Exercise device

Abstract

An exercise device that includes a frame, a user interface; a connection cable and a plurality of components that provide resistance to the cable and user interface. These components include a programmable, driven carriage capable of vertical movement between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon, wherein the cable extending away from the first end and user interface passes around the one or more pulleys on the carriage, a slider mechanism moveable between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon, and a pneumatic resistance device that is secured to the frame and that is operatively associated with the slider mechanism to provide resistance to slider mechanism movement between the first and second positions.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising: a frame; a carriage engaged with the frame capable of movement between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon; a cable having first and second ends, with the first end provided with a user interface, wherein the cable extends away from the first end and the user interface and passes around the one or more pulleys and defines an axis point at the one or more pulleys; a motor for continuously driving the carriage back and forth relative to the frame between the first and second positions of the carriage to continuously move the axis point between first and second positions during exercise; and a computer controller for programming a programmed exercise routine, wherein the programmed exercise routine includes preselected user is able to set parameters including at least the travel distance of the carriage between the first and second positions, and wherein the carriage is continuously driven back and forth relative to the frame between the preselected first and second positions during exercise according to the programmed exercise routine.

2. The exercise device of claim 1 further including: a slider mechanism moveable between first and second positions; a pneumatic resistance device secured to the frame and operatively associated with the slider mechanism to provide resistance to movement of the slider mechanism between the first and second positions of the slider mechanism.

3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the user interface is a handle, an arm or leg band, a bar, or a seat.

4. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising an elongated member with the carriage operatively associated with the elongated member for back and forth movement thereon.

5. The exercise device of claim 4 wherein the elongated member is cylindrical and is rotatable in either direction along its axis by the motor, the elongated member includes a spiral track thereon, and the carriage engages the track such that rotation of the elongated member in one direction raises the carriage while rotation of the elongated member in the opposite direction lowers the carriage.

6. The exercise device of claim 5 wherein the carriage and elongated member are configured for vertical movement of the carriage over a distance of 2 to 5 feet.

7. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the pneumatic device comprises a piston and cylinder and the exercise device further comprises an accumulator affixed to the frame and operatively associated with the cylinder of the pneumatic device to reduce pressure increases therein as the piston is moved.

8. The exercise device of claim 7 wherein a slider mechanism moves vertically along a cylindrical rod that is affixed to the housing frame and the exercise device further comprises a linkage between the piston of the pneumatic device and the slider mechanism so that upward movement of the slider mechanism is inhibited by the pneumatic device.

9. The exercise device of claim 8 further comprising a pulley block arrangement that includes one or more fixed and one or more vertically movable pulleys for increasing the tension on the cable, with the vertically movable pulley(s) of the pulley block arrangement connected to the slider mechanism.

10. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein the vertically movable pulley(s) of the pulley block arrangement connected to the slider mechanism by a separate cable or rod member wherein the slider mechanism is configured for vertical movement of the sliding mechanism over a distance of to 2 feet along the cylindrical rod, and the pulley block arrangement includes two fixed pulleys and two vertically movable pulleys and is also configured for vertical movement over a distance of to 2 feet.

11. The exercise device of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of pulleys fixed to the frame for guiding the cable extending away from the carriage pulley(s) to the pulley block arrangement and back to the carriage wherein the second end of the cable is affixed to the carriage.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the preselected parameters further include an amount of resistance provided by the pneumatic device.

13. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a button to start the motor to continuously move the axis point between the first and second positions of the axis point during exercise.

14. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the preselected parameters further include a rate of speed for continuous movement of the carriage between the first and second positions, and wherein the carriage is continuously driven back and forth relative to the frame between the preselected first and second positions at the preselected rate of speed during exercise according to a programmed exercise routine.

15. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the frame includes a rod, the carriage engaged with the rod and the motor rotating the rod for continuously driving the carriage back and forth relative to the frame between the first and second positions of the carriage to continuously move the axis point between first and second positions during exercise.

16. The exercise device of claim 15 wherein the rod includes a spiral track.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the present invention, and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the exercise device of the present invention to illustrate the interaction and operation of the various components therein.

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise device of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 is a rear view of the exercise device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) The following definitions set forth the parameters of the present invention.

(6) As used herein, the term longitudinal refers to the running lengthwise rather than across the width of a material, whereas vertical refers to the running in the direction of the force of gravity.

(7) As used herein, the term tension refers to a pulling force exerted by each end of a string, cable, chain, or a similar one-dimensional continuous object.

(8) As used herein, the term pulley refers to a wheel system on an axis that is designed to support movement and change of direction of a cable along its circumference.

(9) As used herein, the term pneumatic cylinder refers to mechanical devices, which use the power of compressed gas such as but not limited to air to produce a force in a reciprocating linear motion.

(10) As used herein, the term accumulator refers to a container, which stores pressurized air for release into the pneumatic cylinder via an air equalization line.

(11) As used herein, the term actuator refers to a type of motor that is responsible for moving or controlling a mechanism or system. It is operated by pneumatic pressure.

(12) As used herein, the term motor refers to a device that is able to create motion.

(13) As used herein, the term cable collectively refers to steel or fiber, rope, cord, or the like.

(14) As used herein, the term radial motion refers to movement of an object along the circumference of a circle or rotation along a circular path.

(15) As used herein, the term screw refers to a vertical pole, which comprises a 20 mm20 mm pitch such that the screw starts rotating, as the motion from the motor is directly transferred to the screw. As the screw rotates, the radial motion is transferred to linear motion along a linear track.

(16) As used herein, the term user interface refers to a handle that is movable between a retracted position and extended position.

(17) As used herein, the term reciprocation is a repetitive up-and-down or back-and-forth linear motion. The two opposite motions that comprise a single reciprocation cycle are called strokes.

(18) As used herein, the term piston refers to a component capable of performing a reciprocating movement. It is the moving component that is contained by a cylinder.

(19) As used herein, the term resistance refers to a force with an opposing direction and motion.

(20) As used herein, the term retracted refers to the shrinking, whereas the term extended refers to the enlargement.

(21) As used herein, the term axis point is used interchangeably with a movable pulley system.

(22) As used herein, the terms movable pulley assembly mounted on the linear track block is also known to interchangeably reflect the term screw housing adapter assembly, which includes the movable pulley assembly mounted on the linear track block in direct horizontal operative extension and communication with a ball-nut top and a ball-nut lower housing.

(23) The present invention is an exercise device that is improved over the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,955,235 (the '235 patent) but shares some common features, such that the entire content of that patent is expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.

(24) The present exercise apparatus includes a pneumatic resistance unit that allows for constant or variable resistance and variable degrees and extensions of motion by the user. In addition, the resistance unit is operatively associated with a carriage engaged with the user interface. The movement of the carriage is programmable and can vary depending upon the desired exercise routine. The combination is designed to permit the user to perform a wide variety of exercises to work various muscles or muscle groups without having to modify the equipment or user's working position. As will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, the carriage is movable but the pneumatic resistance unit can be stationary or movable. The device can include movable pulleys that allow the user to change the direction in which the user pushes or pulls during a set of the exercise repetitions. The resistance unit is preferably provided in the device for use as a stationary exercise apparatus.

(25) One of the major goals and obvious advantages of the exercise apparatus over all other pulley pieces and exercise apparatus that are currently available is the incorporation of programmed motion-profiles affording continuous motion and movement of the movable pulley system during the duration of the exercise.

(26) The pulley system moves during the actual pull or press of the handle, while the cable is under the programmed tension of resistance. During the range of motion, there must be appropriate changes in the allowed length of the cable to off-set the changing axis point.

(27) This programmed change of the pulley system, which takes place virtually in a vertical direction on the vertical track of the exercise apparatus, advantageously forces the exercising user to incorporate, challenge and train all stabilizing muscle groups throughout the whole body, while at the same time, training multiple muscle groups for more than just a strength training exercise.

(28) Another benefit of the exercise apparatus is to constantly force the central nervous system to adapt and change how it stabilizes the body during the exercise.

(29) The illustrated embodiments include a pneumatic resistance unit that allows for constant or variable resistance and variable degrees and extensions of motion by the user. Similarly, the exercise apparatus of the present invention easily allows the user to perform a wide variety of exercises that provide the exerciser to work various muscles or muscle groups with the same piece of equipment.

(30) As in the '235 patent, the resistance unit (i.e., power module) forms an exercise apparatus that can be mounted to a support structure, such as a wall, a frame or a post. The resistance unit is operatively associated with the user interface, which the user grips, the movable carriage, and a pulley block and tackle arrangement (pulley block) that helps provides a range of movement to the user interface. A frame supports all components and a cover is provided to prevent inadvertent contact with the moving components by the user.

(31) The user interface takes the form of a handle, but it can instead be a band (preferably of an adjustable size) that is sized to fit around a portion of the user's body, e.g., a waistband or an ankle band. The user interface additionally can be a bar, a foot pedal, movable seat or other movable or lifting equipment. The user interface thus can be any article or mechanism that a user acts against or interacts with and that is attached, either directly or indirectly, to the cable.

(32) As in the '235 patent, the user interface preferably moves between two positions during an exercise and is engaged with a carriage that can be programmed to move from one extreme position to another extreme position. The handle normally resides in a retracted position with the cable end to which the handle is attached being fully retracted up to the unit. A user can move the handle from the retracted position to an extended position in which the cable end is pulled to its farthest position from the surrounding housing. The exercise movement can involve movement between any two positions between (and possibly including) the retracted and extended positions in order to accommodate different exercises and different size weight lifters.

(33) The present invention incorporates many of the features of the '235 patent. One significant modification that has been made is the provision of the programmable, movable carriage that includes one or more pulleys for engaging a cable that is connected to the user interface. Yet another modification is the use of a slider mechanism that is engaged with the piston of the pneumatic device and the pulley block to provide resistance to the cable and user interface.

(34) As used herein, cable, means collectively, steel or fiber rope, cord, or the like. For example, the user cable can be a formed of a synthetic material, such as a polymer. One suitable material for the user cable is a polyester/nylon blend rope; however, a coated steel cable can also be used. For example, the user cable can comprises inch wire cable with a plastic sheathing, and most of the pulleys of the unit that support the cable can have a diameter of about five inches. Although any suitable cable and pulley size can be employed, it is preferable that the associated pulleys have a diameter about 40 times the diameter of the coated-wire cable. Smaller diameter pulleys, however, can be used with other types of cables, e.g., 3.5-inch diameter pulleys used with polyester/nylon blend rope.

(35) The exercise device 100 is shown schematically in FIG. 1, while FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the arrangement of the components in a frame. The first end 105 of the user cable 125 begins at a user interface 110, which typically is a handle. The cable then passes through one or more pulleys 120 that are mounted on a vertically movable carriage 130. The handle 110 preferably is releasably connected to the end of the user cable in order to exchange different types of user interface. The arrangement of the carriage 130 and pulleys 120 automatically align the user cable when the handle 110 is pulled from substantially any direction outwardly from the unit. Thereafter the user cable 125 continues into the device and through one or more fixed pulleys located 135 on an upper portion 140 of the frame. From there, the user cable then is wound around the pulley block arrangement 150 by passing between upper fixed pulleys 145 and lower movable pulleys 155, each of which is present in a pulley block 147, 157.

(36) The cable adjacent the user interface passes through the pulleys of the vertically movable carriage before being connected to other pulleys in the device. The pulleys on the movable carriage can be considered to be in a fixed position when no force is applied, such as just before beginning and exercise routine. In the '235 patent, these pulleys are mounted on a carriage that is fixed at a particular vertical position. In contrast, in the present invention, the carriage is arranged to be movable between various vertical positions and can be programmed to provide the desired movement distance and time during a selected exercise routine.

(37) The movable carriage 130 is mounted on an elongated member 115 and is driven upwardly and downwardly along that member by a second elongated member 160 which is preferably a cylindrical rod that includes a spiral track. The carriage 130 includes rollers or other means such as a cam that allows the carriage 130 to engage the track of the rod 160 for vertical movement. Elongated member 115, typically a pole or smooth rod, is attached to the frame and prevents the carriage from lateral movement due to the forces imparted on it by the user handle. The carriage 130 can include ball bearings or other appropriate means to facilitate sliding motion along pole 115.

(38) The rod 160 is rotated about its axis either clockwise or counterclockwise by a motor 165 to move the carriage upwardly or downwardly between the selected vertical positions after the exercise routine is initiated. The carriage can move as much as 6 feet or almost the entire height of the device frame although in some cases it will preferably move between about 2 and 4 feet and typically about 3 feet to provide the desired exercise challenge to the user.

(39) From the carriage 130, the cable then passes through one or more fixed pulleys 135 located at the top of the device frame. Thereafter, the cable 125 passes through a pulley block arrangement 150 that is capable of providing resistive forces. The pulley block arrangement includes an upper pulley block 147 that is fixed to the device frame and a lower pulley block 157 that is free to move back-and-forth vertically. The lower pulley block 157 is capable of movement up or down over a distance of 6 inches to 3 feet although a preferred distance is approximately 12 inches. The user can select the amount of force to be provided by the pulley block arrangement which in turn will control the amount of movement of the lower pulleys.

(40) Each pulley block of the pulley block arrangement 150 includes at least two pulleys, but each block can include fewer or more pulleys. The upper pulley block 147 is attached to upper cross member or bracket of the device frame. The user cable 125 extends upward inside the housing from one of the bottom pulleys 155 and wraps around one of the upper pulleys 145. The user cable 125 then extends down and wraps around another one of the lower pulleys 155, and then up and down again wrapping around another upper pulley 145. Accordingly, as the user pulls the user cable 125 from the unit (i.e., pulls the cable towards the user), the pulley block arrangement 150 shortens in the process as the lower pulley block 155 is moved upward toward the upper pulley block 145.

(41) After the cable 125 leaves the pulley block arrangement 150 it runs through the back of the machine to one or more fixed pulleys 170 near the bottom 180 of the device frame. After passing through those pulleys 170, the cable terminates at its second end at a connection to the vertically moveable carriage.

(42) The lower pulley block 157 constitutes an output member of the pulley block arrangement 150. In other words, the load to be lifted is connected to lower pulley block 157. One end of a main cable 175 is attached to the lower pulley block 157 while the other end is fixed to the slider mechanism 185. The main cable 175 cooperates with the pneumatic device 200 so that as the user pulls the handle 110, the user cable 125 winds through the pulley blocks lifting the lower pulley block 157 and correspondingly pulling on the main cable 175. Force from the pneumatic device 200 is communicated through the main cable 175 to the lower pulley block 157 and further to the user cable 125.

(43) As shown, the pulley block arrangement 150 includes four pulleys and four lengths of line between the pulleys. As such, the resultant force at the handle is one-fourth of the force supplied by the pneumatic device, and the stroke length of handle is about four times the stroke length of the pulley block output (i.e., the distance of between upper and lower pulley blocks when the handle is in the retracted position). The relative movement of the lower pulleys is about one foot, which is approximately the same as the movement of the slider mechanism. Of course, any pulley assembly can be used to achieve any desired force reduction or stroke elongation and these distances can be changed accordingly.

(44) The pneumatic device 200 includes a pneumatic actuator that is a linear actuator that includes a cylinder 205 and a piston rod 210. The cylinder includes a cylinder body and a piston that slides within the cylinder body. The piston divides the cylinder body into two variably volume chambers. At least one of the chambers only selectively communicates with the atmosphere so as to provide the desired resistance. The other chamber can be open to the atmosphere; however, in some applications, both chambers can be pressurized (e.g., be of equal pressure), can selectively communicate with the atmosphere and/or can communicate with each other. One of the chambers preferably communicates with the atmosphere (e.g., the air within the housing) so as not to resist movement of the piston.

