Portable and reversible leg exercising apparatus

A reversible, portable leg exercising apparatus includes an inclined guideway supported on a frame. The guideway has upper and lower ends. A pedal is mounted for relative sliding movement along the guideway. A first reversing roller is provided at the upper end of the guideway and a second reversing roller is provided at the lower end. An elastic cord provides resistance to movement of the pedal. The elastic cord is selectively connectable in one of two positions. In a seated exercise position a first end of the cord is held by the pedal, an intermediate portion extends over the first reversing roller and a second end of the cord is held by the second reversing roller. In a reclined exercise position the first end of the cord is held by the first reversing roller, the intermediate portion of the cord extends over the second reversing roller and the second end of the cord is held by the pedal.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
The present invention relates generally to leg exercising equipment and, 
more particularly, to a reversible, portable leg exercising apparatus 
providing effective exercise and rehabilitation for lower extremity and 
lower back problems from either a seated or recumbent position. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
It is widely recognized that regular physical exercise of the human body is 
a beneficial and integral part of developing and maintaining a healthy 
lifestyle. Exercise is useful for weight control, developing muscle tone 
and strength training. In addition, regular exercise has been shown to be 
an effective way of maintaining and improving an individual's 
cardiovascular health. Further, regular physical exercise has proven to be 
an important means of combating and reducing excess stress and 
stress-related physical ailments such as hypertension and fatigue. 
Additionally, repetitive exercise is commonly prescribed to patients 
suffering various injuries where it performs an important role in 
rehabilitation. 
Depending on specific patient needs and injuries, as well as the type of 
tissue targeted, physical therapists have at their disposal many exercise 
options. For example, in order to develop or rehabilitate muscle tissue, 
an exercise regimen combining relatively heavy resistance with fewer 
repetitions, such as weight training, is often advantageous. In contrast, 
some tissues including ligaments, cartilage and tendons are frequently 
rehabilitated more effectively with targeted exercises that employ lower 
resistance with a comparatively greater number of repetitions. 
In order to supply injured tissue with the oxygen that research has shown 
to be necessary to properly develop, strengthen and rehabilitate injured 
tissue, repetitive aerobic exercise is often prescribed. Since connective 
tissues such as ligaments, cartilage, and tendons require a greater amount 
of oxygen during rehabilitative exercise than muscle tissue, and because 
injuries to the lumbar spine often involve these connective tissues, many 
low back injuries are effectively treated by a rehabilitative program 
including a low resistance, high repetition exercise regimen. 
Over the last several years, numerous aerobic exercise options have become 
available that target the lower body and advantageously emphasize highly 
repetitive movements coupled with low resistance. Examples include stair 
climbing machines, treadmills, stationary bicycles, and even devices that 
simulate cross country skiing. Nonetheless, although these aforementioned 
exercise devices are beneficial to those individuals desiring a more 
general aerobic workout, they are not always a feasible option to those 
suffering acute lower back pain. 
Specifically, most of the exercise equipment mentioned above and in wide 
use today necessarily puts at least some measure of stress or strain on 
the lower back. While such a relatively low level of associated back 
strain is not a significant burden to the individual exercising for 
general aerobic conditioning, such additional strain is potentially 
painful or even counterproductive to those individuals exercising for 
rehabilitative purposes. Specifically, those persons with acute lower back 
pain require exercise that simultaneously provides ample aerobic benefits 
while minimizing the stress and strain placed on the lower back. As can 
readily be understood, exercise equipment such as stair climbers or 
treadmills do not adequately immobilize the lower back, and can indeed 
exacerbate existing lower back conditions if used improperly. 
As an alternative, health clubs and fitness centers often have exercise 
machines specifically designed to isolate various muscle groups and body 
parts. For example, many clubs include leg press machines that enable the 
user to select an appropriate resistance according to specific needs. 
Users of such machines generally extend their legs in a pressing action 
causing a weighted platform of a chosen resistance to move. Such machines 
effectively isolate the lower extremities while minimizing lower back 
strain. In order to minimize strain during exercise, these machines have 
been constructed in a variety of designs that enable the user to operate 
the weight platform from a seated, recumbent, or even horizontal position. 
Although these machines have the advantage of being adaptable for strength 
or aerobic training by providing a wide range of resistances, their 
primary focus and use has been strength training. Specifically, such 
machines are generally configured in such a way so as to target 
musculature rather than connective tissues. 
Another key disadvantage of using fitness center equipment for 
rehabilitation exercises is their relative inconvenience and 
inaccessibility. Specifically, many physical therapy patients may not be 
able to drive or might otherwise be inconveniently situated from a fitness 
center. Additionally, membership fees at many clubs may be economically 
prohibitive to many patients already facing additional medical care 
expenses. Although the equipment found in health clubs is generally 
available for home purchase, excessive cost and bulkiness of such 
equipment make home use of most "health club" equipment an unrealistic 
option. 
An additional disadvantage found in the leg exercising equipment of the 
prior art is that most of the prior art machines require the exercise and 
simultaneous use of both legs in order for the apparatus to function 
properly. For example, cycling machines, both conventional and those 
designed for use in bed, require alternating movement of both legs. It can 
be appreciated, however, that many patients have disabilities that are 
best and most effectively rehabilitated by exercise of one leg at a time. 
Many of the above described shortcomings are addressed in the leg exercise 
machine disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,530 to Hess, the inventor of 
the present invention. Specifically, the '530 patent discloses a portable 
leg exercising device especially adapted for lower back and lower 
extremity rehabilitation. This device advantageously emphasizes and 
targets the lower back by means of movement of pedals up a gradual incline 
against a resistance generated by one or more elastic cord(s). This device 
is, advantageously, lightweight and portable, but its use is unfortunately 
limited to individuals capable of exercising in a horizontal position. As 
should be appreciated, such a device, while overcoming several of the key 
disadvantages in the prior art, lacks a measure of versatility. For 
example, patients unable to comfortably and easily exercise in and rise 
from a reclined or horizontal position are not able to comfortably and 
effectively use this device. 
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved lightweight, relatively 
inexpensive leg exercising apparatus that is portable and effective for 
treatment of lower back and lower extremity disabilities. Such a device 
should be capable of use for in-home physical therapy. Such a device 
should be capable of being used in a reclined or horizontal position by 
those patients confined to bed or who prefer to exercise on the floor. In 
addition, such a device should be versatile and readily adaptable for use 
by patients in a seated position so as to provide a means for meeting the 
general and varying needs of the patient population while also comfortably 
and effectively exercising a greater number of patients than did the prior 
art. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a 
portable leg exercising apparatus especially useful for treatment of lower 
extremity and back disabilities. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable leg 
exercising apparatus of simple, straightforward design that may be 
inexpensively constructed from low-cost materials yet still provide 
exceptional versatility and performance over a long service life. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight 
portable leg exerciser capable of quick and convenient adaptation for use 
in either a seated or recumbent position. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable leg 
exerciser capable of exercising each leg individually or both legs 
simultaneously in order to make possible a variety of exercise options. 
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portable leg 
exercising apparatus having ideal inclination, and independent elastic 
resistance and range of movement for each leg to provide the physical 
therapist and the patient with maximum versatility for establishing the 
ideal and most advantageous exercise program customized to the specific 
needs of the patient. In this way, full rehabilitation of an injury may be 
accomplished in the shortest possible time. 
Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of the invention 
will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will 
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the 
following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The 
objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by 
means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out 
in the appended claims. 
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the 
purposes of the present invention as described herein, a reversible, 
portable leg exercising apparatus is provided. The apparatus is 
advantageously capable of use in either a reclined or a seated position. 
The device is further designed to provide the most efficient and 
comfortable lower extremity and back rehabilitation of the user. 
The leg exercising apparatus includes an inclined guideway having an upper 
end and a lower end. A pedal is mounted on this inclined guideway in such 
a way as to facilitate relative sliding movement along the inclined 
guideway when pressure is applied. In order to provide a measure of 
resistance, each pedal has attached to it elastic resistance means to 
oppose the force generated by the user pushing on the pedal. 
As should be appreciated, the pedal is designed and disposed in such a way 
so as to facilitate the engagement by the feet of the user from either a 
seated or a horizontal position. In order to accomplish this 
reversibility, the apparatus is provided with a first reversing roller 
mounted adjacent to the upper or higher end of the inclined guideway. 
Similarly, the apparatus includes a second reversing roller mounted 
adjacent to the lower end of the inclined guideway. Also, to enable 
interchangeability between seated and reclined exercise configurations, 
the elastic resistance means is provided with first and second selectively 
connectable ends. 
Specifically, to operate the device from a seated exercise position, the 
first end of the elastic means is selectively connected with the pedal and 
the second end of the elastic means is connected with and held by the 
second reversing roller on the lower end of the inclined guideway. 
Similarly, to operate the device from a horizontal or reclined exercise 
position, the first end of the elastic means is selectively connected with 
the first reversing roller at the upper end of the inclined guideway and 
the second end of the elastic means is selectively connected to the pedal. 
Preferably, to enable efficient sliding movement of the pedal during 
exercise, a middle portion of the elastic means extends over the first 
reversing roller when the leg exercise apparatus is being used in the 
seated position. Similarly, when the apparatus is being used in the 
reclined exercise position, the middle portion of the elastic means 
extends over the second reversing roller on the lower end of the inclined 
guideway. 
In the preferred embodiment, the inclined guideway comprises a pair of 
parallel spaced tubes connected together at their ends by means of a first 
cross member adjacent the first roller and a second cross member adjacent 
the second roller. The inclined guideway is also supported on a frame. The 
support frame includes a planar base portion and a pair of support posts 
that connect the inclined guideway to the base portion of the support 
frame. 
The lower end of the inclined guideway is preferably connected to the 
support frame at a vertex position adjacent the location of the user when 
exercising in a reclined or horizontal position. In the preferred 
embodiment, this vertex defines an angle between 10.degree.-45.degree.. 
The upper end of the inclined guideway is similarly connected to the 
support posts of the frame portion at a position adjacent to the location 
of the user when exercising in a seated position. Accordingly, it can be 
visualized that the overall configuration of the leg exercising device is 
substantially V-shaped. 
The support frame and inclined guideway are preferably comprised of 
lightweight, plastic tubular material although wood, aluminum and other 
appropriate construction materials may be utilized. This structural 
composition of the exercise apparatus thus facilitates convenient 
portability. This light weight construction is also of critical importance 
as the physical state of the user rehabilitating a lower back injury 
limits the user's motion and will only allow the user to comfortably 
manipulate lightweight devices. Accordingly, the utilization of 
lightweight materials throughout the construction of the present apparatus 
is imperative if an effective, user-friendly, portable apparatus is to be 
provided. 
According to another important aspect of this invention, the leg exercise 
device is readily capable of quick adjustment for use in either a seated 
or reclined position. As will become apparent, in order to facilitate the 
quick adaptability of the exercise device, the elastic means, in the form 
of an elastic cord, is knotted at both a first and second end. To prepare 
the exercise device for use in the seated exercise position, the first 
knotted end of the elastic cord is selectively received in a notch in the 
base on the pedal. The notch is preferably disposed in the base on the 
side of the pedal opposite to that engaged with a foot during seated 
exercise. The notch is of such proportions so as to allow the insertion of 
the elastic cord therein. The first knotted end of the elastic cord is, 
however, wider than the notch opening and thus is prevented from sliding 
through the notch, thereby positively insuring connection. The elastic 
cord is threaded downwardly between the first cross member and over the 
first reversing roller. Finally, the elastic is stretched along the length 
of the inclined guideway and the second knotted end is pinched and 
captured between the second reversing roller and second cross member. 
When configured in this manner, the exercise device is readily usable to 
conduct rehabilitative exercises from a seated position. Specifically, the 
unit may be placed on the floor with the high end near the front of a 
chair or couch, thereby enabling the user to exercise from a seated 
position with minimal back strain. A strap with buckling-closure may be 
attached to the upper end of the device to secure it to the chair. 
In order to configure the leg exercise machine for use in the reclined or 
horizontal position, the second end of the elastic cord is engaged in a 
"keyhole" shaped aperture located on the underside of the pedal. Again, 
the knot on the second end engages the pedal and will not pull through the 
keyhole aperture, thereby providing a secure connection. The elastic cord 
is then threaded downwardly between the second cross member and the second 
reversing roller. Finally, the elastic cord is stretched along the length 
of the inclined guideway and the first knotted end is pinched and captured 
between the first reversing roller and the first cross member. 
When configured in this manner, the leg exercising device is now usable for 
exercise in a horizontal or reclined position. Specifically, the unit may 
be placed on the floor, treatment table or be used in bed, thus enabling a 
user to exercise lying down with minimal associated back strain. 
In the most preferred embodiment, the leg exercise device incorporates a 
pair of guideways with cooperating pedals, reversing rollers and elastic 
cords as just described. As should be appreciated, this embodiment allows 
the user to exercise a single leg independently, or both legs together, 
depending on exercise or rehabilitation needs. Additionally, the preferred 
embodiment includes at least one elastic cord on each pedal. Additional 
cords could be used, however, for added resistance to each leg as needed. 
Still other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those 
skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown 
and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of 
illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. 
As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different 
embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in 
various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. 
Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as 
illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 is particularly useful for those 
patients who require rehabilitation of the lower back or lower 
extremities, such as the hips, knees or the ankles. Notably, and as will 
become apparent, the apparatus 10 is readily and quickly adaptable for use 
in either a reclined, position or a seated position. The use of the leg 
exercising apparatus 10 achieves the desired rehabilitative results while 
allowing a particular patient or attending physical therapist to select an 
appropriate configuration for the apparatus in order to achieve the most 
beneficial results. 
In the preferred embodiment, an inclined guideway, generally designated by 
reference numeral 12, includes two sets of two parallel spaced tubes 14 
connected together at their first ends by a first cross member 13 and at 
their second, opposite ends by a second cross member 15. The tubes 14 
support a foot pedal 16 that is engaged by a foot of the user during 
exercise(see FIGS. 2 and 3). Each foot pedal 16 is mounted for independent 
sliding travel along the tubes 14 of the inclined guideway 12 (see action 
arrows A in FIG. 1). As should be appreciated, the apparatus 10 preferably 
includes a second inclined guideway 12' including a pair of tubes 14' 
connected together by cross members 13, 15 for guiding a second pedal 16'. 
Thus, one pedal 16, 16' is provided for each foot so that each leg of the 
user is capable of being flexed and extended either independently of each 
other or together depending on the direction of the therapist to achieve 
the desired rehabilitative result. 
In the preferred embodiment, and as best shown in FIG. 1, the inclined 
guideways 12, 12' are supported on frame 18 that, like the inclined 
guideways, may be comprised of lightweight, tubular plastic material for 
portability and ease of handling. Advantageously, the support frame 18 and 
the inclined guideways 12, 12' are connected at a vertex 20 to comprise a 
substantially V-shaped configuration when set up for operation (see FIG. 
1). The base 22 of the support frame 18 is disposed in a single plane to 
form one side of the "V". The support frame 18 also preferably includes 
two pairs of support posts 24, 24 and 24', 24'. This configuration of 
relatively short posts 24, 24 and long posts 24', 24' defines the 
preferred slope or incline of the guideways 12, 12' thereby facilitating 
an advantageous biomechanical result of substantial lower extremity 
flexing and aerobic exercising without undesirable compression of the 
spine. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the relative dimensions of the support 
frame 18 create a vertex angle 20 that in the preferred embodiment is 
between 10.degree.-45.degree. for maximum rehabilitative results and 
patient comfort. Cross member 26 connects the long posts 24', 24' together 
to further enhance the rigidity of the construction. 
As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each foot pedal 16, 16' is disposed in a 
substantially upright position. More specifically, each pedal 16, 16' has 
a substantially triangular shape. Thus, each pedal 16, 16' is provided 
with one face 28, closest to the vertex 20 of the apparatus 10, that 
extends at a very slightly obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis 
of the inclined guideway 12. This face 28 is engaged by the user using the 
apparatus 10 in the reclined or horizontal position. The pedal 16 is 
further provided with another face 30, facing toward the upper end of the 
apparatus 10 (e.g. directed away form the vertex 20), that forms an obtuse 
angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the guideways 12, 12'. This 
face 30 is engaged by the user using the apparatus 10 in the seated 
position. In order to provide for the maximum frictional engagement of the 
pedal 16, 16' with the foot of the user, rubberized surfaces may be 
utilized on the pedal for contact therewith (see FIG. 1). Elastic straps 
31 may also be provided. 
Each foot pedal 16, 16' includes a pair of guide sleeves 32. The guide 
sleeves 32 of the first foot pedal 16 are concentrically received for 
relative sliding movement on the guideway tubes 14, 14. The guide sleeves 
32 of the second foot pedal 16' are concentrically received for relative 
sliding movement on the guideway tubes 14', 14' As the user presses on the 
pedals 16, 16', the pedals slide over the guideways 12, 12' guided by the 
guide sleeves 32 over the tubes 14, 14 and 14', 14' respectively (note 
action arrow A in FIG. 1). 
In order to advantageously supply the desired exercise resistance, a 
plurality of elastic cords 34 are attached to the foot pedals 16, 16'. The 
elastic resistance provided by the cords 34 allow for a high number of 
repetitions at a relatively fast rate of speed. The farther a user extends 
his legs and, therefore, the pedals 16, 16' against the resistances of the 
cords, the greater the force the user must apply for further extension. 
According to an important aspect of this invention, the apparatus 10 is 
capable of quick adjustment for use in either a seated or a reclined 
position. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to facilitate the 
advantageous reversibility of the apparatus 10, first and second 
reversible rollers 36, 38 are respectively mounted in a transverse fashion 
on upper and lower portions of each of the inclined guideways 12, 12'. As 
will later become apparent, reversibility is further facilitated by the 
provision on the inclined guideway 12, 12' of the first and second cross 
members 13, 15 extending respectively transversely across the upper and 
lower portions of the guideways 12, 12' adjacent the reversible rollers 
36, 38. 
To enable the apparatus 10 to be used for exercise in the seated position, 
the pedals 16, 16' is provided with one or more notches 44 on the bottom 
of the pedals. Specifically, the notches 44 are advantageously disposed 
along the edge of the bottom part of the pedal 16, 16' that is closest to 
the vertex 20 of the apparatus 10. Additionally, the elastic cords 34 are 
preferably provided with first and second knotted ends 46, 48. To install 
the elastic cords 34 for use of the apparatus 10 in the seated position, 
the first knotted ends 46 are selectively received in the notches 44 of 
the pedals 16, 16'. Specifically, each notch 44 is sized to receive the 
cord 34. The knotted end 46 is, however, of sufficient size to engage the 
pedal 16, 16' and not pull through the notch, thereby securing the elastic 
cord connection. The elastic cords 34 are next threaded downwardly so that 
an intermediate portion passes between the first cross member 13 and the 
first reversing roller 36. Finally, the elastic cords 34 are stretched 
along the length of the guideways 12, 12' and the second knotted ends 48 
are pinched and captured between the second reversing roller 38 and second 
cross member 15. 
Next, buckle 60 of the strap 62, which is connected at each end to the 
first cross member 13, is disconnected. The strap 62 is then extended 
around the front legs L of the chair in which the individual is sitting. 
The buckle 60 is then reconnected and the strap 62 is tightened. This 
serves to secure the apparatus 10 to the chair during exercising, thereby 
substantially preventing shifting of the apparatus and rearward tipping of 
the chair. 
To enable the apparatus to be used for exercise in the reclined position, 
and as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the base of the triangle that forms 
the pedals 16, 16' is provided with one or more keyhole shaped apertures 
50. The keyhole shaped apertures 50 are disposed with the narrow portion 
or end to the lower end or vertex 20 of the apparatus 10. To install the 
elastic cords 34 for use of the apparatus 10 in the reclined position, the 
second knotted ends 48 are positioned in the keyhole shaped apertures 50 
of the pedals 16, 16' and secured in place therein. Specifically, the 
second knotted ends 48 are threaded upwardly from the underside of the 
pedals 16, 16' so as to pass through the wider diameter end of the keyhole 
shaped apertures 50. Next, the elastic cords 34 are pulled into and 
received in engagement with the narrow portion of the keyhole shaped 
apertures 50. As the knotted ends 48 are too large to pull through the 
narrow end of the keyhole shaped apertures 50, the elastic cords 34 are 
secured in position. 
The elastic cords 34 are then threaded downwardly so that an intermediate 
portion passes between the second cross member 15 and the second reversing 
rollers 38. Finally, the elastic cords 34 are stretched along the length 
of the inclined guideways 12, 12' where the first knotted ends 46 are 
pinched and captured between the first reversing rollers 36 and the first 
cross member 13. Notably, when the apparatus is configured for use in the 
reclined position, those individuals confined to bed or those who prefer 
or are directed for rehabilitation purposes to exercise in a recline or 
supine position may benefit. 
As should be appreciated, the first and second rollers 36, 38 are capable 
of rotation to reduce the strain and aid the elastic cords 34 to extend 
and retract during exercising movement (see action arrows B and C in FIGS. 
2 and 3, respectively). Preferably, each first and second roller 36, 38 
includes a number of grooves designed to receive and guide the elastic 
cords 34 therein to assist in maintaining the proper spacing therebetween. 
It should be noted that elastic cords 34 of varying lengths may be 
selectively used with the present invention. It can be appreciated that 
the resistance applied by shorter elastic cords 34 is greater due to the 
greater tension required to install the elastic cords on the leg 
exercising device. Accordingly, if it is desired to increase the 
resistance to induce greater effort by the user, elastic means of 
relatively shorter lengths may be used. 
Advantageously, the present apparatus 10 may be used to exercise in either 
a supine or seated position. Thus, the apparatus 10 may be effectively 
utilized by patients who desire or require either or both modes of 
exercise. For example, when configured for exercise in a seated position 
(see FIG. 2), elderly individuals and those other patients whose mobility 
is somewhat restricted and are therefore only able to comfortably assume 
and exercise in a seated position, will benefit from the present apparatus 
10. Specifically, the seated individual faces the higher end of the 
apparatus 10, places his or her feet on the appropriate surfaces 30 of the 
pedals 16, 16', and proceeds to extend and retract the legs (see action 
arrow B in FIG. 2). 
Alternatively, the present invention may be configured for exercise in a 
supine or reclined position. Patients requiring or desiring rehabilitation 
in this position are also able to benefit from the present invention. In 
essence, by adjusting the configuration of the apparatus 10 and/or the 
tension on the pedals 16, 16' provided by the elastic cords 34, it is 
possible to customize an exercise program to the needs of the patient. 
Further, the reconfiguration of the apparatus from one mode of operation 
to the other (e.g. seating vs. supine) is a simple task that may be 
conveniently completed in a very short period of time. As the apparatus is 
lightweight and easily manipulated, no straining is involved. 
In summary, numerous benefits result from the use of the reversible, 
portable leg exercising apparatus 10. Users of the present invention may 
exercise either leg independently or both legs at a given time. Further, 
each leg may be advantageously exercised utilizing varying tensions and 
resistance. Elastic cords 34 provide the ideal resistance opposing the 
force exerted by the user. This permits a high number of repetitions with 
comfortable resistance. Significantly, the apparatus may be quickly 
adapted for use in either a reclined or a seated position, thus making its 
benefits available for a wider range of patients. Further, the lightweight 
device is easily transported for exercise in different locations. 
Accordingly, the apparatus 10 is ideally suited for rehabilitative 
exercise for lower extremity and back problems while affording versatility 
and portability. 
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has 
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not 
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form 
disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of 
the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide 
the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical 
application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize 
the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as is 
suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and 
variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the 
appended claims when interpreted in accordance with breadth to which they 
are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.