CLIP FOR RELEASABLY CONNECTING COMPONENTS

Abstract

A clip for releasably connecting a first component, in particular a first plate element, to a second component, in particular a second plate element, wherein the first component comprises at least one projecting edge portion, wherein the edge portion comprises a respective recess at its opposite end regions, and the second component comprises at least one elongated hole, wherein the edge portion penetrates the elongated hole in an assembled state and projects out of the elongated hole at least so far that the recesses project at least partly out of the elongated hole. The clip comprises: two longitudinal elements each having a first and a second end, wherein the two longitudinal elements are movably connected to each other at the respective first end; a closure element provided at the second end of at least one longitudinal element, wherein the closure element is configured to releasably connect the second ends of the longitudinal elements; and at least two holding segments which are provided in opposite end regions of the longitudinal elements and which are configured to be engaged with the respective recesses of the edge portion of the first component and releasably connect the components to each other.

Claims

1. A clip for releasably connecting a first component, in particular a first plate element, to a second component, in particular a second plate element, wherein the first component comprises at least one projecting edge portion, wherein the edge portion comprises a respective recess at its opposite end regions, and the second component comprises at least one elongated hole, wherein the edge portion penetrates the elongated hole in an assembled state and projects out of the elongated hole at least so far that the recesses project at least partly out of the elongated hole, wherein the clip comprises: two longitudinal elements each having a first and a second end, wherein the two longitudinal elements are movably connected to each other at the respective first end; a closure element provided at the second end of at least one longitudinal element, wherein the closure element is configured to releasably connect the second ends of the longitudinal elements; and at least two holding segments which are provided in opposite end regions of the longitudinal elements and which are configured to be engaged with the respective recesses of the edge portion of the first component and releasably connect the components to each other.

2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the at least two holding segments have a maximum first height and the first and/or the second longitudinal element has a minimum second height, wherein the first height is lower than the second height.

3. The clip according to claim 2, wherein the first height corresponds to a height by which the recesses project out of the elongated hole.

4. The clip according to claim 1, further comprising an end portion which is configured to connect the two longitudinal elements in a movable manner and/or wherein the end portion and/or the closure element has a minimum third height, wherein the first height is lower than the third height.

5. The clip according to claim 5, wherein the second height is essentially equal to the third height and/or wherein the second and/or the third height correspond(s) at least to the length by which the edge portion projects out of the elongated hole.

6. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the end portion and/or the closure element and/or the two longitudinal elements is/are flush with the edge portion penetrating the elongated hole.

7. The clip according to claim 5, wherein the end portion, the closure element and the two longitudinal elements are flush with the edge portion penetrating the elongated hole.

8. The clip according to claim 1, wherein at least one holding segment is connected to the end portion and at least one holding segment is connected to the closure element and/or wherein the at least two holding segments comprise four holding segments.

9. The clip according to claim 8, wherein the four holding segments are arranged opposite to one another in the respective end regions of the longitudinal elements.

10. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the closure element comprises a first closure element and a second closure element which can cooperate in a positive manner.

11. The clip according to claim 10, wherein the first closure element has a recess on its lower side and the second closure element has a bulge on its upper side, which can cooperate with the recess in a closable manner, or wherein the first closure element comprises a U-shaped bracket and the second closure element comprises a bulge, which can cooperate with the U-shaped bracket in a closable manner.

12. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the movable connection of the two longitudinal elements is prestressed so that without the application of an external force the closure element is in an open state and/or wherein the recesses at the opposite end regions of the edge portion can have the same size and/or wherein the longitudinal elements lie in one plane and the clip is open in both directions perpendicular with respect to the plane.

13. A system comprising at least one first component, in particular a first plate element, and at least one second component, in particular a second plate element, wherein the first component comprises at least one projecting edge portion, wherein the edge portion comprises a respective recess at its opposite end regions, and the second component comprises at least one elongated hole, wherein the edge portion penetrates the elongated hole in an assembled state and projects out of the elongated hole at least so far that the recesses project at least partly out of the elongated hole, wherein the system further comprises at least one clip according to any one of the preceding claims in order to releasably connect the components to each other.

14. A method for releasably connecting a first component, in particular a first plate element, to a second component, in particular a second plate element, wherein the first component comprises at least one projecting edge portion, wherein the at least one edge portion comprises a respective recess at its opposite end regions, and the second component comprises at least one elongated hole, wherein the method comprises: passing the edge portion through the elongated hole, so that at least a part of the edge portion projects out of the elongated hole so far that the recesses project at least partly out of the elongated hole; and releasably connecting the first component to the second component by using a clip according to claim 1.

15. Use of a clip according to claim 1 for assembling a piece of furniture, an organization or storage system, a point-of-scale display, a furniture system or housing for pets, a picture frame or a transport packaging.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail on the basis of embodiments and the Figures.

[0081] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clip according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0082] FIG. 2 is a top view of the clip in the open state according to FIG. 1.

[0083] FIG. 3 is a side view of the clip according to FIG. 1.

[0084] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the clip in the open state according to FIG. 1.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a top view of the clip in the closed state according to FIG. 1.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a top view of a clip in the open state according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a side view of the clip in the open state according to FIG. 6.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the clip in the open state according to FIG. 6.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a top view of a clip in the open state according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0090] FIG. 10 is a side view of the clip in the open state according to FIG. 9.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the clip in the open state according to FIG. 9.

[0092] FIG. 12 is a top view of a clip in the open state according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0093] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the clip in the open state according to FIG. 12.

[0094] FIG. 14 is a top view of the clip in the closed state according to FIG. 12.

[0095] FIG. 15 is a front view of a clip in the closed state according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0096] FIG. 16 is a top view of the clip in the closed state according to FIG. 15.

[0097] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the clip in the closed state according to FIG. 15.

[0098] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a clip according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0099] FIG. 19 is a top view of the clip in the closed state according to FIG. 18.

[0100] FIG. 20 is a side view of the clip in the closed state according to FIG. 18.

[0101] FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a first component according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0102] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a second component according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0103] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a first and a second component according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0104] FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the connection of a first and a second component to a clip in the open state according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0105] FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the connection of a first and a second component to a clip in the closed state according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0106] FIG. 26 is a schematic view of an exemplary system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0107] FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a further exemplary system according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0108] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a first embodiment of a clip 101 according to the invention will be explained in more detail below. The clip 101 comprises a first longitudinal element 110a and a second longitudinal element 110b. The longitudinal elements 110a, 110b are movably (in an articulated manner) connected to each other at a respective first end by an end portion 140.

[0109] The longitudinal elements 110a, 110b have a cross-section corresponding to ¼ of an ellipse, wherein the inner sides of the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b are flat and aligned with each other.

[0110] The end portion 140 is prestressed so that without the application of an external force the closure element 101 is in an open state. In other words, the prestress of the end portion 140 provides for an angle between the first longitudinal element 110a and the second longitudinal element 110b. The angle between the first and the second longitudinal element 110a, 110b is preferably between 6° and 30° and particularly preferably between 12° and 15°.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 5, in a closed state of the clip 101 the two longitudinal elements 110a, 110b are essentially parallel to each other.

[0112] Preferably, the longitudinal elements are provided with an inwardly directed vertical bulge of about 0.3 mm, so that the longitudinal elements adjoin the edge portion better.

[0113] The end portion 140 further comprises a T-shaped recess 150 in order to reduce stress and compensate for production tolerances. The T-shaped recess 150 is arranged in the end portion 140 in a centered manner.

[0114] In other words, by a first recess which is parallel to the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b in a closed state of the clip 101, the T-shaped recess 150 divides the end portion 140 into two parts having the same size. The T-shaped recess 150 further comprises a second recess which is arranged essentially perpendicular with respect to the first recess, wherein the first recess is arranged at the second recess in an essentially centered manner.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the second recess has a curvature in the direction of the first recess (in the direction of the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b).

[0116] The clip 101 further comprises four holding segments 131 to 134. The first holding segment 131 and the second holding segment 132 are arranged at an inner side of the end portion 140 and an inner side of the respective longitudinal element 110a, 110b.

[0117] The first holding segment 131 and the second holding segment 132 project into the clip opening. The first holding segment 131 and the second holding segment 132 preferably have the same length and preferably have a lower height than the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b and the end portion.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 1, the heights of the first holding segment 131 and the second holding segment 132 increase gradually in the direction of the end portion 140 and decrease gradually in the direction of the inner space of the clip 101.

[0119] At the opposite end of the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the third holding segment 133 and the fourth holding segment 134 are arranged.

[0120] The heights of the third holding segment 133 and the fourth holding segment 134 increase gradually in the direction of the closure element 120 and decrease gradually in the direction of the inner space of the clip 101 (not shown in the Figures).

[0121] The third holding segment 133 projects further into the inner space of the clip 101 than the fourth holding segment 134.

[0122] The clip 101 further comprises a closure element 120 at the end of the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b opposite to the end portion 140.

[0123] The closure element 120 comprises a first closure element 121 and a second closure element 122.

[0124] The first closure element 121 has a U-shaped bracket 123. The second closure element 122 has a corresponding bulge 124.

[0125] The U-shaped bracket 123 is arranged at the first longitudinal element 110a and opened towards the inner side of the first longitudinal element 110a.

[0126] The bulge 124 is configured such that it can be received in the opening of the U-shaped bracket 123.

[0127] At the end of one of its legs, the U-shaped bracket 123 has an inwardly directed projection.

[0128] The second closure element 122 further comprises a recess into which the projection of the U-shaped bracket 123 can engage in order to hold the clip 101 in a closed stated.

[0129] The first closure element 121 can further comprise a handle element at its upper side. The handle element can have a plurality of grooves arranged in parallel (a groove structure).

[0130] The third and the fourth holding segment 133, 134 are each arranged both at the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b and the closure elements 121, 122.

[0131] The longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120 have essentially uniform heights and are rounded towards the top, wherein according to an embodiment a horizontal bulge of the longitudinal elements in the longitudinal direction by about 0.6 mm can be provided.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 5, in the closed state the clip 101 comprises a continuous opening formed through the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120.

[0133] With reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, a second embodiment of a clip 102 according to the invention will be explained in more detail below. The statements made above in view of the first embodiment are essentially applicable also to the second embodiment. In the following, only the differences with respect to the first embodiment will be described in order to avoid unnecessary repetitions.

[0134] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shapes of the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120. In particular, the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120 according to the second embodiment have a rectangular shape.

[0135] In other words, the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120 according to the second embodiment are not rounded towards the top in accordance with the first embodiment but are formed so as to have faces that are perpendicular with respect to each other.

[0136] With reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, a third embodiment of a clip 103 according to the invention will be explained in more detail below. The statements made above in view of the first embodiment are essentially applicable also to the third embodiment. In the following, only the differences with respect to the first embodiment will be described in order to avoid unnecessary repetitions.

[0137] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shapes of the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120. In particular, the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120 according to the third embodiment have a trapezoidal shape.

[0138] In other words, the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120 according to the third embodiment are not rounded towards the top in accordance with the first embodiment but are formed so as to have straight faces that are each formed at an angle (≠90°) relative to one another.

[0139] For example, the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b have two perpendicular side faces, a horizontal lower face and a horizontal upper face. The horizontal lower face connects the respective side faces at an angle of 90°. The side face lying towards the outside is shorter towards the top than the side face lying towards the inside. The horizontal upper face is directly connected to the side face lying towards the inside at an angle of 90°. An inclined face connects the shorter side face to the horizontal upper side. Thus, a corresponding longitudinal element has a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0140] With reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, a fourth embodiment of a clip 104 according to the invention will be explained in more detail below. The statements made above in view of the first embodiment are essentially applicable also to the fourth embodiment. In the following, only the differences with respect to the first embodiment will be described in order to avoid unnecessary repetitions.

[0141] Although the fourth embodiment is shown in accordance with the shape of the first embodiment, i.e. the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120 are rounded towards the top, the configurations described on the basis of the second and third embodiments (rectangular and trapezoidal) can also be applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0142] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment essentially in the shape or orientation of the closure element 120. The fourth embodiment also comprises a first closure element 121 and a second closure element 122. In accordance with the first embodiment, the first closure element 121 comprises a U-shaped bracket 125 and the second closure element 122 comprises a corresponding bulge 126.

[0143] In accordance with the first embodiment, the U-shaped bracket 125 of the fourth embodiment is arranged at the first longitudinal element 110a.

[0144] In contrast to the first embodiment, the U-shaped bracket 125 of the fourth embodiment is open towards the inner side of the clip 104. In other words, the opening of the U-shaped bracket 125 of the fourth embodiment is formed so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first longitudinal element 110a. In contrast to the first embodiment in which the opening of the U-shaped bracket 123 is formed so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first longitudinal element 110a.

[0145] Accordingly, the bulge 126 is formed such that it can be received in the opening of the U-shaped bracket 125.

[0146] At the end of one of its legs, the U-shaped bracket 125 has an inwardly directed projection.

[0147] The second closure element 122 further comprises a recess in which the projection of the U-shaped bracket 125 can engage so as to hold the clip 104 in a closed state.

[0148] In sum, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the orientation of the first and the second closure element 121, 122. Moreover, the closure of the fourth embodiment is visible in the assembled state.

[0149] In contrast to the first embodiment, the fourth embodiment comprises an additional element allowing the projection to be drawn or pushed over the bulge. This additional element can be, e.g., a recess for finger nails. Thus, in contrast to the first embodiment, opening comprises the further step of drawing or pushing the projection over the bulge.

