U.S. patent application number 10/961586 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for shoelace protector.
Invention is credited to Erik Vaclav Chmelar.
Application Number | 20060075614 10/961586 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36143822 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060075614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chmelar; Erik Vaclav |
April 13, 2006 |
Shoelace protector
Abstract
A shoelace protector that serves to protect a shoelace at or
near the eyelet. The shoelace protector generally comprises a tube
with a shaft and a base. The shaft protects the shoelace from
damage and the base prevents the tube from being pushed or pulled
completely through the eyelet. In the preferred embodiment of the
present invention the tube is detachably secured to the shoe by
inserting said tube into the eyelet and lacing the shoelace
therethrough. In another embodiment of the invention the tube is
permanently secured to the eyelet or upper of the shoe.
Inventors: |
Chmelar; Erik Vaclav; (San
Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ERIK CHMELAR
3348 E. RYAN DR
MIDLAND
MI
48642-7237
US
|
Family ID: |
36143822 |
Appl. No.: |
10/961586 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/714.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/3768 20150115;
A43B 23/24 20130101; A43C 1/04 20130101; A43C 11/24 20130101; A43B
3/0078 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/714.6 |
International
Class: |
A43C 1/04 20060101
A43C001/04 |
Claims
1. A protective shoelace enclosure for a shoe or the like that
permits the majority of the shoelace to remain in full view, which
generally comprises: a tube that encloses said shoelace at or near
the eyelet; and a means of engaging said tube to said shoe.
2. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which said tube generally
comprises a shaft and a base.
3.The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which said means of engaging
said shoelace protector to said shoe is to insert said tube into
said eyelet and lace said shoelace through said tube.
4. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which said shoelace
protector is permanently secured to said eyelet of said shoe.
5. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which said shoelace
protector is permanently secured to said upper of said shoe.
6. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which the shaft is
constructed of a flexible material.
7. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which the shaft is
constructed of a rigid material
8. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which the base is
constructed of a flexible material.
9. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which the base is
constructed of a rigid material.
10. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which the shaft is
constructed of an opaque material.
11. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which the shaft is
constructed of a transparent material.
12. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which the base is
constructed of an opaque material.
13. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which the base is
constructed of a transparent material.
14. The shoelace protector of claim 1 in which an insignia, emblem,
logo, design, or other markings are be formed on said shoelace
protector.
15. A protective shoelace enclosure for a shoe or the like that
permits the majority of the shoelace to remain in full view, which
generally comprises: a plurality of tubes joined to one another in
any manner, said plurality of tubes enclosing said shoelace at or
near a plurality of eyelets; and a means of engaging said plurality
of tubes to said shoe.
16. The shoelace protector of claim 15 in which said means of
engaging said shoelace protector to said shoe is to insert at least
one said tube into said eyelet and to lace said shoelace through
said at least one tube.
17. The shoelace protector of claim 15 in which said shoelace
protector is permanently secured to at least one said eyelet of
said shoe.
18. The shoelace protector of claim 15 in which said shoelace
protector is permanently secured to said upper of said shoe.
19. The shoelace protector of claim 15 in which an insignia,
emblem, logo, design, or other markings are formed on said shoelace
protector.
20. A protective shoelace enclosure for a shoe or the like that
permits the majority of the shoelace to remain in full view, which
generally comprises: a tube that encloses said shoelace at or near
the eyelet, said tube generally comprising a shaft and a base; and
a means of engaging said tube to said shoe.
21. The shoelace protector of claim 20 in which said means of
engaging said shoelace protector to said shoe is to insert said
shaft of said shoelace protector into said eyelet with said base
adjacent to said eyelet and to lace said shoelace through said
shaft and said base
22. The shoelace protector of claim 20 in which said shoelace
protector is permanently secured to said eyelet of said shoe.
23. The shoelace protector of claim 20 in which said shoelace
protector is permanently secured to said upper of said shoe.
24. The shoelace protector of claim 20 in which an insignia,
emblem, logo, design, or other markings are formed on said shoelace
protector.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to devices that
protect shoelaces from damage and, more specifically, to a
protective enclosure around a portion of a shoelace at or near the
eyelet that permits the majority of the shoelace to remain in full
view to yield an uninterrupted stylish appearance.
[0002] The shoelace of a shoe is both functional and aesthetic. The
shoelace functions to keep the shoe on the wearer's foot, and can
be worn in various colors, lengths, or widths to provide aesthetic
appeal.
[0003] When a shoelace becomes torn, ripped, broken, or otherwise
damaged, often occurring during participation in sports, both the
functional and aesthetic properties are compromised. To maintain
the functional and aesthetic properties of a shoelace, it must be
replaced after is breaks, which is a time consuming and tedious
process. There have been several devices previously proposed to
protect shoelaces from damage.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 690,003 (Altman) discloses a protective
shoelace cover, which generally comprises a detachable shield
provided with a means, such as a strap, for surrounding the foot or
ankle of the wearer and with a means of engaging the upper edge of
the shoe or the shoelaces.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 1,660,664 (Aleksandrowicz) discloses a
protective cover that folds over the tongue and shoelaces of a
shoe, which generally comprises a flap member that is permanently
secured to the shoe on one edge and detachably secured at the other
edge by means of quick-detachable fasteners.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 1,171,582 (Bertona) discloses a shoelace cover
that is permanently secured to the shoe, consisting of hooks that
are engaged to the eyelets and a strap and buckle that encircles
the ankle.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,022,554 (Williams) discloses a protective
shoelace cover that is permanently secured to the shoe, which
generally comprises a length of material that is an extension of
the tongue, which overlies the shoelaces.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,086 (Bird) discloses a shoe guard that
protects the metatarsal area by means of a protective plate that
folds over the tongue and shoelaces of a shoe, which generally
comprises a detachably secured protective plate of lightweight,
tough, resilient material with sufficient rigidity to resist severe
deformation but resilient enough to permit slight deformation,
conforming to the general contour of the metatarsal area of the
foot.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,481,055 (Herman) discloses safety protector
that fits over the forward part of a baseball shoe, which generally
comprises a hollow member that is engaged with the shoe by
threading shoelaces through apertures at upper end thereof.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,518,781 (De Vita) discloses a shoe protector
that is fixed over the front of a shoe by means of a pair of
apertures which receive the shoelaces therethrough and by means of
a tongue fixed to extend from the inner side of the shoe protector
under the lacing flaps and shoelaces, which generally comprises a
rigid and lightweight downward sloping shield that is shaped like
the front portion of a shoe upper.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,861 (Pelfrey) discloses, among other
elements, a shoelace cover for a football punting shoe, which
generally comprises an enclosing sheath that is permanently secured
on one edge and detachably secured on the other edge by means of
Velcro fasteners.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,333,248 (Samuels) discloses a protective
shoe cover that overlies the toe and instep and is at least
partially removable from the shoe, which generally comprises an
outer flexible sheet and an inner energy-absorbing layer and a
particular improvement in providing a flap overlying the shoelaces
with a pair of openable flap closure means on each side of said
flap.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,856 (Lin, et. al.) discloses a
double-laced athletic shoe, which generally comprises an upper
strap that extends about the upper edge of the shoe and partially
covers the shoelaces.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,419 (Chassaing) discloses a shoe, which
generally comprises an upper strap that extends across the upper
tongue of the shoe and partially covers the shoelaces.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,025 (DeRenzo) discloses a figure-eight
shoe tie system that partially covers the shoelaces, which
generally comprises an elongated strap that passes under the arch
of the wearer, over the top of the shoe, and encircles the ankle of
the wearer.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,682 (Malloy, III) discloses a removable
shoelace cover strap adapted for use about the instep of a shoe
having a knotted lace to prevent untying thereof, which generally
comprises an elongated strap with an elastic medial portion and
opposite end portions with hook and loop fastener patches for
attaching the opposite end portions to each other.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,493 (Mues) discloses a protective shoe
shield, which generally comprises a lower toe piece that is secured
to the toe, an upper covering piece that is located above the lower
piece which extends rearwardly toward the ankle of the wearer, and
a cooperating attachment means protruding from the top surface of
the lower piece and the bottom surface of the upper piece to
detachably secure the upper piece above the bridge of the shoe.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,318 (Cornell) discloses a foot safety
guard, which generally comprises a monolithic body that is
detachably secured to a shoe by a strap and a neck portion that has
a break away line of weakening and a hook that engages the
shoelace.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,719 (Koethe) discloses protective
shoelace shield that is detachably secured to the lacings of a
shoe, which generally comprises a channel-shaped thermoplastic
shell with a tab extending from the front end of the shield for
securing said shield to the front-most fold of the shoelace and a
fastening means attached to the inner surface of the shell for
further securing the shield to the shoe.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,106 (Emrick) discloses a detachably
secured shoe string cover, which generally comprises an
upwardly-facing wiping surface and can be held in place by hook and
loop-type fasteners.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,947 (Lasher) discloses a decorative shoe
tongue and lace securing device that covers the shoelaces of a
shoe, which generally comprises a bottom strap that is folded under
the shoelaces and a top cover that overlies the shoelaces which can
be held in place by hook and loop-type fasteners.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,477 (Mathis, et. al.) discloses a
detachably secured shoelace cover, which generally comprises a
length of material that is secured to the shoe by means of a number
of straps threaded therethrough.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,517 (Gourley) discloses a shoelace
safety guard, which generally comprises an outer cover folded over
a lower cover that is held in place by hook and loop-type fasteners
and wherein the tied laces are stored.
[0024] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,701,688 (Crowley) and U.S. Pat. Des. No.
377,410 (Crowley) disclose a protective shoelace cover that is
detachably secured to the upper of a shoe, which generally
comprises a triangular edge element, a translucent window composed
of tubular elements and connected to the edge element, and
fasteners attached beneath the edge element. The translucent window
permits the shoelaces to be seen therethrough.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,811 (Rashid) discloses an article for
fastening of eyelet shoes, which generally comprises an elongated,
preferably elastic cord having first and second ends and having
substantially T-shaped elements secured to each end of said cord
such that the T-shaped elements are proportioned for snap-fit
passage through the eyelet.
[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,044 (Veylupek) discloses a shoe lacing
system, which, among other elements, generally comprises anchor
elements having a first portion for attachment to an existing
eyelet of the shoe and a second portion though which and with
respect to the lace may move.
[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,111 (Deskins, et. al.) discloses a
device for containing, concealing, and protecting footwear
fasteners that partially covers the shoelaces of a shoe, which
generally includes a lower portion for the shoelaces to pass
through and for supporting a tied shoelace knot and an upper
portion that is secured to the lower portion to retain the shoelace
knot.
[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,375 (Borel) discloses, among other
elements, a system for passing the shoelace of a boot to allow
protection of the said shoelace efficiently against abrasion, to
facilitate the return of the lace without generating friction, and
to avoid risking any hooking that would be caused by projections,
which generally comprises a passage through which the shoelace is
laced that has an overlapping portion both in the transverse
direction of the boot and in the longitudinal direction of the boot
to constitute a protective cap.
[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,657 (Weber, et. al.) discloses footwear
with a shoelace binding system that can provide a measure of
flexibility between an eyelet and a shoelace lace, which generally
comprises a plurality of replaceable eyelet extenders consisting of
a sub-eyelet section that is inserted into the eyelet of the shoe
upper and a supra-eyelet section through which the shoelace is
laced.
[0030] U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,186 (Kleinmann) discloses a snap-on
shoelace retaining and/or blocking device, which generally
comprises a tube-shaped portion with two parts articulated about a
hinge that can be locked in the closed position and unlocked to
allow for the insertion or removal of the shoelace, and that is
secured by at least one part integral with the shoe, for instance
to a shoelace passing through at least two holes formed in at least
one of the two parts of the tube.
[0031] U.S. Pat. No. D283,463 (Chassaing) discloses an ornamental
design for a high-top shoe, which generally comprises an upper
strap that extends across the upper tongue of the shoe and
partially covers the shoelaces.
[0032] U.S. Pat. No. D283,556 (Campbell) discloses an ornamental
design for a sport shoe, which generally comprises a length of
material that overlies the shoelaces.
[0033] U.S. Pat. No. D350,013 (Gitelman) and U.S. Pat. No. D351,276
(Gitelman) disclose a decorative strap that partially covers the
shoelaces of a shoe, which generally comprises a cross strap that
extends from the forefoot area on one side of the shoe to a rear
foot area on the other side of the shoe.
[0034] U.S. Pat. No. D368,356 (Reale) discloses a decorative cover
that partially covers the shoelaces of a shoe, which generally
comprises a length of material that is engaged to the shoe along a
lower edge using hook and pile-type fasteners and which is
interconnected over the tongue area of the shoe straps extending
across the throat of said shoe.
[0035] U.S. Pat. No. D378,949 (Lindaman) discloses a sock that
encloses a shoe, generally comprising a sock with loop and pile
fasteners.
[0036] U.S. Pat. No. D385,102 (Avar) discloses an element for a
shoe that partially covers the shoelaces, which generally comprises
three straps interconnected with side members, one of which extends
about the bottom of the shoe, one of which extends about the rear
of the shoe, and one of which extends about the upper throat of the
shoe.
[0037] Although these prior art shoelace guards may be capable of
protecting shoelaces from damage, they have several disadvantageous
properties. The aforementioned shoelace guards may be very large,
very complicated in construction or use, or drastically alter the
appearance, fit, or performance of the shoe. These disadvantageous
properties can detract from the aesthetic or functional properties
intended by the manufacturer of the shoe.
[0038] Accordingly, what is desired, and has not heretofore been
developed, is device that protects the shoelace of a shoe from
damage, which is simple in both construction and use, permits the
majority of said shoelace to be fully exposed and in plain view,
and does not drastically alter the appearance, fit, or performance
of the shoe.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0039] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
protective shoelace enclosure that prevents said shoelace from
damage at or near the eyelet.
[0040] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
protective shoelace enclosure in which the majority of the shoelace
remains fully exposed and in plain view to yield an uninterrupted
stylish appearance.
[0041] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
decorative shoelace enclosure at or near an eyelet.
[0042] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a shoelace enclosure that is inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0043] It is even an additional object of the present invention to
provide a shoelace enclosure that is simple in construction.
[0044] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
shoelace enclosure that is easy to use.
[0045] The present invention relates to a shoelace enclosure for
use with an athletic shoe for protecting the portion of a shoelace
at or near the eyelet from tearing, ripping, breaking, or otherwise
being damaged. The present invention is particularly applicable to
skateboarding shoes wherein frequent contact to the abrasive grip
tape of a skateboard or frequent contact to abrasive concrete or
asphalt damages the shoelaces at or near the eyelets and causes
said shoelaces to break.
[0046] The shoelace protector of the present invention generally
comprises a tube with a base and a shaft through which the shoelace
is laced. The inner diameters of the shaft and base are large
enough to permit the shoelace and aglet to be laced therethrough.
The outer diameter of the shaft is smaller than the inner diameter
of the eyelet to permit the tube to be inserted into the eyelet.
The outer diameter of the base is larger than the inner diameter of
the eyelet to prevent the tube from being pushed or pulled
completely through the eyelet. One shoelace protector can be used
per eyelet.
[0047] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to identify
the same or similar parts in several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an athletic shoe with
an embodiment of the shoelace protector of the present invention
positioned thereon.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shoelace protector shown
in FIG. 1 further showing the eyelet into which the shoelace
protector is to be inserted and further showing the shoelace and
aglet which is to be laced therethrough.
[0050] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shoelace protector shown
in FIG. 2 further showing the eyelet into which the shoelace
protector is inserted and further showing the shoelace and aglet
laced therethrough.
[0051] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shoelace protector shown
in FIG. 1 as seen looking down on the top of the shoe and further
showing the shoelace protector inserted into the eyelet and further
showing the shoelace laced therethrough.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the shoelace
protector of FIG. 4 taken along the line A-A in which said shoelace
protector is inserted into the eyelet of the shoe and in which the
shoelace is laced therethrough and further in which the shoelace
protector is shown bending in the direction of the shoelace.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION THE INVENTION
[0053] The present invention relates to a shoelace enclosure for
use with an athletic shoe for protecting the portion of a shoelace
at or near the eyelet from tearing, ripping, breaking, or otherwise
being damaged. The shoelace protector is inserted into the eyelet
of a shoe and the shoelace is laced therethrough, thereby enclosing
the shoelace at or near the eyelet and protecting said shoelace
from damage.
[0054] FIG. 1 shows the shoelace protector 1 of the present
invention, engaged with a shoe, generally indicated at 11, by means
of insertion into the eyelet 8 and by lacing the shoelace 10
therethrough. One shoelace protector 1 is shown per eyelet 8.
[0055] The shoe 11 is generally comprised of an upper 14, a tongue
12, and a sole 13. The tongue 12 is typically positioned below the
shoelace 10. The shoelace 10 is laced through the eyelets 8 to
secure the shoe 11 to the wearer. Some of the eyelets 8 are shown
to be a grommet attached to the upper 14 while other some other
eyelets 8 are shown to be just a hole in the upper 14 designed to
accept the shoelace 1 0. The shoelace protector 1 of the present
invention may be used with an eyelet of any type or style.
[0056] The shoelace protectors 1 shown in FIG. 1 are engaged with a
shoe 11 by means of insertion into the eyelet 8 and by lacing the
shoelace 10 therethrough. The shoelace protector 1 is shown bending
in the general direction of the shoelace 10. The shoelace 10 is
enclosed by the shoelace protector 1 that protects the shoelace 10
from damage.
[0057] The shoelace protector 1 of FIG. 2 can be constructed of an
opaque material that is the same or different color as the shoelace
10, the upper 14, the tongue 12, or the sole 13, or of a
translucent material that is clear or tinted any color. The texture
of the material used to construct the shoelace protector 1 may be
smooth or coarse. Furthermore, an insignia, emblem, logo, or other
markings can be formed on the shoelace protector 1 for display.
[0058] FIG. 2 shows the means of engaging the shoelace protector 1
to the shoe. The shoelace protector 1, which generally comprises a
tube with a shaft 2 that has a shaft inner diameter 4, a shaft
outer diameter 6, and a shaft length 17, and a base 3 that has a
base inner diameter 5, a base outer diameter 7, and a base length
18, is inserted into the eyelet 8 that has an eyelet inner diameter
9 until the base 3 makes contact with the eyelet 8. The eyelet 8 is
shown as a grommet in the upper 14. The shoelace 10, which includes
an aglet 15 that has an aglet diameter 16 and an aglet length 19,
is then laced through the shoelace protector 1.
[0059] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention in
which the shoelace protector 1 is detachably secured to the shoe,
if the material used to construct the shaft is non-compressible or
non-deformable then it is necessary for the shaft outer diameter 6
to be less than the eyelet inner diameter 9 to permit insertion of
the shaft 2 into the eyelet 8. Further, it is necessary for the
base outer diameter 7 to be large than the eyelet inner diameter 9
to stop the shoelace protector 1 from being pushed or pulled
completely through the eyelet 8. In another embodiment of the
present invention in which the shoelace protector 1 is permanently
attached to either the eyelet 8 or the upper 14 then the
aforementioned relationships between the shaft outer diameter 6 and
the eyelet inner diameter 9 and between the base outer diameter 7
and the eyelet inner diameter 9 are not necessary.
[0060] If the material or materials used to construct the shaft
and/or base are non-expandable or non-deformable then it is
necessary for the aglet diameter 16 to be less than both the base
inner diameter 5 and the shaft inner diameter 4 to permit the
shoelace to be laced therethrough.
[0061] The shaft length 17 of the shoelace protector 1 shown in
FIG. 2 should be of sufficient length to adequately protect the
shoelace 10 from damage. If a non-compressible or non-deformable
material is used to construct the shaft 2 and/or base 3 such that
the shaft length 17 and/or base length 18 cannot be compressed then
it is desired, although not necessary, for the sum of the shaft
length 17 and base length 18 to be less than the aglet length 19 to
permit the shoelace 10 to be easily laced therethrough. It is
further necessary that the shaft length 17 be less than the length
between a pair of consecutive eyelets through which the shoelace 10
is laced to permit the majority of the portion of the shoelace 10
between the pair of consecutive eyelets to remain in full view.
Either the shoelace protector 1 can be inserted into the eyelet 8
first followed by the shoelace 10 being laced therethrough, or the
shoelace 10 can be laced first through the shoelace protector 1 and
then both the shoelace protector 1 and the shoelace 10 can be
inserted into the eyelet 8.
[0062] FIG. 3 shows the shoelace protector 1 inserted into the
eyelet 8 such that the shaft 2 passes through the eyelet 8 and the
base 3 is positioned against the eyelet 8. The shoelace 10 with
aglet 15 is shown laced through the shoelace protector 1. Further
shown is the upper 14 in which the eyelet 8 resides.
[0063] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view, as seen looking down on the
top of the shoe, of the shoelace protector 1 inserted into the
eyelet 8 of the upper 14 and with shoelace 10 laced therethrough.
The shaft 2 is shown bending in the general direction of the
shoelace 10. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention
the shaft 2 is constructed of a flexible and durable material such
as nylon, flexible plastic, leather, durable cloth, or rubber,
which permits bending of the shaft 2 in the general direction of
the shoelace 10. Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment of the
present invention in which the shoelace protector 1 is detachably
secured to the shoe, the material for construction of the base 3
should be sufficiently rigid to prevent the shoelace protector 1
from being pushed or pulled completely through the eyelet 8. The
base 3 can be constructed from rigid plastic, metal, or from the
same material as the shaft 2. Furthermore, two or more materials or
a composite material can be used to construct the shaft 2 or base
3.
[0064] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the
shoelace protector 1 of FIG. 4 taken along the line A-A in which
said shoelace protector 1 is positioned against the eyelet 8 of the
upper 14 and in which the shoelace 10 is laced therethrough and
further in which the shoelace protector 1 is shown bending in the
general direction of the shoelace 10. It is clear in this
embodiment of the present invention in which the shoelace protector
1 is detachably secured to the shoe that the base 3 secures the
shoelace protector 1 in a position to provide protection of the
shoelace 10 from damage at or near the eyelet 8.
[0065] Although the invention has been described with reference to
a specific embodiment, many variations or modifications would be
apparent from the above description that do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *