Patent Publication Number: US-8985685-B2

Title: Seat with integrated trim assembly and storage bin

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly, and more particularly to a seat with an integrated trim assembly and storage bin for a vehicle seating assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The general construction of the vehicle seating assembly of the present invention is designed to be lightweight and thin, yet rigid, to provide support to a passenger during both regular use and in the event of a collision. The lightweight material also provides a flexible resilient layer to the vehicle seating assembly to increase the overall comfort of a passenger. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion defining a forward support frame having a plurality of forwardly extending connection pins on a front surface thereof. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed on the polymeric body portion and includes a plurality of slots configured to receive the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A seat includes a seat pan that is rotatable over a seat bin between open and closed positions. The seat pan includes a forward upwardly-rounded hump configured to lessen the potential of a passenger to slide forward in the seat. The seat pan includes a storage compartment on an underside thereof that includes a latchable lid. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion defining a forward support frame having a plurality of connection pins on a front surface thereof. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed on the polymeric body portion and includes a plurality of slots configured to receive the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A seat includes a seat pan that is rotatable over a seat bin between open and closed positions. The seat pan includes a forward rounded hump configured to lessen the potential of a passenger to slide forward in the seat. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion. A flexible comfort carrier is operably coupled to the polymeric body portion. A seat includes a seat pan rotatably coupled with a seat bin and includes a forward rounded hump configured to lessen the potential of a passenger to slide forward in the seat, as well as a storage compartment disposed on an underside thereof. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention 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 top perspective view of a vehicle that includes one embodiment of a vehicle seating assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of a plurality of seat backs of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seat back of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a connection pin engaged with an engagement slot; 
         FIG. 3C  is an enlarged side cross-sectional view taken at line  2 C- 2 C of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seat back with a static head restraint; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seat back with a movable head restraint; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seat back with a comfort carrier and a cushion material extending over the vehicle seat back; 
         FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible comfort carrier of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a cushion layer of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a movable head restraint; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective cross-sectional view taken of a movable head restraint installed in a support frame and in a use position; 
         FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of a vehicle seating assembly of the present invention with the head restraint rotated forward to a storage position; 
         FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle seating assembly incorporating a fixed head restraint; 
         FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of a fixed head restraint for use with a vehicle seating assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seating assembly with a cupholder assembly; 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of the vehicle seating assembly of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a front elevational view of the vehicle assembly of  FIG. 14  with the cupholder assembly removed; 
         FIG. 17  is a front elevational view of the vehicle seating assembly of  FIG. 14  with the cupholder assembly and flexible comfort carrier removed; 
         FIG. 18  is a side perspective view of a cupholder assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged side perspective view of the cupholder assembly of  FIG. 18  with a latching device secured thereto; 
         FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle seating assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a rear elevational view of the seating assembly of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a seat of the vehicle seating assembly of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of the seat of  FIG. 22  with the seat pan in an open position; 
         FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle seating assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly of  FIG. 24  with the seat back panel removed; 
         FIG. 27  is a top perspective view of a vehicle seat back panel of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 28A  is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of a seat and a seat pan for use with the vehicle seating assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28B  is a side elevational view of the seat of  FIG. 28A ; 
         FIG. 29  is a top plan view of the seat pan illustrated in the seat of  FIG. 28A ; 
         FIG. 30  is a bottom plan view of the seat pan of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a bottom plan view of the seat pan of  FIG. 30  with a reinforcement support added thereto; 
         FIG. 32  is a top perspective view of the reinforcement support of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle seat pan for use with the vehicle seating assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a bottom perspective view of the seat pan of  FIG. 33 ; and 
         FIG. 35  is a bottom plan view of the seat pan of  FIG. 33 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention 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. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  6 , reference numeral  8  generally designates a vehicle having a vehicle seating assembly  10  including a seat  11 , as well as a seat back  12  having a polymeric body portion  14 , which defines a support frame  16  having a plurality of forwardly extending connection pins  18  disposed about a periphery of a forward surface  20  of the support frame  16 . A flexible comfort carrier  22  is disposed over the forward surface  20  of the support frame  16 . The flexible comfort carrier  22  includes a multitude of openings  24 , which define a support matrix  26  configured to support the weight of a passenger. The flexible comfort carrier  22  includes a plurality of slots  28  configured to receive and engage the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins  18 . A cushion layer  30  extends over the flexible comfort carrier  22 . A head restraint  32  extends upwardly from the support frame  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3A , the illustrated vehicle seating assembly  10  includes substantially linear vertically-extending side portions  40  configured for abutment with an adjacent vehicle seating assembly  10  ( FIG. 2 ). Notably, the plurality of slots  28  are generally linearly aligned on each of the side portions  40 , as well as a top portion of the seat back  12 . The seat back  12  includes cutouts  41  at a lower portion thereof for connection with a hinge assembly that extends upwardly from the seat  11  of the vehicle seating assembly  10 . As noted in  FIG. 3A , pivot apertures  44  are located in the cutouts  41  and are configured to engage pivot knobs  46 , such as that shown in  FIG. 14 , thereby allowing the seat back  12  to rotate relative to the seat  11 . The seat back  12  is also configured to accommodate various head restraints  32 , such as a fixed head restraint  48  ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ), or a movable head restraint  50 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . The versatility of the movable head restraint  50  will be discussed in further detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the plurality of slots  28  generally define key hole slots having a widened portion  49  and a narrowed portion  52 . The forwardly extending connection pins  18  are configured to engage the widened portion  49  of the slots  28  and slide into the narrowed portion  52  of the slots  28  where the forwardly extending connecting pins  18  are retained. The engagement of the forwardly extending connection pins  18  with the key hole slots  28  maintains the flexible comfort carrier  22  in position on the support frame  16 . The forwardly extending connection pins  18  include a neck  60  with a head  62  extending therefrom. An angled wall  64  transitions the neck  60  to the head  62 . During assembly, a manufacturer would position the flexible comfort carrier  22  next to the seat back  12  and align the widened portion  49  of the key hole slots  28  with the forwardly extending connection pins  18 . The manufacturer would insert the forwardly extending connection pins  18  into the widened portion  49  and push the flexible comfort carrier  22  downward, thereby forcing the forwardly extending connection pins  18  into secure engagement with the narrowed portion  52  of the key hole slots  28 . The flexible comfort carrier  22  would then be installed. Features such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/749,584, entitled “QUICK-CONNECT TRIM CARRIER ATTACHMENT,” filed on Jan. 24, 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, may also be implemented. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the support frame  16  includes a number of forwardly extending support flanges  70  that run both vertically and horizontally that provide structural rigidity and overall strength to the support frame  16 . An outer periphery of the support frame  16  includes a number of planar portions  72  from which the forwardly extending connection pins  18  extend. The forwardly extending connection pins  18  and the planar portions  72  are equidistantly spaced about the periphery in the illustrated embodiment. A top portion of the seat  11  includes a head restraint receiving assembly  74  that is configured to receive a support post  76  from the movable head restraint  50  ( FIG. 5 ) or configured to receive first and second cylindrical support posts  77 ,  78  of the fixed head restraint  48 . The general construction of the support frame  16 , and specifically the polymeric body portion  14  of the support frame  16 , is designed to be lightweight and thin, yet exceptionally strong to support a passenger during both regular use and in the event of a collision. An intermediate portion of the support frame  16  includes a recessed area contoured to the shape of the back of a passenger. A lower area of the intermediate portion may arc outwardly to support the lower lumbar region of the back of a passenger. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-9 , the general construction of the vehicle seating assembly  10  includes the seat back  12 , which is connected to the flexible comfort carrier  22  via the interface of the key hole slots  28  and the forwardly extending connection pins  18 . The cushion layer  30  extends over the flexible comfort carrier  22  and may include an open or closed foam material  84  that is secured over the flexible comfort carrier  22 . The foam material  84  is lightweight and provides another flexibly resilient layer to the seat  11  to increase the overall comfort of the vehicle seating assembly  10 . After the foam material  84  is installed, a coverstock is secured over the foam material  84  to generally protect the foam material  84  and the seat back  12 . 
     The flexible comfort carrier  22 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , is generally constructed from a flexible polymer. In the illustrated embodiment, the multitude of openings  24  that define the support matrix  26  are provided in varying arrays of vertical and horizontal hoops  90  that are generally linear in configuration. The horizontal hoops  90  may extend in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction. The construction of the flexible comfort carrier  22  allows the hoops  90  to expand and retract, depending on the shape and size of a passenger, as well as dynamic loading placed on the flexible comfort carrier  22  during regular use and during a collision event. In addition, reinforcement rings  93  are provided that surround each slot  28  to provide reinforcing support to the flexible comfort carrier  22 . A periphery  95  of the flexible comfort carrier  22  includes a reinforced portion  92  that includes a plurality of coverstock engagement holes  97  configured to receive and secure engagement fasteners on the coverstock. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-11 , the movable head restraint  50  is generally configured to extend into the head restraint receiving assembly  74  and the support frame  16 . The support post  76  of the movable head restraint  50  has a generally planar construction and includes a blade configuration having an intermediate planar portion  94 , as well as side portions  96  that define the coverstock engagement holes  97  configured to interface with the head restraint receiving assembly  74  of the support frame  16 . The coverstock engagement holes  97  help guide the support post  76  between the use position ( FIGS. 2 and 10 ), as well as the stored position ( FIG. 11 ). A stop may be provided on a bottom portion  93  of the support post  76 . The movable head restraint  50  includes a headrest  98  that is supported on the post  76 . The attachment of the post  76  with the headrest  98  is reinforced by flanges  101 . The flanges  101  taper from the movable head restraint  50  to the support post  76 . The headrest  98  has planar side members  102 . The internal area of the headrest  98  includes a multitude of vertical and horizontal reinforcing members  103 . A top portion of the headrest  98  may taper such that a bottom portion of the headrest  98  is wider than a top portion. The intermediate planar portion  94  includes an aperture  99  configured to receive a retaining hook  100  ( FIG. 10 ). Thus, the movable head restraint  50  can be inserted into the support frame  16  until the retaining hook  100  engages the aperture  99 . When the retaining hook  100  engages the aperture  99 , the movable head restraint  50  is held in secure relation to the support frame  16 . To remove the movable head restraint  50 , the movable head restraint  50  is pushed downward, which forces the retaining hook  100  out of engagement with the aperture  99 . The movable head restraint  50  can then be withdrawn and rotated forward, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . It is generally contemplated that a push-push mechanism, as understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art could be used to both engage and disengage the movable head restraint  50  for the seat back  12 . Alternatively, the retaining hook  100  may be permanently secured with the aperture  99  and released only by a special tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable head restraint  50  can be tilted forward to 94 degrees relative to the seat back  12 . When the head restraint  32  is in the forward stored position, the seat back  12  can be rotated forward to a downward position without interfering with the seat back  12  from a front seat in the vehicle cabin. In one embodiment, the movable head restraint  50  is lifted up until a bottom portion of the post  76  is proximate an abutment member  105  ( FIG. 10 ). The movable head restraint  50  can then be rotated approximately 94 degrees until the post  76  abuts the abutment member  105 . Alternatively, the seat back  12  can be maintained in the upright position and provide increased visibility rearward for passengers and the driver in the front seat of the vehicle cabin. The support post  76  is configured to be substantially withdrawn from the seat back  12  before moving from the use position to the storage position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the fixed head restraint  48  is designed to engage the support frame  16  and maintain a fixed position relative to the support frame  16  during use. However, it is contemplated that the fixed head restraint  48  could be removed in the event repair or replacement is necessary in relation to the fixed head restraint  48 . Additionally, to accommodate the first and second cylindrical support posts  77 ,  78  that extend downwardly from the fixed head restraint  48 , the seat back  12  includes a different head restraint receiving assembly  74  designed to accommodate the first and second cylindrical support posts  77 ,  78 . The vehicle seating assembly  10  is otherwise similar to the embodiment disclosed with reference to  FIGS. 2-5  and  7 - 9 . The head restraint receiving assembly  74  includes two post receivers configured to lockingly engage latches  79  on the posts  77 ,  78 , thereby maintaining the fixed head restraint  48  in fixed relation to the vehicle seating assembly  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14-19 , the illustrated vehicle seating assembly  108  includes a cupholder assembly  110  having a general T-shaped configuration. A base portion  112  of the cupholder assembly  110  is rotatably coupled with the seat back  12 . Accordingly, the cupholder assembly  110  can be rotated vertically about a horizontal axis between deployed and non-deployed positions. When in the non-deployed position, the cupholder assembly  110  is generally flush with a forward surface of a trim cover of the seat back  12 . When in the deployed position, the cupholder assembly  110  extends forward relative to the seat back  12  and first and second cupholders  114 ,  115  deploy and are ready for use by a passenger. 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , if the cupholder assembly  110  is not installed, the flexible comfort carrier  22  may simply include a solid polymeric portion  117 . Notably, the vehicle seating assembly  108  having the cupholder assembly  110  includes a small head restraint  118 . It is contemplated that the small head restraint  118  may be movable or fixed, depending on the desired use of the vehicle seating assembly  108 . The small head restraint  118  provides a lower height to the vehicle seating assembly  108 , generally thereby increasing the rearward view of a passenger in a front portion of the vehicle cabin. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the seat backs  12  may include shared planar portions  72 . Other features of the vehicle seating assembly  108  are similar to features previously disclosed in relation to other embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the cupholder assembly  110  may include different configurations. As illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the base portion  112  of the cupholder assembly  110  includes apertures configured to engage pivot knobs  46  in the seat back  12 . The cupholder assembly  110  can be rotated forward, as noted above, and the cupholders  114 ,  115  can be deployed, such that cups carrying a beverage can be inserted into the openings defined by the cupholders  114 ,  115 . The cupholder assembly  110  includes an inner support  116  that provides support to the cupholder assembly  110 . The cupholder assembly  110  is configured to be rotated between deployed and non-deployed positions by rotation of the cupholder assembly  110  about pivot apertures  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20-23 , another embodiment of the present invention includes a narrow vehicle seating assembly  210 . In the illustrated embodiment, the narrow vehicle seating assembly  10  is a  20  percent seat, meaning that the vehicle seating assembly  10  is not a full-size seat and is generally configured to be positioned between two  40  percent seats in the vehicle cabin. The vehicle seating assembly  210  includes a seat back  212  having upper and lower portions  213 ,  215  supported on a frame  216 , as well as a headrest  214 . The vehicle seating assembly  210  also includes a seat  220  with a seat pan  222  extending over the seat  220 . The seat  220  is supported on a frame assembly  223 . An upturned portion  224  of the frame assembly  223  is pivotally coupled with the seat back  212 . A forward portion  226  of the frame assembly  223  supports a base portion  225  that engages the seat pan  222 . 
     The seat pan  222  is movable between a closed position ( FIG. 22 ) and an open position ( FIG. 23 ). The seat pan  222  includes an intermediate flex portion  230 , which flexes under the weight of a passenger, thereby providing additional comfort to a passenger. The intermediate flex portion  230  is centrally disposed in the seat pan  222  and may be made of a similar or different material than the seat pan  222 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the intermediate flex portion  230  is wider at a forward end and narrower at a rearward end. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 20-23 , the seat pan  222  also includes an anti-submarine feature in the form of a forward rounded hump  238  that minimizes the likelihood of submarining of the passenger during use. Submarining, for purposes of this disclosure, generally refers to the act of a passenger being forced off the forward edge of the seat under a seatbelt during a forward collision event. The intermediate flex portion  230  includes eyelets  231  configured to engage hooks on the seat pan  222 . The intermediate flex portion  230  also includes a multitude of upwardly extending nubs  232  that provide additional grip and flexure to the intermediate flex portion  230 . A bottom side of the intermediate flex portion  230  includes a peripheral flange  233 . A forward portion  240  of the seat pan  222  includes a latch  242  configured to engage a catch  227  on the support frame  216  of the vehicle seating assembly  210 . When the seat pan  222  is in the open position, cupholders  244  are available for use. In addition, a storage compartment  248  behind the cupholders  244  is available to store small items. An underside of the seat pan  222  includes lateral supports  250  designed to provide structural rigidity to the seat pan  222 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 24-26 , yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a vehicle seating assembly  310  having a seat back  312 , a seat  314 , and a head restraint  315 . The seat  314  is supported over a lower frame  316 . The lower frame  316  is pivotally coupled with an upper frame  317  that supports the seat back  312 . A back panel  318  of the seat back  312  includes cupholders  320 , as well as a storage compartment  322 . Accordingly, the seat back  312  can be rotated relative to the seat  314 , such that the cupholders  320  and the storage compartment  322  are ready for use by passengers. The upper frame  317  defines a cavity  324  into which the cupholders  320  and the storage compartment  322  extend. A flexible support member  330  having slots or indents  329  extends across the upper frame  317  and provides support to a comfort carrier or a cushion assembly. A rear side of the upper frame  317  includes a lattice of structural webbing  332 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 27 , the vehicle seat back  312  includes a top portion  331  that defines the cupholders  320 . A bottom portion  333  includes the storage compartment  322 . A second smaller raised compartment  334  is disposed below and behind the storage compartment  322  and separated from the storage compartment  322  by a wall  335 . The seat back  312  is rotatable about hinge members  336 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 28A and 28B , the seat  314  includes a seat pan  350  of the vehicle seating assembly  310  and includes a forward rounded hump  352  designed to minimize the effects of submarining and also to provide a lightweight, yet rigid, solution to the seating comfort of a passenger. The seat pan  350  is rotatable about a rear pivot member  351  between closed and opened positions, such that a storage compartment  354  beneath the seat pan  350  can be accessed. When in the closed position, the seat pan  350  can be held closed via a latching assembly  352 . In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 29-32 , the seat pan  350  may include a lattice of structural supports  356  that provide rigidity to the seat pan  350 , and may also include a polymeric or metallic support member  360  that provides yet further support for the seat pan  350 . The support member  360  includes a contoured surface  362  that generally follows the contours of the underside of the seat pan  350 . In the illustrated embodiment, the support member  360  extends across substantially all of an underside of the seat pan  380 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 33-35 , in yet another embodiment of the present invention, a seat pan  380  is provided that includes a small storage compartment  382  forward on an underside of the seat pan  380 . The seat pan  380  includes a matrix of support flanges  384  that are disposed on a top side of the seat pan  380  under a cushion material  381  configured to support the weight of a passenger. The small storage compartment  382  may include a lid or door to secure smaller items inside the small storage compartment  382 . A forward portion of the seat pan  380  includes a latch  385  and a rearward portion of the seat pan  380  includes a pivot member  386  designed to engage the frame  316  of the seat  314 , such that the seat pan  380  can be rotated between closed and opened positions. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention 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 invention 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 in 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, the nature or number 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 the wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of the 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 invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, 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.