TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to walking aids. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to walking aids such as canes, crutches, and walkers having removable shock absorbing tips configured to permit a shock absorbing biasing member of the tip to be visible to a user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments disclosed herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments, which will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1A is a partially cut-away side elevation view of one embodiment of a walking aid, specifically a cane, having a removable shock absorbing tip made of transparent or translucent material.
FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a walking aid, specifically a crutch, having a removable shock absorbing tip with a window to view a biasing member such as a spring.
FIG. 1C is a partially cut-away side elevation view of a portion of another embodiment of a walking aid, such as a walker, having a removable shock absorbing tip made of transparent or translucent material.
FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip made of transparent or translucent material permitting a biasing member such as a spring to be visible, the tip attached to a shaft of a walking aid.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side-elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2C is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip made of transparent or translucent material permitting a biasing member such as a spring to be visible, the tip attached to a shaft of a walking aid.
FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional side-elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip of FIG. 2C.
FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a spring as a biasing member.
FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a spring as a biasing member.
FIG. 3C is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having an elastomeric material as a biasing member.
FIG. 3D is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a threaded shaft engaging member coupled to a biasing member made of an elastomeric material.
FIG. 3E is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a threaded shaft engaging member, a fluid-filled cushion biasing member, and a window in the outer shell member.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a window in the outer shell through which to view a spring biasing member.
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip of FIG. 4A.
FIG. 4C is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip made of transparent material to allow the spring biasing member to be visible.
FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip of FIG. 4C.
FIG. 4E is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a window in the outer shell through which to view a fluid-filled cushion biasing member.
FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip of FIG. 4E.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having an exposed spring biasing element.
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the removable shock absorbing tip of FIG. 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Certain individuals may require the assistance of a walking aid. Because these individuals rely on their walking aid to be able to walk, they may be motivated to customize the walking aid according to their individual preferences. For example, a hand grip of a walking aid may be exchanged with a customized grip, or a grip more to the user's liking. Similarly, the tip(s) of a walking aid may be exchanged to match the preferences of the user. For example, a user may prefer a hard or soft tip, a tip with a certain type of tread to provide traction and minimize slipping, a tip designed for icy or slippery conditions, or a tip designed for shock absorption. Moreover a user may prefer a different type of shock absorbing tips depending on the conditions. Tips for walking aids, however, are not always readily distinguishable and it may be difficult to easily identify a desired tip when choosing among several options having subtly different features. The present disclosure addresses some of these issues by enabling a user to view the biasing member of a shock absorbing tip and thereby distinguish the tip from other tips.
It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.
The phrases “connected to,” “coupled to” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each other through an intermediate component.
FIG. 1A shows a partially cut-away side elevation view of a walking aid 100, specifically a cane, coupled to a removable biasing tip 110, a portion of which is made of transparent or translucent material, according to one embodiment. The biasing tip 110 may be configured for shock absorption to soften the impact of the tip and the walking aid with the ground. The walking aid 100 may comprise a handle 102 for grasping the walking aid and a shaft 104 coupled to the handle 102 and extending from the handle 102 toward the ground.
“Transparent material,” as used herein, designates material that allows objects to be seen clearly through it. “Translucent material,” as used herein, designates material that allows light to pass through, but diffusing it so that objects beyond are not distinctly seen. Transparent or translucent material may be examples of a means for viewing a biasing means from the exterior of the outer shell member 116. Other examples of means for viewing may include a window, a slit, a hole, a notch, or any opening in the outer shell member.
In one embodiment, the removable biasing tip 110 may comprise a biasing member 114, an outer shell member 116, and a slidably moveable member 115. The outer shell 116 may further comprise a shaft engaging member 112 configured to engage the shaft 104 of the walking aid 100, thereby coupling the removable biasing tip 110 to the shaft 104. As depicted in FIG. 1A, the shaft engaging member 112 may engage the shaft 104 through friction. In another embodiment, engagement of the shaft may be accomplished by a coupling mechanism, such as a clip, a clamp, a detent, a button, or complementary threads. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the outer shell member 116 may surround the biasing member so as to secure one end of the biasing member 114 against movement and also to secure the biasing member 114 in a position abutting with the slidably moveable member 115. The outer shell member 116 may be wholly or partially formed of transparent or translucent material to permit the biasing member 114 to be visible.
The biasing member 114 may be positioned within the outer shell member 116 around the shaft engaging member 112. The slidably moveable member 115 may be adapted to be received within the outer shell member 116, but outside of the shaft engaging member 112, to abut against one end of the biasing member. The slidably moveable member 115 may be slidably moveable with respect to the outer shell member 116 and the shaft 104 to compress the biasing member.
A “biasing member” refers to a resilient or elastic component. A biasing member may be capable of providing a force in a particular direction and/or may be capable of returning to an original shape or position after having been compressed. A biasing member may be means for biasing a tip end of a walking aid against a force applied down a shaft of the walking aid. Exemplary biasing members, and biasing means, include a coil spring or other spring, a compressible gas, a compressible liquid, a compressible solid, a compressible gel, a cushion filled with compressible gas, liquid or gel, an elastomeric material, etc.
As depicted in FIG. 1A, the biasing member 114 may be a spring. In FIG. 1A, the outer shell member 116 is partially cut-away to more prominently show the spring biasing member 114. In other embodiments, the biasing member 114 may be a fluid-filled cushion or may be formed of an elastomeric material. As used herein, the term fluid is intended to have its scientific meaning, and thus includes gas and liquid. Accordingly, a fluid-filled cushion can be filled with gas and/or liquid. Some elastomeric materials that may be used include but are not limited to rubber, resilient plastic, and gels.
The slidably moveable member 115 may slide relative to the outer shell member 116 in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the shaft 104 of the walking aid. As a user applies force down the shaft 104, the slidably moveable member 115 may slide within the outer shell member 116, around the shaft engaging member 112, to compress the biasing member 114 and thereby allow the biasing member to soften the impact of the tip 110 and walking aid 100 with the ground. Also, as illustrated, the slidably moveable member 115 may be configured to be received within the interior 120 of the hollow shaft 104, such that a portion of the slidably moveable member 115 slides within the shaft 104 when compressing the biasing member 115. The slidably moveable member 115 may further comprise a tread member 117 to provide the tip 110 with traction on the ground.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the outer shell member 116 may be an example of means for covering the biasing means, which substantially encloses the biasing means. The slidably moveable member 115 may be an example of means for compressing the biasing means.
FIG. 1B shows a side elevation view of another embodiment of a walking aid 100B, specifically a crutch, coupled to a removable biasing tip 110B that has a window 118B through which to view a biasing member 114B such as a spring. The walking aid of FIG. 1B comprises one or more handles 102B, and a shaft 104B, or one or more shafts coupled together to form a shaft 104B, that extends from the one or more handles 102B substantially toward the ground.
The removable biasing tip 110B may comprise a biasing member 114B and an outer shell member 116B. The outer shell member may be coupled to an inner shaft-engaging member 112B that is slidably moveable within the outer shell member 116B and configured to engage the shaft 104B of the walking aid 100B. The outer shell 116B may surround the biasing member 114B and couple the shaft engaging member 112B and the biasing member 114B. Because the shaft engaging member 112B is slidably moveable within the outer shell member 116B, the outer shell member 116B can move with respect to the shaft 104B when force is applied down the shaft 104B. The outer shell member 116B compresses the biasing member 114B, thereby enabling the biasing member 114B to absorb the force of impact of tip 110B. Thus, in this embodiment, the outer shell member 116 may be an example of means for compressing the biasing means.
The outer shell member 116B may include a window 118B to permit the biasing member 114B to be visible through the outer shell member 116B. As depicted in FIG. 1B, the biasing member 114B may be a spring. In other embodiments, the biasing member 114B may be a fluid-filled cushion or may be formed of an elastomeric material.
FIG. 1C shows a side elevation view of a portion of still another embodiment of a walking aid 100C, such as a walker, coupled to a removable biasing tip 110C made of transparent or translucent material. The walking aid of FIG. 1C may comprise one or more handles and a shaft 104C, or one or more shafts coupled together to form a shaft 104C, extending from the one or more handles toward the ground. The removable biasing tip 110C may comprise a biasing member 114C, and an outer shell member 116C. The outer shell may surround the biasing member 114C and couple together the tip end of shaft 104C and the biasing member 114C. The outer shell member 116C may be formed of transparent or translucent material to permit the biasing member 114C to be visible through the outer shell member 116C. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the outer shell 116C of the removable biasing tip 110 may move with respect to the shaft 104C to enable the biasing member 114C to absorb and soften the shock of impact.
FIG. 2A is a side view of a removable shock absorbing tip 210 coupled to a shaft 204 of a walking aid, according to one embodiment. The shock absorbing tip 210 comprises an outer shell member 216 formed of transparent or translucent material, a biasing member 214 viewable through the outer shell member 216, and a slidably moveable member 215. The slidably moveable member 215 may further comprise a tread member 217 to provide the tip 210 with traction on the ground.
FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional view of the removable shock absorbing tip 210 of FIG. 2A attached to the shaft 204 of a walking aid. The cross section is taken along plane A-A as indicated in FIG. 2A. As illustrated by the cross-section, the outer shell member 216 may further comprise a shaft engaging member 212 to engage the shaft 204 of a walking aid. The cross-sectional view illustrates the slidably moveable member 215 being received, and slidably moveable, within the outer shell member 216 and abutting with the biasing member 214. When a force is exerted down the shaft 204, the slidably moveable member 215 moves with respect to the outer shell member 216 to compress the biasing member 214 and thereby enable the biasing member 214 to absorb and soften force of impact of the tip 210 with the ground or other surface.
As depicted by FIGS. 2A and 2B, in one embodiment, a slidably moveable member 215 can be slidably moveable within the outer shell member 216 and thereby move with respect to the outer shell member 216 and the shaft 204 to compress the biasing member 214 when pressure is applied down the shaft. The compression of the biasing member 214 enables absorption of the shock of impact of the tip 210 with the ground or other surface.
FIG. 2C depicts a perspective view of a removable shock absorbing tip 210C coupled to a shaft 204C of a walking aid, according to another embodiment. The shock absorbing tip 210C may comprise a shaft engaging member 212C, an outer shell member 216C formed of transparent or translucent material, and a biasing member 214C viewable through the outer shell member 216C. The shaft engaging member 212C is slidably moveable within the outer shell member 216C. Thus, the outer shell member 216C can move with respect to the shaft engaging member to compress the biasing member 214C and thereby enable the biasing member 214C to absorb and soften the force of impact of the tip 210C with the ground or other surface.
FIG. 2D depicts a cross-sectional view of the removable shock absorbing tip 210C of FIG. 2C attached to a shaft 204C of a walking aid. The cross section is taken along the plane B-B as indicated in FIG. 2C. The cross-sectional view illustrates that the embodiment may comprise a shaft engaging member 212C, an outer shell member 216C formed of transparent or translucent material, and a biasing member 214C. As depicted in FIG. 2D, the biasing member 214C may be a spring. FIG. 2D also portrays the outer shell member 216C coupling the shaft engaging member 212C in abutment with the biasing member 214C.
As depicted by FIGS. 2C and 2D, in one embodiment the shaft engaging member 212C may be slidably moveable within the outer shell member 216, thereby compressing the biasing member 214C when pressure is applied and allowing the biasing member 214C to absorb the shock of impact.
In another embodiment, the shaft engaging member 212C may not be slidably moveable with respect to the outer shell member 216C. There may be not be any slidably moveable member. Rather, the outer shell member 216C may be formed of a flexible material that collapses when pressure is applied. The outer shell member 216C may collapse when force is applied down the shaft 204C, such as when the user of a waking aid applies pressure to the walking aid for stability and support. When the outer shell member 216C collapses, the biasing member 214C may compress to absorb a portion of the shock of impact and the force applied.
FIG. 3A is an exploded view of a removable shock absorbing tip 310 having a spring as a biasing member, according to one embodiment. FIG. 3A depicts the different components of the removable shock absorbing tip 310, including but not limited to an outer shell member 316, a biasing member 314, a slidably moveable member 315 and a tread member 317. Also depicted is a shaft 304 of a walking aid. The outer shell member 316 may further comprise a shaft engaging member 312 configured to engage the shaft 304 to attach the removable shock absorbing tip to the walking aid. The shaft engaging member 312 may be integrally coupled to the outer shell 316, as depicted in FIG. 3A. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the outer shell member 316 is configured to secure one end of the biasing member 314 and also secure the slidably moveable member 315 in abutment with the biasing member 314. The outer shell member 316 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material so as to permit the biasing member 314 to be visible through the outer shell member 316. The slidably moveable member 315 is configured to be positioned within the outer shell member 316 and slidably movable with respect to the outer shell member 316. The slidably moveable member 315 may be positioned to slidably move around the shaft engaging member 312. When a force is applied down the shaft 304, the slidably moveable member 315 may move with respect to the outer shell 316 so as to compress the biasing member 315. As depicted in FIG. 3A, the biasing member 314 may be a spring.
FIG. 3B is an exploded view of a removable shock absorbing tip 310B having a spring as a biasing member, according to one embodiment. FIG. 3B depicts the different components of the shock absorbing tip 310B including but not limited to an outer shell member 316B, a biasing member 314B, and a shaft engaging member 312B. Also depicted is a shaft 304B of a walking aid. The shaft engaging member 312B may be configured to engage the shaft 304B to attach the removable shock absorbing tip to the walking aid. Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment the outer shell member 316B is configured to hold the shaft engaging member 312B in abutment with the biasing member 314B. The shaft engaging member may be configured to function like a piston, such that it is partially received by, and slidably moveable within, the outer shell member 316B and can compress the biasing member 314B. The outer shell member 316B may be formed of a transparent or translucent material so as to permit the biasing member 314B to be visible through the outer shell member 316B. As depicted in FIG. 3A, the biasing member 314B may be a spring.
FIG. 3C is an exploded view of another embodiment of a shock absorbing tip 310C having a biasing member comprising a compressible piece of material. The embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 3B, comprising an outer shell member 316C, a biasing member 314C, and a shaft engaging member 312C that is slidably moveable within the outer shell member 316C. Also depicted is a shaft 304C of a walking aid. The biasing member 314C of the present embodiment may be formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, resilient plastic, or gel.
FIG. 3D is an exploded view of still another embodiment of a shock absorbing tip 310D with a threaded shaft engaging member coupled to a biasing member made of an elastomeric material. The shaft engaging member 312D of the illustrated embodiment may comprise threads 317D. The shaft engaging member 312 may be formed together with a biasing member 314D, the two permanently connected or integrated, and slidably moveable within outer shell member 316D. Threads 317D are an example of a means for engaging a shaft of a walking aid. Other examples of means for engaging a shaft of a walking aid may include an elastomeric material configured to tightly grip the shaft, a detent, hooks and loops, a button, or other fastener.
FIG. 3E is an exploded view of still another embodiment of a shock absorbing tip 310E comprising a threaded shaft engaging member 312E, a fluid-filled cushion as a biasing member 314E, and a window 318E in the outer shell member 316E through which to view the biasing member 314E. In one embodiment, the fluid-filled cushion biasing member 314E may be filled with air. In another embodiment, the fluid-filled cushion biasing member 314E may be filled with a gel or other liquid. In other embodiments, the biasing member may be a spring or elastomeric material.
The shock absorbing tip 310E of FIG. 3E may comprise a shaft engaging member 312E that may be formed as an integrated part of the outer shell member 316E. Because the shaft engaging member 312E is integrated with the outer shell member 316E, the shaft engaging member 312E is not slidably moveable with respect to the outer shell member 316E. No slidably moveable component is present. Rather, the outer shell member 316E may be formed of a flexible material that gives way when pressure is applied. The outer shell member 316E may give way when force is applied down the shaft, such as when the user of a walking aid applies pressure to the walking aid for stability and support. As the outer shell member 316E gives way under the applied force, the biasing member 314E may compress to absorb a portion of the shock of impact from and force being applied.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip 410 with a window to permit the spring to be visible. The embodiment may comprise an outer shell member 416 that may be at least partially formed of transparent or translucent material, a window 418 in the outer shell member, a biasing member 414 viewable through the window 418 of the outer shell member 416, a slidably moveable member 415, and a tread member 417.
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the same embodiment of a shock absorbing tip 410 shown in FIG. 4A. The cross-section is taken along the plane C-C as indicated in FIG. 4A. The cross-sectional view illustrates that the outer shell member 416 is adapted to engage a shaft of a walking aid. The outer shell member 416 may further comprise a shaft engaging member 412 to accomplish that objective. The biasing member 414 may be disposed within the outer shell member 414 around the inner shaft engaging member 412. A slidably moveable member 415 is adapted to be received around the inner shaft engaging member, but within the outer shell member 416, so as to abut with the biasing member. The slidably moveable member may further comprise a tread member 417. As depicted in FIG. 4B, the slidably moveable member 415 moves with respect to the shaft engaging member 412 of the outer shell member 416 to compress the biasing member 414 and thereby absorb the force of impact. The biasing member 414 may be a spring.
FIG. 4C is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip 410C made of transparent material to make the spring visible. The removable shock absorbing tip 410C may comprise an outer shell member 416C at least partially formed of transparent or translucent material and a biasing member 414C viewable through the outer shell member 416C, and a shaft engaging member 412C that is slidably moveable within outer shell member 416C.
FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the shock absorbing tip 410C shown in FIG. 4C. The cross-sectional view is taken along the plane D-D as indicated in FIG. 4C. The cross-sectional view reveals that the shock absorbing tip 410C comprises a shaft engaging member 412C, an outer shell member 416C formed of transparent or translucent material, and a biasing member 414C. As depicted in FIG. 4D, the biasing member 414C may be a spring. FIG. 4D also illustrates the outer shell member 416 coupling the shaft engaging member 412 in abutment with the biasing member 414.
FIG. 4E is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip 410E having an outer shell member with a window to permit the fluid-filled cushion biasing member to be visible through the outer shell. The removable shock absorbing tip 410E is shown not attached to any walking aid. The removable shock absorbing tip 410E may comprise a shaft engaging member 412E, and a biasing member 414E, an outer shell member 416E, and a window 418E to permit the biasing member 414E to be viewable through the outer shell member 416E. The window 418E in the outer shell member 416E may be formed of transparent or translucent material. The outer shell member 416E may be formed of an opaque material. The window 418E allows a user to view the biasing element 414E and more readily distinguish the embodiment from other removable tips for walking aids.
FIG. 4F is a cut-away side elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip 410E of FIG. 4E. The cross-sectional view is taken along the plane E-E as shown in FIG. 4E. The removable shock absorbing tip 410E comprises a shaft engaging member 412E, an outer shell member 416E, and a biasing member 414E formed of elastomeric material. In another embodiment, the biasing member 414F may be a fluid-filled cushion. In still another embodiment, the removable shock absorbing tip 410E may have, in addition to the window 418E, an outer shell member 416E made of transparent material to make the biasing member visible.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having an exposed spring biasing element. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the removable shock absorbing tip of FIG. 5A. The cross-section is taken along plane F-F as indicated in FIG. 5A. The removable shock absorbing tip 510 comprises a shaft engaging member 512, an outer shell member 516, and a biasing member 514. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 514 is a spring coiled around the shaft engaging member 512 and positioned above the outer shell member 516. The biasing member 514 is in abutment at one end with a top rim 518 of the outer shell member 516 and in abutment at another end with a collar 520 positioned at or near the top of the shaft engaging member 512. Until a force is applied to the shaft engaging member 512, the spring biasing member 514 may be in an uncompressed state. The spring biasing member 514 biases the collar 520 of the shaft engaging member away from the top rim 518 of the outer shell member 516.
The shaft engaging member 512 is at least partially received by and slidably moveable within a cavity of the outer shell 516. The shaft engaging member 512 moves relative to the outer shell 516 in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of a shaft to which the shaft engaging member 512 may be coupled. The shaft engaging member 512 may slide along a one or more tracks 522 formed along the inside of the cavity of the outer shell member 516, as shown in FIG. 5B. The one or more tracks 522 may comprise a combination of one or more grooves and/or protrusions that mate with a combination of one or more corresponding protrusions and/or grooves respectively formed on an outer surface of the shaft engaging member 512. The tracks 522 may be configured to prevent the outer shell member 516 from rotating about the shaft engaging member 512. The tracks 522 may be further configured to engage the outer shell member 516 to the shaft engaging member 512 to prevent the shaft engaging member 512 from fully withdrawing from the cavity of the outer shell member 516. A stop 524 may also be positioned within the cavity of the outer shell 516 to prevent the shaft engaging member 512 from being pushed too far into the cavity of the outer shell 516. The stop 524 may ensure that the spring biasing element is not over-compressed, or otherwise damaged. Furthermore, by preventing over insertion of the shaft engaging member 512 into the cavity of the outer shell member 516, the stop 524 may also serve to ensure that the spring biasing element 514 remains properly positioned around the shaft engaging member 512 and between the collar 518 of the shaft engaging member 512 and the top rim 518 of the outer shell member 512.
As a force is applied down a shaft of a walking aid and is transferred to the shaft engaging member 512, the shaft engaging member 512 slides further into the outer shell member 516. The collar 520 of the shaft engaging member 512 also moves closer to the top rim 518 of the outer shell member 516, thereby compressing the spring biasing member 514. In this manner, the spring biasing member 514 can absorb the shock of impact of the tip 510 and the walking aid with the ground. The impact of the tip 510 with the ground is softened. When the force down the shaft is removed, the spring biasing member 514 biases the collar 520 of the shaft engaging member 512 away from the outer shell member 516 and into position to soften the shock of a subsequent impact of the tip 510 with the ground.
While specific embodiments of walking aids and removable tips for walking aids have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention claimed hereinafter is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those of skill in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the apparatus disclosed.
Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the present disclosure to its fullest extent. The examples and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention as claimed hereinafter. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. Note that elements recited in means-plus-function format are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112 ¶6.
Patent Application
20110073146
