REMOVABLE BRACKET FOR TEMPORARILY INSTALLING A SAFETY RAILING ON A DECK

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to safety railings, and more particularly to a removable bracket for temporarily installing a safety railing on a deck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Decks and elevated surfaces often require safety railings to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of individuals using these structures. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for construction sites. Where workers on a construction site are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more, OSHA requires that employers provide fall protection in one of three ways before work begins: placing guardrails around the hazard area, deploying safety nets, or providing personal fall arrest systems for each employee.

Placing guardrails around the hazard area is typically the most preferred method during construction of decks and other elevated surfaces in that workers are not restrained by personal fall arrest systems or the cost associated with deploying safety nets, which may not be practical on a construction site.

Numerous safety railing systems have been proposed. For example, U.S. Patent No. 10,843,718 proposes a reusable metal rail construction safety railing system which is compliant with OSHA regulations. The assembly includes a tubular rail structure, a rail support structure and a concrete anchor bolt. Although the system is reusable, the system uses base plates which are secured to a floor surface by the concrete anchor bolt. This system is not suitable for home construction of decks and other elevated surfaces which typically require a rubber membrane to be installed for weather protection. That is, the anchor bolt would pierce the rubber membrane, deteriorating or destroying the function of the rubber membrane.

Other existing systems include EP1564345A2 (Matamoros, 2005) and US4359851A (Daniels, 1982) which disclose brackets for safety railings that can be installed from the side of the deck or elevated surface. These systems are designed for permanent installations of posts. EP1564345A2 describes a bracket system where the brackets are mounted on the vertical sides of the deck, with provisions for receiving railing posts in the construction of stairs. Similarly, US4359851A discloses a deck apparatus with brackets that can be secured to the sides of the deck surface, allowing for do-it-yourself installation of posts on decks. This system does not recognize the problems associated with temporary safety systems in home construction.

During home construction, the known temporary safety rail systems are not satisfactory in that during various phases of construction it becomes necessary to remove the temporary safety rail for construction of the decking material on the subfloor. This is because the decking material overhangs from the edge of the subfloor. The systems described above are not suitable due to the posts being mounted flush to the side surface of the subfloor.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved OSHA compliant safety rail system for home construction, while maintaining a secure and stable connection to the deck structure, addressing the shortcomings of prior art solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a removable bracket for temporarily installing a safety railing on a deck at a side surface thereof, is provided. The removable bracket includes a top open post holder having a receiving recess adapted to receive a safety railing there within, defined by a top open surface, a closed bottom surface, a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls, extending between a proximal portion and a distal portion. The removable bracket further includes a pair of spaced apart flange extensions, each extending transversally away from one of the sidewalls of the top open post holder. The removable bracket furthermore includes two generally co-planer mounting flanges, each extending generally away from one of the pair of flange extensions, and adapted to be secured to the side surface of the deck. The safety railing, when installed within the receiving recess, is spaced from the side surface of the deck at a point of contact with the mounting flange.

Preferably, each of the spaced apart flange extensions is of a similar width that is lesser than a length of the corresponding sidewall.

Generally, the receiving recess defined within the top open post holder is of a dimension that is similar to a cross-section of a safety railing post to be installed therewithin so as to receive the safety railing post snugly fitted therein.

Particularly, each of the mounting flanges includes at least one mounting hole adapted to receive a mounting bolt therethrough for securing the flange onto the side surface of the deck.

Potentially, the removable bracket is a one-piece structure formed by a process selected from one or more of but not limited to injection molding, casting, stamping, 3D printing, bending and forming, welding, hydroforming or machining.

Further potentially, the removable bracket is formed of a material selected from one or more of but not limited to metals, rigid polymeric material, stainless steel, titanium, or composites.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for installing a safety railing on to a deck at a side surface thereof is disclosed. The method comprises providing a removable bracket and securing the co-planer mounting flanges to the side surface of the deck. The method further includes inserting a safety railing post into the receiving recess of the top open post holder and securing the safety railing post within the top open post holder.

Potentially, the step of securing the mounting flanges to the side surface of the deck may include inserting a mounting bolt through each of the mounting holes provided on each of the mounting flanges and into a corresponding cavity formed onto the side surface of the deck.

Further potentially, the step of inserting the safety railing post into receiving recess may comprise snugly fitting the safety railing post within the recess.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a illustrates a schematic view of a removable bracket for installing a temporary safety railing onto a side surface of a deck, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1b illustrates an exploded view of a removable bracket for installing a temporary safety railing onto a side surface of a deck, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure

FIG. 1c illustrates an exemplary side-view of a removable bracket for installing a temporary safety railing onto a side surface of a deck, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure

FIG. 2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the removable bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2b illustrates a perspective view of the modular coupling assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2c illustrates a top view of the removable bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary installation of the removable bracket onto the side surface before installation of a deck, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart illustrating the steps for installing of a temporary safety railing using the removable bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary application of the removable brackets for installing temporary railings on a balcony, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, a schematic, exemplary-only embodiment of the present application is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various and / or alternative forms. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Aspects, advantages and/or other features of the exemplary embodiment of the disclosure will become apparent in view of the following detailed description, which discloses various non-limiting embodiments of the invention. In describing exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the embodiments are not intended to be limited to this specific terminology. It is to be understood that each specific portion includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Exemplary embodiments may be adapted for many different purposes and are not intended to be limited to the specific exemplary purposes set forth herein. Those skilled in the art would be able to adapt the exemplary-only embodiment of the present disclosure, depending for example, on the intended use of adapted embodiment. Moreover, examples and limitations related therewith brought herein below are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the following specification and a study of the related figures.

The present application discloses a removable bracket system for temporarily installing safety railings on decks, balconies, or other elevated surfaces. The bracket while being removable, allows a secure and stable mounting of temporary safety railings onto a side surface of the decks, that is compliant with the OSHA Safety Standards. Such an installation on a side surface facilitates avoidance of any damage to the top surface of the deck. Further, the removable bracket of the current disclosure addresses the limitations of existing solutions by incorporating a horizontally extended post-receiving recess that allows for the temporary railing to be installed at an optimal angle for safety and functionality, while potentially providing space for the simultaneous installation of permanent railings. Such a flexibility ensures optimal alignment of the railing for safety and comfort, even when the deck surface is sloped or uneven. It is to be understood that unless otherwise indicated this invention need not be limited to applications in temporary installation of safety railings. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, variations of the invention may be applied to other applications. Moreover, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be applied in combination with various known tools, and / or devices, to achieve any desired application. It must also 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. Thus, for example, the term “an opening” is intended to mean a single opening or a combination of openings, “a connecting mechanism” is intended to mean one or more connecting mechanisms, or a combination thereof.

FIGS. 1a through 1c illustrate a removable bracket 100 for installing a temporary safety railing post 180 onto a side surface 185 of a deck 190 having a sub-floor 192. In some embodiments, the deck 190 may further include one or more rubber membranes 194 configured above a plurality of deck joists 196, as illustrated in FIG. 1c, configured onto the sub-floor 192. The temporary safety railing post 180 may be any conventionally known safety railing post, generally designed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of individuals onto the deck 190. The temporary safety railing post 180 may consist of various components but preferably includes a safety railing post 180 constructed with 2x4s 142, without deviating from the scope of the current disclosure. The specific design and materials used for the safety railing post 180 can vary depending on the application, aesthetic preferences, and building codes, but preferably consists of 2x4s 142 to allow for convenience and cost-effective application. Although 4x4s could be used as posts, the use of 2x4s 142 is preferred due to 2x4s 142 being readily available at a construction site and being less in cost than a 4x4.

The side surface 185 of the deck 190 refers to a vertical face, generally provided in form of a band board, along the perimeter of the deck 190. This surface is typically hidden from a top view and does not interfere with the usable area of the deck 190. In most cases, the side surface 185 is constructed from a material same as that of the deck 190, such as wood, composite lumber, or concrete.

As illustrated in FIG. 1b, the removable bracket 100 includes a top open post holder 110. The top open post holder 110 includes a receiving recess 111 defined by a top open surface 112, a closed bottom surface 113, a pair of end walls 114 and a pair of side walls 115, extending between a proximal portion P_P and a distal portion P_P. The receiving recess 111, is generally shaped and sized to receive the safety railing post 180 in a snugly fit manner such that the closed bottom surface 113 provides support and stability to the safety railing post 180, when inserted within the receiving recess 111. The pair of end walls 114 and side walls 115 surrounds the safety railing post 180, offering lateral support and preventing unwanted movement thereof within the recess 111.

As a specific preferred embodiment, the top open post holder 110 has dimensions to accommodate a post made from two 2x4s 142. End walls 114 and side walls 115 can have dimensions of 3 ½ inches and 3 inches, respectively, which corresponds to the dimensions of the two 2x4s 142. It is to be understood that the dimensions of the end walls and side walls can be 3 inches and 3 ½ inches, respectively. That is, the opening 112 is to accommodate the size of the post to allow a secure, snug fit.

A height I s of the end walls 114 and side walls 115 is such as to allow a secure mounting of the safety railing post without the need for additional securing. In a preferred embodiment, the height is about 8 inches. This allows sufficient stability when the post is inserted within the top open post holder 110 without the need for additional securing. Although not required, additional securing can be made with a screw or other means through weep hole 141.

The removable bracket 100 further includes a locking mechanism 140 adapted to lock the removable bracket 100 to the side surface 185 of the deck 190. In an embodiment, as illustrated, the locking mechanism 140 includes mounting holes 135a, 135b and mounting bolts 140a, 140b adapted to lock the removable bracket 100 to the side surface 185 of the deck 190. Optionally, the locking mechanism 140 can include mounting bolt 143 to further secure the post through a weep hole 141. The primary purpose of the weep hole 141, however, is to allow any moisture from precipitation to drain from the mounting bracket 100. Yet alternatively, the locking mechanism 140 may be selected from one of, but not limited to, various connection mechanisms such as a notch-based locking mechanism and various kinds of fastener-based locking mechanisms.

As illustrated in FIG. 2a, 2b and 2c, the removable bracket 100 further includes a pair of spaced apart flange extensions 120, specifically illustrated as 120a and 120b, each extending transversally away from each of the sidewalls 115 of the top open post holder 110. The flange extensions 120a, 120b are positioned near the proximal portion P p of the top open post holder 110. Particularly, the flange extensions 120a and 120b are of a similar width w F lesser than a length l s of the corresponding sidewall 115. Specifically, the flange extensions 120a, 120b can be approximately 3 inches in length to allow sufficient clearance of the safety railing from the deck to allow construction to proceed unhindered. The removable bracket 100 furthermore includes two generally co-planer mounting flanges 130, specifically illustrated as 130a and 130b, each extending perpendicularly away from one of the flange extensions 120a, 120b. The mounting flanges 130a, 130b are positioned generally within the same plane P, ensuring that they lie flat against the side surface 185 of the deck 190 when the removable bracket 100 is installed.

In a preferred embodiment, the top open post holder 110 of the removable bracket 100 is positioned orthogonally relative to the co-planar mounting flanges 130a, 130b to ensure proper alignment and installation of the temporary safety railing post 180. The bracket angle is an angle between an imaginary line connecting a top position T of a safety railing 180 installed within the top open post holder 110 with the side surface 185 at a point of contact with the mounting flanges 130a, 130b and a normal (perpendicular line) N to the mounting flanges 130a, 130b. The deck angle, which is an angle between the normal N and the side surface 185 of the deck 190. Particularly, the bracket angle is configured to be larger than the deck angle, resulting in a positive length L m of the bracket 100, thereby ensuring that the temporary safety railing, when installed, does not interfere with a permanent railing 188 [as illustrated in FIG. 1c] that may be present or being installed on a top surface of the deck 190. This positive length L m allows the temporary railing 180 to be positioned at a minimum predetermined distance relative to the side surface 185 of the deck 190. A distance of at least 3 inches for the flange extensions 120a, 120b is sufficient to ensure compliance with OSHA standards while also allowing space for construction to proceed unhindered.

In some embodiments, the angled configuration of the top open post holder 110 further enables the removable bracket 100 to accommodate railings to be placed at various angles of inclination, thereby allowing the removable bracket 100 to be used in a wide range of deck configurations and railing installation scenarios.

In one embodiment, the bracket angle is preferably 90°

The removable bracket 100 furthermore includes one or more mounting holes 135, specifically illustrated as 135a, and 135b, configured onto each of the mounting flanges 130a, and 130b respectively. Each of the one or more mounting holes 135a, 135b is adapted to receive a mounting bolt 140a, 140b therethrough for securing the flanges 130a, and 130b onto the side surface 185 of the deck 190. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting holes 135a, 135b are strategically positioned on the mounting flanges 130a, 130b to ensure a strong and stable connection between the removable bracket 100 and the side surface 185 of the deck 190. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting holes 135a, 135b are generally circular in shape and are of a diameter D mh, sized to accommodate a diameter D mb of the mounting bolts 140a, 140b. The diameter D mh of the mounting holes 135a, and 135b is slightly larger than the diameter D mb of the mounting bolts 140a, 140b to allow for easy insertion and removal of the bolts while maintaining a snug fit. The side surface 185 in such embodiments, may be configured with one or more openings 188a, 188b for receiving the mounting bolts 140a, 140b. The one or more openings 188a, 188b can be pre-drilled or pre-formed in the side surface 180 of the deck 190 are configure to align with the mounting holes 135a, 135b on the mounting flanges 130a, 130b of the removable bracket 100. The one or more openings 188a, 188b in the deck 190 are sized to accommodate the diameter D mh [not shown] of the mounting bolts 140a, 140b and provide a secure anchoring point for the removable bracket 100. Preferably, the mounting bolts are lag bolts for easy installation and removal. This ensures that the removable bracket 100 is securely fastened to the side surface 185 of the deck 190.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the mounting bolts 140a, 140b may be readily installed using a power driver 200 to secure the removable bracket 100 to the side surface 185, during the construction stage, when the deck 190 is not yet installed. The mounting bolts 132a, 132b are inserted through the mounting holes 135a, 135b on the mounting flanges 130a, 130b and driven into the openings 188a, 188b in the side surface 185 of the deck 190. However, in other embodiments, any suitable tool may be utilized without deviating from the scope of the current disclosure.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting holes 135a, 135b, the mounting bolts 132a, 132b, and the cavities 186a, 186b may be replaced by a connecting mechanism [not shown] adapted to attach the removable bracket 100 onto the side surface 185 of the deck 190. The connecting mechanism may be any kind of connecting mechanism known in the art, such as a notch-based connecting mechanism, an eccentric nut-based connecting mechanism, or any other fastener-based connecting mechanism suitable for connecting the mounting flanges 130a, 130b of the removable bracket 100 to the side surface 185 of the deck 190, without deviating from the scope of the current disclosure.

The removable bracket 100 is generally a one-piece structure formed by a process selected from one or more of, but not limited to, injection molding, casting, stamping, 3D printing, bending and forming, welding, hydroforming, or machining. The material used for the removable bracket 100 can be chosen from a variety of options, including metals, rigid polymeric materials, stainless steel, titanium, or composites. In other embodiments, the removable bracket 100 may be made of any other suitable material known in the art.

However, in some embodiments, the removable bracket 100 may be a multi-piece assembly. In such cases, the bracket 100 may include a top open post holder 110 connected to mounting flanges 130 through extension flanges 120 or similar components. This design allows for variations in the distance between the top open post holder 110 and the deck 190 by simply changing the length of the extension flanges 120. When the removable bracket 100 is a multi-piece assembly, it may be made of metal, enabling easy assembly and disassembly.

FIG. 4, with reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 for installing a safety railing 180 onto a deck 190 at a side surface 185 thereof using the removable bracket 100 of the present disclosure. The method 400 starts at step 402 and moves to step 404, where a removable bracket 100 is provided. The removable bracket 100 includes a top open post holder 110 with a receiving recess 111, a pair of spaced apart flange extensions 120a, 120b extending transversally away from the sidewalls 115 of the top open post holder 110, and two generally co-planer mounting flanges 130a, 130b extending perpendicularly away from the flange extensions 120a, 120b.

The top open post holder 110 of the removable bracket 100 is perpendicular relative to the co-planar mounting flanges 130a, 130b to ensure proper alignment and installation of the temporary safety railing 180. The removable bracket 100 is provided with a positive length L m , ensuring that the temporary safety railing 180, when installed, is kept away and does not interfere with a permanent railing 188 [as illustrated in FIG. 1c].

The method 400 then proceeds to step 406, where the co-planer mounting flanges 130a, 130b are secured to the side surface 185 of the deck 190. Potentially, the step of securing the mounting flanges 130a, 130b onto the side surface 185 of the deck 190 may include inserting a mounting bolt 132a, 132b through each of the mounting holes 131a, 131b provided on each of the mounting flanges 130a, 130b and into a corresponding cavity 186a, 186b formed onto the side surface 185 of the deck 190.

After securing the removable bracket 100 to the side surface 185 of the deck 190, the method 400 moves to step 408, where the safety railing 180 is inserted into the receiving recess 111 of the top open post holder 110. Further potentially, the step of inserting the safety railing 180 into the receiving recess 111 may comprise snugly fitting the safety railing 180 within the recess 111.

Following the insertion of the safety railing post 180 into the receiving recess 111, the method 400 proceeds to step 410, where the safety railing post 180 is secured within the top open post holder 110.

The method 400 concludes at step 412, with the safety railing 180 securely installed onto the side surface 185 of the deck 190 using the removable bracket 100, and optionally at a desired angle to ensure proper clearance and avoid interference with any permanent railings 188 on the deck 190. The angled configuration of the top open post holder 110 relative to the mounting flanges 130a, 130b, as defined by the bracket angle and the deck angle, provides a significant advantage by allowing the removable bracket 100 to accommodate various deck configurations and railing installation scenarios while ensuring proper alignment and clearance of the temporary safety railing 180.

Such a removable bracket 100 allows the temporary railing 180 to be positioned away from the deck 190 and in turn facilitate avoidance of any interreference with the deck surface 190 while making sure that OSHA standard Security is provided to any person standing on the deck 190. Accordingly, the bracket 100 may be connected to the side surface at a desired contact position to define corresponding bracket angle.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates to a removable bracket 100 for the installation of temporary safety railing posts 180 in accordance OSHA safety standards, on various structures including but not limited to decks, balconies, rooftops, and walkways. Also, the removable bracket 100 is adapted to facilitate a range of length Lm, Height H, bracket angle and deck angle during installation of the railings, thereby allowing the bracket 100 to be used in a wide range of temporary safety railing 180 installations, ensuring optimal safety and compliance with building regulations. Further, such a configuration of the bracket 100 ensures that the temporary safety railing does not interfere with any permanent railings 188 [as illustrated in FIG. 1c] that may be present or being installed on the top surface of the deck 190. Further, such a bracket 100 is installed at a position which may later be covered by a gutter to be installed at the side surface 185 of the deck surface, thereby avoiding any negative impact on aesthetic look of the side surface 185 as well as the deck 190.

Further, the bracket 100 is adapted to be installed on the side surface 185 of the deck 190, eliminating the need to drill through a top surface thereof, which in turn facilitates preserves of integrity of waterproofing membranes commonly used on decks as well as maintains the aesthetic appearance of the deck surface.

In an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the removable bracket 200 of the current disclosure is used to install temporary safety railings 280, on a balcony deck 290 during the construction process. As illustrated, the safety railings 280 includes a series of removable brackets 200 positioned along a side surface 285, of the balcony deck 290 where rain gutters [not shown] will eventually be installed. The brackets 200 are spaced at appropriate intervals to provide adequate support for the railings 280 and to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Further, each of the series of removable bracket 200 is secured to the side surface 285 of the balcony deck 290 using mounting bolts 240 that pass through corresponding mounting holes [not shown] configured within in two co-planers mounting flanges 230 and into corresponding bolt holes (not shown) drilled into the side surface 285 of the balcony structure, ensuring a strong and stable connection. Once the removable brackets 200 are installed, temporary safety railings 280 are attached to the top open posts 210 of the brackets 200. The positive length of the bracket 200 and therefore, allows the railings 280 installed within the top open post 210, to be positioned away from the deck surface at the appropriate height and orientation to provide optimal safety for workers.

Accordingly, the removable bracket 200 of the current disclosure may be used to couple any number of safety railings 280 using multiple brackets 200 and additional inner connecting rods. Further, it is to be contemplated that the removable bracket 200 of the current disclosure may be reproduced in any desired dimensions for each of the sub-components including the top open post 210, the flange extensions 220 and the co-planer flanges 230 as deemed fit for a desired application without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the claimed subject matter is illustrated. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodology is shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the claimed subject matter. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this specification are capable of being stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such methodologies to computers. The term article of manufacture, as used herein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media.

Throughout the specifications of the present disclosure, the term "comprising" means including but not necessarily to the exclusion of other elements or steps. In other words, the term comprising indicates an open list. Furthermore, all directional references (such as, but not limited to, upper, lower, inner, outer, upward, downward, inwards, outwards, right, left, rightward, leftward, inside, outside, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counter=clockwise, lineal, axial and/or radial, or any other directional and/or similar references) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Moreover, all directional references are approximate and should not be interpreted as exact, but rather as describing a general indicator as to an approximate attitude.

Similarly, joinder references (such as, but not limited to, attached, coupled, connected, accommodated, and the like and their derivatives) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of segments and relative movement between segments. As such, joinder references may not necessarily infer that two segments are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

In some instances, components are described with reference to "ends" having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with an-other part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to components which terminate immediately be-yond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term "end" should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular segment, link, component, part, member or the like. Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “second”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader’s understanding of the various embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another embodiment, variation and/or modification.

As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The present embodiments is, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within therefore intended to be embraced therein. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of preferred embodiments. Functionalities may be separated or combined in procedures differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.