(45) The piston rod 210 extends through one of the variable volume chambers. The piston rod moves linearly along a stroke axis as the piston slides within the bore of the cylinder 205. The stroke length of the piston rod is sufficient to provide the desired stroke for the pulley block arrangement 150.

(46) The frame includes a guidepost 190 that supports the slider mechanism 185 that is configured to slide over the guidepost 190. The slider mechanism has a corresponding tubular shape and is sized to slip over the guidepost. In this manner, the slider mechanism can be moved vertically over the guidepost.

(47) The slider mechanism 185 is designed to achieve sliding vertical movement up or down over a distance of about 12 inches along the rod 190. The slider mechanism 185 is fixedly attached to the end 215 of the piston 210 from the pneumatic cylinder 205 such that the cylinder provides a resistive force against the upward movement of the slider mechanism. The user can select the desired resistive force when initially programming the exercise machine to carry out a desired routine.

(48) The slider mechanism 185 is configured to slide upwardly and downwardly along the guidepost 190. In a preferred embodiment, the guidepost is oriented vertically with the slider mechanism including means to facilitate reciprocal sliding motion along the guidepost which is securely fixed to the frame of the housing.

(49) The slider mechanism 185 is connected to the piston end 215 of the pneumatic cylinder through a secure linkage 195. The pneumatic cylinder 205 provides the selected resistive force to hinder the movement of the slider mechanism. This force, in turn, is imparted to the lower, freely movable pulleys of the lower pulley block 157.

(50) Generally, the movement of the slider mechanism is over a distance of about 10 to 20 inches and is preferably around 12 inches between the lowest and highest vertical positions. A cap closes the opposite end of the cylinder body (i.e., opposite of the end through which the piston rod extends). The cap includes a lug. A pivot pin preferably secures the lug to the cylinder-mounting bar such that the pneumatic actuator can pivot within the housing about the pivot pin. The pneumatic actuator in the illustrated embodiment hangs from the bar within the housing so as to pivot within a plane that is generally parallel to the front side of the housing; however, in some applications, the cylinder body can be rigidly fixed within the housing. The actuator in this position thus has an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The lower chamber is open to the atmosphere (preferably through a filter) and the upper chamber is pressurized.

(51) At least several components of the pneumatic cylinder are preferably formed of a polymer (e.g., plastic) in order to lighten the weight of the resistance unit and to decrease production costs. Such components can include the cylinder body, the piston and one or more of the end caps of the cylinder.

(52) The upper chamber of the cylinder preferably communicates with at least one accumulator. The accumulator is (preferably rigidly mounted within the housing at a location next to the cylinder. The accumulator is mounted on one side of the cylinder and the pulley block arrangement is disposed on the other side of the cylinder within the housing. An air equalization line connects the accumulator with the cylinder so as to expand effectively the variable volume of the upper chamber. In this manner, the effective air volume of the cylinder is increased, and air pressure thus will not increase as dramatically when the piston is moved.

(53) The accumulator and the upper chamber also selectively communicate with a source of pressurized air and with the atmosphere. In the illustrated example, an air compressor, which can be remotely disposed relative to the exercise apparatus, communicates with the upper chamber through an inlet valve. A button that actuates the inlet valve preferably is accessible from the front side of the housing and is marked with appropriate indicia (e.g., +). Pushing the button adds air pressure to the charged side of the cylinder, e.g., the upper chamber in the illustrated embodiment. An outlet valve communicates with the charged side of the cylinder to selectively expel air to the atmosphere in order to decrease air pressure on the charged side of the cylinder. A button that actuates the outlet valve also is preferably accessible from the front side of housing and is marked with appropriate indicia (e.g., ). A user thus can adjust, i.e., increase or decrease, the air pressure within the resistance assembly by operating the appropriate valves.

(54) The cable transfers a resistant force from the pneumatic device to oppose movement of the handle by the user. As noted above, the separate cable includes a ball swaged onto the first end. The ball fits through a keyway slot formed in the lower pulley block and nests in a receptacle. The receptacle/ball connection secures the first end of the cable to the lower pulley block, yet allows the cable to pivot relative to the pulley block.

(55) The pneumatic actuator 200 is arranged such that its stroke axis lies generally parallel to the first section of main cable at least initially when the handle is in its retracted position. The resistance unit can be readily used in a variety of applications, as it is also lightweight and involves relative few components, yet provides a full range of movement. It this provides versatility in the types of exercises that can be performed, and variability in the amount of resistance provided.

(56) As the piston 210 moves within the cylinder 205, the resistance force will increase somewhat, although not as dramatic as it would without the accumulator 225. For some exercises, it is preferred that the resistance force be maintained at a generally constant level throughout the exercise stroke (e.g., the cable tension remains generally constant). As discussed below, the illustrated embodiment comprises a mechanism for controlling the resistance force over the stroke of the piston rod; however, the resistance unit need not include such a mechanism in all applications.

(57) Additionally, as the cable engages and is threaded through the pulleys on the vertically movable carriage, the movement of the carriage provides a varying axis point that continuously moves through a range of motion during a preselected time interval so that the reference point of tension changes during the exercise routine, thus causing the user to continuously adjust their balance and control when performing the exercise. This challenges and requires a response by different muscles or muscle groups to enhance the workout. The movement of the carriage along with the movement of the slider mechanism provides consistent resistance through the entire exercise routine.

(58) The cable 125 leaving the lower pulley block 157 is operatively associated with the fixed pulleys 170 that are located on the lower portion of the frame of the device. The cable continues back to the carriage 130 where the second end of the cable is attached to the carriage 130.

(59) The present invention provides a number of unexpected advantages over prior art devices. Instead of the axis point being fixed in a single position, the axis point is continuously moving throughout the exercise program between higher and lower vertical positions. The user will program into the machine the range of distance traveled between the two vertical points (e.g., the highest and lowest points for the pulley cable) to determine the positions where the cable will come out of the device, along with the speed it will take to move the cable trolley between those two points. Also, the user sets the desired resistance of the cable that is provided by the pneumatic device.

(60) By providing a movable axis point, a more difficult exercise routine is encountered that helps the user burn more calories and/or build muscle mass faster. The greatest benefit of this arrangement and reciprocal upward and downward movement of the user interface and first end of the cable, however, is that it constantly forces the central nervous system to adapt and change how it stabilizes the body during the exercise. This change in axis point forces the user to incorporate all stabilizing muscle groups in the body while challenging multiple, sometimes changing muscle groups for more than just a strength training exercise. Additionally, the exercise routine becomes one or a combination of a neuromuscular challenge, a stabilizing challenge, a balance challenge, a power challenge, a stepped challenge and a range of motion challenge.

(61) The exercise device of the invention also includes a display panel that provides options to the user to determine and preselect at least the following variables for a particular exercise routine: the amount of resistance to be used, typically in pounds of pressure; the range of motion of the carriage on the elongated member, in feet, of the distance that the axis point can travel during the duration of the exercise; and the rate of speed for movement of the carriage through the range of motion (i.e., the distance of travel), in seconds.

(62) The variables are selected from selection buttons that are provided on the device that become active when an exercise routine is to be programmed, or on a display screen that provides a selection menu for the user to enter data for the variables that are to be applied during the exercise routine.

(63) After the variables as selected, a START button is pressed and the device continues to operate until no movement of the user interface is determined over a time period of 5 to 10 seconds. For example, resistance can be selected in 5 or 10 pound increments, and the rate of speed can be from 0.5 to 5 seconds in half second increments.

(64) In sum, it is to be understood and realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to the skilled artisan, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

(65) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have same meaning as commonly understood by the person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular form a, and, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning. Thus the scope of the embodiments of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the Figures.

(66) Further since numerous modifications and changes will readily be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact constructions as specifically demonstrated in this disclosure. Accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the scope of the invention. Thus it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention.