EXERCISE METHODS AND DEVICE

FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The subject matter relates to exercise methods and devices for health, specifically, methods of exercise for enhancing and promoting fertility and wellness, as well as devices incorporated into the methods of exercise for enhancing and promoting fertility and wellness.

BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

All publications herein are 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. The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

The number of couples undergoing infertility treatment has risen significantly in the past two decades. The 1998 U.S. National Survey of Family Growth reported that the incidence of impaired fecundity (involuntary fertility compromise) rose significantly between 1982 and 1995 in all reproductive-age groups. However, as most experts have attributed the increase in impaired fecundity to the population of baby boomers who often delay childbearing, it was tremendously disturbing to learn that the biggest increase (42 percent) was in women under 25 (compared to 12 percent and 6 percent for women 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 years old, respectively) (A. Chandra and E. Stephen, Impaired Fecundity in the United States: 1982-1995. Family Planning Perspectives 30(1):34-42 [1988]; T. Schettler, Infertility and Related Reproductive Disorders. [2003]). Worldwide, it is estimated that one in seven, couples have problems conceiving, with the incidence consistent in most countries independent of the country's level of development.

Numerous theories have been provided in attempting to explain the rise in infertility, including environmental factors and dietary changes leading to increased physiological difficulties. The consensus amongst physicians is that the rise in infertility due to physiological problems, including blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis or pelvic scarring in women, and low sperm count or abnormal sperm in men, is attributed to a host of factors that result in the alarming infertility numbers we have seen in the last two decades.

However, physicians have identified a class of infertility cases which cannot be explained, where women and men do not exhibit any physiological abnormalities. Approximately 15% of infertility cases investigated fail to show any physiological issues and are mystery to physicians. This rise of unexplained infertility cases and general rise in impaired fecundity has sprouted numerous theories in attempting to explain the rise in infertility, including environmental changes, dietary changes, as well as increased stress levels in would-be parents and lack of exercise.

While doctors are quick to point out that there is not enough data to draw a correlation between the rise in infertility and the theorized explanations, what has been discovered is that “when stress-reduction techniques are employed, something happens in some women that allows them to get pregnant when they couldn't get pregnant before” (Allen Morgan, MD, director of Shore Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Lakewood, N.J.). This phenomenon is further manifested in instances when couples have exhausted all fertility options and opt to adopt a child, only to get pregnant almost immediately after the adoption.

Present methods for managing infertility may be grouped as medical treatments or alternative treatments, with some methods being used in concert with one another.

Medical treatment of infertility generally involves the use of medication, surgery, or both. If the sperm are of good quality, and the mechanics of the woman's reproductive structures are sound (patent fallopian tubes, no adhesions or scarring), physicians could prescribe a course of ovarian stimulating medication, and may also suggest intrauterine insemination (“IUI”), in which a doctor introduces sperm into the uterus during ovulation, via a catheter. These methods are generally considered as conservative options which allow for fertilization to occur inside the body of the woman.

If conservative medical treatments are unsuccessful and fail to achieve a full term pregnancy, physicians may suggest in vitro fertilization (“IVF”). IVF is a much more invasive method in which the ovaries are stimulated to increase egg production, and a physician surgically extracts one or more eggs from the ovary. The extracted egg is united with sperm in a laboratory setting, with the intent of producing one or more embryos. Fertilization takes place outside the body, and the fertilized egg is reinserted into the woman's reproductive tract, in a procedure called embryo transfer. Alternative invasive medical techniques may include tuboplasty, assisted hatching, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

To date, three alternative female infertility treatments have been shown to have a significant effect on impaired fecundity. All three methods are supported by scientific results published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

The first alternative treatment is Group Psychological Intervention, and is supported by a 2000 Harvard Medical School study examining the effects of Group Psychological Intervention on infertile women who have been trying to conceive. The results of the study showed that the two intervention groups, a support group and a stress management group, had statistically significant higher pregnancy rates than the control group. The stress management group participated in a 10-week course focusing on relaxation techniques, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, imagery, and yoga. The support group also met for 10 weeks, two hours each week, to discuss issues related to their infertility and treatment. Participants in all three groups were of similar ages and backgrounds, and were receiving similar fertility treatments. All women who remained in the study were followed for a year. During that time, 55% of the women who had received stress-management therapy became pregnant, as did 54% of those who received support group therapy. Only 20% of the women in the group that received no psychological intervention became pregnant, but 60% of the control group had dropped out of the study before its completion.

Another alternative treatment shown to be effective in increasing fertility is acupuncture. Studies have shown that acupuncture performed 25 minutes before and after IVF embryo transfer increased IVF pregnancy rates in a German study published in 2002 (E. Stener-Victorin and P. Humaidan, Use of Acupuncture in Female Infertility and a Summary of Recent Acupuncture Studies Related to Embryo Transfer. Acupunct. Med. December 2006; 24(4): 157-63. PMID 17264833). In a similar study conducted by The University of South Australia in 2006, the acupuncture group's odds of getting pregnant (although not statistically significant) were 1.5% higher than the control group (Wurn B. F. et al., Treating Female Infertility and Improving IVF Pregnancy Rates with a Manual Physical Therapy Technique. Med Gen Med Jun. 18, 2004; 6(2): 51. PMID 15266276). Although definitive results of the effects of acupuncture on embryo transfer remain a topic of discussion, study authors state that it appears to be a safe adjunct to IVF (Wurn B. F. et al., Treating Female Infertility and Improving IVF Pregnancy Rates with a Manual Physical Therapy Technique. Med Gen Med Jun. 18, 2004; 6(2): 51. PMID 15266276; Wurn B. F. et al., Treating Fallopian Tube Occlusion with a Manual Pelvic Physical Therapy. Altern. Ther. Health Med January-February 2008; 14(1):18-23. PMID 18251317).

The third alternative is manual manipulative physical, therapy. Manual manipulative physical therapy treatments have been shown in peer reviewed publications to improve natural and IVF pregnancy rates in infertile women. In a 2004 study, the data trend suggested that the innovative site-specific protocol of manual soft-tissue therapy facilitated fertility in women with a wide array of adhesion-related infertility and biomechanical reproductive organ dysfunction. The therapy, designed to improve function by restoring visceral, osseous, and soft-tissue mobility, was nonsurgical, noninvasive and had no risks and few, if any, adverse side effects or complications (Wurn B. F. et al., Treating Female Infertility and Improving IVF Pregnancy Rates with a Manual Physical Therapy Technique. Med Gen Med Jun. 18, 2004; 6(2): 51, PMID 15266276).

Further studies in 2008 showed promising results in using physical therapy to open and return function to blocked fallopian tubes resulting in increased fertility (Wurn B. F. et al., Treating Fallopian Tube Occlusion with a Manual Pelvic Physical Therapy. Altern. Ther. Health Med January-February 2008; 14(1):18-23. PMID 18251317). Although the therapies were designed to address adhesions restricting function and mobility of the reproductive organs (Wurn B. F. et al., Treating Female Infertility and Improving IVF Pregnancy Rates with a Manual Physical Therapy Technique. Med Gen Med Jun. 18, 2004; 6(2): 51. PMID 15266276; Wurn B. F. et al., Treating Fallopian Tube Occlusion with a Manual Pelvic Physical Therapy. Altern. Ther. Health Med. January-February 2008; 14(1):18-23. PMID 18251317), physical therapy has also lead to improved fertility in patients exhibiting functional reproductive systems.

