Abstract
The invention relates to a bicycle (200), in particular an electric bicycle (200). The invention also relates to a light module (100) for use in a bicycle (200), in particular an electric bicycle (200) according to the invention. The invention further relates to a bicycle control unit (8) programmed to independently control a plurality of light sources (104) of at least one light module (100) for use in a bicycle (200), in particular an electric bicycle (200) according to the invention. The invention moreover relates to an assembly of at least one light module (100) according to the invention and at least one bicycle control unit (8) according to the invention.
Claims
1-41. (canceled)
42. A bicycle, comprising: at least one light module said light module comprising: a plurality of independently controllable light sources, wherein at least one independently controllable light source is, directly or indirectly, controllable based on at least one light source control signal, at least one bicycle control unit configured to independently control at least two light sources of at least one light module by providing at least one light source control signal to said light sources and at least one power connection, and connected to at least one independently controllable light source, for providing electric power to at least one independently controllable light source, wherein at least two light sources of at least one light module are oriented in different directions to emit light in different directions, and/or wherein at least two light sources of at least one light module are grouped and configured to collectively generate at least one dynamic light pattern dependent on the control of said light sources by said bicycle control unit.
43. The bicycle according to claim 42, wherein the bicycle comprises a plurality of bicycle control units, wherein at least one bicycle control unit is formed by a central bicycle control unit, and wherein at least one other bicycle control unit is formed by at least one light module control unit connected to said central bicycle unit, wherein said light module control unit is configured for independently controlling at least one light source of at least one associated light module and/or wherein the at least one light module control unit is configured for converting the primary light source control signal received from the central bicycle control unit into at least one secondary light source control signal for independently controlling at least one light source.
44. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein at least one light module control unit makes part of at least one light module.
45. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein at least one bicycle control unit is configured to generate at least one light source control signal which comprises at least one dynamic light pattern definition, wherein said at least one light source control signal which comprises at least one dynamic light pattern definition, is configured to sequentially and/or simultaneously illuminate a plurality of light sources of at least one light module in a predefined order and/or for a predefined period of time.
46. The bicycle according to claim 45, wherein said at least one light source control signal which comprises at least one dynamic light pattern definition, is configured to vary the light intensity and/or colour temperature over time of at least one light source of at least one light module and/or wherein at least two light sources of at least one light module are grouped, and configured to collectively generate at least one dynamic light pattern based upon said at least one light source control signal which comprises at least one dynamic light pattern definition.
47. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein at least one light source control signal comprises light source specific instructions for at least one specific light source, which are readable by said specific light source.
48. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein at least one light source control signal comprises a string of light source specific instructions, wherein at least two independently controllable light source retrieves and/or extracts a predefined instruction associated with said light source out of the string of light source specific instructions.
49. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein at least two independently controllable light sources are directed in substantially opposing directions respectively and/or wherein the bicycle comprises a plurality of light modules, each light module comprising a plurality of independently controllable light sources.
50. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein at least two light sources of at least one light module are grouped, and wherein light sources of said group of light sources are independently, controllable by at least one bicycle control unit, wherein a number of the plurality of independently controllable grouped light sources is arranged to form at least a part of a circle and/or at least a part of a polygon.
51. The bicycle according to claim 50, wherein at least two, light sources of said plurality of independently controllable grouped light sources are oriented in different emittance directions, wherein at least two emittance directions enclose an angle of between 60 and 120 degrees and/or wherein at least one light module comprises a plurality of groups of independently controllable light sources, wherein the main emittance direction of at least two groups mutually differs and/or wherein at least one light module comprises a plurality of groups of independently controllable light sources, wherein one group of light sources encloses at least one of group of light sources and/or wherein at least two groups of independently controllable light sources of at least one light module are mutually separated at least by at least one mechanical part, of the bicycle and/or wherein the emittance patterns generated by at least two groups of independently controllable light sources at least partially overlap and/or coincide.
52. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein the at least two independently controllable light sources are arranged on a substrate, wherein said substrate is a curved substrate.
53. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein the bicycle control unit is configured to generate at least one light source control signal based upon input received from a user and/or a portable device carried by said user and/or wherein the bicycle control unit is configured to generate at least one light source control signal based upon at least one bicycle related characteristic, the bicycle acceleration, the bicycle steering direction, the status of a bicycle lock, and the status a bicycle power source.
54. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein the bicycle control unit is configured to generate at least one light source control signal based upon at least one environmental related characteristic.
55. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein the bicycle comprises at least one power source, to provide power to said at least one power connection.
56. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein the light module comprises at least one light module housing, said housing defining at least one accommodating space for at least partially accommodating one or more light sources.
57. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein the bicycle comprises a frame comprising a plurality of interconnected frame elements, which frame elements are formed by at least a seat tube element, a top tube element, a down tube element, a head tube element, at least one seat stay, at least one handlebar, and/or at least one chain stay, wherein the at least one light module is at least partially received by at least one frame element, wherein at least a part of at least one frame element, comprises at least one recessed channel, for accommodating therein the at least one strip shaped light module, wherein said recessed channel is provided on an exterior side of the top tube element and/or bottom tube element, and wherein the at least one light module accommodated in said recessed channel is at least partially covered by a substantially transparent or translucent covering material, such that an exterior surface of said covering material is substantially flush with respect to an exposed adjacent exterior surface of the top tube element and/or bottom tube element.
58. The bicycle according to claim 43, wherein the bicycle comprises at least one sensor, wherein at least one bicycle control unit, is configured for generating at least a part of the light source control signal based on data from the at least one sensor.
59. A light module for use in a bicycle according to claim 43.
60. A bicycle control unit programmed to independently control a plurality of light sources of at least one light module for use in a bicycle according to claim 43.
61. An assembly of at least one light module according to claim 59 and at least one bicycle control unit.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0091] The terms Fig., Figs., Figure, and Figures are used interchangeably in the specification to refer to the corresponding figures in the drawings.
[0092] The present invention will hereinafter be further elucidated based on the following figures, wherein:
[0093] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of light module according to a non-limitative embodiment of the present invention;
[0094] FIG. 2a shows a separate perspective view of the light module as shown in FIG. 1;
[0095] FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the light module in FIG. 2a along line section A-A;
[0096] FIG. 3 shows a schematic exploded view of the light module as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0097] FIG. 4 shows a part of a bicycle frame for receiving a light module according to an alternative embodiment as the one shown in FIGS. 1-3;
[0098] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a light module according to a further alternative embodiment as those shown in FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 4;
[0099] FIG. 6 shows a part of a bicycle frame for receiving a light module according to yet a different embodiment according to the invention;
[0100] FIG. 7 shows a schematical overview of a bicycle control unit according to the invention;
[0101] FIGS. 8a and 8b show a cross sectional view of a frame part comprising a light module according to the invention;
[0102] FIG. 9 shows a light module according to yet another embodiment according to the invention; and
[0103] FIG. 10 shows a schematic overview of a bicycle according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0104] FIG. 1 shows a first non-limitative embodiment of the bicycle 1 comprising at least one light module 100 according to the invention. The bicycle 1 comprises a frame which frame preferably comprises an upper tube 2, a head tube 3, and a bottom tube 4. This figure further shows a frame element 2 which is an extension of the upper tube 2. It is conceivable that the light module 100 according to the invention is at least partially housed within a frame part, preferably said frame element 2. The light module 100 as shown in this figure forms a front light module, however the invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. The light module according to this non-limitative embodiment comprises at least one light emitting surface 101 which emits light in a substantially lateral direction. The light module 100 such as provided in this figure is shown in more detail in FIG. 2a. The light module 100 preferably comprises at least two light emitting surfaces 101 which are configured for emitting light in different directions, in particular a left emittance direction and/or a right emittance direction when one or more light sources 104 (not shown) are turned on. The module 100 further comprises a housing 105 which may preferably be at least partially composed out of a substantially translucent and/or transparent material. The light module 100 comprises one main light beam 106 which