U.S. patent application number 09/757362 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-27 for small opening beverage can end adapted for receiving a straw.
Invention is credited to Chasteen, Howard C., Lee, Gene.
Application Number | 20030038134 09/757362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25047521 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030038134 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chasteen, Howard C. ; et
al. |
February 27, 2003 |
Small opening beverage can end adapted for receiving a straw
Abstract
A beverage can end is provided herein which has a small opening
preferably centrally disposed which is adapted for receiving a
straw. Preferably, the small opening end is opened with a
conventional pull tab, but which establishes a vent area positioned
adjacent the small opening end which provides sufficient venting
during use of the straw. It is further preferred that the pull tab
be slightly elevated with rounded corners to provide a smooth,
easily accessible pulling surface for the user of the beverage
can.
Inventors: |
Chasteen, Howard C.;
(Golden, CO) ; Lee, Gene; (Golden, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY
SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
|
Family ID: |
25047521 |
Appl. No.: |
09/757362 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/269 ;
220/270; 220/705 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2517/0049 20130101;
B65D 2517/0094 20130101; B65D 17/4012 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/269 ;
220/270; 220/705 |
International
Class: |
B65D 017/34; A47G
019/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A metallic, small opening beverage can end adapted for receiving
a straw, comprising: a circular end wall; a central panel
integrally interconnected to said end wall; a pull tab hingedly
interconnected to an upper surface of said central panel; a
rupturable score line positioned on said central panel and defining
a substantially circular opening having a diameter no greater than
about 0.4375 inches which is adapted for receiving a straw; and a
vent opening positioned adjacent said substantially circular
opening to provide venting in said small opening beverage can end
during use.
2. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said tab
is substantially non-detachable.
3. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, further
comprising a reinforcing bead positioned proximate to a hinge line
interconnecting said tab to said upper surface of said central
panel to further inhibit detachment of said tab from said central
panel;
4. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said vent
opening provides at least about 0.0004 inches of venting area when
said substantially circular opening is occupied by the straw.
5. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, further
comprising at least one embossing bead positioned proximate to a
termination point of said score line to further inhibit detachment
of said tab from said upper surface of said central panel.
6. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said tab
is further interconnected to said upper surface of said central
panel within said rupturable score line with a rivet.
7. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said
substantially circular opening is created in said central panel by
pulling said pull ring in one direction only.
8. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein the
beverage can end is substantially spill-proof when said
substantially circular opening is occupied by the straw.
9. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said
central panel is oriented at a substantially right angle to a
vertical orientation of a beverage can body.
10. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said
pull ring has a lip elevated at least about 0.030 inches from said
upper surface of said central panel to facilitate grasping.
11. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said
pull tab comprises a pull ring on one end and a nose on an opposite
end, said nose hingedly interconnected to said upper surface of
said central panel.
12. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said
rupturable score line is positioned proximate to a central region
of said central panel.
13. The small opening beverage can of claim 1, further comprising a
raised reinforcing bead which substantially encircles said small
opening to shroud a leading edge of said substantially circular
opening.
14. A metallic beverage can end with a small opening adapted for
receiving a straw, comprising: a circular end wall; a central panel
integrally interconnected to said end wall; a score line positioned
on said central panel which defines said small opening, said score
line having a surface area no greater than about 0.1503 inches; a
substantially non-detachable tab having a pull ring on one end and
a nose on an opposite end, said nose hingedly interconnected to an
upper surface of said central panel, wherein when a force is
applied to said pull ring said centrally disposed small opening is
created in said central panel; a rivet further interconnecting said
nose to said upper surface of said central panel within said score
line; and a vent opening further defined by said score line which
is positioned adjacent said centrally disposed small opening to
provide adequate ventilation in said can end when said centrally
disposed small opening is occupied by the straw.
15. The beverage can end of claim 14, wherein said vent opening has
a minimal cross-sectional area of at least about 0.0004 inches.
16. The beverage can end of claim 14, further comprising a
reinforcing bead positioned adjacent at least a portion of said
score line.
17. The beverage can end of claim 14, wherein said score line
extends beyond a hinge line of said nose and said upper surface of
said central panel to further inhibit said tab from becoming
inadvertently detached from said central panel.
18. The beverage can end of claim 14, wherein said tab pull ring
has a smooth upper surface and a smooth lower surface which are
substantially void of sharp edges.
19. The beverage can end of claim 14, further comprising a raised
reinforcing bead which substantially shrouds said centrally
disposed small opening.
20. A metallic beverage can end with a small opening for receiving
a drinking straw, the combination comprising: a circular end wall
adapted for interconnection to a beverage can body; a central panel
integrally interconnected to said circular end wall; a
substantially centrally disposed circular opening defined by a
score line, said opening having a first diameter no greater than
about 0.4375 inches; a tab having a pull ring on a first end and a
nose on a second end, said nose pivotally interconnected to an
upper surface of said central panel at a first location and
non-detachably interconnected to said upper surface of central
panel with a rivet; and said drinking straw having an exterior
diameter with at least a portion which is substantially equivalent
to said first diameter of said centrally disposed circular opening,
wherein when said drinking straw is inserted into said centrally
disposed opening said drinking straw is restricted from being
removed therefrom; a vent opening positioned proximate to said
small opening and said drinking straw for allowing ventilation into
said can while a beverage is being extracted through said
straw.
21. The metallic beverage can end and drinking straw combination of
claim 20, further comprising a reinforcing bead positioned
proximate to a termination point of said score line to further
inhibit detachment of said tab.
22. The metallic beverage can end and straw combination of claim
20, further comprising extending a score termination point beyond a
hinge line where said nose is pivotally interconnected to said
upper surface of said central panel to inhibit detachment of said
tab.
23. The metallic beverage can end and straw combination of claim
20, wherein said vent opening has a cross-sectional area of at
least about 0.0004 inches.
24. The metallic beverage can end and straw combination of claim
20, wherein said straw has a corrugated mid-section which
facilitates bending.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to beverage can ends, and more
specifically metallic beverage can ends with a small opening
adapted for receiving a straw.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, beverage containers which are designed to
receive a drinking straw have become increasingly popular. The
straw is especially beneficial for small children to prevent
spilling, and for the physically handicapped or disabled which have
difficulty drinking from a standard cup, or larger opening beverage
can end. One such product described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,779 to
Lee combines a compressible straw disposed within the can body.
Upon opening, the straw projects itself through a v-shaped panel
for a user's benefit. Unfortunately, these types of products are
undesirable since the flavor of the beverage becomes comprised from
scalping as the straw is suspended for indefinite periods of time
in the beverage. Additionally, it is possible for the straw to
become obstructed and thus difficult to retrieve. Further, the
opening disclosed in the '779 is too large to make the container
substantially spill-proof when the container is knocked over.
[0003] Two of the more common types of beverage containers which
are adapted to receive a straw include cardboard juice cartons and
metallic cans having a foil pull tab. With respect to the cardboard
juice cartons, a foil tab or other impermeable material is
positioned over a hole and pierced with a sharpened end of the
straw to provide entry into the beverage container. With regard to
the metal cans, a foil pull tab is typically used which is
removably interconnected to an upper surface of the metal juice can
and positioned over an opening in the beverage can end.
[0004] Both of the aforementioned foil opening mechanisms have
inherent problems. With regard to the cardboard juice cartons, the
nature of the squeezable cardboard makes the beverage container
conducive to spilling and prone to damage during shipping and bulk
storage. Additionally, when the foil is punctured with the
sharpened straw, they often spill as a result of a small child or
adult inadvertently squeezing the juice carton. Thus, the goal of
preventing spilling is oftentimes exasperated by the collapsible
nature of the cardboard storage carton. Additionally, the foil is
often difficult to pierce with a plastic drinking straw, especially
for the physically disabled. Thus, the goal of making a user
friendly, spill-proof drink container is not realized. Further, the
durability of the foil is significantly less than a typical
metallic beverage can end, and is thus not suitable for high
pressure applications, hot-fillable pasteurized liquids, and other
beverage can applications which require a high degree of
durability. Finally, flavor scalping may be an inherent problem as
the enclosed beverages are in contact with the foil, which has a
tendency to alter the taste of the beverage contained therein.
[0005] With regard to metallic beverage cans which utilize a liquid
impervious foil pull-tab, numerous additional problems exist. For
example, small children and the elderly frequently cannot remove
the pull tab from the upper surface of the beverage can end due to
the adhesive materials required to hold the foil on the upper
surface of the can end. Thus it is often impossible for these
individuals to remove the pull tab, let alone insert the straw into
the small hole. Additionally, these types of foil pull tabs require
an adhesive bonding agent to interconnect the foil pull tab to the
upper surface of the beverage can end which is both expensive and
further likely to contaminate the taste of the beverage through
scalping. Further, the leading edge of the small opening which is
adapted to receive the straw and the associated pull tab is
typically very sharp, and presents the risk of cutting the finger
of a user, especially children.
[0006] Finally, with the foil pull tab and the puncture type foil
mechanisms used for drinking straws, there is an inherent venting
problem since there is no significant size differential between the
size of the straw and the opening to receive the straw. Thus, the
beverage becomes difficult to withdraw from the beverage can.
