Patent Publication Number: US-11376478-B2

Title: Golf ball with indicia

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/938,094, filed Jul. 24, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/884,006, filed Aug. 7, 2019, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure generally relates to golf balls, and more particularly to golf balls having indicia for alignment and range-finding. 
     Golfers often have difficulty properly aligning a putter club head with a golf ball along an intended direction of ball travel and accurately stroking the putter club head through the ball along the intended direction. If the putter is aligned and strikes the ball true, it will follow the laws of physics and move in the direction struck. It is critical to not only strike the center of the ball with the center of gravity of the putter, but also at the correct angle. Using the tangent formula, for every one degree of deviation from perpendicular, a strike of the ball will be deviated approximately 0.209 inches per foot of travel. For a ten foot putt, this translates to 2.09 inches. Thus, performance can be improved by improving the alignment of the ball relative to the target and of the putter with the ball. Also, knowing the distance to the hole and thus the amount of force needed to strike the ball to travel the necessary distance can further increase the performance of the golfer. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a golf ball alignment device generally comprises a golf ball having an exterior surface. Indicia is disposed on the exterior surface of the golf ball. The indicia comprise first and second line segments extending along a portion of the golf ball at a spaced interval. The spaced interval is narrower at a first end of each line segment than at a second end of each line segment such that the line segments converge from the second end of the line segments to the first end of the line segments. The indicia provide an alignment reference on the golf ball for a user to align the line segments with at least one of an intended direction of travel of the golf ball and a club head used to strike the ball in the intended direction of travel. 
     In another aspect, a golf ball range-finding device generally comprises a golf ball having an exterior surface. Indicia is disposed on the exterior surface of the golf ball. The indicia comprise first and second line segments extending along a portion of the golf ball at a spaced interval. The indicia are configured to measure a distance from the golf ball to a target by aligning the target between the first and second line segments and rotating the golf ball until sides of the target are positioned at inner edges or tips of the first and second line segments. A location along the first and second line segments where the sides of the target are positioned at the inner edges or tips of the first and second line segments indicates the distance from the golf ball to the target. 
     Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf ball alignment device; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf ball alignment device; 
         FIG. 3  is perspective view of another embodiment of a golf ball alignment and range-finding device; and 
         FIG. 4  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of a golf ball alignment device. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a golf ball alignment device is generally indicated at  10 . The alignment device comprises a golf ball  12  and indicia  14  disposed on an exterior surface  16  of the golf ball for providing visibility and alignment of the golf ball. In particular, the indicia  14  provides a visible reference on the golf ball  12  to assist a golfer to more accurately align at least one of the golf ball and a club used to strike the golf ball for causing the golf ball to travel along an intended direction upon being struck by the golf club, as will be described in greater detail below. Thus, the alignment device  10  allows a golfer to align the indicia  14  with the intended direction of travel of the golf ball  12 , and to align a club head of the golf club (e.g., putter) used to strike the golf ball with the indicia on the golf ball providing the correct alignment for striking the ball in the intended direction. 
     The golf ball  12  may be a regulation golf ball as determined by the United States Golf Association (USGA). As such, the golf ball  12  may preferably have a diameter of approximately 1.68 inches (42.7 mm) or greater, and a weight of not more than 1.62 ounces (45.93 grams) as dictated by the United States Golf Association Rules. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that a ball with a different diameter and/or weight may also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the exterior surface  16  of the golf ball  12  is white. However, other colors may be used for the surface  16  of the golf ball  12  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the exterior surface  16  of the golf ball  12  may have other identification markings (not shown) such as brand names and types. 
     The golf ball  12  comprises a generally spherical ball having a plurality of dimples  18  formed in the exterior surface  16  of the ball. The number and arrangement of dimples  18  may be different from the illustrated embodiment. Additionally, the dimples  18  may be omitted without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The generally spherical nature of the golf ball  12  is such that a hemispherical plane extends through a midline M of the golf ball dividing the golf ball into two halves or hemispheres. 
     The indicia  14  is printed on the exterior surface  16  of the golf ball  12 . Preferably, the indicia  14  is printed on a base coat of the ball  12  with a top coat applied over the indicia, as is known in the art. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the indicia  14  be printed on the top coat of the golf ball  12 , or otherwise applied to the golf ball. Alternatively or in addition, the indicia  14  may be a layer added to the golf ball  12 , such as tape or other material which would be adhered to the surface of the golf ball. Still other methods for applying the indicia  14  to the golf ball  12  are envisioned. 
     In one illustrated embodiment, the indicia  14  on the golf ball  12  includes two angled line segments or bands  20  extending around the golf ball at a spaced interval to generally form a V-shape having open ends at both ends of the line segments. The line segments  20  preferably stand out visually from the exterior surface  16  of the golf ball  12 , such as by color, shading, or patterns. In the illustrated embodiment, the line segments  20  are colored red so as to be clearly distinguished from the white exterior surface  16 . However, other colors or color combinations are within the scope of the present disclosure. As shown, the line segments  20  are spaced apart by a greater interval at one end than the other and do not meet thus forming a first gap  22  between the line segments at a first end of the indicia  14 , and a second gap  24  between the line segments at a second end of the indicia. The second gap  24  is greater than the first gap  22  such that the line segments  20  converge toward each other from the second end of the indicia  14  to the first end of the indicia, and diverge from each other from the first end of the indicia to the second end. Thus in use, the generally V-shape indicia  14  is wide at the second end and then narrows toward the first end allowing the golfer to more easily use both eyes when aligning a shot (e.g., putt). Aiming with both eyes open allows for better special awareness thereby eliminating alignment errors by the golfer. 
     Additionally, the indicia  14  is centered about the midline M of the golf ball  12  such that one of the line segments  20  is disposed on one side of the midline and the other line segment is disposed on the other side of the midline. Therefore, the midline M bisects the first and second gaps  22 ,  24  between the line segments  20 . Preferably, the indicia  14  including the line segments  20  is located generally within a center third of the diameter of the golf ball  12  extending orthogonally to the midline M. Although, it is also contemplated that the indicia  14  may be located generally within a center one-sixth of the golf ball  12 . As used herein, “generally” or “about” means±25%. Further, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the golf ball  12  includes a different number or configuration of line segments  20 . In the illustrated embodiments, the line segments  20  are generally straight continuous line segments. However, the line segments  20  could be curved line segments or a plurality of segmented line segments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, markings other than line segments can be used such as arrows or other geometrical shapes. As such, the line segments  20  may be only a part of a larger shape. Still other markings are envisioned without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In an embodiment, the line segments  20 , each have a length L of about ½ inch to 1½ inches. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the flanks of the indicia  14 , i.e., the line segments  20 , have a length of about 1 inch. As shown in  FIG. 2 , in an alternative embodiment, line segments  20 , have a length of about ½ inch. Line segments having a length longer than about 1½ inches are also envisioned within the scope of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the line segments  20  are about ¼ inch wide or less (e.g., 3/16 inch). However, other widths of the line segments are envisioned. The first gap  22  between the line segments  20  at the narrow, converging end of the indicia  14  may be about ¼ inch or less. In the illustrated embodiments, the two line segments  20  of the indicia  14  are mirrored about the midline M of the golf ball  12 . Thus, each line segment has the same length and width. However, the line segments  20  may have different lengths and widths without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is to be understood that since the line segments circumscribe a spherical body, the line segments may not be completely straight line segments. However, the line segments  20  may appear to the golfer as straight line segments when applied on the rounded surface of the golf ball  12 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments, a single indicia  14  is shown on the golf ball  12 . However, multiple indicia  14  may be disposed on the golf ball  12 . For instance, a second indicia  14  may be centered on the midline M and disposed at a diametrically opposite location from the illustrated indicia. The second indicia  14  may have the same or different configuration from the first indicia. For example, a shorter open-ended V-shape indicia ( FIG. 2 ) may be applied to one side of the golf ball  12  while a longer open-ended V-shape indicia ( FIG. 1 ) may be applied on an opposite side of the ball. Other combinations of indicia configurations are also envisioned. 
