Patent Publication Number: US-2007120017-A1

Title: Apparatus and associated method for facilitating aerial photography

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/723,509, filed Oct. 4, 2005, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The invention relates generally to aerial photography and, more particularly, to a method and system of facilitating aerial photography by utilizing a camera secured onto, within, or proximate to a box kite, or a cellular element of a box kite.  
     BACKGROUND  
      For nearly as long as there have been cameras, people have devised different methods and systems of attaching camera payloads to kites, and the sport of kite aerial photography, which involves taking photographs from a camera secured in some manner to a kite, has been increasing in popularity. Virtually all conventional methods and systems of securing a camera to a kite involve the use of several strings or cables running from the kite body or kite line down to a cradle which holds the camera. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 578,980 granted in 1897 to Eddy discloses such a method of securing a camera to a kite via strings. A similar method is employed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,313,564 granted in 1919 to Todd. The attachment strings are typically arranged in such a way as to provide stability to the camera so that clear photographs can be taken. U.S. Pat. No. 1,528,933 granted in 1922 to Lyon discloses a camera suspended by pivoting joints attached to a specialized fuselage under a surveillance kite.  
      The conventional methods of attaching a camera to a kite are typically not only relatively costly, but also complex, requiring a fair amount of mechanical ability in order to correctly set up and operate. The setup and assembly process often exceeds not only an individual&#39;s budget, but also the technical reach of many people, and/or the time that many people have to devote to such endeavors.  
      A further shortcoming associated with conventional kite aerial photography methods and systems is that the kite, camera, and accessories to secure the camera to the kite must be obtained separately, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. Moreover, such separate components are not designed to readily fit and work together, and instead typically require that one or more of the separate parts be substantially modified to fit and work together in the final kite aerial photography assembly. This process of fitting and shaping separate components to correctly fit and work together presents another formidable obstacle for those with limited time and/or mechanical ability.  
      Therefore, there is a need for a simpler, less costly, and less time-consuming method and system of taking aerial photographs from kites. Such a method and system would preferably even be embodied in a kit having substantially all components needed for taking aerial photographs from kites.  
     SUMMARY  
      The present invention, accordingly, provides a simplified method and system of taking aerial photographs from kites by securing a camera onto or within a box kite, or one or more cellular elements of a kite. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, a camera is secured with clips to supporting rods within a box kite in a position that is substantially fixed relative to the kite. The camera is configured for taking aerial photographs while the kite is in flight.  
      In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a kite aerial photography setup is simplified by providing in a kit most or all of the components necessary for the kite aerial photography setup, such components preferably being designed to fit and work together.  
      There are a number of advantages to the present invention over the prior art. For example, setup is substantially easier and simpler than with the prior art. There is, for example, no need for a series of long cables to suspend the camera below the kite. Instead, in one preferred embodiment, the user quickly secures the camera to part of the box frame, such as support braces, sets a camera timer or remote control, and can then fly the kite and take pictures. Another advantage of using box kites or cellular elements is that they typically provide strong, stable flight which is desirable for minimizing blur in images taken using aerial photography. Box kites or cellular elements also typically contain convenient openings that allow a camera secured inside to be directed at different angles and to have unobstructed photographic views of the outside free from such things as kite support poles, sail material, or kite string. The process of obtaining a kite aerial photography setup is also greatly simplified herein by providing for a ready-made kit in which all of the components for the kite aerial photography setup are provided.  
      The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  exemplifies a perspective view of a camera secured to a kite in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  exemplifies a back side of a camera configured with clips adapted for being secured to cross support rods associated with the kite of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3 , taken along the line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 , exemplifies the camera of  FIG. 2  attached to cross support rods in the kite of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a clip;  
       FIG. 5  is a cross-section of the clip of  FIG. 4  taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate a sequence of engaging the clip of  FIG. 4  to a rod of the kite of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 9  exemplifies an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein a camera is placed on cross braces centrally located on a side of a box kite;  
       FIG. 10  exemplifies a second alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein a camera is placed inside of a triangular cellular element;  
       FIG. 11  exemplifies a third alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein a camera is placed inside of a cylindrical element;  
       FIG. 12  exemplifies an embodiment of the present invention wherein wireless communications are effectuated between the camera and a user;  
       FIG. 13  exemplifies a kite and camera kit assembly; and  
       FIG. 14  exemplifies an embodiment of the present invention wherein a camera is secured to a sail of a kite.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      Refer now to the drawings, wherein depicted elements are, for the sake of clarity, not necessarily shown to scale, and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning wireless communications, cameras, such as digital cameras, their operation, and the like, have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the reference numeral  100  generally designates a kite, preferably a three-dimensional geometric kite, exemplified in  FIG. 1  as a box kite, or a cellular kite, embodying features of the present invention. As described in further detail below, the kite  100  preferably comprises structural members, such as four substantially parallel, longitudinal struts, or rods,  105  secured together via two internal cross support struts  107  proximate to each end of the kite  100 , and sheet, or sail, material  103 . A tether  101 , such as Spectra® or Kevlar® string or cord, comprises two portions attached at one end to one or more longitudinal rods  105  on the kite  100 , and the other end of the tether  101  is held, and thereby restrained, by a user (not shown).  
      As used herein, the term “rod” refers to any kind of elongated object, such as a strut, pole, a spar, a longeron, or a beam of any dimension, and comprising any of a number of materials, such as wood, bamboo, fiberglass, metal, or the like, that is sufficiently tough, flexible, and lightweight to be suitable for use in a kite. Rods may be associated with many different types of kites as is well known to those skilled in the art. Rods typically serve as structural supports in a kite, as for example the longitudinal rods  105  and the internal cross support rods  107  depicted in  FIG. 1 , which rods prevent the box kite from collapsing while in flight. However, rods need not necessarily serve a structural or support function, but instead or additionally may be ornamental, or may only serve as an attachment point for other items. Rods may extend within the inside of a kite, or may protrude partially or wholly outside of the kite.  
      The term “box kite” as used herein, refers to any substantially non-flat kite with a three dimensional geometric shape. The most familiar shape of a box kite is a box with a square cross section, as exemplified in  FIG. 1 , or alternatively a rectangular cross section (not shown). However, the framework of a box kite or cellular element (defined further below) is not limited to a rectangular box shape. Box kites may comprise a variety of other geometric shapes, including triangular shapes, round shapes such as circles or ellipses, and the like. Certain box kites may alternatively have more complex geometric shapes comprising numerous straight or curved walls and edges. Box kites or cellular elements may also have various kinds of wings and flaps attached to them for modifying stability, lift, or artistic design.  
      The term “cellular element” as used herein refers to a box-like or other three dimensional geometric kite structure which constitutes only a portion of a kite. For instance, a large flat delta kite may contain a small triangular cellular element in the center to improve stability. Commonly, any kite containing a cellular element is referred to as a box kite, and a whole assembly may be referred to as simply a kite containing a cellular element. But regardless of nomenclature, the principles of the present invention are understood to apply to any kite structure comprising a three-dimensional element constituting either a part or the whole of a kite.  
      The longitudinal rods  105  typically provide the open framework for the box kite  100 . The sail material  103  preferably comprises ribbons of relatively tough, flexible sheet material, such as nylon, polyester, Dacron®, silk, linen, hemp, or the like, and is typically wrapped around the longitudinal rods  105  at each end of the kite  100  to create lift under wind conditions. It is understood that the quantity and placement of the sail material  103  may vary with different box kites or cellular element designs as would be apparent to any skilled artisan. The internal cross support rods  107  keep the structure open and prevent collapse during flight, although, as is well known in the art, certain box kites or cellular elements may be constructed in such a way that the internal cross support rods  107  are not necessary. In a preferred embodiment, internal cross support rods  107  are secured (e.g., by adhesive, solder, tack welds, mechanical fasteners, or the like) to the longitudinal rods  105  within the kite at points  104 . The internal cross support rods  107  cross in the interior of the kite  100  at a point designated by the reference numeral  102 .  
       FIG. 2  exemplifies a back side (i.e., opposite the side of a lens  106   a ,  FIG. 1 ) of a camera  106 , configured in accordance with principles of one preferred embodiment of the invention, with fasteners, such as clips  201 , described in further detail below, adapted and positioned for being secured to the internal cross support rods  107 . The camera  106  may comprise any of a number of different cameras. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the camera  106  may comprise a digital still camera of any suitable size or shape, preferably relatively small and lightweight, and preferably having an internal or external timer that facilitates the taking of a series of temporally spaced-apart photographs while the camera is in flight. Alternatively, the camera  106  may be configured to respond to commands given remotely by a user from the ground, such as wireless commands transmitted via radio frequency (RF) signals or infra red (IR) signals. The camera  106  may alternatively be operative via film, or may comprise a video camera. The clips  201  are preferably permanently secured to the back side of the camera  106  using any of a number of different techniques, such as adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or the like, or the clips  201  may be secured to straps (not shown) attached to the camera  106 , or to a case (not shown) that at least partially envelops the camera  106 , to thereby secure the clips permanently or temporarily to the camera  106  as desired.  
