Patent Publication Number: US-11662090-B2

Title: Storage unit with light-emitting components

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/180,328, filed Feb. 19, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/809,287, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,962,218, filed Mar. 4, 2020, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2020/020970, filed Mar. 4, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/814,685, filed Mar. 6, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/815,749, filed Mar. 8, 2019, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure is directed generally to the field of tool storage systems and related devices. The present disclosure relates specifically to a device or unit that includes one or more light-emitting components, and a coupling mechanism to detachably couple the device to another such device or container, such as a tool storage container in a modular tool storage system. 
     Tool storage units are often used to transport tools and tool accessories. Some storage units are designed to incorporate into a modular storage system. Within a modular storage system, different units, devices and/or containers may provide varying functions, such as being adapted to provide light. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment, a stackable lighting unit is configured to couple to a stackable storage unit. The stackable lighting unit includes a housing, a bottom surface defined by the housing, and a first light pivotally coupled to the housing. The bottom surface includes coupling components that couple the bottom surface of the stackable lighting unit to a top surface of the stackable storage unit. The first light rotates about a first rotational axis with respect to the housing. 
     According to another embodiment, a container assembly includes a lighting unit. The lighting unit includes a first housing, a bottom surface defined by the first housing, and a first light pivotally coupled to the first housing. The bottom surface of the lighting unit includes a first coupling component. The first light pivotally rotates about a first rotational axis with respect to the first housing. The container assembly also includes a storage unit. The storage unit includes a second housing, a storage space defined within the second housing, and a top surface of the storage unit defined by the second housing. The top surface includes a second coupling component. The lighting unit and the storage unit are coupled together by a first coupling component of the lighting unit interfacing with the second coupling component of the storage unit. 
     According to another embodiment, a stackable lighting unit is configured to couple to a stackable storage unit. The stackable lighting unit includes a housing, a bottom surface defined by the housing, a first light coupled to the housing, and a battery interface configured to couple to a power tool battery. The bottom surface includes coupling components that couple the bottom surface of the stackable storage unit to a top surface of a stackable storage unit. 
     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 included, 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 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a lighting unit according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the lighting unit of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the lighting unit of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of the lighting unit of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the lighting unit of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the lighting unit of  FIG.  1    with the top panel removed. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the lighting unit of  FIG.  1    with the top panel removed. 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of the lighting unit of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the lighting unit of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  10    is a back view of the lighting unit of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  11    is a back view of a lighting unit according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view the lighting unit of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a portion of a modular storage system that has a light according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is another perspective view of the portion of the modular storage system and light of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIGS.  15  and  16    are perspective views of a portion of a modular storage system that has a light according to another embodiment 
         FIG.  17    is a detailed perspective view of the portion of the modular storage system and light of  FIGS.  15  and  16   . 
         FIGS.  18 - 20    are perspective views of a portion of a modular storage system that has a light according to another embodiment. 
         FIGS.  21  and  22    are perspective views of a portion of a modular storage system that has a light according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  23    is a perspective view of a portion of a modular storage system that has a light according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of a portion of a modular storage system that has a light according to another embodiment. 
         FIGS.  25  and  26    are perspective views of a portion of a modular storage system that has a coupling mechanism according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS.  27  and  28    are perspective views of a portion of a modular storage system that has a coupling mechanism according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  29    is a perspective view of a modular storage system. 
         FIG.  30    is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment for use with the modular storage system of  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  31    is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment for use with the modular storage system of  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  32    is a perspective view of a modular storage system including either of the lights of  FIG.  30  or  31   . 
         FIGS.  33 - 35    are perspective views of a light according to one embodiment for use with the modular storage system of  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  36    is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment for use with the modular storage system of  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  37    is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment for use with the modular storage system of  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  38    is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment for use with the modular storage system of  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  39    is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment for use with the modular storage system of  FIG.  29   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to the figures, an embodiment of a stackable lighting device, container or unit is shown. One or more of the devices are configured to selectively couple and decouple with storage units. The stackable device couples with storage units and includes one or more lighting panels that can be used to illuminate nearby objects and surfaces. In one embodiment the lighting unit has multiple lighting panels that are each pivotal with respect to the housing, and an interface to receive power from a power tool battery. 
       FIGS.  1 - 4    depict a stackable device, shown as lighting unit  10 . Lighting unit  10  includes primary light panel  32 , which pivots with respect to housing  62  about axis  34 . Left-side light panel  36  pivots with respect to housing  62  about axis  38 , and right-side light panel  40  pivots with respect to housing  62  about axis  42 . Primary light panel  32 , left-side light panel  36  and right-side light panel  40  each actuate between a retracted position ( FIG.  1   ) and an open position ( FIG.  3   ). When primary light panel  32  is in the retracted position, primary light panel  32  is pivoted against or near back surface  68  defined by back panel  66 . Similarly, when left-side light panel  36  is in the retracted position, left-side light panel  36  is pivoted against or near left-side surface  22  defined by left-side panel  20 , and right-side light panel  40  is in the retracted position, right-side light panel  40  is pivoted against or near right-side surface  68  defined by right-side panel  66 . 
     To extract primary light panel  32  from the retracted position, a user can interface with tab  64 , which protrudes from primary light panel  32  above back panel  66 . In a specific embodiment, left-side light panel  36  pivots with respect to housing  62  about axis  38  and is also rotatable about axis  70  ( FIG.  3   ). Similarly, right-side light panel  40  pivots with respect to housing  62  about axis  42  and also rotates about axis  72  ( FIG.  3   ). In a specific embodiment, left-side light panel  36  pivots about axis  38  and rotates about axis  70 , which are perpendicular to each other. In a specific embodiment, right-side light panel  40  pivots about axis  42  and rotates about axis  72 , which are perpendicular to each other. 
     In a specific embodiment, axis  38  that left-side light panel  36  rotates about is parallel to axis  42  that right-side light panel  40  rotates about, and both axis  38  and axis  42  are perpendicular to axis  34  that primary light panel  32  rotates about. 
     Lighting unit  10  includes a top panel  12  that defines top surface  14 . Top surface  14  comprises one or more coupling components  28 , shown as recesses with two ledges that overhang the recesses. Coupling components  28  interface with corresponding coupling components on a bottom surface of another unit, such as a storage unit, to couple lighting unit  10  to the storage unit. For example, coupling components  28  interface with a storage unit that includes coupling components  30  (e.g., like shown in  FIG.  11   ). 
     Front panel  16  defines front surface  18  of housing  62 . Handle  44  protrudes from housing  62  and can be used to carry and/or move lighting unit  10 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  5 - 6   , door  46  encloses electrical interface  48 , shown as a plug, personal electronic device interface  50 , shown as a USB-compatible plug, and compartment  52 , which is dimensioned to store a cellular phone being charged via personal electronic device interface  50 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  7 - 10   , depicted are various aspects of lighting unit  10 .  FIGS.  7 - 8    depict lighting unit  10  with top panel  12  removed.  FIG.  9    depicts the left-side of lighting unit  10 , including door  54 . Door  54  actuates between a closed position in which battery interface  56  is enclosed, and an open position in battery interface  56  is accessible. In a specific embodiment battery interface  56  is configured to interface with a rechargeable battery for personal power tools (e.g., a battery for a wireless drill). 
     In one or more embodiments the light panels of lighting unit may be illuminated in various combinations as a result of one of a plurality of modes being selected. For exemplary purposes only, in a first mode all three of primary light panel  32 , left-side light panel  36  and right-side light panel  40  emit light, in a second mode only primary light panel  32  emits light and left-side light panel  36  and right-side light panel  40  emit light, and in a third mode only left-side light panel  36  and right-side light panel  40  emit light while primary light panel  32  does not emit light. 
       FIG.  11    depicts various aspects of lighting unit  10 , including a plurality of coupling components  30 . Coupling components  30  are configured to interface with the top surface of other units, such as storage units, that include coupling components  28 . 
       FIG.  12    depicts lighting unit  80 . Lighting unit  80  is functionally similar to lighting unit  10  except as described herein. Lighting unit  80  includes recess  82  from which projections  84  extend. In a specific embodiment, projections  84  are configured to receive a power cord that is wrapped around projections  84 . 
     In a specific embodiment, the panel in left-side light panel  36  and right-side light panel  40  that emits light is 60 mm wide and 100 mm tall, from the perspective of left-side light panel  36  and right-side light panel  40  being in the retracted position. In a specific embodiment the panel in primary light panel  32  that emits light is 280 mm wide and 105 mm tall, from the perspective of primary light panel  32  being in the retracted position. In a specific embodiment the power tool battery and the sidewalls of the battery compartment are 25 mm apart, and the bottom of the power tool battery and the bottom of the battery compartment is 15 mm apart. In a specific embodiment the panels of primary light panel  32 , left-side light panel  36  and right-side light panel  40  that emit light include a heat sink (e.g., a 6061 aluminium alloy) behind the light-emitters (e.g., LEDs), a reflector behind the light-emitters (e.g., PC ABS), and a lens in front of the light-emitters. 
     In various embodiments of lighting unit  10 , the lights, shown as light panels, are selected from the group consisting of an area light (e.g., a light that illuminates 360 degrees), a flood light (e.g., a light that illuminates 180 degrees) and a focused light, such as a task-focused light (e.g., a light that is focused to an angle between 90 degrees and 120 degrees). In a specific embodiment of lighting unit  10 , lighting unit  10  includes one area light and one task-focused light. In another specific embodiment of lighting unit  10 , lighting unit  10  includes one task-focused light and one light selected from the group consisting of an area light and a flood light. 
       FIGS.  13 - 14    illustrate a modular storage system  100  including a light  102  according to one embodiment. The lights  102  of  FIGS.  13 - 14    illuminate the path in front of a user while moving the modular storage system  100 . The light  102  may also be oriented to illuminate a desired area when the modular storage system  100  is stationary. In the illustrated embodiment, the light  102  is configured to emit  300  lumens but other or additional embodiment may emit more or less lumens. The light  102  according to the embodiment in  FIGS.  13 - 14    has one or more light-emitting diode (LED) locations that are built into the modular storage system  100 . 
       FIGS.  15 - 17    illustrate a modular storage system  104  including a light according to another embodiment. The lights of  FIGS.  15 - 17    illuminate the path in front of a user while moving the modular storage system  104 . The light may also be oriented to illuminate a desired area when the modular storage system  104  is stationary. In the illustrated embodiment, the light is configured to emit  300  lumens, but other or additional embodiment may emit more or less lumens. The light  106  according to the embodiment of  FIGS.  15 - 17    has one or more light panels  106  that are housed on the sides of the modular storage system, are foldable (e.g., moveable or pivotable) relative to the movable storage system  104 , are useable while being transported or while stationary, and are integrated in the full system. 
       FIGS.  18 - 20    illustrate a modular storage system  108  including a light according to another embodiment. The light of  FIGS.  18 - 20    can illuminate 360 degrees as an area light or can be a task focused light and have a beam angle of between 90 degrees and 120 degrees. As shown in  FIGS.  18 - 20   , the light includes one or more panels  110  (e.g., three panels) that are foldable (e.g., pivotable) and rotatable relative to the modular storage system  108 . For example, turning to  FIG.  20    in particular, there is a first pivot point to spin each of the light panels 360 degrees and is created by attaching a spindle  112  to the light head and having it protrude down and out of the bottom. Moreover, a threaded part of the spindle  112  is compressed by a threaded washer to create a resistance force when spinning. Also, an up and down fold is created with, for example, wave washers being compressed and mounted to the side of the light. 
       FIGS.  21  and  22    illustrates a modular storage system  114  including a light according to another embodiment. The light of  FIGS.  21  and  22    can illuminate 360 degrees as an area light or can be a task focused light and have a beam angle of between 90 degrees and 120 degrees. As shown in  FIGS.  21  and  22   , the light is a dome luminaire that provides task lighting. The dome luminaire is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the modular storage system. 
       FIG.  23    illustrates a modular storage system  116  including a light according to another embodiment. The light of  FIG.  23    can illuminate 360 degrees as an area light or can be a task focused light and have a beam angle of 120 degrees. As shown in  FIG.  23   , the light is a main panel  118  that is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the modular storage system, and the auxiliary panels fold off (e.g., pivot from) of the main panel. 
       FIG.  24    illustrates a modular storage system  120  including a light according to another embodiment. The light of  FIG.  24    can be transported with the modular storage system  120  and can be integrated into any configuration and location on the system. In the illustrated embodiment, the light is stored on (e.g., coupled to) the top of the modular storage system  120 , but in other embodiments, the light may be stored on (e.g., coupled to) other locations of the modular storage system. The light may have cleats on the bottom and top of the light allow users to store the light in any configuration of the modular storage system. Alternatively, cleats on the bottom and top of the light allow users to store the light in any configuration of the modular storage system and the light can function/illuminate an area from any of those locations. It is within the scope of this application that in one or more embodiments a user interface (UI) and a battery of the modular storage system are accessible in any location on the modular storage system. 
       FIGS.  25 - 28    illustrate a modular storage system  122  in which a light functions both on and off the modular storage system. Moreover, the light is capable of attaching to multiple different surfaces or objects by a coupling mechanism. As shown in  FIGS.  25  and  26   , the light includes a coupling mechanism that is a clamp, which couples the light to another different surface or object. The clamp  124  functions with one or more biasing mechanisms (e.g., springs) that compress as the clamp is pulled away from the light. Once the clamp  124  is around the surface or object, the clamp is released such that it retracts and catches on the surface object thereby holding the light in place. In other or alternative embodiments ( FIGS.  27  and  28   ), the coupling mechanism may include magnets  126  that couple the light to metal surfaces or objects. Additionally or alternatively, the light may include a handle that allows the user to carry or transport the light on the job site. 
     The lights shown and described herein in  FIGS.  13 - 28    have a color temperature of 4000K and a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 80 (e.g., 80+). Moreover, the lights shown and described herein in  FIGS.  13 - 28    can output at least 2500 lumens with a four hour runtime with a 5.0 amp hour battery pack. Additionally, the lights shown and described herein in  FIGS.  13 - 28    can output at least 300 lumen while in a path lighting flood mode with a ten hour runtime with a 5.0 hour battery pack. The lights shown and described herein in  FIGS.  13 - 28    also have a beam angle for area lighting of 360 degrees and task lighting of 90 degrees to 120 degrees. The lights, the modular storage system, or both have an integrated charging system to charge direct current (DC) batteries from an alternative current (AC) power source. The system is efficient as well (e.g., LED driver, optic, LED). The light is durable in harsh weather conditions and is still able to operate on the job site. The light has an indoor storage/outdoor use product rating. That is, the battery is sealed in a compartment with a gasket. The light is IP54 rated. The lights shown and described herein in  FIGS.  13 - 28    have thermal dissipation of respective engines thereof with heat sinking. 
       FIG.  29    illustrates a modular storage system  128  including stackable containers  130 , which are movable by one or more wheels. 
       FIGS.  30 - 32    illustrate lights  132  for use with the modular storage system of  FIG.  29   . The lights have a battery platform. Also, the lights have stacking mechanisms on either or both of the top and the bottom such that that lights can be stacked on one or more of the containers of the modular storage system. In a specific embodiment, the lights consume at least half a width stack. The lights are useable while coupled to the modular storage system. All functions (e.g., the battery, controls, lighting, etc.) of the lights are accessible while coupled to the modular storage system. 
     The lights are also usable while not coupled to the modular storage system. The lights are capable of emitting light in 360 degrees. The lights are capable of being powered by direct current (DC), alternating current (AC) or both. The lights are easily transportable as well. 
     With respect to  FIG.  32   , the lights are positionable on the modular storage system. As shown in  FIG.  32   , the lights illuminate the path in front of a user while moving the modular storage system. The lights may also be oriented to illuminate a desired area when the modular storage system is stationary. The user has the ability to control light output direction. Moreover, as discussed in greater detail below, the lights are also capable of being coupled to another object such as a pipe, stud, beam, ladder or other object. 
       FIG.  33 - 35    illustrates a light for use with a modular storage system according to another embodiment. As shown in  FIG.  33 - 35   , the light  134  has a head or panel  136  that is movable relative to the modular storage system. That is the head may be pivotable, rotatable, or both relative to the modular storage system. 
       FIG.  36    illustrates a light  138  for use with a modular storage system according to another embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  36    the light  138  is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to a container. The light  138  may be positioned in a lid of the container  140  for example. Accordingly, the light  138  may be movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the container  140  and may be used as a stand. Additionally or alternatively, the light  138  be positioned on a support that is movable (e.g., slideable, pivotable, rotatable) relative to the container. The support may be a telescoping support that is movable relative to the container. Alternatively or additionally, the light  138  may be movable (e.g., slideable, pivotable, rotatable) relative to the support and may also be pivotable or rotatable relative to the container. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  36    the container  140  may also provide storage space. The storage space may be inside the container  140  or outside the container  140 . Moreover, the light  138  may include a main panel  142  and auxiliary panels  144  that are coupled and foldable relative to the main panel  142 . The main panel  142  and auxiliary panels  144  may each be movable (e.g., pivotable or rotatable) to adjust the direction of the light. Regardless of the construction of the light  138 , the light  138  is compact, emits light 360 degrees, illuminates the path of the user, and provides storage for small accessories and hand tools. Moreover, the light  138  may be constructed as a tower light or a task light. 
       FIG.  37    illustrates a light  146  according to another embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  37    the light  146  is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to a container  148 . In particular, in a first position the light  146  is adjacent the container  148  and in a second position the light  146  is spaced apart from the container  148  by a support. In the second position, the light  146  is movable (e.g., pivotable or rotatable) relative to the container  148  about the support. In the illustrated embodiment the light  146  may be pivotable or rotatable in two directions (e.g., about two axes). The light  146  may be a single panel with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or multiple panels with LEDs. The multiple LED panels may be movable or foldable relative to one another. Additionally or alternatively, lights  146  may be incorporated in a housing of the container  148 . The container  148  includes a coupling mechanism (e.g., magnets) such that the container  148 , with the light  146  can be coupled to an object (e.g., beam or post). Moreover, the light  146  is compact, emits light 360 degrees, illuminates the path of the user, and provides storage for small accessories and hand tools. Moreover, the light  146  may be constructed as a tower light or a task light. 
       FIG.  38    illustrates a light  150  according to another embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  38   , the light  150  includes first and second light panels, which include LEDs  154 , and that are movable (e.g., foldable) relative to one another. The light  150  also has a handle  156  to make it transportable. The light  150  is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to a container. The container includes a coupling mechanism (e.g., magnets  152 ) such that the container, with the light, can be coupled to an object (e.g., beam or post). Moreover, the light  150  is compact, emits light 360 degrees, illuminates the path of the user, and provides storage for small accessories and hand tools. Moreover, the light  150  may be constructed as a tower light or a task light. In a specific embodiment the light  150  is powered by battery  158 . 
       FIG.  39    illustrates a hand-held light for use with the modular storage system. In one aspect, the light  160  is positioned or incorporated within an elongate body. The elongate body is movably coupled to a housing, which receives a power source (e.g., battery pack). In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate body is hingedly coupled to the housing. The housing may be removably coupled to a container of the modular storage system and therefore the light may be movable or pivotable to the container. The elongate body may be formed from or include frosted glass. 
     In another aspect of  FIG.  39   , the light  160  is movably coupled to a housing, which is removably coupled to a container of the modular storage system. The lights  160  may be coupled to a support, which extends from the housing. Moreover, the lights  160  may be movable (e.g., pivotable or rotatable) about the supports. In the illustrated embodiment, the lights  160  are pivotable about two axes. Additionally or alternatively, the light  160  may be movable or pivotable within the housing about axis  166 . In a specific embodiment, light  160  and/or battery pack  164  may be stacked on one or more boxes  168 . 
     In another aspect of  FIG.  39   , the lights  160  are movably (e.g., pivotably or rotatably) coupled to the power source or battery pack  164 . In this aspect, each of the lights  160  moves (e.g., pivots) to an opposite side of the battery pack. Moreover, the lights  160  may be rotatable about their own axes. The lights  160  and battery pack  164  can be selectively placed in slots in the container. That is, the battery pack  164  can be placed in one slot, while the lights  160  may be placed in adjacent slots. The user can alter the configuration of the lights  160  by manipulating or placing the battery pack  164  and lights  160  in various slots in the container. The lights  160  may be coupled to the same surface of the battery pack  164  or opposite surfaces of the battery pack. 
     In each aspect of  FIG.  39    the lights  160  are couplable and movable (e.g., pivotable, rotatable) relative to a container of the modular support system, but are also configured to be hand-held. Moreover, the light  160  may have LEDs  162  on a single surface or multiple surfaces. Also, the container may have a housing with lights positioned within the housing. Accordingly, the light may provide path illumination or task illumination. 
     Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure as described. 
     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 disclosure 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. 
     Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. 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. As used herein, “rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force. 
     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.