U.S. patent application number 11/032465 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-14 for drain apparatus.
Invention is credited to Barber, Brendan.
Application Number | 20050150040 11/032465 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34716014 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050150040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barber, Brendan |
July 14, 2005 |
Drain apparatus
Abstract
The present invention relates to a drain apparatus and method of
covering a drainage inlet. In one embodiment the apparatus consists
of a drain cover 10, which is a dish or bowl like structure having
outer and inner wall surfaces 13 and 14 respectively, base 15 and
rim 16. Outlet 12 is centrally positioned within the wall surfaces
13 and 14 and extends laterally through the base 15, allowing the
drain to draw liquid there through.
Inventors: |
Barber, Brendan; (Holland
Park, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAYES, SOLOWAY P.C.
130 W. CUSHING STREET
TUCSON
AZ
85701
US
|
Family ID: |
34716014 |
Appl. No.: |
11/032465 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/507 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/22 20130101; E04H
4/1236 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/507 |
International
Class: |
E04H 004/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 9, 2004 |
AU |
2004900087 |
Claims
1. A drain apparatus comprising: at least one drain opening; and a
drain cover selectively engagable across said at least one opening
by a rotary engagement which resists manual removal from said
opening, said drain cover including an outlet allowing liquid to
pass through said drain cover.
2. The drain apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotary engagement is
selected from one or more of the following: a threaded relation, a
bayonet type arrangement, or interrupted thread, and wherein said
rotary engagement requires concurrent axial pressure for initial
disengagement.
3. The drain apparatus of claim 1 wherein the drain cover has a
dish shape or a bowl shape.
4. The drain apparatus of claim 1 wherein said drain cover
includes, a base a peripheral wall defining inner and outer wall
surfaces and an upper rim finishing substantially flush with the
drain opening.
5. The drain apparatus of claim 4 wherein said the retaining rotary
engagement is associated with the outer wall surface of said drain
cover.
6. The drain apparatus of claim 4 wherein said outlet comprises an
outlet body raising the outlet above the base of said drain cover
to a height substantially co-incident with said upper rim thereby
forming an annular well between the inner wall surface and the
outlet body.
7. The drain apparatus of claim 6 wherein the annular well is
filled with a filler to prevent gripping or purchase on said outlet
body for manual removal of said drain cover.
8. The drain apparatus of claim 6 wherein said inner wall surface
is angled; or stepped; or ribbed.
9. A drain apparatus comprising: at least one drain opening to a
wall or a floor of a reservoir for liquid; and a drain cover
selectively engagable across said opening by a rotary engagement
which resists manual removal from said opening, said drain cover
including an outlet allowing the liquid to pass through said drain
cover.
10. The drain apparatus of claim 9 wherein said drain comprises a
plastic body secured to or cased into the wall or the floor of said
reservoir.
11. The drain apparatus of claim 10 wherein said drain cover in use
is substantially flush with said wall or floor.
12. The drain apparatus of claim 9 wherein the rotary engagement is
selected from one or more of the following: a threaded relation, a
bayonet type arrangement, or interrupted thread, and wherein said
rotary engagement requires concurrent axial pressure for initial
disengagement.
13. The drain apparatus of claim 9 wherein the drain cover is a
dish or bowl shape.
14. The drain apparatus of claim 9 wherein the drain cover includes
a base, a peripheral wall defining inner and outer wall surfaces
and an upper rim finishing substantially flush with the drain
opening.
15. The drain apparatus of claim 14 wherein said rotary engagement
is associated with the outer wall surface.
16. The drain apparatus of claim 14 wherein said outlet comprises
an outlet body raising the outlet above the base of said cover to a
height substantially co-incident with said upper rim thereby
forming an annular well between the inner wall and the outlet
body.
17. The drain apparatus of claim 16 wherein the annular well is
filled with a filler prevent gripping or purchase on said outlet
body for manual removal of said cover.
18. The drain apparatus of claim 17 wherein said filler is adapted
to blend in with the material of the wall or floor of said
reservoir.
19. An assembly for covering a drain having at least one opening,
the assembly comprising: an insert adapted for installation about
the at least opening of said drain; and a drain cover selectively
engagable with the insert by a rotary engagement which resists
manual removal from said insert, said drain cover including an
outlet allowing liquid to pass through said drain cover.
20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the rotary engagement is
selected from one or more of the following: a threaded relation, a
bayonet type arrangement, or interrupted thread, and wherein said
rotary engagement requires concurrent axial pressure for initial
disengagement.
21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the drain cover is a dish or
bowl shape.
22. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the drain cover includes a
base, a peripheral wall defining inner and outer wall surfaces and
an upper rim finishing substantially flush with the drain
opening.
23. The assembly of claim 22 wherein said rotary engagement is
associated with the outer wall surface.
24. The assembly of claim 22 wherein said outlet comprises an
outlet body raising the outlet above the base of said cover to a
height substantially co-planar with said upper rim thereby forming
an annular well between the inner wall and the outlet body.
25. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the annular well is filled
with a filler to prevent gripping or purchase on said outlet body
for manual removal of said drain cover.
26. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said insert includes a surface
shape complementary to said rotary engagement such that in use the
surface shape and said retaining means rotary engagement co-operate
to secure said drain cover within said insert.
27. An assembly for covering a drain opening to a wall or a floor
of a reservoir for liquid, the assembly comprising: an insert
adapted for installation about the opening of said drain; and a
drain cover selectively engagable with the insert by a rotary
engagement which resists manual removal from said insert, said
drain cover including an outlet allowing the liquid to pass through
said drain cover.
28. The assembly of claim 27 wherein the rotary engagement is
selected from one or more of the following: a threaded relation, a
bayonet type arrangement, or interrupted thread, and wherein said
rotary engagement requires concurrent axial pressure for initial
disengagement.
29. The assembly of claim 27 wherein the drain cover has a dish
shape or a bowl shape.
30. The assembly of claim 27 wherein the drain cover includes a
base, a peripheral wall defining inner and outer wall surfaces and
an upper rim finishing substantially flush with the drain
opening.
31. The assembly of claim 30 wherein said rotary engagement is
associated with the outer wall surface.
32. The assembly of claim 30 wherein said outlet comprises an
outlet body raising the outlet above the base of said cover to a
height substantially co-incident with said upper rim thereby
forming an annular well between the inner wall surface and the
outlet body.
33. The assembly of claim 32 wherein the annular well is filled
with a filler to prevent gripping or purchase on said outlet body
for manual removal of said drain cover.
34. The assembly of claim 33 wherein said filler is adapted to
blend in with the material of the wall or floor of said
reservoir.
35. The assembly of claim 27 wherein said insert includes a surface
shape complementary to said rotary engagement such that in use the
surface shape and said rotary engagement co-operate to secure said
drain cover within said insert
36. A method of covering a drain having at least one opening, said
method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a drain cover having
an outlet allowing the passage of liquid into said drain; (b)
providing the opening of said drain and said drain cover with
complementary elements of a rotary engagement selected to resist
manual disengagement; and (c) engaging said drain cover with said
drain opening.
37. The method of claim 36 wherein the drain cover includes a base,
a peripheral wall defining inner and outer wall surfaces and an
upper rim finishing substantially flush with the drain opening.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein said outlet comprises an outlet
body raising the outlet above the base of said cover to a height
substantially co-incident with said upper rim thereby forming an
annular well between the inner wall surface and the outlet
body.
39. The method of claim 38 further including the step of: (d)
filling the annular well of said drain cover with a filler to
prevent gripping or purchase on said outlet body for manual removal
of said drain cover form said at least one
40. A method of covering a drain opening to a wall or a floor of a
reservoir for liquid, comprising the steps of: (a) forming the
drain within the wall or floor of said reservoir; (b) providing an
insert about said at least one opening; (c) providing a drain cover
having an outlet allowing the passage of liquid into said drain;
(d) providing said insert and said drain cover with complementary
elements of a rotary engagement selected to resist manual
disengagement; and (e) casting the reservoir thereby embedding said
inset within the wall or floor of the reservoir; and (f) engaging
said drain cover with said insert.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein the drain cover includes a base,
a peripheral wall defining inner and outer wall surfaces and an
upper rim finishing substantially flush with the drain opening.
42. The method of claim 41 said outlet comprises an outlet body
raising the outlet above the base of said cover to a height
substantially co-incident with said upper rim thereby forming an
annular well between the inner wall surface and the outlet
body.
43. The method of claim 42 further including the step of filling
the annular well of said drain cover with a filler to prevent
gripping or purchase on said outlet body for manual removal of said
drain cover form said at least one opening prior to engaging said
drain cover with said insert.
44. The method of claim 43 wherein said filler is adapted to blend
in with the wall or floor of said reservoir.
45. The drain apparatus of claim 5 wherein said outlet comprises an
outlet body raising the outlet above the base of said drain cover
to a height substantially co-incident with said upper rim thereby
forming an annular well between the inner wall surface and the
outlet body.
46. The drain apparatus of claim 45 wherein the annular well is
filled with a filler to prevent gripping or purchase on said outlet
body for manual removal of said drain cover.
47. The drain apparatus of claim 45 wherein said inner wall surface
is angled; or stepped; or ribbed.
48. The drain apparatus of claim 15 wherein said outlet comprises
an outlet body raising the outlet above the base of said cover to a
height substantially co-incident with said upper rim thereby
forming an annular well between the inner wall and the outlet
body.
49. The drain apparatus of claim 48 wherein the annular well is
filled with a filler prevent gripping or purchase on said outlet
body for manual removal of said cover.
50. The drain apparatus of claim 49 wherein said filler is adapted
to blend in with the material of the wall or floor of said
reservoir.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to drain apparatus. In
particular, although not exclusively the present invention relates
to a pool drain apparatus. However, it is envisaged that this
invention will have application in other drainage systems such as
cisterns, sumps, reservoirs and other liquid storage tanks and
impoundments.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Background Art
[0004] Swimming pools generally include at least one drain in the
bottom of the pool, usually associated with a drainage and
filtration system.
[0005] In most in-ground pools, the drainage system includes one or
more drains located in the lowest portion of the base of the pool.
In order to prevent pool users from having their hair, fingers or
other body appendages caught in the drain, due to the suction
created from the intake of water for subsequent filtration, the
drain is typically fitted with a grate or antivortex cover. These
covers are typically of moulded plastic material and may be fixed
to the drainage opening via screws or clips, which may be formed
integrally with the cover during the moulding process. In essence
the drain assembly thus comprises a relatively large-bore drain
opening with a removable antivortex cover or grate, the cover or
grate permitting the relatively low recirculation flow to occur,
and the cover or grate when removed providing access to the drain
for cleaning.
[0006] Fastening the cover with screws provides good security
against inadvertent dislodgement or removal by children and is thus
a safe way of securing the cover. However, fastening with screws
requires the multiple application of a screwdriver to remove the
cover for routine maintenance. Since the drain is necessarily at
the deepest point of the pool, this may be difficult without
breathing apparatus. Fastening the covers with clips also has it
associated problem most notable of which is the ease in which they
can be removed. Although this allows for ease of maintenance, a
child could remove the drainage cover fastened in this manner with
minimal effort. This is a cause of some concern as it negates one
of the principle reason for the grates installation, namely to
reduce the safety hazards associated with the drain's intake of
pool water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention there is provided
drain apparatus comprising:
[0008] At least one opening; and
[0009] a drain cover selectively engagable across said opening by
rotary engagement means selected to resist manual removal from said
opening, said drain cover including an outlet allowing liquid to
pass through said drain cover.
[0010] The drain may comprise a floor or wall drain of a reservoir
of the liquid. The drain may extend above the surface of the wall
or floor or may comprise a substantially flush opening
therethrough. The cover member may in use extend above the general
plane of the drain opening or may be configured to be substantially
flush with the reservoir surface in use.
[0011] The means providing the selective rotary engagement may take
any suitable form including a threaded relation, a bayonet type
arrangement, interrupted thread, child proof rotary engagement
(such as means requiring concurrent axial pressure and rotary
disengagement) or the like. One advantage of the use of such rotary
engagement means is that these are of a nature that can be accessed
by a tool on a handle usable from the water surface of a pool or
the like.
[0012] The drain may comprise a metal or plastic body secured to or
cased into the wall or floor of the reservoir. Alternatively the
drain may be formed into the wall or floor of the reservoir by
casting about a form. When the drain body comprises a plastic
moulding this may be from the plastics routinely used in drain
applications such as PVC, Noryl.RTM. or the like.
[0013] Suitably the drain cover is a dish or bowl shape having a
base, a peripheral wall defining inner and outer wall surfaces, and
preferably an upper rim finishing essentially flush with the bottom
of the reservoir in use to avoid providing purchase for manual
removal. The rotary engagement means may be associated with the
outer wall surface.
[0014] Preferably the outlet is raised above the base to a height
substantially co-planar with the rim via an outlet body thereby
forming a well between the inner wall and the outlet. Suitably the
well is filled with an appropriate filler which may further enhance
the cover's resistance to manual removal by preventing purchase
upon the outlet body. The filler may comprise material adapted to
blend in with the material of the reservoir. For example, the
annulus may be filled with concrete or grout, and may be finished
with bound aggregate such as PEBBLECRETE or the like. By this means
the drain cover does not provide hand purchase for removal. The
outlet of the drain cover may take any suitable form. For example,
the outlet may comprise a plurality of apertures separated by webs
to form in combination an antivortex outlet. The antivortex or
other outlet may be formed integrally with the drain cover or may
comprise a separable or embedded outlet member
[0015] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided
An assembly for covering a drain having at least one opening, the
assembly comprising:
[0016] an insert adapted for installation about the at least
opening of said drain; and
[0017] a drain cover selectively engagable with the insert by
rotary engagement means selected to resist manual removal from said
insert, said drain cover including an outlet allowing liquid to
pass through said drain cover.
[0018] Where the assembly is to be fitted to existing drains
(retrofitted) the insert is preferably of a sleeve construction
secured within the drain about the opening by a suitable
adhesive.
[0019] In instances where the drain is to be formed by casting
about a form in the wall or floor of a reservoir, the insert may be
an annular collar construction. In this case the collar is
positioned about the drain opening such that during casting of the
drain and reservoir the collar becomes embedded with in the
reservoir super structure and finishing essentially flush with the
floor or wall.
[0020] The insert may further include any suitable means for
engagement such as a threaded relation, a bayonet type arrangement
or an interrupted thread or the like for engagement with the means
of selective rotary engagement of the drain cover.
[0021] In yet another aspect of the there is provided a method of
covering a drain having at least one opening, said method
comprising the steps of:
[0022] (a) providing a drain cover having an outlet allowing the
passage of liquid into said drain;
[0023] (b) providing the opening of said drain and said drain cover
with complementary elements of a rotary engagement means, selected
to resist manual disengagement; and
[0024] (c) engaging said drain cover with said drain opening.
[0025] Where the drain is to be formed by casting about a form in a
reservoir and the drain cover is a dish or bowl shape having a
peripheral wall defining inner and outer wall surfaces, and
preferably an upper rim finishing essentially flush with the bottom
the reservoir. The method may further included the steps of casting
the reservoir and filling the drain cover with a filler material
adapted to blend in with the material of the reservoir.
BRIEF DETAILS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] In order that this invention may be more readily understood
and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of
the invention, and wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1a is a top plan view of the drainage cover device of
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 1b is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 1a taken
through plane I-I;
[0029] FIG. 1c is a perspective view of one embodiment drainage
cover device;
[0030] FIG. 2a is a top plan view of the insert of one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2b is a sectional view of the insert of FIG. 2a taken
through plane II-II;
[0032] FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the insert of FIGS. 2a and
b;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the complete assembly of one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 4a is a sectional view of the completed assembly of one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 4b is a partial sectional view of the completed
assembly of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 4c is a partial sectional view of the completed
assembly of another embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 4d is a sectional view of the assembly showing an
alternate insert arrangement; and
[0038] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of one application of the
drainage cover of one embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0039] With reference to FIG. 1a there is illustrated one possible
arrangement of the drain apparatus of the present invention. In
this embodiment, the apparatus consists of a drain cover 10, which
is a dish or bowl like structure having outer and inner wall
surfaces 13 and 14 respectively, base 15 and rim 16. Outlet 12 is
centrally positioned within the wall surfaces 13 and 14 and extends
laterally through the base 15, allowing the drain to draw liquid
there through.
[0040] FIG. 1b is a cross sectional view of FIG. 1a taken through
plane I-I, outlet 12 is raised above the base 15 via outlet member
11 to a height substantially co-planar with the rim 16, thereby
forming in this instance an annular shaped well between the inner
wall surface 14 and the outlet 12. In this particular embodiment,
the inner wall surface 14 is provided with a plurality of
graduations. The first 14a is shown as a terrace formed by an
indentation of the outer wall surface 13, this indentation also
narrows the base 15. The second graduation 14b is shown as a rib
formed integrally with the inner wall surface 14 near rim 16.
During instance where the well is filed with a filler material
adapted to blend in with the material of the reservoir wall or
base, such as concrete, the graduations assist the adhesion of the
material to the cover. The introduction of the filler material
enhances the resistance of the cover to removal from the drain
opening.
[0041] In operation the cover is installed across the drain opening
by way rotary engagement with the drain body. The means by which
the cover is brought into rotary engagement with the drain body may
be by such arrangements as a threaded relation, a bayonet type
arrangement, interrupted thread, child proof rotary engagement
(such as means requiring concurrent axial pressure and rotary
disengagement) which may be provided on the outer wall surface 13
of the cover. However it is to be appreciated such means need not
always be provided in some instances the forces created during
rotary engagement between the outer wall surface and the drain in
combination with the filler material provided within the cover are
sufficient to resist unaided manual removal of the cover.
[0042] In reference to FIG. 1c there is illustrated a perspective
view of an alternative embodiment of the cover 10. As with the
above discussed embodiment outlet 12 is raised above the base 15
via outlet member 11 to a height essentially co-planar with rim 16,
thereby forming a well between the inner wall surface and the
outlet. However, in this instance the inner wall 14 is graduated
with a series of terraces 14a, 14b and 14c respectively.
[0043] FIG. 2a illustrates one possible configuration of the insert
20 of the cover assembly according to one embodiment the present
invention. The insert 20 in this particular instance is shown as an
annular collar construction having a central orifice 21 and flange
22 and lip 25. Disposed within the central orifice 21 is a
plurality of lugs 23 spaced at discrete intervals 26.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 2b there is illustrated a cross
sectional view of the insert 20 of FIG. 2a taken through plane
11-11. For clarity of description the insert may be considered as
two separate portions a lip 25 and a lower wall portion 24
segregated by flange 22. It will be appreciated that the flange 22,
lower wall portion 24 and lip 25 may be formed integrally. Lugs 23
are disposed within the central orifice 21 and positioned on the
lower wall portion 24. The depth at which the lugs are positioned
within the central orifice is dependent on the height of the drain
cover 10.
[0045] Depicted in FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the insert of
FIGS. 2a and 2b showing central orifice 21, flange 22, lugs 23 and
lower wall portion 24. With lugs 23 positioned at a predetermined
depth within the central orifice and extending outwardly from the
inner surface of the lower wall portion.
[0046] The completed assembly is illustrated in FIG. 3a, cover 10
is positioned within the central orifice 21 of the insert 20.
[0047] The indentation in outer wall 13 which forms terrace 14a of
the cover 10 engages the lugs 23, preventing the cover from passing
through central orifice of the insert, shown in FIG. 4a. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4a the cover is retained within the
insert primarily via the filler martial 50 and the frictional
forces between the cover and the insert created upon rotary
engagement of the cover with the insert.
[0048] As previously discussed the cover 10 may include further
means for resisting manual removal such as a thread or bayonet
fitting. FIG. 4b illustrates a partial sectional view of the
assembly wherein the cover is fitted with a thread 30a on the outer
wall surface 13. The thread provides an additional means for
retaining the cover within the insert. The thread 30a engages a
corresponding thread 30b provided on the inner surface of the lower
wall portion of the insert. The cover is screwed down into position
within the central orifice 21 until the indentation in outer wall
surface 13, which forms terrace 14a engages the lugs 23. In this
embodiment it is the combination of the thread fitting together
with the filler material 50 act to retain and resist the manual
removal of the cover from the insert 20 and the drain opening.
[0049] FIG. 4c illustrates a partial sectional view of the assembly
wherein the cover is fitted with a plurality of bayonet fittings
31. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2c the lugs 23 are spaced at discrete
intervals 26. As the cover is inserted into the central orifice 21
the bayonet fittings 31 are aligned with the intervals 26. As the
bayonet fittings pass through intervals 26 the indentation in outer
wall 13, which forms terrace 14a engages the lugs 23. The cover is
then rotated bringing the each of the bayonet fittings 31 into
contact with a respective lug 23, securing the cover with in the
insert and thereby providing further resistance manual removal of
the cover from the insert 20 and the drain opening.
[0050] In FIG. 4d there is illustrated an alternate form of the
assembly in this form the insert is a sleeve construction. The
sleeve construction consists of a central orifice 21 an outer and
inner wall 26 and 27 respectively and lugs 23. The lugs 23 are
disposed within the central orifice 21 and extend outwardly from
the inner wall 27 into the central orifice 21. The lugs 23 are
positioned on the inner wall 27 at a predetermined depth dependent
on the height of the drain cover 10.
[0051] The sleeve construction is particularly useful for
retrofitting existing drains with the cover of the present
invention. The sleeve is in stalled within the drain body 40 and
about the drain opening 43, such that upper edge 28 finishes
essentially co-planar with the opening. The insert is typically
secured into position within the drain body by a suitable adhesive.
It is also to be appreciated that the above discussed examples
regarding the additional securing elements such as the thread and
bayonet fittings may also be used in conjunction with the sleeve
embodiment of the insert 20.
[0052] One application of the covering assembly is in the field of
swimming pool construction. The insert in the form of an annular
collar sized to fit within the drain 40 defined within the pool's
form work. The drain also includes a connection to the filtration
system 42. Prior to laying the pool base the insert in positioned
within the drain 40 about the opening 43, with the lower wall
portion 24 extending into the drain body as shown in FIG. 5. Lip 25
finishes flush with the final height of the pool base 51. Flange 22
extends beyond the wall 41 of the drain 40 into the area of the
pool base. Once the insert is positioned the base material 50 for
the pool is laid, surrounding flange 22 and finished level with the
upper edge of lip 25, thereby securing the insert 20 within the
drain 40.
[0053] During the laying of the pool base the cover set aside and
filled with the base material 50. The material 50 is poured into
the well within the cover and finished flush with the upper rim 16
and level with the outlet 12. The cover is then set aside to
cure.
[0054] Once the base and the cover are fully cured, the cover is
placed into position within the insert in the manner discussed
above. As the cover is filled with the same finish as the pool base
the only visible components of the entire assembly are the outlet
12 and the upper edge of lip 25, thus maintain the aesthetic appeal
of the pool finish. Furthermore as a minimal amount of the assembly
is exposed to ultraviolet light and the chemicals within the pool
water the assembly is less prone to breakdown or scaling as is the
case with most conventional pool drain covers.
[0055] It is to be understood that the above embodiments have been
provided only by way of exemplification of this invention, and that
further modifications and improvements thereto, as would be
apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, are deemed to fall
within the broad scope and ambit of the present invention described
herein.
* * * * *