U.S. patent application number 10/686554 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-22 for backrest for a seating structure with an adjustable sacral support.
Invention is credited to Aerts, Chad D., Aldrich, John F., Neubert, Nicolai, Plikat, Claudia, Schmitz, Burkhard, Zwick, Carola E.M., Zwick, Roland R.O..
Application Number | 20040140701 10/686554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32717304 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040140701 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmitz, Burkhard ; et
al. |
July 22, 2004 |
Backrest for a seating structure with an adjustable sacral
support
Abstract
A backrest includes a back member having an upper and lower
region and a frame member. A sacral support member has at least one
end connected to one of the frame member and the back member and an
opposite free end. The sacral support member supports the back
member at the lower region thereof. A fulcrum member is moveably
disposed between a portion of the sacral support member and one of
the frame member and the back member. The fulcrum member is
moveable toward and away from the free end of the sacral support
member. A method for adjusting a backrest includes engaging a lower
region of a back member with a sacral support member having a free
end and a cantilevered length, engaging the sacral support member
with a fulcrum member, and moving the fulcrum member toward and
away from the free end of the sacral support member so as to
thereby shorten and length the cantilevered length of the sacral
support member.
Inventors: |
Schmitz, Burkhard; (Berlin,
DE) ; Plikat, Claudia; (Berlin, DE) ; Neubert,
Nicolai; (Berlin, DE) ; Zwick, Carola E.M.;
(Berlin, DE) ; Zwick, Roland R.O.; (Berlin,
DE) ; Aerts, Chad D.; (Grand Have, MI) ;
Aldrich, John F.; (Grandville, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
32717304 |
Appl. No.: |
10/686554 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60418483 |
Oct 15, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/284.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/284.4 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/46 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An backrest comprising: a back member having an upper and lower
region; a frame member; a sacral support member having at least one
end connected to one of the frame member and the back member and an
opposite free end, wherein said sacral support member supports the
back member at said lower region thereof; a fulcrum member moveably
disposed between a portion of said sacral support member and one of
said frame member and said back member, wherein said fulcrum member
is moveable toward and away from said free end of said sacral
support member.
2. The backrest of claim 1 wherein said at least one end of said
sacral support member is connected to said frame member and wherein
said fulcrum member is moveably disposed between said portion of
said sacral support member and said frame member.
3. The backrest of claim 2 wherein said sacral support member
comprises a first support member flexibly connected to a second
support member at said free end of said sacral support member.
4. The backrest of claim 3 wherein said first support member is
fixedly connected to said frame member and wherein said fulcrum
member is moveably mounted on said frame member and engages said
first support member.
5. The backrest of claim 4 wherein said second support member has
an end opposite said free end supported by a lumbar support
member.
6. The backrest of claim 5 wherein said end of said second support
member is slidably supported by said lumbar support member.
7. The backrest of claim 5 wherein said lumbar support member
supports said backrest above said sacral support.
8. The backrest of claim 1 wherein at least a center portion of
said lower region of said back member is flexible, wherein said
sacral support member supports said back member at said center
portion of said lower region.
9. An backrest comprising: a back member having a lower region and
a lumbar region positioned above said lower region; a frame member;
a lumbar support member connected to said back member and
supporting said back member at said lumbar region; a sacral support
member having at least one end connected to the frame member and an
opposite free end, wherein said sacral support member supports the
back member at said lower region thereof; a fulcrum member moveably
disposed between a portion of said sacral support member and said
frame member, wherein said fulcrum member is moveable toward and
away from said free end of said sacral support member.
10. The backrest of claim 9 wherein said sacral support member
comprises a first support member flexibly connected to a second
support member at said free end of said sacral support member, and
wherein said first support member is connected to said frame and
said second support member is coupled to said lumbar support.
11. The backrest of claim 10 wherein said second support member is
slidably supported by said lumbar support member.
12. A method for adjusting a backrest comprising: engaging a lower
region of a back member with a sacral support member having a free
end and a cantilevered length; engaging said sacral support member
with a fulcrum member; and moving said fulcrum member toward and
away from said free end of said sacral support member so as to
thereby shorten and length said cantilevered length of said sacral
support member.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein said sacral support member is
connected to a frame member, and wherein said fulcrum member is
moveably connected to said frame member.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein said sacral support member
comprises a first support member flexibly connected to a second
support member at said free end of said sacral support member.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said first support member
comprises an end opposite said free end fixedly connected to said
frame and said second support member comprises an end opposite said
free end supported by a lumbar support member.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein said end of said second support
member is slidably supported by said lumbar support.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein said lumbar support supports
said backrest above said sacral support.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/418,483, filed Oct. 15, 2002, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a backrest for a
seating structure, and in particular, to a backrest having an
adjustable sacral support.
