Abstract:
An exemplary multi-piece foot peg for use with power sport vehicles such as motorcycles and ATVs is provided that, in one embodiment, includes a base that attaches to the frame of the vehicle and a cleat member that attaches to the base wherein the cleat member may be replaced without replacing the entire foot peg thereby enabling economical replacement of worn cleats and enabling the adjustment of foot peg height and aggressiveness of the cleats. The base is configured to define an opening between two sub-components that extend away from the frame of the vehicle. The cleat member includes cleats and at least one opening between the cleats positioned such that debris may fall through the opening in the cleat member and through the opening in the base such that debris will not build up on the upper surface of the cleat member.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates in general to the field of vehicles and, more particularly to foot pegs for use on motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, and similar vehicles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Motocross motorcycles and many other similar vehicles, such as, for example, small motorized three and four wheel vehicles commonly referred to as All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), have foot pegs that extend out from the body of the vehicle that allow a rider to stand and support himself when riding. These foot pegs typically contain a cleated surface that provide the rider with greater grip and traction than would otherwise be available thereby helping to prevent the rider&#39;s foot from inadvertently slipping off of the foot peg. 
         [0003]    As the cleated surface of the foot pegs wear down over time, the traction provided to the rider is lessened. Therefore, it is common that the foot peg must be replaced with a new one in order to provide the rider with a foot peg with suitable traction necessary for the off road riding typically associated with these types of vehicles. However, the process of replacing the foot peg is somewhat cumbersome, time consuming, and uneconomical since the entire foot peg must be replaced. Furthermore, rider&#39;s often desire to adjust the height of the foot peg, the type of cleat pattern, or the aggressiveness of the shape of the cleats to better suit the preferences of the rider or to better suit the riding conditions. As mentioned above, currently available foot pegs require that the entire foot peg be replaced. This is both uneconomical and time consuming. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention presents the rare opportunity to create an entirely new foot peg for use in power sport vehicles that does not suffer from the disadvantages, limitations, and problems mentioned above. From the foregoing it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for an improved foot peg in which the cleated surface may be replaced without replacing the entire foot peg thereby allowing for economical and quick replacement of worn cleats and for replacement of cleats with different types of cleats in order to adjust the height and/or grip of the foot peg to suit the requirements and/or preferences of the rider and/or conditions of the riding surface. 
         [0005]    According to one aspect of the invention, a foot peg for use on motor sport vehicles such as motorcycles and ATVs is provided that includes a base component and a cleat component. The base component has a first base member, a second base member, and a third base member, wherein the first base member is configured to attach the base component to the vehicle, the second and third base members extend from the first base member away from the vehicle, and the second and third base members extend away from each other such that the second and third base members define a space between at least a part of the second and third base members sufficiently large to allow debris to fall there through. The cleat component includes a plurality of cleats to provide a grippable surface upon which a rider may place a foot and an attaching member for attaching the cleat component to the base component. The plurality of cleats are arranged such that at least one opening is defined between the plurality of cleats. The opening is sufficiently large such that debris may fall there through. At least a portion of the opening aligns with the space between the second and third base members such that debris falling through the opening may also fall through the space. The cleat component may be replaced without removal of the base component from the vehicle. 
         [0006]    According to another aspect of the invention, a power sport vehicle, such as, for example, a motorcycle or an ATV, is provided that includes a support member for supporting a rider, at least one wheel functionally attached to the support member, and a foot peg attached to the support member. The foot peg includes a base component and a cleat component. The base component also has a first base subcomponent, a second base subcomponent, and a third base subcomponent, wherein the first base subcomponent is configured to attach the base component to the vehicle and the second and third base subcomponents extend from the first base member away from the vehicle such that the second and third base subcomponents define a space between at least a part of the second and third base subcomponents sufficiently large to allow debris to fall there through. The cleat component includes a plurality of cleats to provide a grippable surface upon which a rider may place a foot and an attaching subcomponent for attaching the cleat component to the base component. The plurality of cleats are arranged such that at least one opening is defined between the plurality of cleats. The opening is sufficiently large such that debris may fall there through and at least a portion of the opening aligns with the space between the second and third base subcomponent such that debris falling through the opening may also fall through the space. The cleat component may be replaced without removal of the base component from the vehicle. 
