Abstract:
A customizable fitted device for immobilizing injuries and a method for constructing the fitted device is provided. The fitted device can be used to stabilize an al 1, wrist, hand, leg, knee, ankle, foot or other body parts through custom formation. The device can be formed by a sidewall having one or more sidewall sections that can be secured together using retaining clips positioned within retaining clip slots on the device. The device can further include one or more openings defined in the sidewall of each device section while maintaining rigidity in the sidewall. The device can be constructed by of creating a 3D image scan of the particular body part in which the device will be applied, creating a design of the device to precisely match the contours of the 3D image scan, and using a 3D printer to construct the device according to the design.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/050,067, filed on Sep. 12, 2014, to Diana Hall, entitled “Amphibian Skin Custom-fit Exoskeleton Support Devices,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/162,743, filed on May 17, 2015, to Diana Hall, entitled “Amphibian Skin 3D Printed Clips and Cable Tie Slots,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to devices, such as casts, splints, braces, and similar devices for immobilizing and stabilizing various portions of a user&#39;s body, including arms, elbows, wrists, hands, legs, knees, ankles, feet and other structures. Such devices are also used in veterinary applications and other various alternative uses. 
         [0003]    When a user&#39;s body portion needs stabilization, a cast, brace or similar device is commonly applied to immobilize the particular location of the identified body part. The cast or splint is commonly applied to an arm, leg, or joint, such as a knee, ankle, elbow or wrist. One common cast is a molded plaster or fiberglass cast formed around the location of the body part. A layer of padding, such as a cotton wrap, is applied around the body portion targeted and the plaster or fiberglass cast component is then applied and molded to conform to the patient&#39;s body. The cast is a single-use and non-removable device. While this style of casts is generally effective at immobilizing the targeted body portion and is generally inexpensive to produce, it has several limitations. One main limitation is that the cast is not removable. Thus, in order to clean the targeted body portion or subsequently examine the targeted body portion, the cast must be removed and a new cast applied. Another limitation is that this type of cast is non-breathable and non-waterproof. This can lead to skin irritation and other issues as well as damage to the cast when the patient encounters wet conditions. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, a need exists for a moldable cast or similar device that is effective at immobilizing a particular body part while being removable, reusable, lightweight, breathable, waterproof and structurally stable in multiple directions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is directed generally to a customizable fitted device for immobilizing particular portions of a user&#39;s body. The device can be used to protect, stabilize, and/or immobilize the targeted body portion. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device can include a generally enclosed sidewall divided into one or more shell-sections. The shell-section(s) can be joined together and faun one or more longitudinal seams within the device sidewall. Each longitudinal seam can extend from the upper and lower terminal ends of the device. In an embodiment where there is only a single shell-section, the device contains sufficient flexibility, at least in a portion of the device, to allow the sidewall to be separated along the longitudinal seam and be removed from the user without damaging or destroying the device. In an embodiment where there are multiple shell-sections, the multiple longitudinal seams enable the device to be separated and removed from the user without damaging or destroying the device, even while the sidewall is substantially rigid. 
         [0006]    According to one embodiment, the enclosed sidewall can have a plurality of voids defined through the sidewall. The plurality of voids can define structural ribs in the sidewall that maintain structural rigidity while still permitting several openings within the sidewall. The device can also include primary openings at the upper and lower ends of the sidewall so that the device can be applied to only a portion of the user&#39;s body, such as the lower aim or leg with other portions of the user&#39;s body protruding from the device. Additionally, the device can include secondary openings defined within the sidewall to accommodate thumbs, finger, or other body portion. 
         [0007]    The device can further include one or more connector receivers positioned on the longitudinal seams of the device. The connector receivers can be used to hold the one or more sidewall sections together along the one or more longitudinal seams. Each connector receiver is positioned on both portions of the sidewall adjacent to the longitudinal seam. For example, in an embodiment where there are two sidewall- or shell-sections, each connector receiver is positioned on both sidewall sections adjacent to a longitudinal seam. The connector receiver can further be divided along the longitudinal seam so that one portion of the receiver remains on one side sidewall and the other portion of the receiver remains on the adjacent side of the sidewall when the sidewall is separated along the longitudinal seam. Each connector receiver also can include an opening or slot defined through the receiver. The opening can be configured to allow a connector or clip to be inserted through and hold the two portions of the connector receiver together. 
         [0008]    When the device is ready for use, the one or more sidewall sections can be placed around the target area of the user so that the one or more sidewall sections meet at the one or more longitudinal seams, thereby forming an enclosed sidewall around the target area. The connectors or clips can then be inserted through the receiver openings and secured to holder the connector receivers together. Once all connector receivers are secured, the device forms a rigid or supporting device around the target area. The device can then be easily removed from the user by removing the connectors or clips and separating the sidewall section(s). 
         [0009]    Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0010]    In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a fitted device for immobilizing a lower arm of a user in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the fitted device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the fitted device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the fitted device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the fitted device of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a first section and a second section of the fitted device separated prior to being applied to a user&#39;s arm in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the fitted device of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the fitted device applied to a user&#39;s arm in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a fitted device for immobilizing a hand of a user in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the fitted device of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the fitted device of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of the fitted device of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the fitted device of  FIG. 7 , illustrating a first section and a second section of the fitted device separated prior to being applied to a user&#39;s hand in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the fitted device of  FIG. 7 , illustrating the fitted device applied to a user&#39;s hand in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of a connector used to secure two sections of a fitted device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a connector and fitted device for immobilizing a user&#39;s hand in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the connector inserted into a receiver slot and holding two sections of the fitted device together; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a section plan view of the fitted device of  FIG. 3 , illustrating a connector inserted into a receiver slot for holding a first section and a second section of the fitted device together; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a connector and fitted device fitted device for immobilizing a user&#39;s hand in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the connector inserted into a receiver slot and holding two end of the fitted device together. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures. 
         [0028]    The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
         [0029]    The present invention is directed toward a fitted device  10 .  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, where device  10  is configured for application to a user&#39;s arm.  FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention where device  10  is configured for application to a user&#39;s hand. As illustrated in the various figures, device  10  can be configured for application to an arm or hand of a human user; however, device  10  can also be suitable for application to other limbs or body parts, such as a leg or foot. Additionally, device  10  as described herein may be used for animals of all types and sizes. 
         [0030]    Device  10  can be used to support, stabilize and/or immobilize a limb or similar target area of a user by faulting a partially enclosed structure around the target area. Device  10  can be formed as a substantially rigid structure without noticeable flexibility or device  10  can be formed with semi-flexible properties in all or some of device  10  depending on the particular intended application of device  10 . Device  10  can also substantially conform to the shape and contours of the target area by forming device  10  in accordance with a method of construction as described in greater detail below. As also described below, device  10  can be comprised of one or more sections that can enable device  10  to be easily applied, removed and re-applied to a user without damage to device  10 . 
         [0031]    As shown throughout the various figures, device  10  can comprise a generally enclosed sidewall  12  having a plurality of voids  14  defined therein. Voids  14  can have any number of different sizes and shapes and can be configured into particular patterns or non-uniformly arranged formations across sidewall  12 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , and in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, voids  14  can be positioned in a certain configuration within sidewall  12  so as to form a plurality of structural ribs  16  between voids  14 . This configuration of voids  14  and ribs  16  can reduce the amount of material necessary to form device  10  and maintain rigidity of device  10  while providing the device with lightweight properties and enabling ventilation and breathability of device  10  with regard to the user&#39;s limb or other target area where device  10  is applied while conforming to manufacturing requirements. 
         [0032]    Device  10  can further comprise one or more shell-sections  18 , which can be joined together to form the enclosed sidewall  12 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , device  10  comprises a shell-section  18 , which can be joined at its ends  26  and  28  to form the enclosed sidewall  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 11 , device  10  can comprise a shell-section  18  and a shell-section  20 , which can be joined together to form the enclosed sidewall  12 . Device  10  can also comprise more than two sidewall sections in alternative embodiments of the present invention (this alternative embodiment is not shown in the figures).  
         [0033]    In an embodiment where device  10  includes one shell-section  18 , sidewall  12  can include a sidewall seam  22  defined longitudinally through sidewall  12 . Sidewall seam  22  can define a first and a second longitudinal ends  26  and  28  of shell-section  18 , which join together to form sidewall seam  22 . Sidewall seam  22  can be configured in a general wave-like configuration or a generally straight configuration. Alternative configurations can also be used, especially configurations that further the structural stability of the device  10 . A wave-like configuration can also be configured to provide structural stability of the device  10 . 
         [0034]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , in an embodiment where device  10  includes shell-sections  18  and  20 , shell-sections  18  and  20  can be defined by sidewall seams  22  and  24  defined longitudinally through sidewall  12  and thereby separating sidewall  12  into shell-sections  18  and  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , when both shell-sections  18  and  20  form sidewall  12 , shell-section  18  has first and second longitudinal edges  26  and  28  that correspond to first and second longitudinal edges  30  and  32  of shell-section  20 . Longitudinal edges  26  and  30  combine to form first seam  22  while longitudinal edges  28  and  32  combine to form second seam  24 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , seams  22  and  24  (along with corresponding longitudinal ridges  26 - 32 ) can be configured in a general wave-like pattern, as shown in  FIG. 3 , or can have a straighter configuration as shown in  FIG. 7 . Other configurations or orientations can also be used for seams  22  and  24  so long as seams  22  and  24  are suitable for joining shell-sections  18  and  20  together. Seams  22  and  24  can be formed (and correspondingly, enclosed sidewall  12 ) when first longitudinal edge  26  of shell-section  18  is joined to conforming first longitudinal edge  30  of shell-section  20  and second longitudinal edge  28  of shell-section  18  is joined to conforming second longitudinal edge  32  of shell-section  20 . When shell-sections  18  and  20  are joined together at seams  22  and  24  to form enclosed sidewall  12 , adjacent longitudinal edges  26  and  30  and  28  and  32  can be positioned with minimal space defined between. 
         [0035]    Enclosed sidewall  12  can also define primary end openings  34  and  36  of device  10  at sidewall&#39;s  12  terminal or axial ends, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 14 . Primary end openings  34  and  36  can accommodate a user&#39;s arm, hand, fingers, leg, foot, etc. extending away from device  10  in either direction. Depending on the particular application or use, device  10  can also include secondary openings  38  for thumbs, fingers or similar extremities. As shown in  FIG. 2 , device  10  can include a secondary opening  38  for receiving a user&#39;s thumb, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0036]    Device  10  can also include one or more connector receiver pairs  40  located on seams  22  and/or  24  and comprising two connector receivers  42 . As described below, each connector pair  40  can be separable into two portions to allow shell-section  18  to be separated at its ends  26  and  28  or to be separated from shell-section  20 .  FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of device  10  having two receiver pairs  40  along each seam  22  and  24  while  FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate another embodiment of device  10  having only one receiver pair  40  along each seam  22  and  24 .  FIG. 16  illustrates yet another embodiment of device  10  having only one receiver pair along seam  22 , which connects the first and second longitudinal ends  26  and  28  of shell-section  18  together. Any number of additional combinations of receiver pairs  40  may be suitable depending on the particular configuration and shape of device  10 . Receiver pairs  40  can be used in conjunction with connectors  44  to secure and hold shell-sections  18  and  20  together along seams  22  and  24 , as best shown in  FIG. 14 , or to secure shell-section  18  together at its ends  26  and  28 , as best shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0037]    Each connector receiver  42  can extend axially away from sidewall  12  adjacent to seam  22  or  24  (and corresponding longitudinal edge  26 - 32 ) as best shown in  FIG. 11 . As also shown in  FIG. 11 , each connector receiver  42  can also have first and second raised sidewalls  46  and  48  and a top wall  50  extending therebetween and defining the upper boundary of the receiver  40 . Defined within each connector receiver  40  can be a slot  52  extending from first raised sidewall  46  to second raised sidewall  48  for receiving a section of connector  44 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , second raised sidewall  48  of each receiver  42  can conform to the corresponding longitudinal edge  26 - 32  adjacent to the receiver  42  so that each receiver  42  does not extend beyond seam  22  or  24  and first and second shell-sections  18  and  22  can be joined at seams  22  and  24  with a conforming fit. As best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , each connector receiver  42  on first longitudinal edge  26  of shell-section  18  corresponds to each connector receptacle  42  on first longitudinal edge  30  of shell-section  20  so that the receivers  42  align along seam  22  and form receiver pairs  40 . Similarly, each connector receiver  42  on second longitudinal edge  28  of shell-section  18  can align with each connector receiver  42  on second longitudinal edge  32  of section-shell  18  to form receiver pairs  40 . Alternatively, when sidewall  12  comprises only one shell-section  18 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , each connector receiver  42  on first longitudinal edge  26  corresponds to a connector receiver  42  on second longitudinal edge  28  so that the receivers  42  align along seam  22  to form a receiver pair  40 . Pursuant to this alignment, slots  52  of corresponding connector receivers  42  in a receiver pair  40  align to form a continuous slot or opening  52  through the receiver pair  40  when shell-sections  18  and  20  are joined together, as best shown in  FIG. 8 , or when ends  26  and  28  of shell-section  18  are joined together, as best shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0039]    Connectors  44  can be used to lock receivers  42  in each connector receiver pair  40  together to join shell-section  18  at its ends as shown in  FIG. 16 , or to join shell-section  18  and  20  together as shown in  FIG. 14 . Connectors  44  can comprise many different types of fasteners depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13  illustrates one specific embodiment of connector  44  in the form of a clip. As shown in  FIG. 13 , clip  44  can comprise an upper arm  54  and a lower arm  56  connected together by a resilient bridge  58  at one end of each arm. At its end opposing bridge  58 , clip  44  can include a retaining rib  60  extending downward from upper arm  54  into a groove  62  defined in lower arm  56 . Retaining rib  60  can include a lower edge  64  that has an inward-extending lip  66  as best shown in  FIG. 13 . Lip  16  facilitates securing connector pairs  42  together as described in greater detail below. Resilient bridge  58  allows upper aim  54  (and attached rib  60 ) to be flexed upward away from lower arm  56  by a user to fasten clip  44  to receptacle pair  40 , as also described in greater detail below. 
         [0040]    Lower arm  56  can be configured to be inserted into and through receiver slots  52  of a connector receiver pair  40  when joined together. According to this configuration, lower arm  56  preferably has a thickness T C  that is less than a height T R  of receiver slot  52  of receiver pair  40  as best shown in  FIG. 15 . Lower arm  56  also preferably has a width Y C  that is less than a width Y R  of receiver slot  52  as best shown in  FIG. 14 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the distance between resilient bridge  58  and retaining rib  60  is preferably slightly greater than the length of receiver pair  40  so that clip  44  tightly joins receptacles  42  together. 
         [0041]    Connectors  46  can also comprise any number of alternative embodiments that are suitable for maintaining a joined connected between first and second shell-halves  18  and  20 . In an alternative embodiment (not shown), receiver slots  52  of each receiver pair  40  include a divider wall (not shown) that allows a cord, string, wire or similar tie to semi-permanently secure receivers  42  of each receiver pair  40  together. 
         [0042]    As best shown in  FIG. 5 , prior to use, shell-sections  18  and  20  can be separated from one another. Device  10  can then be used by positioning shell-sections  18  and  20  around the user&#39;s target area (such as an arm or leg) and joining first longitudinal edges  26  and  30  to form seam  22  and joining second longitudinal edges  28  and  32  to form seam  24 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 6 . When shell-sections  18  and  20  are joined together along seams  22  and  24 , corresponding connector receivers  42  of each receiver pair  40  can be joined together. In an embodiment where sidewall  12  comprises only shell-section  18 , the longitudinal ends  26  and  28  can be separated along seam  22  until device  10  can be applied to the target area of the user, where longitudinal seams  26  and  28  can be joined back together. 
         [0043]    Connectors  44  can then be used to lock or secure shell-sections together as shown in  FIGS. 14-16 . When a clip  44  is used as shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , lower arm  56  of each clip  44  can be inserted into receiver slot  52  of the corresponding receiver pair  40  by raising upper arm  54  away from lower arm  56  until the distance between a lower edge  64  of retaining rib  60  and lower arm  56  is greater than the width top wall  50  of receivers  42 . Once lower arm  56  of clip  44  is fully inserted through slot  52 , retaining rib  60  snaps downward partially into groove  62  to lock clip  44  in place due to the resiliency of bridge  58 . When fully inserted, clip  44  restricts receivers  42  in a receiver pair  40  from separating because top walls  50  of each receiver  42  enclosed by upper aim  54 , lower aim  56 , resilient bridge  58  and retaining rib  60  of clip  44 . Lip  66  on retaining rib  64  can also be positioned partially within slot  52  and thereby prevent upper arm  54  and lower aim  56  from separating. After all clips  44  are inserted into each receiver pair  40  and enclosed around top walls  50 , device  10  can be rigidly secured and sidewall  12  can form around the user&#39;s arm or other target area. 
         [0044]    Device  10  can then be removed from the user by removing connectors  44  and separating first and second shell sections  18  and  20 . Because lip  66  can be partially inserted into slot  52 , a user can be required to push the resilient bridge laterally against the first sidewall  36  of connector receiver  42  in order to allow lip  66  to exit slot  52 . Connectors  44  can then be removed by lifting upper arm  56  away from lower arm  58  and sliding lower arm  58  out of slot  52 . Once all connectors  44  are removed from receiver pairs  40 , shell-sections  18  and  20  can be removed from the user. Alternatively, when sidewall  12  includes one shell-section  18 , longitudinal ends  26  and  28  can be separated in or to allow the device  10  to be removed from the user. Device  10  can then be reapplied in the manner described above. 
         [0045]    Collectively, connectors  44  and receiver pairs  40  provide structural stability for the device  10 . Each connector  44  can securely hold the connector receivers  44  within a connector receiver pair  40  together and restrict movement along several different directional axes. The sizing of the upper arm  54  and lower arm  56  thicknesses in relation to the top wall  50  thicknesses of the connector receivers  42  restricts movement of one longitudinal end  26 - 32  relative to another longitudinal end  26 - 32  along sidewall seam  22  or  24  in a first direction. Lip  66  on retaining rib  64  also assists in preventing this direction of movement by preventing upper and lower arms  54  and  56  from separating unless lip  66  is removed from slot  52 . The length of clip  44  between resilient bridge  58  and retaining rib  60  relative to the length of a connector receiver pair  40  restricts movement of a paired longitudinal ends  26 - 32  relative to one another along seam  22  or  24  in a second direction. Resilient bridge  58  and retaining rib  60  also restrict movement of paired longitudinal ends  26 - 32  relative to one another along seam  22  or  24  in a third direction. As a result, device  10  can maintain structural rigidity about sidewall  12  when connectors  44  are secured onto clip receiver pairs  40 . 
         [0046]    Device  10  can be sized, constructed, and designed according to a number of different methods or processes. According to one process, different information can be collected about the intended user of the device. Such information can be collected by various types of equipment, such as scanners and other similar devices. Some or all of this information can also be collected manually The collected information can then be used to design device  10  according to specific parameters. The information can be used in conjunction with one or more computer analysis programs or software, and other technology in order to develop the design of device  10 . The information can also be in a human design process to develop device  10 . 
         [0047]    The design of device  10  can take into account several different parameters. For example, the design can be dependent on the user, the intended application of device  10 , desired immobilization, desired stability, size, shape, temperature, conditions, etc., each of which can affect the material used, the type of scanning device or printer used, and the like. According to one process, the information collected is used to design a device  10  specifically customized to a user with lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and structural stability properties. Further, the process can incorporate additional factors, such as the degree of removability, degree of immobilization of the target area, among others. Based on the foregoing, the design process, according to one embodiment of the present invention, can collect different information specific to a user, combine the collected information with additional design information non-specific to the user, combine, manipulate, and factor the collected and additional information using computer implemented devices, a human design process or a combination of the two in order to develop the design of device  10  specifically adapted to the user in structure and functionality. 
         [0048]    According to one method, device  10  can be formed using a 3D scanner to precisely identify the shape and contours of the user&#39;s target area. The 3D scanner can incorporate a hand-held, white-light reflective scanner that can be selectively positioned around the user&#39;s arm or other body part in which device  10  will be applied to create a 3D image of the target area. Additional information can be collected and incorporated in certain applications. 3D CAD software, along with other design software, can then be used to design the device  10  to precisely fit around 3D image by effectively drawing the shape of the device  10  onto the 3D image model. Voids  14  and corresponding structural ribs  16  can then be selectively designed into device  10 . Seams  22  and/or  24  can then be provided onto the design of device  10  to form shell-section  18  and shell-section  20 , if applicable. Connector receiver pairs  40  can then be provided onto device  10  along seams  22  and/or  24 . Connectors  44  can also be designed to correspond to receiver pairs  40 . Device  10  can then be constructed by printing each shell-section  18  and  20  (if applicable) using a 3D printer. Device  10  can be constructed from several different materials depending on the particular application of device  10 . Device  10  can be constructed from a uniform material or a combination of materials. The specific material used can affect the flexibility, rigidity, structural stability, weight and other properties of the device. In one embodiment, device  10  is constructed from a rigid material such as rigid plastic. In an alternative embodiment, device  10  is constructed from a semi-rigid or semi-flexible material, such as flexible plastic or woven fabric material. 
         [0049]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. 
         [0050]    The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.