TECHNICAL FIELD

Foot rests for improved rider comfort, and associated kits and methods, are generally described.

BACKGROUND

Foot rests provide support for riders of vehicles, including motor vehicles for use in rugged terrains. Foot rests may injure or wear upon the feet of riders during use.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present disclosure involves, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of one or more systems and/or articles.

In one aspect, foot rests are provided. In some embodiments, the foot rest comprises a platform, a mechanical linkage mechanically coupled to a support member, and a spring associated with the support member and the platform, wherein the platform, the mechanical linkage and the support member are mechanically coupled such that a surface of the platform remains substantially parallel with respect to an initial orientation of the platform.

In some embodiments, the foot rest comprises a platform sized and adapted to receive a foot of a rider, a spring configured to permit movement of the platform, a mount configured to mechanically couple the foot rest to the vehicle, and at least one mechanical linkage mechanically coupled to the platform such that, upon compression of the spring, the platform remains substantially parallel to an initial orientation during a full travel of the platform.

In some embodiments, the foot rest comprises a platform sized and adapted to receive at least a portion of a foot of a rider, a spring configured to permit movement of the platform, a shock absorber configured to at least partially absorb an external force and/or an external energy applied to the platform, a mount configured to mechanically couple the foot rest to the vehicle, and at least one mechanical linkage mechanically coupled to the platform such that, upon compression of the spring, the at least one mechanical linkage rotates relative to the platform.

In some embodiments, the foot rest comprises a platform sized and adapted to receive a foot of a rider, a spring configured to permit movement of the platform, a mount configured to mechanically couple the foot rest to the vehicle, and two or more mechanical linkages, each mechanical linkage mechanically coupled to the platform such that, upon compression of the spring, each mechanical linkage rotates relative to the platform.

In some embodiments, the foot rest comprises a housing, the housing comprising a platform sized and adapted to receive a foot of a rider, a spring configured to permit movement of the platform, and a shock absorber configured to at least partially absorb an external force applied to the platform, and a mount configured to mechanically couple the foot rest to the vehicle,

In some aspects, kits are provided. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a mount, capable of mechanically coupling the foot rest to the vehicle, a platform sized and adapted to receive a foot of a rider, one or more springs capable of mechanically coupling the platform to the mount such that the platform can move relative to the mount, and one or more shock absorbers configured to at least partially absorb an external force and/or an external energy applied to the platform.

Other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated by reference include conflicting and/or inconsistent disclosure, the present specification shall control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated is typically represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the disclosure shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure. In the figures:

FIG. 1A presents a schematic, side-view illustration of a foot rest comprising a spring, a mount, a platform, and a mechanical linkage, according to some embodiments;

FIG. IB presents a schematic, side-view illustration of a foot rest comprising a spring, a mount, a platform, a housing component, and a mechanical linkage, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 presents a schematic, side-view illustration of a foot rest comprising a spring, a mount, a platform and a mechanical linkage, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 3A-3F present various schematic illustrations of a foot rest comprising a spring, a mount, a platform and a parallel linkage, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 4A-4G present various schematic illustrations of a foot rest comprising a spring, a mount, a platform and a parallel linkage, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 5 presents a schematic illustration of a vehicle comprising a foot rest, and a rider, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Foot rests for motor vehicles, and associated kits, articles, and methods are generally described. Vehicles generally require a rider to place one or both of their feet on a foot rest during use. Some vehicles and forms of riding (e.g., off-road riding) can produce high-impact forces at the foot rest that can discomfort and/or injure a rider. According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed towards foot rests that, according to some embodiments, dampen impact forces to protect a rider of a vehicle from injury and/or to improve comfort.

In one aspect, a foot rest is provided. For example, FIG. 1A presents a side-view, schematic illustration of a foot rest 101. A foot rest may be sized and adapted to receive the foot of a rider. For example, a foot rest may comprise platform 103 of foot rest 101, sized and adapted to receive the foot of the rider. In some embodiments, the foot rest further comprises a mechanical linkage, such as mechanical linkage 105 of FIG. 1A.

The mechanical linkage may mechanically couple a platform of a foot rest to a mount of the foot rest, in some embodiments. For example, foot rest 101 comprises mount 107, such that mechanical linkage 105 mechanically couples platform 103 to mount 107 via mechanical couplings 109. Non-limiting examples of suitable mechanical couplings include a fastener, such as a bolt, a nut, or a screw; a pin; an axle; a gear; or any of a variety of other suitable additional components. Those of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of selecting suitable mechanical couplings based upon the teachings of this specification.

Advantageously, it has been recognized that maintaining the orientation of a platform of a foot rest (e.g., during motion of the foot rest) can help distribute impact forces more uniformly over a rider’s foot, limit impact stress, increase comfort, and/or reducing an overall risk of injury to a rider. For example, referring again to FIG. 1A keeping top surface 111 of platform 103 level can prevent one side of platform 103 from rising while another portion of platform 103 drops away, e.g., concentrating a stress that the risen side top surface 111 applies to a rider’s foot. According to some embodiments, the mechanical linkage is configured to maintain an orientation of the platform (e.g., by keeping the platform substantially parallel with respect to an initial orientation of the platform during motion of the platform). For example, referring to FIG. 1A, mechanical linkage is configured to limit rotation of platform 103.

In some embodiments, a foot rest comprises one or more mechanical linkages. In some embodiments, the use of one or more mechanical linkages results in a rotational degree of freedom of the platform. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, mechanical linkage 105 results in a rotational degree of freedom of platform 103. In some embodiments, a second mechanical linkage may be present on the opposing side of foot rest 101 (not shown in FIG. 1A e.g., hidden by mechanical linkage 105). In some embodiments, the use of two more mechanical linkages on opposing sides of foot rest 101 results in a rotational degree of freedom of platform 103.

In some embodiments, two or more mechanical linkages are present on the same side of the foot rest. For example, in some embodiments, the use of two or more mechanical linkages such as mechanical linkages 305 in FIG. 3A on the same side of the foot rest maintain an orientation of the platform (e.g., by keeping the platform substantially parallel with respect to an initial orientation of the platform during motion of the platform). While mechanical linkages 305 are shown as being parallel to one another, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that additional orientations (e.g., non-parallel, perpendicular) are also possible such that the foot rest maintains an orientation of the platform (e.g., by keeping the platform substantially parallel with respect to an initial orientation of the platform during motion of the platform). Mechanical linkages are described in more detail, below.

In some embodiments, the foot rest comprises a spring. For example, foot rest 101 of FIG. 1 A comprises spring 115. The spring may be associated with the mount and the platform. For example, spring 115 is mechanically coupled to platform 103 and mount 107. The use of the spring as described herein may provide any of a number of advantages for foot rests, including, for example, absorption of impact energy to a rider. Additional components that may be included in foot rests, including, but not limited to, the mount, the mechanical linkage, the platform, in the spring, etc. and are described in greater detail below.

A platform of a foot rest is configured to move relative to one or more other components of a foot rest (e.g., relative to a spring, a support component, a mount, and/or a mechanical linkage), according to some embodiments. For example, the platform of the foot rest may be configured to move during use, such that it deforms a spring when the foot rest experiences an impact force (e.g., an impact force that occurs when the rider’s foot is positioned on the platform during use of a vehicle).

The platform may have any of a variety of configurations based on its relative position within the foot rest. For example, the platform may have an initial configuration. In some embodiments, the initial configuration of the platform may be a configuration of the platform at rest and un-loaded (e.g., free from contact with a rider’s foot). In some embodiments, the initial configuration of the platform refers to a resting configuration of the platform wherein a rider’s foot applies a load (e.g., a constant load, a variable load due to the rider’s position) to the platform but the platform has not been subjected to any impact forces (e.g., by the vehicle during use). According to some embodiments, the platform may experience a change in configuration, e.g. resulting from an impact force and/or further loading of the platform. In some embodiments, the platform experiences a change in configuration, e.g. as a result of an impact, that causes the platform to change from a first configuration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, the change in configuration of the platform compresses a spring, such that the platform has a first configuration prior to compression of the spring and a second configuration after compression of the spring. According to some embodiments, the platform in the first configuration is parallel to the platform in the second configuration. For example, referring again to FIG. 1A, in some embodiments top surface 111 of foot rest 101, when platform 103 is in the second configuration, is substantially parallel to top surface 111 of foot rest 101 when platform 103 is in the first configuration. In some embodiments, the platform is configured to remain substantially parallel to its initial configuration during a full travel of the platform (e.g., such that top surface 111 of foot rest 101 remains substantially parallel to an initial configuration during the entire course of the transition of platform 103 from the first configuration to the second configuration).

Those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that references to the first configuration and second configuration being parallel are not intended to require absolute conformance to a mathematical definition of the term ‘parallel’, but, rather, shall be understood to indicate conformance to the mathematical definition of such term to the extent possible for the subject matter so characterized as would be understood by one skilled in the art most closely related to such subject matter.

For example, generally, the platform in a first configuration is substantially parallel to the platform in the second configuration if a plane defined by three non- colinear points of the platform when the platform is in a first configuration is substantially parallel in the first configuration is substantially parallel to a plane passing through the same three non-colinear points when the platform is in the second configuration. For the purposes of this disclosure, a first plane and a second plane are substantially parallel if the second plane has a normal direction differing from a normal direction of the first plane by an angle of less than or equal to 10°, less than or equal to 8°, less than or equal to 5°, less than or equal to 2°, less than or equal to 1°, less than or equal to 0.8°, less than or equal to 0.5°, less than or equal to 0.2°, or less than or equal to 0.1°. (Likewise, lines or directions are substantially parallel if they differ by less than or equal to 10°, less than or equal to 8°, less than or equal to 5°, less than or equal to 2°, less than or equal to 1°, less than or equal to 0.8°, less than or equal to 0.5°, less than or equal to 0.2°, or less than or equal to 0.1°).

A platform may have any of a variety of suitable geometries. A top surface of a platform may be a flat surface, according to some embodiments. For example, referring again to FIG. 1 A, top surface 111 of platform 103 is a flat surface. A flat surface may be advantageous for receiving a foot of a rider, and/or for distributing impact forces over a wider area to reduce impact stress, according to some embodiments. The flat surface may be smooth, or may be rough (e.g., the flat surface may include a pattern of grooves to increase friction between a rider’s foot and the foot rest). Of course, embodiments where the foot rest does not comprise a flat surface (e.g., wherein the foot rest is a cylindrical bar) are also possible and may be advantageous for other reasons. For example, in some embodiments, a cylindrical foot rest exerts less torque on a rider’s foot than a foot rest with a flat surface.

A flat surface of a platform, if present, may have any of a variety of appropriate areas. In some embodiments, a platform has a flat surface with an area of greater than or equal to 20 cm ² , greater than or equal to 30 cm ² , greater than or equal to 50 cm ² , greater than or equal to 75 cm ² , greater than or equal to 100 cm ² , greater than or equal to 150 cm ² , greater than or equal to 200 cm ² , greater than or equal to 250 cm ² , or greater. In some embodiments, a platform has a flat surface with an area of less than or equal to 500 cm ² , less than or equal to 450 cm ² , less than or equal to 400 cm ² , less than or equal to 350 cm ² , less than or equal to 300 cm ² , less than or equal to 250 cm ² , less than or eual to 200 cm ² , less than or equal to 150 cm ² , less than or equal to 100 cm ² , less than or equal to 75 cm ² , less than or equal to 50 cm ² , or less than or equal to 30 cm ² . Combinations of these ranges are possible. For example, in some embodiments, a platform has a flat surface with an area of greater than or equal to 20 cm ² and less than or equal to 500 cm ² . Other ranges, both higher and lower than those described above, are also possible, as the disclosure is not intended to be so limited. It should be understood that the aforementioned areas may refer to a surface area of the flat surface (including surface area associated with any surface roughness), or to an area of the projection of the flat surface onto a plane substantially parallel to the flat surface. According to some embodiments, a platform is part of a housing that is configured to at least partially enclose a component of a foot rest (such as a spring), as discussed in greater detail below. The platform may be rigidly coupled with one or more housing components of the housing. For example, FIG. IB presents a schematic, sideview illustration of foot rest 101 comprising platform 103 rigidly coupled to housing component 181. Foot rest 101 further comprises mechanical linkage 105 mechanically coupling platform 103 to mount 107 via housing component 181, and spring 115 disposed between platform 103 and mount 107.

