Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HOCKEY PUCK REBOUNDER
The present invention relates generally to a hockey training device and
more specifically it relates to a hockey puck rebounder for rebounding a
hockey puck
or ball to a player when shot against.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hockey training techniques and devices have been in use for years.
Typically, it is required to have multiple players working together to
practice passing
and one-timer shots; however for various reasons it may not always be possible
for
multiple players to practice together. Because of the inherent problems with
the
related art, there is a need for a new and improved hockey puck rebounder for
rebounding a hockey puck or ball to a player when shot against.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION '
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hockey
training device for rebounding a playing object, comprising:
a frame having a first end and a second end;
a first support connected to said first end;
a second support connected to said second end;
one or more resilient rebound members extending between said first
support and said second support such that said one or more resilient rebound
members are secured in a taut manner to provide a resilient spring-back force
when
struck by a playing object; and
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a means for securing said frame to a shooting surface in a stationary
manner;
wherein said means for securing said frame includes a clamping
assembly, wherein said clamping assembly includes:
a lower plate having a front edge, a rear edge, at least one rear flange,
and at least one retaining post;
wherein said at least one rear flange extends upwardly from said rear
edge of said lower plate to engage a rear edge of said frame;
wherein said at least one retaining post extends upwardly from said
lower plate and through at least one opening of said frame;
wherein a supporting object having said shooting surface thereon is
adapted to be extended between said lower plate and said frame so that a
peripheral edge of said supporting object engages said at least one retaining
post;
and
at least one adjustment knob threaded to said at least one retaining
post, wherein said at least one adjustment knob is adapted to provide for
vertical
adjustment of said lower plate relative said frame such as to secure said
supporting
object between said lower plate and said frame; and
wherein engagement of said rear flange with said frame causes said
front edge of said lower plate to vertically adjust closer to a lower surface
of said
frame than said rear edge of said lower plate such as to angle said lower
plate
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upwardly from said rear edge of said lower plate to said front edge of said
lower
plate.
Preferably the frame comprises a U-shaped or V-shaped structure.
Preferably the frame includes a first end portion leading to said first
end, a second end portion leading to said second end, and a central portion,
wherein
said first end portion and said second end portion extend angularly outward
from
opposing ends of said central portion to form a gap between said first end and
said
second end, wherein said resilient rebound member extends across said gap.
Preferably the first end portion is orthogonal with respect to said
second end portion.
Preferably the frame is comprised of an integral one-piece structure.
Preferably the first support and said second support are each
comprised of bushing structures.
Preferably the first support and said second support each extend
upwardly from said frame, such as to extend away from said shooting surface.
Preferably the first support and said second support each extend
downwardly from said frame, such as to extend toward said shooting surface.
Preferably the first support and said second support are each integral
with said frame.
Preferably the one or more resilient rebound members are each
comprised of an endless-looped band structure.
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Preferably the one or more resilient rebound members are comprised
of a plurality of resilient rebound members.
Preferably the means for removably securing said frame includes a
clamping assembly.
Preferably the clamping assembly includes:
a lower plate having a front edge, a rear edge, at least one rear flange,
and at least one retaining post;
wherein said at least one rear flange extends upwardly from said rear
edge of said lower plate to engage a rear edge of said frame;
wherein said at least one retaining post extends upwardly from said
lower plate and through at least one opening of said frame;
wherein a supporting object having said shooting surface thereon is
adapted to be extended between said lower plate and said frame so that a
peripheral edge of said supporting object engages said at least one retaining
post;
and
at least one adjustment knob threaded to said at least one retaining
post, wherein said at least one adjustment knob is adapted to provide for
vertical
adjustment of said lower plate relative said frame such as to secure said
supporting
object between said lower plate and said frame;
wherein engagement of said rear flange with said frame causes said
front edge of said lower plate to vertically adjust closer to a lower surface
of said
frame than said rear edge of said lower plate such as to angle said lower
plate
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upwardly from said rear edge of said lower plate to said front edge of said
lower
plate.
Preferably the device includes one or more grip pads attached to a
lower surface of said frame and/or an upper surface of said lower plate for
5 contacting said supporting object.
Preferably the means for removably securing said frame includes one
or more fasteners extending through one or more openings of said frame and
through a supporting object having said shooting surface thereon.
Preferably the device includes a counterweight member attached to an
upper surface of said frame.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a
hockey training device for rebounding a playing object, comprising:
a frame having a first end, a first end portion leading to said first end, a
second end, a second end portion leading to said second end, and a central
portion;
wherein said first end portion and said second end portion extend
angularly outward from opposing ends of said central portion to form a gap
between
said first end and said second end and wherein said first end portion is
orthogonal
with respect to said second end portion;
a first support bushing connected to said first end;
a second support bushing connected to said second end;
one or more resilient rebound members extending between said first
support and said second support across said gap such that said one or more
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resilient rebound members are secured in a taut manner to provide a resilient
spring-
back force when struck by a playing object;
wherein said one or more resilient rebound members are each
comprised of an endless-looped band structure; and
a means for securing said frame to a shooting surface in a stationary
manner;
wherein said means for securing said frame includes a clamping
assembly, wherein said clamping assembly includes:
a lower plate having a front edge, a rear edge, at least one rear flange,
at least one retaining post, and one or more grip pads;
wherein said at least one rear flange extends upwardly from said rear
edge of said lower plate to engage a rear edge of said frame;
wherein said at least one retaining post extends upwardly from said
lower plate and through at least one opening of said frame;
wherein a supporting object having said shooting surface thereon is
adapted to be extended between said lower plate and said frame so that a
peripheral edge of said supporting object engages said at least one retaining
post;
and
at least one adjustment knob threaded to said at least one retaining
post, wherein said at least one adjustment knob is adapted to provide for
vertical
adjustment of said lower plate relative said frame such as to secure said
supporting
object between said lower plate and said frame;
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wherein engagement of said rear flange with said frame causes said
front edge of said lower plate to vertically adjust closer to a lower surface
of said
frame than said rear edge of said lower plate such as to angle said lower
plate
upwardly from said rear edge of said lower plate to said front edge of said
lower
plate; and
wherein said one or more grip pads are located adjacent said front
edge of said lower plate and for contacting said supporting object.
Preferably the means for removably securing said frame includes a
clamping assembly, wherein said clamping assembly includes:
a lower plate having a front edge, a rear edge, at least one rear flange,
at least one retaining post, and one or more grip pads;
wherein said at least one rear flange extends upwardly from said rear
edge of said lower plate to engage a rear edge of said frame;
wherein said at least one retaining post extends upwardly from said
lower plate and through at least one opening of said frame;
wherein a supporting object having said shooting surface thereon is
adapted to be extended between said lower plate and said frame so that a
peripheral edge of said supporting object engages said at least one retaining
post;
and
at least one adjustment knob threaded to said at least one retaining
post, wherein said at least one adjustment knob is adapted to provide for
vertical
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adjustment of said lower plate relative said frame such as to secure said
supporting
object between said lower plate and said frame;
wherein engagement of said rear flange with said frame causes said
front edge of said lower plate to vertically adjust closer to a lower surface
of said
frame than said rear edge of said lower plate such as to angle said lower
plate
upwardly from said rear edge of said lower plate to said front edge of said
lower
plate.
wherein said one or more grip pads are located adjacent said front
edge of said lower plate and for contacting said supporting object.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a hockey
training system for rebounding a playing object, comprising:
a supporting object comprised of a panel structure;
a frame having a first end, a first end portion leading to said first end, a
second end, a second end portion leading to said second end, and a central
portion,
and one or more first grip pads;
wherein said first end portion and said second end portion extend
angularly outward from opposing ends of said central portion to form a gap
between
said first end and said second end;
_wherein said first end portion is orthogonal with respect to said second
end portion;
a first support bushing connected to said first end;
a second support bushing connected to said second end;
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one or more resilient rebound members extending between said first
support and said second support across said gap such that said one or more
resilient rebound members are secured in a taut manner to provide a resilient
spring-
back force when struck by a playing object;
wherein said one or more resilient rebound members are each
comprised of an endless-looped band structure;
a clamping assembly for securing said frame to said supporting object,
wherein said clamping assembly includes a lower plate having a front edge, a
rear
edge, at least one rear flange, at least one retaining post, at least one
adjustment
knob, and one or more second grip pads;
wherein said at least one rear flange extends upwardly from said rear
edge of said lower plate to engage a rear edge of said frame;
wherein said at least one retaining post extends upwardly from said
lower plate and through at least one opening of said frame;
wherein said supporting object is adapted to be extended between said
lower plate and said frame so that a peripheral edge of said supporting object
engages said at least one retaining post;
wherein said at least one adjustment knob threaded to said at least
one retaining post, wherein said at least one adjustment knob is adapted to
provide
for vertical adjustment of said lower plate relative said frame such as to
secure said
supporting object between said lower plate and said frame;
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wherein engagement of said rear flange with said frame causes said
front edge of said lower plate to vertically adjust closer to a lower surface
of said
frame than said rear edge of said lower plate such as to angle said lower
plate
upwardly from said rear edge of said lower plate to said front edge of said
lower
5 plate; and
wherein said one or more first grip pads of said frame and said one or
more second grip pads of said lower plate and for contacting said supporting
object.
In general as described in more detail hereinafter the arrangement
herein provides a system for rebounding a hockey puck or ball to a player when
shot
10 against. The invention generally relates to a hockey training device
which includes a
frame, a first and second support each extending from opposing ends of the
frame, a
resilient rebound member comprised of an endless-looped band and extending
between the first and second supports such that the resilient rebound member
is
secured in a taut manner to provide a resilient spring-back force when struck
by a
hockey puck or ball, and various securing structures for securing the frame in
a
stationary manner to a playing or shooting surface. The securing structures
may
include a counterweight, a lower plate for sandwiching a panel, such as a
piece of
synthetic ice between the lower plate and the frame, and/or fasteners extended
through defined openings in the frame for securing the frame to a panel or a
sheet of
ice.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the
present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better
understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout
the
several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention attached
to a supporting object comprised of a synthetic ice panel.
FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with the
clamp assembly.
FIG. 3 is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention
with the clamp assembly.
FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with the
clamp assembly and with the lower plate exploded and illustrating the bottom
of the
frame.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2 and showing
a supporting object attached between thereof.
FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with the
counterweight.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6 and attached
to a supporting object.
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FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the present invention without the clamp
assembly or the counterweight and attached to a supporting object.
FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with the
support bushing extending upwardly and the rear support comprised of a 90-
degree
bend.
FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with the
support bushing extending downwardly.
FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with the
support integral with the frame.
FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with
multiple rebounding members used.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A. Overview.
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference
characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1
through
12 illustrate a hockey puck rebounder 10, which comprises a frame 20, a first
and
second support 40, 45 each extending from opposing ends 21, 22 of the frame
20, a
resilient rebound member 50 comprised of an endless-looped band and extending
between the first and second supports 40, 45 such that the resilient rebound
member 50 is secured in a taut manner to provide a resilient spring-back force
when
struck by a hockey puck or ball, and various securing structures for securing
the
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frame 20 in a stationary manner to a playing or shooting surface 12 of a
supporting
object or structure 14.
The securing structures 14 may include a lower plate 61 for
sandwiching a panel, such as a sheet of synthetic ice between the lower plate
61
and the frame 20, wherein the lower plate 61 is vertically adjustable relative
the
lower plate 61 and has resistance members to hold the panel taut such as
illustrated
in Figure 5. The securing structures may also include fasteners 78 extended
through defined openings 37 in the frame 20 for securing the frame 20 to a
panel or
a sheet of real or synthetic ice such as illustrated in Figure 8. The training
device 10
may be mounted on the side, end, corner, or other location upon the supporting
structure (E.g. synthetic ice). A counterweight 70 may also be used in
addition to
direct attachment of the frame 20 to the supporting structure 14 such as
illustrated in
Figure 7.
B. Frame.
The frame 20 is generally held stationary and used to support the
rebound member 50 while the rebound member 50 is being shot against. The frame
may be secured to a stationary object, such as a fixed panel including a floor
board, a real or synthetic ice sheet, such as in a hockey arena, or the frame
20 may
be secure to a movable objects, such as a movable panel including a board,
20 synthetic ice, or various other structures, all which preferably include
a surface on
which the hockey puck or ball may glide or roll upon from a point of being
shot to the
rebounder and back toward a shooter or receiver of the pass. Alternately,
weight
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may be applied upon the frame 20 to hold the frame 20 in a stationary position
when
attachment to the supporting structure is not desired.
The frame 20 is generally comprised of a rigid and strong structure
able to withstand forces from the incoming hockey puck or ball. The frame 20
may
be comprised of separate pieces attached together; however the frame 20 is
preferably comprised of an integral one-piece structure, such as a formed
piece of
metal (e.g. 12 gauge) or a molded plastic piece.
The frame 20 generally includes a rear support 25 perpendicularly
extending upwardly along the rear peripheral edge of the frame 20 and
comprised of
a ridge or 90 degree bend for increasing the strength of the frame 20 and
substantially restricting the end portions 30, 33 from moving inwardly due to
the
tension of the rebound members 50 or the force of the incoming hockey puck or
ball.
The frame 20 also preferably includes a front support 26 comprised of a ridge
spaced slightly inwardly from and following the front peripheral edge of the
frame 20
for providing additional strength to the frame 20.
The supports are generally integral with the frame 20 and may be
comprised of a ridge, 90-degree flange 62 or various other structures. The
front and
rear supports 25 are generally recessed or tapered to a point near flush with
the
upper surface of the frame 20 near the bushings to permit room for the support
bushings 40, 45 and rebound member 50.
The frame 20 generally takes the form of a U-shape, V-shape, or other
shape with a first end 21, second end 22, and gap 23 formed between thereof to
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leave room for operation of the rebound member 50 and to allow for the frame
20 to
be mounted at various locations upon the ice, such as the end, side, or corner
of the
ice sheet. More particularly, the frame 20 includes a first end portion 30
leading to a
first end 21 of the frame 20, a second end portion 33 leading to a second end
portion
5 33 of the frame 20, and a center portion 36 between the first end portion
30 and the
second end portion 33, wherein the first end portion 30 and the second end
portion
33 extend linearly from opposing ends of the center portion 36 to form the U-
shaped
or V-shaped structure. The first end portion 30 is also generally orthogonal
to the
second end portion 33 thus allowing for the frame 20 to attach in a flush
manner
10 along corners of synthetic ice or shooting boards. The first end portion 30
may
include one or more openings 32, the second end portion 33 may include one or
more openings 35, and the center portion 36 may include one or more openings
37,
38 as illustrated in Figure 2.
The first end portion 30 also generally includes a first retaining post 31
15 secured thereto at the first end 21 of the frame 20 and extending in an
orthogonal
upward or downward direction and the second end portion 33 also generally
includes a second retaining post 34 secured thereto at the second end 22 of
the
frame 20 and extending in an orthogonal upward or downward direction. The
first
retaining post 31 and the second retaining post 34 may directly receive the
rebound
member 50; however the first retaining post 31 and the second retaining post
34
preferably receive a first support 40 and a second support 45 which receive
the
rebound member 50 as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. The first retaining post
31
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and the second retaining post 34 are preferably captive studs being threadably
formed along an interior and fixed to the frame 20, such as in a threaded,
integral,
press-in, or other manner.
The frame 20 also generally includes a plurality of grip pads 39
positioned along a lower surface of the frame 20 for engaging the panel and/or
ice
sheet thus both increasing frictional contact to the panel and/or ice sheet to
prohibit
movement of the frame 20 as illustrated in Figures 5, 7, and 8 and also for
restricting
freezing of the frame 20 to the ice sheet as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.
The grip
pads 39 are preferably comprised of a sandpaper structure (E.g. 36 grit-type).
The
grip pads 39 may be secured to the lower surface of the frame 20 in various
manners.
C. Supports.
The present invention generally includes a first support 40 retained
upon the first retaining post 31 and a second support 45 retained upon the
second
retaining post 34. The first support 40 and the second support 45 are
generally each
hollow to receive the retaining post 31, 34, wherein a first fastener 41 and a
second
fastener 46 are then used to secure the first support 40 and the second
support 45
upon the first retaining post 31 and the second retaining post 34 respectively
as
illustrated in Figure 2.
The first support 40 and the second support 45 are generally
comprised of identical structures and are preferably comprised of a hollow,
cylindrical high-density and impact-resistant plastic-bushing structure that
can be
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tightened to increase strength. The first support 40 and the second support 45
may
be comprised of various sizes, such as but not limited to having a 1 inch
diameter.
The first support 40 and the second support 45 are able to rotate about their
respective retaining post and are able to be tightened so there is a minimal
amount
of friction, thus providing equal tension across the face of the resilient
rebound
member 50.
The first support 40 and the second support 45 preferably extend
upwardly in an orthogonal manner from the frame 20 as illustrated in Figure 9;
however it is appreciated that the first support 40 and the second support 45
may
extend downwardly in an orthogonal manner from the frame 20 as illustrated in
Figure 10. The supports 40, 45 may also be integral with the frame 20 as
illustrated
in Figure 11. Either way that the first support 40 and the second support 45
extend,
the first support 40 and the second support 45 retain the lower end of the
rebound
member 50 slightly above the shooting surface to allow for forward and reverse
movement of the rebound member 50 and the first support 40 and the second
support 45 retain the upper end of the rebound member 50 at a point preferably
substantially similar or slightly above the uppermost point of the hockey puck
or ball.
D. Rebound Member.
The rebound member 50 is comprised of a resilient material and is
adapted to be secured in a taut manner around the first support 40 and the
second
support 45 to provide a resilient spring-back force when struck by the hockey
puck
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or ball. The hockey puck or ball is preferably shot at the center of the
rebound
member 50 to provide optimal return force.
The rebound member 50 is preferably comprised of an endless-loop
band structure. The
rebound member 50 is further preferably comprised of a
rubber or silicone base material. In alternate embodiments, the rebound
members
50 may be stretch cord or any stretching material. Although various sizes may
be
appreciated, the rebound member 50 preferably has a height of approximately 1
inch, a width between 9 and 14 inches depending upon the desired tension, and
a
thickness between 1116th and 118th inch depending upon the desired tension.
It is appreciated that multiple rebound members 50, 50' may be used
such as illustrated in Figure 12, wherein a second rebound member 50'
encircles a
first rebound member 50, to increase the tautness and spring-back force for
returning the hockey puck or ball to the player at a greater speed.
E. Securing Structures.
The frame 20 is generally secured or held stationary to a supporting
object 14 via a securing structure to keep the frame 20 in a stationary
position while
the hockey puck or ball engages the rebound member 50. The securing structure
may take the form of various embodiments depending upon the supporting object
14
used to secure the frame 20.
In one embodiment, the securing structure is comprised of a clamping
assembly 60 and includes a lower plate 61 with rear flanges 62, retaining
posts 64,
grip pads 65, and adjustment knobs 67. The lower plate 61 is generally
comprised
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of a flat-plate like structure comprised of a metal material (E.g. 12 gauge,
14 gauge)
or alternately plastic, and has an hourglass shape with rear flanges 62
extending
upwardly from opposing end portions of the lower plate 61 for engagement with
the
lower surface of the rear support 25 of the peripheral edge of the frame 20 or
the
lower surface of the rear peripheral edge of the frame 20 (if the rear support
25 is
spaced inwardly) and to allow the lower plate 61 to create a pinching action
along
the front side of the frame 20 and lower plate 61 when tightened as
illustrated in
Figure 5.
The lower plate 61 also includes one or more retaining posts 64 having
external threads and extending upwardly from the lower plate 61 adjacent the
end
portions of the lower plate 61 and through the openings 37 of the center
portion 36
to be threadably received by the adjustment knobs 67 for vertical adjustment
of the
lower plate 61 with respect to the frame 20. The retaining posts 64 are
preferably
comprised of captive studs being threadably formed along an exterior and fixed
to
the lower plate 61, such as in a threaded, integral, press-in, or other
manner.
The lower plate 61 may also include grip pads 65 comprised of a
sandpaper structure (E.g. 36 grit-type) and fastened to the upper surface of
the
lower plate 61 for engagement with the supporting object 14 that is clamped
between the lower plate 61 and the frame 20 to help retain the frame 20 in
place
with respect to the supporting object 14.
Alternately, one or more fasteners 78, such as screws, etc., may be
extended through the openings 37 and then into the supporting object 14 for
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attachment thereto, such as when attaching the frame 20 directly to the ice
sheet or
to a structure that is not desired to be clamped between the frame 20 and the
lower
plate 61. In addition, reinforcement fasteners 79, such as screws may be
extended
through the openings 32, 35 in addition to the fasteners 78, the counterweight
70, or
5 the clamp assembly 60.
The counterweight 70 may be attached to the upper surface of the
center portion 36 of the frame 20 via extending fasteners 72, 74 through the
openings 37, 38 of the center portion 36 to provide weight to the frame 20 to
counter
the force incurred by the rebound member 50 from the hockey puck or ball and
thus
10 restrict vibration of the frame 20 and a quicker and smoother return of
the hockey
puck or ball from the rebound member 50, as well as hold the frame 20
stationary.
The fasteners 72 securing the counterweight 70 to the frame 20 are
preferably countersunk within the counterweight 70 and are further preferably
long
enough to extend into the supporting object 14, such as the ice sheet to
firmly
15 secure the frame 20 in place. The counterweight 70 may include a separate
fastener 74 for securement of the counterweight 70 to the frame 20 via the
center
opening 38 of the center portion 36. It is appreciated that in alternate
embodiments
the counterweight 70 may be used to simply hold the frame 20 stationary upon
the
supporting object 14 without direct attachment to the supporting object 14.
The
20 counterweight 70 is generally used in place of the clamping assembly 60 or
fasteners 78, 79; however it is appreciated that the counterweight 70 may be
used in
addition to other methods of securement.
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F. Operation and Installment of Preferred Embodiment.
In use, the training device 10 is designed to mount on synthetic or real
ice quickly and easily. The training device will service a hockey puck or ball
back to
the user or another player which will improve stick handling, passing,
rebounding,
obtaining "soft hands", and also one-timer shots.
For installment of the training device 10 to synthetic ice or shooting
boards as illustrated in Figure 1, the adjustment knobs 67 are first loosened
thus
increasing the distance between the lower plate 61 and the frame 20 so as to
be
greater than the thickness of the synthetic ice or shooting board. The
synthetic ice
or shooting board is then slid into the space between the frame 20 and the
lower
plate 61 until the synthetic ice or shooting boards engages the retaining
posts 64 of
the lower plate 61. The adjustment knobs 67 are then tightened equally, thus
causing grip pads 39, 65 located on the frame 20 and the lower plate 61 to
engage
the synthetic ice or shooting board and help retain the frame 20 stationary to
the
synthetic ice or shooting board as illustrated in Figure 5.
For aggressive passing, fasteners 79, such as screws, are installed
through the openings 32, 35 of the end portions 30, 33 of the frame 20 and are
extended into the supporting object 14 (E.g. synthetic ice or shooting boards)
to help
retain the frame 20 in place. The vertical placement of the rebound member 50
is
also preferably adjusted so that the top of the rebound member 50 is the same
height as the hockey puck or ball. The vertical placement of the rebound
member
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50 is adjusted by circulating the rebound member 50 from side-to-side around
the
first and second supports 40, 45.
For installment of the training device 10 to real ice or boards/panels not
having an accessible edge or corner such as illustrated in Figure 8, the clamp
assembly 60 is removed from the lower plate 61 and the lower surface of the
frame
20 is placed upon the desired location of the supporting structure. Fasteners
78,
such as screws, are extended through the openings 37 of the center portion 36
and
optionally through the openings 32, 35 of the end portions 30, 33 using a
drill, screw
driver, or other tool to match the head of the fasteners. The counterweight 70
is
attached in a similar manner as shown in Figure 7.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein
have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art
to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or
equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
the
present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All
publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned
herein
are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by
applicable law
and regulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, including
definitions,
will control. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without
departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore
desired that
the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not
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restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience
only and
have no legal or limiting effect.
