Abstract:
A portable upper body exerciser which is compatible with walking or using a treadmill permits vigorous upper body exercise involving hands, arms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, and neck. The upper body exerciser is a harness that rests on the shoulders and/or mid back and waist of a person with a forward extension member presenting handgrips at the distal ends of a hand crank that can be rotated much as bicycle pedals are rotated by the feet. The hand crank is positionably movable and attachable anywhere along the outer surface of the forward extension member, for the convenience of the person using the portable upper body exerciser.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/089,541, filed Nov. 25, 2013 and claims priority under 35 USC §120 therefrom. This application is also a continuation-in-part of design application Ser. No. 29/505,232, filed Aug. 4, 2015 and claims priority under 35 USC §120 therefrom. These applications are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is concerned with a portable upper body exercise harness that can be worn and used by a person while performing lower body exercise such as walking or using a treadmill. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Non-portable arm exercise machines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,668,709 of Boyko for a chair mounted arm exerciser, U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,241 of Hegel for a wall mounted arm exerciser, U.S. Pat. No. 3,309,084 of Simmons, also for a wall mounted arm exerciser and U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,338 of Scelta. Scelta &#39;338 discloses a non-walking lap supported arm bike exerciser. 
     Portable body worn arm exercisers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,223 of Block for a limb exercise harness with elastic band/cords, U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,432 of Gvoich for a belt worn arm stretch exerciser with elastic band/cords, U.S. Pat. No. 1,402,179 of Piscitelli for an arm exercise harness with elastic band/cords, U.S. Pat. No. 1,432,013 of Blake for an arm exerciser with elastic band/cords, U.S. Pat. No. 1,618,273 of Davidson for a belt and harness worn arm exerciser with elastic band/cords, U.S. Pat. No. 2,097,376 of Marshman for an exercise harness with elastic band/cords, U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,573 of Wehrell for a boxing exercise harness with elastic band/cords, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,377 of Wilkinson for a limb exercise harness with elastic or non-elastic band/cords. 
     However the elastic arm exercises with harnesses and elastic bands/cords may be dangerous if the elastic pull cords slip out of the user&#39;s hands and fly toward someone else (or the user). Also, rotatable pedals may be better exercise for the shoulders and neck, which might get strained from too much elastic pull, since the force exerted by elastic band/cords gets harder as it stretches, but the force is constant during pedaling. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,537 of D&#39;Orta describes a hip-worn sidewinder exerciser with rotational crank handles which are turned by the arms at the side of the wearer. However, D&#39;Orta does not allow the wearer to exercise the arms in front of the wearer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,395 of Miller and U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,070 of Donohue both disclose arm exercisers each with an inelastic cord which is alternately pulled forward by the left and right arms in a reciprocating matter. U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,921 of Vernon describes an arm exercise harness with a resilient, stretchable or elastic cord set which is pulled by the arms of the wearer. 
     It is known to simulate physical activity on an exercise machine by increasing or decreasing resistance. Resistance is a “torque” quantity in units of “length times force” such as inch-pounds or foot-pounds. Watts is a power term like horsepower: power=torque times rotational speed. One relationship is torque in inch pounds=(HORSEPOWER×63,025)/RPM. Another relation is 1 Watt=44.2537 foot-pounds/minute. A kilogram calorie (physiological type) is a unit of heat or energy akin to a Watt-second. For example, 1 kg calorie=1.162 watt-hours and is derived by integrating Watts over time. 
     To calibrate or manipulate “resistance” in terms of Watts, one must know both the torque and the speed simultaneously. So a unit that sets “resistance” to expend energy at a certain rate of power in Watts, one determines a measure of the torque and a measure of rotational speed (such as RPM) which is usually derived from a speed sensor such as a digital encoder (or a conventional tachometer). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,727,125 of Day describes a foot pedal exercise device with a servo controller controlling brake resistance to simulate harder exercise. The method used in Day &#39;125 or similar stationary powered exercise gym machine in a gym or rehab venue with utility supplied electric power may not be feasible for a portable walk-around unit because of power limitations. For example, if a brake drum and pad are forced together directly by an electromagnetic linear actuator, it would be too power-hungry. However, a motor and lead screw works well just using a small battery for a portable unit. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an upper body exercise harness that can be worn and used by a person while performing lower body exercise such as walking or using a treadmill. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide an arm exerciser which can be used in front of the chest of the user while walking or using a treadmill, which utilizes rotational pedals and which promotes the well being of the user. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a smooth exercise force which can be optionally adjusted in the amount of force exerted. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an easily worn exercise device is which encourages the user to exercise without complicated assembly. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an upper body exerciser which is comfortable to wear while walking. 
     It is yet another object to provide a portable upper body exerciser which evenly distributes weight between the shoulders, mid back and waist/low back. 
     Other objects which become apparent from the following description of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     While the prior art does address some limited types of upper body exercise that is compatible with walking or using a treadmill, this invention permits vigorous upper body exercise involving hands, arms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, and neck. The present invention is a harness that rests on the shoulders and/or thoracic and/or waist/lumbar back regions of a person with a forward extension, presenting a crank set with handgrips at the distal ends of a hand crank, that can be rotated, such as how bicycle pedals are rotated by the feet. The handgrips can be horizontally oriented on either side of the crank, or can be U-shaped and pivotable from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, to exercise different hand and arm muscles. Since the harness is easily donned or removed with just a single lifting motion or by releasing and opening backpack type straps, its convenience encourages frequent use. 
     In the first most basic embodiment, the present invention comprises two arcuate harness loops that fit over the shoulders, a chassis plate that connects the two harness loops at the top to a lower horizontal section that rests against the waist region, and a forward extension attached to the central vertical portion of the chassis plate. The forward extension carries bearings that locate the hand crank mechanism. All body contact areas of the invention are padded with a layer of resilient foam for comfort. The forward extension also houses an electronic monitor of biological metrics and time/distance with a display visible at the top. 
     In the second embodiment of the present invention, two features are added. The cranks are removable from the shaft so that by the use of two spring latches either one or both can be used. This is of advantage if the person using the upper body exerciser has had an injury to one arm or hand or is indeed an amputee. A freely rotating handgrip may be distracting. Another feature is that the handgrip itself may be removed from the crank or exchanged using spring latches at the distal ends of the crank. A variety of handgrips may be engaged, such as a basic handgrip, a hand-exercising spring handgrip, or a handgrip at the end of a longer shaft to more efficiently exercise shoulder muscles. 
     In the third embodiment of the invention, the vertical center section of the chassis plate is perforated at set intervals to permit a vertical adjustment of the forward extension which has two downward opening hooks facing back which are in registration with the perforations. The desired height is selected by choosing the appropriate pair of perforations to mate with the hooks. 
     In a fourth embodiment a bar with a series of holes is engaged forward of the chassis plate. The forward extension is modified to engage the bar and lock into a pair of holes on the bar at a desired location forward of the chassis plate offering variable forward placement for the crank set. The bar itself has three selectable positions of engagement with the chassis plate so that the crank set can be located grossly in the vertical direction and more finely in the horizontal direction. 
     In a fifth embodiment, an L-shaped bar is engageable with the chassis plate at three vertical positions (as in the fourth embodiment). The L-shaped bar with one side horizontal and one vertical (pointing upwards) has a series of holes along both legs. The forward extension as modified for the fourth embodiment can be engaged with any pair of adjacent holes on either the horizontal or vertical legs of the L-shaped bar affording great positional variability of the crank set in small increments. 
     In the sixth embodiment, a ball joint with lock clamp is attached to the vertical central section of the chassis plate. Attached to the ball of the ball joint is a telescoping rod with adjustment lock carrying the crank set at its distal end. This arrangement permits great continuous variability in location of the crank set. 
     A seventh embodiment of the present invention is a crank set with separate crank shafts permitting any circumferential relationship in the relative positions of each crank. In fact, one crank can be rotated clockwise while the other is rotated counterclockwise. The more important feature that this flexibility permits is the addition of two separate rotational friction adjustments, one for each crank side or handgrip. This is an important feature especially for upper body exercise in rehabilitation from injury to one side or the other, or to compensate for atrophy or weakness in one side or the other. Inside the central housing of the crank set are two separate brake drums and friction pads with external adjusting knobs to permit separate friction adjustments for each side. 
     In an eighth embodiment, a arcuate, polygonal or linear forward extension member is optionally provided, so that the hand crank can be positioned anywhere along the arc or edge surface(s) of the forward extension member. 
     In a ninth embodiment, the portable upper body exerciser is supported by backpack type straps, which go over the shoulders and connect to a waist area in the rear lumbar region of the user, thereby distributing the weight of the portable upper body exerciser evenly in the shoulder, mid back thoracic region and in the waist rear lumbar area. Instead of being lifted upward from the shoulders as in the first through eighth embodiments, the portable upper body exerciser is released by openable fasteners attached to the backpack type straps. 
     In tenth and eleventh embodiments, the frame of the portable upper body exerciser is adjustable so that the forward extension member with the crank set is floor mounted upon removal of the shoulder loops or back straps, and optionally the chest and abdominal support plates, whereby the pedal cranks are foot operable, not hand operable, and the handgrips are replaced by foot pedals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the harness with upper body exerciser of this invention in use by a person; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective exploded view of the parts comprising the harness of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the parts of the crank set of the second embodiment of this invention showing a detachable crank as well as three variations of detachable handgrips; 
         FIG. 3 a    is a side elevation detail in partial cross section of the spring detachment latch mechanism used in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective exploded view of third embodiment of this invention showing a vertically adjustable attachment of the crank set relative to the harness chassis; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective exploded view of the fourth embodiment of this invention using a bar with a series of holes to permit more horizontal adjustment of the crank set; 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the invention in use by a person; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective exploded view of the parts of the fifth embodiment of this invention using an L-shaped bar to offer placement variations of the crank set in both the horizontal and vertical directions in small increments; 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of the fifth embodiment of this invention in use by a person; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of this invention using a ball joint and telescoping rod to be able to locate the crank set rapidly and smoothly in a desired space in front of the harness chassis; 
         FIG. 10  is a high level block diagram of an electronic monitoring system of this invention; 
         FIG. 11  is perspective view of the seventh embodiment of this invention comprising a crank set affording separate adjustment of frictional resistance for each side; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view in partial cross section showing the internal parts comprising the features of the seventh embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an end view of a brake drum, friction pad, leaf spring, friction screw, and knob all used in the seventh embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment for a portable upper body exerciser; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the portable upper body exerciser shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a left side elevation view thereof, showing the exercise crank located in one position during rotational movement; 
         FIG. 17  is a right side elevation view of the portable upper body exerciser shown in  FIG. 16  showing the exercise mechanism located in another position during rotational movement; 
         FIG. 18  is a top plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a further alternate embodiment for a portable upper body exerciser, shown with backpack type straps; 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of the portable upper body exerciser shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a right side elevation view thereof; 
         FIG. 22  is a top plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a further alternate embodiment of a portable foot operable leg exerciser, where the user&#39;s feet are shown in silhouette; 
         FIG. 23A  is a perspective view of a second further alternate embodiment of a portable foot operable leg exerciser, where the user&#39;s feet are shown in silhouette; and, 
         FIG. 23B  is a right side elevation view of the portable foot operable leg exerciser, as shown in  FIG. 23A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is described below in optional alternate embodiments, which can be varied. For illustrative purposes only, preferred modes for carrying out the invention are described herein. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  relate to the first embodiment  1  of the harness with upper body exerciser of this invention; a person  2  using harness  1  is shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  is an exploded view of harness  1  with harness chassis plate  12  with harness loop attachment slots  16  at the top horizontal section, a middle vertical section below and a lower end horizontal section that rests approximately at waist level on the user. Harness loops  10  have attached studs  17  which engage attachment/adjustment knobs  18  through slots  16 . Forward section  13  is a member which locates crank set  14  and attaches to harness chassis plate  12  via six screws  19 . Handgrips  20  are at the distal ends of crank set  14 . Note that all surfaces which touch the user preferably have an attached cushioned layer, such as, for example, of resilient foam  11 . Display  15  of an electronic monitoring and information module is visible at the top of forward section  13 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the parts involved with the optional detachable crank and handgrips of the second embodiment which are incorporated into modified crank set  35 . These modifications are quick disconnect latches  26  which can detach a crank  25  from the shaft and  30  which is used to make the handgrips  20  removable. Three different types of detachable handgrips are shown,  31  is a normal handgrip,  32  is a hand exercising grip which is squeezed repeatedly,  33  is a normal handgrip attached to a wider shaft to spread the grips apart horizontally. It can be wider lengthwise by having a longer shaft, or it can be telescopically wider.  FIG. 3 a    is a detail showing the internal leaf spring  28  and engagement button  29  of latch  26 . A similar mechanism is used in latches  30  for the handgrips. 
       FIG. 4  shows the third embodiment  40  of harness showing harness chassis plate  41  a vertical adjustment sub-assembly, such as, for example, a plate  41  with rectangular holes  44  which can engage hooks  43  on forward section  42  to vary the vertical position of the crank set. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show the fourth embodiment  50  with a horizontal adjustment sub-assembly, including, for example, a harness utilizing bar  53  such as, for example, a series of holes  57 . Bar  53  can engage bracket  52  mounted to harness chassis plate  51  in any of three vertical locations (at double holes) via double spring pins  54  located at the proximal end. Detachable modified forward section  55  with double spring pin plate  56  can engage any pair of adjacent holes  57 . Therefore the horizontal position of the crank set can be varied in small increments while the vertical position can be set at three different levels.  FIG. 6  shows a person  2  using harness  50 . 
       FIG. 7  shows the fifth embodiment  60  of upper body exercise harness with a further optional adjustment sub-assembly, such as, for example, which uses an L-shaped bar  63  with holes  57  along the horizontal section and holes  64  along the vertical portion. Forward section  55  can be positioned anywhere along either the horizontal section (holes  57 ) or the vertical section (holes  64 ) of L-shaped bar  63 . If attached to the horizontal section it can be positioned in a manner similar to that of the forth embodiment as in  FIG. 5 . However, when attached to an adjacent pair of holes on the vertical section, the crank set can be adjusted in small increments vertically at the distal horizontal limit of bar  63 .  FIG. 8  shows person  2  using exercise harness  60 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the sixth embodiment  70  of exercise harness of this invention. In this embodiment, quick smooth locating of the crank set in a forward region is achieved via harness chassis plate  71  with a locking telescopic sub-assembly, such as, for example, an attached ball joint  72  with locking collar  73  combined with ball connected telescoping rod  74  with lock knob  75 . 
       FIG. 10  is a high level block diagram of the optional electronic monitoring system of this invention, with power source  81  in the form of a battery pack supplying power to controller  82  and wire-attached pedometer display  86 , and heart rate monitor which is displayed at  83 . Also displayed are timer  84  and calorie burning estimate display  85 . Wires  87  and  88  to the person-attached sensors can be replaced by a Bluetooth wireless link. In fact, the entire electronic system can be replaced by a smart cell phone using downloadable application software (i.e.—an “app”) with Bluetooth links. In that case, monitor screen  15  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  would be replaced by a bracket to hold the smart phone in a screen-readable attitude. 
       FIGS. 14-18  relate to the eighth embodiment  201  of the harness with upper body exerciser of this invention, with upper harness chassis plate  212  with harness loop attachments  210  at the top of harness chassis plate  212 . A forward extension member  213  extends outward between upper harness chassis plate  212  and lower harness plate  214 , which is located approximately at waist level on the user. Forward extension member  213  is preferably arcuate, as shown in  FIGS. 14-18 , but may have other geometric configurations, such as triangular in  FIG. 2 , polygonal, as in  FIG. 5 or 6 , or linear as in  FIG. 9 . Forward extension member  213  includes a crank set (not shown) such as crank set  216  of  216  (not shown) positionably movable and lockable in place anywhere along an optional track  213   a  of optionally arcuate forward extension  213 , or along any outer surface or forward extension member  213 . While forward extension member  213  is shown in  FIGS. 14-18  as going inside of crank  216 , and adjusted in place by locking member  216   a , such as, for example, a knob, so that crank set  216  moves over optional track  213   a  of forward extension member  213 , other configurations for positionally moving crank set  21   b  to a desired location along outside surface(s) of forward extension member  213  can apply. 
     Crank set  216  can also have one or more optional tensioning members  216   b , similar to tension members  98  and/or  99  of crank set  90  of  FIG. 12 . Harness loops  216  support portable upper body exerciser  201  upon the shoulders of the user. Forward extension member section  213  is a member which locates crank set  214  and attaches to upper and lower harness chassis plates  212  and  214 . Handgrips  220  are at the distal ends of crank set  216 . 
     Handgrips  220  as being tubular in  FIGS. 14-18 , but they can have other configurations known to those skilled in the art, such as being U-shaped and pivotable in orientation from horizontal to vertical, and back. 
     Also, crank set  216  is lockable by locking member  216   a , in place, anywhere along the outside or inside surface of forward extension member  213 , which may be a track  213   a  with an internal channel, such as shown in  FIGS. 14-18 , or may be a track with an exterior protruding track configuration (not shown), or along a set of discrete holes  57 , such as shown along rod  53  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     Note that all surfaces which touch the user preferably have an attached cushioned layer, such as, for example, of resilient foam. An optional visual display, such as display  15  of an electronic monitoring and information module shown in  FIGS. 1-2  or of  FIG. 10 , may be visible at the top of forward section  213 . 
     Handgrips  220  may be optionally detachable from crank  216 . 
     As noted above, crank set  216  is detachably movable anywhere along the surface or surfaces of forward section  213 , whether arcuate, polygonal or linear in shape, for the convenience of the user. 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  show the ninth embodiment  250  with optional backpack straps  260  supporting portable upper body exerciser  250  evenly on the shoulders, mid back and waist of the user. Portable upper body exerciser  250  is shown without crank set  216  and handgrips  220 . 
       FIG. 19  shows optional flexible front chest plate  260  (which may be of a flexible, bendable metal, plastic or canvas or other fabric material) extending between the upper and lower ends of arcuate forward section  213 . The lower end of flexible plate  260  is attached to lower harness abdominal waist belt  280 , above which extend one or more flexible backpack type straps  285 ,  286 , etc., which optionally have structured, reinforced shoulder loops  290 ,  291  integrally connected thereto. Upper harness chest belt  295  optionally connects front flexible chest plate  260  to straps  285 ,  286 , which have conventional fastener buckle clasps (not shown). In a further embodiment, forward extension member  213  can be attached at its upper end by a fastener plate or region to upper harness chest belt  295 , and at its lower end to lower harness abdominal waist belt  280 , without the optional flexible front chest plate  260 . 
       FIGS. 23, 23A and 23B  shows the tenth and eleventh embodiments  301  of the exercise harness of this invention, where the harness is adapted to be also floor mounted so that the arm pedals are replaced with foot operable pedals  310 . In  FIG. 23 , the upper chest belt  295  and lower waist belt  280  are respectively removed from upper and lower plates  212 ,  214  shown in  FIG. 19-22 , so that the upper plate  212  and the lower plate  214  act as floor mountable bases for placement and stability of the exercise harness  301  on the floor. In  FIGS. 23A and 23B , the upper and lower plates  212 ,  214  of  FIGS. 14-18  are optionally removable, also for set up of forward extension member  304  on the floor. The crank set  316  is mounted on the preferably arcuate forward extension member  304 , and the arcuate forward extension  304  has attachable opposite base ends  340   a ,  340   b , removably mountable upon a horizontal floor. The crank set  316  is movably positioned along the forward section track member  301  with the foot pedals  310 , which are adapted to be rotatably cycled by the feet of the user for a lower body exercise. 
     In addition to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , it is noted that the alternate embodiments of  FIGS. 14-18, 19-22 and 23 , can have the optional electronic monitoring systems of  FIG. 1, 2 or 10  with power source  81  in the form of a battery pack supplying power to controller  82  and wire-attached pedometer display  86 , and heart rate monitor which is displayed at  83 . Also displayed are timer  84  and calorie burning estimate display  85 . Wires  87  and  88  to the person-attached sensors can be replaced by a Bluetooth wireless link. In fact, the entire electronic system can be replaced by a smart cell phone using downloadable application software (i.e.—an “app”) with Bluetooth links. In that case, monitor screen  15  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  would be replaced by a bracket to hold the smart phone in a screen-readable attitude. 
     In addition to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , it is also noted that the alternate embodiments of  FIGS. 14-18, 19-22 and 23 , can also optionally have the modified crank set  90  of  FIGS. 11-13  for optional independent pedal resistance, wherein left crank  91  and right crank  92  are not connected by a single shaft. They each have their separate half-shafts  100  and  101  respectively as seen in  FIG. 12 . Adjusting knobs  98  and  99  are used to adjust the desired frictional load of the left crank and right crank respectively. Left housing  93  screws into right housing  94  via screw collar  95 . Internal support disks  102  and  103  are attached to respective housing sections  93  and  94  via screws  96 . Crank half-shafts  100  and  101  are supported by outer bearings  104  and internal bearings  105  and locked in place laterally by nuts  106 . Each half-shaft has an attached brake drum  107  which is used to adjust the friction load independently. Brake pad blocks  108  with attached leaf spring  109  are forced against their respective brake drum via screws  110  through threaded holes in chassis sides with left and right external knobs  98  and  99  respectively. 
     Also in addition to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-13 , it is further noted that cranks  214  of the alternate embodiments of  FIGS. 14-19, 20-22 and 23  may have a similar resistance adjustment mechanism. The shaft optionally has an attached brake drum which is also used to manually adjust friction load for the respective pedals with handgrips  20 . Similar to the mechanism shown in  FIG. 13 , a brake pad block similar to brake pad blocks  108  with attached leaf spring  109  is forced against a brake drum similar to brake drum  107 . It is further noted that either crank half shafts  100  and  101  of  FIGS. 11-13  or a full crank  14  of  FIGS. 1-3 , or its positionally adjusted related embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4-9 , may also control resistance with a servo-control communicating with display window screen  15 , also optionally for the embodiments of  FIGS. 14-19, 20-22 and 23 , whereby resistance is elevated up or down by incrementally pushing a button or touch screen button region up or down, such as for example, to raise or lower the resistance measured in increments of a defined wattage, such as 10 watts, for example, in either direction up or down to increase or decrease resistance of the rotating pedals. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the appended Claims.