Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an accessory for a motorcycle and more particularly to an accessory that can be used not only as a second seat for a motorcycle but also as a backrest for the operator of the motorcycle and also as a luggage rack. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Motorcycles are experiencing a constantly increasing widespread usage throughout the world. Motorcyclists seem to have a constant interest to mount on their motorcycle the best accessories which not only provide for maximum use of the motorcycle but also are attractive in appearance. 
   Motorcycles generally are intended to be operated by a single individual, that person being the operator. However, one such accessory that can be purchased is a second seat and that second seat is to be mounted on the frame of the motorcycle just aft of the operator&#39;s seat, and this makes the motorcycle capable of carrying not just the operator but also a passenger. Within the prior art, there are numerous structures of second seats that are commercially available. 
   Also included within the prior art is an accessory known as a backrest which can be mounted at the aft end of the operator&#39;s seat of the motorcycle and extend in an upward direction. This backrest has a cushion and is to provide back support for the operator of the motorcycle. There are multiple embodiments of backrests which can be purchased by motorcyclists and installed on their motorcycle. 
   Another accessory which is commonly used in conjunction with motorcycles is some form of a luggage rack which permits the carrying of some form of luggage. There are saddle bags that may be mounted on the sides of the motorcycle and an appropriate structure can be purchased for the mounting of these bags. There is also available on the market a luggage rack that can be mounted over the rear wheel of the motorcycle and on this rack there can be carried one or a plurality of pieces of luggage or there can be carried a container, such as a box. 
   These aforementioned accessories are all desirable items for motorcyclists. However, prior to the present invention, it has not been known to design a single accessory which can function as a second seat when such is needed, can function to be used as a backrest when such is needed and also can function as a luggage rack when such is needed. It is the object of the present invention to provide such an accessory. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The first basic embodiment of the present invention is directed to a combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack for a motorcycle which is constructed of a frame which is composed of a first side member and a second side member. The first side member is attached to the second side member by an adjusting link. The adjusting link is to be manually movable to vary the spacing between the first side member and the second side member. A cushion is mounted between the side members with the cushion being capable of being used as a second seat for a motorcycle. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where the first basic embodiment is modified by defining that the side members of the frames are constructed to be tubular with each of the side members being essentially a mirror image of each other. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where the first basic embodiment is modified by defining that the adjusting link comprises a turnbuckle. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where the first basic embodiment is modified by including a hinge plate assembly with the cushion being mounted on the hinge plate assembly. The cushion is separately movable relative to the frame between a horizontal position and a vertical position. With the hinge plate assembly in the horizontal position the cushion is to be usable as a second seat, and with the hinge plate assembly in the vertical position the cushion is to be usable as a backrest. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where the just previous embodiment is modified by defining that with the hinge plate assembly in the vertical position the frame is capable of being used as a luggage rack adapted to have a piece of luggage mounted thereon. 
   A second basic embodiment of the present invention is directed to a combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack for a motorcycle which comprises a frame with there being a hinge plate assembly mounted on the frame and the hinge plate assembly being movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The extended position is defined as being substantially vertical with the retracted position being substantially horizontal. A cushion is mounted on the hinge plate assembly. With the hinge plate assembly in the retracted position the cushion is usable as a second seat and with the hinge plate assembly in the extended position the cushion is usable as a backrest. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where the second basic embodiment is modified by defining that with the hinge plate in the extended position an aft section of the frame is capable of being used as a luggage rack. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where the second basic embodiment is modified by defining that there is a first locking means for locking the hinge plate assembly when in the retracted position and a second locking means for locking the hinge plate assembly when in an extended position. The second locking means is different from the first locking means. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where the just previous embodiment is modified by defining that the first locking means uses a single lineally movable pin which must be actuated to unlock the hinge plate assembly and the second locking means uses a pair of lineally movable pins which must be actuated simultaneously in order to unlock the hinge plate assembly. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where a previous embodiment is modified by defining that there is utilized a piece of luggage which has a pocket formed on its exterior surface. The aft section is insertable within this pocket to mount the piece of luggage on the frame. A securing strap is attached to the piece of luggage with the securing strap to be connected with the cushion to fix the piece of luggage onto the frame. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention comprises a third basic embodiment of combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack for a motorcycle which comprises a frame composed of a first side member and a second side member. The first side member has a first attachment and the second side member has a second attachment. Both the first attachment and the second attachment are to be used to securely mount the frame onto a motorcycle. The first side member has a first aft bar and the second side member has a second aft bar. The first aft bar is connected to the second aft bar by an adjusting link, the adjusting link is adjustable to vary the spacing between the first attachment and the second attachment. A hinge plate assembly composed of a first plate hingedly attached to a second plate is mounted on the frame with the hinge plate assembly being movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The retracted position is when the first plate is in juxtaposition with the second plate and the extended position is when the second plate is transverse to the second plate. The first plate is secured to the frame. An engagement mechanism is connected to the hinge plate assembly that locks the second plate to the first plate when in the extended position and also when in the retracted position. The cushion is mounted on the second plate. Whereby with the second plate in the extended position, the cushion functions as a backrest and with the second plate in the retracted position the cushion function as a seat. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where the third basic embodiment is modified by defining that the adjusting link comprises a turnbuckle. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where the third basic embodiment is modified by defining that the engagement mechanism comprises a first spring biased pin which is movable lineally to engage with a slot to unlock the second plate to the first plate when in the retracted position and the engagement mechanism including a second spring biased pin which is movable lineally to engage with a slot to lock the second plate to the first plate when in the extended position. 
   A further embodiment of the present invention is where the third basic embodiment is modified by defining that with the second plate in the extended position the first aft bar and the second aft bar are locatable in a pocket in a piece of luggage which mounts the luggage onto the frame. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown in the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view showing the combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack of this invention disconnected from the fender struts of the motorcycle; 
       FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  with the cushion in the position to be used as a second seat and showing the combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack of this invention mounted in conjunction with the fender struts; 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 2  but with the cushion in the backrest position and depicting the installation of a luggage bag in conjunction with the combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack of this invention; 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view taken from the general forward direction of the motorcycle showing the luggage bag installed on the combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack of this invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack of this invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the adjusting link of the combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack of this invention taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view through the hinge mechanism utilized in conjunction with the first embodiment of hinge plate assembly of the combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack of this invention taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5  showing the hinge plate assembly in the retracted position; 
       FIG. 8  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the hinging mechanism utilized within the first embodiment of hinge plate assembly taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the hinging mechanism of  FIG. 7  with the exception that the first embodiment of hinge plate assembly is in the extended position; 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  showing the first embodiment of hinge plate assembly in the extended position; 
       FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 8  but showing a movable pin having a force applied thereto which will permit the cushion to be moved between the backrest position and the second seat position; 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric view of a second embodiment of hinge plate assembly of the present invention showing the hinge plate assembly in the retracted position; 
       FIG. 13  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the hinging mechanism of the second embodiment of hinge plate assembly of the present invention taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the second embodiment of hinge plate assembly of the present invention showing the hinge plate assembly in the extended position; and 
       FIG. 15  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the hinging mechanism within the second embodiment of hinge plate assembly taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring particularly to  FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown a rear wheel  10  of a motorcycle on which is mounted a rear fender  12 . The rear fender  12  is mounted between a pair of fender struts  14  and  16  which are mounted directly to the frame of the motorcycle, which is not shown. Strut  14  has formed within its upper surface a pair of openings  18  and  20 . Strut  16  has formed within its upper surface a pair of openings  22  and  24 . The purpose of the openings  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  will be explained further on in the specification. Mounted on the frame of the motorcycle and located between the struts  14  and  16  in the forward area of the fender  12  is an operator&#39;s seat  26 . The operator of the motorcycle is to occupy the seat  26 . 
   The combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack  28  of this invention includes a frame  30 . The frame  30  is constructed of metal tubular members with generally steel and aluminum being preferred. The frame  30  is composed of a right side member  32  and a left side member  34 . Member  32  includes a first aft bar  36 . Member  34  includes a second aft bar  38 . The free end of the aft bar  36  includes a series of external screw threads  40 . The free end of the aft bar second aft bar  38  includes a series of external screw threads  42 . The screw threads  42  are opposite in direction to the screw threads  40 . For example, if the screw threads  40  are right handed threads the screw threads  42  are left handed threads. The screw threads  40  and  42  are threadably mounted within a threaded sleeve  44 . The threaded sleeve  44  includes a pair of holes  46  and  48 . The sleeve  44  functions as a turnbuckle and can be turned by inserting a tool within either of the openings  46  and  48  and rotating of the sleeve  44  relative to the first aft bar  36  and the second aft bar  38  when such are in engagement within the interior of the sleeve  44 . This turning movement of the sleeve  44  will cause the right side member  32  to move relative to the left side member  34 . The members  32  and  34  always move opposite to each other, toward each other or away from each other. The reason for this movement is that some motorcycles are wider than others and therefore the spacing between the struts  14  and  16  varies so the distance between the members has to be adjustable to equal the distance between the struts  14  and  16 . In order to have the combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack  28  of the present invention to be adaptable to motorcycles of different widths, it is necessary to have the right side member  32  adjust relative to the left side member  34 . 
   The right side member  32  includes a first main member  50  which is integral to the first aft bar  36 . The first main member  50  assumes a U-shape and integrally connects to a first bottom bar  52 . In a similar manner, the second aft bar  38  is integrally connected to a second main member  54  which assumes a U-shape and integrally connects to a second bottom bar  56 . Mounted on the first bottom bar  52  is a first fixed hook  58  which is fixed in place to the first bottom bar  52 . A first movable hook  60  is mounted on the first bottom bar  52 . The first fixed hook  58  is to be located within the opening  18  and the first movable hook  60  is to be located within the opening  20 . 
   In a similar manner mounted on the second bottom bar  56  is a second fixed hook  62  and a second movable hook  64 . The second fixed hook  62  is to be mounted within the opening  22  and the second movable hook  64  is to be mounted within the opening  24 . The mounting arrangement and locking of the frame  30  onto the struts  14  and  16  is not considered to be a specific part of this patent application as such as been previously covered in U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,408 by the present inventor. Integrally connected between the first main member  50  and the first bottom bar  52  is a first brace bar  66 . Integrally connected between the second main member  54  and the second bottom bar  56  is a second brace bar  68 . 
   Integrally mounted to the first aft bar  36  and the first main member  50  is a first mounting plate  70 . A second mounting plate  72  is integrally connected to the second aft bar and the second main member  54 . The plates  70  and  72  are in alignment with each other in essence forming a planar surface in combination. Plate  70  includes a pair of elongated holes  74  and  76 . The holes  74  and  76  are spaced apart. Plate  70  also includes a pair of elongated holes  78  and  80 . It is to be noted that the plates  70  and  72  are located between the right side member  32  and the left side member  34 . 
   There is a first embodiment of hinge plate assembly  82  which is composed of a first plate  84  and a second plate  86 . The main portion of the plate  84  is planar and is to rest on the planar surface which is formed by the mounting plates  70  and  72 . The first plate  84  includes four in number of elongated holes  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  80 . There are four in number of circular holes (which are not specifically shown in the drawings) each of which is to connect with a bolt  88 . Each of the bolts  88  is to connect with one of the holes  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  80 . The circular shaped holes that are formed in the mounting plates  70  and  72  are threaded so the bolt is then threadably secured to the plates  70  and  72  thereby securely mounting the first plate  84  in position on the mounting plates  70  and  72 . Because of the turnbuckle  44 , the spacing between the first bottom bar  52  and a second bottom bar  56  can be varied. This variance can be compensated for by the elongation of holes  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  80  so that each of the bolts  88  will connect with their respective hole formed within the mounting plates  70  and  72 . 
   Integrally mounted on one end of the first plate  84  are a pair of hinge sleeves  90  and  92 . The sleeves  90  and  92  are spaced apart. Each of the sleeves  90  and  92  have a through opening and each of these through openings is to align with through opening  94  formed within a center sleeve  96 . The through opening  98  of sleeve  90  and through opening  91  of sleeve  92  are shown within  FIG. 10  of the drawings. Telescopingly mounted within the through opening  91  of the hinge sleeve  92  is a fixed pin  100 . The pin  100  has an annular groove  102  located intermediate the ends of the pin  100 . The inner end of the pin  100  abuts against a coil spring  104 . Coil spring  104  is mounted within through opening  94  of center sleeve  96 . The fixed pin  100 , when it is installed in position, is to be pushed inward against compressing of the spring  104  until the annular groove  102  aligns with a gap  106  located between the hinge sleeve  92  and the center sleeve  96 . A snap ring  108  is to be placed within the gap  106  and extends within the annular groove  102 . The longitudinal position of the fixed pin  100  is now fixed relative to hinge sleeve  92 . 
   The inner end of the coil spring  100  abuts against the inner end of a movable pin  110 . Movable pin  110  is mounted within the through hole  98  of the hinge sleeve  90 . The movable pin  110  has a transverse through slot  112 . Slipped within the slot  112  is a key  114 . The inner end of the key  114  includes a threaded hole  116 . A bolt  118  is installed through the inner end of the movable pin  110  and threadable engages with the threaded hole  116 . The purpose of the of the bolt  118  is to prevent the key  114  from falling free of the through slot  112 . 
   The key  114  is slidably movable within the confines of a longitudinal slot  120  formed within center sleeve  96 . The longitudinal slot  120  is open at the end of the center sleeve  96  that is closest to the hinge sleeve  90 . Formed within the hinge sleeve  90  is an elongated notch  122  and a short notch  124 . The notches  122  and  124  comprise two separate notches that are located diametrically opposite each other for each notch. However for purposes of this invention, it will be described as though it is a single notch. The same is also true for longitudinal slot  120 . Because of the bias of coil spring  104 , the key  114  will either be located within elongated notch  122  or the short notch  124 . If the key  114  is engaged with the short notch  124 , the second plate  86  will be located against the first plate  84  defining a retracted position for the hinge plate assembly  82 . This will be the position of usage for a second seat and a passenger on the motorcycle can sit on the cushion  126  which is fixedly secured by a pair of screws  128  to the second plate  86 . This position is clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the drawings. 
   If a person no longer wishes to use the cushion  126  as a second seat, the person can manually grasp the outer end of the cushion  126  and pivot such clockwise, as is shown when comparing  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The edge of the notch  124  that comes into contact with the key  114  during this pivoting motion is slanted so as to form a cam surface that will permit the notch  124  to be ridden over the key  114  and cause the key  114  to slightly retract to become free of the hinge sleeve  90 . The hinge sleeves  90  and  92  are fixed to the first plate  84 . The movable sleeve  96  is fixed to the second plate  86 . As the second plate  86  and the cushion  126  are pivoted, also is pivoted the movable sleeve  96 . This pivoting occurs until the elongated slot  122  aligns with the key  114  and the bias of the coil spring  104  will then cause the key  114  to be pushed within the elongated slot  122 . The key  114  will slide within the slot  120  of the center sleeve  96 . With the key  114  connecting with the elongated notch  122 , the cushion  126  and the second plate  86  are now in a vertical or transverse position, which is clearly shown in  FIG. 3 . The first plate  84  is in a horizontal position. This is now the position of the cushion  126  so that it can function as a backrest for the operator that is sitting on the seat  26 . 
   Let it now be assumed that it is desired to move the cushion  126  back to function as a second seat, which is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the drawings. To accomplish that, a person must apply inward pressure in the direction of arrow  130  of  FIG. 9  onto movable pin  110 . This will cause the coil spring  104  to be further compressed and the key  114  will be moved out of elongated notch  122  and position the key  114  almost totally confined within the longitudinal slot  120  and the key  114  is now free of the hinge sleeve  90 . This will now permit the cushion  126  and the second plate  86  to be moved back to the horizontal position, which is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . At this time, the key  114  will now reengage with notch  124 . 
     FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view which shows the position of the movable pin  110  in its normal at-rest position. The key  114  is engaged with the short notch  124  in this position. In  FIG. 11 , the same structure is shown as in  FIG. 8  except the force is now applied as indicated by arrow  130  against the movable pin  110  and has moved the key  114  out of the elongated notch  122 . In  FIG. 11 , the key  114  is not yet engaged with the short notch  124 . In  FIG. 11 , the cushion  126  has not yet been pivoted to the horizontal position. 
   When the cushion  126  is in the position of a backrest, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first aft bar  36 , second aft bar  38 , first main member  50  and second main member  54  along with the first plate  84  can now be used as a luggage rack. The aforementioned parts can be inserted within pocket  132  of a luggage bag  134 . The luggage bag  134  is now transversely fixed in position relative to the combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack  28  of this invention. In order to fix the luggage bag  134  longitudinally, there is utilized securing strap  136  which is mounted on the bag  134  to be located around the cushion  126  and secured with strap  138 , which is deemed to be part of the securing strap. The two ends of the straps  136  and  138  can be secured through the use of a hook and eye fastening arrangement, which is deemed to be conventional. The bag  134  is to also include carry straps  140  and  142  which will permit the bag  134  to be carried by a passenger when the cushion  126  is being used as a second seat. When there is no passenger and the cushion  126  is in the vertical or extended position as shown in  FIG. 3 , the bag  134  can be mounted on the combined second seat, backrest and luggage rack  28  of this invention, as previously described. 
   Referring particularly to  FIGS. 12-15  of the drawings, there is shown a second embodiment of hinge plate assembly  144 . The second embodiment of hinge plate assembly  144  includes a first hinge plate  146  and a second hinge plate  148 . The hinge plates  146  and  148  are basically identical to the previously described hinge plates  86  and  84  respectively of the first embodiment of hinge plate assembly  82 . It is also to be understood that the second embodiment of hinge plate assembly  144  will operate basically similar to the first embodiment of hinge plate assembly  82 . The first hinge plate  146  includes a similar series of mounting holes  150  and the second hinge plate  148  also includes a similar series of mounting holes  152 . 
   The first hinge plate  146  has at one end thereof a pair of hinge sleeves  154  and  156 . Each of the hinge sleeves  154  and  156  have respective through openings  158  and  160 . The longitudinal center axes of the through openings  158  and  160  are in alignment. There is a center sleeve  162  integrally connected to the second hinge plate  148 . The longitudinal center axis of the center sleeve  162  is to be in alignment with the longitudinal center axes of the hinge sleeves  154  and  156  and is located therebetween. This arrangement is clearly shown in  FIGS. 12-15 . 
   Formed within the hinge sleeve  154  is a cutout notch  164 . This cutout notch is open at the edge of the hinge sleeve  154  which is directly adjacent the center sleeve  162 . In a similar manner, the hinge sleeve  156  includes a pair of cutout notches  166  and  168 . Again, each of the cutout notches  166  and  168  are open at the edge that is directly adjacent the center sleeve  162 . 
   A pin  170  is slidingly lineally mounted within the through opening  158 . A similar pin  172  is slidingly lineally mounted within the through opening  160 . The center sleeve  162  includes a through opening  174  and both a portion of pin  170  and pin  172  are located within the through opening  174 . Located within the through opening  174  and located between the pins  170  and  172  is a coil spring  176 . 
   A pair of bolt fasteners  178  and  180  are fixedly mounted to the pin  170  with the heads of the fasteners  178  and  180  located exteriorly of the pin  170  and connecting with a slot  192  that is formed within the center sleeve  162 . Fixedly mounted to the pin  172  are a pair of bolt fasteners  184  and  186  with the heads of these fasteners extending exteriorly at the pin  172  and connecting with a slot  188  that is formed within the center sleeve  162 . 
   The second embodiment of hinge plate assembly  144  is to be used in the same manner as the first embodiment of hinge plate assembly  82  in that a backrest cushion will be mounted on the second hinge plate  148 . The first hinge plate  146  is to be mounted on a frame similar to frame  30 . 
   Let it be assumed that the hinge plate assembly  144  is in the position shown in  FIG. 12 . This would be the position that would be usable by an individual sitting on the cushion that is mounted on the second hinge plate  148  when it is mounted on a motorcycle. The spring  176  has caused bolt fastener  186  to be located within cutout notch  166  of the hinge sleeve  156 . This is defined as the first locking means. As a result, the hinge plates  146  and  148  are locked relative to each other and movement of hinge plate  148  from hinge plate  146  to the backrest position is not permitted. 
   Now let it be assumed that the operator wishes to move the second hinge plate  148  to the backrest position. That operator must apply an inward force in the direction of arrow  190  only on the pin  172  (not on pin  170 ) which will cause fastener  186  to be removed from slot  166  with the result that bolt fasteners  184  and  186  are totally confined within the slot  188 . This will now permit pivoting movement of the second hinge plate  148  relative to the first hinge plate  146  until the second hinge plate  148  assumes a maximum pivoted position of about sixty degrees relative to the first hinge plate  146 . This position is clearly shown in  FIG. 14 . At this time, the bias of the coil spring  176  will cause bolt fastener  186  to engage with cutout notch  168  and also at the same time cause bolt fastener  178  to engage with cutout notch  164 . As a result, there is a double locking action which has occurred of the second hinge plate  148  when in the extended position. This is defined as the second locking means. This is desirable to insure that there is no possibility of breakage or disconnection of the locking mechanism when in the extended position and the hinge plate  148  is used as a backrest by the operator on the motorcycle. 
   Let it now be assumed that the operator wishes to move the hinge plate  148  back to a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 12 . In order to do so, the operator must apply a force on pin  172  in the direction of arrow  192  and at the same time apply a force on the pin  170  in the direction of arrow  194 . This will cause the fastener  186  to become dislodged from cutout notch  168  and at the same time fastener  178  becoming dislodged from cutout notch  164 . Pivoting movement of the second hinge plate  148  back to the closed position (being in juxtaposition with the first hinge plate  146 ) is now permitted at which time the bolt fastener  166  will not reengage with cutout notch  166 . 
   The discussion included in this patent is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible and alternatives are implicit. Also, this discussion may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. These changes still fall within the scope of this invention. 
   Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of any apparatus embodiment, a method embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

Technology Category: 7