ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL THERMAL-REGULATING FABRIC FOR USE IN GARMENTS, WITHIN GARMENTS AND IN OTHER OBJECTS

Abstract

The present invention concerns the creating of a fabric made from a novel effective mixture of fibers having antimicrobial properties and fibers providing thermal-regulating properties, for use in the creation of garments and other items used to aid in the health and comfort of the body part and the individual using the fabric. In a preferred embodiment a fifty-fifty mixture of brand name fibers PurThread® having antimicrobial elements, including silver, and Outlast®, having thermal-regulating properties, is made and added to additional fibers having such properties as elasticity and durability and a fabric is woven at least in part therefrom. Some objects that can be created using the prescribed mixture are socks, gloves, body suits, support hosiery and other garments as well as face masks, bedding and wound coverings all helping to deter the setting in of microbes and the thermal-regulation of the body or body part therewithin.

Claims

1. A fabric created by weaving at least a first yarn comprising a mix of first antimicrobial embedded fibers and second thermal-regulating fibers, the first antimicrobial embedded fibers being impregnated with particles known to have antimicrobial properties to create, when combined with the second thermal-regulating fibers, the first yarn, which is then woven to form an operatively antimicrobial, antibacterial and thermal-regulating fabric.

2. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the impregnation of the first fibers, with particles known to have antimicrobial properties, affixes the antimicrobial particles in the yarn, such that the resulting fabric has enhanced retention of the antimicrobial properties.

3. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the fabric is fashioned as a sock, shaped for use on human feet.

4. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial particles, known to have antimicrobial properties, are silver salt ions.

5. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial fiber is PurThread® fibers.

6. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the thermal-regulating fiber is Outlast® fibers.

7. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the fabric is fashioned as one or more of a glove, a shirt, trousers and a jump suit.

8. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the fabric is fashioned as bedding.

9. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the yarn comprises a mix of 50% antimicrobial fibers, and 50% thermal-regulating fibers.

10. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises a yarn having a mix of 31% PurThread® fibers, 31% Outlast® fibers and 38% of one or more other fibers, the composition of the other fibers being determined by the desired characteristics of the fabric.

11. The fabric of claim 1, including at least a second yarn having characteristics complementary to antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties.

12. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the yarn comprises a minimum of 25% antimicrobial fibers and 25% thermal-regulating fibers.

13. The fabric of claim 1, wherein a weft and a warp of the fabric are created of identical yarns.

14. A fabric created by weaving a first yarn comprising; a mix of 31% first antimicrobial embedded fibers, 31% second thermal-regulating fibers and 38% one or more other fibers, the composition of the other fibers being determined by the desired characteristics of the fabric; the first antimicrobial embedded fibers being impregnated with particles known to have antimicrobial properties to create, when combined with the second thermal-regulating fibers, the yarn which is then woven together to form an operatively antimicrobial, antibacterial and thermal-regulating fabric, and wherein the impregnation of the first fibers, with particles known to have antimicrobial properties, affixes the antimicrobial particles in the yarn, such that the resulting fabric has enhanced retention of the antimicrobial properties.

15. The fabric of claim 14, wherein the antimicrobial fiber is PurThread® fibers.

16. The fabric of claim 14, wherein the thermal-regulating fiber is Outlast® fibers.

17. The fabric of claim 14, wherein the fabric is fashioned as one or more of a sock, a glove, a shirt, trousers, bedding, a cast liner and a jump suit.

18. The fabric of claim 14 including a second yarn having supplemental garment desirable characteristics.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is perspective view of the fabric of the present invention formed as a garment, particularly a sock.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mask created using the fabric of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a medical cast having a liner made using the fabric of the present invention

[0021] FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of the cast of FIG. 3.

[0022] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a body suit created using the fabric of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cap created using the fabric of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a blanket created using the fabric of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a roll of bandaging material created using the fabric of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of bedding created using the fabric of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of support hosiery created using the fabric of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of surgical garments made using the fabric of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a glove created using the fabric of the present, invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

[0030] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings a number of presently preferred embodiments that are discussed in greater detail hereafter. It should be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. It should be further understood that the title of this section of this application (“Detailed Description of the Illustrative Embodiment”) relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and should not be found to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, an antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating garment 10 is a unique combination of a durable antimicrobial and antibacterial fiber, such as PurThread® polyester 38 mm 1.6 dtex, manufactured by PurThread Technologies, Inc. of Cary, N.C., and a thermal-regulating fiber, such as Outlast® viscose 40 mm 1.7 dtex manufactured by Outlast Technologies GmbH of Heidenheim/Brenz, Germany. While these two fibers are noted as providing, when combined in the proprietary manner described herein, the desired combined antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties, it will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that the combinations of other fibers to create similar desirable properties is contemplated in this disclosure and is within the scope of the present invention.

[0032] According to information found about PurThread®, the manufacturer embeds pure, natural, recovered silver and copper salts throughout the fibers, offering powerful, durable antimicrobial protection for fabrics. Information about Outlast® fibers indicates that it is manufactured with microencapsulated natural wax applied to textile. These capsules can capture and store body heat, so forming a natural heat buffer. Overheating and the start of sweat production can thus be efficiently avoided. Conventional heat management systems try to channel the sweat that develops and wick it away from the body. Outlast® thermal-materials start working even before the moisture is created. In this way, the amount of sweat can be significantly reduced. And accordingly, if the body temperature fails again, for example due to reduced physical activity, the natural wax releases the stored heat again. Despite fluctuating external temperatures, the user can thus always enjoy a wonderfully balanced climate.

[0033] It will be understood that although garment 10 is shown as a sock, other garments, implements and devices can be created using the teaching of the present, invention, without departing from the scope thereof. In other forms of the present invention other materials embodying similar material characteristics such as these can be substituted.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, a fifty-fifty blend of active fibers of PurThread® and Outlast® brand materials is ring-spun into a 20/2 weight yarn, and then combined with other well-known yarns made of such fibers as Nylon®, elastic, and Spandex® to form the fabric 8 that makes up the antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating garment 10. In other forms of the present invention, different proportions of such materials can be substituted to form differing resultant weight yarn. In one embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1, the antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating fabric 8 is used to form a sock 10. Sock 10 comprises, as is known by persons having ordinary skill in the art, a foot portion 12 and an ankle portion 14, leading to a leg portion 16. A relaxed cuff portion 18 is provided at the top of the leg portion 16, around a mouth 20 made of the antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating fabric 8.

[0035] The foot portion 12 comprises padding 22, such as a terry mesh pattern pad, beginning at or near the top of the ankle portion 14, continuing across the heel turn, the bottom of the foot, and over the toes ending at the base of the digits. The padding 22 protects bony prominences such as knuckles, balls of the feet, the heel, and ankle bones from abrasive surfaces while deterring blistering and sores. The foot portion 12 further comprises an arch support 28, a vented upper 26, and a flat toe seam 24. Arch support 28, such as a ribbed compression pattern, is knitted into the arch area providing support beginning at the anterior transverse arch and extending longitudinally to the heal area and transversally from the medial longitudinal arch to the lateral longitudinal arch and over the bridge. Arch support 28 maintains the contour of the foot and minimizes the bunching of the garment 10 to reduce irritation and blisters. Arch support 28 also provides additional circulation support in the mid-areas of the foot. Vented upper 26, such as a mesh weave pattern, provides additional airflow to the foot and ventilation of any moisture. Vented upper 26 is interrupted in the center by arch support 28. Flat toe seam 24 is created by linking the stitches of the two sides of the toe seam together with a single thread, minimizing abrasion to the top of the toes.

[0036] The garment 10 further comprises a graduated compression area 29 where the highest compression begins at the end of foot portion 12 with expanding gradient areas, three in foot portion 12 and six in leg portion 16, progressively releasing compression to mouth 20. In a preferred embodiment, graduated compression area 29 begins at a compression of about 20 mmHg, or within the range of 10-30 mmHg, and ends at 8 mmHg, or within the range of 5-15 mmHg. Graduated compression fabric 8 has been found to improve blood circulation to and from the foot. It also has been found to manage an excess fluid buildup, known as edema, in the calf area of the leg. Leg portion 16 and relaxed cuff portion 18 comprise a pattern, such as a Morpul-type stitch pattern (as known by persons having ordinary skill in the art), covering a portion of the calf area and minimizing any constraint to blood flow while providing a stable fit about the foot. Such a stable fit prevents drooping of the garment 10, thereby eliminating the need for a constraining cuff at mouth 20 and the deleterious effects of elastic bands typically contained therein. It will be understood that a complex garment, such as a sock 10 having numerous differing areas with differing functions, will be created using numerous materials, and that the materials in a cloth are introduced using different types of yarn during the weaving process. As such, the areas of the sock 10 that will benefit from materials having the characteristics of the present invention, that is that have antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties as described herein, will be made substantially of the yarn of the present invention. Other parts of the garment, or any garment made in accordance with the present invention, can be made of yarn of well-known materials having other desirable characteristics for that part of the garment, either including or excluding one or both antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties in those other areas, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above noted combination of fibers, as made into the disclosed yarn, can be used to create a fabric or cloth 8 that can be used as a liner for a face mask 30, a cast liner or brace 40, a jumpsuit 50, a cap 60, swaddling cloth or blanket 65, a wound dressing 70, bedding 80, support hosiery 90, surgical garb 100, gloves and/or liners for gloves 110 (including winter gloves, driving glove and surgical gloves and other items as will be known to persons having ordinary skill in the art, such liners may line particular parts of the glove only, such as the palm and back but not the fingers, in for example a surgical glove, in order to retain desired sensitivity in the non-lined areas). In each case, the antimicrobial and thermal-regulating aspects of each will have desirable effects, as will be discussed herein.

[0038] In a face mask 30, as shown in FIG. 2, any manner of connection 32 as known to persons having skill in the art can be used, in the illustration, ear connectors 32 are shown. It will be understood that the fabric 8 of the present invention will have beneficial effects on both surgical and everyday face masks and their users and it is contemplated that both surgical masks and everyday masks will be made using the fabric 8 of the present invention. Mask 30 can have an outer covering 33 of any type of breathable materials and an inner lining 34 made of the antimicrobial and thermal-regulating fabric of the present invention; it will be understood that various other layers, to prevent the transmittal of virus or microbes therethrough can be included, between fabric 8 and outer covering 33, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. The mask 30, having antibacterial and thermal-regulating properties, will then comprise materials that will comfortably protect the wearer from airborne bacteria and viruses while maintain a comfortable face temperature.

[0039] In the cast 40, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, a tubular length liner 42, shown at the ends of cast 40 as extending from each end thereof, of the fabric 8 of the present invention can be created in a manner similar to the creation of the vented upper 26 of sock 10 (FIG. 1), but with proportions to coincide with the body part to be placed in a cast 40. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular length liner 42 is made to extend partially out from either end of the cast 40, to aid in control of temperature, as will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art. It will be understood that liner 42 can also be sized to remain entirely within cast 40 so as to maintain the cleanliness of liner 42. Cast liner 42 can be placed on the body part prior to casting, or can be included as part of modern ready-made casts. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand that cast liner 42 can be added to arm, leg and knee braces, used to support inured limbs not needing casting, in the same manner as with a cast, having a similar effect of providing antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties to braces. The liner for a brace would be similar in shape and size to one used in a cast 40.

[0040] It will also be seen that fabric 8, such as that used as cast liner 42, can be utilized as part of a bandaging system 70 (FIG. 7) or support hosiery 100 (FIG. 9) and, when made as a jump suit or body suit 50 (FIG. 4), can also become the lining of any type of external clothing for use thereunder; when affixed during manufacture to any such clothing, for example, a uniform, such as those used by first responders and for those forced to wear such clothing for extended periods, such as oil derrick workers, military personnel, pilots or others having the need for a uniform over an extended time period. Thereby providing antimicrobial protection, thermal-regulation and a degree of cleanliness otherwise not available with such garments. It will be understood that body suit 50 can be made as a one-piece jumper or divided into a top and a bottom, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, it, will be seen that caps 60 for general use and in particular for use by new born infants, along with in particular swaddling cloth or blankets 65 (FIG. 6) can be made from fabric 8 to help reduce the chance of or eliminate scalp and body infections that can plague new born children in the hospital and at home. It will be understood that such caps 60, of appropriate size can also be worn by adults in such situations as surgical theaters, and underneath other headgear for first responders or military personnel, all in an effort to better regulate temperature and better eliminate microbes or infections in the scalp over time of use. Blankets 65, shown in FIG. 6, can also be made of a variety of sizes to be used by adults as well as children, providing comfortable temperature regulation and antimicrobial properties.

