DISPENSER FOR GRIP-ENHANCING SUBSTANCE

Abstract

Described is a method and device for dispensing a grip-enhancing substance. In the device, a specific position of a closure provides a metered amount of the grip-enhancing substance. The device is used in a method to dispense the grip-enhancing substance to a user upon actuation of the closure by the user.

Claims

1. A wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance, said device comprising: a housing defining a chamber in which a bulk amount of the grip-enhancing substance is contained, said housing having at least one port for passage of the grip-enhancing substance within and without the chamber; a closure capable of being actuated in an opened position to allow dispensing of the grip enhancing substance through the at least one port and a closed position to prevent dispensing of the grip enhancing substance through the at least one port; and an attachment for affixing the device to the clothing of a user.

2. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises an actuator in communication with the closure to actuate the closure in the opened position and closed position.

3. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises a receptacle for containing the grip enhancing substance.

4. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 3, wherein the receptacle is a hopper.

5. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the at least one port is operable for dispensing the grip-enhancing substance.

6. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the grip-enhancing substance is a solid.

7. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the grip-enhancing substance is a powder.

8. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the grip-enhancing substance is rosin.

9. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 8, wherein the rosin is powdered rosin.

10. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the grip-enhancing substance is a liquid.

11. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the closure is a rotatable receptacle delimiting a cavity operable to hold a metered amount of the grip-enhancing substance.

12. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 5, wherein the housing includes an input port operable to introduce the grip-enhancing substance into the chamber.

13. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the attachment is a flange.

14. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the attachment is a clip fastener.

15. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 2, wherein the actuator is spring loaded.

16. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein closure is biased in the closed position.

17. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the closure is slidably positioned.

18. The wearable device for containing and dispensing a metered amount of a grip-enhancing substance of claim 1, wherein the closure is pivotally positioned.

19. A method for dispensing a grip-enhancing substance, said method comprising: providing a device of claim 1; and providing a bulk amount of grip enhancing substance contained within the chamber of the device; and actuating the closure to an opened position to dispense a metered amount of the grip-enhancing substance to a user.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of refilling the chamber with grip-enhancing substance.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings as provided herein set forth exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description of which follows hereinbelow. The drawings are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the invention as encompassed by the claims appended herewith.

[0018] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a dispenser for dispensing a metered amount of grip-enhancing substance in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of a wearable embodiment of the dispenser of FIG. 1A.

[0020] FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of a free-standing embodiment of the dispenser of FIG. 1A.

[0021] FIG. 2 rear perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1A.

[0022] FIG. 3 is an exploded, side perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1A.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the closure of FIG. 1A.

[0024] FIG. 5A is a back perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 5A.

[0026] FIG. 5C is a bottom perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 5A.

[0027] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 5A.

[0028] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 5A.

[0029] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 5A.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention is directed to a dispenser for dispensing a metered amount of grip-enhancing substance and method of use thereof. The dispenser and method of the present invention is advantageously convenient, readily accessible, and fast to operate. The subject dispenser and its components can be readily understood by reference to the drawings attached hereto.

[0033] FIG. 1A shows one embodiment present invention. In the embodiment, the dispenser 100 is illustrated comprising a housing 102 including an outer housing surface 104 having a front housing face 104a, rear housing face 104d (shown in FIG. 2), top housing face 104b, bottom housing face 104e (shown in FIG. 3), and a first housing side face 104c and second housing side face (not shown). The housing 102 bounds a chamber 200 (shown in detail in FIG. 2) configured to contain a bulk amount of grip-enhancing substance for dispensing.

[0034] The housing 102 shown in this embodiment is cubical in form but it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the housing 102 shape is not critical, as long as the housing 102 bounds a chamber 200. For example, in the embodiment of the dispenser 100 of FIG. 5A, the housing 102 is be rounded. Similar ergonomic shapes are envisioned for other embodiments of the dispenser 100 and can include shapes that are circular, hemispherical, cylindrical, and the like.

[0035] The housing 102 further comprises a rear housing portion 110 detachably affixed to a front housing portion 108 through at least one fastener 112 and at least one tab 206 (shown in FIG. 2). The rear housing portion 110 can be detached to transfer the grip-enhancing substance into or out of the chamber 200. It would be understood in the art that the detachably affixed rear housing portion 110 can be affixed using screws or other fasteners well known in the art such as rivets, bolts, and the like. The rear housing portion 110 can advantageously be transparent so that a user can observe the quantity of grip-enhancing substance contained within the chamber 200.

[0036] In an alternate embodiment, the housing 102 can comprise a hingedly affixed portion in either the front housing face 104a, rear housing face 104d, top housing face 104b, bottom housing face 104e, first housing side face 104c, or second housing side face. The hingedly affixed portion can be opened to allow transfer of grip-enhancing substance into or out of the chamber 200.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the grip-enhancing substance can be introduced into the chamber 200 through an input port on the housing 102. The input port can be covered by a plug, tab, stopper, lid, or other known covers when in a closed position and uncovered to allow transfer of the grip-enhancing substance into the chamber 200 when in an opened position. In another embodiment, a port 500 (shown in FIG. 3) formed in the housing 102 can be used to both dispense the grip-enhancing substance out of the chamber and introduce the grip-enhancing substance into the chamber.

[0038] FIG. 1A further illustrates a lever 106 portion of an actuator. The lever 106 is shown disposed outside of the front housing face 104a of the outer housing surface 104. The lever 106 portion of the actuator is configured to be operable by a user. It would be understood that the lever's 106 placement is not critical to the invention as long as it is accessible to the user.

[0039] The lever 106 is therefore not limited to being disposed outside of the front housing face 104a and can be disposed outside of any one of the other surfaces including the rear housing face 104d, top housing face 104b, bottom housing face 104e, first housing side face 104c, or second housing side face. For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the lever 106 is disposed outside of the first housing side face 104c and operable by the user to trigger the dispenser 100 to dispense a metered amount of grip-enhancing substance.

[0040] Similarly, the lever 106 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1A and in some embodiments can take the form of a knob, trigger, button, crank, handle, and the like. For example, in one embodiment, the lever 106 is a knob that is operated by being rotated by a user. In a preferred embodiment, the lever 106 is a handle that operable by a user applying a downward force to trigger the dispenser 100 to dispense a metered amount of grip-enhancing substance. In a more preferred embodiment, the lever 106 is a button that can be pressed by the user to trigger the dispenser 100 to dispense a metered amount of grip-enhancing substance.

[0041] In an alternate embodiment of the dispenser 100, the closure 202 can be manually operated by the user into an opened or closed position without requiring an actuator or lever 106. A gripping surface or tab can be shaped on the surface of the closure 202 to allow for user manipulation. The closure 202 can be spring loaded and biased in a closed position. A metered amount of grip-enhancing substance can be dispensed upon manipulated of the closure 202 into an opened position. The closure can then spring back into the closed position without further user manipulation.

[0042] The metered amount of grip-enhancing substance dispensed by the dispenser would have previously been determined to be a single use amount. It would be understood that the single use amount will vary depending on the sport or activity for which the dispenser is configured. Generally, a metered amount for single use will be an amount sufficient to coat a user's palms. A single use, metered amount of grip-enhancing substance is dispensed every time a user operates the handle.

[0043] It would be understood that the dispenser 100 of the present invention can be free-standing, wall-mounted, or wearable. The wearable embodiment of the dispenser can include a wearable attachment to affix the dispenser to the clothing of a user. For example, FIG. 1B shows an embodiment wherein the attachment is a flange 114a and 114b formed integral to the first housing side face 104c and second housing side face. The flange 114a and 114b allows the dispenser 100 to be fastened to a user's belt and worn at the hip.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the housing 102 can be configured to include at least one tab allowing for the dispenser 100 to be attached to the user's clothing. The tab in some embodiments can be, for example, placed on the rear housing face 104d of the outer housing face 104. The housing can be further configured to include a harness by which the dispenser 100 can be attached to the user's body. Other forms of wearing the dispenser 100 are considered and can include hook and loop fasteners, clamps, clasps, straps, snaps, or buckles and the like.

[0045] A wall-mounted version is also considered in which the housing 102 can include a mounting support structure by which the dispenser 100 can be attached to a wall through fastening means well known in the art such as screws, rivets, bolts, and the like. Additional embodiments can include other means of mounting the dispenser to a wall including adhesive, suction cups, and the like.

[0046] Alternatively, the dispenser 100 can be configured to be in a free-standing form. The housing 102 can include a stand (116a and 116b), base, support structure, and the like allowing it to stand freely. It would be understood that the stand (116a and 116b) is not critical to the invention and can include varying configurations which can allow it to be adjusted to varying heights or configurations. Similarly, it would be understood that stand (116a and 116b), base, support structure, and the like does not have to be formed integral to the housing and can be configured to be detachable. For example, FIG. 1C includes a stand (116a and 116b) formed integral to the housing on which the dispenser 100 rests in an upright position.

[0047] FIG. 2 is rear perspective view of the dispenser 100 showing a chamber 200 bounded by the housing 102, wherein the chamber 200 is configured to contain a grip-enhancing substance which is dispensed through a port 500 (shown in FIG. 3) formed in the housing. Disposed within the chamber 200 is a closure 204 and a tumbler 202 which are communicatively coupled to the lever 106. The actuator comprises the lever 106 and a connector that can including a tumbler 202 and a joint 400 (shown in detail in FIG. 3). The lever 106 can be manually operated by a user to actuate the closure 204 from a closed position to an opened position and from an opened position to a closed position. Transfer of the grip-enhancing substance from the chamber 200 and through the port 500 is prevented by the closure 204 which, when in a closed position, covers the port 500. In one preferred embodiment, the closure 204 is biased in the closed position, alternating to an opened position upon being actuated by the actuator.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, the chamber 200 can be configured to hold a grip-enhancing substance that is in a liquid form such as pine tar. In another embodiment, the chamber 200 is configured to hold a grip-enhancing substance that is in a solid form. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber 200 is configured to hold a grip-enhancing substance that is in a solid, powdered form such as calcium carbonate powder, rosin powder, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the grip-enhancing substance can be contained within a package which is introduced into the chamber 200 where the grip-enhancing substance can be discharged through perforation of the package.

[0049] The chamber 200 further comprises angled chamber walls 300 which advantageously facilitate dispensing of the grip-enhancing substance by directing it towards the port 500. The angled chamber walls 300 and the remaining chamber surface contacting the grip-enhancing substance can be composed of a non-stick material to prevent the grip-enhancing substance from sticking to the chamber walls and to facilitate dispensing the grip-enhancing substance. Non-stick materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, and the like are known in the art and are effective for such purposes.

[0050] The exploded view of the dispenser 100 shown in FIG. 3 shows the different components of the actuator. The actuator comprises a handle 106 as well as a connector including a tumbler 204 and a joint 400 for connecting the tumbler 204 to the closure 202. The joint 400 can be a pivot joint, rotating joint, linear joint, revolving joint or any other joint known in the art. In an alternate embodiment, the joint 400 directly connects the handle 106 to the closure 202 without requiring a tumbler 204.

[0051] The closure 202 is actuated through the application of force on the handle 106 by a user which in turn triggers the tumbler 204 and joint 400, engaging the closure 204 to alternate between a closed position and an opened position.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the closure 202 dispenses a metered amount of the grip-enhancing substance. FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the closure 202 in the form of a rotatable receptacle with a cavity 600 for holding a metered amount of the grip-enhancing substance.

[0053] The cavity 600 on the receptacle can be filled with grip-enhancing substance when in the closed position. The grip-enhancing substance can then be released when the closure 202 is triggered by the user operating the lever 106 and engaging the actuator to alternate to an opened position. In another embodiment, the closure 202 can be a door that enters the opened position momentarily, upon actuation by a user, to dispense a metered amount of the grip-enhancing substance before returning to the closed position.

[0054] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the closure 202 can be a rotatable cylinder delimiting various cavities 600 capable of holding a metered amount of the grip-enhancing substance. The cylinder rotates upon actuation by a user, with the cavities 600 being filled with the grip-enhancing substance as they enter the chamber 200 and releasing the grip-enhancing substance as they exit the chamber 200 through the port 500.

[0055] FIG. 5A shows an alternate embodiment of the dispenser 100 from a top, perspective view. In it, the top housing face 104b, rear housing face 104d, first housing side face 104c, and the dispenser housing 102 are shown. The top housing face 104b has an input port 501 which is used for introducing grip enhancing substance into the dispenser 100. The input port 501 is removably covered by the lid 502 when the lid 502 is in the closed position (shown in FIG. 5B) and exposed when the lid 502 is in the opened position. It should be appreciated that whether the lid 502 is affixed to the housing 102 or is entirely removable is not critical to the invention as long as it prevents the grip enhancing substance from passing through the input port 501 when in the closed position. Advantageously, the lid 502 is shown in this embodiment is prevented from being misplaced or lost by being affixed to the housing via a strap 503 which is connected at one end to the lid 502 and at the other end to the housing 102. It would be understood that the way in which the lid 502 is affixed to the housing can vary and can include a hinge, tether, pin, and the like.

[0056] The rear housing face 104d is shown having at least one insert 604 and at least one recess 606. The at least one insert 604 configured to receive least one fastener 514 and the at least one recess 606 configured to receive at least one knob 515. The flanged belt loop 115 is coupled to the rear housing face 104d via at least one fastener 514 and at least one knob 515 located on the inner surface of the flanged belt loop 115. The flanged belt loop 115 allows the user to attach and wear the dispenser 100 on his or her clothing. In a preferred embodiment, the rear housing face 104d has up to two inserts 604 for receiving up to two fasteners 514. In another preferred embodiment, the rear housing face 104d has up to four recesses 606 for receiving up to four knobs 515.

[0057] In one embodiment, the housing 102 can receive a housing face cover 516 on the front housing face 104a (shown in FIG. 6) and/or the rear housing face 104b. As will be better appreciated from the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the housing face cover 516 can be coupled to the front housing face 104a of the dispenser 100. The front housing face 104a (shown in FIG. 6) contains at least one insert 604 configured to receive least one fastener 514 and the at least one recess configured to receive at least one knob 515. Advantageously, the flanged belt loop 115 can be affixed to either the front housing surface 104a for left-handed use of the dispenser, or the rear housing surface 104d for right-handed use of the dispenser. The housing face cover 516 covers the at least one insert 604 and the at least one recess 606 on front housing face 104a when the flanged belt loop 115 is affixed to the rear housing face 104d and covers the at least one insert 604 and the at least one recess 606 on the rear housing face 104d when the flanged belt loop 115 is affixed to the front housing face 104a. It would be understood that the housing face cover 516 is not a critical to the function of the dispenser device and can be excluded from the dispenser 100 in certain embodiments.

[0058] Also shown in FIG. 5B, is the lid 502 covering the input port 501 when in the closed position. The lid 502 is shown having a strap 503 on one end and a raised edge on the other end. It would be understood that the raised edge on the lid is not critical to the invention as long as the lid can be opened to introduce the grip enhancing substance. Advantageously, the raised edge shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5B allows for better manipulate of the lid into the opened position by the user.

[0059] As will be appreciated on FIG. 5C, the grip enhancing substance is dispensed through the port 500 on the bottom housing face 104e of the dispenser. The flanged belt loop 115 is also shown fastened to the rear housing face 104d by the threaded fasteners 514.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A. The housing 102 is shown separated into the front housing portion 108 and the rear housing portion 110. Located on the outer surface of the front housing portion 108 is the front housing face 104a. Like the rear housing face 104d (shown in FIG. 5A), the front housing face 104a is shown having at least one threaded insert 604 for receiving at least one threaded fastener 514 and at least one recess 606 for receiving at least one knob 515.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the closure is shown having a portal 512 and at least one flange 510 on at least one side of the closure 509. In a preferred embodiment, there is one flange 510 on each side of the closure 509. The inner surface of the front housing portion front housing portion 108 and the inner surface of the rear housing portion 110 have the rail 518. The rail 518 encompass the at least one flange 510 and guide the closure 509 as it slides from the closed position to the opened position and back. In one embodiment, the tab 520 can also be formed on the inner surface of the rear housing portion 108.

[0062] Positioned between the front housing portion 108 and rear housing portion 110 are the receptacle 602 and the actuator. The shape and form of the receptacle 602 is not crucial to the invention and can vary as long as it is capable of holding a bulk amount of grip enhancing substance. Advantageously, the receptacle 602 of the embodiment of FIG. 6 is in the form of a hopper, efficiently directing the grip enhancing substance downwards and out of the dispenser 100 through the receptacle exit port 601 (shown in FIG. 7A). In one embodiment, the surface of the receptacle 602 contacting the grip-enhancing substance can be composed of a non-stick material to prevent the grip-enhancing substance from sticking to the chamber walls and to facilitate dispensing the grip-enhancing substance. Non-stick materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, and the like are known in the art and are effective for such purposes.

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle 602 can be configured to hold a grip-enhancing substance that is in a liquid form such as pine tar. In another embodiment, the receptacle 602 is configured to hold a grip-enhancing substance that is in a solid form. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle is configured to hold a grip-enhancing substance that is in a solid, powdered form such as calcium carbonate powder, rosin powder, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the grip-enhancing substance can be contained within a package which is introduced into the receptacle 602 where the grip-enhancing substance can be discharged through perforation of the package.

[0064] In one embodiment, the actuator can be comprised of the button 506 and the actuator bridge 511 for connecting the button 506 to the closure 509. On one end, the actuator bridge 511 is coupled to the inside surface of the button 506 and on the other end it is affixed to the closure 509. In a preferred embodiment, the button 506 can have an inside surface in which the bar 507 can be formed. The button 506 can be spring loaded by encompassing the bar 507 with the spring 508. When the button 506 is pressed by the user, the bar 507 passes through an opening on the tab 520. As the bar 507 passes through the opening, however, the spring 508 is compressed by the tab 520. Once the button 506 is released, the spring 508 decompresses and pushes the button 507 back to its original position.

[0065] FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of the dispenser 100 showing the chamber 200 which is encompassed and defined by the housing 102 as well as the receptacle 602 which is located within the chamber 200. Also shown is the closure 509 which in the closed position, abutting the receptacle exit port 601. When in the closed position, the closure 509 prevents grip enhancing substance from being dispensed by obstructing the housing port 500 and the receptacle exit port 601. FIG. 7B shows the closure 509 once it has been actuated into the opened position. In the opened position, the button 506 appears depressed into the housing 102, the bar 507 partially passes through the tab 520, and the spring 508 is compressed. The depressed button 506 moves the actuator bridge 511 further into the chamber 200 and as a result, the closure 509 slidably shifts to align the portal 512 with the receptacle exit port 601 and the housing port 500. The resulting channel allows grip enhancing substance to be dispensed to the user.

[0066] As previously discussed, the shape and form of the closure 509 is not critical to the invention as long as it dispenses a metered amount of grip enhancing substance. Similarly, the use of an actuator is not necessary to dispense a metered amount of grip enhancing substance because the closure can be directly operated into the opened position or closed position. Advantageously, the spring loaded actuator and closure 509 of the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-7B operates to allow for a metered amount of grip enhancing substance to be dispensed to the user before the spring 508 decompresses and the closure 509 returns to a closed position.

[0067] Similarly, the shape and form of the attachment used to couple the dispenser 100 to the clothing of the user is not critical to the invention. FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of the dispenser 100 having a clip 800 affixed to the rear housing face 104d. Like the flanged belt loop 115 (shown in FIG. 5A), the clip 800 is not limited to the rear housing face 104d and can be attached to the front housing face 104a. Advantageously, attaching clip 800 the front housing face 104a allows for left-handed use of the dispenser while attaching the clip 800 to the rear housing face 104d allows for right-handed use of the dispenser.

[0068] In addition to a device, the present invention is also directed to a method for dispensing a metered amount of grip-enhancing substance using the structures described herein. For example, the novel method for dispensing a metered amount of grip-enhancing substance includes providing the dispenser 100 shown in FIG. 1A with a bulk amount of grip-enhancing substance.

[0069] The method comprises the step of actuating the closure to an opened position to dispense a metered amount of the grip-enhancing substance to a user. The method can comprise the additional step of refilling the chamber 200 with grip enhancing substance.

[0070] The present invention is also directed to a method for dispensing a metered amount of grip-enhancing substance using the structures described herein. For example, the novel method for dispensing a metered amount of grip-enhancing substance includes providing the dispenser 100 shown in FIG. 9 with a bulk amount of grip-enhancing substance.

[0071] The method comprises the step of gripping the dispenser 100 in the hand of a user and wrapping the fingers of the hand around the bottom of the dispenser 100. Actuating the closure to an opened position by pressing the button 506 to dispense a metered amount of the grip-enhancing substance to the fingers of a user. Actuating the closure back into a closed position by releasing the button 506. The method can comprise the additional step of refilling the receptacle 602 with grip enhancing substance. In addition, the method can comprise the step of affixing the dispenser 100 to the clothes through the flanged belt loop 115.

[0072] The foregoing description of the invention is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the precise terms set forth. Further, although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain illustrative embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.

[0073] The above disclosure and example generally describe the present invention and is provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The invention described herein may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, in each instance herein, any of the terms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The terms and expressions are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the claims.