Patent ID: 12203285

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a system, an apparatus, and a method for a user assemblable rail panel system100. In particular, embodiments disclosed herein provide a rail panel system100that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Thus, the user assemblable rail system100may be provided to a user either as an assembled panel or in discrete components. In installing the rail panel100on a deck of a user, the rail panel may be easily disassembled and reassembled to allow for cutting down the panel to fit a particular spacing between posts. The selection and mix of different components, the ratio of standard pickets16to support pickets14can be made to fit the application needs or preferences of the end user.

Referring toFIG.1, which illustrates an exploded perspective of an embodiment of a user assemblable rail panel system100. The present embodiment includes a top rail member10, a bottom rail member12, a plurality of support pickets14, a plurality of standard pickets16, a plurality of top picket plugs18, and a plurality of bottom picket plugs20. The present embodiment also includes a plurality of fasteners22that secure the top rail10to the support pickets14and the bottom rail12to the support pickets14. According to certain embodiments, the user assemblable rail panel100may also include a rail cap24that is fitted to the top rail10and conceals the hardware internal to the top rail10from view. A rail cap24may be likewise fitted to the bottom rail12, however because the rail panel100is unlikely to be viewed from below the installed panel, a rail cap24fitted to the bottom rail12may be omitted.

In some embodiments, the user assemblable rail panel100can be installed between a pair of posts13disposed at each end of the rail panel100. Alternatively, the rail panel100may be supported at one or both ends by a structure such as an outside wall of a home. Brackets11may be secured to a face of one of the posts13in positions to support the top rail10and the bottom rail12, as shown. The brackets11may be U-shaped such that the top rail10and the bottom rail12is supported by a bottom wall of the U-shaped bracket and fasteners may be received through either one or both of the side walls to secure the top rail10and the bottom rail12to the bracket11. Fasteners may be received through the back wall of the bracket and into the post13to secure the bracket11to the post13.

The embodiment shown inFIG.1shows a level rail panel100. User assemblable rail panels100are installed between spaced apart support posts13around a perimeter of a deck to create a comfortable environment for a homeowner to enjoy outdoor living. A stair panel may be installed between and upper post and a lower post to follow a stairway. The stair panel may include a preassembled stair rail panel with pickets that are pivotally connected to the top and bottom rails in order to rake or rack such that the pickets are vertical while the top and bottom rails are angled to follow the slope of a stairway. In the stair embodiment, the stair rail panel may be supported by hinged brackets secured to the upper and lower support posts of a stairway.

The infill of the rail panel100may include any suitable number of support pickets14and standard pickets16. For example, the rail panel100shown inFIG.1includes twenty pickets, seventeen standard pickets16and three support pickets14. The support pickets14are located proximate each end of the rail panel100and approximately at a mid-point between each end. According to an embodiment, positioning support pickets16as the closest picket to the support post and at the mid-point of the panel creates a suitably strong rail panel100. Because a support picket14is interchangeable with a standard picket16, an installer may cut down the top rail10and the bottom rail12to fit a spacing between two support posts13and reassemble the rail panel100to have support pickets14adjacent each support post13and at a midpoint of the rails. Without the support pickets14and the standard pickets16being interchangeable, cutting down a length of a rail panel may remove a support picket14and cause another support picket14to be located other than at the midpoint of the rail panel100.

A rail panel100with less than three or more than three support pickets14is contemplated by this disclosure. For example, the user assemblable rail panel100may include an infill of only support pickets14(e.g. twenty) without the use of standard pickets16. The rail panel system100can be manufactured in any suitable length. For example, the rail panel system100may be manufactured in approximately six foot or eight foot lengths.

Referring now toFIGS.2A and2B, which respectively illustrate an overhead, plan view and an end view of an embodiment of the top rail member10. The bottom rail member12includes similar features, so the description of the top rail10serves to describe the bottom rail12. According to an embodiment, the top rail10may be slightly smaller dimensionally than the bottom rail12. The slightly smaller dimensions of the top rail10corresponds to the size increase created by the rail cap24when it is positioned on the top rail10, as described in further detail below. With the combination top rail10and rail cap24being the same size as the bottom rail12, the same size brackets11may be used to secure the top rail10and the bottom rail12to the support posts13. Alternatively, the top rail10may be the same size as the bottom rail12. The top rail member is oriented such that a bottom wall is disposed below an open channel17that is oriented to face upward toward the sky. The bottom rail12is assembled in the panel100with the open channel17rotated 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the rail such that the open channel17faces downward toward the ground when the panel is installed.

Each of the top rail member10and the bottom rail member12includes a transverse wall30, a pair of side walls32extending from the transverse wall30, and a pair of locking ledges36extending inwardly from each of the side walls32. In this embodiment, the transverse wall30also includes a plurality of clearance openings40through the transverse wall30. The clearance openings40are spaced apart along the length of the transverse wall30. Each clearance opening is configured to receive a portion of a picket plug, for example the top picket plug18or the bottom picket plug20.

Each of the top rail10and the bottom rail12can be manufactured using metallic materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel. In other embodiments, the rail members10,12can be manufactured using an extrudable composite material that includes a wood-type filler. According to another embodiment, the rail members10,12can be manufactured using plastic materials including, but not limited to, Acrylic or Polymethyl Methacrylate (“PMMA”), Polycarbonate (“PC”), Polyethylene (“PE”), Polypropylene (“PP”), Polyethylene Terephthalate (“PET”), Polyvinyl Chloride (“PVC”), or Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (“ABS”).

According to an embodiment, the standard picket16, support picket14, top rail member10, bottom rail member12, and rail cap24, are all aluminum extrusions. Aluminum extrusions form a strong, durable, yet light weight rail panel system100.

Referring now toFIGS.3A and3B.FIG.3Ais an end view of the rail cap24shown inFIG.1.FIG.3Bis a perspective view of a portion of the rail cap24in position to be slid over the top rail10. The rail cap24can be used to cover an exposed section of a bottom rail12or a top rail10. Specifically, the rail cap24may be received over the top rail10to close the open channel17and conceal the picket plugs18and the fasteners22disposed within the open channel17. In one embodiment, the rail cap24includes a top wall42, a pair of side walls44extending from the top wall42, and an inner profile48extending the length of the rail cap24. The inner profile48may be extruded with the original fabrication of the rail cap24. The inner profile48is sized and shaped to be received between the side walls32of the top rail10, as shown inFIG.7C. The inner profile48also provides clearance for the picket plugs18. When the rail cap24is installed on the top rail10, the inner profile48adds strength to the top rail10. According to an embodiment, if a lateral force is applied to the assembly of the rail cap24and the top rail10, the engagement of the side walls32with the inner profile48hinder further deflection of the top rail10.

Alternatively, the inner profile48may be omitted, for example if the rail cap24is assembled to the bottom rail12, which is less likely to receive a sudden lateral force. In this embodiment, the rail cap24is used as a covering for the open or exposed channel17of the top rail10.

The inner profile48of a rail cap24can have a square, rectangular, circular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other profile such that the rail cap24can interface with a top or bottom rail10,12. The inner profile48of the rail cap24can add structural rigidity to the rail cap24. In some embodiments the rail cap24may not have an inner profile48.

In various embodiments, the rail cap24is made of like material as the rail member10, that it can be affixed to, such as extruded aluminum. In other embodiments, the rail cap24is made of a material that is different from the material of the rail member10to which it is secured. For example, the top rail member10may be formed of extruded aluminum and the rail cap24may be formed from an extruded polymeric material.

In other embodiments, a rail cap24is secured to both the top rail member10and the bottom rail member12. In other embodiments, a single rail cap24is secured to either the top rail member10or the bottom rail member12, for example the top rail member10.

According to the embodiment illustrated byFIGS.3A and3B, the rail cap24can be affixed to a rail member10, by sliding the rail cap24over the end of the rail member10. The rail cap24includes a pair of inward extending ledges45disposed at the end of each of the side walls44. The ledges45engage the edges33of the top rail10. The edges33of the top rail10and the bottom rail12may be a chamfer at the junction of the side wall32with the transverse wall30. The angle of the chamfer of edges33correspond to an angle the ledges45extend from the side walls44of the rail cap24. This interface holds the rail cap24from being lifted vertically off of the top rail10. The rail cap24and the top rail10may be dimensioned such that the top rail10frictionally engages the rail cap24. In other embodiments, a snap fit assembly, a fastener, or any other suitable assembly method, can affix rail cap24to rail member10. One or more fasteners may be used to join the top rail10and the rail cap24more securely. In sliding the rail cap24over the top rail10the profile48is received between the side walls32and within the channel17of the top rail10. Alternatively, the rail cap24may be snapped into place over the top rail10.

Reference is now made toFIGS.4A,4B, and4Cwhich respectively illustrate a perspective view, a cross sectional view, and a top view of an embodiment of a support picket14. The support picket14may be formed by extruding a metallic material, such as aluminum, into the profile shown. In an embodiment, the support picket14is a generally square, tube-shaped elongated, hollow bar. Four side walls51form the tube shape with rounded, or alternatively chamfered, edges. An inwardly extending wall53extends perpendicularly a short distance inward from each side wall51and runs the length of the support picket14. According to an embodiment, a length of aluminum is extruded to have the profile shown, and the overall extruded length is cut to a shorter length corresponding to the length of the support pickets16. According to an embodiment, the support picket14may be approximately thirty inches in length. Alternatively, the length of the support picket14and the standard picket may be in a range of twenty-five inches to forty-five inches. Any suitable length of the support picket14and the standard picket16is contemplated by this disclosure. Secondary features, such as through holes15may be drilled into one or more of the side walls51of the support picket14.

The support picket14adds rigidity and strength to the rail panel100. The cross sectional view of support picket14illustrated inFIG.4Bshows threaded members28secured within a top end and a bottom end of the support picket14. Alternatively, the threaded member28may be secured in only the top end or only the bottom end. The threaded member28is sized to be snugly received between the inwardly extending walls53. Alternatively, the threaded member28may have channels formed in one or more of its outer surfaces to receive the inwardly extending walls53. The threaded member28includes female threads29and either a blind hole or a through hole31.

The threaded member28also includes a transverse through hole35that is sized to receive a pin to secure the threaded member28at a predetermined depth within the support picket14. When the threaded member28is positioned in the support picket14, the through hole35is aligned with a hole15in one or more of the walls of the support picket14. The through hole35is aligned with the through hole15to receive a pin to secure the threaded member28at the proper depth within the support picket14. The depth of the threaded insert28may be selected to allow the insertable portion of the picket plug20to be received between the threaded insert28and the end of the support picket14. The pin (not shown) may be welded, ground and powder coated, such that the welded pin does not show in the finished support picket14. Alternatively, the transverse through hole35may be omitted and the threaded insert/member28may be welded in position through the through hole35.

The threaded member28allows the support picket14to receive fasteners22to secure the support picket14to the top rail10and the bottom rail12. In this manner, the support picket14adds rigidity and strength to the panel100. As discussed in further detail below, the support picket14receives a portion of the picket plug20and also the fastener22that extends through the picket plug20and is received in threaded engagement with the female threads29of the threaded insert28. The support picket14serves to secure the top rail10to the bottom rail12and thereby hold the panel together and secure the standard pickets16in position as the infill of the rail panel100. In some embodiments, only a single support picket14is used with the rail panel system100while in other embodiments a plurality of support pickets14, for example three support pickets14are positioned nearest each of the pair of support posts and at a midpoint of the rail panel100.

Reference is now made toFIGS.5A and5B, which respectively illustrates a perspective view and a top view of an embodiment of a standard picket16. The standard picket16includes the inward extending walls53that are configured to engage with corresponding channels63of a picket plug20(seeFIGS.6A and6C). The walls53of the standard picket16may extend the length of the picket or they may only extend along a portion of the picket. The walls53aid an installer with aligning the picket plugs18,20to a consistent orientations and also prevent possible unintended rotation of the standard picket16about the picket plugs20. The interface of the walls53and channels63limit the rotational positions for picket installation. When the walls53interface with the channels63of the picket plug20, a series of pickets14,16may all be installed in a consistent and repeatable orientation. In some embodiments, the standard picket16or support picket14may have an appearance or outer profile that is not aesthetically dependent on a consistent orientation, for example circular.

In some embodiments, the standard picket16or support picket14can be made of such material to allow for the junction of the end of the picket16,14and the picket-insertable portion of the picket plug20to have an interference fit. In other embodiments, the junction of the standard picket16or support picket14with the picket plug20may also be a cantilever snap-fit joint, an annular snap-fit joint, a torsional snap-fit joint, or any other assembly technique that minimizes the amount of excess tools that a user may be required to have available.

To make fabrication efficient, the standard picket16and the support picket14may be extruded to have the same profile and cut to length. The support picket14may be the same as the standard picket16with the exception of not including the threaded insert28or the through hole15. The common profiles of the standard picket16and the support picket14allows a common picket plug20to be used for both picket types. Alternatively, the support picket end profile may be different from the standard picket end profile.

In some embodiments, a standard picket16is made of the same material as the rail member10. In yet another embodiment, the standard picket16is made of the same material as the support picket14, whereas in others, they are made of different materials or different types of materials.

Reference is now made toFIGS.6A,6B, and6Cwhich respectively illustrate a perspective view, top view, and bottom view of an embodiment of a bottom picket plug20. The bottom picket plug20and the top picket plug18(seeFIGS.1and3B) may be substantially identical with the exception of non-functional markings that may serve to identify and distinguish the top rail10from the bottom rail12. The picket plug20has a pair of locking lugs60, a keyed access feature62, orientation indicators64, and a picket-insertable portion68that includes a plurality of channels63running the length of the picket-insertable portion68. Optionally, the top or bottom picket plugs18,20can have a specific rail indicators66, as illustrated in the embodiment as a “B” for “bottom rail.” The specific rail indicator66can however follow any indication scheme selected by a manufacturer to aid in the assembly of the rail panel100.

In this embodiment, the bottom picket plug20includes a pair of locking lugs60. The locking lugs60extend from a body of the picket plug20such that when the picket plug20is in the free or insertable orientation, the picket plug20may be inserted into or removed from a rail member10,12. Once inserted into the rail10, the picket plug20can be rotated a quarter turn to the locked orientation, such that the picket plug20is secured within the rail member10,12in that the locking lugs60are positioned between the locking ledges36and the transverse wall30within the open channel17. Once rotated into the locked orientation, the locking lugs60engage or interlock with the locking ledges36, to secure the picket plug20to the rail member10.

In the present embodiment, the keyed access feature62is illustrated such to accept a male hex shaped tool. However, the keyed access feature62is capable of being any kind of structure that enables a user to rotate the top picket plug18within the rail10, preferably with a tool. Such structures include but are not limited to a male hex bolt head, a slot or pair of slots for a flathead or Philips head screwdriver, a cube shaped hole or lug, a star shaped hole or lug, or any other type of head that can be utilized with a tool that facilitates the quarter turn rotation of the picket plug20.

In the present embodiment, the keyed access feature62also corresponds to a through hole65to receive a fastener when the picket plug20is used to secure a support picket to the top rail or the bottom rail12. The purpose of through hole65is such that the fastener22utilized for the support picket14can be received through the picket plug20. In certain embodiments, the through hole65may be advantageously collocated with the keyed access feature62. The through hole may be countersunk to allow the head of the fastener22to sit substantially flush with the top surface of the picket plug20. Also, the same picket plug20may be used with either a standard picket16or a support picket14, depending on whether the particular picket plug20also receives a fastener through the through hole65. In other embodiments, the keyed access feature62may be a blind hole, a countersunk hole, a counter-bored hole, or any other type of hole or recess that would allow for the keyed access feature62to operate to rotate the picket plug one quarter turn to lock it to the top rail or the bottom rail, as previously described.

FIG.6Dis a top perspective view of a rail member with a pair of picket plugs, one in the free orientation and one in the locked orientation. The orientation indicators64are such that a user can quickly identify whether or not the picket plug20is in a locked orientation or in a free orientation by identifying whether the orientation indicators64are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rail10,12or are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail10,12. The ability to identify the orientation of a picket plug20aids the user in being able to quickly and accurately assemble the rail panel100. If the orientation indicators64of each picket plug20are aligned with each other, the user can be confident that all of the picket plugs20have been rotated into locking engagement with the rail10,12. Furthermore, the locking lugs60can be seen in the free orientation for one picket plug20and cannot be seen on the picket plug20in the locked orientation. The locking lugs60cannot be seen on the picket plug20in the locked orientation because the locking lugs60are engaged with and concealed by the locking ledges36.

In some embodiments, some components are identical between the top and bottom picket plug18,20, such that there is no difference between the top picket plug18and the bottom picket plug20. In another embodiment, the differences are such that the top picket plug18and the bottom picket plug20are not interchangeable at all. Such differences may include the bottom picket plug being thicker than the top picket plug18.

Reference is now made toFIG.7A, which is a cross section showing the engagement of a bottom picket plug20with a support picket14. As described in more detail above, the picket plug is inserted into the bottom rail12and rotated one-quarter turn such that the locking lugs60engage the locking ledges36. The picket-insertable portion68of the picket plug20is received in the generally hollow end of the support picket14and the walls53are engaged with the channels63formed in the picket plug20. The fastener22is received through the through hole65in the picket plug20and is in threaded engagement with the threaded insert28of the support picket14. The support picket14bears on one end against the bottom picket plug20and at an opposite end on the top picket plug18due to the threaded fastener22fastening the bottom picket plug20to the support picket14and a second threaded fastener22fastening the top picket plug18to the opposite end of the support picket14(not shown).

FIG.7Bis a cross section showing the engagement of the picket plug20with a standard picket16. The picket-insertable portion68of the picket plug20is received in the generally hollow end of the standard picket16and the walls53are engaged with the channels63formed in the picket plug20. The standard picket16is retained between the top rail10and the bottom rail12by the coupling of the bottom rail12to the top rail10through the support pickets14. The standard picket16bears on one end against the bottom picket plug20and at an opposite end bears on the top picket plug18. Although the bottom engagement of the bottom picket plug20with the standard picket16does not include a threaded fastener, the joining of the top rail10with the bottom rail through one or more of the support pickets14and threaded fasteners maintains engagement of the standard picket16with the picket plugs18,20at each end of the support picket14.

In the illustrated embodiment, portions of the standard picket16and the support picket14are received in their respective clearance openings40. The clearance openings40, the pickets14,16, and the picket-insertable portions68of the picket plugs20are sized and shaped such that a clearance is formed around the picket-insertable portion68of the picket plug20and the walls of the opening40. Alternatively, the sizes of the opening40and the picket (support picket14or the standard picket16) may be such that the picket14,16is not received in the opening40, and therefore is outside of the bottom rail12. In this embodiment, each end of the standard picket16and the support picket14bear on the top rail10and the bottom rail12, as opposed to the top and bottom picket plugs18,20.

FIG.7Cis a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the rail cap24with the top rail10at the location of a top picket plug18that is secured to a support picket14with a fastener22. The assembly of the top rail10with the standard pickets16and the support pickets14is the same as described above and shown inFIGS.7A and7Bwith respect to the bottom rail12.

Reference is now made toFIG.8, which illustrates an embodiment of a support member26. The support member26can be added to a rail panel100assembly to aid in carrying the weight of the rail panel100and any weight carried by the rail panel (e.g. a person sitting or standing on the rail panel) in areas that lack support, such as near the center of the rail panel100. The support member26can have locking lugs70that can interlock with locking ledges36. The locking lugs70of the support member26allow the support member26to be installed in a rail in the same manner in which the picket plugs are installed. Where the support member26is inserted into the rail in one orientation, then rotated one-quarter turn into a locked orientation. This installation method aids in a user's ability to assemble the rail panel100with minimal tools. In other embodiments, the support member26does have locking lugs70, but is configured to be attached to the bottom rail12with the use of fasteners74. Once the rail panel100is in its intended installation position, a fastener75can be utilized to secure the support member26to the flooring, such as wooden or composite deck boards.

Referring now toFIGS.9A and9B, which illustrates an alternative embodiment of a picket plug80. In this embodiment, the picket plug80retains the channels63, and is structured such that the end profile is a plurality of outwardly extending fins68that create an interference fit when the picket is inserted over it. In the present embodiment, the picket plug80is installed to the rail by snapping it into place. Internal features of the respective rail10,12may be sized and shaped to engage with corresponding features of the picket plug80to allow it to snap in place such that a portion of the picket plug80is received in the clearance opening40(seeFIG.2A) in the transverse wall30of the rail10,12.

Referring now toFIG.10, which illustrates another embodiment of a picket plug90. In this embodiment, a standard picket16is inserted through the plurality of clearance openings40(seeFIG.2A) and through the picket plug90. The picket16is inserted through the picket plug90and the picket is secured by friction along the external surface of the picket16created by an interference fit with the picket plug90. The picket plug90can deform, plastically or elastically, around the external surface of the standard picket16such that the standard picket16is held securely in place. This embodiment similarly does not require a user to install the picket plug90in one orientation and then rotate to another, but rather is installed by sliding the picket plug90down one of end of the rails.

Reference is now made toFIG.11, which illustrates yet another embodiment of a picket retention feature. In this embodiment, the picket16is inserted through a hole in an inner transverse wall94disposed in the open channel17in the rail10,12. The inner transverse wall94may be formed of materials such that a pair of tabs is resilient. The inner transverse wall including the resilient tabs is analogous to the picket plugs of the other disclosed embodiments. The hole in the inner transverse wall94is sized such that insertion of the picket through the hole displaces the tabs elastically. A hole in the picket will align with the tabs and tabs will return to their natural, non-displaced position due to the resilience of the material of the tabs upon alignment with a pair of holes formed in the walls of the picket.

According to an alternate embodiment, the tabs are not received in holes or depressions in the picket, but rather create an interference fit to hold the standard picket16in place. The embodiment shown inFIG.11does not require a user to install the picket plug20in one orientation and then rotate to another, but rather is installed by sliding the inner transverse wall94down one of end of the rails.

A method of assembly of a rail panel100begins in some embodiments with first inserting the picket plugs20into their position in the bottom rail12in the free orientation. Then aligning the picket plugs20with the plurality of spaced apart clearance openings40. Then, rotating the picket plugs20into the locked orientation. Next, fitting the support pickets14over their designated picket plugs20by inserting the support picket14through their respective spaced apart clearance openings40and aligning the inwardly extending walls53of the picket with the channels63of the picket plugs20. Subsequently, the fastener22is installed through the picket plug20and threaded it into the insert28. Next, the standard pickets16are fit over the remaining picket plugs by inserting the standard pickets16through their respective spaced apart clearance openings aligning the inwardly extending walls53of the pickets with the channels63of the picket plugs20.

Afterwards, the picket plugs18are installed in the top rail10first by inserting them into rail10in the free orientation, aligning them with the plurality of spaced apart clearance openings40, then rotating the into the locked orientation. The top rail10is then aligned with the bottom rail12, such that the picket plugs18of the top rail are aligned with the respective standard pickets16and support pickets14. The top rail10is then moved down such that the standard pickets16and support pickets14interface with the picket plugs18such that the channels63of the picket plugs18engage with the inwardly extending walls53of the pickets. The fastener22is then inserted through the picket plugs18associated with the support pickets14, and then threaded into the insert28. The rail cap24is then slid over the top rail10such that the picket plugs18are concealed.

Although embodiments of the rail panel system100have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will also recognize that various substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

According to an embodiment, the user assemblable rail panel100may be provide as a knock-down panel. In this embodiment, the installer may receive a kit or box with unassembled components. The unassembled components may be easier to ship and store than an assembled rail panel100. The knock-down user assemblable rail panel100may be shipped with the top rail10, support pickets14, standard pickets16, and the bottom rail12separate from each other. The top picket plugs18may be installed in the top rail10and the bottom picket plugs20may be installed in the bottom rail12or they too may be shipped separate.

In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “left” and right”, “front” and “rear”, “above” and “below” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

In addition, the foregoing describes some embodiments of the disclosure, and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

Furthermore, the disclosure is not to be limited to the illustrated implementations, but to the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.