The present subject matter focuses on alternative treatments for infertility and, in particular, physical therapy methods and for improving fertility in women. As several studies have shown, the problems of Infertility are seldom due entirely to physical causes, but are often related to stress and/or lack of physical, activity. The subject matter methods and apparatus teaches, a series of exercises known to improve blood flow to critical organs within the human body, stimulate ovulation to make the uterus more conducive to conception, and prepare the body for child bearing, all of which improve fertility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced Figures. It is intended that the embodiments and Figures disclosed herein are considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1 is a representative image of the Sukhasana Pose in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a representative image of the Support Bridge Pose in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a representative image of the Support Bridge Pose in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a representative image of the Abdominal Massage Pose in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a representative image of the Viparita Karani Pose in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a representative image of the Hall-Shoulder Stand Pose in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 is a representative image of the Inverted Baddha Konasana pose in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a representative image of the Inverted Upavistha Konasana pose in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 is a representative image of the Savasana pose in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 10 is a representative image of the Full-Shoulder Stand Pose in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart identifying the poses in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject matter belongs. One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present subject matter. Indeed, the present subject matter is in no way limited to the methods and materials described.

The present subject matter provides methods and apparatus for treating infertility in women incorporating physical therapy to improve blood flow to critical organs within the human body, stimulate ovulation to make the uterus more conducive to conception, promote physical and mental wellness and health, and prepare the body for child bearing. In preferred embodiments the subject matter is directed to a series of poses utilizing the subject matter apparatus, for increasing fertility.

The subject matter provides methods and an apparatus by which incremental stretches and manipulation of muscles can be achieved, incorporating acupressure points for stimulation. Continuous stretches are also possible. Preferably, the apparatus and its utilization in various poses, including the exercise program, is entirely under the control of the participating individual.

The disclosed apparatus comprises an inflatable elastic athletic ball with a circumference ranging from three inches to ten inches. The ball may be composed of polymers, elastomers or rubbers, or a combination thereof, and have a durometer ranging from 10 to 30. The ball may be constructed of a non-endocrine disrupting material. The ball can be manufactured using existing and well-known technologies, and can include an external pump for inflation and deflation. In a preferred embodiment, the ball is inflated to an appropriate pressure to achieve the desired level of stretching and manipulation of muscles. This provides a wide range of movement, and a wide variety of stretching and flexing routines for an individual using the ball. For a individual lying race-up, the apparatus may be placed generally underneath the individual's back, pelvis, or generally between the individual's legs. For a person lying face-down, the apparatus may be placed generally underneath the individual's abdomen, pelvis, or generally between the individual's legs. For a person lying on his or her side, the apparatus may be placed generally underneath the individual's abdomen, hips, or generally between the individual's legs. If desired, additional balls may be provided for supplemental placement.

In use, an individual executes a number of poses commencing with the first pose consisting of: sitting in a comfortable cross legged position and placing a first ball 20 beneath the sit bones toward the perineum floor. The individual then breathes deeply for at least one minute, allowing the soft muscle tissue in the hips and thighs to conform around the first ball 20. This pose helps widen the sit bones, activates the base of the pelvic floor and softens tension in the surrounding pelvis and hips. A rendering of this pose can be seen in FIG. 1.

Thereafter, the individual lays on the floor with their knees bent below their back, with feet and knees a hip distance apart, and places a first ball 20 at the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) as seen in FIG. 2. Laying in this position, the individual rotates their body on the first ball 20 at least three times in a clockwise direction, allowing the pelvis to be massaged by the first ball 20. The individual then rotates their body on the first ball 20 at least three times in a counter-clockwise direction. This exercise helps bring circulation to the sacral plexus of nerve endings which feed the reproductive organs.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the individual then places a second ball 22 between the knees at the inside of the thighs, approximately a hands length distance from the knee, and alternates gently squeezing and pulsing the second ball 22. This exercise activates and regulates blood flow, improving circulation in the uterus, cervix, vagina and fallopian tubes. The individual then removes the first ball 20 beneath the sacrum and uses the second ball 22 found between the knees to squeeze the Spleen Chi Meridian line from the knees upward to the pubic bone, squeezing the second ball 22 at 2 inch intervals up and down the inner thigh to activate the Meridian Line.

The individual then unwinds from the previous posture, removing the first ball 20 and second ball 22, and lays on their back with the soles of their feet together, knees open, and places the first ball 20 on the abdomen with both the left hand and right hand resting on top of one another on a first ball 20 (see FIG. 4). Starting at the diaphragm, just beneath the floating ribs, the individual, gently pushes down on the first ball 20 and hold for at least two second, then releases. The first ball 20 is then moved down the centerline of the abdomen at one to two inch intervals, gently pushing down on the first ball 20 and holding for at least two second, then releasing. This pattern is continued down the centerline of the abdomen all the way to the pubic bone. At the pubic bone, the individual then begins to circle the first ball 20 to the right, moving in a clockwise motion, with the individual gently pushing down on the first ball 20 and holding for at least two second, then releasing. As the first ball 20 returns to the pubic bone, the individual continues with smaller and smaller circles of pressure points with, the first ball 20 around the abdomen in a spiral, until the first ball 20 reaches the center of the belly button. At the belly button, the individual gently pushed down on the first ball 20 for at least three seconds, while focusing on breathing. This exercise is referenced here forth as the Abdominal Massage.

The individual then repeats the Abdominal Massage exercise without pausing. The individual, makes smooth circles, with the first ball 20, around the belly in a clockwise direction, going slowly and being conscious of the first ball 20 massaging the reproductive organs. This exercise leads to increased circulation to the abdomen and reproductive organs, which moves energetic and physical soft tissue obstructions to enhance fertility function. It is essential that the first ball 20 be worked in the clockwise direction in order to follow the natural direction of digestion in the colon.

In an alternative embodiment, the Abdominal Massage and poses established there from may be completed by keeping the knees up and feet on the floor, rather than placing the feet together with the knees open.

To prepare for the next pose, the individual sits adjacent to a wail and swings their legs up the wall so they are forming an “L” shape with their back on the floor and legs up the wall. By bending the knees with the feet on the wall to lift the hips, the individual places the first ball 20 on the sacrum and positions it until the pelvis is level, resting the pelvis of the first ball 20 as seen in FIG. 5. This position allows the pelvis to be above the heart and pools the energy in the pelvis, calming the heart and mind. This pose is highly beneficial to the reproductive organs of the individual, and calms the nervous system along with restoring the body. Once in this position, the individual commences physical therapy by placing a second ball 22 between the legs, above the knees, and squeezing the second ball 22 to increase energy in the spleen meridian, which modulates blood flow to the reproductive organs.

In another embodiment, the pose practiced in FIG. 5 is augmented by the individual rotating the shoulders under the body, and lifting the feet away from the wall, coming into a long straight line with the body, as seen in FIG. 10. The pose is continued by squeezing the second ball 22 between the individual's inner thighs, while the individual maintains an internal rotation in the legs to keep the sacrum wide and retrains from squeezing the buttocks.

The individual now unwinds from the previous pose and rests on the floor with their feet up the wall, and places the first ball 20 between the legs just above the knees. Bending the knees and placing the feet flat on the wall, a hip distance apart, with a gentle squeeze to hold the first ball 20 between their knees, the individual lifts their hips into a shoulder stand with the feet still on the wall, as seen in FIG. 6. By pressing their feet and gently squeezing their knees, the pose is stabilized. This pose has a nurturing effect on the body, and is particularly helpful in regulating thyroid function.

The individual unwinds from the previous pose and lays on their back with their feet up the wall, soles of the feet pressed together, placing the pelvis on the first bail 20. By bending the knees and pressing the knees toward the wall, the individual opens their hips allowing the first ball 20 to massage the sacral plexus of nerve endings at the base of the spine, calming the nervous system (see FIG. 7). This position is beneficial for regulating menstrual cycles and bringing health to the reproductive organs.

In the next pose, seen in FIG. 8, the individual continues with their legs up the wall as in the previous pose, and begins to open their legs into a wide straddle with the feet flexed ending in a wide “v” up the wall, pelvis still resting on the first ball 20. This pose opens the inner groins and hips and increases the energy in the reproductive organs, particularly the ovaries.

In completing the series of poses, the individual unwinds from the previous pose, removing the first ball 20 from beneath the pelvis, and lays on their back, with their knees spread and soles of their feet touching. Rubbing hands together to create heat, the individual places the warm hands on the belly forming a downward facing triangle, with the thumbs touching at the belly button, and the fore fingers touching near the pubic bone (see FIG. 9). The individual now focuses on the heat generated from the hands and absorbs the healing efforts of the poses. This pose is known as Savasana.

A flow chart identifying the poses in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter is illustrated in FIG. 11. Although the order of the poses described above is preferred, an individual may gain similar or greater benefits by reorganizing certain poses. Furthermore, an individual may gain similar or greater benefits by deleting or supplementing certain poses due to individual limitations or constraints, or as the individual sees fit.

In an alternative embodiment of the subject matter, inflation and deflation of the first and second balls can be initiated to the individual's preference. Each ball can be inflated and deflated independently to the end individual's desired pressure. Any level of inflation and deflation, is within the scope of the subject matter, to provide any poses or exercises within the methods.

In another embodiment, the individual may adjust Savasana by alternating the hand position with the left hand on the heart, and right hand on the abdomen. Thus helping to open communication lines between the desires of the heart and the seat of creation at the belly.

In one embodiment, the individual may modify Savasana to allow the arms to stretch open to the sides, with either the middle finger or forefinger touching the thumb. The touching of the middle finger with the thumb unites the heart with the spirit. The touching of forefinger with the thumb unites the individual's consciousness with universal consciousness.

In an alternative embodiment, the individual may modify Savasana to allow practicing pranayama in conjunction with breathing deeply. Pranayama may include Nadi Sodhana pose. Alternate Nostril Breathing pose or other breathing techniques.

In yet another embodiment, the individual may augment Sukhasana with Nadi Sodhana pose or Alternate Nostril Breathing pose or other breathing techniques.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided to better illustrate the claimed subject matter and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the subject matter. To the extent that specific materials are mentioned, it is merely for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the subject matter. One skilled in the art may develop equivalent means or reactants without the exercise of inventive capacity and without departing from the scope of the subject matter.

Example 1

Sukhasana Pose:

The individual sits in a comfortable cross legged position, and places the first elastic ball beneath the sit bones toward the perineum floor. The individual then breathes deeply for at least two minutes, allowing the soft muscle tissue in the hips and thighs to conform around the first ball. A rendering of the Sukhasana Pose can be seen in FIG. 1.

Supine Supported Bridge Pose:

The individual lays on the floor with their knees bent below their back, with feet and knees hip distance apart, and places a first ball at the sacrum. Provided the individuals lower back is stable, the individual may lay in this position and rotate their body on the first ball at least three times in a clockwise direction, allowing the pelvis to be massaged by the first ball. The individual then rotates their body on the first ball at least three times in a counter-clockwise direction. A rendering of this pose can be seen in FIG. 2. The individual then places a second ball between the knees at the inside of the thighs, approximately a hands length distance from the knee, and alternates gently squeezing and pulsing the second ball. A rendering of this pose can be seen in FIG. 3. The individual then removes the first ball from beneath the sacrum, and uses the second ball found between the knees to squeeze the Spleen Chi Meridian Line, found from the knees upward to the pubic bone, squeezing the second ball at 2 inch intervals up and down the inner thigh to activate the Meridian Line.

Abdominal Massage:

The individual then lays on their back with the soles of their feet together, knees open, and places a first ball, on the abdomen with both the left hand and right hand resting on top of one another on the first ball. A rendering of this pose can be seen in FIG. 4. Starting at the diaphragm, just beneath the floating ribs, the individual gently pushes down on the first ball and hold for at least two second before releasing. The first ball is then moved down the centerline of the abdomen at one to two inch intervals, gently pushing down on the first ball and holding for at least two second before releasing. This pattern is continued down, the centerline of the abdomen all the way to the pubic bone. At the pubic bone, the individual then begins to circle the first ball to the right, moving in a clockwise motion, with the individual gently pushing down on the first ball and holding for at least two second before releasing. As the first ball returns to the pubic bone, the individual continues with, smaller and smaller circles of pressure points with the first ball around the abdomen in a spiral until the first ball reaches the center of the belly button. At the belly button, the individual gently pushed down on the first ball for at least three seconds, while focusing on breathing.

The individual then follows the same pattern above, except without pausing. The individual makes smooth circles with the first ball, around the abdomen, in a clockwise direction, circling the abdomen. It is essential that the individual work clockwise in order to follow the natural direction of digestion in the colon.

In an alternative embodiment, the abdominal massage may be completed by keeping the knees up and feet on the floor, rather than placing the feet together with, the knees open.

Viparita Karani Pose

To prepare for the next pose, the individual sits adjacent to a wall and swings their legs up the wall so they are forming an “L” shape with their hack on the floor and legs up the wall. By bending the knees with the feet on the wall to lilt the hips, the individual places a first ball on the sacrum and positions it until the pelvis is level, resting the pelvis of the first ball. A rendering of this pose can be seen in FIG. 5. Once in this position, the individual may place a second ball between the legs, above the knees, and squeezes the second ball.

Half-Shoulder Stand Pose:

The individual now rests on the floor with the their feet up the wall, and places a first ball between the legs just above the knees. Bending the knees and placing the feet flat on the wall, hip distance apart, with a gentle squeeze to hold the first ball between their knees, the individual lifts their hips into a half-shoulder stand with the feet still on the wall, as seen in FIG. 6. By pressing their feet and gently squeezing their knees, the pose is stabilized.

Full Shoulder Stand (Augmentation of Half Shoulder Stand):

The individual then rotates their shoulders under their body, supporting their back with their hands, and lifts their feet away from the wall, coming into a long straight line with their body, continuing to squeeze the first ball between their inner thighs. A rendering of this pose can be seen in FIG. 10.

Inverted Baddha Konasana:

The individual then unwinds from the previous pose and lays on their back with their feet up the wall, placing the pelvis on a first ball. By bending the knees and gently pressing the knees toward the wall, the individual opens their hips allowing the first ball to massage the sacral plexus of nerve endings at the base of the spine, calming the nervous system. A rendering of this pose can be seen in FIG. 7 (ball shown in phantom).

Inverted Upavistha Konasana:

In the next pose, seen in FIG. 8, the individual continues with their legs up the wall as in the previous pose, and begins to open their legs into a wide straddle with the feet flexed ending in a wide “v” up the wall, pelvis still resting on the first ball. This pose opens the inner groins and hips and increases the energy in the reproductive organs, particularly the ovaries. A rendering of this pose can be seen in FIG. 8.

Savasana

In completing the series of poses, the individual unwinds from the previous pose, removing all balls and lays on their back with their knees spread and soles of their feet touching. Rubbing hands together to create heat, the individual places the warm hands on the belly forming a downward facing triangle, with the thumbs touching at the belly button, and the fore fingers touching near the pubic bone. This pose is known as Savasana, for which a rendering can be seen in FIG. 9.

An alternate hand position in Savasana is the left hand over the heart, with the right hand on the abdomen.

Another alternative position in Savasana consists of allowing the individual's arms to stretch open by their side and placing either their middle finger or their forefinger touching the thumb.

Various embodiments of the subject matter are described above in the Detailed Description. While these descriptions directly describe the above embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventor that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s).

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the subject matter known to the applicant at this time of filing the application has been presented and is intended for the purposes of illustration and description. The present description is not intended to be exhaustive nor limit the subject matter to the precise form disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings. The embodiments described serve to explain the principles of the subject matter and its practical application and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the subject matter in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, it is intended that the subject matter not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the subject matter.

While particular embodiments of the present subject matter have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this subject matter and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this subject matter. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.).