AU2015224378A1 - Securing arrangement for a carrier bar - Google Patents

Abstract

SECURING ARRANGEMENT FOR A CARRIER BAR The present invention relates to a securing arrangement for a carrier bar. Allows for several items of varying thicknesses to be carried and locked on a vehicle carrier bar, and conveniently released for use.

Description

1 SECURING ARRANGEMENT FOR A CARRIER BAR Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to securing arrangement for a carrier bar, and in particular to a securing arrangement for securing goods onto a vehicle rollbar or carrier bar. [2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with X and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. Background of the Invention [3] Currently, tradesmen make use of open- or closed-back utility vehicles with roll bars or similar carrier bars mounted on them. [4] Lengthy items, such as pipes, ladders, panels or the like are typically carried on these carrier bars. These items need to be securely fastened to the carrier bars to avoid the items coming off around the corners, or at high speeds. Such items may be of varying heights, and are typically individually secured to the carrier bars. [5] If the items in question are used often, the securing and re-securing of the items onto the carrier bars can be a waste of time and productivity for tradesmen. [6] The present invention seeks to provide a securing arrangement, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. [7] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention [8] According to a first aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a securing arrangement for securing items at or towards a carrier bar on a vehicle, the securing arrangement comprising: a. at least one or more engaging arrangements for securely engaging items to be transported on the vehicle: and b. at least one or more carrier bar securing formations for securing the securing arrangement to the carrier bars of a vehicle. [9] In one embodiment, the engaging arrangement is adjustable downwardly to engage with a plurality of items of varying thicknesses.

2 [10] In one embodiment, the engaging arrangement is adjustable downwardly to engage with a plurality of items of varying thicknesses simultaneously. [11] In one embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises a body member. [12] In one embodiment, the carrier bar securing formations are coupled to the body member. [13] In one embodiment, the body member comprises at least one or more receiving formations for receiving at least part of the engaging arrangement. [14] In one embodiment, the at least one or more receiving formations are one or more selected from slots, apertures or recesses. [15] In one embodiment, the engaging arrangement comprises at least one or more holding members for engaging with and holding items to be transported. [16] In one embodiment, the body member comprises at least one or more apertures configured for receiving at least part of a holding member. [17] In one embodiment, the holding member is a rigid holding member. [18] In one embodiment, the holding member is a flexible holding member. [19] In one embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of engaging arrangements aligned in a row. [20] In one embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises a locking arrangement for locking an engaging arrangement in position operationally. [21] In one embodiment, the locking arrangement is a ratchet mechanism. [22] In one embodiment, the locking arrangement is movable between a locking condition and a release condition. [23] In one embodiment, the locking arrangement is biased to one selected from its locking condition and its release condition. [24] In one embodiment, the locking arrangement is spring-loaded. [25] In one embodiment, the body member comprises a series of one or more selected from slots, apertures and recesses for receiving at least part of an engaging arrangement. [26] In one embodiment, the engaging arrangement comprises a protrusion that prevents removal of an item being engaged operationally. U shaped members 3 [27] In one embodiment, the holding member is U-shaped and includes a pair of protrusion formations. [28] In one embodiment, the at least one or more engaging arrangement comprises a plurality of U-shaped holding members. [29] Advantageously, elongate items of varying heights can be engaged and held against the body member by each of the plurality of U-shaped holding members. [30] In one embodiment, the body member comprises at least one or more apertures configured for receiving a protrusion formation. Pivoting holding member [31] In one embodiment, the engaging arrangement comprises a holding member that is pivotally engaged or engageable with the body member. [32] In one embodiment, the engaging arrangement comprises a pivoting arrangement configured for allowing pivotal movement of the holding member relative to the body member. Variable height holding member [33] In one embodiment, the holding member comprises one or more adjustable insert formations configured for holding items of varying heights using a single holding member. [34] In one embodiment, the one or more adjustable insert formations are configured to receive or be received by the holding member. [35] In one embodiment, the one or more adjustable insert formations are adjustable on a releasable ratcheting arrangement. [36] In one embodiment, the one or more adjustable insert formations are composed of resilient material. [37] In one embodiment, the one or more adjustable insert formations are composed of spongy material. Clamping arrangement [38] In one embodiment, the at least one or more carrier bar securing formations comprises a clamping arrangement configured for clamping at least partially around the carrier bars of a vehicle.

4 [39] In one embodiment, the at least one or more carrier bar securing formations are configured for securely engaging with carrier bars of a vehicle having a cross sectional shape that is one or more selected from: a. round; b. square; c. rectangular; and d. elliptical. [40] In one embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises adjustment arrangements configured for allowing adjustable movement of the engaging arrangement about the carrier bars. [41] In one embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises adjustment arrangements configured for allowing adjustable movement of the carrier bar securing formations about the carrier bars. [42] In one embodiment, the adjustment arrangements are threaded fasteners that allow the clamping arrangement to be loosened to allow sliding movement of the at least one or more carrier bar securing formations about the carrier bar of the vehicle. [43] In one alternative embodiment, the adjustment arrangements are comprise a sliding arrangement that allows for sliding movement of the engaging arrangement about the body member. [44] Advantageously, adjustable movement of the engaging arrangements, or adjustable movement of the carrier bar securing formations that allows for adjustable movement of the engaging arrangements, will allow for long items to be located either horizontally between two carrier bars, or from a load surface of a utility vehicle to a carrier bar. [45] In one embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises an engagement body defining an engagement surface on which items to be carried are engageable. [46] In one embodiment, the at least one or more carrier bar securing formations are pivotally coupled to the body member. [47] In one embodiment, the at least one or more carrier bar securing formations are securely engageable to the body member by means of threaded formations. [48] In one embodiment, the carrier bar securing formations are securely engageable to the carrier bar by means of threaded formations.

5 [49] In one embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises a tubular storage container configured for storing loose elongate items. [50] In one embodiment, the tubular storage container is securely engageable with the body member. [51] In one embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises one or more locking arrangements associated with the said one or more engaging arrangements, the locking arrangements being configured for locking the engaging arrangement in position operationally. [52] According to another aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a method of engaging items at a carrier bar of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a securing arrangement; b. securing the securing arrangement to a carrier bar; c. locating two items of differing thicknesses over the top of a carrier bar; d. moving at least part of an engaging arrangement to thereby engage with the at least two items of differing thicknesses. [53] For the purposes of this specification, the term "carrier bar" shall be construed to include roll bars and carrier frames that have been mounted to vehicles for purposes of carrying items thereon, and include roof racks. [54] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. [55] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings [56] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [57] Figure 1 shows a top front exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a securing arrangement; 6 [58] Figure 2 shows a top front perspective view of a first embodiment of a securing arrangement; [59] Figure 3 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a securing arrangement; [60] Figure 4 shows a front wireframe view of a first embodiment of a securing arrangement; [61] Figure 5a shows a cross sectional view of section A - A in Figure 4; [62] Figure 5b shows a cross sectional view of section B - B in Figure 4; [63] Figure 6 shows a rear top perspective view of a first embodiment of a securing arrangement; [64] Figure 7 a&b shows a holding member with insert formations of two different sizes; [65] Figure 8 a&b shows a holding member with insert formations of two different sizes; [66] Figure 9 a&b shows a holding member with insert formations of two different sizes; [67] Figure 10 shows a front schematic view of a second embodiment of a securing arrangement; [68] Figure 11 shows a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a securing arrangement; [69] Figure 12 shows a front schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a securing arrangement; [70] Figure 13 a&b shows a side schematic view of securing formations and body member in two positions; [71] Figure 14 Shows a top perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a securing arrangement; [72] Figure 15 shows a rear cutaway view of a body member, an engaging arrangement and a locking arrangement of a sixth embodiment of a securing arrangement shown in figure 16; [73] Figure 16 shows a top perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a securing arrangement; [74] Figure 17 shows a top perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a securing arrangement; 7 [75] Figure 18 shows a top perspective cutaway view of the seventh embodiment of a securing arrangement shown in figure 17; and [76] Figure 19 shows a rear cutaway view of a body member, an engaging arrangement and a locking arrangement of an eighth embodiment of a securing arrangement. Description of Embodiments [77] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. [78] A securing arrangement according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000. [79] The securing arrangement 1000 is for securing especially elongate items 5000 to a carrier bar 2000 on a vehicle (not shown) for transportation and/or storage. [80] In one embodiment now described, the securing arrangement 1000 comprises an engaging arrangement 1100 for securely engaging items 5000 to be transported so that they do not come loose while the vehicle is travelling, a body member 1200 and carrier bar securing formations 1300 for securing the securing arrangement 1000 to the carrier bars 2000 of a vehicle. [81] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the carrier bar securing formations 1300 are generally engaged with, or coupled to, the body member 1200, which is in turn engaged with and/or coupled to the engaging arrangement 1100. However, this need not necessarily be the case, as in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the carrier bar securing formations 1300 can be directly coupled to the engaging arrangement 1100. [82] The engaging arrangement 1100 comprises a holding member 1110, and is configured to be securely engageable with the body member 1200 to apply downward force onto items 5000 that are to be transported. In a preferred embodiment as shown in figures 10, 11, and 16, the securing arrangement 1000 can comprise several engaging arrangements 1100 aligned in a row along the body member 1200. [83] The body member 1200 preferably defines an engagement surface 1210 against which the items 5000 are be held. However, an alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that the body member 1200 need not define an engagement surface 1210, and the items 5000 can be held against the carrier bars 2000.

8 [84] Preferably, the securing arrangement 1000 further comprises a locking arrangement 1500 for locking an engaging arrangement 1100 in position operationally when it is engaging with an item that is to be held down. [85] It will be appreciated that a wide variety of configurations of locking arrangements 1500 possible. For example, in one preferred embodiment shown in figures 15 and 19, the locking arrangement 1500 comprises a ratcheting arrangement 1510 including a pawl 1512 or pawl arrangement that is pivotally movable about a pivoting axis shown as reference numeral A in the direction shown by the arrow in figures 15 and 19, and comprises pawl teeth 1516 which are configured to engage with complementary teeth 1124 on the engaging arrangement 1100. [86] The pawl 1512 is preferably pivotably movable between a locking condition shown in figures 15 and 19 in which the engaging arrangement 1100 is locked in position operationally when it is inserted into the locking arrangement 1500, and a release condition in which the engaging arrangement 1100 is removable from the locking arrangement 1500. [87] In the embodiment shown in figures 15 and 19, the, the pawl 1512 is spring loaded to move to its locked condition, and is releasable from this locked condition by manual manipulation of the pawl lever 1514 to disengage the pawl teeth 1516 from the complementary teeth 1124 on the engaging arrangement 1100. [88] In the embodiment shown in figure 18, the locking arrangement 1500 comprises a locking bar 1520. The locking bar 1520 comprises a pair of protrusions 1524 that extend transversely to the locking bar 1520. The protrusions 1524 each comprise protrusion teeth 1526 that are engageable with complementary teeth (not shown) on the engaging arrangement 1100. The locking bar 1520 is biased by spring 1522 to move to a locking condition in which the protrusion teeth 1526 are engaged with the engaging arrangement 1100. The locking bar 1520 can be moved against the spring bias to a release condition in which the protrusion teeth 1526 are not engaged with the engaging arrangement 1100, by manually pushing on an end of the locking bar 1520 distal to the spring 1522. [89] In another alternative embodiment not shown, it is envisaged that the locking arrangement could include a series of hooks located on the holding member that allow for the holding member to be hooked at different lengths. [90] In the embodiments shown in figures 1-4 and 6, the holding member 1110 is U-shaped and includes a pair of protrusion formations 1112 extending from a 9 holding formation 1130. The body member 1200 includes receiving formations in the form of apertures 1215 for receiving the protrusion formations 1112. In one embodiment, the protrusion formations 1112 are configured to be snugly received within the apertures 1210, so that they are held in place by friction. In another embodiment, the protrusion formations 1112 engage with and are held in place by releasable ratchet - type formations, as shown in figure 19. [91] The holding member 1110 is configured for engaging with and holding down items 5000 to be transported on the vehicle, to prevent them from falling off or flying away. It is envisaged that each engaging arrangement 1100 could comprise two or more holding members 1110 as shown in figure 12. In such an embodiment, one holding member 1110 could each be used to hold down separate items 5000. [92] In alternative embodiments, is envisaged that the holding member 1110 need not be U-shaped, and could be any other shape. In one embodiment shown in figure 10, the holding member can be elongate in shape. In the embodiment shown in figure 10 the holding member is pivotally attached to the body member 1200 at a pivoting joint 1120. [93] In yet another embodiment shown in figure 11, it is envisaged that the holding member 1110 can be configured for receiving protrusion members 1220 that extend from the body member into receiving apertures 1117, as the body member is pushed downwardly (as shown by arrow A). In this embodiment, it is anticipated that the protrusion members 1220 extending from the body member can additionally serve to keep the items 5000 apart from each other. The holding member in this embodiment can also be held on the protrusion members by means of friction, or alternately by means of a releasable ratcheting arrangement 1118 as described above. [94] Where a single holding member 1110 is provided to hold down items of varying thicknesses (at least along the line where they crossed the carrier bar 2000), adjustable insert formations 1130 are provided to take up the space between the holding member 1110. The adjustable insert formations 1130 can be of a wide variety of configurations and