U.S. patent application number 10/850788 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for atv storage/shipping container.
Invention is credited to Linton, LoRal G..
Application Number | 20040232021 10/850788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33457423 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040232021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Linton, LoRal G. |
November 25, 2004 |
ATV storage/shipping container
Abstract
A vehicle storage container includes a top, a bottom, and
surrounding sidewalls configured as a shipping container. At least
one of the sidewalls is hingedly connected to the bottom or to an
adjacent sidewall, and the top is hingedly connected to another one
of the sidewalls, so that the top can be extended up and the at
least one sidewall can be opened to allow a vehicle to be moved
into or out of the container.
Inventors: |
Linton, LoRal G.; (Kanab,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THORPE NORTH & WESTERN, LLP.
8180 SOUTH 700 EAST, SUITE 200
P.O. BOX 1219
SANDY
UT
84070
US
|
Family ID: |
33457423 |
Appl. No.: |
10/850788 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60472998 |
May 23, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/335 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/68 20130101;
E04H 6/005 20130101; B65D 2585/686 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/335 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/68 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vehicle storage container, comprising: a top, a bottom, and
surrounding sidewalls, the container being configured as a shipping
container; at least one of the sidewalls being hingedly openable;
the top being hingedly connected to one of the sidewalls, so that
the top can be extended up and the openable sidewall can be opened
to allow a vehicle to be moved into or out of the container.
2. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the openable
sidewall is hingedly connected to the bottom of the container, so
as to be downwardly openable to expose an inside surface for use as
a ramp, to allow the vehicle to ride up into the container.
3. A container in accordance with claim 2, wherein the top is
hingedly connected to a sidewall that is opposite the openable
sidewall.
4. A container in accordance with claim 3, wherein the container is
configured to allow a user to lift and open the top of the
container while riding the vehicle into the container.
5. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the openable
sidewall is hingedly connected to an adjacent sidewall, so as to be
laterally openable.
6. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the openable
sidewall is selectively hingedly connectable to the bottom and an
adjacent sidewall.
7. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the surrounding
sidewalls include a front wall, a back wall, and two sidewalls, the
front wall being the openable wall, and the back wall and two side
walls being integrally formed with the bottom as a single unit.
8. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the container
includes lift points, configured to allow the container to be
lifted with the vehicle inside, to facilitate transport.
9. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the bottom of
the container includes slots, configured to receive the forks of a
forklift, to allow the container to be lifted by a forklift with
the vehicle inside, to facilitate transport.
10. A container in accordance with claim 1, further comprising
tie-down points on an exterior of the container, to allow the
container to be secured to a support structure.
11. A container in accordance with claim 1, further comprising
tie-down points in an interior of the container, configured to
allow the vehicle to be secured inside the container.
12. A container in accordance with claim 1, further comprising
indexing structure, associated with the top of the container,
configured to allow multiple containers to be stacked substantially
vertically atop each other.
13. A container in accordance with claim 12, wherein the indexing
structure comprises an indexing groove, disposed around a perimeter
of the top of the container, configured to align the bottom of a
container above so that sidewalls of stacked containers bear
substantially upon each other.
14. A container in accordance with claim 12, further comprising
reinforcing members, associated with the sidewalls of the
container, configured to support the weight of a container above
when stacked.
15. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the vehicle is
selected from the group consisting of a four wheel ATV, three wheel
ATV, a snowmobile, a motorcycle, and a go-cart.
16. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the top
comprises a shape that is sloped to promote drainage of water
therefrom.
17. A container in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a
latch, associated with the top and an adjacent sidewall, configured
to releasably latch the top to the sidewall to close the
container.
18. A container in accordance with claim 17, further comprising a
release, attached to the latch within the container, configured to
allow release of the latch from within the container.
19. A container in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a
seal strip, disposed between the top and the sidewalls adjacent
thereto, configured to provide a weathertight seal
therebetween.
20. A container in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an
anchor, configured to anchor the bottom of the container to a
support surface.
21. A container in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a
wheel stop, disposed inside the container on the bottom thereof,
configured to limit advancing of the vehicle into the
container.
22. A vehicle storage container, comprising: a top, a bottom, and
surrounding sidewalls, the container being configured as a shipping
container; at least one of the sidewalls being hingedly connected
to the bottom; the top being hingedly connected to another one of
the sidewalls, so that the top can be extended up and the at least
one sidewall can be lowered to allow a vehicle to be moved into or
out of the container.
