Power tool cord retainer

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/873,658 filed on Jun. 4, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,753.

[0003] The present invention relates generally to power cord retention devices and more particularly to a power cord retention device for a portable AC powered tool.

[0004] Many power tools require an extension power cord to connect the power tool to an AC power source. Portable AC powered tools such as hedge trimmers or string trimmers typically have male electrical contact blades in the housing of the power tool that connect to a female electrical receptacle plug at the end of an extension power cord. A common problem with portable AC powered tools is how to secure the extension power cord to the power tool in such a manner that it will not easily pull free during operation of the power tool. This is complicated by variations in the design of power cords that make one solution for securing a power cord not necessarily practical for all power cords. Further, some power tools are often operated in a way that strains the connection between the power cord and the AC power jack of the power tool. For example, an operator can carry a hedge trimmer with the extension power cord in tow thus causing an intermittent tugging or strain to the power cord connection. As a result of both the constant vibration of the tool together with the intermittent movement of the operator, the power cord can easily pull free of the tool's AC power jack.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a power cord retaining device that will operate with a variety of extension power cords and which will even more securely hold the extension cord to the power tool in spite of movement and vibration that is common in the operation of the power tool.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a system for more securely holding a female plug of an extension power cord to a portable AC power tool. It is a further object to provide a system that is easily used by an operator, and which securely holds the power cord secured to the tool's AC power jack in spite of vibration and movement of the power tool during use thereof. An additional object is to provide a cord retaining system that will work with a variety of extension power cord types including a variety of differently shaped plugs. Another object of the invention is to provide a system that is easy to use and understand by its operator and which does not require the use of external tools or fasteners to secure the plug head of an extension power cord to an AC power jack of a power tool.

[0007] The present invention is directed to a cord retaining system associated with a housing of a portable power tool. The system provides a secure connection that can be quickly and easily effected between the power tool and the power cord so that the power cord cannot be accidentally pulled free from engagement with a power jack of the tool during use of the power tool.

[0008] In operation, the female plug at one end of the power cord is secured to the body or housing of the power tool by a retaining member that pulls the plug towards the body or housing of the power tool once the plug is engaged in a mating AC power jack disposed in the housing. In one preferred form, the retaining member comprises a linearly moveable yoke adapted to engage a plug of an AC power cord. A release member engages a portion of the yoke to hold the yoke in a locking position once the yoke has secured a plug of the power cord to the power jack. The retaining yoke holds the plug securely to the power tool by a locking system that can be easily disengaged by the power tool operator when it is necessary to uncouple the power cord from the tool. Advantageously, neither engagement of the yoke to the plug head or disengagement therefrom requires the use of any external tool(s) by the operator.

[0009] The retaining system incorporates locking components with opposing surfaces that when engaged prevent movement of the yoke in one longitudinal or rotational direction. In one preferred form the yoke includes one serrated surface, and the release member, disposed in proximity to the yoke, includes a mating serrated surface. The serrated surfaces are angled such that movement in one direction is allowed while attempted movement in the opposite direction causes the teeth of the serrated surfaces to engage and prevent movement. A biasing component is used to hold the opposing serrated surfaces together, therefore allowing movement of the yoke only in the locking direction. By actuating the release member the serrated surfaces are forced apart, thus allowing the retaining yoke to move in an unlocking direction to a position allowing the operator to free the power cord from the retaining yoke and the power cord jack.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment the retaining yoke slides longitudinally within a housing of the power tool, and the yoke includes a serrated surface on a side edge thereof. A spring forces the opposing surface edge of the release member against the serrated edge of the yoke.

[0011] In a second preferred embodiment the retaining yoke slides longitudinally within the housing of the power tool and the retaining system includes a serrated surface on a top planar surface of the retaining yoke. The retaining yoke opposes a serrated surface on the release member, and a portion of the release member protrudes through a portion of the housing. The release member comprises a flexible member having a curved form. The curved form of the mechanism allows a biasing force to be exerted against the opposing serrated surface of the retaining yoke, thus preventing the yoke from moving in an unlocking direction unless the release member is engaged by the operator so as to lift it away from the serrated surface on the retaining yoke.

[0012] In a third preferred embodiment the retaining yoke rotationally moves within the housing of the power tool and comprises a rotationally moveable yoke adapted to engage a plug of the AC power cord. The retaining member has a central hub about which the retaining member moves. The central hub has a circumferentially arranged serrated surface that engages a corresponding serrated surface on a release housing portion disposed in the housing of the power tool. A compression spring in the housing portion of the cord retaining system and the hub continuously urges the serrated surface of the retaining member against the serrated surface of the release housing portion. In a locked position the retaining member engages a plug head of a power cord to retain the plug head engaged with an AC power jack in the tool housing.

[0013] To release the retaining member, a button that is attached to the hub of the retaining member is depressed. This urges the serrated surface of the retaining member away from the serrated surface on the inside of the release housing portion. The retaining member can be rotated away from the AC power jack to allow the power cord plug head to be easily removed. The orientation of the serrated surfaces allows the retaining member to only be moved toward the AC power jack if the button is not being engaged. It is only when the button is engaged that the retaining member can be rotated away from the AC power jack.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment of the retaining member the retaining yoke is slightly curved and comprises boss members that interact with the power cord plug head and aid in holding the power cord plug head in contact with the AC power jack in the power tool housing. In this embodiment the retaining yoke is particularly adapted to accommodate a variety of differing shapes and sizes of power cord plug heads. As with the third preferred embodiment, the retaining yoke moves rotationally within the housing of the power tool.

[0015] In another alternative embodiment of the retaining member the serrated surface of the retaining member and the corresponding serrated surface of the power tool housing interact to restrict but not prevent the movement of the retaining member in a direction away from the AC power jack. This alternative non-locking embodiment prevents damage to the retaining member and possibly other parts of the power cord retaining system in the event of a significant force applied against the retaining member.

[0016] In yet another preferred embodiment the power cord retaining system is provided in combination with a second cooperating retaining system. The separate retaining system comprises an opening and a hook in the power tool housing for allowing a loop of the power cord to be inserted through the opening and around the hook, thus restricting the movement of the power cord. The combined effect of the two retaining systems operating in cooperation further prevents the unintended displacement of the power cord plug from the AC power jack in the power tool housing while the power tool is in operation.

[0017] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0018] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hedge trimmer as an exemplary portable power tool with the power cord retaining system of the present invention incorporated into its housing;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional side view of a portion of the power tool housing of FIG. 1, taken in accordance with section line 2—2 in FIG. 1, depicting the power cord retaining system in the locked position holding a power cord receptacle to a mating electrical power jack of the power tool;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the power tool housing of FIG. 1 depicting the power cord retaining system in the unlocked position with a plug head of a power cord pulled back from the mating electrical receptacle in the housing;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the power cord retaining member;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the release button for the power cord retaining system;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional top view of the power tool housing of FIG. 1 depicting just the power cord retaining member with the release member engaging the retaining member;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional top view of the power tool housing of FIG. 1 depicting the power cord retaining member with the release member disengaged from the retaining member;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional end view of the power cord retaining member and release member taken in accordance with section line 8—8 in FIG. 6 with the release member in the engaged position.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional end view of the power cord retaining member taken in accordance with section line 9—9 in FIG. 6 illustrating the retaining yoke supported by opposing flanges within the housing;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a cross section of a portion of the power tool housing depicting a second alternative preferred embodiment of the power cord retaining system in the locked position holding a power cord receptacle;

[0029] FIG. 11 shows the power tool of FIG. 10 but with the retaining system in the unlocked position;

[0030] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the power cord retaining member and release member of the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11;

[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary portable power tool depicting a third alternative preferred embodiment of the power cord retaining system incorporated into a housing of a power tool, with the retaining system shown in the open position;

[0032] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the portable power tool of FIG. 13 with a retaining member of the power cord retaining system in the closed position, thus retaining a power cord plug to the AC power jack of the tool housing;

[0033] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective front view of the power cord retaining system of FIGS. 13 and 14;

[0034] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective back view of the power cord retaining system of FIGS. 13 and 14;

[0035] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the power tool housing of FIG. 14, taken in accordance with section line 17—17 in FIG. 14, depicting the power cord retaining system with the retaining member engaged with the serrated surface of the housing member;

[0036] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of the power cord retaining system of FIGS. 13 and 14, with the retaining member disengaged from the serrated surface of the housing member;

[0037] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the power cord retaining system of FIGS. 13 and 14, taken in accordance with section line 19—19 in FIG. 17, depicting the serrated surface of the retaining member engaged with the serrated surface of one of the housing members;

[0038] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary portable power tool depicting an alternative preferred embodiment of the retaining member of the power cord retaining system incorporated into a housing of the power tool, with a second cooperating retaining system also incorporated into the housing of the power tool;

[0039] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view depicting just the retaining member, a spring and a portion of the housing of the power tool of FIG. 20;

[0040] FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of the power tool housing of FIG. 20 with the retaining member in a closed position against an exemplary small power cord plug head; and

[0041] FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of the power tool housing of FIG. 20 with the retaining member in a closed position against an exemplary large power cord plug head.

[0042] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0043] In FIG. 1 an AC powered portable tool 12 incorporating a power cord retaining system 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. It will be appreciated immediately that while the power tool 12 is illustrated as a hedge trimmer, that the invention can be used with virtually any portable AC power tool, and therefore should not be construed as being limited to use with only hedge trimmers.

[0044] A housing 12aof the power tool 12 includes a handle 14 and a lower portion 12bat which the power cord retaining system 10 is located.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, the power cord retaining system 10 includes an L-shaped retaining member 18 having a yoke 18aand a release member 20. The system 10 is disposed in close proximity to a male AC power jack 22 which is disposed in a cavity 12cin the housing 12a, as is conventional with many portable AC power tools.

[0046] A power cord 24 has a female receptacle plug head 26 having female electrical receptacles 28 that engage the male AC power jack contact blades 22 disposed in the housing 12aof the power tool 12. The yoke 18aof the retaining member 18 holds the plug head 26 engaged with the AC power jack 22 by contact with a shoulder portion 26aof the plug head. FIG. 3 illustrates the power cord retaining system 10 in the unlocked (or open) position wherein the retaining member 18 is pulled away from the power jack 22, thus allowing the plug head 26 to be removed from the yoke 18a.

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates the retaining member 18 in greater detail. The retaining member 18 has a planar, rectangular surface 30 extending perpendicularly to the yoke component 18a. The rectangular surface 30 also has a serrated edge 32. The yoke component 18ahas an opening 34 large enough for the power cord 24 to fit through but small enough to prevent the plug head 26 at the end of the power cord from pulling through the yoke component.

[0048] The yoke component 18ahas notches 36 that allow the rectangular surface 30 to slide in linearly extending, opposing flanges or tracks within the housing 12a. Referring briefly to FIGS. 8 and 9, a pair of such tracks 38 are illustrated. Tracks 38 are formed so as to project from opposing interior surfaces of the housing 12, which is typically formed with a mating, two-piece construction, to facilitate assembly of the tool 12. The tracks 38 engage the edges of the rectangular surface 30 of the retaining member 18 for sliding movement thereon.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates the release member 20 of the power cord retaining system 10 in greater detail. The release member 20 has a rectangular surface component 40 and a perpendicularly extending locking arm 42. The locking arm 42 has a serrated surface 44, as also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 by hidden lines. The release member 20 also has a boss portion 46 for holding a biasing device such as a coil spring. The opposite end of the release member 20 forms a release button 48 which allows the release member to be depressed inwardly thus disengaging the release member 20 from the retaining member 18. As shown in FIG. 1, button 48 protrudes slightly from an opening 49 in the housing 12bto allow easy engagement thereof by a user when the power cord 24 is to be released from the tool 12.

[0050] With brief reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of opposing ribs 39 are formed on an interior surface of the housing 12a. Each of the ribs 39 includes a notch 39aadapted to engage a corner of the rectangular portion 20aof the release member 20. The ribs 39 serve to guide the release member 20 for sliding movement perpendicularly to the retaining member 18.

[0051] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate top views of the system 10 showing the retaining member 18 with the release member 20 resting on top of the retaining member. A coil spring 50 is used to bias the release member 20 into constant contact with retaining member 18 such that the serrated surfaces 32 and 44 intergage one another. FIG. 6 shows the system 10 in the locked position. In this position the retaining member 18 is prevented from moving in the direction away from the power jack 22 (i.e., to the left) in the housing 12aof the power tool 12. The serrated edge 32 of the retaining member 18 is held against the serrated surface 44 of the release member 20 by the spring 50. The spring 50 is held in place against the release member 18 by the boss portion 46.

[0052] Referring briefly to FIGS. 8 and 9, the release member 20 rests on top of the retaining member 18. FIG. 8 shows the system 10 in the locked position with the serrated surface 44 engaging the serrated edge 32.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows the system 10 in the unlocked position. The serrated edge 32 of the retaining member 18 is shown separated from the serrated surface of the release member 20 as a result of a force applied to the button 48 along directional line 52. This moves the serrated surface 44 of the release member 20 out of engagement with the serrated edge 32 of the retaining member 18, which allows the retaining member 18 to be moved slidably away from the power jack 22 in the housing 12aof the power tool 12 while the button 48 is held depressed. The spring 50 is shown in the compressed position in FIG. 7 when the release button 48 is depressed in order to unlock the system 10.

[0054] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a cord retaining system 100 in accordance with a second alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. A retaining member 102 holds the power cord female plug head 26 engaged with the AC power jack contact blades 22 in the power tool 12. The retaining member 102 slides in a track 104 of the housing 12a. The retaining member 102 has a serrated top surface 116.

[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates a release member 106 in spaced apart relation to the retaining member 102. The retaining member 102 has a rectangular planar surface 108 and a perpendicularly extending yoke component 110. The yoke component 110 has an opening 112 large enough for the power cord 24 to fit through but small enough to prevent the plug head 26 from pulling through the yoke 110. The yoke 110 has notches 114 that allow the retaining component to slide on the tracks 38 (FIG. 9) of the power tool housing 12a. The retaining member 102 has a serrated surface 116 formed on the planar surface 108 thereof, rather than on an edge, as with the system 10 of the first described embodiment.

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the release member 106 has a release element 118 formed at one end and a pair of mounting members 120 at the other end. An upper portion 122 of the release member 106 in contact with wall portion 124 allows a lower portion 126 thereof to be continuously urged into engagement with the retaining member 102. Release member 106 is made from plastic and has a degree of flexibility which allows the lower portion 126 to be biased into constant contact with the retaining member 102 when the tool 12 is assembled. The mounting members 120 support the release member 106 from suitable recesses (not shown) in the power tool housing 12a.

[0057] The release member 106 has a serrated surface 128 that engages the serrated surface 116 of the retaining member 102. When the release element 118 is depressed, as indicated in FIG. 11, it pushes the serrated surface 128 of the release member 106 away from the serrated surface 116 of the retaining member 102. While it is held in this position, the retaining member 102 can be moved slidably away from the power jack 22.

[0058] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a cord retaining system 200 in accordance with a third alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cord retaining system 200 is shown in connection with an electric power tool 202 having a housing 204 which includes a handle portion 206. An AC power jack 208 having a pair of contact blades 210 is formed in the housing 204.

[0059] The retaining system 200 includes a retaining member 212 which is adapted to hold the internal contacts 214aof a female plug head 214 of an AC power cord 216 securely to the power jack 208. The retaining member 212 is pivotally supported from a portion of the retaining member housing portion 218 of the system 200. The cord retaining housing portion 218 is formed as part of a loop handle portion 220 of the handle 206. Thus, the retaining member 212 can be moved pivotally from the open position illustrated in FIG. 13 to the closed position illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 15, the cord retaining system 200 can be seen to include housing members 218aand 218bwhich form the housing portion 218 when assembled together. The retaining member 212 includes an L-shaped lower yoke component 222 and a circular locking component 224. The yoke component 222 has a pair of arms 222awhich form an opening 226 therebetween large enough to accommodate the power cord 216 but small enough to prevent the plug head 214 from pulling therethrough. The retaining member 212 further has a radial serrated surface 228 formed on one side of the circular locking component 224. A release button 230 is also formed on the retaining member 212 and disposed at the axial center of the circular locking component 224.

[0061] With further reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, housing member 218ahas an opening 232 for allowing the release button 230 to project from the housing member 218a. In FIG. 16, it can be seen that the housing member 218aalso includes a radial serrated or toothed surface 234 formed on an inner surface 236 thereof. When assembled, the serrated surface 234 is in facing relationship with, and normally engaged with, the serrated surface 228 on the circular locking component 224 of the retaining member 212. With brief reference to FIG. 19, the serrated surfaces 228 and 234 are each formed with a sawtooth like shape which allows ratcheting movement of the retaining member 212 in only one direction (clockwise in FIGS. 13 and 14) when the serrated surfaces 228 and 234 are engaged.

[0062] With further reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the housing member 218bof the retaining system 200 has a spring 238 which has one end thereof held at the axial center of the member 218bby a boss portion 240 protruding from an inside surface 242 of the member 218b. The opposite end of the spring 238 rests within a recess 244 formed at the axial center of the circular locking component 224 on the side opposite to the release button 230. When the retaining system 200 is assembled, the spring 238 biases the serrated surface 228 of the retaining member 212 against the serrated surface 234 (FIG. 16) of the housing member 218a, thus maintaining the release button 230 in a position protruding from opening 232.

[0063] With reference to FIGS. 15-17, depressed walls 246 (FIGS. 15 and 16) are formed in each of the housing members 218aand 218bto cooperatively form an arcuate slot 248 (FIG. 17) when the housing members are assembled. The arcuate slot 248 permits the yoke component 222 of the retaining member 212 to extend from the housing members when the members are assembled together. FIG. 17 illustrates the serrated surface 228 of the circular locking component 224 biased into engagement with the serrated surface 234 of housing component 218aand maintaining the release button 230 projecting through the opening 232.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 18, the retaining member 212 is disengaged from the serrated surface 234 of housing member 218awhen a force is applied against the release button 230, as indicated by directional arrow 250. While such a force is being applied, the retaining member 212 can be rotated from its closed position, shown in FIG. 14, to its open position shown in FIG. 13. When moved into its open position, the power cord 216 can be removed from the yoke component 222 of the retaining member 212. Attachment of the power cord 216 to the AC power jack 208 is accomplished by plugging the plug head 214 into the AC power jack 208 while the retaining member 212 is in its open position (FIG. 13). The power cord 216 is then threaded between the arms 222aof the yoke component 222 and the retaining member 212 is then moved into its closed position (FIG. 14). Once in the closed position, the retaining member 212 cannot move toward the open position unless the release button 230 is depressed.

[0065] FIG. 20 illustrates a handle 300 of a power tool 302, for example, a string trimmer, with a cord retaining system 304 substantially in accordance with the third alternative preferred embodiment 200 but incorporating an alternative preferred embodiment 306 of the retaining member. FIG. 20 also illustrates a second cooperating retaining system 308 disposed in the handle 300 of the power tool 302.

[0066] The second cooperating retaining system 308 comprises an opening 310 (also see FIG. 21) in the handle 300 of the power tool 302 and a hook member 312 (also see FIG. 21) on the inside of the handle 300 of the power tool 302. The cord retaining system 304 and the second cooperating retaining system 308 can operate in cooperation to better retain a power cord 314 and power cord plug head 316 engaged with an AC power jack 318 disposed in the handle 300 of the power tool 300.

[0067] The second cooperating retaining system 308 is operated by inserting a loop of the power cord 314 through the opening 310 of the handle 300 and placing the loop of the power cord 314 over the hook member 312, thus creating a restriction in the movement of the power cord 314 away from the power tool 302. The steps of connecting the power cord 314 to the second cooperating retaining system 308 can be performed either before or after the power cord plug head 316 has been attached to the AC power jack 318. The second cooperating retaining system 308 provides a secondary system that further prevents the unintentional removal of the power cord plug head 316 from the AC power jack 318. In a preferred embodiment the second cooperating retaining system is suitable for incorporation with the first, second, and third preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] Now referring to FIG. 21, the retaining member 306 is illustrated in relation to a biasing member (i.e. a spring) 320 and a housing member 322, where the housing member 322 is similar to the housing 204 (FIGS. 13, and 14) of the third preferred embodiment without the second cooperating retaining system 308. Consistent with the cord retaining system 200 the retaining member 306 comprises a release button 326 and a circular locking component 328 comprising a radial serrated surface 330 that interacts with a second radial serrated surface 332 disposed in the housing member 322.

[0069] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the radial serrated surface 330, when biased into contact with the second radial serrated surface 332, will restrict rotation of the retaining member 306 in the direction away from the AC power jack 318 (FIG. 20) but will not lock the retaining member 306 from rotating in a direction away from the AC power jack 318 (FIG. 20). In this alternative embodiment the retaining member 306 can be either unlocked either by pressing on the release button 326 and rotating the retaining member 306, or by simply rotating the retaining member 306 by applying sufficient force in a direction away from the AC power jack 318. This alternative embodiment advantageously allows for the release of the power cord plug head 316 (FIG. 20) by a force that otherwise might be sufficient to damage the retaining member 306 or other components of the cord retaining system 304.

[0070] Continuing with FIG. 21, the retaining member 306 further comprises a lower yoke component 324 that is curved to provide a more suitable positive contact between the retaining member 306 and the power cord plug head 316 (FIG. 20). The advantage of the curving configuration is most apparent when the retaining member 306 is used to hold a small to medium sized power cord plug head 316 (FIG. 20) in contact with the AC power jack 318 (FIG. 20).

[0071] The retaining member 306 further comprises boss members or semi-cylindrical “bumps” 334a, 334b, 334c. Referring briefly to FIG. 22, two boss members 334b(hidden), 334care illustrated interacting with a small to medium size power cord plug head 316aand holding it in contact with the AC power jack 318 in the handle housing 302 of the power tool 300. Now referring briefly to FIG. 23, one of the boss members 334ais illustrated interacting with a large size power cord plug head 316band holding it engaged with the AC power jack 318 in the handle housing 302 of the power tool 300. The boss members 334a, 334b(FIG. 21), 334cthus advantageously support the retention of various shapes and sizes of power cord plug heads to the AC power jack 318, thereby preventing the unintended removal of the power cord plug head 316 from the AC power Jack 318.

[0072] The preferred embodiments described herein provide an easy to use means for holding an electrical power cord secured to an AC power jack of a portable, AC powered tool. Advantageously, the embodiments do not require any external tools or cumbersome procedures for securing or releasing the power cord to and from an AC power jack. Furthermore, the preferred embodiments do not significantly add to the complexity of manufacture of the tool or increase significantly its cost, weight or overall dimensions. In addition, the preferred embodiments accommodate a variety of plug head shapes and sizes.

[0073] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.