YOYO TETHER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The disclosure is direct to a tether assembly for use with a yoyo to limit the twisting of the tether when the yoyo is being used. The tether assembly includes a fixed member that is adapted to be releasably coupled to at least one finger of a user and a bearing member configured to be secured to the fixed member. The tether assembly also includes a flexible tether segment that is secured to the yoyo at a first end and to the bearing member at a second end. The connection of the flexible tether with the yoyo forms a first axis of rotation and the connection of the flexible tether with the bearing member forms a second axis of rotation to allow a user to use the yoyo without the tether twisting and binding.

Claims

1. A tether assembly for use with a yoyo, the tether assembly comprising: a fixed member that is adapted to be releasably coupled to at least one finger of a user; a bearing member configured to be secured to the fixed member; a flexible tether segment having a first end that is configured to be rotatably coupled to the yoyo at a first end and removably coupled to the bearing member at a second end, wherein the connection of the flexible tether with the yoyo forms a first axis of rotation and the connection of the flexible tether with the bearing member forms a second axis of rotation; wherein the second axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the first axis of rotation when the yoyo is in use, the tether assembly being configured to allow the flexible tether segment to rotate about the second axis of rotation without requiring the fixed member to also rotate with the flexible tether segment, and wherein the tether assembly allows the yoyo to rotate about the first axis of rotation independently of the rotation of the tether segment about the second axis of rotation and wherein the flexible tether segment can also rotate about second axis of rotation while the yoyo is rotating about the first axis of rotation.

2. The tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the fixed member includes a first finger rest and a second finger rest, wherein the bearing member is positioned between the first finger rest and the second finger rest.

3. The tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the fixed member is flexible and contains an opening that can be slipped onto a user's finger.

4. The tether assembly of claim 2, further including pin positioned within the bearing member, the pin being rotatable with respect to the fixed member, and wherein the flexible tether segment is removably coupled to the pin.

5. The tether assembly of claim 2, wherein the finger rests each include an upper finger retainer and a spaced apart lower finger retainer wherein the upper and lower finger retainers are shaped to form a finger receiving area that allows a user's finger to be located between the upper and lower finger retainers.

6. The tether assembly of claim 4 wherein the pin includes a first pin half and a second pin half that are secured together by use of end cap that is removably coupled to a lower end of the pin.

7. The tether assembly of claim 6, wherein the pin includes a through bore that allows for the passage of the flexible tether segment.

8. The tether assembly of claim 5 wherein the lower finger retainers each include a flexible strap that are adapted to be releasably secured to the upper finger retainers.

9. The tether assembly of claim 8, wherein the straps each include a series of adjustment openings.

10. The tether assembly of claim 9, wherein the adjustment openings are configured to engage with a retainer located on each of the upper finger retainers to secure the straps in a closed position.

11. A tether assembly for use with a yoyo, the tether assembly comprising: a grip member having a first finger rest and a second finger rest; a bearing member configured to be secured to the grip member; a flexible tether segment that is configured to be releaseably secured to the yoyo at a first end and to the bearing member at a second end, wherein the connection of the flexible tether with the yoyo forms a first axis of rotation and the connection of the flexible tether with the bearing member forms a second axis of rotation wherein the second axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the first axis of rotation when the yoyo is in use, the tether assembly being configured to allow the flexible tether segment to rotate about the second axis of rotation without requiring the fixed member to also rotate with the flexible tether segment, and wherein the tether assembly is configured to allow the yoyo to rotate about the first axis of rotation independently of the rotation of the tether segment about the second axis of rotation.

12. The tether assembly of claim 11, further including a pin positioned within the bearing and being rotatable with respect to the grip member, wherein the flexible tether segment is coupled to the pin.

13. The tether assembly of claim 11, wherein the finger rests each include an upper finger retainer and a spaced apart lower finger retainer wherein the upper and lower finger retainers are shaped to form a finger receiving area that allows a user's finger to be located between the upper and lower finger retainers.

14. The tether assembly of claim 12 wherein the pin includes a first pin half and a second pin half that are secured together by use of an end cap that is removably coupled to a lower end of the pin.

15. The tether assembly of claim 14, wherein the pin includes a through bore that allows for the passage of the flexible tether segment.

16. The tether assembly of claim 13 wherein the lower finger retainers each include a flexible strap that are adapted to be releasably secured to the upper finger retainers.

17. The tether assembly of claim 16, wherein the straps each include a series of adjustment openings.

18. The tether assembly of claim 17, wherein the adjustment openings are configured to engage with a retainer located on each of the upper finger retainers to secure the straps in a closed position.

