates the blade accessory100moving along an advancing direction204with its cutting edge142oriented to perform a straight/linear cut on the work piece300. In this regard, for instance, the cutting edge142is at an acute angle in relation to the first surface302and/or the second surface304of the work piece300. Also, as shown inFIG. 3C, the blade accessory100includes the guide106, which includes a guide member166that is configured to guide the blade104along the work piece300and support the blade104such that the blade104does not sink into or pop out of the work piece300, thereby ensuring a successful cut without damage to the blade104, the work piece300, or both the blade104and the work piece300. In addition, the guide member166ensures that the cutting edge142is oriented at an optimal cutting angle with respect to the work piece300.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5 and 6are different views of the blade accessory100along with the guide106according to an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the blade accessory100includes at least a coupling102and a blade104. In an example embodiment, the coupling102provides an interface between the accessory holder40and the blade104. More specifically, in an example embodiment, for instance, the coupling102includes at least a tool interface portion112, a transition portion114, and a blade interface portion116. In an example embodiment, the tool interface portion112includes at least one mechanical structure or device that is configured to engage with the accessory holder40such that the coupling102(along with the blade104or both the blade104and the guide106) is attachable to and detachable from the accessory holder40. For example, inFIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5 and 6, the tool interface portion112includes a mechanical keying portion118, which is configured to engage with the accessory holder40and disengage from the accessory holder40. In an example embodiment, the mechanical keying portion118is symmetrical along at least one axis, such as a longitudinal axis210of the blade accessory100. In an example embodiment, the mechanical keying portion118includes a central opening120, which is configured to engage with the central holder50. Also, inFIGS. 4A-4B, the mechanical keying portion118includes slots122, which include openings of various configurations, such as a first wide slot122A and three elongated slots122B that extend from the central opening120, as well as some closed-shape slots122C that are disposed around the central opening120. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tool interface portion112includes protrusions60, which mate with corresponding slots122on the accessory holder40. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tool interface portion112includes both slots122and protrusions60, which mate with corresponding protrusions60and slots122on the accessory holder40. In this regard, as discussed above, the tool interface portion112can include any suitable mechanical structure or device that is configured to provide attachment and detachment from the oscillating tool20.

In an example embodiment, the blade interface portion116is structured to interface with the blade104. In this regard, the blade interface portion116is the part of the coupling102that overlaps with the blade104. In an example embodiment, the blade interface portion116includes a contact region that is integral with or affixed to the blade104by any suitable attachment mechanism134(e.g., welding, adhesive, fasteners, etc.), or any combination of attachment mechanisms134such that there is a strong and sturdy connection between the coupling102and the blade104. Also, in an example embodiment, the blade interface portion116further includes an opening132, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 5-6. In an example embodiment, the opening132is advantageous in reducing the mass, material, and cost of the coupling102. The opening132is also structured to influence a vibrational effect of the coupling102or the blade accessory100. In an example embodiment, the opening132is structured to receive at least a portion of the guide106. In this regard, for instance, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 5-6, the opening132of the coupling102is configured to partly or fully overlap an opening148in the blade104so that the guide106is configured to mate with and connect to both the coupling102and the blade104.

In an example embodiment, the transition portion114is between the tool interface portion112and the blade interface portion116. In an example embodiment, the transition portion114is structured to provide the coupling102with a smooth transition between the tool interface portion112and the blade interface portion116. In an example embodiment, the transition portion114is structured and sized to provide sufficient clearance between the oscillating tool20and the blade104. The transition portion114is also structured and sized to provide sufficient clearance between the oscillating tool20and the work piece300. In an example embodiment, the transition portion114includes at least one sloped portion124, as shown inFIG. 4C, to connect the tool interface portion112to the blade interface portion116when the tool interface portion112and the blade interface portion116extend along different planes. For instance, the tool interface portion112extends at least predominately along a first plane P1(represented by axis P1inFIG. 4C) and the blade interface portion116extends along a second plane P2(represented by axis P2inFIG. 4C).

In an example embodiment, the blade104is integral with, connected to, or affixed to the coupling102. In an example embodiment, the blade104is a cutting tool, which comprises stainless steel, tungsten carbide, brass, cobalt, metal, any suitable blade material, or any combination thereof. In an example embodiment, the blade104includes at least a first side144and a second side146, which face in opposite directions. In addition, the blade104includes a plurality of edges including at least one cutting edge142. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, the blade104includes a first edge136, a second edge138, a third edge140, and a cutting edge142. In an example embodiment, the first edge136is opposite to the second edge138while the third edge140is opposite to the cutting edge142. In an example embodiment, the cutting edge142is sharp, serrated, abrasive, or any combination thereof. Also, in an example embodiment, the cutting edge142comprises any suitable shape or profile. For example, inFIG. 4A, the cutting edge142includes at least one linear portion. More specifically, inFIG. 4A, the cutting edge142includes teeth, which extend linearly along an axis208. In an example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4B, the cutting edge142is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis210of the blade104. In this regard, the cutting edge142may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis210of the blade104within tolerance of manufacture, tolerance of function, and/or the like.

In an example embodiment, the blade104includes suitable dimensions. For example, in an example embodiment, the blade104has at least a first width W1and a second width W2. The first width W1and the second width W2can include similar dimensions or different dimensions. For example, inFIG. 4B, the first width W1is less than the second width W2. In this regard, for instance, the first width W1is adjacent to the third edge140and the second width W2is adjacent to the cutting edge142. This difference in widths (e.g., width W1and width W2) is advantageous in providing material savings with respect to a non-cutting end portion of the blade104and providing a suitable cutting length at a cutting end portion of the blade104.

In an example embodiment, the blade104includes the opening148, as shown inFIGS. 5-6. In an example embodiment, the opening148is advantageous in reducing the mass, material, and cost of the blade104. The opening148is also structured to influence a vibrational effect of the blade104and/or the blade accessory100. In an example embodiment, the opening148is structured to receive at least a portion of the guide106. In addition, the opening148is positioned on the blade104such that the guide106can be optimally positioned with respect to the cutting edge142.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B, and 10Cillustrate the guide106according to an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the guide106includes the guide member166. In an example embodiment, the guide member166includes at least one guide surface168that is structured to reside on at least one side of the blade104. For instance, as shown inFIG. 4C, when the guide106is attached to the blade accessory100, the guide surface168is disposed on a first side144of the blade104. In an example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4C, the guide surface168extends along a third plane P3(represented by axis P3inFIG. 4C), which is perpendicular to (or substantially perpendicular to) the first plane P1(represented by axis P1inFIG. 4C) and/or the second plane P2(represented by axis P2inFIG. 4C). In this regard, the guide surface160may be substantially perpendicular to the first plane P1and/or the second plane P2within tolerance of manufacture, tolerance of function, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, the guide surface168is angled with respect to the cutting edge142of the blade104to optimize a cutting operation of the blade104with respect to the work piece300. For example, as shown inFIG. 4A, the guide surface168forms an acute angle θ with the cutting edge142. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 4A, the acute angle θ is formed between the guide surface168, which extends along the axis206, and the cutting edge142, which extends along the axis208.

In an example embodiment, the guide surface168is structured to move along and interact with a corresponding surface of the work piece300. In this regard, for example, the guide surface168includes a relatively flat or smooth surface. In addition, the guide surface168is structured to support the blade104such that the blade104is enabled to cut the work piece300while maintaining an orientation of the cutting edge142with respect to the work piece300. In this regard, for instance, the guide surface168is rigid and structured to prevent the blade104from sinking, popping-out, flexing, or performing any undesirable action when performing the desired cutting operation, e.g. a straight/linear cut along the work piece300.

In an example embodiment, the guide106comprises metal, plastic, a composite material, any suitable material, or any combination thereof. Also, the guide106can include a coating that is configured to reduce friction and facilitate a movement of at least the guide surface168along at least a corresponding surface of the work piece300. In an example embodiment, the guide106includes a material that is the same as a material of the blade104, the coupling102, or both the blade104and the coupling102. Alternatively, in an example embodiment, the guide106includes a material that is different than a material of the blade104, the coupling102, or both the blade104and the coupling102.

In an example embodiment, the guide106is attachable and detachable from the coupling102, the blade104, or both the coupling102and the blade104. In an example embodiment, the guide106includes one or more separate and/or distinct parts that are configured to provide a secure attachment and an easy detachment from the coupling102, the blade104, or both the coupling102and the blade104. For example, inFIGS. 7-8, the guide106includes a first part108and a second part110, which are configured to provide a locked state and an unlocked state with respect to each other. In the locked state, the first part108and the second part110are secured to each other. Also, in the locked state, the first part108and the second part110are configured to be secured to the blade accessory100. Alternatively, in the unlocked state, the first part108and the second part110are not secured to each other, thereby being detached, free, and movable with respect to each other. Also, in the unlocked state, the first part108and the second part110are not secured to the blade accessory100, thereby being detached, free, and movable with respect to the blade accessory100.

In an example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 9B, the first part108includes at least a guide portion158and a first connecting portion160. In an example embodiment, the guide portion158includes the guide member166on a first side150of the first part108. More specifically, inFIGS. 9A-9C, for instance, the guide portion158comprises a first component162(e.g. a substantially triangular shaped component based on one cross-sectional view) and a second component164(e.g., a substantially L-shaped component based on another cross-sectional view). In this regard, the first component162and the second component164may be substantially shaped as a triangular shaped component and an L-shaped component in accordance within tolerance of manufacture, tolerance of function, and/or the like. InFIGS. 9A-9C, the first component162and the second component164are integrally formed as a monolithic structure. Alternatively, in another example embodiment (not shown), the first component162and the second component164are separate structures that are connected to each other in a secure and/or seamless manner.

In an example embodiment, the first component162has a shape that enables the guide surface168to be optimally positioned in relation to the cutting edge142. For example, inFIGS. 9A-9C, as a cross-section, the first component162comprises a triangle or triangle-like shape (e.g., a scalene triangle) with rounded vertices or corner portions. In this example, the rounded vertices or corner portions are advantageous in handling the stress and vibrations of the blade accessory100when driven by the oscillating tool20. Also, among sides of a cross-section of the first component162, the first component162has a longest side130A on which the guide member166and guide surface168are positioned. In this regard, the longest side130A of the first component162is the longest side of the scalene triangle shape of the first component162. This feature is advantageous in enabling the guide member166and guide surface168to be a suitable length for guiding the blade accessory100. The guide surface168is structured to extend partly, fully, or beyond a dimension of the longest side130A. InFIGS. 9A-9C, for instance, the guide surface168extends along a full length of the longest side130A.

In an example embodiment, the second component164includes the guide member166along with the guide surface168. For example, inFIGS. 9A-9C, as a cross-section, the second component164is L-shaped. One part of the L-shape is integral or connected to one side of the first component162. Another part of the L-shape includes the guide member166. With this L-shaped configuration, the guide member166protrudes outward and perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to at least first surface170and/or a second surface180of the first component162. In this regard, the guide surface166may be substantially perpendicular to at least the first surface170and/or the second surface180of the first component162within tolerance of manufacture, tolerance of function, and/or the like.

In an example embodiment, the first connecting portion160is structured to connect with the second part110. Also, in an example embodiment, when connected with the second part110, the first connecting portion160is structured to connect to and provide a locked state with the coupling102, the blade104, or both the coupling102and the blade104. In this regard, the first connecting portion160is on a second side152of the first part108. In an example embodiment, the first connecting portion160extends from a second surface180of the guide portion158. In an example embodiment, the first connecting portion160has a frame-like structure. For example, inFIG. 9C, the first connecting portion160is shown as a triangular frame with an opening172. In an example embodiment, the first connecting portion160is structured to mate with the second connecting portion190of the second part110. In an example embodiment, the frame-like structure of the first connecting portion160is configured to surround the second connecting portion190of the second part110. In an example embodiment, the frame-like structure of the first connecting portion160is configured to contact or abut against corresponding parts of the first surface192on a first side154of the second part110.

In an example embodiment, the first connecting portion160is structured to engage with the blade accessory100. In an example embodiment, the first connecting portion160includes outer sidewalls178that are structured to engage with sidewalls184(FIG. 6) of the coupling102that define the opening132in the coupling102. In addition, the outer sidewalls178are structured to engage with sidewalls186(FIG. 6) of the blade104that define the opening148in the blade104. In an example embodiment, the outer sidewalls178of the first connecting portion160have a thickness that is substantially the same as, similar to, or slightly greater than a combined thickness of corresponding portions of the blade104and the coupling102. In an example embodiment, the first connecting portion160includes the through-hole172, which is structured to mate with the second connecting portion190of the second part110.

In an example embodiment, the second part110is configured to be in a locked state and an unlocked state with the first part108, as well as with the blade accessory100when attached to the blade accessory100. In an example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 10B, the second part110includes a base portion188and the second connecting portion190. In an example embodiment, the base portion188is structured to be compatible with the first part108, as shown, for instance, inFIG. 7. In this regard, the shape of the base portion188is substantially congruent with the shape of the first component162of the first part108. For example, as shown inFIGS. 10A-10C, the second part110is substantially triangular shaped and similar to a shape of the first component162. In an example embodiment, the base portion188includes a first surface192and a second surface194. In an example embodiment, the first surface192is on a first side154of the second part110and the second surface194is on a second side156of the second part110. In an example embodiment, the first surface192is in contact with a surface182of the first connecting portion160when the guide106is in the locked state, as shown inFIG. 7. In this regard, the first surface192serves as an abutment surface for the surface182of the first connecting portion160of the first part108.

In an example embodiment, the second connecting portion190extends from the first surface192of the base portion188. For example, as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, the second connecting portion190protrudes outward from an inner region of the first surface192. In an example embodiment, the second connecting portion190is structured to mate with the first part108, particularly the through-hole172in the first part108. Also, in an example embodiment, the second connecting portion190has outer sidewalls198that engage with sidewalls174of the first part108that define the through-hole172in the first part108, thereby providing a snap-fit engagement between the first part108and the second part110and establishing the locked state.

In an example embodiment, the second connecting portion190is configured to pass through the opening132in the coupling102and the opening148in the blade104. As shown inFIG. 6, for example, the second connecting portion190is smaller than the opening148in the blade104. Similarly, in this regard, the second connecting portion190is also smaller than an opening132in the coupling102. Also, in an example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 7, when the second part110mates with and is in a locked state with the first part108, a surface196of the second connecting portion190is exposed via the through-hole172. In this regard, the second connecting portion190is configured to pass through the first connecting portion160of the first part108. Also, the second connecting portion190is configured to pass at least partly or fully through the corresponding first component162of the guide portion158. In this regard, for example, the second connecting portion190has a thickness that is at least similar to or equal to a thickness of the corresponding first connecting portion160and the corresponding first component162. This feature is advantageous in providing a secure engagement between the first part108and the second part110. In addition, this feature is advantageous in providing an easy disengagement between the first part108and the second part110by enabling access to at least the surface196of the second connecting portion190at the first side150of the first part108via the through-hole172.

In an example embodiment, the guide106includes a number of features that ensure that the guide surface168is positioned correctly in relation to the blade accessory100. For example, as aforementioned, the guide106includes a first part108and a second part110, which are configured to connect with each other via the opening132in the coupling102and the opening148in the blade104. Moreover, in an example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 6, each of the opening132, the opening148, the first part108, and the second part110includes a scalene triangle or triangle-like shape as a cross-sectional shape. By having a scalene triangular shape, each of the opening132, the opening148, the first part108, and the second part110are structured to fit and engage with each other when the longest side130A of the first part108, the longest side126of the sidewall184of the coupling102, the longest side128of the sidewall186of the blade104, and the longest side130B of the second part110are aligned. As such, this feature ensures that the guide106attaches to the blade accessory100in a proper and safe manner for use with the cutting edge142.

As described above, the blade accessory100provides a number of advantageous features, as well as benefits. For example, the blade accessory100includes the blade104, which is structured to perform at least plunge cuts on the work piece300. In addition, the blade accessory100is structured to include the guide106, which enables a user to utilize this same blade104to perform long, straight cuts with ease and accuracy. In this regard, a user can quickly transition between two different types of cuts (e.g., plunge-cuts, straight cuts, etc.) without having to switch from one type of blade to another type of blade, or vice versa. That is, by merely adjusting an orientation of the blade104(and attaching/detaching the guide106if deemed necessary), a user is enabled to avoid the relatively time consuming and burdensome task of switching out the accessory of the oscillating tool20to perform different types of cuts.

Furthermore, as another benefit, the guide106is structured to support the blade accessory100in relation to the work piece300, thereby preventing the blade104from sinking into or popping out of the work piece300in a manner that could damage the blade104, the work piece300, or both the blade104and the work piece300. This support feature of the guide106is advantageous in maintaining the blade104at an appropriate cutting position along the work piece300. In addition, the guide106is also advantageous in ensuring that the cutting edge142is oriented at an optimal angle in relation to the work piece300. That is, with the guide106, the blade accessory100is enabled to perform at least long, linear cuts with accuracy and ease. Moreover, the guide106can be detached from the blade accessory100with ease for replacement, cleaning, disuse, etc. Moreover, the guide106is not limited to use with the blade accessory100, but can also be used with or applied to other suitable accessories (not shown) provided that these other accessories are compatible with and structured to receive the guide106in a secure manner.

That is, the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Those skilled in the art can appreciate from the foregoing description that the present invention may be implemented in a variety of forms, and that the various embodiments may be implemented alone or in combination. Therefore, while the embodiments of the present invention have been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments, and the true scope of the embodiments and/or methods of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments shown and described, since various modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims. For example, components and functionality may be separated or combined differently than in the manner of the various described embodiments, and may be described using different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.