Abstract:
An orthodontic tensioning assembly, comprising a tensioner attachment body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the tensioner attachment body has an opening adapted to removably receive a dental anchorage structure, and wherein the second end of the tensioner attachment body is adapted to removably couple a tensioning element.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/775,529, filed Feb. 22, 2006, entitled: ORTHODONTIC CLOSED COIL SPRING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF by inventor Jason B. Cope [Attorney Docket No. 45128-P002V1]. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCES TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING” 
       [0004]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention relates generally to orthodontic appliances and, more particularly, to orthodontic closed coil spring assemblies for providing durational corrective resistance forces for adjustment of a patient&#39;s teeth. 
         [0006]    In today&#39;s modern orthodontics, spring assemblies are used to assist the orthodontist with the re-alignment of a patient&#39;s teeth. One such spring assembly is a closed coil assembly. A closed coil spring assembly includes a closed coil spring with an eyelet on either end. A standard closed coil spring assembly has a simple circular round eyelet. There exists a common problem with the application of the closed coil spring assembly. In one example, the eyelet used on either end of the closed coil spring is too small to be fixed into the head of an anchorage device. In another example, the eyelet used in either end is too large, such that the eyelet is easily dislodged from the head of an anchorage device after placement of the closed coil spring assembly. 
         [0007]    In the event that the eyelet of a closed coil spring assembly is too small to be fixed into the head of an anchorage device, the closed coil spring assembly needs to be ligated directly onto the anchorage device. However, such a procedure has proven difficult and time consuming. In situations where the eyelet of the closed coil spring assembly is too large, one method to overcome the problem is to place a standard orthodontic O-ring (e.g., a round rubber gasket) over the eyelet and the head of an anchorage device to prevent dislodgement. However, placing a standard orthodontic O-ring over the eyelet and the head of an anchorage device is unhygienic and may provide a reservoir for food and debris to collect around the head of the anchorage device, thereby increasing the risk of infection of the anchorage device. Moreover, placing the O-ring is time consuming and does not provide sufficient attachment in all circumstances. Therefore, there exists a need for a superior design and configuration for the eyelet structure of orthodontic closed coil spring assemblies. 
         [0008]    Recently, orthodontic closed coil spring assemblies have been utilized in connection with temporary anchorage devices (TADs). A TAD is a device that is temporarily fixed to bone structure for the specific purpose of enhancing and providing sufficient orthodontic anchorage either by supporting the teeth of the reactive unit or by obviating the need for the reactive unit altogether and which is subsequently removed after use. In orthodontics, a TAD refers to all variations of implants, screws, pins and implants placed specifically for the purpose of providing orthodontic anchorage and can be removed upon completion of biomechanical therapy. TADs are useful when applied in the correction of dental discrepancies, which include antero-posterior tooth movements, molar uprighting, and intrusion/extrusion of single and multiple teeth. TADs can also be useful in the correction of oral skeletal discrepancies. 
         [0009]    In application of a closed coil spring assembly with a TAD, the same problem exists as described above, in that the eyelet of the closed coil spring assembly may be either too small or too large. The need for a better engaging and securement design and configuration having improved hygienic properties for the eyelet of closed coil spring assemblies are apparent with the application of TADs. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention is directed to novel designs and configurations of the eyelet of a closed coil spring assembly utilized, but not limited only thereto, in orthodontic applications, particularly with the application of TADs. 
         [0011]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly comprises a closed coil spring and a connecting plate attached to at least one end of the closed coil spring. In particular, the closed coil spring assembly in the present invention can be used in connection with TADs for corrections of dental and skeletal discrepancies. 
         [0012]    The present invention provides a connecting plate comprising at least one geometric bore disposed therein. The bore is designed to be large enough for placing over the head of an anchorage device but yet sustaining proper engagement therewith. When the closed coil spring assembly is released and the coil spring pulls on the connecting plates such that the inner eyelet of each connecting plate is pulled toward the closed spring, the closed coil spring assembly slips toward the center of the closed spring and the outer eyelet of each connecting plate engages around the neck of the head of the anchorage thereby providing secured locking with the anchorage device. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment of the invention, each connecting plate is a flexible lasso directly connecting to the closed coil spring. The flexible lasso can be easily looped over an anchorage head regardless of the head shape or geometry and locked with the neck of the anchorage head when the pulling force from the closed coil spring is applied, thereby tightening the lasso around the head of the anchorage device. 
         [0014]    Another aspect of utilizing the invention is a connecting plate in the form of a hairpin clip, which comprises a clip and two press tabs connected to the clip. The hairpin clip can be easily placed onto the neck of an anchorage head and remains in a locking position. 
         [0015]    Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the connecting plate in the form of a flexible wire which can be placed easily around the neck of an anchorage head, and the springy wire can embrace and lock with the neck of the anchorage head with a force of the flexible wire. 
         [0016]    Yet another aspect of the present invention comprises a connecting plate such as a cap comprising at least one inner retention gasket or the like which can be placed over an anchorage head to lock the anchorage head with the closed coil spring. In addition, the present invention comprises a connecting plate wherein the closed coil spring is a stiff wiring hook which can be inserted into the hole of the neck of the implant, thereby locking the closed coil spring to the implant. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1A  is a top view of the plate design and configuration of the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  is a top view of the plate design and configuration of the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2A  is a top view of the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly in a first connected configuration with a dental anchorage according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of an example of the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly locking with a dental anchorage according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly locking with a dental anchorage according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict a flexible string attached to the closed coil spring and an application thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C depict a hairpin clip connected to the closed coil spring and an application thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict a flexible hook connected to the closed coil spring and an application thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C depict a cap and gasket connected to a closed coil spring and an application thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict a wiring hook connected to a closed coil spring and an application thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  depicts the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly in use with a orthodontic temporary anchorage device (TAD) according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  depicts the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly in connection with an orthodontic palatal arch wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides for inventive concepts capable of being embodied in a variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use the invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the instant invention. 
         [0030]    The claims and specification describe the invention presented and the terms that are employed in the claims draw their meaning from the use of such terms in the specification. The same terms employed in the prior art may be broader in meaning than specifically employed herein. Whenever there is a question between the broader definition of such terms used in the prior art and the more specific use of the terms herein, the more specific meaning is meant. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A , an orthodontic closed coil spring assembly of the present invention is disclosed. In  FIG. 1A , the embodiment of the closed coil spring assembly  10 A comprises a closed coil spring  12  and a spring attachment plate  13 A. The spring attachment plate  13 A includes a spring attachment portion  17 A and an anchorage connection portion  14 A. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the spring attachment portion  17 A and the anchorage connection portion  14 A of the spring attachment plate  13 A are integrally formed as one piece. The spring attachment portion  17 A comprises spring connecting apertures  11  for the attachment and removal of the closed coil spring  12 . The spring connecting apertures  11  are so designed and configured that one end of the closed coil spring  12  can be passed through and firmly attached to the spring attachment portion  17 A. The spring attachment plate  13 A is manufactured from, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, NiTi alloy, rubber, plastic, nylon, and/or carbon fiber. The closed coil spring is one type of shape-memory closed coil spring constructed from materials such as Titanium, Nickel-Titanium alloy, and/or stainless steel. The closed coil spring is of the kind commercially available from, but not limited to, Ultimate Wireforms, Inc. 
         [0032]    Also shown in  FIG. 1A , the anchorage connection portion  14 A comprises an aperture  18 A wherein the aperture  18 A defines an annulated bore, such that the aperture  18 A comprises a first segment  15  and a second segment  16  wherein the first segment  15  comprises a bore larger than the bore of the second segment  16 . However, one skilled in the art will readily understand that any shape whether used singularly or in combination with other shapes is contemplated by the present invention. As can be readily seen in  FIG. 1A , the first segment  15  and the second segment  16  are adjacently disposed in such a manner to create an engageable channel  18 B as will be described below. The diameter of the first segment  15  and the diameter of the second segment  16  are so designed and configured to allow the head  22  (as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) of a dental anchorage  23  to freely pass through the first segment  15  (as shown in  FIG. 2A ), to present locked engagement with the second segment  16  (as shown in  FIG. 2B ) when the closed coil spring  12  is tensioned. 
         [0033]    Now referring to  FIG. 1B , another embodiment of an orthodontic closed coil spring assembly  10 B is shown. The orthodontic closed coil spring assembly  10 B shown in  FIG. 1B  comprises a closed coil spring  12  and a spring attachment plate  13 B having an anchorage connection portion  14 B. The anchorage connection portion  14 B comprises an aperture  18 A as shown in  FIG. 1A , wherein the aperture  18 A defines a bore such that the aperture  18 A comprises a first segment  15  and a second segment  16  wherein the first segment  15  comprises a bore larger than the bore of the second segment  16  and is connected by channel  18 B. However, one skilled in the art will readily understand that any shape whether used singularly or in combination with other shapes is contemplated by the present invention. 
         [0034]    The orthodontic closed coil spring assembly  10 B shown in  FIG. 1B  further comprises a spring attachment portion  17 B. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the spring attachment portion  17 B is integrally connected to the anchorage connection portion  14 B by way of a neck portion  18  appending from the spring attachment portion  17 B. The neck portion  18  is designed and configured for the attachment and removal of at least one end of the closed coil spring  12 . Integrally extended from the neck portion  18  is an enlarged portion  19  of the spring attachment portion  17 B. The enlarged portion  19  is designed and configured to reinforce the attachment of the closed coil spring  12  onto the neck portion  18 . 
         [0035]    A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the spring attachment portion  17 B in  FIG. 1B  can be designed and configured in a plurality of configurations for the purpose of the attachment of at least one end of the closed coil spring  12 . A person of ordinary skill in the art will also understand that the ends of the closed coil spring  12  can be attached to each of the spring attachment plates  13 A and  13 B as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , respectively, with other spring attachment plate designs. 
         [0036]    An example of the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly  10 A as depicted in  FIG. 1A  is shown and depicted in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C in a connected and locked relationship with a dental anchorage  23 . The dental anchorage  23  can be, but is not limited to, a dental implant, a temporarily anchorage device, and/or a dental bracket hook (not shown). In  FIG. 2A , a head  22  of the dental anchorage  23  is shown in an initial inserted connected position with the closed coil spring assembly  10 A wherein the head  22  of the dental anchorage  23  is allowed to pass freely through the depicted first segment  15  and into the second segment  16  as described above and as shown in a locked position with the closed coil spring assembly  10 A in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C, the tension of the spring  12  urges the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly  10 A to provide a positive pressure in a direction so that the second segment  16  engages with and generally embraces the neck  24  of the dental anchorage  23 . Since the diameter of the bore of the second segment  16  is designed and configured to be smaller than the diameter of the head  22  of the dental anchorage  23  and substantially the same as the diameter of the neck  24  of the dental anchorage  23 , the dental anchorage  23  provides locking capability with the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly  10 A. 
         [0038]    Now referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , an embodiment of a flexible string  30  attached to the closed coil spring  12  and an application of such flexible string  30  are disclosed. This embodiment discloses a lasso-like flexible string  30  connected to the closed coil spring  12  and a dental anchorage  23 . The flexible string  30  is manufactured from materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, NiTi alloy, rubber, plastic, nylon, and/or carbon fiber. As shown in  FIG. 3A , the flexible string  30  comprises a first end  31  of the flexible string  30  that is attached to at least one end of the closed coil spring  12 . The flexible string  30  further comprises a second end  35  that loops back, wherein a closed loop  32  is formed on a second end  35  of the flexible string  30  to enable the first end  31  of the flexible string  30  to be inserted through the closed loop  32  of the second end  35 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3A , the closed loop  32  is formed by connecting the second end  35  of the flexible string  30  to a portion of the flexible string  30  close to the second end  35 . The connection is accomplished by utilizing but not limited to, a clip, tie, and/or knot generally indicated by  33  in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Also shown in  FIG. 3A , the relationship between the first end  31  and the second end  35  of the flexible string  30  form a circular loop  34 , which is designed and configured to be engaged with a dental anchorage as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0039]    A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the method of forming the closed loop  32  for the first end  31  of the flexible string to be installed therein may vary. In addition, a person of ordinary skill in the art will further understand, that the length and size of the flexible string  30  is so designed and configured so that the circular loop  34  of the flexible string  30  can be easily manipulated and positioned onto a dental anchorage  23  and provide resilient dental wear and tear capabilities as shown in  FIG. 3B . The flexible string  30  is manufactured from materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, NiTi alloy, rubber, plastic, nylon, and/or carbon fiber. 
         [0040]    With specific reference now to  FIG. 3B , a flexible string  30  is shown connected to the dental anchorage  23 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , after the circular loop  34  of the flexible string  30  is positioned over the head  22  of the dental anchorage  23 , the first end  31  of the flexible string  30  is pulled by a tensioning force exerted by the closed coil spring  12  such that the circular loop  34  of the flexible string  30  embraces the neck  24  of the dental anchorage  23 , thereby providing locked engagement with the neck  24  of the dental anchorage  23 . 
         [0041]    Now referring to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C, one embodiment is shown depicting a hairpin clip  40  connected to the closed coil spring  12  and the application of such hairpin clip  40  according to the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the hairpin clip  40  comprises a clip element  41  and press tabs  42  connected to the clip element  41 .  FIG. 4A  depicts the hairpin clip  40  in a closed configuration. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the flexibility and the size of the hairpin clip  40  are so designed and configured so that the hairpin clip  40  can be operated with ease and placed onto a dental anchorage  23  or attachments thereon and positioned around the neck  24  of the dental anchorage  23  as shown in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0042]      FIG. 4B  depicts an open configuration of the clip element  41  when the press tabs  42  are pressed toward one another. While in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the hairpin clip  40  can be positioned onto and around the neck  24  of the dental anchorage  23  as shown in  FIG. 4C . In  FIG. 4C , when the hairpin clip  40  is in its locked configuration, the hairpin clip  40  engages and embraces the neck  24  of the dental anchorage  23  thereby providing locked engagement with the neck  24  of the dental anchorage  23 . The clip element  41  of the hairpin clip  40  can be made of a rigid but flexible material such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, NiTi alloy, rubber, plastic, nylon, and/or carbon fiber. In addition, the press tabs  42  of the hairpin clip  40  can be made of a rigid material such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, NiTi alloy, rubber, plastic, nylon, and/or carbon fiber. 
         [0043]    Now referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , an embodiment of a flexible hook  50  connected to the closed coil spring  12  and an application of such flexible hook  50  according to the present invention are shown. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the flexible hook  50  comprises an extension portion  51 , a hook portion  52 , and a tab  53  integrally connected to the end of the hook portion  52 . The extension portion  51  is connected to at least one end of the closed coil spring  12 . The hook portion  52  and the tab  53  possess a certain flexible property such that the flexible hook  50  can be operated with ease to be placed over the head  22  of a dental anchorage  23  as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 5B , when the force of the closed coil spring  12  is exerted on the extension portion  51  of the flexible hook  50  away from the dental anchorage  23 , the hook portion  52  of the flexible hook  50  lockably engages the neck  24  of the dental anchorage  23  to provide positional resiliency with the dental anchorage  23 . The flexible hook  50  can be made of a rigid but flexible material such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, NiTi alloy, rubber, plastic, nylon, and/or carbon fiber. The neck engaging portion of the hook portion  52  can be designed to be smaller than the neck  24  of the dental anchorage so that it reversibly engages the neck  24  of the dental anchorage. 
         [0045]    Now referring to  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C, an embodiment of a grooved cap  60  and an application herein are described according to the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the grooved cap  60  comprises a cap portion  65  and a gasket  67 . The cap portion  65  is one piece construction comprising a top portion  62 , a neck portion  64 , and a bottom portion  66 . The gasket  67  is designed and constructed such that the inner diameter of the gasket  67  is slightly smaller that the diameter of the head of a dental anchorage  23  (as shown in  FIG. 6C ). As shown in  FIG. 6B , a bottom view of the grooved cap  60 , the cap portion  65  is a hollow structure comprising a cavity such that the gasket  67  is designed and configured to fit into the cavity of the cap portion  65  by permanently attaching the gasket  67  onto the inner wall of the cap portion  65 , thereby forming the grooved cap  60 . Not shown here, the grooved cap  60  may be directly ligated or connected to a closed coil spring by connecting one end of the closed coil spring onto the neck portion  64  of the grooved cap  60 . The cap portion  65  is constructed from materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, NiTi alloy, rubber, plastic, nylon, and/or carbon fiber. The gasket  67  is constructed from materials such as, but not limited to, rubber-based materials, conformable plastics, or the like, and materials comprising graphite components or the like. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 6C , a section view of an embodiment of the present invention and the application of the grooved cap  60  is illustrated. In  FIG. 6C , because of the conforming property of the gasket  67 , the grooved cap  60  is fitted onto the head  22  and the neck  24  of the dental anchorage  23 . As shown in  FIG. 6C , the gasket  67  embraces the neck of the dental anchorage  23  and the cavity of the grooved cap  60  houses the head of the dental anchorage  23 , thereby allowing the grooved cap  60  to remain in an engaged position with the dental anchorage  23 . 
         [0047]    Now referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , an embodiment of a wiring hook  70  connected to a closed coil spring  12  and an application of such wiring hook  70  according to the present invention are shown. As shown in  FIG. 7A , the wiring hook  70  comprises a hook element  72  and a rod element  71  connected to at least one end of the closed coil spring  12 . The wiring hook  70  is so designed and configured to be attached with a special designed dental anchorage  23 A as shown in  FIG. 7B . 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 7B , the dental anchorage  23 A includes a head  22 A and a neck  24 A wherein an orifice  25  extends through a portion of the neck  24 A of the dental anchorage  23 A. The wiring hook  70  is designed to be placed around the neck  24 A and then the hook element  72  is inserted into the orifice  25 , thereby providing attached stability to the wiring hook  70  and the dental anchorage  23 . The wiring hook  70  can be made of materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, NiTi alloy, rubber, plastic, nylon, and/or carbon fiber. 
         [0049]    Now referring to  FIG. 8 , an application of one embodiment of the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly  10 B is disclosed. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any one of the embodiments of the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly ( 10 A,  10 B,  30 ,  40 ,  50 ,  60 , or  70 ) described in the specification can be used for the purposes illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 8 , a bracket  134  and an orthodontic arch wire  132  are affixed to at least one maxillary tooth  130 . A hook  133  is then connected to the bracket  134 . A dental anchorage  23  (or  23 A as shown in  FIG. 7B ) is placed into a maxillary bone (not depicted). The orthodontic closed coil spring assembly  10 B is connected to the dental anchorage  23  (or  23 A as shown in  FIG. 7B ) and the hook  133  of the bracket  134 . By way of the first segment  15 , the second segment  16  of one end of the closed coil spring assembly  10 B engages with the neck  24  (not shown) of the dental anchorage  23  and the second segment  16  of an opposite end of the closed coil spring assembly  10 B is engaged with the hook  133  of the bracket  134 . When tension provided by the closed coil spring assembly  10 B is applied in connection with the dental anchorage  23 , the closed coil spring assembly  10 B provides sufficient force to effectuate movement of at least one maxillary tooth  130 . 
         [0051]    Now referring to  FIG. 9 , another application using the orthodontic closed coil spring assembly  10 B in connection with an orthodontic palatal arch wire  144 A is disclosed. As shown in  FIG. 9 , a palatal arch wire  144 A is installed into the upper jaw of a patient&#39;s mouth. Each end of the palatal arch wire  144 A is connected to a bracket  134 A,  134 B which is mounted on opposing molars  130 A,  130 B. Hooks  143 A and  143 B are integrally connected to perspective arms  142 A and  142 B of the palatal arch wire  144 A. Also shown in  FIG. 9 , dental anchorages  23  (or  23 A as shown in  FIG. 7B ) are surgically positioned into the maxillary bone of a patient (not shown). The closed coil spring assemblies  10 B are connected to hooks  143 A and  143 B on arms  142 A and  142 B of the palatal arch wire  144 A and dental anchorages  23  respectively on the same side. With proper configuration, the closed coil spring assemblies  10 B provide sufficient exerted force to the palatal arch wire  144 A and toward the dental anchorages  23  to adjust direction of the force provided by the palatal arch wire  144 A which in effect moves the opposing molars  130 A and  130 B as desired by the orthodontist. 
         [0052]    A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand, that one or a plurality of closed coil spring assemblies  10 B shown in  FIG. 9  can be applied at desired angles and positions in connection with the usage of a palatal arch wire  144 A or  144 B to achieve ideal directional forces for adjusting the position of one or more of a patient&#39;s teeth. 
         [0053]    Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, these descriptions are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended Claims. 
         [0054]    It is therefore, contemplated that the Claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.