shapes, some of which will be described below. [95] In one embodiment shown in figure 10, the adjustable insert formations 1130 can include a spigot and socket type arrangement 1115 whereby each adjustable insert formation 1130 comprises a shaft 1132 extending from a resilient buffer formation 1134. The shaft 1132 is received into one of a plurality of apertures in the holding member 1110. Where items 5000 of varying heights are placed next 10 each other, an insert formation 1130 can be engaged with the holding member 1110 to fill the gap between the holding member 1110 and the item 5000, so that when the engaging arrangement 1100 is securely engaged with the body member 1200, force may be applied to items 5000 of varying heights. [96] In another embodiment shown in figures 7a&b and 9a&b, the adjustable insert formation 1130 can be provided with locating channels 1116 into which the holding member 1110 is receivable. Insert formations 1130 of varying sizes can be provided, as illustrated by the figures, and a suitably sized insert formation 1130 can be selected for application to hold down items 5000 of varying heights. It is envisaged that in such a case, the holding member can be set to a fixed heights above the items 5000, or in an alternative embodiment, the holding member can be movable downwardly to engage with at least the highest item 5000. [97] In an alternative embodiment shown in figure is 8a and 8b, the locating channel 1116 is provided on the holding member 1110. In this way, insert formations of various sizes can be fitted to the holding member 1110 to account for items 5000 of varying thicknesses. [98] It is envisaged that the insert formations 1114 will be composed of a resilient or spongy material to prevent damaging the items 5000 that are being held down. Using a resilient material will also allow for a small amount of play to account for distances between ratchet increments. [99] In the embodiment is shown in figures 1 - 6, the carrier by securing formation are exemplified by a clamping arrangement 1310. The clamping arrangement comprises clamping members 1312 a&b. Clamping member 1312b is integrally formed with body member 1200 in figure 3. The clamping arrangement 1310 is configured for being clamped around the carrier bars 2000 of a vehicle (not shown). It is envisaged that the clamping arrangement could be configured to fit around carrier bars of a variety of different cross sections, including circular, square, rectangular, elliptical, or the like. [100] The clamping members 1312 a&b are configured to be held together by threaded formations 1320 received into threaded apertures (not shown) into one or more of the clamping members. In this way, the securing arrangement 1000 can be held on to the carrier bar of a vehicle using friction. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) it is envisaged that the securing arrangement can be positively connected to the carrier bar 2000, for example by use of screws, welding or 11 the like. However, this is not preferred as it makes the process of installing the securing arrangement 1000 more complex and/or more expensive. [101] In the embodiment shown in figure 3, it will be appreciated that the angle at which the holding member extends upwardly can be adjusted by releasing the threaded formations 1320, in order to reduce friction between the clamping members 1312 and the carrier bar 2000. This is advantageous to allow for items 5000 to extend horizontally from a similarly sized carrier by 2000, or to extend at an inclined angle from the surface of a utility vehicle over the top of the carrier by 2000. [102] Where the carrier bar 2000 does not have a circular cross-section, it is envisaged that the embodiment shown in figures 12a and 12b can be provided. The embodiment shown in these figures includes an adjustment arrangement 1400 configured for allowing adjustable movement of the engaging arrangement 1100 about the carrier bars 2000. The adjustment arrangement comprises a pair of complementary curved sliding surfaces 1410 defined by the body member 1200, as well as an adjustment mechanism (not shown) that allows the position of the engaging arrangement 1100 to be adjusted and locked in a particular position. [103] The embodiment shown in figures 13a and 13b also illustrates that the clamping members can be pivotably connected to each other at a pivoting joint 1330, such as a hinge. Such an embodiment may allow for convenient installation of the securing arrangement 1000 on the carrier bars 2000. [104] In another embodiment shown in figure 16, the body member 1200 comprises a series of slots 1240 for receiving at least part of an engaging arrangement. In alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that the slots could be replaced by apertures or recesses. In this embodiment, the holding members 1110 are straps 1122 or webbing, and are preferably composed of strong resilient material such as rubber, silicon or canvas, and are resistant to degradation in sunlight or from rain or other inclement weather. The straps 1122 preferably comprise a locating formation 1126 at or towards one end, and a set of preferably moulded teeth 1124 or ratchet formations at or towards an opposed end. [105] As described above, each of the holding members 1110 will preferably comprise moulded teeth 1124 that are removably engageable with pawl teeth 1516 as shown in figure 15. In this way, a series of items may be held down using straps 1122 of different lengths, and by selecting an appropriate width between slots 1240. [106] The locating formation 1126 prevents the strap from being pulled out of the slot 1240 at an end that is opposed to the end with the teeth 1124. Further, a lip 1230 12 on the body member 1200 prevents the locating formation 1126 from slipping rearwardly out of the slot 1240. It is envisaged that when the strap 1122 is not in use, it can be stored in the vehicle or a storage container provided for the purpose (not shown). Such a storage container can be provided as part of the securing arrangement 1000. [107] In this regard, it is also envisaged that securing arrangement can comprise a tubular storage container, as shown in figure 14, that is preferably securely attached or attachable to the body member 1200. The tubular storage container is configured for storing loose elongate items such as pipes, elongate wooden slats, or other similar elongate items which would be too difficult to strap down individually. It is envisaged that the tubular storage container will be securely engaged are engageable with the body member 1200, however in an alternative embodiment it may be engaged or engageable with the engaging arrangement 1100, or with the carrier bar securing formations 1300. It is envisaged that the tubular storage container can comprise a tubular body 1710 with a closure 1720 at either or both ends for closing the tubular storage container to prevent the loos elongate items from falling out. [108] In one embodiment not shown, it is envisaged that the engaging arrangement can comprise a protrusion 1128 (as shown in figure 17 and 18) that prevents longitudinal removal of an item being engaged operationally. Such a protrusion feature would be particularly useful, for example, in preventing the removal of a ladder that is engaged by the engaging arrangement by moving it longitudinally through the engaging arrangement. [109] It is envisaged that any of the embodiment shown could include locking mechanisms 1600, as shown in figures 17 and 18, in order to prevent unauthorised tampering or theft of the items 5000 from the carrier bar 2000. Such locking mechanisms could lock individual insert formations 1130, or individual holding members 1110 in place, to thereby restrict removal of the items 5000. The locking mechanism 1600 shown in figures 17 and 18 is envisaged as being a key barrel 1610 that prevents depression of the locking bar 1520 unless it is in an unlocked position. It is further envisaged that in another embodiment, a separate locking mechanism 1600 can be provided for each engaging arrangement.

13 Interpretation Markush Groups [110] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. Chronological sequence [111] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence. Embodiments: [112] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. [113] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention 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 claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [114] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of 14 different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Different Instances of Objects [115] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details [116] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology [117] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. [118] For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer. [119] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. [120] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. Comprising and Including [121] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary 15 implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. [122] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention [123] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. [124] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability [125] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the vehicle accessory industries.