Abstract:
A resistive training device and method of using the device includes a glove operable for sports training, where the glove comprises padding for mitigating injuries during striking of objects, and a slit for providing access to an interior portion of the glove. A ring, joinable to the glove to protrude through the slit, joins to resistance training devices to impart a resistive force to movements of the glove. A patch removably joins the ring to the glove. The patch includes a first fabric for encircling a portion of the ring. A second fabric has a substantially rounded shape, where the first fabric is joined to the second fabric proximate a center of a top surface of the second fabric. A joining means is disposed on the top surface for removeably joining to the interior portion, thereby enabling a user of the apparatus to engage in resistive and non-resistive training exercises.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61/352,508 and entitled “Martial Arts and General Conditioning Training Device”, filed on 8 Jun. 2010 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0004]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention relates generally to sports equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a resistance training device and method for use for such device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates generally to boxing and martial arts. The punching motion used in boxing and martial arts helps to develop and strengthen muscles in the arms shoulders, torso, and legs. Adding resistance when punching can increase this muscle development and strengthening. Adding resistance when punching also helps to increase punching speed and power. Currently, to provide resistance when punching, persons may punch with dumbbells or punch with resistance bands. 
         [0007]    Punching with dumbbells resists gravity and inertia and, therefore, develops muscles improperly for punching. Punching works the anterior head of the deltoid through a horizontal plane of motion and the triceps brachii in the same plane of motion as well as in the sagital plane. Other muscles such as the pectoralis major, the serratis anterior, obliques, and muscles of the leg and hip also become very involved in punching through a rotational plane of motion. However, when punching with dumbbells, the anterior deltoid is only resisting gravity, the triceps are completely uninvolved, and the rest of the previously mentioned muscles are used very little if at all, and those muscles that are used are resisting in the wrong plane of motion. In addition, the upper trapizius muscle is heavily pulled into action as the arm is extended, which is resisting gravity, when punching with dumbbells. The upper trapizius muscle has little if any function in punching without dumbbells. 
         [0008]    Punching with resistance bands is a good way to increase punching speed and power. Punching with bands uses all of the same muscles used during normal punching and uses these muscles in the exact same way in which they are used during normal punching. This follows the SAID (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand) principal of exercise and sports training, which declares that to improve in a particular activity one should practice that very activity so the body can adapt to the specific demands of the activity. However, there are problems that arise when punching with resistance bands including the following. Some bands are too long and limit users to staying in one spot, as they must be attached to a fixed object. Also, when using resistance bands, users must hold the band handles, which makes it practically impossible for users to wear gloves. This prevents users from striking punch mitts or punching bags and also prevents users from holding a proper fist. Furthermore, users practicing mixed martial arts (MMA) are not able to use their hands for actions such as wrestling shots and clinch work when holding resistance band handles. It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide means for punching with resistance that works the same muscles as punching without resistance and enables users to move, wear gloves and use their hands. 
         [0009]    Currently, there are gloves available that include hooks for the attachment of resistance bands that enable a user to use his hands and make a proper fist. However, these gloves provide little protection to the hands, and users may injure their hands when punching items such as punch mitts or punching bags. Also, the hooks cannot be removed from the gloves. This makes these gloves difficult to use when punching without resistance. 
         [0010]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for providing means for punching with resistance bands that enable users to form proper fists and to use their hands, provides protection to the hands and can also be used without the resistance bands. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an exemplary MMA glove from a resistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of an exemplary resistance attachment from a resistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of use for a resistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a resistive training device and method of using the device is presented. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment an apparatus includes means operable for sports training and for mitigating injuries during striking of objects, means, joinable to the training means, for joining to resistance training devices to impart a resistive force to movements of the training means, and means for removably joining the joining means to the training means, thereby enabling a user of the apparatus to engage in resistive and non-resistive training exercises. Another embodiment further includes means for imparting the resistive force. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment an apparatus includes a glove operable for sports training, where the glove comprises a padding for mitigating injuries during striking of objects, and a slit for providing access to an interior portion of the glove. A ring, joinable to the glove to protrude through the slit, joins to resistance training devices to impart a resistive force to movements of the glove. A patch removably joins the ring to the glove. The patch includes a first fabric for encircling a portion of the ring. A second fabric has a substantially rounded shape, where the first fabric is joined to the second fabric proximate a center of a top surface of the second fabric. A joining means is disposed on the top surface for removeably joining to the interior portion, thereby enabling a user of the apparatus to engage in resistive and non-resistive training exercises. Another embodiment further includes a resistance band for imparting the resistive force. In yet another embodiment the resistance band is operable to be wrapped about the user to secure the resistance band. In still another embodiment the joining means comprises a hook and loop material. In another embodiment the first fabric comprises a nylon type material for wear resistance when the ring is rotated. In yet another embodiment the second fabric comprises a PVC type material for strength and flexibility. In another embodiment the ring comprises a D shaped ring. In yet another embodiment the first fabric encircles strait portion of the D shape. In still another embodiment the slit is positioned on a back of the glove such that the ring is positionable on a back of a hand of the user. In another embodiment the slit is positioned proximate a wrist wrap of the glove enabling the ring to be rotated and concealed under the wrist wrap. In yet another embodiment the glove further comprises open fingertips. In still another embodiment the glove is operable for use as a mixed martial arts glove. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment a method includes the steps of determining if a resistive force is desired during a training exercise using a glove. If the resistive force is desired, determining if a ring is needed to be joined to the glove for joining to a resistive training device. If a ring is needed, removably joining a patch comprising the ring to an interior portion of the glove, where the ring protrudes through a slit in the glove from the interior portion. If the resistive force is desired, removably joining the ring to the resistive training device. Putting on the glove and performing the training exercise. Another embodiment further includes the steps of if the resistive force is undesired, determining if the ring is needed to be removed from the glove, and if a ring is needed to be removed, removing the patch comprising the ring from the glove. In yet another embodiment the resistive training device comprises a resistance band. Still another embodiment further includes the step of securing the resistance band by wrapping the resistance band about a body part. In another embodiment the patch is joined using a hook and loop material. In yet another embodiment the glove is operable for mixed martial arts training 
         [0020]    Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0022]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0023]    It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0024]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0025]    From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
         [0026]    Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
         [0027]    Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived there from. 
         [0028]    As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
         [0029]    Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
         [0030]    It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. 
         [0031]    Some preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a martial arts and general conditioning training device designed to increase punching speed and power and to increase the intensity of workouts using external resistance attached to a mixed martial arts (MMA) glove. Some preferred embodiments, and at least some variations thereof, provide an attachment to an MMA glove as well as a method for using resistance bands in conjunction with MMA gloves. Some preferred embodiments can also be used as a general strength and conditioning device by martial artists and the general public. In addition, the gloves in some preferred embodiments can also be used as regular MMA, grappling, or bag gloves. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an exemplary MMA glove  101  from a resistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, resistance is attached directly to MMA glove  101  by a resistance attachment  105 . In the present embodiment, resistance attachment  105  is preferably a steel D-ring sewn onto a patch, via a piece of nylon fabric, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 2 . However, those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable attachment means may be used in alternate embodiments including, but not limited to, D-rings not attached to patches, spring-loaded clips, circular rings, hooks, snaps, buttons, steel wire hooks or loops, elastic or fabric loops around the wrist, fingers or palm, addition of an “inner glove”, etc. In the present embodiment, the entire patch of resistance attachment  105  is padded to generally prevent irritation or injury to the user. The patch of resistance attachment  105  is placed inside glove  101  while the D-ring extends through a hole  110  in the back of glove  101 . In alternate embodiments the resistance attachments may be placed in locations other than the back of the hand such as, but not limited to the top, bottom or sides of the wrist, on the palm, near the thumb, sides of the hand, etc. Wrist wrap  125  secures glove  101  to the user&#39;s wrist. Typically, wrist wrap  125  is pulled to tighten and secured by, but not limited to, a hook and loop material. When wrist wrap  125  is released, it may be partially removed from glove  101  to fully expose slit or hole  110 . 
         [0033]    In the present embodiment, resistance attachment  105  enables resistance devices such as, but not limited to, resistance bands, exercise bands, cables, etc. to be attached to glove  101 . Resistance attachment  105  is secured inside glove  101  with hook and loop material that is placed on both the inside of glove  101  and on resistance attachment  105 , therefore making resistance attachment  105  removable. This enables glove  101  to be used as a resistance-training tool, as a traditional MMA training glove or for general conditioning exercises such as, but not limited to, bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, leg presses, shoulder presses, etc. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable means may be used to removably fasten the resistance attachment to the glove in alternate embodiments such as, but not limited to, snaps, buttons, zippers, friction, adhesives, etc. Furthermore, in other alternate embodiments, the resistance attachments may be non-removable. Yet other alternate embodiments may comprise resistance attachments that can be hidden beneath padding on the gloves, allowing the gloves to be used for resistance-training when the resistance attachments are exposed and for regular martial arts training or general conditioning when the resistance attachments are hidden. In yet other alternate embodiments the gloves may have resistance bands permanently attached. 
         [0034]    In the present embodiment, glove  101  is an MMA glove with open fingertips that gives a user complete use of his hand. However, in alternate embodiments different types of gloves may be used such as, but not limited to, grappling gloves, kickboxing gloves, boxing gloves, bag gloves, MMA sparring gloves, etc. In the present embodiment, glove  101  comprises padding  115  that enables a user to strike objects such as, but not limited to, strike bags or punch mitts with less possibility of injury to his hand or knuckles. Alternate embodiments of the present invention may comprise gloves without padding. The resistance bands or other resistance means in these embodiments may be permanently attached or may be removably attached using various different types of resistance attachments such as, but not limited to, D-ring patches, snaps, clips, etc. In the present embodiment, glove  101  protects a user&#39;s hand and knuckles while increasing punching speed and power through the use of resistance. In addition to resistance training, glove  101  can also be used as a bag glove or for regular martial arts training including, but not limited to, sparring, ground and pound, grappling, jiu jitsu, etc. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of an exemplary resistance attachment  201  from a resistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, resistance attachment  201  comprises a steel D-ring  205  sewn into a piece of nylon fabric  207 , which is then sewn between two pieces of Hypalon® fabric  210 , which is similar to PVC. In some preferred embodiments, the nylon fabric provides wear resistance when D-ring  205  is rotated. The Hypalon® fabric  210  provides strength and flexibility. The end result is very similar to a D-ring patch, which is typically used in canoeing or kayaking. In alternate embodiments various different types of fabric may be used instead of nylon and Hypalon® such as, but not limited to, canvas, different types of plastics, leather, etc. In some alternate embodiments, the D-ring may be attached to a metal plate rather than fabric to create the resistance attachment. In other alternate embodiments, attachment means other than a D-ring may be used on the resistance attachment such as, but not limited to, circular rings, clips or hooks, and the attachment means may be made of materials other than steel including, without limitation, different types of metal or plastics. 
         [0036]    In the present embodiment resistance attachment  201  is sized and shaped to fit inside an MMA glove; however, alternate embodiments may be sized and shaped to fit inside various different types of gloves such as, but not limited to, boxing gloves, kickboxing gloves, grappling gloves, bag gloves, etc. However, MMA gloves are preferred as they enable users to have complete use of their hands. In the present embodiment the underside of resistance attachment  201  is padded to protect the user&#39;s hand; however this padding on resistance attachment  201  may be omitted. Hook and loop material  215  is attached to the top side of resistance attachment  201 . Hook and loop material  215  meshes with hook and loop material inside a glove to securely fasten resistance attachment  201  to the glove. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable means may be used to fasten the resistance attachment to the glove in alternate embodiments such as, but not limited to, snaps, buttons, or adhesives and in some alternate embodiments, no fastening means may be included. In the present embodiment, the removable nature of resistance attachment  201  makes a glove with which it is used multi-functional and can save money for a user. Sliding D-ring  205  through a hole in the glove and applying hook and loop material  215  to hook and loop material on the inside of the glove enables the glove to be used for resistance training by attaching a resistance band  220  to D-ring  205 . Removing resistance attachment  201  enables the glove to be used as a regular martial arts training glove or general conditioning glove. In alternate embodiments different types of resistance means may be used such as, but not limited to, resistance bands of any size and or level, cables from any machine, such as Keiser® functional trainer, Free Motion® equipment, Cybex® equipment, Life Fitness® equipment, etc, as well as resistance from plate loaded machines, etc. Most sized resistance bands may be used with the present embodiment; however, external resistance over 65 lbs may cause the glove to fail, specifically at or near the hole where D-ring  205  is inserted. Improper care for the gloves or resistance band  220  may result in cracking and or breaking of the gloves or band  220 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of use for a resistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In typical use of the present embodiment, the training device may be used for sports training or general strength and conditioning. In step  301  a user determines if he would like to use resistance when training or not. If the user wishes to use resistance, he determines if the resistance attachments are in place in the gloves in step  305 . If the resistance attachments are not in place, the user inserts and secures the resistance attachments in the gloves in step  310 , making sure the D-rings of the resistance attachments extend through the holes in the backs of the gloves. Once the resistance attachments are in place, the opposite ends of a resistance band are each attached to a D-ring of a resistance attachment of a glove in step  315 . In step  320  the user puts on the training device by wrapping the resistance band around his body and putting on the gloves. The user typically wears a glove on each hand so that when the resistance band is looped around his back the resistance band becomes taut and provides resistance to the punching arm. The user may then perform the desired training activity in step  325  such as but not limited to, striking a bag or punch mitt, sparring, punching the air (shadowboxing), bicep curls, shoulder presses, etc. 
         [0038]    If the user desires to train without resistance in step  301 , he determines if the resistance attachments are secured in the gloves in step  330 . If the resistance attachments are in the gloves, they are removed from the gloves in step  335 , making the gloves useable as regular MMA training gloves, bag gloves or training gloves for other activities. Once the resistance attachments are removed from the gloves, the user puts on the gloves in step  340 . In step  345  the user may perform the desired training activity such as, but not limited to, striking a bag or punch mitts, grappling, sparring, etc. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. For example, without limitation, the user may put on the gloves and wrap the resistance band around his body before he attaches the resistance band to the resistance attachments. 
         [0039]    The user can use the training device in different locations and may even move around while using the training device for example, without limitation, to practice sparing with resistance since he is not fixed to a single place while doing resistance training by the need to attach the resistance band to a stationary object. However, the user may wrap the resistance band around or attach the resistance band to a stationary object if he so desires or he may use two separate resistance bands attached to stationary objects with one band attached to each glove. The user may also wrap or attach the resistance band around different portions of his body for example, without limitation, around a leg or a foot or may attach the resistance band to a piece of clothing such as, but not limited to, a belt or a shoe. When the user wraps the resistance band around his back, the way the resistance band fits encourages the user to practice better punching form and increases muscle memory for that form. The fit of the resistance band in the present embodiment helps keep punches, such as, but not limited to, hooks and uppercuts “tight” to the user so they are not “loopy” and overextending and also helps the user keep his elbows tight to his body while punching. Furthermore, the training device creates muscle memory in the user by assisting him in bringing his hands back to his face after each punch. 
         [0040]    Using the present embodiment, the user can strike punch mitts or punching bags with resistance to increase punching speed and power, and the padding on the gloves protects the user&#39;s hands while striking In addition, unlike with conventional resistance bands that have handles, the user does not need to hold band handles, allowing the user&#39;s hands to be free for use. This allows the user to practice drills other than punching such as, but not limited to, resisted wrestling shots and resisted clinch work, as in Muay Thai. In the present embodiment, the resistance band can easily be used for many other exercises while still allowing the user&#39;s hands to be free. For example, without limitation, the user may perform general strength and conditioning exercises such as, but not limited to, bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, squats, shoulder presses, leg presses, etc. while allowing him to use his hands for other actions including, without limitation, making a proper fist, holding a dumbbell, practicing proper running form, etc. Since the user does not need to hold a handle or a dumbbell, the present embodiment is good for users with issues that affect their grip such as, but not limited to, arthritis or injury. Furthermore, the present embodiment is completely powered by the user and consumes the user&#39;s calories. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that various different types of people may use the present embodiment including, without limitation, martial artists of any type, boxers, kickboxers, muay thai practitioners, mixed martial arts fighters, personal trainers, group fitness trainers, martial arts instructors, and anyone who is interested in personal fitness. 
         [0041]    In an alternate embodiment, a resistance training device comprises an MMA glove with a resistance attachment on the back of the hand that can be “hidden” beneath padding in a wrist wrap portion of the glove. The resistance attachment is preferably a D-ring on a piece of nylon fabric permanently sewn onto the back of the glove. The resistance attachment is used to provide resistance in generally the same manner as previously described; however, if a user desires to use the glove as an MMA glove for training, he may simply unwrap the wrist wrap and place the D-ring resistance attachment securely in a padded “pouch” located under the wrist wrap. Once the user rewraps the wrist wrap, the resistance attachment is concealed and the glove is safe for use as an MMA training glove. The present embodiment provides the user with many of the same benefits as provided by the embodiment described in the foregoing. The present embodiment also generally prevents the user from losing the resistance attachment during the transition from resistance training to non-resisted training and makes this transition quick and easy. 
         [0042]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a resistance training device according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the resistance attachment may vary depending upon the particular type of fastening method used. The fastening methods described in the foregoing were directed to internally fastened implementations; however, similar techniques are to fasten the resistance attachment to the outside of the glove. Externally fastened implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
         [0043]    Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.