WAIST BELT AND CLOTHING SYSTEM

Abstract

A waist belt for trousers, skirts and similar garments that are equipped with belt loops is formed from a band flat material that includes a central straight portion that has a predetermined length and covers a wearer's back. The central straight portion is orthogonal to a central symmetry plane. First and second terminal straight portions have a predetermined length and include respective buckle elements for mutual removable connection. The terminal straight portions are arranged orthogonal to a same terminal symmetry plane. First and second curved portions are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central portion and connect the central straight portion to the first and second terminal straight portions, respectively. The curved portions are configured to keep the terminal and central symmetry planes at a distance from each other between 3.2 and 20 cm. The belt enables a related system and a modified garment configured to fit the belt.

Claims

1. A waist belt for trousers, skirts and similar garments that are equipped with belt loops, said waist belt made of band flat material comprising: a central straight portion, having a predetermined length and configured to cover a wearer's back, said central straight portion arranged orthogonal to a central symmetry plane; first and second terminal straight portions, having a predetermined length comprising respective buckle elements for mutual removable connection, said terminal straight portions arranged orthogonal to a same terminal symmetry plane; first and second curved portions, symmetrically arranged with respect to said central portion and connecting said central straight portion to said first and second terminal straight portions, respectively, said curved portions configured to keep said terminal symmetry plane and said central symmetry plane at a distance from each other comprised between 3.2 and 20 cm.

2. The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein each curved portion has two consecutive concave portions having concavity opposite to each other.

3. The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein said central straight portion has a length that is comprised between 40% and 50% an overall length of said waist belt.

4. The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein said first and second curved portions have a same longitudinal extension, which can vary each for between 15% and 20% an overall length of said waist belt.

5. The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein said terminal symmetry plane and said central symmetry plane are arranged at a height distance from each other provided by the following formula:
ΔH=H1/H0*ΔH0 where for a male wearer 4.6<ΔH0<18.6 cm and H0=181 cm for a female wearer 3.2<ΔH0<13.3 cm and H0=167 cm.

6. The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein said terminal symmetry plane and said central symmetry plane are arranged at a height distance from each other provided by the following tables for a male and a female wearer: TABLE-US-00003 Male Height H1 ΔH, for ΔH0 = 8.6 cm 88 4.2 120 5.7 158 7.5 167 7.9 181 8.6 193 9.2 207 9.8 215 10.2 TABLE-US-00004 Female Height H1 ΔH, for ΔH0 = 6.1 cm 88 3.2 120 4.4 158 5.8 167 6.1 181 6.6 193 7.1

7. The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein semi-rigid reinforcement strips are provided associated with said curved portions and arranged to keep said distance between said terminal symmetry plane and said central symmetry plane when said waist belt is worn.

8. The waist belt according to claim 7, wherein at least said curved portions consist of two superimposed layers of material and said reinforcing strips are interposed between said two layers.

9. The waist belt according to claim 7, wherein said reinforcement strips include consecutive sectors hinged together.

10. The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein said central rear portion, said side portions and said terminal portions are made with a single strip of flexible and inextensible seamless material.

11. The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein said central rear portion, said side portions and said terminal portions are made with corresponding consecutive strips of flexible and inextensible material connected to each other.

12. The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein an inertial measurement unit is provided connected to said central portion, wherein said inertial measurement unit is configured to communicate inertial data to an external control unit by a wireless connection.

13. The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein stretch sensors are provided that extend bilaterally in the belt, said stretch sensors configured to communicate elongation data to said external control unit by a wireless connection to provide information on the movements of a wearer's lower limbs.

14. The waist belt according to claim 12, wherein stretch sensors are provided that extend bilaterally from said inertial measurement unit, said stretch sensors configured to communicate elongation data to said external control unit by a wireless connection to provide information on the movements of a wearer's lower limbs.

