Patent Publication Number: US-2021187709-A1

Title: Torque Wrench Adapter

Description:
FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to tools, and more particularly to adapters. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In general, there are some wrench components that are configured with European sized dimensions, which are incompatible with other wrench components that are configured with American sized dimensions. The incompatibility between these wrench components can be problematic in various scenarios, such as when global contracts necessitate that specific tools are imported to other regions due to standard sizing issues and/or original equipment (OE) preference. The importing of specific wrench components for this purpose is costly, especially when technicians possess similar tools, but are unable to use them due to the mere differences in standard sizes and/or regional conventions. 
     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. 
     According to at least one aspect, an adapter includes a body that is elongated along a first axis. The body includes a first side surface, a second side surface, a first end surface, and a second end surface. The first side surface is opposite to the second side surface. The first end surface is opposite to the second end surface. The body includes a first input drive connector, which is located at a middle section of the body and which is accessible from the first side surface. The first input drive connector is structured to mate with a first drive part of a first torque wrench such that a longitudinal axis of the first torque wrench is parallel to the first axis when the first torque wrench is connected to the adapter. The body includes a first output drive connector, which is located at a middle region of the first end surface. The first output drive connector is structured to mate with a first connector part of a first tool head such that a longitudinal axis of the first tool head is parallel to the first axis when the first tool head is connected to the adapter. The first input drive connector is defined to be a first size. The first output drive connector is defined to be a second size. The first size is different than the second size. 
     According to at least one aspect, an adapter includes at least a body and a first extension portion. The body is elongated along a first axis. The body has a middle section, which is between a first end section and a second end section, when taken along the first axis. A first extension portion is located at a middle section of the body. The first extension portion extends outward from a first side surface of the body along a second axis. The first extension portion includes a first input drive connector to receive a first drive part of a first torque wrench such that a longitudinal axis of the first torque wrench is parallel to the first axis when the first torque wrench is connected to the adapter. The first drive part is a first size. The first end section includes a first output drive connector to receive a first connector part of a first tool head such that a longitudinal axis of the first tool head is parallel to the first axis when the first tool head is connected to the adapter. The first connector part is a second size. The first size is different from the second size. The first axis is perpendicular to the second axis. 
     According to at least one aspect, a tool assembly includes a torque wrench, a tool head, and an adapter. The torque wrench has a drive part of a first size. The tool head has a connector part of a second size. The adapter is configured to connect to and disconnect from the torque wrench. The adapter is configured to connect to and disconnect from the tool head. The adapter includes a body. The body is elongated along a first axis. The body includes a first side surface, a second side surface, a first end surface, and a second end surface. The first side surface is opposite to the second side surface. The first end surface is opposite to the second end surface. The body includes a first input drive connector, which is located at a middle section of the body and which is accessible from the first side surface. The first input drive connector is structured to mate with the drive part of the torque wrench such that a longitudinal axis of the torque wrench is parallel to the first axis when the torque wrench is connected to the adapter. The body includes a first output drive connector, which is located at a middle region of the first end surface. The first output drive connector is structured to mate with the connector part of the tool head such that a longitudinal axis of the tool head is parallel to the first axis when the tool head is connected to the adapter. The first size is different than the second size. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are discussed in the following detailed description in accordance with the accompanying drawings throughout which like characters represent similar or like parts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an adapter in which its first side is visible according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
       FIG. B is another perspective view of the adapter in which its first side is visible according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the adapter in which its second side is visible according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  is another perspective view of the adapter in which its second side is visible according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of the adapter according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is a view of a cross-section, taken at line  3 B- 3 B of the adapter of  FIG. 3A , according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  is a view of a first side of the adapter according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is a view of a second side the adapter according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  is a view of a first base side of the adapter of  FIG. 1  according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a view of a second base side of the adapter of  FIG. 1  according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  is an exploded view of an example of a tool assembly with the adapter according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of the tool assembly of  FIG. 6A  according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6C  is a top view of the tool assembly of  FIG. 6A  according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments described herein, 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. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4A-4B, and 5A-5B  illustrate various views of the adapter  100  according to an example embodiment. The adapter  100  is structured to provide a secure connection between a selected one of various sized torque wrenches and a selected one of various sized tool heads (and/or wrench adapters) such that the selected torque wrench is usable with the selected tool head. The adapter  100  is configured to connect to and disconnect from the various sized torque wrenches with various sized drive parts. In addition, the adapter  100  is configured to connect to and disconnect from the various sized tool heads with various sized connector parts. For instance, the tool head may include an insert open-end wrench, an insert closed-end wrench, or any suitable mechanical device. 
     In an example embodiment, the adapter  100  comprises a composition that provides sufficient strength and rigidity for the adapter  100  to provide a secure connection between a selected torque wrench and a selected tool head while withstanding various forces and torques associated with its use. In an example embodiment, for instance, the adapter  100  comprises hardened steel. In another embodiment, the adapter  100  comprises any suitable metal, alloy, or material, which is configured to connect a selected torque wrench to a selected tool head to create a tool assembly that is configured to transfer torque to an object, such as a mechanical fastener or any suitable physical device. 
     In an example embodiment, the adapter  100  is a monolithic, unitary structure of a single composition. This feature is advantageous as this enables the adapter  100  to be easy to fabricate. This feature is also advantageous in providing the adapter  100  with strength and rigidity compared to having one or more connection points. However, the adapter  100  is not limited to this construction, but may comprise a plurality of parts, which are securely connected (e.g., welded, fastened, etc.) together to form a single structural unit. 
     The adapter  100  is a structure that is elongated along a longitudinal axis  10  and is also symmetrical about its longitudinal axis  10 . More specifically, the adapter includes at least a body  102 , which is elongated along the longitudinal axis  10 . For example, in  FIG. 3A , the body  102  includes a first portion  104  and a second portion  106 . In this example, the first portion  104  is a prism portion while the second portion  106  is a tapered portion. The prism portion comprises any suitable shape that is structured to provide the functionality described herein. For example, in  FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B , the prism portion is rectangular with four lateral sides and two base sides. The lateral sides include a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side is opposite to the second side. The third side is opposite to the fourth side. The first side includes a first side surface  108 , the second side includes a second side surface  110 , the third side includes a third side surface  112 , and the fourth side includes a fourth side surface  114 . The first side surface  108  and the second side surface  110  face in opposite directions. The third side surface  112  and the fourth side surface  114  face in opposite directions. Also, the first base side includes a first end surface  116  and the second base side includes a second end surface  118 . The first end surface  116  and the second end surface  118  face in opposite directions. Alternatively to this rectangular construct with straight edges, the body  102  may comprise a geometric shape with one or more curved portions provided that the body  102  provides the functionality as described herein. 
     The second portion  106  is tapered from an end of the first portion  104  to the second end surface  118  such that a cross section at the prism portion of the body  102  is larger than a cross section at the end portion of the body  102 . In this regard, the body  102  has its smallest cross-section at the second end surface  118 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3A , for instance, the tapered portion is defined by two inclined surfaces. The first inclined surface  120  adjoins and transitions the first side surface  108  to the second end surface  118 . The second inclined surface  122  adjoins and transitions the second side surface  110  to the second end surface  118 . These inclined surfaces are positioned at opposite sides of the body  102 . The inclined surfaces also face in opposite directions. Also, as shown in  FIG. 3A , each inclined surface is at an angle  9 , which is a 45 degree angle (or any suitable angle between 0 and 90 degrees) with respect to the adjacent second end surface  118  in accordance with specified tolerances of manufacture. Alternatively, the inclined surfaces may be at any customized angle to provide sufficient clearance based on the configuration of the desired tool head and the desired application. In this regard, the tapered portion is advantageous in providing clearance to the tool head during use or operation such that edges of the adapter  100  do not interfere with a work piece that includes the object that is to be applied with torque. Alternatively, the body  102  may comprise the prism portion along its full length without the tapered portion such that the first end surface  116  is the same size as the second end surface  118  if no clearance is deemed necessary. 
     The adapter  100  also includes extension portions, which protrude outward from the body  102  along a lateral axis  20  (“second axis”), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  10 . The extension portions include a first extension portion  124  and a second extension portion  126 , which are located at a middle section or center section  128  of the body  102 . The center section  128  is provided between a first end section  130  and a second end section  132  of the body  102 . More specifically, the first extension portion  124  extends outward from a first side surface  108  of the body  102  while the second extension portion  126  extends outward from a second side surface  110  of the body  102 . The first extension portion  124  is aligned with the second extension portion  126  about a center and/or center section  128  of the body  102 . The first extension portion  124  is symmetrical about the second axis  20 . The second extension portion  126  is symmetrical about the second axis  20 . 
     The first extension portion  124  comprises a generally rectangular shape with walls  124 A that are parallel to the side surfaces  108 - 112  of the body  102 . As shown in  FIG. 4A , the first extension portion  124  may include some curvature, such as at the corner portions. Also, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first extension portion  124  has two walls  124 A that are flush with the third side surface  112  and the fourth side surface  114 , respectively. In addition, the first extension portion  124  has two walls  124 A that are inward and spaced from the first end surface  116  and the second end surface  118 , respectively. 
     The second extension portion  126  comprises a generally rectangular shape with walls  126 A that are parallel to the side surfaces  108 - 112  of the body  102 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , the second extension portion  126  may include some curvature, such as at the corner portions. Also, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the second extension portion  126  has two walls  126 A that are flush with the third side surface  112  and the fourth side surface  114 , respectively. In addition, the second extension portion  126  has walls  126 A that are inward and spaced from the first end surface  116  and the second end surface  118 , respectively. 
     The first extension portion  124  includes a first input drive connector  134 . The first input drive connector  134  is located at a center and/or center region of the first extension portion  124 . The first input drive connector  134  is accessible from the first side via the surface  124 B on the first side surface  108 . The first extension portion  124 , via the first input drive connector  134 , is configured to connect to and disconnect from a drive part on a head portion of the torque wrench. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the first extension portion  124  has inner walls  134 A, which define the first input drive connector  134  with a socket of a predetermined size and which is structured to receive a corresponding drive part of the predetermined size. The inner walls  134 A extend along the second axis  20  from the surface  124 B towards a central area of the body  102 . In  FIG. 4A , the inner walls  134 A define a socket having a cross-sectional shape that is rectangular or substantially rectangular with fillets. More specifically, in  FIG. 4A , the first input drive connector  134  is a standard ⅜ inch female square drive opening. 
     The second extension portion  126  includes a second input drive connector  136 . The second input drive connector  136  is located at a center and/or center region of the second extension portion  126 . The second input drive connector  136  is accessible from the second side via the surface  126 B on the second side surface  110 . The second extension portion  126 , via the second input drive connector  136 , is configured to connect to and disconnect from another drive part on a head portion of the torque wrench. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the second extension portion  126  has inner walls  136 A, which define the second input drive connector  136  with a socket of another predetermined size and which is structured to receive a corresponding drive part of that another predetermined size. The inner walls  136 A extend along the second axis  20  from the surface  126 B towards the central area of the body  102 . In  FIG. 4B , the inner walls  136 A define a socket having a cross-sectional shape that is rectangular or substantially rectangular with fillets. More specifically, in  FIG. 4B , for instance, the second input drive connector  136  is a standard ½ inch female square drive opening. 
     In an example embodiment, the first input drive connector  134  is aligned with the second input drive connector  136 . That is, the first input drive connector  134  is coaxial with the second input drive connector  136 . Also, the first input drive connector  134  and the second input drive connector  136  are centered about the adapter  100 . For example, in  FIG. 3B , the first input drive connector  134  and the second input drive connector  136  are aligned and create a through-hole that passes through the center section  128  of the body  102  from the surface  124 B to the surface  126 B. In an alternative embodiment, the body  102  may include a portion that provides a physical barrier (not shown) to separate a space of the first input drive connector  134  and the second input drive connector  136 . 
     The first end section  130  includes a first output drive connector  138 . The first output drive connector  138  is accessible from the first base side at the first end surface  116 . The inner walls  138 A of the body  102 , which define a socket, extend along the longitudinal axis  10 . The first output drive connector  138  is located at a middle region or center region of the first end surface  116 . The first end section  130 , via the first output drive connector  138 , is configured to connect to and disconnect from a corresponding connector part on a tool head. More specifically, the inner walls  138 A, which define the first output drive connector  138 , are structurally defined to receive a connector part that is a specified size. The inner walls  138 A extend along the first axis  10  from the first end surface  116  towards the center section  128  of the body  102 . In  FIG. 5A , the inner walls  138 A define a socket having a cross-sectional shape that is rectangular or substantially rectangular with fillets. More specifically, in  FIG. 5A , for instance, the first output drive connector  138  is a 14 mm×18 mm female rectangular drive opening. 
     In addition, the first end section  130  includes an attachment mechanism  140  on the first side surface  108  and an attachment mechanism  142  on the second side surface  110 . In this regard, the attachment mechanism  140  overlaps the first output drive connector  138 . The attachment mechanism  142  overlaps the first output drive connector  138 . More specifically, the attachment mechanism  140  and the attachment mechanism  142  are aligned and communicatively connected to the first output drive connector  138  such that a tool head is enabled to connect to the first output drive connector  138  and attach to a corresponding attachment mechanism  140 / 142 , for instance, by a snap fit. More specifically,  FIG. 4A  illustrates the attachment mechanism  140 , which is located on the first side surface  108  between the first extension portion  124  and the first end surface  116 . The attachment mechanism  140  is structured to attach to and detach from an attachment device  210  ( FIG. 6 ), such as a detent, on a selected tool head  206 , when that selected tool head  206  is connected to the first output drive connector  138  and when a selected torque wrench  202  is connected to the second input drive connector  136 . Meanwhile,  FIG. 4B  illustrates the attachment mechanism  142 , which is located on the second side surface  110  between the second extension portion  126  and the first end surface  116 . The attachment mechanism  142  is structured to attach to and detach from an attachment device  210 , such as detent, on a selected tool head  206  when that selected tool head  206  is connected to the first output drive connector  138  and when a selected torque wrench is connected to the first input drive connector  134 . As a non-limiting example, for instance, the attachment mechanism  140 / 142  is a through-hole and the attachment device  210  is a detent (e.g., protrusion), which is structured to mate with the through-hole. However, the adapter  100  is not limited to this attachment mechanism  140 / 142 , but may include any suitable mechanical structure that is enabled to attach and detach from the tool head  206  while enhancing the connection between the connector part  208  of the tool head  206  and the first output drive connector  138 . 
     The second end section  132  includes a second output drive connector  144 . The second output drive connector  144  is accessible from the second base side at the second end surface  118 . The inner walls  144 A of the body  102 , which define a socket, extend from the second end surface  118  and toward a center section  128  along the longitudinal axis  10 . The second output drive connector  144  is located at a middle region or center region of the second end surface  118 . The second end section  132 , via the second output drive connector  144 , is configured to connect to and disconnect from a corresponding connector part on a tool head. More specifically, the inner walls  144 A, which define the second output drive connector  144 , are structurally defined to receive a part that another specified size. The inner walls  144 A extend along the first axis  10  from the second end surface  118  towards the center section  128  of the body  102 . In  FIG. 5B , the inner walls  144 A define a socket having a cross-sectional shape that is rectangular or substantially rectangular with fillets. More specifically, in  FIG. 5B , for instance, the second output drive connector  144  is a 9 mm×12 mm female rectangular drive opening. 
     In addition, the second end section  132  includes an attachment mechanism  146  on the first side surface  108  and an attachment mechanism  148  on the second side surface  110 . In this regard, the attachment mechanism  146  overlaps the second output drive connector  144 . The attachment mechanism  148  overlaps the second output drive connector  144 . More specifically, the attachment mechanism  146  and the attachment mechanism  148  are aligned and communicatively connected to the second output drive connector  144  such that a tool head is enabled to connect to the second output drive connector  144  and attach to a corresponding attachment mechanism  146 / 148 , for instance, by a snap fit. More specifically,  FIG. 4A  illustrates the attachment mechanism  146 , which is located on the first side surface  108  between the first extension portion  124  and the second end surface  118 . The attachment mechanism  146  is structured to attach to and detach from an attachment device  210  on a selected tool head  206  when that selected tool head  206  is connected to the second output drive connector  144  and when a selected torque wrench is connected to the second input drive connector  136 . Meanwhile,  FIG. 4B  illustrates the attachment mechanism  148 , which is located on the second side surface  110  between the second extension portion  126  and the second end surface  118 . The attachment mechanism  148  is structured to attach to and detach from an attachment device  210  on a selected tool head  206  when that selected tool head  206  is connected to the second output drive connector  144  and when a selected torque wrench  206  is connected to the first input drive connector  134 . As a non-limiting example, for instance, the attachment mechanism  146 / 148  is a through-hole and the attachment device  210  is a protrusion, which is structured to mate with the through-hole. However, the adapter  100  is not limited to this attachment mechanism  146 / 148 , but may include any suitable mechanical structure that is enabled to attach to and detach from the tool head  206  while enhancing the connection between the connector part  208  of the tool head  206  and the second output drive connector  144 . 
     In an example embodiment, the first output drive connector  138  is aligned with the second output drive connector  144 . That is, the first output drive connector  138  is coaxial with the second output drive connector  144 . Also, the first output drive connector  138  and the second output drive connector  144  are centered about the first axis  10  of the adapter  100 . In  FIG. 3B , the body  102  includes a portion that provides a physical barrier, which physically separates the first output drive connector  138  from the second output drive connector  144 . In an alternative embodiment, the first output drive connector  138  and the second output drive connector  144  are aligned and create a through-hole from the first end surface  116  to the second end surface  118 . 
       FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C  illustrate various views of an example of a tool assembly  200  according to an example embodiment.  FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C  are not drawn to scale, but are provided for the conceptual information that they convey. More specifically, this tool assembly  200 , via the adapter  100 , includes a connection between (i) a torque wrench  202  with a drive part  204  that mates with the first input drive connector  134  and (ii) a tool head  206  with a connector part  208  that mates with the second output drive connector  144 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 6A , the tool head  206  includes an attachment device  210 , which is structured to mate with the corresponding attachment mechanism  148  (e.g., detent) on the second side surface  110  such that the attachment mechanism  148  projects outward in a same direction (e.g., downward direction) as the drive part  204 . Also, as shown in  FIGS. 6B-6C , when connected, the longitudinal axis  10  of the adapter  100  is parallel to the longitudinal axis  30  of the torque wrench  202  and the longitudinal axis  40  of the tool head  206 . This tool assembly  200  is advantageous in being enabled to apply a smaller torque to a smaller object, such as a mechanical fastener, with precision by rotation about its rotational axis  50  compared to alternative tool assemblies involving the adapter  100 . 
     As discussed above, the adapter  100  may provide various tool assemblies by connecting various combinations of input drive components with output drive components. Although  FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate a non-limiting example of one of various combinations of tool assemblies  200 , the adapter  100  is not limited to configuring this tool assembly  200 , but is configured to provide various other tool assemblies. As another example, the adapter  100  is configured to provide at least a tool assembly  200  in which the adapter  100  is connected to (i) a torque wrench  202  that is configured to connect to the first input drive connector  134  and (ii) a tool head  206  that is configured to connect to the first output drive connector  138 . As yet another example, the adapter  100  is configured to provide at least a tool assembly  200  in which the adapter  100  is connected to (i) a torque wrench  202  that is configured to connect to the second input drive connector  136  and (ii) a tool head  206  that is configured to connect to the first output drive connector  138 . Further, as yet another example, the adapter  100  is configured to provide at least a tool assembly  200  in which the adapter  100  is connected to (i) a torque wrench  202  that is configured to connect to the second input drive connector  136  and (ii) a tool head  206  that is configured to connect to the second output drive connector  144 . Moreover, the tool assemblies are not limited to the same style of tools (e.g., torque wrench  202  and tool head  206 ) that are shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C , but can include any suitable tools and/or tool components, which are structured to mate with a selected one of the first input drive connector  134  and the second input drive connector  136  along with a selected one of the first output drive connector  138  and the second output drive connector  144 . In general, the different tool assemblies provide different features and advantages. As a non-limiting example, for instance, a tool assembly  200 , which includes (i) a torque wrench  202  with a drive part  204  that mates with the second input drive connector  136  and (ii) a tool head  206  with a connector part  208  that mates with the first output drive connector  138 , is advantageous in being enabled to apply a larger torque to a larger object, such as a mechanical fastener, with precision by rotation about its rotational axis  50  compared to alternative tool assemblies involving the adapter  100 . 
     As described above, the adapter  100  includes a number of advantageous features and benefits. For instance, in an example embodiment, the adapter  100  is structured to provide connections between standard U.S. sized tool components and European sized tool components. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiments, the adapter  100  enables U.S. sized torque wrenches to be used with European style tool heads. The adapter  100  is thus advantageous in enabling workers to use some of their own tools as components (e.g., U.S. torque wrenches) for tasks without requiring full-sized tools (e.g., European sized torque wrenches) to be imported for these same tasks, whereby the importation of these full-sized tools is costly. In this regard, the adapter  100  is beneficial in adapting various sized components to other sized components. Advantageously, the adapter  100  enables various combinations of tool assemblies to be created with ease by enabling users to simply attach and detach them from the adapter  100 . Moreover, the adapter  100  is advantageous in being enabled to extend the selected torque wrench with the selected tool head while transferring torque of an accurate measurement to a desired object, such as a mechanical fastener or any suitable physical device. 
     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. For example, as an alternative, the adapter  100  may be customized to provide connections between European style torque wrenches and U.S. style tool heads (and/or wrench adapters). Moreover, the adapter  100  is not limited to U.S. and European conventions (e.g., sizes, styles, etc.), but may include any of various sizes of input sockets and any of various size output sockets to provide the desired tool assemblies. Also, the adapter  100  is not limited to providing connectors that include sockets, but may include other types of connectors (e.g., male connectors) or a combination of different types of connectors in place of the sockets. 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.