Patent Publication Number: US-2023150322-A1

Title: Trailer jack support system, support block assembly and support block therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 63/278,843, filed Nov. 12, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates generally to trailers towed by motor vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to support members for supporting a jack post of the trailer while in a stationary, detached state from the motor vehicle. 
     2. Related Art 
     Towable trailers typically have a support stanchion, also referred to as support post, jack post or jack stand, near a front of the trailer, which is generally referred to as the tongue of a frame of the trailer. The jack post is extendable to a ground surface for support and/or leveling of the trailer while the trailer is unhitched in a detached or uncoupled state from the motor vehicle. The jack post, if not supported by an intermediate support member, can sink into the ground surface under the weight of the trailer, causing the trailer to become not level. In some cases, the trailer becomes unstable and the jack post damages the ground surface. This can make it difficult to remove the support post from the ground, particularly under the weight of the trailer. Additionally, raising and lowering the jack post (which is done manually) over the entire distance between a bottom of the jack post and the ground surface can be laborious and time consuming. To remedy this, some trailer users place a cement cinder block or a piece of wood under the support post to prevent it from sinking into the ground surface and to save effort and time in the lowering and raising of the jack post. Although these techniques can be useful, they are generally heavy and cumbersome to stow for future use. For example, the cinder block or wood can be stowed in an interior compartment of the trailer (e.g., in a trailer home), or in a trunk or passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, which can take up valuable storage space. Moreover, the cinder block or wood can degrade with extended use over time, and will need to be replaced. Thus, improvements in trailer jack support systems continue to be of interest. 
     SUMMARY 
     When not in use supporting a jack post of a trailer, a support block constructed in accordance with this disclosure is designed to be securely stored on the trailer, such as in a convenient, readily accessible location, including, by way of example and without limitation, near the tongue of the trailer. The support block can be operably coupled to a frame of the trailer. The frame can be made of any material in any of the standard tubing geometries common to trailer frame applications such as, but not limited to, rectangular, square, I-beam and C-channel. The support block can be operably attached to any width of trailer frame material, with common widths ranging from 1.5 inches to 4 inches, though the support block can be attached to larger or smaller trailer frame widths. A coupling mechanism allows for easy and rapid deployment of the support block when needed for use, and quick, secure storage when the support block is not in use. 
     A support block assembly constructed in accordance with the disclosure can be used by individuals or businesses that engage in the activity of towing trailers of all types including, but not limited to, trailer-mounted recreational shelters, small mobile homes or offices, utility trailers, boat or recreational equipment trailers, industrial or construction equipment trailers, vehicle trailers, material-hauling trailers, or more generically, cargo trailers. Such applications need to securely and conveniently store a support block when not in use and rapidly and effectively deploy the support block when needed. 
     With the support block being securely and conveniently stored near the tongue of a trailer frame, in a specifically selected, openly viewable, accessible and deployable configuration, users are unlikely to lose the support block or neglect to use it. Furthermore, the ease and speed with which the support block is constructed in accordance with this disclosure can be detached and deployed, and then returned to its storage location on the trailer frame after use is very efficient. 
     In accordance with the above objects, features and advantages, a support block assembly for attachment to a trailer frame is provided. The support block assembly includes a support block and an intermediate coupler member configured for attachment to the trailer frame, wherein the support block is configured for attachment to the intermediate coupler member. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the intermediate coupler member can be configured for direct attachment to the trailer frame and the support block can be configured for direct attachment to the intermediate coupler member. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a support block assembly configured to be coupled to a trailer frame of a trailer in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure includes a support block having a first side configured to engage a ground surface and a second side, opposite the first side, configured to engage a jack post of the trailer, and an intermediate coupler member. The intermediate coupler member is configured for releasable attachment to the trailer frame and to the support block, such that the support block can be readily detached from the intermediate member for use in supporting the jack post by placing the first side of the support block along the ground surface and the second side of the support block into engagement with the jack post. Then, when done supporting the jack post, the support block can be readily reattached to the intermediate coupler member for stowage. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the intermediate coupler member can be configured to remain attached to the trailer frame while removing the support block from the intermediate coupler member for use in supporting the jack post. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the intermediate coupler member can be configured for quick attachment to the trailer frame via a first connection mechanism and for quick attachment to the support block via a second connection mechanism, wherein at least the second connection mechanism can be configured for coupling and decoupling with the support block without use of secondary tools. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the first and second connection mechanisms can be configured for coupling and decoupling with the trailer frame and the support block, respectively, without use of secondary tools. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the first connection mechanism can be adjustable to accommodate different configurations of trailer frames. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of stowing a support block on a trailer frame is provided. The method includes attaching an intermediate coupler mechanism to the trailer frame, and then, coupling the support block to the intermediate coupler member. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the method includes attaching an intermediate coupler mechanism directly to the trailer frame, and then, coupling the support block directly to the intermediate coupler member. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the method includes coupling the support block directly to the intermediate coupler member without using secondary tools. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic elevational view showing a motor vehicle arranged to tow a trailer along a ground surface with a support block assembly constructed in accordance with the disclosure shown releasably attached to a trailer frame of the trailer; 
         FIG.  2    is a view similar to  FIG.  1    showing the trailer detached from the motor vehicle with a jack post lowered onto a support block of the support block assembly to support the trailer in a stationary location on the ground surface; 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , respectively, illustrate top and side views of an intermediate coupler member of the support block assembly constructed in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, with the intermediate coupler member shown mounted to the trailer frame in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the intermediate coupler member of the support block assembly constructed in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, with the intermediate coupler member shown mounted to a trailer frame in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a block coupled to an intermediate coupler member of a support block assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  illustrate top, side and end views, respectively, of a block coupled to an intermediate coupler member of a support block assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  illustrate top, side and end views, respectively, of a block coupled to an intermediate coupler member of a support block assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  illustrate top and bottom views, respectively, of an intermediate coupler member of a support block assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, with the intermediate coupler member shown mounted to a trailer frame in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  show top and end views, respectively, of a block coupled to an intermediate coupler member of a support block assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure; and 
         FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  show top and end views, respectively, of a block coupled to an intermediate coupler member of a support block assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1 - 10    disclose embodiments of a trailerjack support system. For example, in  FIG.  1   , a motor vehicle  11  is shown having a trailer  13  attached thereto such that the motor vehicle  11  can tow the trailer  13  along a ground surface G in normal fashion. In  FIG.  2   , the trailer  13  is shown detached from the motor vehicle  11 , such is common practice while using or while storing the trailer  13 , depending on the type of trailer, e.g. trailer-mounted recreational shelters, small mobile homes or offices, utility trailers, boat or recreational equipment trailers, industrial or construction equipment trailers, vehicle trailers, material-hauling trailers, or more generically, cargo trailers. To facilitate supporting the trailer  13  when detached from the motor vehicle  11 , a support block assembly  10  is provided in accordance with the disclosure, with the support block assembly  10  having a support block  12  and a mounting member, also referred to as mounting plate, intermediate member or intermediate coupler member  14 . The intermediate coupler member  14  is configured for releasable attachment to the trailer  13  as well for quick connection to the support block  12 . Then, when desired, the support block  12  can be quickly and easily detached from the intermediate coupler member  14  for use in combination with a trailer jack, referred to hereafter as jack post  16 , of the trailer  13 , to secure the trailer  13  in a stationary, level orientation on the ground surface G. Of course, when desired to tow the trailer  13 , the tongue  18  can be readily coupled to a hitch  22  of the motor vehicle  11 , the jack post  16  can be returned to its stowed, retracted state, and the support block  12  can be stowed via being easily and quickly reattached to the intermediate coupler member  14  without the need of secondary tools. 
     The jack post  16 , as discussed above, is used to support the front end, commonly referred to as the tongue  18 , of a trailer  13 . The tongue  18  is configured for releasable coupling to a rear end of the motor vehicle  11 , as is known. When in use, typically while the tongue  18  of the trailer  13  is detached from the towing motor vehicle  11 , but never while the motor vehicle  11  is towing the trailer  13 , the jack post  16  can be extended vertically from a trailer frame  20  of the trailer  13  to the ground surface G to support a tongue weight of the trailer  13 . The jack post  16  is typically adjustable in height to facilitate leveling the trailer  13 . When the jack post  16  is not in use, it typically folds up against and/or alongside the trailer frame  20  so as not to contact the ground when the trailer  13  is in being towed, though some jack posts  16  can retract exclusive in a vertical direction such that they do not fold laterally. 
     An end of the jack post  16  that is intended to contact the ground surface G may have a small wheel  24  or pad coupled thereto or the end may simply terminate at a free end. Use of the support block  12  disclosed herein prevents the problem discussed above encountered during use, namely, the jack post, pad or wheel sinking into the ground surface G due to the weight of the trailer  13  especially if the ground surface G is soft dirt, mud, sand, or even asphalt. 
     The support block assembly  10  constructed in accordance with the disclosure herein solves at least those problems discussed above by allowing the user to quickly and easily store the jack support, referred to above as a “support block  12 ”, on the trailer frame  20 , such as within close proximity to the tongue  18 , if desired, or on any other region of the trailer frame  20  desired, regardless of the dimensions and material of the trailer frame  20 . Accordingly, the support block assembly  10  and intermediate coupler member  14  thereof can be configured to accommodate any size and/or shape of trailer frame  20  or tongue  18 , thereby being universally useful with many different types and styles of trailers  13 . 
     The intermediate coupler member  14  can include a portion of the jack post  16  that is coupled either directly to the trailer frame  20 , or as a standalone member which is itself connected directly to the trailer frame  20 . Embodiments of the disclosure include apparatus and methods to 1) couple the support block  12  directly to the trailer frame  20 , 2) couple the intermediate coupler member  14  directly to the trailer frame  20 , and 3) couple the support block  12  to the intermediate coupler member  14 , wherein the intermediate coupler member  14  is coupled to the trailer frame, either directly or indirectly. The various aspects, embodiments, implementations and/or features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used separately or in any combination with one another, where possible. 
     In  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the intermediate mounting plate, referred to as intermediate coupler member  14 , is shown having through-slots  26  that allow for a coupling mechanism  28 , including clamping and/or cinching mechanisms, such as a flexible strap  28 , by way of example and without limitation, to be adjusted to trailer frame beams  20  of various sizes and geometric profile shapes. The strap  28  can be a metal, plastic, rubber, textile (woven, braided, knit) (fabricated of any suitable high strength yarns, whether monofilaments and/or multifilaments, including from polymeric and/or natural fibers), with a clasp, buckle, metal or plastic cam, hook, hook and latch, hook and loop (Velcro), bolt or peg with grommet, used in a single or a plurality of configurations to couple the strap  28  to itself, the mounting plate  14 , or to the trailer frame  20  while holding the mounting plate  14  securely in place. The strap  28  can be tightened in place with inelasticity, elasticity, friction, clamp, screw mechanism, turn-buckle, ratchet, cam or lever used in a single or a plurality of configurations, by way of example and without limitation. The coupling mechanism  28  can be a clamp that secures the mounting plate  14  to the trailer frame  20  with rigid or flexible features that extend outwardly, such as vertically or horizontally, from the mounting plate  14  and are secured by means of a screw, cam, suction cup, friction, magnet, clasp, hook and latch, bar clamp, or adhesive material used in a single or a plurality of configurations. The coupling mechanism  28  can be a combination of a strap and clamp as described above used in a single or a plurality of configurations. These mechanisms can be used to mount the support block  12  to the trailer frame  20  directly without the use of a separate mounting plate  14 , if desired, though the mounting plate  14 , as discussed above, can be precisely tailored to facilitate quick and easy attachment/detachment. 
     In the coupling mechanism  28  to trailer frame  20  embodiment, a clamp with variable tensioning mechanisms can securely couple the mounting plate  14  to a trailer frame  20  made from almost any rigid material of almost any cross-sectional geometry. Through-slots  26  in the mounting plate  14  allow the coupling mechanism  28  to be adjusted for trailer frame beams of various sizes textile materials, as discussed above, and having any variety of geometric profile shapes. The coupling mechanism  28  can be made of metal, plastic, rubber or natural fiber that extend outwardly, including vertically or horizontally, from the mounting plate  14  and are secured by means of a screw, cam, suction cup, friction, magnet, clasp, hook and latch, bar clamp, or adhesive material, by way of example and without limitation, used in a single or a plurality of configurations. 
     In  FIG.  4   , an intermediate coupler member  114  in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure is shown having a coupling mechanism  128  in the form of a clamp mechanism used to couple the mounting plate  114  or block (not shown) directly to the trailer frame  20 . The clamp mechanism  128  can be orientated horizontally or vertically and secured in place with an adjustable stop  30  and a clamping mechanism, also referred to as clamp member  32 , such as a cam, ratchet, screw, nut, bolt, lever, rotating lobe, friction device or adhesive material used in a single or a plurality of configurations. At least one of the adjustable stop  30  and clamp member  32 , and shown as both, by way of example and without limitation, are adjustable for movement along a slot  34 , whereupon being located in the desire position, the respective adjustable stop  30  and clamp member  32  can be fixed against movement relative to the slot  34 . 
     In the horizontal frame clamp embodiment, the adjustable stop  30  and clamping mechanism  32  are used to secure the mounting plate  114  to the trailer frame  20 . The clamping mechanism  32  can incorporate a cam, ratchet, screw, nut, bolt, lever, rotating lobe, friction device or adhesive material to secure the mounting plate to the trailer frame  20 . 
     In  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , a coupling mechanism  228  between a support block  212  and an intermediate coupler member  214  of a support block assembly  210  constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure uses spring loaded tabs  36  with a receptacle  38 , such as an undercut or a plunger and plunger seat. The mounting plate  214  can be generally square in shape, as shown, or of any other geometry. To release the support block  212 , the tabs  36  are pushed in while simultaneously removing the block  212 . Alternatively, a plunger is used in the same manner; the plunger is either removed or the plunger spring force is overcome while the support block  212  is removed. The plunger and plunger seat can be a ball with detent or a retractable pin that extends into the plunger seat. Attachment methods can be used in a single or a plurality of locations within the support block assembly  210 . 
     In the catch and pocket embodiment, a male catch feature  36  in the form of tabs or a plunger can be used to lock the support block  212  in place with a corresponding female feature  38  in the form of an undercut, pocket or detent. The support block  212  snaps into place when located within these features and the act of pushing or pulling the male catch feature  36  releases the support block  212  for removal. 
     In  FIGS.  6 A- 6 C , a coupling mechanism between a support block  312  and an intermediate coupler member  314  of a support block assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure uses an alignment/capture feature, shown as including a magnetic feature  42  and a feature  44  for selective alignment and captured retention by the magnetic feature  42 , such as a socket  44 , embodiment wherein the support block  312  is secured to the mounting plate  314  with magnetic force coming from either the support block  312  or the mounting plate  314 , or both. Either the support block  312  or the mounting plate  314  has the magnetic feature  42  shaped as a pin, post or other geometric shape that serves to align the support block  312  to the mounting plate  314 . The magnetic feature  44  can be made of ferrous metal or magnetically charged to mate with the opposite component, be it the support block  312  or the mounting plate  314 . The alignment/capture feature, described as a magnet  42  and socket  44 , can be located around the perimeter of the support block assembly as shown, or located anywhere within the internal area of the support block  312  and mounting plate  314  components. The mounting plate  314  can be generally square in shape, as shown, or of any other geometry. 
     In the magnetic pin  42  and socket  44  embodiment, a male feature in the form of an alignment pin is located on a mounting plate  314 . An opposing female feature in the form of a socket  44  in the support block  312  facilitates alignment between the two components  312 ,  314 . The pin  42  can be made of ferrous metal, magnetized, can be an electromagnet, or can contain a permanent magnet to achieve a polarized magnet orientation. The socket  44  can contain a magnet oriented in an opposite polar orientation to achieve maximum magnetic force when in contact with the pin  42 . 
     In  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C , a coupling mechanism  428  between a support block  412  and an intermediate coupler member  414  of a support block assembly  410  constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure uses a vertical clamping mechanism  428  including a rod  46  which couples to the mounting plate  414  and clamps to the support block  412 . The clamping mechanism  428  and rod  46  can be a screw, nut, bolt, lever, cam, hook and latch, suction cup, snap feature or friction device used in a single or a plurality of configurations. The rod  46  can couple to the mounting plate  414  by use of screw threads, press-fit, adhesive, welding, heat-staking, snap feature, tension fit, or can be molded into the mounting plate. The rod  46  can be detachable from the support block assembly  410  or can pivot away via a pivotal coupling  48  to facilitate removal of the support block  412 ; the rod  46  can stay rigidly in place or a combination of both can be used. The mounting plate  414  can be generally square in shape, as shown, or of any other geometry. 
     In the vertical clamp embodiment, the rod  46  can be made from a rigid material is coupled to the mounting plate  414  via the pivotal coupling  48  and moved, via being pivoted, into position to secure the support block  412  to the mounting plate  414 . Coupled to the rod  46  is a clamping mechanism  428  that is adjusted to achieve vertical clamping force between the support block  412  and mounting plate  414 . 
     In  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , a coupling mechanism  528  between an intermediate coupler member  514  of a support block assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure and the trailer frame  20  is shown. The coupling mechanism  528  uses a U-bolt  50  or similar member which can be adjusted within the assembly to accommodate trailer frame construction of various sizes. A plate or strap on the underside of the U-bolt serves to couple it to the trailer frame. This plate or strap can be secured in place using bolts, screws, nuts, latches, cams, magnets, suction cups, adhesive material or other clamping mechanism. The U-bolt  50  can be used in a single or a plurality of configurations. The mounting plate  514 , if used, can be generally circular in shape, as shown, or of any other geometry. 
     In the U-bolt clamp embodiment, a U-bolt  50  or comparable member is located in an adjustable slot feature  52  in the mounting plate  514  or the base of the support block. The U-bolt  50  extends past the depth of the trailer frame beam  20  and a strap or plate secures the assembly to the trailer frame  20 . The U-bolt  50  rotates within the adjustment slot  52  allowing the support block assembly  510  to be configured to accommodate a variety of frame widths. 
     In  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , a coupling mechanism  628  between a support block  612  and an intermediate coupler member  614  of a support block assembly  610  constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure uses a support block  612  coupled to a mounting plate  614  using a hook joint  54  and latch mechanism  56 . The hook joint  54  includes a first feature  58  either coupled to or molded into the support block  612  that mates with an opposite second feature  60  either coupled to or molded into the mounting plate  614  to securely hold one side of the support block  612  in place. In an embodiment illustrated, the first feature  58  is an outwardly extending protrusion, also referred to as flange  58 , and the second feature  60  is a recessed pocket or channel configured for close locking receipt of the flange  58  therein. The coupling mechanism  628  includes another feature located on the opposite side of the support block assembly  610 , or along plurality of locations around the perimeter of the support block assembly  610 , to hold and retain the other side of the support block  612  in place, shown in the nonlimiting embodiment as an over-center type clamp or latch  56 . The hook joint  54  can extend the entire length of the support block assembly  610 , as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  9 A . The mounting plate  614  can be generally square in shape as shown or of any other geometry. 
     In  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , a coupling mechanism  728  between a support block  712  and an intermediate coupler member  714  of a support block assembly  710  constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure uses a support block  712  coupled to a mounting plate  714  using a hook joint  754  and latch mechanism  756 , similar to that discussed above for  FIGS.  9  and  9 A . However, rather than being a continuous hook joint, the hook joint  754  can be broken up into segments anywhere along the perimeter of the support block assembly  710 . The mounting plate  714  can be generally square in shape as shown or of any other geometry. 
     Other embodiments can include one or more of the following items. 
     [0048] 1. A support block assembly, comprising: 
   [0049] an intermediate coupler configured to be directly attached to a trailer frame;   [0050] a support block having a mounted position wherein the support block is directly and removably coupled to the intermediate coupler, and a dismounted position wherein the support block is released from the intermediate coupler, placed on an underlying ground surface and supports a jack post of the trailer frame.   
   [0051] 2. The support block assembly wherein the support block is coupled to and removed from the intermediate coupler without need of tools.   [0052] 3. The support block assembly wherein the intermediate coupler attaches to the trailer frame via a first connection mechanism, and the intermediate coupler attaches to the support block via a second connection mechanism.   [0053] 4. The support block assembly wherein the first connection mechanism is adjustable to accommodate different configurations of trailer frames.   [0054] 5. The support block assembly wherein the intermediate coupler is a mounting plate that is rectangular or round.   [0055] 6. The support block assembly wherein the intermediate coupler is coupled to the trailer frame with a flexible strap that can be tightened in place with a coupling mechanism.   [0056] 7. The support block assembly wherein the flexible strap extends through slots in the intermediate coupler, and the coupling mechanism is a clamp.   [0057] 8. The support block assembly wherein the intermediate coupler is coupled to the trailer frame with a clamp mechanism and an adjustable stop.   [0058] 9. The support block assembly wherein the clamp mechanism and adjustable stop are adjustable for movement along a slot in the intermediate coupler.   [0059] 10. The support block assembly wherein the support block is coupled to the intermediate coupler with plungers and respective receptacles, such that the support block is released from the intermediate coupler by actuating the plungers.   [0060] 11. The support block assembly wherein the plungers comprise male catch features and the receptacles comprise female features.   [0061] 12. The support block assembly wherein the support block is coupled to the intermediate coupler with magnets.   [0062] 13. The support block assembly wherein the support block is aligned on the intermediate coupler with a pin and socket.   [0063] 14. The support block assembly wherein the support block is coupled to the intermediate coupler with a vertical clamping mechanism.   [0064] 15. The support block assembly wherein the vertical clamping mechanism comprises a rod that is pivotally coupled to the intermediate coupler, and the rod adjustably engages and retains the support block on the intermediate coupler.   [0065] 16. The support block assembly wherein the support block is coupled to the intermediate coupler with a U-bolt that is rotatably adjustable in a slot of the intermediate coupler.   [0066] 17. The support block assembly wherein the support block is coupled to the intermediate coupler with a hook joint and a latch mechanism.   [0067] 18. The support block assembly wherein the hook joint comprises complementary mating features on the support block and intermediate coupler.   [0068] 19. The support block assembly wherein the hook joint extends an entire length of both the support block and the intermediate coupler.   [0069] 20. The support block assembly wherein the hook joint is segmented along perimeters of the support block and the intermediate coupler.   

     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.