Patent Publication Number: US-11650053-B2

Title: Continuous edge adjustable level

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/519,718, filed Jul. 23, 2019, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2019/041031, filed Jul. 9, 2019, which claims the benefit of and priority to Chinese Application No. 201810750787.1 filed on Jul. 10, 2018, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of tools. The present invention relates specifically to a tool, such as a level, a spirit level, a digital level, etc., that is extendable such that its length may be adjusted as needed by a user. Levels, such as spirit levels, are used to determine the levelness of a structure, surface or workpiece. In use, the level is placed on or in contact with a surface to be measured, and the user views the location of a bubble within a vial (or other levelness indicator such as a digital display) relative to markings that indicate the levelness of the structure, surface or workpiece. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention relates to a level configured to have an adjustable longitudinal length. The level comprises a frame slidably engaged with an extension, such as a movable body member. The level comprises a braking mechanism that frictionally resists movement between the frame and the extension. 
     The level frame comprises a longitudinal axis delimited by a fixed end and an open end. The frame and the extension have bottom surfaces that are coplanar with each other, and an adjustable end of the extension slidably extends past the open end of the frame. 
     Broadly speaking, the level can be placed in variety different configurations: a fully-retracted configuration, a fully-extended configuration and a large number of partially-extended configurations as may be selected by the user. In the fully-retracted configuration, the extension is fully retracted and the distance between the frame&#39;s fixed end and the extension&#39;s adjustable end is minimized. In the fully-extended configuration, the extension is fully extended from the frame to maximize the distance between the frame&#39;s fixed end and the extension&#39;s adjustable end. In the partially-extended configuration, the extension, as should be expected, is partially extended from the frame (i.e., partway between the fully-extended configuration and the fully-retracted configuration). 
     In various embodiments, the level comprises one or more bushings that comprise a spring exerting a force between the frame and the extension. The extension comprises a cavity that extends along the longitudinal axis and engages around one or more protrusions from the frame, such as by a dovetail fit. The bushing spring exerts a force that pushes the extension and the frame away from each other. 
     In various embodiments, the level comprises a braking mechanism that controls the ease with which the extension and the frame can be slid along each other. The braking mechanism engages with the extension, which allows a user to adjustably control a frictional force needed to axially adjust the extension with respect to the frame. 
     In various embodiments, the vials are set in front of a color-contrasting background to facilitate the readability of the vials. For example, in one or more embodiments the vials includes a blue liquid and the background of the vial holder is white. 
     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 a 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 level, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the level of  FIG.  1    with the slidable body member extended. 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded perspective view of the level of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded perspective view of the level of  FIG.  1   , viewed from another perspective. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of an extension piece including a rear bushing, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the extension piece of  FIG.  5   , viewed from another perspective. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a rear bushing, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a level comprising an extension, rear bushing and level frame, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a bottom view of the rear bushing of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a front bushing coupled to a level frame, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-section view of a level, comprising a level frame and a front bushing, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    is a top view of the front bushing of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a braking mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is an exploded view of the braking mechanism of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is an exploded view of the braking mechanism of  FIG.  13   , viewed from another perspective. 
         FIG.  16    is an exploded view of a level, including a vial component, an extension restricting component and a front bushing, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  17    is an exploded view of the level of  FIG.  16   , viewed from another perspective. 
         FIG.  18    is a detailed schematic perspective view of a level including an end cap, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  19    is a detailed schematic perspective view of a level and an extension, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  20    is an exploded view of a level, including a vial component and an end cap, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  21    is an exploded view of the level of  FIG.  20   , viewed from another perspective. 
         FIG.  22    is an exploded perspective view of a level according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  23    is an exploded perspective view of the level of  FIG.  22   , viewed from another perspective. 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of an extension piece including a rear bushing, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  25    is a perspective view of the extension piece of  FIG.  24   , viewed from another perspective. 
         FIG.  26    is a perspective view of a rear bushing, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  27    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a level comprising an extension, rear bushing and level frame, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  28    is a bottom view of the rear bushing of  FIG.  26   . 
         FIG.  29    is a perspective view of a front bushing coupled to a level frame, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  30    is a cross-section view of a level, comprising a level frame and a front bushing, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  31    is a top view of the front bushing of  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  32    is a perspective view of a braking mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  33    is an exploded view of the braking mechanism of  FIG.  32   . 
         FIG.  34    is an exploded view of the braking mechanism of  FIG.  32   , viewed from another perspective. 
         FIG.  35    is an exploded view of a level, including a vial component, an extension restricting component and a front bushing, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  36    is an exploded view of the level of  FIG.  35   , viewed from another perspective. 
         FIG.  37    is an exploded view of a level, including a vial component and an end cap, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  38    is an exploded view of the level of  FIG.  37   , viewed from another perspective. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a level, such as a spirit level, are shown. In general, levels have one or more precision surfaces used for engagement with a workpiece during leveling. The level discussed herein is designed such that the level&#39;s length can be adjusted by the user as needed for various leveling applications. As will be discussed in more detail below, Applicant has developed a variety of innovative mechanisms for an extendable level that provide for smooth and stable relative motion between level sections, adjustable level of friction between level sections, a high visibility vial surround arrangement particularly suited to an extendable level design and/or an end cap design particularly suited to an extendable level design. In general, the levels discussed herein are extendable and are configured to engage a workpiece with at least one extendable and continuous working surface. As used herein an extendable continuous working surface is one that is both length adjustable and that defines a contiguous, coplanar working surface that extends uninterrupted between opposing first and second ends of the level. 
     In a specific embodiment, Applicant&#39;s level provides a level with a primary body and an extension piece that have coplanar upper and lower working surfaces. A benefit of this configuration is that, independent of length the level has been adjusted to, the level provides one or more continuous coplanar working surface to engage with the desired surface of a workpiece. 
     In various embodiments, the extension is moved along level frame via a longitudinal axis to expand or contract the length of the level. The extension comprises an internal cavity that extends along its length and engages around one or more protrusions from the frame. The interface between the extension and the frame is further affected by two bushings. One bushing is coupled to the frame and comprises a spring that is biased against the extension, exerting a force between the frame and the extension. The other bushing is coupled to the extension and comprises a spring that is biased against the frame, also exerting a force between the extension and the frame. 
     In various embodiments, the level comprises a braking mechanism that can be adjusted to control an amount of friction that resists axial movement between the extension and the frame. This braking mechanism is adjustable by the user of the level which allows the user to control the amount of resistance to axial movement provided by the braking mechanism. In specific embodiments, the braking mechanism comprises a screw that engages with a threaded brake that exerts an adjustable amount of lateral force against the extension. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , an extendable, expandable or continuous edge length adjustable level, such as level  10 , is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In general, level  10  is extendable in that its length is reversibly adjustable allowing the user to increase and decrease the length of level  10  as may be needed for various uses. In general, to expand level  10 , slidable body member  30  is moved along frame  12  away from fixed end  106  along longitudinal axis  100 , and to retract/collapse level  10 , slidable body member  30  is moved along frame  12  toward fixed end  106 . In some embodiments, slidable body member  30  is sized such that its entire length fits between fixed end  106  and open end  104  of frame  12  when in the collapsed position. 
     Level  10  includes one or more level indicators, such as level vials  196  (e.g., bubble vials, spirit vials, etc.), which are supported by frame  12  in the appropriate orientation relative to surfaces  14  and/or  24  in order for the vials to indicate the angle, levelness, degree of plumb, etc. of the corresponding surface of a workpiece, as needed for a particular level design or level type. 
     Unlike a standard fixed length level with a single integral body that defines the working surfaces, one difficulty with expandable levels is the ability to maintain the coplanar nature of the working surfaces on opposing outer body portions, while at the same time providing a robust and easy to use extendable body design and locking/braking mechanism. As will be discussed in more detail below, the braking mechanism and/or frame designs discussed here are believed to address these potential design issues. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1 - 6   , level  10  includes a rear bushing  70  and a front bushing  110 . In general, rear bushing  70  and front bushing  110  provide robust and low friction sliding contact surfaces. In addition, as discussed in more detail below, both rear bushing  70  and front bushing  110  include a spring or biasing structure that exert outwardly directed forces causing a high level of engagement and tight fit between body  12  and the slidable body member  30 . 
     Rear bushing  70  is coupled to slidable body member  30  via fasteners  52  (e.g., screws) near enclosed end  36  of slidable body member  30 . During the extension or retraction of slidable body member  30  along frame  12 , spring  82  of rear bushing  70  slides along rear surface  22  of frame  12 . Front bushing  110  is coupled to frame  12  via fasteners  52  (e.g., screws) near open end  104 . During the extension or retraction of slidable body member  30  along frame  12 , springs  114  of front bushing  110  slide along recessed internal vertical surface  40  of slidable body member  30 . When slidable body member  30  is fully extended, stop surface  96  of rear bushing  70  engages with hard stop component  60  (best shown in  FIG.  17   ) to prevent further extension of slidable body member  30  and thus defines the maximum extendable length of the level. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  7 - 9   , rear bushing  70  is biased against and pushes level frame  12  by virtue of spring  82 . In particular spring  82  pushes against rear surface  22  of frame  12  in direction D 1 , which results in flexing of end  86  of spring  82  deforming in direction D 2 . The force exerted by spring  82  results in rear bushing  70  being biased in direction D 2  away from frame  12 . As a result of that lateral force, rear bushing  70  maintains contact with frame  12  at internal angled surface  25  and slidable body member  30 . 
     Slidable body member  30  and frame  12  are coupled together via a dovetail fit, which allows slidable body member  30  and frame  12  to slide with respect to each other along longitudinal axis  100 . Upper longitudinal protrusion  27  of frame  12  is engaged within upper channel  48  of slidable body member  30 , and lower longitudinal protrusion  29  of frame  12  is engaged within lower channel  50  of slidable body member  30 . As a result, slidable body member  30  slides along longitudinal axis  100  by virtue of upper and lower longitudinal protrusions  27  and  29  of frame  12  engaging within upper and lower channels  48  and  50  of slidable body member  30  via a dovetail fit. 
     In general, level  10  comprises a frame  12  that comprises a base surface  16  and an opposing top surface  24 . Slidable body member  30  of level  10  comprises extension bottom surface  18  and upper edge  31 . Extension bottom surface  18  and frame bottom surface  16  are coplanar and collectively comprise base surface  14 . Base surface  14  and top surface  24  are flat, planar surfaces that can be used to engage a surface of a workpiece to be measured using level  10 . In some specific embodiments, base surface  14  and/or top surface  24  are machined to have a flat, flush or planar surface following formation of frame  12  (e.g., following extrusion of a metal forming frame  12 ), and in some embodiments, this machined surface may be anodized. Surfaces  14  and  24  may be referred to as working surfaces of level  10 . Surfaces  14  and  24  are planar surfaces that are parallel to each other and are also parallel to a longitudinal axis  100  of level  10 . In various embodiments, upper edge  31  of slidable body member  30  is embedded in the plane of top surface  24 . In various other embodiments, upper edge  31  is slightly elevated above the plane of top surface  24 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  10 - 12   , front bushing  110  is similarly biased against and pushes level frame  12  by virtue of springs  114 . In particular springs  114  push recessed internal vertical surface  40  in direction D 2 , which results in flexing ends  118  of springs  114  deforming in direction D 1 . The force exerted by springs  114  results in front bushing  110  being biased in direction D 1  away from slidable body member  30 . Therefore, front bushing  110  maintains contact with frame  12  at internal angled surface  25 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  13 - 15   , braking mechanism  150  provides the user the ability to control the ease with which slidable body member  30  extends and retracts along level frame  12 . In general, springs  82  and  114  are positioned to provide a constant but relatively low level of friction to control the sliding of slidable body member  30  relative to frame  12 . When providing a low but non-zero level of friction, springs  82  and  114  increase the amount of force that must be applied in order to slide slidable body member  30  along frame  12 . This constant friction decreases the chance of unintended movement of slidable body member  30 . In specific embodiments, an adjustment control  154  (e.g., via a screw  154  or other mechanism) allows the user to adjust the amount of friction applied by braking mechanism  150  to slidable body member  30 , which in turn allows the user to adjust how freely slidable body member  30  slides relative to frame  12 . 
     Braking mechanism  150  may be adjusted to exert a biasing pressure against slidable body member  30  in direction D 2 . The increase in this frictional force between braking mechanism  150  and slidable body member  30  can be increased until the force required to move slidable body member  30  along longitudinal axis  100  is very large (and thus slidable body member  30  is effectively locked in position relative to frame  12 ). 
     Adjustable interface  154  comprises protrusions  164  that engage with thread  166  of brake  158 . In various embodiments adjustable interface  154  is a custom-threaded bolt that matches the threads of nut  166 . As adjustable interface  154  is rotated, protrusions  164  correspondingly rotate within helical thread  166 , which causes brake  158  to move along lateral axis  101 . In one embodiment, when adjustable interface  154  is rotated in a clockwise direction, from the perspective of  FIG.  13   , the engagement between protrusions  164  and thread  166  causes brake  158  to move in direction D 2  towards front bushing  110 . As a result, engagement surface  170  of brake  158  moves towards front bushing  110 , and thereby increases the compressive force exerted between springs  114  and slidable body member  30 . When adjustable interface  154  is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, from the perspective of  FIG.  13   , the engagement between protrusions  164  and thread  166  causes brake  158  to move in direction D 1  away from front bushing  110 . As a result, the compressive force exerted between springs  114  and slidable body member  30  is reduced, and less force is required to move slidable body member  30  along longitudinal axis  100 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  16 - 17   , level  10  comprises one or more orientation measuring components  180 , for example vials  196 . As will be explained below, orientation measuring component  180  provides a visual backdrop for vials  196  that allows vials  196  to be more easily read and interpreted. Bracket  204  is secured within chamber  206  in level frame  12 . Mount  202  is placed within bracket  204  and secured via fasteners  200 . Vial frame  194  is placed in mount  202 , and vial  196  is mounted within vial frame  194 . In one embodiment, back surface  186 , sidewall surface  188  and bottom surface  192  of vial frame  194  are a contrasting color to a liquid within vial  196 . For example, in  FIG.  16    surfaces  186 ,  188  and  192  are relatively light (e.g., light grey, white, off-white) while the liquid in vial  196  is blue. In this example, the bubble within vial  196  is clearly visible compared to the blue liquid against the backdrop of surfaces  186 ,  188  and  192 . 
     As noted above, when slidable body member  30  is fully extended, stop surface  96  of rear bushing  70  engages with hard stop component  60  to prevent further extension of slidable body member  30  and thus defines the maximum extendable length of the level. In various embodiments hard stop component  60  is mounted to one of frame  12  and slidable body member  30 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  18   , when end cap  176  is removably coupled to fixed end  106  of frame  12 , internal member  238  of end cap  176  is slid within frame  12 . Engagement protrusion  230  presses against an internal surface of frame  12  and deforms engagement pivot  232  as pivot end  234  is partially rotated around pivot base  236 . When engagement protrusions  230  aligns with opening  178 , engagement protrusion  230  engages with opening  178 , thereby coupling end cap  176  and frame  12 . To remove, engagement protrusion  230  nearest pivot end  234  is pressed to de-couple engagement protrusion  230  from opening  178 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  19   , to facilitate the extension of slidable body member  30 , extension end cap  32  includes a cavity, such as recess  220  behind back surface  222  of extension end cap  32 . A user may find gripping purchase with recess  220 , thus providing enough frictional engagement between the user and extension end cap  32  to allow slidable body member  30  to be axially moved with respect to frame  12 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  20 - 21   , vial frame  194  is placed within bracket  212  and then mount  210  is attached. Bracket  212  is secured within chamber  208  of level frame  12 . Subsequent to bracket  212  being secured within chamber  208  of frame  12 , end cap  176  is inserted into frame  12 . As before, in various embodiments sidewall surface  214  are a contrasting color to (e.g., light grey, white, off-white) a liquid within vial  196 , which is blue. In this example, the bubble within vial  196  is clearly visible compared to the blue liquid against sidewall surface  214 . 
     In specific embodiments, the level body components (such as frame  12  and slidable body member  30 ) discussed herein are each formed from a hollow piece of material, such as hollow pieces of metal material (e.g., hollow pieces of extruded aluminum). Further, it should be understood that the terms vertical and horizontal used herein refer to reference axes where horizontal is a plane that lies parallel to the working surfaces of the level and vertical is a plane that lies perpendicular to the working surfaces of the level. 
     In specific embodiments, one or more components of level  10 , such as bushings  70  and  110  and braking mechanism  150 , are formed from a low wear, relatively low friction and/or durable polymer material, such a polyoxymethylene polymer material, like Delrin available from DuPont. Further to facilitate fine adjustments of the amount of friction applied by braking mechanism  150 , brake  158  may have low pitch threading such that each rotation of screw  154  translates to a small adjustment in the vertical position change of brake  158 . 
     The expanding levels discussed herein comprises one or more bushing structures located between frame  12  and slidable body member  30 . In such embodiments, the bushing structures may provide for improved sliding via controlled friction and/or wear resistance as compared to an arrangement in which frame  12  directly engages slidable body member  30 . 
     In various embodiments, front bushing  110  and rear bushing  70  comprise a low friction, low wear polymer material providing bushing functionality between frame  12  and slidable body member  30 , facilitating sliding of slidable body member  30  relative to frame  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  22 - 25   , level  11  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Level  11  is substantially the same as level  10 , except as disclosed and illustrated herein. Level  10  comprises rear bushing  71  and front bushing  111 , which are illustrated in  FIGS.  29  and  26   , respectively. Rear bushing  71  and front bushing  111  are substantially the same as rear bushing  70  and front bushing  110 , respectively, except as disclosed and illustrated herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  26 - 28   , rear bushing  71  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Rear bushing  71  is substantially the same as rear bushing  70 , except as disclosed and illustrated herein. Rear bushing  71  comprises engagement component  88  having ribs  90 . Rear bushing  71  is coupled to slidable body member  30 . During extension or retraction of slidable body member  30  along frame  12 , engagement component  88  generally, and ribs  90  specifically, engage against frame  12 . In various embodiments engagement component  88  generally and ribs  90  specifically are configured to provide a reduced and/or minimized resistance when sliding against frame  12 . In various embodiments, spring  82  in rear bushing  71  extends further than upper protrusion  76  and lower protrusion  80  (best shown in  FIG.  28   ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  29 - 31   , front bushing  111  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Front bushing  111  is substantially the same as front bushing  110 , except as disclosed and illustrated herein. Front bushing  111  comprises engagement component  140 . Front bushing  111  is coupled to frame  12 . During extension or retraction of slidable body  30  along frame  12 , engagement component  140  engages against slidable body member  30 . Springs  114  in front bushing  111  extend laterally and/or upwards towards slidable body member  30 , whereas springs  114  in front bushing  110  are arcuate shaped (best shown in  FIGS.  10  and  12   ), and initially extend towards slidable body member  30  and later extend away from slidable body member  30 . In various embodiments engagement component  140  generally is configured to provide a reduced and/or minimized resistance when sliding against slidable body member  30 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  32 - 34   , braking mechanism  151  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Braking mechanism  151  is substantially the same as braking mechanism  150 , except as disclosed and illustrated herein. Tightener bracket  156  includes apertures  179  on the surface facing away from brake  158 . In various embodiments of braking mechanism  151 , thread  166  in brake  158  is molded within brake  158 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  35 - 36   , level  11  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Level  11  is substantially the same as level  10 , except as disclosed and illustrated herein. Level  11  comprises front bushing  111  and braking mechanism  151 . In the embodiment shown, springs  114  of front bushing  111  extend towards end cap  176 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  37 - 38   , level  13  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Level  11  is substantially the same as level  10 , except as disclosed and illustrated herein. 
     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 the purpose of description 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. 
     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 components or elements, 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. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures, in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description. In addition, in various embodiments, the present disclosure extends to a variety of ranges (e.g., plus or minus 30%, 20%, or 10%) around any of the absolute or relative dimensions disclosed herein or determinable from the Figures.