Patent Abstract:
An apparatus and method provide an adjustable, aimed, lighting system that may be selectively secured to and removed from the ferrule of a paintbrush for illuminating the edge of the bristles during a cutting-in process. The light may be moved as appropriate, and may be aimed to ride with the brush, thus illuminating directly at the edge where paint is being deposited. Thus, precise deposition of paint may be done in spite of the shadows cast by the body of the painter and the bulk of the brush during much of such cutting-in procedures.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/838,930, filed Jun. 25, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to painting and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for lighting a work area for a paintbrush during a cutting-in operation. 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    For residential and commercial painting of interior surfaces, boundaries are the most difficult and time consuming. For example, a window may have a stained wood color, as to the seal and frame, while the surrounding wall is painted a particular color of the room. Although masking is possible, many commercial painters will simply “cut-in” along a boundary line, such as an internal corner, external corner, boundary line, or the like. 
         [0006]    Cutting-in is the process of pressing the bristles of a paintbrush sideways flat against a surface being painted, while bending the handle toward a more perpendicular position with respect to the wall, thus spreading out the bristles to form a very thin edge at the far extreme. By drawing the brush with that line along the boundary, one may precisely position a difference in paint color while drawing the brush and depositing paint. 
         [0007]    Cutting-in may be used around frames of doors, frames of windows, crown moldings, baseboards, internal corners, fixtures and attachments in walls, HVAC inlets and outlets, and the like. Thus, in a room, a significant number of regions may exist that require cutting-in by a painter. 
         [0008]    Unfortunately, light is a perennial problem. Even in daylight, or room lighting system light, and even with specialized flood lighting set up by a painter, light is a problem. The specific problem is that a painter is close to a brush, the brush is against the wall, and everything culminates at the wall on the edge of the brush as painting continues. However, all light is typically on the opposite side of the painter from the brush. 
         [0009]    Even with excellent illumination, the speed, change of position, and so forth render a shadow in the area of a brush repeatedly. Thus, even if the light is excellent at one moment, a few moments later shadows may intervene. Shadows inhibit an ability to see clearly changes in color and the exact location of paint deposits. Moreover, bright working lights result in reflections from a wall, which tend to close down the pupils of a painter. Accordingly, having adjusted to increased ambient light, the eyes can no longer properly distinguish the fine distinctions in the shadowed region near the tip of the brush. 
         [0010]    What is needed is a localized illumination system and method for a paintbrush during close operations, where sight, color, and precision are required. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a securement mechanism, a standoff, and a light assembly that secured to a ferrule of a brush, or nearby, such as on a ferrule, in order to readily aim light and illuminate the edge of a paintbrush during cutting-in processes. 
         [0012]    In certain embodiments, the securement mechanism may be selected from hook-and-loop fasteners, a ball and socket type of snap, any other type of snap, various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses of magnets, simple doubly adhesive spacer materials, or a spacing material containing adhesive on of at least two sides, or the like may act like a securement. Meanwhile, the size, or an additional spacer may be selected in order to stand a light assembly some distance off the ferrule of the brush and thereby provide a central axis of light that is offset from an outer surface of the brush in its undisturbed state. 
         [0013]    For example, when the bristles of a brush are bent and drawn to a thin edge, the heel of the brush and handle necessarily aim at a location different from that edge. Accordingly, a standoff permits the light to be centered, or in least include or illuminate the edge where precision and good eyesight is best assisted by the additional illumination. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a system for implementing an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, including a brush, with the bristles in an undisturbed orientation, and a lighting assembly secured at a specific standoff distance to the ferrule; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1 , illustrating alternative embodiments of particular components, such as the lighting assembly housing, the standoff, securement mechanisms, batteries, and so forth; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the brush of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with a lighting assembly in one embodiment, illustrating the bristles deformed into the fine edge required for cutting-in, and that edge illuminated by a lighting system in accordance with the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a process and method for implementing an apparatus as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5A  is a frontal perspective view of an alternative embodiment to the apparatus of  FIGS. 1 through 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5B  is a rear perspective view thereof; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5C  is a top plan view thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5D  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5E  is a front elevation view thereof; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5F  is a rear elevation view thereof; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5G  is a left side elevation view thereof; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5H  is a right side elevation view thereof; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6A  is a frontal perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a painting light system in accordance with the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6B  is a rear perspective view thereof; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6C  is a top plan view thereof; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6D  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6E  is a front elevation view thereof; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6F  is a rear elevation view thereof; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6G  is a left side elevation view thereof; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6H  is a right side elevation view thereof; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7A  is a frontal perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a painting light in accordance with the invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7B  is a rear perspective view thereof; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7C  is a top plan view thereof; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7D  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7E  is a front elevation view thereof; 
           [0040]      FIG. 7F  is a rear elevation view thereof; 
           [0041]      FIG. 7G  is a left side elevation view thereof; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 7H  is a right side elevation view thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]    It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , while referring generally to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may include a paintbrush  11  provided with a light assembly  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, a paintbrush may be of any particular type, but is most applicable for the invention if it contains bristle or individual fibers. The light assembly  12  may be secured to the paintbrush  11  by any of several methods discussed hereinbelow. 
         [0045]    The light assembly  12  may be comprised of a holder  14  or standoff  14 . In reality, the assembly  14  may act as a securement  14  and as s standoff mechanism  14 . For example, it has been found useful the light assembly  12  away from the paintbrush  11  a distance selected to optimize illumination at the tip of the working end of the brush  11 . 
         [0046]    It has been found that having the central axis of the beam of light emanating from the light assembly  12  nearby and parallel to an outer surface of the brush  11  illuminates the brush, but not the space being cut-in. That is, in the cutting-in operation, the brush is bent intentionally to thin the bristles down to a fine edge, and spread them out. Thus, the sweep or area of coverage of the light assembly  12  is most effective when it extends a distance beside the brush, thus capturing the exact line formed by the edge of the brush  11  during a cutting-in operation. 
         [0047]    In the illustrated embodiment, the light assembly  12  includes a housing  16  secured by the holder  14  and positioned away from the standoff  14 . Thus, the housing  16  may be thought of as the structural mechanics, while the holder  14  and standoff  14  may be integrated into a single element, such as a magnet secured to a brush  11  forward (toward the paint-containing, toe or application end) of the brush  11 . Thus, a handle  18  may have a narrower portion for holding, and may extend toward a wider part  17  of the handle  18 , which then engages the ferrule  20 . 
         [0048]    The ferrule  20  is effectively a band  20 , typically of metal, and most typically of steel, capturing and securing the bristles  22  near the heel  19  of the brush  11 . The region of bristles  22  just outside the ferrule  20  is referred to as the heel  19 , and typically holds no quantity of paint. Good painting technique fills the toe portion with paint, always leaving the heel dry. 
         [0049]    As a practical matter, bristles  22  may be synthetic or natural. Actual bristle is an animal product. However, many modern brushes are formed with thin filaments of nylon, polyester, or other appropriate polymeric materials. 
         [0050]    Between the bristles  22  is maintained a quantity of paint by virtue of capillary action. Surface tension maintains the paint within the bristles  22 . Surface tension between the paint on the work piece and paint in the toe  21  or the extreme distal end  21  of the bristles  22  tends to draw more paint out of the bristles  22  toward the handle  18 , such as within the ferrule  20 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , while continuing to refer generally to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , a bulb  24  may be set in the housing  16  in order to illuminate an edge of the bristles  22 . A variety of housing  16  types and standoff spacer  14  mechanisms may be implemented in various embodiments of the invention. 
         [0052]    As a practical matter, the bristles  22  at the toe  21  are formed into a thin, sharp edge  23  by laying a flat aspect of the bristles  22  or the bundle of bristles  22  against the wall  54 , and then pivoting the handle  18  around the heel  19  in order to spread the bristles  22  in two dimensions. That is, the bristles  22  closest to the wall are drawn back away from the edge  23  by bending the entire bundle, thus leaving fewer bristles  22  at the edge  23 . Thus, by bending the bristles  22 , the edge  23  is formed by the few bristles  22  that are closest to the line where paint will be cut-in. Meanwhile, the bristles  22  are accordingly distorted or deformed, being bent to one side. 
         [0053]    In  FIG. 3 , if the wall were on the left side of the brush  11 , then the bristles  22  would be bent from the heel  19  to the right. Meanwhile, the bristles  22  along the edge  23  would also deflect or deform upward as the brush  11  is drawn downward. 
         [0054]    The bulb  24  may be offset by the holder  14  or standoff  14  a distance away from the ferrule  20 , typically by being attached by a magnet to the ferrule  20 . Accordingly, the center line of the illumination by the bulb  24  will typically include the edge  23  of the bristles  22 . 
