Patent Publication Number: US-2022233907-A1

Title: Exercise apparatus with integrated bench assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/142,776, filed Jan. 28, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment, for example strength training equipment. In particular, the present disclosure primarily relates to racks and benches for use in performing resistance-training (e.g., weight-training) exercises. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In some conventional arrangements, a bench is coupled to a weight rack in a static arrangement. For example, a conventional bench press apparatus typically has a bench coupled in a fixed position relative to a rack which can hold a barbell at one or more heights above the bench. The bench permanently obstructs space in front of the rack and cannot be translated relative to the rack, thus limiting the use of the bench press apparatus to a limited number of exercises. For example, in such arrangements, the bench typically prevents a user from standing in front of the bar to perform a standing exercise. 
     In other conventional arrangements, a weight rack is provided without a bench (e.g., a conventional squat rack). In some cases, this can require both a person to have access to both the conventional bench press apparatus above and a conventional squat rack in order to perform a desired number of different exercises. In other cases, an independent, movable bench may be moved into position relative to the weight rack by a user when the weight rack is desired to be used with a bench. However, conventional movable benches can be heavy and are often not suited for fine position adjustment. So, it may be difficult or cumbersome to achieve a desired (repeatable, consistent) position of the bench relative to the weight rack (e.g., to center the bench relative to the barbell). Additionally, in a gym setting, it may be difficult for a user to find a bench which is not in use by another athlete in the gym, and movable benches may become scattered in disarrayed positions which interfere with other activities in a gym. 
     An exercise apparatus which solves these challenges of conventional bench and weight rack arrangements is therefore desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     One implementation of the present disclosure is an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus includes a platform including an exercise surface, a rack coupled to the platform and configured to support a barbell at a first end of the platform, and a bench assembly coupled to the platform and configured to move between a deployed orientation in which the bench assembly extends perpendicularly from the rack and is positioned over the exercise surface for use during performance of a first exercise and a stowed or retracted orientation in which the bench assembly is displaced from the exercise surface to enable performance of a second exercise without using the bench assembly. 
     Another implementation of the present disclosure is a bench assembly. The bench assembly includes a first vertical post defining a first pivot point, a first arm extending from the first pivot point to a second pivot point such that first arm is perpendicular to and rotatable about the first vertical post, a second arm extending from the second pivot point to a distal end of the second arm, wherein the second arm is rotatable about the second pivot point, and a bench surface mounted on the second arm and configured to support a user. 
     Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method of using an exercise apparatus. The method includes pivoting, relative to a rack supporting a barbell, a bench assembly to a deployed position. The method also includes sitting or lying on the bench assembly while performing a first exercise using the barbell. The method also includes pivoting, relative to the rack, the bench assembly to a stowed position, and standing in a space while performing a second exercise using the barbell, wherein the bench assembly occupies the space in the deployed position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of an exercise apparatus with a rack and an integrated bench assembly, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a storyboard-style illustration showing pivoting of the bench assembly from a stowed position to a deployed position, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a storyboard-style illustration showing pivoting of the bench assembly from the deployed position to the stowed position, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a fitness system including an integrated bench assembly, according to an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring generally to the FIGURES, an improved exercise apparatus including both a rack for supporting a barbell and an integrated bench assembly are shown, according to example embodiments. The integrated bench assembly is positionable between a deployed or extended position (in which a user can sit or lie on a bench surface for exercising using the bench and the barbell) and a stowed or retracted position (in which the bench assembly is moved out of a space in front of the barbell in order to allow a user to stand and move in the space occupied by the bench assembly in the deployed position). The deployed position can be repeatedly and consistently achieved in order to easily provide a desired, consistent positioning of a bench surface relative to the rack. The stowed position allows for a wide range of exercises to be performed using the exercise apparatus. Together, moving the bench assembly between the deployed and stowed positions allows athletes to quickly and repeatedly switch between a first exercise using a bench and a second exercise not using the bench, while also using the same rack and barbell for both exercises. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an exercise apparatus  100  including a rack  102  and a bench assembly  104  is shown, according to an example embodiment. As described in detail below, the exercise apparatus  100  is configured for use in performing a large number of different resistance or strength-training exercises using a barbell  106  supported by the rack  102 , including exercises which involve a bench and exercises which do not involve a bench.  FIG. 1  shows the bench assembly  104  in a stowed position or state (un-deployed, out-of-use, stored). 
     In various embodiments, the rack  102  can be any structure (frame, stand, etc.) configured to hold a barbell  106  between exercises performed using the barbell  106 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the rack  102  includes a frame  108  extending between a pair of cradles  110 . The cradles  110  are positioned on a front side of the rack  102  and are configured to receive and support the barbell  106  such that the barbell  106  can be repeatedly removed from and placed back in the cradles  110  as a user performs a workout using the barbell  106 . The frame  108  is coupled to a stand  112  which extends in a vertical direction and can define a vertical plane. 
     In some embodiments, the position of the frame  108  is adjustable along the stand  112  to adjust the height of the cradles  110 . The frame  108  may be manually repositionable along the stand  112 . In other embodiments, the frame  108  is connected to a motorized drive system which can be electronically controlled to move the frame  108  along the stand  112 . For example, the motorized drive system may respond to user input via a force sensor positioned on the frame  108 , and may control a motor to move the frame  108  at a velocity determined as a function of the amount of force input by the user. In some such embodiments, the rack  102  includes features described in co-pending U.S. Provisional Application ______ {Atty. Dkt. No. 127819-1000}, filed concurrently, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     In  FIG. 1 , the rack  102  is shown as extending vertically upwards from a base or platform  114  included with the exercise apparatus  100 . The platform  114  includes an exercise surface  116  configured and otherwise sized for performance of exercises thereon. The exercise surface  116  can be flat and can include a non-slip surface or a surface which is otherwise adapted for performance of weight-training activities thereon. The rack  102  is positioned at a first end of the platform  114  and holds the barbell  106  proximate a first end of the exercise surface  116 . In some embodiments, the platform  114  includes sensors to measure loads exerted thereon during use of the exercise apparatus  100 . 
     The bench assembly  104  is coupled to the platform  114  and the rack  102  proximate an intersection between the platform  114  and the rack  102  and proximate the first end of the exercise surface  116 . The bench assembly  104  is movable and/or otherwise pivotable between the stowed state (stowed position, stowed orientation) shown in  FIG. 1 , where the bench assembly  104  is displaced and/or retracted from the exercise surface  116  beyond the first end of the exercise surface  116 , and one or more deployed states (deployed positions, deployed orientations) shown in  FIGS. 2-4  in which the bench assembly  104  extends over the exercise surface  116  and under the barbell  106 . In the stowed state of  FIG. 1 , the bench assembly  104  is positioned in an open space defined by the rack  102 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the bench assembly  104  includes a first pivot point  118  in fixed relation to the platform  114  and the rack  102 , such that pivoting of the bench assembly  104  repeatably and consistently moves the bench assembly  104  between the stowed state and the deployed state, and such that the bench assembly  104  is reliably accessible to a user of the exercise apparatus  100 . 
     In the examples shown herein, the bench assembly  104  includes a first vertical post  120  extending upwardly from the platform  114  outside of the exercise surface  116  but proximate the first end of the exercise surface  116 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first vertical post  120  is positioned under the rack  102 , for example aligned with a plane defined by the stand  112 . The first vertical post  120  defines the first pivot point  118 , for example so that an axis of rotation of the first pivot point  118  is the longitudinal center axis of the first vertical post  120 . In the example shown, the first vertical post  120  is positioned at a center line of the platform  114  (i.e., approximately half-way across a width of the platform  114 ). 
     The bench assembly  104  is also shown as including a first arm  122  extending from the first pivot point  118  (e.g., from the top of the first vertical post  120 ) in a horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical post  120  (and parallel to a plane defined by the exercise surface  116 ). The first arm  122  can rotate about the first pivot point while remaining substantially perpendicular to the first vertical post  120 . The first arm  122  extends from the first pivot point to a second pivot point  124 . 
     The bench assembly  104  is also shown as including a second arm  126  extending from the second pivot point  124  to a distal end  127  of the second arm  126 . In the example shown, a second vertical post  128  is provided at the second pivot point  124  to pivotably couple the second arm  126  to the second pivot point  124  while vertically offsetting the second arm  126  from the first arm  122 , such that the second arm  126  is higher than the first arm  122  relative to the platform  114 . The second vertical post  128  is not directly coupled to the platform  114  and moves relative to the platform  114  as the first arm  122  pivots. Additionally, the second pivot point  124  enables the second arm  126  to pivot relative to the first arm  122  about a vertical axis of the second pivot point  124  while the second arm  126  remains substantially parallel to a plane defined by the platform  114 . The first pivot point  118  and the second pivot point  124  thus combine with the first arm  122  and the second arm  126  to provide the bench assembly  104  with a pair of articulating joints to facilitate movement/pivoting of the bench assembly  104  between the stowed and deployed positions. 
     The bench assembly  104  is also shown to include a third vertical post  130  positioned along and extending downwardly from the second arm  126 . The third vertical post  130  is shown as being positioned between the distal end  127  of the second arm  126  and the second pivot point  124 , such that a distance between the third vertical post  130  and the second pivot point is greater than a length of the first arm  122 . In other embodiments, the third vertical post is positioned at the distal end  127  of the second arm  126 . The third vertical post  130  is not directly fixed to the platform, such that the third vertical post  130  moves relative to the platform  114  during articulation and pivoting of the bench assembly  104 . 
     The second vertical post  128  and the third vertical post  130  are configured to provide structural support for the bench assembly  104  by extending from the platform  114  to the second arm  126 , while still allowing for easy pivoting of the bench assembly  104 . For example, in some embodiments, the second vertical post  128  and the third vertical post  130  include a material at the bottom end thereof which can easily slide along the platform  114 . As another example, in some embodiments, the second vertical post  128  and the third vertical post  130  are slightly lifted from the platform  114  when no load is applied on the bench assembly  104 , but are brought into contact with the platform  114  when a downward load is applied on the bench assembly  104  (e.g., when a person sits or lies on the bench assembly  104  in the deployed position), thereby providing structural support and avoiding slipping or swaying of the bench assembly  104  when in use. The bench assembly  104  may have a small degree of compliance to allow to enable this behavior. in some cases, the weight of the bench assembly  104  itself is enough to bring the second vertical post  128  and the third vertical post  130  into contact with the platform, and the second arm  126  can be lifted by the user in order to slightly raise the second vertical post  128  and the third vertical post  130  in order to allow pivoting of the bench assembly  104 . 
     The bench assembly  104  is also shown to include a handle  132  positioned proximate the distal end  127  of the second arm  126 . The handle  132  is configured to be held by a user so that the user can manipulate the bench assembly  104 , for example to pivot the bench assembly  104 . As shown, the handle  132  is positioned on a side of the second arm  126  so that the handle  132  is easily accessible to the user when the bench assembly  104  is in the stowed position shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 2-3 , described in detail below, show articulation/pivoting of the bench assembly  104  between the stowed position and the deployed position, for example by a user engaging the handle  132 . 
     The bench assembly  104  is also show to include a bench surface  134  including a seat portion  136  and back portion  138 . The bench surface  134  defines a padded surface on which a person can sit, lie, etc. In some cases, the bench surface  134  is also adapted to be stood upon. The seat portion  136  and the back portion  138  can each include a rigid body providing a flat, rigid structure to the seat portion  136  and the back portion  138 , a padded material (e.g., foam), and a covering material (e.g., an easy-to-clean substantially sweat-proof material). The seat portion  136  and the back portion  138  of the bench surface  134  are configured to allow a user to sit or lie on the bench assembly  104  with their pelvis supported by the seat portion  136  and their back supported by the back portion  138  of the bench surface  134 . 
     The bench assembly  104  may also optionally include an inclination mechanism  140 . The inclination mechanism  140  is configured to allow the back portion  138  to be rotated relative to the seat portion  136  and the second arm  126  to allow for the inclination of the back portion  138  to be adjusted. For example, a user may which to incline the back portion  138  to perform an incline bench press or shoulder press exercise. The inclination mechanism  140  can include a joint between the back portion  138  and the seat portion  136  and a pin lock to hold the back portion  138  at various inclinations, while the bench assembly  104  is in the deployed position. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the back portion  138  may be in a flat, zero-inclination position when the bench assembly  104  is in the stowed position. In other embodiments, the bench assembly  104  can be in the stowed position while the back portion  138  is inclined. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the exercise apparatus  100  also includes a multi-cable force production system  150  including the barbell  106  held by the rack  102  and multiple (e.g., four) cables  152  coupled to the barbell  106 . The multi-cable force production system  150  includes multiple electrical motors or other actuators configured to independently vary the tension in each cable  152  to vary a magnitude and direction of the force provided to a user via the barbell  106 . For example, the multi-cable force production system  150  can be configured as described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/909,003, filed Jun. 23, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     In other embodiments, the multi-cable force production system  150  is omitted and the exercise apparatus  100  is used with a conventional weight set, for example including the barbell  106  and a set of plates of various weights configured to be selectively mounted on the barbell. In yet other embodiments, the rack  102  is also omitted and the platform  114  and the bench assembly  104  are used together, for example with dumbbells or some other exercise equipment. In yet other embodiments, the platform  114  is omitted, so that the rack  102  and bench assembly  104  enable performance of exercises on a floor surface supporting the exercise apparatus  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the exercise apparatus  100  also includes a display screen  160 . The display screen  160  may show various information relating to a workout plan, user data, operation of the multi-cable force production system, coaching videos, etc. Examples of information that can be displayed and computing resources, sensors, etc. which can enable the display are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/909,003, filed Jun. 23, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. In some examples, the display screen  160  can be controlled to display instructions to a user for pivoting the bench assembly to a particular position. As a specific example, the display screen  160  may display an instruction to the user to pivot the bench assembly  104  to the stowed position in response to a determination by a computing system that an exercise not involving a bench (e.g., squat) is next in a workout routine. Similarly, the display screen  16  may display an instruction to the user to pivot the bench assembly  104  to the deployed position in response to a determination by a computing system that an exercise involving a bench (e.g., a bench press) is next in a workout routine. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a storyboard-style illustration  200  of operation of bench assembly  104  is shown, according to an example embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 2  shows the bench assembly  104  being pivoted from the stowed position to a deployed position. 
     In the first frame  202 , the bench assembly  104  is in the stowed position as shown in  FIG. 1  and described above. The bench assembly  104  is position under the rack  102  and off of the exercise surface  116 , with the second arm  126  vertically aligned with and positioned above the first arm  122 . A user can grab the handle  132  to initiate the deployment process illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in the second frame  204 , the bench assembly  104  is being pivoted out of the stowed position. The second arm  126  is being rotated (counterclockwise in the example shown) about the second pivot point  124  to open an angle between the first arm  122  and the second arm  126 . The first arm  122  rotates about the first vertical post  120  (clockwise in the example shown). The first arm  122  rotates in an opposite rotational direction around the first pivot point  118  as compared to rotation of the second arm  126  around the second pivot point  124 . As a result, both the second vertical post  128  and the third vertical post  130  start to be moved over the exercise surface  116  and away from a plane defined by the rack  102 . 
     As shown in the third frame  206 , the bench assembly  104  continues to be pivoted to open the angle between the first arm  122  and the second arm  126  even further. The second arm  126  is being rotated (counterclockwise in the example shown) about the second pivot point  124  to open an angle between the first arm  122  and the second arm  126 . The first arm  122  rotates about the first vertical post  120  (clockwise in the example shown). Both the second vertical post  128  and the third vertical post  130  are positioned over the exercise surface  116 . 
     As shown in the fourth frame  208 , the bench assembly  104  has been pivoted to a first deployed position, for example a side-deployment position. In the example shown, the bench surface  134  is positioned along a side of the exercise surface  116  and over the exercise surface  116 , and the second arm  126  is perpendicular to a plane defined by the rack  102  (and perpendicular to the orientation of the second arm  126  shown in the first frame  202 ). The first arm  122  is an angle so that the first arm  122  horizontally offsets the second arm  126  from the centerline of the exercise surface  116 . For example, an angle between the first arm  122  and the second arm  126  may be approximately 135 degrees. The side-deployment position of the forth frame  208  may be desired for some exercises by a user. A left-side-deployment is shown in the fourth frame  208 , and a right-side-deployment can also be achieved in some embodiments. In other scenarios, the position of the fourth frame  208  is part of a transition to the deployed position shown in the fifth frame  210 . 
     As shown in the fifth frame  210 , the bench assembly  104  has been successfully pivoted to a deployed position with the bench surface  134  over the bench assembly  104 . The angle between the first arm  122  and the second arm  126  have been opened to 180 degrees, so that the first arm  122  is aligned with the second arm  126 , and a length of the bench assembly  104  is defined by a sum of the length of the first arm  122  and the second arm  126 . The first vertical post  120 , the second vertical post  128 , and the third vertical post  130  are arranged in series along the centerline of the platform  114 , with the second vertical post  128  and the third vertical post positioned on the exercise surface  116 . The back portion  138  of the bench surface  134  is positioned under the barbell  106 , such that the back portion  138  is between the seat portion  136  and the back portion  138 . The bench assembly  104  is horizontally centered between the cradles  110 , and is longitudinally aligned for a desired placement relative to the cradles  110  (e.g., a biomechanically-preferred position for performance of a bench press exercise for an average user). In examples including the multi-cable force production system  150 , reliable, consistent positioning of the bench may be particularly useful in allowing the multi-cable force production system  150  to provide a desired force profile to a user on the bench. The fifth frame  210  thus shows the bench assembly  104  fully deployed for use in performing an exercise in involving the bench assembly  104  and, in some cases, the barbell  106 . For example, a user can sit or lie on the bench surface  134  and then perform an exercise using the barbell  106 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a storyboard-style illustration  300  showing pivoting (articulation) of the bench assembly  104  from the deployed position to the stowed position is shown, according to an example embodiment. The illustration  300  illustrates that the bench assembly  104  can be returned to the stowed position by working backwards through the process shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     In the first frame  302  of illustration  300  of  FIG. 3 , the bench assembly  104  is shown in the deployed position as in the fifth frame  210  of  FIG. 2 . To begin to stow the bench assembly  104 , the second frame  304  shows that the first arm  122  can be rotated around the first vertical post  120  to start to close an angle between the first arm  122  and the second arm  126 . The third frame  306  shows that the second arm  126  is also rotated to close the angle between the first arm  122  and the second arm  126 , and the fourth frame  308  shows pivoting of the bench assembly  104  approaching the stowed position. 
     In the example shown, the first arm  122  is rotated counterclockwise and the second arm  126  is rotated clockwise during the stowing process, thereby reversing the deployment process of  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the bench assembly  104  can also be stowed through symmetrical pivoting in the opposite direction, thereby reversing the orientation of the bench assembly  104  in the stowed position as compared to the first frame  202  of illustration  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
     The fifth frame  310  shows the bench assembly  104  in the stowed position, with the bench assembly  104  displaced from the exercise surface  116  and having vacated a space occupied by the bench assembly  104  in the deployed position and in which a user can now perform an exercise without interference from the bench assembly  104 . The bench assembly  104  is also positioned to not interfere with any other activity in a space around the exercise apparatus  100  (e.g., other athletes moving in a gym). The bench assembly  104  is thereby easily moved into an open space defined by the rack  102  where the bench assembly  104  does not interfere with a user&#39;s workout or other people in a gym containing the exercise apparatus  100 . Following the steps of  FIG. 3 , a user can perform an exercise on the exercise surface  116  (e.g., using the barbell  106 ) without using the bench and while moving in a space formerly occupied by the bench assembly  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of a fitness system  400  is shown, according to an example embodiment. The fitness system  400  includes an embodiment of the exercise apparatus  100 , in addition to additional features and systems configured to provide a full fitness experience, especially a resistance training experience. In particular, the fitness system  400  includes the exercise apparatus  100  described above, the multi-cable force production system  150 , a pacing lighting system  402 , the display interface  160 , and adjustable rails  404 . 
     To start, the example of  FIG. 4  shows the bench assembly  104  in an embodiment where the second vertical post  128  and the third vertical post  130  are configured as L-shaped legs. The L-shaped legs can provide additional stability to the bench assembly  104 . The vertical posts and other similar terms above should be understood to include members of various geometries, for example the L-shapes of  FIG. 4 . 
     The pacing lighting system  402  can be configured as described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/010,573, filed Sep. 2, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The pacing lighting system  402  as shown here in  FIG. 4  includes a pair of vertically-arranged rows of lighting element configured to illuminate dots (points, circles, areas) of different colors. The dots illuminated on the pacing lighting system  402  can indicate to a user a desired/preferred range of motion for an exercise a real-time indication of the preferred position of the user (showing movement intended to be followed by the user), and a current position of the user (or barbell  106 ) relative to that range of motion. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the pacing lighting system  402  can be arranged parallel to a linear path along which the frame  108  can move, such that the pacing lighting system  402  can illuminate points that correspond to heights relative to the frame  108  (and cradles  110 ). In some embodiments, an additional pacing lighting system  402  is provided at a back end (opposite the display  160 ) of the fitness system  400  or above the fitness system  400  to be easily visible to a user while sitting or lying on the bench assembly  104 . 
     The fitness system  1000  is also shown as including adjustable rails  404 . The adjustable rails  404  are positioned below the cradles  110  and along sides of the platform  114 , and are configured to stop the barbell  106  from moving lower than height defined by the adjustable rails  404 . The adjustable rails  404  can thus receive the barbell  106  when a user is unable to complete an exercise or otherwise wishes to place the barbell  106  somewhere other than in the cradles  110 . For example, the adjustable rails  404  may include low rails adapted for use in a deadlift exercise. 
     The fitness system  400  can also include various computing and electronics elements and sensors provided therein to provide data-enabled workouts, smart guidance, and integrated control of various actuators, motors, lights, displays, etc. of the fitness system  400 . For example, electronics elements as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/909,003, filed Jun. 23, 2020, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/010,573, filed Sep. 2, 2020, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     It should be understood that movement between the stowed state shown in  FIG. 1  and the one or more deployed states shown in  FIGS. 2-4  can be otherwise accomplished. For example, according to other embodiments, the bench assembly  104  can be folded so as to be positioned in a configuration parallel to the display interface  160  when in the stowed position. In such an embodiment, the bench assembly  104  is pivotally secured at the base of the display interface  160  to facilitate movement between the stowed and deployed states. In still other configurations, the bench assembly  104  can be retracted without pivotal movement, such as, for example, being positioned behind the display interface  160 . In such a configuration, the bench assembly  104  is movable along a track or other type of guide rail (not illustrated) so as to enable a user to push the end of the bench assembly  104  to move the bench assembly along the track/rail behind the display interface  160 . 
     The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from this disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the disclosure and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as expressed in the appended claims.