U.S. patent application number 09/758638 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-11 for carrying apparatus for electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to LOCOMOTOR U.S.A., INC.. Invention is credited to Chou, Sheau Mei.
Application Number | 20020088726 09/758638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25052510 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020088726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chou, Sheau Mei |
July 11, 2002 |
Carrying apparatus for electronic device
Abstract
A carrying apparatus for use in transporting devices is provided
whereby the devices may be transported and used while maintained
within the carrying apparatus. At least a sealable opening is
provided on the carrying apparatus for inserting a device within a
chamber thereof. The device is removably secured within the
carrying apparatus, yet access thereto is provided through the
opening.
Inventors: |
Chou, Sheau Mei; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERMAN & SHERMAN, A.P.C.
Seventeenth Floor
2029 Century Park East
Los Angeles
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
LOCOMOTOR U.S.A., INC.
|
Family ID: |
25052510 |
Appl. No.: |
09/758638 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 ;
206/305 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 ;
206/305 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00; B65D
085/38 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A carrying apparatus, comprising: at least a panel defining a
chamber therein; a device being maintained with said chamber in a
secure yet removable manner; at least an opening on said panel
allowing access to said device and operation thereof without
removal of the device from within said chamber.
2. The carrying apparatus of claim 1, wherein a front panel and a
back panel are interconnected by a top panel, a bottom panel and a
pair of side panels to define said chamber therein.
3. The carrying apparatus of claim 2, wherein a first sealable
opening is defined on said top panel, a second sealable opening
located on front panel, and a third sealable opening located on
bottom panel, whereby the openings allow access to said device
located securely within said chamber.
4. The carrying apparatus of claim 3, wherein a cradling means is
adapted to form a compartment for maintaining said device within
said chamber in a secure yet removable fashion.
5. The carrying apparatus of claim 3, wherein a first sheet extends
perpendicularly from an inner surface of said front panel and is
proximal to said top panel and a second sheet extends
perpendicularly from said inner surface of said front panel and is
proximal to said bottom panel such that said second opening is
defined therebetween; a partition, being in a substantially
parallel relation to said front panel, connecting to said first and
second sheets in a perpendicular manner at a point distal to said
inner surface of said front panel to define a first compartment
therein to retain said device in a secure yet removable
fashion.
6. The carrying apparatus of claim 5, wherein an enclosing member
is adapted to retain said device within said first compartment when
said second opening on said front panel is in an open state.
7. The carrying apparatus of claim 6, wherein said enclosing member
further comprises a first strap and a second strap with an
engagement means located thereon, the first and second straps
extending from a first side and a second side of said partition and
enclosing said device therebetween.
8. The carrying apparatus of claim 5, wherein said partition
further comprises a top end and a bottom end interconnected by a
first side and a second side and having a front surface and a back
surface; said top end being of sufficient length to be integral
with said top panel when in a closed state; a second compartment
being formed between said top panel, said first sheet, and said
front surface of said partition.
9. The carrying apparatus of claim 5, wherein said second sheet
extends from said front panel to said second panel in a
perpendicular fashion such that a third compartment is formed
between said bottom panel and said second sheet.
10. The carrying apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least a first
aperture is defined through said first sheet to accommodate at
least a first input and output means.
11. The carrying apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least a second
aperture is defined through said second sheet to accommodate at
least a second input and output means.
12. The carrying apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least a first
aperture is defined through said first sheet to accommodate at
least a first input and output means; at least a second aperture is
defined through said second sheet to accommodate at least a second
input and output means; said device being electronic in nature and
said input and output means being adapted to transmit at least
electrical signals to said device.
13. The carrying apparatus of claim 12, wherein the input and
output means is selected from a group of products consisting of at
least a power lead, an electronic game controller, a video input
and output lead, an audio input and output lead, and a remote
controller lead.
14. The carrying apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least a first
receptacle is located on a side panel comprising retaining means
therein for securely maintaining objects therein.
15. A carrying apparatus adapted for carrying at least an
electronic device and allowing use thereof without removal from
said carrying device comprising: a front panel and a back panel
interconnected by a top panel, a bottom panel and a pair of side
panels to form a chamber therein; a first sealable opening located
on said top panel, a second sealable opening located on said front
panel, and a third sealable opening located on said bottom panel;
whereby said electronic device is maintained within said chamber in
a secure yet removable manner yet allowing access thereto from the
first opening, the second opening, and the third opening.
16. The carrying apparatus of claim 15, wherein a first sheet
extends perpendicularly from an inner surface of said front panel
and is proximal to said top panel; a second sheet extends
perpendicularly from said inner surface of said front panel and is
proximal to said bottom panel such that said second opening is
defined between said first sheet and second sheet; a partition,
being in a substantially parallel relation to said front panel,
connecting to said first and second sheets in a perpendicular
manner at a point distal to said inner surface of said front panel
to define a first compartment therein to retain said electronic
device in a secure yet removable fashion.
17. The carrying apparatus of claim 16, wherein said partition
further comprises a top end and a bottom end interconnected by a
first side and a second side and having a front surface and a back
surface; said top end being of sufficient length to be integral
with said top panel when in a closed state; a second compartment
being formed between said top panel, said first sheet, and said
front surface of said partition; said second sheet extends from
said front panel to said second panel in a perpendicular fashion
such that a third compartment is formed between said bottom panel
and said second sheet.
18. The carrying apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least a video
game control device can be stored within said third compartment;
and at least an audio and video input and output cord can be stored
in said second compartment; and at least a power cord can be
maintained within said second compartment.
19. The carrying apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least a first
aperture is defined through said first sheet to accommodate at
least a first input and output means; at least a second aperture is
defined through said second sheet to accommodate at least a second
input and output means; said input and output means being adapted
to transmit at least electrical signals to said electronic
device.
20. A carrying apparatus for transporting and using an electronic
device without requiring removal thereof from within said carrying
apparatus, comprising: a front panel and a back panel
interconnected by a top panel, a bottom panel and a pair of side
panels to form a chamber therein; a first sealable opening located
on said top panel, a second sealable opening located on said front
panel, and a third sealable opening located on said bottom panel; a
first sheet extending perpendicularly from an inner surface of said
front panel and is proximal to said top panel; a second sheet
extends perpendicularly from said inner surface of said front panel
and is proximal to said bottom panel such that said second opening
is defined between said first sheet and second sheet; a partition,
being in a substantially parallel relation to said front panel,
connecting to said first and second sheets in a perpendicular
manner at a point distal to said inner surface of said front panel
to define a first compartment therein to retain said electronic
device in a secure yet removable fashion and to allow access
thereto from at least said second opening; said partition further
comprises a top end and a bottom end interconnected by a first side
and a second side and having a front surface and a back surface;
said top end being of sufficient length to be integral with said
top panel when in a closed state; a second compartment being formed
between said top panel, said first sheet, and said front surface of
said partition; said second sheet extends from said front panel to
said second panel in a perpendicular fashion such that a third
compartment is formed between said bottom panel and said second
sheet; whereby, access to said second compartment is obtained
through said first opening and access to said third compartment is
obtained through said third opening.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[0001] This invention relates to a transporting apparatus for
electronic devices in general, and more specifically, relates to an
apparatus that may be carried manually or on the shoulders for
transporting video game machines and using the same without removal
therefrom.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] Backpacks have for some time been very popular with children
and young adults for carrying books and other articles to school or
recreational activities. Recently, it has been increasingly common
for older adults to use backpacks in place of large handbags or
briefcases. The user of a backpack often has occasion to carry a
backpack by hand. Accordingly, most backpacks have a carrying
handle, which is usually a length of webbing that is attached at
its ends to the upper end of the back of the backpack body and
forms a loop that is large enough to be grasped. Frequently, the
user finds it more comfortable to use one of the shoulder straps as
a carrying handle.
