Patent Abstract:
An electric trimmer attachment for lawn tractors comprises an attachable apparatus for use with existing lawn tractors which provides trimmer capabilities. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket, an arm, and a line trimmer. The mounting bracket provides a means for removably securing the device to a deck of an existing mower. The arm comprises a gooseneck arm attached to the bracket, which extends outwards. An outside end portion of the arm comprises a line trimmer with an electric motor and features such as automatic line advancement and safety controls. The motor is powered via a converter or battery pack on the mower. The arm provides an arc-shaped rotating motion to the trimmer.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Jan. 14, 2010, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to riding lawn mowers, and in particular, to a trimmer type attachment for such lawn mowers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many people spend countless hours maintaining and beautifying their lawns and landscape. As a matter of pride and personal expression, these people manicure their grass and often plant and maintain flowers, shrubs, bushes, and trees all for the sake of enhancing the aesthetic qualities of their property. On properties with large areas of grass to cut, riding mowers are very popular. They allow their users to cut relatively large areas of grass in a minimal amount of time while allowing the rider to sit in comfort. 
     One (1) problem associated with riding mowers is that, due to their size, they are not very adept at cutting close to objects such as fences, buildings, trees and the like. This usually requires the user to go back afterwards with a string type trimmer This, in turn, negates the riding mower benefits of being able to sit down and save time. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which grass trimming duties can be accomplished at the same time grass is being cut by a conventional riding mower. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide trimmer attachments for riding mowers. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,782,085; 5,035,107; 5,598,689; 6,094,896; 6,343,461; 6,779,325; and 6,986,238. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are not universally mountable for a variety of mower models. Also, many such devices do not provide a full range of desirable adjustability and manipulation of the trimmer head position during use. Furthermore, many such devices are not readily operated and manipulated by a lawn mower rider from their seated position. In addition, many such devices do not include a simple, renewable power source. Accordingly, there exists a need for an electric trimmer attachment for lawn mowers without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for an electric trimmer attachment for lawn mowers which is universally attachable and adjustable while providing a simple means for powering and operating the trimmer attachment while riding the lawn mower. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrically operated trimmer attachment mountable to a rider-based grass cutting device. The apparatus comprises an electric cutting head, a guide arm, and a caster. The cutting head comprises a trimmer type cutting assembly including an automatically advancing string cutter. The guide arm supports the cutting head and the caster facilitates motioning of the guide arm and cutting head along a ground surface. 
     Another object of the present invention is to attach to a mowing deck surface of a riding style lawn mower. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket attached to the deck surface with a plurality of fasteners. The mounting bracket is connected to a vertical support pole which further supports a positioning mechanism attached to a main support arm. The main support arm attaches to the cutting head and allows a user to control the position of the cutting head. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow the user to manipulate and operate the apparatus while seated in a seat of the lawn mower. The main support arm attached to the positioning mechanism extends from the cutting head at a lower end upwards towards the seat and further comprises an operating handle adapted for ergonomic gripping by the user. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to control rotational motion of the cutting head by motioning the operating handle. The handle and guide arm attach to the positioning mechanism which comprises a plurality of housing sections attached to the vertical support pole. A middle housing structure of the positioning mechanism is rotatable with respect to the support pole. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to selectively lock and secure the main support arm in a plurality of discrete positions with a locking pin and a plurality of keyed slots. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to facilitate use of the trimmer attachment in a conventional manner by the user while seated in the riding mower and while the riding mower is turned off or otherwise not moving. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide electrical power to the apparatus by a connection cable and electrical power connector which draw electrical power from the riding mower. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to quickly disconnect the electrical power connector from the riding mower as needed. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to prevent unauthorized or unintentional operation of the apparatus by including a keyed ignition switch. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to ensure safety of the user by comprising a seat occupancy verification switch which automatically cuts power to the apparatus if the user is not seated in the riding mower. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to selectively control the supply of power to the apparatus while seated with a dash-mounted switch. The dash-mounted switch allows the user to cut the electrical power supply to the apparatus when the apparatus is not being utilized. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of obtaining an instance of the apparatus, attaching the apparatus to the mower deck of the riding mower with the mounting bracket, connecting the electrical power connector to a battery of the riding mower, sitting in the seat of the riding mower, operating the riding mower in a conventional manner, utilizing the operating handle to manipulate the position of the cutting head from the seat when the riding mower is stopped, utilizing the dash-mounted switch to activate the blades of the cutting head to provide a trimming function while the riding mower is stopped, locking the position of the cutting head as desired using the locking pin and the plurality of keyed slots, and continuing to utilize the riding mower and trimmer attachment in conjunction until a desired lawn maintenance task is complete. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of an electrically operated trimmer apparatus for rider-based grass cutting means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a section view of a positioning mechanism  55  taken along a line I-I (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of a mounting bracket  90  taken along a line II-II (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of a cutting head  30  taken along line III-III (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of a handle  60  taken along line IV-IV (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is an electrical schematic diagram of the major electrical components as used upon the electrically operated trimmer apparatus for rider-based grass cutting means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                     
                    10 
                   electrically-operated trimmer apparatus for rider-based 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   grass cutting means 
                 
                 
                     
                    15 
                   trimmer apparatus 
                 
                 
                     
                    20 
                   rider-based grass cutting device 
                 
                 
                     
                    25 
                   lawn cutting apparatus 
                 
                 
                     
                    30 
                   cutting head 
                 
                 
                     
                    31 
                   lip 
                 
                 
                     
                    35 
                   guide arm 
                 
                 
                     
                    40 
                   caster 
                 
                 
                     
                    41 
                   fastener 
                 
                 
                     
                    45 
                   self-advancing string cutter 
                 
                 
                     
                    50 
                   main support arm 
                 
                 
                     
                    51 
                   secondary support arm 
                 
                 
                     
                    52 
                   main support aperture 
                 
                 
                     
                    53 
                   secondary support aperture 
                 
                 
                     
                    54 
                   pin 
                 
                 
                     
                    55 
                   positioning mechanism 
                 
                 
                     
                    60 
                   handle 
                 
                 
                     
                    65 
                   cable trigger 
                 
                 
                     
                    66 
                   pivot point 
                 
                 
                     
                    67 
                   trigger aperture 
                 
                 
                     
                    68 
                   attachment knot 
                 
                 
                     
                    70 
                   user 
                 
                 
                     
                    75 
                   seat 
                 
                 
                     
                    80 
                   vertical support pole 
                 
                 
                     
                    81 
                   upper spacer 
                 
                 
                     
                    82 
                   lower spacer 
                 
                 
                     
                    85 
                   mowing deck surface 
                 
                 
                     
                    90 
                   mounting bracket 
                 
                 
                     
                    95 
                   first fastening system 
                 
                 
                     
                   100 
                   connection cable 
                 
                 
                     
                   105 
                   vegetation 
                 
                 
                     
                   110 
                   cutting path arc 
                 
                 
                     
                   115 
                   lower housing structure 
                 
                 
                     
                   116 
                   spool assembly 
                 
                 
                     
                   120 
                   middle housing structure 
                 
                 
                     
                   125 
                   upper housing structure 
                 
                 
                     
                   130 
                   lower bearing raceway 
                 
                 
                     
                   135 
                   upper bearing raceway 
                 
                 
                     
                   145 
                   cover cap 
                 
                 
                     
                   150 
                   upper control arm 
                 
                 
                     
                   155 
                   azimuth control wheel 
                 
                 
                     
                   160 
                   keyed slots 
                 
                 
                     
                   165 
                   locking pin 
                 
                 
                     
                   166 
                   pin guide 
                 
                 
                     
                   170 
                   control cable 
                 
                 
                     
                   175 
                   linear spring 
                 
                 
                     
                   176a 
                   upper guard 
                 
                 
                     
                   176b 
                   lower guard 
                 
                 
                     
                   177a 
                   upper shaft 
                 
                 
                     
                   177b 
                   lower shaft 
                 
                 
                     
                   178 
                   anti-rotation pin 
                 
                 
                     
                   179 
                   spring 
                 
                 
                     
                   180 
                   fastening hardware 
                 
                 
                     
                   185 
                   electrical power connector 
                 
                 
                     
                   190 
                   upper support surface 
                 
                 
                     
                   195 
                   lower support surface 
                 
                 
                     
                   200 
                   upper washer 
                 
                 
                     
                   205 
                   upper nut 
                 
                 
                     
                   210 
                   lower washer 
                 
                 
                     
                   215 
                   lower nut 
                 
                 
                     
                   220 
                   battery 
                 
                 
                     
                   225 
                   keyed ignition switch 
                 
                 
                     
                   230 
                   seat occupancy verification switch 
                 
                 
                     
                   235 
                   transformer 
                 
                 
                     
                   240 
                   overcurrent protective device 
                 
                 
                     
                   245 
                   dash-mounted switch 
                 
                 
                     
                   250 
                   motor 
                 
                 
                     
                   251 
                   shaft 
                 
                 
                     
                   252 
                   lock nut 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the electrically-operated trimmer apparatus for rider-based grass cutting means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The electrically-operated trimmer apparatus for rider-based grass cutting means (herein described as the “system”)  10  comprises a trimmer apparatus  15  that is mounted and electrically connected with a rider-based grass cutting device  20  such as a riding mower, a riding lawn tractor, or a riding garden tractor with a lawn cutting apparatus  25 . The system  10  comprises a cutting head  30  (also see  FIG. 4 ) that trims vegetation  105  such as grass, weeds or the like. The system  10  also comprises an operating handle  60  located at a distal end of a length adjustable secondary support arm  51  such that it can be easily reached and operated by a user  70  when positioned upon a seat  75  of the rider-based grass cutting device  20 . An underside surface of the handle  60  comprises a cable trigger  65  which enables a positioning mechanism  55  to be unlocked for manipulation purposes. The positioning mechanism  55  is supported by a height adjustable vertical support pole  80  that is attached to a mowing deck surface  85  by use of a mounting bracket  90  (also see  FIG. 3 ). Electric power for the cutting head  30  is provided by a connection cable  100 , whose additional details will be described in greater detail herein below. These features allow for the system  10  to trim vegetation  105  as defined along a cutting path arc  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a section view of the positioning mechanism  55  taken along a line I-I (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The vertical support pole  80  extends from the mowing deck surface  85  and comprises a tubular body which comprises exterior threads and further includes a threaded cover cap  145  which enables access to an internal portion. The vertical support pole  80  supports said positioning mechanism  55 , which further comprises a lower housing structure  115 , a middle housing structure  120 , and an upper housing structure  125  with the use of a lower bearing raceway  130  and an upper bearing raceway  135 . As such, the lower housing structure  115  and the upper housing structure  125  remain stationary with respect to the vertical support pole  80 . This allows motion input from an upper control arm  150  which attached to the positioning mechanism  55  diametrically opposite from the secondary support arm  51  and further connects to the operating handle  60  (see  FIG. 1 ) to provide rotational input control. Said motion will then be vectored to a main support arm  50  and the cutting head  30 . An upper spacer  81  is positioned between the upper bearing raceway  135  and an azimuth control wheel  155  which creates a fixed gap and gives additional stability to the positioning mechanism  55 . Likewise, a lower spacer  82  is positioned between the lower bearing raceway  130  and the azimuth control wheel  155  for stability. The spacers  81 ,  82  encompass the vertical support pole  80  and are fabricated from a material such as rubber, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . 
     These aforementioned components are held captive against the vertical support pole  80  via a set of fastening hardware  180  such as washers and nuts. The fastening hardware  180  also adjusts the vertical position of the positioning mechanism  55  upon the vertical support pole  80 . By loosening the fastening hardware  180  the positioning mechanism  55  is able to be slidably positioned to a desired height with respect to the user  70  upon the vertical support pole  80  and by subsequently tightening said fastening hardware  180  into the desired position said positioning mechanism  55  is fixed into the desired position. 
     The specific position of the secondary support arm  51  can be locked in place via a lower housing structure  115  which is physically affixed to the vertical support pole  80 . Such fixation is accomplished via a series of keyed slots  160  in the azimuth control wheel  155  which engage a locking pin  165 . This locking pin  165  can be withdrawn to allow for freedom of movement via the cable trigger  65  which is connected to a control cable  170  working against a linear spring  175 . The locking pin  165  is directed through a pin guide  166  which is further attached to an internal wall for stability. The pin guide  166  also houses the linear spring  175  which is attached to the locking pin  165  on a distal end and attached to the control cable  170  on an opposing proximal end. 
     The support arms  50 ,  51  are also telescopingly adjustable which provides a length adjustment means to the system  10 . The main support arm  50  comprises a diameter slightly larger than the secondary support arm  51  and enables said main support arm  50  to slidably engage said secondary support arm  51 . The main support arm  50  comprises a main support aperture  52  and the secondary support arm comprises a plurality of corresponding secondary support apertures  53 . The user  70  may align the apertures  52 ,  53  and insert a pin  54  which is preferably a common detent pin or a cotter pin to lock the support arms  50 ,  51  into a desired position. 
     Finally, the connection cable  100  is routed through the middle housing structure  120  and down the support arms  50 ,  51  to the cutting head  30 . An electrical power connector  185  is provided at the end of the connection cable  100  to allow for the system  10  to be quickly disconnected from the rider-based grass cutting device  20  (also see  FIG. 1 ) should the need arise. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a section view of the mounting bracket  90  taken along a line II-II (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment, is disclosed. The mounting bracket  90  is mounted against the mowing deck surface  85  via use of a pair of first fastening system  95  such as screws, washers, nuts, or the like although other fastening means such as snap fasteners, keyed locks, and the like, could be used with equal effectiveness and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. Such a first fastening system  95  allows for removal of the system  10  from the rider-based grass cutting device  20  should it not be needed at a later time. The vertical support pole  80  penetrates an upper support surface  190  and is additionally supported by a lower support surface  195 . As motion of the vertical support pole  80  is provided via the positioning mechanism  55  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), the vertical support pole  80  is held captive at the mounting bracket  90 . Such capture is accomplished via an upper washer  200  and an upper nut  205  against the upper support surface  190 , and a lower washer  210  and a lower nut  215  against the lower support surface  195 . Note that the surface of the vertical support pole  80  is to be threaded at this point to accomplish such fastening. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a section view of the cutting head  30  taken along line III-III (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The cutting head  30  provides the trimming means to the system  10  in a similar nature to those conventionally available and would be supplied with a spool assembly  116 , and a motor  250 . The cutting head  30  comprises a circular dome-shaped body and is fabricated from durable materials such as rubber, plastic, or the like. The cutting head  30  includes an internally positioned motor  250  which is supplied with power via the connection cable  100 . The motor  250  rotates a shaft  251  which concurrently connects said motor  250  to the spool assembly  116 . The spool assembly  116  is used to house the trimming line and comprises a self-advancing string cutter  45  similarly to common weed trimmers. 
     The cutting head  30  also comprises a guide arm  35  (see herein below) which assists said cutting head  30  while in use. A lower perimeter edge of the cutting head  30  comprises an integral lip  31  which provides an attachment surface to a pair of three-hundred-sixty degree (360°) casters  40 . The casters  40  are mounted to opposing sides of the lip  31  by fasteners  41 . The casters ride along the surface of the vegetation  105  which enables the cutting head  30 , along with the guide arm  35 , to remain level while in use. 
     The guide arm  35  is positioned between the cutting head  30  and the main support arm  50 . The guide arm  35  is suspended from a proximal lower surface of the main support arm  50  and comprises an upper guard  176   a , a lower guard  176   b , an upper shaft  177   a , a lower shaft  177   b , and a spring  179 . The guide arm  35  provides a shock absorbing or damping means to the system  10  as said system  10  is being utilized. The guards  176   a ,  176   b  and shafts  177   a ,  177   b  comprise a tubular shape which enable the connection cable  100  to be routed from the main support arm  50  to the motor  250 . The upper guard  176   a  is attached to a lower surface of the main support arm  50  and the lower guard  176   b  is attached to an upper intermediate surface of the cutting head  30 . The diameter of the lower guard  176   b  is slightly smaller than the diameter of the upper guard  176   a  to enable said lower guard  176   b  to slidably travel within said upper guard  176   a . The guards  176   a ,  176   b  eliminate debris from an internal portion of the guide arm  35 . The shafts  177   a ,  177   b  are positioned within the guards  176   a ,  176   b  and are encompassed by the spring  179  which provides a recoiling means to the guide arm  35 . The upper shaft  177   a  is also attached to a lower surface of the main support arm  50  and the lower shaft  177   b  is also attached to an upper intermediate surface of the cutting head  30 . Likewise, the diameter of the lower shaft  177   b  is slightly smaller than the diameter of the upper shaft  177   a  to enable said lower shaft  177   b  to slidably travel within said upper shaft  177   a . A distal outer surface of the upper shaft  177   a  comprises a pair of opposing anti-rotation pins  178  which engage a proximal portion of the lower shaft  177   b  to provide compliance with rough surfaces in the z-axis and further keep the shafts  177   a ,  177   b  centered and vertical during use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a section view of the handle  60  taken along line IV-IV (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. An underside surface of the handle  60  comprises the cable trigger  65  which enables the user  70  to manipulate the positioning mechanism  55 . The cable trigger  65  pivots about a pivot point  66  by the user  70  depressing said cable trigger  65  inwards. The control cable  170  is attached with an attachment knot  68  or similar attachment means to a trigger aperture  67 . As the cable trigger  65  is depressed the control cable  170  tightens which will pull the locking pin  165  out from the keyed slot  160  to further enable the user  70  to manipulate the positioning mechanism  55  as above-mentioned. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an electrical schematic diagram of the major electrical components as used upon the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Electrical power is obtained from the battery  220  of the rider-based grass cutting device  20 . Access control is provided by a keyed ignition switch  225  to prevent unauthorized or unintentional operation. Next, power control is routed through a seat occupancy verification switch  230  to ensure that the user  70  is present in the seat  75  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the rider-based grass cutting device  20 . A transformer  235  is then provided, if needed, to adjust the voltage level of the battery  220  to that of the cutting head  30 . The secondary output of the transformer  235  is protected via an overcurrent protective device  240  such as a fuse, circuit breaker, or the like. The last electrical element to control power flow to the system  10  is that of a dash-mounted switch  245  located on the dash area of the rider-based grass cutting device  20 . The dash-mounted switch  245  allows the user  70  to control the operation of the system  10  such that it is energized only when needed. Connection to the electrical circuitry is made via the electrical power connector  185  which allows for the rapid connection and disconnection of a motor  250  associated with the cutting head  30 . The aforementioned circuitry is of a series connected nature, and as such, allows great latitude in how it is constructed and configured. This operational sequence is intended to identify important control elements associated with the system  10  and the specific interconnection configuration is not intended to be a limiting factor of the present invention. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. The system  10  would be constructed in general accordance with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 6 . Regardless of the actual origination, the trimmer apparatus  15  would be installed via a physical mechanical connection of the mounting bracket  90  and first fastening system  95  as well as an electrical interconnection as depicted in  FIG. 4 . It is known that various differences would be needed to fit exact specific models of rider-based grass cutting device  20 , but that overall generalities of construction and interconnection would remain the same. After the system  10  is installed both mechanically and electrically, it is ready for operation and use. 
     During use of the system  10 , the user  70  would remain in the seat of the rider-based grass cutting device  20  and cut grass using the lawn cutting apparatus  25  in a conventional manner. Should an area be approached that requires specialize trimming, the user would stop the rider-based grass cutting device  20 , but remain in a seated position. Next, the user would activate the dash mounted switch  245  with one (1) hand while holding the operating handle  60  with the other. The user would engage the cable trigger  65  on the operating handle  60  such that the cutting head  30  can be swung back and forth along a cutting path arc  110  to cut the vegetation  105 . The cutting head  30  is supported in this operation by the guide arm  35  and the casters  40 . The trimmer apparatus  15  could be locked in place via the locking pin  165  in the keyed slots  160  of the azimuth control wheel  155  with the cutting head  30  in an operating mode for cutting in a linear fashion by the movement of the entire rider-based grass cutting device  20 . Such operation is advantageous when cutting vegetation  105  along a straight or near straight obstacle such as a fence, building, flower bed or the like. 
     Such operation and cutting of vegetation  105  continues until not needed anymore. At such a point in time, the system  10  is deactivated using the dash-mounted switch  245 . Such operation continues in a cyclical manner until all vegetation  105  cutting and trimming is complete. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0