Abstract:
A vehicle seat includes a back and a cushion. A mounting assembly supports the cushion and includes a first mounting arm coupled with the back and rotatable with respect to the cushion such that the back is translatable over the cushion. The vehicle seat further includes a first restraint arm coupled with the seat back and operatively coupled with the first mounting arm such that translation of the seat back drives corresponding rotation of the first restraint arm.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a restraint system for use in connection with a reversible vehicle seat. Components of the restraint system are operatively coupled with the reversing mechanism of the seat such that they are repositioned in a manner that corresponds with reconfiguration of the seat from a forward-facing position to a rearward-facing position. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of reversible or reconfigurable vehicle seats have been used to accommodate different seating directions and positions for occupants in vehicles. By way of example, some vehicle seats allow for repositioning thereof between at least a forward-facing position, wherein the occupant faces the front of the vehicle, and a rearward-facing position, wherein the occupant faces toward the rear of the vehicle. A number of different seat configurations can provide for such repositioning, including those in which the seat rotates on a horizontal plane, about a vertical axis, among positions. 
     For seats in particular locations of certain vehicles, horizontal rotation-based reconfiguration may not be possible. For example, front seats in a car (such as the driver&#39;s seat in a fully-autonomous vehicle, for example) as well as rear or middle row seats in larger vehicles may be positioned too close to one another or adjacent vehicle components to rotate between positions. Accordingly, some reversible seats have been developed in which the seatback is moveable over and independently of the seat cushion. Such arrangements provide a forward-facing position with the seatback toward the rear of the cushion and a rearward-facing position with the seatback toward the front of the cushion. In these arrangements, the seatback has two opposite seating surfaces for respective use in the forward- or rearward-facing configurations. Because the components of the seat move separately from each other during reconfiguration and not as a single unit (as may be the case in horizontally-rotating reversible seats), seatbelt components may also need to be repositioned between seat configurations. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a restraint system and a vehicle seat incorporating such a restraint system that provides for reconfiguration of components thereof in response to vehicle seat repositioning. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat includes a back and a cushion. A mounting assembly supports the cushion and includes a first mounting arm coupled with the back and rotatable with respect to the cushion such that the back is translatable over the cushion. The vehicle seat further includes a first restraint arm coupled with the seat back and operatively coupled with the first mounting arm such that translation of the seat back drives corresponding rotation of the first restraint arm. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle restraint system includes a buckle assembly having a first arm with a buckle receptacle mounted thereon and having a first rotational coupling opposite the receptacle and a first gear axially aligned with the first rotational coupling. The system further includes an anchor having a body and further having a second rotational coupling and a second gear affixed with the body and axially aligned with each other. A webbing is affixed with the body of the anchor, and a buckle insert receives the webbing therethrough and is removably affixable with the buckle receptacle. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention a vehicle includes a seat having a back, a cushion, and a mounting assembly supporting the cushion and coupled with the back such that the back is translatable over the cushion. The vehicle further includes a restraint system having a restraint arm coupled with the back and operatively coupled with the mounting assembly such that translation of the back drives corresponding rotation of the restraint arm. The restraint system also has a seatbelt webbing retractably mounted within the seat back. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention 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 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a partial view of a vehicle including a seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  show various configurations of the seat of  FIG. 1 , including in a repositioning sequence and during use of a corresponding restraint system; 
         FIG. 3  shows the vehicle seat of  FIG. 1  in a reversed configuration; 
         FIG. 4  shows the seat of  FIG. 1  in the original configuration during use of the restraint system thereof; 
         FIG. 5  shows internal features of the seat of  FIG. 1  in the original configuration, and including components of the restraint system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows the internal view of the seat of  FIG. 5  with additional portions removed; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial view showing additional internal features of the seat in the forward-facing position, including additional components of the restraint system; and 
         FIG. 8  shows the internal view of the seat of  FIG. 6  from an alternative view; and 
         FIG. 9  is a detail view showing additional internal features associated with the restraint system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,” “exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention 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 drawing, 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. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  10  generally designates a seat of the type useable in motor vehicle  2 . In an example, vehicle  2  may be an autonomous vehicle, which may permit the occupant seated in the driver&#39;s position, in which the example of seat  10  in  FIG. 1  is depicted, to sit in a forward-facing position. Seat  10  is depicted as a single-occupant seat or a “captain” seat, as opposed to a bench seat or the like, which are configured for multiple users. Seat  10  includes a cushion  12  and a seatback  22  that are movably mounted to each other and appropriately configured to be mounted within the interior of a vehicle in one of a number of locations. In particular, seat  10  is depicted as a “reversible” seat in which seat  10  can be configured in a forward-facing position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a rearward-facing position, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Such configuration can be generally achieved by movement of the seatback  22  including translation thereof in a forward-rearward direction over cushion  12 , as will be discussed further below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , seat cushion  12  includes a seating surface  14  that is generally shaped to support the lower body of an occupant of the seat. Cushion  12  includes a front edge  16  and a rear edge  18  disposed on opposite sides thereof. Depending on the particular construction of cushion  12 , a sharp or distinct edge may not be defined, but a forward- or rearward-most portion or a seam bounding the seating surface  14  may be present, for example, that can be understood to represent such an edge  16  or  18 . When seat  10  is assembled in vehicle  2 , for example, cushion  12  is positioned such that front edge  16  is itself or is adjacent the closest portion of cushion  12  to the front  4  of vehicle  2 , and rear edge  18  is itself or is adjacent the closest portion of cushion  12  to the rear  6  of vehicle  2 . Such designations, however are used herein with respect to seat  10  for reference only, as the reversible nature of the seat  10  (and its ability to be positioned on either side of vehicle  2  or in other locations within vehicle  2 , such as the middle or rear rows of seats) means that either of the edges  16  or  18  could be positioned toward either end  4  or  6  of vehicle  2 . 
     Cushion  12  is coupled within vehicle  2  by a mounting assembly  36  that can include, for example, a pair of supports  40  and  42  positioned along opposite sides of cushion  12 . Supports  40  and  42  can be mounted onto sliding members of tracks  38 , which are coupled with other parts of the sliding track system and to the seat cross beams or chassis (not shown) of the vehicle  2 . Mounting assembly  36  further includes a pair of mounting arms  44  and  46  extending respectively from supports  40  and  42  to which they are respectively pivotably coupled about pivot points  48  and  50 . Mounting arms  44  and  46  are generally rigid, elongate members configured to support and position seatback  22  in both forward-facing and rearward-facing positions, as discussed herein. There can be additional release and locking members to secure seatback  22  to cushion  12  or track members  38 , as used in other known vehicle seats. It is noted that mounting assembly can be concealed within portions of the cushion  12  and/or seatback  22  or within cosmetic covers or the like assembled with seat  10  (not shown). 
     Seatback  22  is pivotably coupled with mounting arms  44  and  46  at respective pivot points  52  and  54  such that mounting arms  44  and  46  support seatback  22  in desired positions with respect to cushion  12 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , one such position can be a forward-facing position in which seatback  22  extends in a generally upward direction from adjacent rear edge  18  of cushion  12  such that front seatback surface  24  is open to and generally facing seating surface  14  of cushion  12 . In such a position, mounting arms  44  and  46  extend in a generally rearward direction from supports  40  and  42  such that the connections with seatback  22  at points  52  and  54  are adjacent rear edge  18  of cushion  12 . 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  show seat  10  in transition from the forward facing position (seat  10  in  FIG. 2A ) to the rearward-facing position (seat  10 ′ in  FIG. 2C ). It is noted that seat  10  is referred to as seat  10 ′ when discussed specifically with respect to the rearward-facing position and may otherwise generally be referred to as seat  10 . The discussion of seat  10 , accordingly, is intended to apply to the seat both in the forward-facing position and in a general sense, without exclusion of the seat  10 ′ in the rearward-facing position, unless otherwise stated. As shown in  FIG. 2B , movement of seatback  22  is permitted by rotation of mounting arms  44  and  46  on the respective pivot points  48  and  50  with supports  40  and  42 . By such rotation the pivot points  52  and  54  at which seatback  22  is coupled with arms  44  and  46  can be repositioned adjacent front edge  16  of cushion  12  with seatback  22  extending generally upwardly therefrom such that rear seatback surface  26  is open to and generally facing seating surface  14  of cushion  12 , as shown in  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 3 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , cushion  12  can be pivotably coupled with supports  40  and  42  at points  48  and  50  (or at locations axially aligned therewith) such that cushion  12  can have a range of tilting motion, as illustrated, such that seating surface  14  is tilted rearward (as shown in  FIG. 2A ) or forward (as shown in  FIG. 2C ) according to the forward or rearward seating configurations. Such tilting can be linked to rotation of mounting arms  44  and  46  or can be independent therefrom. Other mechanisms within seat  10  can provide for adjustment of the forward or rearward tilting positions according to the preferences of the occupant. Further, user-operable mechanisms can provide for the releasable locking of seat  10  in either position. 
     The generally upright positioning of seatback  22  in both the forward-facing and rearward-facing positions can be such that seatback  22  is angled so as to be somewhat reclined when in the forward-facing configuration of seat  10  or the rearward-facing configuration of seat  10 ′. Such variation in the exact positioning of seatback  22  is to be understood within the meaning of a generally upright position. Mounting assembly  36  can be configured to maintain such positioning of seatback  22  in a generally upright configuration and can further be configured to provide substantially matching recline positions in the forward-facing and rearward-facing configurations for seat  10  and  10 ′. To achieve such configuration, mounting assembly  36  can include cables, motors, actuators, additional arms in a linkage arrangement with mounting arms  44  and  46 , or other mechanisms or devices not depicted herein. Further, seat  10  can also include additional mechanisms (not shown) to allow the occupant of the seat to make additional adjustments to the particular recline angle of seatback  22 . 
     A restraint system for use with seat  10  or another reversible seat of a generally similar configuration is described herein. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the restraint system is in the form of a particularly-adapted three-point seatbelt, including a seatbelt webbing  60  that can be extended over the torso and lap of an occupant of the seat and appropriately secured, as shown in  FIGS. 2D ,  4  and  5 . As illustrated, webbing  60  is configured to extend from seatback  22  near an upper portion  27  thereof so as to be positioned generally in the area of an occupant&#39;s shoulder. Webbing is coupled with anchor assembly  62 , which is positioned on the side of seatback  22  from which the webbing  60  extends. Further, a buckle assembly  72  (as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , which shows seat  10  in the forward-facing position from the side of buckle assembly  72 ) is positioned opposite from anchor assembly  62  and is configured such that buckle insert  82 , which slidably receives webbing  60 , can be releasably coupled therewith to secure webbing  60  in a buckled configuration over the occupant of seat  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , all of the above-mentioned components of the restraint system are coupled with and extend from the seat  10 . In this configuration, the components move with seat  10  during reconfiguration between the forward-facing and rearward-facing positions discussed above. This configuration can allow for access to and use by the occupant of seat  10  in both of the aforementioned positions. In particular,  FIG. 6  shows retractor  84  coupled to seatback frame  30  so as to be internal to seatback  22 . Retractor  84  includes a spool or the like onto which webbing  60  is rolled such that a needed length of webbing  60  can be pulled out to extend over the wearer, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The spool is spring-biased to both maintain the webbing  60  over the user and to retract the pulled-out length of webbing  60  when the seatbelt is removed. In an example, retractor  84  may further include a ratchet and/or clutch mechanism to lock the unwinding of webbing  60  during a crash, abrupt breaking, or the like. Accordingly, retractor  84  provides an adjustable anchor for one, variable end of the webbing  60 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , webbing  60  passes through a slot  86  or other routing feature through frame  30  in a location adjacent retractor  84  and extends upward toward positioner  90 , which is structured to provide an opening in seatback  22  through which webbing  60  passes to be accessible to the occupant. 
     Positioner  90  is located on seatback  22  within the upper portion  27  thereof to provide the above-described positioning for webbing  60  to extend over the shoulder of the occupant. As shown in  FIG. 8 , positioner  90  is structured as a rigid insert of metal, plastic or a combination of plastic and metal that can be coupled to the seatback frame  30  and that defines a slot sized for webbing  60  to freely pass therethrough when extended. As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , positioner  90  is configured to extend in a generally lateral direction between the front seatback surface  24  and the rear seatback surface  26 . This configuration is such that webbing  60  extends from seatback  22  so as to lie along the outer surface  28  of seatback  22  when in a refracted position, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . By being oriented in a generally neutral position with respect to the seatback surfaces  24  and  26 , webbing  60  can extend from positioner  90  in substantially the same manner when in use in either the frontward- or rearward-facing position, as can be seen in the examples of seat  10 ′ in  FIG. 2C  and seat  10  in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     On the same side of seat  10  as positioner  90 , anchor assembly  62  is coupled with the seat  10  to secure the end of webbing  60  opposite the end coupled with retractor  84 . Anchor assembly  62  includes a body  64  of a rigid material such as steel or the like. Body  64  is configured as an elongate arm with a slot  66  or D-ring structure on a free end thereof. Anchor assembly  62  is pivotably coupled at pivot point  70  with a portion of seatback  22 , such as bracket  34 , which also couples frame  30  with arm  46 . In another example, anchor assembly  62  can be coupled directly to frame  30  or another appropriate portion of seatback  22 . Such pivotable coupling is preferably maintained by an appropriate rotational coupling structure including a fastener such as a bolt secured with a nut or the like or by a rivet assembly, etc. A bushing, bearing, or other insert can be used to provide the pivotable nature of the coupling. 
     In addition to securing the associated end of webbing  60  to seat  10 , anchor assembly  62  contributes to the positioning of the portion of webbing  60  that extends over the lap of the occupant of seat  10 . As such, the direction at which anchor assembly  62  extends from pivot point  70  can be such that webbing  60  is positioned in a desirable manner, which for example, can be such that anchor assembly  62  extends at an angles A 1  and A 1 ′ (when in the respective positions of seat  10  and seat  10 ′) that are between the seating surface  14  of cushion  12  and the seatback surface  24  or  26  that is intended for use in the corresponding seating position (forward- or rearward-facing) of seat  10 . As shown in the  FIGS. 2A-2C , angles A 1  and A 1 ′ are determined with respect to a horizontal reference line passing through pivot point  70 , although other determinations for the angle of anchor assembly  62  are possible. In general it is desired that angles A 1  and A 1 ′ be such that anchor assembly  62 , and the adjacent portion of webbing  60  are disposed toward the edge  16  or  18  over opposite that which seatback  22  is positioned. In other words, when seat  10  is in the forward-facing position, it is desired that anchor assembly  62  be disposed toward the front  4  of vehicle  2 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Conversely, when seat  10  is in the rearward-facing position, it is desired that anchor assembly  62  be disposed toward the rear  6  of vehicle  2 . The particular angles A 1  and A 1 ′ can vary in such a configuration and can be, according to one embodiment, between 50° and 80°, measured clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, from horizontal. In another embodiment, angle A 1  can be between 30° and 60° or about 50°. 
     To provide the described positioning for anchor assembly  62 , particularly when moving seat  10  between the forward- and rearward-facing positions, the pivoting of anchor assembly  62  can be constrained relative to the movement of seatback  22  between its related positions. As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , such constrained pivoting can be provided by gear  68  included within anchor assembly  62  and rigidly coupled with the body  64  thereof about pivot point  70  so as to coincide with the location of the rotational coupling between body  64  and bracket  34 . Such rigid coupling of gear  68  with body  64  can at least in part be achieved by the same structure used for coupling of anchor assembly  62  with seatback  22 , discussed above, with appropriate features engaging between gear  68  and body  64 . Another gear  58  can be coupled in at least a fixed rotational position with mounting arm  46  at the pivot point  50  between mounting arm  46  and seatback  22 . The relative positioning of pivot points  50  and  70  can be such that gears  68  and  58  are in an operable mesh relationship with, or otherwise mating with, each other. Accordingly, rotation of arm  46 , such as during movement of seat  10  between the forward-facing and rearward-facing positions can drive corresponding movement of anchor assembly  62  to the desired angle A 1  for the particular position of seat  10 . 
     The ratio between gears  68  and  58  can be adjusted to provide the desired movement of anchor assembly  62  given the range of rotation of arm  46  during reconfiguration of seat  10 . The particular configuration of mounting assembly  36 , including considerations related to the size and position of cushion  12  and seatback  22  can result in varying amounts of angular rotation during movement of seat  10  between forward-facing and rearward facing configurations. Further, similar configurations can result in different desired angles A 1  for anchor assembly  62 , which can, in turn, result in different amounts of angular rotation thereof during reconfiguration of seat  10 . For example, mounting assembly  36  can be configured such that mounting arms  44  and  46  rotate through an angle A 2  of between about 160° and about 180° degrees during reconfiguration of seat  10 . In the same example, it can be desired for anchor assembly  62  to rotate through an angle A 3  of between about 30° and about 60°. The ratio of gear  68  to gear  58  (in size, measured by diameter or ratio, or in number of teeth, for example) can be selected to achieve the desired rotational angle of travel A 3  for the given rotational angle of travel A 2 . In the example above, the ratio of gear  68  to gear  58  can be between about 1:1 and about 1:2, depending on the particular angles of travel A 3  and A 2  in a given seat  10 . 
     By configuring anchor assembly  62  with the above-described rotational movement driven by reconfiguration of seat  10  between forward-facing and rearward-facing positions, the adjacent portion of webbing  60  can be positioned to extend over the lap of the user as desired, and can be put in a position more readily accessible by an occupant of the seat during buckling. It may further be desired to position the portion of webbing opposite anchor assembly  62  and adjacent buckle assembly  72  in a manner similar to anchor assembly  62  in the forward- and rearward-facing seat  10  positions. Accordingly, buckle assembly  72  can also include a gear  78  coupled with buckle arm  74  by a similar rotational coupling and axially aligned with the pivot point  80  at which buckle arm  74  is coupled to seatback  22  (e.g., to seatback bracket  32 , as shown in  FIG. 9 ). As such, pivot point  80  can be positioned relative to the pivot point  52  between mounting arm  44  and seatback  22  (which can also be positioned on bracket  32 , for example) such that gear  78  can operably mesh with gear  56  rigidly coupled to mounting arm  44 . 
     Gears  78  and  56  can have a similar or identical ratio to that of gears  68  and  58  to provide for similar driven repositioning of buckle assembly  72  during repositioning of seat  10  in a manner similar to that of anchor assembly  62 . For example, the mesh relationship between gears  78  and  56  can position buckle assembly  72  at angles similar to or, in some examples equal to, angles A 1  and A 1 ′ corresponding to a forward-facing seat  10  configuration or a rearward-facing seat  10 ′ configuration. Similarly, gears  78  and  56  can be configured to provide for driven angular movement of buckle assembly  72  through an angle similar to or the same as angle A 3 . Some variations in the particular position and rotational angles of buckle assembly  72  compared to those of anchor assembly  62  may be desired depending on the particular construction or design of buckle assembly  72 , anchor assembly  62 , and other components of seat  10 . Such driven repositioning of buckle assembly  72  and anchor assembly  62  can provide for user convenience and comfort during seatbelt use in a vehicle seat  10  with a reversible construction. 
     Alternative structures, components, or devices can be used to achieve the above-described driven reconfiguration of buckle assembly  72  and anchor assembly  62 . For example, friction rollers having similar ratios to those of gears  78  and  56  or  68  and  58  can be incorporated as an alternative to gears. Further, a system of pulleys and cables can be used to drive rotational movement of buckle assembly  72  and/or anchor assembly  62 , or a series or linkages affixed between buckle assembly  72  or anchor assembly  62  and the corresponding mounting arms  44  and  46  can be incorporated for driven reconfiguration. In yet another example, a reversible seat similar to seat  10  can incorporate motors to automatically reverse the seat between configurations. In such an example, motors can also drive the movement of buckle assembly  72  and anchor assembly  62  in a coordinated manner with the repositioning of seat  10 . 
     In a further example, seat  10  can include a pretensioner mechanism  92  associated with buckle assembly  72 . In general, pretensioners may be included in restraint systems to pull out slack in a seatbelt upon detection of a potential crash condition. As shown in  FIG. 7  pretensioner mechanisms  92  can be positioned within seatback  22  and can include a cable  96  that can be coupled to a mechanical actuator or the like (not shown) mounted within seatback  22  to apply a force to cable  96 , when directed by a crash-detection system within vehicle  2 . Cable  96  can be oppositely coupled with buckle receptacle  76 , which can be moveable in a direction toward pivot point  80 , which can occur when the actuator applied the aforementioned force to cable  96 . Cable  96  can further be routed through bracket  32  (or another associated portion of seatback frame  30 ) through an aperture  98  to extend with buckle arm  74  toward buckle receptacle  76 . A pulley  94  can also be coupled with bracket  32  or the like within or adjacent aperture  98  to redirect cable  96 , as discussed. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , aperture  98  and pulley  94  are shown in a position to align with buckle arm  74  when seat  10  is in the forward-facing configuration. In such an example, pretensioner mechanism  92  can be disabled when seat  10 ′ is in the rearward-facing configuration. Alternatively, an additional cable or an additional pretensioner as a whole can be similarly provided to align with buckle arm  74  in the reverse configuration. As a further alternative, additional pulleys or the like can be incorporated with pretensioner  92  such that cable  96  is appropriately routed to buckle receptacle when seat  10  is in either the frontward- or rearward-facing configuration. 
     Another embodiment can include two separate restraint systems, of the type discussed above associated with opposite sides of a bench seat. Such a bench seat can include a similar mechanism for reconfiguration between forward-facing and rearward-facing positions. Further, the restraint components can include the above-described reversible buckle assembly and anchor assemblies similarly driven in rotation between positions by reconfiguration of the bench seat. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     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. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention 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, the nature or number 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. 
     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 invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, 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.