U.S. patent application number 13/787398 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-12 for system and method for a portable wind break device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gregory S. Loos. Invention is credited to Gregory S. Loos.
Application Number | 20130233365 13/787398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49112968 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130233365 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loos; Gregory S. |
September 12, 2013 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A PORTABLE WIND BREAK DEVICE
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide a portable wind break
device which incorporates lightweight staking devices or mounting
supports, poles that allow attachment of flexible panels, such as
fabric panels, and reinforcing supports which reinforce each panel
section, making a modular unit as a whole. The portable wind break
device permits ease of portability, set up, take down, and provides
wind protection and privacy for people, animals, or anything that
would benefit from protection from the wind or privacy.
Additionally, the portable wind break device permits easy cleaning,
and assembly without tools.
Inventors: |
Loos; Gregory S.; (Johnson
Creek, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Loos; Gregory S. |
Johnson Creek |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49112968 |
Appl. No.: |
13/787398 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61607300 |
Mar 6, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/114 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/644 20130101;
E04H 15/005 20130101; E04H 15/60 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
E04H 15/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/114 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/00 20060101
E04H015/00 |
Claims
1. A portable wind break device comprising: a plurality of
connecting poles, each of the plurality of connecting poles
including a first channel, a second channel and a receiving
aperture; a panel including a first bead and a second bead, the
first bead extending along a first edge portion of the panel, the
second bead extending along a second edge portion of the panel, the
first bead configured to be received by the first channel of one of
the plurality of connecting poles and the second bead configured to
be received by the second channel of another one of the plurality
of connecting poles; and a reinforcing support including coupling
elements, the coupling elements engaging the one of the plurality
of connecting poles and the another one of the plurality of
connecting poles and the panel, thereby providing opposing pressure
to the portable wind break device.
2. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the panel
further comprises a viewing window integrated into a top portion of
the panel, thereby allowing the panel to sustain a wind generated
side load.
3. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the panel
further comprises a viewing window integrated into a top portion of
the panel.
4. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the panel is
constructed of a flexible material that is substantially impervious
to wind.
5. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the first
bead and the second bead are configured to be received by the first
channel of the one of the plurality of connecting poles and the
second channel of the another one of the plurality of connecting
poles, respectively, allowing the panel to be positioned at any
angle relative to the plurality of connecting poles.
6. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the first
bead is configured to be received axially by the first channel of
the one of the plurality of connecting poles and the second bead is
configured to be received axially by the second channel of the
another one of the plurality of connecting poles to allow the panel
to slide in and out of the plurality of connecting poles for the
addition or subtraction of panels from the portable wind break
device.
7. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the
reinforcing support is constructed of aluminum material.
8. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the coupling
elements are disposed on end portions of the reinforcing support,
the coupling elements surrounding an outer surface of the
connecting poles, thereby creating tension on the panel.
9. The portable wind break device of claim 8, wherein the coupling
rings are circular in shape allowing the portable wind break device
to be adaptable to any angle relative to the plurality of
connecting poles.
10. The portable wind break device of claim 1, further comprising a
first staking pole and a second staking pole, each staking pole
including a first end, a second end and a base plate, the base
plate disposed between and coupled to the first end and second end,
perpendicular to an axis of each staking pole.
11. The portable wind break device of claim 10, wherein the first
end is configured to be engaged by the receiving aperture of the
connecting pole and the second end is configured to be inserted
into a surface, thereby preventing the portable wind break device
from moving.
12. The portable wind break device of claim 1, further comprising a
mounting support, the mounting support including a hollow mounting
post coupled to a bottom plate, the hollow mounting post including
a receiving aperture and the bottom plate including at least one
securing hole.
13. The portable wind break device of claim 12, wherein the
receiving aperture is configured to receive an end portion of the
connecting pole and the securing hole is configured to assist
fastening the portable wind break device to a surface, thereby
preventing the portable wind break device from moving.
14. A portable wind break device comprising: a first connecting
pole and a second connecting pole, each of the first and second
connecting poles including a first channel, a second channel and a
receiving aperture; a panel including a first bead and a second
bead, the first bead extending along and coupled to a first
vertical edge portion of the panel, the second bead extending along
and coupled to a second vertical edge portion, the first bead
configured to be received by the first channel of the first
connecting pole and the second bead configured to be received by
the second channel of the second connecting pole; and a reinforcing
support including a first end and a second end, the first end
including a first coupling element, the second end including a
second coupling element, the first coupling element engaging the
first connecting pole and the second coupling element engaging the
second connecting pole, such that the reinforcing support provides
an opposing pressure between the first connecting pole and the
second connecting pole.
15. The portable wind break device of claim 14, wherein the first
coupling element comprises a first coupling ring, and the second
coupling element comprises a second coupling ring; and wherein the
first coupling ring is positioned around the first connecting pole
and the second coupling ring is positioned around the second
connecting pole.
16. The portable wind break device of claim 14, wherein the panel
includes a top edge portion, the top edge portion including a first
length; and wherein the reinforcing support including a second
length, the second length being longer than the first length so as
to provide the opposing pressure between the first connecting pole
and the second connecting pole.
17. The portable wind break device of claim 14, wherein the first
bead is secured within the first vertical edge portion and the
second bead is secured within the second vertical edge portion.
18. The portable wind break device of claim 14, wherein the first
bead is received axially by the first channel of the first
connecting pole and the second bead is received axially by the
second channel of the second connecting pole to allow the panel to
slide in and out of the first connecting pole and second connecting
pole, and to restrict the first bead to be removed laterally from
the first channel of the first connecting pole and the second bead
to be removed laterally from the second channel of the second
connecting pole.
19. A method for assembling a portable wind break device, the
method comprising the steps of: a) inserting a first connecting
pole and a second connecting pole into a first staking pole and a
second staking pole, respectively, each of the first connecting
pole and the second connecting pole including a first channel, a
second channel and a receiving aperture; b) sliding a first bead
into the first channel of the first connecting pole and a second
bead into the second channel of the second connecting pole,
respectively, the first bead extending along and coupled to a first
vertical edge portion of a panel, the second bead extending along
and coupled to a second vertical edge portion of the panel; c)
joining the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole
with a first end and a second end of a reinforcing support, the
first end including a first coupling element, the second end
including a second coupling element; and d) engaging the first
connecting pole with the first coupling element and engaging the
second connecting pole with the second coupling element, such that
the reinforcing support provides an opposing pressure between the
first connecting pole and the second connecting pole.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the panel includes a
top edge portion, the top edge portion including a first length;
and wherein the reinforcing support including a second length, the
second length being longer than the first length so as to provide
the opposing pressure between the first connecting pole and the
second connecting pole.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/607,300, filed Mar. 6, 2012, and
entitled "Portable Wind Break Device," which is hereby incorporated
by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to a portable wind break device with
improved portability, assembly and stability.
[0004] Portable wind break devices are useful to block weather
elements such as wind, sun and rain, and to provide privacy or
concealment. Therefore, portable wind break devices have useful
applications in public or private areas and in areas of varying
weather patterns. Portable wind break devices are typically made of
a fabric supported in a generally upright position by poles that
are attached to the fabric by methods such as sewing or heating.
The poles are generally of sufficient length to have a protruding
end that can be pushed into the ground to stand the wind break
device upright. This configuration, however, often limits use of
portable wind break devices to areas with ground soft enough to
receive the protruding ends of the poles, yet firm enough to form a
secure connection with the protruding ends. Additionally, portable
wind break devices are not properly securable in an upright
position while being used on a man-made surface, such as a deck, a
patio or pavement. Further, conventional portable wind break
devices suffer from a limited use of practical applications,
thereby limiting the benefit and user of the product to a position
of having to sit on or near the ground.
[0005] Further, conventional wind break devices typically include
some form of folding, portable sun and/or windscreen which can be
erected or stowed. Such devices usually incorporate a collapsible
metal rod frame over which a canvas or plastic material cover can
be attached. These devices are, however, relatively cumbersome and
not particularly well adapted for single handed erection nor are
they very stable to withstand the rigors of high winds.
[0006] There is a need, therefore, for a portable wind break device
which can be quickly and easily erected by one person without the
use of tools, will be effective and stable when mounted on a
surface for use in strong winds, and that is adaptable in shape and
size, offering flexibility for various applications and
settings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a portable wind break
device for blocking wind. The portable wind break device includes a
plurality of connecting poles that each include a first channel, a
second channel and a receiving aperture. The portable wind break
device further comprises a panel which includes a first bead and a
second bead that extend along an edge portion of the panel. The
first bead and the second bead are configured to be received by the
first channel of a first connecting pole and the second channel of
a second connecting pole, respectively. Further, the portable wind
break device includes a reinforcing support which has coupling
elements that engage the plurality of connecting poles and the
panel, thereby providing opposing pressure to the portable wind
break device.
[0008] In another embodiment, the portable wind break device
includes a first connecting pole and a second connecting pole where
each of the first and second connecting poles includes a first
channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture. The wind break
device further includes a panel which includes a first bead and a
second bead. The first bead extends along and is coupled to a first
vertical edge portion of the panel. The second bead extends along
and is coupled to a second vertical edge portion. The first bead is
configured to be received by the first channel of the first
connecting pole, and the second bead is configured to be received
by the second channel of the second connecting pole. The wind break
device also includes a reinforcing support which includes a first
end and a second end. The first end includes a first coupling
element, and the second end includes a second coupling element,
such that the first coupling element engages the first connecting
pole and the second coupling element engages the second connecting
pole, thereby providing an opposing pressure between the first
connecting pole and the second connecting pole.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method for assembling a portable
wind break device is disclosed. The method includes inserting a
first connecting pole and a second connecting pole into a first
staking pole and a second staking pole, each of the first
connecting pole and the second connecting pole including a first
channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture. The method
further includes sliding a first bead into the first channel of the
first connecting pole and sliding a second bead into the second
channel of the second connecting pole, respectively, the first bead
extending along and is coupled to a first vertical edge portion of
a panel, and the second bead extending along and is coupled to a
second vertical edge portion of the panel. The first connecting
pole and the second connecting pole are joined with a first end and
a second end of a reinforcing support. The first end includes a
first coupling element and the second end includes a second
coupling element. The first connecting pole is then engaged with
the first coupling element and the second connecting pole is
engaged with the second coupling element, such that the reinforcing
support provides an opposing pressure between the first connecting
pole and the second connecting pole.
[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood upon consideration
of the following detailed description, drawings, and appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable wind break device
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting pole
and reinforcing supports of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connecting pole coupled
to reinforcing supports in the device of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of the connecting pole
coupled to a staking pole and panels.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded side perspective view of a portion of
the portable wind break device of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a mounting support for the
portable wind break device of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an alternative mounting
support for the portable wind break device of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of the connecting pole
coupled to the panels.
[0019] FIG. 7B is a detail perspective view of a side edge portion
of a panel.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the portable wind break device
of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 9 a side perspective view of a portion of the portable
wind break device of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the connecting
pole coupled to the reinforcing support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
[0024] The following discussion is presented to enable a person
skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention.
Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and
applications without departing from embodiments of the invention.
Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited
to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The
following detailed description is to be read with reference to the
figures, in which like elements in different figures have like
reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to
scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit
the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will
recognize the examples provided herein have many useful
alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the
invention.
[0025] FIGS. 1 and 8 illustrates an example portable wind break
device 10 in a fully assembled state. The wind break device is
shown in an arching pattern, although other arrangements are
possible, including generally straight, curved, and zig-zag, for
example. The portable wind break device 10 includes a first staking
pole 12 and a second staking pole 13 which axially accept a
plurality of connecting poles 14 along an axis 16. The plurality of
connecting poles 14 include a first channel 18 and a second channel
20 which axially accept a first bead 22 and a second bead 24,
respectively, of a panel 26. The panels 26 can be reinforced by
reinforcing supports 28 which include a coupling element 30
attached to end portions 32 of the reinforcing supports 28, shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3. In some embodiments, the coupling element 30 is a
coupling ring. The coupling elements 30 are axially accepted by the
plurality of connecting poles 14 which creates an opposing pressure
between two connecting poles to additionally support and reinforce
the plurality of connecting poles 14.
