U.S. patent application number 10/643525 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-24 for reversible plate holder.
Invention is credited to Paine, Candace.
Application Number | 20050040309 10/643525 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34193898 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050040309 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paine, Candace |
February 24, 2005 |
Reversible plate holder
Abstract
A reversible plate holder to hold and support selectively first
and second plates of different first and second diameters
respectively, each plate having a base, tapered side walls and a
rim extending radially outward from the side walls, the reversible
plate holder including an annulus having axially spaced top and
bottom parts with top and bottom edges of diameters D1 and D2
respectively and a neck part of diameter D3 axially between the top
and bottom parts, where D1>D2 and D2>D3, the top part having
inner wall surfaces that define a truncated top cone, the bottom
part having inner wall surfaces that define an inverted truncated
bottom cone generally coaxial with the top cone, whereby the
annulus in upright position has the cone at the top for supporting
the first plate and the annulus in inverted position has the bottom
cone at the top for supporting the second plate and the side walls
of the plates overlie the conical wall surfaces respectively.
Inventors: |
Paine, Candace; (Englewood,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AMSTER, ROTHSTEIN & EBENSTEIN
90 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10016
|
Family ID: |
34193898 |
Appl. No.: |
10/643525 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/346.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/346.5 |
International
Class: |
A47B 091/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A reversible plate holder according to claim 17 wherein said
top, bottom and neck parts define a single cylindrical tube having
generally uniform wall thickness.
3. A reversible plate holder according to claim 17 wherein said
inner wall surfaces of said top and said bottom conical recesses
are generally flat as seen in sectional view extending axially and
outwardly from said neck part toward said top and said bottom edges
respectively.
4. A reversible plate holder according to claim 17 wherein said
inner wall surfaces of said top and said bottom conical recesses
define curved convex lines as seen in sectional view extending
generally outwardly and axially from said top edge toward said neck
part and from said bottom edge toward said neck part
respectively.
5. A reversible plate holder according to claim 17 wherein said
inner wall surfaces of said top and bottom conical recesses and
said neck part define in sectional view extending generally
radially and axially a continuous convex curved line.
6. A reversible plate holder according to claim 17 comprising an
integral molded tubular cylinder.
7. A reversible plate holder according to claim 6 wherein said
annulus comprises injection molded plastic.
8. A reversible plate holder according to claim 17 wherein said
annulus has outer walls that define a generally straight circular
cylinder, and said top, bottom and neck part walls are non-uniform
in thickness.
9. A reversible plate holder according to claim 17 wherein said
top, bottom and neck parts have walls which extending axially are
non-uniform in thickness.
10. A reversible plate holder according to claim 17 wherein said
top, bottom and neck parts have inner wall surfaces that are
contiguous and define in axial section a continuous line devoid of
any inward radical projections.
11. A reversible plate holder according to claim 10 wherein said
top, bottom and neck parts have outer walls that are contiguous and
define in axial section a continuous line devoid of any outward
radial projections.
12. A reversible plate holder operable to hold and support
selectively first or second plates of different first and second
diameters respectively, each plate having a base, tapered side
walls and a rim extending radially outward from said side walls,
said reversible plate holder comprising: a base having top and
bottom parts with top and bottom surfaces respectively and a neck
part between said top and bottom parts, said top part having a top
truncated conical recess extending downward from said top surface,
which top surface is coincident with the base of said top conical
recess cone having first diameter D1, said bottom part having a
bottom truncated conical recess extending upward from said bottom
surface which bottom surface is coincident with the base of said
bottom conical recess and has second diameter D2 which is less than
D1, each of said conical recesses the inner wall surfaces defining
a substantially uninterrupted conical shape from said neck to said
top and bottom surfaces respectively, said top surface which is
radially outward of said top conical recess having diameter
corresponding to the rim diameter of said first plate for
supporting same when placed thereon, said bottom surface which is
radially outward of said bottom conical recess having diameter
corresponding to the rim diameter of said second plate for
supporting same when placed thereon when said base is inverted.
