BED SYSTEMS, MATTRESSES, AND SHEET APPARATUSES

Abstract

A bed system includes a mattress including a top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of first coupling devices with the plurality of first coupling devices are coupled to and spaced apart along the plurality of side surfaces and a sheet apparatus including a sheet and a plurality of second coupling devices coupled to the sheet. The sheet apparatus covers the top surface and the plurality of side surfaces and the second plurality of coupling devices are coupled to the first plurality of coupling devices to thereby secure the sheet apparatus to the mattress.

Claims

1. A bed system comprising: a mattress including a top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of first coupling devices, wherein the plurality of first coupling devices are coupled to and spaced apart along the plurality of side surfaces; and a sheet apparatus including a sheet and a plurality of second coupling devices coupled to the sheet, wherein the sheet apparatus covers the top surface and the plurality of side surfaces and the second plurality of coupling devices are coupled to the first plurality of coupling devices to thereby secure the sheet apparatus to the mattress.

2. The bed system according to claim 1, wherein each first coupling device of the plurality of first coupling devices includes a magnet and each second coupling device of the plurality of second coupling devices includes a magnet or a ferromagnetic member; and wherein each magnet of the first coupling device magnetically couples to the magnet or a ferromagnetic member of one of the second coupling devices.

3. The bed system according to claim 1, wherein each first coupling device of the plurality of first coupling devices includes a magnet and a securing member, wherein the securing member is coupled to the mattress.

4. The bed system according to claim 3, wherein the securing member includes an adhesive.

5. The bed system according to claim 3, wherein the securing member is coupled to one side surface.

6. The bed system according to claim 3, wherein the mattress has a plurality of interior surfaces opposite the plurality of side surfaces, and wherein the securing member is coupled to one interior surface.

7. The bed system according to claim 3, wherein the mattress has a side including the side surfaces, and wherein the magnet is sandwiched between the securing member and the side of the mattress.

8. The bed system according to claim 1, wherein each second coupling device of the plurality of second coupling devices includes a magnet or ferromagnetic member and a securing member, wherein the securing member is coupled to the sheet.

9. The bed system according to claim 8, wherein the securing member includes an adhesive.

10. The bed system according to claim 8, wherein the securing member is sewn onto the sheet.

11. The bed system according to claim 8, wherein the magnet or ferromagnetic member is sandwiched between the securing member and the sheet.

12. The bed system according to claim 3, wherein the securing member is a first securing member, and wherein each second coupling device of the plurality of second coupling devices includes a magnet or ferromagnetic member and a second securing member, wherein the second securing member of the second coupling device is coupled to the sheet.

13. A sheet apparatus for a mattress having a top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of first coupling devices coupled to the plurality of side surfaces, the sheet apparatus comprising: a sheet; and a plurality of second coupling devices coupled to the sheet, wherein the sheet is configured to cover the top surface and the plurality of side surfaces such that the plurality of second coupling devices are configured to couple to the plurality of first coupling devices to thereby secure the sheet apparatus to the mattress.

14. The sheet apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each second coupling device of the plurality of second coupling devices includes a magnet or ferromagnetic member and a securing member, wherein the securing member is coupled to the sheet.

15. The sheet apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the securing member includes an adhesive.

16. The sheet apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the securing member is sewn onto the sheet.

17. The sheet apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the magnet or ferromagnetic member is sandwiched between the securing member and the sheet.

18. A method for covering a mattress, the method includes: providing a mattress including a top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of first coupling devices, wherein the plurality of first coupling devices are coupled to and spaced apart along the plurality of side surfaces; laying a sheet apparatus including a sheet and a plurality of second coupling devices coupled to the sheet onto the mattress such that the sheet apparatus covers the top surface and the plurality of side surfaces; and coupling the second plurality of coupling devices to the first plurality of coupling devices to thereby secure the sheet apparatus to the mattress.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising pulling flaps of the sheet away from the mattress and then folding the flaps onto the mattress such that the first plurality of coupling devices and the second plurality of coupling devices hold the flaps on the mattress.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein each first coupling device of the plurality of first coupling devices includes a magnet and each second coupling device of the plurality of second coupling devices includes a magnet or a ferromagnetic member; and wherein the magnet of each first coupling device magnetically couples to the magnet or a ferromagnetic member one of the second coupling devices.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present disclosure is described with reference to the following Figures. The same numbers are used throughout the Figures to reference like features and like components.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example mattress of an example bed system according to the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example first coupling device according to the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first coupling device of FIG. 3 coupled to an exterior surface of an example mattress according to the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first coupling device of FIG. 3 coupled to an interior surface of an example mattress according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an example sheet apparatus of the example bed system according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an example method for coupling an example sheet apparatus according to the present disclosure to an example mattress according to the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 7-9 are perspective views of the sheet apparatus being coupled to the mattress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0018] Unless otherwise specified or limited, the phrases at least one of A, B, and C, one or more of A, B, and C, and the like, are meant to indicate A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and/or C, including combinations with multiple instances of A, B, and/or C. Likewise, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms mounted, connected, linked, supported, and coupled and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, unless otherwise specified or limited, connected and coupled are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0019] As used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, discussion of particular directions is provided by example only, with regard to particular embodiments or relevant illustrations. For example, discussion of top, bottom, front, back, left, right, lateral or longitudinal features is generally intended as a description only of the orientation of such features relative to a reference frame of a particular example or illustration. Correspondingly, for example, a top feature may sometimes be disposed below a bottom feature (and so on), in some arrangements or embodiments. Additionally, use of the words first, second, third, etc. is not intended to connote priority or importance, but merely to distinguish one of several similar elements from another.

[0020] The present inventor recognized that conventional sheets, such as bottom sheets or fitted sheets, that are attached to conventional mattresses can be difficult to attach, fold, store, and/or keep tight on the conventional mattress. Conventional sheets require extra amounts of fabric that extend along the bottom of the conventional mattresses to thereby enable sheet retention.

[0021] Conventional sheets may also contain elastic materials that may lose their elastic properties over time and/or after washing or swallow other items in the wash. Conventional sheets must be placed under the mattress when attaching to the conventional mattress and thus the conventional mattress may need to be lifted which may be difficult or impossible for the user. The conventional sheets may not stay attached to the mattress in the desired location and may move and/or bunch up as the bed is used. Furthermore, attaching conventional sheets to conventional mattresses can be time-consuming. The hospitality industry attempts to avoid the use of fitted sheets by training their employees to fold the bottom sheet onto the mattress; however, the process of folding the sheets is time-consuming and prone to error.

[0022] As such, through research and experimentation the present inventor endeavored to develop the below described new example bed systems 10, mattresses 20, and sheet apparatuses 40 of the present disclosure that solve the disadvantages of conventional bottom or fitted sheets.

[0023] FIGS. 1-2 schematically depicts an example bed system 10 according to the present disclosure. The bed system 10 includes a mattress 20 (see example mattresses 20 on FIGS. 1-4) and a sheet apparatus 40 (see FIG. 5) that is removably coupled to the mattress 20.

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts an example mattress 20 according to the present disclosure. The mattress 20 longitudinally (see example longitudinal axis L) between a first end 21 and a second end 22 and laterally (see example lateral axis T) between a first side 23 and a second side 24. The mattress 20 also extends axially (see example vertical axis V) between a top 28 and a bottom 29. The mattress 20 has a plurality of side surfaces 25 (e.g., four side surfaces 25), a top surface 26, and a bottom surface 27. The side surfaces 25 extends between the top surface 26 and the bottom surface 27.

[0025] The mattress 20 includes a plurality of first coupling devices 30 located at the ends 21, 22 and the sides 23, 24. The first coupling devices 30 are for facilitating the coupling of the sheet apparatus 40 (FIG. 5) to the mattress 20.

[0026] The size, shape, and/or components included with the first coupling devices 30 can vary. An example coupling device 30 is depicted in FIG. 2. The coupling device 30 includes a magnet 31 coupled to a first securing member 32. The size and shape of the first securing member 32 can vary. In the example depicted in FIG. 2, the first securing member 32 has a rectangular shape. In other examples, the securing member 32 has a circular or triangular shape. The material forming the first securing member 32 can also vary. In the example depicted in FIG. 2, the securing member is formed of a flexible material with an adhesive (e.g., glue) thereon. The flexible material can be fabric, rubber, plastic, and/or the like. In another example, the first securing member 32 includes a rigid plastic sheet. In some examples, the first securing member 32 includes snaps, hook-and-loop strips, hooks, and/or buttons, such that the adhesives and/or other components can be coupled to the ends 21, 22 and the sides 23, 24 of the mattress 20.

[0027] FIG. 3 depicts an example first coupling device 30 coupled to one of the sides 23 of an example mattress 20. Specifically, the coupling device 30 is coupled to the side surface 25 at one of the sides 23. The first securing member 32 can be coupled to the side surface 25 in any suitable manner. In certain examples, the first securing member 32 is secured to the side surface 25 with adhesives on the first securing member 32. In other examples, the first securing member 32 is secured to the side surface 25 with stitches. In other examples, the first securing member 32 is secured to the side surface 25 with hook and loop fasteners. As noted above, the magnet 31 is on the first securing member 32, and when the first coupling device 32 is coupled to the side 23, the magnet 31 is located and sandwiched between the first securing member 32 and the side 23. In other examples, the mattress 20 includes pockets (not depicted) that receive the first coupling device 30 and hold the first coupling device 30. In certain examples, the first securing member 32 extends past the extents of the magnet 31 to thereby prevent the magnet 31 from inadvertently being removed.

[0028] FIG. 4 depicts an example first coupling device 30 coupled to one of the sides 23 of an example mattress 20 and secured on the inside of the mattress 20. Specifically, the first securing member 32 is secured to an interior surface 35 of the mattress 20 that is opposite the side surface 25. FIG. 4 depicts the outline of the first securing member 32 on the second surface in dashed lines.

[0029] Note that the first coupling device 30 can be coupled to the side 23 of the mattress 20 at the time of manufacturing. For example, the first coupling device 30 is coupled to the side 23 of the mattress 120 before the mattress is fully constructed. In other examples, the first coupling device 30 can be retrofitted onto existing conventional mattresses. For instance, the first coupling device 30 can be coupled to the side 23 of the mattress 20 (FIG. 3) at the home of the user by peeling off a protective sheet on the first securing member 32 thereby exposing the adhesive on the first securing member 32. The user can then press the first securing member 32 onto the side surface 25 of the mattress 20.

[0030] In certain examples, the first securing member 32 includes a pocket in which the magnet 31 is received. In certain examples, the pocket may open downwardly to thereby resist upward movement of the magnet 31 and thereby resist upward movement of the sheet apparatus 40 coupled to the magnet 31 to hold the sheet apparatus 40 tight on the mattress 20.

[0031] Referring back to FIG. 1, the first coupling devices 30 are spaced apart (e.g., evenly spaced apart) from each other along the sides 23, 24 and the ends 21, 22 of the mattress 20. The location and number of the first coupling devices 30 can vary. In the example depicted in FIG. 1, there are four first coupling devices 30 on each side 23, 24 of the mattress 20 (note that the coupling devices 30 on the second side 24 are not depicted in FIG. 1) and one coupled device 30 is on each end 21, 22 (note that the coupling device on the first end 21 is not depicted in FIG. 1). In other examples, one or more coupling devices 30 are also coupled to the ends 21, 22 of the mattress 20. In certain examples, example mattresses placed next to headboard or footboards, the coupling devices 30 are not coupled to the ends 21, 22. In certain examples, one of the first coupling devices 30 is located along the sides 23 at least 3.0-4.0 inches away from the ends 21, 22.

[0032] The size and/or shape of the magnet 31 can vary. In certain examples, the magnet 31 is a round disc with a 1.25 diameter. The strength of the magnet 31 can vary, and in one example, the magnet 31 has a 100.0 pound strength rating. In certain examples, the magnet 31 includes a depression or hole therein. In certain examples, a perimeter frame or housing (not depicted) at least partially surrounds the magnet 31 and is configured to direct or focus the magnetic field outwardly away from the mattress 20 toward a second coupling device 50 (described herein) and/or increase the magnetic forces between the magnet 31 and the second coupling device 50. The housing helps avoid interference from and/or improper coupling with other metal components of the mattress 20.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 5, an example sheet apparatus 40 is depicted. The sheet apparatus 40 is for covering and protecting the mattress 20. The sheet apparatus 40 has a first end 41, a second end 42, a first side 43, and a second side 44. The sheet apparatus 40 also has a top first surface 46 and an opposite bottom second surface 47. The sheet apparatus 40 includes a sheet 48 that extends between the sides 43, 44 and the ends 41, 42 and a plurality of second coupling devices 50 (described further herein). The size and the shape of the sheet apparatus 40 can vary. In certain examples, the sheet 48 is sized to cover the side surfaces 25 and the top surface 26 of the mattress 20. In one example, the top surface 26 of the mattress 20 depicted in FIG. 1 has a top surface 26 of 6080 and each side surface 25 has a 10 height. As such, the sheet 48 is 80100 to cover the top surface 26 and the side surfaces 25 of the mattress 20.

[0034] The second coupling devices 50 are for coupling to the first coupling devices 30 of the mattress 20 such that the sheet 48 is removably secured to the mattress 20. The second coupling devices 50 are depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 5. A dashed rectangular box is on the sheet 48 to depict the approximate location of the top surface 26 of the mattress 20 when the sheet 48 is on the mattress 20. In certain examples, the second coupling devices 50 can be integrally formed with the sheet 48. In other examples, the second coupled devices 50 are coupled to the first surface 46 or the second surface 47. FIG. 6 depicts the second coupling devices 50 (see dashed lines) coupled to the second surface 47. The second coupling device 50 can be secured to the sheet 48 at the time of manufacturing the sheet 48 or the second coupling device 50 can be retrofitted onto an existing sheet.

[0035] The size, shape, and/or components included with the second coupling devices 50 can vary. In certain examples, the second coupling device 50 is similar to the first coupling device 30 and can include any of the components or features noted herein with respect to the first coupling device 30. Similarly, the first coupling device 30 can include any of the components or features noted herein with respect to the second coupling device 50. In certain examples, the second coupling device 50 includes a ferromagnetic member such as a disc 51 (e.g., flat metal disc) or magnet and a second securing member 52. In certain examples, the ferromagnetic member has a rectangular shape. In other examples, the ferromagnetic member 51 has a circular or triangular shape.

[0036] The second securing member 52 can be coupled to one surface 46, 47 of the sheet 48. For example, the second coupling devices 50 are sewn onto the sheet 48. As such, the disc 51 is sandwiched between one of the surfaces 46, 47 and the second securing member 52. The disc 51 is configured to be magnetically attracted to the magnet 31 of the first coupling device 30. In certain examples, the disc 51 is a round disc with a 1.25 diameter. The second securing member 52 can include a flexible fabric material sheet with adhesive, self-adhesive fabric patch, plastic panel with adhesive layer, hook-and-loop strips, and/or the like.

[0037] The material forming the second securing member 52 can also vary. In the example depicted in FIG. 2, the second securing member 52 is formed of a flexible material with an adhesive thereon. The flexible material can be fabric, rubber, plastic, and/or the like. In other examples, the second securing member 52 is a rigid plastic sheet. In some examples, the second securing member 52 can include snaps, hook-and-loop elements, hooks, and/or buttons. In certain examples, the second securing member 52 extends past the extents the ferromagnetic member or the magnet to thereby prevent the ferromagnetic member or the magnet from inadvertently being removed.

[0038] The location and number of the second coupling devices 50 on the sheet 48 can vary. In one example, the number of the second coupling devices 50 corresponds to the number of first coupling devices 30. For instance, the sheet apparatus 40 has ten second coupling devices 50 and the mattress 20 has ten first coupling devices 30. In one example, the second coupling devices 50 are spaced apart from each other along the sides of the sheet 48. In certain examples, the first coupling devices 30 and/or the second coupling devices 50 have indica (e.g., printing, ink, depressions, raised portions, textured surfaces) that provide cues or information to the user as to which second coupling devices 50 couple to certain first coupling devices 30.

[0039] An example method 200 for coupling the sheet apparatus 40 to the mattress 20 is described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0040] The method 200 begins at step 201 with the user unfolding the sheet apparatus 40 and laying the sheet apparatus 40 on the mattress 20. The sheet 48 covers the top surface 26 (FIG. 1) of the mattress 20, and portions of the sheet 48 drape over the side surfaces 25. The portions of the sheet 48 can be moved vertically under force of gravity alongside the side surfaces 25 of the mattress 20. Note that FIG. 2 depicts the edges of the mattress 20 in dashed lines relative to the sheet 48 such that portions of the sheet 48 with the second coupling devices 50 will be positioned along the side surfaces 25 of the mattress 20 when the sheet apparatus 40 is on the mattress 20.

[0041] At step 202, one or more of the second coupling devices 50 couple to the first coupling devices 30. In certain examples, the disc 51 of the second coupling device 50 magnetically couples to the magnet 31 of the first coupling device 30. The user may need to move (e.g., pull) the sheet 48 to align the second coupling devices 50 with the first coupling devices 30. The location of the coupling devices 30, 50 on the mattress 20 and the sheet apparatus 40 are determined to ensure that the sheet 48 is securely and snuggly coupled to the mattress 20, allow for distribution of pulling forces caused when the user lays on the bed system 10, and/or allow for the corners of the sheet 48 to be neatly folded. While the sheet 48 does not necessarily need to include any elastic materials to be properly mounted on the mattress 20, in certain examples, elastic materials may be included in the sheet 48 that further secure the sheet apparatus 40 to the mattress 20. Note that advantageously the mattress 20 does not need to be lifted up when the sheet 48 is attached to the mattress 20 thereby preventing the user from lifting the mattress which may injure the user. In addition, the example bed systems 10 of the present disclosure do not rely on the weight of the mattress 20 to hold the sheet apparatus 40 in place on the mattress 20. Note that in certain examples, excess amounts of the sheet 48 can be tucked into the joint between the mattress 20 and the frame or box spring. Note that in some examples, the sheet 48 has a portion that extends past the mattress 20 and acts as a mattress skirt to cover the frame or the structure supporting the mattress 20.

[0042] At the corners of the mattress 20, portions of the sheet 48 can overlap or fold relative to each other thereby defining flaps 61, 62 of the sheet 48. Referring to FIG. 7, the user can pull the flaps 61, 62 of the sheet 48 away (see arrow A) from the mattress 20 (at step 203) such that the portions of the sheet 48 that extend along the side surfaces 25 are tight on the side surfaces 25 of the mattress 20. At step 204, the user then folds (see arrow B on FIG. 8) the second flap 62 onto and over the first flap 61 (see FIG. 9) while holding the first flap 61 against the mattress 20 thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing folding of the flaps 61, 62 onto the mattress 20. FIG. 9 depicts the sheet apparatus 40 fully attached to the mattress 20 with the corners of the sheet 48 folded neatly nicely onto the corners of the mattress 20. Note that while not depicted in FIGS. 7-9, a second coupling device 50 can be on one or both of the flaps 61, 62 so that the second coupling device 50 couple to a first coupling device 30 to hold the flaps 61, 62 in place on the mattress 20. In other examples, the lower edge of the second flap 62 is then tucked between the mattress 20 and the frame or box spring thereby keeping the flaps 61, 62 from unfolding.

[0043] To remove the sheet apparatus 40, the user needs only apply sufficient pulling forces to the sheet 48 to decouple the second coupling devices 50 from the first coupling devices 30 and then remove the sheet 48 from the mattress 20. The sheet 48 can be washed as normal with the second coupling devices 50 remaining attached to the sheet 48. Note that in certain examples, the second coupling devices 50 are removable to thereby avoid damage to laundry equipment and/or damage to the second coupling devices 50 that may occur when the sheet 48 is washed. The sheet 48 can be dried and folded like conventional sheets.

[0044] In certain examples, a bed system includes a mattress including a top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of first coupling devices with the plurality of first coupling devices are coupled to and spaced apart along the plurality of side surfaces and a sheet apparatus including a sheet and a plurality of second coupling devices coupled to the sheet. The sheet apparatus covers the top surface and the plurality of side surfaces and the second plurality of coupling devices are coupled to the first plurality of coupling devices to thereby secure the sheet apparatus to the mattress.

[0045] In independent aspects, each first coupling device of the plurality of first coupling devices includes a magnet and each second coupling device of the plurality of second coupling devices includes a magnet or a ferromagnetic member and the magnet of the first coupling device magnetically couples to the magnet or a ferromagnetic member of one of the second coupling devices. In independent aspects, each first coupling device of the plurality of first coupling devices includes a magnet and a securing member, wherein the securing member is coupled to the mattress. In independent aspects, the securing member includes an adhesive. In independent aspects, the securing member is coupled to one side surface. In independent aspects, the mattress has a plurality of interior surfaces opposite the plurality of side surfaces and the securing member is coupled to one interior surface. In independent aspects, the mattress has a side including the side surfaces and the magnet is sandwiched between the securing member and the side of the mattress. In independent aspects, each second coupling device of the plurality of second coupling devices includes a magnet or ferromagnetic member and a securing member and the securing member is coupled to the sheet. In independent aspects, the securing member includes an adhesive. In independent aspects, the securing member is sewn onto the sheet. In independent aspects, the magnet or ferromagnetic member is sandwiched between the securing member and the sheet. In independent examples, the securing member is a first securing member and each second coupling device of the plurality of second coupling devices includes a magnet or ferromagnetic member and a second securing member with the second securing member of the second coupling device coupled to the sheet.

[0046] In certain examples, a sheet apparatus for a mattress having a top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of first coupling devices coupled to the plurality of side surfaces and the sheet apparatus includes a sheet and a plurality of second coupling devices coupled to the sheet. The sheet is configured to cover the top surface and the plurality of side surfaces such that the plurality of second coupling devices are configured to couple to the plurality of first coupling devices to thereby secure the sheet apparatus to the mattress.

[0047] In independent aspects, each second coupling device of the plurality of second coupling devices includes a magnet or ferromagnetic member and a securing member and the securing member is coupled to the sheet. In independent aspects, the securing member includes an adhesive. In independent aspects, the securing member is sewn onto the sheet. In independent aspects, the magnet or ferromagnetic member is sandwiched between the securing member and the sheet.

[0048] In certain examples, a method for covering a mattress includes providing a mattress including a top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of first coupling devices with the plurality of first coupling devices are coupled to and spaced apart along the plurality of side surfaces. The method includes laying a sheet apparatus including a sheet and a plurality of second coupling devices coupled to the sheet onto the mattress such that the sheet apparatus covers the top surface and the plurality of side surfaces and coupling the second plurality of coupling devices to the first plurality of coupling devices to thereby secure the sheet apparatus to the mattress.

[0049] In independent aspects, the method includes pulling flaps of the sheet away from the mattress and then folding the flaps onto the mattress such that the first plurality of coupling devices and the second plurality of coupling devices hold the flaps on the mattress. In independent aspects, each first coupling device of the plurality of first coupling devices includes a magnet and each second coupling device of the plurality of second coupling devices includes a magnet or a ferromagnetic member and the magnet of each first coupling device magnetically couples to the magnet or a ferromagnetic member one of the second coupling devices.

[0050] Citations to a number of references are made herein. The cited references are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. In the event that there is an inconsistency between a definition of a term in the specification as compared to a definition of the term in a cited reference, the term should be interpreted based on the definition in the specification.

[0051] In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses, systems, and methods. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0052] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.