[0150] With reference to FIGS. 15 to 17, a fifth embodiment of a clip 105 according to the invention will be explained in more detail below. The statements made above in view of the first embodiment are essentially applicable also to the fifth embodiment. In the following, only the differences with respect to the first embodiment will be described in order to avoid unnecessary repetitions.

[0151] Although the fifth embodiment is shown in accordance with the shape of the first embodiment, i.e. the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120 are rounded towards the top, the configurations described on the basis of the second and third embodiments (rectangular and trapezoidal) can also be applied to the fifth embodiment.

[0152] The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment essentially in the configuration of the closure element 120.

[0153] The closure element comprises a first closure element 121 and a second closure element 122. The first closure element 121 has a recess 127 on a lower side. The second closure element 122 has a corresponding bulge 128 on an upper side.

[0154] The recess 127 and the bulge 128 are formed at the front face of the clip 105 or the front face of the closure element 120 and configured to engage with each other so as to hold the clip 105 in a closed state.

[0155] In the fifth embodiment, the bulge 128 has a first inclination in the direction of the second longitudinal element 110b and a second inclination in the direction of the first longitudinal element 110a, wherein the first inclination is greater (steeper) than the second inclination. The recess 127 is formed accordingly.

[0156] This configuration facilitates the closing of the clip 105 due to a low resistance by the bulge 128 when the first closure element 121 is moved over the second closure element 122 for closing. At the same time, the closing force is increased due to the steeper inclination on the other side of the bulge 128 because a greater force is required for moving the first closure element 121 over the second closure element 122 for opening the clip 105.

[0157] With reference to FIGS. 18 to 20, a sixth embodiment of a clip 106 according to the invention will be explained in more detail below. The statements made above in view of the first embodiment are essentially applicable also to the sixth embodiment. In the following, only the differences with respect to the first embodiment will be described in order to avoid unnecessary repetitions.

[0158] Although the sixth embodiment is shown in accordance with the shape of the first embodiment, i.e. the longitudinal elements 110a, 110b, the end portion 140 and the closure element 120 are rounded towards the top, the configurations described on the basis of the second and third embodiments (rectangular and trapezoidal) can also be applied to the sixth embodiment.

[0159] The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment essentially in the configuration of the closure element 120.

[0160] Similar to the fifth embodiment, the closure element 120 of the sixth embodiment comprises a recess (not shown) on the lower side of the first closure element 121 and a bulge 128a on the upper side of the second closure element 122.

[0161] The recess on the lower side of the first closure element 121 is formed such that this bulge 128a can also receive the upper side of the second closure element 122 in order to keep the clip 106 in a closed state.

[0162] The recess and the bulge 128a are each spaced from the edges of the first and the second closure element 121, 122.

[0163] In the sixth embodiment, the bulge 128a has a first inclination in the direction of the second longitudinal element 110b and a second inclination in the direction of the first longitudinal element 110a, wherein the first inclination is equal to the second inclination. The recess on the lower side of the first closure element 121 is formed accordingly.

[0164] This configuration provides for a uniform resistance during closing and opening.

[0165] FIG. 21 shows a first component 10 comprising an edge portion 11. The edge portion 11 has a respective recess 12a, 12b at opposite end regions.

[0166] The first component 10 is preferably a plate element which extends in a planar manner and has a thickness D. In other words, the first component 10 extends in a planar manner in two spatial directions by a first length L1 and a first width B1. The component also has a thickness D in a third spatial direction, wherein the length L1 and the width B1 are >> than the thickness D. The above-mentioned spatial directions are each perpendicular with respect to each other.

[0167] The edge portion 11 extends from an end portion of the first component 10 and has a second length L2 and a second width B2, wherein preferably L1>L2 and B1>B2. The thickness of the edge portion 11 is preferably equal to the thickness D of the first component 10.

[0168] The above-mentioned lengths L1, L2 are not necessarily provided in accordance with this ratio. Rather, the second length L2 can be ≥L1. Moreover, the thickness of the edge portion 11 can differ from the thickness D of the first component 10.

[0169] The recesses 12a, 12b are provided at the end regions of the edge portions 11 in the width direction and are preferably rounded, i.e. the recesses 12a, 12b are preferably provided so as to have a round shape.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 21, the recesses 12a, 12b can be spaced from the edge portion 11 by a predetermined distance from the top and bottom (in the longitudinal direction L2). Alternatively, the recesses 12a, 12b can be provided at the lower end (in the longitudinal direction L2), i.e. the recesses 12a, 12b can extend directly from the end region of the first component 10.

[0171] Both the rounded shape of the recesses 12a, 12b and the rounded shape of the holding segments 131 to 134 described above guarantee that the holding segments 131 to 134 can be easily inserted into the recesses 12a, 12b.

[0172] Furthermore, the recesses 12a, 12b extend so far in the longitudinal direction of the edge portion 11 that the recesses 12a, 12b penetrate at least partly an elongated hole (described later in detail) of a second component.

[0173] FIG. 22 shows a second component 20 comprising an elongated hole 21. The component 20 has a length L3 and a width B3. The elongated hole 21 has a length L4 and a width B4, wherein L3>L4 and B3>B4.

[0174] The length L4 of the elongated hole 21 is greater than the width B2 of the edge portion 11 and the width B4 of the elongated hole 21 is greater than the thickness of the edge portion 11 (see description of the edge portion according to FIG. 21), so that the edge portion 11 can be passed through the elongated hole 21.

[0175] Moreover, the length L4 of the elongated hole 21 is smaller than the width B1 of the first component 10, so that only the edge portion 11 can penetrate the elongated hole 21.

[0176] FIG. 23 shows the first component 10 and the second component 20 in a state in which the edge portion 11 penetrates the elongated hole 21. As shown in FIG. 23, the edge portion 11 projects so far out of the elongated hole 21 that the recesses 12a, 12b project at least partly out of the elongated hole 21.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 23, the first component 10 can have an additional elongated hole in addition to the edge portion 11 and the second component 20 can have an additional edge portion in addition to the elongated hole 21. Moreover, the first component 10 and/or the second component 20 can have a plurality of edge portions and/or elongated holes.

[0178] FIG. 24 shows a different perspective of a state according to FIG. 23, i.e. a state in which the edge portion 11 has been inserted through the elongated hole 21. In addition, FIG. 24 shows a clip 101 attached to the edge portion in an open state.

[0179] In this state, the holding segments 131, 133 and partly the holding segment 132 are already engaged with the recesses 12a, 12b.

[0180] In other words, according to FIG. 24 the clip 101 is placed at the edge portion 11 of the first component 10 and the holding segments 131, 132 and 133 are placed in the recesses 12a, 12b.

[0181] For closing the clip 101, the clip 101 is then closed in that the first closure element 121 is moved over the second closure element 122 and thus the holding segment 134 is also engaged with the corresponding recess.

[0182] A force is exerted on the holding segments 131 to 134 by the recesses 12a, 12b, and the clip 10 is held in position. The closed state of the clip 101 is shown in FIG. 25.

[0183] The clip 101 can be reopened by applying an external force in that the first closure element 121 is pressed away from the second closure element 122.

[0184] FIGS. 26 and 27 show application systems of the aspects of the invention described above. FIG. 26 shows an exemplary modular rack system 201 comprising a plurality of plate elements which have one or more edge portions 11 or elongated holes 21, as described above. For fixing the various plate elements, the clips described above (not shown) are used.

[0185] FIG. 27 shows an exemplary roll box 202 comprising a plurality of plate elements which have one or more edge portions 11 or elongated holes 21, as described above. For fixing the various plate elements, the clips described above (not shown) are used. Additional rollers are attached to the lower side of the roll box.

[0186] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, it is not necessary that all plate elements of the corresponding system have elongated holes or edge portions. Certain plate elements, for example the cover, can also be provided so as to have no such elements.

[0187] In other words, according to the invention it is sufficient that at least one plate element having at least one edge portion and at least one plate element having at least one elongated hole, as described above, are provided in a corresponding application system.

[0188] The application systems of FIGS. 26 and 27 are only exemplary and can be provided in various embodiments by using the invention. Further exemplary application systems relate to furniture systems, organization or storage systems, point-of-scale displays, furniture systems or housings for pets, picture frames or transport packaging.

[0189] Furniture systems or housings for pets comprise various articles of daily use used in connection with pets inside or outside apartments and houses, for example sleeping places, toys and scratching posts, etc.

[0190] The clip 101 is shown only exemplarily in FIGS. 24 to 25. It should be clear that all clips 101 to 106 described above can be used in the same manner for fixing the first plate element 10 and the second plate element 20.

[0191] While the present invention has been described and shown herein with reference to its preferred embodiments, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without leaving the scope of protection of the invention. In this manner it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and changes of this invention, as far as they are covered by the scope of protection of the attached claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, features described in connection with a specific embodiment should not be understood exclusively in connection with other features of this embodiment. Rather, it is clear that a combination of features of different embodiments is also possible. Furthermore, a feature described in connection with another feature can also be present in a possible embodiment of the present invention without the other feature.