Foldable wagon

A foldable wagon is provided that is configurable in a use configuration and folded configuration. The foldable wagon has a front frame assembly, a rear frame assembly, a first upper pivot bracket and a first lower pivot bracket connecting the front frame assembly to the rear frame assembly. The wagon has a timing member to maintain the front and rear frame assemblies synched during folding and unfolding of the wagon. The wagon also has a footrest with a first end connected to the rear frame assembly and a second end free from connection to the front frame assembly. When the second end of the footrest is raised the rear frame assembly and the front frame assembly pivot from the use configuration to the folded configuration. The wagon also has foldable front and rear seatbacks.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to wagons, and more specifically to a foldable wagon that converts from a use configuration to a folded storage configuration.

BACKGROUND

Wagons, including folding wagons, are well known in the art. While such wagons according to the prior art provide a number of advantages, they nevertheless have certain limitations. The present invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, the disclosed subject technology relates to a folding wagon that is configurable in a use configuration and folded configuration.

The disclosed technology further relates to a foldable wagon configurable in a use configuration and folded configuration, the foldable wagon comprising: a front frame assembly comprising a first front side assembly, a second front side assembly spaced apart from the first front side assembly, a front frame joining the first front side assembly and the second front side assembly, a front foot well support between the first front side assembly and the second front side assembly, and a front seat between the first front side assembly and the second front side assembly; a rear frame assembly comprising a first rear side assembly, a second rear side assembly spaced apart from the first rear side assembly, a rear frame joining the first rear side assembly and the second rear side assembly, a rear foot well support between the first rear side assembly and the second rear side assembly, and a rear seat between the first rear side assembly and the second rear side assembly; the first front side assembly having a first front seat linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first front seat linkage pivotally connected to the front frame and the second end of the first front seat linkage pivotally connected to a first upper pivot bracket; the second front side assembly having a second front seat linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second front seat linkage pivotally connected to the front frame and the second end of the second front seat linkage pivotally connected to a second upper pivot bracket; the first rear side assembly having a first rear seat linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first rear seat linkage pivotally connected to the rear frame and the second end of the first rear seat linkage pivotally connected to the first upper pivot bracket; the second rear side assembly having a second rear seat linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second rear seat linkage pivotally connected to the rear frame and the second end of the second rear seat linkage pivotally connected to the second upper pivot bracket; a first front armrest pivotally connected to the front frame, and a first front vertical linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first front vertical linkage pivotally connected to the first front armrest and the second end of the first front vertical linkage pivotally connected to the front foot well support; a second front armrest pivotally connected to the front frame, and a second front vertical linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second front vertical linkage pivotally connected to the second front armrest and the second end of the second front vertical linkage pivotally connected to the front foot well support; a first rear armrest pivotally connected to the rear frame, and a first rear vertical linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first rear vertical linkage pivotally connected to the first rear armrest and the second end of the first rear vertical linkage pivotally connected to the rear foot well support; a second rear armrest pivotally connected to the rear frame, and a second rear vertical linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second rear vertical linkage pivotally connected to the second rear armrest and the second end of the second rear vertical linkage pivotally connected to the rear foot well support; a first lower pivot bracket and a second lower pivot bracket, the first lower pivot bracket pivotally connected to a first side of the front foot well assembly and pivotally connected to a first side of the rear foot well assembly, and the second lower pivot bracket pivotally connected to a second side of the front foot well assembly and pivotally connected to a second side of the rear foot well assembly; a first center linkage connected to the first upper pivot bracket and the first lower pivot bracket; and, a second center linkage connected to the second upper pivot bracket and the second lower pivot bracket.

The disclosed technology further relates to a foldable wagon configurable in a use configuration and folded configuration, the foldable wagon comprising: a front frame assembly; a rear frame assembly; a first upper pivot bracket connecting an upper portion of the front frame assembly to an upper portion of the rear frame assembly; a first lower pivot bracket connecting a lower portion of the front frame assembly to a lower portion of the rear frame assembly; a timing member further connecting the front frame assembly to the rear frame assembly; and, a footrest covering a portion of the front frame assembly and a portion of the rear frame assembly, the footrest having a first end connected to the rear frame assembly and a second end free from connection to the front frame assembly, wherein when the second end of the footrest is raised the rear frame assembly and the front frame assembly begin to pivot the foldable wagon from the use configuration to the folded configuration.

The disclosed technology further relates to a foldable wagon configurable in a use configuration and folded configuration, the foldable wagon comprising: a front frame assembly; a rear frame assembly; an upper pivot bracket pivotally connecting an upper portion of the front frame assembly to an upper portion of the rear frame assembly; a lower pivot bracket pivotally connecting a lower portion of the front frame assembly to a lower portion of the rear frame assembly; and, a timing member further connecting the front frame assembly to the rear frame assembly, the timing member comprising a first gear connected to the front frame assembly and a second gear connected to the rear frame assembly, the first gear mating with the second gear, wherein the timing member assists to maintain the front frame assembly synched with the rear frame assembly during folding and unfolding of the foldable wagon.

The disclosed technology further relates to a foldable wagon configurable in a use configuration and folded configuration, the foldable wagon comprising: a front frame assembly having a front seat and a front foot well support; a rear frame assembly having a rear seat and a rear foot well support; an upper pivot bracket pivotally connecting an upper portion of the front frame assembly to an upper portion of the rear frame assembly; a lower pivot bracket pivotally connecting a lower portion of the front frame assembly to a lower portion of the rear frame assembly; and, a footrest covering a portion of the front foot well support and a portion of the rear foot well support, the footrest having a first end connected to the rear foot well support and a second end free from connection to the front foot well support, wherein when the second end of the footrest is raised the rear frame assembly and the front frame assembly begin to pivot the foldable wagon from the use configuration to the folded configuration.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a front foldable seat backrest pivotally connected to the front frame assembly, and a rear foldable seat backrest pivotally connected to the rear frame assembly. In one embodiment, the front foldable seat backrest pivots between a raised position and a folded position.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a front fixed seat connected to the front frame assembly, and a rear fixed seat connected to the rear frame assembly.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a first timing member connecting the first side of the front foot well assembly to the first side of the rear foot well assembly, and a second timing member connecting the second side of the front foot well assembly to the second side of the rear foot well assembly. In one embodiment, the first timing member comprises a first gear connected to the first side of the front frame assembly and a second gear connected to the first side of the rear frame assembly, the first gear mating with the second gear, and wherein the second timing member comprises a first gear connected to the second side of the front frame assembly and a second gear connected to the second side of the rear frame assembly, the first gear mating with the second gear. In one embodiment, the timing member comprises a first gear connected to the front frame assembly and a second gear connected to the rear frame assembly, the first gear mating with the second gear.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a front frame assembly that comprises a first front side assembly spaced from a second front side assembly with a front frame and a front foot well support, and wherein the rear frame assembly comprises a first rear side assembly spaced from a second rear side assembly with a rear frame and a rear foot well support.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a first upper pivot bracket that pivotally connects the first front side assembly to the first rear side assembly, and further comprising a second upper pivot bracket pivotally connecting the second front side assembly to the second rear side assembly.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a first lower pivot bracket that pivotally connects the first front side assembly to the first rear side assembly, and further comprising a second lower pivot bracket pivotally connecting the second front side assembly to the second rear side assembly.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a first center linkage that connects the first upper pivot bracket to the first lower pivot bracket, and a second center linkage connecting the second upper pivot bracket to the second lower pivot bracket.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a front armrest pivotally connected to the front frame, a front vertical linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the front vertical linkage pivotally connected to the front armrest and the second end of the front vertical linkage pivotally connected to the front foot well support, a rear armrest pivotally connected to the rear frame, a rear vertical linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rear vertical linkage pivotally connected to the rear armrest and the second end of the rear vertical linkage pivotally connected to the rear foot well support.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a front seat linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the front seat linkage pivotally connected to the front frame, the second end of the front seat linkage pivotally connected to the first upper pivot bracket, and the front vertical linkage pivotally connected to the front seat linkage between the first end and the second end of the front seat linkage, a rear seat linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rear seat linkage pivotally connected to the rear frame, the second end of the rear seat linkage pivotally connected to the first upper pivot bracket, and the rear vertical linkage pivotally connected to the rear seat linkage between the first end and the second end of the rear seat linkage.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a pair of rotatable front wheels pivotally connected to the front frame assembly, and a pair of rotatable rear wheels connected to the rear frame assembly. In one embodiment, the pair of front wheels are connected to the front frame assembly exterior to a side of the front frame assembly, and wherein the pair of rear wheels are connected to the rear frame assembly interior to a side of the rear frame assembly.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a footrest having a first end and a second end, the first end of the footrest being connected to the rear foot well assembly between the first rear vertical linkage and the second rear vertical linkage, the second end of the footrest being positioned between the first front vertical linkage and the second front vertical linkage, the second end of the footrest being free from connection to the front foot well assembly, wherein when the second end of the footrest is raised the rear frame assembly and the front frame assembly begin to pivot the foldable wagon from the use configuration to the folded configuration. In one embodiment, the footrest has a handle adjacent the second end of the footrest.

The disclosed technology further relates to a wagon having a first front vertical linkage that is pivotally connected to the first front seat linkage, a second front vertical linkage that is pivotally connected to the second front seat linkage, a first rear vertical linkage that is pivotally connected to the first rear seat linkage, and a second rear vertical linkage that is pivotally connected to the second rear seat linkage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the foldable wagon discussed herein is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present description is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the foldable wagon and are not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring now to the figures, and initially toFIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment a foldable wagon10includes a collapsible frame assembly12that is moveable and configurable between an unfolded or use configuration (FIGS. 1-6) and a collapsed or folded configuration (FIGS. 7-12). In one embodiment, the foldable wagon10also includes a housing assembly14that defines sidewalls of the wagon10. In a preferred embodiment, the housing assembly14is preferably made of a flexible material, such as fabric, and is therefore referred to as the fabric assembly14.

The foldable wagon10is shown with the housing assembly14(FIG. 1), and without the housing assembly14(FIGS. 2-12), to better disclose the collapsible frame assembly12. The flexible housing14is preferably secured about a perimeter of the foldable wagon10, either inside of the collapsible frame12, outside the collapsible frame12or both inside and outside the collapsible frame12.

In one embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 2, the collapsible frame assembly12comprises a front frame assembly13and a rear frame assembly15. The front frame assembly13may comprise, among other structure, a first front side assembly17, a second front side assembly19spaced apart from the first front side assembly17, and a front frame16joining the first front side assembly17and the second front side assembly19. The rear frame assembly15may comprise, among other structure, a first rear side assembly21, a second rear side assembly23spaced apart from the first rear side assembly21, and a rear frame18joining the first rear side assembly21and the second rear side assembly23.

In various embodiments the frame assembly12also comprises first and second front seat linkages20having first and second ends, and first and second rear seat linkages22having first and second ends. The first end of the first front seat linkage20is preferably pivotally connected to the front frame16, and the first end of the second front seat linkage20is pivotally connected to the front frame16. Further, the second end of the first front seat linkage20is preferably pivotally connected to a first upper pivot bracket24, and the second end of the second front seat linkage20is preferably pivotally connected to a second upper pivot bracket26. The first end of the rear seat linkage22is preferably pivotally connected to the rear frame18, and the first end of the second rear seat linkage22is preferably pivotally connected to the rear frame18. Further, the second end of the first rear seat linkage22is preferably pivotally connected to the first upper pivot bracket24, and the second end of the second rear seat linkage22is preferably pivotally connected to the second upper pivot bracket26. Accordingly, the first upper pivot bracket24joins the first front seat linkage20and the first rear seat linkage22(i.e., an upper portion of the front frame assembly13to an upper portion of the rear frame assembly15), and the second upper pivot bracket26joins the second front seat linkage20and the second rear seat linkage22(i.e., an upper portion of the front frame assembly13to an upper portion of the rear frame assembly15).

As shown inFIG. 2, a first center linkage28extends from the first upper pivot bracket24to a first lower pivot bracket25, and a second center linkage30extends from the second upper pivot bracket26to a second lower pivot bracket27. The first lower pivot bracket25pivotally connects a first side of a front foot well support44to a first side of a rear foot well support46(i.e., a lower portion of the front frame assembly13to a lower portion of the rear frame assembly15), and the second lower pivot bracket27pivotally connects a second side of the front foot well support44to a second side of the rear foot well support46(i.e., a lower portion of the front frame assembly13to a lower portion of the rear frame assembly15). In a preferred embodiment the front foot well support44is provided between the first front side assembly17and the second front side assembly19, and the rear foot well support46is provided between the first rear side assembly21and the second rear side assembly23. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the frame structure extending from the front frame16to the first and second center linkages28,30is referred to as the front frame assembly13, and the frame structure extending from the rear frame18to the first and second center linkages28,30is referred to as the rear frame assembly15.

The frame assembly12may also have first and second front armrests32, and first and second rear armrests34. The first front armrest32is preferably pivotally connected to the front frame16, and the second front armrest32is similarly preferably pivotally connected to the front frame16. Similarly, the first rear armrest34is preferably pivotally connected to the rear frame18, and the second rear armrest34is preferably pivotally connected to the rear frame18. A first front vertical linkage36is provided that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first front vertical linkage36is pivotally connected to the first front armrest32and the second end of the first front vertical linkage36is pivotally connected to the front foot well support44. A second front vertical linkage38is provided that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second front vertical linkage38is pivotally connected to the second front armrest32and the second end of the second front vertical linkage38is pivotally connected to the front foot well support44. A first rear vertical linkage40is provided that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first rear vertical linkage40is pivotally connected to the first rear armrest34and the second end of the first rear vertical linkage40is pivotally connected to the rear foot well support46. A second rear vertical linkage42is provided that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second rear vertical linkage42is pivotally connected to the first rear armrest34and the second end of the second rear vertical linkage42is pivotally connected to the rear foot well support46. The collapsible frame assembly12also comprises a footrest56over the front and rear foot well supports44,46. The footrest56preferably covers a portion of the front frame assembly and a portion of the rear frame assembly.

The collapsible frame assembly12may also comprise a front seat48between the first front side assembly17and the second front side assembly19, and a rear seat50between the first rear side assembly21and the second rear side assembly23. In an alternate embodiment, the frame assembly12has a front backrest52and a rear backrest54. As best shown inFIG. 2, in one embodiment the front seat48is fixedly connected to fixed supports82extending between the first front seat linkage20and the second front seat linkage20. Similarly, in one embodiment, the rear seat50is fixedly connected to fixed supports84extending between the first rear seat linkage22and the second rear seat linkage22. While the seat bottoms48and50are fixed in place, in a preferred embodiment the backrests52and54are pivotally connected to the wagon frame assembly12to be able to move between a raised and folded position. Specifically, in one embodiment the front backrest52is pivotally connected to the front frame assembly at the first and second front seat linkages20, and the rear backrest54is pivotally connected to the rear frame assembly at the first and second rear seat linkages22. The front and rear backrests52,54can be pivoted toward the footrest56so that they lay flat against the seats48,50.

In one embodiment the front frame16is a box-like structure and comprises a lower horizontal member58, an upper horizontal member60, a first vertical support62and a second vertical support64. Two front caster wheel assemblies74to allow for steering of the wagon10are preferably connected to the front frame16. In an alternate embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 13-16, the front caster wheel assemblies74may be connected to the front frame16exterior to the side of the front frame assembly so that the front wheels74nest outside of the rear wheels78in the folded configuration. Additionally, additional support is provided for the wagon10by having the front wheels further outward. A pull handle76is also connected to the front frame16.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment the rear frame18is also a box-like structure and comprises a lower horizontal member66, an upper horizontal member68, a first vertical support70and a second vertical support72. Rear wheels78may be connected to the rear frame18. In the embodiments shown, a drive assembly80is provided. The drive assembly80includes one or more motors (not shown), a motor controller (not shown), and a power supply81. In this embodiment the rear wheels78are part of the drive assembly80that is connected to the rear frame18. As best shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the front wheels74are outboard of the rear wheels78to provide additional stability for the wagon10and also to provide clearance for each of the wheels during folding of the wagon10as shown inFIGS. 7-12. In one embodiment, the rear wheels are connected to the rear frame assembly interior to a side of the rear frame assembly.

As shown inFIGS. 2-3 and 7-9, the first and second rear vertical linkages40,42are pivotally connected about a mid-location of the vertical linkages40,42to the first and second rear seat linkages22. Similarly, the first and second front vertical linkages36,38are pivotally connected about a mid-location of the vertical linkages36,38to the first and second front seat linkages20.

Further, the first end102of each of the first and second front seat linkages20is pivotally connected to the front frame16. The second end104of the first front seat linkage20is pivotally connected to the first pivot bracket24, and the second end106of the second front seat linkage20is pivotally connected to the second pivot bracket26. Similarly, the first end108of each of the first and second rear seat linkages22is pivotally connected to the rear frame18. And, the second end110of the first rear seat linkage22is pivotally connected to the first pivot bracket24, and the second end112of the second rear seat linkage22is pivotally connected to the second pivot bracket26.

Referring toFIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7-12, the front and rear armrests32,34are also pivotally connected to the collapsible frame assembly12. The first front armrest32is pivotally connected at its first end114to the front frame16and at its second end116to the first front vertical linkage36. The second front armrest32is pivotally connected at its first end118to the front frame16and at its second end120to the second front vertical linkage38. The first rear armrest34is pivotally connected at its first end122to the rear frame18and at its second end124to the first rear vertical linkage40. The second rear armrest34is pivotally connected at its first end126to the rear frame18and at its second end128to the second rear vertical linkage42.

In one embodiment, the rear foot well support46has a first end92and a second end94. And, in one embodiment, the front foot well support44has a first end100and a second end96. Referring, for example, toFIG. 9, in one embodiment, the footrest56is connected to the rear foot well support46. Specifically, in one embodiment the first end88of the footrest56is connected to the first end92of the rear foot well support46. Additionally, the footrest56is connected to the second end94of the rear foot well support46. The footrest56, however, is not directly connected to the front foot well support44, and instead rests on the front foot well support44in the lower position as shown inFIGS. 2-4.

In an alternate embodiment, as best shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, support brackets130are provided to provide support and additional rigidity to the wagon frame in the open or use position. For example, one support bracket130is connected to each seat linkage20,22. Each support bracket130has an angled surface to engage the respective vertical linkage36,38,40,42when the wagon10is in the use position (seeFIG. 13). The angled surface of the support bracket130operates as a stop for the vertical linkages36,38,40,42.

To fold the foldable wagon10, the user first grasps the handle86in the footrest56. As best shown inFIGS. 9 and 12, the handle86is built into the body of the footrest56. In a preferred embodiment, the footrest56is pivotally connected to the frame assembly12at a first end88between the first rear vertical linkage40and the second rear vertical linkage42, and the second end90of the footrest56merely rests on the front foot well support44, but is not connected to the front foot well support44. Accordingly, in one embodiment the footrest56is free at the second end90of the footrest56.

When the footrest56is raised by the handle86the folding action of the foldable frame assembly12is set into action. As best shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and 7-9, by lifting the second end90of the footrest56, the footrest56is pivoted upwardly about a pivot connection between the rear foot well support46and the rear vertical linkages40,42. Accordingly, as the second end90of the footrest56is lifted, the first end88of the footrest56and the first end support92of the rear foot well support46are pivoted with respect to the lower ends of the first and second rear vertical linkages40,42. Similarly, when the second end90of the footrest56is lifted, the second end support94of the rear foot well support46is simultaneously pivoted upwardly.

In one embodiment, a timing member98, also referred to as a synching member98, connects the front frame assembly13to the rear frame assembly15. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the rear foot well support46is pivotally connected to the front foot well support44by the timing or synching members98. The timing members98ensure that the rear foot well support46and the front foot well support44pivot, in opposite directions, simultaneously. In one embodiment the timing members98are a series of gears98, such as a first gear98connected to the front frame assembly and a mating second gear98connected to the rear frame assembly. Further, in an alternate embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 15, a cover99may be provided over the timing members98for safety purposes.

Accordingly, when the footrest56is pivoted upwardly, the second end support94of rear foot well support46and the second end support96of the front foot well support44are also both pivoted upwardly together (about opposite pivot points, those being the connection of the rear footwell support46with the rear vertical linkages40,42and the connection of the front footwell support44with the front vertical linkages36,38) at the bottom of the first and second center linkages28,30. Similar to how the rear foot well support46is pivotally connected to the lower ends of the first and second rear vertical linkages40,42, the front foot well support44is pivotally connected to the lower ends of the first and second front vertical linkages36,38.

In one embodiment, four separate four-bar linkages are created by different pivoting connections at each side of the frame assembly12, for a total of eight four-bar linkages. A first four bar linkage is created by the pivotal connection of the first front armrest32, the first front vertical linkage36, the first front seat linkage20and the front frame16. The second four bar linkage is created by the pivotal connection of the second front armrest32, the second front vertical linkage38, the second front seat linkage20and the front frame16. The third four bar linkage is created by the pivotal connection of the first front seat linkage20, the first center linkage28, the front foot well support44and the first front vertical linkage36. The fourth four bar linkage is created by the pivotal connection of the second front seat linkage20, the second center linkage30, the front foot well support44and the second front vertical linkage38. The fifth four bar linkage is created by the pivotal connection of the first rear armrest34, the first rear vertical linkage40, the first rear seat linkage22and the rear frame18. The sixth four bar linkage is created by the pivotal connection of the second rear armrest34, the second rear vertical linkage42, the second rear seat linkage22and the rear frame18. The seventh four bar linkage is created by the pivotal connection of the first rear seat linkage22, the first center linkage28, the rear foot well support46and the first rear vertical linkage40. The eighth four bar linkage is created by the pivotal connection of the second rear seat linkage22, the second center linkage30, the rear foot well support46and the second rear vertical linkage42.

Accordingly, as explained above, when the footrest56is raised by the handle86the folding action of the foldable frame assembly12is set into action. Referring toFIGS. 7-12, the eight four-bar linkages described above fold to collapse the collapsible frame assembly12so that the front section of the frame assembly (i.e., from the first and second pivot brackets24,26to the front frame16) moves toward the center linkages28,30, and the rear section of the frame assembly (i.e., from the first and second pivot brackets24,26to the rear frame18) moves toward the center linkages28,30. The final folded frame assembly12is shown inFIGS. 10-12.

To unfold the foldable frame assembly12into the unfolded configuration the reverse operation is conducted. Accordingly, the front section of the frame assembly moves distal the center linkages and the rear section of the frame assembly moves distal the center linkages in the opposite direction.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” as used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Further, the term “plurality” as used herein indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Additionally, the term “having” as used herein in both the disclosure and claims, is utilized in an open-ended manner.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.