Abstract:
Disclosed is a unique concept of a physical training apparatus which applies resistance to a trainee during athletic movements from a set position in the natural environment of the sporting activity to aid in enhancing speed and acceleration. The said physical training apparatus is designed to be used in conjunction with a starting apparatus to allow the trainee to execute resistive movements with identical technique to a sporting activity. The versatility of design of the disclosed invention allows the trainee to better translate the benefits of a resistive exercise into a sporting activity by incorporating the use of common athletic elements. Further benefits stem for the reduction of time and movement between a resistive exercise and an unrestrained athletic routine due to the ability of the disclosed invention to be utilized within the environment of the sporting activity.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention and method relate, but are not limited to, the athletic exercising and conditioning field which focuses on strength and speed for high intensity movements from a still or set position used in the natural training or competitive environment of the sport or activity. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Competitive activities based on the speed at which someone can perform an explosive and sudden movement have been present since the beginning of sports and the desire to increase such speed has been around just as long. The two largest contributors to increasing speed and acceleration for an explosive and sudden movement from a still or set position relate to muscle strength and technique. Muscle strength is developed by applying additional resistance to a particular movement so that the specific muscle group is stressed beyond what is achievable by comparable movements without resistance. The additional strain applied to a muscle group trains that specific muscle group to attempt to move with resistance, so that when resistance is removed, a greater speed and acceleration may be achieved. Often when a muscle group is being stress during a resistive exercise, the technical portion of speed enhancement cannot be addressed due to the isolation of exercising a singular muscle group. Furthermore, when a sudden burst of energy requires sport specific equipment and ample space to properly perform the movement, a traditional resistance-based exercise cannot adequately capture all of the integrated movements due to the location of the apparatus, the means by which it is fastened to the trainee, or the design of use. Limitation of movement or distance, or not allowing the trainee to use common elements of his or her sport, creates a greater disconnect between an athletic technical-based movement and a resistive-based athletic movement. 
         [0003]    Previous inventions address the importance of applying resistance to high speed athletic movements while simulating a specific athletic routine. It is understood that the trainee will experience a greater benefit by resisting the specific movements of his or her sport compared to traditional weight room exercises that carry no technical similarities to the desired sport. Previous patents have strived to bridge the gap between specific athletic movements and a resistance based exercise so that the trainee&#39;s body is performing the same movements during competition as he or she would during a resistive training session. Although many localized movements have been replicated for a resistive exercise, a trainee is unable to perform a specific athletic routine without the use of common elements that are used in his or her specific sport. 
         [0004]    Previous physical training apparatus do not address the importance of using familiar starting structures and other athletic apparatus and elements that are used during traditional competitions for resistive exercises. The limitation of all trainees to a single apparatus prevents trainees from using sport specific apparatus and structures that are paramount to the execution of an explosive and sudden movement in regards to a specific athletic event. 
         [0005]    Previous inventions also fail to address the importance of time between a resistive exercise and the execution of a specific athletic movement. The increase of time between a resistive exercise and the execution of a specific athletic movement causes a greater likelihood that the trainee will not react with the same intensity as he or she did in the resistive exercise, reverting back to old habits or muscle memory that has been developed using the specific athletic apparatus and structures without resistance. Similar to time, the less the trainee moves between an exercise and the execution of a routine, the more likely he or she will be able translate the movement of a resistive exercise into an athletic routine. 
         [0006]    If a trainee is able to resistively stress a specific movement, he or she will be able to combine sport specific technique and muscle development to teach his or her body to work as a whole to improve speed and acceleration for a specific movement. When all muscle groups are working together, the trainee will begin to understand how to sequentially move certain body parts while executing the proper timing to best perform a movement. 
         [0007]    It is an object of the disclosed invention to provide a resistance-based device that will apply resistance over a predetermined period and then release the trainee to continue in the desired direction of travel. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the invention to provide a resistance device that applies resistance to the initial movements of an explosive routine without allowing the trainee to depart from the starting fixture. Following a resistive exercise, the trainee will detach himself or herself to allow minimal time and movement between a resistive exercise and a sport specific unrestrained routine. 
         [0009]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a resistance device that only allows the trainee to depart, unrestrained, from the starting structure when a predetermined force is applied by the trainee. 
         [0010]    It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which provides a stable and rigid structure for a resistance device to be mounted in a wide range of athletic environments. 
         [0011]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a stable and rigid base that can accommodate the interchangeability of the resistance mechanism to allow for various resistance types and intensities. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a stable and rigid base that contains various connection points at incrementing heights as to provide the correct angle or vector of resistance to best suit an athletic movement for a particular body type, stance, sport, or routine. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    This embodiment relates to the discovery of a unique rigid structure which supports, but is not limited to, three unique types of resistance devices/systems that assists in the improvement of explosive and sudden movements from a still or set position for a wide variety of athletic movements. The disclosed invention understands the need to pair an athletic movement to a resistance based exercise and allow the trainee to do so by operating the disclosed invention in the natural environment of his or her sport while using common athletic elements which are used during competitions and practice. By applying resistance to a specific movement in the natural environment of a sport, the trainee is able to better translate the benefits of a resistive exercise into an athletic movement because of the identical environment, features used, and technique, as well as reduced time and movement between a resistive exercise and the execution of an athletic movement. 
         [0014]    There are three distinct types of resistance disclosed in this embodiment, all of which apply resistance to a trainee performing an explosive or sudden movement from a still or set position. Each of the three distinct resistance devices are to be mounted to a rigid structure in the natural environment of a sport and used in conjunction with sport-specific starting apparatus. 
         [0015]    The first device is a resistive device which applies a predetermined amount of resistance over a predetermined distance prior to releasing the trainee into an unrestrained state. The advantage of releasing the trainee is to further build the connection between the resistive exercise and specific athletic movement by the allowing the trainee to complete a full athletic routine in the environment of the sport. 
         [0016]    The second device, herein referenced as ‘short movement resistance system,’ applies a predetermined amount of resistance over a predetermined distance prior to restricting the trainee from departing from the starting apparatus. The advantage of the short movement resistance system is that a high level of resistance can be applied to the initial ‘twitch’ of an explosive movement which relates to how quickly the trainee can engage his or her body to provide thrust. An additional advantage of the short movement resistance system is that the trainee can execute more initial twitch movements compared to the time it takes to do a fully executed starting motion, which involves returning to the starting location and resetting in the starting stance. The trainee will also have the advantage of performing a resistive exercise with minimal time and movement prior to a fully executed athletic routine. After the completion of the resistive exercise, the trainee simply disconnects himself or herself and is able to perform a fully and unrestrained athletic movement. 
         [0017]    The third device is a resistive device which restricts departure from a starting apparatus until a predetermine force is generated by the trainee, in which case, the trainee can depart unrestrained. The advantage of this device is that the trainee will be required to apply large forces during the initial movements of a routine opposed to gradually increasing his or her speed. Additionally, allowing the trainee to continue his or her routine, unrestrained, further promotes the unity of a resistive exercise and a specific athletic movement from a still or set position. 
         [0018]    A further advantage of each resistance device/system is that the trainee will naturally alter his or her body position to attempt to overcome the excess resistance. As the trainee uses any of the aforementioned resistance devices, he or she will find the most powerful body position and movement to which can overcome the resistance, which translates identically into the fastest and most powerful body position and movement when the harness is no longer attached. Additionally, a force gauge can be integrated into any of the aforementioned resistance devices/systems to discretely measure the forces generated by the trainee to more accurately determine the optimal stance and/or motion for a specific starting routine. 
         [0019]    Each of the three distinct types of resistance incorporates a harness which is adapted to be worn by a trainee to which a compatible strap is bound and extends from the trainee towards any of the aforementioned resistive devices/systems. 
         [0020]    Each resistance device will be securely connected to a rigid fixture. Said rigid fixture contains various connection points for a resistive device as to allow the vector angle of resistance to be customizable to the trainee&#39;s body type, stance, sport, and desired direction of travel. The resistive device can be easily moved from one connection point to the next as well as interchanging from one type of resistive device to the next. The rigid structure is designed to utilize features of the surrounding athletic environment to provide a secure base for any resistive device in a wide range of athletic venues. The rigid structure may be specifically designed for a certain athletic environment or a versatile design may be used as long as the rigid structure acts as a secure connecting element for a resistive device. 
         [0021]    With the short movement resistance system or another other highly stressed system, the rigid structure will need to be designed to adequately absorb and transfer the increased forces incorporated with abruptly stopping or slowing the trainee during an explosive movement. 
         [0022]    Greater explanation can be found in the detailed description of the invention, in view of the fact that an optional system configuration has been selected to provide reference to key features found on the disclosed invention. Orientation and location of such features are described to build a greater understanding on how the system operates rather than limit the system design. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Referenced features of the disclosed invention are described in  FIGS. 1-24 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a resistive device which applies resistance over a predetermined period prior to releasing athlete; figure include how the corresponding strap interacts with the device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the  FIG. 1  illustrating the U-shaped member as well as the groove at which the corresponding strap resides. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the resistive wheel in  FIG. 2  further detailing the slots in the wheel. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the resistance device in  FIG. 1  further depicting the U-shaped member and pin. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the resistance device in  FIG. 1  illustrating the relative orientation of each feature. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a front view is the corresponding strap to the resistive device in  FIG. 1   
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the strap in  FIG. 6  further detailing the protruding elements of the strap. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a front view of a resistive device that only allows departure of a trainee once a predetermined force is generated. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the resistance device in  FIG. 8  further detailing the latching magnetic components. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of the resistance device in  FIG. 8  further detailing the latching magnetic components when detached. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a resistive device which applies resistance over a predetermined period prior to restricting the training; illustration is in the relaxed state. 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the resistive device of  FIG. 11  in the tension state. 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a versatile rigid structure. 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a versatile rigid structure with an addition rear angle support. 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a top view of a versatile rigid structure. 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a versatile rigid structure. 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a versatile rigid structure. 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a specialized additionally reinforced rigid structure. 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a specialized rigid structure. 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a specialized rigid structure including a swimming starting apparatus 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  is a side view of a specialized rigid structure with a slight rearward position. 
           [0045]      FIG. 22  is a side view of the specialized rigid structure of  FIG. 20  depicted with a swimmer position on the starting apparatus. 
           [0046]      FIG. 23  is a harness, to be worn by a trainee, is placed around the torso and shoulders of the trainee. 
           [0047]      FIG. 24  is a harness, to be worn by a trainee, is placed around the torso of the trainee. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    Referencing the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate an understanding of the present invention, the proceeding embodiments of the resistive training apparatus of the disclosed invention are described. 
         [0049]    The invention herein describes three unique resistance systems, apparatus and methods that are designed to apply resistance to a trainee, herein referenced as ‘athlete,’ during explosive and sudden athletic movements from a still or set position in a specific athletic environment used in conjunction with common athletic elements that are used in practice and/or competition for a particular athletic event. The disclosed embodiment comprises of three unique types of resistance devices found in  FIGS. 1 through 12 . Each resistive component is a unique device and/or system that provide a distinct type of resistance experienced by the athlete. 
         [0050]    Resistance device and components  123  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 7 . Resistance device  123  comprises of at least one resistive wheel  132  that has a predetermined level of force required to rotate it. The greater the amount of force required to rotate the resistive wheel  132  translates to a greater resistance experience by an athlete trying to move away from the resistance device  123 . Strap  150  is attached to the trainee via loop  167  on harness  165  or harness  166  and is pulled across the resistive wheel  132  as the athlete moves away from the resistive device  123 . Similar to a bike chain spinning the gearing of a bike, it is best practice, but not required, to have the strap  150  include protruding ridges  133  while the resistive wheel contains slots  170  which receive the protruding features  133  of the strap  150  or vice versa. The resistive wheel  132  rotates allowing the athlete to move forward under a resistive state. After the strap  150  is no longer in contact with the resistive wheel  132 , which is dependent on the strap length, the athlete will no longer be resisted or restrained and is free to continue with the routine required by the sporting activity. The resistive wheel  132  is attached to a U-shaped member  130  which also contains a pin  129  and a strap guiding aid  131 . The pin  129  is inserted into a selected hole  121  on the rigid structure  126 ,  128 ,  169  and then the U-shape member  130  rotates onto the rigid structure  126 ,  128 ,  169  to provide a secure attachment for the resistive device  123  to the rigid structure  126 ,  128 ,  169 . Said attachment method is not unique to the disclosed invention and any attachment method may be used to securely attach any resistive device  123 ,  124 ,  125  to a rigid structure  126 ,  128 ,  169 . 
         [0051]    A short movement resistance system  124 , found in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 , incorporates springs or stretch cords  143  as well as a restraining mechanism  144 . The resistance assembly  124  does not release the athlete into an unrestricted state. In order to prevent the athlete from leaving the sport specific starting structure a restraining device  144  must be used. In  FIGS. 11 ,  12  the restraining device  144 , comprised of nylon or like material which is strong and non-elastic, is attached to the rigid structure  1  and connecting member  142 . As shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  12  a strap  139  is attached to a harness  165 ,  166  via loop  167  and wound through a series of resistive and/or non-resistive wheels  132 ,  141  before the strap  139  is permanently attached to the rigid structure  126  via a hook or loop  140 . When the athlete is not providing a forward force, the resistive system  124  is in the relaxed state  145  and the restraining device  144  does not have a load applied to it. As the athlete advances forward the strap pulls the second wheel  141  and connecting member  142  upward which stretches the springs or stretch cords  143 . Said springs are made of metal or a like material and said stretch cords made of a rubber or like material. Stretching and/or expanding occur until the springs or stretch cords  143  become the same length as the restraining device  144 ; this is considered the tension state  146  for the resistance system  124 . Once the restraining device  144  is engaged, the second wheel  141  and connecting member  142  can no longer move upwards and the strap  139  cannot extend, abruptly stopping the athlete from advancing forward. The sum of resistance from the elastic members  143  is able to provide various levels of resistance to accommodate different applications or ability of athlete. Altering the resistance from the elastic member  143  entails connecting or disconnecting any number of springs or stretch cords  143  to the connecting member  142  or replacing any number of springs or stretch cords  143  with a less resistive spring or stretch cord  143 . 
         [0052]    A further type of resistance device  125  will not allow the athlete to advance until the pulling force generated by the athlete becomes greater than the predetermined force required to separate the components of the resistance device  125 . Said components of resistance device  125  are illustrated in this embodiment as magnetic components  137 ,  138 . The magnetic components  137 ,  138  are covered by soft foam  136  or like material to reduce injury when the magnets  137 ,  138  depart during an athletic movement. The strap ends opposite of the magnetic components  137 ,  138  attach securely to the athlete&#39;s harness  165 ,  166  via loop  167  and a rigid structure  126 ,  128 ,  169 . After the magnets depart from each other, the athlete will then continue with the rest of the athletic routine without any resistance. Magnets can be replaced by a more suitable mechanical device that releases once a certain force is obtained. Practically, the two approaches, magnetic and mechanical, will perform in the same manner. 
         [0053]    In the instances where a strap  139 ,  150 ,  151  is permanently attached to a harness  165 ,  166  via loop  167  or rigid element  126 ,  128 ,  169  a ring  134 , made of a rigid metal or plastic, is permanently attached to a strap  139 ,  150 ,  151  by reinforcement stitching  135  which secures the ring  134  from detaching under any level of tension which can be generated by an athlete using the disclosed invention. Strap  150  is, but not required to be, a fixed length, yet straps  139  and  151  include any variety of adjustment devices that alter the effective length of the strap  139 ,  151  to best fit the application and body-type of the athlete. Harness  165 ,  166  which are worn by the trainee are illustrated in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , respectively. 
         [0054]    The application of the rigid structure  126 ,  128 ,  169  is an integral part to the versatility of the disclosed invention. The simple objectives of the rigid structure  126 ,  128 ,  169  consist of a study base for various resistance devices/systems, some of which including devices/systems  123 ,  124 ,  125 ; contain multiple connection points  121  to allow a resistive device (i.e.  123 ,  124 , and  125 ) to be attached at incrementing heights; and safely disperse incurred forces into surrounding environment without damage. Three types of rigid structures will be shown, a versatile rigid structure  128  which can be used in a wide variety of athletic venues and two types of specific rigid structures  126 ,  169  which uniquely adapt to the specialized features  119 ,  147  of a competitive swimming facility. It is also to be noted that for such resistance devices or systems similar to resistance system  124 , where the rigid structure is required to transfer large amounts of force to the surrounding environment, extra reinforcement or a more suitable rigid structure design, such as  169 , is required to appropriately meet the objective of providing a sturdy and stable base for any resistance system.  FIG. 18  illustrates a rigid structure  169  which is able to transfer larger loads, due to rear vertical beams  103 ,  107  and horizontal beam  104 . Specialized rigid structure  126  is designed to accommodate relatively lower levels of stress. 
         [0055]    A versatile rigid structure  128  is found in  FIGS. 12  though  17 . The holes  121  on main vertical post  102  are connection means for which a resistive device  123 ,  124 ,  125  or any other resistive device can be attached. The forward edge  153  of the rigid structure contains, but is not required to have, a rubber or like material padding as to provide a nonabrasive surface as the forward edge  153  contacts the aft portion of a starting apparatus or another rigid feature that is found in the athletic environment. Pins  152  are located in the vicinity of the forward edge to provide a locking point for at least one strap or rubber band  158 . Said strap or band  158  is used, but not required, to aid in the connection between the rigid structure  128  and the element to which it is in contact with. The number of pins  152  relate to the number of connection points to which is appropriate for a wide range of athletic environments. The aft end of the rigid structure  159  contains pegs  155  that are, but not required to be, present to aid in the confinement of a heavy or weighted aid, such as, but not limited to, a bag of sand or container filled with a liquid, to prevent the rigid structure  128  from tilting forward when in use. A strap, wire or bar  156  can be present to aid in the transfer of load from the main vertical post  102  to the weighted aft end of the rigid structure  159 . Support beam  154  is used to aid in the rigidity of the main vertical post  102 . In instances when the disclosed invention is used outdoors, the bottom surface of the rigid structure will, but does not require to, contain protruding elements or spikes  157  to additionally aid in the traction of the rigid structure  128  to the mating surface. 
         [0056]    Not all athletic venues are best suited for a versatile rigid structure  128  due to the design and orientation of the starting structure and the surrounding environment. Swimming starting blocks  127  and pools are an example of where a specialized rigid structure  126  or  169  would be more conducive to unique elements  119 ,  147  which are found in a competitive pool area. Specialized rigid structures  126 ,  169  which are specific to a competitive swimming environment are illustrated in  FIGS. 18 through 21 . Specialized rigid structures  126 ,  169  utilize unique features of the environment, such as the starting block post  119  and pool wall  147 , to provide a secure and stable base for a resistive device  123 ,  124 ,  125 . Swimming is not the only sport which may require a specialized rigid structure; each specialize structure may vary depending on the sport but each of the three main elements (secure structure, connection means, and incrementing highs of connection means) should be present. 
         [0057]    Angled beam  105 , in  FIGS. 18 ,  19 ,  21 , is connected to the specialize rigid structure  126  or  169  and the starting block post  119 , which is the only contact with the starting structure  127 . Similar to the versatile rigid structure  128 , minimal contact with a starting structure  127  allows the specialized rigid structure  126 ,  169  to be used on a wider range of starting structures  127 . The connection of the angled beam  105  to the starting block post  119  contains a clamping attachment  117 . An alternative connection means, such as the leading edge of rigid structure  128 , may also be used. A reinforcement plate  118  is, but not required to be, connected to the angled beam  105  and clamping attachment  117  to enhance the rigidity of the rigid structure  126  or  169 . The other contact point for the angled beam  105  is on the rigid structure  126  or  169 ; the connection point between the angled beam  105  and rigid structure  126  is a pivoting joint  106 . The ability to pivot between the angle beam  105  and the rigid structure  126  enables the vertical tower components  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  107 ,  108  to be at various orientations  160 . Flexibility in the final orientation is advantageous because vertical members  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  107 ,  108  are dependent on the position of the bottom connection joints  110 , where vertical members  107 ,  108  connect to members  109 , as well as pivot joint  106  , where angled beam  105  connects to the rigid structure  126  or  169 .  FIG. 21  illustrates vertical members  102 ,  108  having an acceptable slight rearward lean  160 , relative to vertical, which is due to joint  110  being positioned closer to the pool wall  147 . The position of joint  110  and alternatively vertical members  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  107 ,  108  is based on the alignment of holes  112  and  113 . Hole position should be aligned such that vertical members  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  107 ,  108  are vertical or slightly leaning backwards  160 . The arm beams  111 , which transfer load from the rigid structure  126  or  169  to the pool wall  147 , slides into members  109  and are locked into place via pins  114  through holes  112 ,  113 . The arm beams  111  contain a member  115  which is positioned  90  degrees to arm beam  111 . Member  115  transfers most of the force created by the swimmer into the pool wall  147  via member  116 , which has a greater surface area, containing a rubber or like material, to disperse the forces into a larger area to not damage the pool wall while the disclosed invention is in use. 
         [0058]    All surfaces of the disclosed invention that contact another object or surface which is not disclosed within the present invention contain, but do not require, a rubber or softened layer at the interface to prevent any damage to the integrity of the surroundings. All components that have not been previously defined by a material type or characteristic should be composed of a metal, preferably aluminum, or rigid polymer. 
         [0059]    The main vertical post  102  for rigid structure  126 ,  128 ,  169  contains a series of holes  121  at various heights throughout the main vertical post  102 . Said holes  121  are used to secure a wide range of resistant devices, some of which include resistive devices  123 ,  124 ,  125 . The various heights of holes give greater flexibility to the disclosed invention so that various angles of resistance can be applied to address a wide range of sports, athletes, and stances.  FIG. 22  illustrates how the angle of resistance  161 ,  162 ,  163 ,  164  can vary depending on which attachment point  121  the resistive device  123 ,  124 ,  125  is connected to. The angle or vector of resistance aids in the versatility to accommodate various movements, athletes, and stances. 
         [0060]    To properly use the disclosed invention, an athlete must secure rigid structure  126 ,  128 , or  169  to natural rigid elements that are found near the intended area of use. Once secure, attachment of a resistive device  123 ,  124 ,  125  is required to a desired connection point  121  on main post  102 . The athlete must then secure a harness  165 ,  166  to his or her body and attach the corresponding strap  139 ,  150 ,  151  of resistive device  123 ,  124 ,  125  to said harness  165 ,  166  via loop  167 . The strap should then be properly inserted into the resistive device  123 ,  124 ,  125  as the athlete positions himself or herself into the desired athletic position on a specific athletic starting apparatus. The strap  139 ,  150 ,  151  should be taut between the harness  165  or  166  and the resistance device  123 ,  124 , or  125 , so that resistance is incurred during the first initial movements of the athlete. Once prepared correctly, the athlete should use all common elements of his or her sport to perform a specific athletic movement that identically replicates an explosive and sudden movement of the sport, preferably, from a still of set position. 
         [0061]    Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications are possible in the details, attachment methods, materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated. It is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.