23. A container in accordance with claim 22, further comprising
indexing structure, associated with the top of the container,
configured to allow multiple containers to be stacked substantially
vertically atop each other.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/472,998, filed May 23, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to storage
containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
storage container for an ATV or other small vehicle, which can also
be used as a shipping container.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] While there have been many types for many years, small,
personal recreational vehicles, such as motorcycles, snowmobiles,
and the like, have become more popular over the last few decades.
Moreover, additional types of these vehicles, such as four wheel
ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), have been introduced and become very
popular in recent years. These vehicles are very useful and popular
for camping, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational uses.
Additionally, they are increasingly used as snowplows, garden
tractors, and in many other purely utilitarian situations where a
full size automobile is not practical or useful, and where a
specialized machine such as a tractor would otherwise be needed.
With the availability of various attachments and the addition of
other utilitarian design features, four wheel ATVs can drag logs,
haul cargo, and perform many other tasks in locations where a truck
or automobile cannot go, and also still be useful as a recreational
vehicle.
[0006] One consideration that owners of small personal vehicles
have to deal with is the need to store the vehicle. Because these
vehicles have limited use, they are often stored for relatively
long periods of time between uses. However, unlike automobiles,
they typically include exposed upholstery, gauges, and other parts
that are particularly susceptible to damage and degradation if left
exposed to rain, snow, dust, sunlight, etc. for long periods of
time. Additionally, storage of these vehicles out in the open is
unsightly and can make them more susceptible to vandalism or theft.
In fact, storing them in the open may be prohibited in some
neighborhoods.
[0007] Unfortunately, these relatively small vehicles take up a lot
of space in a typical garage. Indeed, many owners have to choose to
either leave their car outside, or leave their ATV outside, unless
they want to pay for expensive storage space, such as a second
garage or shed, or space at a commercial storage facility.
[0008] Another consideration that ATV owners must grapple with is
protecting the vehicles during transport. Personal recreational
vehicles are frequently transported on highways using a truck,
trailer, or other transport vehicle. For safe transport, the
recreational vehicles must be securely tied to the transport
vehicle. However, it is desirable to protect the vehicles from
rain, mud, dust, rocks, and other road hazards that can damage them
in-transit. Frequently, this is done by placing a tarp or other
cover over the vehicle(s), and tying the cover in place. However,
this requires significant work, additional equipment for tie down
ropes, straps, etc., and may not be completely effective at
protecting the vehicles. A driver may have to stop many times to
reposition the cover and refasten the straps holding it down.
Moreover, a tarp blowing in the wind can be a safety hazard for a
moving vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
develop a system for storing and/or transporting a small ATV or
other recreational vehicle that protects the vehicle and is easily
moveable.
[0010] The invention advantageously provides a vehicle storage
container, having a top, a bottom, and surrounding sidewalls. The
container is configured as a shipping container. At least one of
the sidewalls is hingedly connected either to the bottom or to one
of the other adjacent sidewalls, and the top is hingedly connected
to another one of the sidewalls, so that the top can be extended up
and the at least one sidewall can be opened to allow a vehicle to
be moved into or out of the container.
[0011] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together
illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an ATV
storage/shipping container in accordance with the present
invention, showing the container with the lid open and one sidewall
lowered.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
an ATV container according to the present invention, with the
container closed.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an end of the closed
container of FIG. 2 with an ATV disposed thereinside.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a detail view showing the seal between a sidewall
and the top of the container of FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of a user opening the lid of one
embodiment of the container while simultaneously riding an ATV into
the container.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of two stacked ATV
containers having an indexing shape and structural reinforcement to
allow stacking of containers in accordance with one aspect of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a detail view showing the indexing groove and lid
seal between the stacked containers of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used
herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive
features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the
principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would
occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of
this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0020] The invention advantageously provides a convenient,
lightweight storage container for an ATV, that stores and protects
the vehicle from weather conditions, and also provides a convenient
container for use in shipping or transporting the vehicle. While
the container is shown in use with a four wheel ATV, this type of
container can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes to
accommodate many types of vehicles, such as snowmobiles,
motorcycles, go-carts, three-wheelers, etc.
[0021] Viewing FIG. 1, the invention provides a vehicle storage
container 10, having a top 12, a bottom 14, and surrounding
sidewalls, including a front wall 16 a back wall 18, and two side
walls 20. The top is hingedly connected to one of the sidewalls, so
that it can be raised up, and at least one of the sidewalls is
hingedly connected either to the bottom, or to another one of the
sidewalls so that it can be opened to allow a vehicle to be moved
into or out of the container. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the front wall is attached by hinges 22 to the adjacent edge of the
bottom 14, and the top is connected by hinges 24 to the top edge of
the back wall 18. When lowered, the inside surface 26 of the front
wall provides a ramp upon which a vehicle can ride when being
placed into the container.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment 10a, shown in FIG. 2, the front
wall 16 can be connected to the bottom 14 via hinges 22, and also
connected to the adjacent sidewalls 20 with sidewall hinges 23a and
23b. All of the hinges can be provided with removable hinge pins
that slide or drop in, allowing the front wall to be opened in
several different ways. For example, if the hinge pins for the
lower hinges 22 and forward sidewall hinges 23a are removed, the
front wall can be opened by swinging to the left, as shown by
dashed lines 27. However, if the forward sidewall hinges are left
attached and the hinge pins of the rearward sidewall hinges 23b are
removed, the front wall will swing open to the right. As yet
another alternative, the hinge pins for the sidewall hinges 23 can
be removed entirely while the bottom hinges 22 are left intact,
allowing the front wall to swing downwardly as a ramp, like that
shown in FIG. 1, and indicated by dashed lines 29 in FIG. 2. This
configuration allows a user great freedom of location for the
container by allowing the user to determine which way they would
like the door to swing.
[0023] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the top 12 is hingedly
connected to the back wall 18, so as to pivot opposite the openable
front wall 16. This configuration provides maximum head clearance
when moving a vehicle into or out of the container 10. This
configuration also allows a user 28 to open the top of the
container while riding a vehicle 30 into the container, as shown in
FIG. 5. To perform this operation, the 28 lowers the front wall,
then grips and pushes upward on the front edge 32 of the top, as
indicated by arrow 34, while at the same time slowly moving the
vehicle forward, as indicated by arrow 36. This allows the user to
place the vehicle in the container safely and slowly, without
having to dismount the vehicle.
[0024] The top 12 includes several advantageous features. As shown
in FIG. 1, telescopic pressurized gas-assist lift cylinders 38 are
connected between the side walls 20 and the top to assist the user
in lifting the top, and to support the top in the open position.
The outside surface 40 of the top 12 is also sloped for drainage,
as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The slope may be provided by an arched
shape as shown, or the top may have a straight slope, like a peaked
roof or shed roof. Other configurations are also possible to allow
drainage. A latch 50 is also associated with the top and front wall
16, and is configured to connect the top to the front wall when the
front wall is raised. This latch can be a simple mechanical latch,
or can be a security lock, such as a key lock or combination lock.
Advantageously, an interior emergency release 52 can also be
provided to allow the latch 50 to be opened from inside, so as to
prevent a person from being accidentally locked inside.
[0025] Another latch system is also provided for connecting the
front wall 16 to the two other adjacent side walls 20 when the
front wall is closed. The configuration of this latch system can be
related to the configuration of the openable sidewall. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the front wall latch system comprises a hasp
54 associated with the front wall and the adjacent sidewalls 20.
The hasp is configured to connect the front wall to the sidewalls
when the front wall is raised to the closed position, and may also
be configured to receive a locking device, such as a padlock, to
allow the container to be locked closed. Alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 2, the multiple hinge arrangement also functions as a latch
system. When the front wall is closed and the hinge pins are put in
place, the sidewall hinges 23 and bottom hinges 22 operate as a
latch system for connecting the front wall to the sidewalls. Other
latch systems could also be used in this way, such as a cam locking
device.
[0026] As shown in the detail view of FIG. 4, the top 12 also
includes an edge groove 42 around its perimeter, with a resilient
seal strip 44 disposed in the groove. The edge groove helps align
the top with the adjacent sidewall 20, and the seal strip presses
against the top of the sidewall to provide a weathertight seal
around the perimeter of the container. Viewing FIG. 1, a similar
seal 46 is disposed around the perimeter of the front wall 16 to
provide a tight seal when the container 10 is closed. The extreme
outside edge of the top also includes a small overhang 48, which
helps direct rainwater downward and away from the container.
[0027] The container 10 may be made of a variety of materials,
preferably lightweight polymer materials such as ABS, PVC, etc. In
one embodiment, the side walls 20, back wall 18, and bottom 14 are
integrally formed as a single unit, such as through injection
molding, to provide a strong, lightweight structure. The front wall
16 and top 12 are thereafter hingedly connected in their
appropriate places. Alternatively, the top, bottom, and side panels
may comprise separate pieces that are later connected together to
form the container. This latter configuration may be desirable for
initial manufacturing of the container itself, making the container
less bulky to ship to its initial user. The hinges 22 and 23 may be
molded into the sidewalls and bottom, or attached to them in
various ways, such as with fasteners.
[0028] Advantageously, the container 10 is configured as a shipping
container that can be used for initial shipping of the vehicle,
from the manufacturer to a retailer, for example, and also for
transport of the vehicle by the user. In order to provide the
needed strength while keeping weight low, the top 12, bottom 14,
and/or side walls 16, 18, 20 may be formed of corrugated shapes, or
as a composite of corrugated and flat panels. The bottom of the
container, in particular, may need additional reinforcement to
support the weight of the vehicle, particularly when the container
is used as a shipping container. For example, the embodiment of the
container 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 includes a relatively tall bottom
support structure 15 for supporting the bottom 14 of the container.
This bottom support structure may be akin to a shipping pallet in
configuration, including transverse and/or longitudinal support
members as needed to support the weight of the vehicle.
Alternatively, referring to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of
the container 10b may include a shorter, thinner bottom support
structure 15a to support the bottom of the container, depending
upon the anticipated use. Both the tall bottom support structure 15
and short bottom support structure 15a may be integrally formed
with the bottom 14 of the container, or may be configured as a
separate part that is attached to the bottom. It will be apparent
that the font panel 16 in particular must be of sufficient strength
to serve as a loading ramp when lowered, so that the vehicle may
ride up atop the bottom 14 of the container.
[0029] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3, the container 10
includes lift points, such as lift hooks 56 for a crane, and slots
58 for a forklift or lifting straps. These features allow the
container to be lifted with a vehicle inside, to facilitate
transport. The container may also include tie-down points 60 at
various locations on its exterior, to allow it to be secured to a
transport vehicle. This would include during initial transport of
the vehicle, such as to a dealer, and transport by the owner for
use. When transporting the vehicle to a remote location, a user may
place the empty container on the back of a truck or on a trailer,
and secure it into place with chains, tie-down straps, etc.
connected to the tie-down points. The user can then move the ATV 30
or other vehicle into the container and close and secure it. The
container advantageously protects the vehicle from exposure and
damage during transport. It will be apparent that multiple
containers of this type may be used simultaneously on a single
truck or trailer to transport multiple vehicles.
[0030] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the bottom 14
and bottom support structure 15 include recessed holes 64 that are
configured to receive an anchor device 66, such as a spike or
threaded rod, for anchoring the container to the ground or other
support surface. This can help stabilize the container and prevent
theft. The recessed holes would preferably be reinforced to provide
adequate strength.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the container 10 can include
tie-down points 62 in its interior, such as in the bottom 14. These
allow the ATV 30 or other vehicle to be secured inside the
container with chains, straps, etc. to help prevent the vehicle
from shifting or moving within the container during transport.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, a wheel stop 68 can be disposed
in the interior of the container for gauging the stopping point of
the ATV. This wheel stop is preferably connectable to the bottom of
the container at adjustable locations, allowing the container to be
adjusted for various sizes of ATVs. The wheel stop also helps
prevent the ATV from striking the back wall 18 when being placed in
the container, to help prevent damage to the container.
[0032] An alternative embodiment of the invention is depicted in
FIGS. 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the container 110 includes an
indexing groove 112 that allows containers to be stacked one atop
another. The indexing groove is disposed around the perimeter of
the top 114 of the container, and is configured to allow the bottom
116 of a container above to naturally align with the container
below, so that the sidewalls 118 of the container above, being the
primary load-bearing members of the container, are supported by the
sidewalls of the container below. As shown in FIG. 7, the indexing
groove comprises a lip 120 and shoulder 122 formed in the outer
edge of the top. The shoulder allows direct bearing of the bottom
of the sidewalls of the upper container upon the container below,
and the shoulder causes the sidewalls of the stacked containers to
naturally align with each other. A seal strip 124, such as of high
strength rubber or rubber-like material (e.g. Neoprene.RTM., etc.),
can be disposed around the top of the sidewall for providing a
watertight seal between the container walls and the top, as
discussed above.
[0033] While the stacked containers 110 of FIG. 6 are shown without
an ATV or other item disposed therein, an intent of this embodiment
of the invention is to allow heavy, filled containers to be
stacked. Accordingly, the sidewalls 118 (and other portions of the
container) can include internal reinforcing members 126 that
strengthen the container for stacking. The reinforcing members can
be of steel, aluminum, or any other sufficiently strong material to
bear the load of stacked containers. For example, tubular sections
can be used for vertical reinforcing to provide high strength and
low weight, while also resisting buckling. Those of skill in the
art of structural design will be able to determine the appropriate
size and shape of reinforcing members for allowing heavy, loaded
containers to be stacked to a desirable and/or practical height. As
shown in FIG. 7, the reinforcing members 126 can be fully encased
in the polymer skin 128 of the container 110, so as to both protect
the reinforcing members from water and other damaging conditions,
and to provide a pleasing appearance. Other configurations are also
possible.
[0034] Advantageously, the container of FIG. 6 also includes slots
130 for receiving the forks 132 of a forklift 134 (shown in dashed
lines in FIG. 6). It will be apparent that in such case the
containers should be configured to allow clearance for the forks of
the forklift. This can be done by placing the slots at an elevation
sufficient to allow clearance of the forks above the top of the
lower container (as depicted in FIG. 6), and/or by manipulating the
shape of the top 114 of the container to provide the needed
clearance in specific locations. It will be apparent that the slots
could also be used for lifting straps or other lifting devices (not
shown), and that the container with indexing grooves could include
lift hooks (not shown) or other lifting or stacking devices
described above.
[0035] The stacking configuration shown in FIG. 6 allows containers
to be stacked for shipping and storage of ATVs or other items
placed therein. Moreover, end users can easily stack empty
containers when not in use, thus reducing needed storage space, and
can even stack containers with ATVs inside, if they have the proper
lifting equipment. This can significantly reduce the space needed
for storing ATVs and the like when not in use.
[0036] As depicted in the figures, particularly FIG. 3, the
container 10 is particularly configured to house a four wheel ATV
of a particular size. It will be apparent that containers according
to this invention may be made in a variety of sizes corresponding
to vehicles of various sizes. Additionally, manufacturers of ATVs
or other vehicles could produce containers of a specific size and
shape to accommodate a particular model of their vehicle. This can
provide added protection during shipping, and also help increase
profits from the original sale of the vehicle by adding another
sales item.
[0037] The container of the present invention allows an ATV or
other small vehicle to be stored outdoors, protected from rain,
snow, sun, etc. Moreover the storage container can be used as a
shipping container to initially ship the vehicle from the
manufacturer, and can also be used to protect the vehicle during
transport by the end-user. Because the container is lightweight, if
the user does not like it in one location or needs to move the ATV,
the container can be easily moved to another location for storing
the vehicle there. It is light enough that two people can easily
lift and carry the container, and even a single person can move it
around when needed. The container also keeps the vehicle concealed
from view, which can help reduce theft and/or vandalism, and
provides a tidy appearance, which is desirable or even required in
some neighborhoods.
[0038] By way of example, and without limitation, the invention can
be described as a vehicle storage container, having a top, a
bottom, and surrounding sidewalls, the container being configured
as a shipping container. At least one of the sidewalls is hingedly
connected to the bottom, and the top is hingedly connected to
another one of the sidewalls, so that the top can be extended up
and the at least one sidewall can be lowered to allow a vehicle to
be moved into or out of the container.
[0039] In one embodiment, the top is hingedly connected to a
sidewall that is opposite the lowerable front side, so as to
provide maximum head clearance when moving a vehicle into or out of
the container. This embodiment also allows a user to open the top
of the container while riding the vehicle into the container.
[0040] In one specific embodiment, the surrounding sidewalls
include a front wall, and back wall, and two sidewalls. The back
wall and two side walls are integrally formed with the bottom as a
single unit. The front wall is hingedly connected to the bottom,
and the top is hingedly connected to the back wall.
[0041] In one embodiment, the bottom of the container includes lift
points, such as for a crane or forklift, configured to allow the
container to be lifted with an ATV inside, to facilitate transport.
In another embodiment, the container includes tie-down points on
its exterior, to allow the container to be secured to a transport
vehicle. In yet another embodiment, the container includes tie-down
points in its interior, to allow the ATV or other vehicle to be
secured inside the container.
[0042] The invention thus provides a convenient, lightweight
storage container for an ATV or other small vehicle that provides
secure storage for the vehicle and protection from weather
conditions, and also provides a container for use in shipping or
transporting the vehicle.
[0043] It is to be understood that the above-referenced
arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles
of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative
arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. While the present invention has
been shown in the drawings and described above in connection with
exemplary embodiments(s) thereof, it will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made
without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention
as set forth herein and later claimed in a non-provisional patent
application covering the same.
* * * * *