The platform need not be planar, and may include one or more non-planar features and/or may have an irregular width perpendicular to a flat surface of the platform. In some embodiments, the platform may have a cross-sectional shape suitable for receiving the foot of a rider. While much of the disclosure generally refers to the foot of a rider, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the foot of the rider may include skin (e.g., the bottom of a foot), fabric (e.g., a sock), and/or other clothing (e.g., a shoe, a boot, or the like). As such, in some embodiments, the platform may have a cross-sectional shape which corresponds to that of a shoe. Other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, oval, square, triangular, rectangular, etc.) are also possible.

FIG. 2 presents a schematic, side-view illustration of a foot rest 201 comprising spring 215, platform 203, mechanical linkage 205, support feature 207, and grips 221 and 223. Platform 203 is similar to platform 103 of FIG. IB, but includes protrusion 283, which extends downward to occupy a volume similar to the volume occupied by housing component 181 of FIG. IB.

A platform of a foot rest may further comprise one or more grips (e.g., non-planar features) configured to advantageously increase friction between the foot rest and a rider’s foot. For example, platform 303 of FIG. 2 includes grips 221 and 223. The grips may have any of a variety of appropriate structures known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples of grips include, but are not limited to, spikes, teeth, raised edges, protrusions, and mounds. Grips 221 are teeth, and grip 223 is a raised edge.

In some embodiments, the top surface of the platform may further comprise an absorbent material. For example, the absorbent material may be present between the top surface of the platform and the rider’s foot e.g., to advantageously absorb additional shock/energy during use of the vehicle. Non-limiting examples of suitable absorbent materials include natural rubber (e.g., vulcanized natural rubber), polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene and silicone. Other absorbent materials are also possible and those of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of selecting suitable materials based up on the teachings of the specification.

The platform may comprise any of a variety of appropriate materials, including but not limited to metals (e.g., aluminum alloys, steel alloys, titanium alloys) polymers (e.g., elastomers), ceramics, screws or spikes threaded into platform, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the platform includes one or more threaded or unthreaded holes (e.g., to provide a jacking force when a fastener is inserted into the hole). The presence of one or more threaded or unthreaded holes may advantageously improve the assembly and/or disassembly of the platform by a user. While much of the figures depict the platform as generally flat, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand based upon the teachings of this specification that the platform may not be flat and may include one or more convex and/or concave shapes (e.g., a camber). In some embodiments, the platform comprises a camber having a 1 degree or more, 2 degree or more, 3 degree or more, or 5 degree or more camber. In some embodiments, the platform comprises a camber having a 10 degree or less, 5 degree or less, 3 degree or less, or 2 degree or less camber. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the platform is substantially flat. The orientation of the platform may, in some embodiments, be enforced by one or more mechanical linkages mechanically coupled to the platform. For example, referring again to FIG. 1A, foot rest 101 comprises mechanical linkage 105 coupled to platform 103. The mechanical linkages may be directly mechanically coupled to the platform. For example, mechanical linkage 105 is directly mechanically coupled to platform 103, as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, a mechanical linkage is indirectly coupled to the platform. For example, the mechanical linkage may be connected to a rigid body such as a housing component, which is rigidly connected to the platform. For example, foot rest 101 of FIG. IB shows mechanical linkage 105, which is indirectly connected to platform 103 via housing mechanical coupling 109 to housing component 181.

Any of a variety of coupling features may be used to mechanically couple a mechanical linkage to a platform or housing component. For example, the platform or housing component may comprise a hole and the mechanical linkage may comprise a peg configured to be received into the hole of the platform or housing component; the platform or housing component may comprise a peg (and/or pin) and the mechanical linkage may comprise a hole configured to receive the peg (and/or pin) of the platform or housing component; and/or the foot rest may comprise a shaft passing through a through- hole of the platform or housing component and configured to extend through a through- hole in a mechanical linkage situated at one end of the through-hole. In some embodiments, the platform or housing component is configured to be mechanically coupled to the mechanical linkage using one or more additional components (e.g., a fastener, such as a bolt, a nut, or a screw; a pin; an axle; a gear; or any of a variety of other suitable additional components). In some embodiments, the coupling features are configured to permit rotation of the mechanical linkage relative to the platform. In some embodiments, one or more coupling features are configured to reduce or eliminate rotation of a mechanical linkage relative to the platform. Other coupling features may be used to mechanically couple the mechanical linkage and the platform or housing component are also possible, as the disclosure is not intended to be so limited.

A foot rest may include two or more mechanical linkages. For example, FIG. 3 A presents a side-view, schematic illustration of a foot rest 301 comprising two mechanical linkages 305 (two mechanical linkages 305 are shown in FIG. 3A, and two mechanical linkages are not shown, since they are situated on an opposite side of foot rest 301 and are thus obscured from view). In some embodiments, a foot rest includes greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 5, greater than or equal to 6, greater than or equal to 8, or more mechanical linkages. In some embodiments, a foot rest includes less than or equal to 10, less than or equal to 8, less than or equal to 6, less than or equal to 5, less than or equal to 4, less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less mechanical linkages. Combinations of these ranges are possible. For example, in some embodiments, a foot rest includes greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 10 mechanical linkages. Other ranges, are also possible, as the disclosure is not intended to be so limited.

In some embodiments, each side of the platform comprises the same number of mechanical linkages (e.g., a first side has two mechanical linkages and a second side has two mechanical linkages such that the platform comprises four total mechanical linkages). In some embodiments, each side of the platform comprises a different number of mechanical linkages (e.g., a first side has two mechanical linkages and a second side has zero mechanical linkages such that the platform comprises two total mechanical linkages, a first side has two mechanical linkages and a second side has one mechanical linkage such that the platform comprises three total mechanical linkages).

A mechanical linkage may be configured to rotate relative to the platform. For example, referring again to FIG. 3 A, foot rest 301 is configured such that as platform 303 is moved from a first configuration to a second configuration, compressing a spring 315, mechanical linkages 305 rotate around mechanical couplings 309 between mechanical linkages 305 and platform 303. FIGS. 3B and 3C schematically illustrate foot rest 301 in a first, initial configuration (FIG. 3B) and in a second configuration (FIG. 3C, e.g., wherein spring 315 has been compressed). First dashed line 331 represents an orientation of one of mechanical linkages 305 when foot rest 301 is in the first configuration, and second dashed line 333 (only shown in FIG. 3C) represents the orientation of the mechanical linkage 305 when foot rest 301 was in the second configuration.

Mechanical linkages may, in some embodiments, be coupled to a platform of a foot rest in a way that helps to maintain an orientation of the platform during travel of the platform, according to some embodiments. For example, mechanical linkages may be configured to maintain a common orientation during the motion of the platform, according to some embodiments. Mechanical linkages 305 of FIGS. 3A-3C present such an example, since mechanical linkages 305 are oriented along axes 345 and 347 (shown in FIG. 3C) that are substantially parallel to one another. In some embodiments, a foot rest includes at least two mechanical linkages of the same length. For example, referring again to FIG. 3C, mechanical linkages 305 have a same length L. A plurality of mechanical linkages may be situated at any of a variety of positions with respect to the platform. For example, in some embodiments, two or more mechanical linkages are situated on a same side of the platform. Two or more parallel linkages, configured such that they maintain a common orientation during a travel of the platform, having the same length, and situated on a same side of the platform, may be referred to as a “parallel linkage”. For example, referring again to FIG. 3A, visible mechanical linkages 305 form a parallel linkage. Parallel linkages may be particularly advantageous for maintaining an orientation of the platform during travel of the platform. Mechanical linkages of a parallel linkage may define one or more parallelograms having vertices defined by mechanical couplings of the mechanical linkages. For example, referring again to FIG. 3 A, mechanical couplings 309 of mechanical linkages 305 to platform 303 and mechanical couplings 310 of mechanical linkages 305 to mount 307 define a parallelogram, wherein two of the sides of the parallelogram travel along mechanical linkages 305.

Mechanical linkages defining one or more parallelograms having vertices defined by mechanical couplings of the mechanical linkages may be particularly advantageous for controlling an orientation of the platform, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 3D-3E. FIGS. 3D and 3E are similar to FIGS. 3B and 3C, respectively, except that different dashed lines are shown, in order to establish the initial positions (long-dashed lines) and final positions (short-dashed lines) of various portions of foot rest 301. Since mechanical couplings 310 are fixed relative to mount 307, line 341 passing through the centers of mechanical couplings 310 is fixed relative to mount 307 and does not change orientation, in some embodiments. Since mechanical couplings 309 and 310 define a parallelogram, line 343a passing through the centers of mechanical couplings 309 is substantially parallel to line 341 in the first configuration of foot rest 301 shown in FIG. 3D, in some embodiments. In the second configuration of foot rest 301, shown in FIG. 3E, mechanical linkages 305 have rotated relative to platform 303, as indicated by rotation arrow 351. However, mechanical couplings 309 and 310 still define a parallelogram, and mechanical couplings 310 are fixed relative to mount 307. Generally, the mechanical linkages may be configured to remain substantially parallel to one another during the complete travel of the platform, as described above. Accordingly, line 343b passing through mechanical couplings 309 in the second configuration shown in FIG. 3E and line 343a are mutually parallel to line 341, and are thus parallel to one another. Thus, platform 303 in the second configuration shown in FIG. 3E remains substantially parallel to platform 303 in its initial configuration shown in FIG. 3D. Since mechanical couplings 309 have a fixed position with respect to a top surface 311 of platform 303, the orientation of top surface 311 may also be maintained during the travel of the platform from the first configuration to the second configuration. For example, line 344a, parallel to top surface 311 of platform 303 in FIG. 3D, is parallel to line 344b (the same line, after having traveled with the foot pedal) as shown in FIG. 3E.

According to some embodiments, two mechanical linkages in the form of a parallel linkage are used to maintain the orientation of the platform such that it remains substantially parallel to its initial configuration. It may be advantageous, in some embodiments, to include a at least two parallel linkages on opposite side of a foot rest (e.g., for a total of at least 4 mechanical linkages) to help maintain the orientation of the platform during its travel, and to reduce the ability of the platform to rotate (e.g., by twisting mechanical linkages), making the foot rest stronger and more comfortable.

Mechanical linkages discussed herein may comprise any of a variety of appropriate materials, including but not limited to metals (e.g., aluminum alloys, steel alloys, titanium alloys), ceramics, polymers, and combinations thereof. A foot rest may include a spring for any of a variety of purposes, including but not limited to the cushioning of the platform against impact (e.g., such that the spring absorbs compressive energy during motion of the platform). The spring may be mechanically coupled to the platform, and/or to a mount. For example, referring again to FIG. 3 A, foot rest 301 comprises spring 315 that is mechanically coupled to platform 303 and to mount 307. The spring may be coupled to the platform and/or mount by any of a variety of appropriate methods. For example, the spring may be adhered to the platform and/or mount, may be fastened to the platform using a fastener (e.g., a screw, a nail, a pin, a bolt, or a rivet), may be welded to the platform, may be soldered to the platform, or may be attached by any of a variety of other methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. It should be understood that the spring does not need to be mechanically coupled to the platform or the mount. For example, the spring could simply be disposed between a platform and a mount such that motion of the platform towards the mount compresses the spring. Other configurations are also possible, as the disclosure is not intended to be so limited.

Any of a variety of springs may be used. For example, the spring may be a helical spring, a leaf spring, a disk spring, a tension spring, a torque spring, a gas spring, or any of a variety of other types of spring known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, referring again to FIG. 3A, spring 315 is a helical spring. The spring may be configured to permit motion of the platform. As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art based upon the teachings of this specification, a spring as described herein may be a component that comprises a material and/or structure that has a particular shape and/or configuration, such that the component bends, twists, compresses, and/or expands in response to an applied force and, upon removal of said applied force, returns to the former shape and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the spring is configured to resist motion of the platform (e.g., by providing a reaction force in response to application of an external force to a platform). For example, the spring may be configured to provide a resistance force that opposes motion of the platform towards a mount (e.g., by bending and/or compressing in response to an application of external force applied to the platform). In some embodiments, the spring is configured to compress in response to an external force application to the platform.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, according to some embodiments, a spring may resist an external force applied to the platform by storing energy. Although the stored energy may be re-released after the initial impact, the spring may have the effect of reducing net force on a rider’s foot at any given time. For example, the spring may slow acceleration of the rider’s foot during impact by applying a resistance force and storing externally applied energy, and may release the stored energy after the impact, when impact forces have been reduced or removed.

The spring may have any of a variety of appropriate dispositions with respect to the platform and those of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of selecting such configurations based upon the teachings of this specification. For example, in some embodiments, a spring (e.g., a helical spring) has an a major axis that is substantially perpendicular to the platform in at least one configuration (e.g., an initial configuration) of the platform. For example, referring to FIG. 3B, spring 315 has major axis 361, which is substantially perpendicular to platform 303. As used herein, a line (e.g., a major axis of a spring) is substantially perpendicular to an object (e.g., a platform) if it intersects the object at an angle that is substantially parallel to a vector perpendicular to the surface of the object at the line’s point of intersection with the surface of the object. According to some embodiments, motion of the platform may cause deflection of the spring (e.g., may cause deflection of the spring perpendicular to the spring’s major axis in an initial configuration of the platform). For example, referring again to FIGS. 3B-3C, spring 315 of foot rest 301 has major axis 361 in the first, initial configuration shown in FIG. 3B, but as a result of the mechanical coupling between spring 315 and platform 303, the travel of the platform to the second configuration shown in FIG. 3C caused spring 315 to have new major axis 363. (FIG. 3C includes the position of initial major axis 361 originally shown in FIG. 3B for comparison). The lateral deflection of the spring may be relatively limited, in some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the lateral deflection of the spring is small enough that the major axis of the spring in the second configuration remains substantially parallel to the initial major axis of the spring over greater than or equal to 90%, greater than or equal to 95%, greater than or equal to 99%, or greater than or equal to 99.5% of the length of the spring. For example, referring again to FIG. 3C, deflected major axis 363 remains substantially parallel to initial major axis 361. In some embodiments, the spring does not experience a lateral deflection. For example, if the spring is not mechanically coupled to the platform, the mount, or both, the spring may be free to slide against the platform, the mount, or both, rather than experiencing a deflection, according to some embodiments.

The spring may have any of a variety of appropriate spring constants. In some embodiment, the spring has a spring constant of greater than or equal to 10 N/mm, greater than or equal to 15 N/mm, greater than or equal to 20 N/mm, greater than or equal to 30 N/mm, greater than or equal to 40 N/mm, greater than or equal to 50 N/mm, greater than or equal to 75 N/mm, greater than or equal to 100 N/mm, greater than or equal to 125 N/mm, greater than or equal to 150 N/mm, greater than or equal to 200 N/mm, greater than or equal to 250 N/mm, greater than or equal to 300 N/mm, greater than or equal to 350 N/mm, greater than or equal to 400 N/mm, or greater than or equal to 500 N/mm. In some embodiments, the spring has a spring constant of less than or equal to 750 N/mm, less than or equal to 500 N/mm, less than or equal to 400 N/mm, less than or equal to 350 N/mm, less than or equal to 300 N/mm, less than or equal to 250 N/mm, less than or equal to 200 N/mm, less than or equal to 150 N/mm, less than or equal to 125 N/mm, less than or equal to 100 N/mm, less than or equal to 75 N/mm, less than or equal to 50 N/mm, less than or equal to 40 N/mm, less than or equal to 30 N/mm, less than or equal to 20 N/mm, or less than or equal to 15 N/mm. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 10 N/mm and less than or equal to 750 N/mm). Other ranges are also possible. It should, of course, be understood that the spring constant may be chosen depending on the needs of a rider of the foot rest. For example, according to some embodiments, some riders may prefer a spring having a higher spring constant, and other riders may prefer a foot rest having a lower spring constant. According to some embodiments, multiple springs may be provided to a rider (e.g., as part of a kit, as described below), so that a rider may choose a spring with a comfortable spring constant based on the rider’s individual preferences. In some embodiments, the foot rest may be disassembled such that one or more springs may be replaced in the foot rest.

It should, of course, be understood that although FIGS. 3A-3E show only spring 315, the foot rests described herein are not limited to the inclusion of exactly one spring, and any appropriate number of springs may be included. For example, in some embodiments, a foot rest includes greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 5, greater than or equal to 6, or more springs. In some embodiments, a foot rest includes less than or equal to 10, less than or equal to 8, less than or equal to 6, less than or equal to 5, less than or equal to 4, less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less springs. Combinations of these ranges are possible. For example, in some embodiments, a foot rest includes greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 10 springs. Other ranges, are also possible, as the disclosure is not intended to be so limited. In some embodiments, the foot rest does not comprise a spring (e.g., in an exemplary embodiment, the foot rest comprises a shock absorber and does not comprise a spring).

The spring may comprise any of a variety of appropriate materials, including but not limited to metals (e.g., according to ASTM-A401, Chrome Vanadium (CrV), Chrome Silicon (CrSi) or a hybrid alloy of Chrome Silicon Vanadium (CrSiV) alloy), ceramics, polymers, rubbers, and combinations thereof.

The foot rest may further comprise one or more shock absorbers. The shock absorber may be configured to absorb an external force and/or an external energy applied to a platform of the foot rest. According to some embodiments, the shock absorber is configured to dissipate energy stored in a spring. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, whereas a spring may store external energy for release, a shock absorber may be configured to absorb energy by dissipating the energy inelastically (e.g., by generating heat), such that the energy cannot be recovered as mechanical energy. A shock absorber may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to a spring, in a foot rest described herein. In the context of the present disclosure, it has been recognized that using both a shock absorber and a spring can be advantageous, since the shock absorber can be configured to dissipate both external energy applied to the platform during an initial impact, and internal energy stored by the spring when the spring is released after an impact. Thus, in some embodiments, the use of a spring in combination with a shock absorber may simultaneously reduce a magnitude of impact force on a rider’s foot, while increasing the total amount of energy dissipated by the foot rest, reducing the overall effect of an impact, according to some embodiments.

A shock absorber may be disposed at any of a variety of appropriate positions within a foot rest. FIG. 3F shows a cross-sectional, schematic illustration of foot rest 301 of FIGS. 3A-3E, revealing shock absorber 371 disposed within spring 315. According to some embodiments, a shock absorber is disposed between a platform of a foot rest and a mount of a foot rest. For example, shock absorber 371 is disposed between platform 303 and mount 307 of foot rest 301. Such a configuration may allow the platform to, in response to an external force, to be compressed between the platform and the mount such that the shock absorber is squeezed between the platform and the mount. Like a spring, a shock absorber may be mechanically coupled to the platform and/or the mount. But the shock absorber need not be mechanically coupled to the platform and/or the mount in every embodiment. The shock absorber may be coupled to the platform and/or mount by any of a variety of appropriate methods. For example, the shock absorber may be adhered to the platform and/or mount, may be fastened to the platform using a fastener (e.g., a screw, a nail, a pin, a bolt, or a rivet), may be welded to the platform, may be soldered to the platform, or may be attached by any of a variety of other methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand, based upon the teachings of this specification, that the shock absorber can have any of a variety of appropriate dispositions within the foot rest, and need not be disposed within the spring as shown in FIG. 3F. For example, in some embodiments, the foot rest does not include a spring, and only includes a shock absorber. In some embodiments, foot rest includes a shock absorber external and adjacent to a spring. The shock absorber may be disposed far away from the spring.

It should also be understood that although FIG. 3F shows only one shock absorber, the foot rests described herein are not limited to the inclusion of exactly one shock absorber, and any appropriate number of shock absorbers may be included. For example, in some embodiments, a foot rest includes greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 5, greater than or equal to 6, or more shock absorbers. In some embodiments, a foot rest includes less than or equal to 10, less than or equal to 8, less than or equal to 6, less than or equal to 5, less than or equal to 4, less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less shock absorbers. Combinations of these ranges are possible. For example, in some embodiments, a foot rest includes greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 10 shock absorbers. Other ranges, are also possible, as the disclosure is not intended to be so limited.

The shock absorber may comprise any of a variety of appropriate materials. Non-limiting examples of suitable shock absorbers include, but are not limited to, natural rubber (e.g., vulcanized natural rubber), polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene silicone, other polymers and elastomers, and combinations thereof.

A foot rest may comprise a mount, according to some embodiments. A mount may have a solid body and is generally configured to be mechanically coupled to the platform via one or more intervening parts (e.g., via a mechanical linkage, a spring, and/or a shock absorber). The mount may comprise one or more coupling features. Any of a variety of coupling features may be used to mechanically couple a mechanical linkage to a mount. Any of a variety of coupling features may be used to mechanically couple a mechanical linkage to a mount. For example, the mount may comprise a hole and the mechanical linkage may comprise a peg configured to be received into the hole of the mount; the mount may comprise a peg and the mechanical linkage may comprise a hole configured to receive the peg of the mount; or the foot rest may comprise a shaft passing through a through-hole of the mount and configured to extend through a through- hole in a mechanical linkage situated at one end of the through-hole. In some embodiments, the mount is configured to be mechanically coupled to the mechanical linkage using one or more additional components (e.g., a fastener, such as a bolt, a nut, or a screw; an axle; a gear; or any of a variety of other suitable additional components). In some embodiments, the coupling features are configured to permit rotation of the mechanical linkage relative to the mount. Other coupling features may be used to mechanically couple the mechanical linkage and the mount are also possible, as the disclosure is not intended to be so limited.

The mount is configured for mechanically coupling the foot rest to a vehicle, in some embodiments. The mount may be directly mechanically coupled to the vehicle, or may be indirectly mechanically coupled to the vehicle (e.g., by directly coupling to a support member that can be mechanically coupled to the vehicle). In some embodiments, the mount includes one or more coupling features that can be used to mechanically couple the foot rest to the vehicle. Any of a variety of coupling features may be used. For example, the mount may include one or more coupling features configured to directly couple to the vehicle or support member. The mount may comprise a hole configured to receive a peg of the vehicle or support member; the mount may comprise a peg and the mechanical linkage may comprise a hole configured to receive the peg of the vehicle or support member; or the foot rest may comprise an axle passing through a through-hole of the mount and configured to extend through a through- hole in a vehicle or support member. In some embodiments, the platform is configured to be mechanically coupled to the vehicle or support member using one or more additional components (e.g., a fastener, such as a bolt, a nut, or a screw; an axle; a gear; or any of a variety of other suitable additional components).

The coupling features of the mount may be configured to permit rotation of the mount relative to the vehicle. This may be advantageous, when, for example, a direct impact on the foot rest would otherwise cause the foot rest to break away from the vehicle. According to some embodiments, the mount is mechanically coupled with a positioning spring (e.g., a torsion spring) configured to restore the mount to a default position of the mount. Any of a variety of types of spring may be used as a positioning spring. For example, the positioning spring may be a helical spring, a leaf spring, a disk spring, a torque spring, a gas spring, or any of a variety of other types of spring known to those of ordinary skill in the art. According to some embodiments, a torsion spring is advantageous as a positioning spring, since impacts on the foot rest may be particularly likely to cause rotation of the foot rest. A positioning spring may be used to restore the mount to its default position, and may have a very high spring constant compared with the spring constants of the springs described above. In some embodiments, the positioning spring has a torsion spring torque of greater than or equal to 50 kg*mm, greater than or equal to 100 kg*mm, greater than or equal to 250 kg*mm, greater than or equal to 500 kg*mm, or greater than or equal to 750 kg*mm. In some embodiments, the positioning spring has a torsion spring torque of less than or equal to 1000 kg*mm, less than or equal to 750 kg*mm, less than or equal to 500 kg*mm, less than or equal to 250 kg*mm, less than or equal to 100 kg*mm, or less than or equal to 50 kg*mm. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 50 kg*mm and less than or equal to 1000 kg*mm). Other ranges are also possible. The high spring constant of the positioning spring may be chosen such that during the course of ordinary use, the mount experiences little to no deflection, and functions as a rigid support. For example, in some embodiments, a positioning spring is configured such that the mount of the foot rest experiences a very limited deflection, even if a heavy weight is loaded on to the platform of the foot rest. For example, in some embodiments, a positioning spring is configured, such the mount is deflected by an angle of less than or equal to 135°, 90°, 75° 60°, 45°, 10°, 8°, 5°, 2°, or 1° when the platform is loaded with a heavy weight The positioning spring may be configured to limit the deflection of the mount to one of the aforementioned ranges, even when a heavy weight of greater than or equal to 50 kg, 100 kg, 150 kg, 200 kg, 250 kg, or 300 kg is loaded onto the platform of the foot rest.

The positioning spring may have any of a variety of appropriate dispositions with respect to the mount. For example, in some embodiments, the positioning spring (e.g., the torsion spring) is disposed around at least a portion of the mount and is configured to apply force to the mount using a first end of the spring, and to the vehicle or support member suing another end of the spring, as shown below in the context of FIGS. 4A-4G

The foot rest may include a housing at least partially enclosing one or more components of the foot rest. The housing may comprise the platform, the mount, and/or one or more housing components. A housing component may be a rigid body that can, in some embodiments, shield a foot rest component from an external element. A housing component may be mechanically coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to a mount and/or to a platform of the housing. The housing component may be mechanically coupled to the mount or to the platform by any of a variety of methods. For example, the housing may be mechanically coupled to the platform or mount using fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, nails, pins, clips, or any of a variety of other fasteners known to those of ordinary skill). In some embodiments, a housing component is mechanically coupled to the platform or mount by welding, soldering, adhesion, or by any of a variety of other techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises at least a portion of the spring (e.g., the spring configured to permit movement of the platform) and/or a shock absorber (e.g., a shock absorber configured to at least partially absorb external force applied). The housing of the foot rest may, in some embodiments, be configured to be disengaged such that a spring or shock absorber may be removed by a user. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the housing is removable, displaceable (e.g., slidable), or otherwise moveable to allow access to a spring and/or a shock absorber of the foot rest. In some embodiments, the spring and/or the shock absorber are configured to be removed upon disengagement of the housing. The foot rest may include one or more fasteners (e.g., a bolt, a screw, a nut, a clip, or any of a variety of other appropriate fasteners) that may be disengaged such to allow access to a spring. For example, in some embodiments, the fastener is disengaged such that a housing portion can be removed by a user, revealing a spring and/or a shock absorber.

A housing component may comprise any of a variety of appropriate materials, including but not limited to metals (e.g., aluminum alloys, steel alloys, titanium alloys), ceramics, polymers, and combinations thereof. FIGS. 4A-4G provide a number of schematic illustrations of a non-limiting example of a foot rest 401 according to some embodiments. FIG. 4A present s a schematic, side-view illustration of foot rest 401, showing mount 407, mechanical linkages 405, spring 415, housing component 481, and platform 403. As shown, platform 403 comprises grips 421 (in the form of teeth) situated on top of platform 403. FIG. 4B presents a perspective, schematic illustration of platform 403, providing a clearer illustration of teeth 421, which are distributed along a boundary of top surface 411 of platform 403. Top surface 411 of platform 403 is a flat, smooth surface, as shown in FIG. 4B.

Referring again to FIG. 4A, platform 403 is connected to mechanical linkages 405 by mechanical couplings 409, which couple mechanical linkages 405 to housing component 481. Mechanical linkages 405 are identical and have the same length. Mechanical linkages 405 form a parallel linkage on the visible side of foot rest 401. On the other side of foot rest 401, two other mechanical linkages 405 of the same size and orientation form a second parallel linkage. All four mechanical linkages 405 are visible in FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. 4A, parallel linkages are mechanically coupled to mount 407 by mechanical couplings 410. Mechanical couplings 410 are arranged along a vertical line 441 with respect to mount 407, meaning that mechanical couplings 409 are situated along a parallel, vertical line 443. Top surface 411 (shown in FIG. 4B) is perpendicular to both lines, and foot rest 401 is configured to maintain the orientation of platform 403 (and, correspondingly of top surface 411) during travel of platform 403 between configurations.

As shown in FIG. 4A, spring 415 is a helical spring disposed between platform 403 and mount 407. When an external load is applied to the top of platform 403, spring 415 is configured to resist motion of the platform towards mount 407. Mount 407 extends away from platform 403 to coupling features which are configured to be connected to a vehicle.

Mechanical linkages 405 are mechanically coupled to mount 407 using mechanical couplings 410. Positioning spring 495 is a torsion spring disposed around portion 497 of mount 407. Positioning spring 495 has first end 483, which is configured to apply force to mount 407 below, and second end 485, which is configured to apply force to a vehicle or support member (not shown) against which second end 485 is configured to rest.

In addition to the features already mentioned, FIG. 4B shows a plurality of fasteners 491, and fastener 493. Fasteners 491 are configured to couple platform 403 to housing component 481. Fastener 493 is configured to mechanically couple spring 415 to platform 403. FIG. 4C provides a cross-sectional schematic illustration of foot rest 401 passing through the center of spring 415, fastener 493, and one of fasteners 491. As shown, fasteners 491 rigidly couple platform 403 to housing portion 403, such that platform 403 can act as a single, rigid body. Spring 415 and shock absorber 471 wrap around fastener 493, such that fastener 493 mechanically couples spring 415 and shock absorber 471 to platform 403. An additional fastener, 499, mechanically couples spring 415 and shock absorber 471 to mount 407.

As shown in FIG. 4C, axles 473 pass through housing component 481 and mount 407 pass through through-holes 475. Axles 473 are coupled to mechanical linkages 405 shown in earlier figures, and help maintain the relative positions of mechanical linkages 405 while permitting their free rotation relative to platform 403 and mount 407.

FIG. 4D shows a top-view, schematic illustration of foot rest 401 showing the tops of fasteners 491 and 493, platform 403, and mount 407. FIG. 4E shows a side view schematic illustration, of foot rest 401, showing housing component 481, platform 403, ends of mechanical linkages 405 and bottom of mount 407. Vertical line 490 represents the position of the cross-section shown in FIG. 4C (which extends in an out-of-plane direction from vertical line 490). And FIG. 4F shows a bottom- view schematic illustration of foot rest 401, showing fasteners 406 and 408 (e.g., in the form of a cotter pin and a pivot pin, respectively) and positioning spring 495. Finally, FIG. 4G presents a cross-sectional schematic illustration of foot rest 401, passing through a plane perpendicular to vertical line 441 shown in FIG. 4A. This cross-section shows axles 414 and coupling features 412, which couple mechanical linkages 405 to housing component 481. In some embodiments, foot rest 401 further comprises O-rings 426 within mechanical couplings 410.

In one aspect, a kit comprising a plurality of foot rest components is provided. The foot rest components of the kit may be configured for assembly (e.g., by a user). In some embodiments, a user may assemble the foot rest components from a kit. The foot rest may comprise some or all of the aforementioned parts. For example, in some embodiments, a kit comprises a platform, a mechanical linkage, a support member, and a spring, capable of being assembled into a foot rest. In some embodiments, a kit comprising a platform, a spring, a mount, and two or more mechanical linkages, capable of being assembled into a foot rest. According to some embodiments, a kit comprising a housing, a platform, a spring, a shock absorber, and a mount, capable of being assembled into a foot rest.

A kit may have a number of advantages over a pre-assembled foot rest. For example, in some embodiments, a kit comprises a plurality of foot rest components (e.g., shock absorbers or springs) with different properties, so that a user can assemble a foot rest having the properties they prefer. In some embodiments, the kit comprises two or more shock absorbers. The shock absorbers may have different damping properties, such that they are able to dissipate different amounts of energy when subjected to the same impact conditions. For example, in some embodiments, each shock absorber has a different durometer (e.g., hardness). Similarly, in some embodiments, the kit comprises two or more springs. According to some embodiments, the two or more springs have different spring constants, have different shapes and/or configurations, and/or comprise different materials.

Of course, in some embodiments, a pre-assembled foot rest is provided, as the disclosure is not limited to kits comprising foot rest components. Pre-assembled foot rests may have their own advantages (e.g., convenience) over kits, and one of ordinary skill would appreciate that either can be used, depending on the embodiment.

A foot rest as described above may be used in any of a variety of vehicles. According to some embodiments, the foot rest is configured for use in a motor vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle, a dirt bike, a scooter, an all-terrain vehicle, a snow-mobile, or a jet ski). Foot rests as described herein may be particularly useful for off-road vehicles (e.g., motorcycles, dirt bikes, or all-terrain vehicles), which are subjected to more external impact forces than foot rests of street vehicles. For example, the foot rest may be particularly advantageous for use in motorcycles and dirt bikes. Of course, in some embodiments the foot rests described herein may be used for non-motor vehicles (e.g., bicycles), as the disclosure is not limited to use in motor vehicles. For example, FIG. 5 presents a schematic, side-view illustration of a foot rest 501 of vehicle 503, being ridden by rider 505.

While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present disclosure is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Any terms as used herein related to shape, orientation, alignment, and/or geometric relationship of or between, for example, one or more articles, compositions, structures, materials and/or subcomponents thereof and/or combinations thereof and/or any other tangible or intangible elements not listed above amenable to characterization by such terms, unless otherwise defined or indicated, shall be understood to not require absolute conformance to a mathematical definition of such term, but, rather, shall be understood to indicate conformance to the mathematical definition of such term to the extent possible for the subject matter so characterized as would be understood by one skilled in the art most closely related to such subject matter. Examples of such terms related to shape, orientation, and/or geometric relationship include, but are not limited to terms descriptive of: shape - such as, round, square, circular/circle, rectangular/rectangle, triangular/triangle, cylindrical/cylinder, elipitical/elipse, (n)polygonal/(n)polygon, etc.; angular orientation - such as perpendicular, orthogonal, parallel, vertical, horizontal, collinear, etc.; contour and/or trajectory - such as, plane/planar, coplanar, hemispherical, semi-hemispherical, line/linear, hyperbolic, parabolic, flat, curved, straight, arcuate, sinusoidal, tangent/tangential, etc.; surface and/or bulk material properties and/or spatial/temporal resolution and/or distribution - such as, smooth, reflective, transparent, clear, opaque, rigid, impermeable, uniform(ly), inert, non-wettable, insoluble, steady, invariant, constant, homogeneous, etc.; as well as many others that would be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts. As one example, an article that would be described herein as being “ square" would not require such article to have faces or sides that are perfectly planar or linear and that intersect at angles of exactly 90 degrees (indeed, such an article can only exist as a mathematical abstraction), but rather, the shape of such article should be interpreted as approximating a “ square," as defined mathematically, to an extent typically achievable and achieved for the recited fabrication technique as would be understood by those skilled in the art or as specifically described. In another example, a surface that would be described herein as being “parallel” to another surface would not require such surfaces to have faces or sides that are perfectly parallel such that an imaginary plane would never intersect (indeed, such surfaces can only exist as mathematical abstractions), but rather, the alignment between the two surfaces should be interpreted as approximating “parallel,” as defined mathematically, to an extend typically achievable for the recited configuration(s) as would be understood by those skilled in the art or as specifically described.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

Some embodiments may be embodied as a method, of which various examples have been described. The acts performed as part of the methods may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include different (e.g., more or less) acts than those that are described, and/or that may involve performing some acts simultaneously, even though the acts are shown as being performed sequentially in the embodiments specifically described above.

Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify any preceding claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one any preceding claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one any preceding claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the any preceding claim elements.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.