Patent Application
20250035403
This invention relates to the field of projectile loaders, and more particularly, to a projectile loader having an internal locking mechanism and at least one retaining system positioned within the projectile loader.
Projectile loaders (otherwise known and used interchangeably herein as hoppers, magazines, or loaders) generally connect to projectile markers (compressed gas guns) and feed projectiles into the marker. Further, projectile loaders store projectiles and have an outlet or exit tube that is connected to an inlet tube (or feed neck) of the projectile marker, which is in communication with the breech of the marker. During normal operation, projectiles are dropped through the outlet tube of the projectile loader and into the projectile marker inlet tube. When the projectile at the bottom of a projectile stack within the inlet tube is dropped into the firing chamber of the projectile marker, it is replaced by the supply of projectiles remaining in the loader housing, thereby replenishing the stack. Thus, projectile loaders act to hold and feed projectiles into the breech of the projectile marker, so that the projectiles can be fired from the marker.
Many loaders contain agitators or feed systems to mix, propel, or otherwise move projectiles in the loader. This mixing is performed by an impeller, projection, drive cone, agitator, paddle, arm, fin, carrier, or any other suitable mechanism, such as those shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,251,050; 6,213,110; 6,502,567; 5,947,100; 5,791,325; 5,954,042; 6,109,252; 6,889,680; 6,792,933, and U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. Pat. No. 20,210,156641A1; the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein as is fully set forth. In “gravity feed” loaders, the loader has no moving parts, and projectiles fall into an outfeed tube by gravity. In “agitating” loaders, an agitator mixes projectiles so that no jams occur at the exit opening of the outlet tube. In “force feed” or “active feed” projectile loaders, the agitator or feeder (drive cone, carrier, paddle, or any other force feed drive system) forces projectiles through the exit tube. As the firing rates of projectile markers have increased, active feed loaders have become extremely popular due to their ability to ensure the proper feeding of projectiles to sustain the feed rates necessary to support today's markers.
It is often necessary for, by way of example, a projectile sport player to access the interior components of a projectile loader, for example to fix a jam. A player may also need to access components inside the body of the projectile loader, such as the agitators, control circuits, power supplies, sensors, and drive mechanisms. Moreover, if a projectile break inside the projectile loader, there must be a convenient and efficient way to open the body and clean the paint or dye from the inside of the projectile hopper, without having to fully disassemble the loader. Virtually all known solutions to the issue of accessing a projectile loader have focused on typical external release mechanisms such as push-buttons or latches. These have the drawback of being prone to damage, dirt, and debris, along with the possibility of accidental actuation during activity. Likewise, such external components add visual weight that detracts from the sleek aesthetic that players desire.
In addition, players are often very active during sport play, and may jump and/or dive up, over and around obstacles. In those situations, a multi-piece projectile loader could come apart, causing a disruption and potentially spilling projectiles.
Thus, there is the need for an openable projectile loader and feed system that overcomes the aforementioned problems and provides easy release of the loader while securely holding the components of the projectile loader together during high impact use of the projectile loader.
According to one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a projectile loader for a projectile marker (gun). The projectile loader can include a body, a locking mechanism, a lever, a lock, and a latch. The body can include an upper shell and a lower shell defining an interior volume within the body, the upper shell being moveable relative to the lower shell to transition between an open position and a closed position. The locking mechanism can be configured to selectively permit detach the upper shell from the lower shell. The locking mechanism can include the lever rotationally coupled to the upper shell. The lock can be fixedly coupled to the lower shell. A first locking feature of the lock can be configured to engage with a second locking feature of the lever when in a locked position. The latch can be positioned within the lower shell and translatable relative to the lock. An extension of the latch can engage with the lever to secure the locking mechanism in the locked position.
In one aspect, each of the lever, the lock, and the latch are positioned within a rear portion of the body of the projectile loader.
In one aspect, a catch couples the upper shell to the lower shell such that the upper shell is moveable relative to the lower shell to transition between the open position and the closed position
In one aspect, a biasing member is positioned between an inner surface of the upper shell and the lever, such that the biasing member biases the second locking feature of the lever into engagement with the first locking feature of the lock.
In one aspect, the lever includes a protrusion extending from an outer surface of the lever on an opposite side of the lever as the second locking feature.
In one aspect, the extension of the latch includes a recess extending into an end of the extension.
In one aspect, the recess includes a complimentary mating shape with the protrusion of the lever.
In one aspect, the recess is engaged with the protrusion when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and the recess is disengaged from the protrusion when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position.
In one aspect, the latch is translated towards the lever to lock the locking mechanism, and the latch is translated away from the lever to unlock the locking mechanism.
In one aspect, the first locking feature of the lock is a hook-shaped locking feature, and the second locking feature of the lever is a hook-shaped locking feature.
In one aspect, the locking mechanism is disposed entirely within the interior volume of the body.
In one aspect, an opening is provided for loading projectiles into the projectile loader, the locking mechanism is only accessible via the opening.
According to another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a projectile loader for a projectile marker (gun). The projectile loader can include a body, a feed system, a motor, and a carrier. The body can include an upper shell and a lower shell defining an interior volume within the body. The feed system can be disposed within and coupled to the lower shell, the feed system can be configured to move projectiles within the projectile loader. The feed system can include the motor and the carrier. The motor can be coupled to a drive shaft, with the drive shaft being rotatable about an axis of rotation. The motor can be configured to cause the drive shaft to rotate about the axis of rotation. The carrier can be coupled to and configured to rotate with the drive shaft, the carrier being detachably coupled to the drive shaft.
In one aspect, a magnet detachably couples the carrier to the drive shaft.
In one aspect, the magnet and the drive shaft are each constructed from a ferrous stainless steel.
In one aspect, the magnet is positioned within a top neck of the carrier.
In one aspect, a central axis of the carrier is axially aligned with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft, and the carrier is positioned over and encompasses the drive shaft.
In one aspect, the feed system can include at least one assembly orientation indicator with a retaining tab positioned adjacent the assembly orientation indicator, the retaining tab being configured to be inserted into a retaining groove of the lower shell to ensure proper assembly of the feed system within the lower shell.
According to yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a projectile loader for a projectile marker (gun). The projectile loader can include a body, a feed system, and a retaining system. The body can include an upper shell and a lower shell defining an interior volume within the body. The feed system can be configured to move projectiles within the projectile loader, and the feed system can be disposed within and detachably coupled to the lower shell. The retaining system can be disposed within and coupled to the lower shell. The retaining system can be configured to detachably couple the feed system to the lower shell such that the feed system is removeable from the lower shell as a single assembly feed system.
In one aspect, the retaining system comprises a first magnet fixedly coupled to an inner surface of the lower shell and a second magnet fixedly coupled to a lower surface of the single assembly feed system, and the first magnet and the second magnet detachably couple the single assembly feed system to the lower shell.
According to yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a projectile loader for a projectile marker (gun). The projectile loader can include a body, a primary locking mechanism, and a secondary locking mechanism. The body can include an upper shell and a lower shell defining an interior volume within the body, the upper shell being moveable relative to the lower shell to transition between an open position and a closed position. The primary locking mechanism can be configured to selectively permit detaching the upper shell from the lower shell. The secondary locking mechanism can also be configured to selectively permit detaching the upper shell from the lower shell. The secondary locking mechanism can include a lever rotationally coupled to the upper shell. A lock can be fixedly coupled to the lower shell. A first locking feature of the lock can be configured to engage with a second locking feature of the lever when in a locked position. A latch can be positioned within the lower shell and translatable relative to the lock. An extension of the latch can engage with the lever to secure the locking mechanism in the locked position.
The foregoing Summary as well as the following Detailed Description will be best understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the disclosure. In the drawings:
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “front”, “rear”, “upper”, and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions towards and away from parts referenced in the drawings. “Axially” refers to a direction along the axis of a shaft. A reference to a list of items that are cited as “at least one of a, b, or c” (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof. The terms “generally” and “approximately” are to be construed as within 10% of a stated value or ratio. The terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
A projectile loader 40 or “loader 40” (also referred to as a “feeder”), such as one which may be used for the present invention, includes a body 42 which houses an open interior volume 44, a rear end or rear portion 46, and a front end or front portion 48. In the illustrated example, the rear portion 46 is the end of the loader 40 that is positioned closest to a user of the projectile marker 20 during use of the projectile marker 20. The front portion 48 is the end of the loader 40 that is positioned furthest from the user of the projectile marker 20 during use of the projectile marker 20. The loader 40 may include an electronics portion 50 having control circuitry or electronics, which may include a microprocessor, for controlling various operating parameters of the loader 40. The lower portion of the projectile loader leads to an exit tube 52, which can also be referred to as an outfeed or feed neck. The exit tube 52 is coupled to the inlet tube 32 of the projectile marker 20, and the exit tube 52 communicates with the inlet tube 32 to supply projectiles to the projectile marker 20.
To operate the projectile marker 20, the trigger 34 is squeezed, thereby actuating the compressed gas cylinder 24 to release bursts of compressed gas. The bursts of gas propel and fire projectiles outwardly through the barrel 28. The projectiles are continually fed by the loader 40 through the inlet tube 32 to the firing chamber of the projectile marker 20 until the trigger 34 is released.
A catch 60 can be provided between the upper shell 54 and the lower shell 56, and the catch 60 can facilitate relative movement between the upper shell 54 and the lower shell 56. More specifically, the catch 60 facilitates coupling the upper shell 54 to the lower shell 56. In some examples, the catch 60 could be a hinge that allows the upper shell 54 to rotate toward and away from the lower shell 56 about an axis, to close and open the loader 40, respectively. In other examples, the catch 60 could be a hook or a clasp that couples the upper shell 54 to the lower shell 56, and a translating or sliding motion decouples the upper shell 54 from the lower shell 56. The catch 60 can be positioned along the division seam 58 between the upper shell 54 and the lower shell 56 and may be either external or internal to the body 42. Although the catch 60 is illustrated proximate the front portion 48 of the body 42, the catch 60 may alternatively be positioned anywhere along the division seam 58.
The loader 40 can further include a lid 62 coupled to a top or upper portion of the upper shell 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 62 is coupled to a top of the upper shell 54 adjacent the rear portion 46 of the body 42. In other embodiments, the lid 62 can be positioned adjacent the front portion 48 or any other portion of the upper shell 54 of the body 42. The lid 62 is configured to cover and close an opening 64 (
In some examples, the lid 62 can be a two-piece component including an upper component and a lower component. The lower component of the lid 62 can include a plurality of openings or apertures, such that the interior of the loader 40 can be accessed through the openings. The upper component of the lid 62 can be completely closed off, such that the upper component of the lid 62 does not include any openings or apertures. The upper component of the lid 62 being completely closed off prevents rain or any other foreign debris from entering the interior volume 44 of the loader 40. In some examples, the upper component of the lid 62 can be a thin polymeric material that can be snap coupled to the lower component of the lid 62, such that the upper component of the lid 62 is coupled to the lower component of the lid 62, and the lower component of the lid 62 is rotationally coupled to the upper shell 54 of the body 42 through a hinge or other similar component/feature.
The lower shell 56 of the loader 40 includes an exit tube 52 extending from a lower surface of the lower shell 56. During use, the exit tube 52 is coupled to the inlet tube 32 of the projectile marker 20, and the exit tube 52 communicates with the inlet tube 32 to supply projectiles to the projectile marker 20.
Referring to
In some embodiments, as illustrated, the locking mechanism 70 includes at least a lock 72, a latch 76, and a lever 88. The lock 72 can be fixedly coupled to the lower shell 56 of the loader 40. In some embodiments, the lock 72 can be coupled to the lower shell 56 through one or more fasteners. In other embodiments, the lock 72 can be formed integral with the lower shell 56 such that the lock 72 and the lower shell 56 are a single monolithic component. The lock 72 is positioned entirely within the lower shell 56 and the lock 72 extends in a direction towards the upper shell 54. The lock 72 can include a first locking feature 74 disposed at a distal end of the lock 72 positioned closest to the upper shell 54. As illustrated, the first locking feature 74 of the lock 72 can include a generally hook-shape, and the open end/side of the hook-shape faces towards the rear portion 46 of the loader 40. More specifically, the hook-shape of the first locking feature 74 can include a generally vertical extending portion and a generally horizontal extending portion being generally perpendicular to the vertical extending portion. The generally horizontal extending portion of the hook-shaped first locking feature 74 is configured to engage with the lever 88 to secure the loader 40 in the locked position, discussed further below.
The latch 76 can be positioned within the lower shell 56, and the latch 76 can be translatable relative to the lower shell 56, the lock 72, and the lever 88. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the latch 76 can be positioned entirely within the lower shell 56. Further, the latch 76 can be positioned at least partially below the lock 72 and the lever 88, such that that latch 76 can be vertically lower than the lock 72 and the lever 88, according to the illustrated orientation. The latch 76 can include at least a knob 78, an extension 80, and a recess 82.
The knob 78 can be a protrusion or other projection that extends from the latch 76 towards the interior volume 44 of the body 42, in a direction away from the rear portion 46 of the body 42 and toward a front portion 48 of the body 42. The knob 78 is a component that is configured to provide a feature in which a user can interact with the latch 76 to translate (e.g., move, slide, push, press, transition, maneuver, or similar motions) the latch 76 vertically (as oriented in the Figures, or generally vertically) to lock and unlock the locking mechanism 70. In some embodiments, as shown best in
Referring again to
As illustrated in
The lever 88 can include a button 90 positioned between the first end 88A and the second end 88B of the lever 88. A user can depress the button 90 to pivot or rotate the lever 88 about the pivot axis of the lever 88. The button 90 can be any solid surface that resists deformation when depressed by a user. In addition, a biasing member 92 can be provided that is disposed between the lever 88 and an inner surface of the rear portion 46 of the upper shell 54. The biasing member 92 can abut each of the inner surface of the upper shell 54 and the lever 88. The biasing member 92 can bias or force the lever 88 away from the inner surface of the upper shell 54 and towards the interior volume 44 of the loader 40, in a direction towards the front portion 48 of the body 42. As such, the lever 88 is biased toward the front portion 48 of the loader 40 until a user depresses the button 90 of the lever 88, causing the biasing member 92 to compress and allowing the lever 88 to rotate or pivot in a direction towards the rear portion 46 of the loader 40. In some examples, the biasing member 92 can be a spring.
A second locking feature 94 of the lever 88 is positioned at the second end 88B of the lever 88. Similar to the first locking feature 74 of the lock 72, the second locking feature 94 of the lever 88 can include a generally hook-shape. The open end/side of the hook-shaped second locking feature 94 faces towards the front portion 48 of the loader 40. More specifically, the hook-shape of the second locking feature 94 can include a generally vertical extending portion and a generally horizontal extending portion being generally perpendicular to the vertical extending portion. The generally horizontal extending portion of the hook-shaped second locking feature 94 is configured to engage the generally horizontal extending portion of the hook-shaped first locking feature 74 of the lock 72 to secure the loader 40 in the locked position. More specifically, the first locking feature 74 and the second locking feature 94 include complimentary mating shapes that are configured to engage when the locking mechanism 70 is in the locked position. Further, when the locking mechanism 70 is in the locked position, the first locking feature 74 and the second locking feature 94 prevent the upper shell 54 of the loader 40 from separating from the lower shell 56 of the loader 40.
The lever 88 further includes a protrusion 96 extending from an outer surface of the lever 88 on an opposite side of the lever 88 as the second locking feature 94. More specifically, the protrusion 96 of the lever 88 is positioned on the lateral side of the lever 88 that is closest to the rear portion 46 of the loader 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 96 includes a half or partial cylindrical bump or projection that extends outwards from an outer surface of the lever 88. In some embodiments, the protrusion 96 can include a complimentary mating shape with the recess 82 of the latch 76. As such, and as illustrated, when the locking mechanism 70 is in the locked position, the protrusion 96 of the lever 88 is adjacent and abutting the recess 82 of the latch 76. Further, when the locking mechanism 70 is in the unlocked position, the protrusion 96 of the lever 88 is free from contact with the recess 82 of the latch 76.
The latch 76 of the locking mechanism 70 is a component that is configured to prevent the upper shell 54 from separating from the lower shell 56 during use of the loader 40. Specifically, the latch 76 prevents the upper shell 54 from separating from the lower shell 56 during a high-impact situation during use of the loader 40. When the latch 76 is translated vertically upwards (as shown in
When the latch 76 is translated vertically downwards away from the lever 88, the recess 82 of the latch 76 disengages from the protrusion 96 of the lever 88. Due to the biasing force of the biasing member 92, the second locking feature 94 of the lever 88 remains engaged with the first locking feature 74 of the lock 72 until a user depresses the lever 88 towards the rear portion 46 of the loader 40. When the lever 88 is depressed, the lever 88 rotates about the pivot axis at the first end 88A and the biasing member 92 is compressed. This disengages the second locking feature 94 of the lever 88 from the first locking feature 74 of the lock 72, allowing separation of the upper shell 54 and the lower shell 56.
The locking mechanism 70 of the loader 40 ensures that the upper shell 54 and the lower shell 56 do not separate during high-impact situations when using the loader 40. A user can translate the latch 76 of the locking mechanism 70 vertically downward away from the upper shell 54 to unlock the locking mechanism 70. A user can translate the latch 76 of the locking mechanism vertically upward toward the upper shell 54 to lock the locking mechanism 70. The locking mechanism is only accessible from within the interior volume 44 of the body 42, preventing accidentally actuating the locking mechanism 70 when using the loader 40. Previous loaders include locking mechanisms accessible from the outside of the loader, which could be accidentally actuated when using the loader. As such, one skilled in the art will realize the advantages provided by the locking mechanism 70 of the loader 40.
It is to be understood that although the preceding disclosure is directed to the locking mechanism 70 being the main locking mechanism 70, in other examples, the locking mechanism 70 can be a secondary locking mechanism to a different and separate primary locking mechanism. For example, the primary locking mechanism could be the locking mechanism shown and described in U.S. Patent Publication No. U.S. Pat. No. 20,210,156641A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein as is fully set forth, and the secondary locking mechanism could be the locking mechanism 70 as disclosed in the present application. As such, in an example according to the aforementioned (primary and secondary locking mechanisms), the (secondary) locking mechanism 70 can be utilized to ensure that the upper shell 54 and the lower shell 56 do not separate during high-impact situations when using the loader 40, even if the primary mechanism does disconnect or unlock for one reason or another. Therefore, in some examples, the loader 40 can include a primary and a secondary locking mechanism, as discussed above.
Referring again to
A variety of feed systems 100 and carriers 102 can be used in the present invention, including an impeller, drive cone, paddle wheel, fin, or other device which can direct or otherwise force or urge projectiles 36 into the exit tube 52. By way of example and not limitation, the carrier 102 may be used with a plurality of fins which extend in a radial direction from the central part of the carrier 102. It is appreciated that the carrier 102 may include recesses or pockets within which the projectiles 36 sit as they are shuttled toward the exit tube 52. The carrier 102 may be mounted on the drive shaft 104, which is connected to the motor 106, to rotate about a central axis of the drive shaft 104. As the motor 106 operates, the carrier 102 rotates, pushing projectiles 36 into the exit tube 52.
In some embodiments, as illustrated, the carrier 102 can be coupled to the drive shaft 104 such that the carrier 102 is positioned over and encompasses the drive shaft 104. Further, the carrier can be coupled to the drive shaft 104 such that a central axis of the carrier 102 is axially aligned with the central axis (axis of rotation) of the drive shaft 104. As such, the carrier 102 rotates about the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 104 during operation of the feed system 100. In some embodiments, the carrier 102 can be detachably coupled to the drive shaft 104, such that the carrier 102 can be grasped and pulled upwards by a user to detach and separate the carrier 102 from the drive shaft 104, for cleaning or other purposes.
In some embodiments, the carrier 102 can be detachably coupled to the drive shaft 104 through a magnetic connection. More specifically, a carrier magnet 112 can be positioned within and coupled to a neck 114 of the carrier 102. The neck 114 of the carrier 102 can be an elongated portion of the carrier 102 that extends vertically away from a lower surface of the lower shell 56 towards the upper shell 54. The carrier magnet 112 can be axially aligned with a central axis of the carrier 102 and/or the drive shaft 104, and the carrier magnet 112 can be fixedly coupled to the neck 114 of the carrier 102. The carrier magnet 112 can be magnetically attracted to the drive shaft 104 such that the carrier magnet 112 is magnetically attached to the drive shaft 104. In some examples, the drive shaft 104 can be constructed from a ferrous metal having magnetic properties, such that the carrier magnet 112 is magnetically attracted to the drive shaft 104. In other examples, the drive shaft 104 can include a drive shaft magnet (not shown) coupled to a distal end of the drive shaft 104 positioned closest to the neck 114 of the carrier 102, and the carrier magnet 112 can include an opposite polarity as the drive shaft magnet such that the carrier magnet 112 is magnetically attracted to the drive shaft magnet. In further examples, the drive shaft 104 could include the drive shaft magnet (not shown) and the carrier magnet 112 could be replaced with a ferrous metal component, such that the drive shaft magnet facilitates the magnetic connection between the carrier 102 and the drive shaft 104.
