U.S. patent application number 12/930711 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for exercise ball.
Invention is credited to Michelle Osborn.
Application Number | 20120184414 12/930711 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46491195 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120184414 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osborn; Michelle |
July 19, 2012 |
Exercise ball
Abstract
An improved exercise ball is defined by a resilient, flexible
sidewall having a through opening extending from an interior to an
exterior of the sidewall. A loose, solid media such as sand is
deposited into the through opening. Thereafter, an air valve is
arranged within the through opening and the interior is pressurized
to fully inflate the exercise ball. A variety of exercises may
thereafter be performed with the improved exercise ball.
Inventors: |
Osborn; Michelle; (Virginia
Beach, VA) |
Family ID: |
46491195 |
Appl. No.: |
12/930711 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/072 20130101;
A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B 23/03516 20130101; A63B 21/0085
20130101; A63B 21/0603 20130101; A63B 23/16 20130101; A63B 23/0355
20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. An improved exercise ball comprising: an air impervious bladder
having a through opening and an internal air pressure substantially
equal to atmospheric pressure such that the bladder is a fully
inflated sphere that may be grasped from above wherein the bladder
conforms to the hand of the user by collapsing around fingers of a
user; a weighted material disposed within said bladder and
maintained loosely within the bladder; and, an air valve arranged
in the through opening, said air valve including an air passage
that is biased closed when an air inflation needle is removed, said
air valve further comprising a retaining ring that is arranged
about the portion of the valve that extends into an interior of the
air impervious bladder and which may be removed for varying an
amount of the weighted material disposed within the bladder;
wherein said ball maintains and supports a spherical shape when
placed on a flat surface.
2. The improved exercise ball of claim 1 wherein said air
impervious bladder comprises natural or synthetic rubber.
3. The improved exercise ball of claim 1 is formed from PVC.
4. The improved exercise ball of claim 1 wherein said diameter of
the ball is in a range of substantially seven to eight inches.
5. The improved exercise ball of claim 1 wherein said weighted
material is selected from a group consisting of one pound, one and
one-half pounds, two pounds and two and one-half pounds.
6. A weighted ball having a non-slip exterior, used for muscle
therapy and exercise requiring a user to grasp the weighted ball
from above and to lift the ball and retain said ball in the user's
grasp while twisting the user's wrist in a clockwise or counter
clockwise direction, said weighted ball, comprising a substantially
spherical bladder filled with a loose weighted material and air
such that said weighted ball supports a spherical shape when placed
on a flat surface.
7. An exercise ball comprising: a polyvinylchloride bladder forming
a sidewall and having a non-slip exterior surface on the sidewall,
said ball being inflated to slightly above atmospheric pressure to
ensure that the top of the bladder does not sag when placed on a
flat surface; a through opening arranged in the polyvinylchloride
bladder; a predetermined amount of weighted material being
deposited within the exercise ball; an air valve seated in the
through opening, said air valve includes an air passage that is
opened when an air inflation needle is thrust therein and biased
closed when the air inflation needle is removed; a retaining ring
is arranged about a portion of the air valve that extends into an
interior of the polyvinylchloride bladder, retaining ring being
removeable for varying an amount of weighted material disposed
within the polyvinylchloride bladder wherein said exercise ball is
pliable and may be easily grasped from above such that the
polyvinyl bladder conforms about the fingers of the user.
8. The exercise ball of claim 7 wherein said polyvinylchloride
bladder comprises natural or synthetic rubber.
9. The exercise ball of claim 7 wherein said diameter of the ball
is in a range of substantially seven to eight inches.
10. The exercise ball of claim 7 wherein said weighted material is
selected from a group consisting of one pound, one and one-half
pounds, two pounds and two and one-half pounds.