     In use, a golfer aligns the golf ball  12  to precisely target a hole or another selected spot on the putting surface to allow for the slope of the green. For instance, the user can align the ball  12  by pointing the end of the indicia  14  with the first gap  22  toward the hole/target such that the hole/target visually fills the narrow open ended tip of the V-shape indicia between the line segments  20 . In other words, the target completes the V-shape of the indicia  14  indicating precise alignment. Current USGA rules permit leaving the flag stick in the hole during putting. Therefore, the golfer can align the golf ball  12  so that the flag stick is disposed in the middle of the first gap  22  to precisely target the flag stick. For instance, the user can align the ball  12  such that the flag stick visually fills the open ended tip (i.e., first gap  22 ) of the V-shape indicia  14  such that sides of the flag stick appear visually to touch inner edges and/or tips of the line segments  20  at the first end of the indicia. In other words, the flag stick completes the V-shape for precise alignment on the ½ inch flag stick. The V-shape indicia for alignment permits the golfer a much more accurate target by focusing on a ½ inch diameter flag stick instead of a 4.25 inch diameter hole. Thus, the margin of error is more likely to be contained within the diameter of the hole than if the golfer was focusing alignment on the hole in general. 
     Because the ball remains fixed and depends on a proper alignment with the putter to move the ball in the target direction, the target direction is more easily defined by the ball rather than the putter. In contrast, a marking on the putter tends to identify the location on the putter at which the ball should meet the putter when the ball is struck by the putter. Because the putter is in motion, there is a much greater potential for misdirection of the ball when relying on a marking on the putter when the ball is struck. Thus, the configuration of the present disclosure indicates two aspects of striking the ball: first, the narrow end of the target V indicia  14  indicates the intended direction of travel of the ball; and second, the wide end of target V indicia indicates the location on the ball at which the ball should be contacted by the club head. In an embodiment, the golfer will attempt to align the putter face perpendicular to an imaginary line extending perpendicular to the midline M of the ball  12  and bisecting the line segments  20  upon impact. 
     This configuration of the present disclosure also allows a golfer to remain focused and fixed on the target and, as a result, focused and fixed on the ball  12  and its intended direction. In other words, the V-shape indicia  14  inhibits the eyes from unobstructed drifting or from being distracted from focusing on the hole during alignment of the putter club head and the ball and during the striking of the ball when a golfer swings the putter. This is because the convergence of the line segments  20  draw the focus of the eyes toward the space between the narrow end of the indicia  14  which is aimed at the target. This is a significant advantage over balls having a single line marked on the ball because it has been found that golfers find it harder to remain focused and fixed on a single line. In addition, when the golf ball  12  is used in conjunction with putters which have the same, similar or complimentary markings, the accuracy of the golfer is significantly improved by improving (1) the ability of the golfer to align the ball properly with the intended target; (2) the ability of the golfer to align the putter club head with the ball so it strikes the ball in the direction of the target; and (3) the ability of the golfer to strike the ball with the putter club head as aligned prior to the actual swing so that the ball is moved more accurately in the direction of the target. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a golf ball alignment device of another embodiment is generally indicated at  10 ′. The alignment device comprises a golf ball  12 ′ and indicia  14 ′ disposed on an exterior surface  16 ′ of the golf ball for providing visibility and alignment of the golf ball. The indicia  14 ′ is similar to the indicia  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . The indicia  14 ′ includes first and second angled line segments or bands  20 ′ extending at a spaced interval to generally form a V-shape having open ends at both ends of the line segments. The indicia  14 ′ may be printed or otherwise disposed on an exterior surface  16  of the golf ball  12 ′. As shown, the line segments  20  are spaced apart by a greater interval at one end than the other and do not meet thus forming a first gap  22 ′ between the line segments at a first end of the indicia  14 ′, and a second gap  24 ′ between the line segments at a second end of the indicia. The second gap  24 ′ is greater than the first gap  22 ′ such that the line segments  20 ′ converge toward each other from the second end of the indicia  14 ′ to the first end of the indicia, and diverge from each other from the first end of the indicia to the second end. 
     The indicia  14 ′ further includes a third line segment  30 ′ extending between the line segments  20 ′. The indicia  14 ′ can be centered about the midline M of the golf ball  12 ′ such that the third line segment  30 ′ is disposed on the midline and one of the first and second line segments  20 ′ is disposed on one side of the midline and the other of the first and second line segments is disposed on the other side of the midline. As will be explained in greater detail below, the third line segment  30 ′ assists in the aiming process. A length of the third line segment  30 ′ is such that the third line segment is contained within an extension dimension of the first and second line segments  20 ′ that extends parallel to the midline M of the golf ball  12 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the third line segment  30 ′ extends from the second end of the indicia  14 ′ to a location short of the first end of the indicia. In one embodiment, the third line segment  30 ′ is about 0.125 inches from the first end of the indicia  14 ′. This allows the target (e.g., flag stick) to be visually brought into the indicia  14 ′ between the first and second line segments  20 ′ to better align the indicia with the target. Thus, the third line segment  30 ′ helps to further focus the eyes toward the first gap  22 ′ between the first and second line segments  20 ′ at the first end of the indicia  14 ′. The third line segment  30 ′ may have another configuration such as an arrow or some other shape without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Fourth and fifth line segments  32 ′ extend from an end of the first and second line segments  20 ′, respectively, away from the third line segment  30 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth and fifth line segments  32 ′ extend from the end of the first and second line segments  20 ′ at the second end of the indicia  14 ′. The fourth and fifth line segments  32 ′ extend generally orthogonally from the midline m of the golf ball  12 ′ and thus orthogonally to the third line segment  30 ′. The fourth and fifth line segments  32 ′ provide an indication of a direction of contact for a golf club (e.g., putter) to contact the golf ball. In particular, the fourth and fifth line segments  32 ′ are aligned along a club alignment axis A that extends perpendicular to the third line segment  30 ′ and midline M of the golf ball  12 ′. A sixth line segment  34 ′ extend laterally from an end of the third line segment  30 ′ in opposite directions toward the first and second line segments  20 ′. The sixth line segment  34 ′ is also aligned along the club alignment axis A to provide an additional reference for properly aligning the club for hitting the golf ball  12 ′. 
     Therefore, in use, a user will align the golf ball  12 ′ by pointing the end of the indicia  14 ′ with the first gap  22 ′ toward the hole/target such that the hole/target visually fills the narrow open ended tip of the V-shape indicia between the first and second line segments  20 ′. The user may use the third line segment  30 ′ to focus their view to the center of the indicia  14 ′ between the first and second line segments  20 ′ and to position the third line segment at the center of the target for precise alignment of the ball  12 ′ with the target. The user can then place the golf ball  12 ′ on the ground maintaining the alignment of the ball with respect to the hole/target. The user then aligns a face of the putter with respect to the fourth, fifth, and sixth line segments  32 ′,  34 ′ so that the face of the putter is parallel to the fourth, fifth, and sixth line segments. This promotes contact of the putter face with the golf ball  12 ′ where the putter face is generally parallel to the fourth, fifth, and sixed line segments  32 ′,  34 ′ so that the force created on the golf ball will be perpendicular to the fourth, fifth, and sixth line segments and therefore parallel to the third line segment  30 ′ such that the ball will be directed in line with the intended target. Accordingly, the indicia  14 ′ aids in lining up the golf ball  12 ′ for being putted on a putting green. 
     In one embodiment, the first and second line segments  20 ′ may be colored blue and the third line segment  30 ′ may be colored red so as to be clearly distinguished from the white exterior surface  16 ′ of a golf ball  12 ′. However, other colors or color combinations are within the scope of the present invention. 
     Additionally, at least one marking is spaced along the length of either the first or second line segments  20 ′ or both. In an embodiment, markings are positioned to provide an indication of a distance from the golf ball  12 ′ to the target based on a visual perception of the target in relation to the spacing between the first and second line segments  20 . A first marking  40 ′ is disposed at the second end of the first and second line segments  20 ′ and provides a first distance indication. A second marking  42 ′ is disposed at an intermediate location along the first and second line segments  20 ′ and provides a second distance indication. A third marking  44 ′ is disposed at an intermediate location along the first and second line segments  20 ′ between the second marking  42 ′ and the first end of the line segments and provides a third distance indication. A fourth marking  46 ′ is disposed at the first end of the first and second line segments  20 ′ and provides a fourth distance indication. Additional or fewer marking may be included without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In one embodiment, the first marking  40 ′ provides a distance indication that the target is about 3 feet (91 cm) away, the second marking  42 ′ provides a distance indication that the target is about 5 feet (152 cm) away, the third marking  44 ′ provides a distance indication that the target is about 10 feet (305 cm) away, and the fourth marking  46 ′ provides a distance indication that the target is about 20 feet (610 cm) away. The markings may provide other distance indications without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the markings comprise numbers. However, the markings could have other forms without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The indicia  14 ′ uses the geometry of the triangle formed by the line segments of the indicia  14 ′ and the geometric principle of similar triangles to determine a distance of a target from the golf ball. The length and spacing of the line segments define parts of a triangle having a given size and dimension. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second line segments  20 ′ define sides of the triangle, and the sixth line segment  34 ′ defines a bottom of the triangle. In one embodiment, a spacing (i.e., second gap  24 ′) between the second ends of the first and second line segments  20 ′ is about 0.75 inches. This defines the dimension of the base of the triangle. Each of the first and second line segments  20 ′ has a length of about 1.4 inches and extend at an angle α of about 70 degrees to the base of the triangle as defined by the sixth line segment  34 ′. Therefore, a geometrical triangle is formed by the indicia  14 ′. 
     Based on the assumption that the user will about 3 feet (914.4 mm) behind the golf ball when making the measurement, and a flag stick diameter of about 0.75 inches (19.05 mm), the principle of similar triangles predicts how far the flag stick is from the golf ball  12 ′ by positioning the golf ball so that flag stick completes the triangle formed by the indicia  14 ′. The user performs this range-finding process by centering the flag stick on the third line segment  30 ′ between the first and second line segments  20 ′. The user then rotates the golf ball until the sides of the flag stick appear to touch the inner edges and/or tip of the first and second line segments  20 ′. The location along the first and second line segments  20 ′ can be referenced with the markings  40 ′- 46 ′ on the line segments to determine the distance to the flag stick. Depending on the particular marking or markings on the first and second line segments  20 ′, the ball may or may not need to be rotated to estimate the distance to the target. 
     Therefore, the principle of similar triangles predicts that if the flag stick is used as the target and the user is about 3 feet away from the golf ball, the indicia  14 ′ will determine that the flag stick is about 3 feet away when the users holds the ball in alignment with the flag stick such that the sides of the flag stick appear visually to touch the inner edges and/or tip of the first and second line segments  20 ′. This location will be at the base of the triangle where the first marking  40 ′ is located. As such, the flag stick will appear to make a line across the indicia  14 ′ at the location of the first marking  40 ′. 
     The additional markings  42 ′- 46 ′ of the indicia  14 ′ determine the distance of the flag stick from the golf ball in the same way. With the flag stick aligned with the third ling segment  30 ′ between the first and second line segments  20 ′, the distance of the ball from the flag stick may require the user to rotate the golf ball until the sides of the flag stick appear to touch the inner edges and/or tip of the first and second line segments. Depending on the distance to the flag stick, this will be at different locations along the first and second line segments  20 ′. The alignment and positioning of the flag stick completes the similar triangle on the indicia  14 ′ and through that geometrical principle the distance to the flag stick can be calculated. 
     As will be understood, the perceived width of an object decreases the further the object is away. Therefore, the flag stick will appear thinner the further the user stands from the flag stick. This is matched by the gap between the first and second line segments  20 ′ decreasing from the second to the first end of the indicia  14 ′. This phenomenon is use to estimate the distance to the flag stick. In the illustrated embodiment, the second marking  42 ′ is located about 0.46 inches from the base of the triangle as measured along a dimension parallel to the third line segment  30 ′. A gap  48 ′ between the first and second line segments  20 ′ at the second marking  42 ′ is about 0.45 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the third marking  44 ′ is located about 0.83 inches from the base of the triangle as measured along a dimension parallel to the third line segment  30 ′. A gap  50 ′ between the first and second line segments  20 ′ at the third marking  44 ′ is about 0.22 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth marking  46 ′ is located about 1 inch for the base of the triangle as measured along a dimension parallel to the third line segment  30 ′. A spacing (i.e., first gap  22 ′) between the first and second line segments  20 ′ at the fourth marking  46 ′ is about 0.11 inches. 
     The size and shape of the triangle formed by the indicia  14 ′ provide for distance measurements between about 3 feet and about 20 feet. However, it will be understood that the indicia  14 ′ can be configured to determine other target distances based on the size and shape of the indicia  14 ′. 
     The indicia  14 ′ thus provides the ability to accurately align the golf ball  12 ′ with the intended target and estimate a distance to the target to provide an indication to the user of the amount of force needed to exert on the golf ball with the golf club for the golf ball to reach the target. This process is done by aligning the target within the first and second line segments  20 ′ and rotating the golf ball  12 ′ until the target completes the triangle formed by the indicia  14 ′. The golf ball  12 ′ can be further aligned by centering the target on the third line segment  30 ′ of the indicia  14 ′. The fourth, fifth, and sixth line segments  32 ′,  34 ′ can then be used to properly align the face of the golf club for hitting the golf ball  12 ′ in the intended direction. 
     Additionally, one or more golf balls  12 ′ may be provided in a package or sleeve (not shown). The sleeve may also include instructions for using the alignment device as described above. 
       FIG. 4  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of a golf ball alignment device embodying aspects of the present disclosure, which is similar to the device of  FIG. 3  without the marking  40 ′,  42 ′,  44 ′, and  46 ′. As described above, the V-shape indicia for alignment permits the golfer a much more accurate target by focusing on, for instance, a ½ inch diameter flag stick instead of a 4.25 inch diameter hole. In addition, the V-shape indicia in combination with the center line segment on the midline creates an arrow pointing directly at the target. The arrow shape of the flanking lines provides a natural cue to direct the golfer&#39;s attention to the target and improve aim. The converging lines result in a “vanishing point” that further acts as a strong cue for focus and attention. By keeping the arrow tip open, it guides the golfer to “fill in the picture” and therefore align with greater precision. In other words, the flag stick can visually “fill in” the converging lines to form a target that improves the golfer&#39;s attention and focus. The center red line acts as an additional check for alignment with the flagstick and is a visual aid most golfers are already comfortable and confident with. The overall design of having a global cue (the large arrow flanking line) along with the traditional local cue of the center line results in faster, more accurate decisions. The consistency of the all the different cues (global and local cues) result in better accuracy and performance. The “feet” on the lines further aid in alignment and improve the golfer&#39;s ability to line up the putter head and the correct angle relative to the target to address the ball. 
     Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. 
     When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     Not all of the depicted components illustrated or described may be required. In addition, some implementations and embodiments may include additional components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Additional, different or fewer components may be provided and components may be combined. Alternatively or in addition, a component may be implemented by several components. 
     The above description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. 
     As various changes could be made in the above products without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.