U.S. patent application number 13/163647 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-05 for dual rigidity shoe sole.
This patent application is currently assigned to DASHAMERICA, INC. D/B/A PEARL IZUMI, INC., DASHAMERICA, INC. D/B/A PEARL IZUMI, INC.. Invention is credited to Tony L. Torrance.
Application Number | 20120000095 13/163647 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45348571 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120000095 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Torrance; Tony L. |
January 5, 2012 |
DUAL RIGIDITY SHOE SOLE
Abstract
The invention provides bicycling shoes having soles containing
materials of at least two different material densities configured
to provide improved comfort, and fit for a wearer when walking or
running in the shoes, while providing enhanced force transfer from
the wearer to a bicycle pedal when bicycling in the shoes.
Inventors: |
Torrance; Tony L.; (Boulder,
CO) |
Assignee: |
DASHAMERICA, INC. D/B/A PEARL
IZUMI, INC.
Louisville
CO
|
Family ID: |
45348571 |
Appl. No.: |
13/163647 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61355643 |
Jun 17, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/132 ; 36/114;
36/25R; 36/32R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/188 20130101;
A43B 5/14 20130101; A43B 13/16 20130101; A43B 13/026 20130101; A43B
13/125 20130101; A43B 7/1445 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/132 ; 36/25.R;
36/32.R; 36/114 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/00 20060101
A43B013/00; A43B 5/14 20060101 A43B005/14; A43B 23/24 20060101
A43B023/24; A43B 13/04 20060101 A43B013/04 |
Claims
1. A sole for an athletic shoe comprising: a midsole comprising a
metatarsal region and a heel region, wherein a material of the
metatarsal region is a high rigidity material, and wherein a
material of the heel region is a low rigidity material.
2. The sole of claim 1, further comprising a fore midsole region,
wherein a material of the fore midsole region is a low rigidity
material.
3. The sole of claim 2, wherein the material of the heel region and
the material of the fore midsole region are identical.
4. The sole of claim 1, further comprising a rear midsole region,
wherein a material of the rear midsole region is a low rigidity
material.
5. The sole of claim 2, wherein the material rigidity of the fore
midsole and the material rigidity of the heel portion of the
midsole are substantially equal and less than the material rigidity
of the metatarsal region of the midsole.
6. The sole of claim 1, wherein the metatarsal region is configured
to attach to a clipless bicycle cleat.
7. The sole of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a
metatarsal insert, an arch insert and a heel insert.
8. The sole of claim 1, further comprising an upper, wherein the
upper comprises at least one durable material selected from the
group consisting of natural leather, synthetic leather, a polymeric
material, a polymeric mixture, a polymeric alloy, a laminate, a
natural textile, a synthetic textile material, and a mesh
material.
9. The sole of claim 1, wherein the high rigidity material of the
metatarsal region is selected from the group consisting of a
polymer, a metal, a wood, a composite, a foam, a reinforced
polymer, a plurality of carbon fibers, a plurality of carbon fibers
configured in a unidirectional alignment and combinations
thereof.
10. The sole of claim 1, wherein the low rigidity material of the
heel region is selected from the group consisting of a leather, a
polyurethane foam, a canvas, a rubber, EVA, a polyester, a nylon, a
nylon textile, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a composite, a
polymer, a foam, a unidirectional carbon fiber laminate, a
polymeric material, a polymeric mixture, a polymeric alloy and
combination thereof.
11. The sole of claim 1, wherein the metatarsal region and the heel
region are at least two distinct pieces which are nested together
to form the midsole.
12. The sole of claim 7, wherein a material of the at least one of
the metatarsal insert, the arch insert and the heel insert is
selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane a foam, a
leather, a canvas, a rubber, an EVA, a polyester, a nylon, a nylon
textile, a thermoplastic polyurethane and combinations thereof.
13. The sole of claim 1, further comprising an outersole.
14. The sole of claim 13, wherein the outersole comprises at least
one tread element, wherein a material of the tread is selected from
the group consisting of a polymeric, a rubber or combinations
thereof.