11. A method of exercise comprising providing: an air impervious
bladder having a through opening and an internal air pressure
substantially equal to atmospheric pressure such that the bladder
is a fully inflated sphere that may be grasped from above wherein
the bladder conforms to the hand of the user by collapsing around
fingers of a user; a weighted material disposed within said bladder
and maintained loosely within the bladder; and, an air valve
arranged in the through opening, said air valve including an air
passage that is biased closed when an air inflation needle is
removed, said air valve further comprising a retaining ring that is
arranged about the portion of the valve that extends into an
interior of the air impervious bladder and which may be removed for
varying an amount of the weighted material disposed within the
bladder; wherein said ball maintains and supports a spherical shape
when placed on a flat surface and, wherein said ball is used to
perform each of the following exercises selected from a group
consisting of upper body exercises, reverse curls, forward circles,
overhead pass, front pass, crossover, hand squeeze, finger squeeze
and lower body exercises including inner thigh squeeze, ankle
squeeze, foot roll, foot push, upper and lower body crunch, and
reverse curls.
Description
[0001] There are no related patent applications.
[0002] The present application was not subject to federal research
and/or development funding.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] Generally, the present invention relates to an improved
weighted ball that may be held in a single hand and which is useful
in performing rehabilitation exercises. The weighted ball may also
be utilized in performing strength training exercises in healthy
individuals. More specifically, the exercise ball comprises an air
impervious bladder that is inflated to an air pressure slightly
higher than atmospheric pressure. The ball includes a weighted
material disposed therein prior to inflation of the ball. The ball
also has a non-slip exterior for gripping the ball. A variety of
exercises may be performed with the ball. The ball preferably
includes a removable air valve for adding weighted material and
having a diameter of substantially between seven and eight
inches.
[0004] There are several exercises that can be performed with the
invention that are difficult or impossible to perform with other
balls. The pliability and softness of the ball allows it to be
tightly pinched to obtain a firm grasp while performing various
upper body exercises. This is very useful for a person that has
limited hand and/or finger strength. Such upper body exercises
includes holding a ball with the hand extended outward from the
body at substantially shoulder height and rotating the arm at the
shoulder in clockwise and counterclockwise circles, overhead
passes, front passes, crossovers, as well as hand and finger
squeezes. Other exercises may include lower body exercises such as
the inner thigh squeeze and the ankle squeeze.
[0005] Exercises that may be performed with the foot include the
foot push and foot roll. These foot exercises are facilitated by
use of the instant invention due to the weighted material
preventing the ball from rolling away from the exerciser's foot.
Such exercises strengthen the upper and lower leg muscles.
[0006] Still other exercises are directed to the core muscles of
the torso and include exercises that work the abdominal and lower
back muscles. These exercises may be performed with other types of
balls. However, the weighted material in the instant ball maximizes
the workout experienced by the core muscles by making the exercises
more challenging. These core muscle exercises include upper and
lower crunches, reverse curls, crossovers including those performed
in the supine position.
[0007] Various balance exercises can be performed with the ball of
the instant invention. There are various postures including the
moball tree, tick-tock, and step back with front lift. Moreover,
the ball may be used in low impact workouts or in more intense
workouts. Varying the speed of rotational exercises changes the
weight load experienced by the user when using the instant ball.
Thus, the ball may exert various extended moments of inertia by
simply varying the speed at which the exercises are performed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0008] There are various balls for use in performing exercises.
Such balls include medicine balls and large exercise balls for use
in strength training of the core muscles. A medicine ball is a
heavily weighted ball roughly the diameter of the shoulders and is
often used for rehabilitation and strength training of the
abdominal muscles. The ball is typically thrown between and caught
by a pair of exercisers. Medicine balls are not useful in
performing single exercises without a partner. Still other larger,
inflated exercise balls are placed on a floor and used in a variety
of balancing exercises to strengthen muscle groups such as the
abdominal muscles, arms, and legs.
[0009] Bennett, U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,808, discloses a therapeutic
ball for warm up and therapy having a solid homogeneous body of
molded elastomeric material of a size easily grasped in the palm of
the hand, a weight of between 1-1.7 pounds, a hardness of 50-70
Shore A durometer and a percentage rebound of 65-90%. For therapy
and warmup, the ball is generally used by grasping the ball in the
palm of the hand and throwing or tossing this at a desired distance
and angle, preferably using a full overhand motion, and catching
the ball with any preferred hand as it bounces back to the user.
This process is repeated as many times as desired. The Bennett ball
is small and may be fitted into the palm of one's hand. Thus, it
cannot perform the same exercises of the present device.
[0010] Sanghavi, U.S. Pat. No. 7,678,027, discloses a ball
exerciser for arms and torso. In Sanghavi, an exercise ball device
is used in exercising by a user while in a prone position. The
exercise ball device includes a semi-circular shaped housing having
an outer curved surface and an interior curved compartment having
an inner curved surface. The housing has a retaining member
positioned on the perimeter edge of the housing. The exercise ball
device also includes a rolling ball positioned within the interior
curved compartment, and the rolling ball is removably restrained
within the interior curved compartment by the retaining member. The
outer curved surface of the housing has a restraint member attached
thereto for receiving the hand of a user. And, the rolling ball is
approximately the same size as the interior curved compartment so
that the rolling ball rotates or rolls within and relative to the
housing.
[0011] Wickens et al., U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20060063653 discloses a
partially stabilized exercise device that includes an inflatable
bladder and is partially stabilized with a small amount of filler.
The bladder includes a first aperture to allow the filler to be
easily placed in the bladder. The bladder also includes a valve
main body that allows air to be easily injected into the bladder to
inflate the bladder. In an exemplary method the filler is forced
into the inflatable bladder using a mixture of air and filler. The
air is under pressure and assists in forcing the filler into the
bladder. After a proper amount of filler is in the bladder, the
bladder can be deflated for packaging and/or shipping. The Wickens'
device is a large ball that cannot be gripped from above to perform
the exercises with the hand, wrist, and lower arm muscles being
twisted to improve and rehabilitate the hand's grip.
[0012] Many of the prior art balls are too big to be grasped from
above. That is, the diameter of the ball is too large to perform
exercises that improve the user's hand strength and grip. Still
other devices, such as the Bennet device, are too small to exert an
extended moment of inertia for performing the exercises. Still
other devices may be too inflated to be able to grip it from above,
fails to conform around the fingers, or includes an exterior
surface that is slick and cannot be easily grasped. In addition to
improving the user's hand strength and grip, the instant ball is
used for upper, lower, core, balance, and range of motion
exercises.
[0013] None of the prior art balls are inflated balls larger than
the hand of the user and formed such that they can be easily
gripped from above, picked up from a surface upon which the ball is
resting, and rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner at
the wrist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention is an improved exercise ball
comprising a polyvinylchloride bladder having a non-slip exterior
surface. The ball is inflated to slightly above atmospheric
pressure to ensure that the top of the bladder does not sag when
placed on a surface such as a desk, chair seat, or floor. A through
opening in the bladder allows a predetermined amount of weighted
material to be deposited within the exercise ball. Thereafter, a
one-way valve is seated in the through opening and the ball is
inflated to slightly above atmospheric pressure. By inflating the
ball to this pressure, the exercise ball is inflated to an optimal
working pressure. The air pressure contained within the exercise
ball cannot be much greater than atmospheric pressure to ensure
that the exercise ball is pliable and may be easily grasped from
above and ensure that the bladder conforms about the fingers of the
user.
[0015] It is an object of this invention to provide a ball that can
be used in exercises and therapy to target at least the hand
muscles relating to grip, as well as the forearm and the lower arm
muscles which rotate the hand and wrist in a clockwise and
counterclockwise direction.
[0016] It is also an object of this invention to provide an
exercise ball that is inexpensive to produce and use.
[0017] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
exercise ball that is portable and easily carried by the user.
[0018] It is also an object of this invention to provide an
exercise ball adapted for use by persons or athletes of all types
of physiques.
[0019] It is an additional object of the invention to teach an
improved weighted exercise ball which can be used for lower body,
range of motion and balance exercises.
[0020] The above and further objects, details and advantages of the
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise ball.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the exercise ball and
showing the weighted material deposited therein.
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts how the pliable sidewall of the ball conforms
to the fingers of the user. The ball may be gripped by the user and
twisted in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner to work the
muscles of the arm and hand.
[0024] FIGS. 4A-4E depict a reverse circles exercise being
performed by a user's right arm and hand.
[0025] FIGS. 5A-5E depict a reverse circles exercise being
performed by a user's left arm and hand.
[0026] FIGS. 6A-6E depict a forward circles exercise being
performed by a user's right arm and hand.
[0027] FIGS. 7A-7E depict a forward circles exercise being
performed by a user's left arm and hand.
[0028] FIGS. 8A-8D depict an overhead pass exercise being performed
by the user when starting with the ball in the right hand.
[0029] FIGS. 9A-9D depict an overhead pass exercise being performed
by the user when starting with the ball in the left hand.
[0030] FIGS. 10A-10D depict a front pass exercise being performed
by the user when starting with the ball in the right hand.
[0031] FIGS. 11A-110 depict a front pass exercise being performed
by the user when starting with the ball in the left hand.
[0032] FIGS. 12A-12D depict a sitting crossover exercise being
performed by the right hand of the user.
[0033] FIGS. 13A-13D depict a sitting crossover exercise being
performed by the left hand of the user.
[0034] FIGS. 14A-14C depict a hand squeeze exercise.
[0035] FIGS. 15A-15C depict a finger squeeze exercise.
[0036] FIGS. 16A-16C depict an inner thigh squeeze that works the
upper legs of the user.
[0037] FIGS. 17A-17C depict an ankle squeeze that works the lower
legs of user.
[0038] FIGS. 18A-18C depict a foot roll performed with the right
foot of the user.
[0039] FIGS. 19A-19C depict a foot roll performed with the left
foot of the user.
[0040] FIGS. 20A-20C depict a foot push performed with the right
leg of the user.
[0041] FIGS. 21A-21C depict a foot push performed with the left leg
of the user.
[0042] FIGS. 22A-22C depict upper and lower body crunches performed
by the user.
[0043] FIGS. 23A-23C depict a reverse curl with bent legs being
performed by the user.
[0044] FIGS. 24A-24C depict a reverse curl with straight legs being
performed by the user.
[0045] FIGS. 25A-25C depict a supine crossover exercise with the
ball in the user's right hand.
[0046] FIGS. 26A-26 depict a supine crossover exercise with the
ball in the user's left hand.
[0047] FIGS. 27A-27E depict a moball tree pose performed with the
ball.
[0048] FIGS. 28A-28C depict a tick-tock exercise performed with the
ball in the right hand and the left leg lifted.
[0049] FIGS. 29A-29C depict a tick-tock exercise performed with the
ball in the left hand and the right leg lifted.
[0050] FIGS. 30A-30E depict a step-back exercise wherein the ball
is maintained in the hands whilst the legs are sequentially stepped
backwards and forwards to the starting position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] The following is the preferred embodiment or best mode for
carrying out the invention. It should be noted that this invention
is not limited by the discussion of the various embodiments and
should only be defined by the appended claims. Moreover, it should
be recognized that this invention is not limited by the discussion
of the preferred embodiments, but that skilled artisans may easily
recognize that certain modifications may be made without deviating
from the spirit of the invention. The terms vertical and horizontal
are to be given their ordinary meaning with respect to the
drawings.
