MAGAZINE, WEAPON AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A MAGAZINE

Abstract

A magazine for storing and separating projectiles for a weapon, in particular for a bow weapon, includes a storage section, which is configured to house at least partially cylindrical projectiles, in particular arrows or bolts, and extends in a first direction. The magazine includes a separating mechanism coupled to the storage section. The separating mechanism includes an actuation section configured to be actuated by the movement of at least one actuation mechanism of a weapon when moved with respect to the first direction. The separating mechanism, upon actuation of the actuation section, is configured to separate a single projectile from a plurality of projectiles in the storage section. The separating mechanism includes a holding section configured to hold the separated single projectile with a predefined force in a launching area of a weapon. A weapon including such a magazine and a method for manufacturing such a magazine are also described.

Claims

1. A magazine for storing and separating projectiles for a weapon, comprising: a storage section, which is configured to house a plurality of at least partially cylindrical projectiles, in particular arrows or bolts, and extends in a first direction, and a separating mechanism coupled to the storage section and comprising an actuation section configured to be actuated by the movement of at least one actuation mechanism of a weapon when moved with respect to the first direction, wherein the separating mechanism upon actuation of the actuation section is configured to separate a single projectile from a plurality of projectiles in the storage section, and wherein the separating mechanism comprises a holding section configured to hold the separated single projectile with a predefined force in a launching area of a weapon, wherein the separating mechanism comprises at least two guides and at least two sliders, and wherein the guides are each configured to guide one of the sliders, wherein the sliders are configured to be moveable within the respective guides between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the sliders corresponds to a closed state of the separating mechanism and the second position of the sliders corresponds to an open state of the separating mechanism, wherein the separating mechanism is configured to be brought from the closed state to the open state upon actuation of the actuation section, and wherein the actuation section comprises a ramp integrated in the sliders and oriented oblique to the first direction, such that a movement of the actuation mechanism in parallel to the first direction and intersecting the ramp causes the sliders to move from the first position to the second position.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. The magazine according to claim 1, wherein the holding section comprises a significantly concave end of the sliders, which is configured to correspond to the surface of the at least partially cylindrical separated projectile and securely hold it in the launching area of a weapon.

6. The magazine according to claim 1, wherein the sliders respectively are spring loaded

7. The magazine according to claim 5, wherein the sliders are spring loaded at a spring-bearing end arranged opposite to the significantly concave end.

8. A magazine for storing and separating projectiles for a weapon, comprising: a storage section, which is configured to house a plurality of at least partially cylindrical projectiles, in particular arrows or bolts, and extends in a first direction, and a separating mechanism coupled to the storage section and comprising an actuation section configured to be actuated by the movement of at least one actuation mechanism of a weapon when moved with respect to the first direction, wherein the separating mechanism upon actuation of the actuation section is configured to separate a single projectile from a plurality of projectiles in the storage section, and wherein the separating mechanism comprises a holding section configured to hold the separated single projectile with a predefined force in a launching area of a weapon, wherein the separating mechanism comprises at least two guides and at least two sliders, and wherein the guides are each configured to guide one of the sliders, and wherein the two sliders are essentially positioned at an angle to each other between 55 and 85, and wherein the two sliders are configured to be moveable along the respective angles within the guides.

9. The magazine according to claim 8, wherein the two sliders are positioned symmetrically and configured to be moveable symmetrically.

10. A magazine for storing and separating projectiles for a weapon, comprising: a storage section, which is configured to house a plurality of at least partially cylindrical projectiles, in particular arrows or bolts, and extends in a first direction, and a separating mechanism coupled to the storage section and comprising an actuation section configured to be actuated by the movement of at least one actuation mechanism of a weapon when moved with respect to the first direction, wherein the separating mechanism upon actuation of the actuation section is configured to separate a single projectile from a plurality of projectiles in the storage section, and wherein the separating mechanism comprises a holding section configured to hold the separated single projectile with a predefined force in a launching area of a weapon, further comprising an opening configured for loading the at least partially cylindrical projectiles into the storage section of the magazine, wherein the opening is arranged on the opposed side of the magazine with respect to the separating mechanism.

11. The magazine according to claim 1, further comprising a spring-loading member arranged within the storage section and configured to exert a force in a second direction on the at least partially cylindrical projectiles such that the projectiles are bearing against the separating mechanism.

12. The magazine according to claim 11, wherein the second direction is essentially perpendicular to the first direction.

13. The magazine according to claim 1, wherein the storage section is configured to house at least 10 at least partially cylindrical projectiles.

14. The magazine according to claim 1, wherein the magazine is configured for a bow weapon,

15. The magazine according to claim 1, wherein the storage section is configured to house a plurality of projectile configured as arrows or bolts.

16. A weapon, comprising: a magazine for storing and separating projectiles for the weapon, the magazine comprising: a storage section, which is configured to house a plurality of at least partially cylindrical projectiles and extends in a first direction, and a separating mechanism coupled to the storage section and comprising an actuation section configured to be actuated by the movement of at least one actuation mechanism of the weapon when moved with respect to the first direction, wherein the separating mechanism upon actuation of the actuation section is configured to separate a single projectile from a plurality of projectiles in the storage section, and wherein the separating mechanism comprises a holding section configured to hold the separated single projectile with a predefined force in a launching area of the weapon, wherein the separating mechanism comprises at least two guides and at least two sliders, and wherein the guides are each configured to guide one of the sliders, wherein the sliders are configured to be moveable within the respective guides between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the sliders corresponds to a closed state of the separating mechanism and the second position of the sliders corresponds to an open state of the separating mechanism, wherein the separating mechanism is configured to be brought from the closed state to the open state upon actuation of the actuation section, and wherein the actuation section comprises a ramp integrated in the sliders and oriented oblique to the first direction, such that a movement of the actuation mechanism in parallel to the first direction and intersecting the ramp causes the sliders to move from the first position to the second position.

17. The weapon according to claim 16, wherein the weapon is configured as a bow weapon, further comprising: a launching channel, and an actuation mechanism, wherein the magazine is configured upon actuation of the actuation section by movement of the actuation mechanism to separate an at least partially cylindrical projectile and deposit the separated projectile into the launching channel.

18. The weapon according to claim 16, wherein the actuation mechanism is formed integral with a loading mechanism of the weapon configured to similarly load the weapon and actuate the actuation section of the separating mechanism.

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. A weapon, comprising: a magazine for storing and separating projectiles for the weapon, the magazine comprising: a storage section, which is configured to house a plurality of at least partially cylindrical projectiles and extends in a first direction, and a separating mechanism coupled to the storage section and comprising an actuation section configured to be actuated by the movement of at least one actuation mechanism of the weapon when moved with respect to the first direction, wherein the separating mechanism upon actuation of the actuation section is configured to separate a single projectile from a plurality of projectiles in the storage section, and wherein the separating mechanism comprises a holding section configured to hold the separated single projectile with a predefined force in a launching area of the weapon, wherein the separating mechanism comprises at least two guides and at least two sliders, and wherein the guides are each configured to guide one of the sliders, wherein the two sliders are essentially positioned at an angle to each other between 55 and 85, and wherein the two sliders are configured to be moveable along the respective angles within the guides.

22. A weapon, comprising: a magazine for storing and separating projectiles for the weapon, the magazine comprising: a storage section, which is configured to house a plurality of at least partially cylindrical projectiles and extends in a first direction, and a separating mechanism coupled to the storage section and comprising an actuation section configured to be actuated by the movement of at least one actuation mechanism of the weapon when moved with respect to the first direction, wherein the separating mechanism upon actuation of the actuation section is configured to separate a single projectile from a plurality of projectiles in the storage section, and wherein the separating mechanism comprises a holding section configured to hold the separated single projectile with a predefined force in a launching area of the weapon, the magazine further comprising an opening configured for loading the at least partially cylindrical projectiles into the storage section of the magazine, wherein the opening is arranged on the opposed side of the magazine with respect to the separating mechanism.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] For a more comprehensive understanding of the invention and the advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference characters designate like parts and in which:

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a magazine;

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a magazine according to an embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the magazine according to FIG. 2;

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a separating mechanism according to an embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the separating mechanism of FIG. 4 with a slider in the first position and another slider in the second position;

[0054] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a slider according to an embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 7 shows a side view of two sliders according to FIG. 6;

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a separating mechanism according to FIG. 4;

[0057] FIG. 9 shows a front view of two guides according to an embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of a magazine according to FIG. 2;

[0059] FIG. 11 shows a side view of a weapon according to an embodiment.

[0060] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the resulting advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0061] It will be appreciated that common and/or well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used in the present specification have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study, except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a magazine 1.

[0063] The magazine 1 is configured for storing and separating projectiles for a weapon 10, in particular for a bow weapon. The magazine comprises a storage section 2 and a separating mechanism 3. The storage section 2 is configured to house a plurality of at least partially cylindrical projectiles, in particular arrows or bolts.

[0064] The at least partially cylindrical projectiles can have a length between approximately 10 cm to 60 cm, for crossbow bolts preferably 25 cm to 45 cm. The storage section 2 extends in a first direction R1, which can be collinear with the firing direction of the weapon 10.

[0065] The separating mechanism 3 is coupled to the storage section 2 and comprises an actuation section 4, which is configured to be actuated by the movement of at least one actuation mechanism of a weapon when the actuation mechanism is moved with respect to the first direction R1. The separating mechanism 3 is configured to separate a single projectile from a plurality of projectiles in the storage section 2 upon actuation of the actuation section 4. Additionally, the separating mechanism 3 comprises a holding section 5, which is configured to hold the separated single projectile with a predefined force in a launching area of a weapon.

[0066] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a magazine 1 according to an embodiment.

[0067] This embodiment of a magazine 1 comprises a storage section 2 and separating mechanism 3. The functional relationship between the actuation mechanism of a weapon and the actuation section 4 of the separating mechanism 3 is the same as has been described with respect to FIG. 1.

[0068] The magazine comprises an opening 12 configured for loading the at least partially cylindrical projectiles into the storage section 2 of the magazine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening 12 is arranged on the opposed side of the magazine 1 with respect to the separating mechanism 3. A cover 22 is configured to close the opening 12 during use of the magazine 1 and is configured to be easily removable and attachable in order to allow the user to add and/or remove projectiles. In addition, the cover 22 preferably covers the entire area of the opening 12 and provides a seal against dirt and/or dust.

[0069] In the shown embodiment, the magazine 1 comprises at least two sidewalls 21 on either side of the magazine 1 that essentially extend along the first direction R1. The sidewalls 21 comprise multiple fastening elements 20 configured to fixate the individual components of the magazine 1. The sidewall 21 additionally comprises a view port 19 configured to allow the user to view the amount of projectiles inside of the storage section 2, without having to remove the cover 22. The view port 19 is configured as an elongated hole that extends along the height of the storage section 2 and essentially perpendicularly to the first direction R1.

[0070] In addition and according to this embodiment, the magazine 1 comprises at least one mounting plate 18 and/or at least one mounting hole 17. In the shown embodiment, the mounting plate 18 is arranged on structural protrusion of the sidewall 21 that essentially extends in the first direction R1. The mounting hole 17 is also arranged on a structural protrusion of the sidewall 21 that essentially extends perpendicularly to the first direction R1. As shown, the mounting plate 18 and mounting hole 17 are arranged on opposite sides of the sidewall 21, and are each configured to receive a predefined fastening element configured to fixate the magazine 1 to a weapon 10. Embodiments with different mounting solutions are also be conceivable, for example with multiple latches or other fastening elements attached to the sidewalls 21 or other component.

[0071] The separating mechanism 3 is coupled to the storage section 2 and comprises an actuation section 4, which is configured to be actuated by the movement of at least one actuation mechanism of a weapon when the actuation mechanism is moved with respect to the first direction R1. In the shown embodiment, the actuation mechanism is essentially moved between the mounting hole 17 and mounting plate 18. Additionally, the separating mechanism 3 comprises a holding section 5, which is configured to hold the separated single projectile with a predefined force in a launching area of a weapon. In the shown embodiment, the holding section is arranged on the opposite side of the opening 12 and/or cover 22.

[0072] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the magazine 1 according to FIG. 2.

[0073] In this view of the magazine 1 of FIG. 2, the mounting plate 18 is shown in more detail. The mounting plate 18 is configured to receive a fastening element in order to fixate the magazine 1 to a weapon. In the shown embodiment, the cover 22 of the opening 12 does not extend the entire length of the sidewall 21 in the first direction R1. The dimensions of the cover 22 and opening 12 can be configured in accordance with the dimensions of the projectiles. On either side of the storage section 2 the magazine comprises spacers 30 that act as end pieces of the magazine 1. The spacers 30 can be configured to perform a variety of functions, for example weight distribution, providing mounting points and/or other functions. In the shown embodiment, the mounting plate 18 is arranged on a spacer 30.

[0074] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a separating mechanism 3 according to an embodiment. The first direction R1 is directed out of the shown plane.

[0075] The separating mechanism 3 comprises at least two guides 6 and at least two sliders 7. The guides 6 are each configured to guide one of the sliders 7. The guides 6 respectively comprise grooves in order to guide a flange 31 of the respective sliders 7. The movement of the slider 7 within the respective guides 6 follows the grooves.

[0076] In the shown embodiment, the individual sliders 7 are each spring-loaded by the means of a spring 24. The spring 24 is configured to spring-load the respective slider 7 against an inner wall of the respective guide 6. The inner wall of the respective guide 6 can be configured to receive the spring 24 in order to facilitate the spring-loading of the sliders 7. The shown springs 24 are configured as helical springs, but can also be configured as any different component, that exhibits elastic characteristics, for example a leaf spring or the like. The shown separating mechanism 3 comprises a holding section 5 that is arranged at the opposite end of the respective slider 7 with regard to the respective springs 24. The shown separating mechanism 3 is in the closed state and therefore a projectile cannot pass through the separating mechanism 3 from the storage section 2 to the holding section 5.

