Golf Training Device

Description

BACKGROUND

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with golf training devices. More particularly, the invention describes a golf trainer allowing learning proper movements while playing golf.

Mastering the proper techniques of golf involves several challenges that stem from the sport's demands on both physical and mental precision. The golf swing itself is a complex, full-body movement requiring coordinated timing, balance, and control of various muscle groups. Proper weight transfer, grip pressure, and the sequencing of body movements are difficult to perfect, and even small deviations can lead to inconsistent ball strikes. Additionally, controlling the clubface angle and angle of attack during each swing is essential for accuracy but can be tricky to manage. Mental focus is equally important, as golf demands sustained concentration and strategic decision-making throughout a round. Players must also adapt to changing environmental conditions, like wind and weather, which can affect ball flight and shot strategy. Building muscle memory through consistent practice is essential for developing repeatable swings, but this process is challenging, especially with the variety of techniques needed for different clubs. The short game, including putting and chipping, requires fine motor skills and a delicate touch, adding another layer of difficulty. Finally, physical fitness plays a role, as flexibility, strength, and endurance are necessary for executing proper swings and maintaining performance over the course of a golf round.

A golf training device can be an invaluable tool for mastering the physical techniques required to play the sport effectively, as it provides structured, focused practice and reinforces correct movements. One of the primary challenges in learning golf is consistently performing the complex, multi-joint movements of the swing with precision. A training device can break down these movements, guiding the player through the proper posture, weight transfer, and swing mechanics. For example, devices that assist with grip positioning help players maintain the correct pressure and hand alignment, preventing bad habits from developing. Similarly, swing aids can provide real-time feedback on the kinematic sequence of the body, ensuring that hips, shoulders, arms, and club move in the correct order. This feedback is crucial for building muscle memory, allowing players to repeat the correct movements until they become second nature.

Additionally, training devices can help with maintaining balance and proper weight transfer during the swing, both of which are key to consistency but difficult to perfect. Tools that guide the body's alignment and rotation through the swing ensure that the golfer stays stable and on-plane, reducing common errors like slicing or hooking the ball. With repeated use, such devices train the body to move efficiently, minimizing the chance of injury from incorrect form. Some golf training devices also offer an objective way to monitor progress, as players can use them to track improvements in swing mechanics and accuracy over time. Overall, golf training devices provide a controlled, repeatable method for practicing the exact movements necessary for success, helping players overcome the technical challenges of the sport and accelerating the learning process.

While golf training devices offer valuable assistance in mastering the game, they come with notable drawbacks and limitations. One key issue is the lack of adaptability to individual players' unique swings and body mechanics. Most devices are designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, which can lead to a rigid training process that doesn't account for the variations in players' height, flexibility, or natural swing tendencies. As a result, some players may find that training devices constrain their movement, leading to discomfort or unnatural adjustments that may hinder long-term improvement. These devices often focus on idealized movements, which might not suit all players, especially those who have developed personalized styles of play that are still effective.

Another limitation is that many training aids focus narrowly on specific aspects of the swing or technique, such as grip or alignment, while neglecting the holistic nature of the game. This can create an overemphasis on isolated elements without addressing how they interact in full swing or during real-world play on the course. For example, a device might help with weight transfer during the swing but fail to teach the player how to adjust for environmental conditions, like wind or uneven terrain. This compartmentalized training can lead to issues when transitioning from controlled practice settings to live play, where conditions are less predictable.

Furthermore, some training devices rely on technology or mechanical aids that provide immediate feedback but may foster over-reliance. Players can become dependent on the device to correct their form, rather than internalizing the proper techniques and making necessary adjustments themselves. This dependence can stunt the development of proprioception—the body's ability to sense and control movement—an essential skill for success in golf.

One other limitation is the size and weight of these training machines. Some devices are rather large, and can only be used once permanently installed at a golf course or a golf training facility.

Finally, the cost of high-quality training devices can be prohibitive for many golfers. While there are budget options, these tend to offer limited feedback or durability, potentially resulting in inaccurate or inconsistent training experiences. Therefore, although golf training devices have their place in improving skills, their limitations should be carefully considered to ensure they complement rather than impede overall player development.

The need exists, therefore, for an improved golf training device that provides personalized training assistance, is small in size and weight, and can be sold at an affordable price.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome these and other drawbacks of the prior art by providing a novel golf training device facilitating learning of proper golf techniques and movements so as to improve golfing skills.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel golf training device that is compact in size and easily transportable to and from the golf course.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel golf training device that can be used to learn both free as well as coordinated hand movements to play golf.

The novel golf training device may include a housing, a first elongated handle, and a second elongated handle. The first elongated handle may define a first center in the geometrical center of the first handle and a first longitudinal axis along the length of the handle, with the first longitudinal axis traversing the first center. The first handle may be rotatably mounted to allow for a free rotation about the first longitudinal axis and a rotation around the first center.

The second elongated handle may be identical to the first handle and mounted in a similar manner. The second handle may define a second center in a geometrical center thereof. The second handle may be spaced apart from the first handle. The second handle may further define a second longitudinal axis along the length thereof and traversing the second center. The second handle may be rotatably mounted to allow for a free rotation about the second longitudinal axis and a rotation around the second center.

The rotation of the first handle around the first center and the rotation of the second handle around the second center may be coplanar, and both handles may be sized and shaped to be each individually held by one of two human hands.

In further embodiments, a golf training device may include a planar housing defining a first circular opening with a first center and a second circular opening with a second center. The second circular opening may be spaced apart from and not overlapping the first circular opening. Both the first circular opening and the second circular opening may have an identical diameter of between 4 inches and 9 inches and extend across a plane of the housing.

The golf training device may include a first ring rotatably mounted within the first circular opening to allow rotation around the first center. The first ring may in turn have a first elongated handle rotatably retained along an internal diameter of the first ring to facilitate a free rotation of the first handle about a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and crossing the first center.

The golf training device may further feature a second ring rotatably mounted within the second circular opening to allow rotation around the second center. The second ring may be identical in size to the first ring. The second ring may include a second elongated handle rotatably retained along an internal diameter thereof to facilitate a free rotation of the second handle about a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and crossing the second center.

Finally, the golf training device may feature an engagement assembly configured to facilitate using the golf training device in one of two modes of operation:

• • (i) a first mode of operation defined by the engagement assembly not connecting the first ring to the second ring, thereby facilitating free rotation of both the first ring around the first center and free rotation of the second ring around the second center, and
  • (ii) a second mode of operation defined by the engagement assembly connecting the first ring to the second ring, thereby facilitating a coordinated rotation of the first ring and the second ring about the respective first center and the second center.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of the golf training device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the same,

FIG. 3 is a perspective top view with the housing cover removed,

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3 showing the details of the engagement assembly,

FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of the engagement assembly and one of the rings showing the details of the position of the engagement gear with the ring gear in the first mode of operation of the device,

FIG. 6 is a perspective bottom view of the same as in FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is an alternative perspective view of the same as in FIG. 5,

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the engagement assembly and both rings in the first mode of operation,

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of the engagement assembly and both rings of FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the engagement assembly and one of the rings in the first mode of operation,

FIG. 11 is the same partial cross-sectional view as in FIG. 10 but illustrating the position of respective components in the second mode of operation,

FIG. 12 is a close-up perspective view similar to that shown in FIG. 9 but illustrating the position of respective components in the second mode of operation,

FIG. 13 is a perspective side view showing the details of the engagement gear cooperating with a ring gear in the second mode of operation,

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the engagement assembly in the first mode of operation,

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the same but in the second mode of operation,

FIG. 16 shows a top perspective view of one ring of the device,

FIG. 17 shows a bottom perspective view of the same,

FIG. 18 shows an exploded perspective view of the elongated handle,

FIG. 19 shows an alternative configuration of the golf trainer with a haptic/audio indicator on one or on both of the handles thereof,

FIG. 20 shows a first position of a user with the golf training device,

FIG. 21 shows a second position of a user with the golf training device, and

FIG. 23 shows a third position of a user with the golf training device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description sets forth various examples along with specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that claimed subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details disclosed herein. Further, in some circumstances, well-known methods, procedures, systems, components and/or circuits have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the claimed subject matter. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show alternative perspective views of the golf training device 100, according to the present invention. The novel golf training device 100 is designed to aid golfers in improving their swing mechanics through a carefully engineered system that involves two elongated handles 120 and 122. The housing 100 of the device 100 serves as the central structure, supporting both the first and second handles 120 and 122, which are designed to rotate independently. Each handle features a geometrical center, 101 for the first handle 120, and 104 for the second handle 122, which respectively serves as the axis around which the corresponding handle can rotate freely. In addition, the first handle 120 defines a first longitudinal axis 103 that runs along the length of the first handle, passing directly through the first center 101. This handle is mounted in such a way that it can rotate both along its longitudinal axis 103 (arrow C) and around its axis 102 traversing the center 101 (arrow A), providing multi-dimensional rotational movement.

The second elongated handle 122 mirrors the design of the first handle 120. It is mounted similarly, with its own second longitudinal axis 106 traversing its geometrical center 104. The second handle 120 is spaced apart from the first handle 120, ensuring that each handle can be independently grasped by a user's hands during training. Like the first handle 120, the second handle 122 can rotate about its longitudinal axis 106 (arrow D) as well as around axis 105 traversing its center 104 (arrow B).

A unique feature of this design is that rotations of both handles 120 and 122—around their respective centers 101 and 104—occur in the same plane, ensuring that the motion of the user's hands remains coordinated and in line with one another during training. The rotation plane of both handles may be the same as the plane defined by a generally planar housing 110. The handles 120 and 122 and the openings that they are mounted in may be shaped and sized to fit comfortably in each of the user's hands, making it easy to replicate the hand positioning and movement required for a proper golf swing. This dual-handle, rotational design allows users to focus on proper wrist and arm movement, promoting better control and alignment in their swing.

In embodiments, the housing 110 of the golf training device 100 plays an important role in providing structure and stability to the entire system, ensuring that the rotational motion of handles 120 and 122 is well-controlled and effective for training purposes. The housing 110 may be designed in a planar form, meaning it lies flat along a single plane, contributing to a sleek and unobtrusive profile. It may have rounded corners so as to improve the safety of its use. A “FIG. 8” shape of the housing 110 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, although the invention is not limited in this regard. Within this planar housing, two circular openings are positioned to accommodate the rotational components of the device. The housing 110 may include a shell 114 and a cover 112, both of which may be made from suitable plastic or metal materials.

The first circular opening 107 may be centered around a defined first center 101, serving as the point of rotation for the first elongated handle 120. Similarly, a second circular opening 108 may be centered around a second center 104, spaced apart from the first center 101. These two circular openings are distinct, meaning they do not overlap with each other, which helps maintain the independent rotational movement of the two handles 120 and 122. The spacing between openings 107 and 108 may be selected to ensure that each handle can be freely operated without interference, allowing for natural hand and wrist movements during training.

Both openings may be identical in size, with diameters that may range between about 4 inches and about 9 inches, providing enough space for the handles to rotate while still keeping the device compact and portable. In embodiments, both openings may be at least 4 inches in diameter, at least 4.5 inches in diameter, at least 5 inches in diameter, at least 5.5 inches in diameter, at least 6 inches in diameter, at least 6.5 inches in diameter, at least 7 inches in diameter, at least 7.5 inches in diameter, at least 8 inches in diameter, at least 8.5 inches in diameter, as the invention is not limited in this regard. These circular openings may extend across the entire plane of the housing 110, meaning that they penetrate through the surface, allowing the handles to be mounted securely within the housing plane while still permitting their full range of motion. The design of housing 110, with its symmetrically spaced, equally sized openings 107 and 108, ensures balanced functionality and is essential to the overall effectiveness of the training device 100.

The golf training device 100 may further include components that are now described in detail and with reference to FIGS. 3 through 18. At the core of the device 100 are two rings 130 and 132, each rotatably mounted within the corresponding circular openings 107 and 108 in the housing 110. The first ring 130 may be secured within the first circular opening 107, allowing it to rotate around the first center 101. This rotational movement is important for simulating the natural hand and wrist motions required during a golf swing, providing dynamic feedback to the user. The ring 130 itself may have an internal diameter that houses the first elongated handle 120.

The first elongated handle 120 may be rotatably retained along the internal diameter of the ring 130, for example, on the axial extensions 134 (see FIG. 16). The handle 120 may be made from two complementary halves 124 and 126 that can be attached to each other by fasteners 128 through the openings 127—see FIG. 18. A pair of bearings 125 may be placed with one bearing on each end of the handle 120. The internal opening of each bearing 125 may correspond to the external diameter of the axial extensions 134. This exemplary arrangement may be used to allow the handle 120 to spin freely around its own longitudinal axis. This axis runs the full length of the handle 120, intersecting the first center 101, thus ensuring the handle 120 can rotate around both the central axis 102 of the ring 130 and its own axis 103 simultaneously. The design of the ring 130 and handle 120, coupled with the rotational mounting, ensures that the handle 120 can move fluidly in response to the user's grip, mirroring the rotational dynamics of a golf club in motion.

Similarly, the second ring 132 may be mounted within the second circular opening 108, with the same dimensions and functionality as the first ring 130. It may be centered on the second center 104, spaced apart from the first ring 130, and allow for rotation around this point. The second ring 132 may house the second elongated handle 122 positioned along its internal diameter. Like the first, the second handle 122 may be rotatably retained, enabling it to rotate about its own longitudinal axis 106, which passes through the second center 104. The symmetry between the first and second rings 130 and 132, as well as the identical functionality of both handles 120 and 122, allows for coordinated motion between the user's hands, ensuring that both sides of the body are engaged in replicating the proper mechanics of a golf swing.

The interaction between these components—the rings, handles, and housing—forms a closed-loop system that provides consistent feedback on hand placement, wrist rotation, and overall swing dynamics. This design ensures that both rotational freedom and stability are maintained, allowing users to refine their technique with precision.

The details of the design of the first and second rings 130 and 132 are seen in FIGS. 16 and 17. The rings feature a ring gear 136 radially extending from the ring body 131, in turn, sized to slidingly fit in the opening 107 or 108 of the housing 110. A groove 135 is provided so as to rotatably retain each ring in its place, for example, using three bearings 109 positioned around the ring, see FIG. 3. Diagonally spaced apart axial extensions 134 are provided to rotatably retain the handle mounted around them, as described above. Indicia 133 may be provided on one side of the ring or on both sides of the ring to indicate the radial position of the ring, as described below in greater detail. Each ring 130 and 132 may be made from a suitable plastic material, as the invention is not limited in this regard.

Engagement assembly 150 is now described in greater detail and with reference to FIGS. 4-13. This exemplary design uses an engagement gear 158 to move in and out of the engagement contact with the ring gears of the rings 130 and 132. When the engagement gear 158 IS NOT engaged with rings 130 and 132, these rings are allowed to rotate freely and independently of one another—constituting the first mode of operation. On the other side, when the engagement gear 158 IS engaged with the corresponding gears of the rings 130 and 132, their rotation is coordinated and constitutes the second mode of operation of the golf training device 100.

The engagement assembly 150 is seen in greater detail in FIG. 14 showing the assembly in position for the second mode of operation, and FIG. 15 showing a position for the first mode of operation. A stem 154 is extending on one end from a central cavity in the engagement gear 158. The other end of the stem 154 has a longitudinal slot 151 and an opening 155 for a pin 157 to be positioned across thereof (FIG. 10). A key plate 152 may be placed in the slot 151. The key plate 152 may have a longitudinal opening 153 positioned off-center and along one side thereof. The slot 151 and the pin 157 may be configured to allow the movement of the key plate 152 such that it can face the engagement gear 158 either closer thereto (FIGS. 11 and 14) or further away therefrom (FIGS. 10 and 15). A compression spring 156 may be positioned between engagement gear 158 and cover 112 for the purpose of constantly pushing the engagement gear 158 away from cover 112, see FIGS. 10 and 11.

Respective positions of various components of the device in the first mode of operation are seen in FIGS. 3-8, in which the engagement gear 158 is not in contact with the rings 130 and 132, thereby allowing the rings to rotate independently. Changing the position of the key plate 152 causes the engagement gear to be positioned in contact with the rings 130 and 132, thereby making their rotation coordinated, as seen in FIGS. 9, 12, and 13.

Pulling the stem 154 using the key plate 152 to engage the engagement gear 158 with the respective gears of the rings 130 and 132 may not be consistently easy, as it depends on the position of the individual teeth of the ring gears. One way to provide certainty is to align the rings and place them in a position suitable for the engagement with the engagement gear 158. Indicia 116 on the housing 110 and ring indicia 133 on the rings 130 and 132 may be used for that purpose. More specifically, when both rings 130 and 132 are positioned so that housing indicia marks 116 are aligned with ring indicia marks 133, the elongated handles of both the first ring 130 and the second ring 132 are aligned in parallel to each other, and the engagement gear 158 may be pulled by the key plate 152 to a position shown in FIGS. 9, 12, and 13, thereby coordinating the rotation of the rings 130 and 132 in the second mode of operation. In one example, placing both handles 120 and 122 to point at the “12 o'clock” position and engaging the engagement gear 158 would cause both handles to rotate in parallel thereafter.

A further optional feature of the golf training device 100 of the invention is a haptic/audio indicator 160 confirming the passing of one or both handles 120, and 122 through their respective predetermined positions, such as marked by one or two pegs 164 located on the housing 110—as illustrated in FIG. 19.

An exemplary design of the haptic/audio indicator assembly 160 may be used to provide feedback to the user that the handle passes through a “12 o'clock” point on the housing 110. It may include a base 166 attached to the top surface of the ring body 131, and a flexible extension plate 168 therefrom and attached on one end thereto. The extension plate 168 may be therefore attached to the base 166 in a cantilever fashion. The extension plate 168 may be positioned to be oriented toward the peg 164 such that the free end of the extension plate 168 passes over the peg 164 as the handle 122 is rotated inside the housing 110. As the free end of the extension plate 168 passes over the peg 164, a small vibration or haptic disturbance may be generated, which may be felt by the user. In addition, a ringing sound may be produced—also indicating to the user that the handle 122 passes through the “12 o'clock” position on the housing 110.

In embodiments, one or both handles 120 and 122 may be equipped with the haptic/audio indicator 160 positioned at respective “12 o'clock” points on the housing 110. In further embodiments, the position of the peg 164 may be adjustable, so as to produce the haptic/audio signal at a position either slightly before or slightly after the “12 o'clock” position, for example within 10 degrees in both directions. One example is seen in FIG. 19 and is indicated by the arrow E. In other embodiments, the extent of adjustment may be provided from about “11 o'clock” position to about “1 o'clock” position, as the invention is not limited in this regard. To accomplish this, an arch-shaped slot 162 may be provided to follow a circle around the center of the handle 122. The peg 164 may be configured to slide along slot 162 with the opportunity to be fixed at any position along slot 162. A corresponding indicia showing the position may be provided (not shown in the drawings), for example indicating an “11 o'clock” position, an “12 o'clock” position, and a “1 o'clock” position.

In further embodiments of the invention, handles 120 and 122 may be configured to allow fixating them over the corresponding axial extensions 134 to prevent their rotation about their respective longitudinal axis. In one exemplary design, one axial extension 134 may be made longer so as to reach the position of the fastener 128. Inserting the fastener 128 across the axial extension 134 would fix the handle 120 and/or 122 in place.

FIGS. 20-22 show the golf training device 100 in use with various positions of a player. The golf training device 100 may be used in either a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method of the invention, and vice versa. It will be also understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Incorporation by reference is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein, no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein, and any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. In embodiments of any of the compositions and methods provided herein, “comprising” may be replaced with “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of”. As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” requires the specified integer(s) or steps as well as those that do not materially affect the character or function of the claimed invention. As used herein, the term “consisting” is used to indicate the presence of the recited integer (e.g., a feature, an element, a characteristic, a property, a method/process step or a limitation) or group of integers (e.g., feature(s), element(s), characteristic(s), propertie(s), method/process steps or limitation(s)) only.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

As used herein, words of approximation such as, without limitation, “about”, “substantial” or “substantially” refers to a condition that when so modified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfect but would be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in the art to warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent to which the description may vary will depend on how great a change can be instituted and still have one of ordinary skilled in the art recognize the modified feature as still having the required characteristics and capabilities of the unmodified feature. In general, but subject to the preceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modified by a word of approximation such as “about” may vary from the stated value by at least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 or 25%.

All of the devices and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the devices and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the devices and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.