VEHICLE FLOORBOARD STORAGE |
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申请号 | US12895837 | 申请日 | 2010-09-30 | 公开(公告)号 | US20110241374A1 | 公开(公告)日 | 2011-10-06 |
申请人 | Delray Graves; | 发明人 | Delray Graves; | ||||
摘要 | A vehicle footrest, such as a floorboard or footpeg, comprising a container or compartment adapted for attaching to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or other recreational vehicle, is disclosed. The footrest may be used to support a rider's foot and ankle, while providing a rider with a convenient container for carrying items, such as tools or personal property. The footrest may include a first part and a second part. The first part may include a top surface that may support the rider's foot. The first part may be attached to the second part, which may be substantially hollow, with a hinge to thereby form a container or compartment that can be opened and closed. The container or compartment may be attached to the vehicle with a mounting assembly that may accommodate numerous styles and makes of vehicles. | ||||||
权利要求 | What is claimed is: |
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说明书全文 | This patent application is a continuation-in part-of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/060,147 filed on Mar. 31, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, including but not limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with the following exception: In the event that any portion of the above-referenced application is inconsistent with this application, this application supercedes said above-referenced application. Not Applicable. 1. The Field of the Disclosure The disclosure relates generally to vehicle footrests, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to a device that may be used as a footrest and a container for storage for motorcycles or recreational vehicles. 2. Summary of the Disclosure Riders of motorcycles and other recreational vehicles typically sit astride the vehicle on a saddle at a comfortable arm's length from a handle bar that provides the rider with the ability to steer motorcycle or other recreational vehicle in a desired manner. The rider's feet are traditionally supported by footrests while in a seated position. Generally, there are two different types of footrests for motorcycles and other recreational vehicles, namely footpegs and floorboards. Footpegs are short shafts that typically extend outwardly from a vehicle frame in a lateral direction. Footpegs are commonly used and are the most widely used footrest because footpegs traditionally are simple in operation and design and function very well. Further, footpegs having a stirrup have become increasingly popular because of the heel rest that extends from the shaft of the peg can provide added comfort and support for the heel of the rider's foot. On the other hand, floorboards provide a motorcycle or recreational vehicle rider with a different foot support than the traditional footpeg. Floorboards may provide a flat, upwardly-sloped surface that faces the rider and operates to support both the sole and heel portion of the rider's shoe or boot. Floorboards are generally known to provide greater rider comfort because the floorboard is a solid surface that constitutes a fixed angle to complement and support the rider's ankle and foot. In contrast, a rider's shoe or boot can rotate about a footpeg, requiring more effort on the part of the rider to hold the foot in a fixed position. Floorboards are often used with cruisers, choppers, and touring motorcycles and provide a certain distinguishable look and comfort for a rider. It will be appreciated that both footpegs and floorboards have their own distinct advantages. Further, it will be appreciated that motorcycles and other recreational vehicles are mechanical devices that require maintenance. On occasion, a particular motorcycle or recreational vehicle may require some form of maintenance when a rider is using the vehicle, which may have become apparent during use or otherwise. Many motorcycles and other recreational vehicles are equipped with compartments or containers for carrying personal items or other property, including tools for on the road maintenance. Motorcycles and other recreational vehicles may be equipped with hard or leather saddle bags, sissy bar bags, tool bags, trunks or other containers. Many of these containers are located on the outer dimensions of the back end of the motorcycle and these containers may be considered by some riders to be bulky and unattractive. The containers or compartments may even be located under the saddle of the motorcycle in the area of the motorcycle traditionally reserved for the air box. In those instances, the container or compartment may be effecting the mechanics of the motorcycle because the air box must be shifted to another area to accommodate the container or compartment. Despite the advantages of known containers and compartments for motorcycles and other recreational vehicles, improvements are still being sought. However, containers and compartments on the market are characterized by several disadvantages that may be addressed by the disclosure. The disclosure minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the failures and inadequacies of the containers and compartments known on the market, and other problems, by utilizing the methods and structural features described herein. The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The container portion may be pivotally connected to the lid portion, such that the lid portion is rotatable relative to the container portion thereby providing access to the interior volume of the floorboard. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The lid portion may be removably attached to the container portion, such that the lid portion is removable from the container portion thereby providing access to the interior volume of the floorboard. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The lid portion may be removably and pivotally attached to the container portion, such that the lid portion is removable and rotatable relative to the container portion thereby providing access to the interior volume of the floorboard. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The bracket may be attached to the container portion with a fastener that is operable from inside of the container portion. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise a magnet associated with said lid portion for magnetically attracting tools and parts thereto. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise a weather tight seal, sealing the lid portion and the container portion. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise a lock, for locking the lid portion and the container portion. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise an insert for holding items in place within the container portion. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise an insert for holding items in place within the container portion, wherein said insert comprises recesses therein configured to accommodate electronic devices therein. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise an opening therein for allowing electrical wiring to pass therethrough. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise electrical connectivity. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise a lock, for locking the lid portion and the container portion, wherein the lock is keyed so as to operable with a key the operates said vehicle upon which the floorboard is attached. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise a hidden hinge connecting said lid portion to said container portion such that the hinge can only be accessed from within said container portion. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise a tool therein corresponding to the vehicle upon which the floorboard is attached. An embodiment of a floorboard for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage. The floorboard may also comprise a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot, and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The floorboard may further comprise a lock, for locking the lid portion and the container portion, wherein the lock may further comprise a cover for concealing and protecting an opening of said lock. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise a plurality of tools corresponding to the vehicle upon which the floorboards are mounted. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The removable inserts may be customizable by a user. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The container portion may be pivotally connected to the lid portion, such that the lid portion is rotatable relative to the container portion thereby providing access to the interior volume of the floorboard. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The lid portion may be removably attached to the container portion, such that the lid portion is removable from the container portion thereby providing access to the interior volume of the floorboard. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The lid portion may be removably and pivotally attached to the container portion, such that the lid portion is removable and rotatable relative to the container portion thereby providing access to the interior volume of the floorboard. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The bracket may be attached to the container portion with a fastener that is operable from inside of the container portion. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise a magnet associated with said lid portion for magnetically attracting tools and parts thereto. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise a weather tight seal, sealing the lid portion and the container portion. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise a lock, for locking the lid portion and the container portion. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise an insert for holding items in place within the container portion. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise an insert for holding items in place within the container portion, wherein said insert comprises recesses therein configured to accommodate electronic devices therein. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise an opening therein for allowing electrical wiring to pass therethrough. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise electrical connectivity. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise a lock, for locking the lid portion and the container portion, wherein the lock is keyed so as to operable with a key the operates said vehicle upon which the floorboard is attached. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise a hidden hinge connecting said lid portion to said container portion such that the hinge can only be accessed from within said container portion. An embodiment of a floorboard kit for exterior mounting on a vehicle may comprise a pair of floorboards wherein each floorboard comprises: a container portion comprising an interior volume configured for storage; a lid portion sized and shaped to cover said container portion, wherein said lid portion further comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to support a user's foot; and a bracket for mounting to a vehicle. The kit may also comprise a plurality of removable inserts. The kit may further comprise a tool therein corresponding to the vehicle upon which the floorboard is attached. The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed. Before the structural features of the floorboard container are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. In describing and claiming the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammatical equivalents thereof exclude any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. Referring now to It will be appreciated that the substantially hollow interior 152 of the second part 150 may include a volume that may fall within a range of about K (21 cubic inches to 140 cubic inches). Alternatively, the volume of the substantially hollow interior 152 may be between a range of about K (12 cubic inches to 235 cubic inches). It is to be understood that all values falling within the ranges provided above are within the scope of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that K is a constant between 0.8 and 1.2 and may be used as a scaling factor to account for different sized footrests. Further, the first surface 112 of the first part 110 may include a surface area that may fall within a range of about K (28 square inches to 75 square inches). Alternatively, the surface area of the first surface 112 may be between a range of about K (16 square inches to 98 square inches). It is to be understood that all values falling within the ranges provided above are within the scope of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that K is a constant between 0.8 and 1.2 and may be used as a scaling factor to account for different sized footrests. Different sizes of footrests will of course be provided depending upon the size of the vehicle in connection with which the footrests will be used. However, since the footrests may be similarly shaped, the size and shape can be represented for all standard footrests together and can be adapted by a conversion or scaling factor K, which may specify the size ratio of the respective footrests and may be between 0.8 and 1.2. An example of the dimensions of the footrest 100 may include a length dimension that may be within a range of about eight inches to about sixteen inches, a width dimension that may be within a range of about two inches to about seven inches, and a height or thickness dimension that may be within a range of about three-quarters of an inch to about three inches. It will be appreciated that all values falling within the ranges provided above are within the scope of the disclosure. Referring now specifically to As best illustrated in Referring briefly to As illustrated in It is to be understood that the first part 110 may be movable with respect to the second part 150 of the footrest 100 and the first part 110 may be positioned in a plurality of positions with respect to the second part 150. For example, the first part 110 may be positioned in an open position (see It will be understood that the footrest 100 itself may be a driver's footrest or a passenger's footrest. Further, the footrest 100 may be manufactured for each side of the vehicle, whether the vehicle is a motorcycle or some other recreational vehicle. The footrest 100 may be either a footpeg or a floorboard without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Referring now to Referring now to As illustrated best in It will be appreciated that the footrest 100, including the first part 110 and the second part 150, may be made or manufactured from a billet of aluminum or aluminum alloy. More specifically, the footrest 100 of the disclosure may be milled from aluminum or aluminum alloy. It will be appreciated that since pure aluminum is a relatively ductile metal, an aluminum alloy may be used, such as 6061-T6 aluminum, which is a lighter, stronger, more corrosion-resistant than pure aluminum and may be better suited for motorcycles and other recreational vehicles. It will be appreciated that other metals and non-metallic materials, such as ceramics or polymers, may be used as an alternative to aluminum, without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Further, while it may be advantageous to mill the footrest 100 or container from a block of aluminum or aluminum alloy, other manufacturing methods may be used, for example die-casting, where a metallic material may be heated and punched to shape and size creating a work hardened surface with predetermined characteristics. In accordance with the features and combinations described above, a useful method of making a vehicle footrest may comprise the steps of: (a) forming a vehicle footrest comprising a first part having a first surface configured and arranged for supporting a rider's foot and a second part comprising a substantially hollow interior; and (b) connecting the first part to the second part, such that the first part is movable with respect to the second part and may be positioned in a plurality of positions, including an open position and a closed position; wherein a volume of the substantially hollow interior of the second part is K (21 cubic inches to 140 cubic inches) and a surface area of the first surface of the first part is K (28 square inches to 70 square inches); wherein K is a constant between 0.8 and 1.2. Those having ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate the advantages provide by the features of the disclosure. For example, it is a potential feature of the disclosure to provide a vehicle footrest kit comprising a footrest and a mounting structure that is simple in design and manufacture. It is a potential feature of the disclosure to provide a hollow interior in the footrest for storage of items, such as tools or other personal property. Another potential feature of the disclosure is to provide such a footrest that includes a hinged connection, such that one side of the footrest is capable of opening and closing easily with respect to the opposite side to allow a rider access to the items stored within the footrest. It is another potential feature of the disclosure to provide such a footrest for the right and left hand side of a vehicle and to provide a driver's footrest or a passenger's footrest. It is another potential feature of the disclosure to provide an insert, which may be a foam material, that may be sized and shaped to be located and secured within the substantially hollow interior of the footrest. It is another potential feature of the disclosure to provide such a footrest that is made from aluminum or aluminum alloy, other metallic or non-metallic materials. In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. |