[0026] Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first and second staking
poles 12, 13 are shown. The first and second staking poles 12, 13
are generally rigid and include a first end 34, a second end 36 and
a base plate 38. The base plate 38 can include a slot 35, which
allows a plurality of stakes to slide together for smaller
packaging without reducing the strength or use of the staking
poles. It is to be appreciated that the base plate 38 can take any
convenient shape and does not have to be round and does not have to
include the slot 35. The first end 34 of the first and second
staking poles 12, 13 can be cylindrical in shape and have an
outside diameter (not shown) smaller than an inside diameter (not
shown) of a receiving aperture 40 of the plurality of connecting
poles 14 such that the plurality of connecting poles 14 can slide
over the first ends 34 of the first and second staking poles 12, 13
as shown in FIG. 4. The second end 26 of the first and second
staking poles 12, 13 can have a conical shape with a pointed end
42, allowing the first and second staking poles 12, 13 to be
inserted into a relatively soft surface (not shown). The base plate
38 is coupled (e.g., welded) perpendicularly between the first end
34 and second end 36 of the staking pole 12 and centered along the
axis 16, shown in FIG. 5. The staking poles 12 are generally
constructed of aluminum, steel or any other suitable rigid material
to limit the first and second staking poles 12, 13 from bending, as
well as withstand being inserted into the surface (e.g., the
ground). Further, the first and second staking poles 12, 13 can be
painted to prevent rusting.
[0027] Alternatively, a mounting support 44, as shown in FIGS. 6A,
and 6B can be used for securing the portable wind break device 10
to a hard surface, such as a deck, pavement, blacktop, ice, stone
or any surface where the first and second staking poles 12, 13 may
not be effective. Similar to the first and second staking poles 12,
13, the mounting supports 44 accept the plurality of connecting
poles 14, thereby holding them firmly in place, as well as
vertically stiff. The mounting support 44 includes a bottom plate
46 which can have a generally round or square shape and securing
holes 48 positioned on corner sections 50 of the bottom plate 46.
Bolts, screws, pins, nails or any suitable fastener can be inserted
into the securing holes 48 to secure the mounting support 44 to the
hard surface. The mounting support 44 of FIG. 6A further includes a
mounting post 51 that can be cylindrical in shape and can have an
outside diameter (not shown) smaller than an inside diameter (not
shown) of the receiving aperture 40 of the plurality of connecting
poles 14 such that the plurality of connecting poles 14 can slide
over the mounting post 51 of the mounting support 44. The
alternative mounting support 44 of FIG. 6B further includes a
hollow mounting post 52 perpendicularly coupled (e.g., welded) to
the bottom plate 46 along the axis 16. The hollow mounting post 52
can have a cylindrical shape with a receiving aperture 54. The
receiving aperture 54 is designed to axially receive the plurality
of connecting poles 14, such that the mounting support 44 provides
rigidity and support for the plurality of connecting poles 14. The
mounting supports 44 are generally constructed of aluminum, steel
or any other suitable rigid material to limit the mounting support
44 from bending. Further, the mounting supports 44 can be painted
to prevent rusting.
[0028] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting poles 14
include a first channel 18 and a second channel 20 which extend
parallel to one another the entire length of the plurality of
connecting poles 14. The first channel 18 and the second channel 20
are designed to mate with the first bead 22 and the second bead 24
of the panel 26, which will be described in further detail below,
such that the first bead 22 and the second bead 24 axially slide
into the first channel 18 of a first connecting pole 14 and the
second channel 20 of a second connecting pole 14, thereby coupling
the panel 26 between the plurality of connecting poles 14 and
restricting the first bead 22 from being removed laterally from the
first channel 18, as well as restricting the second bead 24 from
being removed laterally from the second channel 20. The plurality
of connecting poles 14 further include an end portion 56, best
shown in FIG. 6A, with a receiving aperture 40 that is designed to
be inserted into the mounting support 44 or over the first or
second staking pole 12, 13. The plurality of connecting poles 14
also include an outer surface 58 in which the coupling elements 30
of the reinforcing support 28 can slide over, shown in FIGS. 2 and
3. The plurality of connecting poles 14 can be constructed of a
high-quality, lightweight aluminum or any other suitable material
to easily allow for additional panel 26 add-ons.
[0029] Turning now to FIGS. 4, 7A and 7B, the panels 26 are
generally square or rectangular in shape and include a first bead
22 and a second bead 24 tightly sewn along a first edge portion 60
and a second edge portion 61 of the panel 26 (see FIG. 7A). The
first bead 22 and the second bead 24 can be cylindrical in shape
and can be constructed of plastic or any other suitable material.
