FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to leverage bars, and more particularly, to an improved ratchet strap tightening device

BACKGROUND

[0002] Ratchet straps are fasteners used to hold down cargo or equipment during transportation. Ratchet straps are essentially webbing that is outfitted with tie down hardware in the form of a ratchet buckle. This hardware allows the ratchet strap to attach to the area surrounding the cargo or equipment, loop over the cargo or equipment, and/or attach to the cargo or equipment. It usually also includes a method of tensioning the strap, such as a ratchet buckle. However, tightening the ratchet straps via the ratchet buckle can require strenuous and the repetitive body movements which can lead to injuries or accidents. Examples of the related art are described below.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,971 B2 (Gaudreault et al.) discloses a tightening device leverage tool. In one example, the tool includes a bar member with a bar axis; a first receiver mounted to the bar member, and a second receiver mounted to the bar member and spaced-apart along the bar axis from the first receiver. The first and the second receivers are simultaneously engageable with a respective one of a first ratchet buckle member and a second ratchet buckle member, spaced apart from one another, for pivoting at least one of the first and the second ratchet buckle members about a pivot axis. Shortcomings include a lack of an engagement structure to securely engage a ratchet buckle comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket, a lack of two differently sized such engagement structures on a same handle so as to be usable with correspondingly differently sized ratchet buckles, a lack of an extendable handle, and a lack of a mace-like portion at an end thereof.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 10,641,006 Bl (Haile) discloses a leveraging tool for helping urge open a shipping container or van trailer door latch has a shaft that has a pair of rings that receive a latch arm of the door latch and uses the lever action of the shaft to gain mechanical advantage in opening and closing the latch. The shaft is bent at either one location or optionally two locations to allow for proper clearance of a user's hands with respect to the door. The inner ring has a distal end facing outer edge that is diagonally tapered to allow the device to properly clear the latch in order to allow the rings to receive the latch. Snoncomings inciuue a iacK or an engagement structure to securely engage a ratchet buckle comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket, a lack of two differently sized such engagement structures on a same handle so as to be usable with correspondingly differently sized ratchet buckles, a lack of an extendable handle, and a lack of a mace-like portion at an end thereof.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 8,567,766 Bl (Trump) discloses an assist device for use with a tensioning bar. In one example, the device comprises a pair of surfaces in spaced apart relation affixed to a u-shaped wall, creating an open ended box, and a pair of through bores located along a central vertical axis of each surface. The assist device is removably or permanently coupled to the tensioning bar. The tensioning bar is inserted into a truck winch, and a user facing the assist device and the truck winch, perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the bar, pushes down on an upper surface of the assist device using hands or a foot in a pumping motion, causing the bar to pivot downwards from the winch, and thus tightening or loosening the strap. Shortcomings include a lack of an engagement structure to securely engage a ratchet buckle comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket, a lack of two differently sized such engagement structures on a same handle so as to be usable with correspondingly differently sized ratchet buckles, a lack of an extendable handle, and a lack of a mace-like portion at an end thereof.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,829 (Whiteman) discloses an extendible cheater bar for use in tightening the ratchet mechanisms and consequently the straps used in long haul trucking applications for the securement of loads. The extendible cheater bar includes a second body member and a first body member. The second body member is hollow, elongated and includes an internal cavity with an internal surface which is partially or wholly internally threaded. The first body member is elongated and has an outer surface which is partially or wholly externally threaded. The first body member screws into and out of the internal cavity of the second body member, thereby forming an extendible and retractable cheater bar lever with improved characteristics while maintaining the necessary rigidity. Shortcomings include a lack of an engagement structure to securely engage the ratchet buckle comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket, a lack of two differently sized such engagement structures on a same handle so as to be usable with correspondingly differently sized ratchet buckles, and a lack of a mace-like portion at an end thereof. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,617 A (Love) discloses an extendible extension handle that can be used with wrenches, ratchets, tire iron and such to permit the user to increase the leverage applied to the tool. In one example, the inner handle assembly is the base to engage the handle at one end and the tools at the opposite end. The tool end of the inner handle assembly has first and second openings in it's upper base to engage the handle portion and closed end portion of wrenches and an opening on bottom base to engage opening end wrenches. The inner handle assembly being tubular in structure allows for ratchets, tire iron and such to easily be inserted into the base. Shortcomings include a lack of an engagement structure to securely engage the ratchet buckle comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket, a lack of two differently sized such engagement structures on a same handle so as to be usable with correspondingly differently sized ratchet buckles, and a lack of a mace-like portion at an end thereof.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,232 B2 (Westberg) discloses a winch bar for use together with a strap winch to tighten a load-securing strap for a flatbed truck or trailer. In addition to an offset angle, the winch bar also includes one or more compensating angles establishing an obstacle clearance area defined by a laterally offset portion of the winch bar. Shortcomings include a lack of an engagement structure to securely engage a ratchet buckle comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket, a lack of two differently sized such engagement structures on a same handle so as to be usable with correspondingly differently sized ratchet buckles, a lack of an extendable handle, and a lack of a mace-like portion at an end thereof.

[0009] U.S. 5,425,154 A (Edwards) discloses an improved leverage bar for use on a load binder handle or in the opening of a ratcheting binder comprising a bar having a latch assembly on a first end for engaging the load binder. The latch assembly comprises a generally U-shaped wall member with a latch member and a fulcrum member interposed therebetween. A second end of the bar comprises a rod assembly for engaging the opening of a ratcheting binder. The rod assembly comprises a first cylindrical section secured to a second cylindrical section which is smaller in diameter to the first cylindrical section and an conical end cap member secured to the second cylindrical section. A method for operating a ratcheting binder and a load binder is also disclosed. Shortcomings include a lack of an engagement structure to securely engage a ratchet buckle comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket, a lack of two differently sized such engagement structures on a same handle so as to be usable with correspondingly differently sized ratchet buckles, a lack of an exrenuaoie nanuie, anu a iacK or a mace-like portion at an end thereof.

[0010] CA App. No. 2,173,813 Al (Sorge) discloses a tool for use with variously sized ratchet buckles where each ratchet buckle has an operating handle including a pair of oppositely spaced parallel arms connected together by a cross arm. The cross arms are different lengths for each of the various ratchet buckle sizes. The tool includes an elongated rigid bar having a rear handle end and a spaced opposite front end. A socket is connected to the front end and includes a tubular member for receiving the operating handle including the spaced parallel arms and the cross arm. The tubular member has a rectangular cross section with a width sufficient to accommodate operating handles having cross arms of different lengths and a height which maintains the bar in substantial longitudinal alignment with the parallel arms so that the tool exerts leverage on parallel arms of variously sized ratchet buckles. Shortcomings include a lack of an engagement structure to securely engage a ratchet buckle comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket, a lack of two differently sized such engagement structures on a same handle so as to be usable with correspondingly differently sized ratchet buckles, a lack of an extendable handle, and a lack of a mace-like portion at an end thereof.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,600 A (Fugate) discloses an extension device for receiving the handle of a wrench so as to assist in the rotation thereof. In one example, the device includes a generally flat handle portion, a generally flat offset portion coupled to the handle portion and offset therefrom and first and second stirrups coupled to opposite edges of the offset portion for receiving and positioning the handle of the wrench to be rotated such that the plane of rotation of the handle portion is coplanar with the plane of rotation of the handle of the wrench. Each stirrup includes a V-shaped portion having a first leg coupled to a respective edge of the offset portion and a substantially flat third leg coupled to the second leg of the V and extending over the offset portion. The handle of the wrench is received by the stirrups and positioned by the apex of each of the V-shaped portions. The extension device may also be used as a prybar and a device for bending pipe, metal rod and the like. Shortcomings include a lack of an engagement structure to securely engage a ratchet buckle comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket, a lack of two differently sized such engagement structures on a same handle so as to be usable with correspondingly differently sized ratchet buckles, a lack of an extendable handle, and a lack of a mace-like portion at an end thereof. [0012] U.S. Pat. No. 11,102,188 Bl (Ferris) discloses a dekhand device for securing items while being transported. In one example, the device comprises a hand arm, a first gusset, a bottom bar, a cross bar, a second gusset and two end bars. Shortcomings include a lack of an engagement structure to securely engage a ratchet buckle comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket, a lack of two differently sized such engagement structures on a same handle so as to be usable with correspondingly differently sized ratchet buckles, a lack of an extendable handle, and a lack of a mace-like portion at an end thereof.

[0013] This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art or forms part of the general common knowledge in the relevant art.

SUMMARY

[0014] The following presents a simplified summary of the general inventive concepts described herein to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is not intended to restrict key or critical elements of embodiments of the disclosure to delineate their scope beyond that which is explicitly or implicitly described by the following description and claims.

[0015] A need exists for a device that overcomes some of the drawbacks of known devices, or at least, provides a useful alternative thereto. Some aspects of the herein described embodiments provide examples of such a device. In particular, one such aspect provides an improved ratchet strap tightening device that provides a engagement structure comprising both a c-shaped receiving portion and a bracket configured to securely engage the ratchet buckle which allows the user to more easily generate the torque required to tighten the ratchet strap with less body strength. In addition, some embodiments may provide two such engagement structures so as to offer the option to tighten two differently sized ratchet buckles.

[0016] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a tightening device for tightening one or more ratchet straps; the device comprising: an elongated handle; the handle comprising a first engagement structure for engaging a first ratchet buckle used to tighten one of said one or more ratchet straps, the first engagement structure comprising: a first bracket affixed at a first end of said handle, the first bracket transversely oriented and centered with respect to the handle, and configured to enclose within two side arms of said ratchet buckle to provide a support point thereon; a first curved receiving member affixed transversely on saiu nanuie below said bracket at a first designated distance, the first curved receiving member comprising a c-shaped cross section with an opening oriented substantially away from said first bracket and configured to receive therein a cross-arm of said ratchet buckle; wherein the device is configured so that rotationally moving a second end of said handle upon said first bracket enclosing said side arms and said first curved receiving member having received therein said cross-arm provides a torque that rotates the side arms of the first ratchet buckle with respect to a ratchet bar thereof to tighten said first ratchet strap.

[0017] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a second engagement structure for engaging a second ratchet buckle, the second ratchet buckle operable to tighten a second ratchet strap of said one or more ratchet straps, the second ratchet buckle and second ratchet strap being sized differently than the first ratchet buckle and first ratchet strap; the second engagement structure comprising: a second bracket affixed at the first end of said handle but on a opposite side of said first bracket; the second bracket transversely oriented and centered with respect to the handle, and configured to enclose within two side arms of the second ratchet buckle to provide a support point thereon; a second curved receiving member affixed transversely on said handle below said second bracket at a second designated distance, the second curved receiving member comprising a c-shaped cross section with an opening oriented substantially away from said second bracket and configured to receive therein a cross-arm of said second ratchet buckle; and wherein the device is configured so that rotationally moving the second end of said handle upon said second bracket enclosing said side arms of the second ratchet buckle and said second curved receiving member having received therein said cross-arm of said second ratchet buckle provides a torque that rotates the side arms of the second ratchet buckle with respect to a ratchet bar thereof to tighten said second ratchet strap.

[0018] In one embodiment, the handle is hollow so as to provide a channel along a length thereof to receive therein a correspondingly transversally shaped elongated lower member, the lower member being slidingly movable along a length thereof in and out of said handle via said channel.

[0019] In one embodiment, the lower member can be secured at a designated position inside said handle via a fastener.

[0020] In one embodiment, the fastener is a double-wire safety pin. [0021] In one embodiment, the handle further comprises at a second end thereof a rounded protrusion.

[0022] In one embodiment, a second end of said elongated handle comprises thereon a gripenhancing portion at the second end thereof.

[0023] In one embodiment, the grip-enhancing portion is made of an elastomer material.

[0024] Other aspects, features and/or advantages will become apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Several embodiments of the present disclosure will be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of an improved ratchet strap tightening device, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0027] FIG. IB is a rear view of the improved ratchet strap tightening device, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 1C is a side view of the improved ratchet strap tightening device, accordance with one embodiment;

[0029] FIG. ID is a top view of the improved ratchet strap tightening device, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0030] FIG. IE is a perspective view of the improved ratchet strap tightening device with a lower member extended from a handle thereof, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0031] FIG. IF is a perspective view of the lower member of the improved ratchet strap tightening device, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another improved ratchet strap tightening device having a non-extendable handle, in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the improved ratchet strap tightening device of FIGS.

1 A to IE engaged on a ratchet buckle, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0034] Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating understanding of the various presently disclosed embodiments. Also, common, but weii-unuersroou commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Various implementations and aspects of the specification will be described with reference to details discussed below. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the specification and are not to be construed as limiting the specification. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various implementations of the present specification. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of implementations of the present specification.

[0036] Various devices and processes will be described below to provide examples of implementations of the device or process disclosed herein. No implementation described below limits any claimed implementation and any claimed implementations may cover processes or devices that differ from those described below. The claimed implementations are not limited to devices having all of the features of any one device or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the devices or processes described below. It is possible that a device or process described below is not an implementation of any claimed subject matter.

[0037] Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts that the implementations described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the implementations described herein.

[0038] In this specification, elements may be described as “configured to” perform one or more functions or “configured for” such functions. In general, an element that is configured to perform or configured for performing a function is enabled to perform the function, or is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function.

[0039] The devices described herein provide, in accordance with different embodiments, different examples of an improved ratchet strap tightening device. [0040] With reference to FIGS. 1 A to IF, and in accordance with one embodiment, an improved ratchet strap tightening device, referred to using the numeral 100, will now be described. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A to IE, the device 100 comprises a rigid and elongated handle 104. Preferably, the handle 104 is made from a strong and resistant material, such a durable metal. In this embodiment, the handle 104 is rectangularly-shaped and comprises four flat surfaces: a top surface 106, a bottom surface 108, and two parallel side surfaces 110.

[0041] In this exemplary embodiment, the device 100 further comprises, on opposing sides or surfaces of the handle 104, two differently sized ratchet buckle engagement structures 112 and 114, each comprising a curved receiving member and a bracket, so as to be advantageously used with two different ratchet buckle sizes. However, in some embodiments, only one set of ratchet buckle engagement elements may be provided instead. In some embodiments, the length 116 of the handle 104 may be 16 inches.

[0042] Thus, in this example and as seen in FIG. 1 A to IE, the top surface 106 of the handle 104 comprises a first engagement structure 112 comprising a first bracket 118 and a first curved receiving member 120. In this example, the first bracket 118 is transversely affixed on the surface 106 at a first end 122 thereof. The first square bracket 118 comprises a transversely oriented elongated rectangular flat member 124 having two side members 126 at the two distal ends thereof extending perpendicularly away from the handle 104. The first square bracket 118 is affixed or coupled to the top surface 106 so as to be centered and transversely oriented with respect to the handle 104. In a preferred embodiment, the length 116 of the handle 104 may be 16 inches long, although other values may be considered as well. The first curved receiving member 120 is affixed or coupled to the top surface 106 transversely at a first designated distance 128 from the first end 122. The first curved receiving member 120 has a transversal width 130 and a substantially C-shaped cross-section having an opening 132 thereof facing away from the first bracket 118 (e.g., substantially towards the second end 134 of the handle 104).

[0043] Similarly, the bottom surface 108 comprises a functionally similar but differently sized second engagement structure 114 comprising a second bracket 136 and a second curved receiving member 138. Thus, a second bracket 136 is shown to be affixed or coupled transversely to bottom surface 108 at the same end 122 of the handle 104. The second bracket 136 also comprises a transversely oriented elongated rectangular flat member 140 having two side members 142 at the two distal ends thereof extending away perpendicularly from the handle 104. The second curved receiving member 138 is shown io oe arrixeu or coupieu io rne bottom surface 108 at a second designated distance 144 from the first end 122 of the handle 104. The second curved receiving member 138 also has a transversal width 146 and a substantially C-shaped cross-section having an opening 148 thereof facing away from the second bracket 136 (e.g., substantially towards the second end 134 of the handle 104).

[0044] Preferably, each of the brackets 118 and 136, and each of the curved receiving members 120 and 138, may be made from a single piece of folded or bent material. This material may include durable metals and/or plastics. In some embodiments, the brackets 118 and 136, and the curved receiving members 120 and 138 may be manufactured separately and affixed or fused with the handle 104.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first and second curved receiving members 120 and 138 may have a same diameter 150. Values may include, for example, 1" or the like. In some embodiments, the openings 132 and 148 may be realized by cutting or removing 0.25" of material from a 1 " wide pipe or the like.

[0046] Furthermore, as seen in FIGS. 1A, IE and IF, in this embodiment, the handle 104 is an extendable handle. Thus, the handle 104 is made to be hollow inside along the length thereof so as to provide a channel to receive therein a correspondingly cross-sectionally shaped elongated lower member 102 via an aperture at the second end 134 thereof. Thus, in this embodiment, the member 102 can be used to reversibly slidingly elongate or extend the handle 104 to provide additional torque if required. Different means to secure the lower member 102 at a designated extension may be used. In this example, the lower member 102 comprises a plurality of pairs of transversely-located holes or apertures 152 along the length thereof and is secured in place at a designated extension length using a fastener, such as a double-wire safety pin 154. Thus, the lower member 102 can be moved so that a pair of holes 152 corresponding to a given extension length are aligned with the side holes 156 on the side surfaces 110 of the handle 104, at which point the pin 154 is inserted to secure the lower member 102. However, the skilled person in the art will understand that other types of fasteners or securing/retaining mechanisms known in the art may also be used as well, without limitation. Additionally, in this embodiment, the member 102 comprises at the distal end thereof a mace portion 158 which is made of a substantially rounded protrusion, which can be used to hit equipment or straps to verify or check that they are properly tightened. The exact shape or size of the mace portion 158 can be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Typically, the member 102 and the mace portion 158 may be also made of a strong and resisram material, sucn as a uuraoie metal or the like. As seen in FIG. IF, different values of the length 160 of the lower member 102 can be used, without restriction. In addition, the number of hole pairs 152 or the spacing therebetween on the lower member 102 can be different from the one illustrated in FIG. IF, for example.

[0047] In some embodiments, the handle 104 and lower member 102 may have a curved transversal cross-section instead of the square or rectangular profile shown in the example of FIGS. 1 A to ID. This may include a partially curved or rounded handle, for example to provide a better hand holding profile.

[0048] In addition, in some embodiments, the mace portion 158 may have a diameter of 2 inches, although other sizes may be used as well.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment 200 of the ratchet strap tightening device, where the second end 202 of the handle 204 comprises a grip enhancing portion 206. In this example, the grip enhancing portion 206 comprises a rubber-like or resilient material for providing an improved grip thereof. The rubber-like materials may include, for example, any elastomeric plastic material known in the art. In some embodiments, the surface of the material may be shaped as illustrated to comprise a larger end portion or the like. In addition, in some embodiments, the surface of the grip enhancing portion 206 may comprise bumps, protrusions or lines thereon to improve the grip functionality (not shown).

[0050] FIG. 3 shows an example of the ratchet strap tightening device 100 of FIGS. 1A to IE being engaged on a ratchet buckle 302. Thus, in this example, the device 100 is engaged by first moving the device 100 so as to enclose and receive therein the cross-bar 304 of the ratchet buckle 302, while in the same motion enclosing the bracket 136 over the two side arms 306. Once engaged, a ratchet strap coupled to the ratchet buckle 302 may be tightened by moving the other end 134 of the handle 104 back and forth along the rotational motion 308. The flat member 140 firmly abuts against the edges of the side bars 306 thus providing stability while the interior surface of the second curved receiving member 138 provides the balancing upwardly or downwardly directed force that provides the torque necessary to move the crossbar 304 with respect to ratchet axis bar 310, actuating the ratcheting mechanism and tightening the ratchet strap. The motion is repeated until the ratchet strap is sufficiently tightened.

[0051] The skilled person in the art will appreciate that in this example using the second engagement structure 114 (or using the first engagement structure 112) the exact values of the designated distance 144 (128), length 162 (164) of the first (seconu; nar memoer I H (140), width 146 (130) and openings 148 (132) of the first (second) curved receiving portion 120 (138) should be chosen so as to properly engage a correspondingly sized ratchet buckle. Thus, in this example of FIG. 3, the designated transverse width 162 of the second bracket 136 should substantially correspond to the width of the ratchet buckle 306, namely to the distance between the two sides arm 306 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The height 166 and 168 of the first bracket 118 and second bracket 136, respectively, can each vary but should be large enough to properly enclose the exterior surface of the side arms 306 so as to minimize undesired sideway motion of the bracket during use. Similarly, the width 170 (for example illustrated in FIG. 1C) of the brackets 118 and 136 can also vary from the width illustrated. In the example of FIG. 3, the width 146 of the second curved receiving member 138 is shown to slightly smaller than the length of the cross-arm 304, so as to offer a large contact surface. However, in some embodiments, the widths 138 and 146 may be smaller than illustrated.

[0052] In addition, the skilled person in the art will appreciate that the first and second curved receiving members 120 and 138 may have the openings 132 and 148, respectively, slightly differently sized and/or oriented than those shown in FIGS. 1 A to IE, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the openings 132 and 148 should be large enough to receive therethrough the cross-arm of the ratchet buckle, and the interior curvature should be substantially close to the curvature of the cross-arm surface so snugly enclose it upon engagement.

[0053] As an example only, the table below gives exemplary measurements of the tool 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 A to IF, in accordance with one embodiment where the first engagement structure 112 is configured for tighten a 1" wide ratchet strap while the second engagement structure 114 is configured to tighten a 4" wide ratchet strap:

Measurement/Distance Size (+/-) length 116 16" width 130 1" width 146 2" length 162 4" length 164 1" height 166 0.5" height 168 0.5" height 166 0.5" distance 128 2.5" distance 144 4" distance 150 1" diameter 172 2 length 160 8"

[0054] While the present disclosure describes various embodiments for illustrative purposes, such description is not intended to be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the embodiments, the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims. Except to the extent necessary or inherent in the processes themselves, no particular order to steps or stages of methods or processes described in this disclosure is intended or implied. In many cases the order of process steps may be varied without changing the purpose, effect, or import of the methods described.

[0055] Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described object of the present disclosure, the presently preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and is, thus, representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims, wherein any reference to an element being made in the singular is not intended to mean “one and omy one umess explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments as regarded by those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, no requirement exists for a device or process to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present disclosure, for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, that various changes and modifications in form, material, work-piece, and fabrication material detail may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the appended claims, as may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, are also encompassed by the disclosure.