Abstract:
The fluid applicator device includes a handle member, a dispensing member, an applicator member and a fluid dispensing mechanism. The handle member acts as a container member adapted to receive and store a fluid. The handle member has an opening, and has a closure device openable and closeable at the opening for insertion of at least one of: a fluid; and a fluid-containing cartridge. The handle member dispensing end connected to a dispensing member that is elongated and substantially cylindrical. The dispensing member has a plurality of apertures to create a dispensing manifold. The hollow applicator member is located around the dispensing member, and may preferably fully extend over the end of the dispensing member, as well. The hollow applicator member is an absorbent, deformable, resilient, sponge-like material, and it is rotatably connected to the dispensing member.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/366,150, entitled “LOTION APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY”, filed on Feb. 13, 2003 by the same inventor as herein. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to fluid applicator devices that may be used to apply a liquid, cream, lotion, emulsion or other fluid to a surface. The present invention is particularly useful for applying lotions and body treatments to the body and head. The present invention applicator devices include a handle with fluid storage, as well as a manifold dispensing member and a rolling applicator member. This applicator member has a thick area for large contact applications, and a thinner area at the end for smaller contact areas, i.e., small rolling or end dabbing, such as for the face or other areas smaller than the torso and body. Thus, the present invention devices are useful for suntan applications fluid makeup applications, skin treatment applications, etc.  
           [0004]    2. Information Disclosure Statement  
           [0005]    The following prior art is representative of the state of the art in the field of applicator devices:  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,743 describes an apparatus for applying a sun tan lotion to a hard to reach area of a user&#39;s skin having an applicator rotatably supported by a shaft extending from an elongated handle traversing a user&#39;s palm, the applicator having a compressible layer of closely spaced wick-like absorbent fiber bundles extending generally outwardly from a mat supported on a hollow cylindrical base, the base including a split cylinder grip member contained in a channel along an inner surface for frictional retention of the shaft, the apparatus also including a container for immersion of the applicator in a supply of lotion having an inner surface sufficient in size to create a clearance around an immersed applicator for non-piston travel of the applicator and an opening sized for interference with the compressible layer of the applicator, the apparatus further including an exit reservoir extending from said opening having an outwardly expanding portion for containtment and return of liquid separated from said applicator externally of the opening of the container.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,590 describes a sun bathing sponge applicator for applying lotion to the human body, which comprises a cylindrical applicator head having an outer face connected to an elongated handle. The applicator head comprises a reservoir within the head for storing lotion and has a plurality of holes placed throughout the outer face of the head for dispensing the lotion stored in the reservoir. A sponge is affixed to the head to absorb the lotion and to facilitate even application of lotion to one&#39;s body. The sponge applicator further comprises a sliding assembly for pushing out lotion stored inside the reservoir, thereby permitting the user to selectively dispense the lotion as it is needed.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,661 describes the present invention that contemplates a fluid applicator useful for applying a fluid in a uniform and discrete manner to a remote surface wherein said applicator has a fibrous pad which is saturated and retains the fluid until applied to a surface, a valve or throttle means to control the amount of fluid in the fibrous pad and a telescoping handle element which can be extended to provide an elongate handle for reaching remote areas and to expose a cylindrical fluid vessel having a flexible wall which is compressed to extrude fluid therefrom and into the fibrous pad.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,720 describes a liquid applicator that includes a combined liquid container and handle with an axially extending, liquid permeable sleeve. An elongated tube having apertures throughout its length provides internal support for the sleeve and valve means provides controlled flow of the liquid from the container, through the tube and to the permeable sleeve. In another embodiment the applicator consists of an elongated arm having an applicator head at one end, the other end having a threaded or snap connection for attachment to a squeeze type container. A plastic tube extends from the head to the container attachment and is enclosed by the arm.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,732 describes an applicator for dispensing small amounts of fluid that comprises a first inner cylindrical body provided with a top portion and a bottom portion and at least one side opening. This body is connected with a fluid dispensing device at one end. A second outer cylindrical body is in tight contact with the inner body at one point in proximity of the top portion and at another point in proximity of the bottom portion of the inner body. The outer body comprises a plurality of ribs, orifices between the ribs, two solid ledges holding the ribs at the upper and the lower end, an upper and a lower overhang, and an absorbing element held between the overhangs.  
           [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,268,943 describes a paint roller apparatus comprising: a hollow bottle like handle fabricated of pliable material and forming a paint receptacle, said handle having a threaded neck of reduced diameter and a shoulder adjacent thereto; a rigid tube communicating with said handle; a one piece cylindrical cap secured to said tube; said cap having at least two cylindrical portions, one for receiving the threaded neck and the other for receiving a portion of said handle adjacent said neck; said one threaded neck receiving cylindrical portion being secured to said tube and having a U-shaped cross-section; the other handle receiving cylindrical portion in cross-section including a first flange extending radically outwardly from the extremities of the legs of said U-shaped portion and a second flange extending perpendicular from the extremities of said first flange in a direction opposite from said U-shaped neck receiving portion; a cylindrical flange extending from the bight of the said U-shaped neck receiving portion of said cap in the same direction and parallel to the legs thereof, said cylindrical flange being spaced from the legs to tightly receive therebetween the threaded neck of said handle; said legs of said U-shaped portion having threads on their inner surface for receiving the threaded neck of said handle, said second flange tightly receiving said portion of said handle adjacent said threaded neck with said shoulder of said handle abutting against said first flange; said tube including a reverse turn and a portion spaced from and lying generally perpendicular to said handle; said portion of said tube being apertured; an apertured roller rotatably mounted on said portion on said tube; a layer of absorbent material covering said roller.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,860,359 describes a moistening device adapted for use in wetting the adhesive coating of envelope flaps, a flexible handle providing a deformable reservoir therein and having a cap-equipped opening for filling the reservoir with liquid, a stem extending from said handle, said stem being provided with a passage thereon communicating with said reservoir, a mounting member carried by said stem and extending laterally therefrom, said mounting member being equipped with a plurality of restricted flow passageways opening through the surface thereof and communicating with said passage, a sleeve provided with a plurality of openings therethrough rotatably mounted upon said mounting member, and a sponge roller carried by said sleeve, said mounting member being provided with an annular rib extending laterally therefrom, and said sleeve being provided with at least one slit extending longitudinally therealong and with an annular recess aligned with and receiving said rib, said sleeve being removably mounted upon said mounting member, the split portion of said sleeve being operative to facilitate movement thereof onto and off of said mounting member about said annular rib.  
           [0013]    Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    The present invention relates to a fluid applicator device. It includes a handle member, a dispensing member, an applicator member and a fluid dispensing means.  
           [0015]    The handle member acts as a container member adapted to receive and store a fluid. The handle member has an opening, and has a closure device openable and closeable at the opening for insertion of at least one of: a fluid; and a fluid-containing cartridge. The handle member also has a dispensing end connected to a dispensing member.  
           [0016]    The dispensing member is elongated and substantially cyclindrical, the dispensing member being connected to the handle member so as to receive fluid therefrom. In some embodiments, the handle may be a single component, while in others, it may be an assemblage of components. The dispensing member may likewise be a single component or an assemblage of components. The dispensing member has a plurality of apertures to create a dispensing manifold.  
           [0017]    The hollow applicator member is located around the dispensing member, and may preferably fully extend over the end of the dispensing member, as well. The hollow applicator member is an absorbent, deformable, resilient, sponge-like material, and it is rotatably connected to the dispensing member. The hollow applicator member has a large contact portion with a first outer diameter and has a small contact portion with a second outer diameter, the second outer diameter being at least 20% smaller than the first outer diameter.  
           [0018]    The fluid dispensing means is located at the handle and adapted to move fluid from the handle member to the dispensing member to the hollow applicator member via the dispensing manifold.  
           [0019]    In some preferred embodiments, the fluid applicator device handle member and the dispensing member may be formed of a single component, while in other embodiments, they may be formed of two or more separate components connected to one another.  
           [0020]    In some embodiments, the present invention fluid applicator device fluid dispensing means is a telescopic pumping mechanism wherein the handle member comprises at least two components telescopically connected to one another whereby compression caused by closing the two components pumps fluid from the handle member to the dispensing member and through the manifold to the hollow applicator member.  
           [0021]    In other embodiments, the fluid dispensing means is a squeeze pump and the handle member has a flexible structure that may be squeezed for dispensing fluid. In yet other embodiments, the fluid dispensing means is a piston and piston drive. The piston drive may be a rotatable, threaded component connected to the piston or it may be a slider connected to the piston. The piston drive may include a segmented track for metering the piston drive and for controlling the dispensed fluid volume.  
           [0022]    In some embodiments, the dispensing member has a single diameter and the hollow applicator member has a single inside diameter adapted to fit the dispensing member, and the hollow applicator member has a first thickness at the large contact position and a second thickness at the small contact position, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. In other words, it has a single inside diameter and two different outside diameters, the smaller being toward and at the end.  
           [0023]    In other embodiments, the dispensing member has a first outer diameter position and a second outer diameter position, and the first outer diameter position is greater than the second outer diameter position, and the hollow applicator fits over both the first outer diameter position and the second outer diameter position.  
           [0024]    The fluid applicator device, in some embodiments, further includes rotation means connected to the dispensing member and the hollow applicator member, and is rotatable relative to at least one of the dispensing member and the hollow applicator member. The rotation means may be any rotation means, such as a rotatable sleeve, a plurality of bearings, or at least one ring. This ring may be a flexible seal O-ring. In some preferred embodiments, the fluid applicator device has at least two the flexible seal O-rings.  
           [0025]    The fluid applicator device of the present invention may further include an applicator member cover adapted to fit over the hollow applicator member. This cover may include an attachment means for securing the cover to the handle member when it is removed from the hollow applicator member. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    These and other objects of the present invention will become evident particularly when taken in light of the following illustrations wherein:  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention applicator assembly device;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the protective sleeve member for the applicator assembly device;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view along plane A-A of FIG. 1, illustrating the cooperation between the applicator member and the dispensing member of the present invention device illustrated above;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the assembly;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the handle member;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment applicator assembly;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7 is a side, partial, cut view of the applicator member end of the present invention device shown in FIG. 6;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a protective cover of the FIG. 6 present invention device;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 9 illustrates a front cut view of a handle member of an alternative embodiment present invention device;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the rotating piston drive of the present invention device shown in FIG. 9;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 11 shows a slider-type piston drive mechanism as a dispensing means, in a partially cut, front view of a present invention alternative embodiment handle member;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 12 is a side, cut, partial view of another present invention device dispensing member and applicator member; and,  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 13 is a side, cut, partial view of another present invention device dispensing member and applicator member wherein there is a sleeve type rotating mechanism between the another present invention device dispensing member and applicator member. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0040]    Individuals have need to apply various types of lotions to various parts of the body. In the summer time, suntan lotion or sun blocking lotion is normally applied to all portions of the exposed skin. At all times of the year, many individuals apply moisturizing lotions or gel to various parts of the body. In some instances, individuals are required to apply medicinal ointments to specific areas of the body.  
         [0041]    These lotions are normally packaged and purchased in plastic, squeezable, or pour containers, with the individual user dispensing the lotion onto their hands or onto a cloth and rubbing it on the desired body part. In many instances, the individual requires assistance in applying the lotion to specific body parts, i.e. the back, because the individual&#39;s hands and arms cannot reach particular areas of that location. Still further, some individuals suffer from disabilities such that they could not reach areas of the body that could be reached by an individual having no such disability.  
