using AjaxSubmit(), is there a way to send data without using a form element?

Question

While using the $.AjaxSubmit(), $.AjaxForm().... there are several advantages like for example having a cross-browser uploadProgress which is the main attraction.

I have tried several codes, for hours now, I really cannot get a way to reach the server and show progress successfully.

But the AjaxSubmit plug-in seems to to be more progress friendly.

I.e the progress in this example (using $.AjaxSubmit()): http://www.sanwebe.com/assets/ajax-image-upload-progressbar/

However, deep down the source-code of the plug-in, there is this line:

 method = $form.attr("method") || "get"; // line 100
      url = $form.attr("action");       // line 101
      data = $form.serialize();        //line 102

See link: https://github.com/bogdan/ajaxsubmit/blob/master/ajaxsubmit.js

Does this mean that to benefit from the features of this plug-in you must use a form element?... Is there a work around?