[0007] Thus, there is a significant need for a safe, durable
metallic beverage can end which has an easy opening metallic pull
tab with sufficient venting associated therein to allow a straw to
be inserted and used by the handicapped, elderly, and small
children, and which is substantially spill proof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is thus one object of the present invention to provide an
easy opening beverage can which is adapted to receive a drinking
straw and which can be used by small children, the handicapped, and
the elderly to dispense a liquid from a beverage can. It is a
further aspect of the present invention to provide a can opening
mechanism which is familiar to a user and which does not
contaminate or alter the taste of the beverage.
[0009] It is a further aspect of the present invention to locate
the small opening in the beverage can end in a position which makes
the beverage can end substantially spill proof. Thus, in one
embodiment of the present invention the small opening is positioned
substantially in the center of the beverage can end, thus
inhibiting spillage when a drinking straw is inserted therein and
the beverage container is tipped over.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to create a
durable beverage can end adapted for receiving a straw which can be
used under pressure (75-100 psi) for storing certain types of
carbonated liquids such as beer or soft drinks. Further, a metallic
beverage can end is provided which is capable of holding hot-fill
liquids such as pasteurized milk at the time the beverage is
introduced into the can and which is durable enough to withstand
shipping and mishandling during transportation and bulk
storage.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention a metallic
beverage can end is provided which can be manufactured with the use
of existing production equipment in a beverage can end
manufacturing facility. Thus, significant time and money are saved
since the conventional production lines in a beverage plant do not
need to be significantly modified to create a small opening
beverage can end which uses a metallic pull tab.
[0012] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a
beverage can end which is adapted for receiving a straw and which
does not have a pull tab with any significant sharp edges to
substantially decrease the likelihood of any type of finger injury
to the user pulling the pull tabs. Thus, in one aspect of the
present invention a pull ring is provided which has substantially
rounded corners along all edges and which additionally is
substantially non-detachable from the beverage can end to avoid
littering. In one embodiment of the present invention a raised
reinforcing bead is provided which substantially encircles the
small opening and shrouds the opening to prevent inadvertent
contact with a user's fingers.
[0013] Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a small
opening metallic beverage can end adapted for receiving a straw is
provided, and which comprises:
[0014] a circular end wall adapted for interconnection to a
beverage can body;
[0015] a central panel integrally interconnected to said end
wall;
[0016] a tab having a pull ring on one end and a nose on an
opposite end, said nose hingedly interconnected to an upper surface
of said central panel;
[0017] a rupturable score line positioned proximate to a center
point of said central panel and defining a substantially circular
opening having a diameter no greater than about 0.4375 inches which
is adapted for receiving a straw; and
[0018] a vent opening positioned adjacent said substantially
circular opening to provide adequate venting in said small opening
beverage can end when a drinking straw is positioned within said
substantially circular opening during use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a beverage can end
showing the pull tab and a centrally disposed small opening;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the beverage can end of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the small opening
beverage can end of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the small opening area and
associated reinforcing bead of the beverage can end of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the small opening beverage can
end in an unopened position;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the small opening beverage can
end of FIG. 5 with a pull tab pulled to a 90.degree. position of
opening;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the small opening beverage can
end of FIG. 5 with the pull tab shown in a fully opened
position;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the present
invention and showing the progression between FIGS. 8A-8C of the
opening process and identifying in a front elevation view in FIGS.
8B-8F the respective position of a raised bead which substantially
surrounds the small opening;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing a plurality of raised
beads and/or score termination points used to inhibit the breakaway
of the pull tab;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a plurality of small openings
and identifying various possible shapes;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of two different shaped pull tabs
and cross sectional views related thereto which identify the
rounded edges of the pull tabs; and
[0030] FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a typical drinking
straw positioned in the small opening of the beverage can end, and
identifying the vent opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
small opening beverage can end 2. The beverage can end 2 is
generally comprised of a circular end wall 24 which is
interconnected to a center panel 4 with a countersink 46 positioned
therebetween. The circular end wall 24 is adapted for
interconnection to a beverage can body. A pull tab 8 is generally
disposed on an upper surface of the center panel 4 and in one
embodiment comprises a pull ring 10 interconnected to a pull tab 12
which is interconnected to the center panel 4 by means of a rivet
14. To facilitate grasping the pull ring 10, a recessed center
panel 34 may be provided which allows a user's fingers to more
easily grasp the pull ring 10.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, additional detail is provided
with regard to the small opening beverage can end. More
specifically, FIG. 2 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the
present invention (without the pull tab) and identifying a
rupturable score line 16 which defines the small opening 6.
Preferably the small opening 6 has a diameter of between about
0.1865 inches to 0.3125 inches. A smaller diameter small opening
would not permit the insertion of a typical drinking straw, while a
larger vent opening 6 would not allow the beverage can end 2 to be
substantially spill proof when the drinking straw is inserted in
the small opening 6. The rivet 14 which interconnects the pull tab
8 to the top of center panel 4 is further seen positioned within
the interior of the rupturable score line 16. As further shown in
FIG. 3, a recessed center panel 34 may be provided in the center
panel 4 which provides additional spacing to allow a user to engage
the pull ring 10 during use. FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the small
opening 6 and which further defines a reinforcing bead 22 and the
substantially circular rivet 14. As appreciated by one skilled in
the art, although a rivet is used in this particular application,
other types of interconnection apparatus which are commonly known
in the beverage industry for interconnecting a pull tab to a center
panel may be provided herein.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pull
tab 8 is designed for "one direction" opening. More specifically,
as the pull tab ring 10 is pulled upwardly and away from the center
panel 4, the small opening 6 immediately opens around the
rupturable score line 16 as the pull ring 10 is hingedly pulled to
the opposing side of the center panel 4. Thus, the pull tab 8 is
hingedly connected along a pull tab hinge line 32 to prevent the
pull tab 8 from becoming disengaged from the center panel 4. By
retaining the pull tab 8 on the center panel 4, the pull tab 8 and
beverage can end 2 remain interconnected after opening which
prevents littering.
[0034] As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the pull tab 8 is
comprised of a pull tab nose 12 which is positioned proximate to
the pull tab hinge line 32. As a downward force is applied to the
pull tab nose 12, a small opening 6 is created around the
rupturable score line 16 as an upward force is provided to the pull
tab 8. Thus, the metal ruptures along the rupturable score line 16
and provides the small opening 6 in the beverage can end. Although
only one particular type of pull tab 8 has generally been depicted
in the drawings, as appreciated by one skilled in the art there are
multiple variations of pull tabs 8 which can be pulled in either
one or two different directions to obtain the same result of
creating an opening in the beverage can end 2. Thus, the present
application is not intended to be limited by the embodiment shown
herein, but further encompasses all types of pull tab mechanisms
commonly known in the beverage industry.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, a top plan view of one
embodiment of the beverage can end 2 is provided herein. More
specifically, a progression of opening steps is shown, with FIG. 5
representing the pull tab 8 in a closed position. In FIG. 6, the
pull tab has been pulled upwardly to a 90.degree. angle in relation
to the center panel 4, and in FIG. 7 the pull tab 8 has been pulled
180.degree. from its position shown in FIG. 5, and thus fully
opening the beverage can end 2 to expose the small opening 6. As
further seen in FIG. 7, the vent opening 20 is shown which provides
adequate venting when a drinking straw 28 is positioned within said
small opening.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B, a raised reinforcing bead 36
is shown which is raised above the small opening 6 once the
beverage can end 2 is opened. The reinforcing bead 36 serves two
distinct purpose. First, the raised reinforcing bead 36 serves to
prevent the small opening 6 from extending beyond the boundaries
provided by the rupturable score line. Second, the raised
reinforcing bead 36 has been raised in this particular application
to substantially encircle the small opening 6. The raised
reinforcing bead 36 serves to shroud the small opening 6 which
further reduces the likelihood of a user engaging a sharp leading
edge of the small opening 6 which could cut a user's finger. This
additional safety feature is especially beneficial for small
children attempting to insert the drinking straw 28 in the small
opening 6, or for the handicapped or elderly.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 8, a top plan view of the opening and
associated raised bead 36 is shown and more specifically
identifying the progression of opening. In FIGS. 8A-8F, the pull
tab 8 has been removed from the rivet 14 to provide additional
detail. FIGS. 8A-8C represent the opening progression from a fully
closed position in FIG. 8A to a fully open position in 8C.
Additionally, FIGS. 8D-8F represent a front elevation view of the
detail shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, and identifying the relative height of
the components provided therein. More specifically, and referring
to FIGS. 8A and 8D, a raised reinforcing bead 36 is shown
substantially surrounding the small opening 6. Additionally, a
lowered reinforcing bead 38 is shown positioned between the raised
reinforcing bead 36 and the small opening 6.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 8B and 8E, as the pull tab 8 is
pulled, the small opening 6 begins to pull away along the
rupturable score line 16. However, the raised reinforcing bead 36
is maintained in its position substantially surrounding the small
opening 6. Referring now to FIGS. 8C and 8F, when the pull tab is
pulled completely away from the central panel 4, the small opening
6 is completely exposed to allow the insertion of a drinking straw
28. As additionally seen in FIG. 8C, a vent opening 20 is provided
which provides venting for the drinking straw when beverage content
is removed from the beverage can. The vent opening 20 is preferably
designed to be small enough to substantially prevent spilling if
the beverage can is tipped when the drinking straw 28 is inserted
in the small opening 6, yet large enough to prevent adequate
venting as a beverage is withdrawn through the drinking straw 28.
Although in this particular embodiment shown in FIG. 8C the vent
opening 20 has a substantially triangular shape, it is understood
that the vent opening could have any variety of shapes based on the
type of pull tab and score configuration utilized. In a preferred
embodiment, the vent opening has an area of at least about 0.0004
in.sup.2, which substantially prevents spilling when a straw is
inserted in the small opening, yet provides adequate venting.
Although the size of the vent opening may be increased, it is
preferably no greater than about 0.25 in.sup.2.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9F, a plurality of different
reinforcing beads or "coins" are shown which are used to provide
additional strength in the hinge mechanism of the pull tab 8 as it
is interconnected along a pull tab hinge line 32. More
specifically, and referring now to FIG. 9A, a plurality of
reinforcing beads 44 may be positioned at a right angle along the
hinge line 32 to provide reinforcement and prevent the pull tab 8
from being detached from the center panel 4. Referring now to FIG.
9B, the same benefit may be obtained by providing a wavy
reinforcing bead 44 and/or a rectangular shape reinforcing bead 44
as shown in FIG. 9C. In an alternative design to prevent the pull
tab 8 from becoming detached from the center panel 4, the pull tab
hinge line 32 may be increased in length as shown in FIG. 9D, or
provided at a substantially right angle as shown in FIG. 9E.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9F a dual score line 42 may be
provided to further reinforce the pull tab hinge line 32 at the
point of interconnection between the pull tab 8 and the center
panel 4. Depending on what type of reinforcing bead and/or score
termination 40 is used, the size and shape of the vent opening 20
may be modified to be custom designed for various types of drinking
straw 28 applications.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 10, a plurality of different sizes and
shapes of small openings 6 is provided herein. For example, the
small opening 6 may be comprised of a square, triangle, diamond,
oval, round, or a variety of odd shapes as shown in the bottom
right hand corner. Based on the size and shape of a typically round
drinking straw 28, each of these particular embodiments provide
different vent openings 20 which further enhance the ability of the
beverage to be withdrawn from the drinking can.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 11, a top plan view is provided in
FIG. 11A and 11B of two different shaped pull rings.
Cross-sectional views taken along line D-D are provided in FIGS.
11C and 11D, respectively which depict the rounded corners 48.
These rounded corners are specifically designed to eliminate sharp
edges and to reduce the likelihood of a user cutting a finger when
grasping the pull tab 8. Further, as depicted in FIGS. 11A-11B, a
billboard 50 maybe printed directly on the outer (or inner) surface
of the pull tab 8 which provides indicia in the form of
instructions, advertising, etc.
[0042] As seen in FIG. 12, a front elevation view is provided which
shows the drinking straw 28 positioned within the small opening 6.
Mor specifically, the relative size and shape of the vent opening
20 is shown with respect to the drinking straw 28. In the
embodiment shown, the diameter of the drinking straw 28 is
substantially equivalent to the diameter of the small opening 6,
and the drinking straw corrugations are engaged to an edge of the
small opening 6 to prevent inadvertent removal. Thus, in this
embodiment the beverage can opening is substantially spill-proof,
yet has a vent opening 20 of sufficient dimension to provide
adequate venting.
[0043] The following components and numbers associated with the
present invention are provided herein for clarity purposes.
1 # Component 2 Beverage can end 4 Center panel 6 Small opening 8
Pull tab 10 Pull ring 12 Pull tab nose 14 Rivet 16 Rupturable score
line 18 Secondary score line 20 Vent opening 22 Reinforcing bead 24
Circular end wall 26 Score termination point 28 Drinking straw 30
Straw corrugated midsection 32 Pull tab hinge line 34 Recessed
center panel 36 Raised reinforcing bead 38 Lowered bead 40 Opposing
score termination 42 Dual score line 44 Reinforcing bead 46
Countersink 48 Pull tab rounded corners 50 Billboard
[0044] The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description.
Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention
to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and
modifications commensurate with the above teachings and the skill
or knowledge of the relevant art are within the scope of the
present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are
further intended to explain best modes known for practicing the
invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the
invention in such, or other, embodiments or various modifications
required by the particular applications or uses of the present
invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to
include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
* * * * *