CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/474,035 filed on July 14, 2022 for Dual-Chambered Protective Mask and Articulating Frame Insert for Forming Same.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an articulating separator frame for a mask. More specific, articulating separator frame suitable for different human face contours, the frame separates the nose and mouth regions for effectively flowing and discharging of the air in the mask, and can also be easily worn irrespective of varieties of mask available in the market.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A face mask creates a physical barrier covering the nose and mouth of the wearer. The face mask generally includes a mask body with ear loops that fit upon the ears of the wearer. When worn properly, the face mask prevents the wearer from germs (viruses and bacteria) by blocking the passage of liquid droplets, splashes, splatter, sprays and aerosols, contained in the air flowing into the user’s nose and mouth.

However, the conventional mask keeps the mask body close and in contact with the wearer’s face during breathing. In addition, the conventional mask does not allow free movement of the conversation by the wearer, because the mask is much closer to the wearer's mouth and nose and does not permit a free dialogue. Moreover, the conventional mask forms a gap between the face and the mask body leaving fine dust to pass through into the gap. In addition, when worn for a long period of time, the conventional mask, since the air discharged from the human body is faded a large amount of moisture, the mask body gets moistened and humid which again gives discomfort of unhygienic to the wearer.

Further, some of the masks that have separators or means to provide different chambers for nose and mouth are extremely inefficient in blocking gaps thereby resulting in leakage of air from one chamber to another. This is also attributed to the rigid structure of the separators. Moreover, masks with separators become extremely inefficient to fit for all sizes and shapes as the contours of human face vary significantly. In fact, the size of mask itself is different for elders and children which makes it impractical for separators to efficiently filter the air flow from one chamber to another. In addition, the masks with separators are extremely inefficient to carry around while travelling as the structural limitations make it difficult to store them in smaller spaces like bags or pockets etc.

In view of the above, there is a need for a device or frame which increase the comfort of wearing a mask with ambient flow and discharge of the air, a device suitable to different face contours and can be used for any varieties of mask already available in the market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive concepts presented herein are illustrated in a number of different embodiments, each showing one or more concepts, though it should be understood that, in general, the concepts are not mutually exclusive and may be used in combination even when not so illustrated.

Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention provides an articulating frame insert for transforming a single-chambered mask into a protective dualchambered mask. The articulating frame insert includes a frame insert body having a first edge, a second edge and a base. The first edge and the second edge are converged to meet at a vertex, the base includes a curved strut extending from a proximal end of the first edge to a proximal end of the second edge to connect the first edge to the second edge. The frame insert includes a post each at the proximal end of the first edge and the second edge of the frame insert body. The frame insert includes a first arm and a second arm, each having an orifice configured to accommodate the post of the frame insert body for articulating the arms connecting to the proximal end of the first edge and the second edge. The frame insert substantially divide the single chamber of the mask into an isolated two-chamber mask for healthier breathing and also eliminates leakage gaps between the mask and the frame insert.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an articulating frame insert having a frame insert body. The frame insert body includes a first edge, a second edge and a base, the first edge and the second edge converging to meet at a vertex, the base includes a curved strut extending from a proximal end of the first edge to a proximal end of the second edge to connect the first edge to the second edge. The frame insert includes a post each at the proximal end of the first edge and the second edge of the frame insert body, a first arm and a second arm, each having an orifice configured to accommodate the post of the frame insert body for articulating the arms connecting to the proximal end of the first and the second edge. The frame insert includes a first articulating surface of the frame insert body configured to removably connect to a second articulating surface of the frame insert body. The frame insert body is configured to fold along a lineal interface between the first and the second articulating surface, the interface extending from the vertex to a center of the base of the frame body. The frame insert includes one or more surface orifice on the first articulating surface configured for accommodating one or more surface post of the second articulating surface at the interface to provide a snap fit interlocking configuration.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a dual chambered mask with a mask body. The mask body having an outer surface and an inner surface covering at least the nose and mouth, a pair of ear loops disposed on the mask body. The mask includes an articulating frame insert having a frame insert body and a pair of arms removably connected to the frame insert body. The frame insert body includes a first edge, a second edge and a base, the first edge and the second edge converging to meet at a vertex, the base includes a curved strut extending from a proximal end of the first edge to a proximal end of the second edge to connect the first edge to the second edge. The frame insert includes a post each at the proximal end of the first edge and the second edge of the frame insert body. The pair of arms include a first arm and a second arm, each having an orifice configured to accommodate the post of the frame insert body for articulating the arms connecting to the proximal end of the first edge and the second edge. The frame jnsert is configured to act as a separation means which is substantially dividing said inner surface into a nose portion and a mouth portion, thereby, forming a nose chamber and a mouth chamber with separate airflows, the frame insert includes a curved strut which is separated from the mouth and nose by an appropriate distance and the mask is covered on the outside.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a mask having an articulating frame insert. The mask includes a mask body having an outer surface and an inner surface covering at least the nose and mouth, a pair of ear loops disposed on the mask body. The mask includes a frame insert having a frame insert body and a pair of arms removably connected to the frame insert body wherein the frame insert body includes a first edge, a second edge and a base, the first edge and the second edge converging to meet at a vertex, the base includes a curved strut extending from a proximal end of the first edge to a proximal end of the second edge to connect the first edge to the second edge. The articulating frame insert includes a post each at the proximal end of the first edge and the second edge of the frame insert body, the pair of arms include a first arm and a second arm, each having an orifice configured to accommodate the post of the frame insert body for articulating the arms connecting to the proximal end of the first edge and the second edge. The frame insert of the mask includes a first articulating surface of the frame insert body configured to removably connect to the second articulating surface of the frame insert body wherein the frame insert body is configured to fold along a lineal interface between the first and the second articulating surfaces, the interface extending from the vertex to a center of the base of the frame body. The mask insert frame includes one or more surface orifice on the first articulating surface configured for accommodating one or more surface post of the second articulating surface at the interface to provide a snap fit interlocking configuration. The frame insert is configured to act as a separation means which is substantially dividing said inner surface into a nose portion and a mouth portion, thereby, forming a nose chamber and a mouth chamber with separate airflows, the frame insert includes a curved strut which is separated from the mouth and nose by an appropriate distance and the mask is covered on the outside.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above contents of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an articulating mask frame insert with adjustable arms in accordance with an embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 1 A is an enlarged view of a portion of the articulating mask frame of FIG. 1 showing a hinge-like coupling mechanism in its separate parts for enabling the adjustable arms to accommodate different face contours with wider or narrower position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. IB is a plan view of the present articulating mask frame insert of FIG. 1 with wider position of the adjustable arms to accommodate different face contours in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1C is a plan view of the present articulating mask frame insert with narrower position of the movable arms to accommodate different face contours in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. ID and IE shows the hinge-like coupling mechanism of the frame insert enabling free rotation of the adjustable arm around a post in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. IF and 1G shows a modified hinge-like coupling mechanism for more precise rotation and firmer adjustment of the movable arms in place in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the articulating mask frame insert further having a first articulation surface panel and a second articulation surface panel in a foldable interlocking configuration with an intermediate lip provided at the interface to prevent air leakage in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2A shows the second embodiment of the articulating mask frame insert of FIG. 2 in partially folded configuration having the first and second articulation surface panels engaged by the lip imposed on the interface of the articulation surface panels in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B shows the articulating mask frame insert of FIG. 2 in a folded configuration having the first articulation surface and second articulation surface engaged by the lip imposed on the interface of the articulation surfaces in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3, 3 A and 3B show the articulating frame insert of the present invention assembled in combination with a conventional single chamber surgical mask to form a dual-chambered mask assembly; and

FIGS. 4 and 4A shows the articulating frame insert of the present invention assembled in combination with an N95 form of single chamber protective mask to form a dual-chambered mask assembly.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DET AILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are nonlimiting example embodiments of the present invention, which includes a mask and an articulating frame insert for the mask.

The various embodiments including the example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Spatially relative terms, such as “first edge,” “second edge,” or “slots,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the structure in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

The subject matter of the various embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various embodiments including the example embodiments relate to an articulating frame insert and a dual-chambered mask formed therewith.

Referring to the drawings, the following is a list of elemental parts and component of the present articulating frame insert and those associated structural elements shown employed in connection with the present invention:

100 articulating frame insert;

101 first edge

101a end of first edge;

102 second edge;

102a end of second edge;

103 base;

104 forward vertex;

105 curved strut;

106 post member;

106a post boss;

107 post member;

107a post boss;

108 primary clip;

109 secondary clip;

110 first arm;

111 second arm;

112 orifice;

112a orifice protrusions;

113 surface panel; 200 second embodiment of articulating frame insert;

200a frame insert body;

201 first edge;

202 second edge;

203 base opening;

204 forward vertex;

205 curved strut;

206 first articulating surface panel;

207 second articulating surface panel;

208 lineal interface;

210 interlocking coupling;

211 lip panel;

300 first dual-chambered mask assembly;

301 surgical mask;

302 articulating frame insert;

303 flexible ear loops;

304 inner surface of surgical mask;

305 outer surface of surgical mask;

400 second dual-chambered mask assembly;

401 N95 mask;

402 articulating frame insert; and

403 ear loops.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an articulating frame insert 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the invention having movable arms 110, 111 as rotatable appendages on the present frame insert to adjust their span and direction. The present articulating frame insert 100 includes a standard radius surface that further adjusts for different face contours and a comfortably close and sealed chambered fit using the movable arms 110 and 111. The body of frame insert 100 includes a first edge 101, a second edge 102 and a base section 103. The first edge 101 and the second edge 102 are straight edges for guiding a mask material to flow over. The first edge 101 and the second edge 102 are converged to meet at vertex 104 forwardmost on the frame insert body. In the present embodiment, the first edge 101, the second edge 102 and the base 103 form a substantially triangular shaped surface panel 113 therebetween and immediately rearward of the vertex 104. The base section 103 of the frame insert 100 is in the shape of curved strut 105 extending from an end 101a of the first edge 101 on one side of the frame insert body to an end 102a of the second edge 102 to interconnect the first edge and second edge and provide a smooth and comfortable surface edge for the face of the wearer.

Referring to FIG. 1A in conjunction with FIG. 1, the movable arms 110 and 111 of present articulating frame insert 100 are set in place and allowed to move in planar rotation through a combined engagement of a circular post member 106, 107 formed on each side of the frame insert body at the ends of the respective first and second edges distal to the vertex 104 and a mating orifice 112 formed in each of the arms at proximal ends to the first and second edges and sized to accommodate the respective post members. The combined engagement of the respective post members 106, 107 and the orifices 112 on each of the arms 110 and 111 serve to provide a hinge-like coupling between the frame insert body and the respective arms 110 and 111 on each side at those ends of the first edge 101 and the second edge 102 distal to the vertex 104. Each post member 106, 107 is similarly formed in its diameter and height and respectively disposed near the ends of the first and secpnd edges upon a flat divider section and each orifice 112 similarly formed in the respective arms 110 and 111 so that each arm will fit upon and rotate on the respective post. The post members 106 and 107 are preferably slotted in their axial direction to allow compression and further provided with a boss 106a, 107a atop each post top that will serve to secure the arms 110, 111 and the engagement of their respective orifices 112 and keep the arms from sliding off the post when assembled. The slotted construction of the post members 106, 107 allows the post to compress radially without breaking during the engaged assembly of the arms on either side of the present frame insert 100.

Referring now to FIGS. IB & 1C in conjunction with FIG. 1, the articulating frame insert 100 of the present invention includes a separate pair of connecting clips

108 and 109 formed in succession along the outward sides of the movable arms 110, 111 extending in direction from the first edge 101 and the second edge 102 on either side of the frame insert body. A first or primary clip 108 for making a secure fastened engagement with the cover material of traditional surgical masks is positioned nearer to the end of the movable arms 110, 111 where the arms and their respective orifices 112 engage the slotted post members 106, 107. A second clip

109 is similarly situated on the outer side of the arms 110, 111 but closer to the base 103 and allows a tightened fastened engagement with larger surface masks like the N95 as well as the flexible ear loops that are generally attached to all protective face masks, The primary clip 108 and the secondary clip 109 may be of any shape and structure without limiting the functionality of the clipping or fastening the mask with any means (e.g. mask band). In the present articulating frame insert 100, the primary 108 and the secondary clips 109 are like features positioned to the specific length of a specified mask such as one position for surgical and one position for N95 mask. These clip positions are specific to any of these specified masks and provides a pulltension at the ends of the mask to keep the mask material close to the present frame insert. By assembling the present frame insert 100 in a mask, the frame insert substantially divides the single chamber of the mask into an isolated two-chamber mask for healthier breathing and also eliminates leakage gaps between the mask and the frame insert. The isolated dual chambers that are formed upon assembly has a first portion allied to the triangular-shaped surface panel 113 of the present frame insert 100 and arranged in the first direction. A second portion which is allied to the surface panel 113 of the frame insert 100 and arranged in the second direction. The first portion is positioned over the nose of the wearer, and the second portion is positioned over the mouth of the wearer. The same triangular-shaped surface panel 113 separates the chambers and pushes the material out away from the skin and mouth for better breathing and talking. The frame insert is suitable for any type of mask including a surgical mask, an N95 mask or a cloth mask of any size. In an example embodiment, the primary clip 108 position is for facilitating the surgical mask or the cloth mask, and the secondary clip 109 position is to pull tension at the ends of the mask to keep the mask close to the frame insert 100.

FIG. IB shows the adjustment to a wider position of the frame insert 100 for larger adult face contours. The curved strut 105 of the frame insert body will generally fit most face contours with the movable arms 110, 111 able to fold outwardly for a larger adjustment and fold inwardly for a narrower adjustment to the facial contours of the wearer. Any slight protrusions in the radius will not break a seal, as the skin will form around the radius of any slight protrusion. Also, a separate foam or rubber material of flexibility could be provided to slip onto the entire radius surface to provide more comfort for the wearer. It is evident in the maximum position that the outer surface that the mask material follows is a straight edge to ensure a sealed chamber. FIG. IB also shows a shoulder or step in the body and a flat surface on the arm which bottoms out on this surface when in the widest position. This shoulder feature can be adjusted for a wider position or if not desired at all, the shoulder feature does not have to be provided in the construction. As seen in FIG. 1C, an inward rotation of the movable arms 110, 111 adjusts the span and profile of the frame insert 100 to a narrower configuration more suitable for children’s face contours utilizing all the same features described in FIG. IB. In this narrower profile, the outer surface that the mask material would follow is a more convex shape to ensure a sealed chamber established around the face of the wearer.

FIGS. ID and IE show from a different perspective than FIG. 1A, the post member 106 and associated orifice 112 of the hinge-like coupling mechanism both engaged and disengaged, with the fitted forms of the respective components allowing the orifice on each arm 110 and 111 to freely rotate around the post member 106 and 107 on the divider sections of both the first and second edges 101 and 102 of the frame insert body to set the desired adjustment to a face contour for the frame insert 100.

In FIGS. IF and 1G, a modified feature in the hinge-like coupling mechanism of the frame insert 100 is shown that is designed to provide more precise rotation and firmer adjustment of the movable arms 110 and 111 in place. As a comfort requirement, a user may want the adjusted position of the frame insert divider to stay in position for easier on and off usage or placement to the face. To achieve this firmer holding position, a form of tongue and groove design may be adapted with multiple evenly spaced post protrusions 106a, 107a formed radially around the respective post members 106 and 107 and similarly formed radially around the associated orifice 112 with a sufficient angular incline to the protrusions to prevent permanent locking of a position and allow the arms to move to the next position if desired. Further, the associated orifice 112 in this modified form of the hinge-like coupling mechanism has corresponding radial protrusions 112a to engage with the radial protrusions 106a, 107a to enable the frame insert to be adjusted in place in a firmer holding position. Referring now to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an articulating frame insert 200 for a mask where the frame insert 200 includes a frame insert body 200a having a first edge 201, a second edge 202 and a base 203 as shown in FIG. 2, with the first edge and the second edge converging to meet at a forward vertex 204 on the frame insert body. The base 203 of the frame insert body 200a includes a curved strut 205 extending from a proximal end 201a of the first edge 201 to a proximal end 202a of the second edge 202 to connect those opposite ends of the first edge and the second edge. The articulating frame insert body 200a includes a first articulating surface panel 206 on one side of the body configured to releasably connect and hinge with a second articulating surface panel 207 on the other side of the frame insert body. Frame insert body 200a is configured to fold along a lineal interface 208 between the first articulating surface 206 and the second articulating surface 207, the lineal interface extending from the vertex 204 to a center of the base opening 203 of the frame body. As better seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the foldable embodiment of frame insert 200 incorporates an interlocking snap-fit configuration of mating parts 209 and 210 formed along the lineal interface 208 between the first articulating surface panel 206 and the second articulating surface panel 207 that engages the respective panels in a hinged arrangement that allows the respective surface panels to rotate 180° relative to each other. The foldable feature along the lineal interface 208 can also be incorporated into the adjustable width version frame insert. FIG. 2, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B respectively show the incorporated feature with the adjustable width version in the horizontal position, partially folded position, and completely folded positions.

The second embodiment of the frame insert 200 further includes a lip panel 211 extending from the forward vertex 204 to the center of the base 203 over the lineal interface 208. This lip panel 211 is designed and is configured to cover the lineal interface 208 in such a manner to prevent air leakage between the separate chambers of the dual-chambered mask formed in assembly with frame insert 200. The lip panel 211 is configured to engage the first articulating surface 206 and the second articulating surface 207 when the frame insert 200 is in folded position to ensure the first articulating surface 206 and second articulating surface 207 are not detached even when in frame insert 200 is in folded position.

In this alternate embodiment of the articulating frame insert 200, the first articulating surface 206 includes the first edge 201 and the surface post at the proximal end of the first articulating surface 206, the second articulating surface 207 includes the second edge 202 and the surface post at the proximal end of the second articulating surface. The base 203 connecting the first edge 201 and the second edge 202 includes an opening in order to facilitate the mask band to engage with the frame insert. The forward vertex 204 includes a slit which allows the mask to adjust and fit in the frame insert. The vertex 204 is positioned over philtrum while the first edge and the second edge forms side walls towards the base 203.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, a first dual-chambered mask assembly

300 is shown, made in accordance with the present invention by securing an articulating frame insert 302 the equivalent of that frame insert 100 shown in FIG. 1 to the body of conventional surgical mask 301, their combination forming the assembly. FIG. 3 shows the assembly 300 of the mask body 301 in combination with the frame insert 302, the mask body having an outer surface 305 (shown in FIG. 3 A) and an inner surface 304 (shown in FIG. 3B) covering at least the nose and mouth, and a pair of ear loops 303 disposed on the mask body. The articulating frame insert 302 which is configured to act as a separation means by positioning the mask

301 and substantially dividing the inner surface 304 of the mask body 301 into a nose portion and a mouth portion. This division of the inner surface 304 of the mask body 301 and formation of a nose chamber and a mouth chamber results in separate airflows in different directions that benefits the wearer. The frame insert 302, like frame insert 100, is configured in same triangular shape having a forward vertex and a curved strut extending across the rear end of the leading edged and further includes adjustable arms. The curved strut and the arms of the frame insert divides the user's mouth and nose region into an isolated two-chamber mask for healthier breathing with separate airflows and eliminates leakage gaps between the inner surface of the mask body 301 and the frame insert 302. The construction of the frame insert 302 is the same as shown in FIG. 1. including a first edge, a second edge and a base. Moreover, the curved strut and the periphery part of the frame insert 302 positioned between the user's mouth and nose region to eliminate leakage gaps between the mask 301 and the frame insert 302. In an example embodiment, the frame insert 302 may be any shape which eventually divides the single chamber into two-isolated chamber e.g. the frame insert 302 as a whole may be of a triangular shape or a trapezoidal shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4 A, a second mask assembly 400 made in accordance with the present invention includes a frame insert 402 in combination with an N95 form of mask 401. The frame insert 402 is constructed the same as that of the first articulating frame insert 100 shown in FIG. 1 or that of the second articulating frame insert 200 of FIG. 2, each including a first edge 101, 201, a second edge 102, 202 and a base opening 120, 203 formed around a single surface panel 103 or interconnected articulating surface panels 206, 207 where the first edge and the second edge are converged to meet at a forward vertex 104, 204, and the base includes a curved strut 105, 205 extending from a proximal end of the first edge to a proximal end of the second edge to connect the first edge to the second edge. The mask 401 includes ear loops 403 for enabling the user to wear the mask in a tight fit configuration. The frame insert 402 and its clips on either side of the base opening keep the mask connected to the frame insert with the mask closely over the edges. The frame insert 402 substantially divides the single chamber mask into an isolated two-chamber mask for healthier breathing and eliminate leakage gaps between the mask and the frame insert.

The present invention shows various types of universal frame insert which can be used in the mask, according to example embodiments of the present invention. For example, the invention shows a frame insert which is preferably suitable for the surgical mask, another frame insert which is preferably suitable for the N95 mask, It shall be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the type of frame insert is not restricted to the shown types. The frame insert may take any shape which is capable of dividing a single chamber mask into an isolated two-chamber mask for healthier breathing and also eliminates leakage gaps between the mask and the frame insert. The first chamber portion has to be positioned over the nose of the wearer, and the second chamber portion has to be positioned over the mouth of the wearer.

Therefore, it is apparent that the described invention provides a frame insert with adjustable arms and foldable surfaces and may be used to form an improved mask with two chambers separated by the frame insert as a separation means thereby creating an air passage in each for the chambers to ensure circulation of clean air flow for breathing. More particularly, the described invention provides an improved mask that may be form fitted on the wearer of different face contours. The foregoing mask is also safe, reliable, easy to adjust and can be easily worn for a longer duration.

Obviously, other embodiments and modifications of the present invention will readily come to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and drawings. Alternate embodiments of different shapes and sizes, as well as substitution of known materials or those materials which may be developed at a future time to perform the same function as the present described embodiment are therefore considered to be part of the present invention. Furthermore, certain modifications to the described embodiment that serve to benefit its usage are within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described, but rather is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention including the appended claims.