Disclosed herein is a collapsible, convertible, extendable, traction-providing, portable stretcher/body splint type rescue device for use generally in emergency rescue field situations and having three main parts: a top or head portion, a middle or body portion, and an optional bottom or foot portion, all of which are formed from radiolucent material. The rescue device of the present invention further includes a head gear portion that is slidably adjustable, can provide dynamic cervical traction in the field, and is positioned on, yet easily removable from, the top or head portion. There is also padding on the top and middle portions which is removable, as well as a plurality of restraining devices such as webs, gores, straps and flaps to immobilize a victim on the rescue device.

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to stretchers usable in the field for emergency rescue. More particularly the invention relates to multi-purpose rescue stretchers that are collapsible and light-weight. Most particularly the invention relates to a light-weight, collapsible stretcher that is easily packable, saves space, and has multiple uses including being able to provide dynamic traction for the neck vertebrae while in the field, and also provide virtually complete immobilization of an injured victim, including even animals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Presently there are many different types of stretchers available for use in the field—for example at the site of an automobile or skiing accident or military operation. Particularly in field conditions, improvised emergency devices must be used for victims because special equipment suitable for every unique situation is simply not available.

While it would be desirable to have specialized and precisely-adapted rescue and transportation devices available at all times for every emergency, whether in a city, country, military action, water, snow, ice, gullies, cliffs, vehicles etc., such is usually not the case. Whatever is on hand is used.

Additionally, while there are many types of stretchers in existence none really suites all of the possible applications. For example, a conventional stretcher is generally 18 inches wide×72 inches long, comes in one, solid piece and is called a “long board” stretcher. There are also 32 inch long “short board” stretchers available, for use for example, in removing a victim from a vehicle. In fact, most ambulances are required to carry both a 72 inch “long board” and a 32 inch “short board”. This two-board arrangement presents several problems. The main problem is that, especially in the case of a possible spinal injury, if a person is first extricated from the vehicle using a 32 inch short board, that person, once extricated, will have to then be moved onto a full length 72 inch long board for transport. Such multiple handling of the victim increases the chance for permanent damage to the victim, especially in the case of a spinal injury. In addition, rescuers must carry two different types of boards, each one only useful for certain limited purposes. The 32 inch short board is useful for extrication, but doesn't stabilize the whole body and is not used for transport. The 72 inch long board stabilizes the body to some extent but is often too large to fit into many places where a victim is found and is awkward to carry. In a case for example with a small ravine or vehicle, only the short board can be carried in to the victim initially, then the victim must be carried out in a less than desirable position on the shot board before transfer can be made to the 72 inch long board.

Another example in which current stretchers are not ideal is the skiing industry. Because most stretchers are 18 inches wide and not all ski patrol sleds are 18 inches wide, many conventional stretchers are too wide to fit in the sleds used by ski patrollers to bring injured people off a mountain. Thus the patient may not be put on a stretcher initially, and will have to be moved to a stretcher once he is brought off the mountain.

A further area where current stretchers are not ideal is in military operations. Often a medic will have to go to the victim without a stretcher because conventional stretchers are too big to be carried, for example, on the back of a medic, especially during a parachute jump. Additionally, only so many large stretchers can be carried in a helicopter. Finally, carrying conventional stretchers occupies the rescuer's hands, thus limiting what else the rescuer can carry and operate.

Another problem with conventional stretchers and the current state of the art is that while conventional stretchers are padded to protect the victim the padding is essentially permanently attached to the stretcher. This non-removable padding prevents easy thorough cleaning of the stretcher. The padding is cleaned as well as possible while remaining on the stretcher. The same is true for most padding used to cushion the head of a victim. It is non-removable and not easily cleaned. Cleaning rescue and transport equipment after serious injuries, especially where blood and other bodily fluids have soiled the padding, is especially crucial today to prevent the spread of AIDS and other new diseases.

A further shortfall of current stretchers for use in the field is that while most are able to provide basic stabilization for the head and spine of the victim, they can not provide traction to the spine of the victim in the field to prevent further spinal injury during rescue and transport. Generally when a body is immobilized, for example on a stretcher, a certain amount of movement of the skeletal structure relative to the body envelope in response to acceleration forces (both positive and negative) during rescue and transport can not be avoided. But, it is desirable that the entire skeletal structure, including the skull, move together if they are going to move. Of course all such movement should be kept to a minimum, and this is particularly important with cervical spine injuries. However, with conventional stretcher restraint devices, the restraint devices are attached over the skin of the victim, and the head is immobilized, thus leaving the skeletal structure movable within the skin envelope while the skull is not able to move with the rest of the skeletal structure, thus creating risk for additional injury during rescue and transport. Such movement of the victim's skeletal structure happens mostly due to the gravity force vector.

Normally the position of a victim on a stretcher is supine, with the body resting on a rigid base—i.e. the stretcher. However, it is often necessary to tilt the stretcher during rescue, either by rotation around the longitudinal axis of the stretcher or in the vertical plane of the spine. For example, in the case of a victim vomiting the stretcher and victim would have to be turned on his/her side to keep the victim's airway open.

It is also often necessary to tilt or turn the stretcher to negotiate inclines, stairways, narrow passageways, etc. Thus the means by which the victim is attached or strapped to the stretcher must be able to resist snagging and be secure enough to keep the victim on the stretcher. Yet it is also essential that any rotating and/or tilting which changes the gravity force vector relative to the spinal axis does not cause appreciable tensional or compressive forces on the spine or neck due to the weight of the head and body during such rotating and/or tilting.

As the skeletal structure shifts within the body envelope in response to all the forces, the spatial relationship of the skull to the rest of the skeleton must be maintained, especially in the case of spinal injuries. However, as noted above, most conventional stretchers do not prevent movement of the skeleton with respect to the skin envelope, even if the head is immobilized, thus leaving the victim open to possible additional injury from the skeletal structure moving while the skull is immobilized.

There is, however, at least one stretcher currently available that can provide traction to the spine in the field, but the device, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,732,863 to Harrington, suffers from other shortfalls noted above. For example, the padding for the head and body is non-removable and the stretcher is a one-piece conventional 72 inch length. Thus, while the Harrington device can provide traction, the stretcher does not fit into every location and a patient may still have to be transported to some extent on a 32 inch conventional short board first and risk additional spinal or other damage from being transferred between the short board used for immediate rescue and the Harrington board used for transport.

Additionally, many conventional stretchers are made of wood that is heavy, can not be x-rayed and can absorb bodily fluids which is highly undesirable in these days of AIDS and other dangerous bodily-fluid borne viruses.

Thus, it would be desirable to have a light-weight, totally portable, collapsible yet extendable rescue device that can fully and completely stabilize a victim and provide cervical traction in the field. It would also be desirable to have a rescue device that can be used all the way from initial rescue to transport to emergency room and x-ray without having to transfer the victim to multiple stretchers, beds, etc. before the extent of the victim's injuries is determined. In addition, it would be desirable to have a stretcher or rescue device that has padding that is easily removable and washable such that both the stretcher and padding can be easily and completely cleaned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A most basic embodiment of the invention is a collapsible, extendable, traction providing, portable stretcher type rescue device having three main parts: a top or head portion, a middle or body portion, and an optional bottom or foot portion, all of which are formed from radiolucent material. The rescue device of the present invention further includes a head gear portion that is slidably adjustable and can provide dynamic cervical traction in the field, and is positioned on, yet easily removable from, the top or head portion. There is also padding on the top and middle portions which is removable, as well as a plurality of restraining devices such as webs, gores, straps and flaps to immobilize a victim on the rescue device.

An example embodiment may have a top or head portion, a middle portion and an optional bottom or foot portion. The maximum width of the rescue device of the present invention may vary, being any desirable and/or functional width depending on the exact application for which the device will be used—for example, ski patrol, military or general rescue.

Because the invention is formed in three separate but attachable sections, one single device can be used or formed in three different lengths to suit various rescue scenarios. For example, the entire device could be packaged and carried on the back of a medic being dropped from a helicopter, or carried on one's back to the site of an automobile accident, wherein upon arrival at the victim, the top or head portion could be used to stabilize a victim while he/she is extricated from a vehicle, then once the victim is out of the vehicle, the middle section could be attached, without further moving the victim, to form a single long board on which to transport the victim. The bottom or foot portion would be attachable as desired depending on the height of the victim.

Conventional practice requires a transfer of a victim from a 32 inch board on which the victim is extracted, to a 72 inch board to transport the victim, thus risking aggravating existing injuries or causing additional injuries during the transfer between boards/stretchers. In fact, often the trauma caused by an accident or initial injury is exacerbated during subsequent transfer and transport of a victim.

The present invention minimizes additional trauma by eliminating a common and, until now, necessary transfer from short board to long board. In addition, with its removable, adjustable head gear portion, the nature and orientation of its body restraining devices, removable head and body padding and its two or three-part structure, the present invention allows for complete immobilization of a victim with no transfer between stretchers. The invention also provides cervical traction while in the field and during transport such that the relationship of the skull to the rest of the skeletal structure is maintained during rescue and transport so as to minimize or eliminate additional injury due to rescue and transport. The collapsible/convertible device of the present invention is usable from initial rescue scene to x-ray room with no further movement of the victim after the victim is secured on the invention.

Thus, one aspect of the invention is to provide a collapsible or convertible multi-part rescue device that is assemblable into a full size stretcher-type rescue device.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a light-weight, space-saving rescue device that can be stowed in smaller spaces than conventional stretchers, and can be packaged to be easily carried by a rescue person and carried so as to leave the rescuer's hands free, for example packaged in a back-pack type assembly for transport to the rescue site.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide one rescue device that can be used in several different forms, for example a short form, a long form, and an optional extended form.

An additional aspect of the invention is to provide an easily disassemblable and washable rescue device, with removable and washable padding.

A still further aspect of the invention is to provide a rescue device that can apply dynamic traction in the field, to almost completely immobilize a victim—by immobilizing the skeletal structure yet allowing the skull to move with any amount of skeletal motion that may occur.

Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide a rescue device that can be used for every step of a rescue from initial extrication, to transport, to emergency room and x-ray, without having to transfer a victim between, for example, short and long stretcher boards.

An additional aspect of the invention is to provide a rescue device that may be formed at any desired width to suit the application for which it is used, for example ski rescue, military applications including search and rescue, and general civilian emergency services.

These and other aspects of the invention will become obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description, and accompanying figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout, a most basic embodiment of the invention is a collapsible, convertible, extendable, traction-providing, portable stretcher type rescue device having three main parts: a top or head portion, a middle or body portion, and an optional bottom or foot portion, all of which are preferably formed from radiolucent material. The rescue device of the present invention further includes a head gear portion that is slidably adjustable, can provide dynamic cervical traction in the field, and is positioned on, yet easily removable from, the top or head portion. There is also padding on the top and middle portions which is removable, as well as a plurality of restraining devices such as webs, gores, straps and flaps to immobilize a victim on the rescue device.

Referring now toFIG. 1the device10of the present invention is preferably made of radiolucent material (as are all parts of the device10) to facilitate the taking of X-ray photographs in the position of arrival at the hospital or other medical center. The device10can be formed by injection molding, thus can be hollow and have a foam type core material blown or otherwise inserted within the hollow device. A plurality of hand holds12provide means for carrying the device10. Device10is comprised of two main sections: a top or head portion14and a middle or body portion16which are assemblable together to form one continuous surface if desired. There is also an optional bottom or foot section18which allows for the length of the overall device10to be extended.

Top or head portion14is preferably of a shorter length than middle or body portion16such that top portion14may be used in initial extrication, stabilization and rescue of a victim, and then middle/body portion16attached to form a complete body support for the victim. For example, top/head portion14may be in the range of about 30–34 inches in length and middle/body portion16may be in the range of about 38–42 inches in length to provide a combined length in the range of about 68–76 inches for the top/head portion14and middle/body portion16when attached together. Optional bottom/foot portion18may be in the range of about 4–8 inches in length for a total length in the range of about 72 inches to about 84 inches.

Top/head portion14and middle/body portion16may be attached in a number of ways. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, middle/body portion16may have an attachment extension20at each edge which slidably fit into a receiving portion22at each edge of top/head portion14to create a single flush surface. Similarly, bottom/foot portion18may have an attachment extension24at each edge which fit slidably into a receiving portion26at each edge of middle/body portion14to form a single flush surface of greater length with top/head portion14, middle/body portion16and bottom/foot portion18all connected than when only top/head portion14and middle/body portion16are attached together. However, attachment of bottom/foot portion18is optional and whether it is used or not would depend on the height of the victim, if greater length is needed.FIG. 3illustrates receiving portions22for example in top/head portion14and/or middle/body portion16.

Device10is also provided with a means to elevate device10above a surface on which device10is resting, such that device10may be easily picked up from a surface. Such means may include telescoping rails28which are affixed to the bottom surface of middle/body portion16and which are extendable below and along the bottom surface of top/head portion14. Shown inFIGS. 1 and 3is an example of two tracks30that may used to secure rails28in place once extended. Rails28may be secured in an extended position in a number of ways such as by sliding into track mechanism30that is located along the bottom surface of top/head portion14; by insertion into a receiving device30asuch as a lock or clamp located on the bottom surface of top/head portion14, shown towards the top ofFIG. 1and which is also shown inFIG. 3; or by being formed with a locking mechanism on the telescoping rails28themselves, for example a telescoping and locking mechanism as is found on many vacuum cleaner handles and umbrella handles, with which there would be no corresponding attachment device located on top/head portion14, as shown inFIG. 1.

For example, if rails28have two telescoping parts, an outer part or rail32and an inner part or rail34, a small aperture or apertures36would be located at one (near) end of the outer part32and a spring-type mechanism38could be located at one (far) end of the inner part34. Normally the spring-type mechanism38is compressed when the inner part34is contained within the outer part32, but such that when the inner part34is fully extended and the spring-type mechanism38passes the aperture(s)36compression on the spring-type mechanism38is released and the spring-type mechanism38extends into and fills the aperture(s)36. With spring-type mechanism38lodged in aperture36the inner part34can not be moved/slid back into the outer part32unless or until the spring-type mechanism38is compressed, for example by a rescue worker, and the inner part34moved such that the spring-type mechanism38is no longer aligned with the aperture(s)36and the inner part34may then be slid back inside the outer part32.

InFIG. 1all three examples of ways that rails28could be received and/or secured in an extended position are shown. However all three example methods shown on one Figure are for example only. Preferably only one method of securing extended rails28in place would be used on any one device10. Three example methods are shown on one device10for illustrative purposes only, to show that there may be several ways to manufacture, locate and design rails28to elevate device10from a surface for ease of picking up device10with a victim secured thereon.FIG. 1also illustrates an optional reinforcing member40that may be located around the perimeter of each of the top, middle and bottom portions to strengthen and reinforce device10.

FIG. 2illustrates a plurality of restraining devices used to secure a victim to the device10. Although a variety of restraining devices may be used, in a variety of locations, illustrated inFIG. 2is a plurality of gores, webs or flaps42spaced along the longitudinal axis of the device10. Gores42may be located on both top/head portion14and middle/body portion16, and are preferably spaced in an alternating fashion. Gores42are preferably made of a smooth strong plastic or other material which is strong yet flexible and easily kept clean. Gores42may be attached in a variety of locations and manners. For example gores42may be pivotally attached to device10(on top/head portion14and/or middle/body portion16) at points44such that each gore42may be pivoted and set at a variety of angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of device10. The ends of gores42, where they meet and are attached to either top/head portion14or middle/body portion16, may be kept somewhat rigid by thin stiffening members46, as shown in greater detail inFIG. 4. Gores42may alternatively be attached to the underside of removable padding43that is used with device10, as shown inFIG. 4a. The removable padding43shown inFIG. 4acould be that used with either top/head portion14or middle/body portion16. If gores42are attached to top/head portion14and/or middle/body portion16padding43may be held in place by gores42with a victim lying on padding43. If gores42are attached to the padding43and secure a victim to the padding, then there may be additional restraining devices such as additional gores42attached to top/head portion14and middle/body portion16to secure both padding43and the victim to rescue device10.

Also included may be a plurality of adjustable connecting straps48. Connecting straps48may be used to secure the gores42in place once gores42are wrapped around a given portion of a victim's body from well under the body (being attached to either top/head portion14, middle/body portion16or the underside of the removable padding on top/head portion14and/or middle/body portion16) and thence up and around the portion of the body being secured, to a point on the opposite edge of device10. In this manner a tear drop cross section is formed.FIG. 5illustrates gores42wrapped around a portion of a victim's body, secured by straps48. Because gores42are pivotally mounted each gore42can follow the respective body contour. Thus, gores42can engage and contain the entire body envelope over a considerable surface thereof. In order for gores42to be able to be secured in whatever position is needed straps48are located in a variety of positions, and not necessarily directly opposite of each gore42. Therefore, rescue personnel can select an appropriate strap48to maximize the supportive affect of each gore42and its positioning. Because each gore42wraps the victim from a point well under the victim, effective lateral support is also achieved. Thus, should it become necessary to tilt the victim, as is often the case, movement of the body envelope is minimized. As a method of securing gores42with straps48, at least one, and preferably two “D-rings”42a, as shown inFIG. 5, may be located toward the far end of each gore42to accommodate a variety of body sizes. Preferably D-rings42aare secured to the outside surfaces of gores42. To fasten straps48to gores42via D-rings42aall fastening may be by conventional buckle or other snapping or gripping techniques including hook and loop fastening means such as VELCRO® hook and loop fastening means, or plastic snap and release buckles as commonly found on modern straps of backpacks and the like, or any other means known that provides quick fastening, infinite adjustability, and quick release. For example, straps48may be formed from VELCRO® hook and loop fastening means to allow easy adjustment, attachment and release.

Thus, with the combination of gores42and straps48, the body envelope of a victim is effectively immobilized. However, there is still a need for a method of keeping the skeletal structure likewise immobilized within the body envelope. While some movement of bones relative to the skin surface is inevitable by the very nature of the human body, the present invention provides a method and device for minimizing such motion, especially in the case of cervical spine injuries in which the problems associated with skeletal motion are most acute.

As shown inFIG. 2, and in greater detail inFIGS. 6,7, and8, the invention includes a head gear assembly50which comprises a base52, laterally supporting “wings”54aand54b, and straps56aand56bthat are used to hold lateral supports54aand54bin place to stabilize the head. Base52is slidably biased along the longitudinal axis of device10to permit the victim's head to move, if necessary, as the rest of the skeletal structure moves. Base52is mounted preferably on a ball track58or similar easily slidable mechanism so that it may move along the longitudinal axis of the device10. Head gear assembly50, by way of track58is also completely removable from top/head portion14. The victim's head is placed on base52, which may have removable padding. Base52and track58may extend only to the base of the skull, or base52and ball track58may be formed to extend for several inches below the base of the skull to provide additional support to lower vertebrae, and for example may be formed to extend to the thoracic vertebrae.

If the victim is in the supine position, the cervical arch is supported by a removable inflatable cushion60which may be inflated to the desired size to completely fill the space below the cervical arch. Cushion60may be inflated via a tube62as shown inFIG. 6, and tube62may be clamped or tied or a valve may be provided to retain the air in cushion60. The victim's head is laterally restrained by removably padded lateral support members or “wings”54aand54bas shown in detail inFIGS. 2,6and7. Lateral support members54aand54bare hingedly attached to base52. Lateral support members54aand54bare held against either side of the head by straps56aand56b, which may be attached to support members54aand54brespectively. In addition, a chin strap64may be included, as shown inFIG. 7, and used to help maintain proper position of the victim's head on base52. Chin strap64as shown may be conveniently affixed to each support member54aand54bby a hook and loop fastening means such as VELCRO® hook and loop fastening means, or other type fastener.

Also included as part of head gear assembly50is a spring or other mechanism by which tension can be applied to head gear assembly, and thus traction applied to the head of a victim. Such traction can be provided by way of spring mechanism66as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8. In an unused or stored position base52is held in a fixed position along track58by any known pin type mechanism (not shown) engaging ball track58such that base can not move. However, once the pin-type mechanism is removed base52is freely slidable or floatable along ball track58, and is thus in this way is also completely removable from track58and top/head portion14.

In use however, for example, after the victim is secured on device10and the head secured on head gear assembly50, traction can be applied by spring66. Base52must be released by removal of the pin-type device from track58. A pull chain68provides a series of small steps of adjustment by which the tension may be increased or decreased as chain68engages a clamp70. If pin-type device is removed and chain68is not pulled and therefore no tension is put on spring66head gear assembly50moves freely along the longitudinal axis of device10along track58. If the pin-type device is in place in track58, pulling on chain68is ineffective, the chain can not be pulled. While complete immobilization, and no movement at all is not ideal for a victim secured to a rescue device, having unrestricted longitudinal motion of the head is also not optimal.

Putting tension on spring66, i.e. pulling chain68with no pin in track58, thus slides base52along track58to a desired location where chain68is then clamped in place. This mechanism significantly limits the motion of head gear assembly50such that head gear assembly50, and thus the victim's head secured therein, move only minimally and only in response to movements of the victim's body—in proportion to the strength of the spring66and weight of the body and thus the force exerted against the spring66by the body. Chain68is pulled to the extent/tension desired, and then clamped in place by clamp70. Thus, in this way, “dynamic” traction, traction/tension that still allows minimal proportional movement is provided.

A spring tension indicator72may optionally be placed in series with spring66to give readings directly in force units such as pounds. Alternatively, an indicator need not be provided or used if a spring66is used which produces, for example, a maximum of five (5) pounds of tractive force. Thus, no more than a given (in this example 5 pounds) amount of force could be applied. Such an amount is generally considered to be below a safe maximum to use under first aid conditions, but whatever is determined by the user to be a safe strength of spring and/or means of reading tension as desired could be used. However, it should be emphasized that under emergency conditions, the traction supplied by rescuers using the present invention may not be that which would be ultimately prescribed after clinical diagnosis. What the present invention provides is simply sufficient traction to keep a victim's head and body in a fixed relationship during transport. Thus, generally only a few pounds of traction are required for such a purpose, as too much traction might be medically excessive. However, the present invention does provide dynamic traction, that is, within the skeletal movements that are to be inevitably expected during rescue and transport of a victim, the “follow up” movements allowed by the head gear assembly50keep constant the spatial relationship between the head and spine. Devices that immobilize the head in a particular position with respect to the spine provide static traction and while immobilizing the head, do not allow the head to move with the spine, and may cause further injury or exacerbate existing injury.

Thus, with the present invention a victim can be maintained in the dynamic traction relationship as long as necessary to ultimately diagnose and treat the victim, thus preventing or minimizing further injury during rescue and transport.

In summary, the main features of the invention, and improvements over prior stretcher devices are:

Portablilty—the device of the present invention can be disassembled and thus stored and carried in a much smaller space than traditional stretchers. For example ambulances can carry two of the devices of the invention, and thus have two full length and two short board stretcher devices available, rather than the current situation in which ambulances are required to carry both a “short board” and a “long board” and thus do not have room to carry two of each. With the present invention, in a smaller space one can store and carry essentially two short boards and two long boards. In addition, because the present invention is “collapsible” and disassemblable, it can be packaged to be carried hands-free if desired, for example in a back-pack type assembly to be carried by, for example, a military medic, possibly jumping out of an aircraft. Other uses and advantages of the portability and convertibility of the present invention will be obvious to those of skill in the art.

Removably Padded—with the padding for both the top/head portion and the padding for the middle/body portion being removable, the padding can be easily stored and carried separately from the rigid top/head, middle/body, and optional bottom/foot portions. Additionally, because the padding is removable it is easily cleaned, which is a distinct advantage and necessity with today's modern health concerns.

Various design characteristics—the basic design of the present invention can be modified and adapted to a variety of applications such as for ski rescue in which stretcher devices of the traditional 18 inch width are too wide to fit in a rescue sled. A device of the present invention can easily be made in a width of about 16 inches or even less depending on the application desired. As an additional example, some military rescue situations may require a narrower width—for example to fit through the scuttle openings on ships, or to be more easily carried by medics and/or in aircraft. The length of the top/head, middle/body and optional bottom/foot portions could also be adjusted when manufactured, to suit a particular application. In addition, all materials of the present invention are preferably formed from a radiolucent material such that only the device of the invention need be used in all steps from immediate rescue to transport to x-ray upon arrival at a medical facility.

While the present invention has been described by particular examples herein, the examples provided are merely illustrative of the various forms and applications of the present invention and are in no way limiting. It is apparent to those of skill in the art that various additions and modifications can be made thereto, and various alternatives in size, shape and materials can be selected, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as described herein and illustrated by the accompanying drawing figures and detailed description.