[0077] FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the separating mechanism 3 of FIG. 4 with a slider 7 in the first position P1 and another slider 7 in the second position P2.

[0078] The shown embodiment contains a purely exemplary state of the separating mechanism 3 and does not show a regular state of the separating mechanism 3 during use of the magazine 1. The sliders 7 are configured to be moveable within the respective guides 6 between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The first position P1 of the sliders 7 corresponds to a closed state of the separating mechanism 3 and the second position P2 of the sliders 7 corresponds to an open state of the separating mechanism 3. The separating mechanism 3 is configured to be brought from the closed state to the open state upon actuation of the actuation section 4.

[0079] In the shown embodiment, the slider 7 in the guide 6 on the left side is in the first position P1, which is the lowermost position of the slider 7 within the guide 6. The slider 7 in the guide 6 on the right side is in the second position P2, which is the uppermost position with the guide 6. As shown, the slider 7 in the guide 6 on the left side is in a position, which hinders the passing of a projectile through the separating mechanism 3 by reducing the gap between the respective sliders 7. Alternatively, the slider 7 in the guide 6 on the right side is in a position, which facilitates the passing of a projectile through the separating mechanism 3 by increasing the gap between the respective sliders 7.

[0080] In addition, the separating mechanism 3 comprises a pin 23 arranged in a through hole of each slider 7 and a guide hole 32 of each guide 6. The pin 23 is configured to guide the respective slider 7 within the respective guide 6 between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The pin 23 and guide hole 32 facilitate the guiding of the respective slider 7 in addition to the flange 31 of the slider 7 and groove of the guide 6.

[0081] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a slider 7 according to an embodiment.

[0082] The actuation section 4 comprises a ramp 8 integrated in the slider 7 and oriented oblique to the first direction R1. The ramp 8 is oriented in such a way that a movement of the actuation mechanism in parallel to the first direction R1 and intersecting the ramp 8 causes the sliders 7 to move from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0083] In the shown embodiment, the actuation section 4 comprises two ramps 8 arranged on opposite sides of the actuation section 4 in order to allow actuation of the actuation section 4 by the movement of the actuation mechanism in the first direction R1 and against the first direction R1. The slider 7 comprises a spring-bearing end 11, which comprises two cylindrical recesses arranged on either side of the pin 23.

[0084] The two cylindrical recesses are configured to receive the springs 24. The incline of the ramp 8 corresponds to the displacement between the first position P1 and second position P2 of the slider within the respective guide 6.

[0085] FIG. 7 shows a side view of two sliders 7 according to FIG. 6.

[0086] In the shown embodiment, the holding section 5 of the separating mechanism 3 comprises a significantly concave end 9 of the sliders 7, which is configured to correspond to the surface of the at least partially cylindrical separated projectile and securely hold the single projectile in the launching area of a weapon. The respective concave ends 9 of the sliders 7 in the shown closed state of the separating mechanism 3 essentially form a half circle. This is indicated by the exemplary dotted half circle that shows the top half of a sectional view of a projectile arranged in the first direction R1 and in the holding section 5. This arrangement of the sliders 7 and the shape of their respective concave ends 9 is crucial for performing the function of the holding section 5, and is configured to provide a large surface area for contacting the projectile.

[0087] Additionally, the actuation section 4 essentially extends perpendicularly to the first direction R1 and simultaneously away from the respective holding section 5 of the separation mechanism 3. In this way, the actuation section 4 provides a large area and/or width in order to be actuated by an actuation mechanism of a weapon.

[0088] In addition, the respective concave ends 9 of the slider 7 are arranged opposite to the respective spring-bearing ends 11. As shown in the embodiment, the sliders 7 comprise a flange 31, which is configured to guide the slider 7 in the grooves of the respective guides 6. Furthermore, the two sliders 7 are essentially positioned, in particular symmetrically, at an angle to each other of approximately 70. The two sliders 7 are configured to be moveable, in particular symmetrically, along the respective angles within the guides 6. Embodiments with different angles between the sliders 7 are also conceivable, for example angles of between 55 and 85.

[0089] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a separating mechanism 3 according to FIG. 4.

[0090] The shown embodiment of a separating mechanism 3 is in the closed state and comprises a single guide 6 and slider 7 with two springs 24 arranged in parallel and inserted in the spring-bearing end 11. In addition, the slider 7 comprises a pin 23 arranged in the guide hole 32 of the guide 6.

[0091] The slider 7 is configured to moveable within the guide 6 from the shown first position P1 to the second position P2 by the actuation of the actuation section 4 by an actuation mechanism of a weapon. Upon actuation of the actuation section 4, the slider moves upwards and compresses the spring 24 arranged in the spring-bearing ends 11 of the slider 7. In the same way, the pin 23 moves upwards within the guide hole 32 in order to avoid jamming and/or wedging of the slider 7 within the guide 6.

[0092] In addition, the guide 6 comprises a lip 33. The lip 33 is configured as an angled protrusion that extends towards the opening 12 and facilitates the loading of projectiles into the storage section 2.

[0093] FIG. 9 shows a front view of two guides 6 according to an embodiment.

[0094] The guides 6 respectively comprise a lip 33 that as previously stated is configured as an angled protrusion.

[0095] In addition, the guide 6 on the left side comprises an edge E1 and the guide 6 on the right side comprises an edge E2. The edges E1, E2 are configured as angled surfaces arranged on an inner side of the respective guides 6. The edge E1 is at a lower height with respect to the edge E2 in order to stagger the projectiles, which are to be loaded into the storage section 2 of the magazine. The staggered formation of the projectiles essentially forms two parallel and side-by-side columns that are essentially overlapping in order to increase the amount of projectiles that can be housed within the storage section 2 of the magazine 1. This staggered formation of the projectiles is shown by the exemplary dashed circles that represent projectiles inside of the storage section 2 of the magazine 1. The staggered formation of the projectile enables the storage section 2 to be configured to house at least 10, in particular between 10 and 15, preferably 12, projectiles.

[0096] Embodiments with different arrangements or configurations of the respective edges E1, E2 are also conceivable, for example edges E1, E2 with curved slopes.

[0097] FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of a magazine 1 according to FIG. 2.

[0098] The magazine 1 comprises a storage section 2 and separating mechanism 3. Furthermore, the magazine 1 comprises a spring-loading member 13 arranged within the storage section 2 and configured to exert a force in a second direction R2. The spring-loading member 13 exerts the force on the at least partially cylindrical projectiles such that the projectiles are bearing against the separating mechanism 3. The second direction R2 is in particular essentially perpendicular to the first direction R1.

[0099] In the shown embodiment, the spring-loading member 13 is configured as a leaf spring, but other types of components with elastic characteristics are possible. The spring-loading member 13 is essentially configured as a component with two shanks S1, S2. A first shank S1 is arranged in parallel to first direction R1 and essentially integrated in the opening 12 and/or cover 22. The second shank S2 extends from a bend point of the spring-loading member 13 between the first and second shank S1, S2 towards the holding section 5 and essentially in the second direction R2.

[0100] In the shown embodiment, while loading projectiles into the storage section 2 through the opening 12, the spring-loading member 13 and the cover 22 are removed. Once the loading process has ended the spring-loading member 13 and the cover 22 are reattached to the magazine 1 and the spring-loading member 13 is compressed. This compression causes the spring-loading member 13 to exert a force on the at least partially cylindrical projectiles in the storage section 2 such that the projectiles are bearing against the separating mechanism 3 and holding section 5.

[0101] FIG. 11 shows a side view of a weapon 10 according to an embodiment.

[0102] The weapon 10 comprises a magazine 1 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and is configured as a bow weapon. The weapon 10 further comprises a launching channel 14 and an actuation mechanism 15. The magazine 1 is configured upon actuation of the actuation section 4 by movement of the actuation mechanism 15 to separate an at least partially cylindrical projectile and deposit the separated projectile into the launching channel 14.

[0103] The actuation mechanism 15 of the weapon 10 is configured as a lever, which essentially extend against the second direction R2 and is formed integral with a loading mechanism 16 of the weapon 10. The loading mechanism 16 is configured to similarly load the weapon and actuate the actuation section 4 of the separating mechanism 3. The loading mechanism 16 loads the weapon by tightening the bowstring 29 held by the pawl 28 and moves the bowstring 29 in the first direction R1. Once the bowstring 29 has been tightened and the separating mechanism 3 of the magazine holds a projectile in the launching channel 14 of the weapon 10, the projectile can be shot from the weapon 10 upon actuation of the trigger 25.

[0104] The weapon 10 additionally comprises a grip 27 and fore grip 26 in order to safely and securely maneuver the weapon 10 with the magazine 1 while in use.

[0105] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0106] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms comprise, comprising, include, including, contain, containing, have, having, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms a and an used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms first, second, third, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.