In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the first bead 22
and the second bead 24 can comprise a plastic bead welt 23 that
includes an end portion 25 that the panel can be sewn 27 or
otherwise securely coupled to. The plastic bead welt 23 can help to
keep the panel material out of the first channel 18 and second
channel 20. The first bead 22 and the second bead 24 give the first
edge portions 60 and the second edge portions 61 rigidity and are
dimensioned such that they can be easily slid into and out of the
first channel 18 and the second channel 20 of the connecting pole
14, thus making additions or subtractions of panel sections
convenient and without the need for tools. As a result of the
cylindrical shape of both the beads 22, 24 and the channels 18, 20,
there are limitless angles 62, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, at which
each panel 26 can be attached to the plurality of connecting poles
14. Additionally, the portable wind break device 10 can be easily
made larger by adding panel 26 sections, since the plurality of
connecting poles 14 at the end, shown in FIG. 9, may have a first
channel 18 or a second channel 20 that is vacant and able to accept
a new panel 26 section.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 9, the panels 26 may be constructed of a
vinyl fabric, or similar fabric material that is substantially
impervious to wind. Toward a top portion 64 of the panel 26, there
may be a viewing window 66 integrated into the panel 26, which
allows a small amount of air through, thus allowing the side loads
of variable wind speeds to be higher, being a small "relief" toward
the top portion 64 of the panel 26. The primary purpose of the
viewing window 66 is for sustaining a high wind generated side load
on the panel 26, and the portable wind break device 10 overall.
Additionally, since the embodiment can be taller than the average
user's line of site, while standing, the viewing window 66 can be
advantageous to the end user
[0031] Turning now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 10, the reinforcing support 28
includes coupling elements 30 attached (e.g., welded) to the end
portions 32 of the reinforcing support 28. The reinforcing support
28 can be constructed of aluminum extrusion or any other suitable
material. The coupling elements 30 can be slid over the outer
surfaces 58 of the plurality of connecting poles 14, such that the
reinforcing support is aligned generally parallel to the top
portion 64 of the panel 26. Therefore, the reinforcing support 28
creates tension on the panels 26, through opposing forces between
two connecting poles 14, and reinforces each panel 26 as taught,
and unites each panel 26 section together as part of the whole
portable wind break device 10. In some embodiments, the panel 26
has a top edge portion 65 which has a first length 68 and the
reinforcing support 28 has second length 70, such that the second
length is larger than the first length, as shown in FIG. 5, thereby
providing an opposing pressure between a first connecting pole 72
and a second connecting pole 74. The coupling elements 30 on the
end portions 32 of the reinforcing supports 28 slide over the
plurality of connecting poles 14, thus completing the attachment of
the reinforcing supports 28 to the plurality of connecting poles
14. The circular shape of the coupling elements 30, fitting over
the plurality of connecting poles 14, allows for any angle 62,
shown in FIG. 8, to be achieved, thus allowing the portable wind
break device 10 to be adaptable to a multitude of shapes and
applications.
[0032] As best shown in FIG. 5, the portable wind break device 10
is first assembled by placing a first staking pole 12 or the
mounting support 44 on the desired surface. The first connecting
pole 72 is then coupled to either the first staking pole 12 or the
mounting support 44. The first bead 22 of the panel 26 is slid into
the first channel 18 of the first connecting pole 72 and extends
along the first edge portion 61 of the panel 26. The second bead 24
of a separate panel 26 is slid into the second channel 20 of the
first connecting pole 72 along the second edge portion 61 of the
panel 26, shown in FIG. 7A. An additional staking pole 12 or
mounting support 44 and a second connecting pole 74 are then placed
on the desired surface and the second bead 24 of the panel 26 is
slid into the second channel 20 of the second connecting pole 74.
The coupling elements 30 of the reinforcing support 28 are then
placed over the outer surfaces 58 of the first and second
connecting poles 72, 74, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Depending on
the quantity of connecting poles 14 set up, additional panels 26
can be added to the portable wind break device 10.
[0033] As described above, the portable wind break device 10
provides several advantages over conventional wind break devices.
The present portable wind break device 10 permits easy installation
and is adaptable to many applications from sporting events to
fishing. For any reason in which wind and/or privacy protection may
be desired, the portable wind break device 10 allows people to
benefit from it even while standing. Additionally, the disclosed
invention permits ease in lightweight portability and adaptability
for a multitude of surfaces, as well as ease in assembly and
disassembly since no tools are required.
[0034] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the
foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the
invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is
capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as
set forth and defined by the following claims.
* * * * *