[0052] Now turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of
the ball 1. FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the ball 1. The ball
comprises a polyvinylchloride bladder 3 that forms a sidewall
having a non-slip exterior surface 5. The ball 1 is inflated to
slightly above atmospheric pressure to ensure that the top of the
bladder does not sag when placed on a surface such as a desk, chair
seat, or floor. A through opening 7 in the bladder 3 allows a
predetermined amount of weighted material 9 to be deposited within
the exercise ball 1. Thereafter, a one-way valve 11 is seated in
the through opening 7 and the ball 1 is inflated to slightly above
atmospheric pressure to ensure that the exercise ball is inflated
to an optimal working pressure. The valve 11 includes an air
passage that is biased closed when an air inflation needle is
removed. A retaining ring 15 is arranged about the portion of the
valve 11 that extends into the interior of the ball 1. This
retaining ring 15 may be removed for varying the amount of weighted
material 9 disposed within the ball 1. The air pressure contained
within the exercise ball is low enough to ensure that the exercise
ball is pliable and may be easily grasped from above and ensure
that the bladder conforms about the fingers of the user as shown in
FIG. 3. As shown in the figures, the ball 1 is inflated equal to or
just slightly above atmospheric pressure, typically one-tenth to
one-hundredth of a pound of pressure increase. The bladder is
pliable, such that when grasped from above by the user, the upper
half of the bladder conforms around the user's fingers to increase
the surface friction experienced by the user. In this manner, the
ball 1 is easy to grasp by users with debilitating hand
injuries.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4E and FIGS. 5A-5E, reverse circles may
be performed with the ball. While sitting on a stability ball or
chair, the user's feet are spread a bit wider than the width of the
user's hips. Each arm is separately worked, as indicated by the
various figures. The ball is clenched while the hand is held down
by the user's side and then rotated in a backward circle or
counter-clockwise manner. The exercise is then performed with the
other arm.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 6A-6E and FIGS. 7A-7E, forward circles may
be performed with the ball. The stance of the user is essentially
the same as that used in performing the reverse circles. The ball
is gripped and the forward circles are performed in a clockwise
direction. It should be noted that the weighted material will fall
to the bottom of the bladder during a low impact workout. However,
if the arm is rotated in a rapid manner or an increased frequency,
the weighted material tends to be displaced by the centrifugal
force experienced within the ball. This advantageously changes the
torque experienced by the user by shifting the moment of inertia
experienced by the user. Thus, the weighted material pulls away
from the center of rotation at the shoulder when rotated at a rapid
rate. Moreover, the weighted material in the handheld ball
constantly shifts during any rotation of the ball.
[0055] FIGS. 8A-8D and FIGS. 9A-9D depict overhead pass exercises
that may be performed by the ball. In this instance, the ball is
clenched in one hand of the user with both hands extended down to
the side of the body. Both arms are raised upward such that the
hands are extended over the user's head and brought together. The
ball is then passed to the opposite hand and the hands are then
lowered to the user's side as indicated by the arrows. The user may
be resting atop a chair or balance ball as shown.
[0056] FIGS. 10A-10D and FIGS. 11A-11D depict front pass exercises.
The ball is clenched in one hand with the arms resting at the side
of the user. The arms are then extended upward and outward to the
side of the body at substantially shoulder height. Both arms are
slightly bent at the elbow and then brought to the center in front
of the chest. The ball is then passed to the opposite hand and the
arms are separated as shown in FIGS. 10D and 11D.
[0057] FIGS. 12A-12D and FIGS. 13A-13D show crossover exercises.
The user is seated with the legs spread apart. The ball is held in
one hand with the arm extended downward. The ball laden arm is
raised upwards. Next, the user bends forward at the waist and
lowers the arm towards an opposite foot and thereafter returns to
an upright position with the hand extended upward. The above
mentioned exercises are used for strengthening the shoulder, wrist,
and hand muscles. The shoulder is also exercising over a range of
motion which improves flexibility while performing these exercises.
The ball is very useful in performing these exercises as it may be
easily gripped as previously discussed.
[0058] FIGS. 14A-14C are overhead views of the user performing a
hand squeeze exercise. In this instance, the user holds the ball
between both hands with the fingers and palms against the outer
surface of the ball. As can be recognized but not represented in
these figures, the ball is squished into a flattened spherical
shape when pressure is exerted on opposite sides of the bladder.
The hands are pushed together and released as indicated by the
arrows. This exercise is useful in strengthening the shoulders,
triceps, chest, hand, and wrist muscles. The weighted material
creates a downward force requiring the arm and shoulder muscles to
work harder.
[0059] FIGS. 15A-15C are overhead views of the user and depict a
finger squeeze exercise being performed. In this instance, the ball
is held in the fingers of the user as shown. The arrows show the
fingers squeezing the ball and releasing it. The pliability and
softness of the material of which the ball is constructed allows it
to be tightly pinched to obtain a firm grasp while performing
various upper body exercises. This is very useful for a person that
has limited hand and/or finger strength.
[0060] FIGS. 16A-16C depict a lower body exercise. The ball is
arranged between the knees of the user while sitting on a stability
ball or in a chair. The knees are squeezed together and may be held
for several seconds before being released as shown by the
arrows.
[0061] FIGS. 17A-17C show another lower body exercise. In this
instance, the leg muscles are worked by arranging the ball between
the ankles and exerting a force to pull the feet together. Pressure
is then released and the exercise is repeated. The pressure may be
exerted for several seconds.
[0062] FIGS. 18A-18C and FIGS. 19A-19C show a foot roll exercise.
The ball is arranged under one foot. The weighted material resists
rolling the ball. The ball is then rolled under the foot away from
the user until it is positioned under the heel with the toe pointed
upward and pulled back to the starting position. These foot rolls
assist motor coordination skills necessary for controlling the feet
on the ball as well as working the range of motion of the
knees.
[0063] FIGS. 20A-20C and FIGS. 21A-21C show a foot push exercise
that may be performed by the ball. In this instance, the ball is
arranged under the ball of the user's foot. The user pushes down on
the ball to flatten it and thereafter removes pressure releasing it
to assume its original shape. The exercise is then repeated on the
other side. The foot push strengthens calf and hamstring muscles,
as well as working on motor coordination to control the foot on the
ball.
[0064] FIGS. 22A-22C depict the user simultaneously performing an
upper and lower body crunch. In this exercise, the user rest in a
supine position on the floor. The ball is grasped between the bent
knees of the user with the ankles being crossed and slightly
elevated. The hands of the user are interlaced behind the user's
head. The user then uses the core muscles to lift the knees upward
whilst the head is also raised upward. A repetition is completed by
lowering the feet and head.
[0065] In FIGS. 23A-23C, the user performs a reverse curl exercise
with bent knees by arranging the ankles and hands as mentioned
above in FIGS. 22A-22C with the ball held between the knees and the
feet elevated. The knees are elevated as shown and drawn towards
the user's chest. The feet are then extended away from the user's
chest. The exercise is then repeated. The head rests on the floor
or mat on which the user is exercising.
[0066] In FIG. 24A-24C, the user performs a reverse curl with
straight legs by first assuming a supine position while the ball is
held between the feet of the user with the hands interlaced behind
the user's head. The legs are extended upward substantially
perpendicular to the user's torso. While substantially straight,
the feet are propelled towards the user's head and back to vertical
to complete a repetition.
[0067] In FIGS. 25A-25C, a cross over is performed from the supine
position. The ball is held in the right hand of the user while
resting. The right leg of the user is bent while the left leg is
straight. The right arm is simultaneously extended towards the left
leg such that the ball touches the left foot. The left leg and
right arm are then returned to the starting position. In FIGS.
26A-26C, the ball is held in the left hand while being extended
towards the raised right foot of the user as shown.
[0068] FIGS. 27A-27E depict a moball tree pose performed with the
ball. In this exercise, the ball is grasped between the user's
hands at chest level and raised above the head as indicated. The
one knee is bent and raised upward with the foot on the same leg
being arranged against the opposite knee. Next, the ball is lowered
to chest level and brought inward to the chest as indicated by the
arrows. The foot is then lowered and the ball returned to in front
of the user as indicated in FIG. 27E.
[0069] FIGS. 28A-28C and FIGS. 29A-29C depict a tick-tock exercise
performed with the ball in the right hand and the left leg lifted.
The ball is grasped in one hand with the opposite hand being held
near the waist of the user. The ball is raised upward while the
opposite leg is lifted. The ball and raised leg are lowered as
indicated by the arrows in FIG. 28B. Next, the ball is passed to
the opposite hand and the exercise is repeated.
[0070] FIGS. 30A-30E depict a step-back exercise wherein the ball
is maintained in the hands whilst the legs are sequentially stepped
backwards and forwards to the starting position. The ball is
grasped between the hands at waist level and raised while moving a
first leg backward. Next the first leg is returned to its original
position while the ball is lowered. The opposite leg is then moved
backward while raising the ball and lowering as before.
[0071] While the invention has been described with respect to
preferred embodiments, it is intended that all matter contained in
the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall
be interpreted as illustrative and not in limiting sense. From the
above disclosure of the general principles of the present invention
and the preceding detailed description, those skilled in the art
will readily comprehend the various modifications to which the
present invention is susceptible. Therefore, the scope of the
invention should be limited only by the following claims and
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *