U.S. patent application number 09/894461 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-17 for reel wrap.
Invention is credited to Morris, Richard J., Stoll, Mark S., Urbanski, Gary G..
Application Number | 20020005029 09/894461 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22801227 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020005029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morris, Richard J. ; et
al. |
January 17, 2002 |
Reel wrap
Abstract
A reel wrap for wrapping a reel, the reel having a central spool
separating a pair of end plates, and a reel width extending from an
outer margin of a first of the pair of end plates to an outer
margin of a second of the pair of end plates, said reel wrap
includes a wrap central portion, said central portion means being
substantially continuous and having a width between central portion
edge margins at least coextensive with the width of the reel for
spanning and enclosing an area between said pair of end plates. And
includes first and second side portions for securing the central
portion to the reel, the first and second side portions being
securable to a respective side plate of the reel proximate a
circumferential edge margin of the respective side plate of the
reel. A method of wrapping a reel is further included.
Inventors: |
Morris, Richard J.; (Prior
Lake, MN) ; Stoll, Mark S.; (Excelsior, MN) ;
Urbanski, Gary G.; (Minneapolis, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON, THUENTE, SKAAR & CHRISTENSEN, P.A.
4800 IDS CENTER
80 SOUTH 8TH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Family ID: |
22801227 |
Appl. No.: |
09/894461 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60214998 |
Jun 29, 2000 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/461 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/04 20130101;
B65H 75/141 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/461 |
International
Class: |
B65B 011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A reel wrap for wrapping a reel, the reel having a central spool
separating a pair of end plates, said reel wrap comprising: a
central portion, said central portion being spannable across a
distance between said pair of end plates; and first and second side
portions operably coupled to respective sides of said central
portion, wherein said side portions include a plurality of tabs,
each of said plurality of tabs being securable to a one selected of
said pair of end plates.
2. The reel wrap of claim 1, wherein said central portion is
unitary with said side portions.
3. The reel wrap of claim 2, wherein said central portion and said
side portions are fabricated from a material selected from a group
consisting of: a plastic material and a plasticized material.
4. The reel wrap of claim 3, wherein said plastic material is a
corrugated plastic material and said plasticized material is a
corrugated plasticized material.
5. The reel wrap of claim 4, wherein said corrugated plastic
material and said corrugated plasticized material is selected from
a group consisting of: a single-faced material and a double-faced
material.
6. The reel wrap of claim 1, wherein said tabs are securable to
said at least one of said pair of end plates with a fastener
selected from a group consisting of: a staple and a nail.
7. The reel wrap of claim 1, wherein said tabs are configured to
allow substantially gap-free contact between said central portion
and said pair of end plates of said reel upon said tabs being
secured to said at least one of said pair of end plates.
8. A method of wrapping a reel, wherein said reel includes a
central spool separating a pair of end plates, said method
comprising: forming a wrap having a central portion and two opposed
side portions disposed proximate side margins of said central
portion, and forming said side portion including a plurality of
tabs, and forming said central portion to span a distance between
said pair of end plates; placing the wrap about a circumference of
said pair of end plates; securing said plurality of tabs of a first
side portion to a first of said pair of end plates; and securing
said plurality of tabs of a second side portion to a second of said
pair of end plates.
9. The method of claim 8, including forming said central portion
unitary with said side portions.
10. The method of claim 9, including fabricating said central
portion and said side portion from a material selected from a group
consisting of: a plastic material and a plasticized material.
11. The method of claim 10, including forming said plastic material
of a corrugated plastic material and forming said plasticized
material of a corrugated plasticized material.
12. The method of claim 11, including selecting said corrugated
plastic material and said corrugated plasticized material from a
group consisting of: a single-faced material and a double-faced
material.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of securing said
plurality of tabs is selected from a group consisting of: stapling
said plurality of tabs to the respective end plate and nailing said
plurality of tabs to the respective pair of end plate.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of placing a wrap
about said circumference of said pair of end plates includes
overlapping ends of said wrap.
15. The method of claim 8, including configuring said tabs to allow
substantially gap-free contact between said central portion and
said pair of end plates of said reel upon completing said step of
securing said plurality of tabs.
16. A reel wrap for wrapping a reel, the reel having a central
spool separating a pair of end plates, said reel wrap comprising:
central portion means, said central portion means being
substantially continuous for spanning and enclosing an area between
said pair of end plates; and first and second side portion means
for securing the central portion means to the reel, the first and
second side portion means being securable proximate a
circumferential edge margin of a respective side plate of the
reel.
17. The reel wrap of claim 16 wherein said side portion means
include a plurality of tab means, each of said plurality of tab
means for being secured to a one of said pair of end plates.
18. The reel wrap of claim 16, said central portion means being
unitary with said side portion means.
19. The reel wrap of claim 16, wherein said central portion means
and said side portion means are fabricated from a material selected
from a group consisting of: a plastic material and a plasticized
material.
20. The reel wrap of claim 19, wherein said plastic material is a
corrugated plastic material and said plasticized material is a
corrugated plasticized material.
21. The reel wrap of claim 20, wherein said corrugated plastic
material and said corrugated plasticized material is selected from
a group consisting of: a single-faced material and a double-faced
material.
22. The reel wrap of claim 17, wherein said tab means are securable
to said at least one of said pair of end plates with a fastener
selected from a group consisting of: a staple and a nail.
23. The reel wrap of claim 17, wherein said tab means are
configured to allow substantially gap-free contact between said
central portion means and said pair of end plates of said reel.
24. A reel wrap for wrapping a reel, the reel having a central
spool separating a pair of end plates, and a reel width extending
from an outer margin of a first of the pair of end plates to an
outer margin of a second of the pair of end plates, said reel wrap
comprising: a wrap central portion, said central portion being
substantially continuous and having a width dimensions extending
between central portion edge margins being at least coextensive
with the width of the reel for spanning and enclosing an area
between said pair of end plates; and first and second side portions
for securing the central portion to the reel, the first and second
side portions being securable to a respective side plate of the
reel proximate a circumferential edge margin of the respective side
plate of the reel.
25. The reel wrap of claim 24 wherein said side portion means
include a plurality of tabs, each of said plurality of tabs for
being secured to a one of said pair of end plates.
26. The reel wrap of claim 24, said central portion being unitary
with said side portions.
27. The reel wrap of claim 24, wherein said central portion and
said side portions are fabricated from a material selected from a
group consisting of: a plastic material and a plasticized
material.
28. The reel wrap of claim 27, wherein said plastic material is a
corrugated plastic material and said plasticized material is a
corrugated plasticized material.
29. The reel wrap of claim 28, wherein said corrugated plastic
material and said corrugated plasticized material is selected from
a group consisting of: a single-faced material and a double-faced
material.
30. The reel wrap of claim 25, wherein said tabs are securable to
said at least one of said pair of end plates with a fastener
selected from a group consisting of: a staple and a nail.
31. The reel wrap of claim 30, wherein said tabs are configured to
allow substantially gap-free contact between said central portion
and said pair of end plates of said reel.
32. A reel wrap for wrapping a reel, the reel having a central
spool separating a pair of end plates, said reel wrap comprising: a
reel wrap body being securable to the reel, the reel wrap body
acting in cooperation with the reel when secured to present a
substantially continuous cylindrical shape having space defined
therein for substantially enclosing a product wound on the central
spool.
33. The reel wrap of claim 32 including a first and a second side
portion, each of said side portions including a plurality of tabs,
each of said plurality of tabs for being securable to a one of said
pair of end plates.
34. The reel wrap of claim 33, including a central portion, said
central portion being unitary with said side portions.
35. The reel wrap of claim 34, wherein said central portion and
said side portions are fabricated from a material selected from a
group consisting of: a plastic material and a plasticized
material.
36. The reel wrap of claim 35, wherein said plastic material is a
corrugated plastic material and said plasticized material is a
corrugated plasticized material.
37. The reel wrap of claim 36, wherein said corrugated plastic
material and said corrugated plasticized material is selected from
a group consisting of: a single-faced material and a double-faced
material.
38. The reel wrap of claim 33, wherein said tabs are securable to
said at least one of said pair of end plates with a fastener
selected from a group consisting of: a staple and a nail.
39. The reel wrap of claim 38, wherein said tabs are configured to
allow substantially gap-free contact between said central portion
and said pair of end plates of said reel.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/214,998 filed Jun. 29, 2000, which
is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the protection of materials
stored on a reel and, more particularly, to a corrugated wrap that
is used to wrap the circumference of a reel thereby providing
protection to the materials stored thereon.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Traditionally, wooden spools or reels that are used to
transport, store, and dispense various materials, e.g., fiber
optics, other types of transmission cables, wires, etc., have had
their contents protected through use of wood lagging strips, as
shown in the prior art of FIG. 1.
[0004] Referring to FIG. 1, the traditional, prior art manner of
preparing a reel 10 for shipping through the use of wood lagging 12
is shown. Reel 10 is generally fabricated from wood and includes a
central spool 14 and a pair of end plates 16. Various types of wire
and/or cable 18 are wrapped about the central spool 14 and
maintained thereon by virtue of end plates 16 allowing reel 10 to
operate as a shipment, storage and dispensement container all in
one. To prepare reel 10 for shipment, wood lags (lagging strips) 12
are placed one-by-one around the circumference of reel 10,
requiring significant preparation time. Each wood lag 12 is secured
at each end by a nail 19 to one of end plates 16. The nail is
directed into the width 20 of each of end plates 16 rather than the
interior face 22 or exterior face 23 of end plates 16. As such, a
nail directed at an angle presents the possibility of extending
through the interior face 22 of end plate 16, resulting in an
unreliable wood lag and the possibility of damaging the contents of
reel 10.
[0005] Each of the lagging strips 12 has been cut to the width of
the reel and secured to end plates through the use of nails and a
nail gun. The wood lagging 12 presents gaps between individual
lagging strips through which foreign material and varmints may
attack the reel contents. The securing and subsequent removal of
the lagging strips 12 from the reel 10 adds significant time, and
resultant costs, to the reel shipping process. The use of nails and
a powered nail gun provides the possibility of injury to the
individual preparing the shipment and, as well, the possibility of
injury to the spool contents through virtue of a misdirected,
long-shanked nail. Additionally, the wood lagging 12 itself adds
significant cost to the shipping due to the weight the lagging adds
to the reel and its contents. Further, the disposal and/or re-use
of the wood lagging 12 is not easily facilitated and also presents
a significant recycling concern. Similar problems are presented by
plywood and masonite lagging when used in place of the wood lagging
12.
[0006] In an effort to address at least some of the problems
described above, one manufacturer has produced an alternative to
wood lagging 12 Specifically, the alternative is a triple-layered
material, i.e., an inner layer of polypropylene foam cushioning, a
middle layer of recycled polypropylene, and an outer layer of
spunbonded polypropylene. The inner layer is placed in direct
contact with contents of the reel and is wrapped directly about the
contents rather than about the circumference of the reel end
plates, as shown in the prior art of FIG. 2. The material is
secured against the contents of the reel through use of metal
banding strips, leaving the end plates exposed.
[0007] Referring to FIG. 2, the prior art alternative to the
configuration of FIG. 1 is shown. In the prior art embodiment of
FIG. 2, a triple-layered material 24, i.e., an inner layer of
polypropylene foam cushioning, a middle layer of recycled
polypropylene, and an outer layer of spunbonded polypropylene, is
wrapped about the contents of reel 10 and is positioned within the
diameter of end plates 16. Material 24 is held in position, i.e.,
in direct contact with the contents of reel 10, through use of one
or more metal banding strips 26. As a result of this direct
contact, possible damage to the contents of reel 10 is increased
according to the pressure applied by metal banding strips 26 upon
the contents.
[0008] The alternative described above with reference to FIG. 2
does significantly reduce the time needed to wrap and unwrap the
reel, it does reduce the overall weight of the reel, and it does
eliminate the need for nails and the possible injury they may
cause. However, it introduces new problems that were not present
with wood lagging. Because the material 24 of the alternative
approach is in direct contact with the contents of the reel 10,
there is the possibility that the pattern of the material 24 will
be imprinted on the contents of the reel 10. Further, because this
alternative approach wraps the contents of the reel rather than the
circumference of the end plates of the reel, there is a possibility
that the exposed end plate 16 of a reel 10 will roll into the
contents of another reel 10, thereby damaging its contents.
[0009] As such, there is a need in the art for a product that
addresses the problems presented by wood, plywood, and masonite
lagging as well as the problems presented by the above-described
alternative approach.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The needs described above are in large measure met by the
corrugated reel wrap of the present invention. The reel wrap is
designed to wrap a reel having a central spool that separates two
end plates. The reel wrap generally comprises a substantially
continuous central portion having two side portions operably
coupled to a respective center portion side margin. Each of the
side portions of the wheel wrap of the present invention include a
number of tabs that are securable to the end plates of the reel.
The width of the central portion is at least as wide as the reel,
thereby allowing the central portion to span and enclose the area
between the end plates of the reel.
[0011] The side portions are preferably unitary with the central
portion allowing the complete reel wrap to be fabricated from a
plastic or plasticized material, which preferably includes a
corrugated layer that is laminated to a single face, or sandwiched
between two faces. Since the reel is of a wood material, the tabs
of the side portions of the reel wrap are preferably secured to the
end plates of the reel with staples; however, other fasteners may
be used. The tabs are configured to allow substantially gap-free
contact between the central portion and the end plates when the
tabs are secured to the end plates providing for the area
intermediate the end plates of the reel to be substantially,
completely enclosed.
[0012] The method for wrapping the reel wrap generally comprises
the steps of placing or laying the wrap about the reel so that the
central portion of the wrap covers the central spool, and securing
the tabs to the exterior surface of the end plates of the reel with
the previously described fasteners.
[0013] One object of the present invention is to utilize plastic or
plasticized materials to better facilitate recyclability. In
addition, the preferred materials provide flexibility in material
colors, and even permit the use of translucent materials,
simplifying visual inspections after the reel has been wrapped.
This preferred material also provides increased protection and
resistance from outside forces and elements.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a reel
wrap weighing significantly less when compared to prior art lagging
methods. This reduced wrap weight substantially reduces shipping
costs.
[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to minimize
labor costs associated with reel preparation by significantly
reducing the time taken to secure and remove the wrap. This object
is achieved by implementing a generally unitary reel wrap and
simpler fastening methods.
[0016] A further object of the present invention is to reduce the
likelihood of injury to the person securing or removing the wrap
from the reel. This injury reduction is achieved through the use of
generally short fasteners which are directed to the exterior
surface of the end plates rather than the edge of the end
plates.
[0017] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide
a wrap that is easily modifiable so that it can be constructed in
different shapes and sizes in accordance with specific needs
generally associated with varying reel sizes.
