Patent Publication Number: US-7581325-B1

Title: Optical sight

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This nonprovisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/931,265, filed May 22, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to optical sights. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical sight that may be used to determine whether a particular device or a component of a device is at a predetermined angle with respect to a given plane. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Archery is a test of the mind and the body where minute changes are greatly amplified by the distance, speed, and environment down range. The skilled archer must maintain proper mental composure, skill the body and square the frame in order to be successful. It is essential, therefore, an archer keep the bow both on target and on level to maximize accuracy and precision. 
   To assist the archer in aiming, a sight is frequently employed, often in conjunction with a traditional bubble level attachment. Used properly, the archer is able to physically aim and square the bow prior to release. 
   Similar targeting measures are taken in numerous ranged applications, such as sports. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   However, known optical sights, and in particular, leveling devices, generally require the user to focus either on the sight (or leveling device) or the target. Unfortunately, it is common for a user to first focus on the sight (or leveling device) and any shift focus to the target. When focus is shifted to the target, it is quite easy for the user to shift off of level/plane without realizing it. 
   Thus, the present invention relates generally to an improved optical sight that is based on the principles of induced alignment, occlusive geometry, and human visual perception. The present invention exploits all for a significant product and process improvement upon existing sights. A working sample is described herein in the form of an archery sight, though the governing design and tenants are widely applicable to most targeting applications. 
   In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the optical sight of the present invention includes at least some of a reference housing, a reference point, and an eclipsed item. 
   Induced alignment. As described herein, when the eclipsed item is occluded, indicating proper alignment, an inherently obvious sight picture is presented to the user. Alignment is induced by a constant or quasi-constant force or phenomena(ae). In the sample, this force is gravity, but may be any capable force such as electromagnetic, phototropic, or the like. 
   Occlusive geometry. In various exemplary embodiments, the reference housing and the eclipsed object may be of arbitrary geometry, such that it is wholly or partially occluded from the user&#39;s view at an arbitrary length. In many instances, the reference housing and the eclipsed object may share identical geometry, but this need not be so given scaling, perception, materials, and design aesthetics to produce the desired effect of an inherently clear target picture when the sight is level and on target. 
   Human visual perception. The human eye is famously sensitive to motion under even poor lighting conditions. When used properly, the optical sight of the present invention provides an inherently clear target picture when the sight is level and on target, and provides an instantly accessible indication and comprehensible feedback for corrective action when desired conditions are not met. High-contrast, low light, illumination, and visual aids supplement any and all design aspects and parts. 
   Accordingly, this invention provides an optical sight of improved design. 
   This invention separately provides a sight, which is capable of having one or more reference point sights. 
   This invention separately provides an optical sight, which can be retrofitted to an existing device. 
   These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  shows an exploded perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention; 
       FIG. 3A  shows a front view of the first exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the eclipsed ring indicates that the reference housing is canted approximately 5 degrees from a vertical axis; 
       FIG. 3B  shows a rear view of the first exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the eclipsed ring indicates that the reference housing is canted approximately 5 degrees from a vertical axis; 
       FIG. 4A  shows a front view of the first exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the eclipsed ring indicates that the reference housing is aligned with a vertical axis; 
       FIG. 4B  shows a rear view of the first exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the eclipsed ring indicates that the reference housing is aligned with a vertical axis; 
       FIG. 5A  shows a front view of the first exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the eclipsed ring indicates that the reference housing is canted approximately −5 degrees from a vertical axis; 
       FIG. 5B  shows a rear view of the first exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the eclipsed ring indicates that the reference housing is canted approximately −5 degrees from a vertical axis; 
       FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical line V of the optical sight of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , illustrating a first exemplary reference aperture according to this invention; 
       FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical line V of the optical sight of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , illustrating a second exemplary reference aperture according to this invention; 
       FIG. 8A  shows a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the eclipsed ring includes an embedded weight element; 
       FIG. 8B  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the optical sight of  FIG. 8A , illustrating the embedded weight element; 
       FIG. 9A  shows a rear view of another exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the eclipsed ring includes a pendulum weight element; 
       FIG. 9B  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the optical sight of  FIG. 8A , illustrating the pendulum weight element; 
       FIG. 10  shows a rear view of another exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the pivot point is repositioned and the eclipsed ring includes a pendulum counterbalance; 
       FIG. 11  shows a rear view of another exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the pivot point is repositioned and the eclipsed ring includes an attached counterbalance; 
       FIG. 12A  shows a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the pivot point is positioned within a pivot housing; 
       FIG. 12B  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of the optical sight of  FIG. 12A , illustrating the pivot housing; 
       FIG. 13  shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the optical sight includes a plurality of reference points; 
       FIG. 14  shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein an alternate geometry is displayed; 
       FIG. 15  shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein an alternate housing attachment means is displayed; 
       FIG. 16  shows an exploded perspective view of an additional exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein an alternate pivot pin configuration is displayed; 
       FIG. 17A  shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the eclipsed ring comprises a substantially different geometry to the geometry of the reference housing and wherein the eclipsed ring indicates that the reference housing is aligned with a vertical axis; and 
       FIG. 17B  shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the optical sight of  FIG. 17A , wherein the eclipsed ring indicates that the reference housing is canted approximately 5 degrees from a vertical axis. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
   For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operating principles of the optical sight according to this invention are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of an optical sight according to this invention. The basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of the optical sight are applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the optical sight of this invention. 
   It should also be appreciated that, as used herein, the terms “sight” and/or “archery sight” are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Therefore, the terms “sight” and/or “archery sight” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Thus, the terms “sight” and/or “archery sight” are to be understood to broadly include any instrument or device to aid in aligning a device with a target. For example, the terms “sight” and/or “archery sight” are to be understood to broadly include any strip, bead, crosshair, notch and post combination, and/or any other traditional or non-traditional instrument or device that is used to aid in aligning a device with a target, i.e., an electronic representation of such. 
   It should be appreciated that the optical sight or occlusion ring can be adapted to many applications where the presence of a “level” or alignment to a particular angle is needed. For example, the optical sight or occlusion ring of the present invention can be used in conjunction with gun sights, gun scopes, bow sights, compass roses, surveying equipment, and any other device used for determining direction or orientation, or where ready visual feedback of such may be of interest. 
   While various exemplary optical sights are described as being utilized in combination with an archer&#39;s bow, it should be appreciated that the optical sight of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with any object, instrument, or device that must be aligned with a particular target. Thus, it should be understood that the specific application of the optical sight as illustrated herein is merely for exemplary purposes and the optical sight could be used with devices of other types. 
   Turning now to the drawing figures,  FIGS. 1-6  show a first exemplary embodiment of an optical sight  100  according to this invention. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , the optical sight  100  comprises at least some of a reference housing  110  having a reference housing aperture  112  formed within the reference housing  110 , a reference point  120 , an eclipsed ring  130  having an eclipsed ring aperture  132  formed within the eclipsed ring  130 , and a pivot pin  150 . 
   In various exemplary embodiments, the reference housing  110  is an elongate, cylindrical container, of an arbitrary geometry. When viewed on end, the reference housing  110  allows visualization of the reference point  120  (i.e., the sight) and a target, through the reference housing aperture  112 . In various exemplary embodiments, the reference housing  110  is a black ring or tunnel with reference point  120  mounted at its center. 
   The reference housing  110  extends from a first side surface  114  to a second side surface  116 . The first side surface  114  faces a user looking through the reference aperture  112 , while the second side surface  116  faces away from the user, toward a target. 
   In various exemplary embodiments, the reference point  120  is mounted or suspended at the center of the reference housing aperture  112  of the reference housing  110 . In various exemplary embodiments, the reference point  120  comprises a sight, such as, for example, a pin sight. The pin sight is widely used in numerous fashions for targeting. In various exemplary embodiments, the reference point  120  comprises a fiber optic filament set atop a machined metal pin. In this manner, the reference point  120  remains at a fixed location within the reference aperture  112 . 
   It should be appreciated that any known or later developed sight or targeting device may be used to provide the fixed sight or reference point  120 . 
   The eclipsed ring  130  comprises an item having a similar geometry to the reference housing  110 . However, it should be appreciated that the eclipsed ring  130  may comprise an arbitrary geometry that differs from the reference housing  110 . The eclipsed ring  130  extends from a first side surface  134  to a second side surface  136 . The first side surface  134  faces generally towards the reference housing and towards a user looking through the reference aperture  112 , while the second side surface  136  faces away from the user, toward a target. 
   In various exemplary embodiments, the pivot point  150  is used to couple the eclipsed ring  130  to the reference housing  110 . The pivot pin  150  may be positioned in an arbitrary position about the reference housing  110  and eclipsed ring  130 . However, the pivot pin  150  allows for the semi or completely independent motion of the eclipsed ring  130  relative to the reference housing  110 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the pivot point  150  may comprise, for example, a machine or other screw. In various exemplary embodiments, the pivot pin  150  includes a smooth portion  152 , formed in a section of the pivot pin  150  that will come in contact with the pivot aperture  134  of the eclipsed ring  130 . By including the optional smooth portion  152 , the eclipsed ring  130  is able to pivot, more easily, around the pivot pin  150 . 
   In certain exemplary embodiments, bearings  135  may be included within the pivot aperture  134 . Such bearings  135 , if included, further aid in the free rotation of the eclipsed ring  130  about the pivot pin  150 . 
   An optional spacer  140  is positioned around the pivot pin  150 , between the reference housing  110  and the eclipsed ring  130 . The optional spacer  140 , if included, acts to separate the second side surface  116  of the reference housing  110  from the first side surface  134  of the eclipsed ring  130 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 12B , it should be appreciated that a portion of the pivot pin  150  may be partially or completely recessed within the second side surface  136  of the eclipsed ring  130 . While not shown, it should also be appreciated that a portion of the spacer  140  may be partially or completely recessed within the first side surface  134  of the eclipsed ring  130  and/or the second side surface  116  of the reference housing  110 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , in various exemplary embodiments, a pivot pin  150 ′ may extend from the reference housing  110  in these exemplary embodiments, the eclipsed ring  130  is secured to the pivot pin  150 ′ via a securing nut  154 . It should also be appreciated that the pivot pin may extend from the eclipsed ring  130  to the secured to or within the reference housing  110 . 
   The first side surface  134  of the eclipsed ring  130  is shaped such that when the eclipsed ring  130  is pivotably coupled, via the pivot pin  150 , to the reference housing  110 , one or more surface preparations  138  on the first side surface  134  of the eclipsed ring  130  is/are occluded by at least a portion of the second side surface  116  of the reference housing  110  when the reference housing  110  and the eclipsed ring  130  are aligned. When the reference housing  110  and the eclipsed ring  130  are not aligned, one or more of the surface preparations  138  of the eclipsed ring  130  are no longer occluded by the reference housing  110 , but are visible to a user looking through the reference aperture  112 . 
   Thus, when the surface preparations  138  of the eclipsed ring  130  are occluded by the reference housing  110 , a user is assured that the reference point  120 , and by extension, the device on which the optical sight is mounted, it is at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane. 
   In various exemplary embodiments, the one or more surface preparations  138  may include, for example, a color that contrasts a color present on at least a portion of the first side surface  114  of the reference housing  110  and/or within the reference aperture  112 , a texture or other surface preparation or feature that contrasts the texture or surface preparation of at least a portion of the first side surface  114  of the reference housing  110  and/or the reference aperture  112 , and/or a pattern that contrasts a pattern appearing on at least a portion of the first side surface  114  of the reference housing  110  and/or the reference aperture  112 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5A , the eclipsed ring  130  may comprise a ring of substantially the same inside and outside diameter as the reference housing  110 . The eclipsed ring  130  may, for example, have a black exterior and interior, with a white (or other visually distinguished contrast color or texture) portion formed on the first side surface  134  of the eclipsed ring  130 . 
   The housing attachment means  160  is used to attach or couple the reference housing  110  to a device, such as, for example, a bow. As illustrated, the attachment means  160  may comprise a threaded rod. Alternatively, the attachment means  160  may comprise a bracket, quick disconnect, or other device, which provides means for attaching or coupling the reference housing  110  to a device such as a bow (not shown). In various exemplary embodiments, the attachment means  160  may comprise one or more screws, rivets, snap-together parts, eyelets, or any other known or later developed means for permanently or removably attaching or coupling the reference housing  110  to a host device. 
   In various exemplary embodiments, at least certain components of the optical sight  100  are substantially rigid and are formed of a polymeric material such as a polymeric composite. Alternate materials of construction may include one or more of the following: steel, aluminum, titanium, and/or other metals, as well as various alloys and composites thereof, glass-hardened polymers, polymer or fiber reinforced metals, carbon fiber or glass fiber composites, continuous fibers in combination with thermoset and thermoplastic resins, chopped glass or carbon fibers used for injection molding compounds, laminate glass or carbon fiber, epoxy laminates, woven glass fiber laminates, impregnate fibers, polyester resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyimide resins, cyanate resins, high-strength plastics, nylon, glass, or polymer fiber reinforced plastics, thermoform and/or thermoset sheet materials, and/or various combinations of the foregoing. Thus, it should be understood that the material or materials used to form the components of the optical sight  100  is a design choice based on the desired appearance and/or functionality of the optical sight, and are not limited to the aforementioned listing. 
     FIGS. 3A-5A  illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the optical sight  100 , in use. In  FIGS. 3A-5B ,  FIGS. 3A ,  4 A, and  5 A show a front view of the optical sight  100  while  FIGS. 3B ,  4 B, and  5 B show a rear view of the optical sight  100 . It should be appreciated that the front view illustrates the optical sight  100  as viewed by a user looking through the reference aperture  112 , while the rearview illustrates the optical sight  100  as viewed from a target. 
   When the optical sight  100  is assembled, as described above, the weight of the eclipsed ring  130  and the position of the pivot aperture  134  and pivot pin  150  gravity causes the eclipsed ring  130  to naturally rest at a vertical position, as indicated by the reference line “V”. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , when the reference housing  110  is canted approximately 5 degrees from a vertical axis “V”, as indicated by the reference line “R”, because an attached device is canted counterclockwise from a desired position, at least a portion of the one or more surface preparations  138  on the first side surface  134  of the eclipsed ring  130  is/are visible within the reference aperture  112 , thereby indicating to a user that the attached device is not oriented at a desired, predetermined position that would result in the reference housing  110  being positioned at a vertical orientation. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , when the reference housing  110  is at the predetermined vertical position, because an attached device is oriented at a desired position, the one or more surface preparations  138  on the first side surface  134  of the eclipsed ring  130  is/are not visible within the reference aperture  112 , thereby indicating to a user that the attached device is oriented at a desired, predetermined position that would result in the reference housing  110  being positioned at a vertical orientation. 
   Thus, when properly mounted and aimed, the reference point  120  can be placed on a target, and the user-facing surface preparations  138  of the eclipsed ring  130  will be completely eclipsed by at least a portion of the reference aperture  112  to form an accurate target picture. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , when the reference housing  110  is canted approximately −5 degrees from a vertical axis “V”, as indicated by the reference line “R”, because an attached device is canted clockwise from a desired position, at least a portion of the one or more surface preparations  138  on the first side surface  134  of the eclipsed ring  130  is/are visible within the reference aperture  112 , thereby indicating to a user that the attached device is not oriented at a desired, predetermined position that would result in the reference housing  110  being positioned at a vertical orientation. 
   Thus, during operation of the optical sight  100 , when the surface preparations  138  on the first side surface  134  of the eclipsed ring  130  are occluded, either in whole or in part, as denoted by the surface preparations  138  on the first side surface  134  of the eclipsed ring  130 , the user will, inherently, have a clear indication the bow or other targeted device is oriented at a predetermined angle or position, i.e., is level. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , one or more optical lenses  180  may be included within the reference aperture  112 . If included, the lens(es)  180  can provide magnification to the optical sight  100 . While not shown, it should be appreciated that one or more optical lenses may be included within the eclipsed ring aperture  132 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the reference housing  110  may be formed of substantially parallel interior walls that provide a substantially cylindrically shaped reference aperture  112 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a reference housing  110 ′ may include divergent walls that provide a substantially conically shaped reference aperture  112 . 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B  show a rear view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the optical sight  100 , wherein the eclipsed ring  130  includes an embedded weight element  170 . If included, the weight element  170  is embedded within the eclipsed ring  130  so as to add additional weight to further ensure that the eclipsed ring  130  naturally pivots to a desired position. It should be appreciated that the weight element  170 , or the pivot pin  150 , may be positioned such that the eclipsed ring  130  naturally pivots to a vertical position or to any other desired angular position. 
     FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a rear view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of an optical sight  100  according to this invention. As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a pendulum weight element  172  suspends from the eclipsed ring  130 . If included, the pendulum weight element  172  extends from the eclipsed ring  130  so as to add additional weight to further ensure that the eclipsed ring  130  naturally pivots to a desired position. It should be appreciated that the pendulum weight element  172 , or the pivot pin  150 , may be positioned such that the eclipsed ring  130  naturally pivots to a vertical position or to any other desired angular position. 
   As also illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , optional stops  118  may be included to keep the pendulum weight element  172 , and the eclipsed ring  130 , from rotating or pivoting beyond predetermined points, as defined the optional stops  118 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the pivot pin  150 , and thus the pivot point of the eclipsed ring  130  may be repositioned. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the pivot pin  150  is positioned at approximately a three o&#39;clock position on the eclipsed ring  130 , as opposed to being positioned at approximately a twelve o&#39;clock position on the eclipsed ring  130 . In order to maintain a desired, natural rotational position of the eclipsed ring  130 , a pendulum counterbalanced  172 ′ extends from the eclipsed ring  130 . It should be appreciated that the weight of the counterbalance  172 ′ and the distance of the counterbalance  172 ′ from the pivot point of the eclipsed ring  130  is a design choice based upon the weight of the eclipsed ring  130  and the relative position of the pivot pin  150 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 11 , the pivot pin  150  is again positioned at approximately a three o&#39;clock position on the eclipsed ring  130 , as in  FIG. 10 . However, as shown in  FIG. 11 , in order to maintain a desired, natural rotational position of the eclipsed ring  130 , a weighted counterbalanced  173  is attached or coupled to the eclipsed ring  130 . It should be appreciated that the weight of the counterbalance  173  and the position of the counterbalance  173  relative to the pivot point of the eclipsed ring  130  is a design choice based upon the weight of the eclipsed ring  130  and the relative position of the pivot pin  150 . 
     FIGS. 12A and 12B  show a rear view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the pivot point and the pivot pin  150  are positioned within a pivot housing. In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the eclipsed ring  130  includes an extended portion  131  and the reference housing  110  includes extended portion  111 , which provide for receipt of the pivot pin  150 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the extended portions  131  and  111  are formed integral to the eclipsed ring  130  and the reference housing  110 , respectively. Alternatively, the pivot housing may be formed of separate components that are attached or coupled to the eclipsed ring  130  and the reference housing  110 . 
   It should be appreciated that while the optical sight  100  has been described as having a single reference point  120  positioned within the reference aperture  112 , multiple reference points may be positioned within the reference aperture  112 . Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a plurality of reference points, such as, for example,  120 ,  120 ′, and  120 ″ may be included within the reference aperture  112 . Additionally, it should be appreciated that the reference point(s) may be attached or suspended to a post or other element having a substantially horizontal, vertical, or other angular orientation. 
   Additionally, it should be appreciated that the overall size and shape of the reference housing  110  and/or the eclipsed ring  130  is a design choice based upon the desired functionality and/or appearance of the optical sight  100 . Thus, while the optical sight  100  has been shown and described essentially as having a circular reference housing  110  and eclipsed ring  130 , the overall size and shape of the reference housing  110  and/or the eclipsed ring  130  may vary. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the optical sight  100  may have, for example, a substantially diamond shaped reference housing  210  and eclipsed ring. However, it should be appreciated that the overall size and shape of the elements of the optical sight  100  are not to be limited to the relative sizes and shapes illustrated and any size, shape, or orientation may be used to produce the elements of the optical sight of this invention. 
   In certain exemplary embodiments, the housing attachment means  160  is not included and, instead, an alternate means for attaching or coupling the reference housing  110  to a device is used. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , an alternate housing attachment means  162  is displayed. As shown, the housing attachment means  162  is similar to a traditional scope ring adapted to be fitted to a groove or rail mounting system, such as, for example, a Picatinny rail. In this manner, the reference housing  110  can be mounted on any number of devices. 
     FIGS. 17A and 17B  show front views of an exemplary embodiment of an optical sight according to this invention, wherein the eclipsed ring  330  comprises a substantially different geometry to the geometry of the reference housing  110 . As illustrated in  FIG. 17A , the eclipsed ring  330  is aligned with the reference housing  110  indicating that optical sight is properly aligned along a vertical axis. 
   In  FIG. 17B , the optical sight is canted approximately 5 degrees from a vertical axis. Thus, as illustrated, certain portions of the eclipsed ring  330  are visible outside of the reference housing  110 . 
   While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting and the fundamental design should not be considered to be necessarily so constrained. Various changes, modifications, and/or adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.