U.S. patent application number 10/763925 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-07 for golf putter head.
Invention is credited to Green, Timothy M..
Application Number | 20050075185 10/763925 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34811324 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050075185 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green, Timothy M. |
April 7, 2005 |
Golf putter head
Abstract
A golf putter head that generally includes a striking surface
and a reflective surface extending above the striking surface for
reflecting an image of a golf ball, or at least a portion thereof,
to a user when the striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf
ball. The golf putter head further includes an alignment surface
positioned behind the striking surface. The alignment surface
includes at least one indicator for aligning the striking surface
with the golf ball.
Inventors: |
Green, Timothy M.; (Fenton,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY, & PIERCE, P.L.C
7700 BONHOMME, STE 400
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105
US
|
Family ID: |
34811324 |
Appl. No.: |
10/763925 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10763925 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
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29191194 |
Oct 2, 2003 |
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D494239 |
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60536295 |
Jan 14, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/240 ;
473/251; 473/340; 473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0441 20200801;
A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 53/0437 20200801; A63B 69/3685
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/240 ;
473/340; 473/251; 473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36; A63B
053/04 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A golf putter head comprising a striking surface, a reflective
surface extending above the striking surface for reflecting an
image of at least a portion of a golf ball to a user when the
striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball, and an
alignment surface positioned behind the striking surface, the
alignment surface including at least one indicator for aligning the
striking surface with the golf ball.
2. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the indicator is
circular.
3. The golf putter head of claim 2 wherein the indicator has a
diameter about equal to a diameter of the golf ball.
4. The golf putter head of claim 2 wherein the indicator has a
diameter larger than a diameter of the golf ball.
5. The golf putter head of claim 2 wherein the indicator has a
diameter smaller than a diameter of the golf ball.
6. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the alignment surface
includes only one circular indicator.
7. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the indicator defines a
guide line aligned with a center of and generally perpendicular to
the striking surface.
8. The golf putter head of claim 7 wherein the reflective surface
defines at least one guide line aligned with the indicator's guide
line.
9. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the golf putter head has
a monolithic construction.
10. The golf putter head of claim 9 wherein the golf putter head
includes monolithic reflective and alignment surfaces.
11. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the golf putter head
includes a higher center of gravity than the golf ball.
12. The golf putter head of claim 11 wherein the golf putter head
includes a heel portion, a toe portion, and weighted perimeter
portions adjacent the heel and toe portions.
13. The golf putter head of claim 11 wherein the golf putter head
includes a weighted perimeter portion extending at least partially
above the striking surface.
14. The golf putter head of claim 11 wherein the golf putter head
includes a heel portion, a toe portion, and removable weights
adjacent the heel and toe portions.
15. A golf putter head comprising a striking surface, a surface
extending above the striking surface, an alignment surface
positioned behind the striking surface, and a center of gravity
higher than a center of gravity of a golf ball, the center of
gravity of the golf putter head being located a distance equal to
or greater than one inch behind the striking surface.
16. The golf putter head of claim 15 wherein the alignment surface
defines an indicator for aligning the striking surface with the
golf ball.
17. The golf putter head of claim 15 wherein at least a portion of
the surface extending above the striking surface is reflective for
reflecting an image of at least a portion of the golf ball to a
user.
18. The golf putter head of claim 15 wherein the center of gravity
of the golf putter head is located a distance equal to or greater
than one inch above a generally horizontal surface when the golf
putter head is resting on the generally horizontal surface.
19. The golf putter head of claim 15 wherein the center of gravity
of the golf putter head is located a distance equal to or greater
than one inch above a bottom surface of the golf putter head.
20. A putter head comprising a striking surface and a center of
gravity located a distance equal to or greater than one inch behind
the striking surface and a distance equal to or greater than one
inch above a generally horizontal surface when the golf putter head
is resting on the generally horizontal surface.
21. A putter head comprising a first striking surface, a second
surface extending above the first striking surface, and a third
surface extending rearwardly behind the striking surface, the
second and third surfaces having aligned indicators.
22. A method of aligning a golf putter head with a golf ball, the
golf putter head having a striking surface, a reflective surface
extending above the striking surface, and an alignment surface
positioned behind the striking surface, the method comprising
positioning the striking surface relative to the golf ball such
that the golf ball is aligned with an axis passing through a center
of a reflected image of at least a portion of the golf ball on the
reflective surface and with an indicator defined by the alignment
surface.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising keeping the
reflected image centered on the reflective surface during a putting
stroke.
24. The method of claim 22 wherein the positioning comprises
positioning the golf putter head such that a guide line defined by
the indicator is aligned with the golf ball's diameter
perpendicular to the striking surface.
25. The method of claim 22 wherein the positioning comprises
positioning the golf putter head such that a guide line defined by
the reflective surface is aligned with a guide line defined by the
indicator.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. (Attorney Docket Number 8572-00012/US), filed Jan.
12, 2004, titled "Golf Putter Head" of Timothy M. Green.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to golf equipment
and more particularly to golf putter heads.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Golf enthusiasts and equipment manufacturers have
continually sought to improve golf clubs, including putters, for
many years. These efforts have included the addition of structures
to improve the play of the clubs and structures designed as
teaching aids to assist in instruction and use of particular clubs.
For example, elements have been developed to assist in teaching
effective putting technique.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to golf putter heads and
methods of using the same. In one embodiment, the golf putter head
generally includes a striking surface and a reflective surface
extending above the striking surface for reflecting an image of a
golf ball (or at least a portion thereof) to a user when the
striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball. The golf
putter head further includes an alignment surface positioned behind
the striking surface. The alignment surface includes at least one
indicator for aligning the striking surface with the golf ball.
[0005] In another embodiment, a golf putter head generally includes
a striking surface, a surface extending above the striking surface,
and an alignment surface positioned behind the striking surface.
The golf putter head has a center of gravity positioned above a
center of gravity of a golf ball when the striking surface is
positioned adjacent the golf ball. A shaft hole positioned ahead of
the center of gravity of the golf putter head.
[0006] In another embodiment, a putter head generally includes a
first striking surface, a second surface extending above the first
striking surface, and a third surface extending rearwardly behind
the striking surface. The second and third surfaces have aligned
indicators.
[0007] In another form, the invention provides methods of aligning
a golf putter head with a golf ball. In one implementation, the
method generally includes positioning a striking surface of the
golf putter head relative to the golf ball such that the golf ball
is aligned with an axis passing through a center of a reflected
image of the golf ball (or at least a portion thereof) on a
reflective surface extending above the striking surface and is
aligned with an indicator defined by an alignment surface
positioned behind the striking surface.
[0008] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating at least one exemplary embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present invention will be more fully understood from the
detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a golf putter head
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the golf putter head
shown in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the golf putter head
shown in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a left elevation view of the golf putter head
shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a right elevation view of the golf putter head
shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the golf putter head shown in
FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the golf putter head shown
in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a golf putter head according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a golf putter head according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a golf putter head according
to another embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a golf putter head according
to another embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a golf putter head according
to another embodiment of the invention;
[0022]
[0023] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a golf putter head
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a golf putter head
according to another embodiment of the invention; and
[0025] FIG. 15 is a rear elevation view of a golf putter head
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0026] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
features throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, there is shown a golf putter
head, generally indicated by reference number 110, according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The golf putter head 110
includes a striking surface 112 and a reflective surface 114 which
extends above the striking surface 112. The reflective surface 114
reflects an image of a golf ball 116 to a user when the striking
surface 112 is positioned adjacent the golf ball 116. The golf
putter head 110 further includes an alignment surface 118
positioned behind the striking surface 112. The alignment surface
118 includes an indicator 120. As described in detail below, the
reflective and alignment surfaces 114 and 118 can be used by a
golfer to statically and dynamically align the putter head 110 with
the golf ball 116. As used herein, the term "golf ball" shall be
construed to include golf balls approved by the United States Golf
Association (USGA) and golf balls approved by the Royal and Ancient
Golf Club of St. Andrews.
[0028] In FIG. 6, the alignment surface 118 includes only one
circular indicator 120. The circular indicator 120 is sized such
that its diameter is about equal, and preferably is equal, to the
golf ball's diameter. In addition, the color of the indicator 120
can be white or other suitable color (e.g., yellow, pink, orange,
etc.) so as to even further resemble a golf ball.
[0029] Alternatively, a wide range of other non-circular geometric
shapes can be used for the indicator, including semicircular
shapes, triangular shapes, rectangular shapes, etc. By way of
example, FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary golf putter head 210
having an alignment surface 218 defining a semicircular indicator
220. In addition, the size of the indicator can also vary.
[0030] In addition, the alignment surface may define any number of
(i.e., one or more) indicators which can vary in size and have
diameters larger, smaller, and/or about equal to a golf ball
diameter. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary golf putter
head 310 having a single circular indicator 320 with a diameter
larger than the diameter of the golf ball 316. FIG. 10 illustrates
an exemplary golf putter head 410 having a circular indicator 420
with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the golf ball 416.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary golf putter head 510 having two
generally circular indicators 520 and 520', each of which are of
similar size to the golf ball 516.
[0031] In various embodiments, the alignment surface and indicators
can have a monolithic construction and be integrally formed as a
single component. Alternatively, the alignment surface and
indicator may comprise separate components in which case the
indicator can be attached to the alignment surface, for example, by
welding, adhesives, and/or other suitable fastening methods.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 6, a guide line 124 is defined by the
indicator 120. The guide line 124 is aligned with a center of the
striking surface 112. The guide line 124 is generally perpendicular
to the striking surface 112.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the guide line 124 comprises a
groove inscribed in the indicator 120. The groove is preferably
highlighted or colored (e.g., with paint, etc.) so as to increase
the contrast between the guide line 124 and the surface of the
indicator 120, thus making the guide line 124 more readily
visible.
[0034] Alternatively, the indicator and guide line can be separate
components in which case the guide line can engaged to the
indicator, for example, by welding, adhesive, and/or other suitable
fastening methods. Still further embodiments include a golf putter
head 610 which does not have a guide line defined by the indicator
620, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0035] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, the reflective surface
114 reflects an image of a golf ball 116 to a user when the
striking surface 112 is positioned adjacent the golf ball 116. The
reflective surface 114 is preferably muted so to render the putter
head 110 in compliance with USGA rules. By way of example only, an
exemplary embodiment includes a reflective surface 114 which has
been roughened so as to mute the reflective properties of the
surface 114. In another embodiment, a coating can be applied to the
reflective surface 114 with the coating decreasing the reflective
nature of the surface 114.
[0036] The reflective surface 114 includes a center guide line 128
positioned between two diverging guide lines 130. The center guide
line 128 is positioned relative to the indicator guide line 124
such that the two lines 124 and 128 appear as a single line to a
golfer looking downward at the putter head 110 when the golfer's
head is directly over the putter head 110, which is generally
regarded as the proper head position for putting.
[0037] In some embodiments, however, the reflective surface does
not include a center guide line and/or diverging guide lines. For
example, FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary golf putter head 710 in
which the reflective surface 714 includes a center guide line 728
but not diverging guide lines.
[0038] Further, the entire surface extending above the striking
surface 112 is reflective in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, however,
such is not the case. For example, FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary
golf putter head 810 in which the reflective surface 814 is
disposed only between the diverging guide lines 830. The reflective
surface 814 reflects an image 817 of a portion of the golf ball
816. The portion 815 outside the guide lines 830 is not reflective
as represented by the speckles.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, the golf putter head 110 further
includes a heel portion 132, a toe portion 134, and a rear surface
136 positioned opposite (i.e., on a backside of) the striking
surface 112 and the reflective surface 114. The golf putter head
110 also includes a weighted perimeter portion 138 adjacent the
heel portion 132 and a weighted perimeter portion 140 adjacent the
toe portion 134.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the weighted perimeter
portions 138 and 140 are defined by enhanced sidewall buttresses
which function to distribute weight wider than the golf ball 116.
This, in turn, increases the effective contact area of the striking
surface 112 with the golf ball 116. In other words, the relatively
extreme heel and toe weighting due to the weighted perimeter
portions 138 and 140 extends or increases the "sweet spot" of the
striking surface 112. Accordingly, the weighted perimeter portions
138 and 140 thus allow the putter head 110 to be more forgiving and
more effective at delivering a truer hit to the golf ball 116 when
the point of contact between the golf ball 116 and the striking
surface 112 does not coincide with the location of the center of
mass of the putter head 110.
[0041] The rear surface 136 also includes a weighted perimeter
portion 142 which extends above the striking surface 112, shown in
phantom in FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 through
7, the weighted perimeter portion 142 extends along both sides 144
and 146 of the golf ball 116 when the striking surface 112 is
positioned adjacent the golf ball 116 on the putting surface 148.
The weighted perimeter portion 142 also extends substantially from
the heel portion 132 to the toe portion 134. The weighted perimeter
142 may also extend above and substantially around an upper
hemisphere of the golf ball 116 when the striking surface 112 is
positioned adjacent the golf ball 116 sitting on the putting
surface 148.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the rear surface 136 has at least one
cavity or recessed portion 150 therein. A portion of the cavity 150
extends above the striking surface 112 so as to define the weighted
perimeter portion 142 on the rear surface 136. Stated differently,
the recessed portion 150 defines at least one non-recessed portion
152, which constitutes the weighted perimeter portion 142 of the
rear surface 136. In one embodiment, the cavity 150 is generally
centered between the heel portion 132 and the toe portion 134 of
the golf putter head 110.
[0043] In FIG. 3, the rear surface 136 is shown having only one
cavity 150. It should be noted, however, that the rear surface 136
may be provided with any number of cavities, and these cavities can
be shaped and positioned as necessary to locate the center of
gravity 154 of the putter head 110 and provide the putter head 110
with a weighted distribution as desired. In addition, any of a wide
range of geometric shapes may be used for the cavity 150, such as
circular shapes, triangular shapes, octagonal shapes, etc.. By way
of example only, the cavity 150 in FIG. 3 is substantially
diamond-shaped, although other suitable shapes can be employed.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the golf putter head 110 also
includes weights 156 attached to the rear surface 136. The weights
156 may have a density that is either higher, lower, or the same as
the density of the rear surface 136 depending on the weight
distribution that is desired for the putter head 110. The weights
156 may be removably attached to the rear surface 136. If
removable, the weights 156 can be added and/or removed as desired
even after the putter head 110 is manufactured. The weights 156 may
also be positioned within a cavity (e.g., 150) defined in the rear
surface 136. In the preferred embodiment, the golf putter head 110
includes two weights 156 each of which is positioned within the
diamond-shaped cavity 150. Alternatively, other embodiments do not
include weighted inserts, such as the golf putter head 910 shown in
FIG. 15.
[0045] Preferably, the weights 156 and weighted perimeter portions
138 and 140 distribute a substantial portion of the weight of the
putter head 110 higher and wider than the golf ball 116 so as to
better distribute the impact force between the striking surface 112
and the golf ball 116. This, in turn, increases a golfer's
opportunity at achieving a straighter and truer putt of the golf
ball 116 with the putter head 110.
[0046] Further, the various putter head features (e.g., the
striking surface 112, reflective surface 114, alignment surface
118, weighted perimeter portions 138, 140 142, weights 156, etc.)
are designed (e.g., sized, positioned, material selections, etc.)
to position the center of gravity 154 for the putter head 110 as
desired horizontally and vertically. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1 through 6, the weighted perimeter portion 142 extends not
only above the center of gravity 158 of the golf ball 116 but above
the top edge 160 of the golf ball 116 as well when the golf ball
116 and putter head 110 are both resting on a generally horizontal
or level putting surface 148.
[0047] As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the center of gravity 154 of
the putter head 110 is located above the golf ball's center of
gravity 158. Indeed, various embodiments include a center of
gravity 154 of the putter head 110 which is located above the top
edge 160 of the golf ball 116 as well when the golf ball 116 and
putter head 110 are both positioned on the putting surface 148.
[0048] Positioning the putter head center of gravity 154 above the
golf ball's center of gravity 158 enables the putter head 110 to
more readily impart topspin and rolling to the golf ball 116
instead of causing the ball to skip and/or slide as is the case for
putter heads which have a center of gravity lower than a center of
gravity of a golf ball.
[0049] With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the golf ball's
center of gravity 158 is about 0.84 inches (2.13 centimeters) above
the putting surface 148, whereas the golf ball's top edge 160 is
about 1.68 inches (4.27 centimeters) above the putting surface 148.
The center of gravity 154 of the putter head 110 is preferably
located a distance equal to or greater than about 1.00 inch (2.54
centimeters) above a bottom surface of the putter head 110. Stated
differently, the center of gravity 154 of the putter head 110 is
preferably located a distance equal to or greater than about 1.00
inch (2.54 centimeters) above a level putting surface 148 when the
putter head 110 is resting on a level putting surface 148.
Accordingly, the center of gravity 154 of the putter head 110 is
above the golf ball's center of gravity 158 when the putter head
110 and golf ball 116 are both resting on a level putting surface
148.
[0050] In addition, the alignment surface 118 is preferably
designed along with other putter head features (e.g., enhanced
sidewall buttresses 138 and 140, etc.) so as to move the putter
head's center of gravity 154 further rearward from the striking
surface 112. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,
the rearward location of the center of gravity 154 is rearward of a
shaft hole 162 and shaft 164 (shown in phantom). Still referring to
the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the center of gravity
154 of the putter head 110 is preferably located behind the
striking surface 112 a distance equal to or greater than about 1.00
inches (2.54 centimeters).
[0051] By having a more rearward center of gravity 154 which is
above the golf ball's center of gravity 158, the putter head 110 is
able to impart a greater moment arm and thus greater roll distance,
and more immediate rolling, to the golf ball 116 with less stroke
power, e.g., with a softer and slower stroke. Because a slower and
softer putting stroke is usually more easily controlled, the putter
head 110 can improve a golfer's chances of maintaining a straight
line during a putting stroke.
[0052] In various embodiments, the golf putter head can have a
monolithic construction in which the golf putter head is integrally
formed as a single component. Alternatively, the golf putter head
may comprise two or more separate components that are secured to
one another, for example, by welding, adhesives, and/or other
suitable fastening methods.
[0053] For example, any one or more of the various golf putter
heads 110 (FIGS. 1 through 7), 210 (FIG. 8), 310 (FIG. 9), 410
(FIG. 10), 510 (FIG. 11), 610 (FIG. 12), 710 (FIG. 13), 810 (FIG.
14), 910 (FIG. 15) can include monolithic reflective and alignment
surfaces (e.g., 114 and 118, 214 and 218, 314 and 318, 414 and 418,
514 and 518, 614 and 618, 714 and 718, 814 and 818, and 914 and
918).
[0054] By way of example only, the golf putter head 110 in FIGS. 1
through 7 includes monolithic reflective and alignment surfaces 114
and 118 which are integrally formed as a single component. The
striking surface 112 and/or weights 156, however, can be separate
components which are secured to the putter head 110. In an
exemplary embodiment, the striking surface 112 is defined by a
front surface of an insert formed of a material different than the
putter head body, and the weights 156 comprise inserts formed of a
heavier and higher density material than the material from which
the monolithic reflective and alignment surfaces 114 and 118 are
formed.
[0055] The putter head 110 can be used as follows to statically
align the putter head 110 with the golf ball 116. At address, a
golfer positions the striking surface 112 adjacent the golf ball
116 so as to align the golf ball 116 with an axis passing through a
center of a reflected golf ball image on the reflective surface 114
and to align the golf ball 116 and to align the indicator guide
line 124 with the golf ball diameter perpendicular to the striking
surface 112.
[0056] Further, the indicator's guide line 124 and reflective
surface's center guide line 128 can be used to indicate when the
golfer's head is positioned directly over the putter head 110,
which is generally regarded as the proper head position for
putting. More specifically, the guide lines 124 and 128 will appear
as a single line to the downwardly looking golfer when the golfer's
head is directly over the putter head 110.
[0057] Dynamic alignment of the putter head 110 with the golf ball
116 during a putting stroke can be maintained as follows. During
the backswing, the reflected golf ball image visually travels up
the reflective surface 114. Conversely, the reflected golf ball
image visually travels down the reflective surface 114 during the
forward swing.
[0058] Ideally, the golfer keeps the moving image of the golf ball
centered on the reflective surface 114, and thus centered relative
to the putter head 110, during both the backswing and forward
swing. To assist the golfer with this feat, the reflective surface
114 includes the guide lines 128 and 130, as shown in FIG. 6. By
keeping the moving reflected image of the golf ball 116 centered
along the center guide line 128 and/or between the guide lines 130,
the golfer is able to keep the putter head 110 dynamically aligned
with the golf ball 116.
[0059] In addition, the indicator guide line 124 can further assist
the golfer in maintaining the dynamic alignment of the putter head
110 and the golf ball 116 during the putting stroke. The golfer can
maintain the alignment by keeping the indicator guide line 124
aligned with the axis passing through the center of the moving
reflected image of the golf ball 116.
[0060] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its
application, or uses. Thus, variations that do not depart from the
substance of the invention are intended to be within the scope of
the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *