Patent Publication Number: US-8967830-B1

Title: Holiday hoop decor systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/611,963, filed Mar. 16, 2012 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of basketball hoop decoration assemblies and more specifically relates to a holiday hoop décor system comprising a décor support and lighting frame assembly which may be removably installable to a backboard of a basketball hoop for displaying a décor cover comprising a holiday or seasonal display. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many households have a basketball hoop of some sort, whether it has a stand or is mounted on a roof. Unfortunately, many of these basketball hoops are no longer in use, serve no functional purpose, and are simply an eyesore. Other basketball hoops go for an entire season without use because they cannot be used in the winter months. Many decorations may not fold up for compact storage, making them difficult to store when not in use. Individuals who enjoy decorating for the holidays are always looking for new and creative methods of expressing their holiday spirit, and would benefit from a product that allows them to transform any basketball hoop into a king size, outdoor decoration. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,189 to James M. Morris et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,938 to Mark C. Wiedner; 2010/0298075 to David L. Paslay et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,373 to Anthony G. Grinwald et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,727 to Andre L. Edge et al; and D447,195 to Mark C. Wiedner et al. This prior art is representative of decorative hoop displays. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     Ideally, a holiday hoop décor system should provide a frame assembly which may be removably installable to a backboard of a basketball hoop for displaying a thematic display. Thus, a need exists for a reliable holiday hoop décor system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known hoop décor art, the present invention provides a novel holiday hoop décor system comprising a décor support and lighting frame assembly and a cover assembly for transforming virtually any type of basketball hoop into a lighted holiday-themed decoration. The holiday hoop décor system comprises a frame and decorative cover to provide a king-size decoration to any home with a basketball hoop. The ease of the holiday hoop décor system makes it possible to install and take down in minutes a giant-sized decoration, allowing individuals to swap decorations often, or still use the basketball hoop for recreation in-between holidays. When not in use, the holiday hoop décor system may fold down easily for compact storage. The holiday hoop décor system may serve to eliminate the eyesore from any basketball hoop in a yard, especially those that are no longer in use, while offering up enthusiastic and enjoyable decorations everyone can appreciate. Individuals who love to decorate may appreciate the holiday spirit the holiday hoop décor system provides 
     A holiday hoop décor system for use with a backboard of a basketball hoop in a preferred embodiment may comprise a décor support and lighting frame assembly and a cover assembly. The décor support and lighting frame assembly may comprise a first-arm member, a second-arm member, a head member, a center bar, a first-frame support, a second-frame support, a plurality of electrical wires, a power plug, and a control switch. The first-arm member may comprise a first-arm member disc comprising opaque plastic, a first-arm member light panel including at least one LED having a clear plastic lens, a first-arm member “T” connector, and a first-arm member pivoter. The second-arm member may comprise a second-arm member disc comprising opaque plastic, a second-arm member light panel including the at least one LED having the clear plastic lens, a second-arm member “T” connector, and a second-arm member pivoter. The head member may comprise a head member disc comprising opaque plastic, a head member light panel including the at least one LED having the clear plastic lens, and a head member “T” connector. The center bar may have a first-end, a mid-point, and a second-end. The first-frame support may comprise padding and may have a first-distal end and a first-proximal end. The first-frame support may further comprise a first-frame support retaining strap and a first-frame support retaining strap receiver. The second-frame support may comprise padding having a second-distal end and a second-proximal end. The second-frame support may further comprise a second-frame support retaining strap and a second-frame support retaining strap receiver. The power plug may plug into an electric outlet for providing power to the system, and the control switch may be activated by a user for turning on the system. 
     The cover assembly may comprise a décor-cover formed of rip-stop nylon, and a plurality of fasteners for securing the décor-cover to the décor support and lighting frame assembly once installed to the backboard of the basketball hoop. 
     With reference to the first-arm member, there is a first-disc-receiving end and a first-connecting end. The first-disc-receiving end of the first-arm member also comprises a first-groove which is slidable into a first-receiving slot of said first-arm member disc. The first-receiving slot further comprises a nipple which may serve to guide the first-groove of the first-arm member into the first-receiving slot of the first-arm member disc. The first-arm member disc is lockable and unlockable in place via a clockwise rotation and a counter-clockwise rotation about the nipple respectively. The first-arm member light panel is integrally installed within a hollow confine of the first-arm member near the first-disc-receiving end. The first-arm member pivots upwardly approximately 50-60 degrees via the first-arm member pivoter for orienting the first-arm member disc to simulate an appearance of a raised left arm of the décor-cover. The first-arm member light panel illuminates the décor-cover for simulating a glow around the raised left-arm. The first-connecting end of the first-arm member is connectible to the first-end of the center bar via the first-arm member “T” connector. The first-arm member pivoter enables the first-arm member to pivot left and right about an axis 
     With reference to the second-arm member, there is a second-disc-receiving end and a second-connecting end. The second-disc-receiving end of the second-arm member also comprises a second-groove which is slidable into a second-receiving slot of said second-arm member disc. The second-receiving slot further comprises the nipple which may serve to guide the second-groove of the second-arm member into the second-receiving slot of the second-arm member disc, similar to the first-arm member. The second-arm member disc is lockable and unlockable in place via a clockwise rotation and a counter-clockwise rotation about the nipple respectively. The second-arm member light panel is integrally installed within a hollow confine of the second-arm member near the second-disc-receiving end. The second-arm member pivots upwardly approximately 50-60 degrees via the second-arm member pivoter for orienting the second-arm member disc to simulate an appearance of a raised right arm of the décor-cover. The second-arm member light panel illuminates the décor-cover for simulating a glow around the raised left-arm. The second-connecting end of the second-arm member is connectible to the second-end of the center bar via the second-arm member “T” connector. The second-arm member pivoter enables the second-arm member to pivot left and right about an axis. 
     With reference to the head member, there is a head-disc-receiving end and a head-connecting end. The head-disc-receiving end of the head member also comprises a head-groove which is slidable into a head-receiving slot of said head member disc. The head-receiving slot further comprises the nipple which may serve to guide the head-groove of the head member into the head-receiving slot of the head member disc, similar to the first-arm member and second-arm member. The head member disc is lockable and unlockable in place via a clockwise rotation and a counter-clockwise rotation about the nipple respectively. The head member light panel is integrally installed within a hollow confine of the head member near the head-disc-receiving end. The head member light panel illuminates the décor-cover for simulating a glow around a head area. The head-connecting end of the head member is connectible to the mid-point of the center bar via the head member “T” connector. 
     For assembly, the first-proximal end of the first-frame support is connectible to the first-arm member “T” connector such that the first-frame support is perpendicular to the center bar. The first-frame support retaining strap is attached to the first-distal end of the first-frame support. The first-frame support retaining strap receiver is attached to the first-arm member “T” connector such that the first-frame support retaining strap receiver is substantially parallel to the first-frame support. The second-proximal end of the second-frame support is connectible to the second-arm member “T” connector such that the second-frame support is perpendicular to the center bar. The second-frame support retaining strap is attached to the second-distal end of the second-frame support. The second-frame support retaining strap receiver is attached to the second-arm member “T” connector such that the second-frame support retaining strap receiver is substantially parallel to the second-frame support. 
     To power the system, the plurality of electrical wires may connect the power plug to the first-arm member light panel, the second-arm member light panel, and the head member light panel. Further, the control switch is provided for activating the power plug, and the power plug serves to provide illuminating power to the first-arm member light panel, the second-arm member light panel, and the head member light panel. The first-arm member light panel, the second-arm member light panel, and the head member light panel each comprises at least one LED having a clear plastic lens. Preferably, the first-arm member disc, the second-arm member disc, and the head member disc are formed of opaque plastic and the décor support and lighting frame assembly is installable to the backboard of the existing basketball hoop via the first-frame support and the second-frame support. 
     The holiday hoop décor system may comprise a kit which may include at least one the décor support and lighting frame assembly and at least one the cover assembly. It should be noted that the décor cover of the cover assembly may take a variety of forms, such as Santa Clause, Uncle Sam, Easter Bunny, a Halloween figure, and many more. 
     A method of use for a holiday hoop décor system may comprise the steps of installing a décor support and lighting frame assembly to a backboard of a basketball hoop, adjusting a first-arm member and a second-arm member of the décor support and lighting frame assembly, placing a décor cover over the décor support and lighting frame, and activating a control switch for illumination. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a holiday hoop décor system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, holiday hoop décor systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a holiday hoop décor system during an ‘in-use’ condition comprising a décor cover which is positioned over a décor support and lighting frame assembly installed to a backboard of a basketball hoop according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the décor support and lighting frame assembly of the holiday hoop décor system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the décor support and lighting frame assembly of the holiday hoop décor system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are close-up perspective views illustrating a top angle and a side angle of a first-arm member comprising a first-arm member light panel which may be slidably insertable into a first-arm member disc according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows various designs of a décor cover such as a holiday character or a seasonal display of the holiday hoop décor system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view illustrating the holiday hoop décor system during an ‘in-use’ condition comprising the décor support and lighting frame assembly installed to a backboard of a non-in ground basketball hoop according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a holiday hoop décor system and more particularly to a frame assembly and a specially designed cover which may be used in conjunction with a basketball hoop for providing a novel holiday and seasonal display. 
     Generally speaking, the holiday hoop décor system may comprise a decorative frame and cover that transforms a basketball hoop into a themed holiday decoration. The holiday hoop décor system may comprise two distinct parts: the frame, and the decorative cover. The frame may be constructed from heavy-duty light-weight plastic, approximately ¾″ thick, and features two “arms” and a “head” which can lock into three discs at the ends constructed from opaque plastic. The poles of the head and arms located inside the discs can have an area containing LED lights, with panels available for opening and changing bulbs when necessary. Two sets of “forks” allow the frame to fit securely over the backboard, and are padded to prevent damage to the backboard. The pole that connects the two arms can also be well padded, and positioned slightly in front of the forks to allow fan-shaped backboards to fit through the frame and rest on the well-padded elbows that connect the two front and back forks. Elastic-type bands can be attached to the end of the forks, and can be pulled tightly under and around the backboard and secured, either via hook-and-loop fasteners or a locking mechanism, in order to keep the entire frame snug around the backboard. An electrical plug can extend out from the center of the horizontal pole attached to the head, which when plugged in can light the three LED lights in the head and hands. When not in use, the arm poles fold up for compact storage. 
     Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , holiday hoop décor system  100  during ‘in-use’ condition  150  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown, holiday hoop décor system  100  may comprise décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  and cover assembly  110 . As shown, décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  may be installed to basketball hoop  105  that is in-ground on a driveway of a private residence. Décor cover  115  of cover assembly  110  may be placed around décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  and secured thereto via a plurality of fasteners. Once installed and décor cover  115  is in position, user  140  may plug in power plug  175  into an electric outlet and activate control switch  280  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) for causing illumination  120  to glow from a head and arm region of décor cover  115 . This may provide an aesthetically pleasing visual effect during the night. 
     In a preferred embodiment, décor cover  115  may comprise rip-stop nylon. This may provide for longer use of décor cover  115  by protecting against accident tearing and weather damage. Alternatively, décor cover  115  may comprise plastic, vinyl, or other light-weight, flexible material. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , illustrating a perspective view of décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  of holiday hoop décor systems  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . As shown, décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  may comprise first-arm member  202 , second-arm member  216 , head member  232 , center bar  245  having a first-end, a mid-point, and a second-end, first-frame support  248  having a first-distal end and a first-proximal end, second-frame support  252  having a second-distal end and a second-proximal end, first-frame support retaining strap  260 , first-frame support retaining strap receiver  262 , second-frame support retaining strap  266 , second-frame support retaining strap receiver  268 , electrical wires  275 , power plug  175 , and control switch  280 . First-arm member  202  comprises first-arm member disc  204 , first-arm member light panel  206 , first-arm member “T” connector  208 , and first-arm member pivoter  210 . Second-arm member  216  comprises second-arm member disc  218 , second-arm member light panel  220 , second-arm member “T” connector  222 , and second-arm member pivoter  224 . Head member  232  comprises head member disc  234 , head member light panel  236 , and head member “T” connector  238 . It should be noted that first-arm member light panel  206 , second-arm member light panel  220 , and head member light panel  236  are hidden within a confine of first-arm member disc  204 , second-arm member disc  218 , and head member disc  234  respectively. 
     In one embodiment, décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  of holiday hoop décor systems  100  may be manufactured of high-grade, light-weight plastic. In alternative embodiments, décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  may be manufactured of a ferrous material. 
     In a preferred embodiment, first-arm member disc  204 , second-arm member disc  218 , and head member disc  234  are formed of opaque plastic. In such a manner, light emitted from first-arm member light panel  206 , second-arm member light panel  220 , and head member light panel  236  may provide illumination  120  which may provide a glow-like appearance of décor-cover  115 . 
     In still referring to  FIG. 2 , electrical wires  275  connects power plug  175  to first-arm member light panel  206 , second-arm member light panel  220 , and head member light panel  236 . Control switch  280  activates power plug  175  and power plug  175  provides illuminating power to first-arm member light panel  206 , second-arm member light panel  220 , and head member light panel  236  when control switch  280  is activated by user  140 , as shown best in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , illustrating an exploded view of décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  of holiday hoop décor systems  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
     First-arm member  202  has a first-disc-receiving end and a first-connecting end. The first-disc-receiving end of first-arm member  202  may comprise groove  410  which is slidable into receiving slot  405  of first-arm member disc  204 . As shown, first-arm member light panel  206  may be integrally installed within a hollow confine of first-arm member  202  near the first-disc-receiving end. The first-connecting end of first-arm member  202  is connectible to the first-end of center bar  245  via first-arm member “T” connector  208 . First-arm member pivoter  210  enables first-arm member  202  to pivot left and right about an axis. In a preferred embodiment, first-arm member  202  may pivot upwardly approximately 50-60 degrees via first-arm member pivoter  210  for orienting first-arm member disc  204  to simulate an appearance of a raised left arm of décor-cover  115 . Furthermore, first-arm member light panel  206  illuminates décor-cover  115  for simulating a glow around the raised left-arm. 
     In continuing to refer to  FIG. 3 , second-arm member  216  has a second-disc-receiving end and a second-connecting end. The second-disc-receiving end of second-arm member  216  comprises groove  410  which is slidable into receiving slot  405  of second-arm member disc  218 . Second-arm member light panel may be integrally installed within a hollow confine of second-arm member  216  near the second-disc-receiving end. The second-connecting end of second-arm member  216  is connectible to the second-end of center bar via second-arm member “T” connector  222 . Second-arm member pivoter  224  enables second-arm member  216  to pivot left and right about an axis. In a preferred embodiment, second-arm member  216  may pivot upwardly approximately 50-60 degrees via second-arm member pivoter  224  for orienting second-arm member disc  218  to simulate an appearance of a raised right arm of décor-cover  115 . Furthermore, second-arm member light panel  220  illuminates décor-cover  115  for simulating a glow around the raised right-arm. 
     In still referring to  FIG. 3 , head member  232  may comprise a head-disc-receiving end and a head-connecting end. The head-disc-receiving end of head member  232  comprises groove  410  which may be slidable into receiving slot  405  of head member disc  234 . Head member light panel  236  may be integrally installed within a hollow confine of head member  232  near the head-disc-receiving end. The head-connecting end of head member  232  is connectible to the mid-point of center bar  245  via head member “T” connector  238 . As further shown, electrical wires  275  may run internally within first-arm member  202 , second-arm member  216 , and head member  232  for providing electrical power from power plug  175  to first-arm member light panel  206 , second-arm member light panel  220 , and head member light panel  236 . 
     The first-proximal end of first-frame support  248  is connectible to first-arm member “T” connector  208  such that first-frame support  248  is perpendicular to center bar  245 . First-frame support retaining strap  260  is attached to the first-distal end of first-frame support  248 . Further, first-frame support retaining strap receiver  262  is attached to first-arm member “T” connector  208  such that first-frame support retaining strap receiver  262  is substantially parallel to first-frame support  248 . 
     In continuing to refer to  FIG. 3 , the second-proximal end of second-frame support  252  is connectible to second-arm member “T” connector  222  such that second-frame support  252  is perpendicular to center bar  245 . Second-frame support retaining strap  266  is attached to the second-distal end of second-frame support  252 . Second-frame support retaining strap receiver  268  is attached to second-arm member “T” connector  222  such that second-frame support retaining strap receiver  268  is substantially parallel to second-frame support  252 . 
     It should be appreciated that in a preferred embodiment of holiday hoop décor systems  100 , first-frame support  248  and second-frame support  252  of décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  may comprise padding for protecting backboard  300  from abrasive contact when installed. The padding may comprise foam or felt material which may be securely wrapped around first-frame support  248  and second-frame support  252 . 
     It should be noted that when not in use, décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  is collapsible for easy storage. To collapse, simply fold inward first-arm member  202  via first-arm member pivoter  210  and second-arm member  216  via second-arm member pivoter  224 . Further, first-arm member disc  204 , second-arm member disc  218 , and head member disc  234  may be removed from first-arm member  202 , second-arm member  216 , and head member  232  respectively further enhancing the compactness of holiday hoop décor systems  100  for storage. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A  showing a close-up perspective view of a top angle of first-arm member  202  comprising first-arm member light panel  206  which may be slidably insertable into first-arm member disc  204  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . As shown, first-arm member light panel  206  is integrally installed within a hollow confine of first-arm member  202  near the first-disc-receiving end. Further, the first-disc-receiving end of first-arm member  202  is insertable into receiving slot  405  of first-arm member disc  204 . First-arm member disc  204  may comprise nipple  415  which may comprise a tiny bump within groove  410  (as better shown in  FIG. 4B ). First-arm member  202  is lockable and unlockable in place via a clockwise rotation and a counter-clockwise rotation of first-arm member disc  204  about nipple  415 . It should further be noted that  FIG. 4A  shows first-arm member  202  by means of example and that second-arm member  216  and head member  232  operate exactly the same. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B  showing a close-up perspective view of a side angle of first-arm member  202  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . As may be seen, first-arm member disc  204  may comprise receiving slot  405  and the first-disc-receiving end of first-arm member  202  comprises groove  410  which may fit within receiving slot  405 . As may further be seen, nipple  415  may serve to guide groove  410  of first-arm member  202  into receiving slot  405  of first-arm member disc  204 . It should further be noted that  FIG. 4B  shows first-arm member  202  by means of example and that second-arm member  216  and head member  232  operate exactly the same. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5  showing various designs of décor cover  115  such as holiday character  504  or seasonal display  508  of the holiday hoop décor system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, décor cover  115  may comprise holiday character  504  such as Santa Clause, Easter Bunny, etc. Alternatively, décor cover  115  may comprise seasonal display  508  such as Uncle Sam, a ghost or other Halloween ensemble, or the like. It should be appreciated that décor cover  115  may comprise a virtually unlimited amount of possibilities. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6  showing a perspective view illustrating holiday hoop décor systems  100  during ‘in-use’ condition  650  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown, décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  may be installed to backboard  300  of non-in ground basketball hoop  600 . In such a manner, holiday hoop décor systems  100  may be used in conjunction with backboard  300  that may be affixed to a planar surface. By way of example, backboard  300  may be affixed above a garage door of a house. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, holiday hoop décor systems  100  may comprise a kit which may include décor support and lighting frame assembly  102 , at least one cover assembly  110 , and at least one set of user instructions. It should be appreciated that user  140  may optionally purchase various versions of décor cover  115  through a retail store or over the internet. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , showing flowchart  750  illustrating method of use  700  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-6 . Method of use  700  for holiday hoop décor system  100  may comprise the steps of: step one  701 , installing décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  to backboard  300  of basketball hoop  105 ; step two  702 , adjusting first-arm member  202  and second-arm member  216  of décor support and lighting frame assembly  102 ; step three  703 , placing décor cover  115  over décor support and lighting frame assembly  102 ; and step four  704 , activating control switch  280  for illumination  120 . Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different decorative combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Some optional steps, not provided for in the accompanying figures, may comprise the steps of removing or replacing décor cover  115  with another embodiment, changing LED  420  of first-arm member light panel  206 , second-arm member light panel  220 , or head member light panel  236 , and folding up décor support and lighting frame assembly  102  for convenient storage during non-use. 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.