[0042] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the fabric 8 of the present invention can also be used to make bedding 80, such as pillow cases 92, fitted sheets 94 and top sheets 96 to provide a clean environment, in hospitals, hotels and at home, which further helps to regulate temperature during sleep.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 7, bandage roll 70, comprising fabric 8 of the present invention and an outer protective covering 72, made of any known type including cloth or water resistant materials as known to persons having skill in the art, is shown to be of an indeterminate length and width, it will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that any type, size and length of bandage 70, having any length and width, can be created utilizing fabric 8 therewithin, such that the antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties disclosed herein. Further, in the creation of such bandages, a different mix of the antimicrobial and thermal-regulating fibers disclosed herein, can be used to either make the bandage a stronger antimicrobial agent or provide higher thermal-regulating properties, by using more of one or the other fibers, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows a sample of a support hose 90 made using the fabric 8 of the present invention. It will be understood that support hose 90 have been found to have many medical benefits that the inclusion of antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties of the fabric 8 of the present invention can only increase. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand that elements disclosed herein with respect to sock 10 (FIG. 1) can be incorporated as well into support hosiery, thus providing support, antimicrobial properties and thermal-regulation to users. It will also be understood that socks 10 and hose 90 can form the base of a shoe liner that can be used by those wearing shoes other than their own, such a bowling shoes or when trying shoes on in a store, to thereby protect the user and the footwear from passing along microbes from one user to the next.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 10, a garment in the form of surgical scrubs 100 is created using fabric 8 of the present invention. Surgical scrubs 100 having antimicrobial and thermal-regulating properties, as will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, provide an extra layer of protection to surgical patients who are vulnerable to infection and provide a more comfortable garment to a surgical team that may work for hours during an operation. The comfort of the surgical team can, as will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, aid in the efficacy and success of the surgery. FIG. 11 shows a hand glove 110 created using a liner made of the fabric 8 of the present invention. The glove 110 is shown in a form that can be used as a winter type glove, a surgical glove (wherein the liner might be placed solely on the palm and back and not in the finger parts), a cleaning glove, a boxing glove, a driving glove or even a golf glove, all without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. It will be understood that depending on the particular use for glove 110, more or less thermal-regulating fibers or antimicrobial fibers might be used in the mix of fibers to better serve the particular user of glove 110, while maintaining the other of antimicrobial or thermal-regulating effect to the desired degree, all without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0046] The fabric of the present invention, in the form of the sock garment shown in FIG. 1, has been tested and found to be effective towards reduction of bacterial elements and thermal-regulation. As shown in the following test results, included herein:

Test 1

[0047] PT Bio Experiment #505: 24-Hour AATCC-100 Assay of a White Sock: PT31white_1509 [0048] Summary: All samples greater than 90% kill. [0049] Background: We received a white sock with 31% PT yarn, the balance being 31% Outlast PET, 31% nylon, 5% “elastic” and 2% Spandex. This sample had been tested previously at MSC and was very active against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, but inactive against E. coli. [0050] Methods: Samples were taken from the toe, arch, and ankle of the sock, and then washed in 1% Kirkland laundry detergent and dried. 100 μl of an overnight culture of E. coli in saline were added, the sample was transferred to a 50-ml tube, and then incubated at 37° C. for 24-hours. Dey-Engley neutralization broth (1.9 mls) was added, the samples were vortexed for 20 seconds, diluted as appropriate, and 10-μl aliquots were placed on agar enumeration plates and incubated overnight. Colonies were counted and numbers compared to titers of the inoculum (280 cfu/μl). [0051] Results: See Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 AATCC-100 assay of fabric. Sample % kill Average PT31white_1509 toe 100.0% 97.50% PT31white_1509 toe 95.0% PT31white_1509 arch 99.3% 99.64% PT31white_1509 arch 100.0% PT31white_1509 ankle 100.0% 96.79% PT31white_1509 ankle 93.6% Controls Neg Control (PWP) −8828.6% −9721% Neg Control (PWP) −10614.3% Cfu = colony forming units Negative % indicates growth. Note BookLWF4-181. 5 Jun. 2021

Test 2

[0052] Independent Laboratory Efficacy Test [0053] Below are the test results conducted by an independent test facility of the antibacterial efficacy of the yarn against two bacterium, Staphylococcus Aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The test measured the efficacy of the material inoculated with the bacteria on individual sock samples using standard ATCC test methods. The chart below shows the percent reduction in the 24-hour period following inoculation of the sock samples. [0054] REFERENCE: TS 155946 Sample Type: Knitted Fabric [0055] Style: Crew Sample Form: Sock [0056] Color: White Size: S, 6-8.5 [0057] Description: Men's Crew Antibacterial/Antimicrobial Socks [0058] Test Completion Date: Feb. 20, 2020 [0059] Test Facility: Manufacturing Solutions Center [0060] 201 Conover Station SE; Conover, N.C. 28613 [0061] Test Results: [0062] Antibacterial Finishes: [0063] Assessment of Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Materials—AATCC 100-2012 (modified)

TABLE-US-00002 Testing Results: Results: cfu/sample standard inoculum challenge Zero Contact Time 24 hr Contact Time Percent Reduction Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 2.70E+05 1.00E+02 99.96% Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352 3.10E+04 1.00E+03 96.77% Calculate % reduction to formula 1) 100 (B − A)/B = R; section 10.2 [0064] Testing Information: [0065] Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 [0066] Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352 [0067] Growth media: Tryptic Soy Broth [0068] Sample size #layers: 1 [0069] Sterilization: none [0070] Neutralizer: 100 ml Letheen Broth w. Tween [0071] Target inoc. Level: (1.0-2.0)×105 CFU/ml [0072] Inoculum carrier: 0.85% Saline w. 0.05% Triton X100 (per customer) [0073] Inoculum size: 1.0 ml+/−0.1 ml [0074] Contact time: 24 h [0075] Temperature: 37+/−2° C. [0076] Samples are tested as submitted, and taken from the foot of the sock [0077] Samples are prepared and enumerated using automatic equipment; Tempo, BioMerieux. [0078] Cultures stored at 5°+/−2° C. [0079] REFERENCE: TS 165805 Sample Type: Knitted Fabric [0080] Style: Crew Socks Sample Form: Sock [0081] Color: White Size: XL [0082] Description: Thermal Antibacterial/Antimicrobial Socks [0083] Test Completion Date: Jun. 4, 2021 [0084] Test Facility: Manufacturing Solutions Center [0085] 201 Conover Station SE; Conover N.C. 28613 [0086] Test Results: [0087] Antibacterial Activity [0088] ASTM Standard E2149-13a “Standard Test Method for Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Antimicrobial Agents Under Dynamic Contact Conditions,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa., 2013, DOI: 10.1520/E2149-13A, www.astm.org. [0089] This test is accredited under the laboratory's ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation issued by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board. Refer to certificate and scope of accreditation L2238

TABLE-US-00003 Results: cfu/ml Testing Results: Inoculum Only 1 hr Sample 1 hr Contact Time Percent Reduction Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 3.70E+05 3.10E+04 91.62% Calculate % reduction to 100 (B − A)/B = R; section 12.8 [0090] Testing Information [0091] Calculation is based on inoculum only after contact time. [0092] Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 [0093] Growth media: Tryptic Soy Broth [0094] Sample weight: 1.0 g+/−0.1 g [0095] Sterilization: none [0096] Target inoc. Level: (1.5-3.0)×105 CFU/ml [0097] Wetting agent: 0.01% TX [0098] Inoculum carrier: 7.1 Phosphate buffer [0099] Contact time: 60 min+/−5 min [0100] Solution activity: not observed [0101] Temperature: 35+/−2° C. [0102] Samples were tested as submitted and taken from the foot of the sock [0103] Samples are prepared and enumerated using automatic equipment; Tempo, BioMerieux [0104] Cultures stored at 5°+/−2° C.

[0105] Referring now to the above test reports (Test 1, 2) relative to the efficacy of the fabric of the present invention towards antimicrobial action, in Test 1, the make-up of the fabric is given in detail as 31% PurThreads®, 31% Outlast® PET, 31% Nylon®, 5% “elastic” and 2% Spandex®, it will be understood that while the brand names for some of these products is shown here, the generic fabric, having the same properties, can be substituted therefore without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. The effective part of the fabric, then, in this embodiment is 62% antimicrobial and thermal-regulating fibers of the type disclosed above and 38% non-active fibers that provide other element of the particular embodiment of the fabric found to be best suited for the use of the fabric. Such that, the non-active fibers in a particular type garment made from the fabric of the present invention will differ from the non-active fibers in another type of garment. A sock will have a different composition of non-active fibers than, for example, that used in bedding. It will be seen that the fabric 8 is over 90% effective at killing Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). The independent test lab noted, in Test 1, a better than 91% kill rate in a 1-hour test period. The methodology for the tests is shown therein, showing high antimicrobial effect when made and then after washing. The tests were made on socks 10 created from the fabric 8 of the present invention. Further testing and experimentation continue and final development based on experimentation is being evaluated.

[0106] Specific embodiments of novel apparatus for construction of an antimicrobial and antibacterial thermal-regulating garment according to the present invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention is made and used. It should be understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.

[0107] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the novel spirit and scope of the invention.