U.S. patent application number 11/013068 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-15 for automatically configured hydraulic support pillow.
Invention is credited to Clifton Curry Heath.
Application Number | 20060123548 11/013068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36582093 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060123548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heath; Clifton Curry |
June 15, 2006 |
Automatically configured hydraulic support pillow
Abstract
A pillow providing automatic adjustment of exterior dimensions
to accommodate the shape and weight of the head of a user placed
upon it. The pillow employs at least one reservoir chamber which
provides liquid to at least one communicating receiving chamber
through a conduit therebetween. Flow of the fluid is regulated to
flow in one direction until the two chambers equalize and provide
the desired head support dimensional characteristics to the
user.
Inventors: |
Heath; Clifton Curry;
(Vista, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DONN K. HARMS;PATENT & TRADEMARK LAW CENTER
SUITE 100
12702 VIA CORTINA
DEL MAR
CA
92014
US
|
Family ID: |
36582093 |
Appl. No.: |
11/013068 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/644 ;
5/655.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20130101; A47G
2009/008 20130101; A61F 5/01 20130101; A61G 7/072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/644 ;
005/655.5 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/00 20060101
A47G009/00 |
Claims
1. A pillow comprising: a covering layer defining an exterior
surface of a pillow and an interior cavity of said pillow; said
pillow having at least one reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir
sidewall, housed in said interior cavity; said pillow having at
least one receiving chamber housed in said cavity; a conduit
communicating between said reservoir chamber and said receiving
chamber thereby providing a flowpath for fluid therebetween; means
to prevent flow of said fluid from said receiving cavity to said
reservoir cavity; said reservoir chamber being compressible by a
human head to thereby force fluid container therein into said
receiving chamber; said receiving chamber formed of a sidewall
defining an interior cavity having a total volume; said sidewall
being elastic to thereby provide a means to increase in size to
increase said total volume of said interior cavity of said
receiving chamber to accommodate said fluid received from said
reservoir chamber; said exterior surface of said pillow adjacent to
said receiving chamber increasing in size in direct proportion to
any increase in said total volume of said interior cavity of said
receiving chamber; and whereby the head of a user contacting said
reservoir chamber imparting force upon said reservoir chamber will
cause said receiving chamber to enlarge thereby dimensioning said
exterior surface to a shape similar to the shape of said head.
2. The pillow of claim 1 additionally comprising: means to prevent
fluid flow from said receiving chamber back into said reservoir
chamber.
3. The pillow of claim 1 further comprising: said reservoir
sidewall being formed of elastic material to thereby increase and
decrease the size of said reservoir chamber in proportion to the
amount of said fluid remaining in said reservoir chamber.
4. The pillow of claim 2 further comprising: said reservoir
sidewall being formed of elastic material to thereby increase and
decrease the size of said reservoir chamber in proportion to the
amount of said fluid remaining in said reservoir chamber.
5. The pillow of claim 1 further comprising: means to override said
means to prevent flow of said fluid from said receiving cavity to
said reservoir cavity and thereby allow said fluid to flow from
said receiving chamber to said reservoir chamber; and said means to
override being user activateable from the exterior of said covering
layer.
6. The pillow of claim 2 further comprising: means to override said
means to prevent flow of said fluid from said receiving cavity to
said reservoir cavity and thereby allow said fluid to flow from
said receiving chamber to said reservoir chamber; and said means to
override being user activateable from the exterior of said covering
layer.
7. The pillow of claim 3 further comprising: means to override said
means to prevent flow of said fluid from said receiving cavity to
said reservoir cavity and thereby allow said fluid to flow from
said receiving chamber to said reservoir chamber; and said means to
override being user activateable from the exterior of said covering
layer.
8. The pillow of claim 4 further comprising: means to override said
means to prevent flow of said fluid from said receiving cavity to
said reservoir cavity and thereby allow said fluid to flow from
said receiving chamber to said reservoir chamber; and said means to
override being user activateable from the exterior of said covering
layer.
