Abstract:
A training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers includes a platform base with multiple panels and the panels are pivotally connected to each other and configured to fold together when not in use for ease of transportation and reduced storage space. The platform is configured to removably mate with an adjustable stabilization bar configured to provide stabilization support to a cyclist when using stationary bicycle rollers.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of bicycle training apparatuses. More specifically, the invention relates to training apparatuses for use with stationary bicycle roller training devices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Stationary bicycle rollers are utilized by cyclists as part of their training and fitness regime. Rollers may comprise three parallel rotatable drums onto which a two wheeled bicycle may be placed. A cyclist may then mount the bicycle and commence pedaling allowing the bicycle wheels to rotate and to simulate training exercises. Unlike many stationary bicycle training devices, in order to gain the most benefit from the training exercises, it is desirable for the bicycle to be free standing on the rollers. 
         [0003]    Riding a free standing bicycle on rollers can often times become challenging and even dangerous when using this equipment for the first time. Traditional rollers do not offer any sort of stabilization or method of being able to steady oneself when one becomes unstable while pedaling the bicycle on the rollers. While some cyclists will position the rollers next to a nearby surface such as a wall or furniture, there remains the inherent possibility of the bicycle swerving sideways off of the rollers or the cyclist becoming unbalanced and falling sideways off of the rollers and onto the nearby surface or ground. By falling off the rollers or the bicycle, the cyclist may sustain substantial injuries. Also, nearby surfaces such as walls, door frames, or floors may become damaged by the falling bicycle due to contact with the bicycle components such as the handlebars, pedals, or derailleur mechanism, and the bicycle itself may also sustain damage. 
         [0004]    As a result of the perceived danger of using rollers, many cyclists will not even attempt to use rollers for the first time or they will avoid using rollers frequently as part of their training regime. This avoidance is especially true of beginning cyclists or experienced cyclists who are just beginning to learn how to use rollers. 
         [0005]    Bicycle roller balance devices are known in the art, however, these devices are large, bulky, and are too difficult to move by one person. These devices are also limited where only certain makes and models of rollers may be used with the device. A further drawback of the current devices is that they take up substantial amounts of space even when not in use often requiring rooms and spaces to be dedicated solely to their storage. 
         [0006]    Therefore, a need exists for novel training apparatuses for stationary bicycle rollers. There is a further need for training apparatuses for stationary bicycle rollers that are able to stabilize the cyclist to prevent injuries, damage to the bicycle, and damage to surrounding surfaces resulting from the cyclist or bicycle falling off of the rollers. A need also exists for training apparatuses for stationary bicycle rollers that alleviate the perceived danger of using rollers which may cause a cyclist to avoid using rollers. Finally, there exists a need for training apparatuses for stationary bicycle rollers that are able to be easily transported and that do not require significant amounts of storage room when not in use. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In preferred embodiments, the training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers comprises a platform base with multiple panels wherein the panels are pivotally connected to each other and configured to fold together when not in use for ease of transportation and reduced storage space. In further embodiments, the platform is configured to removably mate with an adjustable stabilization bar configured to provide stabilization support to a cyclist when using the stationary bicycle rollers. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers with a cyclist on a bicycle according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an example of a training apparatus platform for stationary bicycle rollers in a partially folded configuration according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers in a folded configuration according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  depicts a side elevation view of an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers in an extended flat configuration according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front elevation view of an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers in an extended flat configuration according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  shows a side elevation view of an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers in an extended flat configuration according to various embodiments described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0016]    Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
         [0017]    In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims. 
         [0018]    New training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
         [0019]    The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. 
         [0020]    The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.  FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers (“the apparatus”)  100  according to various embodiments. In this example, the apparatus  100  comprises a platform base  11  and two stabilization bars  12 . The apparatus  100  is configured to receive a stationary bicycle training device  200  on the platform base  11 . Preferably, the stationary bicycle training device  200  may be positioned on the platform base  11  and between the two stabilization bars  12 . 
         [0021]    A cyclist  300  or user may place a bicycle  400  on the stationary bicycle training device  200  and pedal the bicycle to rotate the wheels  401  of the bicycle  400  and the rollers  201  of the stationary bicycle training device  200 . Should the cyclist lose their balance or feel unsteady, the cyclist  300  may grab onto one or both of the stabilization bars  12 . Additionally, if the cyclist should fall off of the bicycle  400  and/or the stationary bicycle training device  200 , one or both of the stabilization bars  12  may break the fall of the cyclist  300  and bicycle  400  to prevent injury to the cyclist  300 , damage to the bicycle  400 , and/or damage to surrounding surfaces resulting from the cyclist  300  or bicycle  400  falling off of the stationary bicycle training device  200 . 
         [0022]    In preferred embodiments and in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 , when in an extended flat configuration, the platform base  11  comprises a generally planar rectangular shape with a longer length than width, and a height that is less than the width. In other embodiments, a platform base  11  may be a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, circular shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0023]    The platform base  11  may comprise one or more base panels  13 , each of which may comprise a generally planar upper surface  13 A ( FIG. 2 ) and generally planar lower surface  13 B ( FIG. 2 ). In preferred embodiments and the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  6 , the platform base  11  may comprise four base panels  13  pivotally connected together at three platform crease  14 . In some embodiments, a platform base  11  may comprise two base panels  13  pivotally connected together at a platform crease  14 . In other embodiments, a platform base  11  may comprise three base panels  13  pivotally connected together with two platform creases  14 . In further embodiments, a platform base  11  may comprise five base panels  13  pivotally connected together with four platform creases  14 . In still further embodiments, a platform base  11  may comprise six or more base panels  13  with a first base panel  13  pivotally connected to a second or other base panel  13  at a platform crease  14 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers  100  in a partially folded configuration according to various embodiments described herein. In this embodiment, the platform base  11  of the apparatus  100  is shown transiting between an extended flat configuration ( FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 ) to a folded configuration ( FIG. 3 ). Preferably, a platform base  11  may transition between the two configurations by pivoting the base panels  13  at the platform creases  14 . A platform base  11  may be transitioned from an extended flat configuration to a folded configuration by pivoting the base panels  13  at the platform creases  14  until one or more upper surfaces  13 A and/or lower surfaces  13 B are proximate to, adjacent to, or in contact with each other as shown in  FIG. 3 . A platform base  11  may be transitioned from a folded configuration to an extended flat configuration by pivoting the base panels  13  at the platform creases  14  until one or more upper surfaces  13 A and/or lower surfaces  13 B are generally in the same plane with each other as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 . 
         [0025]    A first base panel  13  may be pivotally connected to a second base panel  13  with hinge  15  such as a butt hinge, butterfly hinge, flush hinge, barrel hinge, concealed hinge, continuous hinge, T-hinge, strap hinge, double-acting hinge, Soss hinge, a flexible material hinge, or any other suitable type or style of hinge. In preferred embodiments, a platform base  11  comprises one or more hinges  15  connecting a first base panel  13  and a second base panel  13  together. 
         [0026]    In preferred embodiments, a stabilization bar  12  ( FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 ) may be temporarily connected to the platform base  11  by one or more receiver members  16 . In some embodiments, a receiver member  16  may be substantially permanently joined to a base panel  13  of the platform base  11  by heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, by being integrally molded or formed together, or any other suitable joining method capable of substantially permanently joining a receiver member  16  to a base panel  13 . In other embodiments, a receiver member  16  may be substantially temporarily joined to a base panel  13  of the platform base  11  by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as Velcro type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners such as screws and bolts, buckle type fasteners and the like, or any other suitable joining method capable of temporarily securing portions of a receiver member  16  to a base panel  13 . 
         [0027]    Additionally, a base panel  13  may comprise one or more receiver apertures  17  which are configured to accept and mate with a receiver member  16  on an adjacent base panel  13  when the platform base  11  is positioned in a folded configuration as shown in  FIG. 3 . In preferred embodiments, a receiver aperture  17  comprises a shape that is complementary to the shape of a receiver member  16  allowing a receiver member  16  to enter and mate with a receiver aperture  17 . A receiver aperture  17  on a first base panel  13  and a receiver member  16  on a second panel may be positioned so that when the platform base  11  is positioned into a folded configuration, the receiver aperture  17  may mate with the receiver member  16  allowing the upper surfaces  13 A and/or lower surfaces  13 B of the first and second base panels  13  to be positioned proximate to, adjacent to, or in contact with each other as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0028]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers  100  in a folded configuration according to various embodiments described herein. In this example, the apparatus  100  comprises a handle  18 , two transportation conveyances  19 , and one or more temporary fasteners  21 . The apparatus  100  may comprise one or more handles  18  which are configured to be grasped by the hand of a person for facilitating the movement of the apparatus  100 . The one or more optional handles  18  may be substantially permanently joined or substantially temporarily joined to the apparatus  100 . A handle  18  may comprise a substantially rigid material such as hard plastics, metal, and metal alloys, fiberglass, ceramics, resins, wood, hard rubber, substantially flexible materials such as nylon webbing, cotton webbing, other types of webbing, other types of fabrics, flexible plastics, flexible rubber, or any other material suitable for use as a handle for grasping and facilitating the movement of the apparatus  100 . 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the apparatus  100  may comprise one or more transportation conveyances  19  which may be configured to facilitate the movement of the apparatus  100  across a surface when the apparatus is in an extended flat configuration ( FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 ), a partially folded configuration ( FIG. 2 ), and/or a folded configuration ( FIG. 3 ). Preferably, the transportation conveyances  19  are configured to reduce the friction between the apparatus  100  and the surface over which it is desired to be moved without requiring the person moving it to bear the full weight of the apparatus  100 . A transportation conveyance  19  may comprise a wheel, a caster wheel, a tread or track, a low friction pad or bumper, a low friction plate, or any other suitable device configured to reduce the friction between the apparatus  100  and the surface over which it is desired to be moved. The one or more optional transportation conveyances  19  may be substantially permanently joined or substantially temporarily joined to the apparatus  100 . A transportation conveyances  19  may comprise a substantially rigid material such as hard plastics, metal, and metal alloys, fiberglass, ceramics, resins, wood, hard rubber, substantially flexible materials such as nylon webbing, cotton webbing, other types of webbing, other types of fabrics, flexible plastics, flexible rubber, or any other material suitable for use as a transportation conveyances  19  and facilitating the movement of the apparatus  100 . 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the apparatus  100  may comprise one or more temporary fasteners  21  which may be configured to maintain the apparatus  100  in an extended flat configuration ( FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 ), a partially folded configuration ( FIG. 2 ), and/or a folded configuration ( FIG. 3 ). A temporary fastener  21  may be configured to temporarily maintain the apparatus in a desired configuration by temporarily securing a first base panel  13  to a second base panel  13 . In preferred embodiments, each base panel may be secured to one or more other base panels  13  by one or more temporary fasteners  21 . 
         [0031]    In further embodiments, the apparatus  100  may comprise one or more temporary fasteners  21  which may be configured to secure a stabilization bar  12  when the apparatus  100  is positioned in an extended flat configuration ( FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 ), a partially folded configuration ( FIG. 2 ), and/or a folded configuration ( FIG. 3 ). In preferred embodiments, the apparatus  100  may comprise one or more temporary fasteners  21  which may be configured to secure a stabilization bar  12  to an upper surface  13 A ( FIG. 1 ) or lower surface  13 B ( FIG. 1 ) of a base panel  13 . 
         [0032]    A temporary fastener  21  may comprise Velcro type fasteners, tongue and groove fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners such as screws and bolts, buckle type fasteners and the like, or any other suitable joining method capable of temporarily securing portions of a stabilization bar  12  and/or a first base panel  13  to one or more other base panels  13 . In preferred embodiments, a first base panel  13  and second base panel  13  are configured to fold proximate to each other into a folded configuration and be removably or temporarily secured to each other with a temporary fastener  21 . In further preferred embodiments, platform base  11  comprises one or more temporary fasteners  21  configured to secure a stabilization bar  12  when positioned in the folded configuration. 
         [0033]    Turning now to  FIG. 4  which depicts a side elevation view of an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers  100  in an extended flat configuration, and  FIG. 5  which illustrates a front elevation view of an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers  100  in an extended flat configuration according to various embodiments described herein. In this and preferred embodiments, a stabilization bar  12  may comprise a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A, a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B, and a horizontal stabilization bar  12 C. A first vertical stabilization bar  12 A, a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B, and a horizontal stabilization bar  12 C preferably may each be cylindrical or tubular in shape or any other shape and may be made from metal, metal alloys, hard plastics, carbon fiber, fiber glass, or any other substantially rigid material. 
         [0034]    A first vertical stabilization bar  12 A and a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B may each be removably mounted to the platform base  11  with a receiver member  16 . In preferred embodiments, a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A and a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B comprise a shape that is complementary to the shape of a receiver member  16  allowing a first end of a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A and a first end of a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B to enter and mate with a receiver member  16 . In some embodiments, first vertical stabilization bar  12 A and a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B may each be removably mounted to the platform base  11  with a removable mount such as a threaded screw type connection method, a ball detent method, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock connection method, or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. 
         [0035]    A horizontal stabilization bar  12 C may be removably mounted to a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A at one end and to a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B at another end. In some embodiments, end portions of a horizontal stabilization bar  12 C may comprise a shape that is complementary to the shape of a second end of a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A and a second end of a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B allowing portions of a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A, a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B, and/or a horizontal stabilization bar  12 C to enter and mate with each other. 
         [0036]    In preferred embodiments, a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A and/or a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B may each comprise a vertical extendable section  22  that is configured to be removably mounted to, enter/mate, retract from, or extend from an end of the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C. Also in preferred embodiments, a horizontal stabilization bar  12 C may comprise a horizontal extendable section  23  configured to be extendably connected to, enter/mate, retract from, or extend from a portion of the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C. A first vertical stabilization bar  12 A, a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B, a horizontal stabilization bar  12 C, a vertical extendable section  22 , and/or a horizontal extendable section  23  may each comprise one or more detent apertures  24  and/or one or more retractable balls  25  configured to function as in a ball detent mechanical arrangement which may provide an extendable and retractable connection allowing the stabilization bar  12  to extend and retract both horizontally and vertically, although other suitable mechanical arrangements may be used such as a threaded screw type connection method, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock connection method, or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. 
         [0037]    For example, a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A may be extendably connected to the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C. The first vertical stabilization bar  12 A may comprise a plurality of detent apertures  24  on its vertical extendable section  22 , and the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C may comprise a retractable ball  25 . The retractable ball  25  may be a single, usually metal sphere, sliding within a bored cylinder in the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C, against the pressure of a spring, which pushes the retractable ball  25  against the vertical extendable section  22 , which carries the detent apertures  24 —which can be as simple as a hole of smaller diameter than the retractable ball  25 . When the detent aperture  24  is in line with the cylinder, the retractable ball  25  falls partially into the detent aperture  24  under spring pressure, holding the first vertical stabilization bar  12 A and the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C at that position. Additional force applied to the retractable ball  25  on the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C will push the retractable ball  25  back into its cylinder, compressing the spring, and allowing the first vertical stabilization bar  12 A and the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C to extend or retract to another position. 
         [0038]    In another example, a horizontal stabilization bar  12 C may comprise a horizontal extendable section  23  configured to enter/mate, retract from, or extend from a portion of the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C. The horizontal extendable section  23  may comprise a plurality of detent apertures  24 , and the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C may comprise a retractable ball  25 . The retractable ball  25  may be a single, usually metal sphere, sliding within a bored cylinder in the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C, against the pressure of a spring, which pushes the retractable ball  25  against the horizontal extendable section  23 , which carries the detent apertures  24 —which can be as simple as a hole of smaller diameter than the retractable ball  25 . When the detent aperture  24  is in line with the cylinder, the retractable ball  25  falls partially into the detent aperture  24  under spring pressure, holding the vertical extendable section  22  and the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C at that position. Additional force applied to the retractable ball  25  on the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C will push the retractable ball  25  back into its cylinder, compressing the spring, and allowing the vertical extendable section  22  and the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C to extend or retract to another position. 
         [0039]    In a similar manner a receiver member  16  may be configured to removably mate with a first  12 A or second  12 B vertical stabilization bar. A receiver member  16 , a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A, and/or a second vertical stabilization bar  12 B may comprise a retractable ball  25  and/or one or more detent apertures  24  configured to function as in a ball detent mechanical arrangement which may provide a temporary connection allowing a first  12 A or second  12 B vertical stabilization bar to removably mate with a receiver member  16 , although other suitable mechanical arrangements may be used. 
         [0040]    For example, a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A may be removably mated to a receiver member  16 . The first vertical stabilization bar  12 A may comprise a detent aperture  24  on the end opposite its vertical extendable section  22 , and the receiver member  16  may comprise a retractable ball  25 . The retractable ball  25  may be a single, usually metal sphere, sliding within a bored cylinder in the receiver member  16 , against the pressure of a spring, which pushes the retractable ball  25  against the first vertical stabilization bar  12 A, which carries the detent apertures  24 —which can be as simple as a hole of smaller diameter than the retractable ball  25 . When the detent aperture  24  is in line with the cylinder, the retractable ball  25  falls partially into the detent aperture  24  under spring pressure, holding the first vertical stabilization bar  12 A and the receiver member  16  in a mated position. Additional force applied to the retractable ball  25  on the receiver member  16  will push the retractable ball  25  back into its cylinder, compressing the spring, and allowing the first vertical stabilization bar  12 A and the receiver member  16  to be unmated and separated. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  shows a side elevation view of an example of a training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers  100  in an extended flat configuration according to various embodiments described herein. In this embodiment, the horizontal stabilization bar  12 C comprises three optional padding members  26 . A padding member  26  may optionally be positioned anywhere on a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A, second vertical stabilization bar  12 B, and/or horizontal stabilization bar  12 C and may be made from neoprene, plastic, rubber, silicone, nylon, or any suitable soft flexible material. In some embodiments, a padding member  26  may be permanently joined to a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A, second vertical stabilization bar  12 B, and/or horizontal stabilization bar  12 C. In other embodiments, a padding member  26  may be temporarily joined to a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A, second vertical stabilization bar  12 B, and/or horizontal stabilization bar  12 C. A padding member  26  may comprise a slit  26 A that extends the length of the padding member  26  configured to allow the padding member  26  to temporarily wrap around a first vertical stabilization bar  12 A, second vertical stabilization bar  12 B, and/or horizontal stabilization bar  12 C. 
         [0042]    The elements that comprise the apparatus  100  may be made from durable materials such as hard plastics, metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, carbon fiber, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. 
         [0043]    Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.