may be emitted via at least one reflecting module 103 when one or more light sources 104 are turned on. The light module 100 may also comprise a substantially circular light emitting surface 102. In the cross-sectional view of the light module 100 as shown in FIG. 2b, said circular light emitting surface 102 is indirectly in contact with the light sources 104 via a lens body 102. Said lens body 102 may direct light emitted via the light sources 104 to the circular light emitting surface. Said circular light emitting surface 102 may also be formed differently and is therefore not limited to this particular shape. In addition to the circular light emitting surface 102 a main light beam 106 may be present, such a central main light beam 106 may extend from the light module 100 via a reflector 103. The figure further indicates that the housing 105 comprises a rear lid, such as a module holder 115 for holding components. One of said components may for example be cables 124 for the connector of the module 100. FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of the light module 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2a, 2b. The outside of the light module 100 is at least partially formed by the housing 105. Said housing 105 comprises a mounting space 111, which is configured to receive a bolt or nut, such that the light module 100 may be attached to a part of the bicycle 1. The mounting space 111 is recessed with respect to a frontal surface 112. In order to protect the bolt or nut in the mounting space 111, a first covering element 109 and second covering element 110 are provided. Preferably, an exterior of the second covering element 110 is substantially flush with an adjacent exterior portion of the casing 105. The light emitting surface 101 which is sidewards is slightly protruding with respect to the side surface of the casing 105. This allows said sideward emitting surface 101 to be substantially flush with the frame portion 2 of the bicycle 1. A lens module 107 may be provided onto or in the casing 105, which may provide a convex or concave function to the light emitted by the light sources 104. Said lens module 107 may for instance comprise a sideward portion 108 which fulfils a similar function for a light module directed sidewards, for example for providing light for the light emitting surface 101. The lens module 107 may further comprise a substantially circular portion 102 which may form part of the circular light emitting surface 102. The housing may further comprise a lock ring 113, which may be configured for locking a printed circuit board 114 into a predefined position with respect to the housing 105. Said lock ring further may be provided with a recess 111 which corresponds to the shape of the mounting space 111 such as to allow the bolt or nut to pass. The printed circuit board 114 may be provided with a plurality of light sources 104, preferably a plurality of independently controllable light sources, such as Light Emitting Diodes (LED's). Said printed circuit board 114 may be locked into position by the lock ring 113 to a module holder 115. Said module holder 115 may have different functionalities. First of all, said module holder 115 may be configured for holding various electronic components, such as a connector. Said connector may for example provide the light module 100 with power and as such form a power connection for the light module 100. Additionally, said connector may be configured for communicating a light source control signal to at least one of the light sources 104. It is preferred that the connector is based on a Controller Area Network bus (CAN bus), comprises for example five connections, such as a first CAN, second CAN, a ground, power, and a shielding. The connector may as such be mounted on the module holder 115 in a recessed portion 116 on a back side thereof. In order to rigidly mount the connector to the light module 100, a bracket 117 may be used to further secure the connector, when installed, to the module holder 115. A part of said module holder 115 may form a part of the outer surface of the light module 100, preferably a part of the back side thereof.
[0105] FIG. 4 shows a part of a frame of a bicycle 1 according to the invention. The frame is configured for receiving a light module 100 according to the invention. To this end, a frame element 2 comprises an opening 6 which is dimensioned such that it can receive and/or house a light module 100. The frame element 2 in this particular embodiment is an extension part of the upper tube 2, and also connected to the bottom tube 4, and to the head tube 3. The frame element 2 may be integral part of the upper tube 2, or may be separately attached to the front side of the frame. The frame element 2 is provided with a number of recesses 5. Said recesses 5 are configured for receiving a light emitting surface 101 of the light module 100. Preferably, the light emitting surface or surfaces 101 of the light module corresponds to the recesses 5 of the frame element 2. Although this frame depicts three recesses 5 at the left side and right side of the frame, any number or shape may be chosen for the recesses 5. The choice of the amount of recesses 5, and the shape of the recesses 5 is therefore a design related aspect. The invention relates, inter alia, to the sidewards directed light emitting surface 101 as such.
[0106] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a light module 100 according to the invention. In this non-limitative embodiment the light module 100 forms a rear light of a bicycle 1. Said rear light module 100 may be applied to the bicycle together with and/or separate of the front light module 100 as shown before. Also further light modules are not excluded. The rear light module 100 may be substantially similar compared to the front light module 100. That is, the module 100 comprises a module housing 105, which may comprise a rearward facing surface 112 though which a light may be emitted by one or more light sources 104. Said housing 105 may also be provided with one or more light emitting surfaces 101, such as a left emitting surface 101 and a right emitting surface 101. Said surfaces 101 configured for allowing a light to pass through when a light source 104 is turned on. The rear light module 100 further comprises a module holder 115 which may house multiple electronic and/or mechanic components of the light module 100. One of said components may for example be a connector 121. Other components of the light module 100, such as a printed circuit board 114 provided with a plurality of light sources 104, a further printed circuit board 123 and/or a diffusing element 102 may be connected to the module holder 115. Said module holder 115 is to this end provided with one or more mounting locations 122, such as a threaded hole or stud, configured for receiving one or more bolts or screws 119. Said bolts or screws 119 may pass through the diffusing element 102, and/or the printed circuit board 114, 123 to secure said elements to the module holder 115. In addition to a first printed circuit board 114, which comprises a first set of light sources 104, the light module 100 may comprise a further printed circuit board 118. Preferably said further printed circuit board 118 also comprises one or more light sources 104. Said further printed circuit board 118 may for instance be situated at an angle with respect to the first printed circuit board 114. The light sources 104 of the first printed circuit board 114 and the further printed circuit board 118 may be controlled based on a single signal received by the connector 121. Said light sources 104 preferably each being independently controllable of one another.
[0107] FIG. 6 shows a part of a frame of a bicycle 1, showing a top tube 2 and a seat tube 7 of the frame. The top tube comprises a receiving space 6 at a rear end thereof, for receiving a light module 100 according to the invention. Two recesses 5 are provided in the top tube 2. Said recesses 5 are configured for receiving a part of the light module 100, in particular the light emitting surfaces 101 facing sideward. As such, the light emitting surface 101 of a light module inserted into the receiving space 6 may be substantially flush with an outer surface of said upper tube 2. The recesses 5 as shown in this figure are different compared to the recesses 5 shown in FIG. 4. Hence, any number of recesses configured for receiving a light emitting surface 101 of a light module 100 may be chosen. Moreover, not only the amount of recesses 5 may be chosen arbitrarily, also the shape, since this figure indicates the recesses 5 are larger with respect to the three recesses 5 indicated in FIG. 4. Hence, also the shape of the recesses 5 is a design related aspect, as long as a part of the light emitting surface 101 of an inserted light module 100 at least partially laterally emits light. The invention relates, inter alia, to the sidewards directed light emitting surface 101 as such.
[0108] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a bicycle control unit 8, 9 according to the invention. The bicycle may comprise one or more bicycle control units 8, 9, wherein the bicycle control unit is configured to independently control at least two light sources of at least one light module 100 by providing at least one light source control signal 10, 11. In this embodiment, one bicycle control unit is a central bicycle control unit 8, and an additional bicycle control unit is formed by a light module control unit 9, which is connected to the central bicycle control unit 8. Or at least in communication with said central bicycle control unit 8. The light module control unit 9 is configured for controlling at least one light source 104 of at least one light module 100. The light module control unit 9 may be located separate from the central bicycle control unit 8. Preferably, said light module control unit 9 is located in a light module 100, such that a light module control unit 9 is configured for controlling a light source 104 of a respective light module 100. Hence, the bicycle may comprise for example a single central bicycle control unit 8, and a plurality of light module control units 9, wherein preferably at least one light module control unit is located in a light module 100. In this figure however, a single light module control unit 9 is provided. The light module control unit 9 is configured for converting a primary light source control signal 10, received from the central bicycle control unit 8, into at least one secondary light source control signal 11, for independently controlling at least one light source 104. The light module control unit 9 may, based on the primary light source control signal 10 covert said signal into a plurality of secondary light source control signals 11. Preferably into one secondary light source control signal 11 for each light module 100. At least one bicycle control unit 8, 9 is configured for generating at least one light source control signal 10, 11, which comprises at least one dynamic light pattern definition, or a ground surface projection pattern. Said dynamic light pattern may for example be to sequentially and/or simultaneously illuminate a plurality of light sources 104, or a group of light sources 104, 104, in a predefined order and/or for a predefined period. Said at least one light source control signal 10, 11 may also comprise for example information related to a light intensity of one or more light sources 104 or a group of light sources 104, 104. In this figure, the middle light module 100 comprises two groups 104, 104 of light sources 104. Said groups 104, 104 may be controlled by at least one bicycle control unit 8, 9, via at least one light source control signal 10, 11. The secondary light source control signal preferably comprises a string of light source specific instructions. A secondary light source control signal directed to a specific light module 100 may as such comprise a string of light source specific instructions. Each light source 104 of said light module 100 may, upon receiving the secondary light source control signal, retrieve and/or read instructions related to said light source 104. The light source control signal 10, 11 may be based on variable inputs 12, 13, 14, 15. Preferably, at least one bicycle control unit 8, 9 is configured for receiving information from a user 13, or a portable device carried by the user 12, such as a mobile phone. Alternatively, information may be received from one or more sensors 15, such as temperature sensors, CO.sub.2 sensors, speed sensors, torque sensors, light sensors, or the like. Yet, it is also conceivable that information is received by at least one bicycle control unit 8, 9 from the bicycle itself 14, such as bicycle characteristics, e.g., bicycle speed, acceleration, steering direction, lock status, power source status. The at least one bicycle control unit 8, 9 is configured for generating at least one light source control signal based on at least one of said inputs. Said inputs may for example communicate directly, via wire, or indirectly, via a cloud 15, with the at least one bicycle control unit 8, 9. It is conceivable that said cloud environment 15 communicates with a host computing device which is not part of the bicycle. The portable device carried by the user 12, such as the phone 12, may also communicate via the cloud environment 15 to the at least one bicycle control unit 8, 9. As such, a user may be able to control at least one light module via a phone 12.
[0109] FIGS. 8a and 8b each show a cross sectional view of a top tube 2 of a bicycle 1. The two embodiments, although very similar, slightly deviate from one another. In the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 8a said top tube 2 is provided with an inwardly recessed channel 127 on the left side and right side of the top tube 2. An inner surface of said recessed channel 127 is provided with cables 125 for providing power and/or communication, i.e., control signals, to the light sources 104. Said power is provided to the light sources 104 in particular via a printed circuit board 114. The printed circuit board 114 is provided on top of the cables 125, and substantially covers said cables 125. On the printed circuit board 114 one or more light sources 104 may be arranged. It is conceivable that the channel 127 extends along a part of the top tube 2, or over the entire length thereof. It is also conceivable to apply the shown embodiment in another tube of the bicycle. In order to protect the light sources 104, the recess 127 is covered by a cover unit 126. Preferably, an exterior surface of said cover unit 126 are essentially flush with an exterior surface of the tube 2. The cover unit 126 may also protect the light sources 104 from rain or water. FIG. 8b shows an alternative embodiment, wherein the tube 2 is essentially cylindrical, and wherein each side is provided with two of inwardly recessed channels 127. It is therefore noted that the shape of the channels 127, the length of the channels 127, the amount of channels 127 may be arbitrarily chosen, and which choice remains a design related aspect. The present invention is, inter alia, related to the technical aspects of the sideward facing light sources 104 as such. FIG. 8b indicates that the lower recessed channels 127 are not only directed towards a side, but also towards the bottom, which may allow the bottom or a part of the street to be illuminated by said light sources 104 when turned on.
[0110] FIG. 9 shows yet another aspect of the present invention. In this figure a seat tube 16 is provided with a light module 100 according to the invention. The light module 100 comprises a first printed circuit board 114a and a second printed circuit board 114b. Said first printed circuit board 114a and second printed circuit board 114b mutually connected via wires 125. Preferably, said first printed circuit board 114a comprises a plurality of light sources 104a. At least two of said light sources 104a are oriented such that light emitted by said at least two light sources is emitted in a rearward direction, such as to form a main light beam 106. The second printed circuit board 114b may also be provided with a plurality of light sources 104b. Preferably a plane in which said two printed circuit boards 114a, 114b are situated are mutually oriented at an angle with respect to each other. It is conceivable that the second printed circuit board 114b is annular, in particular enclosing a seat post in case a seat is attached to the bicycle 1. The light sources 104 of the second printed circuit board 114b may form a substantially circular light emitting surface 101, emitting light in at least a left direction and in a right direction. Preferably said light emitting surface 101 is substantially annular, emitting in all radial directions.
[0111] FIG. 10 shows a schematic overview of a bicycle 200 according to the invention. The bicycle 200 comprises a frame comprising a top tube 203, a seat tube 205, a bottom tube 206, a pair of seat stays 216, and a pair of chain stays 218. At the rear axis 219 a rear wheel 208 is rotatably arranged. The rear wheel may be powered by a used via a crank set 221. In order to drive de bicycle 200, the front side of the bicycle may comprise a handlebar 201, which may be rotatable with respect to the head tube 202 of the bicycle. The handlebar 201 may rotate the front wheel 207 which is arranged rotatably on a front axis 220. Said front wheel 207 may be held into place by means of the fork 217 which is rotatably coupled to the handlebar 201 of the bicycle 200. The handlebar 201 may be provided with a brake system 213 for allowing a user to apply a braking force. The handlebar 201 may comprise a first control unit 100, preferably arranged in a stem of the bicycle. Said first control unit may allow the accessory cables of the electronic accessories of the handlebar to be routed at least partially, preferably substantially entirely inside the frame of the bicycle 200. The first control unit 100 allows to reduce the amount of cables running through a steerer tube. One or more optical feedback units 214 may be arranged on and/or in the handlebar 201 for providing the user with optical feedback related to a bicycle status. Inside the bottom tube 206 a primary battery may be arranged for driving at least one electric motor which is arranged in the front axis 220 and/or rear axis 219. Optionally, a secondary battery 222 may be provided for extending the range of the bicycle 200. The primary battery inside the bottom tube 206 and/or the secondary battery 222 may be charged via a charging port 210 of the bicycle 200. The charging port 210 is arranged on a rear side of the bicycle in order to be easily accessible for a user. In this particular embodiment, the charging port 210 is arranged between the pair of seat stays 216 and attached to the seat tube 205 of the bicycle 200. In order for easily connecting the bicycle 200 to an external service device a service port 215 may be provided. In this embodiment the service port 215 is provided on a bottom side of the top tube 203 of the bicycle. Inside the top tube 203 at least one bicycle control unit may be provided. It is imaginable that at least one exposed exterior surface of at least one frame part comprises at least one antenna system. Said antenna system may be directly or indirectly mounted to said bicycle frame 202, 203, 205, 206, 216. The seat tube 205 further accommodates the seat post which may be attached to the saddle 204 of the bicycle 200. In order to increase the visibility of the user of the bicycle 200 during the evening or in the night time, the bicycle 200 may be provided with a front light module 212 and/or a rear light module 211. Said front light module 212 and rear light module 211 may allow for dynamic light patterns and/or for emitting light in at least a left and/or right direction. To this end, the light modules 211, 212 may be provided with a plurality of independently controllable light sources which may be controllable based on a light source control signal. At least two light sources of at least one light module are oriented in different directions to emit light in different directions, such as a left emittance direction and/or a right emittance direction, and/or wherein at least two light sources of at least one light module are grouped and configured to collectively generate at least one dynamic light pattern dependent on the control of said light sources by said bicycle control unit. The bicycle 200 as shown in this figure is merely illustrative for the components thereof. It is explicitly noted that some aspects of the bicycle 200 as shown in this figure may be chosen by way of design. In particular shapes of the light modules 212, 211 may at least partially be shaped by design. Moreover, the shape of the tubes 202, 203, 205, 206 of the bicycle may also at least partially be chosen by way of design. Hence, the aesthetical appearance of the depicted embodiment are matters of design choice and can be varied or eliminated as desired.
[0112] The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts, including inventive details, may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application and/or alternative embodiment.
[0113] The ordinal numbers used in this document, like first, second, and third are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of expressions like a second component, does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a first component. By complementary components is meant that these components are configured to co-act with each other. However, to this end, these components do not necessarily have to have complementary forms. The verb comprise and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only comprise, but are also understood to mean the phrases contain, substantially consist of, formed by and conjugations thereof.
[0114] It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art. The aesthetical appearance and design of the working examples or details thereof, in particular as shown in the appended figures, is not technically determined, unless indicated otherwise, and is merely incorporate to demonstrate and clarify the inventive concept(s) described herein. Hence, the aesthetical appearance of the depicted embodiments are matters of design choice and can be varied or eliminated as desired. The owner of this patent document does moreover not disclaim any other rights that may be lawfully associated with the information disclosed in this document, including but not limited to, copyrights and designs associated with, based upon, and/or derived from the appended figures.