[0003] The spine is broken down into four general regions: cervical
(neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back) and
sacral/pelvic (tail bone). In some circumstances, back problems can
be experienced at the point were the lumbar spine connects to the
sacrum. In particular, sitting up straight can be difficult for the
users of many chairs. For example, in many seating devices, a void
exists between the backrest of the chair and sacrum of the user. As
a result, the user will be placed in a position of poor posture,
lack of muscle control and discomfort. Slouching can lead to a
number of problems, including increased fatigue and fidgeting due
to discomfort. In addition, slouching may also lead to increased
pressure on the lumbar discs or muscle spasms. Long-term problems
such as lower back pain, sore necks and the like can also
occur.
[0004] In order to alleviate some of these problems, previous
attempts have been made to provide better support for the sacrum.
Some of these devices, however, as disclosed for example in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,577,811, are not readily adjustable to suit the
individual needs of the user. Others, while adjustable, are
relatively complex and expensive to manufacture. Accordingly, a
need remains for an improved, simple sacral/pelvic support that is
readily adjustable.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present inventions are defined by the claims, and
nothing in this section should be read as a limitation on those
claims. Rather, by way of general introduction and briefly stated,
various preferred embodiments are described that relate to a
seating structure having a backrest with an adjustable sacral
support.
[0006] In one preferred embodiment, a back member has an upper and
lower region and a frame member. A sacral support member has at
least one end connected to one of the frame member and the back
member and an opposite free end. The sacral support member supports
the back member at the lower region thereof. A fulcrum member is
moveably disposed between a portion of the sacral support member
and one of the frame member and the back member. The fulcrum member
is moveable toward and away from the free end of the sacral support
member.
[0007] In one preferred embodiment, the sacral support has a
portion supported by a lumbar support member, which supports the
back member above the sacral support.
[0008] In another aspect, a method for adjusting a backrest
includes engaging a lower region of a back member with a sacral
support member having a free end and a cantilevered length,
engaging the sacral support member with a fulcrum member, and
moving the fulcrum member toward and away from the free end of the
sacral support member so as to thereby shorten and length the
cantilevered length of the sacral support member.
[0009] The various preferred embodiments provide significant
advantages over other seating structure having sacral supports. In
particular, the sacral support can be easily and quickly adjusted
simply by moving the fulcrum member to the desired position. The
relatively few and inexpensive parts provide improved support for
the user's sacrum in a simple and efficient manner.
[0010] The present invention, together with further objects and
advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a chair
having a backrest.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a backrest
assembly.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of a back support member.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the back support member
taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of a back support member.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the back support member
taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of a back support fulcrum member.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a partial top view of the back support fulcrum
member shown in FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 9 is front view of a back member with a cut-out
therein.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a front view of the back member shown in FIG. 9
with a hinge portion overmolded thereon.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the back member
taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a
backrest.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the backrest spine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The terms "longitudinal" and "lateral" as used herein are
intended to indicate the direction of the chair from front to back
and from side to side, respectively. Similarly, the terms "front",
"side", "back", "forwardly", "rearwardly", "upwardly" and
"downwardly" as used herein are intended to indicate the various
directions and portions of the chair as normally understood when
viewed from the perspective of a user sitting in the chair.
[0025] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a
chair having tilt control housing 10, seat 200, back support 304
and back 302. It should be understood that the term "housing"
generally refers to any support member that supports another
member, and includes, but is not limited to a structure that
provides an enclosure. A pair of armrests 400 extends from, move
with and define a portion of the back support 304. Preferably, the
back support 304 is pivotally mounted to the control housing 10,
and the seat 200 is pivotally mounted to the back support 304 via a
pivot axis located on the armrests 400 at the approximate hip joint
of the user above the seating surface. The seat 200 is further
slideably and pivotally supported by the tilt control housing.
[0026] It should be understood that the terms "mounted,"
"connected", "coupled," "supported by," and variations thereof,
refer to two or more members or components that are joined, engaged
or abutted, whether directly or indirectly, for example, by way of
another component or member, and further that the two or more
members, or intervening member(s) can be joined by being integrally
formed, or by way of various fastening devices, including for
example and without limitation, mechanical fasteners, adhesives,
welding, press fit, bent-over tab members, etc.
[0027] In operation, the housing 10, seat 200 and back support 304,
with the armrests 400, form a three-bar linkage with a slide. It
should be understood that the term "slide," as used herein, refers
to two members that translate relative to each other, whether by
direct sliding or by rolling. Preferably, the pivot axis formed
between the seat 200 and housing 10 is positioned forwardly of the
pivot axis formed between the back support 304 and housing 10,
which axis is positioned forwardly of the pivot axis formed between
the back support 304 and the seat 200, such that the backrest 300
and back support 304 tilt rearwardly at a greater rate and angle
than does the seat 200. Preferably, the back tilts relative to the
seat at about a preferred 2:1 ratio, such that the shirt-tail pull
effect is avoided. Of course, other synchrotilt ratios are
contemplated and suitable. In addition, the configuration of the
back support, the seat and the various positions of the pivot axes,
allow the seat to pivot about the ankles of a user seated in the
chair, preferably without the front edge of the seat rising as the
user tilts rearwardly. The three-bar linkage provides a simple and
compact mechanism that avoids the use of additional links.
Additionally, by forming the linkage assembly from the seat, back
support and housing, complex and expensive links and load bearing
parts are avoided.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, a base 26, preferably a five arm base
with casters, is mounted to the bottom of a support column 12,
which supports the housing, in a conventional manner, although one
of skill in the art would understand that other support columns and
bases can be used to support the housing, including fixed height
support columns and non-rolling bases, including for example a base
configured with glides.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 12, one embodiment of a backrest
300 includes a backrest frame member, or back support member 304,
and a back member 302. The support member 304, otherwise referred
to as a frame member, includes a lower support member 308 having a
pair of forwardly extending arms 310 that are pivotally connected
to the tilt control housing 10.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 12, a rear portion of the lower
support member forms an upwardly extending arm 322. An upper
support member 324, or spine, has a lower end 326 that mates with
and is secured to the arm 322 with a pair of fasteners 327. A cover
can be disposed over the fasteners to provide a smooth, aesthetic
appearance. By making the support member 304 in two-pieces 308, 324
the backrest can be disassembled and the chair can be shipped in a
smaller package. In particular, the arm 322 of the lower backrest
support preferably does not extend upwardly above the uppermost
surface of the armrests, such that the base, seat and armrests can
be compressed to a relatively short height. In turn, the backrest
300 can be easily assembled by the end user with a pair of
fasteners. Moreover, the backrest can be made offline, if desired.
As shown in FIG. 2, the lower end 326 of the spine flares outwardly
and defines a pair of opposite landings 328 that mate with the back
member 302.
[0031] The spine 324 extends upwardly and has a pair of arms 330
that extend upwardly and outwardly from an upper end thereof. The
ends of the arms each have a pad 332 that is secured to the back
member 302 with a fastener. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, a
boss 303 extends from the rear of the back member and supports the
pad and receives the fastener. A front surface of the spine has a
rack, or a plurality of notches formed thereon. In one embodiment,
the rack is formed on a lumbar support insert 820, which is secured
to the front side of the spine with a plurality of fasteners 822.
The lumbar support insert 820 and spine can be made of various
materials, such as Capron 8233G-33% Glass Filled Nylon 6, or other
materials such as aluminum, steel, fiberglass, composites, plastic,
or some other rigid but resilient material.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 13, in one preferred embodiment,
the spine 324 has a plurality of forwardly extending fins 821,
while the lumbar support insert 820 has a plurality of rearwardly
extending fins 823 that are shaped to be inserted or nested in the
spaces formed between the plurality of fins 821. In this way, the
spine and insert are very strong and resistant to bending, yet
provide substantially torsional flexibility. In addition, the two
pieces can be easily made from molded plastic, with thinner walls
and less material. In addition, the insert 820 and spine 824 can be
spaced apart along the sides thereof to form a gap.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2, 9 and 10, the back member 302 is
preferably made of a resilient, compliant material, including
various polymeric or plastic materials. For example, in one
preferred embodiment, the back member is molded of a polypropylene
76523 Montel Profax material. The back member 302 has a top 336, a
bottom 338 and opposite, curvilinear sides 340. The sides 340
preferably have a concave, or hour-glass shape. The top 336 of the
back member is preferably curved and has a convex front,
body-supporting surface 342 along a peripheral portion thereof.
[0034] The back member has a lumbar region 344, a thoracic region
346 and a lower sacral region 348. The lower region includes a
cut-out 350 shaped to be received on the lower end 326 of the
spine, with a pair of bosses 352 positioned to mate with holes
formed in the landings 328. In one embodiment, the lower region has
a sacral regions that is formed by a forwardly extending portion at
the center of the lower region. A pair of fasteners secure the
bottom of the back member 302 to the landings 328. The back member
302 has a plurality of openings 354 formed therethrough.
Preferably, an array of openings in the lumbar region 344 are
elongated in the longitudinal direction, which runs between the top
and the bottom of the back member. The openings 354 are preferably
staggered. For example, in one preferred embodiment, adjacent
vertical columns of openings are offset in the vertical direction,
such that the openings in adjacent columns are not horizontally
aligned.
[0035] As with the lumbar region 344, the thoracic region 346 also
includes an array of staggered elongated openings 354. Preferably,
the elongated openings formed in the thoracic region are not as
elongated, on average, as the openings in the lumbar region. This
means, of course, that an occasional opening, or plurality of
openings, in the thoracic region can have a greater elongation than
an opening or plurality of openings in the lumbar region.
[0036] Likewise, the lower region 348 has an array of staggered
elongated openings 354 formed therein, again, with an average
elongation less than that of the lumbar region. Referring to FIGS.
2 and 9-10, in one embodiment, the elongated openings 355 in the
lower region transition from a longitudinal orientation to a
lateral orientation, with the transition being made progressively
lower as it moves from a center line outboard, so as to form a
generally triangular region of lateral openings. Some of the
openings are curved to make the transition.
[0037] The elongated openings in the lumbar region and the adjacent
transition areas of the thoracic and lower regions are preferably
obround 356. The shapes of the openings then transition from the
obround shape to a peanut-shaped opening 358 as the location
thereof moves upwardly, and then eventually the peanut-shaped
openings are closed at a middle thereof to form substantially
circular openings 360 adjacent the top and bottom of the back
member. In addition, smaller circular openings 362 are formed along
the opposite sides of the back member, including at the lumbar
region, and around the entire peripheral portion of the back
member. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the openings in the lower
region do not transition to a peanut shape, but rather preferably
stay obround, with an outer perimeter of circular openings 362. Of
course, it should be understood that the opening could so
transition in the lower region, and can remain in a substantially
vertical orientation, as shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 12.
[0038] The back member 302, especially in the lumbar region, also
preferably has a first thickness along the center line 364 thereof,
and a second thickness at the peripheral sides 366 thereof, with
the second thickness being greater than the first thickness. For
example, in the lumbar region, one preferred first thickness is
about 2 mm, and one preferred second thickness is about 3 mm. As
shown in FIG. 2, the back member is preferably bowed forwardly at
the lumbar region 344. The edge of the back member preferably is
formed as a bead. The back member is preferably formed by
molding.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2-11, a second back support configuration
includes a first support member 1300 and a second support member
1302. In one preferred embodiment, the first support member 1300 is
formed as a loop having a base 1304, a pair of arms 1306 and a
support band 1308 or belt extending between the two arms 1306. The
support band has a forwardly facing surface 1310 that engages and
supports a rear surface of the back member 302. A downwardly
opening recess 1312 or pocket is formed in the middle portion of
the belt, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The recess 1312 forms a
guide or track for a portion of the second support member 1302.
[0040] As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second support member
1302 has a J-shape, with a base arm 1314 connected to a support arm
1316 having an end 1318, which is shaped and configured to be
received in the recess 1312 of the second support member. The
bottom of the J-shaped support member 1302, or a curved portion
1328 forms a free end of the support member 1302. The end 1318 of
the support arm is supported by the lumbar support 1300 as it
slides vertically in the recess, so as to allow the first and
second support members to function independently. At the same time,
the loop supports the support arm 1316 laterally and in the
fore/aft direction. Alternatively, the end 1318 of the support arm
1316 can remain unsupported, or it can be fixedly connected to the
first support member, or lumbar support, or to the frame.
[0041] The base arm 1314 has an upper end 1320 disposed between the
base of the first support member and the lumbar insert member. A
fastener secures the first support member 1300 and the second
support member 1302 to the insert member 820. The arms 1314, 1316
of the second support member, once installed, function as a
cantilevered spring, which is supported at ends 1302 and 1318 and
has free end 1328. The base arm 1314 has a plurality of
longitudinally extending and rearwardly facing grooves 1322, 1324,
which define a plurality of ridges. The base arm 1314 also has a
step 1326 formed at the bottom thereof, which is connected to the
curved portion 1328 that transitions to the support arm 1316 and
provides additional flexibility between the arms 1314 and 1316. In
this way, the overall support member 1302, including both arms
acting in concert, functions as a cantilevered spring, while the
individual arms 1314, 1316 act as individual springs that provide
additional independent flexibility.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, a fulcrum member 1330 is
disposed between the insert member 820 and the base arm 1314 of the
second support member. The fulcrum member includes a base portion
1344 forming a cavity 1348 that substantially surrounds and
conforms to the forward surface of the insert member 820. The base
portion includes a plurality of hook members 824 that engage and
slide along the sides 826 of the lumbar insert support member 820.
Preferably, the hook members extend through the gap 829 formed
between the spine and the insert member. In one embodiment, the
fulcrum member further includes a detent or latch member that
engages the rack to releasably secure the fulcrum member in a
plurality of vertical positions. Alternatively, or in combination,
the fulcrum includes a guide member 1332 or ridge formed in the
cavity 1348 that rides in a groove 1334 formed in the spine insert
member. In one embodiment, the fulcrum member includes a pair of
handles 1336. The handles extend outwardly and downwardly and
include a grippable portion 1338, formed form example as a
plurality of annular ridges, on the ends thereof. The front portion
of the fulcrum member include a pair of guide members 1340 or tabs
that ride in the outer channels 1322 formed in the base support
arm. The fulcrum, first support member and second support member
are preferably made of one or more types of plastic, such as nylon
or glass-filled nylon, but can be made of other materials, such as
metal, wood, composites, fiberglass and the like.
[0043] It should be understood that in an alternative embodiment,
one or all of the sacral support member, the lumbar support member
and the fulcrum member can be connected to the back member and
engage the frame.
[0044] In operation, the user grips one or both of the fulcrum
handles 1336 and moves the fulcrum in the vertical direction to a
desired position. As the fulcrum is lowered, it shortens the
cantilevered length of the support member 1302, i.e., the distance
between the fulcrum and the bottom curved portion 1328, and the
arms 1314, 1316 in particular, and provides a firmer, more rigid
support for the lower region 348 of the back member as it engages
the rear surface thereof. The user can raise the fulcrum 1330 so as
to provide a greater cantilevered length, which in turn provides
more flexibility of the support member and a corresponding less
rigid support of the back member in the lower region.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, the back member 302 can be modified
to improve the flexibility of the lower region thereof. In
particular, a U-shaped cut-out 1350 can be made in the lower
region, for example along one row of openings 354 as they
transition from the vertical to the horizontal. In this way, the
lower region 348 is provided with a central flap 1352 or support
region at the sacral region of the user's back, which is spaced
from a firmer lower portion 1356. The back member is then inserted
into a mold, wherein a hinge portion 1354 is overmolded on the back
member over the cut-out so as to flexibly connect the flap 1352
with the lower portion 1356 of the back member. In one embodiment,
the hinge 1354 is formed as a living hinge, with a bellows shape.
Of course, it should be understood that the hinge can be in-molded
in the original back member, which thereby avoids the cutting and
overmolding operations. In addition, it should be understood that
the back member can be provided with greater flexibility by
providing a thinner material in certain regions, or by providing
other hinge type devices, not limited to a living hinge or molded
hinges. In this way, the flap portion 1352 of the lower region 348
of the back member being acted upon by the support arm 1316 of the
first support member is provided with greater flexibility to move
in response to the position of the support member 1302 as the
fulcrum member is moved to a desired position. In one embodiment,
the hinge is formed from an elastomeric material, such as a
thermoplastic elastomer.
[0046] The configuration of the spine 324 and back member 302
provides many advantages. For example, the compliant back member
302, with its larger, or longer, openings in the lumbar region, and
its lesser thickness along the center portion, allow that region to
be more flexible, such that it can be formed and supported by the
lumbar support and/or sacral support. In addition, the entire back
is allowed to conform to the back of the user, and in particular at
the edge portions thereof, and can flex about the center spine in
torsion, which is made more flexible by way of the two-piece
construction with nested fins, and also about the bowed lumbar
region. In essence, the intelligence of the backrest is shared by
the spine 324 and the back member 302. In this way, the backrest
provides greater comfort than a backrest formed with a peripheral,
and relatively stiff or non-compliant, frame. In addition, by
securing the back member 302 to the arms of the spine at a location
spaced below the top of the back 336, including at about 14 inches
in one embodiment, and preferably between about 2 inches and about
12 inches, and more preferably between about 4 inches and about 8
inches, the top peripheral portion can flex in response to movement
from the user's shoulder and neck and further avoids a "hammock"
effect between the top and bottom of the backrest.
[0047] In addition, the spine member is in essence modular, or
provides a mounting configuration, which allows the manufacturer to
install various support configurations on the same spine. In this
way, for example, different back supports can be configured to
mount on the same spine to provide an adjustable lumbar support, or
a lumbar support with an adjustable sacral support. Of course,
other adjustment configurations would be suitable.
[0048] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it
is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as
illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended
claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to
define the scope of the invention.
* * * * *