Abstract:
A retractable ramp system for facilitating mobility-challenged individual&#39;s entrance to and exit from a structure, particularly, from a motorized vehicle. The ramp system includes a frame having a front member, a first side member, a second side member, a rear member, and a floor. The rear member is pivotally coupled to the frame between an open position and a closed position. The ramp system includes a first track coupled to the first side member and defining a longitudinal channel therein, and a second track coupled to the second side member and defining a longitudinal channel therein. A ramp is pivotably coupled to the first and second tracks about a pivot axis, and includes a ramp floor, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The system includes a latch to maintain the ramp in a stowed positon.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of International Application Ser. No. PCT/US2015/060297, filed Nov. 12, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/082,385 entitled “Retractable Ramp System for Motorized Vehicle” filed on Nov. 20, 2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a ramp assembly for facilitating mobility-challenged individual&#39;s ascent to and descent from a structure, particularly, the present disclosure relates to retractable ramps used in motorized vehicles for efficient ingress and egress by wheelchair or scooter occupants. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Vehicles that provide transportation, such as taxis and the like, can be adapted for mobility-challenged individuals in order to provide such individuals the ability to travel in a manner similar to ambulatory passengers. Some of these vehicles have consisted of full-sized vans having an electrical or hydraulic powered wheelchair lift installed on the vehicle to assist wheelchair occupants into and out of the van. These lifts consisted of a horizontal platform that translates vertically to allow the wheelchair or scooter occupant easy access from ground level to the interior of the vehicle for transport. Other vehicles may have a ramp that can be electrically, hydraulically, or manually operated. 
         [0004]    Some form of ramp allows the wheelchair occupant to he transported from the ground external to the vehicle to the floor within the modified vehicle. The ramp is typically stored in a vertical position in the rear or slide door entrance of the vehicle. To access the ramp, the ramp may he rotated outwardly about a pivot consisting of the lower end of the ramp located approximately at the floor of the van, until the opposite end of the ramp comes into contact with the ground. 
         [0005]    While these types of ramps are generally reliable in function and provide the necessary access to the mobility vehicle, they block the vehicle entrance when stowed. These ramps also occupy valuable space in the interior of the vehicle and are not aesthetically pleasing. In vehicles such as taxis this is particularly problematic because when the vehicle is not transporting a mobility-challenged individual, the space occupied by the ramp obstructs and prevents the use of space otherwise available for luggage and the like. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a retractable ramp system includes a frame having a front member, a first side member, a second side member, a rear member, and a floor. The rear member is pivotally coupled to the frame so that the rear member is pivotal between an open position and a closed position. The system includes a first track coupled to the first side member and defining a longitudinal channel therein, and a second track coupled to the second side member and defining a longitudinal channel therein. A ramp is pivotably coupled to the first and second tracks about a pivot axis, and includes a ramp floor, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The system includes a first latch member coupled to the first side panel and a second latch member coupled to the second side panel. A pin is coupled to one of the first side member and the second side member. The ramp is movable between a raised position, a lowered position, and a stowed position. One of the first latch member and the second latch member is coupled to the pin in the stowed position. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, there is provided a retractable ramp system including a frame having a front member, a first side member, a second side member, a rear member, and a floor. The rear member is pivotally coupled to the frame so that the rear member is pivotal between an open position and a closed position. A track system is coupled to the frame and a ramp is pivotably and slidably coupled to the track system. The ramp includes a ramp floor, a. first side panel, and a second side panel. The ramp is movable between a raised position, a lowered position, and a stowed position. The rear member is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. 
         [0008]    In one example, the pin includes a first pin coupled to the first side member and a second pin coupled to the second side member. In a second example, the first latch member is coupled to the first pin and the second latch member is coupled to the second pin in the stowed position. In a third example, the system includes a pivot pin and a cap including an annular body, and a key protruding from the annular body. The pivot pin is received within an opening defined in the key such that the ramp is pivotable about the pivot pin and key. 
         [0009]    In a fourth example, a coupler is coupled to one of the first track and second track, the coupler having an open end for receiving the annular body of the cap. In a fifth example, the coupler comprises a first coupler and a second coupler, the first coupler being coupled to one end of the respective track and the second coupler being coupled to an opposite end thereof. In a sixth example, a movement of the ramp is restricted to a pivotal movement only when the cap is coupled to the coupler. In a seventh example, the ramp is slidably coupled to the first track and the second track between the raised position and the closed position. 
         [0010]    In an eighth example of this embodiment, the ramp is independent from the rear member. In a ninth example, the ramp is disposable in the lowered position only when the rear member is in the open position. In a tenth example, a slotted opening is defined in the first track and second track, wherein the ramp is removably engaged from the first and second tracks via the slotted opening. In an eleventh example, one or more pads are coupled to the ramp. In a twelfth example, the frame floor comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions configured to be coupled to a floor of a vehicle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a rear view of a vehicle capable of transporting a mobility-challenged individual; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a ramp system including a ramp in a stowed position for transporting a mobility-challenged individual; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the ramp system of  FIG. 2  with the ramp in a lowered position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the ramp system of  FIG. 2  with the ramp in the stowed position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is another rear perspective view of the ramp system of claim  2  with the ramp in the lowered position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the ramp system of  FIG. 2  with the ramp in a raised position and a rear member in a lowered position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the ramp system of  FIG. 2  with the ramp in the raised position and a rear member in a raised position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a partially exploded, rear perspective view of the ramp system of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional rear perspective view taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 5 ; and. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the ramp system of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
       [0022]    Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a vehicle  100  adapted for transporting a mobility-challenged individual is shown. The vehicle can be a van, taxi, bus, or any other type of vehicle capable of transporting a mobility-challenged individual. In  FIG. 1 , a rear end of the vehicle  100  is shown having a powered lift-gate  102  capable of being electrically, hydraulically, mechanically, or manually raised or lowered. When raised, the lift-gate exposes an access opening  104  to the rear of the vehicle  100 . A ramp  106  is shown in a stowed position, i.e., a vertical orientation with respect to a floor of the vehicle  100 . The ramp can be used to assist with transporting the mobility-challenged individual from a ground surface to a location inside of the vehicle. 
         [0025]    In  FIG. 2 , for example, one embodiment is shown of a ramp system  200  capable of being adapted in a vehicle  100  similar to the one in  FIG. 1 . Here, the ramp system  200  includes a ramp  202  disposed in a stowed or vertical position. In this position, the ramp system  200  is capable of stowing a wheelchair  206 , for example. To do so, the ramp system  200  may include a partial enclosure or frame  204  that includes at least a front member  208  disposed towards a front  216  of the ramp system  200 , a rear member  228  disposed towards the rear  218  thereof, and a first side member  210  and a second side member  212 . The first side member  210  and second side member  212  may each be coupled to the front member  208  and rear member  228  to form the frame  204 . The frame  204  forms a cage-like structure that surrounds the wheelchair  206  when disposed inside of the vehicle  100 . 
         [0026]    Each of the front member  208 , first side member  210 , second side member  212 , and rear member  228  can be formed of a robust material such as steel to offer protection to the wheelchair and, when occupied, to the occupant. Each member can further include a flange  522  ( FIG. 5 ) that defines a top surface  214  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the vehicle floor may be redesigned to a location beneath its conventional location, i.e., the floor level is lowered, so that a space is provided for the ramp system  200  to occupy inside the vehicle. In this embodiment, the top surface  214  of each of the front member  208 , first side member  210 , second side member  212 , and rear member  228  can be arranged substantially parallel or aligned with the conventional floor level inside the vehicle. With the vehicle floor being lowered to a new location, sufficient clearance is provided in the vehicle so that an occupant sitting in the wheelchair  206  can do so comfortably. 
         [0027]    As also shown, the ramp  202  of the ramp system  200  is shown in the vertical or stowed position. The ramp  202  can include a first side panel  224  and a second side panel  226 . Each side panel extends in an approximately 90° angle with respect to a ramp surface  302  of the ramp  202 . As such, the side panels offer side support to the ramp  202  when a wheelchair  206  is being moved on and off the ramp  202 . 
         [0028]    The ramp  202  can also include a main handle  222  defined within its main surface  302  for use to manually manipulate the ramp  202  between positions. In addition, each of the first side panel  224  and the second side panel  226  may include a side handle  230  as well. While there are several handles depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , it is to be understood that in alternative embodiments the ramp  202  may be controlled electronically or otherwise such that the handles are unnecessary to manipulate the ramp  202 . Moreover, in other embodiments, the ramp  202  may be manipulated manually or automatically, i.e., there may be automatic means in the form of an electronic, hydraulic, mechanical, etc. mechanism to control positioning of the ramp  202 . 
         [0029]    Referring to the embodiments of  FIGS. 3-7 , the ramp system  202  is capable of being maneuvered in a plurality of orientations or positions. In  FIG. 3 , for example, the ramp  202  is disposed in a lowered position  300 . Here, the ramp  202  may be pivoted about a pivot pin  304  that defines a pivot axis from the stowed position of  FIG. 2  to the lowered position  300  of  FIG. 3 . The pivot pin  304  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 8  and will be described below. 
         [0030]    In the lowered position  300 , the ramp  202  can be configured at an angle with respect to a floor or pan  220  of the enclosure  204 . As described above, the frame  204  includes the front member  208 , first side member  210 , second side member  212 , and rear member  228  to partially surround or enclose the wheelchair  206  in the stowed position. In this position, the ramp  202  may be disposed in its lowered position  300  so that the wheelchair  206  may be moved along the ramp surface  302  and into the interior of the vehicle  100 . As the wheelchair  206  enters the interior of the vehicle  100 , it may be rolled or moved onto the floor  220  of the enclosure  204 . The floor  220  of the enclosure  204  may be in contact with the lowered vehicle floor (not shown). This, of course, is only the case when the vehicle floor is lowered from its conventional floor level. In those embodiments in which the vehicle floor is not lowered, the floor  220  may be in contact and rest above the vehicle floor at the conventional floor 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the pan  220  may be formed by a plurality of plates. For instance, the pan  220  may include a first plate  504 , a second plate  506 , and a third plate  508 . Each plate may be secured or coupled to the vehicle floor via rivets or other fasteners  510 . In other embodiments, there may be additional or fewer plates that form the pan  220 . The inclusion of two or more plates allows the pan  220  to take the shape of an uneven surface. For instance, some of the mechanical components of the vehicle such as the driveline, rear axle, engine, transmission, exhaust system, etc. may require the vehicle floor to be uneven, i.e., unparallel from front to rear of the vehicle. The additional plates form the pan  220  to take shape of this lowered floor of the vehicle. 
         [0032]    As also shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the first side panel  224  may include a first latch member  306 . Likewise, the second side panel  226  may include a second latch member  308 . Each latch member may be positioned along the respective side panel at a location between the pivot pin  304  and the side handle  230 . In addition, each latch member may be structured to define an opening for receiving a pin  310  when the ramp  202  is moved to the stowed position. In other words, the first latch member  306  may define an opening  514  (see  FIG. 5 ) for receiving one pin  310  and the second latch member  308  may define a different opening  516  for receiving another pin  310 . In this embodiment, one pin  310  is coupled to the first side member  210  and the other pin  310  is coupled to the second side member  212 . Both pins  310  are coupled to the respective side member towards the rear thereof, and at a location that is approximately vertically aligned with the pivot pin  304  of the ramp  202 . 
