Magazine retaining device for a firearm

A dual magazine release system for a firearm has a housing attachable to a firearm. The housing includes first and second magazine holders, the first magazine holder positioned to retain a first magazine to feed ammunition to the firearm and the second magazine holder positioned in front of a trigger of the firearm and configured to retain a spare second magazine. A magazine retaining and release system is coupled to the housing and configured to retain the first magazine in the first magazine holder and to retain the second magazine in the second magazine holder and to selectively release the first magazine or the second magazine independently from one another or to substantially simultaneously release the first and second magazines from the first and second magazine holders, respectively, upon actuation of the magazine retaining and release system by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to firearms accessories and, in particular, to firearms and firearm accessories that include systems and devices for retaining and releasing primary and spare clips or magazines.

State of the Related Art

Firearms are typically configured with a means for holding a clip or magazine for feeding consecutive rounds of ammunition into the firing chamber for shooting. As used in this disclosure, “firearms” is meant to include both rifles and handguns in the numerous iterations and configurations in which they are made. As also used herein, the term “detachable magazine” refers to a removable ammunition storage and feeding device, commonly referred to as a “clip”, that holds several rounds of ammunition and can be selectively attached to and removed from a firearm so as to be reloaded or replaced when the magazine has been depleted of ammunition. It is convenient to have additional ammunition on or about the person in order to replenish or replace the spent clip or magazine that is in use. It is known to provide belts and other wearable devices on which additional clips or magazines may be stored. It is also known to provide an additional clip or magazine on the firearm itself to provide easy and convenient access to a second clip or magazine. While placement of an additional clip or magazine on the firearm enhances access to and placement of the additional clip or magazine in place of the spent clip or magazine, the mechanisms for releasing one or both magazines associated with the firearm are typically independently operated.

In both defensive and sport shooting, the ability to reload a firearm quickly is very important. This has led to devices attachable to the firearm that hold a spare magazine and that can be used to reload the firearm. Each of these prior art devices is attachable to a firearm, such as a handgun, personal defense weapon, or rifle and use a friction fit with flexible locking members and not needing a manually operated release mechanism in order to withdraw the spare magazine. These systems have a number of drawbacks. For example, the magazine can be accidentally removed from the firearm, as it only requires a certain minimum amount of force to overcome the flexible locking members that retain the spare clip or magazine. Additionally, immediately after a user intentionally pulls the magazine from the carrier, the sudden release of force as the clip or magazine is pulled from the device causes the firearm to be immediately pulled in the opposite direction by the hand holding the firearm, forcing the user to bring the two objects into alignment with each other. This movement often causes misalignment of the firearm with the spare clip or magazine, slowing down the reload. Thirdly, the friction and flexible locking member designs of prior art devices are prone to wear, along with wearing down the magazines that are used in conjunction therewith. As the locking members wear, their effectiveness to adequately hold a spare magazine diminishes and can result in more inadvertent dropping of the spare magazine from the device.

Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a dual clip or magazine release system on the firearm that allows for rapid and selective release of one or both clips or magazines from the firearm, that is reliable and significantly decreases the time required to remove and replace a spent clip or magazine of a firearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, dual magazine release system for a firearm includes a housing with first and second magazine holders, the first magazine holder positioned to retain a first magazine to feed ammunition to the firearm and the second magazine holder positioned in front of a trigger of the firearm and configured to retain a spare second magazine. A magazine retaining and release system is coupled to the housing and configured to retain the first magazine in the first magazine holder and to retain the second magazine in the second magazine holder and to selectively release the first magazine or the second magazine independently from one another or to substantially simultaneously release the first and second magazines from the first and second magazine holders, respectively, upon actuation of the magazine retaining and release system by a user.

In one embodiment, the magazine retaining and release system comprises at least one magazine retaining member movable between a resting position in which the at least one magazine retaining member engages and retains both of the first and second magazines and a second position in which at least one of the first and second magazines is released from its respective first or second magazine holder.

In another embodiment, the magazine retaining and release system comprises a first release button coupled thereto below and proximate a front side of a trigger guard, the first release button movable between a resting position to a first position in which the first magazine is released and from the first position to a second position in which the second magazine is released.

In yet another embodiment, the magazine retaining and release system further comprises a second release button coupled thereto and positioned proximate to and above a trigger of the firearm, the first release button movable between a resting position to a first position in which the first magazine is released.

In still another embodiment, the magazine retaining and release system comprises a release tab coupled thereto and positioned proximate to and above a trigger of the firearm, the release tab movable between a resting position to a first position in which the first magazine is released.

In another aspect, a magazine retention and release system for a firearm, comprising a mounting system attachable to a firearm and at least one housing to receive and securely retain a spare magazine, having a retention system positioned to lock into a slot in the spare magazine, and a release system positioned to the opposite end of the muzzle, being easily actuated by a user's secondary thumb.

In some embodiments, protective guards are positioned to guard the release from accidental actuation.

In certain embodiments, a protective guard is positioned on the muzzle end of the magazine housing for the purpose of guarding against injury.

In another aspect, a firearm frame comprises a primary body, one or more housings to receive and securely retain a spare magazine, having a retention system positioned to lock into a slot in the spare magazine, and a release system positioned to the opposite end of the muzzle, being easily actuated by a user's secondary thumb.

In yet another embodiment, the retention system of the primary magazine is connected to the release system of the spare magazine housing, allowing a single actuation to release both magazines.

In some embodiments, actuation of the spare magazine release button immediately releases the spare magazine and the primary magazine simultaneously.

In other embodiments, actuation of the spare magazine release button first releases the spare magazine in a first stage, and in a second stage, releases the primary magazine.

In still other embodiments, actuation of the spare magazine release button first releases the primary magazine in a first stage, and in a second stage, releases the spare magazine.

In other embodiments, the magazine release system is integrated into a firearm.

In still other embodiments, the magazine release system is configured to replace a frame of an existing firearm.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of the inventions disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention and accompanying drawings will now be discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. It is noted that the inventor can be his own lexicographer. The inventor expressly elects, as his own lexicographer, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

Further, the inventors fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description of the Invention or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for” and the specific function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for . . . ” or “step for . . . ” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventor not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the illustrated embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

FIGS.1and2depict a firearm14comprising a dual detachable magazine retaining system, generally indicated at10, for securing a primary detachable magazine12relative to the firearm14and positioned for immediate deployment of ammunition into the firing chamber of the firearm and for securing a secondary spare detachable magazine16forward of the trigger guard18of the firearm14that can be rapidly released to replace the primary magazine12when the primary magazine12has been emptied. The dual magazine retaining system10includes a housing20configured for holding at least the firing components of the firearm (e.g., for a handgun, the firing assembly including the trigger mechanism, barrel, and slide) in an upper portion thereof. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.1and2, the dual detachable magazine retaining system may be configured to replace an existing grip and body (i.e., the frame) of the firearm with the grip portion22and body portion24of the housing20, thereby forming a replacement frame for the firearm (i.e., the existing frame of the firearm is replaced with the housing20). Alternatively, the dual detachable magazine retaining system may be incorporated into the firearm14as an integral part thereof with the grip portion22, body portion24, barrel, slide, trigger, firing mechanism, etc. assembled together.

Positioned forward of the trigger26and forming the distal side of a trigger guard is a secondary magazine holder28for retaining the secondary detachable magazine16. The magazine retaining system10of the invention is configured to allow rapid release and removal of each magazine12and16independently or substantially simultaneously. To accomplish this, a slidable dual release mechanism30is slidably coupled to the housing20and is disposed between the grip portion22, extends under the trigger26and is slidably coupled to the secondary magazine holder28.

The slidable dual release mechanism30is biased toward a first locking position as shown inFIG.1to hold both the primary and secondary magazines12and16relative to the housing20. As will be described in further detail herein, the dual release mechanism30can be moved relative to the housing20in order to independently release either one of the magazines12and16, or to release both magazines12and16at substantially the same time so that the primary magazine12falls from the primary magazine holder portion32as the secondary magazine16is released while being grasped by the user and subsequently moved to the primary magazine holder32.

The dual release mechanism30can be moved to one of three magazine release positions in a number of ways. First, coupled to the housing20below the trigger26is a first release button34. The first release button is configured to be pressed by a thumb of the user while grasping the exposed portion16′ of the secondary magazine16. The first release mechanism34can be pressed approximately half-way of its full range of motion to a first release position in which the secondary magazine16only is released from the secondary magazine holder28. Fully pressing the first release mechanism34to nearly its full range of motion will release the primary magazine12from the primary magazine holder32as well. Thus, for rapid release of both magazines12and16, the first release mechanism34is fully pressed from its first resting position toward the secondary magazine holder28causing both magazines12and16to be substantially simultaneously released (i.e., the time it takes to fully depress the first release mechanism34typically less than 0.5 seconds).

Alternatively, the dual release mechanism30can be directly slid by the user by engaging the thumb magazine release tab40that is integrally formed with the dual release mechanism30. The thumb release tab40is positioned proximate a top portion of the grip portion22proximate where the right thumb of the user would reside when gripping the grip portion22. By sliding the dual release mechanism30toward the front end of the secondary magazine holder28with a thumb, the user can selectively release the primary magazine12without releasing the secondary magazine16. That is, by sliding the dual release mechanism30toward the front end of the secondary magazine holder28, the user releases the first magazine12by sliding the dual release mechanism30until the first magazine12is released.

Finally, as shown inFIG.2, the primary magazine12can also be released independently of the secondary magazine16by pressing the second release mechanism50with the right index finger of the user when gripping the grip portion22. As will be described in more detail, the second release mechanism is coupled to the dual release mechanism30in a manner by which the primary magazine16is released from the primary magazine holder28without releasing the secondary magazine16from the secondary magazine holder28.

Referring now toFIG.3, there is illustrated components of the dual release mechanism30when positioned within the housing20(not shown) and retaining two conventional magazines, a primary magazine12and a secondary magazine16, each containing ammunition. Such conventional magazines12and16are each configured with a retaining notch12″ and16″ respectively. The dual release mechanism30engages with the two retaining notches12″ and16″ to hold the magazines12and16relative to the dual release mechanism30and thus the housing20(not shown).

The dual release mechanism30is comprised of a first release member60and a second release member62. In the resting position, the first release member60engages the notch12″ of the primary magazine12and the second release member62engages the second notch16″ of the secondary magazine16. The first release member60is biased toward and into the first notch12″ with spring64. The second release mechanism62operates independently of the first release mechanism60and is biased with spring66relative to the secondary magazine16so that the distal end of the second release mechanism62engages with the notch16″ of the secondary magazine16.

As previously discussed, the dual release mechanism30is configured to release one or both of the magazines12and16in a number of ways. As shown inFIG.4, as the first release button34′ is partially depressed toward the secondary magazine16as shown, the second release member62disengages from the notch16″ of the secondary magazine16to release the secondary magazine16. To do so, the first release button is configured to slide within the housing from a first resting position to first release position as shown to a fully depressed position as further herein described. The first release button34′ includes a first portion70for pressing by a user that downwardly depends from a release portion72. The release portion72is coupled to the second release member62with an upwardly extending tab74to cause direct translational movement of the second release member62when the first portion is pressed. The release portion72includes a second set of tabs76that can abut against and engage the first release member60when fully depressed to also then move the first release mechanism60as will be further described. Thus, as sown inFIG.4, when the first release mechanism34is partially depressed, the secondary magazine16is released without release of the primary magazine12.

As shown inFIG.5, as the first release button34′ of the first release mechanism30is continued to be depressed from the first release position to a fully depressed second release position, the release portion72slides under the distal end portion of the first release member60until the tabs76of the release portion72engage a surface of the first release member60and subsequently pull the magazine engagement portion78of the first release mechanism60from the notch12″ of the primary magazine12. This releases the primary magazine12with the secondary magazine16having already been released.

Referring now toFIG.6, the first release member60of the dual release mechanism30is moved forward by engaging the thumb tab40and sliding the first release member60toward the secondary magazine16. This can be done without moving the second release member62thus retaining the secondary magazine16relative to the dual release mechanism30. That is, the first release button34′ and the second release member62stay in place and engaged with the secondary magazine16to hold it relative to the housing20(not shown). The first release member60includes an abutment or stop portion80that engages with the housing20(not shown) to prevent the first release member60from being pushed with the thumb tab40past a point where the second release member62could be moved to release the secondary magazine16.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the primary magazine12can also be released by pressing the second release button82. The second release button82is in turn outwardly biased by the spring64as the first release member60is forced toward the primary magazine12As shown inFIG.7, the first release member includes an angled surface84, which may be between about 30 to 60 degrees. The second release button82includes a matching angled surface86that engages the angled surface84when the first release member60is in a resting position. As shown inFIG.7, Aa the second release button82is inwardly pressed, the engagement of the angled surface86with the angled surface84causes the first release member60to slide toward the secondary magazine16to thereby release the primary magazine12. Further pushing of the second release button82, however, cannot cause forward movement of the second release member62to release the secondary magazine16. Thus, pressing the second release button82can only cause release of the primary magazine12.

Referring now toFIG.8, there is illustrated a cross-sectional top view of the components of the dual release mechanism30when positioned within the housing20and retaining two conventional magazines, a primary magazine12and a secondary magazine16, each containing ammunition. Such conventional magazines12and16are each configured with a retaining notch12″ and16″ respectively. The dual release mechanism30engages with the two retaining notches12″ and16″ to hold the magazines12and16relative to the dual release mechanism30and thus the housing20.

The dual release mechanism30is comprised of a first release member60and a second release member62. In the resting position, the first release member60engages the notch12″ of the primary magazine12and the second release member62engages the second notch16″ of the secondary magazine16. The first release member60is biased toward and into the first notch12″ with spring64. The second release mechanism62operates independently of the first release mechanism60and is biased with spring66relative to the secondary magazine16so that the distal end of the second release mechanism62engages with the notch16″ of the secondary magazine16.

As previously discussed, the dual release mechanism30is configured to release one or both of the magazines12and16in a number of ways. As shown inFIG.9, as the first release button34′ is partially depressed toward the secondary magazine16as shown, the second release member62disengages from the notch16″ of the secondary magazine16to release the secondary magazine16. To do so, the first release button is configured to slide within the housing from a first resting position to first release position as shown to a fully depressed position as further herein described. The first release button34′ includes a first portion70for pressing by a user that downwardly depends from a release portion72. The release portion72is coupled to the second release member62with an upwardly extending tab74to cause direct translational movement of the second release member62when the first portion is pressed. The release portion72includes a second set of tabs76that can abut against and engage the first release member60when fully depressed to also then move the first release mechanism60as will be further described. Thus, as sown inFIG.9, when the first release mechanism34is partially depressed, the secondary magazine16is released without release of the primary magazine12.

As shown inFIG.10, as the first release button34′ of the first release mechanism30is continued to be depressed from the first release position to a fully depressed second release position, the release portion72slides under the distal end portion of the first release member60until the tabs76of the release portion72engage a surface of the first release member60and subsequently pull the magazine engagement portion78of the first release mechanism60from the notch12″ of the primary magazine12. This releases the primary magazine12with the secondary magazine16having already been released.

Referring now toFIG.11, the first release member60of the dual release mechanism30is moved forward by engaging the thumb tab40and sliding the first release member60toward the secondary magazine16. This can be done without moving the second release member62thus retaining the secondary magazine16relative to the dual release mechanism30. That is, the first release button34′ and the second release member62stay in place and engaged with the secondary magazine16to hold it relative to the housing20. The first release member60includes an abutment or stop portion80that engages with the housing20to prevent the first release member60from being pushed with the thumb tab40past a point where the second release member62could be moved to release the secondary magazine16.

As shown inFIGS.11and12, the primary magazine12can also be released by pressing the second release button82. The second release button82is in turn outwardly biased by the spring64as the first release member60is forced toward the primary magazine12. As shown inFIG.12, the first release member includes an angled surface84, which may be between about 30 to 60 degrees. The second release button82includes a matching angled surface86that engages the angled surface84when the first release member60is in a resting position. As shown inFIG.12, as the second release button82is inwardly pressed, the engagement of the angled surface86with the angled surface84causes the first release member60to slide toward the secondary magazine16to thereby release the primary magazine12. Further pushing of the second release button82, however, cannot cause forward movement of the second release member62to release the secondary magazine16. Thus, pressing the second release button82can only cause release of the primary magazine12.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the dual magazine release system of the present invention could be configured with various levers, push slides (similar to traditional magazine release systems) to accomplish the same result as the present invention including simultaneous release of both magazines, one after the other in any order or the like. In addition, while the present invention has been shown to be part of a housing that is attached to or coupled to a firearm or parts of a firearm, the dual magazine release system of the present could be incorporated into the frame of the firearm itself. Thus, other means of accomplishing the same result could be accomplished by various mechanisms that one of skill in the art may appreciate upon review of the present invention and such variants are intended to be part of the claimed invention.

For example, as shown inFIGS.13A-13C, a dual magazine release system, generally indicated at100, is illustrated. In this embodiment, the release mechanism102is comprised of a single integrated lever104that is pivotally coupled to the housing105proximate a midpoint thereof. The proximal end of the lever104is provided with a thumb tab106that can be inwardly depressed to release one or both magazines108and110depending on the amount of depressing toward the housing105.

Secondarily, the release mechanism102can be pivoted to release one or both magazines108and110with an index finger release button112positioned on the opposite side of the housing105. Pressing the release button112from a resting position to a first release position will release the first magazine108. Fully depressing the release button112will release both magazines108and110. The release button112when pressed forces a push rod114through the housing105. The distal end of the push rod114engages the lever104on the distal side of the pivot116to thereby pivot the lever104away from engagement with the magazines108and110. The lever104is biased into a closed or retaining position with the spring120.

Similarly, as shown inFIG.14, another embodiment of a dual magazine release system, generally indicated at200, includes a release mechanism202comprising an integrated release member204. The release member204has a proximal end portion206that comprises a first magazine retaining portion208and a thumb tab210for sliding the release member204toward its distal end212. The release member204is biased relative to the housing220with spring222. Sliding the release member204from a first resting position, in which both magazines (not shown) are retained relative to the housing220, to a second position can simultaneously release both magazines. This can be accomplished by moving the thumb tab206toward the distal end212or by pressing the thumb button222, which is coupled to the release member204, toward the distal end212. Likewise, the side index finger button224can be depressed to force the release member204toward the distal end212until both magazines are released.

As shown inFIGS.15A-15C, another embodiment of a dual magazine release system, generally indicated at300, is illustrated. Here, the dual magazine release system300includes an integrated release member302that is configured to laterally translate relative to the housing304by pressing an index finger release button306. The release button306is outwardly biased to a resting position in which the release member302engages both magazines310and312to retain them relative to the housing304. Pressing the release button306toward the housing304to a first release position causes the first retaining tab314, which holds the first magazine310, to release the first magazine310. Fully pressing the release button306toward the housing304to a second release position causes the second retaining tab316to release the second magazine312. In all cases, for insertion of a magazine into the devices as herein described, the magazines themselves have tapered ends to slide past the respective retaining members until the retaining notch in the magazine is reached, at which point the retaining members snap into engagement with the notch and thus the magazine.

Finally, as shown inFIGS.16-20, the release system of the present invention may be configured to provide a single spare magazine release system for a firearm. For example, as shown inFIG.16, a spare magazine release system, generally indicated at400, is attached to a handgun402. The magazine release system400includes a housing404that is configured to be coupled to the distal end portion of the barrel406of the handgun402and depend downwardly therefrom. The housing404is configured to abut against the distal end portion of the trigger guard408of the handgun402so as to provide additional lateral stability to the housing404relative to the handgun402. The housing404is configured to hold and releasably retain a single spare magazine410.

As shown inFIGS.17and18, the magazine release system400is configured similarly to the secondary magazine holder28shown inFIGS.1and2. The magazine release system400includes a release mechanism420that is activated by a thumb button422. Pressing the thumb button, causes the release member424to disengage from the spare magazine410, allowing the spare magazine (seeFIG.18) to drop from the housing404by the force of gravity.

FIG.19illustrates another embodiment of a spare magazine release system for attachment to a firearm. The spare magazine release system, generally indicated at500, is attached to a handgun502. The magazine release system500includes a housing404that is configured to be coupled to the handgun502and depend downwardly therefrom. The housing504is configured to abut against the distal end portion of the trigger guard508of the handgun502so as to provide additional lateral stability to the housing504relative to the handgun502. The housing504is configured to hold and releasably retain a single spare magazine510. Additionally, as shown, the magazine release system500can be used with and/or incorporated into other handgun attachments, such as the deployable arm brace system512as shown. The magazine release system500is configured similarly to the magazine release system400shown inFIGS.16,17and18. The magazine release system500thus includes a release mechanism that is activated by a thumb button. Pressing the thumb button, causes the release member524to disengage from the spare magazine510, allowing the spare magazine (seeFIG.18) to drop from the housing504by the force of gravity.

As shown inFIG.20, a release system, generally indicated at600, of the present invention may be configured to provide a single spare magazine release system for attachment to a rifle602. The spare magazine release system600is attached to the distal end rail system606of the rifle602. The magazine release system600includes a housing604that is configured to be coupled to the rail system606of the rifle602and depend downwardly therefrom. The housing604is configured to hold and releasably retain a single spare magazine610. The magazine release system600is configured similarly to the magazine release system400shown inFIGS.16,17and18. The magazine release system500thus includes a release mechanism that is activated by a thumb button. Pressing the thumb button, causes a release member to disengage from the spare magazine610, allowing the spare magazine610to drop from the housing604by the force of gravity.

There is thus disclosed an improved firearm having a firearm magazine release system and method of using the improved firearm magazine release system. In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims, including combinations of elements of the various illustrated embodiments. The specification and figures are illustrative, not restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described.

For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” as used herein is intended to cover additional elements or functions that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Thus, “consisting essentially of” is intended to encompass not only those components specifically listed, but also separate or additional components that do not materially alter the specifically recited functions or elements. The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “includes” or any variations of such terms, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus.

In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents, which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “left” and right”, “front” and “rear”, “above” and “below” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same. In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the inventions, and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, inventions have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the inventions. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment, and various collections of the described elements may be arranged to consist only of those elements as defined by the claims.