         [0055]    In the illustrated embodiment, various options are illustrated for the holder  14  and standoff spacer  14 , the housing  16 , and so forth. For example, the housing  16  may be made in a shape suitable for a type AA battery, a pair of type AAA batteries, a watch type or flat disc-like battery, or the like. Thus, the different shapes illustrated show how various types of batteries may be encased in housings  16  adapted thereto. The housing  16  will encompass both the batteries  28  and the bulb  24 , it may be sized appropriate to the type of battery  28  being used. 
         [0056]    Typically, the light  24  may be a light emitting diode (LED), or any suitable light source. As a practical matter, LED&#39;s require minimal energy for the available illumination and are a reasonable and efficient choice. However, various types of batteries  28  have wide ranging costs, sizes, current capacities, and so forth. 
         [0057]    For example, larger batteries, single batteries, and the like may be preferable to the individual or stacked pancake (e.g., watch batteries) batteries illustrated. Likewise, the leads from the bulb  24  may pass through a switch  30  in order to turn the bulb  24  on and off. That is, power from the battery  28  is passed through an open circuit or to a closed circuit by the opening and closing of the switch  30 . 
         [0058]    In the illustrated embodiment, the securement mechanism  14 , alternatively referred to as a holder  14  or a standoff  14  has several characteristics. Thus, it is a multi-functional device. In some embodiments, a magnet may be glued to the housing  16 , and serve completely adequately. In other embodiments, permanent or temporary fastening mechanisms  14  may be used. 
         [0059]    For example, in the illustrated embodiment, an adhesive layer  32  may be bonded to a spacer  34 . Meanwhile, if these represent the entire mechanism  14  or securement mechanism  14 , then only a limited number of attachments and detachments will be possible. By contrast, a magnet in a bar shape, disc shape, or rectangular block shape as illustrated may serve as the holder  14 , by simply adhering to the ferrous material of which the ferrule  20  is made. Thus, a single, double-sided adhesive tape (e.g., plastic foam, double-stick tape) may secure such a magnet serving as a standoff spacer  14  to the housing  16 , thus securing the light assembly  12 . 
         [0060]    In alternative embodiments, a snap socket  36  may have a face, which may be shaped flat, tapered, such as for piloting, or the like. The snap socket  36  may have an aperture  40  through the face  38 . Typically, a ball  42  or other shape, such as a circular snap  42  or the like, may fit into the aperture  40  by an interference fit. The interference fit thus gives a grip holding the ball  42  or male snap portion  42  securely to the female socket portion  36 . 
         [0061]    The base  44  or trunnion  44  may be secured in any suitable way, such as gluing to a brush  11 , fastening, threading, or any other suitable adhesive method. Typically, the surface area of the trunnion  44  may be considerably greater than that required for the snap ball  42  or the aperture  40 . Thus, lower stress requirements will result. For example, a greater surface area provides that adhesion will persist even against greater forces due to the addition of distribution of stress at the adhesive boundary between the trunnion  44  and ferrule  20  or other portion of the handle  11 . 
         [0062]    In one embodiment, a hook material  46  may be selectively separable from a loop material  48  such as is available in the Velcro™ brand hook-and-loop fastener or similar product. Thus, the two materials  46 ,  48  combine to form a hook-and-loop fastener  50 . By adhering one portion of the fastener  50  to the ferrule  20 , the other portion thereof may be selectively separable at will. In the illustrated embodiment, an exploded view thereof illustrates how an adhesive layer  32  may bond a spacer  34  against the ferrule  20 . Meanwhile, another adhesive layer  32  may be placed between the loop material  48  and the spacer  34 . Alternatively, these may be glued together by an adhesive smeared on a surface of the spacer  34 , the loop material  48 , or both. 
         [0063]    The hook material  46  that forms the other half of the fastener  50  may also be adhered by an adhesive layer  32  to the housing  16  of the light assembly  12 . Meanwhile, the hook-and-loop fastener  50  may be selectively separable in order to remove, replace, service, aim, or otherwise manipulate the light assembly  12 , its position, or components. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , while continuing to refer generally to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , in one embodiment of an apparatus  10  and method in accordance with the invention, a brush  11  may be used for cutting-in on a painted surface  54  by projecting light  52  onto that painted surface  54 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bristles  22  are deflected toward the right, and upward as typical of a brush  11  being drawn downward, while feathering or edging, as required for cutting-in. 
         [0065]    In this embodiment, the offset  14  is responsible to space the light assembly  12 , and specifically to orient the housing  16  in order to both aim the light, and to secure the housing  16  to the ferrule  20 . Again, the central axis of the beam of light  52  need not be coincident with the edge  23  of the bristles  22 . In fact, so long as the circle of light  52  or other shape of light extends out (e.g., to the right side in the illustrated embodiment) of the edge  23 , then a user can see and detect the position of the edge  23 , and the color at the cut-in portion of the painted surface  54 . 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment of a method  58  in accordance with the invention, one may identify  60  the particular painting task to be undertaken. This will determine to a large extent the nature of a brush  11  that is selected  62 . Likewise, the thickness or the effective standoff distance of a holder  14  or securement mechanism  14  will depend, or may depend upon the length, thickness, and so forth of the bundle of bristles  22  in the brush  11 . Thus, one may select  64  a light assembly  12  of suitable size, intensity, like type, beam spread, and so forth. 
         [0067]    In certain embodiments, the housing  16  may include lenses, focus materials, movable portions, or the like in order to better aim the light  52  emanating from the bulb  24 . In other embodiments, the securement mechanism  14  operating as a standoff  14  may be general enough to capture the edge  23  of the bristles  22  in its projected light  52  within a sufficiently broad circle or other shape for virtually any cutting-in and distortions associated therewith. 
         [0068]    Upon selecting  64  a particular light assembly  12 , one may secure  66  the light assembly  12  by means of the holder  14  against a location on the ferrule  20   19  of the brush  11 . Typically, that location will be on the ferrule  20 . This is a convenience because the ferrule  20  is typically made of a high-stress metal, which will often be a ferrous metal. Thus, typically, a ferrule  20  may be magnetic metal, and will receive and hold a magnet  14  as the holder  14 . 
         [0069]    Securing  66  the light assembly  12  might be as simple as setting a magnet  14  of the light assembly  12  against the ferrule  20 , where it will be held by magnetic attraction. In other embodiments, such as those illustrated hereinabove, securement  66  may be temporary, permanent, or a combination. Similarly, it may easily removable, removable with difficulty, positionable without removal, or the like. 
         [0070]    For example, a ball  42  type of securement mechanism  14  may be rotated and pivoted if the face  38  is tapered to provide a range of motion. By contrast, a hook-and-loop type of fastener  50  will have to be removed and re-secured to change in any direction. 
         [0071]    Once the light assembly  12  is in place and properly aiming  74  the light  52  (beam on the lighted region), one may dip  68  the bristles  22  into a source or supply of paint in order to load the bristles  22  by capillary action with paint. Now, the brush  11  is ready to apply  70  the paint to the working surface  54 . As the application  70  of paint to the working surface  54  or painted surface  54  continues, the brush may or may not be positioned for cutting-in. At a time that cutting-in is required, the bending  72  of the bristles  22  will effectively form the edge  23  as described hereinabove. Thus, bending  72  may be thought of as forming  72  the edge  23  required for cutting-in. 
         [0072]    At this point, one may choose to check  74  or adjust  74 , aim  74 , or otherwise correct  74  the light assembly  12 . Typically, the bulb  24  may be positioned in fixed relation to the housing  16 , thus requiring a movement of the entire light assembly  12  in order to provide aiming. By whichever means, one may adjust  74  by a combination of checking, removing, rotating, or otherwise aiming  74  the bulb  24  in order to create the proper region of light  52  illuminating the edge  23  of the bristles  22 . 
         [0073]    As cutting-in  76  proceeds, one may check, by the light of the bulb  24 , to determine that the paint is sufficiently thorough, provides the coverage, opacity, and so forth required. Similarly, the edge  23  of the line of paint on the painted surface  54  may be deemed completed. Thus, once the test  78  determines that the cutting-in  76  has not been done, and a negative response to the test  78  returns the process to dipping  68 , and further applying  70 , and so forth. Nevertheless, a positive or affirmative response to the test  78  indicates that the cutting-in  76  is done. Accordingly, the cutting-in  76  comes to an end  80 . Nevertheless, portions of the process  58  may continue as other portions are painted where cutting-in  76  is not required. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A through 5D , in an alternative embodiment of a design for an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention, a securement  14  may operate as a stand off  14  as described hereinabove. In this embodiment, the housing  16  has a different aspect ratio of width to height above the surface of the ferrule  20  of the brush  11 . In this instance, the light  24  is replaced by three lights  24 , such as LED (light emitting diode) bulbs  24 , or the like. 
         [0075]    In this embodiment, the switch  30  as well as the securement  14  are showed in broken lines. This is because those items have been discussed in detail with respect to  FIGS. 1 through 3 . Here, those elements are not necessary nor critical to all designs. For example, any suitable switch  30  may be substituted. Likewise, any suitable securement  14  discussed hereinabove may be suitable. 
         [0076]    For example, with respect to the illustrations of  FIG. 2 , the several different embodiments of a housing  16  may be the approximately rectangular one that is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , and proceeding clockwise from the exploded view therein, one embodiment may simply be represented as a housing  16  shaped to hold two cylindrical batteries and a having a head containing the light  24 . That configuration or embodiment looks the same from either side, and a switch, an opening, or the like may be added to the design. 
         [0077]    Similarly, proceeding clockwise through the next design, which has something of a shield shape, such an apparatus may have a switch  30  and a securement  14  operating as a stand off  14  as described hereinabove, with a housing  16  shaped as illustrated. This embodiment looks the same from either side, and the front being a mirror image. In this embodiment, a row of LED&#39;s such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 5A through 5H  may be suitable. Likewise, this embodiment may be sufficiently thin that it serves best to use flat disc type batteries  28 , rather than conventional cylindrical batteries  28 , such as the common AAA batteries  28  readily available. 
         [0078]    Likewise, moving clockwise to the last design of  FIG. 2 , a simple cylinder having suitable openings for receiving a light, as well as for replacing a battery through the same opening or one at an opposite end, may receive a securement  14  on one side thereof, and a switch  30  at any suitable location. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A through 5H , the housing  16  may have an indentation  84 , which may include knurling, ribbing, or another treatment to improve grip. Thus, if a hand is wet, gloved, or otherwise inhibited from providing direct contact or firm contact between the housing  16  and the hand of a user, the indent  84  and its associated grip feature or texture  86  may assist in maintaining a firm grip on the apparatus  10 . 
         [0080]    One will note that the lights  24  are multiple in this, providing a comparatively low profile minimizing the moment (as the word is used in engineering parlance) or leverage. For example, if the apparatus  10  is bumped, then the lower profile tends to provide less leverage of such a touching of the housing  16  against the grip of the securement  14  fastened to the ferrule  20  or adhered to the ferrule  20 . Thus, the apparatus  10  will be more stable in use. Likewise, by having a lower profile, the dynamics of motion and force inherent in movement of a brush  11  equipped with the light assembly  12  will minimize the disruption or movement of the light assembly  12 , thus minimizing readjustments. 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A through 6H , an approximately rectangular embodiment of a light assembly  12  includes a separation  80  or parting line  80  that may be positioned at any suitable location, and in any suitable shape for changing out batteries  28  installed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the bulb  24  is illustrated as a single bulb  24 , but may be replaced by multiple bulbs  24 , such as an array of LED&#39;s, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the light  24  is illustrated as represented by a single circle which may be appropriate for such a geometry. Here likewise, the switch  30  and securement  14  are not central to the overall design of the housing  16 . Rather, any suitable switch  30 , at any suitable mechanism or geometry for a securement  14  acting as a stand off  14  may be used, as described hereinabove. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A through 7H , one embodiment of a light assembly  12  may rely on a shape that has few corners or edges. It is similarly spaced away from the ferrule  20  on which the light assembly  12  is mounted by the securement  14 . In this illustration, a single securement  14  is illustrated to operate as a stand off  14 . Nevertheless, multiple magnets  14 , clips  14 , or the like may be used, as described hereinabove. 
         [0083]    One advantage to the design of  FIGS. 7A through 7H  is that the effect (e.g., dislodging, moving) of bumping or sliding against clothing or work pieces, touching by a hand, and the like will be minimized, resisting loss or misalignment of the light  24  and its associated beam  52 . Thus, it may be an advantage to provide a comparatively lower profile with respect to the surface of the ferrule  20  to which the light assembly  12  attaches. Likewise, a comparatively larger base area secured to the ferrule  20  may also provide for additional resistance to tipping (leverage, bearing length) with respect to the ferrule, and improved strength of grip of the securement  14 . 
         [0084]    Of course, a certain distance is required for the stand off  14  or securement  14  in order to position the light element  24  at a height that will illuminate (by the beam  52 ) the edge  23  of the bristles  22  as described hereinabove. Thus, the configurations of  FIGS. 5A through 5H  and  7 A through  7 H provide comparatively lower profiles of the housing  16  itself, with minimum elevation above the surface of the ferrule  20 . It should be noted that the views of  FIG. 2 , of alternative housings  16  are the same on the sides not viewable in the illustration. Similarly, any of the securements  14  or stand offs  14  of  FIG. 2  may be applied in a suitable adaptation to any of the designs of  FIGS. 5A through 7H  inclusive. 
         [0085]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its purposes, functions, structures, or operational characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8