U.S. patent application number 15/055886 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for therapeutic device for improving neuromuscular balance and pain conditions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ronald Harwin. Invention is credited to Ronald Harwin.
Application Number | 20160175654 15/055886 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49622058 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160175654 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harwin; Ronald |
June 23, 2016 |
THERAPEUTIC DEVICE FOR IMPROVING NEUROMUSCULAR BALANCE AND PAIN
CONDITIONS
Abstract
A therapeutic device includes a base, a wall extending upward
from the base, and left and right platforms. Additionally, the
devices includes a left hinge that rotatably attaches one end of
the left platform to the wall, and a right hinge that rotatably
attaches one end of the right platform to the wall. One or more
left springs that bias the left platform upward relative to the
base, and one or more right springs that bias the right platform
upward relative to the base. In certain embodiments, the left and
right platforms are respectively left and right lower platforms,
and the device also includes left and right upper platforms located
respectively above the left and right lower platforms, as well as
further springs extending between the lower platforms and the upper
platforms to bias portions of the upper platforms upward relative
to the lower platforms.
Inventors: |
Harwin; Ronald; (Richmond,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Harwin; Ronald |
Richmond |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
49622058 |
Appl. No.: |
15/055886 |
Filed: |
February 29, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13771027 |
Feb 19, 2013 |
9302153 |
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15055886 |
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11944654 |
Nov 26, 2007 |
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13771027 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4047 20151001;
A63B 23/03541 20130101; A63B 21/4034 20151001; A61H 2201/164
20130101; A63B 2022/0092 20130101; A63B 21/0421 20130101; A61H
2201/1284 20130101; A63B 21/068 20130101; A63B 21/05 20130101; A63B
26/003 20130101; A63B 2026/006 20130101; A63B 23/10 20130101; A61H
1/005 20130101; A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B 2220/52 20130101; A63B
21/055 20130101; A61H 2203/0406 20130101; A63B 21/4015 20151001;
A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B 22/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00; A63B 23/035 20060101 A63B023/035; A63B 22/16 20060101
A63B022/16; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00; A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A therapeutic device, comprising: a base configured to be
parallel to and supported by a floor or ground on which the
therapeutic device rests; a wall extending upward from the base; a
left platform; a right platform; a left hinge that rotatably
attaches one end of the left platform to the wall; a right hinge
that rotatably attaches one end of the right platform to the wall;
one or more left springs that bias the left platform upward
relative to the base such that the left platform is generally
parallel to the base when a person is not using the therapeutic
device, and thus, the left platform is generally parallel to a
floor or ground on which the therapeutic device rests when a person
is not using the therapeutic device; and one or more right springs
that bias the right platform upward relative to the base such that
the right platform is generally parallel to the base when a person
is not using the therapeutic device, and thus, the right platform
is generally parallel to a floor or ground on which the therapeutic
device rests when a person is not using the therapeutic device.
2. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the left and right
platforms are configured to engage and support, respectively, left
and right feet of a person standing on the left and right platforms
of the therapeutic device.
3. The therapeutic device of claim 2, wherein the left and right
springs are configured to at least partially compress, thereby
causing the left and right platforms to rotate and slant downward
from the wall to which the left and right platforms are rotatably
attached by the left and right hinges, when a person stands on the
left and right platforms of the therapeutic device.
4. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the left and right
springs are configured to at least partially compress, thereby
causing the left and right platforms to rotate and slant downward
from the wall to which the left and right platforms are rotatably
attached by the left and right hinges, when the therapeutic device
is being used by a person.
5. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein one or more left
springs and the one or more right springs cause the left and right
platforms to be coplanar with one another and generally parallel to
the base when the therapeutic device is not being used.
6. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the left and right
platforms are respectively left and right lower platforms, and
further comprising: left and right upper platforms located
respectively above the left and right lower platforms; one or more
further left springs that extend between the left lower platform
and the left upper platform and that bias a portion of the left
upper platform upward relative to the left lower platform; and one
or more further right springs that extend between the right lower
platform and the right upper platform and that bias a portion of
the right upper platform upward relative to the right lower
platform.
7. The therapeutic device of claim 6, wherein: the one or more
further left springs cause the left upper platform to rest above
the left lower platform at an acute angle relative to the left
lower platform when the therapeutic device is not being used; and
the one or more further right springs cause the right upper
platform to rest above the right lower platform at an acute angle
relative to the right lower platform when the therapeutic device is
not being used.
8. The therapeutic device of claim 7, wherein the further left and
right springs are configured to at least partially compress when a
person uses the therapeutic device such that front portions of the
left and right upper platforms move closer to front portions of the
left and right lower platforms when a person uses the therapeutic
device, compared to when the therapeutic device is not being
used.
9. The therapeutic device of claim 6, wherein the left and right
upper platforms are configured to engage and support, respectively,
left and right feet of a person standing on the left and right
upper platforms of the therapeutic device.
10. The therapeutic device of claim 6, wherein axes of rotation for
the left and right upper platforms are above axes of rotation for
the left and right lower platforms.
11. A therapeutic device, comprising: a left base portion
configured to be parallel to and supported by a floor or ground on
which the therapeutic device rests; a right base portion configured
to be next to the left base portion and parallel to and supported
by a floor or ground on which the therapeutic device rests; a left
wall portion extending upward from the left base portion; a right
wall portion extending upward from the right base portion; a left
platform; a right platform; a left hinge that rotatably attaches
one end of the left platform to the left wall portion; a right
hinge that rotatably attaches one end of the right platform to the
right wall portion; one or more left springs that bias the left
platform upward relative to the left base portion such that the
left platform is generally parallel to the left base portion when a
person is not using the therapeutic device, and thus, the left
platform is generally parallel to a floor or ground on which the
therapeutic device rests when a person is not using the therapeutic
device; and one or more right springs that bias the right platform
upward relative to the right base portion such that the right
platform is generally parallel to the right base portion when a
person is not using the therapeutic device, and thus, the right
platform is generally parallel to a floor or ground on which the
therapeutic device rests when a person is not using the therapeutic
device.
12. The therapeutic device of claim 11, wherein the left and right
platforms are configured to engage and support, respectively, left
and right feet of a person standing on the left and right platforms
of the therapeutic device.
13. The therapeutic device of claim 12, wherein the left and right
springs are configured to at least partially compress, thereby
causing the left and right platforms to rotate and slant downward,
respectively, from the left and right wall portions to which the
left and right platforms are rotatably attached by the left and
right hinges, when a person stands on the left and right platforms
of the therapeutic device.
14. The therapeutic device of claim 11, wherein the left and right
springs are configured to at least partially compress, thereby
causing the left and right platforms to rotate and slant downward
from the wall to which the left and right platforms are rotatably
attached by the left and right hinges, when the therapeutic device
is being used by a person.
15. The therapeutic device of claim 11, wherein one or more left
springs and the one or more right springs cause the left and right
platforms to be coplanar with one another and generally parallel to
the base when the therapeutic device is not being used.
16. The therapeutic device of claim 11, wherein the left and right
platforms are respectively left and right lower platforms, and
further comprising: left and right upper platforms located
respectively above the left and right lower platforms; one or more
further left springs that extend between the left lower platform
and the left upper platform and that bias a portion of the left
upper platform upward relative to the left lower platform; and one
or more further right springs that extend between the right lower
platform and the right upper platform and that bias a portion of
the right upper platform upward relative to the right lower
platform; wherein the one or more further left springs cause the
left upper platform to rest above the left lower platform at an
acute angle relative to the left lower platform when the
therapeutic device is not being used; and wherein the one or more
further right springs cause the right upper platform to rest above
the right lower platform at an acute angle relative to the right
lower platform when the therapeutic device is not being used.
17. A therapeutic device, comprising: a base configured to be
supported by a floor or ground on which the therapeutic device
rests; left and right platforms configured to rest a distance above
the base, co-planar with one another, and generally parallel to the
base, when a person is not using the therapeutic device; and left
and right hinges attached to respective ends of the left and right
platforms and that define axes of rotation for the left and right
platforms, about which the left and right platforms rotate when a
person uses the therapeutic device.
18. The therapeutic device of claim 17, further comprising springs
that assist in causing the left and right platforms to rest the
distance above the base, co-planar with one another, and generally
parallel to the base, when a person is not using the therapeutic
device.
19. The therapeutic device of claim 18, wherein the springs
compress when a person uses the therapeutic device.
20. The therapeutic device of claim 17, wherein the left and right
platforms are respectively left and right lower platforms, and
further comprising: left and right upper platforms located
respectively above the left and right lower platforms; wherein the
axes of rotation for the left and right upper platforms are above
the left and right lower platforms.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/771,027, filed Feb. 19, 2013, which is a
continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/944,654 filed on Nov. 26, 2007 (now abandoned). Priority is
claimed to both applications, and both applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to systems and devices for
improving a person's balance and otherwise improving neuromuscular
coordination. More particularly, the invention relates to using a
therapeutic device to access the plasticity inherent in the human
central nervous system to reorganize it to a healthier, more
effective level of function.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many people have suffered with chronic injuries and/or
diseases that have affected their body for a long time. Their body
tends to adapt and compensate. Many people may suffer from pain
syndromes resulting from such compensations to injuries. The
injuries and/or diseases can weaken the mechanical process of the
body and/or disrupt the pattern of bodily movement, either of which
often can lead to deformations of bone, joints and/or tissues
connecting the bones and/or joints. No one today could reasonably
say that these problems can be solved with a machine, and neither
can the inventor, but after years of research he is disclosing in
this application tools he has found to fundamentally aid the body's
own processes to improve health.
[0004] As the population ages, more and more people have recently
suffered from fall fracture, loss of muscle strength, decreased
range of joint motion, reduced sense of balance or the like due to
aging. Accordingly, more and more patients need rehabilitation of
walking function.
[0005] Poor balance and ineffective gait can be severely
debilitating problems. They can drastically limit a person's
mobility and make relatively simple activities difficult or
impossible. Furthermore, it can be very dangerous. A person with
poor balance or gait is more likely to slip, fall or fall
downstairs. It can also be disorienting and confusing.
[0006] Unfortunately, there has been relatively little attention
focused on this growing problem. Persons with balance or gait
problems typically must rely on using a cane, crutches or a walker.
Real solutions have been slow in coming.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention may include a simple but sophisticated
mechanical device that persons may stand on to manage pain and
improve balance conditions. Measurable, oftentimes
life-transforming changes may be elicited with predictable
efficiency on deep and subtle levels within the patient's Central
Nervous System (CNS).
[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide a therapeutic device that may improve balance, increase
gait efficiency and stability, enhance coordination and
performance, facilitate the healing of injuries and trauma
patterns, decompress spinal discs, improved circulation, improve
postural alignment, stimulate static, righting and static-kinetic
reflexes and reduce stress.
[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
therapeutic device that may increase kinesthetic and proprioceptive
awareness, increased range of motion, and provide sustained
response and exponential benefits with regular use.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached
specification and appended claims. There has thus been outlined,
rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in
order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be
better understood, and in order that the present contribution to
the art may be better appreciated. There are features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a therapeutic device in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a therapeutic device in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of a therapeutic device in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a therapeutic device
in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inside of a therapeutic
device in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a therapeutic device in accordance with principles of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective front view of an
alternative embodiment of a therapeutic device in accordance with
the principles of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of a
therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a foot bed for use with a
therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a therapeutic device in accordance with the
principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and to the
arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0023] The Harwin Balancer.TM. has proven to be gentle and easy to
use for all ages and across a broad spectrum of fitness levels. The
subtle, complex, multi-tiered architecture of its footbed mechanism
offers a yielding resistance coupled with subtle fulcrum, torsion,
and sway actions that are easily controlled by the patient, yet
profound in their effect. It has been clinically shown that The
Harwin Balancer.TM. does not cause any exacerbation of the
patient's condition.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows side cross-sectional view a therapeutic
balancing device 10 in accordance with the principles of the
present invention. The therapeutic device 10 has a base 12, a front
14 and a back 16. A platform 18 extends across the top of the
therapeutic device from the back 16 to the front 14. Hinge 20
rotatably connects the back 16 to the platform 18. As will be
explained more fully below, a patient stands upon platform 18. The
therapeutic device may be constructed of any of a variety of
suitable materials having sufficient strength and rigidity to
support a person. In one embodiment, and may be preferable to use
wood to construct the base 12, front 14, back 16 and platform 18.
However, a variety of other materials may also be suitable, such as
for example, plastic, metal, carbon fiber, and various composite
materials.
[0025] Within the therapeutic device 10 one or more springs 22 may
be situated. Base 12 may include one or more depressions 24 that
may be circular, and may be used to accommodate the base of a
spring 22. It may be desirable to have a variety of depressions 24
in order to allow one or more springs 22 to be placed in a variety
of different positions. Rearranging springs 22 in different
depressions 24 may aid in promoting alleviation of different
conditions. Springs 22 may be steel, copper, or of any suitable
material. It may be desirable to utilize a variety of different
springs having a variety of different strengths and other
properties to further assist in alleviating various conditions.
[0026] It may be desirable to include tether 26 that may be
removably attachable to hooks 28 and 30. By tethering the platform
18 to the rest of the device, the springs may be prevented from
moving out of place during transport. Optionally, the tether 26 may
be elastic. Optionally, other methods of securing the therapeutic
device may be used during transport or storage.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows the therapeutic device 10 from a side
perspective view. In this embodiment, the therapeutic device 10 has
two platforms 18, one for each foot. Each platform 18 has a hinge
20 affixing it to the back 16. The therapeutic device 10 optionally
include sides 32. Springs 22 may also be seen. This embodiment is
relatively compact and has fewer moving components than other
embodiments. This may make it a preferred embodiment for situations
where highly portable devices are desirable.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows the portable embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 from
the rear. The platforms 18 of therapeutic device 10 may be seen
affixed to the back 16 by hinges 20. Both sides 32 may also be
seen. In this embodiment, the therapeutic device has bilateral
symmetry. It may be preferable for platforms 18 to be of the same
size. FIG. 4 shows the therapeutic device 10 from the front. May be
seen affixed by hinges 20. Springs 22 may also be seen.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows the interior of the therapeutic device 10. As
may be seen, a plurality of springs 22 are dispersed throughout the
interior of the therapeutic device 10. Also may be seen are
indentions 24. Springs 22 fit within indentions 24 that may assist
holding springs 22 in place. Springs 22 may be arranged about
indentions 24 in any pattern desired. Different placements of
springs 22 in indentions 24 may be used to apply therapy
differently depending on the patient and the various conditions
treated. Also may be seen are bungee cords and balls 36. Bungee
cords and balls 36 may be used to tethered down the platforms 18 to
prevent them from bouncing upward and to help retain them in
place.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a therapeutic device 50 in accordance with the
principles of the invention. Therapeutic device 50 has a base 52, a
front 54 and a back 55. Near the bottom of the back 55 close to
where it meets base 52 is a wheel 57. Wheel 57 will be explained in
greater detail below. A platform 60 extends across the top of
therapeutic device 50 and is attached to back 55 by hinge 59.
Springs 62 inside therapeutic device 50 extend from the base 52 to
the platform 60. Springs 62 may be placed at one or more of many
various locations about base 52 in order to adjust the therapeutic
device 50 depending upon the operator.
[0031] Platform 60 has two half circle-shaped sidewalls 74 that
extend upward from it. An upper platform 70 is positioned above
platform 60. Upper platform 70 also has two sidewalls 76 that
protrude upwardly from it. Sidewalls 74 and sidewalls 76 are
rotatably attached to one another by pivot pin 72. Upper platform
70 is also attached to platform 60 by spring 71. The location of
spring 71 creates a bias pushing the front end 75 of upper platform
70 upward. In operation, a person stands upon upper platform 70
facing the direction of the front 54. Thus, spring 71 is positioned
close to where the ball of the foot rests upon platform 70. Spring
71 may also be placed in other locations and may consist of
multiple springs under upper platform 70.
[0032] When a person stands upon the therapeutic device 50, the
elastic forces of Springs 62 and 71 oscillate causing platform 60
to rotate about hinge 59 and platform 70 to rotate about an axis
line running through pivot pin 72. This may require a user to
adjust his or her balance. Without being bound by theory, the
inventor believes that the balancing adjustments required when
standing upon the therapeutic device takes advantage of
neuroplasticity to enhance neuromuscular interaction and improve a
person's balance.
[0033] Springs 71 and 62 may be composed of the same material or
different materials. It may be desirable to provide a plurality of
interchangeable springs having different mechanical properties to
allow adjustment of the therapeutic device, depending on the needs
of an operator. Optionally, it may be desirable to utilize
mechanical structures other than classic mechanical springs to
create biases in the platform and upper platform, such as, for
example, hydraulic or pneumatic devices or armatures.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows a forward perspective view of the therapeutic
device 50 of FIG. 6 in accordance with the principles of the
invention. Therapeutic device 50 may be more complex and/or more
elaborate than therapeutic device 10 of FIGS. 1-5. Therapeutic
device 50 has sides 56, from which handlebars 58 extend upward.
Handlebars 58 may be curved and in the shape of an upside down U,
or other suitable design. In this embodiment, handlebars 58 are
comprised of steel, however, other suitable materials may also be
used, including wood, plastic, carbon fiber, glass and the like.
Platforms 60 are supported by steel springs 62 that extends from
the base 52 to the bottom of the platforms 60. Copper Springs 71
extend from platform 62 to the bottoms of platforms 70. Platforms
70 may optionally include foot beds 75. Foot beds 75 may be
comprised of one or more layers of foam, rubber, plastic, cotton or
any other material.
[0035] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view from the front of the
therapeutic device 50. In this embodiment, each upper platform 70
may be supported by three copper springs 71. It may be desirable to
have more or fewer Springs 71. It may also be desirable to have
Springs composed of materials other than copper. Springs 71 create
a bias pushing the front 75 of the upper platform 70 upward.
[0036] Sidewalls 74 and sidewalls 76 are attached to one another by
pivot pin 72. In this embodiment, sidewalls 74 and 76 are both
semicircular in shape. However, sidewalls 74 and 76 may be of any
shape or may simply be small planks extending upward from platform
60 an upper platform 70 in order to allow upper platform 70 to
pivot relative to platform 60 about an axis line positioned above
both platforms 60 and upper platforms 70. Also may be seen are
bungee tethers with ball anchors 80 that assist in holding
platforms 60 in place and prevent them from rotating too far upward
about hinge 59.
[0037] FIG. 9 shows the back of the therapeutic device 50. Wheels
57 may be seen that may be used to assist in transporting the
therapeutic device 50. Hinges 59 rotatably connect platforms 60
with back 55. Upper platforms 70 are not connected by a hinge or
other means to platforms 60 or back 55. Platforms 70 only move by
rotating about pivot pins 72. This rotating movement is biased by
springs 71. Platforms 60 only moved by rotating about hinge 59, and
this movement is biased by springs 62.
[0038] FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of a foot bed 80 for use with
a therapeutic device in accordance with principles present
invention. A foot bed 80 may be placed on top of upper platforms 70
in FIGS. 6-9 to enhance the therapeutic effects of the device
and/or for comfort. A foot bed 80 may be comprised of three or more
layers, a bottom layer 82 middle layer 84 and a top layer 86. The
layers may be glued together. In this embodiments, layers 82, 84
and 86 are comprised of foam. Other materials may also be used as
desired. A foot bed 80 may be permanently affixed to an upper
platform 70 using, adhesives, glue or other appropriate materials.
Alternatively foot bed 80 may be removably affixed to platform 70,
thereby allowing other footbeds or no foot bed to be used in
conjunction with the therapeutic device. Footbeds 80 may also be
used with the embodiment of a therapeutic device 10 shown in FIGS.
1-5. The layers of the footbeds may be of a variety of shapes, and
materials. For example, the layers may be rounded, elliptical,
rectangular, and consist of a wide variety of shapes.
[0039] FIG. 11 shows the therapeutic device 50 interacting with a
person's foot 110. The foot may be placed such that the toes extend
beyond the edge of platform 70. The pivot pin 72 and it axis of
rotation may be posterior to the ankle. In operation, a person
places both feet on both platforms 70 and stands upon them. The
elastic forces and biases provided by the Springs 62 and 71 upon
platforms 60 and 70 may cause the person to adjust their balance.
As a result, and for reasons not entirely understood, use of the
therapeutic device 50 may take advantage of a person's narrow
plasticity, especially relating to balance, in order to improve a
person's gait and ability to walk. Use of the therapeutic device 50
may also result in alleviation of pain associated with walking and
balance. FIG. 11 shows the foot, 110 placed near the forward end of
platforms 70. It may optionally be desirable to place further back
on platform 70.
[0040] Whereas, the present invention has been described in
relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood
that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or
suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this
invention. Descriptions of the embodiments shown in the drawings
should not be construed as limiting or defining the ordinary and
plain meanings of the terms of the claims unless such is explicitly
indicated.
[0041] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *