Patent Publication Number: US-2023158660-A1

Title: Pliers Storage Rack

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2022/080255, filed Nov. 21, 2022, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/282,872, filed Nov. 24, 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of tool storage racks. The present invention relates specifically to a storage rack for storing pliers, specifically pliers with handles that are biased toward an open position, such as snap ring pliers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention relates to a pliers storage rack. The pliers storage rack includes a support base and a plurality of pliers support structures coupled to the support base. Each of the plurality of pliers support structures includes a first sidewall extending away from the support base and a second sidewall extending away from the support base at a location spaced apart from the first sidewall. Each of the plurality of pliers support structures includes an outer wall coupled to the first sidewall at a location spaced apart from the support base, and the outer wall has an inner surface facing toward the support base. The outer wall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall together define an open support region, and the open support region defines a first open end, a second open end opposite the first open end, and an open front section extending between the first open end and the second open end. The pliers storage rack includes a pair of pliers supported by each of the plurality of pliers support structures. Each pair of pliers includes a pair of handles that are biased toward an open position and a pair of jaws opposite the pair of handles. The pair of handles engaged between the inner surface of the outer wall and at least one opposing surface of the support structure within the open support region, such that the pair of pliers is secured within the open support region in a position in which the pair of jaws of the pair of pliers extend out of a first end of the open support region and the pair of handles of the pair of pliers extend out of a second end of the open support region. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to storage rack for storing pliers having handles that are biased toward an open position. The storage rack includes a support base, a first inner support wall coupled to the support base and a first side support wall coupled to the first inner support wall. The first side support wall extends in an outward direction away from the support base. The storage rack includes a first outer support wall including an inner surface, a first interior edge coupled to the first side support wall at a location spaced apart from the first inner support wall and a first exterior edge opposite the first interior edge. The first outer support wall is offset from the support base by a first offset distance such that a second open support region configured to receive a first pair of pliers is formed between the first outer support wall and the support base. The storage rack includes a second inner support wall coupled to the support base and a second side support wall coupled to the second inner support wall. The second side support wall extending in an outward direction away from the support base. The storage rack includes a second outer support wall. The second outer support wall includes a second interior edge coupled to the second side support wall at a location spaced apart from the second inner support wall, a second interior edge coupled to the support base, and a second exterior edge opposite the second interior edge. The second outer support wall is offset from the support base by a second offset distance such that a second open support region configured to receive a second pair of pliers is formed between the second outer support wall and the support base. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to storage rack for storing pairs of pliers having handles that are biased toward an open position. The storage rack includes a support base and a first support structure coupled to the support base. The first support structure defines a first open support region, and the first open support region defines a first open end, a second open end opposite the first open end, and an open front section extending between the first open end and the second open end. The storage rack includes a second support structure coupled to the support base. The second support structure defines a second open support region, and the second open support region defines a first open end, a second open end opposite the first open end, and an open front section extending between the first open end and the second open end. The storage rack includes a first pair of pliers having handles that are biased toward an open position supported within the first open support region. The storage rack includes a second pair of pliers having handles that are biased toward an open position supported within the second open support region. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a storage rack for storing one or more pairs of pliers having handles that are biased toward an open position, such as pairs of snap ring pliers. In a specific embodiment, the storage rack has a support base. A first outer support wall is coupled to the support base. The first outer support wall is offset from the support base by a first offset distance and oriented at a first angle with respect to the support base. A second outer support wall is also coupled to the support base. The second outer support wall is offset from the support base by a second offset distance and oriented at a second angle with respect to the support base. The second outer support wall is spaced apart from the first outer support wall. 
     The first outer support wall and the second outer support wall each respectively have a first edge and a second edge that is opposite the first edge. The first edge of the first outer support wall is coupled to the support base, and a first gap is defined between the second edge of the first outer support wall and the support base. The first edge of the second outer support wall is coupled to the support base, and a second gap is defined between the second edge of the second outer support wall and the support base. The first outer support wall has a first interior surface. The second outer support wall has a second interior surface. The first and second interior surfaces each respectively include a plurality of gripping structures. 
     In certain specific embodiments, the plurality of gripping structures is a plurality of vertical ribs. In other specific embodiments, the first offset distance is different than the second offset distance and the first angle is different than the second angle. In other specific embodiments, the first offset distance is the same as the second offset distance and the first angle is the same as the second angle. 
     In another specific embodiment, a first upright slot is coupled to a support base. The first upright slot is substantially open in the axial direction. The first upright slot has a first slot perimeter in which a first upright gap is defined. The first upright gap is sized to allow placement and removal of a first pair of pliers. At least a portion of the interior of the first upright slot is ribbed. Additionally, a second upright slot is coupled to the support base. The second upright slot is substantially open in the axial direction. The second upright slot has a second slot perimeter in which a second upright gap is defined. The second upright gap is sized to allow placement and removal of a second pair of pliers. At least a portion of the interior of the second upright slot is ribbed. 
     In certain specific embodiments, the first upright slot partially abuts the second upright slot. In other specific embodiments, the first gap is sized to support a first pair of pliers having a first pliers size, and the second gap is sized to support a second pair of pliers having a second pliers size that is different from the first pliers size. 
     In another specific embodiment, the storage rack includes a support base. A first inner wall is coupled to the support base. A first sidewall and a second sidewall are coupled to opposite sides of the first inner wall and extend outwardly from the support base. A first outer wall is coupled to the first sidewall. Together, the first outer wall, first sidewall, first inner wall, and second sidewall define a first vertical slot. The outer vertical edge of the first outer wall is spaced apart from the outer vertical edge of the second sidewall, defining a vertical gap between the first outer wall and the second sidewall. An interior side of the outer wall includes a plurality of gripping structures. A second outer wall and a second inner wall are additionally coupled to the second sidewall. A third sidewall is coupled to the second inner wall, spaced apart from the second sidewall. The third sidewall extends outwardly from the support base. Together, the second outer wall, second sidewall, second inner wall, and third sidewall define a second vertical slot. The outer vertical edge of the second outer wall is spaced apart from the outer vertical edge of the third sidewall, defining a vertical gap between the second outer wall and the third sidewall. An interior side of the outer wall includes a plurality of gripping structures. 
     In certain specific embodiments the plurality of gripping structures include a plurality of ribs. In certain more specific embodiments, the plurality of ribs are vertical ribs. In other specific embodiments, the inner wall is curved. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary. 
     The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a storage rack storing various pairs of pliers, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the storage rack shown in  FIG.  1   , showing a user removing a pair of pliers from above the rack, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a portion of the storage rack shown in  FIG.  1   , showing a user removing a pair of pliers from below the rack, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a portion of the storage rack shown in  FIG.  1   , showing a user removing a pair of pliers from the front of the rack, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a front perspective view of a storage rack for storing pairs of pliers, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of the storage rack shown in  FIG.  5   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a rear perspective view of the storage rack shown in  FIG.  5   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a detailed rear perspective view from above of a portion of the storage rack of  FIG.  5   , showing a magnet coupled to the rear of the storage rack, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a detailed rear perspective view from above of a portion of the storage rack of  FIG.  5   , showing the magnet removed from the storage rack, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a front view of the storage rack shown in  FIG.  5   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a front perspective view of a storage rack for storing pairs of pliers, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a storage rack, storage tray, or storage holster for storing tools, such as pairs of pliers, are shown. In various embodiments, the storage racks shown herein are specifically configured to store pliers that have handles biased toward an open position, such as the spring-biased handles of a snap ring pliers. 
     Typical pliers trays or racks use support floors to support a stored pair of pliers from underneath and, thus, prevent the pliers from dropping to the ground. Some standard pliers trays or racks include slots to support individual pairs of pliers, each slot having a perimeter that surrounds the pliers (i.e. does not have gaps sufficient for the pliers to pass through) to keep the stored pliers from falling forward or sideways out of the respective slot and, likewise, out of the tray or rack. 
     As discussed herein, Applicant has designed storage racks that allow a user to access a stored pair of pliers from above, below, or in front of the storage rack. The storage rack includes an outer support wall offset from a vertical support base and oriented at an angle with respect to the vertical support base. The offset distance and orientation angle are, together, sufficient to establish a friction fit with a pair of spring-biased pliers handles interested between the outer wall and the support base. The bias of the pliers handles towards the open position facilitates the friction fit. The friction fit is sufficient to hold the pliers in place and prevent the pliers from dropping or tilting out of position within the rack. Applicant has also found that providing gripping structures, such as a plurality of vertical ribs, to the interior of the outer support wall (i.e., facing the inserted pliers handle) may improve the friction fit between the outer support wall and the pliers handle. 
     Further, the designs discussed herein support pliers without the need for a support floor to support the pliers from below. In addition, the designs discussed herein support pliers without use of a complete, i.e. closed, support wall perimeter that surrounds the pliers. Thus, Applicant&#39;s designs allow a stored pair of pliers to protrude axially both above and below the portion of the storage rack gripping the pliers handles. This allows the user to grip the pliers either from above or below improving access to the pliers while supported. Further, as the friction fit of the pliers within the storage rack further prevents forward or sideways tilting, a gap sufficiently sized for the stored pair of pliers to pass through may be formed in the outer perimeter of the slot without detrimentally impacting the securement of the pliers within the storage rack. Therefore, if space is tight both in the areas above and below the pliers rack, a user can grip and remove the pliers from the front of the rack. 
     Referring to the figures,  FIGS.  1 - 4    shows a perspective view of a storage rack, tray, or holster  10  for storing one or more pairs of pliers  12  with handles that are biased toward an open position. In the specific embodiment shown, the pliers  12  supported in rack  10  are snap ring pliers. In the orientation shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the storage rack  10  has a generally vertical orientation, in that it is mounted to a generally vertical surface (e.g., such as a wall). In this arrangement, the pliers support structures (described in more detail below) of storage rack  10  are configured such that pliers  12  are supported with the jaws in vertical alignment with the handles, i.e. generally with jaws facing upward and handles facing downward or with jaws facing downward and handles facing upward. As will be understood, storage rack  10  maybe be mounted in other spatial orientations or on non-vertical surfaces, and the positional terms vertical and horizontal reference the mounting orientation shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   . In specific embodiments, storage rack  10  is magnetically mounted to the mounting surface. 
     The pliers  12  each have a first handle  14  and a second handle  16  that are biased toward an open position. Specifically, first handle  14  and second handle  16  are biased away from one another, such that when first handle  14  and second handle  16  are compressed toward one another, first handle  14  and second handle  16  each respectively apply an outward bias force against the compressing structure. In specific embodiments, first handle  14  and second handle  16  are spring-biased open. 
       FIGS.  2 - 4    show a pair of pliers  12  being removed from storage rack  10  by a user. Storage rack  10  includes a plurality of open support regions, shown as upright slots  19 , that are defined between respective walls of each support structures  18 . As shown, each support structure  18  are coupled to a support base  22 . 
     To insert pliers  12  into a given slot  19 , first handle  14  and second handle  16  are at least partially compressed (specifically, drawn toward one another), and then released once positioned within slot  19 . Each slot  19  is sized to prevent first handle  14  and second handle  16  of a pair of pliers  12  of a predetermined pliers size from separating sufficiently to achieve a neutral position (specifically, first handle  14  and second handle  16  remain at least partially compressed toward one another within slot  19  after the user&#39;s grip is released). Thus, when first handle  14  and second handle  16  are released within slot  19 , first handle  14  and second handle  16  press against support structure  18 , applying an outward bias force against the portions of support structure  18  that respectively engage first handle  14  and second handle  16 . This outward bias force generates a friction fit that secures pliers  12  in place and prevents pliers  12  from dropping or tilting within or out of storage rack  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , storage rack  10  is configured to allow the user to grip an upper portion of pliers  12  from above storage rack  10  and lift pliers  12  upward and out of storage rack  10  through an open first end, shown as upper end  21 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , storage rack  10  is configured to allow the user to grip a lower portion of pliers  12  and pull pliers  12  downward and out of storage rack  10  through an open first end, shown as lower end  23 . By providing access to pliers  12  from both above and below, storage rack  10  provides improved access to pliers  12 , when there is, for example, another rack, shelf, holster, or other form of barrier positioned above storage rack  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , storage rack  10  is also configured to allow the user to grip a lower portion of pliers  12  from in front of storage rack  10  and to remove pliers  12  by pulling the pliers forward out of storage rack  10  through an open front section, shown as front opening  25 . By providing access to pliers  12  from the front, storage rack  10  provides improved access to pliers  12 , when there is, for example, another rack, shelf, holster, or other form of barrier positioned both above and below storage rack  10 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , front opening  25 , is defined between opposing edges/walls of support structure  18  and is sufficient to allow passage of pliers  12 . As the friction fit between the first and second handles  14 ,  16  and support structure  18  prevents pliers  12  from substantially tilting within support structure  18 , front opening  25  does not impede the securement of pliers  12  by support structure  18 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , storage rack  10  includes a collapsible handle  20 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , storage rack  10  is mounted in a position rotated 180 degrees from the position in which storage rack  10  is mounted in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . This allows storage rack  10  to be mounted with handle  20  protruding to the left (as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   ), or to the right (as shown in  FIG.  4   ), to meet the spacing demands of a given mounting location. For example, if there is a barrier element to either the left or the right of storage rack  10  in the desired mounting location, it may be convenient to mount storage rack  10  in an orientation that positions handle  20  away from the barrier element. Storage rack  10  may be mounted in either configuration without impact to the functions described above. 
       FIGS.  5 - 10    show various views of a storage rack  110 , according to an exemplary embodiment. Storage rack  110  is substantially the same as storage rack  10  except for the differences described herein. Referring to  FIGS.  5 - 6   , a plurality of pliers support structures, shown as support structures  118 , are coupled to a support base  122 . Each support structure  118  includes a plurality of walls, and the inner surfaces of each define open support regions, shown as slots  119 . Each support structure  118  includes an outer wall, shown as outer support wall  130 . Each outer support wall  130  has an interior edge  131 , an exterior edge  133  opposite interior edge  131  and an inner surface  137 . Additionally, each outer support wall  130  is offset from support base  122  by an offset distance  125  or  126 . 
     Within storage rack  10 , certain outer walls  130  are offset by the same offset distance and oriented at the same angle with respect to support base  122 , while other outer walls  130  are offset by different offset distances, such as offset distance  125  and offset distance  126 , and oriented at different offset angles with respect to support base  122 . As shown in  FIG.  6   , offset distances  125  and  126  are the distances measured from outer surface  135  of support base  122  perpendicular to inner surfaces  137  of outer walls  130  As shown in  FIG.  6   , offset distance  125  is smaller than offset distance  126 . 
     In various embodiments, each support structure  118  is laterally spaced from the adjacent support structure by a distance generally shown as width  127 . As shown, width  127  is measured between opposing surfaces of each support structure  118  perpendicular to offset distance  125  and parallel to support base  122 . In addition, each support structure  118  has a height  139 . 
     In various embodiments, offset distances  125  and  126 , height  139  and width  127  are such that support structures  118  are specifically sized to support pliers and specifically sized to support pliers with outwardly biased handles. 
     In various embodiments, outer walls  130  are oriented at different offset angles relative to support base  122 . In some embodiments, some outer walls  130  are oriented substantially parallel to support base  122 , while other outer walls  130  are angled at a non-zero angle  128  with respect to support base  122 . The angle  128  shown in this embodiment is 45 degrees. Adjusting the offset distance and orientation angle of a given outer wall  130  allows pliers of different sizes to be accommodated by differently sized support structures  118  within storage rack  110 . In specific embodiments, indicators  124  are located on an exterior surface of each outer wall  130  to indicate to a user the recommended pliers to be supported by a given outer wall  130 . 
     In specific embodiments, support structure  118  is formed by a plurality of support walls, such as outer support wall  130  described above, as well as a first sidewall or side support wall  142 , an inner wall or inner support wall  144 , and second sidewall or side support wall  146 , together defining slot  119 . In certain specific embodiments, inner wall  144  is coupled to support base  122 , first sidewall  142  is coupled to inner wall  144 , and outer support wall  130  is coupled to first sidewall  142  at a location spaced apart from inner wall  144 , specifically opposite first sidewall  142 . Additionally, second sidewall  146  is coupled to inner wall  144  at a location spaced apart from first sidewall  142 . First sidewall  142  and second sidewall  146  each extend in an outward direction away from support base  122 . In specific embodiments, outer wall  130  is coupled to first sidewall  142  at interior edge  131  of outer wall  130 , such that an open front section  129 , configured to receive a pair of pliers, is defined between exterior edge  133  of outer wall  130  and the second sidewall  146 . Specifically, open front section  129  generates a break in the perimeter of support structure  118  between outer wall  130  and second sidewall  146 . Further, each outer support wall  130  is oriented at a designated angle with respect to support base  122  such that the handles of the pair of pliers are supported between outer support wall  130  and support base  122  when the pair of pliers is stored in storage rack  110 . 
     In specific embodiments, inner wall  144  includes a nonplanar section that facilitates engagement with the pliers handles. In the embodiment shown inner wall  144  is curved. In other specific embodiments, inner wall  144  is angled. In some instances, two support structures  118  may abut one another such that a portion of support structure  118  may serve as a first side support wall  142  for one support structure  118  and as a second side support wall  146  for an adjoining support structure  118 . In some instances, first sidewall  142  is substantially perpendicular to support base  122 , and in other instances, first sidewall  142  is angled with respect to support base  122  by angle  128 . 
     Each slot  119  is open in the axial direction defining first open end  121  and second open end  123 . In other words, as shown in  FIG.  5    there is no structure of storage rack  110  positioned above or below slot  119  in the axial direction that prohibits the pliers from being axially positioned in or removed from slot  119 . As such, support structure  118  allows through passage of the pair of pliers in a vertical direction. Further, open front section  129 , described above, is configured to horizontally receive a pair of pliers to be stored within slot  119  and to allow horizontal through passage of the pair of pliers out of slot  119  when the pair of pliers is disengaged from support structure  118 . As shown in  FIGS.  5 - 10   , open front section  129  is substantially upright and extends the full height of support structure  118 . In this embodiment, no portion of support structure  118  protrudes above or below open front section  129 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , multiple support structures  118  are arranged along the length of support base  122 . In this arrangement, an axis of each slot  119  extending between open ends  121  and  123  is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of support base  122 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , the interior surface of each slot  119  includes one or more gripping structures that strengthen the friction fit between the pliers handle and outer wall  130  when a pliers is positioned within slot  119 . In this embodiment, the gripping structures are a plurality of ribs  150  formed into the interior surface, specifically the surface facing toward the support base  122 , of outer wall  130 . In general, ribs  150  extend in a direction between lower edge  141  and upper edge  143  of each outer wall  130 . Ribs  150  support the handles of the pair of pliers, such that the pair of pliers is secured within slot  119 . 
     Additionally, a collapsible handle  120  is coupled to support base  122 . To allow temporary mounting of storage rack  110  to a magnetic surface, magnets  152  are coupled to the rear of support base  122 . This allows a user to mount storage rack  110  at a given location upon arrival at a particular work site, and then to readily dismount storage rack  110  and move it to a new location at a new work site. When more permanent mounting of storage rack  110  is desired, mounting holes  154  are formed in storage rack  110  through which fasteners may be applied to secure storage rack  110  more fixedly to a wall or other mounting surface. Mounting holes  154  can also be seen more clearly in  FIG.  10   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , one of the magnets  152  is shown in greater detail. In this embodiment, magnet  152  is slidably coupled to support base  122 . Magnet  152  has a body  156  and flanges  158  protruding from opposite sides of body  156 . Body  156  has a first depth, and flanges  158  have a second depth that is narrower than the first depth. Flanges  158  are sized to slidably couple to channels  160  formed in support base  122 . Referring to  FIG.  9   , channels  160  can be seen in greater detail, with magnet  152  removed. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , a front view of storage rack  110  is shown. Like storage rack  10 , storage rack  110  is substantially symmetric about the horizontal axis. Also like storage rack  10 , storage rack  110  can be mounted in the position shown in  FIG.  10   , or in a rotated orientation, such as an orientation rotated 180 degrees from the orientation shown in  FIG.  10   . 
       FIG.  11    shows a perspective view of a storage rack assembly  210 . Storage rack  210  is assembled by coupling storage rack  10  to a support tray  270 . In specific embodiments, collapsible handle  20  is readily removable and is removed before coupling storage rack  10  to support tray  270 . In certain embodiments, storage rack  10  is readily removable from support tray  270 , for instance, when a smaller footprint is available for mounting. However, when it is time to transport storage rack  10  to a new location, the additional support of storage tray  270  may prevent stored pairs of pliers within storage rack  10  from being jostled out of storage rack  10 , for example, when storage rack  10  is placed into a tool bag or tool box or onto the seat of a vehicle. Support tray  270  includes mounting holes  254  for more fixedly mounting support tray  270  to a mounting surface, if desired. Additionally, a handle  220  is coupled to support tray  270  for convenient transportation of storage rack  210 . In specific embodiments, handle  220  is collapsible. Further, indicators  224  that indicate the recommended pliers to position in a given slot  219  are applied to support tray  270  and aligned with each respective slot  219 . 
     It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. 
     Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.