[0018] The present invention is a reel wrap for wrapping a reel,
the reel having a central spool separating a pair of end plates,
and a reel width extending from an outer margin of a first of the
pair of end plates to an outer margin of a second of the pair of
end plates. The reel wrap includes a wrap central portion, the
central portion being substantially continuous and having a width
between central portion edge margins at least coextensive with the
width of the reel for spanning and enclosing an area between said
pair of end plates. And the reel wrap includes first and second
side portions for securing the central portion to the reel, the
first and second side portions being securable to a respective side
plate of the reel proximate a circumferential edge margin of the
respective side plate of the reel. The present invention is further
method of wrapping a reel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a prior art configuration of a reel, the contents
of which have been protected through the use of wood lagging about
the circumference of the reel;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a prior art configuration of a reel, the contents
of which have been protected through the use of a wrap that is
wrapped about and in direct contact with the contents of the
reel;
[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a reel, the contents of which have been
protected through the use of a corrugated reel wrap of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 depicts a corrugated material that may be used in the
corrugated reel wrap of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 depicts an alternative corrugated material that may
be used in the corrugated reel wrap of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 depicts one pattern, having closely spaced tabs, for
the corrugated reel wrap of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 depicts an alternative pattern, having set-apart
tabs, for the corrugated reel wrap of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 depicts the corrugated reel wrap, with the pattern of
FIG. 7, wrapped partially about a reel; and
[0027] FIG. 9 depicts the corrugated reel wrap of the present
invention being applied to a reel through use of a pneumatic
fastening tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] A corrugated reel wrap of the present invention is shown
generally at 50 in the figures and is used to protect and shield
the contents of a reel. The corrugated reel wrap 50 provides for
fast installation and removal, significantly reduces the amount of
weight added to the reel compared to wood lagging, and reduces the
possibility of injury to the shipper and/or contents of the
reel.
[0029] Corrugated reel wrap 50 of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 3-5. As FIG. 3 depicts, corrugated reel wrap 50 is designed
to span the overall width of reel 10 and to be secured to the
exterior of reel 10 by staples 51, thereby avoiding the problems
associated with nailing wood lagging to the end plates. Staples 51
are selected with a length that is insufficient to penetrate the
end plate 16, thereby protecting the contents of the reel 10 from
damage. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, corrugated reel wrap 50
incorporates a central portion 56, which is of sufficient width to
extend between end plates 16 of reel 10, and two side portions 58
that are preferably unitary with central portion 56, being joined
at a respective side margin of the central portion 56. Each of side
portions 58 includes a plurality of tabs 60 that have been
preferably die-cut to include angled sides 62 that extend into an
arc portion 64 that is common with the angled side 62 of the next
proximate tab 60. Corrugated reel wrap 50 may be of any desired
length and width that is suitable to a specific application.
[0030] As FIG. 4 depicts, corrugated reel wrap 50 is not a wood
product but rather is a multi-layered material manufactured from
high-density polyethylene (HDPE), i.e., a plastic, having a basis
weight of 300 to 500 lbs. Of course, other plastics or plasticized
materials, e.g., plastic coated fiberboard, may be used without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. HDPE is used
to create a corrugated reel wrap 50 that preferably incorporates
two outside liners 52 and a fluted center 54, as shown in FIG. 4.
Alternatively, corrugated reel wrap 50 may include only a single
outside liner 52 in combination with fluted center 54, as shown in
FIG. 5. The flutes 55 of fluted center 54 may extend along the
length or along the width of corrugated reel wrap 50. Corrugated
reel wrap 50 may be manufactured through lamination, extrusion, or
other like processes.
[0031] Because corrugated reel wrap 50 is manufactured from HDPE it
is 100% recyclable, thus eliminating the element of waste product
that results from wood lagging. Further, because corrugated reel
wrap 50 is manufactured from HDPE, it may be customized with
minimal investment and can be made available in a wide range of
colors, including translucents. The HDPE material also means that
corrugated reel wrap 50 is unaffected by water, is stronger and
more durable than corrugated fiberboard, is extremely lightweight,
will not rust, rot, mildew or corrode like metal or wood, and will
resist a wide range of chemicals, grease and dirt. The HDPE
material allows corrugated reel wrap 50 to be printed on easily and
clearly, and to be tear, puncture, and impact-resistant for
protection of the contents of reel 10. The HDPE material also
allows for corrugated reel wrap 50 to be made anti-static,
non-conductive, ultra-violet inhibiting, flame retardant, corrosion
retardant, and/or non-skid if desired. Additionally, corrugated
reel wrap 50 may be made with FDA approved resins.
[0032] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict corrugated reel wrap 50 incorporating
an alternative pattern to that presented in FIGS. 3 and 6; of
course, numerous other patterns may be used for corrugated reel
wrap 50 without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention. The alternative pattern finds corrugated reel wrap
having a central portion 56, which is of sufficient width to extend
between end plates 16 of reel 10, and two side portions 58 that are
preferably unitary with central portion 56. Each of side portions
58 includes a plurality of tabs 60 that have been preferably
die-cut to include angled sides 62. However, different from the
pattern described in the paragraph above, tabs 60 are separated by
an elongate space 63 that is substantially equivalent in width to
that of one of tabs 60.
[0033] FIG. 9 depicts the application of corrugated reel wrap 50 to
a reel 10. As shown, corrugated reel wrap 50 is positioned such
that central portion 56 extends between end plates 16 of reel 10,
allowing tabs 60 to protrude outward. To secure tabs 60 to reel 10,
they are manually bent downward and fastened, preferably through
use of a pneumatic fastening tool 66 (e.g. stapler, nail gun, etc.)
to exterior face 23 of end plate 16, causing central portion 56 to
smoothly lie along the edges of end plates 16. Arc portion 64 and
spacing between tabs 60 allow each tab 60 to be bent individually
without stress on proximate tabs 60 and to lie flat against end
plate 16 without causing gaps between end plates 16 and central
portion 56. Only one fastener 68 (including, for example, staple
51) is needed per tab 60 to secure it to reel 10. Fasteners 68 are
selected to have a shank length such that each of fasteners 68 does
not penetrate end plate 16 and protrude through interior face 22
upon being secured to end plate 16. The process of bending and
fastening is repeated for each tab 60 through the rolling of reel
10 until all tabs 60 are secured and the area intermediate end
plates 16 of reel 10 is enclosed.
[0034] Completing the enclosure of the area intermediate end plates
16 may be achieved by overlapping the ends of corrugated reel wrap
50. Using this manner of completing the enclosure allows for
corrugated reel wrap 50 to be dispensed and cut to a desired length
for application to reel 10. Alternatively, corrugated reel wrap 50
may be manufactured to a specific length where the ends overlap to
complete the enclosure. Within this alternative, if desired, the
ends of corrugated reel wrap 50 may be provided with an
interlocking notch 70 and tab 72 combination to complete the
enclosure of wrap 50, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9.
[0035] By using corrugated reel wrap 50 as described above, the
time spent by an individual in preparing a reel for shipment is
reduced by greater than 1/3 when compared to traditional wood
lagging. The time for removing corrugated reel wrap 50 is also
significantly reduced over the removal time of wood lagging.
Further, corrugated reel wrap 50 is of a greatly reduced weight,
compared to wood, plywood, or masonite lagging, for reduced
shipping costs. Further, the possibility of injury to the shipper
or to the reel contents is reduced by using fasteners of reduced
length and preferred placement on end plate 16. For example, staple
prongs are of a significantly reduced length and width when
compared to that of the shank of a nail which is used with wood
lagging. Additionally, the shank of a nail used in fastening the
present invention may be shorter than that used in wood lagging
since the present invention is secured to exterior face 23 of end
plate 16 rather than fully penetrating a piece of wood lagging and
then being directed into the width of end plate 16 as is the case
in wood lagging.
[0036] Further, by using corrugated reel wrap 50 as described
above, only the circumference of a reel 10 is wrapped, i.e., there
is no direct contact with the contents of the reel 10 when the
contents assume a circumference that is less than the circumference
of the end plates 16. There is no possibility that the pattern of
the corrugated reel wrap 50 is imprinted on the contents in this
condition. When wrapping the circumference of the end plates 16
with corrugated reel wrap 50, a substantially rigid material, the
possibility that an object may break through wrap 50 to damage the
contents of the reel 10 is virtually eliminated unlike the
alternative prior art method shown in FIG. 2. Wrapping of the
circumference with corrugated reel wrap 50 also provides a moisture
barrier for the underlying contents of reel 10.
[0037] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit of the essential attributes
thereof; therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the
foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
* * * * *