RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/337,972 entitled "Fastening Clip Assembly," filed May 18, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a fastening clip assembly, and more particularly, to a fastening clip assembly having a fastening clip that is configured to rotationally secure to a component.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various assemblies include panels, components, or other such objects connected to one another. Automobile assemblies, for example, include various panels and structures connected to other panels or structures, or to the automobile frame itself.

[0004] Clips are used to secure various components to portions of a vehicle. For example, trim clips are used to secure components to portions of a vehicle. A known fastener is inserted in a lateral direction into a mount having an open-mouthed doghouse connector.

[0005] However, in a restricted space, installing the fastener to the doghouse connector may be difficult. For example, an individual may find it difficult to install the fastener into the doghouse connector as there may not be sufficient clearance space to maneuver the fastener and/or engage the fastener with a tool. SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] A need exists for a fastening clip that is easy to connect to a component in various settings (such as in areas of limited space), while also providing a strong, robust connection with the component.

[0007] With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fastening clip assembly that includes a mounting connector including a housing that defines a clip-receiving channel, and a fastening clip that securely connects to the mounting connector. The fastening clip is configured to be linearly urged into the clip-receiving channel and automatically rotate towards a secured position with respect to the mounting connector as the fastening clip is linearly urged into the clip-receiving channel.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the housing includes an internal sloped wall. A portion of the fastening clip cooperates with the internal sloped wall to automatically rotate the fastening clip towards the secured position when the fastening clip is linearly urged into the clip-receiving channel. The internal sloped wall includes a keyhole passage formed therethrough. The fastening clip is configured to pass into the keyhole passage in a first orientation. The fastening clip is prevented from passing into the keyhole passage in a second orientation that is radially shifted from the first orientation.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the fastening clip includes at least one securing protuberance that is configured to abut into and rotate off an internal portion (such as an internal sloped surface) of the mounting connector as the fastening clip is linearly urged into the clip-receiving channel. The securing protuberance(s) may include at least one lubricant trench that is configured to receive a lubricant that facilitates rotation of the securing protuberance(s) off the internal portion of the mounting connector. The securing protuberance(s) may include an angled lower surface connected to a blunt upper edge. The angled lower surface is configured to abut into and rotate off the internal portion as the fastening clip is linearly urged into the clip-receiving channel. The blunt upper edge latches onto a portion of the mounting connector in the secured position.

[0010] The fastening clip may include at least one rib that is configured to abut into and rotate off the internal portion of the mounting connector. The rib(s) may be radially shifted with respect to the securing protuberance(s). In at least one embodiment, the rib(s) includes a ramped converging portion that is configured to rotate and slide off the internal portion as the fastening clip is linearly urged into the clip-retaining channel.

[0011] The fastening clip may include a flange that is unable to pass into the clip-receiving channel. In at least one embodiment, the flange includes at least one handle that is configured to be grasped to manually rotate the fastening clip assembly relative to the mounting connector.

[0012] The mounting connector may include at least one rotation stop that limits rotation of the fastening clip relative to the mounting connector when the fastening clip is in the secured position.

[0013] The fastening clip assembly may include a torsion coupler. The torsion coupler is configured to twist and rotate as the fastening clip is linearly urged into the clip-receiving channel. In at least one embodiment, the torsion coupler includes at least one flexible and resilient tubular rod.

[0014] The fastening clip may be configured to be engaged by a tool that linearly urges and rotates the fastening clip relative to the mounting connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective top view of a mounting connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a mounting connector through line 2-2 of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0017] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective bottom cross-sectional view of a mounting connector through line 3-3 of Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective front view of a fastening clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a securing protuberance of a fastening clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective top view of a fastening clip inserted into a channel of a mounting connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective internal view of a mounting connector receiving a distal end of a fastening clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective internal view of a mounting connector retaining a fastening clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective top view of a fastening clip assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a fastening clip assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a fastening clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective top view of a jig system aligning a fastening clip over a mounting connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0027] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective axial cross-sectional view of a jig system aligning a fastening clip over a mounting connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 14 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of a jig system aligning a fastening clip over a mounting connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective front view of a fastening clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective top view of a fastening clip axially aligned with a channel of a mounting connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 17 illustrates a perspective internal view of a mounting connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 18 illustrates a perspective top view of a fastening clip assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 19 illustrates a perspective top view of ribs of a fastening clip engaging a sloped wall of a mounting connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 20 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a fastening clip assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fastening clip assembly that includes a mounting connector and a fastening clip. The fastening clip is configured to automatically rotate into a secure position with respect to the mounting connector as the fastening clip is pushed into a channel of the mounting connector.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the fastening clip is linearly pushed into a channel of the mounting connector. As the fastening clip is pushed into the channel, internal features of the mounting connector cause the fastening clip to turn (for example, a 90 degree rotation), thereby rotating the fastening clip into a secure, robust connection.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, an internal wall of the mounting connector is sloped. The sloped wall causes the fastening clip to rotate as the fastening clip is pushed into the channel.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the fastening clip includes securing protuberances (such as ribs and turn features) that cooperate with features of the mounting connector to rotate the fastening clip into a secure position as the fastening clip is pushed into the channel. The fastening clip may also include a handle that may be engaged by an individual to manually install the fastening clip into the mounting connector. As the securing protuberances (for example, turn features) engage the sloped wall of the mounting connector, the fastening clip rotates as the fastening clip is urged into the channel. The protuberances may also include one or more trenches that retain a lubricant.

[0040] The fastening clip is inserted into the channel of the mounting connector. The fastening clip is oriented such that the securing protuberances pass through a keyhole slot in the bottom of the mounting connector. As the securing protuberances engage the sloped wall, the angle of the sloped wall causes the fastening clip to rotate so that the securing protuberances engages the bottom of the channel to provide a secure connection, such as through a 90 degree rotation.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, the fastening clip includes a torsion feature. The torsion feature is configured to twist and/or rotate as the fastening clip is urged into the mounting connector.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the fastening clip is urged into a mounting connector through a jig system. The jig system includes a spring within a spiral channel that urges and rotates the fastening clip into the channel of the mounting connector. As such, the channel of the mounting connector may not include a complex internal shape, as the jig system automatically urges and rotates the fastening clip into a secure position.

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective top view of a mounting connector 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting connector 100 may be formed of metal or plastic, for example. The mounting connector 100 includes a clip-retaining housing 102 extending outwardly from a base 104. As shown, the base 104 may be a planar annular sheet. Optionally, the base 104 may be shaped differently than shown. For example, the base 104 may be rectangular, triangular, etc. Alternatively, the mounting connector 100 may not include the base 104.

[0044] The housing 102 includes opposed end walls 106 extending upwardly from a surface of the base 104. The walls 106 connect to an upper wall 108 that defines an inlet of a clip-receiving channel 110 that extends downwardly into the housing 102. As shown, the clip-receiving channel 110 is not connected to a lateral inlet. That is, the clip-receiving channel 110 does not include an open side. Instead, the clip-receiving channel 110 is fully axially-bounded by surfaces of the upper wall 108, and is configured to receive a fastening clip from a position above the upper wall 108.

[0045] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a mounting connector 100 through line 2-2 of Figure 1. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the end walls 106 connect to lateral walls 112 and 114 that connect to the upper wall 108. The channel 110 is formed through the upper wall 108 between the end walls 106 and the lateral walls 112 and 114.

[0046] The channel 110 is defined by internal surfaces 116 of the end walls 106 and the lateral walls 112 and 114. The internal surfaces 116 may provide a circular axial cross-section. An internal sloped wall 118 is recessed within the channel 110 of the housing 102 channel 110 below the upper wall 108. The sloped wall 118 is angled with respect to an outer upper surface 119 of the upper wall 108 and the upper surface 121 of the base 104. A passage is formed through the sloped wall 118. The sloped wall 118 is configured to cooperate with securing protuberances of a fastening clip to rotate the fastening clip into a secure position as the fastening clip is pushed into the channel 110.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective bottom cross-sectional view of the mounting connector 100 through line 3-3 of Figure 2. As shown, an internal passage 122 of the channel 110 is formed through the sloped wall 118. The passage 122 is configured to allow a portion of the fastening clip to pass therethrough. The passage 122 includes a keyhole shape that is configured to allow the portion of the fastening clip to pass therethrough and rotationally secure to the mounting connector 100.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective front view of a fastening clip 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fastening clip 200 may be formed of a plastic or metal, for example. The fastening clip 200 includes a first securing portion 202 connected to a second securing portion 204. The first securing portion 202 is configured to secure to a first component. The first securing portion 202 may be configured to snapably secure into a hole of the component. As shown, the first securing member may include a conical head 206. The conical head 206 may be a flexible structure that is configured to squeeze through the hole of the component and expand back to an at-rest position after passing through the hole to secure the fastening clip 200 to the component. Optionally, the first securing portion 202 may be sized and shaped differently than shown. For example, the first securing portion 202 may be a W-shaped connector, a clasp, a barb, a securing post, and/or the like. [0049] The second securing portion 204 is configured to secure the fastening clip 200 to a second component, such as the mounting connector 100 (shown in Figures 1-3). In particular, the fastening clip 200, via the second securing portion 204, is configured to rotate into a secure position with respect to the mounting connector 100 as the fastening clip 100 is linearly pushed into the channel 110 of the mounting connector 100.

[0050] The first securing portion 202 may connect to a collar 208, such as through a central post. A flange, which may be formed of or otherwise include handles 210, outwardly extends from the fastening clip 200 underneath the collar 208. The second securing portion 204 includes opposed ribs 212 that downwardly extend from a lower surface of the handles 210. The ribs 212 are linearly aligned (for example arranged parallel and along) with respect to a central plane 214. The handles 210 may also be linearly aligned with respect to the central plane 214.

[0051] Each rib 212 includes a downwardly-extending portion 216 that is parallel with a central axis 218 of the fastening clip 200. The portion 216 connects to a ramped converging portion 220 that downwardly and inwardly angles towards the central axis 218. The converging portions 220 of the opposed ribs 212 converge towards one another and meet at or otherwise connect to a central post 224.

[0052] Opposed securing protuberances 226 (such as beveled blocks, or the like) outwardly and radially extend from a distal end 228 of the central post 224. Each securing protuberance 226 includes a beveled or otherwise angled lower surface 230 connected to a blunt upper edge 232. The securing protuberances 226 are aligned with respect to a plane that is orthogonal to the plane 214. That is, the securing protuberances 226 may be ninety degrees radially shifted with respect to the ribs 212.

[0053] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a securing protuberance 226 of the fastening clip 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The securing protuberances 226 may include a lubricant trench 240 formed therein. The lubricant trench 240 may extend along a length of the secviring protuberance 226. The lubricant trench 240 is configured to retain a lubricant, such as grease, that provides a lubricated interface between the fastening clip 200 and the mounting connector 100 (shown in Figures 1-3), thereby allowing for easier and smoother rotation of the fastening clip 200 relative to the mounting connector 100. Alternatively, the securing protuberances 226 may not include the lubricant trenches.

[0054] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective top view of the fastening clip 200 inserted into the channel 110 of the mounting connector 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting connector 100 and the fastening clip 200 provide a fastening clip assembly 300.

[0055] In order to securely connect the fastening clip 200 to the mounting connector 100, the second securing portion 204 is axially aligned with and linearly urged into the channel 110 of the housing 102 in the direction of arrow A. For example, a tool 301 may be used to urge the fastening clip 200 into the channel 110 in the direction of arrow A. Optionally, the fastening clip 200 may be manually urged into the channel 110.

[0056] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective internal view of the mounting connector 100 receiving a distal end of a fastening clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As the fastening clip 200 is linearly urged into the channel 110 in the direction of arrow A, the distal end 250 passes through the passage 122, while the angled lower surfaces 230 of the securing protuberances 226 abut against upper surfaces of the sloped wall 118. With continued linear urging in the direction of arrow A, the interaction between the angled lower surfaces 230 and the sloped wall 118 causes the fastening clip 200 to automatically rotate about the central axis 218 in the direction of arc B about the central axis 218 of the fastening clip 200. As the securing protuberances 226 rotate and slide off the sloped wall 118, the securing protuberances 226 pass through reciprocal portions of the keyhole passage 122, thereby allowing the securing protuberances 226 to pass into and through the passage 122 with continued linear urging in the direction of arrow A. As such, as the fastening clip 200 is linearly urged into the channel 110 in the direction of arrow A, the interaction between the securing protuberances 226 and the sloped wall 118 causes the fastening clip 200 to automatically rotate in the direction of arc B. As indicated above with respect to Figure 5, lower surfaces of the securing protuberances 226 may include lubricant trenches 240 that retain a lubricant that facilitates smooth and easy rotation.

[0057] The fastening clip 200 is configured to pass into the keyhole passage 122 when the fastening clip 200 is in a first orientation in which the securing protuberances 226 are axially aligned with reciprocal features of the keyhole passage 122. The fastening clip 200 is prevented from passing into the keyhole passage 122 in a second orientation that is radially shifted from the first orientation (such that the securing protuberances 226 are misaligned with the reciprocal features).

[0058] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective internal view of the mounting connector 100 retaining the fastening clip 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. After the securing protuberances 226 pass through the passage 122 formed through the sloped wall 118, the ramped ribs 212 abut into an upper surface of the sloped wall 118. At the same time, the blunt upper edges 230 may latch underneath edges 150 and 152 of the walls 112 and 114, respectively, of the housing 102 of the mounting connector 100. Because the securing protuberances 226 are orthogonally shifted with respect to the ribs 212, the ribs 212 abut into the sloped wall 118 (without passing into the passage 122), while the securing protuberances 226 latch onto the edges 150 and 152 of the housing 102. With continued urging in the direction of arrow A, the sloped surfaces of the ribs 212 cooperate with the sloped wall 118 to further rotate the fastening clip 200 relative to the mounting connector 100, until the ribs 212 pass into the passage 122. When the ribs 212 are within the passage 122, the securing protuberances 226 are outside of and misaligned with the passage 122 (due to the ninety degree radial offset nature between the ribs 212 and the securing protuberances 226). The fastening clip 200 may be further rotated in the direction of arc B to ensure that the securing protuberances 226 are misaligned with the keyhole passage 122, and locked onto a lower surface of the mounting connector 100.

[0059] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective top view of the fastening clip assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more rotation stops 160 (such as bumps, studs, posts, or the like) may upwardly extend from the upper wall 108 of the housing 102. If further rotation of the fastening clip 200 is attempted, the rotation stops 160 interfere with the handles 210, thereby preventing further rotation, and ensuring that the fastening clip 100 remains secured to the mounting connector 200 (such as by preventing the securing protuberances 226 from aligning with the passage 122).

[0060] As shown, the handles 210 form a flange 211 that has a larger diameter than the channel 110 (shown in Figure 1, for example). As such, the flange 211 is unable to pass into the channel 100, and the fastening clip 200 secures to the mounting connector 100 via the flange 211 overlaying the upper wall 108, and the securing protuberances 226 latching or otherwise locking onto a lower internal surface of the housing 102, as shown in Figure 10.

[0061] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the fastening clip assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In a secured position, the securing protuberances 226 latch onto a lower surface of the housing 102, and are misaligned with reciprocal portions 123 of the passage 122. As such, the fastening clip 200 remains secured to the mounting connector 100.

[0062] Referring to Figures 6-10, the tool 301 may be used to linearly urge the fastening clip 200 into the mounting connector 100, which causes the fastening clip 200 to rotate into the secure position, as described above. Optionally, the fastening clip 200 may be manually inserted into the mounting connector 100. For example, an individual may align the securing protuberances 226 with respect to the passage 122, linearly push the fastening clip 200 into the channel 110, and then use the handles 210 of the fastening clip 100 to rotate the fastening clip 100 into a secure connection with respect to the mounting connector 100.

[0063] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a fastening clip 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fastening clip 200 is similar to those described above. However, instead of a fixed and rigid central post, the fastening clip 200 includes a torsion coupler 400. The fastening clip 200 may be formed of a resilient plastic, for example, that allows the torsion coupler 400 to twist and rotate relative to a flange 401. The torsion coupler 400 connects the securing protuberances 226 to the flange 401, which may include the handles 210. In this embodiment, the fastening clip 200 may not include ramped ribs, such as the ribs 212 shown in Figure 8. Instead, the torsion coupler 400 allows the securing portion 204 to twist and rotate into position, as the fastening clip 200 is urged into the mounting connector 100 (shown in Figures 1-3, for example).

[0064] In at least one embodiment, the torsion coupler 400 includes two flexible and resilient tubular rods 402 and 404, which may be separated by a longitudinal gap. Referring to Figures 1-3 and 11, as the securing protuberances 226 engage the sloped wall 118, the resilient tubular rods 402 and 404 twist, thereby automatically rotating the securing portion 204 relative to the flange 401. After the securing protuberances 226 pass through the passage 218, the torsion force within the rods 402 and 404 is released, thereby automatically turning the securing portion 204 back to an at- rest position, in which the securing protuberances 226 latch onto a lower surface of the mounting connector 100.

[0065] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective top view of a jig system 500 aligning a fastening clip 200 over a mounting connector 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 illustrates a perspective axial cross- sectional view of the jig system 500 aligning the fastening clip 200 over the mounting connector 100. Figure 14 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of the jig system 500 aligning the fastening clip 200 over the mounting connector 100.

[0066] Referring to Figures 12-14, the jig system 500 is an example of a tool that may be used to securely couple the fastening clip 200 to the mounting connector 100. The jig system 500 includes an outer shaft 502 that houses a clip-engaging block 504 and a spring 506 within a spiral channel 508 between the shaft 502 and the clip-engaging block 504. The fastening clip 200 (such as any of those described above) is urged into the mounting connector 100 through the jig system 500. As the jig system 500 linearly

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r urges the fastening clip 200 into the mounting connector 100, the spring 506 within the spiral channel 508 urges and rotates the fastening clip 200 into a secure position with respect to the mounting connector 100, such as described above. The jig system 500 automatically rotates the fastening clip 100 relative to the mounting connector 100. As such, the mounting connector 100 need not include the sloped wall 118 in order to facilitate such rotation. By using the jig system 500, the mounting connector 100 need not include a complex internal shape, as the jig system 500 automatically urges and rotates the fastening clip 200 into a secure position relative to the mounting connector 100.

[0067] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective front view of a fastening clip 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fastening clip 200 includes sliding ribs 212 and retaining protuberances 226, as described above. The sliding ribs 212 are above the retaining protuberances 226, as indicated in the orientation shown in Figure 15. The sliding ribs 212 may be radially offset ninety degrees, for example, from the retaining protuberances 226. The retaining protuberances 226 may be beams, ledges, blocks, or the like extending outward from a distal end of the central post 224.

[0068] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective top view of the fastening clip 200 axially aligned with a channel 110 of a mounting connector 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The channel 110 is sized and shaped to receive the fastening clip 200.

[0069] Figure 17 illustrates a perspective internal view of the mounting connector 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the mounting connector 100 includes one or more sloped walls 118 that are configured to cooperate with the retaining protuberances 226 and sliding ribs 212 to rotate the fastening clip 200 as it is urged into the channel 110.

[0070] Figure 18 illustrates a perspective top view of a fastening clip assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fastening clip assembly 300 includes the fastening clip 200 securely coupled to the mounting connector 100. The mounting connector 100 includes rotation stops 160 that provide barriers past which handles 210 or other portions of a flange are unable to pass, thereby radially securing the fastening clip 100 in place.

[0071] Figure 19 illustrates a perspective top view of the ribs 212 of the fastening clip 200 engaging the sloped wall(s) 118 of the mounting connector 100. As the fastening clip 200 is mated with the mounting connector 100, the sloped wall(s) 118 cooperates with the ribs 212 to automatically rotate the fastening clip 200 towards and into a secure installed position with respect to the mounting connector 100.

[0072] Figure 20 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the fastening clip assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the secured position, the protuberances 226 are misaligned with portions of the keyhole passage 122 of the mounting connector 200, thereby axially securing the fastening clip 200 to the mounting connector 100.

[0073] Referring to Figures 1-20, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fastening clip assembly that includes a fastening clip that securely connects to a mounting connector. As the fastening clip is linearly urged into the mounting connector, the fastening clip automatically rotates into a secure connection position with respect to the mounting connector. As such, the fastening clip easily and securely connects to the mounting connector in various settings, while also providing a strong, robust connection with the mounting connector.

[0074] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

[0075] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0076] To the extent used in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, to the extent used in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

[0077] Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.