DEVICE FOR AIDING A TRUCK DRIVER IN LOADING OR UNLOADING A CARGO PLATFORM

Abstract

Device for aiding a truck driver in loading/unloading a cargo platform including a grapple that connects to a telescopic handle. The grapple includes two arms forming grooves at the centre. Each arm includes hooks extending in opposing directions to help receive components used for securing a load to the cargo platform such as a flatbed truck. Components include cargo straps, winch straps, edge protectors, chains, binders, clips, plates, flanges, detents, hooks, cables, and the like. The grapple includes a plate member connecting the arms at one side and sliding along the grapple allowing the truck driver to use the grapple along with the telescopic handle. The plate member in conjunction with the grapple allows to hold/place components at desired location for securing the load to the cargo platform. The truck driver adjusts length of the telescopic handle and uses the grapple to hold components during loading/unloading of the cargo platform.

Claims

1. A device for loading or unloading cargo from a cargo platform, said device comprising: a grapple comprising: a first arm; a second arm, wherein said second arm connects said first arm via a bridge section, and wherein said first arm, said second arm and said bridge section form a U-shaped structure; a first hook extending from said first arm; an extended arm, wherein said extended arm extends at an angle from said first arm forming an area for receiving and holding components; a second hook extending from said second arm; and a third hook extending from said second arm, wherein said third hook positions underneath said second hook; and a telescopic handle connecting said grapple at said bridge section, wherein the length of said telescopic handle is adjustable, wherein each of said first hook, said extended arm, said second hook, and said third hook configures to receive and hold said components during loading and unloading of said cargo.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first arm, said second arm and said bridge section form said U-shaped structure with a first groove, a second groove and a third groove, wherein said first groove forms at said at said first arm and said second arm connecting said bridge section, wherein said second groove extends above first groove, and wherein said third groove extends above second groove.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said first hook comprises a tapered section.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said first hook comprises first teeth and said second hook comprises second teeth for gripping of said components.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein second hook comprises a first cut section and a second cut section.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein second arm further comprises a third cut section adjacent to said second hook.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said grapple comprises a connector having a step-structure, and wherein said connector mounts to said telescopic handle and connects to said bridge section.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein each of second hook and said third hook comprises holes, and wherein said holes receive and hold said components during loading and unloading of said cargo.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprises a plate member having a tubular member, wherein said tubular member receives said telescopic handle such that said plate member positions adjacent to said first arm and said second arm with a gap, and wherein said plate member receives and holds said components in said gap.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein said tubular member comprises an actuator, and wherein said actuator adjusts the gap between said plate member and said first arm and said second arm.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said components comprise one of cargo straps, ratchet cargo straps, winch straps, tarps, edge protectors, strap corner protectors, chains, transport chains, binders, bungee tarp, clips, plates, flanges, detents, and hooks.

12. A device for loading or unloading cargo from a cargo platform, said device comprising: a grapple comprising: a first arm; a second arm, wherein said second arm connects said first arm via a bridge section, and wherein said first arm, said second arm and said bridge section form a U-shaped structure; a first hook extending from said first arm; an extended arm, wherein said extended arm extends at an angle from said first arm forming an area for receiving and holding components; a second hook extending from said second arm; and a third hook extending from said second arm, wherein said third hook positions underneath said second hook; a telescopic handle connecting said grapple at said bridge section, wherein the length of said telescopic handle is adjustable; and a plate member having a tubular member, wherein said tubular member receives said telescopic handle such that said plate member positions adjacent to said first arm and said second arm with a gap, and wherein said plate member receives and holds said components in said gap, wherein each of said first hook, said extended arm, said second hook, said third hook, said gap between of said plate member and said first arm and said second arm receives and holds said components during loading and unloading of said cargo.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein said tubular member comprises an actuator, and wherein said actuator adjusts the gap between said plate member and said first arm and said second arm.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein said first arm, said second arm and said bridge section form said U-shaped structure with a first groove, a second groove and a third groove, wherein said first groove forms at said at said first arm and said second arm connecting said bridge section, wherein said second groove extends above first groove, and wherein said third groove extends above second groove.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein said first hook comprises first teeth and said second hook comprises second teeth for gripping of said components.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein said components comprise one of cargo straps, ratchet cargo straps, winch straps, tarps, edge protectors, strap corner protectors, chains, transport chains, binders, bungee tarp, clips, plates, flanges, detents, and hooks.

17. A method of providing a device for loading or unloading cargo from a cargo platform, said method comprising the steps of: providing a first arm; providing a second arm, said second arm connecting said first arm via a bridge section, said first arm, said second arm and bridge section forming a U-shaped structure; providing a first hook extending from said first arm; providing an extended arm extending at an angle o from said first arm, said extended arm forming an area for receiving and holding components; providing a second hook extending from said second arm; providing a third hook extending from said second arm, said third hook positioning underneath said second hook; providing a telescopic handle connecting said grapple at said bridge section; and receiving and holding said components selectively during loading and unloading of said cargo at one of said first hook, said extended arm, said second hook, and said third hook.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising providing a first groove, a second groove and a third groove within said first arm, said second arm and said bridge section, said first groove forming at said bridge section, said second groove extending above first groove, and said third groove extending above second groove.

19. The method of claim 17, comprising providing a plate member having a tubular member, said tubular member receiving said telescopic handle for positioning said plate member adjacent to said first arm and said second arm with a gap, said plate member receiving and holding said components in said gap.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing an actuator for adjusting the gap between said plate member and said first arm and said second arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a device is used, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively of the device;

[0021] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate a front view, a rear view, a right side perspective view and a left side perspective view, respectively of a grapple, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate perspective views of a plate member, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a front perspective view and a front view, respectively of the plate member connecting the grapple, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a telescopic handle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a bottom perspective view and a rear view, respectively of the grapple holding a triangular shaped edge protector, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate side perspective views of the grapple receiving a winch strap, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a rear view and a front view, respectively of device holding the winch strap, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a front perspective view and a rear view, respectively of the device holding a winch strap, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of the device holding a grab hook with chain, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective view of the device holding a chain, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a side perspective view of the device holding a chain, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a rear perspective view and a side perspective view, respectively of the device holding a load binder with hook, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a side perspective view and a rear view, respectively of the device holding a corner protector, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a front view and a rear perspective view, respectively of the device holding a sheet, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the device holding a strap, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the telescopic handle connecting a chain, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] FIG. 19 illustrates a side perspective view of the telescopic handle connecting a chain with hook, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Before the present features and working principle of a device is described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular device as described, since it may vary within the specification indicated. Various features of a device might be provided by introducing variations within the components/subcomponents disclosed herein. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which will be limited only by the appended claims. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

[0040] It should be understood that the present invention describes a device for aiding a truck driver in loading or unloading a cargo platform such as a flatbed truck. The device includes a grapple that connects to a telescopic handle. The grapple includes two arms forming grooves at the centre. Each of the arms includes hooks for receiving components used for securing a load to the cargo platform. The components include cargo straps, winch straps, edge protectors, chains, binders, clips, plates, flanges, detents, hooks, cables, and the like. The grapple includes a plate member connecting the arms. The plate member slides along the grapple and allows the truck driver to use the grapple along with the telescopic handle. The plate member in conjunction with the grapple allows to hold and place the components at desired location for securing the load to the cargo platform. The truck driver adjusts the length of the telescopic handle and uses the grapple to hold the components during loading or unloading of the cargo platform.

[0041] Various features and embodiments of a device for aiding a truck driver in loading or unloading a cargo platform are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGS. 1-19.

[0042] The present invention discloses a device or tool for aiding a truck driver in loading or unloading a cargo platform such as a flatbed truck such as holding and placing cargo straps and edge protectors on the cargo platform. FIG. 1 shows an environment 10 in which device 12 is used, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A user or truck driver 14 either stands on flatbed trailer 16 or stands on the ground beside flatbed trailer 16 for using device 12 to place components 18 during loading or unloading procedure. Components 18 include, but not limited to, cargo straps, ratchet cargo straps, winch straps, tarps, edge protectors or strap corner protectors, chains, transport chains, binders, bungee tarp, clips, plates, flanges, detents, hooks or grab hooks, cables, and the like.

[0043] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively of device 12. Device 12 includes grapple or grip member or tool 20. Grapple 20 connects to telescopic handle 22. FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show a front view, a rear view, a right side perspective view and a left side perspective view, respectively of grapple 20, in accordance with the present invention. Grapple 20 presents a U-shaped structure. Grapple 20 provides a material made of a metal, hard plastic or any other suitable material. In one example, grapple 20 has a length of approximately 9 inches and a width of approximately 6 inches. Grapple 20 has first end 23, second end 24, first side 25 and fourth side 26, front end 28 and rear end 30. First end 23 indicates a top portion of grapple 20. Second end 24 indicates a bottom portion of grapple 20. First side 25 indicates a left side of grapple 20. Second side 26 indicates a right side of grapple 20. Front end 28 and rear end 30 indicate a front portion and rear portion, respectively of grapple 20, as shown in at least FIGS. 3C and 3D.

[0044] As specified above, grapple 20 presents a U-shaped structure. Grapple 20 includes first arm 32 and second arm 34 that connect using bridge section 36. As can be seen from at least FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, first arm 32 and second arm 34 position parallel to each other and bridge section 36 connects to first arm 32 and second arm 34 perpendicularly. First arm 32, second arm 34 and bridge section 36 together form a U-shaped structure. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, grapple 20 presents first groove 38, second groove 40 and third groove 42 within first arm 32 and second arm 34. In one example, each of first groove 38, second groove 40 and third groove 42 forms by way of chipping away a portion of material of grapple 20. In one example, first groove 38 forms at bridge section 36 and comes in a rectangular configuration. Second groove 40 forms and extends above first groove 38. Second groove 40 comes in a U-shaped configuration. Third groove 42 forms and extends above second groove 40. In one example, third groove 42 comes in an oval or circular shape. A person skilled in the art understands that each of first groove 38, second groove 40 and third groove 42 forms within first arm 32 and second arm 34 and allows to hold a variety of components 18.

[0045] Grapple 20 includes first hook 44. fist hook 44 extends from first arm 32 at first side 25. fist hook 44 includes first teeth 45 at the top i.e., at first end 23. First teeth 45 helps to grip components during loading and unloading of the cargo. In one example, first hook 44 includes tapered section 46 at the top i.e., at first end 23. Further, grapple 20 includes extended arm 48. Extended arm 48 extends from first arm 32 at an angle of about 45 degrees towards second end 24 at first side 25. Extended arm 48 forms area 50 for receiving larger components 18. In accordance with the present invention, extended arm 48 acts as a hook for holding components 18 during loading and unloading of the load.

[0046] Grapple 20 further includes second hook 52 extending from second arm 34 at second side 26. Second hook 52 presents first cut section 54 at first end 23. Second hook 52 includes second teeth 53 at the top i.e., at first end 23. Second teeth 53 helps to grip components during loading and unloading of the cargo. Further, second hook 52 presents second cut section 56 at the second side 26. In addition, grapple 20 includes third cut section 58 adjacent to second hook 52. Grapple 20 further includes third hook 60 extending from second arm 34 at second side 26. Third hook 60 positions underneath second hook 52. In one embodiment, second arm 34 includes holes 62 for connecting components 18. In one example, holes 62 position adjacent to second hook 52 and third hook 54, as shown in at least FIGS. 3A and 3B. Grapple 20 includes connector 64 at second end 24. Connector 64 mounts to bridge section 36 and helps to connect grapple 20 to telescopic handle 22. Connector 64 has a step-structure that allows it to connect to grapple 20.

[0047] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the feature of plate member 66. Plate member 66 indicates a thin metal structure that comes in a rectangular configuration. In one embodiment, plate member 66 is made to bend slightly such that the free end of the plate member 66 rests against the surface of grapple 20 when connected. In one example, plate member 66 has a length of approximately 8 to 9 inches. Plate member 66 provides a material made of a metal, hard plastic or any other suitable material. Plate member 66 connects to a tubular member 68. Tubular member 68 encompasses hole 70 at the center. Plate member 66 includes actuator or ring-like structure 72 that comes in a circular configuration. Actuator 72 includes extending member 74. Extending member 74 extends perpendicularly from actuator 72 and inserts in hole 70 for connecting plate member 66 to grapple 20. In order to connect plate member 66 to grapple 20, at first, tubular member 68 connects to telescopic handle 22 at the top. Plate member 66 positions at rear end 30 (control surface) of grapple 20 and extending member 74 inserts through hole 70. Subsequently, actuator 72 tightens to lock the position of plate member 66 on grapple 20. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the feature of plate member 66 connecting grapple 20 at rear end 30. Plate member 66 positions with a gap from grapple 20, as shown in FIG. 5A. Plate member 66 helps to harness or place the components 18 e.g., straps underneath the control of grapple 20 at rear end 30 i.e., control surface of grapple 20. A person skilled in the art understands that it is possible to slide plate member 66 along the length of first arm 32 and second arm 34 and tighten for locking its position over first arm 32 and second arm 34.

[0048] As specified above, grapple 20 connects to telescopic handle 22. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of telescopic handle 22, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Telescopic handle 22 includes first telescopic member 76 and second telescopic member 78. First telescopic member 76 has a larger diameter than second telescopic member 78. First telescopic member 76 configures to receive second telescopic member 78 and allows to reduce the length of telescopic handle 22. Further, second telescopic member 78 extends from first telescopic member 76 and allows to increase the length of telescopic handle 22. In one example, telescopic handle 22 includes handle actuator 80. Handle actuator 80 positions over first telescopic member 76 and helps to adjust the length of telescopic handle 22. User 14 twists handle actuator 80 to adjust the length of telescopic handle 22 by placing or extending second telescopic member 78 from first telescopic member 76 depending on the need. Second telescopic member 78 includes cut section 82 and curved groove 84 for connecting grapple 20 via connector 64.

[0049] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, device 12 aids user 14 in loading cargo platform 16. For example, device 12 aids user 14 in holding and placement of the cargo on cargo platform 16 using components 18. As specified above, components 18 include, but not limited to, cargo straps, ratchet cargo straps, winch straps, tarps, edge protectors or strap corner protectors, chains, transport chains, binders, bungee tarp, clips, plates, flanges, detents, hooks or grab hooks, and the like. In the present embodiment, user 14 holds telescopic handle 22 to connect one or more components 18 using grapple 20 and secures the cargo or load to cargo platform 16. Here, user 14 connects components 18 at one of grooves 38, 40, 42, first hook 44, extended arm 48, second hook 52, cut sections 54, 56, 58, third hook 60, holes 62 and combination thereof. Upon connecting, user 14 adjusts the length of telescopic handle 22 to place components 18 for securing the cargo or load to cargo platform 16.

[0050] FIGS. 7A to 19 show different ways of connecting components 18 using grapple 20 for securing the cargo or load to cargo platform 16. FIGS. 7A and 7B show a bottom perspective view and a rear view, respectively of grapple 20 holding triangular shaped edge protector 100, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, grapple 20 receives edge protector 100 at first end 23 through the gap provided between grapple 20 and plate member 66. Upon receiving, user 14 raises telescopic handle 22 to place edge protector 100 on the load and pulls back device 12.

[0051] FIGS. 8A and 8B show side perspective views of grapple 20 receiving a winch strap, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In one example, user 14 places flat hook 200 connecting winch strap 202 at third cut section 58. User 14 adjusts the length of telescopic handle 22 and positions flat hook 200 to secure the cargo or load on flatbed trailer. Subsequently, user 14 uses grapple 20 to hold or harness winch strap 202 and tightens the load.

[0052] FIGS. 9A and 9B show a rear view and a front view, respectively of device 12 holding the winch strap, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, flat hook 200 places at first end 23 i.e., over first hook 44 and second hook 52 and winch strap 202 hangs down from the top of grapple 20. User 14 adjusts the length of telescopic handle 22 and places flat hook 200 at desired location to secure the cargo or load on flatbed trailer. For example, user 14 harnesses the winch strap as shown in FIG. 9A to push the winch strap to the other side of cargo platform 18 for strapping the load.

[0053] FIGS. 10A and 10B show a front perspective view and a rear view, respectively of device 12 holding a winch strap or nylon strap, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, user 14 positions free end of winch strap 300 through the gap between grapple 20 and plate member 66 and engages actuator 72 to tightly hold winch strap 300. Subsequently, user 14 places winch strap 300 over top end 23 and hangs down winch strap 300, as shown in FIG. 10A. The present exemplary embodiment is used for placing winch strap 300 around the load.

[0054] FIG. 11 shows a side perspective view of device 12 holding grab hook 400 with chain 402, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, user 14 lowers plate member 66 underneath grapple 20. Subsequently, user 14 places grab hook 400 at third groove 40 and chain 402 at second groove 38 of grapple 20. Further, user 14 raises device 12 to a desired position and connects grab hook 400 to a part in cargo platform 16.

[0055] FIG. 12 shows a side perspective view of device 12 holding chain 500, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, user 14 lowers plate member 66 underneath grapple 20. Subsequently, user 14 places chain 500 at second groove 40 through third groove 42. User 14 places chain 500 at second groove 40 for lifting chain 500 to a desired height for securing the load, for example.

[0056] FIG. 13 shows a side perspective view of device 12 holding chain 600, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, user 14 uses device 12 to pick up chain 600 from the ground, for example. Here, user 14 places first hook 44 to connect and pick up chain 600 for securing the load.

[0057] FIGS. 14A and 14B show a rear perspective view and a side perspective view, respectively of device 12 holding load binder 700 with hook 702, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, user 14 places load binder 700 through third groove 42. Subsequently, user 14 raises device 12 to connect hook 702 to a desired part for securing the load.

[0058] FIGS. 15A and 15B show a side perspective view and a rear view, respectively of device 12 holding corner protector 800, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, grapple 20 receives corner protector 800 at first end 23 through the gap provided between grapple 20 and plate member 66. Upon receiving, user 14 raises telescopic handle 22 to place corner protector 800 on the load and pulls back device 12. In one example, user 14 places winch strap 300 (as shown in FIG. 10A) over corner protector 800 for securing the load, for example. As known, corner protector 800 helps to protect winch strap 300 from damaging the load.

[0059] FIGS. 16A and 16B show a front view and a rear perspective view, respectively of device 12 holding or clipping a sheet, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Sheet 900 includes both short and lock soft corner protectors. Here, user 14 positions sheet 900 through the gap between grapple 20 and plate member 66 and engages actuator 72 to tightly hold winch strap 300. Subsequently, user 14 places sheet 900 at desired location.

[0060] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of device 12 hosing strap 950, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Here, strap 950 draws through first groove 38, second groove 40 and third groove 42. Subsequently, user 14 twists device 12 for positioning second hook 52 and third hook 60 against strap 950 at its length. This allows user 14 to connect strap 950 to hold components 18 during loading and unloading of the load.

[0061] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view telescopic handle 22 connecting chain 1000 at one of cut section 82 and curved groove 84, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment presents usage of telescopic handle 22 as a standalone apparatus for harnessing or holding components 18 such as chain 1000 during loading and/or unloading of cargo platform 16.

[0062] FIG. 19 shows a side perspective view telescopic handle 22 receiving hook 1100 connecting chain 1102 at one of cut section 82 and curved groove 84, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment presents usage of telescopic handle 22 as a standalone apparatus for harnessing or holding components 18 during loading and/or unloading of cargo platform 16.

[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, user 14 uses a measurement scale (not shown) in conjunction with device 12 to measure the length and width of components 18, wherever necessary. For example, user 14 uses the measurement scale to measure the length of strap needed to hold components 18 during loading and/or unloading of cargo platform 16.

[0064] Based on the above, a person skilled in the art understands that the user or truck driver can use the presently disclosed device for placing a variety of components to secure the load to the cargo platform such as a flatbed truck. The user can adjust the length of the telescopic handle and hold/harness and place the components at desired place to secure the load. The user can stand beside the cargo platform and operate the device for securing the load or stand on the cargo platform to pick up and secure the load using various components. The presently disclosed device provides multiple hooks and grooves. As such, a single device is sufficient to hold many components and avoids the need for multiple tools for securing the load to the cargo platform. When not in use, the user can place the second telescopic member into the first telescopic member and secure it to the cargo platform without requiring an additional storage box for storing it. Further, the user can adjust the length of the telescopic handle to secure the load thereby avoiding an injury during loading of the cargo onto the cargo platform.

[0065] A person skilled in the art appreciates that the device may come in a variety of sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, different materials in addition to or instead of materials described herein may also be used and such implementations may be construed to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed device.

[0066] In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

[0067] In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0068] The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention.