Patent Publication Number: US-11654811-B2

Title: Vehicle seating assembly having lower leg support and suspension assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/838,482 filed Apr. 2, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,370,341, entitled “VEHICLE SEATING ASSEMBLY HAVING LOWER LEG SUPPORT AND SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY;” and related to U.S. Pat. No. 11,148,571 issued Oct. 19, 2021, entitled “VEHICLE SEATING ASSEMBLY HAVING A LOWER LEG SUPPORT.” The aforementioned related applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle seating assemblies. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to vehicle seating assemblies having a lower leg support and a suspension assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Vehicles are typically provided with a variety of measures that seek to improve the comfort and convenience of occupants. However, additional solutions are needed that seek to address some of the expanding desires of consumers for comfort and convenience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat, a lower leg support, and a suspension assembly. The seat includes a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the seat are opposite to one another. The lower leg support is coupled to the seat at the second end. The lower leg support is movable relative to the seat between a retracted position and an extended position. The suspension assembly is coupled to the lower leg support. The suspension assembly includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is positioned between the first and second ends of the suspension assembly. The first end of the suspension assembly is coupled to a portion of the seat that is rearward of the second end of the seat. The second end of the suspension assembly is coupled proximate to a distal end of the lower leg support. The suspension assembly also includes a first thickness and a second thickness. The first thickness and the second thickness are arranged in an alternating pattern. A distance between an interior surface of the intermediate portion and an adjacent surface of each of the seat and the lower leg support varies as a function of a position of the lower leg support. 
     Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:
         a spacing between regions of the first thickness and regions of the second thickness vary based on a position along a length of the suspension assembly;   adjacent regions of the first thickness are separated by one or more of the regions of the second thickness;   the first thickness is greater than the second thickness;   the second thickness acts as a living hinge for the suspension assembly;   the suspension assembly is arcuate in shape;   the suspension assembly assumes the arcuate shape in each position of the lower leg support as the lower leg support transitions between the retracted position and the extended position;   a distance between the interior surface of the intermediate portion and the adjacent surface of the lower leg support is greatest when the lower leg support is in the extended position;   the second end of the suspension assembly is movable relative to the distal end of the lower leg support;   the lower leg support includes one or more channels with which the suspension assembly is coupled;   the one or more channels facilitate the second end of the suspension assembly being movable relative to the distal end of the lower leg support;   the retracted position of the lower leg support positions the lower leg support in a region below the seat;   the first end of the suspension assembly is fixedly coupled to the seat, wherein the second end of the suspension assembly is fixedly coupled to the lower leg support; and   actuation of the lower leg support toward the extended position provides a compression force that results in an increase in the distance between the interior surface of the intermediate portion and the adjacent surface of the lower leg support.       

     According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat, a lower leg support, and a suspension assembly. The seat includes a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the seat are opposite to one another. The lower leg support is coupled to the seat at the second end. The lower leg support is movable relative to the seat between a retracted position and an extended position. The suspension assembly is coupled to the lower leg support. The suspension assembly includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is positioned between the first and second ends of the suspension assembly. The first end of the suspension assembly is fixedly coupled to a portion of the seat that is rearward of the second end of the seat. The second end of the suspension assembly is fixedly coupled proximate to a distal end of the lower leg support. Actuation of the lower leg support toward the extended position provides a compression force that results in an increase in a distance between an interior surface of the intermediate portion and an adjacent surface of each of the seat and the lower leg support varies as a function of a position of the lower leg support. 
     Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:
         the suspension assembly includes a first thickness and a second thickness, with the first thickness and the second thickness being arranged in an alternating pattern;   a spacing between regions of the first thickness and regions of the second thickness vary based on a position along a length of the suspension assembly;   adjacent regions of the first thickness are separated by one or more of the regions of the second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness, and wherein the second thickness acts as a living hinge for the suspension assembly;   the suspension assembly is arcuate in shape, wherein the suspension assembly assumes the arcuate shape in each position of the lower leg support as the lower leg support transitions between the retracted position and the extended position; and   a distance between the interior surface of the intermediate portion and the adjacent surface of the lower leg support is greatest when the lower leg support is in the extended position.       

     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of a vehicle seating assembly, illustrating a lower leg support in a retracted position, according to one example; 
         FIG.  2    is a side perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly, illustrating the lower leg support in an at least partially-extended position, according to one example; 
         FIG.  3    is a side perspective view of a seat of the vehicle seating assembly, illustrating the lower leg support in the retracted position, according to one example; 
         FIG.  4    is a side perspective view of the seat of the vehicle seating assembly, illustrating the lower leg support in the at least partially-extended position, according to one example; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the vehicle seating assembly with the lower leg support in the at least partially-extended position, illustrating a smaller statured user, according to one example; 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the vehicle seating assembly with the lower leg support in the at least partially-extended position, illustrating a larger statured user, according to one example; 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of the vehicle seating assembly with the lower leg support in the retracted position, illustrating a relationship between the seat, the lower leg support, and a suspension assembly, according to one example; 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of the vehicle seating assembly with the lower leg support in a partially-extended position, illustrating the relationship between the seat, the lower leg support, and the suspension assembly, according to one example; and 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the vehicle seating assembly with the lower leg support in the at least partially-extended position, illustrating the relationship between the seat, the lower leg support, and the suspension assembly, according to one example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in  FIG.  1   . However, it is to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a vehicle seating assembly. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. 
     In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.” It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point. 
     The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other. 
     As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 9   , reference numeral  20  generally indicates a vehicle seating assembly. The vehicle seating assembly  20  includes a seat  24 . The seat  24  includes a first end  28  and a second end  32 . The first and second ends  28 ,  32  are opposite to one another (e.g., rearward end and forward end). In various examples, the vehicle seating assembly  20  further includes a seatback  36 . The seatback  36  can be coupled to the seat  24  at the first end  28  of the seat  24 . The seatback  36  may be movable relative to the seat  24 . The vehicle seating assembly  20  includes a lower leg support  40  coupled to the seat  24  at the second end  32 . The lower leg support  40  is movable relative to the seat  24  between a retracted position (see  FIG.  1   ) and an extended position (see  FIG.  2   ). The vehicle seating assembly  20  further includes a suspension assembly  44  coupled to the lower leg support  40 . The suspension assembly  44  includes a first end  48 , a second end  52 , and an intermediate portion  56  that is positioned between the first and second ends  48 ,  52 . The first end  48  of the suspension assembly  44  may be fixedly coupled to the seat  24 . The second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  may be fixedly coupled to the lower leg support  40 . A distance  60  between an interior surface  64  of the intermediate portion  56  and an adjacent surface of each of the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40  may vary as a function of a position of the lower leg support  40 . Actuation of the lower leg support  40  toward the extended position may provide a compression force that results in an increase in the distance  60  between the interior surface  64  of the intermediate portion  56  and the adjacent surface of the lower leg support  40 . In various examples, the suspension assembly  44  may assume an arcuate shape in each position of the lower leg support  40  as the lower leg support  40  transitions between the retracted position and the extended position. A trim cover  66  extends over an exterior surface  68  of the suspension assembly  44 . In some examples, a cushion is provided between the exterior surface  68  of the suspension assembly  44  and an interior surface of the trim cover  66 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the vehicle seating assembly  20  is shown in a partially assembled state to aid in the depiction of the concepts disclosed herein. The vehicle seating assembly  20  is provided with the lower leg support  40 , which is coupled to the seat  24 . The lower leg support  40  is movable between the retracted position depicted in  FIG.  1    and the extended position depicted in  FIG.  2   . The extended position depicted in  FIG.  2    may represent a partially-extended position or a fully extended position. Accordingly, the lower leg support  40  of the present disclosure may be actuated to a position further extended than that depicted in  FIG.  2    without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. In various examples, the lower leg support  40  is continually adjustable between the retracted position and the extended position such that a user  72  (see  FIGS.  5  and  6   ) may adjust a position of the lower leg support  40  depending on their size and individual comfort preferences. The lower leg support  40  is coupled to the seat  24  at the second end  32  of the seat  24 . The second end  32  of the seat  24  may be a forward most region of the seat  24  relative to the coupling between the seat  24  and the seatback  36 . Said another way, the second end  32  of the vehicle seating assembly  20  may represent a region of the seat  24  that is proximate to a lower thigh region of the user  72  or a knee region of the user  72  when the user  72  is seated in the vehicle seating assembly  20 . The suspension assembly  44  is coupled to both the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40 . The first end  48  of the suspension assembly  44  is coupled to the seat  24  and the second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  is coupled to the lower leg support  40 . In various examples, the first end  48  of the suspension assembly  44  may be coupled to the seat  24  at a position that is rearward of the second end  32  of the seat  24 . The coupling of the suspension assembly  44  to the seat  24  may be a fixed coupling such that the first end  48  of the suspension assembly  44  is secured in place. While being described as fixed or secured in place, the first end  48  of the suspension assembly  44  may be coupled to the seat  24  in a manner that permits rotational or pivotable motion of the intermediate portion  56  of the suspension assembly  44 . The second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  may be coupled to the lower leg support  40  proximate to a distal end  76  of the lower leg support  40 . In various examples, the second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  may be fixedly coupled to the lower leg support  40  such that the second end  52  is secured in place. While being described as fixed or secured in place, the coupling of the second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  to the lower leg support  40  may permit rotational or pivotable motion of the intermediate portion  56  of the suspension assembly  44 . 
     Referring further to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the intermediate portion  56  of the suspension assembly  44  may be free of permanent engagement with exterior surfaces of the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40 . Providing the intermediate portion  56  of the suspension assembly  44  as free of permanent engagement with the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40  permits the intermediate portion  56  to extend and retract relative to exterior surfaces of the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40 . Said another way, varying the distance  60  between the interior surface  64  of the suspension assembly  44  and the immediately adjacent surfaces of each of the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40  as a function of the position of the lower leg support  40  may be enabled by the lack of a permanent or fixed coupling between the interior surface  64  of the suspension assembly  44  and the immediately adjacent surfaces in the area associated with the intermediate portion  56 . The retracted position of the lower leg support  40  positions the lower leg support  40  in a region below the seat  24 . Said another way, the lower leg support  40  is positioned vertically below the seat  24  when the lower leg support  40  is in the retracted position. In various examples, the retracted position of the lower leg support  40  results in the lower leg support  40  and the seat  24  forming an acute angle such that the exterior surface of the lower leg support  40  may be oriented at an angle relative to a support surface to which the vehicle seating assembly  20  is coupled (e.g., a floor of an associated vehicle). For example, it may be beneficial to orient the lower leg support  40  at an angle that is not perpendicular to the support surface to which the vehicle seating assembly  20  is mounted. By so positioning the lower leg support  40  when in the retracted position, the lower leg support  40  may be prevented from unintentionally contacting the user  72  and may generally be positioned in a manner to prevent obstruction to the user  72 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the suspension assembly  44  can include a first thickness  80  and a second thickness  84 . In various examples, the first thickness  80  and the second thickness  84  may be arranged in an alternating pattern. For example, adjacent regions of the first thickness  80  may be separated by one or more of the regions of the second thickness  84 . Similarly, adjacent regions of the second thickness  84  may be separated by one or more regions of the first thickness  80 . In various examples, the pattern of alternation between the first thickness  80  and the second thickness  84  may vary as a function of a position along a length direction of the suspension assembly  44 . The length direction of the suspension assembly  44 , as well as the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40 , may extend in what is commonly referred to as a fore-aft direction of the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40 , which extends between the first end  28  of the seat  24  and the second end  32  of the seat  24 . For example, the specific arrangement of the alternating pattern between the first thickness  80  and the second thickness  84  may coincide with a degree of flexibility for a given region of the suspension assembly  44 . It is contemplated that it may be beneficial to provide increased flexibility to the suspension assembly  44  in regions of the intermediate portion  56  that experience the greatest degree of mobility (e.g., proximate to the coupling between the lower leg support  40  and the seat  24 ). Similarly, it may be beneficial to provide lesser flexibility or more rigidity to the suspension assembly  44  in the regions proximate to the first end  48  and the second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  where the suspension assembly  44  is coupled to the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40 , respectively. It is further contemplated that the arrangement of the alternating pattern of the first thickness  80  and the second thickness  84  may be utilized to encourage or otherwise induce an inflection point in the suspension assembly  44  as the lower leg support  40  is actuated toward the extended position. Accordingly, the suspension assembly  44  may provide a contour that closely matches a rearward side of the legs of the user  72  while positively engaging with the legs of the user  72  to provide active support to the legs of the user  72  when the lower leg support  40  is in the extended position. In various examples, the first thickness  80  may be greater than the second thickness  84 . Accordingly, in some examples, the second thickness  84  may act as a living hinge for the suspension assembly  44  such that the arrangement and spacing of the alternating pattern between the first and second thicknesses  80 ,  84  can be used to tune the contour of the suspension assembly  44  as the lower leg support  40  is actuated from the retracted position to the extended position. Similar to the arrangement of the alternating pattern between the first and second thicknesses  80 ,  84 , a spacing  88  between regions of the first thickness  80  and regions of the second thickness  84  may vary based on a position along the length of the suspension assembly  44 . The variation in the spacing of the first and second thicknesses  80 ,  84  may be utilized to tune the contour of the suspension assembly  44 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , as stated above, the first end  48  of the suspension assembly  44  is coupled to the seat  24  and the second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  is coupled to the lower leg support  40 . In various examples, the first end  48  of the suspension assembly may be fixedly coupled to the seat  24  and/or the second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  may be fixedly coupled to the lower leg support  40 . As the lower leg support  40  is actuated from the retracted position toward the extended position, a path length of the suspension assembly  44  may be decreased. The path length is intended to refer to a distance that extends from the point at which the suspension assembly  44  is coupled to the seat  24 , extending toward the second end  32  of the seat  24 , extending over a junction between the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40 , and extending to terminate at the point at which the suspension assembly  44  is coupled to the lower leg support  40 . The suspension assembly  44  may be a fixed length. Accordingly, as the spatial relationship between the point on the seat  24  where the suspension assembly  44  is coupled and the point on the lower leg support  40  where the suspension assembly  44  is coupled is decreased, the compression force may begin to be applied to the suspension assembly  44  and thereby result in the suspension assembly  44  increasing the distance  60  between the interior surface  64  of the suspension assembly  44  and the immediately adjacent surfaces on the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40 . As a displacement of the lower leg support  40  from the retracted position increases (e.g., toward the extended position), the compression force experienced by the suspension assembly  44  may also increase, thereby increasing the distance  60  between the interior surface  64  of the suspension assembly  44  and the immediately adjacent surfaces of the seat  24  and the lower leg support  40 . In some examples, the coupling of the first end  48  on the suspension assembly  44  to the seat  24  and/or the coupling of the second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  to the lower leg support  40  may be movable (e.g., not fixed). For example, the seat  24  and/or the lower leg support  40  may be provided with one or more channels  92  with which the suspension assembly  44  is coupled. As the lower leg support  40  is actuated between the retracted position and the extended position, the first end  48  and/or the second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  may travel within the one or more channels  92  such that the position of the first end  48  and/or the second end  52  of the suspension assembly  44  may be adjusted to accomplish a desired contour of the suspension assembly  44 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the trim cover  66  extends over the exterior surface  68  of the suspension assembly  44 . In various examples, a cushion  96  may be positioned between the trim cover  66  and the exterior surface  68  of the suspension assembly  44 . The suspension assembly  44  is configured to assume a contoured shape that provides direct support to a rearward side of the legs of the user  72 . For example, the suspension assembly  44  can provide direct support to the rearward side of the legs of a user  72  of smaller stature ( FIG.  5   ), as well as the rearward side of the legs of a user  72  of a larger stature ( FIG.  6   ). The contour that the suspension assembly  44  assumes upon extension of the lower leg support  40  from the retracted position urges the cushion  96  and/or the trim cover  66  toward the rearward side of the legs of the user  72 . The compression force provided by the extension of the lower leg support  40  can provide an active engagement to the rearward side of the legs of the user  72 , and may provide sufficient rigidity to the suspension assembly  44  to enable the suspension assembly  44  to lift the legs of the user  72 . The arrangement of the first and second thicknesses  80 ,  84  in both spacing and pattern can provide a degree of compliance or give to the suspension assembly  44  such that a weight of the legs of the user  72  may cause the suspension assembly  44  to decrease the distance  60  between the interior surface  64  of the suspension assembly  44  and the immediately adjacent surface of the seat  24  and/or the lower leg support  40  in regions of the intermediate portion  56  where the legs of the user  72  are actively engaged by the suspension assembly  44 , the cushion  96 , and/or the trim cover  66 . In various examples, the cushion  96  may additionally provide a degree of compliance or give such that the legs of the user  72  are actively engaged, supported, and cushioned. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 - 9   , the suspension assembly  44  can assume an arcuate shape in each position of the lower leg support  40  as the lower leg support  40  transitions between the retracted position ( FIG.  7   ) and the extended position ( FIG.  9   ). A cross-section or surface area of contact between the interior surface  64  of the suspension assembly  44  and the seat  24  may vary as a function of the position of the lower leg support  40 . Similarly, a cross-section or surface area of contact between the interior surface  64  of the suspension assembly  44  and the lower leg support  40  may vary as a function of the position of the lower leg support  40 . A distribution of contact between the suspension assembly  44 , the seat  24 , and the lower leg support  40  may also vary as a function of the position of the lower leg support  40 . For example, as the lower leg support  40  is actuated from the retracted position to a partially-extended position ( FIG.  8   ), the suspension assembly  44  may first decrease a surface area of contact with the seat  24 . Additionally or alternatively, the surface area of contact between the suspension assembly  44  and the seat  24  may decrease at a greater rate or to a greater extent than the decrease in the surface area of contact between the suspension assembly  44  and the lower leg support  40 . As the lower leg support  40  is actuated from the partially-extended position to the extended position ( FIG.  9   ), the surface area of contact between the suspension assembly  44  and the lower leg support  40  may decrease. As with the surface area of contact between the suspension assembly  44 , the seat  24 , and the lower leg support  40 , the distance  60  between the interior surface  64  of the suspension assembly  44  and the immediately adjacent surfaces of either the seat  24  or the lower leg support  40  may be adjusted at varying rates and/or to varying extents throughout the actuation path of the lower leg support  40 . 
     If the lower leg support  40  is not provided with the suspension assembly  44 , the lower leg support  40  may only engage a small surface area of the rearward side of the legs of the user  72 . However, providing the suspension assembly  44  of the present disclosure enables a greater contact surface area between the components of the vehicle seating assembly  20  and a rearward side of the legs of the user  72  when the lower leg support  40  is extended. The greater surface area of contact between the rearward side of the legs of the user  72  and the components of the vehicle seating assembly  20 , especially cushioned components of the vehicle seating assembly  20 , can provide greater comfort to the user  72 , and may serve to decrease pressure points that may be experienced during extended travel in a seated position. 
     Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the concepts disclosed herein. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described concepts, and other components, is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or numeral of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes, or steps within described processes, may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further, it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise.