U.S. patent application number 15/985784 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-28 for vehicle multi-function storage solution.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Luis Jesus Chavela guerra, Alfonso Hickman guevara, David Mercado, Luis Olmos gonzalez, Cuauhtemoc Quiroz.
Application Number | 20190359142 15/985784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67069004 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190359142 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hickman guevara; Alfonso ;
et al. |
November 28, 2019 |
VEHICLE MULTI-FUNCTION STORAGE SOLUTION
Abstract
A storage solution for a vehicle includes a rotatable body that
has a plurality of faces. The storage solution for a vehicle also
includes a dowel that defines a rotation axis. The dowel is coupled
to opposing faces of the rotatable body. One or more storage
features are deployable from each face of the rotatable body that
is free of engagement with the dowel.
Inventors: |
Hickman guevara; Alfonso;
(Tlalnepantla, MX) ; Chavela guerra; Luis Jesus;
(Mexico City, MX) ; Olmos gonzalez; Luis;
(Tlalnepantla, MX) ; Quiroz; Cuauhtemoc; (Mexico
City, MX) ; Mercado; David; (Mexico City,
MX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
|
Family ID: |
67069004 |
Appl. No.: |
15/985784 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 7/087 20130101;
B60N 3/102 20130101; B60R 7/04 20130101; B60R 2011/0007 20130101;
B60R 2011/0085 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 7/04 20060101
B60R007/04; B60N 3/10 20060101 B60N003/10 |
Claims
1. A storage solution for a vehicle, comprising: a rotatable body
having a plurality of faces; a dowel defining a rotation axis and
coupled to opposing faces of the rotatable body; and one or more
storage features that are deployable from each face of the
rotatable body that is free of engagement with the dowel.
2. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 1, wherein the
rotatable body occupies the same horizontal and vertical
coordinates within the vehicle independent of which face is
presented to a user.
3. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 1, wherein the
rotatable body is positioned within a housing that is coupled to
the vehicle.
4. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 3, wherein the
housing is a floor console of the vehicle.
5. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 3, wherein the
housing comprises an actuatable closeout panel.
6. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 5, wherein the
closeout panel pivots about a fixed axis when the rotatable body is
rotated about the dowel.
7. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 1, wherein a stowed
position of the one or more storage features results in the one or
more storage features occupying the same coordinates as the dowel
in one of a horizontal plane and a vertical plane while the one or
more storage features occupy different coordinates from the dowel
in the other of the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.
8. A storage solution for a vehicle, comprising: a rotatable body
that is generally cube-shaped and has a plurality of faces; a dowel
defining a rotation axis and coupled to opposing faces of the
rotatable body; and one or more storage features that are
deployable from each face of the rotatable body that is free of
engagement with the dowel.
9. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 8, wherein the
rotatable body occupies the same horizontal and vertical
coordinates within the vehicle independent of which face is
presented to a user.
10. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 8, wherein the
rotatable body is positioned within a housing that is coupled to
the vehicle.
11. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 10, wherein the
housing is a floor console of the vehicle.
12. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 10, wherein the
housing comprises an actuatable closeout panel.
13. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 12, wherein the
closeout panel pivots about a fixed axis when the rotatable body is
rotated about the dowel.
14. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 8, wherein a stowed
position of the one or more storage features results in the one or
more storage features occupying the same coordinates as the dowel
in one of a horizontal plane and a vertical plane while the one or
more storage features occupy different coordinates from the dowel
in the other of the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.
15. A storage solution for a vehicle, comprising: a rotatable body
having a plurality of faces; a dowel defining a rotation axis and
coupled to opposing faces of the rotatable body; and one or more
storage features that are radially deployable from each face of the
rotatable body that is free of engagement with the dowel.
16. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 15, wherein the
rotatable body occupies the same horizontal and vertical
coordinates within the vehicle independent of which face is
presented to a user.
17. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 15, wherein the
rotatable body is positioned within a housing that is coupled to
the vehicle.
18. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 17, wherein the
housing is a floor console of the vehicle.
19. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 17, wherein the
housing comprises an actuatable closeout panel.
20. The storage solution for a vehicle of claim 15, wherein a
stowed position of the one or more storage features results in the
one or more storage features occupying the same coordinates as the
dowel in one of a horizontal plane and a vertical plane while the
one or more storage features occupy different coordinates from the
dowel in the other of the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to storage
solutions. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to
multi-function storage solutions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Vehicles are often provided with various storage solutions.
However, typical storage solutions are single-purpose and do not
offer a variety of features to a user. Accordingly, there is a need
for alternative storage solutions that can meet the needs and
preferences of the user while utilizing space efficiently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a
storage solution for a vehicle includes a rotatable body that has a
plurality of faces. The storage solution for a vehicle also
includes a dowel that defines a rotation axis. The dowel is coupled
to opposing faces of the rotatable body. One or more storage
features are deployable from each face of the rotatable body that
is free of engagement with the dowel.
[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0005] the rotatable body occupies the same horizontal and vertical
coordinates within the vehicle independent of which face is
presented to a user; [0006] the rotatable body is positioned within
a housing that is coupled to the vehicle; [0007] the housing is a
floor console of the vehicle; [0008] the housing includes an
actuatable closeout panel; [0009] the closeout panel pivots about a
fixed axis when the rotatable body is rotated about the dowel; and
[0010] a stowed position of the one or more storage features
results in the one or more storage features occupying the same
coordinates as the dowel in one of a horizontal plane and a
vertical plane while the one or more storage features occupy
different coordinates from the dowel in the other of the horizontal
plane and the vertical plane.
[0011] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a
storage solution for a vehicle includes a rotatable body that is
generally cube-shaped and has a plurality of faces. A dowel defines
a rotation axis and is coupled to opposing faces of the rotatable
body. One or more storage features are deployable from each face of
the rotatable body that is free of engagement with the dowel.
[0012] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0013] the rotatable body occupies the same horizontal and vertical
coordinates within the vehicle independent of which face is
presented to a user; [0014] the rotatable body is positioned within
a housing that is coupled to the vehicle; [0015] the housing is a
floor console of the vehicle; [0016] the housing includes an
actuatable closeout panel; [0017] the closeout panel pivots about a
fixed axis when the rotatable body is rotated about the dowel; and
[0018] a stowed position of the one or more storage features
results in the one or more storage features occupying the same
coordinates as the dowel in one of a horizontal plane and a
vertical plane while the one or more storage features occupy
different coordinates from the dowel in the other of the horizontal
plane and the vertical plane.
[0019] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a
storage solution for a vehicle includes a rotatable body that has a
plurality of faces. A dowel defines a rotation axis and is coupled
to opposing faces of the rotatable body. One or more storage
features are radially deployable from each face of the rotatable
body that is free of engagement with the dowel.
[0020] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0021] the rotatable body occupies the same horizontal and vertical
coordinates within the vehicle independent of which face is
presented to a user; [0022] the rotatable body is positioned within
a housing that is coupled to the vehicle; [0023] the housing is a
floor console of the vehicle; [0024] the housing includes an
actuatable closeout panel; and [0025] a stowed position of the one
or more storage features results in the one or more storage
features occupying the same coordinates as the dowel in one of a
horizontal plane and a vertical plane while the one or more storage
features occupy different coordinates from the dowel in the other
of the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.
[0026] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of storage solution for a
vehicle, illustrating a rotatable body, according to one
embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of the rotatable body,
illustrating a drawer in a closed or stowed position;
[0030] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the rotatable body,
illustrating the drawer in an extended or use position;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a side view of the rotatable body, illustrating
various storage features in stowed positions;
[0032] FIG. 3B is a side view of the rotatable body, illustrating
one of the storage features in the extended position;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the rotatable body,
illustrating a beverage holder in the extended or use position;
and
[0034] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the rotatable body,
illustrating a connectivity table in the extended or use
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0036] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in
combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a
storage solution. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method
steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional
symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that
are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present
disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that
will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like
numerals in the description and drawings represent like
elements.
[0037] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of
two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be
employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed
items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described
as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can
contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C
in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in
combination.
[0038] In this document, relational terms, such as first and
second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to
distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action,
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does not include only those elements but may include other elements
not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article,
or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises . . . a" does not,
without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional
identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus
that comprises the element.
[0039] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes,
formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics
are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger
or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors,
rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors
known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used
in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure
should be understood to include the specific value or end-point
referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a
range in the specification recites "about," the numerical value or
end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one
modified by "about," and one not modified by "about." It will be
further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are
significant both in relation to the other end-point, and
independently of the other end-point.
[0040] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations
thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described
feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description.
For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote
a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover,
"substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or
approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may
denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about
5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.
[0041] As used herein the terms "the," "a," or "an," mean "at least
one," and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly
indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a
component" includes embodiments having two or more such components
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a storage solution 20 for a vehicle
includes a rotatable body 24. The rotatable body 24 may have a
plurality of faces 28. A dowel 32 may be coupled to opposing faces
28 of the rotatable body 24 and may define a rotation axis 36 of
the rotatable body 24. One or more storage features may be provided
in the rotatable body 24 that are deployable from each of the faces
28 of the rotatable body 24 that is free of engagement with the
dowel 32. The storage features may include, but are not limited to,
one or more drawers 40, one or more beverage holders 44, and/or a
connectivity table 48. The one or more storage features may be
radially deployable from the rotatable body 24 between a stowed
position and an extended position. The radial deployment of the one
or more storage features from the rotatable body 24 is referenced
relative to the dowel 32 and/or the face 28 that is associated with
the storage feature.
[0043] Referring again to FIG. 1, the rotatable body 24 may be
positioned within a housing 52 that is coupled to the vehicle. The
rotatable body 24 may occupy the same horizontal (e.g., X-Y plane)
and vertical coordinates (e.g., Y-Z plane and/or X-Z plane) within
a cabin of the vehicle independent of which of the faces 28 is
presented to a user. For example, the housing 52 may be a floor
console or center console of the vehicle. Accordingly, the housing
52 may be positioned between a pair of front row seating assemblies
with the rotatable body 24 accessible by at least one of a driver
of the vehicle, and the front row passenger, a rearward row
passenger, and/or combinations thereof. In some examples, the
housing 52 may be an instrument panel or dashboard assembly of the
vehicle such that the rotatable body 24 is generally position
vehicle forward of the front row seating assemblies. Regardless of
the position of the housing 52 within the cabin of the vehicle, the
housing 52 may include a closeout panel 56 that is actuatable. The
closeout panel 56 may pivot about a fixed axis 60 when the
rotatable body 24 is rotated about the dowel 32. For example, as
the user rotates the rotatable body 24 to access an alternate one
of the faces 28, an edge 64 between the faces 28 may contact an
inner side of the closeout panel 56 and induce the rotational
motion of the closeout panel 56 about the fixed axis 60. The edge
64 may be provided as a rounded corner rather than a sharp corner
to prevent binding the rotatable body 24 as the rotatable body 24
is rotated about the dowel 32. Once the edge 64 has passed the
closeout panel 56, the closeout panel 56 may positively engage a
top-facing one of the faces 28 to prevent items, such as debris,
from entering the housing 52 and causing binding or unnecessary
wear and tear to the housing 52 and/or rotatable body 24. The
closeout panel 56 may be biased toward engagement with one of the
faces 28 that is proximate thereto by a biasing member, such as a
spring such that the closeout panel 56 may prevent unintentional
rotation of the rotatable body 24. The closeout panel 56 may be
generally arcuate in shape to close a gap created by a difference
in height between a top surface 68 of the housing 52 and one of the
faces 28 that is proximate to the closeout panel 56. Accordingly,
the shape and structure of the closeout panel 56 may at least
partially prevent rotation of the rotatable body 24 in a generally
counterclockwise direction as oriented in FIG. 1. The rotatable
body 24 may be capable of unidirectional rotation to prevent damage
to the components of the storage solution 20, such as the rotatable
body 24, the housing 52, and/or the closeout panel 56.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the one or more drawers 40
may be provided with a handle 72. The handle 72 may be integrally
formed in a front surface of the drawer such that the handle 72 is
defined by a recessed portion in the front surface. In some
examples, the drawer 40 may be provided with a lock feature 76 that
can be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position.
The lock feature 76 may be utilized, in one example, to secure
valuable items within the cabin of the vehicle. The lock feature 76
may prevent unintentional opening of the drawer 40 due to abrupt
vehicle maneuvers, incidental contact with cargo items, and/or
passengers. Additionally or alternatively, the drawer 40 may be
retained by a detent feature that requires a predetermined force to
overcome such that unintentional opening of the drawer 40 is
prevented. In some examples, the drawer 40 may be retained in the
stowed position by a push-push mechanism. Upon opening the drawer
40, a cavity 80 becomes accessible to the user. The cavity 80 is
defined by a plurality of sidewalls 84, a front wall 88, and a rear
wall 92.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the stowed position of the one
or more storage features, such as the one or more drawers 40, the
beverage holder 44, and/or the connectivity table 48 may occupy the
same coordinates as the dowel 32 in at least one plane or
direction. For example, the stowed position of the one or more
storage features may result in the one or more storage features
occupying the same coordinates as the dowel 32 in one of a
horizontal plane (e.g., X-Y plane) and a vertical plane (e.g., X-Z
plane and/or Y-Z plane) while the one or more storage features
occupy different coordinates in the other of the horizontal plane
and the vertical plane. Said another way, the size of the one or
more storage features is not limited by the dowel 32. The one or
more storage features are each slidably coupled to the rotatable
body 24 by guide tracks 96. The guide tracks 96 guide the actuation
of the one or more storage features between the stowed position and
an extended or use position. In some examples, such as the drawers
40, the guide tracks 96 may include guide slots 100 that receive
guide pins 104 on the storage feature (e.g., drawers 40). The guide
slots 100 may define an innermost extreme (FIG. 3A) and an
outermost extreme (FIG. 3B) that are used as stops for the
actuation of the storage feature. The guide tracks 96 may include a
damper that can be utilized to secure the storage feature in the
stowed position, the extended position, and/or an intermediate
position. The damper may maintain the storage feature in a
substantially constant position when the storage feature is
deployed, and in some instances, when the storage feature is
deployed rapidly. The damper may be mounted on the guide track 96
or the storage feature and can be arranged to engage the other of
the guide track 96 or the storage feature. According to some
examples, the damper can be a fluid damper. The damper can include
a gear that can be connected to a disk contained in a housing
containing a viscous fluid. Rotation of the gear can rotate the
disk in the viscous fluid so that the damper can slow the movement
of the storage feature to provide a smooth and/or steady opening
and closing motion of the storage feature. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the damper can be other damper arrangements
including pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical dampers instead of a
viscous damper described above. In operation, a user can grasp the
handle 72 to move the storage feature (e.g., drawer 40) between
open and closed positions. The damper can allow the storage feature
to move smoothly between positions without opening or closing hard.
The storage feature(s) described herein can be provided with a
damper to improve a user's experience with the storage feature and
also to help prevent accidental opening of the storage feature
within the housing 52 or into the cabin of the vehicle.
[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the deployment path of
each of the storage features may be perpendicular to the deployment
path of each of the storage features that are immediately adjacent
thereto. Additionally, the deployment path of opposing storage
features (e.g., the drawers 40 or the beverage holder 44 and the
connectivity table 48) may be parallel to one another. For example,
if the depicted coordinate space were to rotate with the rotatable
body 24, the deployment path or deployment axis of one of the
drawers 40 may be in the positive Y-direction while the deployment
axis of the other of the drawers 40 may be in the negative
Y-direction. Similarly, the deployment axis of the beverage holder
44 may be in the positive Z-direction and the deployment axis of
the connectivity table 48 may be in the negative Z-direction.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some examples of storage
features, the guide tracks 96 may be omitted and an opening in the
face 28 of the rotatable body 24 may provide the guidance and
support to the storage feature (e.g., the beverage holder 44 and/or
the connectivity table 48) as the storage feature is actuated
between the stowed position and the extended or use position. The
rotatable body 24 may be generally cube-shaped. It is contemplated
that the rotatable body 24 may take the shape of many different
polygons without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. For
example, the rotatable body 24 may be provided with a greater
number of sides than those depicted herein in an effort to provide
the user with a greater variety of storage features or to provide
more than one of the faces 28 as accessible at a time. In some
examples, the rotatable body 24 may be provided with a fewer number
of sides than those depicted here. The beverage holder 44 may be
configured to hold a plurality of beverage containers within
beverage apertures 108. The beverage apertures 108 may be formed in
the beverage holder 44 as a generally continuous aperture such that
the beverage apertures 108 generally resemble a number eight
configuration. Alternatively, the beverage apertures 108 may be
separated into discrete apertures that are separated by a bridge
structure.
[0048] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the connectivity table 48
may be equipped with one or more power outlets 112 (e.g., 12V
outlet, 110V outlet, etc.) and/or one or more data transfer
connectors or plugs 116 (e.g., USB, near-field communication,
etc.). It is contemplated that the power outlets may be
incorporated with the data transfer plugs, such as a USB port. The
connectivity table 48 may also be utilized as a working surface.
The working surface may be utilized for a number of tasks,
including, but not limited to, writing or placing a laptop
thereupon. Power and/or data cables may be provided to the dowel 32
to prevent torsional stress to the power and/or data cables as the
rotatable body 24 is rotated. The power and/or data cables may
couple to the power outlet 112 and/or the data transfer plug 116.
For example, the dowel 32 may be provided with power and/or data
receptacles that receive male ends of power and/or data cables,
respectively, that are coupled to the power outlet 112 and the data
transfer plug 116 and extend into the rotatable body 24.
Accordingly, during assembly the connectivity table 48 may be
coupled to the power and/or data receptacles. Alternatively, the
power and/or data cables may pass through the dowel 32 (e.g., along
the rotation axis 36) and extend through an aperture in the dowel
32 to engage with the connectivity table 48. In some examples, the
power and/or data cables running between the dowel 32 and the
connectivity table 48 may be omitted and power and/or communication
may be established between the power outlet 112 and the data
transfer plug 116 by way of inductive coupling or resonant
frequency power transfer and near-field communication,
respectively.
[0049] The rotatable nature of the rotatable body 24 presents a
unique and efficient user experience to the vehicle. Alternative
approaches are contemplated that utilize open storage features on
the faces 28 of the rotatable body 24, such as open storage
compartments and/or cup holders. However, open storage features
present potential hazards to the functionality of the storage
solution 20. For example, in the event of an impact event,
unintentional actuation of the rotatable body 24, or a user leaving
an item in the open storage feature while actuating the rotatable
body 24, then the item stored within the storage feature may be
lost within the housing and/or cause the rotatable body 24 to bind
and become inoperable. Accordingly, the storage solution 20 and the
rotatable body 24 of the present disclosure are superior executions
of the vehicle multi-function storage solution. Additionally, the
multiple deployment axes or deployment paths of the storage
features a unique design that prevents items stored within the
individual storage features from interacting with one another or
becoming dislodged to rattle within the rotatable body 24.
[0050] Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled
in the art and to those who make or use the concepts disclosed
herein. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in
the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative
purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure,
which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according
to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of
equivalents.
[0051] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described concepts, and other
components, is not limited to any specific material. Other
exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be
formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise
herein.
[0052] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may
be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in
nature, unless otherwise stated.
[0053] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the
exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or
elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector
or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or
numeral of adjustment positions provided between the elements may
be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies
of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
innovations.
[0054] It will be understood that any described processes, or steps
within described processes, may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes
disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be
construed as limiting.
[0055] It is also to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and
methods without departing from the concepts of the present
disclosure, and further, it is to be understood that such concepts
are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless these
claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise.
* * * * *