13. A reversible plate holder according to claim 12 wherein said
base has outer side wall surfaces which define a circular cylinder
coaxial with said conical recesses.
14. A reversible plate holder according to claim 12 wherein said
base has outer side wall surfaces which define a rectangular
block.
15. A reversible plate holder according to claim 17 for use with
plates where each of said first and second plates has a base,
tapered side walls extending from said base to a top rim that
extends generally radially outward from said side walls, each of
said rims has radial width and curves downward, and said top and
bottom edges respectively of said annulus have thickness adapted to
be less than said radial width, such that said rim will overlie and
extend over and partially around the outside of said edges, when
said plate is positioned on said plate support.
16. A reversible plate holder to hold and support selectively first
and second plates of different first and second diameters
respectively, each plate having a base, tapered side walls and a
rim extending radially outward from said side walls, said
reversible plate holder comprising: an annulus whose inside walls
define truncated conical shapes of different diameters at opposite
ends of said annulus, said top end adapted to support and hold a
first plate whose side walls and rim correspond in diameter to said
top end and said adjacent conical walls respectively, and to
support and hold a second plate whose side walls and rim correspond
in diameter to said bottom end when said reversible plate holder is
inverted, each of said conical recesses the inner wall surfaces
defining a substantially uninterrupted conical shape from said neck
to said top and bottom surfaces respectively.
17. A reversible plate holder to hold and support selectively first
or second plates of different first and second diameters
respectively, said reversible plate holder comprising an annulus:
A. having axially spaced top and bottom parts with top and bottom
edges of diameters D1 and D2 respectively and a neck part of
diameter D3 axially between said top and bottom parts, where
D1>D2 and D2>D3, B. said top part having inner wall surfaces
that define a truncated top conical recess, C. said bottom part
having inner wall surfaces that define an inverted truncated bottom
conical recess generally coaxial with said top conical recess,
where each of said top and bottom part inner wall surfaces
respectively defines a substantially uninterrupted conical shape
from said neck to said top and bottom edges of said inverted top
and bottom truncated conical recesses respectively, and whereby
said annulus in upright position has said conical recess at the top
for supporting said first plate, and said annulus in inverted
position has said bottom conical recess at the top for supporting
said second plate.
18. A reversible plate holder to hold and support selectively first
or second plates of different first and second diameters
respectively, where each of said plates has a base, tapered side
walls for a full height extending from said base to a top rim that
extends generally radially outward from said side walls, said
reversible plate holder comprising an annulus: A. having axially
spaced top and bottom parts with top and bottom edges of diameters
D1 and D2 respectively and a neck part of diameter D3 axially
between said top and bottom parts, where D1>D2 and D2>D3, B.
said top part having inner wall surfaces that define a truncated
top conical recess, C. said bottom part having inner wall surfaces
that define an inverted truncated bottom conical recess generally
coaxial with said top conical recess, where each of said top and
bottom part inner wall surfaces respectively defines a
substantially uninterrupted conical shape from said neck to said
top and bottom edges of said inverted top and bottom truncated
conical recesses respectively, and whereby said annulus in upright
position has said conical recess at the top for supporting said
first plate, and said annulus in inverted position has said bottom
conical recess at the top for supporting said second plate, said
inner side wall surfaces of said top and bottom parts respectively
adapted to support said tapered walls along substantially their
full height from said base of said plate to said top rim
thereof.
19. A reversible plate holder to hold and support selectively first
or second plates of different first and second diameters
respectively, said reversible plate holder comprising an annulus:
A. having axially spaced top and bottom parts with top and bottom
edges of diameters D1 and D2 respectively and a neck part of
diameter D3 axially between said top and bottom parts, where
D1>D2 and D2>D3, B. said top part and bottom parts each
defining a truncated conical recess whose walls of each recess
extend downward in a substantially uninterrupted conical shape
becoming smaller from said top and bottom edges respectively, C.
said bottom part having inner wall surfaces that define an inverted
truncated bottom conical recess generally coaxial with said top
conical recess, where each of said top and bottom part wall
surfaces respectively defines a substantially uninterrupted conical
shape from said neck to said top and bottom edges of said inverted
top and bottom truncated conical recesses respectively, and whereby
said annulus in upright position has said top conical recess at the
top for supporting said first plate, and said annulus in inverted
position has said bottom conical recess at the top for supporting
said second plate.
20. A reversible plate holder according to claim 17 further
comprising a layer of sticky material on said inner wall surfaces
of said top and bottom conical recesses.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is in the field of holders for plates and
more particularly holders for inexpensive readily bendable
disposable paper plates or plate liners which can easily tip or
deform in use causing spills of the food, such plate holders being
applicable for plates and liners used by both persons and pets.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Plate holders are known, particularly for pets and infants
who are likely to tip or overturn plates from which they are
eating. Such plate holders are typically bowl-like articles with an
open top to hold a plate and a wide base to provide stability
against tipping. It is common to use removable or disposable plate
liners that contain the food and sit in a top recess of the plate
holder. Plate liners usually have side walls inclined upwardly and
outwardly for reasons of functionality, strength, aesthetics and
because such is most suitable for efficient manufacture. Plate
holders for such plate liners would typically have generally
conical walls that define a recess of an inverted truncated cone
open and wider at the top and truncated to define a flat surface at
the bottom, corresponding to the generally flat bottom of the
typical plate liners.
[0005] Notwithstanding the conical recess inside walls, the outside
walls of the plate holder may be vertical or inclined outward so
that the base is wider than the top. Plate liners are most commonly
of molded plastic or paper board or cardboard pressed to define
upwardly inclined side walls with a top lip or flange. Such plate
liners are supported on or in the plate liner by the top lip of the
plate liner overlying and resting on a corresponding surface on the
plate holder and/or by the inclined side walls of the plate liner
resting against the conical walls of the plate holder.
[0006] The use of paper plates for food service both at home for
pets and for people, and in restaurants and elsewhere as at picnics
and in moving vehicles is massively widespread for a variety of
obvious reasons. Such plates are inexpensive and disposable so that
washing, drying and storing are unnecessary. They are light weight
and thus can be easily transported in standard packaged units and
easily carried by persons at dining events whether they be casual
meals in a cafeteria or formal events. They can be easily and
inexpensively decorated in any color and design simply by printing
or other graphic techniques. They can be made in a variety of
sizes, styles and qualities including waterproofing.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,362, for example, discloses a disposable
pet animal feed container and holder. The liner is inserted into a
holder until dimples engage the bottom end of skirt on the holder.
This holder requires the structure of an internal shoulder and
skirt to support the liner, and the bottom of the skirt extends
into the space within the holder, thus limiting the liner to a size
substantially less than the nominal diameter of the holder. There
is no teaching of reversibility, and furthermore the liner would
not work in the reversible orientation due to the extension of the
skirt which would be likely to interfere with use in the reversed
configuration.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 1,922,992 discloses a protector ring used in a
restaurant that is placed on the top of a filled plate which allows
a second filled plate to rest on the top of the protector while not
interfering with the presentation of food on the first plate. Thus,
the top plate will not shift relative to the bottom plate when the
two (or more) filled plates are carried by a waiter. Here rigid
plates are placed on top of and outside the top of the ring, with
no teaching or suggestion to position a paper plate to be rested
inside the ring. Also, the bottom edge is a stepped-out flange with
a vertical wall, while the top edge is a stepped-in flange with a
vertical wall.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,213,837 discloses a child's eating dish and
shows several different embodiments all constructed to enable a
dish to be placed within a base, made of heat insulating material,
with an inner seat. Each of the configurations has a closed bottom
and thus cannot be used in an inverted orientation to hold a
plate.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 2,585,445 discloses a base for supporting a
drinking cup. As with U.S. Pat. No. 2,213,837 described above, this
base has a closed bottom and thus cannot be used in a inverted
orientation to support a cup or other container of another
size.
[0011] The present invention seeks to provide an improved plate
holder, particularly for persons using disposable paper or plastic
plates or plate liners of different sizes at different times. An
object of this invention is to provide a plate holder which is a
single article designed to accommodate different sized plates and
liners by merely inverting the plate holder, and which will retain
the characteristics of stability, support, aesthetics and economy
of manufacture whether it is upright or upside down. In this
application, the term plate holder is intended to mean a holder for
plates or plate liners or both.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention in a preferred embodiment is a
reversible plate holder in the form of a circular tube open at both
ends, where these ends are of different diameters and each end is
tapered as a truncated cone with the diameter of the tube
decreasing from the top edge downward and from the bottom edge
upward. In a preferred embodiment the conical walls of the top
truncated conical part flow into and are contiguous with the
conical walls of the bottom truncated conical part. The bottom edge
has diameter less than that of the top edge, and the central area
between these opposite ends has a diameter less than the diameters
of both the top and bottom edges. This plate holder is reversible
so that it can hold and support paper plates of different
diameters, depending on whether its orientation is upright or
upside down. Also, this plate holder may have various heights, as
needed. It should be understood that this invention is a holder for
plates, plated or container liners and/or other container elements,
and reference made herein to one or another of these elements is
intended to cover the others.
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a plate
holder that will not only hold, support and stabilize a paper
plate, but will be reversible by a simple inversion, so that it can
hold plates of different sizes. Whether for pets, at home or
picnics outside or for restaurant establishments, it is believed
quite practical and useful to be able to provide plate holders
selectively for large and small portions. Also, the new plate
holder will help retain the hot or cold temperature of the food in
the plate or liner being supported. The plate holders must, of
course, be quite stable from tipping or collapsing. Also, these new
plate holders need to be most simple in construction to achieve
minimum cost of manufacture. Typical manufacturing is by high speed
injection molding if plastic, and by other molding or pressing
technologies if the plate holder is made of other material.
[0014] Last, but not least, it is an object that the new plate
holder be esthetically pleasing with a smooth clean appearance. In
one such reversible plate holder, the tube or annulus has walls of
generally uniform thickness from the top end to the bottom end. It
is further preferable that the inside and outside wall surfaces be
smooth and devoid of radially inward extending parts or
projections. It is a further object that the outer surface be
adaptable to receive graphics for advertising purposes or to
present messages for other reasons.
[0015] In one preferred embodiment the new reversible plate holder,
operable to hold and support selectively first and second plates of
first and second diameters respectively, is defined as an annulus
or tubular article having axially spaced top and bottom parts with
top and bottom edges of diameters D1 and D2 respectively and a neck
part of diameter D3 axially between the top and bottom parts where
D1>D2 and D2>D3. In this annulus the top part has inner wall
surfaces that define a truncated top cone, and the bottom part has
inner wall surfaces that define a truncated bottom cone generally
coaxial with the top cone, whereby the annulus in upright position
has the top cone at the top for supporting the first plate, and the
annulus in inverted position has the bottom cone at the top for
supporting the second plate, where the rims of the plates overlie
the top and bottom edges respectively and the side walls of the
plates overlie the conical wall surfaces respectively.
[0016] Accordingly, it is an object to provide a plate holder that
can be used in an upright orientation for a plate of a first
diameter, or inverted to be used for a plate of a second different
diameter.
[0017] In each orientation the plate holder has a conical shaped
inner wall to receive, support and hold the tapered outer wall of
the sides or flange of a paper plate, with the outer rim of the
plate overlying the terminal top or bottom edge of the annulus for
further support. The plate usually has tapered side walls
corresponding generally to the tapered walls of the conical surface
of the plate holder; however, a plate could be adequately supported
so long as at least a portion of the plate's outer surface of its
side wall engages at least a portion of the plate support surface.
Alternatively, the plate could be supported by the rim on the top
edge of the annular plate support, but preferably the plate would
be supported by both the conical walls and the rim.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment the tapered walls of the
opposite conical forms join in a continuous and congruent wall
which defines a smooth curved surface on the inside and on the
outside of the annulus. Alternatively, the opposite conical forms
may have generally straight walls which join at the central or neck
part of the annulus.
[0019] As described above, the preferred embodiment is formed as an
annulus or hollow tube having walls of uniform thickness; however,
it is possible for the plate holder to be a solid block, either of
circular or square or other shape, with a conical recess in each
end, one recess having nominal diameter larger than the other. Such
block could be inverted to allow selection of the opposite end to
support a plate of smaller diameter. The new plate holder may be
made preferably of silicone rubber or plastic, but also of paper or
cardboard material or even ceramic, wood or metal.
[0020] This invention of a plate holder is also useful as a holder
for frozen foods or microwavable dishes to help stabilize them
whether they are being used during eating, storage, freezing,
heating or cooking.
[0021] Other objects, features and characteristics of the present
invention, as well as the methods of operation and function of the
related elements of the structure, and the combination of the parts
and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description and appended
claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which
form a part of this specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a first embodiment
of the new reversible plate holder in annulus form with generally
straight conical walls,
[0023] FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view in section taken
along line 2-2 of FIG. 1,
[0024] FIG. 3 is an elevational view in section of FIG. 2 in
combination with a large plate or liner,
[0025] FIG. 4 is an inverted view of FIG. 3 in combination with a
small plate or liner,
[0026] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view in section of a second
embodiment of the new reversible plate holder with curved conical
walls and in combination with large plate or liner,
[0027] FIG. 6 is an inverted view of FIG. 5 in combination with a
small paper plate, and
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top front perspective view of a third embodiment
of the new reversible plate holder with straight walls,
[0029] FIG. 8 is an elevational view in section taken along line
8-8 of FIG. 7,
[0030] FIG. 9 is a top front perspective view in section of a
fourth embodiment of the new reversible plate holder,
[0031] FIG. 10 is an elevation view in section taken along line
10-10 in FIG. 9,
[0032] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the new
reversible plate holder, and
[0033] FIG. 12 is an elevation view in section taken along line
12-12 in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] FIGS. 1-4 show a first embodiment 10 of the new reversible
plate holder which is formed as an annulus or hollow cylindrical
tube which has a top part 12 with a top edge 14 and a bottom part
16 with a bottom edge 18. The top part is formed generally as an
inverted and truncated cone 20 whose base of diameter D1 is open at
the top. The bottom part 16 is formed also as a truncated cone 22
whose base is open, having diameter D2 corresponding to the bottom
edge 18. The wall 24 of the upper cone 20 and the wall 26 of the
lower cone 22 are generally straight and are of uniform thickness
and extend to meet each other in a central or neck area 28, where
walls 24, 26 and 28 form a smooth and contiguous curve.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows the reversible plate holder of FIG. 1 in
upright orientation with its large end up in combination with a
large paper plate 40 situated on top of and supported by the top
end 12 of the plate holder 10. Here the plate 40 has a generally
flat bottom 42, tapered sides 44 and an outer rim 46 which may be
flat and generally parallel to the bottom 42 or may have a concave
curve as shown that overlies top edge 14 of the annulus 10. As
shown, the side walls 44 of plate 40 are supported by the side
walls 24 of the plate holder 10, and the plate 40 is further
stabilized by the fact that its rim 46 overlies and engages the top
edge 14 of the plate holder.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows the same plate holder 10 in inverted
orientation with the bottom end 16 now at the top and bottom edge
18 at the very top. A smaller plate 50 is shown supported by this
bottom end, where the plate has a generally flat bottom portion 52,
tapered walls 54 and an outer rim 56 engaged and supported by rim
18 of the bottom end 16, now positioned at the top Obviously the
large or small plate may vary in depth and does not have to engage
the end of the plate holder in an exact conforming fit to still
achieve a reasonable degree of security and stability. The top and
bottom edges 14 and 18 may be treated with a silicone or other
substance to enhance frictional contact between the plate holder
edge and a table or between the plate holder edge and a plate or
liner supported thereon. Alternatively, the plate holder may be
made entirely of silicone rubber or other material having a
frictional or generally sticky surface.
[0037] In the reversible plate holder as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
top side walls 24 extend upward at an angle of about 18.degree.
relative to a vertical plane, and the bottom side walls 26 extend
downward at an angle of about 20.degree., with the top diameter D1
being about ten percent greater than bottom diameter D2. These
angles may vary along with the heights of the top and bottom parts
respectively; however, some standard size plates for which this
plate holder is intended, have nominal diameters six, seven and ten
inches. The new reversible plate holder can accommodate plates of
many different heights, because the conical receiving area will
simply engage the portion of a plate's outside circumferential wall
surface which corresponds in diameter and height to inside conical
wall surfaces of the plate holder. Some plate walls are relatively
straight, while others are generally convex. Either can be well
supported by the plate holders' inside wall surfaces. Also, while
commercially available plates have outer rims that vary in diameter
and in curvature or flatness, most of these rims will readily
engage and seat on the top and bottom edges 14 and 18
respectively.
[0038] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an embodiment 29 generally similar to
that of FIGS. 1-4, but where the inner surfaces 30A, 30C and 30B of
the top and bottom conical walls and of the neck respectively
define a continuous convex curve. These walls are of generally
uniform thickness, and thus, the outer surfaces 31A, 31B and 31C
define a corresponding continuous concave surface. FIG. 5 shows the
plate holder in upright position with its top edge 32 supporting a
plate, and FIG. 6 shows the plate holder in inverted position with
its bottom edge 33, now on top, supporting a plate.
[0039] The curvature as shown may vary, so long as there remain
generally conical walls at the top and bottom. This particular
embodiment with its smooth and continuously curved inner and outer
walls, has an unusual and modern appearance, while still providing
all the structural and functional benefits of the basic
invention.
[0040] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a further embodiment 60 of the new
reversible plate holder where the upper part 62 and lower part 64
define a single conical shape having essentially straight and
uniform thickness walls from top 66 to bottom 68. With this plate
holder plates of different diameter could be supported at the
opposite ends, as shown in connection with FIGS. 1-4. In this
embodiment the height and diameter dimension are generally similar
to those of the article in FIGS. 1-4, while the overall shape of a
simple straight wall is considerably different.
[0041] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a further embodiment 70 of the new
reversible plate holder which is a solid base whose outside solid
peripheral walls 72 are round with top 74 and bottom 76
respectively. Within the top is a conical recess 78 of a first
diameter, and within the bottom is a concentric conical recess 80.
This plate holder 70 is reversible by inverting the base similarly
as with the plate holder of FIGS. 1-4. The solid walls add bulk and
weight which enhances stability regardless of which end is
positioned downward.
[0042] FIGS. 9 and 10 are representative of a solid reversible
plate holder having opposing co-axial conical recesses as seen in
FIG. 4 or 5, and having any outer shape which may be for example,
round, oval, rectangular, square or octagonal that are concentric
with the conical recesses, or may be non-concentric therewith.
Also, the conical top and bottom recesses are not required to be
co-axial.
[0043] In the various reversible plate holders illustrated, if the
top and bottom edges are thinner than the width of the plate rim,
the rim will readily fit over and engage the edge, tending to
center the plate on the edge. Where the edge is wider than the
plate rim, the edge will overlie and be supported, but not engage
the rim in a manner that tends to center the plate in the
recess.
[0044] FIGS. 11 and 12 represent a further embodiment 82 of a
reversible plate holder similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10 except
that the outer surface 84 is square. In FIGS. 11 and 12 the side
walls are square or rectangular, and the upper and lower truncated
conical areas 86, 88 are essentially the same as areas 78 and 80
respectively in FIGS. 9 and 10. Also, the plate holders of FIGS.
9-12 could be hollow instead of solid.
[0045] It should be appreciated that the objects of the invention
have been fully and effectively accomplished by the present
invention and it will be realized however that the forgoing
preferred embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose
of illustrating the structural and functional principles of the
present invention and are subject to change without departure from
such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all
modifications encompassed within the spirit of the following
claims.
* * * * *