INCLINED CURL EXERCISE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF EXERCISE

Abstract

There is provided an inclined curl exercise assembly and method of exercise. The inclined curl assembly helps strengthen the biceps of a user during operation. The inclined curl assembly may comprise a pair of rotatable handles and movable assist pad that create synergy to enable the user to target the bicep muscles. The user may lie in a prone facedown position on the movable assist pad to grip the pair of rotatable handles that are connected to a stacked arrangement of weights. The user may retract the arms to raise the weights for contracting the bicep muscle and then slowly extends the arms to lower the weights for stretching the bicep muscle, such that the full stretch enhances the bicep-targeting exercise.

Claims

1. An inclined curl exercise assembly, comprising: a frame that includes: a vertical structure; and a horizontal structure arranged in a perpendicular disposition relative to the vertical structure, wherein the vertical structure and the horizontal structure are connected by a joint that rotates about a horizontal plane, and the horizontal structure is configured to rotate laterally relative to the vertical structure; an assist pad extends along the horizontal structure, wherein the assist pad rotates about the horizontal plane; a stacked arrangement of weights disposed in the vertical structure; a pair of guide posts extending along the longitudinal of the vertical structure; a pair of L-shaped connector bar that includes a weight end and a cable end, a pair of cables that includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the cables are joined to the cable end of the L-shaped connector bars; and a pair of rotatable handles rotatably joined to the proximal end of the cable.

2. The inclined curl exercise assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pin configured to fit between the stacked arrangement of weights, wherein the pin is configured to selectively separate the stacked arrangement of weights into lifting set of weights and stationary set of weights.

3. The inclined curl exercise assembly of claim 2, wherein in an operation of the inclined curl exercise assembly: the lifting set the stacked arrangement of weights being operable to rise, and the stationary set of the stacked arrangement of weights being operable to remain stationary.

4. The inclined curl exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein the horizontal structure further comprises an assist pad support platform.

5. The inclined curl exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein the vertical structure further comprises a rectangular frame.

6. The inclined curl exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotatable handles further comprise bearings.

7. The inclined curl exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein the L-shaped connector bar rotates up to 360° about the vertical structure.

8. The inclined curl exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein the vertical structure further comprises a base.

9. The inclined curl exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein the guide posts pass through the weights to maintain the weights in alignment.

10. The inclined curl exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein the weight end of the L-shaped connector bar rotatably joined to the vertical structure, and the L-shaped connector bar joined to the stacked arrangement of weights, so as to axially displace the lifting set of weights.

11. A method of exercise with an inclined curl exercise assembly, the method comprising: lying, by a user, in a prone facedown position on an assist pad, the assist pad being operable to move in a vertical motion; setting, by a pin, a set of weights, wherein the stacked arrangement of weights configured to provide an upward force to assist the user while performing the exercises; gripping, by the user, a pair of rotatable handles from behind the back, the handles being connected a cable and a rotatable L-shaped connector bar; retracting the arms, so as to contract the bicep muscles to raise the set of weights, wherein the stacked arrangement of weights is configured to assist the user to perform the exercise; resisting, by the user, the vertical motion by the assist pad in response to the movement of the user during contraction of the arms, wherein the arm muscles are helped to develop with the resistance; stabilizing the pair of rotatable handles by resisting rotation of the handles and the L-shaped connector bar, wherein the arm muscles are helped to develop with the resistance; extending the arms to a fully stretch the biceps to the assist pad, wherein the fully contraction and extension of the biceps muscles allows for development of the bicep muscles; and repeating multiple cycles of contraction and extension of the arms.

12. An apparatus, comprising: a frame that includes a vertical structure a horizontal structure; an assist pad extends along the horizontal structure, wherein the assist pad rotates about the horizontal plane; a stacked arrangement of weights disposed in the vertical structure; a pair of guide posts extending along the longitudinal of the vertical structure; a pair of L-shaped connector bar; and a pair of rotatable handles rotatably joined to the proximal end of the cable.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the vertical structure arranged in a perpendicular disposition relative to the vertical structure, wherein the vertical structure and the horizontal structure connected by a joint that rotates about a horizontal plane, and the horizontal structure is configured to rotate laterally relative to the vertical structure.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a pair of cables that includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the cables are joined to the cable end of the L-shaped connector bars.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a pin configured to fit between the stacked arrangement of weights, wherein the pin is configured to selectively separate the stacked arrangement of weights into lifting set of weights and stationary set of weights.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein in an operation of the inclined curl exercise assembly: the lifting set the stacked arrangement of weights being operable to rise, and the stationary set of the stacked arrangement of weights being operable to remain stationary.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pair of L-shaped connector bar further includes a weight end and a cable end.

18. The inclined curl exercise assembly of claim 12, wherein the rotatable handles further comprise bearings.

19. An exercise assembly, comprising: a frame comprising a vertical structure and a horizontal structure arranged in a perpendicular disposition, wherein the vertical structure and the horizontal structure connected by a joint that rotates about a horizontal plane, and the horizontal structure rotates laterally relative to the vertical structure; an assist pad, wherein the assist pad rotates about the horizontal plane; a stacked arrangement of weights disposed in the vertical structure; a pin configured to fit between the stacked arrangement of weights for selectively separating the weights into a lifting set and a stationary set of weights, wherein the lifting set of the stacked arrangement of weights being operable to rise, the stationary set of the stacked arrangement of weights being operable to remain stationary; a pair of guide posts extending along the longitudinal of the vertical structure, wherein the pair of guide posts passes through the stacked arrangement of weights to maintain the weights in alignment; a pair of L-shaped connector bar defined by a weight end and a cable end, wherein the weight end of the L-shaped connector bar rotatably joined to the vertical structure, the L-shaped connector bar joined to the stacked arrangement of weights, so as to axially displace the lifting set of weights; a pair of cables defined by a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the pair of cables joined to the cable end of the L-shaped connector bars; and a pair of rotatable handles rotatably joined to the proximal end of the cable.

20. The exercise assembly of claim 19, wherein the pair of rotatable handles further comprise bearings.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0025] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention.

[0026] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an upper perspective view of an exemplary inclined curl exercise assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates rotatable handle of the inclined curl exercise assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the inclined curl exercise assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a user exercising with the inclined curl exercise assembly, where the arms of the user extended, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the user exercising with the inclined curl exercise assembly, where the arms of the user partially retracted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the user exercising with the inclined curl exercise assembly, where the arms of the user backwardly retracted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method of exercise with an inclined curl exercise assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0036] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “in some example embodiments” or “in a non-limiting embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in some example embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0037] Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon the present disclosure.

[0038] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. § 112.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an upper perspective view of an exemplary inclined curl exercise assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an example embodiment of the present invention, an inclined curl exercise assembly 100 (hereinafter, “assembly 100”) may be configured to strengthen the arm bicep muscles 200 (shown in FIGS. 4-6) of a user by forcing the user to fully stretch the arm bicep muscle 200, and fully contract the bicep muscle 200 in multiple repertoires that are designed to work the bicep muscles 200 of the arms.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the assembly 100 may comprise a frame 102 that supports the exercise (during operation) and provides a boundary for the user during exercise. In some example embodiments, the frame 102 may be fabricated from a metal, metal alloys, or a rigid polymer. The frame 102 may include a vertical structure 104 and a horizontal structure 106. The horizontal structure 106 may be arranged in a perpendicular disposition relative to the vertical structure 104. The vertical structure 104 rests on a base 110 and extends upright. In some example embodiments, the vertical structure 104 may comprise a rectangular frame. The vertical structure 104 and the horizontal structure 106 are connected by a joint that rotates about a horizontal plane, whereby the horizontal structure 106 rotates laterally relative to the vertical structure 104. This rotatable junction allows horizontal structure 106 to rotate laterally relative to the vertical structure 104. Consequently, the assist pad 112, described below, moves vertically. It is to be noted that FIG. 1 illustrates one possible structural configuration of frame 102. However, the invention does not limit to a particular structure and other shapes and dimensions may be used.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, a foot rest may be disposed at an end of the horizontal structure 106 opposite the joint. The foot rest 108 may be a rectangular plate.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, an assist pad 112 may be disposed along the horizontal structure 106. The assist pad 112 having a vertical movement. In an alternative embodiment, the horizontal structure 106 may comprise an assist pad support platform. The assembly 100 may further include a stacked arrangement of weights 114 disposed at a bottom portion of the vertical structure 104. A pin may be configured to fit between the stacked arrangement weights 114 for selectively separating the stacked arrangement weights 114 into lifting set of weights and stationary set of weights. The lifting set of weights of the stacked arrangement of weights 114 being operable to rise and the stationary set of weights of the stacked arrangement of weights 114 being operable to remain stationary during the operation of assembly 100. The user may set the lifting set weights and stationary set of weights by use of the pin. The stacked arrangement of weights 114 may provide assistance to the user to perform the exercise. The user's own body weight may be used for creating resistance to the bicep muscles. The stacked arrangement of weights 114 may include individual plates configured in an aligned, stacked arrangement. The assist pad 112 that supports the user while exercising in the prone, facedown position. The assist pad 112 moves up and down (vertical movement) to accommodate the stacked arrangement of weights 114 as the user lifts and pulls the stacked arrangement of weights 114. The movable assist pad 112 may be displaced longitudinally and axially in response to motion by the user. These components create a synergy to enable the user to target the bicep muscles 200.

[0043] The assembly 100 may further include a pair of guide posts 116a, 116b extending along the longitudinal of the vertical structure 104. The guide posts 116a, 116b pass through the stacked arrangement of weights 114 to maintain the stacked arrangement of weights 114 in alignment. The guide posts 116a, 116b may be metal bars, or rigid wires.

[0044] Continuing with FIG. 1, the assembly 100 may further include a pair of L-shaped connector bars 118a-b that include a weight end 120a and a cable end 120b. The weight end 120a of the L-shaped connector bars 118a-b rotatably joined to the vertical structure 104. In some example embodiments, the L-shaped connector bars 118a-b joined to the stacked arrangement of weights 114, so as to axially displace the lifting set of weights. The L-shaped connector bar 118a-b may rotate up to 360° about the vertical structure 104.

[0045] The assembly 100 may further include a pair of cables 122a-b defined by a proximal end 124a and a distal end 124b. The cable 122a-b may be joined to the cable end 120b of the L-shaped connector bars 118a-b. The height of the cables 122a-b may be adjustable depending upon the requirement of the user.

[0046] The assembly 100 may further include a pair of rotatable handles 126a-b join to the proximal end 124a of the cable 122a-b. The rotatable handles 126a-b are further illustrated in FIG. 2 and explained below.

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates rotatable handle of the inclined curl exercise assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some example embodiments, the pair of rotatable handles 126a-b may comprise bearings 128. The bearings 128 enable 360° rotation. Handles 126a-b may naturally rotate while the user pulls and releases the stacked arrangement of weights 114. Thus, both the handles 126a-b and the connector bar 118a-b are rotatable, so as to force the user to use different muscles for stabilizing the grip. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rotatable handles 126a-b are not connected to the weights. Rather, the handles 126a-b may be connected to the cables 122a-b. The cables 122a-b may be connected to the L-shaped connector bar 118a-b, which is connected to the frame 102. Since, the L-shaped connector bar 118a-b is not connected to the stacked arrangement of weights 114, the user may not use the stacked arrangement of weights 114 for resistance. Thus, the resistance for the bicep is the user's own body weight. The stacked arrangement of weights 114 may be used for assisting the user to perform the exercise.

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the inclined curl exercise assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some example embodiments, handles 126a-b are defined by an irregular rectangular shape. However, handles 126a-b may also be ring-shaped or simply a horizontal bar with grips. In any case, the user lies prone and faces the palms towards the vertical structure 104 and pulls down and extends the arms. Thus, by exertion of the bicep muscles in the arms while the user is in a prone position and gripping handles 126a-b. The arms can be extended to counter the free fall of the weights 114, or contracting the arms to raise the weights 114 above the head.

[0049] In some example embodiments, the assist pad 112 may also move laterally to accommodate shifts in the position of the body of the user while lifting and pulling the stacked arrangement of weights 114. When the user resists the handles 126a-b to counter the stacked arrangement of weights 114, the assist pad 112 lowers, so that the arm (and bicep) are fully stretched. The user may then pull the stacked arrangement of weights 114, and the assist pad 112 moves down to allow the bicep to contract. The user adjusts the body and arms to compensate for the movements of the assist pad 112. Thus, as the user adjusts the body and arms to compensate for the movements of the handles 126a-b, further muscle development occurs.

[0050] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a side view of a user exercising with the inclined curl exercise assembly, where FIG. 4 illustrates the arms of the user extended, FIG. 5 illustrates the arms partially retracted, and FIG. 6 illustrates the arms of the user backwardly retracted and the arms of the user fully bent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Looking now at FIGS. 4-6, the user lies in a prone facedown position on the assist pad 112. The user raises the arms behind the back to grip a pair of rotatable handles 126a-b. The user retracts the arms to raise the stacked arrangement of weights 114 for contracting the bicep muscle 200, and then slowly extends the arms to lower stacked arrangement of weights 114 for stretching the bicep muscle 200. Such a full stretch enhances the bicep-targeting exercise. As the user raises and lowers the stacked arrangement of weights 114, the assist pad 112 moves vertically to counter the user's motion, which further enhances development of the bicep muscle 200. The rotatable handles 126a, 126b are connected a pair of cables 122a-b and a pair of rotatable connector bars 118a-b. Handles 126a-b may rotate up to 360° to force the user to stabilize the arms, which further enhances the development of bicep muscle 200.

[0052] In operation, the user may select the amount of the stacked arrangement of weights 114 by selectively connecting a pin to the appropriate weight in the stack. The user, while in the prone facedown position, pulls down against the resistance of the stacked arrangement of weights 114, which raises the stacked arrangement of weights 114 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The selected weight of the stacked arrangement of weights 114 is lifted up from the stack in response to movement of the L-shaped connector bar 118a-b. After the arms are fully bent (as illustrated in FIG. 6), the user holds the stacked arrangement of weights 114 for a desired duration, and then slowly extends the arms to return the stacked arrangement of weights 114 to the fully extended position. In this manner, the bicep muscles 200 of the arm are strengthened as the user is forced to fully stretch out the bicep muscle 200 before contracting the bicep muscle. The full stretch enhances the bicep-targeting exercise. The assembly 100 may provide full extension and full retraction of the arms during operation.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will recognize that bicep curls are performed by grasping a weight and lifting the weight so as to contract the biceps. The contraction of the biceps causes the arm to bend at the elbow as the resistance is lifted. A bicep curl may be performed one arm at a time or on both arms simultaneously. Various techniques for performing bicep curls are known and commonly used such as the preacher curl and the concentration curl. These techniques rely on the lifting of a resistance to provide training to the biceps. However, these exercises do not allow the bicep muscle 200 to be fully extended and retracted in one repertoire cycle.

[0054] This is the same concept as when a user requires a spot when bench pressing. An assistant provides a force vertically in order to help the person bench pressing. The assist pad is connected to the weights. This provides the user with a spot (assistance). A force is needed for the user to perform repetitions with the assembly 100. The weights also serve to reduce the person's body weight when they are lying down on the asset pad. For example, if someone weighs 180 lbs and they set the weight on 100 lbs, the user's body weight is now 80 lbs, since the 100 lbs of force assists in lifting. Therefore, when the user performs a bicep curl the user is using their own body weight, which in this case, the user curls 80 lbs of their body weight.

[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 400 of exercise with an inclined curl exercise assembly. The method 400 is configured to exercise the bicep muscle 200, such that the bicep muscles in the arms are fully stretched before contraction of the bicep muscles. In some embodiments, the method may include, at step 402, lying in a prone facedown position by the user on the assist pad 112. The assist pad 112 may be operable to move in a vertical motion.

[0056] The method 400 may further comprise at step 404, setting, by the user, a set of weights of the stacked arrangement of weights 114 to a desired amount. Further, the stacked arrangement of weights may not be used for lifting purpose. The stacked arrangement of weights 114 provide an upward force to assist the user while performing the exercises. The user then reaches back and grips the rotatable handles 126a-b and set the weight. The weight that is set on the assembly 100 may provide a vertical upward force that assists the user while performing the exercise. The weight may not be used for resistance, the resistance will be the user's own body weight.

[0057] The method 400 may further comprise at step 406, gripping a pair of rotatable handles 126a, 126b from behind the back. The handles 126a, 126b may be connected to a cable and a rotatable L-shaped connector bar 118a-b. Further, the assist pad 112 may be connected to the stacked arrangement of weights. The assist pad 112 may move horizontally to provide assistance to the user. The stacked arrangement of weights 114 may move the assist pad horizontally to provide assistance while the user performs the exercise.

[0058] The method may further include at step 408 (FIG. 5), retracting the arms by the user, so as to contract the bicep muscles 200 to raise the set of weights of the stacked arrangement of weights 114. The user's own body weight may be used for creating resistance to the bicep muscles 200. The stacked arrangement of weights may be used for assisting the user to perform the exercise. The arms are fully retracted for optimal bicep exercise. The stacked arrangement of weights 114 may assist the user while performing the exercise and creating an upward force for assistance.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method 400 may further comprise at step 410, resisting by the user. The vertical movement of the assist pad 112 occurs in response to the movement of the user during contraction of the arms, whereby the arm muscles are helped to develop with the resistance. The muscle development occurs as the user adjusts the body and arms to compensate for the movements of the assist pad 112 and handles 126, 126b. The assist pad 112 may create an upward force to assist the user while performing the exercise. In some embodiments, the method 400 may further comprise, stabilizing the handles by resisting rotation of the handles 126a, 126b and the L-shaped connector bar 118a-b, whereby the arm muscles are helped to develop with the resistance.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method 400 may further comprise at step 412, extending the arms to a fully stretch the biceps to lower the assist pad 112, then to perform a behind the back Bi-cep curl. When the arms contracted, the assist pad 112 raises up to assist the user to perform this exercise by creating an upward force. The extension of arms may provide fully contraction and extension of the bicep muscles 200.

[0061] In some embodiments, the method 400 may further comprise at step 416, repeating multiple cycles of contraction and extension of the arms. The repetitive extension and contraction of the bicep muscles 200 helps development thereof.

[0062] In operation, the user lies down on the assist pad with the chest and face down. The user then reaches back and grips the handles 126a, 126b and set the weight. The stacked arrangement of weights 114 are set for assistance not for resistance for the bicep. The user may then perform a simple bicep curl exercise by pulling down on the handles. The purpose of the weights is to create a vertical force to assist the user while performing the exercise.

[0063] Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process.

[0064] The purpose of the inclined curl exercise assembly 100 is to provide a machine that is made for the fitness industry and designed to work out the bicep muscles 200. This allows the user to achieve a better workout for the bicep, over other bicep exercises. Another purpose of the assembly 100 is to work the bicep muscles 200 at a full range of motion that is achieved when the bicep muscles 200 are in a fully stretched position in a repetition. The assembly 100 works to fully stretch out the bicep muscle 200, so that a bicep curl can be performed more efficiently. The assembly 100 may provide exercise the bicep muscles 200, such that the bicep muscles 200 in the arms are fully stretched before contraction of the bicep.

[0065] Further, the assembly 100 may simulate an incline curl by taking a bicep in its fully stretched position into a contracted position so as to have a better workout for the bicep muscle 200. The other objective of the invention is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture bicep exercise assembly 100.

[0066] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

[0067] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.