Patent Publication Number: US-2011065550-A1

Title: Isometric Grip Device and Method of Exercise

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional patent application no. 61/275,826, filed on Sep. 3, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly to a portable electronic exercise device for measuring applied force during isometric exercise. 
     2. Background 
     Isometric exercise devices currently exist for providing a method of exercise for building muscle strength through static contraction. Current methods and devices for isometric exercise are normally mechanical devices that implement multiple moving parts using springs or bands to provide some measure of applied force. Some of the more prevalent isometric exercise equipment includes devices which involve spring loaded contracting cylinders and additional resistance through the use of cables. However, such equipment does not provide for accuracy in measuring forces during isometric contraction and neither can such mechanical devices provide for feedback on performance during a workout. Such devices are further bulky, heavy, and unwieldy especially for those who may want to travel with a device or use it in small increments for rehabilitation. With all the multitude of movable parts, such devices are further prone to premature break down. Other electronic versions of isometric exercise equipment involve large work bench type equipment, but do not provide for the convenience of easy portability and a compact size. 
     An important aspect of isometric exercise is the length of time a contraction is held in order to build strength and therefore the user would be interested in timing such exercise repetitions. Such prior devices do not provide for a convenient and smart timer that not only counts down time but is further relative to the applied force of the user. Therefore, there exists a need for a lightweight, portable, compact, electronic isometric exercise device that accurately provides feedback to the user. There exists a need for such a durable device that accurately measures both an applied push and pull force, and provides computed readings to the user such as average force applied during a contraction, peak force to test strength and timing for isometric contractions. 
     SUMMARY 
     An object of the device according to embodiments of the present invention is to solve the need for a lightweight, portable, durable and convenient isometric exercise device. An object is to further have the device provide real-time, accurate feedback to the user to maximize a workout with the device. The devices measures performance, average strength, peak strength and timed contractions during workout. The device provides the user the benefits of conventional weight training while using an isometric exercise in that, a workout can be maximized by progressively loading more resistance to each set for work on the muscle. According to another object of the present invention, there is provided an isometric electronic exercise device that provides a visual display and audio feedback to the user. Other objects include providing an isometric exercise device that is convenient to travel with and store. A further object is to provide a non-bulky, compact, and easy to manipulate isometric exercise device for users who may not have a large range of motion such as those who need rehabilitative exercises or the elderly. Therefore, an object of the isometric exercise device is to build up upper body muscle strength, muscle tone and bone density, using a device that measures both push and pull while having the aid of feedback information of a user&#39;s performance. 
     The isometric grip device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a lightweight portable exercise device which enables a user to perform isometric exercises in a manner permitting the user to quantify results as well as time the length of the isometric contraction. The device is designed for static contractions where there is no visible movement of the device when force is applied. In actuality, the device has a grip movement of about 0.020″ under contraction. The user is able to visually see the level of force on a display screen and set the duration of time of the exercise. The battery operated device comprises of two grips, an on-off switch, an electronic display, strain gauge bar with attached sensor, and a timing mechanism. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic device for isometric exercise comprising: a housing body having oppositely disposed grip elements; an internal frame assembly within the housing body, the frame assembly comprising oppositely disposed brackets coupled to a strain gauge bar disposed between the brackets, each bracket coupled to each oppositely disposed grip element; a sensor attached to the strain gauge bar for measuring a degree of force applied to the grip elements; an electronic circuit coupled to the sensor for processing a signal received from the sensor and calculating the force applied to the grip elements; and a display for displaying information including information processed from the electronic circuit; and a power source coupled to the electronic circuit; wherein the sensor measures applied force from each opposing gripping element simultaneously and the device comprises no visual movement during the force applied. A method of exercising using a portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to an embodiment of the present invention is further provided. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention are further made apparent, in the remainder of the present document, to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to more fully describe embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are not to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, but are merely illustrative. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2 ,  2   a ,  2   b  and  2   c  illustrate a perspective, front, side and top view respectively of a strain gauge bar of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3   a  illustrates the electronic circuit coupled with the strain gauge bar and a power source, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3   b  illustrates the electronic circuit of  FIG. 3   a  with a digital display coupled onto the circuitry, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4   a  is a schematic of the display of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4   b ,  4   c  and  4   d  illustrate the top, side and perspective view of the display portion of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  show operational directions of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded assembly view of the internal components of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c  and  7   d  illustrate a perspective, top, front and side view respectively of a first side bracket component of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7   e ,  7   f ,  7   g , and  7   h  illustrate a perspective, top, front and side view respectively of a second side bracket component of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8   a  illustrates a perspective view of one grip of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8   b  illustrates a top, side and bottom view of the core of the grip of  FIG. 8   a.    
         FIG. 8   c  illustrates a top and cross sectional side view of the grip of  FIG. 8   a.    
         FIG. 9  illustrates an exploded assembly view of the housing of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9   a  illustrates the side views of the front and rear housing covers respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9   b  illustrates a side and perspective view of the battery cover on the housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9   c  illustrates two perspectives of the top bezel of the housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9   d  illustrates the front cover of the housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9   e  illustrates the rear cover of the housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9   f  illustrates the battery cover of the housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the assembled empty housing of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10   a  illustrates the outside surface of the rear and front covers of the device housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10   b  illustrates the inside surface of the rear and front covers of the device housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11   a - 11   e  illustrates the detail assembly of the device, including the internal frame and bracket assembly, and housing assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 12   a - 12   f  illustrates a sequence of assembly of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     The description above and below and the drawings of the present document focus on one or more currently preferred embodiments of the present invention and also describe some exemplary optional features and/or alternative embodiments. The description and drawings are for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize variations, modifications, and alternatives. Such variations, modifications, and alternatives are also within the scope of the present invention. Section titles are terse and are for convenience only. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device  1  shown in  FIG. 1 , is a portable and electronic isometric exercise device. The device generally comprises a housing body  2 , two opposing grip handles  3 ,  4 , and an electronic display  5 . The device  1  further comprises internal components (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) comprising a strain gauge bar  20  with attached sensor  40 , electronic circuit  30 , power source (battery)  35 , and timing mechanism  36 . Internal to the housing body  2 , there is a frame assembly  80  comprising a left bracket  60  and a right bracket  62  with the strain gauge bar  20  coupled between the two brackets. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the strain gauge bar  20  is illustrated and has at least two functions. First, the strain gauge bar  20  holds the left and right bracket  60 ,  62 , together. These brackets connect to the grips  3 ,  4  of the device that allow the user to apply a push or pull force to measure force. The brackets  60 ,  62  are connected to the strain gauge bar  20  at threaded thru holes  22 , shown in  FIG. 2   a , via a screw connection from complimentary thru holes  67 ,  68  on each bracket  60 ,  62 . Second, the strain gauge bar  20  has a custom design that provides a slight flex movement of the bar  20  whether it is pushed or pulled by the brackets. The undetectable flex in the bar is only detected by the sensor  40  adhered to the bar. This allows the sensor  40  to measure the applied force. This custom configuration of the strain gauge bar  20  is stepped up on each side at the ends  25 ,  26  as shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 2 , the side view of  FIG. 2   b  and in the top view of  FIG. 2   c , to provide for this force application and measurement for both a pull and push. The configuration of the strain gauge bar  20  allows for a secure attachment to the brackets  60 ,  62 , while at the same time allows the sensor  40  on the bar to measure a deflection (flex) of the bar  20  in both the push and pull directions with no appreciable movement in the device under such load. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3   a , the electronic circuit  30  is attached to the strain gauge bar  20 , the battery  35 , and the speaker  45  (not shown) by electrical leads. The electronic circuit  30  measures the applied force (push or pull) in a dynamic fashion (instantaneously).The electronic circuit comprises a custom made printed circuit board with internal memory. In another embodiment, the electronic circuit  30  may incorporate data storage to allow a user to store workout results. The processor and memory disposed on the electronic circuit  30  calculates and stores the force applied to the grips, as received by the strain gauge bar  20  with sensor  40  sending the force signal to the electronic circuit  30 . The memory of the circuit further stores the necessary processing instructions for the processor. 
     The sensor  40  measures the simultaneous force applied from both grips as multiple inputs. It will measure the peak force to test the strength of the user. A timer  36  as shown on the right side allows the user to set the time from six to twenty seconds to hold a contraction, and when force is applied, the timer will count down on screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. The timer is not limited to a program time of six to twenty seconds, but may be in varying other increments and length of time. As shown in  FIG. 3   b , a digital display  5  (such as an LCD) is coupled onto the circuit  30 . The processor of the circuit  30  calculates and generates the force information to be visually displayed. Each depression of the timer switch  41  will increase the time by one second. The time will also calculate the average force and display it at the end of contraction. Such is the case because it is difficult to hold a force steady during the contraction and the user can compare the calculated average force with the attempted target force the user tried to apply. Accordingly, the user may then compare the force that the user attempted to hold during the contraction to the calculated average that was actually performed. At the end of the countdown, the circuit  30  also emits an audio tone to signal the user that the exercise is complete. In other embodiments, an LED or other visual indicator may be coupled to the circuit  30  to alternatively provide a visual signal. In another embodiment, the display  5  may be configured to be a detachable or adjustable display for viewing from various directions during exercise. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4   a , a schematic of the display  5  of the device is shown. The circuit  30  is connected by leads to the power  35 , the speaker  45  and strain gauge bar  20  with sensor  40 . The display  5  shows the amount of force applied, and the timer countdown when an exercise is performed. The micro switch  41  for the timer on the right side of the display  5  can be set from six to twenty seconds according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 4   b ,  4   c ,  4   d  and  4   e  an illustration of the top, side, perspective and front views of the display  5  portion of the device is provided. The micro timer switch  41  and power switch  42  is shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     The theory of operation and programming of the circuit  30  is described in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b . This provides a step-by-step theory of operation. 
     As discussed above, the device comprises a frame assembly  80  internal to the device housing  2  as illustrated in the exploded assembly view of  FIG. 6 . The frame assembly  80  comprises left bracket  60  and right bracket  62 , connected to the strain gauge bar  20  via screws  24 . As shown the right bracket  62  is connected to have a substantially flush connection to the stepped out top end  25  surface of the strain gauge bar  20 ; and the left bracket  60  has a substantially flush connection to the stepped out bottom end  26  surface of the strain gauge bar  20 . The grips  3 ,  4  connect to the brackets  60 ,  62  respectively at each top and bottom bracket arm extending from the vertical section  61 ,  69  of the brackets  60 ,  62 . Each of the grips  3 ,  4  are attached to the brackets  60 ,  62  at the distal ends of the bracket arms via screws  77 ,  78  for each top and bottom of the grip. The screws  77 ,  78  are secured in the counter-clockwise direction. As further shown, the display  5  with circuit  30  is coupled to the strain gauge bar  20 , the power  35  and the speaker  45  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c  and  7   d  illustrate a perspective, top, front and side view respectively of a first side (right) bracket  62  component of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Correspondingly,  FIGS. 7   e ,  7   f ,  7   g , and  7   h  illustrate a perspective, top, front and side view respectively of a second side (left) bracket  60  component of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The brackets are made of 0.0125′ thick zinc coated steel. Bracket  60  and bracket  62  are different sizes to allow room in the body to fit the battery compartment. In an embodiment, bracket  62  has longer arms  64  than the left bracket arms  63  of bracket  60  to offset where the brackets attach to the strain gauge bar  20 , thereby creating this needed room. A special design of each bracket comprises the curved sidewalls/vertical edges  65 ,  66  respectively. These edges prevent the brackets from bending and/or minimize the flex under a heavy push or pull force. The curved vertical edge  65  curves in the direction of the bracket arm  63  extension; while the curved vertical edge  66  curves away from the direction of the bracket arm  64 ; such that the curved vertical edges are in the same direction for creating the area of space. Each bracket includes thru holes  67 ,  68  along the vertical section  61 ,  69  of the bracket for attachment with the strain gauge bar  20 , and thru holes at each distal end of the top and bottom bracket arm for attachment with the a respective top and bottom of the grip  3 ,  4 . The device is designed for static contractions where there is no visible movement or flex of the device when force is applied. In actuality, the device has a grip movement of about 0.020″ under contraction. This unique custom designed configuration of the brackets  60 ,  62  connection to the strain gauge bar  20  provides a measurement of up to 200 pounds of force with no appreciable movement under the load and provides the feedback necessary from both opposing grips at the same time. For example, the strain gauge bar  20  may have a deflection of 0.010″or less up to a force of 200 lbs. The total deflection of the device including the brackets thereby being a maximum of 0.020″. 
     The grips  3 ,  4  are custom designed using natural rubber to serve a number of purposes. As illustrated in the perspective view of  FIG. 8   a  and cross-section in  FIG. 8   c , the natural rubber  70  prevents the grips from getting sticky. Further, the ends of the grips act as gaskets  73 ,  74 ,  75 ,  76  to support the body housing  2  of the device. With two grip  3 ,  4 , there are four gasket  73 ,  74 ,  75 ,  76  ends to support and stabilize the rigid device housing  2 . The four gasket ends are the only four areas of contact that the housing  2  has with the frame  80 . The durometer of the rubber sleeve  70  is such that it is soft enough to support the frame, but not to impede the accuracy of the electronics if there is some flex of the bracket under load. The core  72  of the grip handle as shown in  FIG. 8   b , is made of aluminum and is drilled and tapped on each end  71  to connect the brackets. A core end  71  is drilled and tapped counter-clockwise to prevent the user from unscrewing the grip after it is assembled and during use. In another embodiment of the present invention, additional grip sensors may be configured on the grip surface to measure additional user data such as heart rate and calories burned and further displayed to and monitored by the user. 
     The body housing  2  of the device consists of four components. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , an exploded assembly view of the housing  2  shows a top bezel  90 , a front cover  92 , a rear cover  94 , and a battery lid cover  96 . The housing  2  makes minimal contact with the internal frame  80  such that contact is limited to the areas where the rubber grips  3 ,  4  fit into the housing  2 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, there are only four contact points between the housing  2  and the frame  80 , i.e. at the internal gaskets  73 ,  74 ,  75 ,  76 . These gaskets are fit within a 0.005″ tolerance to provide just enough contact to hold the housing  2  in place, but not impede the functionality of the strain gauge bar  20  and electronics. Further, shown in  FIG. 9   a  are the side views of the front and rear housing covers  92 ,  94 .  FIG. 9   b  illustrates a side and perspective view of the battery cover  96  on the housing. Additional modeling views are shown in  FIG. 9   c  which illustrates two perspectives of the top bezel  90  of the housing; the front cover  92  of the housing  FIG. 9   d ; the rear cover  94  of the housing  FIG. 9   e ; the battery cover  96  of the housing  FIG. 9   f , according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , an assembled empty housing  2  of the device is shown where all four parts of the housing are together. Both the outside surfaces of the front and rear housing cover  92 ,  94  are shown side by side in  FIG. 10   a  including the batter cover  96  assembled; and the inside surfaces are shown in  FIG. 10   b  respectively. The housing  2  is made of a plastic such as a rigid and durable thermoplastic. In the embodiment of the present invention, the housing  2  comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). 
     The diagrams of  FIGS. 11   a - 11   e  provide a view of the step-by-step procedure to assemble the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 11   a , there is a detailed and exploded assembly of the housing over the internal frame components. The internal frame components show  1 ) the assembly of the strain gauge bar to the display;  2 ) assembly of the left bracket of shorter arm length;  3 ) assembly of the right bracket of longer arm length;  4 ) assembly of the grips to each bracket;  5 ) button head screw assembly to the vertical section of the brackets to the strain gauge bar;  6 ) flat head screw assembly to the top of the grip; and  7 ) flat head screw assembly to the bottom of the grip. As shown in FIG. lib, the internal frame components are assembled with the strain gauge bar between the vertical sections of the brackets; a top view of the bracket assembly is shown with a sectional view along the A-A line; as well as the two detail views. As shown in  FIG. 11   c , there is the exploded assembly view of  1 ) the assembled internal frame with internal components mounted into the  2 ) front cover of the housing.  FIG. 11   d  further shows the detail view along the B-B line from  FIG. 11   c , along with the assembly of the  3 ) rear cover of the housing with  4 ) attachment by screw connection to the front cover. As further shown in  FIG. 11   e , there is a detailed assembly view of the  5 ) top bezel assembled over the electronic circuit;  6 ) the bezel attached via screw connection;  7 ) a label placement onto the bezel top;  8 ) battery assembly with  9 ) battery cover onto the housing. The assembly process includes all the components needed to manufacture the device with the exception of a label that is assembled on the plastic top bezel  90 . 
     Furthermore, a sequence of the assembly process of the device is illustrated in  FIGS. 12   a - 12   k  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the electronic circuit  30 , strain gauge bar  20 , power  35  lead and speaker  45  are assembled  FIG. 12   a . The brackets  60 ,  62  are ready to screw into the strain gauge bar  20 ,  FIG. 12   b . The brackets are assembled with the strain gauge bar  20 ,  FIG. 12   c . The grips  3 ,  4  are ready to attach to the brackets  60 ,  62 ,  FIG. 12   d . The grips are attached to the brackets  FIG. 12   e . The internal frame  80  is inserted into the front housing cover  92 ,  FIG. 12   f . An example of one of the four contact points of the grip and housing connection are shown  FIG. 12   g . The back housing cover  94  is ready for assembly on the device,  FIG. 12   h . The top bezel  90  is ready for installation, the bezel having a window for the display  5  to be viewed,  FIG. 12   i . In  FIG. 12   k , the device is assembled and ready for the label to be adhered to the top bezel and  FIG. 12   j  illustrates the device assembly completed. 
     A custom designed label to fit into a recess area of the top bezel may be applied to the finished device as shown in  FIG. 13 . Variations to the design may be implemented and is not limited to any particular design. The label provides for ease in identifying the various functions of the device including the ON/OFF(power) and timer areas to activate micro switches. 
     The operation of the device is described further according to an embodiment of the present invention. In operation, the user activates the device by pressing the on-off switch  42  to turn the device on, and the user is able to measure both push and pull force by applying pressure to the grips  3 ,  4 . This force is measured in pounds on the electronic display  5  in three large numerals. While the device is in the on mode only, the device will capture the peak force and display it for three seconds when the force is released by the user, whether it be push or pull. The timing portion of the device is activated by pressing the timer button  41  which can be set from six to twenty seconds depending on the length of static contraction the user prefers. The time setting is achieved by continuous activation of the timer button  41  which will increase in one second increments per activation. When the timer reaches twenty seconds, it will start over at six seconds upon the next activation. The timer information will appear on the display  5  in small numerals on the right side of the display screen  5 . When five or more pounds of force, whether it be push or pull is applied to the grips  3 , 4 , the timer for the static contraction will begin to count down. As the force is displayed in large numerals on the left side of the screen, the timer in smaller numerals will count down on the right side of the screen. If force is released during the contraction timing period, the timer will reset to the user&#39;s programmed time. If the force is maintained throughout the timing period, the following will happen when the timer reaches zero:
         1.A short audio tone (or visual indication) will notify the user that the contraction period is complete.   2. The average force applied during the time period of the static contraction will display on the screen for three seconds. This average is derived by taking samplings each second and deriving the average upon the completion of the timer cycle. A programmed internal memory chip provides this function.       

     The device is designed to build upper body muscle strength, bone density, and muscle tone. The device benefits the user by providing the user with the needed information to maximize their workout. The concept for the device is to allow the user to do isometric exercise in much the same manner as one would do conventional weight training. This is achieved by maximizing a workout by progressively loading more resistance each set to work the muscle. Through the ability of the device to measure both push and pull force, a user can now do an isometric exercise and maximize his/her result by increasing the force to a predetermined resistance on each subsequent set. In addition, the user, during a static contraction, will visually be able to see that if the user tires and the force begins to decline, Accordingly, the user can now work harder to maintain the force through the use of recruiting secondary motor units (muscle fibers) to maintain the original force applied, thus receiving full benefit from the workout. 
     The internal components of the device comprise of the following:
         1. custom made printed circuit board  30 .   2. internal memory for both the timer average force calibration, and the capturing of peak force.   3. wide angle viewing display  5  to allow user to view from any angle.   4. strain gauge technology is incorporated to measure both push and pull applied force.       

     The strain gauge bar  20  is custom designed and machined to fit between internal brackets  60 ,  62  that connect to the grips  3 ,  4 . A force of up to 200 lbs can be measured.
         5. a power source  35  such as a 9-volt battery will power the portable exercise device.       

     The physical appearance of the device is custom designed for ease of use, portability, and displaying the screen at an angle for simple viewing. The plastic housing  2  comprises of four parts; a front  92 , back  94  and top bezel  90 , and a removable battery door  96 . The plastic body housing  2  is held in place by a special rubber grip design whereby the ends of each grip  3 ,  4  act as gaskets  74 ,  74 ,  75 ,  76  to hold the plastic housing  2  in place in both the lateral and vertical directions. The plastic body housing  2  is not directly attached to the brackets  60 ,  62  because that would affect the force applied to the strain gauge movement. The plastic housing  2  is held in position by the gaskets to provide a housing that does not restrict movement. There is no detectable movement of the grips as force is applied Movement in both the press/push and pull is less than  20  thousandths of an inch. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the construction of the device consists of two internal 3/16″ steel brackets  60 ,  62  that are attached to an aluminum handle core  72  covered with a rubber grip. Both brackets are jointly connected to a strain gauge bar  20  with a sensor  40  attached to measure its deflection when either a push or pull force is applied. The sensor  40  is attached to a printed circuit board  30  with a built in lighted display  5  to measure the results of the applied force and time an isometric contraction. The electronics are powered by a 9-volt battery  35  and the entire framework  80  (except for the grips and display screen) is housed inside a four-part ABS plastic housing  2 . 
     Throughout the description and drawings, example embodiments are given with reference to specific configurations. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms. Those of ordinary skill in the art would be able to practice such other embodiments without undue experimentation. The scope of the present invention, for the purpose of the present patent document, is not limited merely to the specific example embodiments or alternatives of the foregoing description.