19. A grip member for use with a yoyo comprising: a housing including a pair of opposing finger rests each finger rest including an upper finger retainer and a lower finger retainer arranged to form a finger receiving space; a bearing positioned within the housing between the finger rests; a center pin positioned within the bearing and configured to rotate with respect to the housing.

20. The grip member of claim 19, further a first flexible strap coupled to the first finger rest and a second flexible strap coupled to the second finger rest.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the drawing, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

[0014] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tether assembly showing a grip member without the tether coupled to the grip member;

[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of FIG. 1 showing the components of the grip member including a housing, a tubular insert, an end cap and a bearing;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tubular insert, lower end cap and bearing of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of one half of the tubular insert showing a vertical through bore and knot chamber and also showing the lower end cap;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tether assembly showing lower fixed bands that are larger than upper fixed bands that wrap around a user's fingers and also showing gaps between the upper and lower fixed bands to allow a user to insert their fingers;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of another embodiment of the tether assembly showing a pair of flexible straps that are pivotally coupled to the lower fixed bands and are removably couplable to the upper fixed bands;

[0022] FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of the tether assembly of FIG. 7 showing a pair of flexible straps that are pivotally coupled to the lower fixed bands and are removably couplable to the upper fixed bands;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tether assembly showing flexible straps that are molded with the housing wherein the flexible straps are removably couplable to the upper fixed bands;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the tether assembly coupled with a yoyo and showing the yoyo have a first axis of rotation and the tether assembly having a second axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the first axis of rotation;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tether of the present disclosure showing a first tether segment secured to a swivel member and showing a second tether segment secured to the swivel member to allow the first tether segment to rotate independently of the second tether segment;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment showing a grip member having a tether rotatably secured to the grip member, the grip member having first and second finger rests to allow a user to secure the grip member between their fingers;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment showing a rotary member having a housing and a bearing positioned within the housing and also showing a first tether segment secured to the housing and a second tether segment secured to the bearing to allow the first tether segment to rotate independently of the second tether segment;

[0028] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment showing a tether segment that is coupled to a cage member which, in turn, is coupled to a bead that is secured to a flexible finger ring;

[0029] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment showing a tubular member and a string secured to a bead and a bead cage to secure a tether;

[0030] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment showing a flexible finger ring co-molded or over-molded with a ball joint that allows for attachment of the ball cage and also shows a tether that is coupled to the ball cage;

[0031] FIG. 17 is another perspective view of tether of FIG. 11;

[0032] FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the tether of FIG. 11; and

[0033] FIG. 19 is another perspective view of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the technology. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts or steps may be designated with like numerals throughout for clarity. Reference in this specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, or in some embodiments means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrases one embodiment, an embodiment, or in some embodiments in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but may not be requirements for other embodiments.

[0035] A tether assembly 100 includes a tether segment 102 that is configured to be coupled to a yoyo 110 at a first end 118 and pivotally connected to a grip member or fixed segment 104 at a second end 120, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10. Grip member 104 is releascably secured to a user's hand and is designed not to rotate. Tether assembly 100, when used in combination with a yoyo 110 creates a first and second axes of rotation 122, 124, as shown in FIG. 10. The second axis of rotation 124 is generally perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 122 when the yoyo 110 is in use. The tether assembly 100 is configured to allow the tether segment 102 to rotate with respect to the grip member 104 about the second axis of rotation 122 without requiring the grip member 104 to also rotate. This arrangement allows the tether segment 102 to rotate independently of the grip member 104. This arrangement prevents the tether segment 102 from becoming overly twisted and bound up. Yoyo 110 can rotate about first axis of rotation 122 independently of tether segment's 102 rotation with respect to the grip member 104 about the second axis of rotation 124. Tether segment 102 can also rotate about second axis of rotation 124 while the yoyo 110 is rotating about the first axis of rotation 122.

[0036] Grip member 104 of tether assembly 100 includes a housing 126, a bearing 116 positioned within the housing 126, a tubular center pin 130 positioned within the bearing 128 and within the housing 126, as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Housing 126 of grip member 102 is made from a flexible plastic or elastomeric material, such as silicon, or rubber, for example. Housing 126 includes a central portion 112 and first and second finger rests 106, 108 located on the sides of the central portion 112. Each finger rest 106, 108 includes an upper finger retainer 132 and a spaced apart lower finger retainer 134. Upper and lower finger retainers 132, 134 are secured to the central portion 112 at a first end and have an opposite free end 136. Upper and lower finger retainers 132, 134 are arcuate in shape and are configured to form a finger receiving space 138 that allows a user's finger to be located between the upper and lower finger retainers 132, 134. Grip member 102 is formed to include a first finger receiving surface 140 and a spaced apart second finger receiving surface 142. Bearing 116 is preferably a ball bearing assembly having an outer race, an inner race and a series of ball bearing located between races. While a ball bearing assembly is shown any suitable bearing could also be incorporated.

[0037] Center portion 112 of grip member 102 includes a stepped central passageway 114. The central passageway has a first bore 144 and a larger second bore 146 positioned above the first bore diameter 144. The second bore 146 is configured to accept and retain bearing member 116 and first bore 144 is configured to allow for the passage of center pin 130. First bore 144 has a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the center pin 130 to allow the center pin 130 to rotate freely within the housing 126 of the grip member 102. Tether segment 102 and center pin 130 are configured to rotate together about the second axis of rotation 124.

[0038] Center pin 130 of grip member 104 is preferably made from plastic and can be molded as a once piece unit or a two piece unit. If molded as a two piece unit, it includes a first pin half 130a and a second pin half 130b, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5. The two pin halves are secured together by use of end cap 148 that is removably coupled to a lower end of center pin 130. Center pin 130 includes a tapered tip 150 and a flanged head portion 152 opposite the tip 150. This arrangement allows the center pin 130 to fit into and be retained by bearing 116. The flanged head portion 152 is secured against the bearing 116, when assembled. Center pin also includes a through bore 154 that allows for the passage of the tether segment 102.

[0039] Center pin 130 further includes an internal cavity 156 that has a diameter that is larger than the bore 154, as shown in FIG. 5. Cavity 156 is configured to hold a knotted end of the tether segment 102 or the tether segment 102 with some form of clip or retainer to secure the tether segment 102 within the center pin 130. First pin half 130a can be coupled to second pin half 130b at engagement region 158. In a preferred embodiment, the remining portions of the first and second pin halves are not coupled but include a gap 160 between segments. The orientation of the upper end of the pin halves is maintained by the bearing 116. If center pin 130 is move upward with respect to the grip member 104 and bearing 116, a user can spread the first and second pin halves 130a, 130b apart enough to allow for adjustment or replacement of tether segment 102. End cap 148 include a cavity 162 that is configured to accept the lower end of the center pin 130. End cap 148 also includes a pass-through opening 164 that allows for the passage of the tether segment 102.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the grip member 104. In this embodiment, the upper grip retainer 132 is shorter than the lower grip retainer 134, which alters the location of the opening between the free ends 136 of the grip retainers 132, 134. FIGS. 7-8 show yet another embodiment of the grip member 104. In this embodiment, the lower finger retainers 134 include a slot 166 that is configured to accept one end of a flexible strap 168. The flexible strap 168 is preferably made form flexible plastic, silicon or rubber and includes a series of adjustment openings 170. The adjustment openings 170 are configured to engage with a retainer 172 formed on the free end 136 of the upper finger retainer 132. A user can quickly adjust the straps 168 to secure the grip member 104 to their hand. While a flexible, rubber, silicon or plastic strap is shown, it is contemplated that a flexible Velcro strap could also be used to secure the grip member 104 to the user's hand. FIG. 9 includes a grip member 104 that is similar to the design in FIGS. 7-8 but the strap 168 is molded with the lower finger retainer 134 of the grip member 104. In this embodiment, the strap 168 and the grip member 104 can be molded from the same material or co-molded using different materials. Use of the straps 168 allows for fast installation and removal of the tether assembly 10 from a user's hand and prevents use of a looped tether which can result in overtightening of the tether around a user's finger.

[0041] A tether assembly 10 of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 11. The tether 10 includes a first tether segment 12. First tether segment 12 is an elongated flexible member that is preferably formed from a string segment 14 that is doubled up and twisted together to form the first tether segment 12. First tether segment 12 includes a first end 16 and a spaced apart second end 18. First end 16 of first tether segment 12, when partially untwisted, forms a loop 20 that can be positioned over an axle shaft 22 of a yoyo 24.

[0042] The second end 18 of the first tether segment 12 is knotted or includes a fastener or coupler. The second end 18 of the first tether segment 12 is coupled to a swivel member 26. Swivel member 26 may include one or more swivel joints 28 and functions as a bearing to allow the first tether segment to rotate. The tether 10 also includes a second shortened fixed tether segment 30. The fixed tether segment 30 is formed from a twisted string segment 32 that includes a first end 34 and a second end 36. First end of fixed tether segment 30 is coupled to the swivel member 26. The fixed tether segment 30 includes an adjustable finger loop 38 formed at the second end 36 that can be removably coupled to the finger of a user. The tether 10 is configured to allow the first tether segment 12 to rotate independently of the fixed tether segment 30. This arrangement prevents the first tether segment 12 from becoming over-twisted. The swivel member 26 includes one or more ball and socket segments to allow for the first tether segment 12 to rotate independently of the fixed tether segment 30.

[0043] In another embodiment, tether assembly 100 may include a first elongated tether segment 102 that is pivotally coupled to a grip member 104, as shown in FIG. 12. The grip member 104 is preferably made from metal or plastic and is formed to include first finger rest 106 and a second opposed finger rest 108. The finger rests 106, 108 are configured to be positioned around adjacent fingers on the same hand of a user to allow the hand to grip the grip member 104, the tether 100 and yoyo 110. In between the first and second finger rest 106, 108 is a central portion 112. The central portion 112 includes a central passageway 114 that includes a bearing member 116. A first end 118 of the tether segment 102 is configured to be positioned within the bearing member 116 to allow the tether segment 102 to rotate independent of the grip member 104. The grip member 104 is held between a user's ring finger and middle finger, to secure the yoyo 110 to the user to allow for use of the yoyo 110. The tether segment 102 can rotate with respect to the grip member 104 to prevent any unwanted twist in the tether segment 102.

[0044] In another embodiment, tether 200 includes a first elongated tether segment 202 that is formed from a string segment that is doubled up and twisted together, wherein a first end 204, when partially untwisted, forms a loop 206 that can be positioned over the axle shaft of the yoyo, as shown in FIG. 13. The first elongated tether segment 202 includes a second end that is secured to a swivel member 208. The tether 200 also includes a second shorter tether segment 212. The second tether segment 212 is formed from a twisted string segment that is attached to a second end 214 of the swivel member 208 at a first end 216 and includes a finger loop 218 at a second end. The tether 200 is configured to allow the first tether segment 202 to rotate about an axis of rotation without requiring the second tether segment 212 to also rotate at the same time. This arrangement prevents the second tether segment 212 from becoming over-twisted. The swivel member 208 includes an outer housing 220 and an inner bearing member 222. The first tether segment 202 is configured to be coupled to the inner bearing member 22 and the second tether segment 210 is configured to be coupled to the housing 220 to allow the first tether segment 202 to rotate independent of the second tether segment 212 to prevent unwanted twisting. Alternatively, the tether segments can be connected to the swivel member 208 in a reverse fashion.

[0045] In another embodiment, the tether 300 includes a tether segment 302 that is coupled to a ball cage 304, which in turn, is coupled to a bead or ball 306 coupled to a flexible finger ring 308, as shown in FIG. 14. The bead 306 is coupled to the flexible finger ring 308 by use of a string segment 310 that is formed as part of the finger ring 308 or is secured by use of a pair of openings 312, 314 in the side wall 316 of the finger ring 308. Alternatively, a rubber tube or leather tube 318 can be used with a string 320 to secure the bead 306, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0046] Alternatively, a flexible finger ring 400 can be co-molded or over-molded with a ball joint member 402 to allow the swivel coupler to be secured thereto, as shown in FIG. 16. The finger ring 400 remains pliable and stretchable to fit over various diameter fingers. The ball joint member 402, may include a small flat plate member that is molded with the finger ring 400 to couple the ball joint member 402 to the finger ring 400.

[0047] FIG. 17 illustrates a first tether segment 500 coupled to a swivel member 502 that includes three ball swivels 504. The first tether segment 500 is secured to the swivel member 502 by use of a knot, adhesive or other fastening device. FIG. 17 also illustrates a second smaller tether segment 506 that is secured to a user's finger. Second tether segment 506 is secured to a second end of the swivel member 502 and a heat shrinkable sleeve 508 is placed over a portion of the second tether segment 506 and the swivel member 502 to maintain proper tether orientation with respect to the swivel member 502. Alternatively a shrink sleeve can be used on both sides of the swivel member to secure the first and second tether segments. FIG. 18 illustrates first and second tether segments 500, 506 coupled to a pair of ball cages 510, 512 and the ball cages 510, 512 each coupled to one of a series of interconnected balls 514 so that first tether segment 500 can rotate independently of second tether segment 506.

[0048] The tether assembly is designed to be used with a yoyo and includes a fixed member that is adapted to be releasably coupled to at least one finger of a user as shown in the figures. The tether assembly also includes a bearing member configured to be secured to the fixed member and a flexible tether segment that includes a first end that is configured to be secured to the yoyo at a first end and to the bearing member at a second end. Connection of the flexible tether with the yoyo forms a first axis of rotation and the connection of the flexible tether with the bearing member forms a second axis of rotation.

[0049] The second axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the first axis of rotation when the yoyo is thrown into a sleeper, the tether assembly being configured to allow the flexible tether segment to rotate about the second axis of rotation without requiring the fixed member to also rotate with the flexible tether segment. A sleeper is a yoyo move where the yoyo is fully unwound and rotates about the tether without travelling back up the tether. The tether assembly allows the yoyo to rotate about the first axis of rotation independently of the rotation of the tether segment about the second axis of rotation and wherein the flexible tether segment can also rotate about second axis of rotation while the yoyo is rotating about the first axis of rotation. The fixed member includes a first finger rest and a second finger rest and the bearing member is positioned between the first finger rest and the second finger rest.

[0050] The yoyo, during play, has a fully extended position, where the fixed end of the tether assembly is held by a user and the flexible tether segment is unwound from the shaft of the yoyo. In the fully extended position, the yoyo is able to freely rotate about the first axis of rotation and the flexible tether segment is able to rotate with respect to the fixed end of the tether assembly about a second axis of rotation. The yoyo has a retracted position where the tether is wound around the shaft of the yoyo and the yoyo is in the user's hand. In the retracted position the yoyo is unable to freely rotate about the first axis of rotation and the flexible tether segment does not rotate with respect to the fixed end of the tether assembly.

[0051] The fixed member is flexible and contains an opening that can be slipped onto a user's finger. The tether assembly also includes a pin positioned within the bearing that is rotatable with respect to the fixed member and the flexible tether segment is coupled to the pin. The finger rests each include an upper finger retainer and a spaced apart lower finger retainer. The upper and lower finger retainers are shaped to form a finger receiving area that allows a user's finger to be located between the upper and lower finger retainers. The pin includes a first pin half and a second pin half that are secured together by use of end cap that is removably coupled to a lower end of the pin. The pin includes a through bore that allows for the passage of the flexible tether segment.

[0052] The lower finger retainers each include a flexible strap that are adapted to be releasably secured to the upper finger retainers. The straps each include a series of adjustment openings. The adjustment openings are configured to engage with a retainer formed on the upper finger retainer to secure the straps in a closed position. The tether assembly is configured for use with a yoyo. The tether assembly includes a grip member having a first finger rest and a second finger rest. The assembly also includes a bearing member configured to be secured to the grip member and a flexible tether segment that is configured to be secured to the yoyo at a first end and to the bearing member at a second end. The connection of the flexible tether with the yoyo forms a first axis of rotation and the connection of the flexible tether with the bearing member forms a second axis of rotation.

[0053] The second axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the first axis of rotation when the yoyo is thrown into a sleeper, the tether assembly being configured to allow the flexible tether segment to rotate about the second axis of rotation without requiring the fixed member to also rotate with the flexible tether segment. The tether assembly allows the yoyo to rotate about the first axis of rotation independently of the rotation of the tether segment about the second axis of rotation and wherein the flexible tether segment can also rotate about second axis of rotation while the yoyo is rotating about the first axis of rotation.

[0054] The tether assembly also includes pin positioned within the bearing and being rotatable with respect to the fixed member, wherein the flexible tether segment is coupled to the pin. The finger rests each include an upper finger retainer and a spaced apart lower finger retainer. The upper and lower finger retainers are shaped to form a finger receiving area that allows a user's finger to be located between the upper and lower finger retainers. The pin includes a first pin half and a second pin half that are secured together by use of end cap that is removably coupled to a lower end of the pin.

[0055] The pin includes a through bore that allows for the passage of the flexible tether segment. The lower finger retainers each include a flexible strap that are adapted to be releasably secured to the upper finger retainers and the straps each include a series of adjustment openings. The adjustment openings are configured to engage with a retainer formed on the upper finger retainer to secure the straps in a closed position.

[0056] A grip member for use with a yoyo and includes a housing having a pair of opposing finger rests each finger rest including an upper finger retainer and a lower finger retainer arranged to form a finger receiving space. The grip member also includes a bearing positioned within the housing between the finger rests and a center pin positioned within the bearing and configured to rotate with respect to the housing. The grip member also includes a first flexible strap that is coupled to the first finger rest and a second flexible strap that is coupled to the second finger rest.

[0057] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative embodiments and features described herein, further aspects, embodiments, objects and features of the disclosure will become fully apparent from the drawings and the detailed description and the claims.

[0058] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.