15. A bicycling shoe comprising: an upper comprising a throat, a
tongue and an opening for a user's foot; a closure system to draw
the throat closed with even force across the tongue of the upper,
and, a sole comprising a midsole comprising at least two materials
of different rigidity, wherein a material rigidity in a metatarsal
region of the midsole is greater than a material rigidity in a heel
region of the midsole.
16. The shoe of claim 15, wherein the closure system comprises at
least one of shoelaces, a plurality of hook and loop (Velcro.TM.)
straps, a zipper, and a cord in conjunction with a dial to tighten
the cord.
17. The sole of claim 15, further comprising an upper, wherein the
upper comprises at least one durable material selected from the
group consisting of natural leather, synthetic leather, a polymeric
material, a polymeric mixture, a polymeric alloy, a laminate, a
natural textile, a synthetic textile material, and a mesh
material.
18. The sole of claim 15, wherein the upper comprises at least one
of an advertisement, a team logo and a brand.
19. The sole of claim 1, wherein the high rigidity material of the
metatarsal region is selected from the group consisting of a
polymer, a metal, a wood, a composite, a foam, a reinforced
polymer, a plurality of carbon fibers, a plurality of carbon fibers
configured in a unidirectional alignment and combinations
thereof.
20. The sole of claim 1, wherein the low rigidity material of the
heel region is selected from the group consisting of leather,
polyurethane foam, canvas, rubber, EVA, polyester, nylon, nylon
textile, thermoplastic polyurethane, composite, polymer, foam,
unidirectional carbon fiber laminate, polymeric material, polymeric
mixture, polymeric alloy and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/355,643 filed Jun. 17, 2010, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to articles of footwear useful for
touring or commuting by bicycle.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] When riding a bicycle, the largest force produced by the
bicyclist is transmitted from the knee, through the foot to the
bicycle pedal. A recreational bicyclist typically reproduces the
pedaling force about 4,500 to about 7,500 times an hour. Unlike
many bicycle shoes designed for road bicycle racing, mountain
biking or commuter biking shoes typically have recessed cleats and
a more flexible sole designed to allow the cyclist to comfortably
walk or run when they dismount the bicycle. The flexible rubber
sole, while flexible and cushioning for walking or running,
unfortunately leads to inefficiencies and a loss of energy expended
by the rider when energy from the rider's foot to the pedal, energy
is lost in compression or flexing of the sole of the shoe between
the rider's foot and the pedal. Though a completely rigid sole
material renders a bicycling shoe more efficient by reducing energy
loss, it is difficult to use when the rider dismounts the bicycle,
for example, during portions of a mountain bike race or while
commuting by bicycle.
[0004] Thus, there is a desire in the art for a bicycling shoe that
can both efficiently transfer energy between the riders' foot and
the pedal, while remaining flexible and providing sufficient
cushion for comfortable running or walking when the wearer is off
of the bicycle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides bicycling shoes, having dual
rigidity materials in the soles that are comfortable for walking
while providing efficient energy transfer from the rider to the
pedal when bicycling. The sole of the invention allows for more
rigid or stiff materials in the pedal or cleat region of the shoe,
proximate the metatarsal region of the rider's foot, thereby
minimizing the energy loss experienced between the rider's foot and
pedal when the rider is bicycling. The shoe sole of the invention
allows for less rigid or stiff (i.e. more flexible) materials in
the heel and toe regions of the foot, providing for greater
flexibility and comfort, injury prevention and ease of use when the
rider is running or walking dismounted from the bicycle.
[0006] It will be appreciated that with respect to most materials
used in the fabrication of athletic shoes, and particularly bicycle
shoes, the stiffness and rigidity of the material corresponds
directly with its density. That is, with respect to most materials,
particularly plastic/polymeric materials, the greater the density
of the material, the greater is the stiffness/rigidity of the
material. It should also be understood, however, that this
relationship between density and rigidity does not hold for across
every material that can be used in the fabrication of athletic
shoes.
[0007] Other features, utilities and advantages of the invention
will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of
the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1, illustrates a side view of a shoe comprising a dual
rigidity midsole of one embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2, illustrates a bottom view of a dual rigidity midsole
of one embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3, illustrates a bottom view of an outersole of one
embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 4a, illustrates another bottom view of an outersole of
one embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 4b, illustrates a sectional view of an outersole of one
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 5, is a photograph of a side view of a dual rigidity
midsole of one embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 6a, illustrates an exploded view of a dual rigidity
midsole of one embodiment of the invention; and
[0015] FIG. 6b, illustrates a back view of a high rigidity midsole
material of one embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The present invention is drawn to an athletic shoe sole that
provides enhanced comfort while walking and efficient energy
transfer from foot to bicycle pedal when bicycling.
[0017] FIGS. 1 to 6 depict embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows a bicycling shoe 100 including an outersole 116, an
upper 108, and a midsole 112 having at least two materials of
different densities. The upper 108, may include a closure system
120, that can be any system capable of securing the shoe 100 to the
riders' foot. The closure system may include shoelaces, a plurality
of hook and loop (Velcro.TM.) straps, zippers, and/or cords in
conjunction with a dial to tighten the cords with even force across
the throat of the shoe 100.
[0018] The upper 108 is attached to the midsole 112, which is
attached to the outersole 116. As used throughout this
specification, attachments may be made by conventional methods
known in the art, such as stitching, welding and adhesive bonding.
The upper 108 of the shoe 100 is composed of one or more durable
materials. Preferably, the durable material comprises one or more
material(s) including but not limited to natural or synthetic
leather, a polymeric material, a polymeric mixture, a polymeric
alloy, a laminate, a natural or synthetic textile material, a mesh
material, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the durable
material is a flexible, that is, the material has substantial
flexibility to provide tightening and/or securing of the upper 108
about the riders' foot by the closure system 120. In one
configuration, the upper 108 (optionally including a tongue 124) is
composed of two or more durable materials. For example, the toe box
128 may be composed of one material (such as a mesh material) while
the reminder of the upper 108, or any other section of the upper
108, is composed of another material. The upper 108 is suitable for
providing manufacturer, team or sponsor logos, as desired.
[0019] The upper 108 optionally contains a plurality of vent voids
121 that provide for fluid and air flow into and out of the
interior cavity 104. At least most, if not all, of these vent voids
121 are positioned about the tongue 124, toe box 128, vamp and
quarter of the bicycling shoe 100. In one embodiment, venting voids
121 are positioned about the tongue 124, vamp and quarter of the
bicycling shoe 100. But it should be understood that the venting
voids 121 may be placed in any position on the bicycling shoe 100.
Furthermore, the venting voids 121 may be any suitable shape or
size. The upper may also optionally include advertising, such as
for a brand, team or other advertisement.
[0020] As used herein the term bicycling shoe means both left and
right forms of the bicycling shoe 100. Furthermore, the bicycling
shoe 100 comprises a bicycling shoe designed to fit a man, a woman,
or both. The bicycling shoe 100 may have a shoe size according to
any international shoe size designation standard. For example,
without limitation, the shoes of the invention may have a size
designation from the United States standard shoe size designations
of: 5, 51/2, 6, 61/2, 7, 71/2, 8, 81/2, 9, 91/2, 10, 101/2, 11,
111/2, 12, 121/2, 13, 131/2, 14, 141/2, 15, 151/2, 16, 161/2, 17,
171/2, 18, 181/2, 19, 191/2, and 20 and a width from the United
States standard widths of: AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, EE, EEE, EEEE, F
and G.
[0021] The sole 132 includes a midsole 112 and an outersole 116 and
may include an insole being in an opposing relationship to the
outersole 116. In one embodiment, the midsole 112 is composed of at
least two materials having different material densities. The sole
132 may also include inserts. These inserts may be located
throughout the sole 132. By way of example, the inserts may be
located in the arch or heel region of the sole. Inserts may also be
located in the metatarsal region and positioned such that they do
not interfere with a cleat positioned on the bottom of the
shoe.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of a midsole 212 of one
embodiment of the invention. The midsole 212 may comprise at least
two materials having different material densities. The cleat region
236 spans at least a portion of the metatarsal region of the
midsole 212 where the sole of the shoe may be engaged with a
bicycle pedal and may be any suitable shape. The cleat region 236
of the midsole 212, comprises a material that is dense, and thus
more rigid than the material comprising at least the rear midsole
region 252 of the midsole 212. The denser material in the cleat
region 236 allows for reduced energy loss and increased efficiency
when the cyclist is pedaling. The dense material of the cleat
region 236 may be any suitably durable material, including but not
limited to, a polymer, a metal, wood, a composite, a foam, a
reinforced polymer, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the
cleat region 236 of the midsole 212 contains a rigid plastic
material or polymer composite. In another embodiment, the cleat
region 236 of the midsole 212 contains a plurality of carbon
fibers, and more preferably, a plurality of carbon fibers
configured in a unidirectional alignment or layer to form a light,
rigid material. Preferably, the material comprising the cleat
region 236 of the midsole 212 is a lightweight material. The cleat
region 236 of the midsole 212 may be any suitable shape or size to
transfer force from the rider to the pedal. The cleat region 236
may also be configured to receive or include a cleat for attaching
to a pedal. The cleat region 236 may extend into other regions of
the midsole 212. Furthermore, the thickness of the cleat region 236
may vary.
[0023] FIG. 2 also illustrates additional regions of the midsole
212, including the central midsole 251, the rear midsole 252, and
the fore midsole 253. The material of the central midsole 251, the
rear midsole 252 and/or the fore midsole 253 may differ from the
material of the cleat region 236. The material may be a lower
rigidity material that provides comfort and flexibility to the
rider when off of the bicycle, while not interfering with the high
rigidity material of the cleat region 236. In other embodiments,
the materials of the central midsole 251, the rear midsole 252
and/or the fore midsole 253, may be the same lower rigidity
material or they may be composed of different materials or
different formulations/densities of the same material in order to
form materials having different rigidity or stiffness compared to
one another. In optional embodiments, the higher rigidity material
of the cleat region 236 may extend to the central midsole 251 and
even to portions of the rear midsole 252. Alternatively, the
central midsole 251 may be composed of the same low rigidity
material as the rear midsole 252 and/or the fore midsole 253.
[0024] In a specific embodiment, the fore midsole 253, and the rear
midsole 252 comprise a low rigidity material that is comfortable to
walk or run in should the rider dismount the bicycle, while the
cleat region 236 and the central midsole 251, contains a higher
rigidity, rigid material that allows for efficient transfer of
force from the rider's foot to the pedal through the central
midsole 251 and cleat region 236 of the bicycling shoe.
[0025] In each of these embodiments, the less dense material can be
any suitable material, including but not limited to, leather, a
polyurethane foam, canvas, rubber, EVA, polyester, nylon, nylon
textiles, thermoplastic polyurethane, composite, a polymer, foam or
combination thereof, or any other suitable material or similar
material to provide an appropriate combination of support and
comfort to the user. The low rigidity material may contain a
unidirectional carbon fiber laminate, which may also contain one or
more of a polymeric material, a polymeric mixture, a polymeric
alloy or combinations of these polymeric materials. The midsole 212
can be formed as one continuous piece containing the high rigidity
and the low rigidity materials, separated into distinct regions of
the midsole 212, or it may be formed as two or more distinct pieces
that are nested or connected together to form the midsole having
distinct regions of lower and higher rigidity.
[0026] Optional embodiments that are also illustrated in FIG. 2
allow for one or more of a heel insert 240, a metatarsal insert
250, and/or an arch insert 244, or any combination thereof, within
the midsole 212. In these optional embodiments, a heel insert 240,
and/or a metatarsal insert 250, and/or an arch insert 244 may be
individually or collectively incorporated into the midsole 212. The
heel insert 240 can provide additional cushioning and support to
the heel portion of the midsole 212. The metatarsal insert 250 can
add additional rigidity and support to a portion of the metatarsal
region. The arch insert 244 can provide added support to the arch
area of the wearer's foot. The inserts of the invention may be
chosen to adjust the level of support in the metatarsal, arch and
heel regions. In a preferred embodiment, the inserts generally have
the same shape as the insert slot that they fit into so that they
can be inserted into the slot and substantially fill the slot in
order to provide support and comfort for the user. The inserts may
be used individually, or they may be stacked with other inserts to
vary the thickness of the inserts. The inserts may be any suitable
material, but are preferably a substantially pliable material, such
as a foam, including a ethylene vinyl acetate foam or other open
cell foams or cork or other polymer materials. The inserts may also
be made of rubber, canvas, leather, EVA, nylon, polyester, nylon
textiles, thermoplastic polyurethane, composites, laminates or
other suitable structural material or combinations thereof. The
insert(s) may be colored, or may be translucent. In certain
embodiments, it is preferable for the inserts to be substantially
rigid so as to transfer power, for example, while the user is
pedaling a bicycle. In this configuration, the inserts may be a
substantially rigid material, including but not limited to a
polymer, a metal or wood. Furthermore, the inserts may contain
additional materials or material layers for antimicrobial or
antifungal protection, or fragrances.
[0027] The metatarsal insert 250, the arch insert 244 and the heel
insert 240 can individually be incorporated into the midsole 212 of
the shoe. The metatarsal insert 250, the arch insert 244 and the
heel insert 240 may also individually be present or absent in the
midsole such that these inserts can be combined in varying
combinations in the midsole or all of these inserts may be
incorporated into the midsole. These inserts may also assist in
absorbing shock in the sole of the shoe when the rider is walking
or running in the shoe, when dismounted from the bicycle. The
inserts may be any suitable shape and any suitable material,
including but not limited to a polyurethane foam, leather, canvas,
rubber, EVA, polyester, nylon, nylon textiles, thermoplastic
polyurethane or any other suitable material or similar material to
provide an appropriate combination of stiffness/rigidity and
flexibility to the user.
[0028] If present, the optional metatarsal insert 250 does not
interfere with the attachment of a cleat on the bicycle shoe to a
bicycle pedal about the cleat region 236 of the midsole. The
optional metatarsal insert 250 may contain rigid materials similar
or identical to the cleat region 236 of the midsole 212, such that
there is minimal detrimental effect or even a beneficial effect on
the efficient transfer of force from the wearer's foot to a bicycle
pedal in the central midsole region 251.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the dual rigidity sole
with an outersole 316. The cleat region 336 is robust and allows
for a variety of cleat attachment elements, including the specific
cleat attachment element 360 depicted in FIG. 3, to securely attach
a bicycle cleat or clip to the cleat region 336 of the outersole
316 of the bicycle shoe. The cleat attachment element 360 may be
any element adapted to attach to a bicycle pedal. The cleat
attachment element 360 is situated on the cleat region 336 of the
midsole, but is exposed through the outersole 316, proximate the
metatarsal region of the wearer's foot.
[0030] FIG. 3 also illustrates an optional tread element 354, which
can be located throughout sections of the outersole 316 as desired.
The tread element 354 may be composed on the outersole 316 as a
continuous piece or the thread element(s) 354 may be individually
attached to the outersole 316 in any acceptable manner. Typically,
the tread element(s) 354, if present, are molded into the outersole
316 when the outersole 316 is formed. The tread elements 354 may be
configured in a variety of different shapes and depths, as desired
to accommodate the activities and preferences of the wearer. The
outersole 316, and any tread elements present, preferably comprise
a polymeric material, typically a rubber or a similar type of
material.
[0031] FIG. 4a illustrates another embodiment of an outersole 416
of the invention. In this embodiment, the cleat region 436 of the
midsole is covered with an outer cleat region cover 464. The outer
cleat region cover 464 covers the cleat region 436 and is
preferably composed of a durable polymeric material that may be
similar or identical to the material forming the outersole 416. The
cleat cover may be removable by the user to attach a cleat to the
shoe. This embodiment may still provide sufficient force transfer
by providing a high rigidity material in the sole of the shoe.
Optional tread elements 454 may be included on the outersole
416.
[0032] FIG. 4b is a sectional side view of the sole of FIG. 4a.
This sectional view of FIG. 4b shows the sole 432, including the
outersole 416 and the midsole 412. The cleat region 436 is covered
with a cleat region cover 464. FIG. 4b also illustrates an
embodiment including the optional heel insert 440, optional
metatarsal insert 450, and optional arch insert 444 within the
midsole 412. Also illustrated are the fore midsole 453, the central
midsole 451 and the rear midsole 452 regions of the midsole 412.
The rigidity of the material of the cleat region 436 is higher than
the rigidity of the material in the rear midsole 452 region of the
midsole 412. The difference in densities allow for good force
transfer between the riders' foot and pedal in the cleat region 436
while providing greater flexibility and comfort in the remaining
regions of the midsole 412.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a sole
500 comprising midsole 512 and outersole 516. The midsole 512
includes a heel insert 540, a low rigidity material 518, which
contacts the upper of a shoe. The midsole 512 further comprises a
high rigidity material 517, which extends from the metatarsal
region, above the cleat region of the midsole of the shoe, through
the arch portion of the midsole 512.
[0034] FIG. 6a shows an expanded top view of one embodiment of a
sole 600. The top view of the outersole 616 illustrates an opening
637 for the cleat region 636 of the high rigidity material 617. An
optional advertising opening 642 is included in the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 6a. The advertising opening 642 allows for
advertisements, team logos or brands located on a corresponding
region of the high rigidity material 617 to show through the
outersole 616 of the shoe. The advertising opening 642 may be any
suitable shape or size and may be located throughout the outersole
616 or at multiple locations in the outersole 616. The advertising
opening 642 does not interfere with the opening 637. The outersole
616 may also comprise fitting shapes 690 that are recessed such
that the high rigidity fitted shape 692 and/or inserts, including
the heel insert 640 can fit into the fitting shapes 690 and hold
the high rigidity material 617 and/or the inserts in place.
[0035] The high rigidity material 617 includes the cleat region 636
of the high rigidity material 617. The high rigidity material 617
can extend through a portion of the metatarsal region, through the
arch region and to the rear of the midsole. In the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 6a, the metatarsal region does not extend to the
heel region of the midsole. Optional high rigidity fitted shape 692
may be used to align the high rigidity material 617 with the fitted
shapes 690 of the outersole 616. The high rigidity fitted shape 692
and the fitting shape 690 may be any suitable shape and may be
located at one or more location(s) in the sole 600. The heel insert
640 is also illustrated in the expanded view of sole 600. The low
rigidity material 618 with an optional opening 643 allows for the
cleat region 636 of the high rigidity material 617 to contact the
upper of the shoe, allowing for better contact between the rider
and a bicycle pedal.
[0036] FIG. 6b illustrates the bottom view of the high rigidity
material 617 that forms part of the sole 600 illustrated in FIG.
6a. Optional advertising may be placed on the high rigidity
material 617 at location 695. Also illustrated is the cleat region
636 of the high rigidity material 617. The pedal region 636 of the
high rigidity material 617 may be exposed through the outersole
such that good contact may be made between the midsole and a
bicycle pedal. The thickness of the high rigidity material 617 may
vary.
[0037] Though the specification discusses the use of the invention
as it relates to bicycling shoes, it is understood that aspects of
the invention may be used in other footwear, which also fall within
the description of the invention.
[0038] The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description.
Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention
to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and
modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and the skill
or knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the
present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are
further intended to explain the best mode known for practicing the
invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the
invention in such, or other, embodiments and with various
modifications required by the particular applications or uses of
the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be
construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent
permitted by the prior art.
* * * * *