Large Ring Game

The present invention relates generally to the classic Bimini Ring Toss game. In particular, the present invention is a large scale two player version of the game, wherein the central post of the ring toss game is a “Y” shape.

Ring toss games have long been popular in both casual and competitive environments due to their simplicity and accessibility. The traditional Bimini Ring Toss game typically comprises a horizontal arm arranged in a “T” configuration, a ring suspended from a string, and a single hook mounted on a vertical support. The objective is to swing the ring so that it lands upon the hook. While this configuration is compact and effective for tabletop or wall-mounted use, it presents limitations when scaled to larger formats or adapted for group play.

There is demand for oversized lawn games and interactive recreational equipment suitable for parties, social gatherings, bars, and outdoor events. Existing Bimini Ring Toss devices generally retain the traditional “T” shape. However, when enlarged to a height greater than that of an average adult, the horizontal extension of the “T” configuration can obstruct movement, occupy excessive floor space, and create safety concerns in confined environments. Furthermore, conventional designs are often permanently assembled or cumbersome to disassemble, limiting portability and storage convenience.

Another limitation of traditional ring toss systems is their singular gameplay format. Most include only one hook and one ring, offering limited variability or difficulty adjustment. Where multiple hooks are present, they are typically fixed in position and identical in shape, restricting customization. Additionally, conventional devices do not incorporate integrated scoring mechanisms; players must track scores manually or use external accessories. This can detract from the immersive and social aspects of gameplay.

Technical aspects relevant to understanding the present invention include modular rod-and-connector systems, adjustable cord-and-ring assemblies, and detachable mounting mechanisms. Rod-based structural systems commonly utilize hollow cylindrical members with male and female ends, sometimes threaded, to permit detachable engagement. Such systems allow for height extension while maintaining structural rigidity.

Further, existing recreational ring toss products typically lack multi-functional features that support alternative styles of play, such as drinking games or alternate scorekeeping. Accessories such as cup holders, peg boards, tablet supports, or bottle openers are not conventionally integrated into the same structural apparatus. As a result, users must rely on separate tables or surfaces, increasing clutter and reducing portability. Interchangeable base configurations also allows such a device to be easily configured both indoors and outdoors.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a large, modular ring toss game that overcomes the spatial, structural, and functional limitations of traditional ring toss devices.

The present invention comprises a vertically oriented support assembly formed from a plurality of detachably connected rods, posts, and adapters. Unlike the traditional “T” configuration of the classic Bimini Ring Toss game, the present invention employs a “Y”-shaped connector at its upper portion. This “Y” configuration enables the structure to achieve a height greater than that of the average adult while minimizing horizontal protrusion. By distributing upper arms in a “Y” formation rather than a single extended crossbar, the device occupies less obstructive space and is better suited for enclosed areas.

The modular rod system allows the apparatus to be disassembled into compact segments for storage and transport. Male and female ends facilitate secure yet removable connections, ensuring structural rigidity in the assembled configuration while permitting convenient breakdown when not in use.

The invention further comprises a plurality of interchangeable hooks mounted along an upper post. Hook holes positioned in opposing alignment allow users to place hooks at varying heights and in symmetrical configurations. Hooks may include circular, rectangular, or triangular loop-like sections, each presenting a distinct level of difficulty. This modular hook system enables customizable gameplay, progressive skill challenges, and variable scoring methods.

Each arm supports a ring suspended by an adjustable string incorporating a cord lock mechanism. By manipulating the cord lock, a user may vary the distance between the ring and the supporting rod. This adjustability allows players to tailor swing dynamics, accommodate users of different heights, and modify difficulty levels.

A centrally mounted game board is positioned along the vertical support assembly. The game board comprises panels featuring multiple hole sizes configured to receive pegs, shot glasses, cans, balls, or beverage containers. Larger, medium, and small holes provide integrated scorekeeping and beverage placement functionality. Additionally, tablet holders formed as grooves along panel edges permit users to rest a phone or tablet against the vertical post for viewing, storage, or score tracking.

In some embodiments, the game board supports include a surface-mounted bottle opener, enhancing convenience during social gatherings. The integration of beverage holders, scoring features, and digital device supports consolidates multiple recreational functions into a single apparatus.

The base system is interchangeable. A stake base embodiment includes downwardly protruding spikes for ground insertion, securing the device outdoors. Alternatively, a wide base embodiment provides a stable footprint for indoor environments. This adaptability ensures stability across varied terrains and surfaces.

Through its vertical “Y”-shaped architecture, modular construction, adjustable ring assemblies, interchangeable hooks, integrated scoring board, and adaptable base options, the present invention provides a versatile, space-efficient, and highly customizable large-scale ring toss game that enhances both recreational and social gameplay experiences.

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “top”, “bottom”, “down” and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, “radially”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “radially” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of a large ring game, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. In the context of the present invention, up refers to the direction that is up in, and down is the direction opposite up. In the context of the present invention, left is the direction that is to the left inand right is the direction opposite left. In the context of the present invention, outward refers to any direction that is away from the present invention or any of its components. In the context of the present invention, forward is the direction that is out of the page when looking at, and backward is the direction opposite forward.

1 7 FIG.- 6 FIG. 7 FIG. 100 101 102 103 104 105 As shown inthe present invention is a large ring game comprising a plurality of components. The plurality of components are configured to be disassembled and compacted for storage, as shown inand. When in an assembled configuration, the present invention stands at a height that is greater than the average height of an adult. The plurality of components are sized such that when in an assembled configuration, the present invention stands at a height that is greater than the average height of an adult. The plurality of components are composed of materials that those skilled in the art understand to be suitable for outdoor use. The plurality of components comprises a plurality of arms, a connector, a plurality of posts, a central adapter, and a game board. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of components further comprise a base.

100 101 101 100 101 101 102 102 101 100 102 103 102 103 102 103 104 102 104 102 103 1 FIG. 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 FIG. The plurality of armsis detachably connected to the connector. As shown in,,,, and, the connectoris a “Y” adapter. In the context of the present invention, a “Y” adapter is a piece composed of three holes, arranged in a triangular shape, such that each hole is facing away from the middle of the “Y” adapter. The position of said three holes makes a shape similar to the letter “Y.” The plurality of armsdetachably connect to the portion of the connectorthat forms the upper half of the “Y” shape. The connectordetachably connects to the plurality of posts. The plurality of postsdetachably connects to the connectoropposite the plurality of arms. Each post of the plurality of postsdetachably connects to the central adapter. When in an assembled configuration, the plurality of postsand the central adaptercompose a straight line. The plurality of postsand the central adapterare arranged in a straight line. The game boardis detachably connected to the plurality of posts. The game boardis positioned mid-way along the straight line composed of the plurality of postsand the central adapter.

105 102 101 The baseis detachably connected to the plurality of posts, opposite the connector.

100 1000 1001 1000 10000 10001 10002 10003 The plurality of armscomprises a first arm, and a second arm. The first armcomprises a first string, a first cap, a first rod, and a first ring. In the context of the present invention, a rod refers to a hollow cylindrical object formed from a ridged material such as PVC or some other plastic. In the context of the present invention, a rod comprises two ends and a lateral surface, wherein each end further comprises either a male end or a female end. A female end is configured to receive a male end. In some embodiments of the present invention, male ends and female ends are threaded, such that a male end can screw into a female end. In the context of the present invention, a rod connecting to an object is understood to mean one end of the rod detachably connects to said object via a male end interfacing with a female end, one of said ends being on said rod.

4 FIG. In the context of the present invention, a ring refers to a torus shaped object, as seen in. In the context of the present invention, a ring is shaped from a sturdy rigid material. In some embodiments of the present invention, a ring is shaped from metal.

10002 10001 10001 10002 10000 10000 10000 10000 10000 10001 10002 10000 10001 10002 10000 10002 10001 The first rodconnects to the first cap. The first capcomprises a female end that slots over a male end of the first rod. The first stringfurther comprises a cord lock. The cord lock of the first stringis positioned on one end of the first string. The cord lock of the first stringfunctions as a standard cord lock as is known by those skilled in the art (allowing for the cord lock to be moved along the string when manipulated by a user, but staying in place when not manipulated). The first stringis coupled to the first capand the first rod, such that the cord lock end of the first stringis held between the first capand the first rod. In an assembled configuration, the cord lock of the first stringis inserted into the end of the first rodthat is coupled to the first cap.

10003 10000 10003 10000 10001 10003 10000 10000 10003 10003 10002 10000 10000 10000 10003 10001 The first ringis coupled to the first string, such that the first ringis tied to the end of the first stringopposite the first cap. The first ringis tied to the first stringopposite the cord lock. The first stringis tied to the first ring. The first ringdangles from the first rodvia the first string. A user can manipulate the cord lock of the first stringto move along the first string, allowing for the distance between the first ringand the first capto be variable.

1001 10010 10011 10012 10013 10012 10011 10011 10012 10010 10010 10010 10010 10010 10011 10012 10010 10011 10012 10010 10012 10011 The second armcomprises a second string, a second cap, a second rod, and a second ring. The second rodconnects to the second cap. The second capcomprises a female end that slots over a male end of the second rod. The second stringfurther comprises a cord lock. The cord lock of the second stringis positioned on one end of the second string. The cord lock of the second stringfunctions as a standard cord lock as is known by those skilled in the art (allowing for the cord lock to be moved along the string when manipulated by a user, but staying in place when not manipulated). The second stringis coupled to the second capand the second rod, such that the cord lock end of the second stringis held between the second capand the second rod. In an assembled configuration, the cord lock of the second stringis inserted into the end of the second rodthat is coupled to the second cap.

10013 10010 10013 10010 10011 10013 10010 10010 10013 10013 10012 10010 10010 10010 10013 10011 The second ringis coupled to the second string, such that the second ringis tied to the end of the second stringopposite the second cap. The second ringis tied to the second stringopposite the cord lock. The second stringis tied to the second ring. The second ringdangles from the second rodvia the second string. A user can manipulate the cord lock of the second stringto move along the second string, allowing for the distance between the second ringand the second capto be variable.

102 1020 1021 1020 1021 103 1021 103 1020 103 103 1020 10200 102001 1021 10210 102001 103 10210 103 102001 The plurality of postscomprises a first postand a second post. The first postand the second postdetachably connect to the central adapter. The second postis positioned beneath the central adapter, and the first postis positioned above the central adapter. The central adapteris a rod. The first postcomprises a plurality of hooks, a plurality of hook holes, and a third rod. The second postcomprises a fourth rod. The third rodconnects to the central adapter. The fourth rodconnects to the central adapter, opposite the third rod.

102001 102001 102001 102001 102001 102001 The plurality of hook holes are positioned along the curved section of the third rod. There are an even number of holes within the plurality of hook holes. Each hook hole of the plurality of hook holes is positioned on a section of the third roddirectly opposite another hook hole. Half of the hook holes of the plurality of hook holes are on the left side of the third rod, and the other half of hook holes of the plurality of hook holes are on the right side of the third rod. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of hook holes comprises two hook holes (one on each side of the third rod). In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of hook holes comprises six hook holes (three on each side of the third rod). In other words, in embodiments wherein the plurality of hook holes comprise six hook holes, the hook holes are situated in groups of three (three on the left, three on the right). Each group of three hook holes are placed in a straight, vertical line. In other words, a straight line can be drawn between each group of three hook holes. Each hook hole of the plurality of hook holes is configured to receive a hook.

10200 102000 102001 10003 10013 10003 10013 1 FIG. 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 FIG. The plurality of hookscomprise a first hookand a second hook. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of hooks further comprise a third hook, a fourth hook, a fifth hook, and a sixth hook. The first hookis identical to the second hook. The third hook is identical to the fourth hook. The fifth hook is identical to the sixth hook. Each hook of the plurality of hooks comprise a straight section and a loop-like section. In the context of the present invention, loop-like includes shapes that are an open loop and the three dimensional objects that extend along the path of an open loop. The straight section of each hook of the plurality of hooks protrudes outwardly from the loop-like section of said hook. The first hookand the second hookare each composed of a straight section, and a circular loop-like section. As shown in,,,, and, in the context of the present invention, circular loop-like refers to a loop-like shape that follows a circular path. The third hook and the fourth hook are each composed of a straight section, and a rectangular loop-like section. In the context of the present invention, rectangular loop-like refers to a loop-like shape that follows a rectangular path. The fifth hook and the sixth hook are each composed of a straight section, and a triangular loop-like section. In the context of the present invention, triangular loop-like refers to a loop-like shape that follows a triangular path.

10200 Each hook of the plurality of hooksis detachably coupled to a hook hole of the plurality of hook holes. The user can attach the hooks in various combinations and positions, such as higher or lower on the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one hook is placed on either side of the present invention, and each hook of an identical hook pair is place opposite the other hook in its pair.

104 1041 10400 10401 10400 10401 1041 10400 10401 10400 10401 1041 1041 1041 10410 10410 10410 1041 10410 The game boardcomprises at least one panel and a plurality of supports. Each panel of the at least one panel is a long flat plate. Each panel of the at least one panel comprises a length and a width. The length of each panel of the at least one panel is longer than the width of said panel. The length and width of each panel of the at least one panel is the same as the length and width of all other panels of the at least one panel. Each panel of the at least one panel is composed of a ridged material, such as plastic, wood, or metal. The at least one panel comprises a first paneland a second panel. The first paneland the second panelare connected to the plurality of supports. The first panelis connected to the plurality of supports opposite the second panel. The first panelis suspended a fixed distance from the second panelvia the plurality of supports, said fixed distance being equal to the length of the plurality of supports. In the context of the present invention, a panel being suspended a fixed distance from another panel refers to the two panels being held parallel to each other with some amount of space between them. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of supportsfurther comprises a bottle opener. The bottle openeris a standard surface mounted bottle opener, as understood by those skilled in the art. The bottle openeris positioned on one support of the plurality of supports, such that the bottle openerfaces outward.

10400 104000 104001 104004 The first panelcomprises a plurality of big holes, a first adapter hole, and a medium hole.

2 FIG. In the context of the present invention, a big hole refers to a through hole sized to contain three round objects (such as a peg, a ball, or a can) or a longer object (such as a book). In the context of the present invention, a big hole is shaped like three circles in a line, each circle overlapping partially with the circle or circles next to it, as seen in. In other words, each big hole is composed of three overlapping circular holes.

104000 104000 104000 10400 104000 10400 10400 The plurality of big holesis comprised of two big holes, said two big holes being positioned in line with the other big hole of the plurality of big holes. Each big hole of the plurality of big holesis positioned along the first panel. In the context of the present invention, for something to extend along a panel refers to the long end of that something is angled in the same direction as the length of the panel. That is to say, each big hole of the plurality of big holesis positioned on the first panelsuch that the longer portion of said big hole extends in the same direction as the length of the first panel.

104001 102001 103 10400 10400 104001 10400 The first adapter holeis an adapter hole. In the context of the present invention, an adapter hole refers to a through hole sized to receive a rod. Specifically, an adapter hole is sized to receive the third rodand the central adapter. The first adapter hole is positioned in the center of the length of the first panel, and off center from the width of the first panel. That is to say, the first adapter holeis positioned along one side of the middle of the first panel.

2 FIG. 104004 104004 10400 104001 As shown in, the medium holeis a circular through hole wherein said through hole overlaps with the edge of the panel. The medium holeis positioned in the middle of the first panel, directly opposite the first adapter hole. The medium hole is sized to receive a round object, such as a glass.

2 FIG. 10400 1040030 1040031 1040030 10400 104001 1040030 104004 1040031 10400 1040030 1040030 1040031 1040030 1040031 As shown in, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first panelfurther comprises at least one tablet holder. The at least one tablet holder comprises a first tablet holderand a second tablet holder. In the context of the present invention, a tablet holder is a straight groove with rounded ends. The first tablet holderis positioned to run along the edge of the side of the first panelopposite the first adapter hole. The first tablet holderoverlaps with the medium hole. The second tablet holderis positioned to run along the edge of the side of the first panelopposite the first tablet holder. The first tablet holderis larger than the second tablet holder. The first tablet holderis longer than the second tablet holder.

10401 104010 104011 104014 The second panelcomprises a plurality of small holes, a second adapter hole, and at least one mid-sized hole.

In the context of the present invention, a small hole refers to a through hole sized to receive a round object such as a shot glass.

104011 104011 104001 The second adapter holeis an adapter hole. The second adapter hole is positioned such that the second adapter holeis aligned with the first adapter hole. In the context of the present invention, two holes are said to be aligned when they are positioned such that a straight object can be passed through both holes, while said straight object remains perpendicular to the surface of both holes.

104010 104010 104010 10401 10401 10401 104011 The plurality of small holesis comprised of seven small holes. Said seven small holes of the plurality of small holesare positioned in a curved line. That is to say, each of the seven small holes of the plurality of small holesare placed along a curved line, said curved line starting on one end of the second panel, extending along the second panel, and curving such that the apex of the curved line is on the side of the second panelopposite the second adapter hole.

3 FIG. 104014 104014 10401 104011 104014 As shown in, the at least one mid-sized holecomprises two mid-sized holes. Each mid-sized hole is a circular through hole wherein said through hole overlaps with the edge of the panel. Each mid-sized hole of the at least one mid-sized holeis positioned on the side of the second panel, on the same side as the second adapter hole. Each mid-sized hole of the at least one mid-sized holeis sized to receive a round object, such as a glass or a mug.

3 FIG. 10413 1040130 1040131 1040130 10401 104011 1040130 104010 1040131 10401 1040130 1040130 1040131 1040130 1040131 As shown in, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second panelfurther comprises at least one tablet holder. The at least one tablet holder comprises a third tablet holderand a fourth tablet holder. The third tablet holderis positioned to run along the edge of the side of the second panelopposite the second adapter hole. The third tablet holderoverlaps with three small holes of the plurality of small holes. The fourth tablet holderis positioned to run along the edge of the side of the second panelopposite the third tablet holder. The third tablet holderis larger than the fourth tablet holder. The third tablet holderis longer than the fourth tablet holder.

105 1050 10500 10500 In some embodiments of the present invention, the baseis a stake base. In the context of the present invention, a stake base is a base that connects to a rod, and holds the present invention in place via one or more stakes impaled in the ground. The stake base comprises at least one spike. The at least one spikecomprises a first spike and a second spike. The first spike protrudes downward from the stake base. The second spike protrudes outward from the stake base, then bends ninety degrees downwards. That is to say, the second spike is shaped like an “L” such that it first protrudes out, then down. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first spike also protrudes out and down, however the first spike does not protrude as outward as the second spike, and the first spike protrudes further down then the second spike.

105 In alternate embodiments of the present invention the basecomprises a wide base. In the context of the present invention, a wide base is a base that connects to a rod, and that protrudes outward to provide a wider, stable footprint, keeping the present invention upright. In some embodiments of the present invention, the wide base comprises a flat circular portion protruding outward from the bottom of the second post.

1 FIG. The intended use of the present invention is as a large version of the classic Bimini Ring Toss game, wherein an objective of the game is to swing a ring onto a hook. While traditionally, the Bimini Ring toss game is formed in a “T” shape, as shown in, the present invention is shaped in a “Y” shape. The “Y” shape provides a profile that is easier to fit into enclosed spaces, while still being so large. Normally, the “T” shape of the classic Bimini Ring Toss game, if made larger, could be cumbersome and block large portions of a room, but the “Y” shape can help achieve the height without as much obstruction. The separate embodiments for either a stake base or a wide base allow for easier setup of the present invention outdoors or indoors, respectively.

The game board provides a means of keeping track of scores, utilizing pegs or glasses (such as shot glasses for small holes, or larger glasses for big holes). The glasses allow the present invention to be used as a drinking game more easily. The mid-sized holes and medium hole are also sized to be used as a cupholders, to provide a place to rest a beverage either while playing or performing other activities. The strings' length can also be altered to aid in these different play styles.

1020 Additionally, the tablet holders can be used as a rest for a phone or a tablet, wherein a user may rest the bottom edge of the phone or tablet with in the tablet holder, and the top edge of the phone or tablet against the first post. This can allow a user to view something on the phone or tablet, or simply rest the phone or tablet during gameplay.

1041 10410 The plurality of supportsoptionally include a bottle openerto allow a user to open a capped beverage. This can be helpful when filling glasses for a drinking game version of a game, or simply for refreshment purposes.

The hooks can also be rearranged in various ways, either changing their height, swapping out one style of hook with another, or placing multiple types of hooks in at the same time. This can provide alternate methods of play, as the different hook shapes (circle, triangle, rectangle) offer different challenges.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.