U.S. patent application number 09/968089 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-13 for controlled humidity container.
This patent application is currently assigned to COVERALL LIMITED. Invention is credited to Tunstall-Behrens, Martin Hilary.
Application Number | 20020070129 09/968089 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 10850948 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020070129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tunstall-Behrens, Martin
Hilary |
June 13, 2002 |
Controlled humidity container
Abstract
This invention relates to a container for an item, in which the
item is selected from the group consisting of musical instruments,
furniture and antiques, which container comprises a flexible, gas
impermeable material adapted to be disposed around the item or a
substantial portion thereof; sealing means for forming the material
into a substantially sealed bag around the item or a substantial
portion thereof, said sealed bag defining a chamber having an
enclosed atmosphere; and means for controlling the humidity of the
enclosed atmosphere. The container is particularly useful for
musical instruments, especially keyboard instruments. A
preservation system for an item and a method for preserving an item
which utilize such a container are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Tunstall-Behrens, Martin
Hilary; (London, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Victor A. Cardona, Esq.
Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.
5 Columbia Circle
Albany
NY
12203
US
|
Assignee: |
COVERALL LIMITED
Sudbury
GB
|
Family ID: |
10850948 |
Appl. No.: |
09/968089 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09968089 |
Oct 1, 2001 |
|
|
|
PCT/GB00/01241 |
Mar 31, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/204 ;
150/162; 206/14; 206/314 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 22/00 20130101;
B65D 2585/646 20130101; B65D 85/64 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/204 ;
206/314; 206/14; 150/162 |
International
Class: |
B65D 081/26; B65D
065/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 1, 1999 |
GB |
9907718.2 |
Claims
1. A container for an item, in which the item is selected from the
group consisting of musical instruments, furniture and antiques,
which container comprises a flexible, gas impermeable material
adapted to be disposed around the item or a substantial portion
thereof; sealing means for forming the material into a
substantially sealed bag around the item or a substantial portion
thereof, said sealed bag defining a chamber having an enclosed
atmosphere; and means for controlling the humidity of the enclosed
atmosphere.
2. A container according to claim 1 in which the flexible, gas
impermeable material is adapted to define a space for receiving the
item or a substantial portion thereof.
3. A container according to claim 1 in which the flexible, gas
impermeable material is a plastics material or a fabric treated
with a plastics material.
4. A container according to claim 1 in which the sealing means
comprises a fastener selected from a zipper, a velcro strip or
lacing.
5. A container according to claim 1 in which the means for
controlling the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere comprises a
material capable of absorbing and desorbing moisture.
6. A container according to claim 1 which further include a
hygrometer.
7. A container according to claim 1 which further includes a
sealable access opening.
8. A container according to claim 1 which further includes a
heater.
9. A container according to claim 1 which further includes means
for monitoring the temperature of the enclosed atmosphere.
10. A container according to claim 1 which further includes a
warning or alarm system.
11. A container according to claim 1 which is shaped to correspond
to the shape of the item or a case in which the item is
located.
12. A container according to claim 1 in which the item is a musical
instrument.
13. A container according to claim 1 in which the item is a
keyboard instrument.
14. A preservation system for an item, in which the item is
selected from the group consisting of musical instruments,
furniture and antiques, which system comprises a container
according to claim 1 and the item to be disposed within the
chamber.
15. A method for preserving an item, in which the item is selected
from the group consisting of musical instruments, furniture and
antiques, which method comprises selecting a container according to
claim 1; disposing the flexible, gas impermeable material around
the item or a substantial portion thereof; utilizing the sealing
means to form a substantially sealed bag around the item or a
substantial portion thereof; and utilizing the humidity control
means to control the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere.
16. A container for use in the method for preserving an item
according to claim 15.
17. A container according to claim 2 in which the flexible, gas
impermeable material is a plastics material or a fabric treated
with a plastics material.
18. A container according to claim 2 in which the sealing means
comprises a fastener selected from a zipper, a velcro strip or
lacing.
19. A container according to claim 2 in which the means for
controlling the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere comprises a
material capable of absorbing and desorbing moisture.
20. The method of claim 15 further comprising providing means for
measuring the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT Application
PCT/GB00/01241 filed Mar. 31, 2000, and published in English as WO
00/60429 on Oct. 12, 2000, which claimed the priority of United
Kingdom application GB/9907718.2 filed Apr. 1, 1999. The entire
disclosures of both are incorporated herein by refererence.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a controlled humidity container
and, in particular, to a container for a musical instrument, an
item of furniture or an antique which controls the humidity of the
atmosphere within the container.
[0003] It is known that musical instruments, particularly those
which include wood in their construction, are vulnerable to changes
in and extremes of atmospheric humidity. For instance, if a
keyboard instrument such as a piano is kept in a place where the
atmosphere is too dry, such as a centrally heated house, the
soundboard may split. However, if a piano is kept in a place where
the atmosphere is too humid, such as a damp hall, church or
warehouse, the steel strings may rust and the action mechanism may
be damaged thereby causing the action of the keyboard to stiffen
up. Other keyboard instruments will exhibit similar problems if
kept under similar conditions.
[0004] Stringed instruments such as harps, guitars, lutes,
mandolins and stringed instruments of the violin and viol family,
such as violins, violas, violoncellos, double basses, viols da
gamba and viols d'amore, are also detrimentally affected by
humidity changes as their wooden parts are liable to crack or warp
under dry or excessively damp conditions respectively. In addition,
stringed instruments of the violin and viol family are
traditionally constructed utilising animal glues to hold their
component parts together rather than modern synthetic glues. Such
animal glues are extremely susceptible to damp humid conditions
with the result that glued joints in such instruments tend to come
apart under such conditions.
[0005] Similar problems of warping and cracking may also be
experienced to some extent by instruments of the woodwind family
and other instruments which include wood in their construction in
excessively damp or dry conditions.
[0006] Furniture and antiques, particularly those which include
wood in their construction such as antique cabinets and firearms,
will also deteriorate if kept in conditions which are too damp or
too dry or where the level of humidity can change dramatically.
Wood veneer furniture is particularly vulnerable in this respect
since such conditions can cause the veneer to crack and/or lift
away from the substrate.
[0007] It is apparent from the above that musical instruments,
furniture and antiques should be kept in conditions where
fluctuations in humidity are minimal if damage is to be avoided.
However, this is not always possible for a variety of reasons.
[0008] In the case of keyboard instruments, these are generally too
large to be kept in an enclosed case and it is therefore necessary
to control the humidity of the atmosphere of the whole room in
which the instrument is located if damage is to be avoided. If the
atmosphere is too dry, a humidifier may be installed in the room
whereas if the atmosphere is too humid, a heater and/or
de-humidifier may be installed. However, such devices do not, in
general, allow the degree of humidity in the room to be controlled
with any accuracy, partly due to the nature of the devices utilised
and partly due to the fact that the windows and doors of most rooms
do not provide an airtight seal when closed and the atmosphere will
in any case be disrupted by persons entering or leaving the room.
The use of such devices can therefore generally only mitigate
against possible damage.
[0009] In addition, if a piano is used for an open-air concert in
the summer season, it may be left outside overnight and thus
exposed to conditions of excessive dew. Such undesirably humid
conditions will detrimentally affect the performance of the
instrument when it is next used.
[0010] Covers are known for keyboard instruments. However, these
are designed to be placed over the keyboard and the case which
holds the strings with a view to preventing or reducing mechanical
damage to the instrument. Such covers are generally open to the
atmosphere on at least one side to facilitate the positioning of
the cover over the instrument and do not therefore protect the
instrument from undesirable humidity conditions. Similar covers are
also known for furniture.
[0011] Stringed instruments of the violin and viol family are
normally kept in soft or rigid enclosed cases when not in use,
primarily to protect the instruments from mechanical damage. If the
instrument is to be kept in a dry atmosphere, a humidifier in the
form of an elongate sponge soaked in water may be hung from one of
the f-holes of the instrument so that the wet sponge is suspended
inside the instrument during storage. Such humidifiers are sold
under the Trade Mark "DAMPIT". Alternatively, if the instrument is
to be kept in a damp atmosphere, a bag of silica gel may be placed
in the case to absorb excess moisture. However, since such cases
are not airtight, such methods are not generally very effective and
in any event are only capable of providing a crude local adjustment
in the ambient humidity conditions.
[0012] Soft and rigid cases are known, particularly for large
instruments such as violoncellos and double basses, which are made
of water-resistant materials and include leak-proof closures to
prevent moisture from seeping inside the case during transport of
the instrument. However, such cases are not airtight and do not
therefore protect the instrument from changes in the humidity of
the atmosphere.
[0013] Rigid cases are known, particularly for violins and violas,
which contain a built-in hygrometer to monitor the humidity of the
atmosphere around the instrument. However, once again, such cases
are not airtight. Moreover, such cases do not contain any
particular means for controlling the humidity of the atmosphere
within the case and it is therefore up to the user to provide a
crude adjustment by means of the use of a "Dampit" or silica gel
according to the reading on the hygrometer.
[0014] A further complication in the case of stringed instruments
is that they will frequently be transported by the player between a
wide variety of locations having widely varying humidity
conditions. This is particularly true in the case of international
soloists who travel the world giving recitals in a wide variety of
climates. Moreover, in the case of a professional player, the
instrument will often be an antique, for instance, a Stradivarius
instrument of the seventeenth century, which is already fragile
thereby exacerbating the problems outlined above.
[0015] When a musical instrument is kept in a museum, it is
generally exhibited in a rigid showcase. Showcases are known which
are sealed with rubber seals to make them dustproof and airtight
and fitted with silica gel which has been conditioned to maintain
the atmosphere within the showcase at a selected relative humidity.
Display cases are also known which incorporate an air cleaning and
humidity control system. However, although such cases are effective
in protecting the contents from changes in external relative
humidity, they are not very portable.
[0016] A cover for motor vehicles is known which is sold under the
Trade Mark "CARCOON" and is designed to protect vehicles from
rusting when in storage. The cover comprises a top portion which is
zipped to a base portion and then inflated using fans. The fans
ensure that air circulates constantly through the vehicle and cover
so that the airflow carries any moisture with it as it exits evenly
through the zip panel. However, as the cover is not gas-proof, the
temperature and humidity of the atmosphere within the cover will be
the same as the external atmosphere. Thus, this cover does not
protect the contents from fluctuations in atmospheric humidity.
[0017] In view of the above, there is clearly a need for a
container for a musical instrument, an item of furniture or an
antique which is capable of controlling the humidity of the
atmosphere within the container and is easily portable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] According to the present invention there is provided a
container for an item, in which the item is selected from the group
consisting of musical instruments, furniture and antiques, which
container comprises a flexible, gas impermeable material adapted to
be disposed around the item or a substantial portion thereof;
sealing means for forming the material into a substantially sealed
bag around the item or a substantial portion thereof, said sealed
bag defining a chamber having an enclosed atmosphere; and means for
controlling the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere.
[0019] In a preferred form, the flexible, gas impermeable material
may be adapted to define a space for receiving the item or a
substantial portion thereof.
[0020] In the context of this specification, the term "gas
impermeable" means impermeable or substantially impermeable to gas
or vapor. Gas impermeable materials thus include materials having a
low permeability to gas or vapor, especially water vapor. Such
materials by their nature will therefore generally also have a low
moisture permeability.
[0021] The flexible, gas impermeable material may be any material
which inherently possesses the necessary qualities of flexibility
and gas impermeability or any material which has been treated to
provide these qualities. However, it is preferred that the
flexible, gas impermeable material is a plastics material or a
fabric treated with a plastics material.
[0022] The sealing means may take a variety of forms provided that
a substantially airtight seal is produced. The choice of sealing
means will therefore be determined to some extent by the ease of
access to the item which is required and/or the period for which
the item is to be located in the container.
[0023] For instance, if an is to be placed in long-term storage, it
may be preferred to use a sealing means which provides a more
permanent seal, such as means for hermetically sealing the edges of
the flexible, gas impermeable material. If the flexible, gas
impermeable material is a plastics material, this could be
accomplished by fusing the edges of the plastics material together
to form an hermetic seal. However, in this case, access to the item
could only be obtained by destroying the seal.
[0024] If the item is to be used on a moderately frequent basis, it
may be more appropriate to select a sealing means which effects a
temporary seal. For instance, the edges of the flexible, gas
impermeable material may be joined together by any conventional
fastening means, such as press-studs, clips or, more preferably, a
zip fastener, velcro strip or lacing. If required, the joint may be
made more airtight by the provision of suitably located airproof
collar or rubber seal. Alternatively, the edges of the material may
be rolled together and secured in the rolled position by any
conventional fastening means. Again, a suitably located airproof
collar or rubber seal may be provided to ensure that the joint is
airtight. It is particularly preferred that the sealing means
comprises a fastener selected from a zipper, velcro strip or
lacing, optionally in conjunction with a rubber seal.
[0025] The means for controlling the humidity of the enclosed
atmosphere may comprise dehumidifying means and/or humidifying
means. The dehumidifying means may comprise any device or material
which is capable of absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, such as
silica gel. If a dehumidifying material is used, the quantity may
be selected on the basis of prevailing atmospheric conditions and
the volume of the container. Conversely, the humidifying means may
comprise any device or material which is capable of releasing
moisture to the atmosphere, such as a damp material or a sprayer
which delivers a fine spray of water. However, it is preferred that
the means for controlling the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere
should be capable of exercising both a dehumidifying and
humidifying function as necessary to maintain the enclosed
atmosphere at the desired relative humidity, preferably 40 to 60%,
especially 45 to 55%, relative humidity. Preferably, a material
which is capable of absorbing and desorbing moisture is used for
this purpose. An example of such a material is silica gel which has
been conditioned to maintain the atmosphere at a selected relative
humidity. Such material is sold under the Trade Mark "ART-SORB" and
comprises about 90% silica gel and about 10% lithium chloride by
weight. However, it is also envisaged that the container could be
connected to machinery which is capable of both humidifying and
dehumidifying the enclosed atmosphere. Alternatively, the container
could be provided with separate dehumidifying and humidifying means
which may be independently controlled by a humidistat according to
the prevailing atmospheric conditions. For instance, if the
dehumidifying means comprises silica gel and the humidifying means
comprises a wet sponge, these could be located in separate
receptacles, each receptacle having a lid with movable louvres
which could be independently opened or closed as required to adjust
the relative humidity of the enclosed atmosphere. Alternatively, an
air conditioning unit could be provided within the sealed bag or
connected to a sealable access opening of the bag which could be
electronically or digitally controlled to supply air of a relative
humidity necessary to maintain the enclosed atmosphere at the
desired relative humidity. It is also envisaged that air of the
desired relative humidity could be delivered to the container and
the container then sealed to maintain the enclosed atmosphere at
the desired humidity. In some circumstances, it may be appropriate
to provide a temperature control device, such as a heater, within
the container to ensure that the temperature of the enclosed
atmosphere is maintained at or above a minimum specified
temperature and does not drop below dew point.
[0026] When large adjustments are required to the ambient humidity,
it may be appropriate to use a combination of two or more of the
methods outlined above. For instance, if a dramatic reduction in
humidity is required, a large quantity of conventional silica gel
may be utilised to bring the humidity down to approximately the
desired level and "ART-SORB" may then be utilised to maintain the
humidity at the desired level.
[0027] In order to ascertain the relative humidity of the enclosed
atmosphere at any given time, it is preferred that the container
includes a hygrometer. The hygrometer may be of conventional form
incorporating a dial gauge to indicate the relative humidity and,
in this case, it is desirable that a transparent window be provided
in the container to facilitate reading of the dial gauge from
outside the container. Alternatively, a hygrometer may be provided
in which the relative humidity value is provided in an electronic
form which may be displayed in digital form on, for instance, an
LED display within the container viewable through a transparent
window or which may be passed through a cable to a remote digital
indicator outside the container or read by means of radio control.
The hygrometer may also be connected to a chart recorder or
provided with an electronic memory to provide a record of the
humidity readings over a period of time.
[0028] It is also preferred that the container is provided with
means for monitoring the temperature of the enclosed atmosphere.
This may be in the form of a conventional thermometer located
within the container which can be read from outside the container,
for instance, through a transparent window. Alternatively, a
thermometer may be provided in which the temperature value is
produced in an electronic form which may be displayed in digital
form on, for instance, an LED display within the container which is
viewable through a transparent window or which may be transmitted
via cables for display at a remote location or read by means of
radio control. The temperature monitoring means may also be
connected to a chart recorder or provided with an electronic memory
to provide a record of temperature readings over a period of
time.
[0029] It is also envisaged that the container could be provided
with a warning or alarm system which would be activated when the
relative humidity and/or temperature moved or was about to move
above or below a predetermined value or outside a predetermined
range. Appropriate action could then be taken to adjust the
relative humidity and/or temperature so that it moved back below or
above the predetermined range. The warning or alarm system may
comprise a signal, preferably an audible or visual signal, such as
a buzzer or a flashing light, which may be detectable at the site
of installation of the container or at a remote location.
[0030] It is preferred that the container includes a sealable
access opening. This may, for instance, comprise a conveniently
located flap with sealable edges in the flexible, gas impermeable
material which may be used to insert an item into or remove an item
from the container whilst the container is in use. For instance,
such a flap could be used to insert or remove means for controlling
the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere, such as silica gel, or
could be used as a supply port for conditioned air as previously
described. It could also be used to replace defective equipment
such as a malfunctioning hygrometer.
[0031] In certain situations, it may be desirable for aesthetic
reasons that the essential shape of the item is still ascertainable
when the item is in the container. Thus, it may be preferable in
some instances for the container to be shaped to correspond to the
shape of the item or a case in which the item is located. In other
instances where, for instance, speed of fitting is important, a
loose fitting container may be more desirable. A loose fitting
cover may also be more appropriate in situations where the item has
a complex shape. For instance, when a grand piano is stored or
transported, the long, straight side of the case which holds the
strings is placed on a "shoe" and the legs then removed. The piano
is thus effectively stored or transported on its side on the
"shoe". In such a situation, a loose fitting cover which can hold
both the piano and the "shoe" is clearly preferable.
[0032] The item may be placed in the container without any other
covering to provide protection against mechanical damage. Such an
arrangement would be appropriate for a large item, such as a piece
of furniture, which is unlikely to be moved. However, the item may
be placed in a conventional case first and the item and its case
then placed in the container. Such an arrangement would be
particularly suitable for guitars, violoncellos and double basses,
which are often placed in soft padded cases for protection during
transport, although instruments in hard cases would also benefit
from being placed in a container according to the present
invention. This arrangement would also be beneficial for large
keyboard instruments, such as grand pianos, where a conventional
padded cover could be fitted to reduce the risk of mechanical
damage prior to placing in a container according to the present
invention.
[0033] Although the container of the invention can be used for any
item as hereinbefore defined, it is particularly preferred that the
item is a musical instrument. The container may be used for any
musical instrument. However, it is particularly preferred that the
musical instrument is a keyboard instrument or a stringed
instrument, especially a stringed instrument of the violin or viol
family. Most preferably, the item is a keyboard instrument,
especially a large keyboard instrument such as a piano and,
especially, a grand piano.
[0034] According to the invention there is also provided a
preservation system for an item, in which the item is selected from
the group consisting of musical instruments, furniture and
antiques, which system comprises a container as defined above and
an item to be disposed within the chamber.
[0035] The invention further provides a method for preserving an
item, in which the item is selected from the group consisting of
musical instruments, furniture and antiques, which method comprises
selecting a container as defined above; disposing the flexible, gas
impermeable material around the item or a substantial portion
thereof; utilising the sealing means to form a substantially sealed
bag around the item or a substantial portion thereof; and utilising
the humidity control means to control the humidity of the enclosed
atmosphere.
[0036] A container for use in a preservation system or a method for
preserving an item as defined above is also provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described
by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grand piano in a tailored
container according to the invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a section on the line II-II of FIG. 1 (piano not
shown);
[0040] FIG. 3 is a section on the line III-III of FIG. 1 (piano not
shown);
[0041] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a violin in a loose fitting
container according to the invention; and
[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a violoncello located within
a hard case which is in turn located within a loose fitting
container according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a grand piano 1 having a
pedal lyre 2 and legs 3, 4, 5 is located within a cover 6. The
cover 6 comprises a main portion 7, which is shaped to correspond
to the shape of the main portion of the piano comprising the
keyboard, soundboard, soundboard case and lid, and a subsidiary
portion 8 which is shaped to correspond to the shape of the pedal
lyre 2. The subsidiary portion 8 may be integral with the main
portion 7 or may be a separate portion which can be attached and
sealed to the main portion 7 to facilitate fitting of the cover 6.
The main portion 7 is provided with sealable collars 9, 10, 11
which form a substantially airtight seal around legs 3, 4, 5
respectively. A hygrometer with a dial gauge 13 is provided within
cover 6 and the reading on the dial gauge is viewable through
transparent window 12. A sealable access opening 14 is also
provided in the main portion 7 of cover 6 through which, for
instance, silica gel 16 may be inserted or removed. A pocket 15
formed by attaching a piece of mesh fabric to the inside of cover 6
in the vicinity of access opening 14 is provided to hold the silica
gel 16. Access opening 14 is sealed by means of seal 17.
[0044] To fit the cover 6 to the grand piano 1, the main portion 7
is placed over the lid and sides of the main portion of the piano
and the subsidiary portion 8 placed over the pedal lyre 2. The
edges of the main portion 7 are then brought together underneath
the main portion of the piano and sealed. Sealable collars 9, 10,
11 are then positioned and sealed around legs 3, 4, 5 respectively.
The reading on the hygrometer 13 is then noted by viewing through
window 12 and the appropriate type and quantity of material
required to obtain the desired relative humidity calculated. The
required material 16 is then inserted through sealable access
opening 14 which is subsequently sealed with seal 17. The relative
humidity of the enclosed atmosphere is then monitored by means of
the hygrometer 13 and window 12 and any adjustments made by
inserting or removing material 16 through sealable access opening
14.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows a violin 20 located within a cover 21. The
cover 21 comprises a bag of flexible, gas impermeable material into
which the violin 20 is placed and the entrance is then sealed with
lacing 22. A rubber seal (not shown) may also be provided. A
hygrometer with a dial gauge 23 is provided within the cover 21 and
the reading on the dial gauge is viewable through transparent
window 24. A sealable access opening 25 is also provided for
insertion and removal of material for controlling the humidity of
the enclosed atmosphere, as described above in relation to FIGS. 1,
2 and 3.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows a violoncello case 30 containing a violoncello
(not shown) located within a cover 31. The cover 31 comprises a bag
of flexible, gas impermeable material into which the violoncello
case 30 is placed and the opening is then sealed with a velcro
strip 32, 33. A rubber seal (not shown) may also be provided. A
hygrometer with a dial gauge 34 is provided within the cover 31 and
the reading on the dial gauge 34 can be read through the
transparent window 35. A sealable access opening 36 is also
provided for insertion and removal of material for controlling the
humidity of the enclosed atmosphere, the latter material being
located in a pocket (not shown) on the inside of the cover 31, as
described above in relation to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
[0047] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above
are illustrative of the invention and that modifications of detail
can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *