Abstract:
The present invention provides an attachment bar extending from the mechanism of a flip-top table. While maintaining the benefits of standard flip-top tables, attachment bar also achieves many benefits including improved table rigidity and additional locations to secure attachments to the table.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of patent application Ser. No. 12/031,009 entitled “Flip-Top Table Mechanism” filed Feb. 14, 2008 by Jack Nyenhuis, Matthew Ruster, Tod Babick, Gary Petertyl, and Bradley DeBruyne, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a flip-top table having a removable support and attachment bar between flip-top table mechanisms. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Tables with tilting tops are well known in the art. Designers of flip-top tables, however, have faced many challenges in designing the mechanism that allows the top to tilt and preferably lock in place. First, the rigidity of a flip-top table must be comparable to conventional non-flip tables. 
         [0004]    Second, the flip-top mechanisms must be simple to manufacture and preferably accommodate a variety of leg and table tops so that a single style of mechanism may be manufactured for multiple table designs. 
         [0005]    Third, the flip-top mechanisms must provide sufficient support to the table top surface to prevent the table top from sagging when a load is placed on the table. 
         [0006]    Fourth, when multiple flip-top mechanisms are used to support a table, it is desirable to have the distance between the mechanisms be adjustable so that various lengths of table tops may be supported by the mechanisms. 
         [0007]    Fifth, pinch points at the location of mechanism activation must be minimized to reduce the risk of injury to the table operator. Sixth, the operation of the mechanism should be intuitive and a single or dual operation should be used for releasing the table top from multiple positions. 
         [0008]    Seventh, it is desirable for the flip-top table system to be customizable with various attachments with a minimal amount of effort after the table has been delivered from the manufacturer to the customer. 
         [0009]    Eighth, the mechanism must be difficult to accidentally activate when it is bumped or kicked by a person using the table. Ninth, the design of the mechanism must accommodate a modesty panel. 
         [0010]    Finally, the mechanism should be constructed from lightweight yet robust materials. The mechanism should utilize unique latching features for each unique configuration because utilizing different portions of the mechanism helps to evenly spread the wear on the mechanism. Utilizing separate features for each latching position also allows the mechanical tolerances of the design and table wobble to be reduced. Additionally, separate features may be individually customized (strengthened, etc.) based on conditions the table will experience in a specific configuration. 
         [0011]    There have been many attempts to address the challenges faced by designers of flip-top table mechanisms. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,203,783 issued to Reischmann and U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,946 issued to Charnay disclose lockable mechanisms for pivoting tables. The mechanisms have springs that are securable to a plurality of rods or holes, with each rod or hole corresponding to a unique table position. The &#39;783 and &#39;946 patents, however, do not provide unique spatially separated latching features since one spring interacts with all the rods or holes. Additionally, the latching mechanisms of the &#39;738 and &#39;946 patents are only functional with one type of table leg because the legs are integrated into the mechanisms, thus the need remains for an improved flip-top table mechanism. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,195 issued to Diffrient discloses a “tilting table top mechanism . . . [with] a chassis member which is secured to the underside of a table top and a base plate which is secured to the top of a table leg . . . A dual locking mechanism maintains the table top in its normal ‘use’ position but is manually disengaged with ease.” The mechanism of the &#39;195 patent does not bi-directionally lock the rotation of the table in a folded configuration, thus the need remains for an improved flip-top table mechanism. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,796,169 issued to Bales and Estes discloses a flip-top table mechanism that utilizes unique portions of the latch for each configuration of the table. However, the mechanism of the &#39;169 patent has several pinch points near the activation point of the mechanism. 
         [0014]    U.S. Patent Application Publication 2009/0114130 by Chirea, et al. discloses a table top with a flip mechanism has a frame of two spaced apart legs, each leg having two pivoting wheels, a spine connecting each leg, and a table top hingedly connecting to the spine for rotation off the center of the table. However, the mechanism disclosed by Chirea is not adjustable in length and does not provide attachment points on the mechanism. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an easily manufacturable mechanism for a flip-top table with rigidity comparable to a non flip-top table. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an intuitively operable mechanism that meets government and industry standards. 
         [0017]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a flip-top table mechanism that is capable of locking a table in both a use and folded position. 
         [0018]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism having a removable attachment bar. 
         [0019]    A still further object of the present invention is to provide a single release mechanism capable of releasing the table top from both a folded and a use position while being difficult to accidentally engage. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    The present invention provides an attachment bar extending from flip-top table mechanisms. While maintaining the benefits of standard mechanisms, the mechanism of the present invention also achieves many benefits including improved table rigidity, an intuitively operable release mechanism, a single release action for both the “use” and “folded” positions, and spatially separated latches for the “use” and “folded” positions. Additionally the present invention provides a mechanism that meets or exceeds government and industry standards and has a refined appearance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates an upper perspective view of a flip-top table with two table legs and multiple attachment bars secured to flip-top mechanisms. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates a lower perspective view of a flip-top table with two table legs and multiple attachment bars secured to flip-top mechanisms. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side perspective view of a flip-top table with two table legs and multiple attachment bars secured to flip-top mechanisms. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  illustrates a partial lower side perspective view of a flip-top table with two table legs and multiple attachment bars secured to flip-top mechanisms. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5   a  illustrates a side elevational view of an attachment bracket secured to a flip-top table mechanism in a use configuration. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5   b  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the attachment bracket and flip-top table mechanism of  FIG. 5   a.    
           [0027]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side elevational view of an attachment bracket secured to a flip-top table mechanism in a storage configuration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  illustrates an upper side perspective view of an attachment bracket secured to a flip-top table mechanism in a storage configuration. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of an attachment bracket secured to a flip-top table mechanism in a storage configuration. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  illustrates a top plan view of an attachment bracket secured to a flip-top table mechanism in a storage configuration. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  illustrates a top plan view of an attachment bracket. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side elevational view of an attachment bracket. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  illustrates a front perspective view of an attachment bracket. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  illustrates a rear perspective view of an attachment bracket. 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side perspective view of an attachment bar with an open clamping mechanism. 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  illustrates a side elevational view of an attachment bar with an open clamping mechanism. 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  illustrates a side perspective view of an attachment bar with a closed clamping mechanism. 
           [0038]      FIG. 17   a  illustrates a side elevational view of an attachment bar with a closed clamping mechanism. 
           [0039]      FIG. 17   b  illustrates the D 4  dihedral symmetry of the attachment bar shown in  FIG. 17   a.    
           [0040]      FIG. 18  shows a side elevational view of a table top supporting bar attachment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 19  shows a lower perspective view of a table top supporting bar attachment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 20  shows a side perspective view of a table top supporting bar attachment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 21  shows a front elevational view of a bar joiner structured to join two attachment bars. 
           [0044]      FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of a bar joiner structured to join two attachment bars. 
           [0045]      FIG. 23  shows a side elevational view of a bar joiner structured to join two attachment bars. 
           [0046]      FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of a modesty panel adapted to be secured into an attachment bar extending between table legs. 
           [0047]      FIG. 25  shows a side perspective view of a modesty panel adapted to be secured into an attachment bar extending between table legs. 
           [0048]      FIG. 26  shows a front elevational view of a modesty panel adapted to be secured into an attachment bar extending between table legs. 
           [0049]      FIG. 27  shows an upper perspective view of a cabinet adapted to be secured into an attachment bar extending between table legs. 
           [0050]      FIG. 28  shows a side perspective view of a cabinet adapted to be secured into an attachment bar extending between table legs. 
           [0051]      FIG. 29  shows a front elevational view of a cabinet adapted to be secured into an attachment bar extending between table legs. 
           [0052]      FIG. 30  shows a rear elevational view of a cabinet adapted to be secured into an attachment bar extending between table legs. 
           [0053]      FIG. 31  shows a front perspective of a foot rest adapted to be secured into an attachment bar extending between table legs. 
           [0054]      FIG. 32  shows a side perspective of a foot rest adapted to be secured into an attachment bar extending between table legs. 