15. A system of a belt according to claim 1 and a modified garment, which comprises back belt loops and front belt loops that are arranged between a top edge and a waistline seam, wherein the top edge presents an edge back portion, front portions and curved portions between said edge back portion and said front portions, and said waistline seam presents a seam back portion, seam front portions and seam curved portions between said seam back portion and said seam front portions, wherein a back plane is a mid plane of said back belt loops, and a front plane is a mid plane of said front belt loops, wherein between said back plane and said front plane said modified garment provides a distance comprised between 3.2 and 20 cm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The advantages of the invention become apparent from the description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiment, illustrated only by way of non limiting indication in the accompanying drawings, in which: [0041] FIGS. 1-2 show a view of a waist belt according to the invention in extended configuration, indicating various characteristic zones thereof and its outline; [0042] FIG. 3 shows a partial view of an embodiment of the waist belt of FIGS. 1 and 2; [0043] FIG. 4 shows the rear part of the waist belt of the invention associated with trousers worn by a wearer; [0044] FIG. 5 shows the front part of the waist belt of the invention associated with trousers worn by a wearer; [0045] FIG. 6 shows a waist belt according to the invention and the coincidence with anatomical points of a wearer; [0046] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the result of simple test measurement of the effort when moving from a sitting position to a standing position and again sitting and standing is shown for a belt 1 according to the invention and for a belt of known art, respectively on a same patient. [0047] FIG. 9 shows a view of a waist belt according to a different embodiment of the invention; [0048] FIG. 10-11-12 show a view of a waist belt according to different embodiments of the invention comprising sensors; [0049] FIG. 13 shows a top plan view of a production step of a waist belt according to the invention comprising sensors; [0050] FIG. 14 shows a partial view of a modified garment according to the invention; [0051] FIG. 15 shows a system of a belt according to the invention and the modified of FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF POSSIBLE EMBODIMENTS

[0052] In the figures listed above, reference 1 indicates the improved waist belt according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a waist belt 1 that can be made of a band flat material, for example leather, or other stiff material adapted to make a belt, either natural or synthetic, having a thickness normally of 2-4 mm, and a width that can vary, for example between 10 cm and 60 mm, normally between 20-40 mm. The band flat material of belt 1 can be flexible in a cross plane, in order to follow a wearer's waistline, and very stiff in a plane that contains the flat band.

[0054] Waist belt 1, according to an embodiment of the invention, can comprise: [0055] a central straight portion 2, having a predetermined length 20 and configured to cover a wearer's back, said central straight portion arranged orthogonal to a central symmetry plane 200; [0056] first and second terminal straight portions 4L and 4R, having predetermined lengths 41,42 and comprising respective buckle elements 5,6 for mutual removable connection, said terminal straight portions 4L,4R arranged orthogonal to a same terminal symmetry plane 400; [0057] first and second curved portions 3L and 3R, symmetrically arranged with respect to said central portion 2 and connecting said central straight portion 2 to said first and second terminal straight portions 4L,4R, respectively, said curved portions configured to keep said terminal symmetry plane 400 and said central symmetry plane 200 at a distance ΔH from each other comprised between 3.2 cm and 20 cm.

[0058] Reference letters L and R stand for left and right even if it is clear that symmetric arrangement by exchanging right and left is equivalent. Moreover, in the figures buckle elements 5,6 are represented as a buckle 5 and holes 6, even if it is clear that other types of buckles, or other means fastening the terminal portions to each other, can be used, as known in the art. For example, a closure system that shortens both terminal portions of the belt (toothed or clip type), can be provided

[0059] The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein said central straight portion has a length that is comprised between 40% and 50% an overall length of said waist belt.

[0060] First and second curved portions 3L and 3R are symmetrical to each other and have a same longitudinal extension 30, which can vary each for example between 15% and 20% an overall length of said waist belt, according to the wearer's anatomy.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, each curved portion 3L and 3R can have two consecutive concave portions 3′L and 3″L and 3′R and 3″R, respectively, having concavities opposite to each other. In particular, concave portions 3′L and 3′R are arranged consecutive to central portion 2 and have concavities of are facing towards terminal symmetry plane 400, whereas concave portions 3″L and 3″R are arranged consecutive to terminal portions 4L and 4R, respectively, and have concavities facing towards central symmetry plane 200.

[0062] Preferably, the curvilinear course of side portions 3L, 3R is formed by the two consecutive opposite curves concave portions 3′L and 3″L and 3′R and 3″R which are circumference portions of similar radius and angular development of less than 90°.

[0063] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the improved waist belt 1 is particularly suitable for being combined with garments, for example trousers T, but also, as clear to a person with ordinary skill in the art, to skirts and the like, all of the type with belt loops K, to support them at the waist when worn by a wearer W.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, central straight portion 2 has a predetermined length 20 (FIG. 1) and is configured to cover a wearer's back WB.

[0065] Curved side portions 3L, 3R, symmetrically extend from the sides of central portion 2, and have specular developments sufficient to surround an area WH of the hips of wearer W. They have curvilinear trends suitable for following the iliac crests of the wearer, so that an arrival level, namely terminal plane 400, of said side portions 3L, 3R is located lower than a starting level, namely central plane 200, of said central rear rectilinear portion 2, for the same height distance ΔH of FIG. 2. Curved side portions 3L, 3R have an elongation 30 (FIG. 1) that can vary, as indicated below.

[0066] The two terminal portions 4L, 4R respectively extend from side portions 3L, 3R. They have a straight course and bear buckle means 5 and 6, for example a known buckle 5 with tongue and holes 6, or equivalent means, suitable for mutually binding them to each other in a removable manner, in order to surround the pelvis WP of wearer W at the height of the pubic symphysis.

[0067] In FIGS. 4 and 5 the shape of waist belt 1 on wearer W is shown, presenting double-curved side portions 3L and 3R, which allow it to better follow the skeletal morphology of the wearer, as specified above and below.

[0068] Furthermore, it can be observed how waist belt 1, engaged in the loops K of trousers T worn by wearer W, imposes to trousers T a deformation of the waist line of the garment, such that the front part WP is lower than the rear part WB, in accordance with the height distance ΔH between central plane 200 of central part 2 and terminal plane 400 of terminal portions 4L, 4R.

[0069] According to the invention, with reference to FIG. 6 and also to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the elongation 30 of curved portions 3L and 3R and their actual length can be selected according to specific anatomical references of the wearer, which are indicated with references from 70 to 90, which are shown only for the Right side for simplicity.

[0070] More precisely, the central straight portion 2 can have a length 20 that is configured to extend horizontally on the wearer's back WB between two wearer's pelvis Posterior Superior Iliac Spines 70, which are located at the specific height distance ΔH from the wearer's pubic symphysis 90 of the wearer's pelvis WP. The length 20 of the central straight portion 2 determines the starting point of curved portions 3L and 3R on the wearer's body W (FIG. 4), from which the first concave portions 3′R or 3′S, with downward concavity, start.

[0071] First concave portions 3′R or 3′S are configured to start from wearer's pelvis Posterior Superior Iliac Spines 70 and rest on the respective wearer's iliac crests 75, so as to extend between a respective wearer's Superior Posterior Iliac Spine 70 and the wearer's Superior Anterior Iliac Spines 80 so that the wearer's intersection of the median frontal/coronal plane with the iliac crest, which cuts the human body in two equal halves anterior and posterior, falls within the concave portions.

[0072] After or anteriorly such wearer's intersection falls connection point 300 of belt 1, between first concave portions 3′R or 3′S and second concave portion 3″R or 3″S, with upward concavity, which configured to rest on the respective wearer's anterior inferior iliac spines 85 and to land at terminal plane 400, which is at the same height as the wearer's pubic bone 90 and anteriorly to the pubic bone of the wearer's pelvis WP (see also FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0073] The two terminal rectilinear portions 4L and 4R, which have respective lengths 41 and 42, are finally joined to each other by the belt buckle elements 5 and 6, anterior to the pubic symphysis namely at the wearer's pubic bone 90 of the wearer's pelvis WP.

[0074] The choice of the coincidence of first and second concave portions 3′R or 3′S, and 3″R or 3″S, with wearer's anatomic references from 70 to 85 permits to identify dimensional values of the different parts of the belt 1, in order to obtain a positioning of the belt on the wearer's bone contours, and specifically on the male or female pelvis.

[0075] For example, for a male individual of medium height 181 cm, that is the median height of the 21-year-old European man, starting from the aforementioned anatomical references for the sizing of the parts of the belt, in the case of an individual male of medium height 181 cm in erect position, there is a height ΔH: 8.6 cm from the line joining the two Posterior Superior Iliac Spines and the pubic symphysis of the pelvis. Such value of ΔH can be considered as reference value for sizing of the belt for a male wearer.

[0076] Taking into account that this height may vary according to body size and sex, it can be expected that ΔH0=8.6 cm±4 cm or 4.6<ΔH0<12.6 cm. Furthermore, taking into account that the rear rectilinear portion 2 can also be suitable for providing lumbar support, an increase in the maximum values of 6 cm can be envisaged: 4.6<ΔH0<18.6 cm.

[0077] As for a female model, being the median height in the adult female population 167 cm and the female pelvis, in the fertile phase of a woman's life, undergoes functional anatomical modifications that reduce ΔH up to a ratio of 5/7 compared to Male ΔH, the possible correlation for a female wearer we have 3.2<ΔH0<13.3 cm

[0078] Then, a linear correlation is then possible between the difference in height of the two planes (central and terminal) and the height of the wearer to maintain the positioning of the belt on the bony contours of the pelvis, provided by the following formula:

ΔH=H1/H0*ΔH0 [0079] being H0=181 cm for men and 167 for women [0080] and [0081] 4.6<ΔH0<18.6 cm for a male wearer [0082] 3.2<ΔH0<13.3 cm for a female wearer.

[0083] In this way, a range of ΔH is obtained for an individual which is useful for this precise purpose of obtaining a positioning of the belt on the bony contours of the pelvis, and it is possible to determine the ideal size of the belt according to the invention for an individual male, adult female or for children.

[0084] The following is an example of sizing for male wearers.

TABLE-US-00001 Male Height H1 ΔH, for ΔH0 = 8.6 cm 88 4.2 120 5.7 158 7.5 167 7.9 181 8.6 193 9.2 207 9.8 215 10.2

[0085] The following is an example of sizing for female wearers.

TABLE-US-00002 Female Height H1 ΔH, for ΔH0 = 6.1 cm 88 3.2 120 4.4 158 5.8 167 6.1 181 6.6 193 7.1

[0086] Preferably, ΔH is independent of the body mass index, that is, it is the same for two individuals of the same height.

[0087] As a result of the value of ΔH the inclination of the curved portions will determine with greater slopes of portions 3R and 3S in smaller sizes.

[0088] In the above examples, a specific ΔH0 has bee selected. Of course, ΔH0 can vary in case of specific anatomy and needs. For example, an analysis of functional anatomy can be followed by a practical evaluation of the creation of specific belts 1, also considering the large-scale production process with die cutting, as indicated below.

[0089] Concerning the length 41 and 42 of terminal portions 4L and 4R, they can be lengthened or shortened (to about 40% of the total length) in order to allow the insertion of a metal buckle (about 5cm long) and corresponding holes for closure (n 5 holes spaced each no 2 cm) allowing a range of shortening / lengthening of the belt worn by ±4 cm.

[0090] For such applications a larger ΔH (up to 20 cm) can be useful, for providing a lumbar support by the central portion 2.

[0091] The waist belt of the invention offers the wearer perceptible advantages, besides an elegance similar to a normal belt it provides high stability and full support of the garments, high adherence to the body without determining high forces when sitting.

[0092] The evidence of such reduced forces is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In particular, positioning force sensors under the belt at the intersection point of the median frontal/coronal plane haven been applied on a belt 1 according to the invention and to straight belt of known art, the belts of a same leather band material of thickness 3 mm and width of 40 mm and tightened at a same grade.

[0093] In FIGS. 7 and 8 a simple test measurement of the effort when moving from a sitting position to a standing position and again sitting and standing is shown for a belt 1 according to the invention and for a belt of known art, respectively on a same patient.

[0094] In FIG. 7, the force that the belt 1 according to the invention exerts on the hip region compressing the body was about 6N when standing, peaking to maximum 12N when sitting. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the force that a straight belt of known art exerted on the hip region compressing the body when sitting was very high and about 40N, and when standing it was about 10N. The test showed that whereas when standing the difference between the forces exerted by the two belts is similar, when sitting the traditional straight belt determines much higher forces than the belt 1 according to the invention.

[0095] Therefore, using the belt according to the invention, owing to reduced effort in the sit-to-stand movement with respect to straight belts of prior art can provide positive effects on low back pain and functional capacity in gymnastic exercise like sit-to-stand, squats, lunges. In particular, the belt can be applied in the elderly or in patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases for improving walking and preventing falls.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, semi-rigid reinforcing strips 50 can be provided associated with curved portions 3L, 3R, intended to maintain the aforementioned height distance ΔH between the rear central portion 2 and the terminal portions 4L, 4R. The reinforcing strips 50 can have a curvilinear course practically the same as that of said side portions 3L, 3R.

[0097] Advantageously, it can be provided that at least the side portions 3L, 3R of the improved waist belt 1 consist of two superimposed layers of material, in a way not shown in the figures but obvious for a person with ordinary skill, so as to be able to house the reinforcing strips 50 interposed between said two layers.

[0098] In a preferred constructive solution, the reinforcing strips 50 comprise consecutive sectors mutually articulated with hinges (not shown), so that the overall flexibility of the aforementioned side portions 3L, 3R, considered in the capacity of waist belt 1 to wrap around the wearer's body W, remains almost equivalent to that of said central rear portion 2 and terminal portions 4L, 4R, so as not to alter the wearability characteristics of waist belt 1 itself.

[0099] The belt according to the invention can be used also for medical or sports performance applications. In fact, the various embodiments described above and depicted in the drawings, the belt according to the invention can support the wearer while sitting and can provide an aid or remove a constriction/limitation in flexion-extension movements of the trunk on the legs as well as in the activity of getting up and sitting down (sit-to-stand.

[0100] Moreover, the creation of rigid, elastic or “stiff” curves 3L and 3R as needed, allows the application by such curves of a direct force anteriorly and inferiorly on the Posterior Superior Iliac Spines or with modifications on the lumbar spine, which supports and stabilizes the pelvis.

[0101] The stability of the position of the belt in the rear central point WB of FIG. 4 by central portion 2 permits therefore improvement of human movement by monitoring with wearable sensors.

[0102] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12 wearable sensors and effectors can be mounted to belt 1 in order to exploit specific functionalities thereof.

[0103] In particular, with reference to FIG. 10, an inertial measurement unit sensor or IMU, or the like accelerometers, can be provided as 500. In fact, owing to the stability of belt 1 an improvement in the sensitivity of the IMU (inertial measurement units) has been experimented,

[0104] The IMU sensor 500 or the like on central portion 2 of belt 1 for gait analysis in everyday life environments avoids the drawback the affects such type of sensors when applied to patients, since they require almost constant positioning of the accelerometer applied to the belt with respect to the body, thus reducing the amount of data processing necessary to “clean the signal”.

[0105] Furthermore, the waist belt of the invention lends itself to implementing IMUs for analysis of trunk movements: the rear part of the belt follows the flexion-extension movements of the trunk and the sensor positioning point is characterized by movements of greater amplitude than the traditional belt.

[0106] Advantageously, the IMU sensor 500 or the like on central portion 2 of belt 1 is connected to a control unit 510 by a wireless connection 520, not described in detail since obvious to a person with ordinary skill. The control unit can be a dedicated unit or a mobile phone or tablet on which a dedicated app is run, that shows gait information to the wearer or to a doctor or assistant.

[0107] In a further possible embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, strain gauges or stretch sensors 530L and 530R for analysis of the movements of the pelvic bones (anti-retroversion) can be provided that extend bilaterally throughout central portion 2, curved portions 3R and 3L, and terminal portions 4L and 4R. Stretch sensors 530L and 530R can provide information on the movements of the wearer's lower limbs, for example in walking, by a central chip 540 connected to a control unit 510 by a wireless connection 520, not described in details since obvious to a person with ordinary skill.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 12, the two embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11 can be integrated to each other, and the IMU sensor 500 can also operate to transmit stretch signals coming from stretch sensors 530L and 530R. The data from the two sensors 530L and 530R can also be integrated with those of the IMU and the GPS of the smartphone 500, through dedicated algorithms (sensors fusion algorithms), thus increasing the accuracy and completeness of the data, by dedicated programs or apps available on the market that can be easily implemented by a skilled person.

[0109] The possibility of applying different types of sensors to the belt 1 according to the invention, owing to its stability on the wearer's body permits to achieve high advantages. The belt 1 with sensors as depicted in FIGS. 10-12 can be worn like a normal belt improving the compliance of patients or participants in scientific studies.

[0110] The belt of the invention can be made of classic leather, or other natural and synthetic materials.

[0111] For example, waist belt 1 can be made, like known belts, with said central rear portion 2, side portions 3L, 3R and terminal portions 4L, 4R formed by a single strip of flexible and inextensible material, for example natural leather. or synthetic, without solution of continuity.

[0112] For example, from a tanned hide 100 portion many waist belts can be obtained by a die cutting operation, as shown in FIG. 7. In this way, the stiffness in the plane of the band material of the belt, for example tanned leather, is assured.

[0113] Alternatively, to die cutting, laser or CNC cutting of portion 100 can be carried out. In particular, the shape of belt 1 permits high cutting efficiency. In fact, central portion 2 and curved portions 3L and 3R, even if they are not aligned with terminal portions 4L and 4R, permit to cut adjacent belts 1, since central portion 2 and curved portions 3L and 3R of each subsequent belt 1 substantially matches the space formed under each central portion 2 and curved portions 3L and 3R each previous belt 1.

[0114] A mechanical assembly of different sections can also be provided. For example, it is possible to provide that the aforementioned central rear portion 2, side portions 3L, 3R and terminal portions 4L, 4R are made with corresponding consecutive strips of flexible and inextensible material, of the same or different type, mutually stitched or in any case interconnected, for example by means of rings or the like, in a way not shown but known to a person with ordinary skill in the art.

[0115] The proposed belt can be made without any difficulty according to the usual techniques of the art, in order to offer all the variations of material, color and aesthetics that the market requires.

[0116] As it is easy to understand, the proposed belt can be produced with production costs substantially equivalent to those of a belt of the known art, so as to be able to offer it at prices that are not so different from the latter.

[0117] According to another aspect of the invention, a modified garment G is arranged according to the same principles of belt 1, as shown in FIG. 14, in which only the development of a top edge 600 of modified garment G like a skirt, trousers, pants and the like is shown, and also the waistline seam 610 is shown.

[0118] The rest of modified garment G is not shown since well known to a person with ordinary skill. It is clear that the right and left ends of modified garment G coincide with each other, like the waistline of a skirt, trousers, pants, etc.

[0119] The modified garment G provides back belt loops K2 and front belt loops K4 that are arranged between the top edge 600 and the waistline seam 610. The top edge presents an edge back portion 602, curved portions 603 and front portions 604, whereas the waistline seam 610 presents a seam back portion 612, curved seam portions 613 and seam front portions 614. A front plane 6400 is the mid plane of belt loops K4, and a back plane 6200 is the mid plane of belt loops K2. Between back plane 6200 and front plane 6400, according to the invention, a modified garment provides a distance ΔH, which has the same value of distance ΔH between plane 400 and plane 200 of belt 1, as defined above.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 15, the modified garment G and belt 1 form a system where planes 200 and 6200, and planes 400 and 6400, coincide with each other, respectively.

[0121] The modified garment G in combination with the belt according to the invention permit to achieve the same advantage of belt 1 indicated above, with the further advantage that the modified garment avoids creases and permits an optimal fit of belt 1 with the wearer's body. In particular, belt 1 with its above-described outline follows precisely back belt loops K2 and front belt loops K4, edge back portion 602, curved portions 603 and front portions 604, seam back portion 612, curved seam portions 613 and seam front portions 614.

[0122] The above description concerning the way of determining distance ΔH for belt 1 is to be considered applicable also to modified garment G for determining distance ΔH between back plane 6200 and front plane 6400. Therefore, such description for determining distance ΔH is not repeated for simplicity.

[0123] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt such embodiments for various applications, without further research and without parting from the invention as defined by the attached claims, and, accordingly, it is meant that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the exemplary embodiments and exemplary specific embodiments. The means and the materials to put into practice the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology that is employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.