         [0042]    Another drawback of lotions which are dispensed from squeezable containers or poured is that they require the use of the hands for application or in some instances a cloth for application, which requires the washing or wiping of the hands, or the disposal of the cloth. This is particularly annoying in some situations, such as when one is sunbathing at the beach, and the hands become sticky as a result of the application of the lotion.  
         [0043]    Applicant has addressed this problem in developing an assembly which provides for a container member which is squeezable and also serves as a handle member for an applicator member which allows application of the particular lotion directly to the desired body part without contact to the hands, the container member being slideably extendable to allow the individual to reach all parts of the body, the container member being refillable from standard, purchased lotion containers, there further being a protective sleeve member slideably receivable over the applicator member to protect it when not in use.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the applicator assembly  10  with FIG. 3 being a cross sectional view of applicator assembly  10  along plane  3 - 3  of FIG. 1. FIGS. 1 and 3 are taken collectively in the following discussion.  
         [0045]    Applicator assembly  10  comprises a handle member  12 , a dispensing member  13 , and an applicator member  14 . Handle member  10  is preferably of tubular construction, having a first tubular member  16  that has an apertured portion that establishes the dispenser member  13  on which applicator member  14  is rotatably mounted. A second tubular member  18  is telescopically attached to first tubular member  16  so that the applicator assembly can be extended to permit the user to reach all parts of the body and/or to create a pumping dispensing mechanism. Tubular member  16  has a first terminus  20  having a removable securable cap  22  (See FIG. 4) to permit the user to introduce a lotion into first tubular member  16 . First tubular member  16  may be deformable to permit the user to squeeze its circumferential side wall and thus aid in the flow of the lotion contained therein towards second terminus  24  of dispenser member  13 . The dispenser member  13  proximate second terminus  24  has a plurality of apertures  26  about its circumferential side wall. This permits the passage of lotion through apertures  26  and into applicator member  14 .  
         [0046]    Applicator member  14  is fabricated from a sponge-like, absorbent material. It may be made of any foam, sponge or porous rubber material, e.g. a hollow urethane foam member. Applicator member  14  is cylindrical in shape having a partial bore  30  formed in first end  32  for slidable receipt upon first dispenser member  13 . Second end  34  of applicator member  14  is tapered so as to form a nipple protrusion  36 . Nipple protrusion has an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the remaining portion  23 . Thus portion  23  may be used for large contact areas and nipple portion  36  may be used for small contact areas. For example, nipple  36  may be utilized by an individual in applying lotion in a dab-like manner to specific portions of the body, such as sun tan lotion applied around the eyes or to the nose. The outer circumferential surface  38  of applicator member  14  may be utilized to apply lotion of large surfaces of the body. There is fitted about partial bore  30  in first end  32 , an annular stop member  44  which prevents lotion from seeping down first tubular member  16 , annular stop member  44  may also have a circumference substantially identical to circumferential surface  38  so that the protective sleeve cover  40  (FIG. 2) may comparably snap fit with it to prevent contamination of applicator member  14  when not in use.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 3 a cross sectional view along plane A-A of FIG. 1 illustrating the plurality of apertures  26  and circumferential side wall of first tubular member  16  and the manner in which first tubular member  16  extended portion foaming dispensing member  13  is inserted into partial bore  30  a distance sufficient for applicator member  14  to contain all that portion of dispensing member  13  having the plurality of apertures  26 .  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 2 illustrates protective sleeve cover  40 , which is used to protect the applicator member  14  from contamination by sand, dirt, soot and the like and to protect other items from accidental staining, etc. Protective sleeve cover  40  is of one piece construction, preferably of plastic, and formed to define a cavity  42  which conforms to the outer contour of the applicator member  14 . In preferred embodiments, it is airtight.  
         [0049]    Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, second tubular member  18  would be telescopingly positioned about first tubular member  16 , and in its closed position, presenting the shortest handle available on applicator assembly  10 . In its open, extended position, it would provide more reaching distance. Pull to remove, and this allows the user access to cap  22 , which is removably secured to first tubular member  16 . The user would remove cap  22  and fill first tubular member  16  with the preferred fluid, e.g. lotion. Cap member  22  would then be resecured to first tubular member  16  and second tubular member  18  could be snapped back on and closed, and subsequently extended to its desired length.  
         [0050]    The user could then remove the protective sleeve cover  40  from applicator member  14  and contact that portion of the applicator member desired with the desired area of skin surface. The user would move the outer surface  38  of applicator member  14  over the desired portion of skin surface, while simultaneously squeezing the first tubular member  16  to encourage the passage of the lotion through the plurality of apertures  26  forming a manifold, into the applicator member  14 , thus saturating same. After the first use such as this, a portion of the lotion will be retained in the applicator member  14  and will be protected from drying out and foam contamination by use of the protective sleeve cover  40 . Therefore, the user will find that in subsequent applications, it might not be necessary to squeeze the tube simultaneously while contacting the desired skin surface.  
         [0051]    In a preferred embodiment of applicator assembly  10 , applicator member  14  can be mounted onto the dispensing member  13  in the manner which allows for applicator member  14  to rotate freely and thus allow the user to roll the applicator member across the desired skin surface area. The rotation of applicator member  14  on dispensing member  13  could be accomplished in a number of different ways. One economical way would be to first mount applicator member  14  on an apertured sleeve positioned within partial bore  30  with this apertured sleeve slideably rotatably securable on dispensing member  13  and rotatable thereabout thus imparting the rotational ability to applicator member  14 .  
         [0052]    A further embodiment of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope would be to modify the telescopic handle member so as to still include a first tubular member  16  and have an extended, secured tubular handle function as a pump. Therefore, second tubular member  50  as illustrated in FIG. 5 which would snap into and telescope with first tubular member  16  and be capable of being locked in place in the telescopic extended position. When pushed inward it would pump fluid into and through the apertures to applicator member  14 . Second tubular member  50  could have longitudinal slots cooperative with raised longitudinal protrusions inside first tubular member  16  to allow for slot-guided pumping. Stops could make it difficult for separation of these two sections to minimize accidental spillage.  
         [0053]    It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the dimensions of the applicator assembly  10  can be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Applicant believes that the optimum dimensions would be an applicator member  14  being approximately 6 inches in length with the main body being approximately 4 inches in length, and the nipple end  36  being approximately 2 inches in length. The first tubular member  16  and its continuation as dispensing member  13  would extend outwardly from the applicator member a distance of approximately 5½ inches, with first tubular member  16  being 5 inches in circumference to provide for an adequate reservoir of fluid, e.g. lotion. The second tubular member  18  may extend the handle member  10  an additional 4 to 4½ inches and thus provide an applicator assembly when fully extended of a length of between 15 and 16 inches, which length has been determined to enable the user to comfortably position the applicator member on any portion of the skin surface of the body that the user so desires.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment present invention fluid applicator assembly device  100 . FIG. 7 is a side, partial, cut view of the applicator member  131  of the present invention device  100  shown in FIG. 6. These two Figures are taken together. Present invention fluid dispensing device  100  includes a handle member  101 , with closed top end  103  and open bottom end  105 . Top end  103  has optional cover engagement threading  113 , and bottom end  105  has a seal  109 , and threading  111 , for screwing engagement with internal threading  131  of the top  123  of dispensing member  121 .  
         [0055]    Dispensing member  121 , in this embodiment, is a separate component, but it could be a continuation of the handle member  101  structure in other embodiments. Dispensing member  121  also has a bottom end  125 , and a plurality of dispensing orifices, such as orifice  129 , that create a dispensing manifold. Rotating rings  135  and  137  enable applicator member  131  to rotate about dispensing member  121 . Dispensing member  131  includes a thick portion  132  for large contact areas, and a thinner portion  133  for small contact areas, as well as for dabbing with end  134 . Flange  127  includes catch such as recess  139  for removably attaching cover  140  (FIG. 8).  
         [0056]    When the device is filled with cream or lotion, for example, the components are screwed together and the cover is removed. The user will squeeze the flexible handle member  101  and fluid will exit the manifold to the applicator memb3er. By mere gentle rolling and pressing, the fluid in the applicator will be transferred to the desired surface, e.g. skin.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the protective cover  140  for the FIG. 6 present invention device  100  in a perspective view. It includes clasps such as clasps  145  and  147 , larger cylindrical sidewall  141  to cover the portion  132  of the applicator member  131 , and smaller cylindrical sidewall  143  to cover the portion  134  of the applicator member  131 . It has a closed end  149  to protect end  134  and has threading  151  for engagement with threading  113 . When so threaded, the cover is kept together with the rest of the device, and also acts as a length extender for the device so that the user may reach otherwise difficult areas to reach during application of suntan or the like.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 9 illustrates a front cut view of a handle member of an alternative embodiment present invention device  200 . It shows handle  201  with top end  203  and bottom end  205 . Bottom end  205  has threading  207  for attachment to a dispensing member. There may be a valving arrangement, such as a flap valve that needs pressure to open, so that the handle  201  may be inverted and filled, a dispensing member may be filled, such as one shown in FIG. 6, and they may be screwed together without spillage.  
         [0059]    In FIG. 9, rotating dial  209  is connected to disc  211  and screw shaft  219 . Disc  211  has beads or indicator resistance recesses, such as recesses  233  and  235 , that can be used to feel metered dispensing upon rotation (the user can stop at each resistance or continue to rotate). These engage with corresponding bumps such as bump  213  that are fixed inside handle  201 . When the handle is filled with fluid  231  and connected as in FIG. 6, a user will rotate dial  209  and this will screw down drive piston  221  via its screw pipe  215  and threads  217 . Drive piston  221  slides downward and cannot rotate due to its slots  223  and  225  engaging guide tracks  227  and  229 , and forces fluid  231  to a dispensing member through its orifices to an applicator member for application thereof.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the rotating piston drive dial  209  and its connected components, of the present invention device  200 , as shown in FIG. 9, with identical parts identically numbered.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 11 shows a slider-type piston drive mechanism as a dispensing means, in a partially cut, front view of a present invention alternative embodiment handle member  300 . It includes a handle  301 , with a closed top  303  and an open bottom connectable to a dispensing member and has an open slot  305  for slider button  313 , as shown. Slider button  313  is connected to cross disc  311  and it is connected to slider shaft  309 , itself connected to drive piston  307 . Disc  311  must overcome stops such as stops  315  and  317  in order to be slid downward. This enables a user to push the slider button  313  downwardly in fixed increments for metered dispensing of fluid  331 . It is otherwise connected to additional components as is described above with respect to FIG. 9.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 12 is a side, cut, partial view of another present invention device  400 , showing the dispensing member  411  and applicator member  431 . It includes two different outer diameters on the dispensing member  411 , one being larger portion  412 , and the other being smaller portion  413 . Dispensing member  411  has a plurality of orifices located on both of its portions, such as orifices  415  and  417 . Slip ring  421  aids in freer rotation of applicator member  431  around dispensing member  411 .  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 13 shows present invention device  500  in a partial, side, cut view of its dispensing member  521  with its apertures such as aperture  503 , roller sleeve  505  and applicator member  511 . Sleeve  505  includes bands  507  and  509  that traverse the dispensing member  521  and are connected to one another as shown. Applicator member  511  has a large outer diameter section  513 , a smaller diameter section  515 , and a dabbing end  517 . The sleeve  505  moves around the dispensing member  521  and applicator member  511  travels with it.  
         [0064]    Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.