Patent Publication Number: US-7219681-B1

Title: Canopy tension adjuster

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/338,019 titled “Canopy Tension Adjuster” filed Nov. 13, 2001, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to portable shelters, known as tents, having a roof provided by at least one canopy. In particular, the present invention relates to mechanisms for placing the flexible covering material of the canopy in tension and for connecting the flexible material to a frame or other supporting structure of the tent. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is generally known to provide for standard commercial tent brackets used for tent frame assembly that do not swivel.  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a conventionally known portable shelter  110 .  FIG. 1  is an assembled shelter tent while  FIG. 2  is a exploded perspective view of shelter  110 . As shown by  FIGS. 1 and 2 , shelter  110  is generally assembled by utilizing four corner brackets  132  to join support poles  126  and cross poles  128 . Cables  138  are connected to the poles so as to cross one another at a midpoint. Fabric top  130  is further secured to the stationary pins  112  of corner brackets  132 . Connecting fabric top  130  to pins  112  of corner brackets  132  generally requires either a special pry tool configured to pry and stretch the fabric top over and onto each of pins  112  or requires four people simultaneously pulling on fabric top  130  so as to position the loops at the corners of fabric top  130  over and onto each of pins  112 . Poke-up rod  142  and pulley bar  140  are then mounted to the midpoint or intersection of cables  138  and connected to the apex of top  130  to poke up the center of fabric top  130 . Once top  130  is on the frame provided by poles  128 ,  126  and corner brackets  132 , ratchet assemblies  136  raise the canopy provided by fabric top  130 . 
     However, such commercial tent brackets have many disadvantages. Although commonly employed, such portable shelters are difficult and time consuming to set up. Stretching fabric top  130  to place fabric top  130  in tension as it is connected to corner bracket  132  is tedious, time consuming and requires multiple person crews. Moreover, specialized tools such as canopy jacks and pry bars are usually required for raising the tent as well. Thus, there is a continuing need for a portable shelter that is easier and less time consuming to set up and requires fewer persons for set up. 
     Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a canopy tension adjuster that requires less time for assembly of tent canopies and cuts the need for extra tools and canopy jacks. It would also be advantageous to provide a canopy tension adjuster that swivels and thereby eliminates the need for extra people to assemble the tent frame and attach the top. It would be desirable to provide for a canopy tension adjuster having one or more of these or other advantageous features. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary feature of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive, easy-to-manufacture, and aesthetically pleasing canopy tension adjuster that overcomes the above-noted disadvantages. 
     Another feature of the present invention is to provide a canopy tension adjuster that is reliable, is of relatively simple construction, and is relatively simple to install and adjust or reconfigure. 
     Another feature of the present invention is to provide a canopy tension adjuster that enables a canopy to be quickly and easily connected to an underlying frame and to be placed in a taut or tensioned state. Also, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a canopy tension adjuster that eliminates the need for special pry bar tools or large setup crews. As a result, such portable shelters and tents may be manufactured, set up and taken down at a lower cost. 
     These and other advantages and features of the present invention may also be accomplished in a canopy tension adjuster configured for use in wide variety of commercial, non-commercial, and recreational uses and settings. 
     How these and other advantages and features of the present invention are accomplished (individually, collectively, or in various subcombinations) will be described in the following detailed description of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the FIGURES. Generally, however, they are accomplished in a tension adjuster for use with a frame and covering. The tension adjuster comprises a first portion adapted to be coupled to one of the frame and the covering. The tension adjuster further comprises a second portion pivotally coupled to the first portion and adapted to be coupled to the other of the frame and the covering. The second portion pivots relative to the first portion between a relaxed position in which the canopy is in a relaxed state and a tensioned position in which the canopy is in a tensioned state. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a tent is provided that includes a canopy, a plurality of tent frame components and a swivel portion coupled to at least one of the tent frame components and the canopy. Furthermore, the swivel portion pivots between a relaxed position in which the canopy is in a relaxed state and a tensioned position in which the canopy is in a tensioned state. 
     According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for erecting a tent is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of space support poles, providing a swivel portion pivotally coupled to at least one of the plurality of support poles, coupling a canopy to the swivel portion while the swivel portion is in a relaxed position and while the canopy is in a relaxed state such that the canopy extends between the plurality of support poles, pivoting the swivel portion to a tensioned position such that the canopy is in a tensioned state, and releasably retaining the swivel portion in the tensioned position. 
     The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a conventionally known tent. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the tent of  FIG. 1  with selected components, such as corner brackets and cables, shown again in an assembled state. 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmentary perspective view of a tent including an exemplary embodiment of a canopy tension adjuster of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of the canopy tension adjuster of  FIG. 1  taken along line  4 — 4  illustrating the adjuster in a tensioned position. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the canopy tension adjuster of  FIG. 4  taken along line  5 — 5  illustrating the tension adjuster in a relaxed position. 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the canopy tension adjuster of  FIG. 4  taken along line  5 — 5  illustrating the adjuster in the tensioned position. 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the canopy tension adjuster of  FIG. 6  taken along line  7 — 7 . 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the canopy tension adjuster according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Before explaining a number of preferred, exemplary, and alternative embodiments of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Before proceeding to the detailed description of the preferred and exemplary embodiments, several comments can be made about the general applicability and the scope thereof. 
     For example, while the components of the disclosed embodiments will be illustrated as a canopy tension adjuster designed for a tent, the features of the disclosed embodiments have a much wider applicability. For example, the canopy tension adjuster design is adaptable for other portable shelters, canopies, tents, awnings, marquees, pavilions, and other commercial or recreational products with a covering material held in tension. Further, the size of the various components and the size of the containers can be widely varied. 
     Also, the particular materials used to construct the exemplary embodiments are also illustrative. For example, components of the canopy tension adjuster can also be manufactured from stamped alloy materials such as steel or aluminum, but other materials can be used, including other thermoplastic resins such as injection molded high density polyethylene, polypropylene, other polyethylenes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), polyurethane nylon, any of a variety of homopolymer plastics, copolymer plastics, plastics with special additives, filled plastics, etc. Also, other fabricating, stamping, or molding operations may be used to form these components. 
     Further, it is important to note that the terms “tent,” “brackets,” “frame,” and “cover” or “covering” are intended to be broad terms and not terms of limitation. These components may be used with any of a variety of products or arrangements and are not intended to be limited to use with canopy or tent applications. 
     Proceeding now to descriptions of the preferred and exemplary embodiments,  FIGS. 3–8  show portable shelter or tent  20  according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 3  illustrates tent  20  in a fully assembled and erected state upon a foundation or ground surface  22 . Tent  20  generally includes support poles  26 , cross poles  28 , a center support assembly, canopy  32  and tension adjusters  30 . Support poles  26  comprise generally elongate rigid tubes, shafts or other structures configured to elevate cross poles  28  and canopy  32  above ground  22 . Support poles  26  are preferably configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the ground  22  when tent  20  is erected. Support poles  26  preferably elevate cross poles  28  to a height above ground  22  sufficient so as to permit a person of average height to walk beneath cross poles  28  without genuflecting. For ease of storage and assembly, support poles  26  may be collapsible either by folding action or by telescopic reduction. Although tent  20  preferably includes four such cross poles located at each corner of tent  20 , tent  20  may alternatively include a greater or fewer number of such cross poles depending upon the desired overall configuration of tent  20 . 
     Cross poles  28  comprise elongate rigid structures extending between support poles  26 . Cross poles  28  support the perimeter of canopy  32  between support poles  26 . When connected to one another, cross poles  28  extend along axes which are perpendicular to one another. When connected to support poles  26 , cross poles  28  all lie in a common plane which extends perpendicular to support poles  26 . When assembled, cross poles  28  preferably extend in a substantially horizontal plane substantially parallel to ground  22 . In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, cross poles  28  are coupled to support poles  26  by canopy tension adjusters  30  at each of the corners of tent  20 . Alternatively, cross poles  28  may be directly coupled to support poles  26  by connectors distinct from adjusters  30 . Cross poles  28  may also alternatively be integrally formed or permanently affixed directly or indirectly to support poles  26 . In the exemplary embodiment, tent  20  includes four such cross poles  28  to provide tent  20  with its generally rectangular shape. Alternatively, tent  20  may be provided with greater or fewer number of cross poles  28  depending upon the overall desired configuration of tent  20 . Moreover, although each cross pole  28  preferably comprises a single elongate pole or bar, cross poles  28  may include multiple sections or a frame work of multiple sections or segments extending parallel or oblique to one another. Cross pole  28  may further be configured to be collapsible either by folding action or by telescopic reduction or extension. 
     The center support assembly of tent  20  is substantially identical to the center support assembly of portable shelter  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  which includes cables  138 , poke-up rod  142 , and pulley bar  140 . As utilized with tent  20 , cables  138  crisscross one another and extend between tension adjusters  30  and support pulley bar  140  and poke-up rod  142  at a central location between cross poles  28 . Poke-up rod  142  further elevates a peak  34  of canopy  32  in a known fashion. 
     Although tent  20  preferably includes cables  138 , pulley bar  140  and poke-up rod  142 , tent  20  may alternatively include various other center support assemblies configured to elevate portions of canopy  32  to provide canopy  32  with an inclined gradient for rain runoff and for aesthetic reasons. For example, tent  20  may alternatively include a center support structure which is configured to elevate multiple points of canopy  32  to provide canopy  32  with a plurality of spaced peaks. Tent  20  may also be provided with a center support assembly which is configured to elevate canopy  32  along one or more continuous elongate peaks extending from one cross pole  28  to an opposite cross pole  28 . Moreover, in lieu of including cables  138  and a poke-up rod  142 , the center support assembly of tent  20  may comprise rigid poles or other support structures that span the opening between cross poles  28  or between support poles  26 . Such rigid structures may be collapsible by means of folding, accordion-like arrangements or by means of telescopic segments. In alternative embodiments, tent  20  may omit a center support assembly such that canopy  32  extends in a generally flat plane across or between cross poles  28 . 
     Canopy  32  comprises an elongate sheet or connected sections of flexible material. In the exemplary embodiment, canopy  32  is formed from canvas. Canopy  32  is configured to be suspended by the remaining components of tent  20  at a height above ground  22 . Although canopy  32  is illustrated as having a single peak, canopy  32  may be provided with a plurality of peaks or an elongate peak. Although canopy  32  is illustrated as including a side portion  36  which extends in a vertical direction towards ground  22  and which is spaced well above ground  22 , canopy  32  may omit such side portion  36  or may include a side portion  36  which extends substantially to ground  22  on one or more sides of tent  20 . In such an alternative embodiment, at least one of side portions  36  may additionally include a door or other opening for access to the interior of tent  20 . The exact configuration of canopy  32  may be varied depending upon the overall desired configuration of tent  20 . 
     Canopy tension adjusters  30  are generally located at each location on tent  20  where canopy  32  is preferably stretched and placed in tension. In the particular embodiment illustrated, adjusters  30  are located at each corner of tent  20  at the junction of cross poles  28  and support poles  26 . 
     One of adjusters  30  is illustrated in greater detail in  FIGS. 4–7 . Adjuster  30  generally includes connector structure or portion  40 , swivel portion  42  and locking mechanism  44 . Connector portion  40  comprises a structure configured to be releasably coupled to cross poles  28 . In the exemplary embodiment, connector portion  40  is configured to releasably connect cross poles  28  such that cross poles  28  extend along perpendicular axes. Connector portion  40  is further configured to be connected to cables  138  or other components of the center support assembly of tent  20 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, connector portion  40  generally includes base  48 , cable mount  50  and cross pole mounts  52 . Base  48  comprises a rigid structure from which the remaining portions of adjuster  30  extend. Base  48  generally comprises a pair of rigid plates  54  joined to one another by an intermediate plate  56 . Intermediate plate  56  is preferably firmly joined to plates  54  by welding. Alternatively, plate  56  is secured to plates  54  by other fastening methods and mechanisms. Moreover, in alternative embodiments, plates  54  and  56  are integrally formed as a single unitary structure. In addition, other structures may be employed to provide base  48  in lieu of plate  54  and plate  56 . Plates  54  form a channel  58  which facilitates pivotal movement of swivel portion  42 . At the same time, plates  54  provide upwardly facing edges  60  against which canopy  32  may be pulled into a taut or tensioned state over cross pole mounts  52  and substantially over swivel portion  42 . 
     Cable mount  50  is coupled to base  48  and is configured to be coupled to ends of cable  138  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In the exemplary embodiment, cable mount  50  comprises a pin fixedly coupled to plate  56 . Alternatively, other mounting mechanisms may be secured to plate  56  or to other stationary parts of base  48  and/or connector portion  40  for retaining an end of cable  138 . In other embodiments where tent  20  is provided with alternative center support assemblies, either base  48  and/or connector portion  40  may be configured so as to be releasably or permanently coupled to the components of the center support assembly, whether such components comprise a cable or other flexible member or whether such components include a rigid structure such as a pole or the like. 
     Cross pole mounts  52  are coupled to base  48  and are configured to secure cross poles  28  to base  48 . In an exemplary embodiment, cross pole mounts  52  comprise tubes or shafts which are fixedly coupled to base  48  and which are configured to receive cross poles  28  which are pinned to mounts  52 . Alternatively, cross pole mounts  52  may comprise tubes which are configured to be received within bores of cross poles  28  which are pinned to mounts  52 . Although cross pole mounts  52  are preferably welded to base  48 , cross pole mounts  52  may be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with base  48  or may be secured to base  48  by various other fastening or joining methods. Moreover, depending upon the configuration of cross poles  28 , cross pole mounts  52  may have any of a variety of alternative shapes, sizes and configurations so as to be releasably joined to cross poles  28 . Although less desirable, base  48  and cross pole mounts  52  may alternatively be fixedly coupled to or integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with a single cross pole  28  or a pair of cross poles  28 . 
     Swivel portion  42  comprises a rigid structure coupled to canopy  32  and pivotally coupled to connector portion  40 . Swivel portion  42  pivots relative to connector portion  40  between a relaxed position in which canopy  32  is in a relaxed state (best shown in  FIG. 5 ) and a tensioned position in which the canopy is in a taut or tensioned state (best shown in  FIG. 6 ). Swivel portion  42  is pivotally coupled to connector portion  40  by means of pin  64  and a pair of aligned openings  66  extending through swivel portion  42  (as best shown by  FIG. 7 ). In the exemplary embodiment, pin  64  has ends which project into a pair of aligned bores  68  formed in plates  54 . The ends of pins  64  are preferably fixed to plate  54  such that swivel portion  42  rotates relative to pin  64 . Alternatively, swivel portion  42  may be fixed to pin  64  wherein the ends of pin  64  rotate within bores  68 . Swivel portion  42  may be pivotally coupled to connector portion  40  by various other conventionally known and future developed pivoting support mechanisms and methods. 
     As best shown by  FIG. 5 , swivel portion  42  is preferably releasably coupled to canopy  32 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, swivel portion  42  includes a hook, pin or post  70  configured to project through an opening  72  formed within canopy  32  so as to engage and interconnect swivel portion  42  and canopy  32 . In the preferred embodiment, opening  72  is bound by a grommet  74 . In alternative embodiments, canopy  32  may be releasably coupled to swivel portion  42  by various other fastening devices. For example, canopy  32  may be provided with a hook configured to engage an opening formed as part of swivel portion  42 . Swivel portion  42  or canopy  32  may alternatively be provided with a clamping device, a snap, or other structures for releasably securing canopy  32  to swivel portion  42 . Although less desirable, canopy  32  and swivel portion  42  may alternatively be permanently affixed, bonded or joined to one another. 
     Swivel portion  42  additionally includes support pole mounting portion  80  and anchor  82 . Support pole mounting portion  80  extends at a lower end of swivel portion  42  and is configured to be releasably coupled to one of support poles  26 . As a result, each adjuster  30  releasably connects cross poles  28 , support poles  26  and the center support assembly. In the embodiment illustrated, support pole mounting portion  80  comprises a tubular structure configured to removably receive a portion of support pole  26  such that support pole  26  may be pinned or otherwise fastened to swivel portion  42 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 8 , support pole mounting portion  80  may be configured to be received within an internal bore formed in one of support poles  26 . In alternative embodiments, support pole mounting portion  80  may be permanently attached to or integrally formed as part of support poles  26 . 
     Anchor  82  comprises a structure coupled to swivel portion  42  and is configured to be releasably affixed to a rope, cable or other structure extending to ground  22  and staked or otherwise fastened to ground  22  to further anchor support pole  26 . In the exemplary embodiment, anchor  82  comprises an eye bolt affixed to swivel portion  42 . Alternatively, other anchor structures may be provided upon swivel portion  42 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , anchor  82  may be configured (e.g., positioned) to restrict the upward movement of support pole  26  after support pole  26  is releasably coupled to support pole mounting portion  80 . Anchor  82  abuts the end of support pole  26 , thereby allowing swivel portion  42  to be positioned along support pole  26  according to a desired configuration. Anchor  82  may be coupled to swivel portion  42  by various fastening or joining methods (e.g., threading, welding, etc.). Alternatively, anchor  82  may be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with swivel portion  42 . Moreover, in alternative embodiments, anchor  82  may be omitted. 
     Locking mechanism  44  comprises a mechanism configured to releasably retain swivel portion  42  in the tensioned position. As best shown by  FIG. 7 , locking mechanism  44  generally includes a pair of aligned bores  86  extending through connector portion  40 , a pair of aligned bores  88  extending through swivel portion  42  and a locking pin  90 . When swivel portion  42  is positioned in the tensioned position, bores  86  and  88  are aligned such that pin  90  may be inserted through bores  86  and  88  to retain swivel portion  42  relative to connector portion  40 . Alternatively, various other conventionally known and future developed locking methods and mechanisms may be employed to releasably retain swivel portion  42  in the tensioned position. For example, locking pin  90 , locking mechanism  44  may employ an eye bolt or other member. Locking mechanism  44  may include catches, releasable interlocking members, straps, clips or a variety of other mechanisms configured to releasably retain one component relative to another component. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the swiveling of swivel portion  42  in greater detail.  FIG. 5  illustrates swivel portion  42  pivoted to a substantially horizontal position in which canopy mount  70  is more closely located toward the center of canopy  32 . As a result, opening  72  may be more easily mounted to mount  70  while in a relaxed state as shown. Once canopy  32  is mounted to mount  70 , swivel portion  42  is thereafter pivoted in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by arrow  94  until swivel portion  42  is in a substantially vertical setup position. When in the setup position shown in  FIG. 6 , canopy  32  is in tension. To maintain swivel portion  42  in the setup tensioned position, pin  90  is inserted through aligned bores  86  and  88  to prevent further relative movement between swivel portion  42  and connector portion  40 . Conversely, to remove canopy  32 , the operation is simply performed in reverse order. During assembly, the actuation or swiveling of swivel portion  42  may be performed while one or more of support poles  26  are coupled to adjusters  30  or left uncoupled from adjusters  30 . 
     According to a preferred embodiment, canopy tension adjuster  30  comprises square tubes (or channels)  92 . Tubes  92  may be configured to abut anchor  82  when swivel portion  42  is in the tensioned position, thereby preventing swivel portion  42  from swiveling beyond a desired configuration. As shown in  FIG. 8 , tubes  92  are coupled to plates  54  and plates  56 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, tubes  92  are fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to plates  54  and plates  56 . Alternatively, tubes  92  may be coupled to plates  54  and plates  56  by various fastening or joining methods (e.g., fastening, clamping, hooking, sliding, etc.). Alternatively, tubes  92  may be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with plates  54  and plates  56 . Moreover, in alternative embodiments, tubes  92  may be omitted. 
     In the particular embodiment illustrated, canopy tension adjusters  30  perform multiple functions. First, adjusters  30  interconnect cross poles  28  and support poles  26  to one another. In addition, adjusters  30  further interconnect cross poles  28  and support poles  26  to the center support assembly. Second, adjusters  30  provide a connection point for cables, ropes or other tie down mechanisms for further anchoring support poles  26 . Most importantly, adjusters  30  enable the tension of canopy  32  to be adjusted and placed in a taut, tensioned state. Alternatively, adjusters  30  may be modified to simply perform the function of canopy tension adjustment without one or more of the additional features. For example, adjuster  30  may be configured such that adjuster  30  releasably mounts to an existing frame wherein tent frame components such as support poles  26  and cross poles  28  are connected to one another by an independent connecting structure or are integrally formed or permanently affixed to one another independent of adjuster  30 . According to one exemplary embodiment, adjuster  30  includes a stationary portion which is clamped or otherwise secured to an existing junction between cross poles  28  and a swivel portion pivotally coupled to the stationary portion, wherein the swivel portion is configured to be releasably coupled to the canopy and to pivot between the relaxed position and the tensioned position. Depending upon the exact configuration of the tent, such an adjuster  30  may be mounted to the frame of a tent at any of a variety of locations where the canopy needs to be tensioned. In yet other embodiments, the stationary portion may be welded, permanently affixed or integrally formed as part of one or more of the tent frame components, wherein the swivel portion is pivotally coupled to the stationary portion and pivots between the tensioned and relaxed positions. Such tent frame components to which adjuster  30  may be coupled include cross poles  28 , support poles  26  and any component of the center support assembly. Although each adjuster  30  is preferably formed from a rigid material such as metal, adjusters  30  may be formed from other materials such as plastic, wood and the like wherein such materials have a sufficient strength to withstand the encountered forces. 
     Overall, adjusters  30  enable a canopy, such as canopy  32 , to be quickly and easily connected to an underlying frame and to be placed in a taut or tensioned state. Adjusters  30  facilitate such set up without the need for special pry bar tools or large setup crews. As a result, such portable shelters and tents may be manufactured, set up and taken down at a lower cost. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the canopy tension adjuster as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, components of the canopy tension adjuster may be manufactured from stamped alloy materials such as steel or aluminum, but other materials may also be used, including other thermoplastic resins such as injection molded high density polyethylene, polypropylene, other polyethylenes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), polyurethane nylon, any of a variety of homopolymer plastics, copolymer plastics, plastics with special additives, filled plastics, etc. Also, other fabricating, stamping, or molding operations may be used to form these components. Further, although different preferred embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described preferred embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present invention is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. Further, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.