Hand, wrist and forearm exerciser

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/235,710 filed Aug. 12, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/204,651 filed on Aug. 13, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

This invention relates to a hand, wrist and forearm exerciser. While the exerciser in accordance with the present invention has particular applicability with respect to the hand, wrist and forearm of the user, it may also be used for exercising and development of other body parts or muscle groups, and the invention is not limited to any specific part of the body.

Many types of exercisers are known and commonly used, both in a home setting, as well as in gymnasiums or other workout centers. In some instances, exercise equipment may be somewhat general in nature, and can be used for strengthening and toning muscles of a number of different body parts. In other instances, the exercise equipment may be to some extent customized so as to be useful for specific objectives, and the strengthening and working of specific body musculature.

The durability and quality of exercise equipment may vary according to its use and location. It will be appreciated that exercise equipment which may be used in a gymnasium or commercial workout center would need to be far stronger and more durable, due to considerably more use, than that which may be used by one or two individuals in a home setting. While the present invention may be used in both home and commercial settings, it can be constructed so as to be very strong and durable in order to withstand the rigors of substantial use in a gymnasium used by many people.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an exercise device comprising: a base member; a frame member rotatably mounted on the base member; a frame movement controller between the base member and the frame member for selectively adjusting the degree of difficulty for rotating the frame member relative to the base member; a handle assembly rotatably mounted on the frame member; and a handle movement controller between the frame member and the handle assembly for selectively adjusting the degree of difficulty for rotating the handle assembly relative to the frame member.

In one embodiment, the base member comprises legs and a main body frame, and the frame member comprises a substantially vertical component received within the main body frame and a substantially horizontal component mounted on the vertical component.

In a further embodiment, the frame movement controller comprises a substantially circular open ring having radially outwardly flanged ends movable between a first untightened position wherein the flanged ends are further away from each other and a second more tightened position wherein the flanged ends are nearer each other, a tightening handle for moving the flanged ends between the first position and the second position, wherein the circular ring increasingly frictionally engages with a portion of the frame member as the tightening handle is tightened. A non-flanged bushing may be located between the circular ring and the frame member. Further, the frame movement controller further comprises a lower friction bushing.

In one form, the frame member further comprises a rotational arm upper tube mounted on the horizontal component as a means for rotation of the frame member. The handle assembly may comprise a substantially cylindrical member having an axis, the cylindrical member being rotatable about the axis.

In one embodiment, the handle movement controller comprises a substantially circular open ring having radially outwardly flanged ends movable between a first untightened position wherein the flanged ends are further away from each other and a second more tightened position wherein the flanged ends are nearer each other, a tightening handle for moving the flanged ends between the first position and the second position, wherein the circular ring increasingly frictionally engages with a portion of the handle assembly as the tightening handle is tightened.

Preferably, the frame member can be selectively raised and lowered on the base member to selectively adjust the height of the frame member and a convenient location for a user. Additionally, the base member may comprise a generally vertical post and three legs extending outwardly and downwardly from the vertical post, the legs being connectable to or for positioning on a base. The vertical post may comprise a hollow tubular member, and the frame member comprises a substantially vertical component adjustably received within the hollow tubular member. Further, at least one of the legs comprises securing means for fastening the legs to a substrate.

Preferably, the handle assembly comprises a cylindrical handle which is removable and cylindrical handles of different dimensions may be substituted by selectively mounting one for another on the handle assembly.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an exercise device comprising: a base member; a frame member rotatably mounted on the base member; and a frame movement controller between the base member and the frame member for selectively adjusting the degree of difficulty for rotating the frame relative to the base member.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an exercise device comprising: a base member; a frame member mounted on the base member; a handle assembly rotatably mounted on the frame member; and a handle movement controller between the frame member and the handle assembly for selectively adjusting the degree of difficulty for rotating the handle assembly relative to the frame member.