[0003] Another aspect of the construction of a backpack is the
manner by which the straps are supported comfortably on the tops of
the user's shoulders. Care must be taken in the design of the
backpack to have the portions of the shoulder straps that rest on
the shoulders stay in place and not slip off to the sides. At the
same time, the straps should not tend to pull toward each other at
the back of the user's neck. The positions of the portions of the
shoulder straps that rest on the tops of the user's shoulders is
largely governed by the spacing between the upper ends of the
straps where they are attached to the body of the backpack.
[0004] Heretofore however, backpacks have not been used to carry
electronic devices in a secure yet removable fashion. In addition,
carrying devices have not been provided that allow for the use of
the electronic equipment contained therein without removal thereof.
Accordingly, it has been cumbersome to transport and use video game
machines between residences or even use thereof in a motor
vehicle.
[0005] The prior art does not address the need for a carrying
apparatus that allows the transportation of electronic devices and
allows use thereof while maintained therein. Therefore, there
remains a long standing and continuing need for an advance in the
art of backpacks for use in transporting video game devices that is
simpler in both design and use, is more economical, sturdy, and
efficient in its construction and use, and allows the video game
device to quickly and easily be installed and removed from a video
display screen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0006] Accordingly, it is general object of the present invention
to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0007] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a carrying apparatus that can transport electronic devices
in a secure fashion.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
carrying apparatus that is economical to produce.
[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a carrying apparatus that is provided with a compartment for
storing the electronic device.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
carrying apparatus with at least one opening that allows use of the
electronic device contained therein without removal therefrom.
[0011] It is another object of the carrying apparatus that provides
a plurality of compartments for storing accessories of the
electronic device.
[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a carrying apparatus that provides at least one receptacle
for storing video games to be used with the electronic device.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
compartment built of heat dissipating material that allows heat to
escape while the electronic device is in use.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
compartment that is sufficiently rigid to protect the electronic
device contained therein during transportation.
[0015] In keeping with the principles of the present invention, a
unique carrying apparatus for electronic equipment is presented
which overcomes the shortfall of the prior art. It is to be
understood that although a back pack styled carrying apparatus is
illustrated herein, the principles of the invention are applicable
to any carrying apparatus and are not limited to the specific
embodiments illustrated and described.
[0016] A carrying apparatus is constructed of a front panel and a
back panel in parallel relation thereto, which are interconnected
by a top panel, a bottom panel, and a pair of side panels to define
a chamber therein which may contain an electronic device besides
other elements. A first sealable opening is provided on the top
panel, a second sealable opening is provided on the front panel,
and a third sealable opening is provided on the bottom panel. Each
of the first, second, and third openings allow access to the
chamber of the carrying apparatus.
[0017] A partition may be provided within the chamber which is in a
parallel plane with the front and back panels. The partition may be
removably attached within the chamber to allow removal of the same
to accommodate an object requiring greater space therein for
transportation. The partition is attached to an inner surface of
the front panel via a first sheet which is proximal to the top
panel and a second sheet which is proximal to the bottom panel such
that the second opening on the front panel is maintained
therebetween. The first and second sheets are in perpendicular
relation to the front panel and the partition and thereby form a
compartment for storing the electronic device. An enclosing member
is provided on the partition to securely maintain the electronic
device within the compartment even if the second opening of the
front panel is not sealed.
[0018] A second compartment is created between the partition, the
first sheet, the top panel, and the front panel that is accessible
through the first opening on the top panel. In addition, access to
the chamber is also provided through the first opening on the top
panel, yet when the top panel is closed, the partition separates
the second compartment from the chamber.
[0019] A third compartment is created between the second sheet, the
side panels and the bottom panels and access thereto is provided
from the third opening located on the bottom panel. At least an
aperture is located on both the first sheet and the second sheet
that allows access to the first compartment and the device
contained therein. The apertures are of sufficient size to allow
input and output wires to be pass therethrough and connect to the
electronic device contained within the first compartment. Power
cords, audio/video cords, joysticks, and remote controls, may be
stored within either of the second or third compartments and
connected to the electronic device through the apertures.
[0020] At least a receptacle may be provided on the outer surface
of the side panels for enclosing other accessories therein for
transportation. A plurality of pockets may be provided for storing
items such as compact discs, video games, audio cassettes, video
cassettes, and the such.
[0021] Such stated objects and advantages of the invention are only
examples and should not be construed as limiting this invention.
These and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the
invention herein will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the embodiments of the invention when taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the claims that
follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0022] It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for
the purposes of illustration only and not as a definition of the
limits of the invention. It is also to be understood that although
in the figures a symmetrical apparatus is illustrated, the same
elements are also applicable to an asymmetrical apparatus.
[0023] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote
similar elements throughout the several views:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a frontal elevational view of a carrying apparatus
in a closed state.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carrying apparatus
illustrating some of the possible openings that are available.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a carrying apparatus in
an open state illustrating the inside thereof.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a rearward perspective view in an open state
illustrating the inside thereof.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 4 illustrating an electronic device maintained within a
carrying apparatus.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an alternate
preferred embodiment of a carrying device in a partially open
state.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a partition that is adapted
to be received within a carrying apparatus.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the back of a carrying
apparatus.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective partially cut out and exploded view
of a carrying apparatus taken from the back thereof receiving a
partition therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, therein is illustrated a
carrying apparatus 20 having a front panel 22 and a back panel 24
which are interconnected by a top panel 26, a bottom panel 28, and
a pair of side panels 30 to define a chamber 32 therein. As a
result, apparatus 20 also has an inner surface 34 and an outer
surface 36 on all of the panels 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30. The panels
22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 may be formed of any heavy-duty material
known in the art, and in a preferred embodiment are made of a woven
fabric material of the type conventionally used on backpacks and
other carrying devices and may be interconnected by stitching or
any other appropriate method that is known in the art.
[0034] A first opening 38 is defined on top panel 26 and is adapted
to be sealed and opened repetitively for insertion and removal of
objects from chamber 32. In a preferred embodiment, first opening
38 is cut into top panel 26 and thereby forms a first flap 40 that
is substantially "U" shaped. Flap 40 is connected to top panel 26
along a portion thereof in a permanent fashion. Along another
portion of an outer edge of first flap 40 is situated at least a
first attaching means 42 for removably connecting first flap 40 to
top panel 26 in a secure manner. First attaching means 42 is
preferably a zipper apparatus that is commonly known in the art,
however, it is to be understood that any suitable attaching means
may be utilized therefor such as, but not limited to, hook and loop
fasteners or male and female attaching components.
[0035] A second opening 44 is defined on front panel 22 and is
adapted to be sealed and opened repetitively for insertion and
removal of objects from chamber 32. In a preferred embodiment,
second opening 44 is cut into front panel 22 and thereby forms a
second flap 46 that is substantially "U" shaped. Second flap 46 is
connected to front panel 22 along a portion thereof in a permanent
fashion. Along another portion of an outer edge of second flap 46
is situated at least a second attaching means 48 for removably
connecting second flap 46 to front panel 22 in a secure manner.
Second attaching means 48 is preferably a zipper apparatus that is
commonly known in the art, however, it is to be understood that any
suitable attaching means may be substituted therefor such as, but
not limited to, hook and loop fasteners or male and female
attaching components.
[0036] Now also referring to FIG. 4, a third opening 50 is defined
partially on front panel 22 and extends to bottom panel 28 and is
adapted to be sealed and opened repetitively for insertion and
removal of objects from chamber 32. In a preferred embodiment,
third opening 50 is cut into front panel 22 and bottom panel 28 and
thereby forms a third flap 52 that is substantially "U" shaped.
Third flap 52 is connected to front panel 22 or bottom panel 28
along a portion thereof in a permanent fashion. Along another
portion of an outer edge of third flap 52 is situated at least a
third attaching means 54 for removably connecting third flap 52 to
front panel 22 and bottom panel 28 in a secure manner. Third
attaching means 54 is preferably a zipper apparatus that is
commonly known in the art, however, it is to be understood that any
suitable attaching means may be utilized therefor such as, but not
limited to, hook and loop fasteners or male and female attaching
components.
[0037] Now referring to FIG. 6, therein is illustrated an alternate
preferred embodiment for construction of a plurality of third
openings 50 extending from front panel 22 to bottom panel 28 and
all third openings 50 allowing access to chamber 32. Thereby, one
of a plurality of third openings 50 may be opened as needed while
allowing another of the plurality of third openings 50 to remain
closed to maintain objects therein.
[0038] Now also referring to FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 9, therein is
illustrated a partition 56 having a front surface 58, and a back
surface 60. In addition, partition 56 has a top end 62 and a bottom
end 64 that are interconnected by a first side 66 and a second side
68. An enclosing member 70 extends from first side 66 to second
side 68 and is adapted to maintain an electronic device 72 therein.
A first connecting means 70 is positioned on bottom end 64 of
partition 56 and a second connecting means 72 is positioned on
front surface 58 of partition 56 proximal to top end 62. A first
affixing means 74 is positioned on said first side 66 and a second
affixing means 76 is positioned on second side 68 of partition 56.
An enclosing member 78 is located on said partition 56 and
maintains an electronic device 80 therein. In a preferred
embodiment, enclosing member 78 is formed of a first strap 82 and a
second strap 84 that extend from first side 66 and second side 68
respectively. First strap 82 and second strap 84 are adapted to
removably attach to one another by an engagement means 86 to
securely enclose device 80 therein. Engagement means 86 is
preferably a hook and loop device but is not limited thereto and
may incorporate any engagement apparatus that is known in the art.
It is also to be understood that the enclosing member may be formed
by a single strap that extends from first side 66 to second side 68
and has an engagement means 86 thereon.
[0039] A first sheet 88 is constructed of a substantially rigid
material and is preferably rectangular in shape. First sheet 88 is
attached to inner surface 34 of front panel 22 in a pivoting
fashion along a first edge 90. Along a second edge 92, which is
distal to and substantially parallel with first edge 90, is located
a third connecting means 94. A pair of lateral edges 96 are located
on opposing sides of first sheet 88 and are substantially
perpendicular to first edge 90 and second edge 92. First sheet 88
is sufficiently sized such that lateral edges 96 are in close
proximity to inner surface 34 of side panels 30. Third connecting
means 94 is adapted to removably yet securely receive second
connecting means 72 located on front surface 58 of partition 56
such that first sheet 88 is maintained in perpendicular relation to
the plane of front panel 22. However, when connecting means 72 and
94 are removed, first sheet 88 pivots into parallel and proximal
relation to front panel 22.
[0040] A second sheet 98 is constructed of a substantially rigid
material and is preferably rectangular in shape. Second sheet 98 is
attached to inner surface 34 of front panel 22 in a pivoting
fashion along a first border 100. A second border 102, which is in
opposition to first border 100 and substantially parallel thereto,
is located a fourth connecting means 104. Fourth connecting means
104 is adapted to removably connect with inner surface 34 of back
panel 24. A pair of lateral borders 106 are located on opposing
sides of second sheet 98 and are perpendicular to first border 100
and second border 102. Second sheet 98 is sufficiently sized such
that lateral borders 106 are in close proximity to inner surface 34
of side panels 30. A fifth connecting means 108 extends from
opposing lateral borders 106 and is adapted to removably yet
securely receive first connecting means 70 located on bottom end 64
of partition 56 such that second sheet 98 is maintained in
perpendicular relation to the plane of front panel 22.
[0041] To further stabilize the attachment of partition 56, first
affixing means 74 and second affixing means 76 of partition 56 are
removably affixed to a third affixing means 110 and a fourth
affixing means 112 respectively, the affixing means 110 and 112
being located on inner surface 34 of side panels 30 respectively.
In its fully attached position, front surface 58 of partition 56 in
association with first sheet 88 and second sheet 98 form a first
compartment 114 that is separated from chamber 32 and within which
electronic device 80 may be maintained. First compartment 114 is
accessible through opening second flap 46. In addition, second
sheet 98 in association with inner surface 34 of bottom panel 28
form a second compartment 116 therebetween that is accessible
through opening third flap 52. Furthermore, front surface 58 of
partition 56 in combination with top panel 26 from a third
compartment 118 therebetween that is accessible through opening of
first flap 40. However, when connecting means 70, 104, and 108 and
affixing means 110 and 112 are disconnected, second sheet 98 pivots
into parallel and proximal relation to front panel 22 and the
chamber 32 is returned to its full volume.
[0042] First sheet 88 has at least a first aperture 120 defined
therein that is adapted to allow at least a first input/output
means 122 to extend there through and into first compartment 114.
Second sheet 98 has at least a second aperture 124 defined therein
that is adapted to allow at least a second input/output means 126
to extend there through and into first compartment 114. For
purposes of illustration, but not limitation, input/output means
122 and 126 may be any wiring required to operate electronic device
80 such as power outlet, audio/video connection, and joystick
controls. Input/output means 122 and 126 are accessible via first
opening 38 and third opening 50 without requiring removal of
electronic device 80 from within first compartment 114.
Accordingly, electronic device 80 may be operated when located
within carrying apparatus 20 such that it is expeditiously portable
and useable between differing locations.
[0043] It is to be understood that although one preferred
embodiment is described in detail wherein first sheet 88 and second
sheet 98 are permanently attached to the inner surface 34 of front
panel 22, that alternate embodiments are also possible such as
removably attaching first sheet 88 and second sheet 98 to inner
surface 34 of front panel 22. In addition, in an alternate
preferred embodiment, instead of having first sheet 88 and second
sheet 98 removably attachable to partition 56, that sheets 88 and
98 may be permanently affixed thereto.
[0044] At least a first receptacle 128 is located on one of side
panels 30 and at least a second receptacle 130 is located on the
other one of side panels 30. First receptacle 128 will be described
in detail with the understanding that second receptacle 130 will
have similar elements. However, it is also to be understood that
first receptacle 128 and second receptacle 130 may be asymmetrical
and also may also be formed by any other method that is known in
the art.
[0045] First receptacle 128 is formed by a wall 132 that extends
substantially along side panel 30 and perpendicular thereto to form
an enclosure thereby. A fourth flap 134 is located on wall 132 and
attached to a portion thereof in a permanent fashion. Along another
portion of fourth flap 134 and wall 132 is situated at least a
fourth attaching means 136 for removably connecting fourth flap 134
to wall 132 in a secure yet removable manner. Fourth attaching
means 136 is preferably a zipper apparatus that is commonly known
in the art, however, it is to be understood that any suitable
attaching means may be utilized therefor such as, but not limited
to, hook and loop fasteners or male and female attaching
components. Located on an inside face 138 of fourth flap 134 is at
least a retaining member 140. Retaining member 140 may be in the
form of an expandable pocket that is adapted to retain objects such
as, but not limited to, compact discs, videos, and video games. In
addition, another retaining member 140 may be located on outer
surface 36 of side panel 30 to also retain objects therein.
[0046] Now referring to FIG. 8, in order to permit transportation
of carrying apparatus 20, a loop 142 is attached to back panel 24
in proximal relation to top panel 26 and is of sufficient size to
allow grasping thereof. In order to permit transportation of
carrying apparatus 20 on shoulders of an individual, at least a
band 144 extends from back panel 24 proximal to top panel 26 and
attaches to back panel 24 proximal to bottom panel 28.
[0047] While the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred
embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible without
departing from the essential spirit of this invention. Accordingly,
the scope of the invention should be determined not by the
embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
* * * * *