Racket

Abstract

A racket comprises a handle and a body connected to the handle. The body includes a core layer, a first surface layer, a first inner layer disposed so as to sandwich the first surface layer with the core layer, and a first outer layer disposed so as to sandwich the first inner layer with the first surface layer. The first inner layer is an elastic body. The first outer layer has a higher stiffness than the first inner layer. The core layer has a higher stiffness than the first inner layer.

Claims

1. A racket comprising: a handle; and a body connected to the handle, the body including a core layer, a first surface layer, a first inner layer disposed so as to sandwich the first surface layer with the core layer, and a first outer layer disposed so as to sandwich the first inner layer with the first surface layer, the first inner layer being an elastic body, the first outer layer having a higher stiffness than the first inner layer, the core layer having a higher stiffness than the first inner layer.

2. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the body includes: a second surface layer disposed so as to sandwich the core layer with the first surface layer; a second inner layer disposed so as to sandwich the second surface layer with the core layer; and a second outer layer disposed so as to sandwich the second inner layer with the second surface layer, the second inner layer is an elastic body, the second outer layer has a higher stiffness than the second inner layer, and the core layer has a higher stiffness than the second inner layer.

3. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the core layer has a higher stiffness than the first outer layer.

4. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the first outer layer includes at least one of fiber reinforced plastic, high-hardness resin, and metal.

5. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the core layer includes a honeycomb structure.

6. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the first surface layer is disposed so as to cover the core layer.

7. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the first outer layer is disposed so as to cover the core layer, the first surface layer, and the first inner layer.

8. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the handle includes the core layer and the first surface layer, and the core layer and the first surface layer extend from the body to the handle.

9. The racket according to claim 8, wherein the handle includes the first inner layer and the first outer layer, and the first inner layer and the first outer layer extend from the body to the handle.

10. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the core layer includes a foam material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of a racket according to a first embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the racket according to the first embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of the racket according to the first embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of the handle and the body of the racket according to the first embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing a honeycomb structure of a core layer at a portion V shown in FIG. 3.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of a first modification of the racket according to the first embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of a second modification of the racket according to the first embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of a third modification of the racket according to the first embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of a fourth modification of the racket according to the first embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of a fifth modification of the racket according to the first embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of a racket according to a second embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of the handle and the body of the racket according to the second embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of a racket according to a third embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of a racket according to a fourth embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a front view schematically showing a foam material of a core layer of the racket according to the fourth embodiment at a portion corresponding to FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of a racket according to a fifth embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of a handle and a body of a racket according to a sixth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted that, unless otherwise specified, identical or corresponding components will be identically denoted and will not be described repeatedly.

First Embodiment

[0026] A configuration of a racket 100 according to a first embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of racket 100 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, racket 100 has a back surface side configured to be similar to a front surface side of racket 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of racket 100 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, racket 100 has a left side surface side configured to be similar to a right side surface side of racket 100 shown in FIG. 2. Racket 100 according to the first embodiment is a pickle ball racket (or a pickle ball paddle).

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, racket 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a handle 1 and a body 2. Handle 1 is a portion to be gripped by a user. Handle 1 extends in the longitudinal direction of racket 100. In the present embodiment, handle 1 includes a grip member 1a. Grip member 1a is configured to cover a base material of handle 1. Grip member 1a is, for example, a grip tape.

[0028] Body 2 is connected to handle 1. Handle 1 and body 2 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of racket 100. The longitudinal direction of racket 100 matches the lengthwise direction of body 2. Racket 100 has a shorter side in a direction matching the widthwise direction of body 2. Body 2 is configured in the form of a flat plate. Body 2 has a ball hitting surface S for hitting a ball. Body 2 has the front and back surfaces configuring ball hitting surface S.

[0029] Body 2 includes a pair of linear portions located at ends of the body opposite in the widthwise direction of the body, a proximal portion connected to handle 1, a pair of proximal inclined portions interconnecting the pair of linear portions and the proximal portion, a top portion located on a side opposite to the proximal portion, and a pair of distal inclined portions interconnecting the pair of linear portions and the top portion.

[0030] Racket 100 of the present embodiment includes a cover member 3. Cover member 3 is configured to cover a side surface of body 2. Cover member 3 covers the side surface of body 2 entirely. Cover member 3 is formed of resin, for example.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of racket 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of racket 100 of the present embodiment. In FIGS. 3 and 4, for the sake of convenience for explanation, grip member 1a and cover member 3 are not shown. In FIG. 4, for the sake of clarity, a core layer L1 of body 2 described later is simplified. Core layer L1 of body 2 is also simplified in the following right side views.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, body 2 includes core layer L1, a first surface layer L21, a first inner layer L31, and a first outer layer L41. First inner layer L31 is disposed so as to sandwich first surface layer L21 with core layer L1. First outer layer L41 is disposed so as to sandwich first inner layer L31 with first surface layer L21.

[0033] Body 2 includes a second surface layer L22, a second inner layer L32, and a second outer layer L42. Second surface layer L22 is disposed so as to sandwich core layer L1 with first surface layer L21. Second inner layer L32 is disposed so as to sandwich second surface layer L22 with core layer L1. Second outer layer L42 is disposed so as to sandwich second inner layer L32 with second surface layer L22.

[0034] First surface layer L21 is superposed on a front surface of core layer L1. Second surface layer L22 is superposed on a back surface of core layer L1. First inner layer L31 is superposed on first surface layer L21. Second inner layer L32 is superposed on second surface layer L22. First outer layer L41 is superposed on first inner layer L31. Second outer layer L42 is superposed on second inner layer L32. That is, first surface layer L21, first inner layer L31, and first outer layer L41 are superposed in this order on the front surface (or one side) of core layer L1. Second surface layer L22, second inner layer L32, and second outer layer L42 are superposed in this order on the back surface (or the other side) of core layer L1.

[0035] Core layer L1 and first and second surface layers L21 and L22 may be configured integrally. In other words, core layer L1 and first and second surface layers L21 and L22 may be integral and inseparable or integrally molded.

[0036] Core layer L1 and first and second surface layers L21 and L22 are fixed together with an adhesive. First surface layer L21 and first inner layer L31 are fixed together with an adhesive. Second surface layer L22 and second inner layer L32 are fixed together with an adhesive.

[0037] First inner layer L31 and first outer layer L41 are fixed together with an adhesive. Second inner layer L32 and second outer layer L42 are fixed together with an adhesive. That is, core layer L1, first surface layer L21, second surface layer L22, first inner layer L31, second inner layer L32, first outer layer L41, and second outer layer L42 are each fixed with an adhesive.

[0038] In FIG. 4, core layer L1, first surface layer L21, second surface layer L22, first inner layer L31, second inner layer L32, first outer layer L41, and second outer layer L42 are disposed at body 2, and are not disposed at handle 1. Core layer L1, first surface layer L21, second surface layer L22, first inner layer L31, second inner layer L32, first outer layer L41, and second outer layer L42 may be disposed at handle 1 and body 2.

[0039] Core layer L1 is disposed at a center in a direction in which core layer L1, first surface layer L21, second surface layer L22, first inner layer L31, second inner layer L32, first outer layer L41, and second outer layer L42 are superposed. Core layer L1 has rigidity to serve as a support when hitting a ball with racket 100. Core layer L1 has a higher stiffness than first inner layer L31. Core layer L1 has a higher stiffness than second inner layer L32. Core layer L1 has a higher material hardness than first inner layer L31. Core layer L1 has a higher material hardness than second inner layer L32. Core layer L1 has a higher stiffness than first outer layer L41. Core layer L1 has a higher stiffness than second outer layer L42.

[0040] Core layer L1 is formed of material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylate (PA), epoxy (EP), and polyurethane (PU), for example.

[0041] First surface layer L21 and second surface layer L22 are each configured in a surface. That is, first and second surface layers L21 and L22 are each configured in a flat surface. First surface layer L21 and second surface layer L22 are preferably each configured to be continuous without a gap.

[0042] First surface layer L21 and second surface layer L22 are each formed of material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylate (PA), epoxy (EP), polyurethane (PU), and nonwoven fabric, for example. First surface layer L21 and second surface layer L22 may each be of fiber reinforced plastic.

[0043] First inner layer L31 is an elastic body. That is, first inner layer L31 is configured to be elastically deformable. Second inner layer L32 is an elastic body. That is, second inner layer L32 is configured to be elastically deformable. First inner layer L31 and second inner layer L32 are configured to restore first outer layer L41 and second outer layer L42, respectively, from a center side outwards by an elastic force when a ball is hit with racket 100.

[0044] First inner layer L31 and second inner layer L32 are each formed of material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA), rubber, and silicon, for example.

[0045] First outer layer L41 has a higher stiffness than first inner layer L31. First outer layer L41 has a higher material hardness than first inner layer L31. First outer layer L41 may have a higher material hardness than core layer L1. Second outer layer L42 has a higher stiffness than second inner layer L32. Second outer layer L42 has a higher material hardness than second inner layer L32. Second outer layer L42 may have a higher material hardness than core layer L1.

[0046] First outer layer L41 includes at least one of fiber reinforced plastic, high-hardness resin, and metal. Second outer layer L42 includes at least one of fiber reinforced plastic, high-hardness resin, and metal. The fiber reinforced plastic includes carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) for example. The metal includes aluminum, magnesium, and titanium, etc. for example. The resin includes polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylate (PA), epoxy (EP), and polyurethane (PU), for example.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing a honeycomb structure of core layer L1 of the present embodiment at a portion V shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 5, for the sake of convenience for explanation, core layer L1 and second surface layer L22 disposed on the side of the back surface of core layer L1 are shown.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, core layer L1 includes a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure is a structure in which regular hexagons are arranged without a gap in a plan view. The plan view is a view when the front and back surfaces of body 2 face each other. Core layer L1 may entirely have the honeycomb structure. That is, core layer L1 may all be of the honeycomb structure in the plan view.

[0049] Hereinafter, reference will be made to FIGS. 6 to 10 to describe modified examples of racket 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of a first modification of racket 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, a structure of a stack of layers is disposed only on one side of body 2. That is, body 2 includes core layer L1, first surface layer L21, first inner layer L31, and first outer layer L41, and does not include second surface layer L22, second inner layer L32, and second outer layer L42.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of a second modification of racket 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, first surface layer L21 is disposed so as to cover core layer L1. First surface layer L21 is disposed so as to cover core layer L1 only at body 2.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of a third modification of racket 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, first surface layer L21 is disposed so as to cover core layer L1. First surface layer L21 is disposed so as to cover core layer L1 at handle 1 and body 2. First surface layer L21 does not cover an end (a proximal end face) of handle 1.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of a fourth modification of racket 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, first outer layer L41 is configured to cover core layer L1, first surface layer L21, and first inner layer L31. First outer layer L41 is disposed so as to cover core layer L1, first surface layer L21, and first inner layer L31 only at body 2.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of a fifth modification of racket 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, first outer layer L41 is configured to cover core layer L1, first surface layer L2, and first inner layer L31. First outer layer L41 is configured to cover core layer L1, first surface layer L2, and first inner layer L31 at handle 1 and body 2. First outer layer L41 does not cover the end (the proximal end face) of handle 1.

[0055] Hereinafter, a function and effect of racket 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0056] Racket 100 of the first embodiment comprises first inner layer L31 that is an elastic body. Although first outer layer L41 has a higher stiffness than first inner layer L31, first outer layer L41 allows first inner layer L31 to sufficiently deflect and can thus enhance repulsion. Core layer L1 has a higher stiffness than first inner layer L31. Core layer L1 that is a member disposed inwardly of first inner layer L31 that is an elastic body and having rigidity to serve as a support, can enhance restitution of first inner layer L31 that is an elastic body. This can enhance repulsion.

[0057] Racket 100 of the first embodiment comprises second inner layer L32 that is an elastic body. Although second outer layer L42 has a higher stiffness than second inner layer L32, second outer layer L42 allows second inner layer L32 to sufficiently deflect and can thus enhance repulsion. Core layer L1 has a higher stiffness than second inner layer L32. Core layer L1 that is a member disposed inwardly of second inner layer L32 that is an elastic body and having rigidity to serve as a support, can enhance restitution of second inner layer L32 that is an elastic body. This can enhance repulsion. This can provide racket 100 with a coefficient of restitution improved at both the front surface and the back surface.

[0058] Racket 100 of the first embodiment comprises core layer L1 having a higher stiffness than first outer layer L41. This allows first outer layer L41 to deflect well.

[0059] Racket 100 of the first embodiment comprises first outer layer L4 including at least one of fiber reinforced plastic, high-hardness resin, and metal.

[0060] Racket 100 of the first embodiment comprises core layer L1 including a honeycomb structure. Core layer L1 can thus be enhanced in rigidity.

[0061] Body 2 includes first surface layer L21. When this is compared with a case with first inner layer L31 directly bonded to core layer L1 of the honeycomb structure, the former allows first inner layer L31 to be bonded in an increased area via first surface layer L21. The bonded portion of first inner layer L31 can thus be less likely peeled off. This can improve first inner layer L31 and core layer L1 in durability and repulsiveness.

[0062] Racket 100 of the first embodiment comprises first surface layer L21 disposed so as to cover core layer L1. Thus, first surface layer L21 can configure a layer stacked on core layer L1 without using an adhesive. Racket 100 of the first embodiment comprises first outer layer L41 configured to cover core layer L1, first surface layer L21, and first inner layer L31. Thus, first outer layer L41 can configure a layer stacked on core layer L1, first surface layer L21, and first inner layer L31 without using an adhesive. Further, racket 100 can have a better external appearance.

Second Embodiment

[0063] Racket 100 according to a second embodiment is identical in structure as well as function and effect to racket 100 according to the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0064] A configuration of racket 100 according to the second embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of racket 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of racket 100 of the present embodiment. In FIGS. 11 and 12, for the sake of convenience for explanation, grip member 1a and cover member 3 are not shown.

[0065] Racket 100 according to the second embodiment has core layer L1 and first surface layer L21 disposed at both handle 1 and body 2. In the present embodiment, handle 1 includes core layer L1 and first surface layer L21. Core layer L1 and first surface layer 21 extend from body 2 to handle 1.

[0066] Further, in the present embodiment, second surface layer L22 is disposed at both handle 1 and body 2. Handle 1 includes second surface layer L22. Second surface layer 22 extends from body 2 to handle 1.

[0067] Hereinafter, a function and effect of racket 100 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0068] Racket 100 of the second embodiment has core layer L1 and first surface layer L21 extending from body 2 to handle 1. This can prevent core layer L1 and first surface layer L21 when pressed from yielding in a direction in which the layers are bent. This can coestablish high bending stiffness and the ball striking surface's deflection and restitution.

Third Embodiment

[0069] Racket 100 according to a third embodiment is identical in structure as well as function and effect to racket 100 according to the second embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0070] A configuration of racket 100 according to the third embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of racket 100 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 13, for the sake of convenience for explanation, grip member 1a and cover member 3 are not shown.

[0071] Racket 100 according to the third embodiment has core layer L1, first surface layer L21, first inner layer L31, and first outer layer L41 disposed at both handle 1 and body 2. In the present embodiment, handle 1 includes core layer L1, first surface layer L21, first inner layer L31, and first outer layer L41. Core layer L1, first surface layer L2, first inner layer L31, and first outer layer L41 extend from body 2 to handle 1.

[0072] Further, in the present embodiment, second surface layer L22, second inner layer L32, and second outer layer L42 are disposed at both handle 1 and body 2. Handle 1 includes second surface layer L22, second inner layer L32, and second outer layer L42. Second surface layer L22, second inner layer L32, and second outer layer L42 extend from body 2 to handle 1.

[0073] Hereinafter, a function and effect of racket 100 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0074] Racket 100 of the third embodiment has core layer L1 and first surface layer L21 and in addition thereto first inner layer L31 and first outer layer L41 extending from body 2 to handle 1. This can prevent core layer L1, first surface layer L21, first inner layer L31, and first outer layer L41 when pressed from yielding in a direction in which the layers are bent. This can coestablish higher bending stiffness and the ball striking surface's further deflection and restitution.

Fourth Embodiment

[0075] Racket 100 according to a fourth embodiment is identical in structure as well as function and effect to racket 100 according to the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0076] A configuration of racket 100 according to the fourth embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of racket 100 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 14, for the sake of convenience for explanation, grip member 1a and cover member 3 are not shown. FIG. 15 is a front view schematically showing a foam material of core layer L1 of the present embodiment at a portion corresponding to FIG. 5.

[0077] Racket 100 according to the fourth embodiment comprises core layer L1 including a foam material. Core layer L1 may entirely be of the foam material. That is, core layer L1 may entirely be of the foam material in plan view.

[0078] The foam material is formed for example of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS)), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polystyrene (PS), and polyurethane (PU).

[0079] Hereinafter, a function and effect of racket 100 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0080] Racket 100 of the fourth embodiment comprises core layer L1 including a foam material. The foam material is lighter than the honeycomb structure and can thus reduce core layer L1 in weight.

Fifth Embodiment

[0081] Racket 100 according to a fifth embodiment is identical in structure as well as function and effect to racket 100 according to the fourth embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0082] A configuration of racket 100 according to the fifth embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of racket 100 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 16, for the sake of convenience for explanation, grip member 1a and cover member 3 are not shown.

[0083] Racket 100 according to the fifth embodiment comprises core layer L1 including a foam material. Core layer L1 and first surface layer L21 are disposed at both handle 1 and body 2. In the present embodiment, handle 1 includes core layer L1 and first surface layer L21. Core layer L1 and first surface layer L21 extend from body 2 to handle 1.

[0084] Further, in the present embodiment, second surface layer L22 is disposed at both handle 1 and body 2. Handle 1 includes second surface layer L22. Second surface layer 22 extends from body 2 to handle 1.

[0085] Hereinafter, a function and effect of racket 100 according to the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0086] Racket 100 of the fifth embodiment comprises core layer L1 including a foam material. Core layer L1 and first surface layer L21 extend from body 2 to handle 1. This can coestablish high bending stiffness and the ball striking surface's deflection and restitution while reducing core layer L1 in weight.

Sixth Embodiment

[0087] Racket 100 according to a sixth embodiment is identical in structure as well as function and effect to racket 100 according to the fifth embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0088] A configuration of racket 100 according to the sixth embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a right side view schematically showing a configuration of handle 1 and body 2 of racket 100 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 17, for the sake of convenience for explanation, grip member 1a and cover member 3 are not shown.

[0089] Racket 100 according to the fifth embodiment comprises core layer L1 including a foam material. Core layer L1, first surface layer L21, first inner layer L31, and first outer layer L41 are disposed at both handle 1 and body 2. In the present embodiment, handle 1 includes core layer L1, first surface layer L21, first inner layer L31, and first outer layer L41. Core layer L1, first surface layer L21, first inner layer L31, and first outer layer L41 extend from body 2 to handle 1.

[0090] Further, in the present embodiment, second surface layer L22, second inner layer L32, and second outer layer L42 are disposed at both handle 1 and body 2. Handle 1 includes second surface layer L22, second inner layer L32, and second outer layer L42. Second surface layer L22, second inner layer L32, and second outer layer L42 extend from body 2 to handle 1.

[0091] Hereinafter, a function and effect of racket 100 according to the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0092] Racket 100 of the sixth embodiment comprises core layer L1 including a foam material. Core layer L1 and first surface layer L21, and in addition thereto, first inner layer L31 and first outer layer L41 extend from body 2 to handle 1. This can coestablish higher bending stiffness and the ball striking surface's further deflection and restitution while reducing core layer L1 in weight.

[0093] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the scope of the present invention being interpreted by the terms of the appended claims.