According to still a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making an exercise device comprising: placing a base member on a surface; rotatably mounting a frame member on the base member; providing a frame member control for selectively tightening or loosening the frame member relative to the base member to adjust the degree of difficulty for rotating the frame member on the base member; rotatably mounting a handle assembly on the frame member; and providing a handle assembly control for selectively tightening or loosening the handle assembly to the frame member to adjust the degree of difficulty for rotating the frame member on the base member.

In a further aspect, there is provided a method of exercising comprising: rotating with selective degrees of difficulty a frame member which is mounted on a base member; and rotating with selective degrees of difficulty a handle assembly which is mounted on the frame member.

The present invention therefore relates to a piece of exercise equipment preferably designed and configured to work the hand, wrist and forearm of the person using it. As mentioned above, it would certainly be within the scope of the invention that the exercise equipment of the invention be used to work out and strengthen other parts of the body as well, and the fact that it may be designed to address strengthening of the hand, wrist and forearm of the user does not exclude its application in other contexts for other muscles or muscle groups.

In one form, the invention comprises a base, and a frame or bracket mounted on the base and movable relative thereto. The frame or bracket may further include thereon a handle which can be rotated relative to the frame or bracket. The frame or bracket may be connected to the base at different or varied fastening levels so that the amount of force needed to move the frame or bracket relative to the base can be selected and adjusted by the user. Similarly, the handle mounted on the frame or bracket can be connected to the frame or bracket at different fastening levels so that the amount of force needed to rotate the handle on the frame or bracket can also be selected and adjusted by the user.

Preferably, movement of the frame or bracket relative to the base may facilitate strengthening and development of at least the wrist and forearm. Further, the movement of the handle relative to the frame or bracket may facilitate strengthening of at least the hand and wrist. There is of course an overlap, and both the frame or bracket as well as the handle can be moved at the same time so that substantially all or at least many of the muscles and muscle groups in the hand, wrist and forearm may be simultaneously exercised.

Preferably, the base comprises a generally vertical tubular member supported by a plurality of legs, preferably three in number. The legs in a preferred embodiment straddle the vertical tubular member to ensure that the exercise equipment remains stable during a user workout. The tubular member is hollow. The frame or bracket comprises a generally vertical cylindrical arm, which is received within and supported by the tubular member of the base, and a generally horizontal arm, which may also be cylindrical, mounted on the vertical cylindrical arm. The horizontal arm has the handle mounted thereon. The vertical cylindrical arm of the frame may be secured to the vertical tubular member of the base in a coaxial arrangement, and whereby the vertical tubular arm is able to rotate within the vertical tubular member and can be accommodated therein so that selected different levels of force and energy are required to rotate the vertical cylindrical arm within the tubular member. This may be achieved by providing a mechanical connector system having gripping elements between the vertical member and the vertical cylindrical arm, which may be manually adjusted so that the gripping elements engage the vertical cylindrical arm at selected levels of force. Thus, where the gripping elements engage the vertical arm with greater force, it will be more difficult and require more force and energy to rotate the vertical cylindrical arm relative to the tubular member. Conversely, lesser force engagement will have the opposite effect.

The horizontal arm of the frame may have thereon a handle which can be grasped by the user and rotated relative to the horizontal arm. The level of force by means of which the handle is selectively connected to the horizontal arm will determine the amount of force required by the user to rotate the handle. The horizontal arm of the frame may additionally have a fixed handle in the form of a tube, preferably mounted on the horizontal arm at a location near which the vertical cylindrical arm is mounted to the horizontal arm, the fixed handle functioning as a holder for the user to engage for the purposes of rotating the vertical tube.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exerciser in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed exploded view of the exerciser as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating in part the various components and their interrelationship;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view showing a connection of the handle to the horizontal arm of the exerciser;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view from a different side showing a connection of the handle to the horizontal arm of the exerciser;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view showing the means of connection of the vertical onto the base in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view showing components and their relationship whereby the vertical arm of the frame is connected to the base in a manner to facilitate selective forces of engagement therebetween;

FIG. 7 is a further view of the base and part of the frame in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of the connection between the base and the frame from a different angle; and

FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of an exerciser in accordance with the invention mounted on a foundational platform.

Reference is now made to the various drawings accompanying this specification which show a preferred embodiment of the invention. While the embodiment illustrated shows different views and perspectives of the exerciser of the invention, the invention is not limited to the specific details and configuration.

With reference to FIG. 1 , there is shown a main body frame 1 , and attached thereto are three main legs 2 . These main legs 2 are arranged at an angularly equidistant location on the main body frame 1 , and together with the main body frame 1 provide a base which is stable. The main body frame 1 is hollow and open ended, and receives a rotational arm extender 3 . The rotational arm extender 3 is able to move up and down within the main body frame 1 , and its height or position may be adjusted by using an adjustment pin 30 which is received within one of a plurality of holes 3 A.

The rotational arm extender 3 is fixed at its top end to a rotational arm main tube 4 , which has mounted thereon a rotatable handle 48 . Also mounted on the main tube 4 is a rotational arm upper tube 5 , which is held by the user and may be used for the purposes of rotating the rotational arm extender 3 in the main body frame 1 , as will be described.

There are two systems which enable a user to selectively adjust the exercise equipment so as to customize it. A first system adjusts the grip between the rotational arm extender 3 and the main body frame 1 , while a second system adjusts the grip between the rotational arm main tube 4 and the handle 48 . Both of these, while similar in nature and construction, will be described further below.

FIG. 2 of the drawings shows an exploded view of the rotational arm main tube 4 and its associated structure. The rotational arm main tube 4 , which is hollow, receives a rotating handle main shaft 13 , inserted through end 4 B of the rotational arm main tube 4 . The rotating handle main shaft 13 has at its one end a main shaft inner flange 14 and a main shaft outer flange 14 A. At its opposite end, there is an internal retaining port 15 . A clip groove 16 is provided, and borders a bushing contact area 13 A on the main shaft 13 , which extends over a specific length. The remainder of the handle main shaft 13 constitutes a no flange contact area 13 B. The rotational arm main tube 4 has an internal opening 12 which defines a space for the bushing 34 and an internal space 12 A for housing the upper friction bushing 35 .

A flanged bushing 26 is inserted into an open end 4 B of the rotational arm main tube 4 . The flanged bushing 26 comprises an internal surface 26 A and a flange contact surface 26 B. The rotating handle main shaft 13 is inserted into the rotational arm main tube 4 through the flanged bushing 26 , so that, when installed, the inner shaft flange 14 will abut against the flange contact surface 26 B. The outer shaft flange 14 A is outermost, as seen, for example, in FIG. 4 of the drawings.

The rotational arm main tube 4 has at its end 4 C an attachment in the form of tube extension support flange 7 . The support flange 7 has a drillable edge 7 A and threaded lock screw holes 8 and 8 A. The holes 8 receive lock screws 9 , and the hole 8 A receives lock screw 9 A (whose functions and purpose will be described below). The extension support flange 7 connects to the rotational arm main tube 4 as well as a main tube extension 4 A, which is generally coaxial with the main tube 4 . There is an internal space 33 between the rotational arm main tube 4 and the main tube extension 4 A. The main tube extension 4 A has a lower tightening flange 27 which has a bolt clearance hole 27 A, and an upper tightening flange 28 . An upper threaded nub 29 is provided which has a threaded surface 29 A for receiving a bolt 10 . The bolt 10 is part of a tightening handle 11 including a tightening handle shaft 11 A, which has internal threads 11 B. The bolt 10 has a nub engagement thread 10 A and a handle engagement thread 10 B.

In operation, the main tube extension 4 A can be adjusted so that its circumference is made slightly larger or slightly smaller by rotation of the handle 11 . When the handle 11 is tightened, the lower flange 27 and the upper flange 28 are moved towards each other, since the nub engagement thread 10 A engages with the threaded nub 29 . By varying the circumference of the main tube extension 4 A, the grip on the friction bushing contact area 13 A is (indirectly) either tightened or relieved to make rotation of the main shaft 13 either more difficult or easier, as will be discussed further below.

A non-flanged bushing 34 is provided, which has an internal contact surface 34 B, and a contact surface 34 A for the lock screw 9 A. The non-flanged bushing is accommodated within the rotational arm main tube 4 inside of the internal space 33 . In other words, the non-flanged bushing 34 is located within the rotational arm main tube 4 extending from the internal space 33 towards the inside so that it is between the internal space 33 and the end 4 B.

There is also provided an upper friction bushing 35 , which is positioned within the rotational arm main tube 4 adjacent the internal space 33 , and within the main tube extension 4 A. The upper friction bushing 35 has an internal contact surface 35 B, as well as screw contact insets 35 A for receiving the lock screws 9 . Further, the upper friction bushing 35 includes a release area 35 C, which, when the upper friction bushing 35 is located within the main tube extension 4 A, will preferably register with the opening between the lower tightening flange 27 and the upper tightening flange 28 . However, this is not essential to the operation of the device.

When the main shaft 13 is located within the rotational arm main tube 4 , the bushing contact area 13 A will be substantially located within the upper friction bushing 35 . A retaining clip 17 and a retaining clip washer 18 are utilized to ensure that the main shaft 13 is properly positioned within the rotational arm main tube 4 through the internal space 33 to engage with the retainer clip groove 16 formed on the main shaft 13 , and defining the transition point between the friction bushing contact area 13 A and the no flange contact area 13 B.

The non-flanged bushing 34 is held in position by means of a lock screw 9 A through lock screw holes 8 A. The upper friction bushing 35 is held in position within the main tube extension 4 A by means of the lock screws 9 , inserted through screw holes 8 , the screws engaging the screw contact insets 35 A. The main shaft 13 is able to rotate within the rotational arm main tube 4 , and is held in position between the flanged bushing 26 , the non-flanged bushing 34 , and the upper friction bushing 35 . The upper friction bushing 35 , due to the presence of the bushing relief area 35 C, is able to have a selected and varied circumference which will change in response to the tightening and loosening of the handle 11 , and the concomitant opening and closing of the lower flange 27 and the upper flange 28 . Note that the presence of the tightening bolt bushing 23 ensures that the rotation of the handle 11 engages the flange 27 .

A handle shaft hex insert 19 is provided having an insertable end 20 , which inserts into the internal retaining port 15 . The end 20 is welded or glued or otherwise fastened into the internal retaining port 15 so that it is firmly fixed therein, and will not rotate or otherwise move. The outer surface of the handle shaft hex insert 19 is, as the name indicates, hexagonal in cross-section. A threaded detent ball 22 is provided, and is accommodated within the detent ball threaded hole 21 .

The handle 48 has a textured outer surface, and an internal detent ball groove 48 A, generally complementary to the handle shaft hex insert 19 . The handle 48 slides over the hex insert 19 , and is held in position thereon by means of the detent ball 22 intersecting with the internal detent groove 48 A. Note that different handles, which may have different features, dimensions and configurations, may be releasably mounted onto and easily removed from the hex insert 19 .

In use, when the handle 11 is tightened, the upper and lower flanges 28 and 27 are brought towards each other, which slightly reduces the circumference of the main tube extension 4 A. Simultaneously, the upper friction bushing 35 is also squeezed, made possible by the presence of the relief area 35 C. The friction bushing contact area 13 A is gripped more firmly, as the circumference of the upper friction bushing is reduced. This in turn makes it more difficult to rotate the main shaft 13 within the main tube 4 . The user can thus select the degree of difficulty in turning or torquing the main shaft 13 (when the handle 48 is rotated), by tightening or loosening utilizing the handle 11 .

The apparatus of the invention can be utilized to strengthen musculature not only by twisting the handle 48 , but also by rotating the rotational arm extender 3 within the main body frame 1 , from left to right or right to left across the user's body on a horizontal plane. FIG. 5 shows the mechanism whereby the height of the rotational arm main tube 4 can be selected, with the arm extender 3 being raised or lowered to the desired position, and thereafter held in position by inserting the adjustment pin 30 through the appropriate aperture 3 A in the arm extender 3 . The pin 30 rests on the contact bushing 32 , which is on the flange top surface 31 B, thereby setting the height of the rotational arm main tube 4 , but still not interfering with the rotation of the rotational arm extender 3 within the main body frame 1 .

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 of the drawings which shows details relating to the user's ability to select the degree of difficulty for turning the rotational arm extender 3 within the main body frame 1 . It should be noted at this point that the rotational arm upper tube 5 is provided for this purpose. As seen particularly in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the rotational arm upper tube 5 is positioned on the rotational arm main tube 4 above the point where the rotational arm extender 3 is connected to the main tube 4 . The rotational arm upper tube 5 is connected to the rotational arm main tube 4 by means of a pair of upper tube supports 6 therebetween. Preferably, the upper tube 5 is mounted so that the approximate center thereof more or less coincides with the axis of the rotational arm extender 3 . When the user grasps the rotational arm upper tube 5 , he or she may then use the hand, wrist, and forearm muscles, or at least some of them, to twist and turn the arm extender 3 .

The user may select the degree of difficulty required to twist and turn the arm extender 3 within the main body frame 1 . A structure for incrementally gripping and releasing the rotational arm extender 3 within the main body frame 1 is provided, and in many respects is similar to the structure already described with respect to the mechanism for turning the handle 48 , illustrated in previous figures and described above.

With reference to FIG. 6 of the drawings, there is shown a handle assembly including a tightening handle 49 , having internal threads 49 B, a tightening bolt 50 , a handle engagement thread 50 A, a nub engagement thread 50 B, and a tightening bolt bushing 51 . A tightening flange 53 including a hole 53 A receives the engagement thread 50 B, the engagement thread 50 B engaging a flange 54 with a threaded nub 55 , having an internal threaded surface 55 A. Tightening of the handle 49 causes the space 56 between the tightening flange 53 and the tightening flange 54 to be compressed or moved together. These are formed on the body tube extension 1 A, which is adjacent the main body frame 1 , with a free space 56 C between them. An extension support flange 57 fixes the tube extension 1 A to the main body frame 1 . A non-flanged bushing 58 , and a lower friction bushing 59 , are received within the lower end of the main body frame 1 and the body tube extension 1 A respectively. The non-flanged bushing 58 has an internal contact surface 58 A and a contact surface 58 B for a lock screw 52 A, which extends through hole 60 . The lower friction bushing 59 has an internal contact surface 59 A, a relief area 59 B, as well as an inset 59 C for engagement with the lock screws 52 .

In a manner generally substantially similar to that already described above, tightening of the handle 49 causes the flanges 53 and 54 to move together, at the same time squeezing the lower friction bushing 59 . As the lower friction bushing 59 is squeezed, its circumference will diminish slightly due to the presence of the relief area 59 B. By incrementally tightening or loosening the handle 49 , the grip on the arm extender 3 will increase or decrease, so that the user may adjust to a fairly significant degree the level of difficulty which will be required in order to rotate the arm extender 3 within the main body frame 1 .

FIG. 7 of the drawings shows a detail of the main legs 2 . Each leg 2 has a mounting foot flange 45 with a bolt hole 45 A by means of which all or some of the legs 2 may be affixed to a surface or platform. Further, each leg 2 may include storage post flanges 44 so that differently configured and dimensioned handles may be stored upon the post 43 for use until desired by the user. The flange 44 has a hole 44 A which allows a mounting bolts access to bolt hole 45 A. Mounting bolts 64 facilitate connection to the ground or a platform 62 .

FIG. 9 of the drawings shows the apparatus mounted on a foundational platform 62 , which may have a skid resistant surface 62 A. Mounting points 63 are provided by means of which the apparatus may be secured to the platform 62 in order to facilitate and enhance the stability of the device in use.

An exercise device constructed and operating in the manner set forth above therefore gives a user the ability to exercise through two distinct movement processes. The first, when the user holds the rotational upper tube 5 , allows the user to rotate the rotational arm extender 3 relative to the main body frame 1 . The amount of force required to effect such rotation can be adjusted and selected from easy to extremely difficult, according to the desired levels required by the user. The second, when the user holds the handle 48 , allows the user to rotate the handle 48 relative to the rotational arm main tube 4 . The amount of force required to effect such rotation can, once more, be adjusted and selected from easy to extremely difficult, according to the desired levels required by the user.

The user may use either one of these processes individually, or both together, with each one independently set by degree of difficulty according to the type of workout desired.

The invention may further include other features, including meters or systems for setting the degree of difficulty so that these can be effected more precisely. Further, while the various embodiments described herein show certain specific mechanisms for adjusting the degree of difficulty as referenced above, other types of structures and configurations may be used to effect the same purpose. In essence, therefore, the invention relates to a piece of exercise equipment which have components able to be rotated in different dimensions and to work different musculature and body parts. While the invention is directed at the strengthening of the hand, wrist and forearm muscles, or at least some of these, it is within the scope of the invention that the exercise equipment be used in other contexts as well so that other parts of the body may separately or additionally be exercised by utilizing the present invention.

Generally, having stronger grip strength is of great benefit. Whether a professional athlete or a grandmother opening a jar of peanut butter, grip strength is important. The present invention is able to benefit users by building functional grip strength and functional wrist and forearm strength. Grip strength is involved in every exercise movement performed on the hand, wrist and forearm exercising device.

The higher the resistance is set for any given movement, the tighter the user must squeeze the handle in order to turn or rotate that handle. Muscles that are engaged to grip are at the top of the list of those worked by the device of the present invention. Most of the muscles that grip are also involved in wrist flexion and vice versa. Muscles that oppose grip and wrist flexion are the extensors. And finally, there are the wrist/forearm pronators and supinators that basically rotate the wrist and/or forearm clockwise or counter-clockwise.

The following list identifies at least some of the gripping muscles utilized in every exercise the HWF offers: Flexor Carpi Radialis, Palmaris Longus, Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, Flexor Digitorum Superficialis, Flexor Digitorum Profundus, Flexor Pollicis Longus, Flexor Pollicis Brevis, Adductor Pollicis, Opponens Pollicis, Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis, Opponens Digiti Minimi, Interossei and Lumbricals, Palmar Interossei.

The following list identifies at least some of the Wrist Flexion Muscles engaged in an exercise where the user faces the device, grasps the lower handle with the left hand and rotates the handle counter-clockwise: Flexor Carpi Radialis, Palmaris Longus, Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, Flexor Digitorum Superficialis, and Flexor Digitorum Profundus.

This following list identifies at least some of the Wrist Extensor Muscles engaged in and exercise where the user faces device, grasps the lower handle with the left hand and rotates the handle clockwise: Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus, Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis, Extensor Digitorum, Extensor Indicis, and Extensor Carpi Ulnaris.

The following list identifies Wrist/Forearm Pronator Muscles engaged in the exercise where the user grasps the top handle with left hand and rotates the handle clockwise: Anconeus, Pronator Teres, and Pronator Quadratus.

The following list identifies Wrist/Forearm Supinator Muscles engaged in the exercise where the user grasps the top handle with left hand and rotates the handle counter-clockwise: Biceps Brachii; Supinator; Extensor Pollicis Brevis; and Opponens Pollicis.

In one embodiment, the device of the invention can be engineered in a very minimalistic way, no or few extras for flash and wow, just what is needed. The moving components may operate through a series of bronze bushings for smooth fluid movement and stability. The friction bushings and “handles” may be produced from a hard yet smooth plastic with exceptional wear qualities.

One of the end goals in engineering the device in accordance with one aspect of the present invention was for a 20+ year lifespan with no replacement parts needed due to product wear or failure, while occupying minimal floor space and delivering maximum benefits. Whether in a home or commercial facility the device may be a “staple” addition to the routine of exerciser's where many may benefit from improved hand strength, especially hand strength that is improved in a natural movement exercise.

Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

As used herein, “plurality” means two or more. As used herein, a “set” of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”, “involving”, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.