Patent Publication Number: US-2023138174-A1

Title: Storage Compartments in Vehicles

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to storage compartments in vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a storage compartment that is connectable to a seat in the vehicle and which is configured to receive (accommodate) at least one personal accessory (e.g., an umbrella). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles often include storage compartments for personal accessories, which are typically located in the dashboard or the center console. The present disclosure, however, describes storage compartments that are configured for location beneath the (front) passenger seats to capitalize on space that may remain otherwise underutilized. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed that includes: a passenger seating area; a seat that is repositionable (e.g., movable, slidable) within the passenger seating area; an electromechanical system that is located beneath the seat and which is configured to support movement and/or reconfiguration of the seat; and a storage compartment that defines a receptacle for at least one personal accessory. The storage compartment is configured to conceal the electromechanical system to reduce the visibility thereof and is unitary in construction. The storage compartment is removably connected to the seat such that the storage compartment is fixed in relation to the seat but movable concomitantly with the seat during repositioning of the seat within the passenger seating area. 
     In certain embodiments, the seat and the storage compartment may include corresponding securement members that are configured to facilitate repeated connection and disconnection of the storage compartment and the seat. 
     In certain embodiments, the receptacle may define a lateral dimension that lies substantially within the range of (approximately)  6 ″ to (approximately)  12 ″ and an axial dimension that lies substantially within the range of (approximately)  2 ″ to (approximately)  3 ″. 
     In certain embodiments, the receptacle may be configured to receive an umbrella such that the umbrella nests entirely within the receptacle. 
     In certain embodiments, the storage compartment may include: an upper wall; a guide wall that extends rearwardly from the upper wall so as to subtend an obtuse angle therewith; a rear wall that extends downwardly from the upper wall; a base wall that extends forwardly from the rear wall; and a lower wall that extends upwardly from the base wall, wherein the guide wall, the rear wall, the base wall, and the lower wall collectively define the receptacle. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed that includes: a passenger seating area; a seat that is repositionable (e.g., movable, slidable) within the passenger seating area; and a storage compartment that is connected to the seat such that the storage compartment is fixed in relation to the seat but movable concomitantly with the seat during repositioning of the seat within the passenger seating area. 
     In certain embodiments, the storage compartment may be configured for removable connection to the seat. 
     In certain embodiments, the seat and the storage compartment may include corresponding securement members that are configured to facilitate repeated connection and disconnection of the storage compartment and the seat. 
     In certain embodiments, the storage compartment may be unitary in construction. 
     In certain embodiments, the vehicle may further include an electromechanical system that is located beneath the seat and which is configured to support movement and/or reconfiguration of the seat. 
     In certain embodiments, the storage compartment may be configured to conceal the electromechanical system to reduce the visibility thereof. 
     In certain embodiments, the storage compartment may define a receptacle that is configured to receive the at least one personal accessory. 
     In certain embodiments, the receptacle may define a lateral dimension that lies substantially within the range of (approximately)  6 ″ to (approximately)  12 ″ and an axial dimension that lies substantially within the range of (approximately)  2 ″ to (approximately)  3 ″. 
     In certain embodiments, the receptacle may be configured to receive an umbrella such that the umbrella nests entirely within the receptacle. 
     In certain embodiments, the storage compartment may include a body and a door that is movably connected to the body such that the door is repositionable between an open position, in which the receptacle is accessible, and a closed position, in which the receptacle is inaccessible. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a storage compartment for a vehicle is disclosed. The storage compartment is configured for connection to a seat in the vehicle in a manner inhibiting relative movement between the storage compartment and the seat but permitting movement of the storage compartment concomitantly with the seat during repositioning of the seat within the vehicle. 
     In certain embodiments, the storage compartment may include: an upper wall; a guide wall that extends rearwardly from the upper wall so as to subtend an obtuse angle therewith; a rear wall that extends downwardly from the upper wall; a base wall that extends forwardly from the rear wall; and a lower wall that extends upwardly from the base wall. 
     In certain embodiments, the guide wall, the rear wall, the base wall, and the lower wall may collectively define a receptacle that is configured to receive at least one personal accessory. 
     In certain embodiments, the storage compartment may include at least one securement member that is configured for releasable engagement with the seat in the vehicle such that the storage compartment is removably connectable to the seat. 
     In certain embodiments, the storage compartment may be unitary in construction. 
     In certain embodiments, the storage compartment may include a body and a door that is movably connected to the body such that the door is repositionable between an open position and a closed position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       According to common practice, the various features of the drawings may not be to scale and may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. 
         FIG.  1    is a partial, top, plan view of a vehicle including a storage compartment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured for connection to a seat in the vehicle. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 A- 2 A in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  2 B  is an enlargement of the corresponding area of detail identified in  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  3    is a partial, front, perspective view of a seat in the vehicle with the storage compartment removed. 
         FIG.  4    is a partial, rear view of the storage compartment illustrating a plurality of securement members, which are configured to connect the storage compartment to the seat. 
         FIG.  5    is a front, perspective view of the storage compartment. 
         FIG.  6    is a front, perspective view of the storage compartment according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a partial, front, perspective view of a seat in the vehicle shown with an alternate embodiment of the storage compartment. 
         FIG.  8    is a partial, bottom, perspective view of the storage compartment seen in  FIG.  7   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure describes various embodiments of storage compartments for vehicles that are configured to receive at least one personal accessory (e.g., an umbrella). In one embodiment of the disclosure, the storage compartment is configured for connection to a seat in the vehicle. More specifically, the storage compartment is configured for connection to the seat in a manner that allows the storage compartment to remain stationary (fixed) in relation to the seat but move concomitantly with the seat during repositioning within the vehicle, which facilitates access to the storage compartment regardless of the position of the seat. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the disclosure, the storage compartment is entirely disconnected from the seat and is removably secured to the floor of the vehicle. To facilitate such securement, the storage compartment includes a plurality of retention members (e.g., hooks or the like) that are configured for releasable engagement with carpeting on the floor of the vehicle. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , a vehicle  10  is illustrated that includes a passenger seating area  12 ; one or more seats  14 ; and a storage compartment (bin)  100 . Although the vehicle  10  is generally illustrated and described as a passenger vehicle throughout the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that the components and functionality described herein may find applicability to wide variety of vehicles. For example, it is envisioned that the storage compartment  100  may be adapted for use with trucks, SUVs, vans, boats, airplanes, trains, etc. 
     Each seat  14  is movably supported by (e.g., connected to) a corresponding rail system  16 , which includes a plurality of individual rails  18 . The rail system  16  allows for repositioning of the seat  14  within the passenger seating area  12  via movement in one or more directions. For example, it is envisioned that the rail systems  16  and the seats  14  may be configured such that the seats  14  are movable (slidable) axially (e.g., along a length L of the vehicle  10 ) and/or laterally (e.g., along a width W of the vehicle  10 ). To support movement of the seats  14  and/or reconfiguration of the seats  14  (e.g., tilting, lumbar adjustment, etc.), the vehicle  10  includes one or more electromechanical systems  20 . The electromechanical systems  20  are located beneath the seats  14  and may include any components suitable for the intended purpose(s) mentioned above (e.g., one or more motors, one or more wiring harnesses, etc.). In various embodiments of the disclosure, depending upon the style of the vehicle  10 , spatial requirements, etc., it is envisioned that the electromechanical systems  20  may be connected to (or otherwise supported by) the seat  14 , as seen in the embodiment illustrated throughout the figures, the rail systems  16 , a floor  22  of the vehicle  10  (within the passenger seating area  12 ), or any other suitable structure or component of the vehicle  10 . 
     The storage compartment  100  is configured to receive (accommodate, store) at least one personal accessory A. For example, in the particular embodiment illustrated throughout the drawings, the storage compartment  100  is configured to receive an umbrella U. It should be appreciated, however, that the storage compartment  100  may be configured to receive a variety of personal accessories A, which may vary in number and/or configuration. For example, it is envisioned that the storage compartment  100  may be configured to receive a cell phone, currency, tools, maps, valuables, a beverage container, etc. 
     The storage compartment  100  is secured to the seat  14  in a manner that inhibits (if not entirely prevents) relative movement therebetween while allowing for concomitant movement of the storage compartment  100  and the seat  14  during repositioning (e.g., sliding) of the seat  14  within the passenger seating area  12 , which facilitates access to the storage compartment  100  regardless of the position of the seat  14 . More specifically, the storage compartment  100  and the seat  14  include corresponding securement members  102 ,  24  ( FIGS.  3 ,  4   ), respectively, which are configured for releasable engagement to facilitate removable connection of the storage compartment  100  and the seat  14  (e.g., repeated connection and disconnection of the storage compartment  100  and the seat  14 ). In the particular embodiment of the disclosure illustrated, the storage compartment  100  includes a plurality of clips  104  that are configured for removable insertion into corresponding openings  26  defined by the seat  14 , thereby fixing the storage compartment  100  in relation to the seat  14  and allowing the storage compartment  100  to remain stationary in relation to the seat  14  during repositioning within the passenger seating area  12 . 
     While the storage compartment  100  and the seat  14  are respectively shown as including five clips  104  and five openings  26 , it should be appreciated that the particular configuration and/or number of securement members  102 ,  24  may be varied in alternate embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments are envisioned herein in which the clips  104  and the openings  26  may be replaced by corresponding detents and recesses, fasteners, or other such suitable structures or mechanisms, as are embodiments in which the storage compartment  100  and the seat  14  may include greater and fewer numbers of securement members  102 ,  24 , respectively. In one particular embodiment, for example, is envisioned that the storage compartment  100  and the seat  14  may each be provided with a single securement member  102 ,  24 , respectively. Embodiments are also envisioned in which the locations of the clips  104  and the openings  26  may be reversed (e.g., such that the clips  104  are provided on the seat  14  and the openings  26  are defined by the storage compartment  100 ). 
     In certain embodiments of the disclosure, it is also envisioned that the storage compartment  100  and the seat  14  may be non-removably connected. For example, embodiments are envisioned in which the storage compartment  100  and the seat  14  may be formed as separate, discrete structures that are permanently connected together in a manner that prevents repeated connection and disconnection of the storage compartment  100  as are embodiments in which the storage compartment  100  and the seat  14  may be unitarily (e.g., integrally, monolithically) formed. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the storage compartment  100  is configured to extend (at least partially) beneath the seat  14 . More specifically, the storage compartment  100  is configured for positioning between the rails  18  and is entirely disconnected (disengaged) therefrom, which inhibits (if not entirely prevents) any interference with operation (e.g., movement and/or reconfiguration of the seat  14 ). Location of the storage compartment  100  beneath the seat  14  and between the rails  18  makes use of otherwise underutilized space in the passenger seating area  12  and conceals the electromechanical system  20  to not only protect the electromechanical system  20  (and the components thereof), but obscure the electromechanical system  20  from view to reduce the visibility thereof (either partially or entirely). To further enhance protection and concealment of the electromechanical system  20 , in certain embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the storage compartment  100  may be configured to extend vertically from the seat  14  to a location adjacent to, but above, the floor  22  (e.g., so as not to interfere with movement of the seat  14  along the rails  18 ), as seen in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . For example, it is envisioned that the storage compartment  100  may be configured so as to define a gap G ( FIG.  2 B ) with the floor  22  that lies substantially within the range of (approximately) 0.25″ to (approximately) 1″. Embodiments in which the storage compartment  100  may be configured such that the gap G lies outside the disclosed range, however, would not be beyond the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The storage compartment  100  may include any suitable material or combination of materials and may be formed through any suitable method of manufacture (e.g., injection molding, casting, laser machining, etc.). For example, it is envisioned that the storage compartment  100  may include (e.g., may be formed partially or entirely from) one or more metallic materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and/or one or more non-metallic materials, such as one or more plastic materials, polymeric materials, and/or composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber). 
     To improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the passenger seating area  12 , it is envisioned that the storage compartment  100  may correspond in color to the seat  14 , to the floor  22  of the vehicle  10 , etc. Additionally, it is envisioned that the material(s) used in construction of the storage compartment  100  may include a wipeable finish to facilitate cleaning of the storage compartment  100 . 
     The storage compartment  100  includes a body  106  ( FIGS.  2 B,  5   ) defining an (open) receptacle  108 . The receptacle  108  is configured to receive the personal accessory(ies) A and defines a mouth (opening, ingress)  110  that allows for insertion and removal thereof. More specifically, in the particular embodiment of the disclosure illustrated, the receptacle  108  defines a lateral dimension X that lies substantially with the range of (approximately) 6″ to (approximately) 12″ and extends in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to the width W of the vehicle  10  and an axial dimension Y that lies substantially with the range of (approximately) 2″ to (approximately) 3″ and extends in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to the length L of the vehicle  10 , whereby the receptacle  108  is configured to receive the aforementioned umbrella U ( FIG.  2 A ) such that the umbrella U nests entirely within (is completely received by) the receptacle  108 . As indicated above, however, the storage compartment  100  may be configured to receive a variety of personal accessories A. Accordingly, it is envisioned that the receptacle  108  may be configured in manner suitable for that intended purpose and, as such, that the receptacle  108  may define dimensions that lie outside of the disclosed ranges without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Although shown as including a polygonal transverse cross-sectional configuration in the particular embodiment illustrated, embodiments of the storage compartment  100  in which the receptacle  108  may include a non-polygonal transverse cross-sectional configuration are also envisioned herein. For example, it is envisioned that the receptacle may include an arcuate (e.g., round) transverse cross-sectional configuration. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  2 B and  5   , the body  106  of the storage compartment  100  includes: an upper wall  112 ; a guide wall  114 ; a rear wall  116 ; a base wall  118 ; and a lower wall (flange)  120 , each of which is linear (or generally linear) in configuration. 
     In the particular embodiment of the storage compartment  100  illustrated, the upper wall  112  sits flush (or generally flush) with a forward (front) surface  28  ( FIG.  2 A ) of the seat  14 . Embodiments in which the upper wall  112  may extend axially beyond the forward surface  28  of the seat  14  (along the length L of the vehicle  10 ) are also envisioned herein, however, as are embodiments in which the upper wall  112  may be located axially rearward (behind) the forward surface  28  of the seat  14  such that the body  106  is positioned entirely beneath the seat  14 . 
     The guide wall  114  extends rearwardly from the upper wall  112  (along the length L of the vehicle  10 ) so as to subtend an obtuse angle α ( FIG.  2 B ) therewith. In the particular embodiment of the storage compartment  100  illustrated, the body  106  is configured such that the angle α lies substantially within the range of (approximately) 115° to (approximately) 150°. It should be appreciated, however, that the relative orientations of the upper wall  112  and the guide wall  114  and, thus, the angle α, may be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments in which the angle α may be equal (or approximately equal) to 90° are also envisioned herein, as are embodiments in which the angle α may be less than 90°. 
     The rear wall  116  extends (vertically) downward from the upper wall  112  (along a height H of the seat  14  and the vehicle  10 ) so as to subtend an obtuse angle ( 3  therewith, which corresponds to the angle α and is equal (or generally equal) thereto. As such, in the particular embodiment of the storage compartment  100  illustrated, the angle β lies substantially within the range of (approximately) 115° to (approximately) 150°. It should be appreciated, however, that the relative orientations of the guide wall  112  and the rear wall  116  and, thus, the angle ( 3 , may be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments in which the angle β may be equal (or approximately equal) to 90° are also envisioned herein, as are embodiments in which the angle α may be less than 90° and embodiments in which the angles α, β may be unequal. 
     The base wall  118  extends forwardly from the rear wall  116  (along the length L of the vehicle  10 ) and towards the upper wall  112 . In the particular embodiment of the storage compartment  100  illustrated, the body  106  is configured such that rear wall  116  and the base wall  118  are oriented in orthogonal (or generally orthogonal) relation. It should be appreciated, however, that the relative orientations of the rear wall  116  and the base wall  118  may be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, embodiments in which the rear wall  116  and the base wall  118  may be oriented so as to subtend either an acute angle or an obtuse angle therebetween are contemplated herein. 
     The lower wall  120  extends (vertically) upward from the base wall  118  (along the height H of the seat  14  and the vehicle  10 ) and towards the guide wall  114  and the upper wall  112  so as to define the receptacle  108 , which extends between the guide wall  114 , the rear wall  116 , the base wall  118  and the lower wall  120 . In the particular embodiment of the storage compartment  100  illustrated, the body  106  is configured such that base wall  118  and the lower wall  120  are oriented in orthogonal (or generally orthogonal) relation. It should be appreciated, however, that the relative orientations of the base wall  118  and the lower wall  120  may be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, embodiments in which the base wall  118  and the lower wall  120  may be oriented so as to subtend either an acute angle or an obtuse angle therebetween are contemplated herein (e.g., to vary the dimensions of the mouth  110  of the receptacle  108 ). 
     In the particular embodiment of the storage compartment  100  illustrated, the upper wall  112 , the rear wall  116 , and the lower wall  120  each extend in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to each other and in parallel (or generally parallel) relation the height H of the seat  14  (and the vehicle  10 ). It should be appreciated, however, that the particular configuration of the body  106  and/or the orientations of the upper wall  112 , the rear wall  116 , and/or the lower wall  120  may be altered in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., depending upon the particular configuration of the seat  14 , spatial allowances/requirements, etc.). 
     It is envisioned that the securement members  102  ( FIG.  4   ) may be provided on any suitable surface of the body  106 . For example, depending upon the particular configuration of the seat  14 , spatial allowances/requirements, etc., it is environed that the securement members  102  may be provided on the upper wall  112 , the guide wall  114 , and/or the rear wall  116 , etc. 
     In the particular embodiment illustrated, the storage compartment  100  (e.g., the body  106 ) includes a unitary construction, whereby the storage compartment  100  is formed from a single piece of material and the upper wall  112 , the guide wall  114 , the rear wall  116 , the base wall  118 , and the lower wall  120  extend continuously from each other (in an uninterrupted manner). It should be appreciated, however, that embodiments of the storage compartment  100  are also envisioned herein in which the storage compartment  100  may be non-unitary in construction. 
     In certain embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the storage compartment  100  may include a door  122  ( FIG.  6   ) that is movably connected to the body  106  such that the door  122  is repositionable (movable) between an open position, in which the receptacle  108  is accessible (e.g., to allow for insertion and removal of the personal accessory(ies) A), and a closed position, in which the receptacle  108  is inaccessible (e.g., to secure the personal accessory(ies) A therein). It is envisioned that the door  122  may be connected to the body  106  in any manner suitable for the intended purpose of allowing for movement of the door  122  between the open and closed positions. For example, it is envisioned that the door  122  may be pivotably connected to the body  106 , that the door  122  may be slidably connected to the body  106 , that the door  122  may be rotatably connected to the body  106 , etc. 
     In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the door  122  may be integrated into the body  106  (e.g., via a living hinge) such that the door  122  and the body  106  are integrally (monolithically) formed so as to preserve the unitary construction of the storage compartment  100 . Alternatively, it is envisioned that the door  122  may be provided as a separate, discrete component of the storage compartment (e.g., as a lid or a cover that is configured in correspondence with the receptacle  108 ). 
     To further enhance the protection offered by the storage compartment  100 , it is envisioned that the door  122  may include a closure member  124  (e.g., a latch  126  or other such structure or mechanism) to secure the door  122  in the closed position. For example, it is envisioned that the closure member  124  may be configured for removable insertion into a corresponding opening defined by the body  106  or that the closure member  124  may include one or more magnetic members. In certain embodiments, it is also envisioned that the door  122  may include a locking mechanism (member) to further secure the door  122  in the closed position and enhance the security offered by the storage compartment  100 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , an alternate embodiment of the storage compartment will be discussed, which is identified by the reference character  200 . The storage compartment  200  is substantially similar in both structure and function to the storage compartment  100  discussed above and, accordingly, in the interest of brevity, will only be discussed with respect to any differences therefrom. As such, identical reference characters will be utilized to refer to elements, structures, features, etc., common to the storage compartments  100 ,  200 . 
     As with the storage compartment  100 , the storage compartment  200  is located beneath the seat  14  and is entirely disconnected (disengaged) from the rails  18 . To facilitate such placement, the storage compartment  200  defines a length Ls that lies substantially with the range of (approximately) 3″ to (approximately) 5″ and extends in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to the length L ( FIG.  1   ) of the vehicle  10 , a width Ws that lies substantially with the range of (approximately) 10″ to (approximately) 14″ and extends in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to the width W ( FIG.  1   ) of the vehicle  10 , and a height Hs that lies substantially with the range of (approximately) 3″ to (approximately) 5″ and extends in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to the height H ( FIG.  2 A ) of the seat  14  (and the vehicle  10 ). It should be appreciated, however, the configuration of the storage compartment  200  may be varied in alternate embodiments to facilitate placement beneath the seat  14  in the manner descried herein and that the storage compartment  200  may define dimensions that lie outside of the ranges disclosed above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., depending upon the particular configuration of the seat  14 , spatial allowances/requirements, etc.). 
     In contrast to the storage compartment  100 , the storage compartment  200  is entirely disconnected (disengaged) from the seat  14 . Instead, the storage compartment  200  is configured for removable securement to (releasable engagement with) the floor  22  of the vehicle  10  (within the passenger seating area  12 ). More specifically, the storage compartment  200  includes a plurality of retention members  228  (e.g., hooks  230  or the like) that are configured for releasable engagement with (connection to) the floor  22  (e.g., to the carpeted overlayment). As seen in  FIG.  8   , in the particular embodiment of the storage compartment  200  illustrated, the retention members  228  are provided on a bottom surface (underside)  232  of the base wall  118 . It is envisioned, however, that the retention members  228  may be provided in any suitable location(s). 
     In the particular embodiment of the storage compartment  200  illustrated, the retention members  228  are formed integrally (monolithically) with the body  106  (e.g., the base wall  118 ). For example, it is envisioned that the retention members  228  may be molded with the base wall  118  during manufacture of the storage compartment  200 . It is also envisioned, however, that the body  106  and the retention members  228  may be formed separately and that the retention members  228  may be connected to the body  106  (either fixedly or removably) in any suitable manner. For example, it is envisioned that the retention members  228  may be provided on a plate that may be secured to the body  106  (e.g., the base wall  118 ), which may allow for replacement of the retention members  228  in the event of damage, excessive wear and tear, etc. 
     Persons skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments of the disclosure described herein and shown in the accompanying figures constitute non-limiting examples, and that additional components and features may be added to any of the embodiments discussed hereinabove without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, persons skilled in the art will understand that the elements and features shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with those of another embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and will appreciate further features and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter based on the description provided. Variations, combinations, and/or modifications to any of the embodiments and/or features of the embodiments described herein that are within the abilities of a person having ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of the disclosure, as are alternative embodiments that may result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features from any of the disclosed embodiments. 
     Use of broader terms such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having” should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as “consisting of,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprised substantially of.” Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow and includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. 
     In the preceding description, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between the various structures illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and to the spatial orientation of the structures. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of this disclosure, the structures described herein may be positioned and oriented in any manner suitable for their intended purpose. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “left,” “right,” “upward,” “downward,” “inward,” “outward,” etc., should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the structures and/or a spatial orientation of the structures. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the use of such terms may be provided in the context of the illustrations provided by the corresponding figure(s). 
     Additionally, terms such as “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and the like should be understood to allow for variations in any numerical range or concept with which they are associated. For example, it is intended that the use of terms such as “approximately” and “generally” should be understood to encompass variations on the order of 25%, or to allow for manufacturing tolerances and/or deviations in design. 
     Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and represents embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “A and/or B and/or C” should each be interpreted to include only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.