         [0033]    In the lowered position  300 , the ramp  202  may be pivoted about its pivot pin  304  so that the first latch member  306  comes into contact with one pin  310  and the second latch member  308  comes into contact with the other pin  310 . As shown, each latch member can form or define the respective opening therein by a pair of fingers that are structured like pinchers or claws. Thus, as the latch member comes into contact with the pin  310 , the ramp  202  is pivoted about its pivot pin  304  an additional amount until the pin  310  becomes disposed within the respective opening. In this manner, the structure or design of each latch is such that when the pin  310  is engaged by each latch member, i.e., disposed within the opening formed by the latch member, the latch member partly surrounds the pin  310  to hold or maintain the ramp  202  in the stowed position. In other words, an additional force may be required to position the pin  310  within the respective opening formed by each of the first latch member  306  and the second latch member  308 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the ramp  202  is disposed in its stowed position  400 . As previously described, the ramp  202  includes a ramp surface  302 . On the opposite side as the ramp surface  302 , the ramp  202  may include an underneath surface  408  upon which one or more pads  402  are coupled. The pads  402  may be formed of an elastic material or a plastic. Other materials are also possible for the pads  402 . The pads  402  may protrude from the underneath surface  408  when the ramp  202  is in its lowered position  300  so that each pad  402  contacts a ground surface. In this manner, the pads  402  offer support to the ramp  202 . The pads  402  may be secured to the ramp  202  via one or more fasteners  512  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0035]    In  FIG. 4 , the rear member  228  is shown being positioned in an open position. The rear member  228  is capable of moving between this open position and a closed position, e.g., see  FIG. 7 . The ramp  202  and rear member  228  are independently coupled to the ramp system  200 , and thus each is capable of being moved independently from the other. When the rear member is in the open position, for example, it is possible to maneuver or position the ramp  202  in any one of three positions. For instance, the ramp  202  may be disposed in a raised or stored position  600  (i.e., see  FIG. 6 ), the lowered or deployed position  300  (i.e., see  FIGS. 3 and 5 ), and the stowed position  400  (i.e., see  FIG. 4 ). In the closed position, however, the ramp  202  can only be maneuvered or positioned in its raised position or stowed position, i.e., the ramp  202  cannot be moved to its lowered or deployed position with the rear member  228  in the closed position. 
         [0036]    The rear member  228  can pivot about a pivot point  406  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Moreover, the rear member  228  may be coupled to the floor  220  of the enclosure  204  via a plurality of hinges  404  to allow for the pivotal movement. The pivot point  406  of the rear member  228  may be different from the pivot pin  304  of the ramp  202 , such that the ramp  202  and rear member  228  are independent from one another. In other words, the rear member  228  may be pivoted between its open and closed position independently from the ramp  202 , and similarly the ramp  202  may be pivoted between its raised position, lowered position, and stowed position independently of the rear member  228 . This may be possible with the ramp  202  and rear member  228  not being coupled directly to one another. In many conventional ramp systems, a conventional ramp is directly coupled to a rear tailgate structure such that both pivot in unison with one another. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the ramp system is shown with the ramp  202 . In its lowered position  300  and the rear member  228  in its open position. In order to reach its lowered position, the ramp  202  can be in a sliding engagement or slidably coupled to a track system. As shown, a longitudinally-extending track  500  is coupled to the second side member  212 . Likewise, another track (not shown) is coupled to the first side member  210  in a way such that both tracks  500  are in approximate alignment with one another. 
         [0038]    Each track  500  defines a guide channel  502 . The guide channel  502  may include a first end  518  and a second end  520 . The first end  518  may be positioned near a front  216  of the ramp system  200 , whereas the second end  520  may be positioned near a rear  218  thereof. The ramp  202  may move through the guide channel  502  between the first end  518  and the second end  520 , such that at the first end  518  the ramp  202  is disposed in its raised position and at the second end  520  the ramp  202  is disposed at its lowered position. This is further shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 8 , for example, the manner in which the second side panel  226  of the ramp  202  is coupled to the track  500  is shown. Here, the second side panel  226  includes a curved end  836  this is located at or near the pivot location of the ramp  202 . As described above, the ramp  202  may pivot about a pivot pin  304 . In  FIG. 8 , the pivot pin  304  is shown as being formed by a pin  816  that is inserted through a correspondingly defined hole  818  in the curved end  836  of the side panel  226 . The hole  818  is shaped as a key-like slot capable of receiving a key  830 . The key  830  protrudes from a cap  828  that is positioned on a side opposite the track  500  from the side panel  226 . The cap  828  has an annular cross-section as shown in  FIG. 9 . Moreover, the key  830  includes a threaded opening which may receive the pin  816  in a threaded engagement. 
         [0040]    In this embodiment, a washer or bushing  820  may be positioned between an outer wall of the side panel  226  and an inner wall of the track  500 . The pin  816  may pass through the hole  818  defined in the side panel  226  and a corresponding opening defined in the washer or bushing  820 . In addition, the key  830  may pass through an opening defined in a second washer or bushing  826 . The second washer or bushing  826  may be positioned in contact with an outer wall of the track  500 . As shown best in  FIG. 9 , the key  830  may pass through the guide channel  502  for coupling to the pin  816 . As such, the pin  816  may be tightened in threaded engagement with the key  830 . The engagement of the key  830  and pin  816  may move or slide within the guide channel  502  between its first end  518  and its second end  520  to allow the ramp  202  to move between its raised and lowered positions. 
         [0041]    In the lowered position, the cap  828  may be received within an opening  834  defined within a coupler  832 . The coupler  832  includes a main body with a through-hole defined therein. A screw or other fastener  822  may pass through a corresponding opening  824  in the track  500  and be coupled to the coupler  832  via the through-hole. For example, the screw or fastener  822  may be threadedly engaged with the through-hole in the coupler  832  to secure the coupler  832  and track  500  to one another. As also shown, the second side member  212  may include an opening or through-hole  808  for receiving the screw or fastener  822  as well. Thus, the track  500  and coupler  832  may be coupled to the second side member  212 . 
         [0042]    At the opposite end of the track  500 , i.e., near the front  216  or first end  518  of the guide channel  502 , another coupler  806  may be provided. This coupler  806  may be shaped similarly to the coupler  832  previously described, i.e., having an opening  810  capable of receiving the cap  828 . A screw or fastener  802  may secure the track  500  via an opening  804  and coupler  806  to the second side member  212  via hole  808  as shown. The second side member  212  may include a plurality of holes  808  such that the track  500  may be secured at two or more locations along its longitudinal length. In  FIG. 8 , for example, another screw or fastener  812  is shown capable of being inserted through a hole  814  defined in the track  500  at some location between the two ends thereof. The screw or fastener  812  may be coupled to one of the plurality of holes  808  in the second side member  212  as shown. 
         [0043]    Referring to the cross-section  900  of  FIG. 9 , the pin  816  is shown being coupled to the key  830  and cap  828 . The pin  816  is positioned within the guide channel  502  at a location between the first and second ends. In the location shown in  FIG. 9 , the cap  828  is coupled or “snapped” into engagement with the second coupler  832 . 
         [0044]    Each of the first coupler  806  and second coupler  832  are structurally designed to include an opening or open end capable of receiving the cap  828 . In the raised position, the ramp  202  can be pushed toward the front  816  of the vehicle  100  until the cap  828  enters and is received in the open end  810  of the first coupler  806 . In one example, the engagement between the first coupler  806  and the cap  828  may be a snap-fit engagement. Once engaged, the ramp  202  may rotate or pivot about its pivot location  304 , but the coupler  806  is capable of retaining the cap  828  from sliding or moving within the guide channel  502 . 
         [0045]    Likewise, the second coupler  832  is structured similar to the first coupler  806  for receiving the cap  828 . The second coupler  832  also includes an open end or opening  834  for receiving the cap  828 . An engagement between the cap  828  and second coupler  832  may be a snap-fit engagement, for example. Other types of engagement between the cap  828  and the first and second couplers is also possible, e.g., a latching engagement between a slide-bolt and latch opening. In any event, the ramp  202  may freely rotate or pivot about the pivot location  304  while retained or coupled to the first and second couplers. Moreover, when the cap  828  is coupled to the second coupler  832 , the ramp  202  may be pivoted between its stowed position and lowered position. The ramp  202  may not pivot any further than its stowed position due to the engagement of the first and second latch members  306 ,  308  with the pins  310 . As shown further in  FIG. 8 , each pin  310  may be coupled to its respective side member via a screw, bolt, or other fastener  800 . 
         [0046]    While the embodiments of  FIGS. 5-8  only show one track  500  coupled to the second side member  212 , a similar track  500  is coupled to the first side member  210 . A first coupler  806  and a second coupler  832  may also be coupled to the first side member  210  as well to enable the ramp  202  to move within the guide channels  502  of both tracks  500  in a sliding manner. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the ramp  202  is configured in its raised position and the rear member  828  is disposed in its closed position. Here, a cross-section of the aforementioned pad  402  is shown. The pad  402  can be fastened to the ramp  202  via a screw or fastener  512  as previously described. The pad  402  can isolate the ramp  202  from the pan  220  to thereby reduce rattle or other noise during vehicle operation. In some embodiments, the pad  402  may also contact the ground surface when the ramp is disposed in its lowered position, although this is not the case in all embodiments. 
         [0048]    As also shown, a wheelchair tie down restraint  1000  may be provided. A rear belt retractor may couple to the restraint  1000 . In some embodiments, this may not be present. A rear weather strip seal  1002  is also shown in  FIG. 10 . This feature may be optional in some embodiments. 
         [0049]    The ramp system  200  described above and shown in the accompanying drawings provides for a less complicated mechanism than other conventional ramp systems. In addition, this ramp system  200  allows for additional storage space when the ramp system is designed for a rear or side access to a vehicle. While the accompanying drawings illustrate the ramp system  200  for a rear access vehicle, it is within the scope of this disclosure that the ramp system  200  may be designed for a side access vehicle as well. 
         [0050]    In any event, luggage and other items may be stowed in the rear or side of the vehicle, and the ramp  202  does not obstruct or prevent items from being stowed as in many conventional ramp systems. Moreover, the ramp  202  is capable of being retracted from its raised position to its lowered position, or pivoted between its lowered and stowed positions in an easier manner than many conventional ramp systems. The ramp system  200  is coupled to the vehicle, but the ramp  202  is independent from the rear member  228 . Thus, the ramp  202  is easy to maneuver between positions as needed. 
         [0051]    The ramp system  200  may be welded or otherwise coupled to the vehicle to add rigidity and security to the overall system. In some embodiments, the vehicle floor may be dropped or lowered by up to 14″ from its conventional floor level in order to accommodate the ramp system  200 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, a latching mechanism in the form of a slide bolt may be used to secure the ramp  202  in the stowed position rather than the engagement of the latch members and pins  310 . One skilled in the art may appreciate other mechanisms that can be used to secure or couple the ramp  202  in the stowed position. 
         [0053]    Attached hereto is an Appendix which includes additional features and embodiments of the present disclosure. Among these features is a slotted opening formed in the tracks  500  to allow the ramp  202  to be removably coupled thereto. The slotted opening may he angled and a top portion of the coupler may limit movement of the ramp  202  out of engagement with the track. Thus, the ramp  202  may be shifted laterally or lifted at an angle to become disengaged from the track  500  via the slotted opening. 
         [0054]    While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been disclosed hereinabove, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.