       FIG. 3 , taken along the line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 , depicts the camera  106  attached via the clips  201  to the cross support rods  107  of the kite  100 . The clips  201  preferably engage the rods  107  so that the lens  106   a  ( FIG. 1 ) of the camera  106  faces outwardly, away from the kite  100 , to thereby provide a desirable position from which to take aerial photographs of the ground and/or of the horizon, as discussed in further detail below.  
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the clip  201 , and  FIG. 5  shows a top view of the clip  201  taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . As shown, the clip  201  defines a hollow interior portion  502  extending longitudinally through the clip  201 , and partially cylindrically through an arc  506  comprising an arc  508  of 180° and two arcs  510  in the range of about 5° to about 30°, and preferably about 10° to about 15°. Lips  504  are defined at the ends of the 180° arc  508 . Funnellers  512  preferably extend from the lips  504  for funneling the rod  107  into the hollow interior portion  502  of the clip  201 , and for operating to open the lips  504  to there facilitate receiving of the rod  107  into the clip  201 , as discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 6-8 . The diameter of the interior portion  502  is preferably sized to receive the rod  107 . The clip  201  is preferably fabricated from a strong, but pliable material, such as metal or hard plastic, effective for enabling the lips  504  and the hollow interior portion  502  to open when the clips  201  are applied to the rods  107 , and to return to their original position once the clip  201  has received the rod  107  to secure the rod thereto.  
      In operation, the camera  106  is attached to the kite  100  ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ) by securing the clips  201  to the rods  107 , as exemplified with one clip in  FIGS. 6-8 . More specifically, in  FIG. 6 , a user (not shown) moves the rod  107  and the clip  201  toward each other. In  FIG. 7 , the user applies downward (as viewed in  FIG. 7 ) force onto the rod  107  (and/or upward force on the clip  201 ) so that the rod  107  and the clip  201  engage each other and, the rod  107  acts as a wedge on the funnellers  512  to temporarily deform and open the lips  504  of the clip  201 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , with continued force, the hollow interior portion  502  of the clip  201  receives the rod  107  and the lips  504  close upon the rod  107  to secure the rod therein. The steps depicted by  FIGS. 6-8  are repeated for each of the four clips  201  and respective rod  107 . The camera  106  is then suitably set to automatically take pictures at predetermined points in time, such once every 10 seconds, once every minute, once every 5 minutes, or the like. The kite  100  is then flown in a conventional manner for a sufficient time to allow the camera  106  to take a desirable number of pictures pursuant to the settings on the camera  106 . Upon completion of flying of the kite  100 , the camera  106  is removed from the kite by removing the clips  201  from the rods  107  wherein the steps exemplified by  FIGS. 6-8  are essentially reversed with the application to the rod  107  of an upward (as viewed in  FIG. 5 ) force. Pictures are then retrieved from the camera  106  in a conventional manner.  
      In alternative embodiments of the invention, the camera  106  may be secured to the rods  107  located in a number of different locations on or within the kite  100 . For example,  FIG. 9  depicts a kite  900 , similar to the kite  100 , having cross support rods  907 , similar to the internal cross support rods  107 , that are attached to a substantially central position of the longitudinal rods  105 , and the camera  106  is secured to the rods  907  via the clips  201 , as discussed above. Operation of the kite  900  and camera  107  is similar to that described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-8 . An advantage of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  is a low polar moment of inertia relative to the embodiment of  FIGS. 108 .  
      In further alternative embodiments of the invention, the kite  100  may be configured as any of a number of different three-dimensional geometric shapes, or may comprise a number of cellular elements having any number of three-dimensional geometric shapes. For example, in  FIG. 10 , a kite  1000 , commonly referred to as a delta-box kite, is configured having a triangular shaped cellular element  1002 , with wings  1004  extending outwardly to enhance the stability and lift of the kite  1000 . A camera  106  is preferably attached to rods  107  extending inwardly within the kite  1000  in a manner similar to that described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . Operation of the kite  1000  is similar to the operation of the kite  100  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-9 .  
      In a further example, a kite may be configured having round or curved geometrical shapes, such as an elliptical shape, or as depicted in  FIG. 11 , a cylindrical shaped kite  1100 . In the kite  1100 , a camera  106  is preferably positioned within the kite and secured there via wires  1107  attached directly to sail material  1103 . Operation of the kite  1100  is similar to the operation of the kite  100  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-8 .  
      In still further alternative embodiments of the invention, the camera  106  may be sufficiently lightweight to permit attachment of the camera directly to the sail material  103 , rather than the rods  107 , of the kite  100 , to thereby reduce drag on the kite. By way of example but not limitation, the camera  106  may be positioned within a small pouch sewn into the sail material  103 , the camera may be sewn directly to the sail material  103 , or the camera may be attached to the sail via straps, an adhesive, or a hook-and-loop material, such as Velcro . As exemplified in  FIG. 14 , in a kite system  1400 , a camera  106  is preferably secured via Velcro® hook  1402  and loop  1404  (or hook  1404  and loop  1402 ) to a sail  103 . A tether  1406  is preferably connected between a point  1408  on the kite to a point  1410  on the camera  106  to retain the camera to the kite in case the means (e.g., Velcro®) for securing the camera to the kite fails. Operation of the kite system  1400  is substantially similar to the operation of the kites described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-11 .  
      In alternative embodiments, rather than securing the camera to rods  107  or  907  or sail material  103 , the camera  106  may be secured to strings, wires, web meshing, strips of kite material, poles, or other materials located at various places on, within, or proximate to the kite  100 . If the camera  106  is sufficiently lightweight, multiple cameras  106  may be secured to the kite  100  utilizing any of the techniques described herein. If a camera is positioned on one end of a kite, a counter weight equal to the weight of the camera may be positioned on an opposing end of the kite to balance the kite. Operation of such kites is similar to the operation of the kites described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-11 .  
      In still further alternative embodiments, the present invention may utilize a kite comprising any number of cellular elements, such as the triangular element  1002  ( FIG. 10 ). The kite may also utilize wings and/or flaps, aesthetic patterns and/or designs formed on the body or material of the kite, combined to form any of a number of different and more complex kite designs, artistic designs, and/or to impart particular flight characteristics (e.g., stability and lift) to a kite. The camera  106  may be coupled to the kite, for example, via wires or rods  107  or sail material  103 , positioned on or within any of the cellular elements of such a kite. Certain box kites may optionally include two or more separate cellular elements that are spaced apart from each other using, for example, string, poles, sail material, and the like. A double-box delta kite, well-known in the art, is such an example, in which two cellular elements are laterally separated by a substantially flat kite surface between them. A camera may optionally be secured to materials proximate to, or between, two or more cellular elements, such as to a flat portion between two cellular elements of a double box delta kite. Operation of such kites is similar to the operation of the kites described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-11 .  
       FIG. 12  depicts a further alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein two-way wireless communication is implemented between the camera  106  and a communication device operative at ground level to preferably facilitate remote control and monitoring of the camera by a user on the ground. As shown in  FIG. 12 , a system  1200  comprises an embodiment of a kite and camera  106  similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , but for also including a wireless communication device  1202  coupled to the camera  106 . It is understood that the kite and camera configuration of  FIG. 12  may alternatively comprise any of the configurations described above. The device  1202  is preferably coupled to a wire antenna  1204  to which the string  101  is attached and restrained at an opposite end thereof by a user  1206 . A ground level communication device  1208 , effective for wireless communication with the aerial communication device  1202 , is depicted in  FIG. 12  as being held by the user  1206 , though it could be positioned at any location proximate to the user, such as on a table. The ground level communication device  1208  includes an antenna  1210  and preferably comprises a handheld LCD screen, such as on a cell phone or a Gameboy® device, but may comprise any electronic processor device effective for wireless communications, such as a laptop computer, or the like. The wireless communication medium is preferably radio frequency (RF), though infra red (IR) may alternatively be used. In a first embodiment of the system  1200 , the ground level communication device  1208  is preferably configured for transmitting signals, via the antennas  1204  and  1210 , to the aerial communication device  1202  to indicate when a picture should be taken. Upon receipt of such signal, the device  1202  actuates the camera  106  to take a picture. It is considered that the actuation of the camera by a device such as the aerial communication device  106  (using e.g., actuators such as servos) would be apparent to a person skilled in the art upon a reading of the present disclosure, and therefore is not described in further detail herein. In a second embodiment of the system  1200 , the camera preferably generates images (e.g., still or video images, optionally at a lower resolution than the image that would be recorded by the camera  106 ) to the aerial communication device  1202 , which device  1202  then transmits the images, via the antennas  1204  and  1210 , to the ground communication device  1208 , which device  1208  reproduces the image for viewing by the user  1206 . In a preferred embodiment of the system  1200 , both the first and second embodiments are enabled, and the system  1200  is configured for communicating relatively low-resolution images (still and/or video), and in operation, the user  1206  views images transmitted from the aerial communication device  1202  to the ground communication device  1208 , and then transmits a signal, via the communication devices  1202  and  1208 , back to the camera  106  when a relatively high-resolution version of the image being viewed by the user should be recorded by the camera  106 . In an alternate preferred embodiment of the system  1200 , both the first and second embodiments are enabled, and the system  1200  is configured for communicating relatively high-resolution images (still and/or video), and in operation, relatively high-resolution images are transmitted from the aerial communication device  1202  to the ground communication device  1208 , and all or selected ones of such images are recorded by the ground communication device  1208  or a memory (not shown) coupled to the ground communication device  1208 , thereby rendering unnecessary the need for memory components in the camera  106 , and significantly enhancing the number of images that may be taken and recorded, while simplifying the camera  106  and memory and power demands for the camera. Operation of the system  1200  is otherwise similar to the operation of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-11 .  
       FIG. 13  illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein substantially all components needed to needed for assembling a kite with a camera for taking aerial photographs are provided in a kit  1300 . More specifically, the kit  1300  preferably includes a container  1302  into which are packaged a kite  1304 , a camera  1306 , and fastening means  1310  for fastening the camera  1306  to the kite  1304 . The kite  1302  is depicted as a collapsed box kite, though any of any of a number of different types of kites may be included in the kit, such kites including, by way of example but not limitation, a flat kite, a delta box kite, a cellular kite, a cylindrical kite, a bowed kite, a dihedral kite, a sled kite, a cellular kite, and a parafoil kite. The camera  1306  is preferably similar to the camera  106 , and as such, may embody a digital or film still camera and/or a video camera. The fasteners  1310  may include, by way of example but not limitation, at least one of the clips  201 , pockets on the sail material, string, adhesive, straps, a Picavet, a pendulum, hook-and-loop material, magnets, wire and/or the like. Assembly instructions and a variety of optional accessories  1312 , such as glue or the like, may be included with the kite  1304  and camera  1306 . The container  1302  may comprise a box, a bag, shrink wrap, molded form-fitting plastic, and/or the like. The kite  1304  and camera  1306  components of the kit  1300  may be bundled together into one container  1302 , or alternatively, the components may be sold in separate packages or modules of a set. Separate components or modular packaging would be advantageous if, for example, a user preferred to purchase or return only one of the components of the kite aerial photography assembly, or preferred to mix and match different combinations of kites  1304  and cameras  1306 . Separate or modular packaging would also enable users to select varying levels of quality and cost of a kite  1304  and/or camera  1306 . Kits may exclude a camera, but include a kite configured for receiving any of a number of different cameras that a user may prefer to use for aerial photography. For example, a kite may include a pouch on a sail configured for receiving a camera, or a container configured for receiving a camera and affixed to structural members of the kite. Kits may include substantially only parts and components necessary to secure a camera to a kite. The kits  1300  may come completely assembled and ready to fly, or may require some assembly, including the use of outside materials such as glue or string. Kits may also include wireline or wireless communication devices as described above with respect to  FIG. 12 . Operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 13  would include assembly and, otherwise, would be similar as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-12 .  
      It is understood that the present invention may take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For example, rather than using clips, the camera may be secured to the kite via any fastener, adhesive, hook-and-loop material (e.g., Velcro®), magnets, or the like, and/or may be permanently attached to the rods  107  and removably attached to the camera, or the clips or fasteners or the like may be permanently attached both the kite  100  (e.g., the rods  107 ) and the camera  106 , or could be removably attached to both the kite  100  and the camera  106 . A camera may provided as a standalone product with means for securing the camera to any type of kite, such means including adhesive, Velcro®, fasteners, and the like. In another example, the camera  106  may be tethered to a kite, such as the kite  100 , so that if fasteners (e.g., the clips  201 ) fail to secure the camera to the kite (e.g., during strong winds), then the camera will not fall to the ground, which could not only result in damage to the camera, but possibly also injury to persons and/or property and associated liability. Payloads other than a camera could also be carried up with the kite, such payloads including but not limited to paper or model airplanes or gliders, and the like. Lights may be provided for illuminating the kite during flight at night. The kite  100  and camera  106  may also be provided with vibration reduction mechanisms to stabilize and/or control the camera and what it photographs, similar to existing technology used in many camera lenses and video cameras. The tether  101  may comprise a pair of wires, and the communication described with respect to  FIG. 1200  may be effectuated through the wires, rather than wirelessly.  
      Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.