Abstract:
Embodiments include a sharpening fixture adapted to mount to the nose of a chainsaw guide bar. When mounted, the operator may direct a force towards the guide bar thereby causing a linear directed actuator to move a sharpening element into engagement with cutters of a saw chain to sharpen a cutting edge of the cutters. In various embodiments, the actuator is biased such that when the force is no longer applied, the actuator pulls the sharpening element out of engagement with the cutters.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 61/253,788, filed on Oct. 21, 2009. This application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/492,017, filed on Jun. 25, 2009, which, in turn, claims priority to Provisional Application Nos. 61/078,951 filed on Jul. 8, 2008, and 61/111,145 filed on Nov. 4, 2008. These disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, except those sections, if any, which are inconsistent with this disclosure. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments herein relate to the field of chain saws, and, more specifically, to bar mounted sharpeners for various types of chains. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Chain saws are typically used to fell trees, trim branches, and cut a variety of materials, among other tasks. They generally include an engine enclosed within a housing, a guide bar extending from the housing, and an endless saw chain loop that may include various links such as, but not limited to, cutter links, center links, side links, tie straps, and drive links. Through use, the cutting surfaces of various links may become dulled and worn. As the cutting surfaces experience wear, an increased amount of force is required to produce a desired cut, which is inefficient and consumes energy. Therefore, cutter links of saw chains are periodically sharpened to maintain efficiency in a cutting operation. 
     One method of sharpening cutter links includes positioning a sharpening element (e.g. an abrasive stone) within the housing of the chain saw. The sharpening element may be positioned so as to contact the various saw chain links as they traverse a drive sprocket, typically at high speeds. These systems, however, have drawbacks. For example, one or more grooves may be worn into the surface of the sharpening element from the repeated contact of the various saw chain links. Additionally, because the sharpening element is continually present during cutting operations, damage may occur through debris impacting the sharpening element or chain throw, where the saw chain unintentionally impacts the sharpening element. Any defect in the sharpening element may cause the cutting edge to become deformed during the sharpening process or otherwise negatively impact the ability to maintain a proper cutting edge. This may ultimately impact the ability of the chain saw to cut various materials. 
     Some nose mounted sharpening devices have been used over the years. One example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,178. This device includes a long sleeve that is positioned over the nose and extends a good distance along the guide bar. A rotary actuator is positioned at the end of the sleeve to allow an operator to turn the dial to incrementally advance the sharpening stone towards the cutters of the chain. These devices are cumbersome and dangerous, as they require unnecessary operator actuation, and they can tend to over sharpen and cause premature wear and fatigue on the cutters. Another device, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,258, includes nose mounted sharpeners that have a pivoting sharpening element. These are deficient for many reasons as well. For example, they do not result in an even engagement of the cutters as they traverse the guide bar nose and they do not provide for adequate lateral support of the cutting stone. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the Figs. of the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a saw chain sharpening fixture coupled to a chain saw in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate an elevational view of a saw chain sharpening fixture in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a saw chain sharpening fixture in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate internal views of a saw chain sharpening fixture in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a saw chain sharpening saw chain sharpening fixture in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a saw chain sharpening fixture in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an end view of a saw chain sharpening fixture in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an end view of a saw chain sharpening fixture in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a saw chain sharpening fixture in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate perspective views of a sharpening fixture having a multi piece latch in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. 
     The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other. 
     The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a saw chain sharpening fixture  100  coupled to a chain saw  102  is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. The saw chain sharpening fixture  100  comprises, among other things, an attachment member  106 , configured to facilitate attachment of the saw chain sharpening fixture  100  to a guide bar  108 , and an actuator  104 , configured to bring a sharpening element of the saw chain sharpening fixture  100  into contact with one or more links  110  of the saw chain as they traverse the guide bar  108 . In this manner, the saw chain sharpening fixture  100  may be attached to and removed from a guide bar  108 , and may sharpen or reform one or more links  110  of the saw chain, for example, one or more cutting links. In exemplary embodiments, the saw chain sharpening fixture  100  may be coupled to a nose portion (shown covered) of the guide bar  108 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a - b , an embodiment of a saw chain sharpening fixture is illustrated. The saw chain sharpening fixture  200  may comprise an attachment member  202 , an actuator  204 , and a sharpening element  206 . In various embodiments the saw chain sharpening fixture  200  may also function as a tip guard to prevent the saw chain  208  from cutting as it traverses the nose of the guide bar  210 . Preventing cutting around the nose of the guide bar  210  may lessen the chain saw&#39;s tendency to kick-back and cause injury. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment member  202  is a pin configured to mesh with slot  212  or opening of guide bar  210 . The pin may include a head  214  configured to rotate relative to the pin in order to secure the saw chain sharpening fixture  200  to the guide bar  210 . As illustrated, the saw chain sharpening fixture  200  may be coupled to the guide bar  210  and the head  214  of the attachment member  202  may be rotated relative to the pin in order to selectively secure the saw chain sharpening fixture  200  to the guide bar  210 . The attachment member  202  may mesh with a preconfigured recess or slot  212  in the guide bar  210  as illustrated. 
     The actuator  204  may be coupled to the attachment member  202  and configured to bring a sharpening element  206  into contact with one or more links of a saw chain  208 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a - b , the actuator  204  includes a spring  216  that is configured to prevent unwanted contact of the saw chain  208  with the sharpening element  206 . The spring  216  may be biased with a spring constant that is substantially equivalent to a weight of the chain saw. To selectively sharpen the saw chain, the actuator  204  may be pressed against an object to generate a force that overcomes the spring bias. The actuator  204  may be the outer surface of the saw chain sharpening fixture  200  and may be adapted for contact with various objects such that when pressed against the objects, the force necessary to overcome the spring bias may be achieved. This may bring the sharpening element  206  into the cutting radius of the saw chain  208  and sharpen various links. While the above embodiment is discussed in terms of moving the sharpening element  206  into the cutting radius of the saw chain  208 , those of ordinary skill will understand the corollary of bringing the cutting radius of the saw chain  208  into contact with the sharpening element equally applies. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of a saw chain sharpening fixture  300  is illustrated. The saw chain sharpening fixture  300  may include a housing  302   a ,  302   b , an actuator  304  having an actuator surface  306 , a latch member  308 , an alignment member  310 , latching recess  312 , one or more spark arresters  314 , a nose side rivet aligner  316 , an actuator guide  318 , a hinge pin  320 , a sharpening element guide  322 , a sharpening element  324 , a latch  326  having a catch  328  to couple with edge  329 , a latch stop  330 , and a latch member recess  332 . 
     In various embodiments, the housing  302   a  and  302   b  may be configured to attach to a guide bar of a chain saw, as will be described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 4   a - b . The housing  302   a  and  302   b  may be a clam-shell type housing configured with a hinge  320  disposed along a first side of the saw chain sharpening fixture  300 , for example a width of the saw chain sharpening fixture  300 . Alternatively, the hinge  320  may be positioned along a second side of the saw chain sharpening fixture  300 , for example a length of the saw chain sharpening fixture  300 . In other embodiments, the housing may be in the form of a sleeve configured to slide over the nose of the guide bar, or alternatively, may be two decoupled members configured to engage one another and clamp together. The disclosure is not to be limited to any particular housing. The housing may be configured to at least partially contain the attachment member, the actuator, and the guide bar. 
     Within the housing  302   a  and  302   b  may be one or more alignment aides configured to, among other things, help facilitate attachment of the saw chain sharpening fixture  300  to the guide bar. In various embodiments, various alignment aides may include latch member  308 , which may be a pin or other engaging protrusion, alignment member  310 , and nose rivet aligner  316 . These alignment aides may facilitate alignment of a guide bar with the saw chain sharpening fixture  300 . 
     In various embodiments, latch member  308  and alignment member  310  may be configured to engage a guide bar having complimentary holes or slots. The complimentary holes of the guide bar may be positioned a distance from the nose of the guide bar in order to correctly place the guide bar within the saw chain sharpening fixture  300 . In various embodiments, the complimentary holes may be correspondingly placed on guide bars of different lengths. In this manner, the saw chain sharpening fixture  300  may be used with multiple guide bars. 
     In addition to facilitating alignment of the guide bar, the alignments aides may also encourage stability throughout a sharpening process. Nose rivet aligner  316 , for example, may facilitate alignment of the guide bar, and may further provide stability. Nose rivet aligner  316  may be positioned a distance from the latch member  308 , alignment member  310 , or a circumference of the guide bar such that it engages a nose rivet of the guide bar. Through engagement of the rivet, the nose of the guide bar, and consequently, various saw chain elements, may be held in a desired position for sharpening. This may, in various embodiments, help to counteract any forces imposed on the guide bar, for example by grooves or other defects worn into the sharpening element. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4   a - b , a saw chain sharpening fixture  300  coupled to a guide bar is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated, a guide bar  400  with complimentary holes  402   a ,  402   b  may be placed on one side of the saw chain sharpening fixture  300 , for example housing  302   b . The complimentary holes  402   a ,  402   b  may mesh with the alignment aides. For example, a latch member  308  may mesh with the complimentary hole  402   a  and the alignment member  310  may mesh with complimentary hole  402   b . Additionally, rivet  404  may mesh with rivet aligner  316 . With alignment aides positioning the guide bar properly, the housing  302   a  maybe brought into contact with the guide bar and housing  302   b . A latching mechanism may be utilized to secure housing  302   a  to housing  302   b  with the guide bar properly positioned between. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , an attachment member may include a latch mechanism to help facilitate latching of housing  302   a ,  302   b  in embodiments where the sharpening fixture  300  consists of two or more housing members. In various embodiments, the latch mechanism may include a latch  326 , a latch member  308 , a catch  328 , and a catch edge  329 . For example, a latch  326  may be configured to engage a latch member  308  to secure the housing  302   a ,  302   b  in a closed position. With a guide bar correctly positioned on one side of the housing  302   b , the corresponding side of the housing  302   a  may be clamped around the guide bar. The latch  326  may engage the latch member  308  through a latch member recess  332 . In various embodiments, the shape of the latch member  308  may be such that a distal end of the latch  326  may engage latch member  308  through latch member recess  332 . This is illustrated other figures. As the latch  326  interacts with the latch member  308 , the latch  326  may apply a force that urges the latch member  308  out of position. The latch member recess  332  may counteract this force, acting as a backstop, and maintain the latch pin  308  in engagement with the latch  326 . 
     In various embodiments, when the latch  326  is moved into a locked position, a catch  328  may engage an edge  329  of the housing  302   a , and the latch  326  may be supported by a latch stop  330 . The catch  328  may resist a tendency of a saw chain sharpening fixture  300  to open during operation. In various embodiments, the latch  326  may be loaded with a spring or other biasing element, such that when catch  328  is not securely latched with edge  329 , the latch  326  is moved towards an outwardly unlatched position, e.g. generally perpendicular to the surface  302   a , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . This may visually alert a user that the sharpening element has not be securely latched. In various embodiments, when the latch  326  is properly engaged, latch stop  330  may also help provide support. 
     In various other embodiments, a tension clamp may engage the latch member  308  to ensure relatively solid connection such that movement of the housing  302   a ,  302   b  relative to the guide bar does not occur during a sharpening operation. Various other devices may be used to securely couple the sharpening fixture  300  to a guide bar for example; a wing nut or other threaded device may be used. 
     In various embodiments, a guide bar may become dirty and or caked with debris. This may hinder a latching process or prevent the housing  302   a  from properly meshing with housing  302   b . In various embodiments, alignment aides such as the latch member  308  and the alignment member  310  may be coupled to a latching recess  312 . The latching recess  312  may provide a volume for debris when housing  302   a  is brought into contact with housing  302   b . In various embodiments, this may enable proper meshing of the housing with used, dirty, or debris clad guide bars. Further, the outer perimeter of the latching recess  312  may provide additional clamping surface to aid in the position of the bar in the housing and to resist movement during a sharpening operation. 
     In various embodiments, the saw chain sharpening fixture  300  may also include an actuator  304 . The actuator  304  may be coupled to the housing  302   a  and  302   b , and include a biased lever (e.g. spring loaded) that may selectively bring a sharpening element  324  of the saw chain sharpening fixture into contact with one or more cutting links by moving the sharpening element  324  relative to the housing  302   a ,  302   b . Upon actuation of the actuator  304 , for example by actuator surface  306  against a surface via a force directed at the chain saw, sharpening element  324  may be moved into a cutting radius of the saw chain. In various embodiments, the actuator  304  includes a stem portion and a foot portion. The foot portion may have a footprint configured to engage an environmental object to generate an actuation force. The stem may receive the force from the foot portion and transfer the actuation force to the sharpening element. 
     In various embodiments, the actuator  304  may be configured to resist a motion that would bring the sharpening element  324  into contact with saw chains. As illustrated in  FIG. 4   a , a spring may force the sharpening element  324  against a distal end of the housing  302   a ,  302   b . This may prevent unwanted contact of the sharpening element  324  with saw chains. The spring may be configured with a spring constant equivalent or substantially equivalent to a weight of a chain saw. Consequently, only a slight force may be needed to bring the sharpening element  324  into contact with the saw chain links. 
     In another embodiment, the actuator may be embodied within the housing  302   a ,  302   b . For example, the actuator may be a slide rail integral with an attachment member. In this embodiment, the actuator may be configured to bring the sharpening element  324  of the saw chain sharpening fixture into contact with the one or more cutting links by moving the guide bar relative to the housing  302   a ,  302   b . Similar to the previously mentioned embodiment, the actuator may be spring biased to prevent unwanted contact. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other manners of actuating the saw chain sharpening fixture may be utilized without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In various embodiments, the actuator  304  may include one or more actuator guides  318 . The actuator guide  318  may interface with the hinge  320  of the housing  302   a ,  302   b , and facilitate alignment and stability as the actuator  304  moves into and out of the housing  302   a ,  302   b . The actuator guide  318  may additionally be configured to provide a stop for the actuator  304 . This may prevent damage to the actuator  304 , for example, if the sharpening element is too worn or missing. In addition to the actuator guides  318  that interface with the hinge  320 , the actuator may also interface with a center guide positioned on the housing  302   b , which is utilized to house the spring bias. 
     In addition to facilitating alignment and stability of the actuator as it moves into and out of the housing  302   a ,  302   b , the actuator guide and the center guide also direct the forces imposed on the actuator in planar direction. For example, should the housing be depressed against an object at an angle, the actuator guide and the center guide may resist the tendency of the actuator to apply the sharpening stone to the cutting radius of the saw chain at an angle. This may facilitate even wear of the stone and reduce unwanted wear on the saw chain. In one embodiment, the actuator may receive a force directed at an angle to a reference line defined by a centered longitudinal axis of the guide bar. The actuator and the center guide may translate the force directed at the angle into a force directed along or parallel to the reference line. In other words, the actuator and the center guide may cancel a directivity component of an actuation force that is not parallel to the reference line. 
     In various embodiments, actuator  304  may further include an actuator surface  306 . Actuator surface  306  may be configured to engage a hard surface for bringing the sharpening element  324  into the cutting radius of a saw chain. The actuator surface  306  may include multiple ridges, or other friction increasing arrangements. While the actuator surface  306  is depicted as being rectangular in appearance, the actuator surface may be any shape without departing from this disclosure. The actuator  304  may be configured to move into and out of the housing  302   a ,  302   b  to bring the sharpening element into the cutting radius of the saw chain. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4B , the actuator  304  is configured to bring the sharpening element  324  into contact with the saw chain. The sharpening element  324  may be any material suitable for sharpening various cutting links of a saw chain, for example, a sharpening stone. The sharpening element  324  may be configured to interact with a saw chain as it traverses the nose of the guide bar, and therefore, may be crescent shaped. Other shapes are also contemplated. 
     In various embodiments, the sharpening element  324  may be coupled to a sharpening element holder  334  which is configured to couple with the actuator  304 . The actuator  304  may include a sharpening element attachment to facilitate the coupling of the sharpening element holder. In the illustrated embodiment, the sharpening element holder  334  (and thus the sharpening element  324 ) may be coupled to the actuator via a dove tail joint (as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). Other manners of coupling the sharpening element  324  and the sharpening element holder  334  may be used. When the housing  302   a ,  302   b  is open, sharpening element  324  may be removed and/or replaced. On one embodiment, the sharpening element holder  334  may also include a key  336 . The key  336  may ensure that the sharpening element holder  334  is correctly inserted into the saw chain sharpening fixture  300 . As the sharpening element  324  becomes worn, groves may be present. The sharpening element  324  and sharpening element holder  334  should be positioned in the same manner to maintain a proper alignment of the grove. 
     In addition to the key  336 , one or more friction tabs (not illustrated) may be placed on the sharpening element holder  334 . The friction tabs may be rubber or another material that is capable of providing resistance suitable for maintaining the position of the sharpening element  324  and the sharpening element holder  334 . The friction tab may also reduce vibration of the sharpening element  324  and sharpening element holder  334 . 
     In various embodiments, the sharpening element  324  may also be of a larger size such that it could be utilized for two or more other saw chains. In such an embodiment, the sharpening element  324  could be used in one position for a first saw chain, and subsequently removed, rotated, and reinserted for a second saw chain. Other embodiments are contemplated. Further, while the sharpening element and the sharpening element holder have been described as separable pieces, in various embodiments, they may be made of a single material, permanently coupled together, or detachable such that the sharpening element may be replaced, but not the holder. 
     In order to provide a consistent application of the sharpening element  324  to the saw chain, the housing  302   a , and  302   b  may include one or more sharpening element guides  322 . The sharpening element guides  322  may be disposed parallel to one another and on opposite sides of the sharpening element  324 . The sharpening element guides  322  may be disposed on each side of the housing  302   a ,  302   b . As the sharpening element is moved into the cutting radius of the saw chain, via actuation of the actuator  304 , the one or more sharpening element guides  322  may ensure the sharpening element  324  is applied to the saw chain in a consistent matter regardless of its wear. 
     In various embodiments, a sharpening fixture  300  may also include one or more spark arresters  314 . The spark arresters  314  may be disposed within the housing  302   a ,  302   b , at an angle to the sharpening element. As a saw chain traverses the nose of the guide bar and interacts with the sharpening element  324 , debris may be propelled out of the sharpening fixture  300 . Debris may include wood chips, fragments from the sharpening element  324 , and/or sparks. The spark arresters  314  may be positioned at an angle to the sharpening element  324  so as to reduce exhaust of debris from the housing when the sharpening element  324  contacts one or more links. In various embodiments, the spark arresters  314  may be positioned such that in the event the housing  302   a ,  302   b  is not completely closed, for example in a situation where debris on the guide bar has prevented the housing  302   a ,  302   b  from completely meshing, the spark arresters  314  are still functional. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-9 , perspective views of a saw chain sharpening fixture are illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated in the figures, housing  302   a  and  302   b  have been closed. A distal end of latch  326  has engaged the latch member  308  through latch member recess  332 , thereby forcing housing  302   b , which is attached to latch member  308 , into contact with housing  302   a , which is attached to latch  326 . To secure latch  326  in a closed position, catch  328  has engaged edge  329 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view,  FIG. 6  illustrates a top view and  FIG. 7  illustrates a side view,  FIG. 8  illustrates an end view and  FIG. 9  illustrates on opposing end view of a sharpening fixture  300  is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. The sharpening fixture  300  is illustrated in a closed position. The upper housing  302   a  and the bottom housing  302   b  are coupled to each other and held in place by latch member  308 , latch  326 , catch  328 , and edge  329 . As illustrated, the latch member  308  may engage the latch through latch member recess  332 . In various embodiments latch member recess  332  may be formed in one side of housing  302   a , and  302   b . Additionally, when latched, the latching recess  312  may ensure a proper latch by providing a void for debris. 
     In various embodiments, the actuator  304  includes actuator guide  318 . The actuator guide  318  may engage hinge  320  and function to stabilize the actuator  304  and the sharpening element (not illustrated) as the actuator  304  moves into and out of the saw chain sharpening fixture. In various embodiments, the actuator surface  306  may include a number of ridges to provide increased friction as the actuator  304  engages a surface during a sharpening operation. In various embodiments, the actuator surface  306  may have other designs, for example a diamond design. The invention is not to be limited in this regard. 
     In various embodiments, a two piece latch may be used in order to allow an operator to more easily release the catch holding the latch in place.  FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate perspective views of a bar mounted sharpener similar to those described in  FIGS. 3-9  above, but show a two piece latch mechanism. In a one piece latch the operator must lift up with enough force to deflect the catch before the catch will release. The two piece latch in accordance with various embodiments only requires the operator to rotate the tip up by overcoming the restoring force of a small spring. The latch can then be raised to release the connection. 
     In various embodiments, the latch mechanism may include a latch  526 , a hinged latch end  527 , and a catch  528  coupled to latch end  527 . As shown in  FIG. 10A , the latch end  527  is in a latching position with the catch  528  configured to engage a catch edge  529 . The latch may be rotated towards a horizontal position. As the catch  528  engages the catch edge  529 , the latch end  527  may deflect a certain degree (see e.g.  FIG. 10B ) to allow the catch  528  to pass the catch end  529  and secure the latch in a locked position (as shown in  FIG. 10C ). So latched, the interface between the catch  528  and the catch edge  529  may help resist a tendency of a saw chain sharpening fixture  500  to open during operation. 
     To unlatch the latch  526 , a finger or tool may grip the latch end  527  and pull outward to move or deflect the latch end to a non-latching position (see  FIG. 10B ). This will release the catch  528  from the catch edge  529 , thus allowing the latch  526  to be raised. By virtue of the hinged connection between the latch end  527  and the latch  526 , generally less outward directed force is needed to unlatch the latching mechanism. In various embodiments, the latch end  527  may be biased towards the latching position (as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10C ) to help prevent inadvertent delatching or deflection. In various embodiments, the latch  526  may be loaded with a spring or other biasing element, such that when catch  528  is not securely latched with edge  529 , the latch  526  is moved into a visibly non-engaged position, e.g. generally perpendicular to the surface of the housing. 
     Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.