Patent Publication Number: US-2004040347-A1

Title: Tamper resistant lock

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
     [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority from: U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/166,592, filed Aug. 30, 2002, and entitled “Cycle Lock”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/253,452, filed Sep. 24, 2002, and entitled “Adjustable Folding Lock”; which are both hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety as if fully set forth. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002] The present application is directed to locks in general and, more specifically, to a sturdy, tamper resistant lock.  
       [0003] In the past, people concerned with locking their possessions to a fixed object typically used a chain or cable that was interwoven around the possession and the fixed object, such as a lamppost. While the use of chains, cables, or other flexible locking mechanisms provided a positive locking device that can be compactly stored, such devices are relatively simple to disable using bolts cutters or the like.  
       [0004] Clearly, what is needed is heavy duty lock that is of sturdy manufacture, that is tamper resistant, and that is easy to use.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a lock including a first arcuate member defining a first opening. A second arcuate member is located on the first arcuate member and defines a second opening oriented in the same direction as the first opening. The first and second arcuate members combine to form a first outer leg, a central leg, and a second outer leg. The first outer leg and the central leg border the first opening. The second outer leg and the central leg 0border the second opening. At least one rod is detachably slidably engageable with the first and second arcuate members and is adapted to be positioned in the first outer leg, the central leg and at least a portion of the second outer leg to close the first and second openings to form first and second closed areas. A locking mechanism detachably secures the at least one rod to the at least one of the first and second arcuate members.  
       [0006] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a lock including a lock body having a first side. The lock body defines a first area having a first opening to the first side of the lock body. The lock body defines a second area having a second opening to the first side of the lock body. The first and second openings result in the lock body having a first outer leg, a central leg, and a second outer leg. The first outer leg and the central leg border the first opening. The second outer leg and the central leg border the second opening. At least one rod is detachably slidably engageable with the lock body to close the first and second openings and is adapted to be located in the first outer leg, the central leg, and at least a portion of the second outer leg to form first and second closed areas. A locking mechanism detachably secures the at least one rod to the lock body. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0007] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:  
     [0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a lock according to the present invention;  
     [0009]FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of the lock of FIG. 1;  
     [0010]FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the lock of FIG. 1;  
     [0011]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the lock of FIG. 1 illustrating a polymer grip placed thereon;  
     [0012]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 1 illustrating a rod partially engaged with the lock;  
     [0013]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 1 securing a bicycle frame to a sign post;  
     [0014]FIG. 7 is a perspective partial view of the lock of FIG. 1 securing a bicycle wheel to a bicycle frame;  
     [0015]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lock of FIG. 1 as taken along the line  8 - 8  of FIG. 1 illustrating the securing of the rod therein;  
     [0016]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of FIG. 1 as taken along the line  9 - 9  of FIG. 1;  
     [0017]FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 9 illustrating the right portion of FIG. 9 when the lock of FIG. 1 is formed, in part, using rectangular tubing;  
     [0018]FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lock illustrating an end of the rod that is flush with an outer surface of the lock;  
     [0019]FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 11 illustrating the rod with a dome shaped head;  
     [0020]FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 11 illustrating the rod having a head that is positioned within a recessed shoulder in the lock;  
     [0021]FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 11 illustrating the rod with a beveled head that is partially recessed within the lock;  
     [0022]FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 8 illustrating the securing of the rod within the lock and a rod engaging mechanism which prevents the rod from being completely withdrawn from the lock;  
     [0023]FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the left portion of FIG. 15 illustrating the engagement of the rod with the rod engaging mechanism;  
     [0024]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 15 illustrating a second preferred rod engaging mechanism;  
     [0025]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a left portion of FIG. 17;  
     [0026]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of FIG. 18 as taken along the line  19 - 19  of FIG. 18;  
     [0027]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 17 illustrating a third preferred embodiment of the rod engaging mechanism;  
     [0028]FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the left portion of FIG. 20 illustrating the engagement between the rod engaging mechanism and the rod;  
     [0029]FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 20 illustrating a fourth preferred rod engaging mechanism for preventing the rod from being completely withdrawn from the lock without a applying an increased amount of force thereon;  
     [0030]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the left portion of FIG. 22 illustrating the engagement between the rod engaging mechanism and the rod;  
     [0031]FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of FIG. 23 as taken along the line  24 - 24  of FIG. 23;  
     [0032]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a lock according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0033]FIG. 26 is a right side elevational view of the lock of FIG. 25;  
     [0034]FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of FIG. 25 as taken along the line  27 - 27  of FIG. 25;  
     [0035]FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the lock of FIG. 25;  
     [0036]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a lock according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention that secures first and second pins in a central portion thereof;  
     [0037]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 29 with the first and second pins partially inserted therein;  
     [0038]FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lock of FIG. 29 as taken along the line  31 - 31  of FIG. 29;  
     [0039]FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of FIG. 31 as taken along the line  32 - 32  of FIG. 31;  
     [0040]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a lock according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating a lock that can fold onto itself;  
     [0041]FIG. 34 is a second perspective view of the lock of FIG. 33 with the lock folded over onto itself;  
     [0042]FIG. 35 is a front elevational view of the lock of FIG. 33;  
     [0043]FIG. 36 is a front elevational view of the lock of FIG. 34;  
     [0044]FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a lock according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention that is also capable of folding onto itself;  
     [0045]FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of the lock of FIG. 37 in a first extended position;  
     [0046]FIG. 39 is a front elevational view of the lock of FIG. 37 in a second folded position;  
     [0047]FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a lock according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention which capable of folding onto itself;  
     [0048]FIG. 41 is a front elevational view of the lock of FIG. 40 in a first preferred extended position;  
     [0049]FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 40 in a second preferred folded over position;  
     [0050]FIG. 43 is a front elevational view of the lock of FIG. 42;  
     [0051]FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a lock according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention which is capable of being folded onto itself;  
     [0052]FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 44 in a preferred, second, folded over position;  
     [0053]FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the lock FIG. 44 as taken along the line  46 - 46  of FIG. 44;  
     [0054]FIG. 47 is a front elevational view of the lock of FIG. 45;  
     [0055]FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a lock according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention that receives first and second pins in a central portion thereof and which is also foldable over onto itself;  
     [0056]FIG. 49 is a front elevational view of the lock of FIG. 48;  
     [0057]FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 48 in a preferred, second, folded over position;  
     [0058]FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lock of FIG. 48 as taken along the line  51 - 51  of FIG. 48;  
     [0059]FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of FIG. 49 as taken along the line  52 - 52  of FIG. 49. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0060] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the lock and designated part thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise.  
     [0061] Referring to FIGS.  1 - 52  wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there are shown eight preferred embodiments of a lock according to the present invention, generally designated  60 : 1 - 60 : 8 . Briefly stated, locks  60 : 1 - 60 : 8  provide a sturdy, tamper resistant, and easy to use lock relative to prior known locks.  
     [0062] It is preferred that the lock  60 : 1 - 60 : 8  and its individual components are formed of a high strength, durable, impact resistant material, such as hardened steel. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any suitable steels, alloys, suitable polymers, or the like can be used without departing from scope of the present invention. Preferably, an outer surface of the lock  60 : 1 - 60 : 8  is coated with a brightly colored paint or coating, such as a fluorescent colored paint or polymer coating, so that the lock  60 : 1 - 60 : 8  is prominently visible and noticeable when installed.  
     [0063] Referring to FIGS.  1 - 24 , one embodiment of the lock  60 : 1  of the present invention includes a first arcuate member  70 A defining a first opening  72 A. It is preferred that the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B (the second arcuate member is further described below) are formed of hardened steel and have generally circular cross-sections. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the cross-section of the arcuate members  70 A,  70 B can have any shape without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, referring to FIG. 10, a portion of the second arcuate member  70 B is shown as being formed by tubing having a generally square cross-section.  
     [0064] Referring again to FIG. 1, it is preferred, but not necessary, that the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B have a generally U-shape. The shape of the first and second arcuate  70 A,  70 B results in the first and second openings (the second opening is further described below) preferably having a generally semi-elliptical shape.  
     [0065] The second arcuate member  70 B is preferably located on the first arcuate member  70 A and defines the second opening  72 B which is oriented in the same direction as the first opening  72 A. It is preferable that the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B are welded together. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B can be integrally formed without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
     [0066] The first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B combine to form a first outer leg  74 A, a central leg  76 , and a second outer leg  74 B. Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and  8 , the central leg  76  preferably includes two legs that are joined together along a portion of the length of the two legs. The first outer leg  74 A and the central leg  76  border the first opening  72 A. The second outer leg  74 B and the central leg  76  border the second opening  72 B.  
     [0067] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8 the first outer leg  74 A and the central leg  76  each include a reinforcement tube  78  that is aligned to receive at least one rod  82  (further described below) therethrough. The second outer leg  74 B has a second reinforcement tube  80  for receiving the rod  82  therein.  
     [0068] Referring to FIG. 1, it is preferred, but not necessary, that the distance “X” between an inner surface of the first outer leg  74 A and an inner surface of the second outer leg  74 B is between approximately twelve (12) inches and approximately seventeen (17) inches.  
     [0069] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5,  8 , and  9 , it is preferable that the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B include a polymer grip  84 . It is preferable, that the polymer grip  84  comprise a vinyl coating.  
     [0070] As best shown in FIG. 5, the at least one rod preferably has a generally cylindrical shape. The rod  82  may have a head  86 . A detent  94  is preferably positioned on a lock engaging end of the rod  82 . It is preferred that the detent  94  be a ratchet(s)  96 . The rod is preferably detachably slidably engageable with the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B and is adapted to positioned in the first outer leg  74 A, the central leg  76 , and at least a portion of the second outer leg  74 B to close the first and second openings  72 A,  72 B to form first and second closed areas  88 A,  88 B, (the closed areas are shown in FIG. 1). Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the second outer leg  74 B includes a portion of a locking mechanism  90  such that when a portion of the rod  82  is housed within the locking mechanism  90 , the rod  82  will, by definition, be positioned in at least a portion of the second outer leg  74 B (as shown in FIG. 8).  
     [0071] Referring still to FIG. 5, it is preferred that the rod  82  is formed of hardened steel. It is also preferred that the rod  82  have an insertion end  92  and a second end  93 . It is preferred that the insertion end  92  include a taper  91  to facilitate the slidable engagement of the rod with the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B. The taper  91  may be formed by a beveled edge of a ratchet  96  or the like.  
     [0072] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, it is preferable that the rod  82  is sized such that the second end  93  is recessed within the first outer leg  74 A when the rod  82  is fully engaged with the lock  60 : 1  to discourage tampering and/or prying. Referring to FIGS.  12 - 14 , the second end  93  of the rod  82  may include a head, or cap,  86 . As shown in FIG. 13, the arcuate member  74 A may include a recessed shoulder  87  such that the head  86  is flush with an outer surface of the first arcuate member  74 A when the rod  82  is fully engaged with the lock  60 : 1  to discourage hammering and/or prying of the rod  82 .  
     [0073] Referring to FIG. 8, the locking mechanism  90  detachably secures the rod  82  to at least one of the first and second arcuate members  74 A,  74 B. It is preferable that the locking mechanism  90  form the second reinforcement tube  80 . The locking mechanism  90  includes a lock housing  98  that is preferably part of the second outer leg  74 B. A tumbler mechanism  100  is engaged with a lock member  104  via lock fingers  102 . The lock member  104  is preferably biased generally downwardly by elastic member  106 . To move the lock member  104  generally upwardly into a disengaged position, the tumbler mechanism  100  is manipulated to move the lock fingers  102  generally upwardly to drive the lock member  104  out of an engaged positioned (shown in FIG. 8).  
     [0074] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the lock  60 : 1  may include a rod engaging mechanism  66 : 1  capable of retaining a portion of the rod  82  within one of the first outer leg  74 A, the central leg  76 , and the second outer leg  74 B when the rod  82  is disengaged from the lock mechanism  90 . Referring to the left portion of FIG. 15, the first preferred rod engaging mechanism  66 : 1  is formed by an inwardly extending lip  108 . The inwardly extending lip  108  preferably slidingly abuts the outer surface of a majority of the length of the rod  82 .  
     [0075] The rod ratchets  96  are preferably sized such that the flat ratchet surfaces  110  can not pass through the remaining portion of the bore through the first reinforcement tube  78  due to the reduced bore clearance resulting from the inwardly extending lip  108 . When the lock  60 : 1  is designed for with the first rod engaging mechanism  66 : 1 , the reinforcement tube  78  formed in the first outer leg  74 A is preferably larger in size then that required by the main shaft portion of the rod  82 . The slightly larger bores are necessary to allow the enlarged right end of the rod  82  that is formed by the enlarged ratchets  96  to pass through the bores in the reinforcement tubes  78 ,  80 . With the reinforcement tube  78  defining the bore, it is preferred that the pin engaging mechanism  66 : 1  include the inwardly directed lip  108  to obstruct the portion of the bore and to prevent the larger portion of the rod  82  from sliding past that portion of the bore.  
     [0076] Referring to FIGS.  17 - 19 , a second preferred rod engaging mechanism  66 : 2  is formed by a rod  82  having a generally longitudinal groove  112  therein. The first outer leg  74 A preferably defines a bore having an inner bore surface. The rod engaging mechanism  66 : 2  preferably includes a rod guide  114  disposed on the inner bore surface and engaged with the longitudinal groove  112 . The rod engaging mechanism  66 : 2  has the advantage of maintaining the rod  82  in fixed alignment during insertion and retraction of the rod  82  from the lock  60 : 1 . When the rod  82  is disengaged from the lock mechanism  90 , the pin guide  114  abuts the right most portion of the longitudinal groove  112  and prevents the rod  82  from being withdrawn. FIG. 18 best shows the potential engagement between the rod guide  114  and the end of the longitudinal groove  112  of the rod  82 .  
     [0077] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a third preferred rod engaging mechanism  66 : 3  is formed using a rod  82  having an at least one detent or ratchet  96  therein. The first outer leg  74 A preferably defines a reinforcement tube  78  having a bore therein. The rod engaging mechanism  66 : 3  includes a detent engaging mechanism (which is formed by a ball bearing  116  and an elastic member  118 ) disposed on an inner bore surface and capable of engaging the at least one detent  96 . It is preferred that the at least one detent  96  comprise at one least ratchet. The ball bearing  116  is biased downwardly by the elastic member, or spring,  118  to engage the ratchet  96  when the rod  82  is withdrawn generally leftwardly from the lock  60 : 1 . The ball bearing  116  is housed in a ball bearing chamber  120  having an inwardly tapered lower radius  122  which prevents the ball bearing  116  from being ejected from the ball bearing chamber  120 .  
     [0078] Referring to FIGS.  22 - 24 , a fourth preferred rod engaging mechanism  66 : 4  is generally the same as that shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 except that the reinforcement tube  78  includes an enlarged portion  124  that allows a larger size combination ball bearing  116  and elastic member  118  to be used. This allows for stronger engagement between the ball bearing  116  and the ratchets  96  of the rod  82 . Referring generally to the third and fourth preferred rod engaging mechanisms  66 : 3 ,  66 : 4  shown in FIGS.  20 - 24 , these pin engaging mechanisms  66 : 3 ,  66 : 4  do not necessarily prevent the rod  82  from being completely withdrawn from the lock  60 : 1 , but instead detachably retain the right end of the rod  82  until a user exerts increased force on the rod  82  to force the ratchets  96  pass the rod engaging mechanism  66 : 3 ,  66 : 4 .  
     [0079] While four preferred rod engaging mechanisms  66 : 1 - 66 : 4  have been described above in connection with the first embodiment of the lock  60 : 1  according to the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any one or combination of the above described rod engaging mechanisms  66 : 1 - 66 : 4 , or their equivalents, can be used with any of the locks  60 : 1 - 60 : 8  of the present invention without departing therefrom. Similarly, each of the locks  60 : 1 - 60 : 8  of the present invention can be used with rods  82  having second ends  93  similar to that shown in any of FIGS.  11 - 14  without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
     [0080] Referring to FIGS.  25 - 28 , a second preferred embodiment of the lock  60 : 2  according to the present invention is shown. The lock  60 : 2  includes a lock body  126  that defines a first area  128 A having a first opening  130 A to first side  132  of the lock body  126  (the first opening  130 A would be viewable in FIG. 25 if the rod  82  were removed from the lock  60 : 2 ). The lock body  126  also defines a second area  128 B having a second opening  130 B to first side  132  of the lock body  126 . The first and second openings  130 A,  130 B result in the lock body having a first outer leg  74 A, a central leg  76 , and a second outer leg  74 B. The first outer leg  74 A and the central leg  76  border the first opening  130 A. The second outer leg  74 B and the central leg  76  border the second opening  130 B. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the first and second arcuate members  74 A,  74 B (shown in FIG. 1) can be formed in any fashion as demonstrated by the lock body  126  shown in FIG. 25.  
     [0081] It is preferred that the lock body  126  includes a hand grip cut-out  134 . It is also preferred that the lock body  126  include a polymer grip  84  to facilitate the handling of the lock  60 : 2 . The at least one rod  82  is detachably slidably engageable with the lock body  126  to close the first and second openings  130 A,  130 B and is adapted to be located in the first outer leg  74 A, the central leg  76 , and at least a portion of the second outer leg  74 B to form first and second closed areas  136 A,  136 B.  
     [0082] Referring to FIGS.  33 - 52 , it is preferred that the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B are pivotable so that the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B can be moved between a first position, in which the first and second arcuate members are generally positioned in a single plane, and a second position, in which the first and second arcuate members generally overlap one another. Referring to FIGS.  29 - 31  and  48 - 52 , it is preferred that the rod  82  include first and second pins  68 A,  68 B that are each secured generally centrally within the lock  60 : 3 ,  60 : 8  when the lock is in the first preferred positioned.  
     [0083] Referring to FIGS.  29 - 32 , a third preferred lock  60 : 3  according to the present invention includes first and second pins  68 A,  68 B that are each inserted generally inwardly through opposite reinforcement tubes  78  and are generally secured by a locking mechanism  90  that is preferably located on the central leg  76 . Each of the pins  68 A,  68 B is securable within the locking mechanism  90  via the engagement of a separate lock member  102  that is biased into engagement by an elastic member  106 .  
     [0084] Referring to FIGS.  33 - 36 , the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B are preferably rotatably coupled by a sheath  138  that is positioned on the second arcuate member  70 B. An end of the first arcuate member  70 A is rotatably secured within the sheath  138  to allow the first arcuate member  70 A to rotate relative to the second arcuate member  70 B when the rod  82  is disengaged from the lock  60 : 4 . Referring specifically to FIG. 33, the right portion of the first arcuate member  70 A does not connect to a reinforcement tube  78  to allow the unobstructed rotation of the first arcuate member  70 A around the right leg thereof. Additionally, the left leg of the first arcuate member  70 A has a downwardly bent portion  140  that allows the corresponding reinforcement tube  78  to be properly aligned with the remaining reinforcement tubes  78 ,  80 .  
     [0085] Referring to FIGS.  37 - 39 , a fifth preferred embodiment of the lock  60 : 5  according to the present invention is shown. The lock  60 : 5  has a first arcuate member  70 A that is attached to the second arcuate member  70 B via a hinge connection  142 . The hinge connection  142  allows for a lateral space between the inner legs of the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B so that each of the inner legs of the first and second arcuate  70 A,  70 B can include a separate reinforcement tube  78 . Referring to FIGS.  40 - 43 , a sixth preferred embodiment of the lock  60 : 6  of the present invention is shown. The lock  60 : 6  includes a hinge connection  144  that allows both first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B to be located side by side.  
     [0086] Referring to FIGS.  44 - 47 , the inner legs of the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B can each be rotatably lodged in a central member  146 . It is preferred that each of the inner legs of the first and second arcuate members includes an enlarged portion  148  that is located within central member  146  to rotatably secure the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B therein. Referring to FIGS.  48 - 52 , an eighth preferred embodiment of the lock  60 : 8  according to present invention includes first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B that are rotatably secured by a central member  150  that detachably secures first and second pins  68 A,  68 B therein. This allows for the first and second arcuate members  70 A,  70 B to be rotatably positioned relative to each other and also allows the first and second pins  68 A,  68 B to be individually removed as desired.  
     [0087] While various features of the locks  60 : 1 - 60 : 8  of the present invention have been described above, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any of the features shown above can be combined without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and/or shown in the attached drawings.