Therefore, the carrier 102 can be detachably coupled to the drive shaft 104 through magnetic attraction and a magnetic connection, using various approaches. During normal operation, the carrier magnet 112 of the carrier 102 abuts the drive shaft 104 (or the drive shaft magnet) and the carrier magnet 112 and the carrier 102 rotate with the drive shaft 104. The carrier 102 is detachably coupled to the drive shaft 104 such that the carrier 102 can detach and separate from the drive shaft 104 when desired, such that the carrier 102 no longer rotates with the drive shaft 104. The magnetically coupled carrier 102 is advantageous because it allows for a quick and easy connect and disconnect to and from the drive shaft 104, respectively. Further, the magnetically coupled carrier 102 is advantageous because during a feed system 100 jam the carrier 102 can be pushed away from the drive shaft 104 in an opposite direction as the jam or breach. As such, the magnetically coupled carrier 102 is easier on the projectiles within the loader 40, preventing breaking the projectiles 36 within the loader 40. Further, the magnetically coupled carrier 102 provides other advantages not specifically listed that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Referring now to
To assemble the feed system 100 into the lower shell 56, a user positions the feed system 100 over the lower shell 56 at an angle with the nose or front end of the feed system 100 higher than the rear or aft end of the feed system 100. The user can then locate the assembly orientation indicator 116 and align the retaining tab 116a, positioned adjacent the assembly orientation indicator 116, with the retaining groove 116b of the lower shell 56. Next the user can insert the retaining tab 116a into the retaining groove 116b and then lower the remaining portions of the feed system 100 into the lower shell 56. The loader 40 includes features that help with self-aligning and securing the feed system 100 within the lower shell 56 during use, discussed in detail below.
As shown best in
As illustrated in
The first magnet 122 and the second magnet 124 of the retaining system 120 detachably couple the single assembly feed system 100 to the lower shell 56 of the loader 40. Magnetically coupling the feed system 100 to the lower shell 56 is advantageous because it allows for a quick and easy connect and disconnect of the components. Further, magnetically coupling the feed system 100 to the lower shell 56 is advantageous because the feed system 100 is removable from the lower shell 56 without the use or need for any type of tooling. In addition, magnetically coupling the feed system 100 to the lower shell 56 is advantageous because it prevents the feed system 100 from accidentally falling out of the lower shell 56 when the upper shell 54 has been unlocked and removed from the lower shell 56. Further, magnetically coupling the feed system 100 to the lower shell 56 provides other advantages not specifically listed that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
In the illustrated examples, the retaining system 120 includes a first magnet 122 and a second magnet 124 that include opposite polarity and are therefore magnetically attracted to each other. But it is to be understood that only one magnet (122 or 124) is required and the other magnet could be replaced with a ferrous metallic component that includes magnetic properties, such that the magnet is magnetically attracted to the ferrous metallic component. As such, in some examples both the first magnet 122 and the second magnet 124 are included to facilitate the magnetic connection. In other examples, the first magnet 122 is included and the second magnet 124 is replaced with a ferrous magnetic component, such that the first magnet 122 is magnetically attracted to the ferrous magnetic component to facilitate the magnetic connection. In another examples, the second magnet 124 is included and the first magnet 122 is replaced with a ferrous magnetic component, such that the second magnet 124 is magnetically attracted to the ferrous magnetic component to facilitate the magnetic connection. As such, in each of the disclosed examples, at least one magnet is provided to facilitate the magnetic connection between the components.
Having thus described the present embodiments in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the disclosure, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein.
The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.