         [0007]    According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a foot peg is provided that includes a base component comprising means for attaching the foot peg to a power sport vehicle, such as, for example, a motorcycle or ATV, and a detachable cleat component. The base component defines an opening and the detachable cleat component comprises a plurality of cleats defining at least one hole therethrough. The hole and the opening in the base component align sufficiently to allow debris to fall from an upper surface of the cleat component through the foot peg so as to inhibit build up of debris on the upper surface of the cleat component. The foot peg also includes means for attaching the detachable cleat component to the base component. 
         [0008]    According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a foot peg is provided that includes a base component and a removable cleat component. The base component includes a vehicle attachment component and comprises a shape defining at least one first opening sufficient in size for debris to fall therethrough. The removable cleat component comprises a plurality of cleats arranged such that at least one second opening of sufficient size for debris to fall through is defined therebetween. The removable cleat component is mechanically attached to the base component and the removable cleat component is configured such that the removable cleat component may be replaced without removal of the base component from the frame of a power sport vehicle. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-piece foot peg having a base and removable cleat component is depicted in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the foot peg depicted in  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the foot peg depicted in  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a front exploded view of the foot peg depicted in  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is an side exploded view of the foot peg depicted in  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a back exploded view of the foot peg depicted in  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the foot peg depicted in  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a multi-piece foot peg with sloping side supports in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-piece foot peg with sloping side supports shown in  FIG. 8  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 10A-10C  show various views of an exemplary foot peg with pins used for attaching the cleat component to the base component in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11A  shows an exemplary cleat component with box like cleats having a substantially flat cleat surface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11B  shows an exemplary cleat component with triangular or pyramidical shaped cleats in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  show two exemplary embodiments of a foot peg illustrating cleat components with different thicknesses; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 13A-13G  show various views of an exemplary foot peg with replaceable cleat with a closed loop base component in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  shows an exemplary motorcycle with a foot peg in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  shows an exemplary four wheel all terrain vehicle (ATV) having a foot peg on which a rider&#39;s foot is placed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  shows an exemplary three wheel all terrain vehicle (ATV) having a foot peg on which a rider&#39;s foot is placed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    It should be understood at the outset that although an exemplary implementation of the present invention is illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present invention should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein. Additionally, the drawings contained herein are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like reference numerals refer to like and similar components throughout the application. 
         [0028]    With reference now to the figures, and in particular with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 .  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-piece foot peg  100  having a base and removable cleat component in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of foot peg  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a top view of foot peg  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a front exploded view of foot peg  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  is an side exploded view of foot peg  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a back exploded view of foot peg  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 7  is a bottom view of foot peg  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0029]    Foot peg  100  includes a base component  106  and a cleat component  104 . The base component  106  includes first and second side support members  130  and  132  as depicted in  FIG. 2  that are connected to each other via base support member  128  such that an open space is defined between first and second side support members  130  and  132 . Base support member  128  also connects the first and second side support members  130  and  132  to a vehicle mounting member  108 . The vehicle mounting member  108  provides means for mounting the foot peg  100  onto a vehicle such as, for example, an off-road motorcycle or a small vehicle commonly referred to as an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). The size and shape of the vehicle mounting member  108  varies depending on the make and type of vehicle to which the foot peg  100  is attached. The base component  106  in the depicted example includes holes  120 ,  122 ,  124 , and  126  through first and second side support members  130  and  132  allowing for the cleat component  104  to be attached to based component  106  via, for example, screws  110  and  112  and other screws not shown, extending through first and second side support members  130  and  132  and into holes  116  and  118  provided in cleat attachment members  136  and  138  and into holes not shown on the opposite side from those depicted. Bolts and pins may also be utilized to attach the cleat component  104  to the base component  104 . 
         [0030]    The cleat component  104  comprises a plurality of cleats  114  arranged over the top surface of the cleat component  104  such that support for a rider&#39;s foot is provided. Open spaces  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 , and  150  are provided between various ones of the plurality of cleats  114  and are defined by cleat cross members  180 ,  182 , and  184 . Open spaces  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 , and  150  are of a sufficient size such that debris from a rider&#39;s foot or elsewhere may fall through the open spaces  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 , and  150  and through the opening between first and second side support elements  130  and  132  thereby preventing or inhibiting the buildup of debris on the top surface of the foot peg  100  such that a better surface for supporting a rider is provided. In some embodiments, at least one dimension defining the area of an open space such as, for example, one of open spaces  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 , and  150 , is greater than or equal to approximately ¼ inch in order to provide ample room for debris to fall through. The shape of open spaces  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 , and  150  may be varied and may encompass many different shapes including but not limited to the shapes depicted in  FIGS. 1-7 . 
         [0031]    Cleat cross members  180 ,  182 , and  184  include a plurality of cleats  114  that extend upward from a top surface of cleat component  104 . The widths and thicknesses of the cleat cross members  180 ,  182 , and  184  are implementation dependant and may vary depending on such factors as, for example, fabrication material, vehicle type and/or intended riding conditions. However, in many embodiments, the widths and thicknesses of the cleat members  180 ,  182 , and  184  are generally sufficient to provide mechanical support for a rider&#39;s foot under typical forces experienced by a rider of motorcycles and all terrain vehicles in most riding conditions. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, foot peg  100  includes a lip member  134  that is a part of the cleat member  104 . Lip member  134  extends out and down over the ends of foot peg component  106  side support members  130  and  132 . Lip member  134  may aid in aligning the cleat component  104  to the base component  106  when replacing the cleat component  104 . 
         [0033]    The cleats  114  may vary in height, shape, spacing and number depending on implementation. Thus, in some embodiments, the cleats&#39;  114  shape may be more pointy or spiky to provide a more aggressive grip for a rider&#39;s foot while in other embodiments, the cleats&#39;  114  shape may be more rounded or squared off in order to provide a surface from which it may be easier for a rider to remove his/her foot. Furthermore, different types of cleats  114  may be preferred by different riders and riders may prefer different types of cleats  114  for differing ride conditions. Thus, for example, a rider may prefer one type of cleat component  104  for a muddy riding environment and a different type of cleat component  104  for a dry riding environment. 
         [0034]    Turning now to  FIGS. 8-9 , various views of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary multi-piece foot peg are depicted. In particular,  FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a multi-piece foot peg with sloping side supports and  FIG. 9  shows an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a multi-piece foot peg with sloping side supports. 
         [0035]    In this embodiment, the foot peg  200  again comprises a base component  206  and a cleat component  204  with cleats  214  and lip member  234 . Base component  206  comprises a vehicle mounting member  208  similar to that of foot peg  100 . However, base component  206  comprises three support members  230 - 232  (two side support members  230  and  232  and a middle support member  231  having a thickness  270 ) rather than the two side support members  130  and  132  that foot peg  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1-7  comprises. Side support members  230  and  232 , rather than extending down from the top surface of cleat component  204  in a substantially perpendicular manner from the cleat component  204  as, for example, side support members  130  and  132  depicted in  FIG. 1  do, side support members  230  and  232  slope in toward each other as they recede from cleat component  204  as depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . This may provide additional support for the cleat component  204  as well as aid in placing the cleat component  204  in the proper location when replacing the cleat component  204 . 
         [0036]    Base component  206  also comprises screw openings  220 ,  222 ,  224 , and  226  configured to align with screw openings  216  and  218  in cleat attachment members  236  and  238  as well as others not shown in cleat component  204 , thus allowing the cleat component  204  to be affixed to base component  206  by means of, for example, screws  210 ,  212 ,  280 , and  282 . 
         [0037]    As with foot peg  100 , foot peg  200  comprises a cleat component  204  that is removable, thereby allowing characteristics of the foot peg to be modified by simply replacing the cleat component  204  without replacing the entire foot peg. This approach is cheaper and more economical than replacing the entire foot peg. Therefore, if the cleats are worn down and need to be replaced, the cleat component  204  may be replaced without replacing the entire foot peg  200 . Furthermore, the characteristics of the foot peg may be quickly and economically changed in response to changing rider preferences and/or ride conditions so as, for example, to adjust the position of the rider on the vehicle by adjusting the thickness of the cleat component  204  through replacement of the cleat component  204  or to adjust the grippability of the cleat component by replacing the cleat component with one having different cleat characteristics 
         [0038]    Turning now to  FIGS. 10A-10C , various views of an exemplary foot peg with pins used for attaching the cleat component to the base component are depicted in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Foot peg  300  is identical to foot peg  200  in most respects with like features identified with like reference numerals. However, rather than utilizing screws to attach the cleat component  204  to the base component  206 , pins  310 ,  312 ,  380 , and  382  are utilized. Fasteners  390 - 393  are attached to respective ones of pins  310 ,  312 ,  380 , and  382  in order to hold the pins  310 ,  312 ,  380 , and  382  in place. 
         [0039]    It will also be noticed that the middle support member  331  is tapered such that the thickness  396  varies over the length of the middle support member  331 . This is in contrast to the middle support member  231  depicted in  FIGS. 8-9  which has a thickness  270  that is relatively uniform across the length of the middle support member  231 . Thus, many variation of the middle support member are possible. Furthermore, it is possible to have more middle support members than illustrated or to omit the middle support member as with foot peg  100 . 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , two exemplary embodiments of a cleat component with different types of cleats is illustrated. Cleat component  400  illustrated in  FIG. 11A  comprises cleats  412  that are substantially cubical or box like with each having a substantially flat top surface. In contrast, cleat component  500  illustrated in  FIG. 11B  comprises cleats  512  that are substantially more pointed having a shape that resembles a pyramid or triangle shape. Either of cleat components  400  or  500  may be substituted for cleat component  204  depicted in  FIGS. 8-9 . Thus, a rider may replace one type of cleat component with a different type of cleat component without replacing the entire foot peg, thereby allowing a rider to economically adjust the cleat style of the foot peg to meet the rider&#39;s preferences and/or riding conditions. 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , two exemplary embodiments of a foot peg illustrating cleat components with different thicknesses are shown. Foot peg  600  comprises a base component  606  and a cleat component  604  with cleats  604 . Foot peg  700  also comprises a base component  706  and a cleat component  704  with cleat  712 . However, the thickness  680  of the portion of the cleat component  604  beneath the cleats  612  (referred to herein as the cleat base  660 ) for foot peg  600  is greater than the thickness  780  of the portion of the cleat component  704  beneath the cleats  712  (referred to herein as the cleat base  760 ) for foot peg  700 . However, the base components  606  and  706  for the two foot pegs  600  and  700  are identical as is the cleat style for both foot pegs  600  and  700 . Therefore, a the cleat component  604  may be replaced with cleat component  704  allowing the rider to adjust the height of the foot peg to suit rider preferences without replacing the entire foot peg. 
         [0042]    Thus, cleat components  604  or  704  may be provided in a variety of thicknesses (or heights), thereby allowing the height of the foot peg to be adjusted without replacement of the entire foot peg, but merely by replacing the cleat component  604  or  704  with a different type cleat component. It is also clear that the thickness (or height) of the cleat component may be varied without varying the size and shape of the cleats at the top of the cleat component, but by merely varying the thickness of the cleat base  660  and  760  in various cleat components. Thus, a rider may replace a cleat component with a different cleat component in order to change the rider height on the vehicle without changing the cleat pattern, size, or shape. Thus, a newly replaced cleat component may be identical to a previous cleat component in all aspects except for the difference in thickness of the cleat base  660  or  760 . 
         [0043]    It is apparent, therefore, that the cleat component for the foot peg of the present invention may be replaced to, for example, adjust rider positioning on a vehicle by adjusting the thickness of the cleat component with or without changing cleat style; adjust cleat style with, for example, different shaped cleats, different height of cleats, and/or different pattern of cleats; and to replace a worn or eroded cleat component with an unworn cleat component. 
         [0044]    Furthermore, it will be appreciated that many other shapes for cleats and arrangement of cleats may be utilized other than those described herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, the cleats may be pyramidical, conical, or cubical and have rounded or sharp edges. Furthermore, the valleys between successive cleats may have rounded or sharp edges and have a mirroring shape to that of the cleats or may have an entirely different shape. It should also be noted that the cleat component is not limited to cleats all having the same shape or height, but that cleats with different shapes and/or different heights may be incorporated into a single cleat component. Additionally, the arrangement of cleats is not limited to rows of cleats that are substantially parallel or perpendicular to each other as described and depicted, but may include many other possible arrangements, for example, the arrangement of cleats may form an “X” pattern or may be arranged in arcs or other circular shapes. 
         [0045]    Turning now to  FIGS. 13A-13G , various views of an exemplary foot peg with replaceable cleat with a closed loop base component is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13A  shows a perspective view of an exemplary foot peg with a closed loop base component in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13B  shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary foot peg with a closed loop base component in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 13C  shows a bottom view of an exemplary foot peg with a closed loop base component in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0046]    As with other foot pegs described above, foot peg  800  includes a base component  806  having an vehicle mounting member  808  and a cleat component  804 . However, in contrast to many of the other embodiments of the present invention, foot peg  800  includes a base component  806  that has a defines an open space  890  enclosed on four sides rather than three. Thus, base component  806  includes first and second side support members  830  and  832 , end support member  834 , and base support member  828  that are connected to each other such that an open space  890  is defined between first and second side support members  130  and  132  and between end support member  834  and base support member  828 . Base support member  828  also connects the first and second side support members  830  and  832  to a vehicle mounting member  808 . 
         [0047]    The cleat component  804  comprises a plurality of cleats  814  arranged over the top surface of the cleat component  804  such that support for a rider&#39;s foot is provided. Open spaces  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846 ,  848 , and  850  are provided between various ones of the plurality of cleats  814  and are defined by cleat cross members  880 ,  882 , and  884 . Open spaces  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846 ,  848 , and  850  are of a sufficient size such that debris from a rider&#39;s foot or elsewhere may fall through the open spaces  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846 ,  848 , and  850  and through the opening between first and second side support elements  830  and  832  and end support element  834  and base support element  828  thereby preventing or inhibiting the buildup of debris on the top surface of the foot peg  800  such that a better surface for supporting a rider is provided. In some embodiments, at least one dimension defining the area of an open space such as, for example, one of open spaces  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846 ,  848 , and  850 , is greater than or equal to approximately ¼ inch in order to provide ample room for debris to fall through. The shape of open spaces  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846 ,  848 , and  850  may be varied and may encompass many different shapes including but not limited to the shapes depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0048]    Turning now to  FIGS. 14-16 , various vehicles on which the foot peg of the present invention may be utilized are depicted in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 14  shows an exemplary motorcycle  900  with a foot peg  902  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Foot peg  902  may be implemented as, for example, any of foot pegs  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  600 , or  700  as described above and illustrated in the various figures. 
         [0049]      FIG. 15  shows an exemplary four wheel all terrain vehicle (ATV)  1000  having a foot peg  1004  on which a rider&#39;s foot is placed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Foot peg  1004  may be implemented as, for example, any of foot pegs  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  600 , or  700  as described above and illustrated in the various figures. 
         [0050]      FIG. 16  shows an exemplary three wheel all terrain vehicle (ATV)  1100  having a foot peg  1104  on which a rider&#39;s foot is placed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Foot peg  1104  may be implemented as, for example, any of foot pegs  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  600 , or  700  as described above and illustrated in the various figures. 
         [0051]    It will be appreciated that the foot peg of the present invention may be fabricated from a variety of materials. In some embodiment, the foot peg will be constructed from a metal or carbon composite material. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cleat component may be fabricated from a different material from that of the base component. For example, in some embodiments, the base component may be either a die cast or forging of titanium or stainless steel while the cleat component may be fabricated from aluminum, anodized aluminum or a carbon composite material. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, the dimensions of the cleat surface may be in the range of 70-90 mm by 50-70 mm. However, other size surfaces are also possible. The cleats may be offered in varying degrees of “sharpness” or “grip” from mild to aggressive to allow the rider to suit his preference or adjust to local riding conditions. Cleat heights may be, for example, in a range from 1/16″ to 1″ tall to offer the rider a custom fit. However, other heights are also possible as those skilled in the art will recognize. 
         [0053]    It should be noted that although the foot peg has been described primarily with reference to embodiments in which the base component has an open end, such as the horseshoe shape depicted in  FIGS. 1-7  or the “E” or “pitchfork” shape depicted in  FIGS. 8-10C , that closed end embodiments are also possible such that the base component comprises, for example, a circular or oblong shape that defines an opening for debris to fall through. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many different open and closed end shapes are possible and as such the present invention is not limited to embodiments in which the base component is shaped as described in any particular Figure herein. 
         [0054]    To aid the Patent Office, and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, it is noted that applicant does not intend any of the appended claims to invoke paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. §112 as it exists on the date of filing unless the words “means for” are used in the particular claim. Furthermore, none of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: THE SCOPE OF THE PATENTED SUBJECT MATTER IS DEFINED ONLY BY THE ALLOWED CLAIMS. Thus, the extent of legal protection will be determined by the limitations recited in the allowed claims and their equivalents. Unless explicitly recited, other aspects of the present invention as described in this specification do not limit the scope of the claims. 
         [0055]    As used herein, 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. Furthermore, no element described herein is required for the practice of the invention unless expressly described as “essential” or “critical”. 
         [0056]    The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.