9. The pillow of claim 1 further comprising: said fluid being a
gel.
10. The pillow of claim 2 further comprising: said fluid being a
gel.
11. The pillow of claim 3 further comprising: said fluid being a
gel.
12. The pillow of claim 4 further comprising: said fluid being a
gel.
13. The pillow of claim 1 further comprising: said fluid being a
gel.
14. The pillow of claim 1 further comprising: said reservoir
chamber being smaller than said receiving chamber; and means for
mechanical advantage to lift said head provided by said receiving
chamber when receiving said fluid communicated from said reservoir
chamber.
15. The pillow of claim 2 further comprising: said reservoir
chamber being smaller than said receiving chamber; and means for
mechanical advantage to lift said head provided by said receiving
chamber when receiving said fluid communicated from said reservoir
chamber.
16. The pillow of claim 1 further comprising: said pillow bing self
adjusting to the to a cooperative shape similar to the dimensions
of the head of said user placed upon it; said self adjustment
provided by equalization of fluid pressure in said receiving
chamber to that of said reservoir chamber when said covering layer
contacts said head of said user thereby ceasing flow from said
reservoir chamber to said receiving chamber.
17. The pillow of claim 2 further comprising: said pillow bing self
adjusting to the to a cooperative shape similar to the dimensions
of the head of said user placed upon it; said self adjustment
provided by equalization of fluid pressure in said receiving
chamber to that of said reservoir chamber when said covering layer
contacts said head of said user thereby ceasing flow from said
reservoir chamber to said receiving chamber; and said cooperative
shape being maintained when said head is removed from said covering
layer by said means to prevent fluid flow from said receiving
chamber back into said reservoir chamber.
18. The pillow of claim 3 further comprising: said pillow bing self
adjusting to the to a cooperative shape similar to the dimensions
of the head of said user placed upon it; and said self adjustment
provided by equalization of fluid pressure in said receiving
chamber to that of said reservoir chamber when said covering layer
contacts said head of said user thereby ceasing flow from said
reservoir chamber to said receiving chamber.
19. The pillow of claim 4 further comprising: said pillow bing self
adjusting to the to a cooperative shape similar to the dimensions
of the head of said user placed upon it; said self adjustment
provided by equalization of fluid pressure in said receiving
chamber to that of said reservoir chamber when said covering layer
contacts said head of said user thereby ceasing flow from said
reservoir chamber to said receiving chamber; and said cooperative
shape being maintained when said head is removed from said covering
layer by said means to prevent fluid flow from said receiving
chamber back into said reservoir chamber.
20. The pillow of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of said
reservoir chambers each communicating with a separate respective
said receiving chamber in a plurality of said receiving
chambers.
21. The pillow of claim 2 further comprising: a plurality of said
reservoir chambers each communicating with a separate respective
said receiving chamber in a plurality of said receiving
chambers.
22. The pillow of claim 2 further comprising: a plurality of said
reservoir chambers each communicating with a separate respective
said receiving chamber in a plurality of said receiving
chambers.
23. The pillow of claim 1 further comprising: one or a combination
of padding materials from a group of padding materials consisting
of foam, batting, down, and feathers, also held in said interior
cavity of said pillow.
24. The pillow of claim 2 further comprising: one or a combination
of padding materials from a group of padding materials consisting
of foam, batting, down, and feathers, also held in said interior
cavity of said pillow
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to but is not limited to the
field of pillows, cushions, mattresses and other reclinatory
furniture devices of any type attached or otherwise utilizing a
centrally placed, variably flexible, valved, single or
multi-chambered, liquid-filled, hydraulically activated and
valvically controlled method for support of the head or body.
Devices such as those described herein are intended primarily for
use during periods of travel, relaxation, reconstitution and
rehabilitation and for potential orthopedic enhancements
therein.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] There is a substantial amount of prior art relating to the
field of ergonomic, orthopaedic and other types of cranial,
cervical and general physical support devices for the human body.
Generally speaking, the historical intent and direction of these
efforts is to provide support for the head, neck and spine which
simulates the optimal position attainable when the person is
standing or sitting during waking hours. Many of these devices are
formed from types of enclosed plastic foams. Others are essentially
ergonomically shaped containers of grain or sand. Most if not all
of this type are by nature asymmetrically shaped, having a lower
portion that is thicker for neck support. Such pillows also have an
upper portion that is thinner for support of the head and
necessarily represented as possessing a definable top surface
portion and a definable bottom surface portion. Other theorists
have used an approach involving various gas and/or liquid filled
bladders and often providing some user initiated and directed
capability for affecting the overall firmness of the device.
[0005] Some previously proposed configurations combine many or all
of these qualities at once with more or less success. As shall be
demonstrated in detail below, all of the noted approaches suffer
from one or another of these shortfalls which detracts from the
efficacy of a device of the type as is herein described.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,999 filed Jan. 20, 1998, describes a
support pillow composed of a top portion surfaced by a bolster
covering shaped as previously indicated and a bottom portion
described as an inflatable under-pillow composed of a plurality of
parallel rows of fluidly communicating air chambers interconnected
with one another through means of headers. A nozzle connecting a
header to an air source could be utilized by the user to alter the
pressure in the entire body of the chambers in order to raise or
lower the height at which the top portion rests.
[0007] As can be seen, the basic shape of the device described by
this patent is the key impediment against general implementation.
This is because use of the device requires it to be in only one
position which is an ergonomically shaped bolster component on the
top with the inflatable header-chamber support component lying
below it. While the inflatable component allows control of the
setting of the height of the neck and head support functions of the
bolster component and is a key intent of the design, it creates a
problem with utilization of the device other than as designed for
top surface over bottom surface configuration. The result is a
device that cannot be used upside down and still provide the
expected benefits. In addition, there is no method for altering the
firmness of the bolster component.
[0008] As can be imagined, both the fixed usage position attribute
and the fixed firmness of the bolster can be a distraction at the
least and an annoyance at best since one is restricted to such
positions and resultant comfort levels as are allowed by the
design.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,514 filed on Jun. 30, 1998, envisioned
as an adjustable contour pillow addresses the second issue of the
firmness of the head to pillow interface, but like all of the
contour pillows identified it leaves the primary issue of
asymmetrical or bottom over top use unresolved as it has a defined
top surface and bottom surface. In this concept multiple,
individually adjustable, inflatable, internal chambers utilize air
or some other fluid and an externally induced means of compressing
this fluid to provide variable levels of firmness and support in
the top laterally oriented chambers of the device such as those
beneath the head and neck.
[0010] In one embodiment, the device is additionally proposed to
incorporate heating, cooling and massage mechanisms, to store user
preferences and other capabilities through means of an attached or
detachable motor, control box and AC electrical connections or
batteries.
[0011] Portability of this configuration of the device for the
elderly or impaired, even if powered by batteries, is severely
impacted as a result of this electrical requirement, and this would
reduce opportunities for use in areas where electrical connections
are inconvenient or unavailable. Previously noted shortfalls of
this conception are present in this exemplification as well.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,415, an inflatable cervical pillow
formed of an airtight and watertight thermoplastic material
comprises an association of variably shaped water chambers
including valves and interlocking air chambers including valves,
flexibly fitted with one another such that pressure upon the
surface of the device, using the physical interaction between the
different chambers resulting from the differing densities of air
and fluids, effects changes in the firmness and support vectors
provided to the head.
[0013] This invention provides the necessary variable firmness and
support of the head by exploiting the differing densities and
resultant interactions of gases and fluids, sometimes in
combination, within separate, pressurized, interrelated contained
spaces.
[0014] An obvious drawback to an innovation of this type is, of
course, the manufacturing complexity of a design in which multiple
chambers containing different substances must interact, interface,
remain integral, and which require optimal positioning with one
another during use. Additionally, as specified in the various
provided drawings and verbiage, this device also has a shape
incorporating an identifiable top surface and a bottom surface and
an identifiable front end and rear end. As a result, in addition to
issues of comfort, the internal valving mechanisms used to alter
firmness based on pressure differentials cannot function if the
device were to be inverted. This fixed position usage problem has
been a significant shortfall present in all previous designs of
this type seen and noted.
[0015] U.S. patent application publication No. US 2002/0078507
identifies a pillow including a plurality of variably inflatable
bladders surrounded by a resilient layer, that layer potentially
being further surrounded by a less dense resilient layer and
optionally provided with an integral hand pump for inflation
purposes.
[0016] This approach is primarily intended to resolve one recurring
problem with other concepts including that of the inability of
previous designs to consider two sided use.
[0017] The physical attributes of the device can be described as
symmetrical with respect to one axis so that the device may be
turned over and used on both sides. When not inflated and viewed
from above or below, the shape could be described as a rectangle.
When viewed uninflated from either side, a similar rectangle would
be perceived. Subsequent to inflation of this device, a top or
bottom view still exemplifies a rectangular shape.
[0018] A perspective side view of this concept in an inflated
condition would, however, convey an image of two parallel
cylindrical channels with an identifiable larger elongated lower
cylinder on one edge for the support of the neck and an
identifiable elongated smaller upper cylinder for support of the
head on the other edge, each laterally extended across the device.
A method of selectively modifying pressure within each chamber is
provided via reticulation of an integral pump and valve assembly
similar to that found in athletic shoes.
[0019] Though this device resolves the issue of two sided use, it
still consists of a designated top edge and a designated bottom
edge respectively such that as a result of design it cannot be
easily inverted as the cylindrical internal bladders contained
therein possess significantly different internal diameters.
Additionally, changes to the firmness of the bladders require
manual reticulation of the air chamber pressurizing valve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Based on the hydraulic effect of Pascal's Principle that an
enclosed fluid under pressure exerts that pressure throughout its
volume and against any surface in which it is contained, the device
herein disclosed is a multi-chambered hydraulic pillow using
differently shaped and sized, variably elastic internal chambers
combined with a plurality of internal valves which automatically
control, communicate, balance and contain the flows of the liquid
and differences in pressure and resulting changes in the external
dimensions provided by the changes in the variably elastic flexible
chambers.
[0021] The basis for all hydraulic systems is expressed by Pascal's
law which states that anywhere upon an enclosed liquid is
transmitted undiminished in all directions to the interior of the
container. This principal allows large forces to be generated with
relatively little effort. In the case of the device herein, the
force generated in a second chamber by the projecting portion of
the top of the user's head will communicate liquid therefrom into a
first chamber through a back flow control valve. The first chamber
upon filling will exert force on the back of the head and neck of
the user and will cease accepting fluid from the smaller chamber
once the pressure in the two equalize.
[0022] Since the second chamber of the pillow will collapse from
the weight and area of the projecting top end displacing fluid, the
first chamber will enlarge to fill the voids of the back of the
head and neck, below the top of the head. As depicted in all the
current favored embodiments, the second chamber is smaller than the
first chamber, and this configuration worked well due to the
dimensional characteristics of the back of the human head. However,
the relative size of the two chambers could be reversed or equal
and they still adjust. This operation is initiated by simply laying
one's head on the pillow and automatically provides optimal comfort
and conforming support for the neck, head or other extremities
using only the pressure generated on the surface of the device by
the mass of a user's head. To accomplish this task both chambers of
the device are best filled with water or some other liquid or a
gel. In the case of a gel, such a medium would minimize any
potential noise from air gaps in the system as well as minimize
movement of the head. Both chambers should also be elastic such
that they will shrink as fluid leaves the chamber and enlarge with
the entry of more fluid and avoid air pockets. However, the smaller
chamber could be flexible plastic since the walls would only need
to collapse in use as fluid is pumped into the larger chamber.
[0023] With respect to the above description, before explaining at
least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to
be understood that the invention is not limited in its application
to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the
components or steps set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The various apparatuses and methods of
the invention are capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to
those skilled in the art once they review this disclosure. Also, it
is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting.
[0024] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for designing of other devices, methods and
systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the objects and
claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and
methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0025] Further objectives of this invention will be brought out in
the following part of the specification wherein detailed
description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention
without placing limitations thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top surface of the
hydraulic pillow according to the invention showing the exterior
cover.
[0027] FIGS. 2A and 2B are top and side cross-sectional views of an
embodiment of the hydraulic pillow according to the invention
showing multiple chambers in a static state.
[0028] FIGS. 3A and 3B show the chambers of FIGS. 2a and 2b
respectively in a compressed state.
[0029] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic pillow
engaging the back of the head, the neck, and the topmost spine of
the user.
[0030] FIG. 4B is a vector diagram showing the force vectors of the
hydraulic pillow when in use.
[0031] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the device with multiple
communicating reservoir and receding chambers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED
DEVICE
[0032] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 disclose the
preferred embodiments of the herein disclosed pillow device 10.
FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of the operating concept of
the valved hydraulic support pillow device 10 of the invention
which is described as composed of multiple self-contained fluid or
gas filled elastic chambers, as shown in FIG. 2A, including first
chamber 12 and a second chamber 14. The two chambers communicate
with each other through a conduit 17 which also employs a means to
control fluid flow direction from the second chamber 14 only toward
the first chamber 12, which in this case is a valve 16 allowing
fluid flow only in one direction toward first chamber 12 when in
contact with a person's head 22 and internal pressures of the two
chambers are not equalized. As shown in FIG. 1, there is an
example, in this case asymmetrical, of a preferred embodiment of
the device 10 as viewed from above and from the outside as it would
appear once the user had self-adjusted the device by lying down to
move fluid between the chambers until the internal pressure
equalized.
[0033] FIG. 2A depicts a cut-away view of a preferred embodiment of
the hydraulic pillow device 10 showing the internal chambers in a
static or uncompressed state and from overhead. Both chambers as
shown are elongated and cylindrical in dimension as this shape has
been found to work well in elongated pillows.
[0034] As shown, the device features two or more chambers depicted
as first chamber 12 which worked best in a configuration where it
was larger than a second chamber 14. The larger volume of the first
chamber 12 more easily accommodates the void on the back of the
head below the projecting top of the head on most persons. Both the
first chamber 12 and a second chamber 14 are both made of a
flexible elastic material through which a fluid substance 26 can
communicate and be stored long term without leakage. Directional
control of the fluid flow is provided by the valve mechanism 16
positioned in internal passage of the conduit 17 communicating
between the first chamber 12 and second chamber 14.
[0035] FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional internal side view of an
embodiment of the hydraulic pillow 10 along line 2-2 of FIG. 1
showing the two chambers in the initial static uncompressed state.
The first chamber 12 and a depicted smaller second chamber 14, are
both formed of a flexible or elastic material capable of containing
the fluid without leakages.
[0036] FIG. 3A depicts the hydraulic pillow device 10 as viewed
internally in a state of initial compression which occurs when the
user lies their head on top of the device 10 the projecting top end
of the user's head, and recessed neck portion of the head, contact
the top of the pillow device 10. As shown, a first chamber 12 and a
second chamber 14 would be made of a flexible or elastic material
to allow for reduction in size of the second chamber 14 and
increase in size of the first chamber 12. Arrows describe the
effects of Pascal's principle on the inner surfaces of the
respective chambers 12 and 14 which result in the ultimate exterior
dimensional adjustments of the pillow to the user's head
dimensions.
[0037] In the depicted preferred embodiment's of the device 10,
when the user lies their head on the top of the exterior of the
device 10, the force generated in the smaller chamber by the weight
and dimensions of the projecting portion of the top of the user's
head will cause liquid to exit the second chamber 14 and
communicate through the conduit 17 and in-line valve 16, and into
the first chamber 12. A mechanical advantage for weight lifting and
support, from the larger size of the first chamber 12, is believed
to be also at work in supporting the user's neck and lower head
from the increase in fluid pushed into the first chamber 12 from
the second chamber 14. The first chamber 12 upon filling to a point
that an even contact is made with the user's head will exert force
on the back of the head and neck of the user resulting in an
equalization of the pressure between the two chambers and will
cease accepting any additional fluid from the second chamber 14
once that pressure equalizes.
[0038] Because the second chamber 14 of the pillow will collapse
from the weight and actual projecting area of the top end of the
user's head displacing fluid, the first chamber 12 will then
enlarge to fill the voids of the back of the head and neck, below
the top of the head. Pillow size and dimension adjustment is caused
by simply lying one's head on the pillow and automatically provides
optimal comfort and conforming support for the neck, head or other
extremities using only the pressure generated on the surface of the
device by the mass of a user's head.
[0039] As noted, the fluid material of choice for both chambers of
the device 10 is water or some other inert liquid or a gel. Gel
would be especially advantageous because of its ability to minimize
noise from air gaps in the system and provide a shock absorber of
sorts that thinner water lacks. Both chambers should in the
preferred mode of the device be formed like a bladder made of
elastic material which will shrink as fluid leaves the respective
chamber and enlarge with the entry of more fluid. This avoids noisy
air pockets as well as the lack of support caused by air in the
system.
[0040] FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional internal view of an
embodiment of the hydraulic pillow 10 depicting the compressed
state of the two chambers in dotted line. As shown, first chamber
12 has compressed in size from its original static position shown
in dotted line and the second chamber 14 under the void of the neck
has enlarged in size from its original position shown in dotted
line. The elastic walls forming both chambers accommodate the
dimensional changes of each. Fluid transfer is accommodated from
one chamber to the other through the conduit 17 and back flow from
the first chamber 12 to the second chamber 14 is prevented by the
one way valve 16. This means for back flow preventions also
maintains the two chambers in their respective sizes after the
adjustment by preventing the elastic walls of the chambers from
exerting force into the fluid and moving it back between them. This
keeps the pillow permanently adjusted after use. As shown in this
figure, arrows describe the effects of Pascal's principle on the
bladder like chambers and their respective increase and decrease in
dimension.
[0041] Of course there are times when the pillow needs readjustment
for a new person or just because the same person wants a change.
This would be accommodated by providing a means to override the
valve 16 and allow back flow such as a release 19 shown as a button
on the valve 16 which can be activated from the exterior of the
device 10, without the need to open it, when the user wants to
allow back flow of fluid into the second chamber 14 from the second
chamber 12.
[0042] FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of the hydraulic pillow
device 10 depicting a person's head 22 in a supine position and
about to be positioned upon the multiple chambers 12 and 14 and
interconnecting valve 16. In reference to FIG. 4B, a side viewed
cross section of an embodiment of the invention 10 displays the
force vectors resulting from fluid movement between the first
chamber 12 and the smaller second chamber 14 when the top outwardly
curved section of the user's head compresses the second chamber
14.
[0043] Finally, it has been found that the optional addition of
padding 23 to the voids in the internal cavity formed by the
covering 20 can be advantageous. Such padding 23 works especially
well if it is memory foam that reacts to the heat of the user and
forms to their anatomy. However any one or combination of a variety
of padding materials can be included such as foam, batting, down,
and feathers. The expansion and contraction of the size of the two
chambers will continue to work well with the foam 22 included in
the voids between them and in the rest of the cavity defined by the
covering 20.
[0044] Although the invention has been described with respect to
particular embodiments thereof, it should be realized that various
changes and modifications may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. While the invention as
shown in the drawings and described in detail herein discloses
arrangements of elements of particular construction and
configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure
and method of operation of the present invention, it is to be
understood, however, that elements of different construction and
configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those
illustrated and described, may be employed in accordance with the
spirit of this invention. Any and all such changes, alternations
and modifications, as would occur to those skilled in the art, are
considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly
defined in the appended claims.
[0045] Further, the purpose of the attached abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application, which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
* * * * *