U.S. patent application number 10/938020 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-17 for exercise device.
Invention is credited to Hull, Korin James.
Application Number | 20050059537 10/938020 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34278766 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050059537 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hull, Korin James |
March 17, 2005 |
Exercise device
Abstract
An exercise device comprises a belt assembly adapted to be worn
around the torso of a user, and at least one extremity harness
having an adjustable ankle portion and an adjustable foot portion.
The foot portion is removably coupled to the ankle portion. The
exercise device also comprises at least one resilient
interconnecting member being removably coupled between the belt
assembly and the adjustable ankle portion. The resilient
interconnecting member is adapted for use in resistive type
exercises. The exercise device may further comprise at least one
grasping member to allow simultaneous exercising of upper and lower
body muscle groups.
Inventors: |
Hull, Korin James; (Santa
Monica, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CISLO & THOMAS, LLP
233 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 900
SANTA MONICA
CA
90401-1211
US
|
Family ID: |
34278766 |
Appl. No.: |
10/938020 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60501984 |
Sep 10, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0552 20130101;
A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/4001 20151001; A63B 2208/0204
20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/4009 20151001; A63B
21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/4013 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/065 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device, comprising: at least one belt assembly
adapted to be worn around the torso of a user; at least one
extremity harness having an adjustable ankle portion and an
adjustable foot portion, said adjustable foot portion being
removably coupled to said adjustable ankle portion; and at least
one resilient interconnecting member being removably coupled
between said at least one belt assembly and said adjustable ankle
portion, said at least one resilient interconnecting member being
adapted for use in resistive type exercises.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one belt
assembly includes at least one back support portion.
3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one belt
assembly is made from strap-like material being attached to a
padded underlayment.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein said padded underlayment
includes an enlarged back support portion.
5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein said enlarged back
support portion is made from die cut laminated foam.
6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one belt
assembly includes hook-and-loop fastening means.
7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein said hook-and-loop
fastening means includes Velcro.TM. brand tape.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one belt
assembly and said at least one resilient interconnecting member are
provided with at least one substantially ring-shaped coupling
structure and at least one substantially clip-like coupling
structure, respectively, said at least one substantially clip-like
coupling structure adapted to removably engage said at least one
substantially ring-shaped coupling structure.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one
resilient interconnecting member is made from elastomeric
material.
10. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein said at least one
substantially ring-shaped coupling structure is being engaged by a
plurality of substantially clip-like coupling structures.
11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said adjustable ankle
portion is made from strap-like material.
12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said ankle portion is
adjusted via hook-and-loop fastening means.
13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein said hook-and-loop
fastening means includes Velcro.TM. brand tape.
14. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein said adjustable ankle
portion is provided with at least one substantially ring-shaped
coupling structure, said at least one substantially clip-like
coupling structure of said at least one resilient interconnecting
member adapted to removably engage said at least one substantially
ring-shaped coupling structure.
15. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said adjustable ankle
portion includes at least one padded section.
16. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said adjustable foot
portion is made from strap-like material and configured to be
utilized near the ball of the foot.
17. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said foot portion is
adjusted via hook-and-loop fastening means.
18. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein said hook-and-loop
fastening means includes Velcro.TM. brand tape.
19. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each end of said
adjustable foot portion is removably coupled to said adjustable
ankle portion via at least one substantially ring-shaped coupling
structure.
20. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein said at least one
substantially ring-shaped coupling structure and said at least one
substantially clip-like coupling structure are configured for easy
attachment and detachment by the user.
21. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein said at least one
substantially ring-shaped coupling structure and said at least one
substantially clip-like coupling structure are configured for easy
attachment and detachment by the user.
22. An exercise device, comprising: at least one extremity harness
having an adjustable ankle portion and an adjustable foot portion,
said adjustable foot portion being removably coupled to said
adjustable ankle portion; at least one belt assembly adapted to be
worn around the torso of a user; first means for resiliently
coupling said at least one belt assembly to said adjustable ankle
portion; at least one grasping member; and second means for
resiliently coupling said at least one belt assembly to said at
least one grasping member, said first and second resilient coupling
means being adapted for use in resistive type exercises.
23. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein each of said first and
second resilient coupling means includes at least one resilient
interconnecting member having at least one substantially clip-like
coupling structure at each end.
24. The exercise device of claim 23, wherein said at least one
resilient interconnecting member is made from elastomeric
material.
25. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein said at least one belt
assembly includes at least one back support portion.
26. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein said at least one belt
assembly is made from strap-like material being attached to a
padded underlayment.
27. The exercise device of claim 26, wherein said padded
underlayment includes an enlarged back support portion.
28. The exercise device of claim 27, wherein said enlarged back
support portion is made from die cut laminated foam.
29. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein said at least one belt
assembly includes hook-and-loop fastening means.
30. The exercise device of claim 29, wherein said hook-and-loop
fastening means includes Velcro.TM. brand tape.
31. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein said at least one
grasping member and said at least one extremity harness are used to
simultaneously exercise upper and lower body muscle groups.
32. An exercise device, comprising: at least one substantially
elongated strap; first grasping member having a handle adapted to
provide gripping capability for a user; second grasping member
having a substantially loop-shaped configuration; third grasping
member having a substantially cylindrical configuration; and means
for resiliently intercoupling said at least one substantially
elongated strap, said first grasping member, said second grasping
member and said third grasping member, said resilient intercoupling
means being adapted for use in resistive type exercises.
33. The exercise device of claim 32, wherein said resilient
intercoupling means includes at least one resilient interconnecting
member having at least one coupling clip at each end.
34. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein said at least one
resilient interconnecting member is made from an elastomeric
material.
35. The exercise device of claim 32, wherein said at least one
substantially elongated strap is provided with an underlayment.
36. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein said at least one
substantially elongated strap is provided with a coupling ring at
each end, said coupling ring being adapted for engagement by said
at least one coupling clip.
37. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein each of said first,
second and third grasping members is provided with a coupling ring,
said coupling ring being adapted for engagement by said at least
one coupling clip.
38. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein said at least one
substantially elongated strap, said first, second and third
grasping members, and said at least one resilient interconnecting
member are configured to be stored in a compact carry-on bag.
39. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein said resilient
intercoupling means includes at least one group of resilient
interconnecting members of variable size.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/501,984, filed on Sep. 10, 2003, which is
hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Personal health is a paramount factor in people's day-to-day
living, and personal fitness and exercise is very important to a
person's personal health. The medical profession has long
recommended that exercise be part of a person's proper daily living
routine for a longer, more productive, and healthier life. The use
of exercise equipment for physical fitness comes in many forms,
from jump ropes to expensive Nautilus.RTM.-type machines.
[0003] Personal exercise equipment, exercise devices, or exercise
apparatus which include stretchable or resistant-type elastic
cords, coils, springs, and hydraulic pistons may be used for
exercising in the field of physical fitness; physical training for
a given sport, such as football, weight lifting, tennis, or
basketball, etc.; aerobic conditioning; and/or body building. The
devices range from the simplistic, such as hand tension springs or
exercise sticks, to complicated Nautilus.RTM.-type and
Soloflex.RTM.-type devices.
[0004] There remains a need for a portable, aerobic exercise device
that is simple and effective, easily assembled, and easily fitted
on and operated by a user, and which will eliminate typical joint,
ligament and muscle stress injuries. In addition, there is a
further need for an aerobic exercise device that is anatomically
correct and which can be used by men and women of all ages to
improve their physical fitness in a reduced time frame while still
receiving the benefit of a substantial improvement to the user's
cardiovascular system and muscle toning without causing any injury,
muscle damage, or pain to the user.
[0005] Many home exercise devices currently available are of the
assistive-type, wherein repetitive body motions are merely guided
or helped. Yet it has been recognized that the benefits of most
exercises can be significantly enhanced and performed with greater
efficiency by employing resistive devices to place increased loads
upon the muscles. Such resistive techniques may be now widely used
in modern weight training for athletes and in most supervised
exercise programs.
[0006] Furthermore, a compact exercise device would be relatively
easy and inexpensive to ship and/or store whether at the user's
home or during travel. It would also be advantageous to have a
versatile exercise device that is relatively simple to configure
and use.
SUMMARY
[0007] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are generally
directed to an exercise device.
[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an exercise
device comprises at least one belt assembly adapted to be worn
around the torso of a user, and at least one extremity harness
having an adjustable ankle portion and an adjustable foot portion.
The adjustable foot portion is removably coupled to the adjustable
ankle portion. The exercise device also comprises at least one
resilient interconnecting member being removably coupled between
the belt assembly and the adjustable ankle portion. The resilient
interconnecting member is adapted for use in resistive type
exercises.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
exercise device comprises at least one belt assembly adapted to be
worn around the torso of a user, and at least one extremity harness
having an adjustable ankle portion and an adjustable foot portion.
The adjustable foot portion is removably coupled to the adjustable
ankle portion. The exercise device also comprises first means for
resiliently coupling the belt assembly to the adjustable ankle
portion, at least one grasping member, and second means for
resiliently coupling the belt assembly to the grasping member. The
first and second resilient coupling means are adapted for use in
resistive type exercises.
[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an
exercise device comprises at least one substantially elongated
strap, first grasping member having a handle adapted to provide
gripping capability for a user, second grasping member having a
substantially loop-shaped configuration, and third grasping member
having a substantially cylindrical is configuration. The exercise
device also comprises means for resiliently intercoupling the
substantially elongated strap, the first grasping member, the
second grasping member and the third grasping member. The resilient
intercoupling means is adapted for use in resistive type
exercises.
[0011] These and other aspects of the invention will become
apparent from a review of the accompanying drawings and the
following detailed description of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention is generally shown by way of reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exercise device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front perspective view of a first
extremity harness of the exercise device of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side perspective view of the first
extremity harness of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an exercise device
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the exercise device of
FIG. 1 being used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the exercise device of
FIG. 4 being used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exercise device
according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a strap member of the
exercise device of FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a grasping member of
the exercise device of FIG. 7;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another grasping
member of the exercise device of FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a coupling arrangement
of the exercise device of FIG. 7; and
[0024] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the various components
of the exercise device of FIG. 7 in a disassembled state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary
embodiments and is not intended to represent the only forms in
which the exemplary embodiments may be constructed and/or utilized.
The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps
for constructing and operating the exemplary embodiments in
connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be
understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may
be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to
be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0026] Some embodiments of the invention will be described in
detail with reference to the related drawings of FIGS. 1-12.
Additional embodiments, features and/or advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the ensuing description or may be learned
by practicing the invention. In the figures, the drawings are not
to scale with like numerals referring to like features throughout
both the drawings and the description.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exercise device 10
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Exercise device 10 includes a belt assembly 12, first and second
extremity harnesses 14 and resilient interconnecting members 16.
First and second extremity harnesses 14 are removably coupled to
belt assembly 12 via resilient interconnecting members 16 which
provide resistance to enhance exercise activity.
[0028] Belt assembly 12 is adapted to be worn around the torso of a
user. Belt assembly 12 may be made from strap-like material being
attached to a padded underlayment 39, which includes an enlarged
back support portion 40. Back support portion 40 may be made, for
example, from die cut laminated foam. Other materials and/or
configurations may be used, as desired. Belt assembly 12 may be
fastened via hook-and-loop fastening strips, which may be made, for
example, from Velcro.TM. brand tape. Other belt fastening means may
be used, such as buckle(s), clasp(s) and the like.
[0029] Belt assembly 12 is provided with generally ring-shaped
coupling structures 20 (FIG. 1) for engaging corresponding coupling
structures 18 of resilient interconnecting members 16. Resilient
interconnecting member 16 is provided with a coupling structure 18
at each end (FIG. 1), such that the two ends of resilient
interconnecting member 16 may be attached to the same or different
component(s) of exercise device 10 or to different structure(s), as
desired.
[0030] Coupling structure 18 has a clip-like configuration in
accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Each ring-shaped coupling structure 20 may removably engage one or
more clip-like coupling structures 18 of resilient interconnecting
members 16, as desired by the user. Coupling more than one
resilient interconnecting member 16 to belt assembly 12 provides
increased resistance during exercise activities, thereby making the
exercise device more versatile and easily configurable by the
user.
[0031] Belt assembly 12 may be manufactured, for example, from
webbing material (about 52-inch long by 2-inch wide or 3-inch wide
strip), about 35 inches of a 2-inch wide loop Velcro.TM. strip, die
cut laminated foam of about 45 inches length, about 2-inch long by
2-inch wide Velcro.TM. hook pieces, about 6-inch long by 2-inch
wide Velcro.TM. hook strips, and about 1-inch wide webbing strips
adapted to hold plastic web rings. Other materials, dimensions and
variations or modifications of the same may be used to manufacture
belt assembly 12, provided there is no departure from the intended
purpose of the present invention.
[0032] First and second extremity harnesses 14 may be utilized with
hands, arms, legs and/or other portions of the user's body during
exercising. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, each of first and second extremity harnesses 14
includes a foot portion 26 and an ankle portion 24, as generally
depicted in FIGS. 1-3. With this configuration, belt assembly 12
may be worn around the waist of a user with fist and second
extremity harnesses 14 being coupled to the feet and ankles,
respectively, of a user for exercising various body muscle groups
including the legs, calves, thighs, and the like. When used in this
manner, exercise device 10 enhances exercise activities, such as
when the user is running, or doing leg extensions, and the
like.
[0033] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, ankle portion 24 (FIGS. 1-3) may be made from strap-like
material and configured to encircle a user's ankle. Ankle portion
24 may be adjusted to fit the specific needs of a user via an
integral hook-and-loop type fastener 25. Hook-and-loop fastener 25
may be made, for example, from Velcro.TM. brand tape. Hook-and-loop
fastener 25 makes it possible for ankle portion 24 to be utilized
by users of different height and/or build. Ankle portion 24 is
provided with generally ring-shaped coupling structures 22 which
engage respective clip-like coupling structures 18 of resilient
interconnecting members 16 such that various coupling arrangements
may be utilized. Specifically, a resilient interconnecting member
16 may be coupled to ankle portion 24 on either side of a user's
leg for use in exercise activities. Ankle portion 24 also includes
a padded section 34 (FIGS. 2-3) to allow for comfortable use by the
user.
[0034] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, foot portion 26 (FIGS. 1-3) may be made from strap-like
material and configured to encircle a user's foot and be utilized
near the ball or arch of the foot. Foot portion 26 may also be
adjusted to fit the specific needs of a user via one or more
integral hook-and-loop type fasteners 27. Each hook-and-loop
fastener 27 may be made, for example, from Velcro.TM. brand tape.
Hook-and-loop fastener 27 makes it possible for foot portion 26 to
be utilized by users of different height and/or build. Each end of
foot portion 26 is removably coupled to ankle portion 24 via
generally ring-shaped coupling structures 28. The length of foot
portion 26 may be adjusted on each side via hook-and-loop fasteners
27 that are threaded in ring-shaped coupling structures 28, as
generally shown in FIGS. 2-3.
[0035] Foot portion 26 and/or ankle portion 24 may be coupled to
other body parts or structures, as desired. Other fastener and/or
harness types may be utilized, provided there is no departure from
the intended purpose of the present invention.
[0036] Coupling structures 18, 20, 22 and 28 may be made of hard
plastic or metal, such as materials that are used in mountain
climbing, backpacking gear, and the like, however other materials
and configurations may be used, as desired. Furthermore, coupling
structures 18, 20, 22 and 28 are configured for easy
attachment/detachment by the user. A person skilled in the art
would recognize that various other coupling configurations may be
utilized, provided such other coupling configurations reside within
the scope of the present invention.
[0037] Resilient interconnecting member 16 may be made of rubber,
plastic or bungee-type elastomeric material such that it provides
resistance during exercise activities, but may be configured from
other materials, as desired. Resilient interconnecting member 16
returns generally to its original configuration after being
stretched by the user.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an exercise device 100
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Exercise device 100 is similar in construction to exercise device
10 except for adding two grasping members 300 being coupled to belt
assembly 120 via resilient interconnecting members 160. The user
may utilize grasping members 300 to exercise muscle groups
including the upper body and arms, as desired. Exercise device 100
includes fist and second extremity harnesses 140 being coupled to
belt assembly 120 via resilient interconnecting members 160. Belt
assembly 120 may be worn around a user's waist with the user being
able to exercise upper and lower body muscle groups at the same
time. A person skilled in the art would recognize that more than
one resilient interconnecting member (160) may be coupled between
belt assembly 120 and grasping member 300 or between belt assembly
120 and first/second extremity harness 140 to increase resistivity
and enhance exercise activities. Consequently, exercise device 100
may be configured for different levels of resistance exercise, or
made modular, as desired by the user.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of exercise device 10
being used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Specifically, belt assembly 12 is wrapped around
a user's waist with first extremity harness 14 being engaged by the
user's right ankle and foot. First extremity harness 14 is coupled
to belt assembly 12 via resilient interconnecting member 16,
generally shown in a stretched position. In this manner, resilient
interconnecting member 16 provides resistance for the user so as to
enhance exercise activity such as during running, walking or the
like.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of exercise device 100
being used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Specifically, belt assembly 120 is wrapped
around a user's waist with first extremity harness 140 and grasping
member 300 hanging alongside a user's right leg. First extremity
harness 140 and grasping member 300 are each coupled to belt
assembly 120 via resilient interconnecting members 160, generally
shown in an unstretched position. In this manner, the user may go
about his/her daily activities with exercise device 100 being ready
for use at a moment's notice.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exercise device 500
according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Exercise device 500 includes a strap 502, first, second
and third grasping members 504, 506 and 508, respectively, and
resilient interconnecting members 510. A carry-on bag 512 is
included to store all components of exercise device 500. Carry-on
bag 512 is compact enough to be carried aboard and stowed on is an
airplane, train, bus or passenger car, as needed.
[0042] As generally depicted in FIG. 8, strap 502 includes an
elongated somewhat stretchable strip 501 secured at each end to a
generally rectangular underlayment 503. Strap 502 is provided with
a coupling ring 514 at each end for removably engaging a
corresponding clip 516 on resilient interconnecting member 510.
Coupling ring 514 is being held by strip 501 and is adapted to
engage not just one but several clips 516 so as to allow the
coupling of more than one grasping members to strap 502, as
generally shown in FIGS. 7, 11.
[0043] Grasping member 504 is similar in construction to grasping
member 300 of FIG. 4 except for a different handle design adapted
to provide better gripping capability for the user, as generally
shown in FIGS. 7, 10. Grasping member 504 uses a ring-shaped
coupling structure 518 to engage clip 516 on resilient
interconnecting member 510, as generally depicted in FIG. 10.
[0044] Grasping member 506 is somewhat similar to the generally
loop-shaped foot portion 26 of FIG. 1 except for the provision of a
padded underlayment 507 and a single ring-shaped coupling structure
509 between the ends of adjustable strap 505 and clip 516 of
resilient interconnecting member 510, as generally illustrated in
FIG. 7.
[0045] Grasping member 508 includes a generally cylindrical padded
portion 509 with one end being attached to a coupling ring 520.
Coupling ring 520 removably engages clip 516 on resilient
interconnecting member 510, as generally depicted in FIG. 9. One or
more grasping members (504, 506 or 508) may be coupled to strap
502, as well as, each grasping member (504, 506 or 508) may be
coupled to another grasping member, as generally shown in FIG.
7.
[0046] Coupling structures 509, 514, 516, 518, and 520 may be made
of hard plastic or metal, such as materials that are used in
mountain climbing, backpacking gear, and the like, however other
materials and configurations may be used, as desired. Furthermore,
coupling structures 509, 514, 516, 518, and 520 are configured for
easy attachment/detachment by the user. A person skilled in the art
would recognize that various other coupling configurations may be
utilized, provided such other coupling configurations reside within
the scope of the present invention.
[0047] Resilient interconnecting member 510 may be made of rubber,
plastic or bungee-type elastomeric material such that it provides
resistance during exercise activities, but may be configured from
other materials, as desired. Resilient interconnecting member 510
returns generally to its original configuration after being
stretched by the user.
[0048] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the various components
of exercise device 500 in a disassembled state. Specifically,
grasping members 504, 506 and 508 are included in pairs. Four
groups of resilient interconnecting members 510 of variable size,
and a single strap 502 are also included.
[0049] The exercise device of the present invention is simple to
use, relatively inexpensive as compared to other known exercise
devices, and compact enough to be used as a portable exercise
device during travel or for easy storage in the user's home.
[0050] A person skilled in the art would appreciate that exemplary
embodiments described hereinabove are merely illustrative of the
general principles of the present invention. Other modifications or
variations may be employed that are within the scope of the
invention. For example, various other resilient interconnection
means may be employed in the exercise device of the present
invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation,
alternative configurations may be utilized in accordance with the
teachings herein. Accordingly, the drawings and description are
illustrative and not meant to be a limitation thereof.
[0051] Moreover, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest
possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the
terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as
referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive
manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or
steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements,
components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Thus, it is
intended that the invention cover all embodiments and variations
thereof as long as such embodiments and variations come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *