Abstract:
An apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person having a pulley secured above said bedridden person, a cable supported and arranged for movement about the pulley, and a substantially “T” shaped member consisting of a first longitudinally arranged member having a first end and a second end, where the first end is removably secured to the cable, and a second laterally arranged member secured transversely to the second end of the first member, where the first longitudinally arranged member is arranged perpendicularly to the second laterally arranged member.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/474,802, filed May 18, 2012 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,572,774, which patent is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to an apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person in order to facilitate a caregiver in bathing or changing the dressings of the person. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There is a need to lift the legs of a bedridden person to bathe or clean the person, or to change dressings, a diaper, or apparel. Sometimes the bedridden person is disabled/paralyzed, or just lacks the leg strength to assist the caregiver. This problem has been recognized by others in the art, who have offered various solutions. 
     PCT Publication No. WO9312740 (Kawano) discloses a diaper replacing aid for bedridden people consisting of a leg holding portion 1, a pulling device 2 secured to the leg holding portion, arranged to pull a leg obliquely upwardly, and a support stand 3 for supporting the pulling device 2. The closed loop structure of the Kawano leg holding portion requires the caretaker to insert the patient&#39;s leg (or legs) into the loop, similar to threading the eye of a needle. This is somewhat cumbersome, especially if the person is unable to move his or her legs. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,131 (Jandrakovic) discloses a patient standing assistance apparatus having pulleys mounted to a ceiling, directing a cable connected to a harness which is arranged to wrap around a person to lift a person in the process of standing. Again, the harness in this invention forms a closed loop, with problems similar to the closed loop disclosed by Kawano supra. 
     PCT Publication No. SU1694164 (Kharchenko) discloses a hip joint mobility training device which includes a vibration unit having controls 10 and a strap loop 6 for positioning a single raised leg. A person stands while the device mobilizes the raised leg. Moreover, the loop in this invention is closed like the harness in the Jandrakovic patent. This procedure can also be cumbersome due to the fact that the person must be standing in order to use the invention. This patent neither teaches nor offers a solution to raising a limb of a bedridden person. 
     PCT Publication No. 01262863 (Hayakawa) discloses an apparatus for maintaining a lifted position for a bedridden person, having a pair of right and left supporting stands 1 which are operatively arranged along the right and left sides of the waist of a human body, a pair of right and left supporting columns 2 protruding upwards from the pair of right and left supporting stands 1, a pair of right and left bars 4 extending along the legs of a human body, and a rod 6 erected between the middle parts of the right and left bars 4 to support the under surface of the knees of a person. The patient is limited in his or her movement by the support structure, and may also be unable to use the invention if he or she does not fit between the stands. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,862 (Hefty) discloses a wheelchair mounted invalid lift having a wheelchair 1, a vertical support post 11, a cantilever beam 12, an outrigger 40 support to ensure stability of the wheel chair, lifting bar 22, and an attachable sling 23 to cradle and lift a patient. The cantilever beam 12 supports a lift motor 20, which is track mounted on the cantilever beam 12, and the lift motor 20 is connected to a lifting line 21 and a lifting bar 22. A sling 23 is attachable to lifting bar 22 to hold patients. The lift motor 20 can be operated to raise and lower the patient within the wheelchair 1. The lifting line 21 and lifting bar 22 appear to be shaped like a “T” bar however, the “T” shaped assembly disclosed in this reference consists of a line and a bar secured transversely to the line. A caregiver would not place the lifting line 21 and lifting bar 22 between a patient&#39;s legs because the lifting line 21 could scratch, cut, or maim a patient. This patent neither teaches nor offers a solution for moving the legs of a bedridden person. 
     Therefore, there is a long-felt need for an apparatus for moving the limb of a bedridden person. There is also a long-felt need for an apparatus for moving the limb of a bedridden person that is easily positionable and less expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need for an apparatus for moving the limb of a bedridden person that has a “T” shaped member. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person having a pulley secured above said bedridden person, a cable supported and arranged for movement about the pulley, and a substantially “T” shaped member consisting of a first longitudinally arranged member having a first end and a second end, where the first end is removably secured to the cable, and a second laterally arranged member secured transversely to the second end of the first member, where the first longitudinally arranged member is arranged perpendicularly to the second laterally arranged member. 
     A general object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for moving the limb of a bedridden person. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for moving the limb of a bedridden person that is easily positionable. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for moving the limbs of a bedridden person that is less expensive to manufacture. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for moving the limb of a bedridden person that has a “T” shaped member and a pulley. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person of the invention shown as the “T” shaped member is hung on a wall; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the “T” shaped member connectively secured to a cable of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the “T” shaped member of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side partial cross-sectional view of the “T” shaped member of the invention arranged horizontally depicting the inside of the transverse member; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the “T” shaped member showing the end of the first member of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a back elevational view of the “T” shaped member of the invention showing only the transverse member of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the “T” shaped member taken generally along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person showing the invention in use with the “T” shaped member disposed under a person&#39;s knees while the person lays on his or her back; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the present invention showing an aide using a winch to raise the “T” shaped member disposed under a person&#39;s knees such that the person&#39;s limbs are lifted from the surface of the bed; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a hand cranked gearing mechanism; 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the “T” shaped member of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the “T” shaped member of the invention arranged horizontally; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the “T” shaped member showing the first end of the first member and the curved ends of the transverse member of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the “T” shaped member of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of a further embodiment of the “T” shaped member of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of a further embodiment of the “T” shaped member of the invention arranged horizontally; 
         FIG. 16  is a front elevational view of a further embodiment of the “T” shaped member showing the first end of the first member of the invention; and, 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the “T” shaped member of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspect. The present invention is intended to include various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The term substantially “T” shaped used herein refers to the general shape of first member  25  and transverse member  24  of the invention and is meant to include linear members and nonlinear members. For example, first member  25  and transverse member  24  could each assume a variety of shapes including curves, parabolas, and angles while maintaining a substantially “T” shape. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
     Structure 
     Adverting now to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of apparatus  10  for moving a limb of a bedridden person  92 . Apparatus  10  comprises, in a preferred embodiment, “T” shaped member  22 , pulley  44 , and cable  30 .  FIG. 1  shows “T” bar assembly  20  comprising “T” shaped member  22 , first member  25 , and transverse member  24 . “T” shaped member  22  is depicted hanging from wall-mounted brackets  23 . First member  25  is shown substantially upright and transverse member  24  is shown secured transversely to first member  25 . It should be appreciated that, as pictured here, “T” shaped member  22  is not clamped or otherwise secured to the wall. Thus, it should be appreciated that “T” shaped member  22  could be stored without wall-mounted brackets  23 . For example, “T” bar assembly  20  could be stored under bed  90 . Additionally, it should be appreciated that because “T” bar assembly  20  has no clamping or other secure means and instead stores freely a user of the present invention can quickly and easily position and store apparatus  10 . 
     Connection  50  (discussed in more detail below) and cable  30  are shown at the bottom of first member  25  of  FIG. 1 . Cable  30  comprises transverse portion  34  and vertical portion  32  and transverse portion  34  is shown joining connection  50  and wall mounted pulley assembly  40 . Vertical portion  32  is depicted connecting wall mounted pulley assembly  40  and motorized winch  60 . It should be appreciated that cable  30  can be any length to accommodate rooms of any size. Additionally, it should be appreciated that cable  30  is made of two or more wires running side by side and bonded, twisted, or braided together to form a single assembly. However, cable  30  could also comprise any suitable rope, wire, line, or chain that can accommodate the weight of the limbs of a person and be supported by pulley  44 . 
       FIG. 1  further shows pulley  44  supporting cable  30 . Pulley  44  and threaded eyelet  42  are together referred to as wall mounted pulley assembly  40 . Pulley  44  is secured to threaded eyelet  42  which is, in turn, in a preferred embodiment, secured to a wall above bed  90 . It should be appreciated that threaded eyelet  42  could be secured to a ceiling, a window, or any other fixture above bed  90 . Moreover, it should be appreciated that threaded eyelet  42  could be supplemented with any suitable alternative. Wall mounted pulley assembly  40  could also be replaced with any suitable alternative such as a swivel hook block with latch made by Campbell, UPC Code 020418115004, available from Apex Tool Group, LLC located at 14600 York Rd, Suite A, Sparks, Md. 21152. Pulley  44  could also be fixed. 
     Finally, apparatus  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  comprising motorized winch  60  connected to vertical portion  32 . In a preferred embodiment, motorized winch  60  is a 120 volt, single phase, AC electric motor having an output of ¾ horse power (HP) and a maximum rated capacity of 1500 pounds. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, motorized winch  60  operates at 60 cycles per second (Hz). Motorized winch  60 , in the preferred embodiment, is made by Chicago Electric, SKU 96127, available from Harbor Freight Tools located at 3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, Calif. 93011-5034 and includes a 2 button forward/reverse remote control, a tethered remote control with 116′ cable and a 35 ft. long cable assembly with drop-forged sling hook. It should be appreciated that DC motors could perform the same function or any electrical motor arranged to raise or lower “T” shaped member  22 . Moreover, it should be appreciated that a manual substitute like a crank could be used instead (discussed below). Motorized winch  60  is shown in  FIG. 1  connected to power cord  61  and power source  62  but, it should be appreciated that apparatus  10  could be powered with any suitable power source such as, a battery. 
       FIG. 1  further depicts hand held control  80  and remote control cord  82  which represent the 2 button forward/reverse remote control and cable available online with motorized winch  60  discussed above. Hand held control  80  provides a controlled rate of ascent and descent for “T” shaped member  22 . For example, in order to raise “T” shaped member  22 , a caregiver activates motorized winch  60  and presses the forward button of hand held control  80  and holds down the button until “T” shaped member  22  is appropriately raised. Then, when “T” shaped member  22  is appropriately raised, the caregiver releases the forward button of hand held control  80  and “T” shaped member  22  stops rising and locks in place. “T” shaped member  22  does not lower until a caregiver presses the reverse button of hand held control  80 . A caregiver must hold the reverse button of hand held control  80  to lower “T” shaped member  22  so that “T” shaped member  22  doesn&#39;t fall freely and potentially injure the bedridden person. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of “T” shaped member  22  of apparatus  10  and connection  50 .  FIG. 2  shows “T” shaped member  22  comprising transverse member  24 , first member  25 , connection  50  and transverse portion  34 . In the preferred embodiment shown, transverse member  24  further comprises transverse foam covering  28 , and first member  25  further comprises foam covering  29 . Additionally, “T” shaped member  22  comprises first member bar  27 . First member bar  27  is shown protruding outwardly and downwardly from first member  25  and first member foam covering  29 . First member bar  27  is secured to clevis  54  by clevis screw  55 . Transverse portion  34  of cable  30  is shown threaded through clevis  54 . Additionally, transverse portion  34  is shown comprising snap hook  35 . Transverse portion  34  remains operatively arranged threaded through clevis  54  because snap hook  35  hooks onto transverse portion  34  at a point on the other side of clevis  54 . It should be appreciated that clevis  54  and clevis screw  55  could be substituted with any suitable clamping means such as, a screw pin anchor shackle (Part #: SPAS3/8SS) available from U.S. Cargo Control located at 202 Blue Creek Drive, Urbana, Iowa 52345. 
     First member foam covering  29  is cylindrical but, it should be appreciated that foam covering  29  could take any shape. Similarly, it should be appreciated that transverse foam covering  28  could be any shape. In the preferred embodiment shown, transverse foam covering  28  is also cylindrical. It is envisioned that transverse foam covering  28  and first member foam covering  29  are substantially made of polystyrene foam but, it should be appreciated to a person having ordinary skill in the art that the covering could be made of any appropriate substitute such as paper, paperboard, corrugated cardboards, biodegradable plastic, or cloth or natural fibers like cotton, wool, or hemp. A person having ordinary skill in the art could cover transverse member  24  and first member  25  with any suitable material having a tubular shape or one could cover transverse member  24  and first member  25  by wrapping and securing any suitable material having any suitable shape around transverse member  24  and first member  25 . The coverings described and illustrated herein help minimize the possibility that a bedridden person is injured or scratched by apparatus  10 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of “T” shaped member  22  of apparatus  10  showing first member  25  arranged substantially upright and transverse member  24  secured transversely to the upper end of first member  25 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side partial cross-sectional view of “T” shaped member  22  of apparatus  10  depicting transverse member  24  and first member  25 . From this perspective, transverse member  24  is shown comprising transverse bar  26  and transverse foam covering  28 . Transverse member  24  and transverse foam covering  28  are cylindrical and transverse foam covering  28  is shown wrapped around transverse bar  26 . Additionally,  FIG. 4  shows first member  25  comprising first member bar  27  and first member foam covering  29  where first member foam covering  29  enclosing first member bar  27 . First member bar  27  is shown protruding leftwardly from first member foam covering  29 . 
       FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of “T” shaped member  22  showing the first end of first member  25  of apparatus  10 .  FIG. 5  shows first member bar  27  surrounded by first member  25 . Transverse member foam covering  28  is shown covering transverse member  24 . 
       FIG. 6  is a back elevational view of “T” shaped member  22  of apparatus  10  showing only transverse member  24  of the invention and transverse foam covering  28  fully covering transverse member  24 . 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of “T” shaped member  22  taken generally along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 4 . Transverse bar  26  is shown inside transverse member foam covering  28 . First member bar  27  is shown inside first member foam covering  29  and protruding leftwardly from within first member foam covering  29 . It should be appreciated that transverse bar  26  and first member bar  27  can be made from a single piece of material or they could be made separately and secured to one another. 
     An alternate embodiment of “T” shaped member  22  is shown in  FIG. 10 . Transverse member  100  comprises linear portion  101  and first and second curved portions  102  and  103 . Linear portion  101  is flat and perpendicular to first member  25 . First curved portion  102  and second curved portion  103  are curved. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , second curved portion  103  is elevated above linear portion  101  and first member  25 . First curved portion  102  is not visible behind second curved portion however, it should be appreciated that first curved portion  102  is substantially similar to second curved portion  103 . Center X of second curved portion  103  is shifted distance d 1  in an upward direction from Y. It should be appreciated that distance d 1  could be increased or decreased to effectuate steeper curved portions  102  and  103 . Additionally, center X of second curved portion  103  is shifted distance d 2  in a leftward direction from Y. Again, distance d 2  could be increased or decreased to effectuate a more pronounced curve. As shown in  FIG. 10 , curved portions  102  and  103  are moved distance d 2 . 
       FIG. 12  shows first and second curved portions  102  and  103  and distance d 1  of first and second curved portions  102  and  103 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a perspective of “T” shaped member  22  including transverse member  100 . It should be appreciated that first and second curved portions  102  and  103  could be shifted only along direction d 1  or only along direction d 2 . Additionally, it should be appreciated that first and second curved portions  102  and  103  could be angled rather than curved to accommodate and stabilize a person&#39;s legs. 
     A further embodiment of “T” shaped member  22  is shown in  FIG. 14 . Transverse member  105  comprises curved portion  106 . Curved portion  106  has ends  108  and  109  which are connected along a continuous curved line Z.  FIG. 15  shows end  109  of curved portion  106 . End  108  is not visible behind end  109 . Ends  108  and  109  of curved portion  106  are disposed away from Y distances d 1  and d 2 . As discussed above, curved portion  106  can be further accentuated by increasing d 1  and/or d 2 . Alternatively, curved portion  106  can be straightened be decreasing d 1  and/or d 2 .  FIG. 14  shows ends  108  and  109  of curved portion  106  shifted along distance d 2 . 
     Curved portion  106  is shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . In  FIG. 16 , ends  108  and  109  are shown shifted along distance d 1 . It should be appreciated that curved portion  106  could be “U” shaped or “V” shaped or any other suitable curved or angled surface to accommodate and stabilize a person&#39;s legs. Transverse members  100  and  105  could be curved or angled in any suitable manner to accommodate and stabilize a person&#39;s legs. 
     Function 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of apparatus  10  for moving a limb of a bedridden person at rest  92  showing “T” shaped member  22  arranged under the knees of person at rest  92  laying atop bed  90 . In order to position “T” shaped member  22  under the knees of person at rest  92 , a caretaker first orients “T” shaped member  22  such that first member  25  is longitudinally arranged parallel to and above person at rest  92 ; transverse member  24  is perpendicular to the person at rest  92  and substantially horizontal. In this arrangement, first member  25  is pointing towards the head of the person at rest  92 . Once “T” shaped member  22  is arranged in this way, a caretaker can place “T” shaped member  22  under the knees of person at rest  92  in a number of ways. A caregiver can spread the legs of person at rest  92 , place “T” shaped member  22  between the knees of a person at rest  92 , and then position the person&#39;s legs on top of transverse member  24  on either side of first member  25 . The openness of “T” shaped member  22  provides a simple and straightforward way for a caregiver to place “T” shaped member  22  under the knees of person at rest  92 . 
     Sometimes it can be burdensome or painful to spread the legs of person at rest  92  so there are other ways to place “T” shaped member  22  under the knees of person at rest  92  without spreading legs. A caregiver can pull “T” shaped member  22  towards the foot of bed  90  so that a substantial amount of “T” shaped member  22  is suspended in the air proximate to the bottom of the feet of person at rest  92 . Then a caregiver can slide “T” shaped member  22  (specifically transverse member  24 ) under the ankles of person at rest  92 , under the calves of person at rest  92 , and toward the person&#39;s knees until “T” shaped member  22  is positioned comfortably under the knees of person at rest  92 . 
     Still another way that a caregiver can arrange “T” shaped member  22  under the knees of a person at rest  92  involves pivoting “T” shaped member  22 . Again a caregiver first orients the “T” shaped member  22  so that first member  25  is parallel to person at rest  92  and transverse member  24  is perpendicular to person at rest  92 . In this arrangement, transverse member  24  is substantially horizontal and suspended in the air proximate to the knees of person at rest  92 . Instead of pulling “T” shaped member  22  towards the feet of person at rest  92  as described above, a caregiver rotates transverse member  24  substantially 90 degrees around first member  25 . When transverse member  24  is rotated substantially 90 degrees around first member  25 , transverse member  24  is still perpendicular to person at rest  92  but, it is now substantially vertical. From this substantially vertical arrangement, a caregiver can then arrange “T” shaped member  22  between the legs of person at rest  92  such that first member  25  is perpendicular to and protruding upwards from bed  90  and transverse member  24  is lying in line proximate with the legs of person at rest  92  and atop bed  90 . Once “T” shaped member  22  is between the legs of person at rest  92 , a caregiver can then rotate “T” shaped member  22  again to position transverse member  24  under the knees of person at rest  92 . It should be understood that transverse member  24  can be rotated in either direction when a caregiver is positioning “T” shaped member  22  under the knees of person at rest  92  by rotation. When placing the ends of transverse member  24  under the knees of person at rest  92 , it should be appreciated that a caregiver need only maneuver the legs of the person at rest  92  to the extent necessary to place transverse member  24  comfortably under the knees of person at rest  92 . Furthermore, it should be appreciated that after “T” shaped member  22  is placed under the knees of a person at rest  92  by sliding means, rotation means, or any other means, the legs of person at rest  92  remain in an at rest position. Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 8 , when “T” shaped member  22  is properly positioned cable  30  is fully-extended. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of apparatus  10  where aide  96  is depicted operating motorized winch  60  and raising “T” shaped member  22  to move the legs of person at rest  92 . In this perspective, “T” shaped member  22  has already been placed under the knees of the person at rest  92 . In order to lift the limbs of person at rest  92  so that a caregiver can clean, change, or dress the person, aide  96  activates motorized winch  60  to raise “T” shaped member  22  toward the ceiling. As “T” shaped member approaches the ceiling, person at rest  92  becomes person with legs raised  94  because “T” shaped member  22  has raised the person&#39;s knees upward from bed  90  toward the head of the person. 
       FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of apparatus  10  showing hand cranked gearing mechanism  63 . As discussed above, it should be appreciated that apparatus  10  does not need motorized winch  60  to raise “T” shaped member  22 . Instead, apparatus  10  can comprise any device that produces reciprocal linear motion. For example, apparatus  10  could comprise a manual rotating shaft like hand cranked gearing mechanism  63  whereby a person manually rotates a bent portion of the shaft or a separate arm attached to the shaft thereby converting circular motion into reciprocal linear motion through the shaft. In this alternate embodiment, hand cranked gearing mechanism  63  comprises disc brake system  64  and release  65 . Disc brake system  64  self-activates and holds the load in place when the hand crank is released. In order for a caregiver to lower “T” shaped member  22 , the caregiver must press release  65  and simultaneously rotate the hand crank in the reverse direction. Disc brake system  64  and release  65  operate as an equivalent to hand held remote  80 . Disc brake system  64  and release  65  ensure that “T” shaped member  22  has a controlled descent so that a bedridden person is not injured by a free falling “T” shaped member  22 . A similarly functioning winch having a strap can be purchased at Lowes located at 1000 Lowes Blvd., Mooresville, N. C. 28117 (product no. 184439, Reese Towpower Winch 1500 pound capacity with 20 ft. strap and hook, model no. 74329). 
     Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.