Abstract:
An exercise apparatus provides a golf stretching exercise which includes trunk rotation exercise, chest expansion exercise, lower body stretch exercise, golf swing simulation exercise, hamstring and calf muscle exercise and latisimus muscle exercise thereby reducing the risk of injury to the user as a result of the golf game. The exercise apparatus is mounted in a support frame which is portable and which includes an umbrella.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES 
       [0001]    Benefit is claimed from Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/840,964, filed Aug. 30, 2006. 
     
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed generally to the field of exercise apparatus and more particularly, to a golf stretching apparatus. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    While golf is generally considered to be a low-level physical activity without the possibility of injury, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, there is a potential risk of golfers suffering serious injuries to the elbow, spine, knee, hip or wrist while golfing. The United States Consumer Safety Commission&#39;s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System estimates there were 38,038 golf-related injuries in 2003. As a result, there is continued interest in the use of exercise equipment to provide training and thereby reduce the incidence of injury. 
         [0004]    The prior art related to exercise equipment includes the following U.S. and foreign patents. 
         [0005]    U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0009853A1 to Smith for a Device for Performing Leg and Foot Stretching Exercises shows a vertical support having handles at its upper portion and a plurality of leg support members which are adjustably mounted on the vertical support. The leg support members enable a user to perform leg and foot stretching exercises while holding onto the handles. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,610 to Lin for a Chair With Swivel Seat and Backrest shows a chair having arm rests with the chair mounted on wheels. The outer ends of the arm rest include handles which can be grasped by a user to rotate his or her torso relative to the floor. 
         [0007]    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2005/0065064A1 to Liso et al. shows an Exerciser Having Rotatable Seat Device shows a pair of foot supports which are rotatably mounted on a base and a seat which is also rotatably mounted on the base. The foot supports are connected to the seat via cables to enable a user seated on the seat to perform rotation of the user&#39;s hips by direct leg action. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,184 B2 to King for a Swing Exerciser shows a device which includes a handle and a flexible cord which moves a resistance trolley in a generally vertical track. The device is intended to allow a user to swing the handle and overcome the resistance of the trolley to strengthen muscles associated with hitting a golf ball. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,868 to Pryer, Jr., et al., for an Exercise Device, shows an apparatus which includes a horizontal seat rest and a support member which can be gripped either by the user&#39;s hands or legs. The apparatus also includes a back support which is movable between a first vertical position and a second position forming an acute angle with the vertical. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,002 to Rawls, et al. for an Exercise Apparatus shows a device for performing Kyak paddling exercises. The device includes a seat and a Kyak paddle-like handle which is connected to a series of vertically mounted weights. The weights and a brake provide selected resistance to movement of the paddle-like handle. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,871 to Douglas, et al., for an Energy Absorbing, Exercising and Training Machine shows a device which includes a pair of vertical members which support a horizontally mounted flywheel. The flywheel is rigidly connected to a harness and a user positioned in the harness transmits his or her motion to the flywheel thereby encountering the resistance to motion caused by the inertia of the flywheel. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,876 to Hickman for a Kyak Exercise Simulator shows a device which includes a seat and a pivotally mounted rod. The rod may be grasped by a user to perform generally circular motions simulating paddling a Kyak. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,013 to Wolf for a Golf Exerciser, shows a device which includes a base and an axial shaft coupled to the base. The axial shaft includes a resistance device which opposes the motion of a user during the simulation of a golf swing. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,465 B2 to Hawthorne, for a Swing Training and Exercising Apparatus, shows a device which includes a swing arm which is attached to a resistance device. The swing arm enables a user to simulate a golf swing while being subjected to resisting forces. 
         [0015]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0014571A1 to Varner for an Exercise and Golf, Baseball and Other Sport Training Apparatus, shows a device which includes a base platform, a vertical support, and a rotating swing arm. The rotating swing arm is connected to a grip and to a resistance device. The user can grasp the swing arm and perform a simulated golf swing by rotating the swing arm against the force of the resistance device. 
         [0016]    U.S. Design Pat. No. D254,143, to deBock, for a Physical Exerciser, shows a device which includes a vertical framework which is directed to vertical stretching of the user&#39;s body. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,214 B2 to Crump, for a Golfing Exercise Machine, shows a device which includes a vertical frame which supports a series of pulleys and cables. The cables are connected to a stack of weights and the resistance caused by the lifting of the weights is transferred by the cables to a hand-held bar for performing golf swing related exercises. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,502 B2 to Cluff, for a Muscle Training and Development Device, shows an apparatus which includes rods which are connected to one or more stretchable tubes. An attachment device connects the stretchable tube to a stationary object that provides resistance and support. The degree of resistance may be altered by varying the quantity of stretchable tubes. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,525, to Proctor, for a Frictional Resistant-Type Exercise Machine with Waist Level-Mounted Oscillatable Handgrips, shows an apparatus in which a vertical member supports a resistance element and a handlebar which can be moved from a normally horizontal position to a tilted position in order to perform oscillating motion type of exercise. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,608 B1 to Hsu for a Swingable Exercise Device shows a base which supports a seat and a vertical rod. The vertical rod includes a swinging unit on which a C-shaped handle is mounted. When force is applied to the swinging unit resistance is encountered thereby providing a swinging type of exercise. 
         [0021]    German Patent No. DE 3718643A1 to Danisch, for a Training Device shows an apparatus in which a user places his/her foot in a vertical frame which includes a resistance element. As the user&#39;s foot is lifted, resistance is encountered thereby providing a training exercise. 
         [0022]    Despite the developments of the prior art, there still remains a need for an effective apparatus for performing specific stretching exercises related to golf. In particular, the prior art exercise machines are designed to build muscle strength and train muscles to improve the user&#39;s golf game but are not designed to stretch specific muscles for the purpose of avoiding injury resulting from the golf game. 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    The primary object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretching apparatus which is capable of stretching, prior to golfing, specific muscles used while golfing thereby reducing the risk of injury to the user as a result of the golf game. 
         [0024]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretching apparatus which provides effective trunk rotation exercise. 
         [0025]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an effective chest expansion exercise. 
         [0026]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an effective lower back stretch exercise. 
         [0027]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf swing simulation. 
         [0028]    Another object of the present invention is to provide hamstring and calf muscle exercise. 
         [0029]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an effective latisimus and oblique muscle exercise. 
         [0030]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretching apparatus which is portable. 
         [0031]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretching apparatus which provides protection from the sun or rain. 
         [0032]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretching apparatus which is capable of reliable long-term operation. 
         [0033]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretching apparatus which provides a method for accomplishing an effective stretching exercise for the game of golf. 
         [0034]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretching apparatus which has individual exercise stations for the exercise of specific muscle groups. 
         [0035]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretching apparatus which comprises a relatively small number of component parts each of which can be manufactured economically resulting in a relatively low overall cost. 
         [0036]    The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly hereinafter. 
         [0037]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a golf stretching apparatus containing equipment designed to stretch different muscles used while golfing. 
         [0038]    The first area of the apparatus provides trunk rotation exercise. The equipment in the first area consists of a stationary seat and rotating horseshoe apparatus which is grasped and rotated by the user from side to side. 
         [0039]    The trunk rotation exercise is designed to create differential (i.e., differing degrees of rotation) between the axes of the hips and shoulders. Upper and lower abdominal muscles, rhomboid and latisimus muscles, upper legs and hips are all stretched. 
         [0040]    The trunk rotation exercise also allows golfers to make a full and fluid backswing, getting their backs turned away from the target, while their hips undergo a minimum of rotation. This action is the primary source of power in a golf swing, and allows players to deliver the clubhead down the target line for an effective golf swing. 
         [0041]    The second area of the apparatus provides chest expansion and lower body stretch exercise. The equipment in the second area consists of an extended base at ground level, the vertical handles that rotate freely, and the horizontal bars across the frame. The user stands with his back facing the machine, grasps the vertical handles, and simultaneously rotates both handles. The vertical handles are designed to “open up” the chest thereby promoting good athletic posture and combating “golfer&#39;s hunchback.” The exercise also helps to allow for effective rotation, back and through, and to retain proper posture throughout the golf swing. 
         [0042]    The golfer can also attain an effective lower body stretch by standing and facing the apparatus and placing his leg on the horizontal bars on this side to effectively stretch the gluteus maximus, quadriceps, and groin muscles. 
         [0043]    The apparatus also has a swing-simulating component. A golf club grip which is suspended from an elastic band is gripped and pulled by the golfer thereby stretching the latisimus muscles on both sides of the body. The benefits derived are a fuller turn back and turn through during the swing, more fluid action with an easier tempo, and ultimately, more power and greater distance. 
         [0044]    The third area of the apparatus provides a hamstring and calf exercise. The third area includes a pull-down cable with a foot hammock at the end and stationary foot pedals that assists with maximum calf stretch. 
         [0045]    The golfer places his foot in the foot hammock and pulls down on the pull-down cable, thereby raising his leg. The exercise is intended to provide a maximum stretch to the hamstring muscles of both legs. In addition to promoting spinal health by relieving pressure on the lower back, this allows golfers to retain an athletic flexion and balance in the lower body while the upper body turns back and through during the golf swing. This leads directly to the proper sequencing of the forward golf swing, thereby reducing the risk of injury as a result of the golf game. 
         [0046]    The fourth area provides latisimus and oblique stretching exercise. The equipment in the fourth area consists of a free-spinning turnkey apparatus shaped like a vertical “T-bar” that has hand holds on either side. The golfer grasps the hand holds on each side of the “T-bar” and rotates it from side to side. 
         [0047]    This exercise is designed to promote length and full extension in the thick muscles of the trunk and torso. Additionally, the shoulders, upper arms, forearms and hands get an excellent stretch. 
         [0048]    These ranges of motion promote a fluid swing with an easier rhythm, maximum swing arc, as well as creating the maximum available “lag” in the pre-impact position. 
         [0049]    The various portions of the apparatus in combination provide an effective stretching of the various muscles used in golf including upper and lower abdominal muscles, rhomboid and latisimus muscles, upper leg muscles, hip muscles, chest muscles, lower body muscles, oblique muscles, trunk muscles, shoulder muscles, upper arm muscles and hand muscles. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0050]    Other important objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0051]      FIG. 1  is an overall perspective view of a golf stretching apparatus made according to the present invention with selected items removed for clarity of illustration; 
           [0052]      FIG. 2  is a front fragmentary elevation view taken along the line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary top plan view taken along the line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary side elevation view partially in section taken along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary plan view taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary elevation view partially in section taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 7  is a fragmentary schematic view of the apparatus taken generally along the line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 8  is a fragmentary perspective view taken along the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 1  showing the trunk rotation assembly in use with a user shown in broken lines; 
           [0059]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary perspective view taken along the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 1  similar to  FIG. 8-8  showing the assembly in use; 
           [0060]      FIG. 10  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIGS. 8 and 9  showing the assembly in use; 
           [0061]      FIG. 11  is a fragmentary elevation view taken generally along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1  showing the chest expansion exercise assembly in use; 
           [0062]      FIG. 12  is a fragmentary perspective view taken along the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 1  showing the horizontal bars of the apparatus in use; 
           [0063]      FIG. 13  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 13  showing the apparatus in use; 
           [0064]      FIG. 14  is a fragmentary perspective view taken along the line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 1  showing the apparatus in use; 
           [0065]      FIG. 15  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 14  showing the apparatus in use; 
           [0066]      FIG. 16  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 14  showing the apparatus in use and showing an alternate exercise position; 
           [0067]      FIG. 17  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 16  showing the apparatus in use; 
           [0068]      FIG. 18  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 16  showing the apparatus in continued use; 
           [0069]      FIG. 19  is a fragmentary perspective view of the hamstring and calf muscle exercise assembly of  FIG. 7  in use; 
           [0070]      FIG. 20  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 19  showing the apparatus in use; and 
           [0071]      FIG. 21  is a fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus in use during a golf swing exercise. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0072]    With reference to the drawings, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a golf stretching apparatus  10  made in accordance with the present invention which includes a support frame  12 . 
         [0073]    The support frame  12  includes a base  14  which includes a pair of spaced apart generally parallel base members  16 ,  18  which are connected by an end transverse member  20  and an intermediate transverse member  22 . 
         [0074]    A pair of angularly disposed members  24 ,  26  project from the member  18 . The angularly disposed members  24 ,  26  converge forming the general configuration of a truncated triangle. The outer ends  28 ,  30  of the angular disposed members  24 ,  26  are connected by a plate  32 . 
         [0075]    Wheels  34 ,  36  are mounted on the ends  38 ,  40  of the base members  16 ,  18  to facilitate transportation of the apparatus  10 . 
         [0076]    In accordance with the present invention, the following exercise assemblies are mounted on the support frame  12  as will be described presently: 
         [0077]    A trunk rotation exercise assembly  100 , a chest expansion exercise assembly  200 , a lower body exercise assembly  300 , a golf swing simulation assembly  400 , a hamstring and calf muscle exerciser assembly  500 , and a latisimus and oblique muscle stretching assembly  600 . 
         [0078]    The trunk rotation exercise assembly  100  includes a vertical shaft  102  which projects upwardly from the plate  31 . As is best shown in  FIG. 2 , a support collar  104  is mounted on the shaft  102  and the position of the support collar  104  on the shaft  102  is secured by a set screw  106 . A pivot sleeve  108  is rotatably mounted on the shaft  102  with the pivot sleeve  108  resting on the support collar  104 . A generally circular seat  110  is centrally mounted on the upper end  112  of the vertical shaft  102 . 
         [0079]    A horizontal member  114  projects from the pivot sleeve  109  and the end  116  of the horizontal member  114  is connected to a vertical member  118 . The upper end  120  of the vertical member  118  is connected to a generally U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped member  120 . The ends  122 ,  124  of the arm rest portions  126 ,  128  of the U-shaped member  120  include vertical handles  130 ,  132 . 
         [0080]    The U-shaped member  120  rotates about the vertical shaft  102  and the axis of rotation of the U-shaped member  120  is in general alignment with the vertical shaft  102  and the seat  110  thereby providing a key feature of the trunk rotation exercise assembly  100 . 
         [0081]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 , rotation of the trunk rotation assembly  100  in the directions shown by the arrows  136 ,  138  in  FIG. 3  creates differential or differing degrees of rotation between the axes of the hips and shoulders of the user. The upper and lower abdominal muscles, rhomboid and latisimus muscles are stretched. In addition, the upper legs and hips are also stretched. This allows golfers to achieve a full and fluid backswing with the golfers getting their back turned away from the target while their hips remain quiet with a minimum of rotation. This mode of rotation is the primary source of power in a golf swing and allows a golfer to move the clubhead down along the target line for an effective golf swing. 
         [0082]    The angular members  24 ,  26  allow the user&#39;s feet to rest on the ground in a convenient manner while using the apparatus  10 . 
         [0083]      FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  8 ,  9  and  10  show the process for using the trunk rotation assembly  100  which includes the steps of:
       sitting on the seat  110 ;   grasping the handles  130 ,  132 , one with each hand; and   rotating the user&#39;s trunk while grasping the handles  130 ,  132  thereby maintaining the user&#39;s arms and hands in a horizontal plane and rotating the user&#39;s trunk about an imaginary axis which lies along the vertical shaft  102  and which passes generally through the center of the seat  110 .         
         [0087]    The apparatus  10  includes the chest expansion exercise assembly  200  and a lower body stretch exercise  300  assembly. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the chest expansion exercise assembly  200  includes a pair or vertical handles  202 ,  204  which are rotationally mounted one each on shafts  206 ,  208  which are connected to the vertical members  42 ,  44 . As is best shown in  FIG. 6 , the handles  202 ,  204  are of extended length and have horizontal end portions  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216  which are connected to the vertical sleeves  218 ,  220  which are mounted on the shafts  206 ,  208 . The shafts  206 ,  208  are connected to the vertical members by plates  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 11  shows the process for using the chest expansion exercise assembly  200  which includes the steps of:
       grasping the vertical handles  202 ,  204  with the hands and rotating the handles  202 ,  204  outwardly in the direction shown by the arrows  230 ,  232  in  FIG. 112  and then rotating the handles  202 ,  204  inwardly in the directions shown by the arrows  234 ,  236  in  FIG. 11 .         
         [0090]    The apparatus  20  also includes a pair of generally parallel horizontal bars  302 ,  304  which are connected between the vertical members  42 ,  44  and which form part of the lower body stretch apparatus  300 . The base member portions  306 ,  308  extend beyond the vertical members  42 ,  44  and together with the transverse member  20  serve to define an area  312  in which the user places his or her feet when using the assembly  300 . 
         [0091]      FIGS. 12 ,  13  show the use of the lower body stretch apparatus  300 . The user grasps the horizontal bar  302  and performs the lower body stretch. 
         [0092]    The golf swing exercise assembly  400  is best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 21  and includes a handle  402  which simulates the grip portion of a conventional golf club. The upper end  404  of the handle  402  is connected to a filament  406  which in turn is connected to a tension spring  408 . The spring is connected to the support frame  12  via the member  54 . The golf swing exercise assembly  400  enables a user to simulate the action of a golf swing without the need for an actual golf club. 
         [0093]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  19  and  20  and shown substantially in  FIG. 2 , the hamstring and calf muscle exercise assembly  500  includes a horizontal handle  504  which includes vertical portions  506 ,  508 . The ends  510 ,  512  of the vertical portions  506 ,  508  are connected to bearings  514 ,  516  each of which rides on a pair of first vertical shafts  518 ,  520 . The first vertical shafts  518 ,  520  project upwardly from member  16  of the support frame  12 . 
         [0094]    A second pair of vertical shafts  522 ,  524  is provided with the second pair of vertical shafts  522 ,  524  disposed proximate one each to the first vertical shaft  518 ,  520 . Bearings  526 ,  528  ride, one each, on the shafts  522 ,  524  and are connected to and portions  530 ,  532  of the bar  534  which functions as a foot hammock foot rest in a manner which will be presently described. 
         [0095]    The bearings  526 ,  528  are connected to cables  544 ,  546 . The cables  544 ,  546  run over pulleys  552 ,  554  and have ends  556 ,  558  connected to the bearings  514 ,  516  respectively. The pulleys  552 ,  554  are supported by support members  560 ,  562 . Pushing downwardly on the handle  504  causes the cables  544 ,  546  to lift the bar  534 . Pushing downwardly on the bar  534  lifts the handle  504 . 
         [0096]    The downward direction is indicated by the arrow  564  in  FIG. 7  while the upward direction is indicated by the arrow  566 . 
         [0097]    The process for stretching the hamstring muscles is shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20  and includes the steps of:
       pushing downwardly on the handle  504  while one foot is supported by the bar  534  with downward force on the handle  504  lifting the bar  534  and thereby stretching the hamstring muscles;   lowering the foot thereby raising the handle  504 ; and   repeating the above steps with the other foot supported by the bar  534 .       
 
         [0101]    As is shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20  during use, the apparatus  500  provides a maximum stretch for the hamstring muscles of both legs in addition to promoting spinal health of the user by relieving pressure on the lower back thereby allowing golfers to retain an athletic flexion and balance in the lower body while the golfer&#39;s upper body turns back and through the golf swing. The apparatus  10  thus results in the proper sequencing of the forward golf swing. 
         [0102]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17  and  18 , the latisimus and oblique muscle stretching exercise assembly  600  is mounted on a transverse member  604  which is connected to vertical members  46  and  48 . The assembly  600  includes a vertical shaft  606  which is adjustably mounted in housing  608 . The vertical position of the shaft  606  relative to the housing  608  may be adjusted using the setscrew  610 . The upper end  612  of the shaft  606  is connected to the horizontal tube  614 . A horizontal shaft  618  is rotationally mounted in the tube  614  and is retained by collars  620 ,  622 . An elongated handle  624  is connected to the end  626  of the horizontal shaft  618 . Block  626  forms a part of the connection between the housing  608  and the transverse member  604 . 
         [0103]    As shown in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 , the apparatus  600  promotes length and full extension in the relatively thick muscles of the user&#39;s trunk and torso which include the latisimus, rhomboid, upper and lower oblique abdominal and spinal erector muscles. In addition, the apparatus  600  provides an effective stretch for the shoulders, upper arms, forearms and hands. 
         [0104]    The apparatus  600  thus improves the user&#39;s range of motion and promotes a fluid golf swing with an easier rhythm with maximum swing arc as well as creating the maximum available lag in the pre-impact position. 
         [0105]      FIGS. 1 and 15  show a process for using the apparatus  600  which includes the steps of:
       standing proximate to the rotationally mounted elongated handle  624 ;   grasping the first end  636  of the handle  624  with the right hand;   grasping the second end  638  of the handle  624  with the right hand; and   rotating the handle  624  first in the directions shown by the arrows  620  and then in the direction shown by the arrows  642 .         
         [0110]      FIGS. 16 ,  17  and  18  show another process for using the apparatus  600  which includes the steps of:
       placing the user&#39;s forearms one above the other on the rotationally mounted elongated handle  624 ; and   rotating the handle  624  first in the direction shown by the arrows  628 ,  630  and then in the directions shown by the arrows  632 ,  634  as is shown in  FIG. 16 .         
         [0113]    The various portions of the apparatus in combination provide an effective stretching of the various muscles used in golf including upper and lower abdominal muscles, rhomboid and latismus muscles, upper leg muscles, hip muscles, chest muscles, lower body muscles, oblique muscles, trunk muscles, shoulder muscles, upper arm muscles and hand muscles. 
         [0114]    The foregoing specific embodiment of the present invention as set forth in the specification herein is for illustrative purposes only. Various deviations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention, without departing from a main theme thereof.