           [0055]      FIG. 33  shows a side elevational view of an attachment bar extending between two flip-top table mechanisms and multiple attachments secured to the attachment bar supporting a table top surface. 
           [0056]      FIG. 34  shows a partial perspective view of multiple attachments on an attachment bar supporting a table top surface. 
           [0057]      FIG. 35  illustrates an upper perspective of a flip-top table in a storage configuration wherein an attachment bar is secured to the flip-top mechanism and hinged supports extend horizontally from the attachment bar. 
           [0058]      FIG. 36  illustrates an upper perspective of a flip-top table in a partial storage configuration wherein an attachment bar is secured to the flip-top mechanism and hinged supports extend horizontally from the attachment bar. 
           [0059]      FIG. 37  illustrates an upper perspective of a flip-top table in a use configuration wherein an attachment bar is secured to the flip-top mechanism and hinged supports extend horizontally from the attachment bar. 
           [0060]      FIG. 38  illustrates a side perspective of a flip-top table in a partial storage configuration wherein an attachment bar is secured to the flip-top mechanism and hinged supports extend horizontally from the attachment bar. 
           [0061]      FIG. 39  illustrates a side elevational view of a flip-top table in a use configuration wherein an attachment bar is secured to the flip-top mechanism and hinged supports extend horizontally from the attachment bar. 
           [0062]      FIG. 40  illustrates a side elevational view of a flip-top table in a partial storage configuration wherein an attachment bar is secured to the flip-top mechanism and hinged supports extend horizontally from the attachment bar. 
           [0063]      FIG. 41  illustrates a side elevational view of a flip-top table in a storage configuration wherein an attachment bar is secured to the flip-top mechanism and hinged supports extend horizontally from the attachment bar, wherein two table top supports are secured to each attachment bar. 
           [0064]      FIG. 42  illustrates a first lower perspective view of a flip-top table having two attachment bars extending away from a single flip-top mechanism, wherein two table top supports are secured to each attachment bar. 
           [0065]      FIG. 43  illustrates a second lower perspective view of a flip-top table having two attachment bars extending away from a single flip-top mechanism, wherein two table top supports are secured to each attachment bar. 
           [0066]      FIG. 44  illustrates a lower view of a flip-top table having two attachment bars extending away from a single flip-top mechanism, wherein a single top support is secured to each attachment bar. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0067]    The present invention may be used with any type of table structure and is particularly suited for applications requiring a lightweight, rigid, and robust mechanism. The attachment bar may be used with objects such as chairs, tables, stadium seating or benches. However, for descriptive purposes, the present invention will be described in use with a flip-top table. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 1 through 4  illustrate a flip-top table  5  having two table legs  10  secured to a table top  15  via two flip-top mechanisms  20 . Removable attachment brackets  25  are secured to the flip-top mechanisms and attachment bars  30  connect to the attachment brackets. Some of the attachment bars extend between two flip-top mechanisms  20  while others extend away from single flip-top mechanisms. The attachment bars  30  are removable and provide additional rigidity to the support structure of the table. The addition of an attachment bar between flip-top mechanisms may increase the allowed spacing between legs and may allow the flip-top mechanisms to support a larger table top surface than would be possible without the attachment bar. 
         [0069]    In addition to increasing the rigidity of the table, the attachment bars include slots configured to secure a plurality of attachments to the bar. The additional attachments may include a top support  35  configured to support the table top surface directly above the attachment bar. Proximate side supports  40  and distant side supports  45  horizontally extend from the sides of the attachment bar  30  and support the tabletop surface away from the attachment bar. The addition of side supports may allow for a wider table to be supported by the flip-top mechanisms. Storage containers  50 , modesty panels  55 , and foot rests  60  may hang down from the attachment bar to provide additional functionality to the table. Multiple attachment bars may be secured together by a bar connector  65  and the attachment bars may include locking mechanisms  70  for securing the attachments in place. End caps  75  may also be placed in the ends of the attachment bars. 
         [0070]      FIGS. 5   a  through  9  illustrate an example of a removable attachment bracket  25  secured to a flip-top mechanism  20 . The flip-top mechanism  20  includes a top plate  85  rotatably secured to a base plate  90  about a hinge  95  on the axis of rotation  80  of the table. In the illustrated example, the axis of rotation  80  is horizontal and is partially occupied by the hinge  95  of the flip-top mechanism  20 . The top plate  85  includes a substantially planar top surface  100  that is configured to be secured to the table top. The top plate is rotationally fixed to the table top about the axis of rotation  80  in that when viewed in a polar coordinate system with the axis of rotation  80  as the pole, there is a fixed angular difference θ between the table top and the top plate. The top plate  85  may also include a plurality of apertures through which a plurality of fasteners (highlighted in  FIG. 5   b ) may be threaded to secure the table top to the top plate  85 . When the table is in a use configuration (shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b ) the attachment bracket is circumscribed by the base plate  90  and the top plate  85 , while in the storage configuration (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) the attachment bracket  25  is not circumscribed or enclosed by the combination of the base plate  90  and the top plate  85 . In the use configuration, a portion of the fasteners shown in  FIG. 5   b  are located directly between the top plate and the base plate of the flip mechanism. The base plate  90  includes a leg region adapted to be rigidly secured to a table leg, and a central region  105  adapted to be removably secured to the attachment bracket  25 . The central region  105  may also include a plurality of apertures  110  through which fasteners may be threaded to secure the attachment bracket to the flip-top mechanism. Two attachment brackets may be simultaneously secured to a single central region. The base plate  90  also includes support surfaces  115  that contact and support the top plate  85  when the flip top table is in a use configuration. When the table is in a use configuration, the top plate  85  and the base plate  90  cooperate to circumscribe the attachment bracket  25  and prevent access to fasteners used to secure the attachment bracket to the central region  105  of the base plate  90 . 
         [0071]      FIGS. 10 through 13  illustrate an example of an attachment bracket  25  configured to be removably secured to both a base plate of a flip-top mechanism and an attachment bar. The attachment bracket includes a mechanism portion  120  that is configured to fit between the base plate and the top plate of the flip-top mechanism when the table is in a use configuration. The mechanism portion  120  has a width  125  and length  130  that are both substantially greater than its height  135  so as to fit into the flip-top mechanism. The mechanism portion may include recessed fastener holes  140  through which fasteners may be threaded to secure the attachment bracket to the base plate. When the flip-top mechanism is in a use configuration, the fasteners threaded through the fastener holes may not be visible or readily accessible. The attachment bracket also includes a bar portion  145  configured to interlock with an attachment bar. The bar portion includes a plurality of parallel bar protrusions  150  that extend away from the mechanism portion of the attachment bracket. In the illustrated example a large central bar protrusion  155  is constructed to be secured into the main channel of an attachment bar while smaller perimeter bar protrusions  160  are configured to be secured between the outer channels of the attachment bar. The central bar protrusion  155  may be configured to support the weight of the attachment bar and the objects supported by the attachment bar while the perimeter bar protrusions  160  are configured to prevent rotation of the attachment bar about the central bar protrusion when unequal loads are applied to the sides of the attachment bar. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 14 through 17   b  illustrate an example of a substantially circular attachment bar  25  having four outer channels  165  surrounding a main channel  170 . The outer channels  165  are configured to secure attachments to the attachment bar and they have channel widths  175  that are substantially larger than their channel openings  180  so that attachments cannot be removed from the outer channels while both ends of the attachment bar are secured to attachment brackets, bar connectors, or end caps. The outer channels include end openings  185  through which attachments may be slid into or out of the outer channel. In the illustrated example, the attachment bar is constructed from a single piece of extruded metal although multiple components could be used in combination to form an attachment bar. The main channel  170  of the attachment bar is primarily defined by four sides  190  that are configured to contact the central bar protrusion of the attachment bracket. 
         [0073]    Also shown in  FIGS. 14 through 17   a  is a locking mechanism  70  structured to lock the attachments in the outer channels  165  into a fixed position. While the outer channels  165  are configured to only allow the attachments to be removed from the channel through the end openings, the attachments may be slid along the length of the outer channel while the locking mechanism  70  is disengaged. In the illustrated example, the locking mechanism includes a friction plate  195  in an outer channel  165  that may be selectively moved towards or away from the channel opening by a locking bar in the main channel  170  of the attachment bar. When the locking mechanism  70  is disengaged as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the friction plate  195  is located away from the channel opening and does not contact, or only minimally contacts the attachment located within the outer channels. When the locking mechanism is engaged, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17   a , the friction plate  195  is pressed towards the channel opening and contacts the attachment to prevent the attachment from sliding through the outer channel. Although only one example of a locking mechanism is illustrated, the inventor contemplates numerous other embodiments of locking mechanisms, such as one that clamps the sides of the attachments in the channel and a locking mechanism that is electronically controlled.  FIG. 17   b  illustrates the high symmetry of the illustrated attachment bar. The attachment bar shown is dihedral and has four and only four unique axes of symmetry, thus it is D 4  symmetric. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 18 through 20  illustrate an example of a top support  35  adapted to slide through an outer channel of an attachment bar and support a table top surface. The top support includes a substantially flat upper surface  200  configured to contact and support a table top when the table is in a use configuration. A rounded surface  205  is configured to contact the outer surface of the attachment bar and assists in supporting the flat upper surface. Like the attachments configured to be secured to the attachment bar, the top support includes a neck portion  210  having a width slightly less than the width of the channel opening and a bulb portion  215  having a width slightly less than the channel width. While the illustrated example of the bulb portion  215  is substantially rectangular, other shapes may be used based on the geometry of the outer channel. For example, the bulb portions may be cross-shaped, triangular, round, or polygonal based on the structure of the outer channel. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the length of the bulb region is substantially greater than the width in order to increase the rigidity of the bulb within the outer channel. While shorter lengths may be utilized (such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 16 ), a length equal to or greater than the width of the neck portion is preferable in order to prevent the bulb from exiting through the channel opening if the bulb attachment is rotated 90 degrees. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 21 through 23  illustrate an example of a bar connector  65  for connecting two attachment bars together. By utilizing a connector bar, two smaller bars may be used to span a longer distance. The ability to lengthen an existing attachment bar offers substantial savings for customers wishing to modify their existing table systems. For example, if a customer has a 5 foot attachment bar extending between table legs and they wish to lengthen their table, it may be less expensive to add a 1 foot extension than to replace the 5 foot bar with a 6 foot bar. In addition to providing the users of the table system with savings, manufacturers of table systems are able to offer a wider variety of lengths without increasing the variety of components they produce. For example, a table manufacturer could produce only one foot attachment bar sections and use multiple bar connectors to create an attachment bar as long as was desired by the customer. In the illustrated example the bar connector  65  includes perimeter bar protrusions  160  like the attachment bracket that are configured to be secured between the outer channels of two attachment bars. The main region  220  of the bar connector has an outer shape that is substantially similar to the outer shape of the attachment bar. In the example, the main region  220  is substantially cylindrical like the attachment bar. While only perimeter bar protrusions are shown in the illustrated example, the bar connector may also include central bar protrusions like the attachment bracket. Alternatively, the bar connector may only have central bar protrusions. In yet another embodiment, the bar connector may include outer channels aligned with the outer channels of the attachment bars through which attachments could slide. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 24 through 26  illustrate an example of a modesty panel  55  configured to be secured to an attachment bar. Like the top support, the modesty panel includes a neck portion  210  that is slightly thinner than the opening of the outer channel and a bulb portion  215  that is slightly thinner than the outer channel. In the illustrated example, the bulb is cross shaped. Although the modesty panel shown has a width substantially equal to the neck portion, thinner, or thicker modesty panels may be utilized. 
         [0077]      FIGS. 27 through 30  illustrate an example of a storage container  50  adapted to be secured to the lower outer channel of an attachment bar. Although only one neck and bulb assembly is shown, if the storage container is to carry substantial loads, the storage container may be secured in the lower outer channel and both of the side outer channels of the attachment bracket. Utilizing more than one outer channel may also increase the stability of the storage container.  FIGS. 31 and 32  illustrate an example of a foot rest  60  that is configured to be secured to an attachment bar. As shown, two distinct attachment portions  225  of the foot rest are designed to be secured to the attachment bar. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a modesty panel or storage container may be secured between the two attachment portions of the foot rest. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate an example of a table system in a use configuration. An attachment bar  30  is connected to attachment brackets  25  and extends between flip-top mechanisms  20 . Top supports  35  are secured in an outer channel  165  of the attachment bar  30  and act to support the weight of the table top  15 . 
         [0079]      FIGS. 35 through 44  illustrate examples of single table legs  10  with single flip-top mechanisms  20  supporting single table tops  15 .  FIGS. 35 through 41  illustrate table systems with a single attachment bracket  25  and attachment bar  30  secured to the flip-top mechanism, while in  FIGS. 42 through 44 , two attachment brackets  25  are secured to a single flip-top mechanism  20 . In  FIGS. 35 through 43  the proximate side supports  40  include horizontal supports  230  extending from the outer channels of the attachment bars to rotors  235  that rotates about the axis of rotation  80 . In the illustrated example the attachment bar  30  extends away from the flip mechanism parallel, and distant from, the axis of rotation  80 . A single axis of rotation passes through the rotors of the proximate side supports  40  and the hinges of the flip-top mechanisms  20 . From the rotor  235 , a rotating support  240  extends to the table top  15 . Adjacent to the table top  15 , the rotating support  240  has a table strap  245  that extends perpendicular to the attachment bar  30 . The table strap  245  acts to support the weight of the table top  15  at positions away from the attachment bar  30  and allows for a wider table top to be utilized than could otherwise be supported without the table strap. Additionally, the table strap helps to support some of the weight of the table top when the table is in a storage configuration. 
         [0080]    The distant side supports  45  are secured in outer channels of the attachment bars and the hinged lateral sections  250  of the distant side supports rotate in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the table top. The hinged lateral sections  250  extend to vertical table supports  255  that act to support the weight of the table top when the table is in a use configuration.  FIGS. 35 and 41  illustrate examples of distant side supports  45  that have been rotated so that the hinged lateral sections are parallel to and adjacent to the attachment bars  30 . By rotating the distant side supports  45 , the total width of the table system in the storage configuration is substantially decreased and multiple tables may be stored in close proximity to each other.  FIGS. 36 and 40  illustrate tables with distant side supports extending away from the attachment bars and  FIGS. 35 and 41  illustrate the space savings realized when the distant side supports are rotated close to the attachment bars. The hinged lateral sections  250  may also include latches to prevent unintentional rotation. Like the proximate side supports, the distant side supports help to support the weight of the table top in the use configuration and increase the width of table that may be supported by the flip-top mechanism. 
         [0081]      FIG. 44  illustrates an example of a table system with a single table leg  10  supporting a single flip-top mechanism  20  with two attachment bars  30  extending from the flip-top mechanism. The flip-top mechanism  20  is substantially off center of the table top  15  and distant side supports  45  are used to balance and support the off center table top. 
         [0082]    The components of the system may be constructed from a wide variety of materials such as plastics, metals, natural materials, and composite materials. Materials contemplated by the inventor include molded glass, fiberglass, nylon, glass material, stamped steel, stamped aluminum, carbon/nylon reinforced textile sheets, amarid, polyester, and carbon fiber. For components created by an extrusion process, the resins contemplated by the inventor include epoxy, unsaturated polyester, urethane acrylate, vinyl ester, phenol, polyurethane, a thermoplastic resin, nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 12, PBT, PET, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, polyether sulfide, polyphenylene oxide, modified polyphenylene oxide, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), 6, 11, 12, 6-6 and 6-10 polyamides, poly(ether amide) sequenced copolymer, fluorinated polymers, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfur, polyetherimide, and polyphenylene ether. 
         [0083]    The inventors contemplate several alterations and improvements to the disclosed invention. Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize more modifications that may be made that would nonetheless fall within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the apparatus described. Instead, the scope of the present invention should be consistent with the invention claimed below.