U.S. patent application number 11/378717 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for convertible luggage device.
Invention is credited to Deborah Brown.
Application Number | 20060175170 11/378717 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34837825 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060175170 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Deborah |
August 10, 2006 |
Convertible luggage device
Abstract
A convertible luggage device including a retractable handle
assembly and at least one pair of extendable wheels. Included is a
brake system operating to lock at least one of the wheels. In one
aspect, the device forms a stroller. In another aspect, the device
includes straps for engaging a car seat or a basket for receiving
luggage or other items. By embodying a broad wheel base, the
present invention provides a stable platform for pushing or pulling
luggage or for performing as a stroller.
Inventors: |
Brown; Deborah; (Nampa,
ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULWIDER PATTON
6060 CENTER DRIVE
10TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
34837825 |
Appl. No.: |
11/378717 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10770084 |
Jan 30, 2004 |
7051853 |
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11378717 |
Mar 17, 2006 |
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09839900 |
Apr 20, 2001 |
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10770084 |
Jan 30, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/8 ; 190/18A;
297/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 5/0438 20130101;
B62B 3/02 20130101; B62B 7/06 20130101; B62B 7/10 20130101; B62B
2206/00 20130101; A45C 13/262 20130101; B62B 7/12 20130101; A45C
5/146 20130101; A45C 15/00 20130101; B62B 2205/12 20130101; B62B
3/027 20130101; A45C 9/00 20130101; B60N 2/2848 20130101; A45C
5/145 20130101; A45C 5/14 20130101; B62B 7/145 20130101; A45C
13/385 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/008 ;
190/018.00A; 297/118 |
International
Class: |
A45F 4/00 20060101
A45F004/00; A45C 5/14 20060101 A45C005/14; A47C 13/00 20060101
A47C013/00; B60N 2/32 20060101 B60N002/32 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A luggage device, comprising: a main body having a long side
and at least one short side; and a first pair of wheels and a
second pair of wheels mounted to the main body, the first pair of
wheels configured to assume a first retracted position wherein the
first pair of wheels include a portion which extends beyond both
the long side and the at least one short side of the main body and
a second extended position wherein the first pair of wheels is
extended and positioned further from the long side of the body than
when in the first position.
22. The luggage device of claim 21, further comprising a handle and
means for connecting the handle to the main body, wherein the first
pair of wheels are retractable and ejectable and activation of the
handle accomplishes retraction and ejection of the first pair of
wheels.
23. The luggage device of claim 21, further comprising the handle a
handle and means for connecting the handle to the main body further
including a brake system.
24. The luggage device of claim 23, wherein the brake system
operates to control rotation of at least one of the second pair of
wheels.
25. The luggage device of claim 24, the brake system further
including a cable attached to a pulley configured within a tube
defining the handle.
26. The luggage device of claim 25, the brake system further
including a compression brake arrangement that cooperates with the
pulley and cable.
27. The luggage device of claim 26, the brake system further
including a brake handle operatively connected to the brake cable,
activation of the brake handle accomplishing deactivation of the
brake.
28. The luggage device of claim 21, further comprising a basket
assembly connected to the long side of the main body.
29. The luggage device of claim 28, the basket assembly defining a
generally rectangular space with an open top.
30. The luggage device of claim 29, the basket assembly having
walls defined by netting.
31. The luggage device of claim 21, further comprising a strapping
system for engaging a child car safety seat.
32. The luggage device of claim 21, further comprising a first
zipper accessible compartment that provides access to an interior
of the main body.
33. The luggage device of claim 32, further comprising a second
zipper accessible compartment that is configured to receive
convertible structure of the luggage device.
34. The luggage device of claim 21, wherein the handle includes
structure that automatically locks at least one wheel when the
handle assembly is pivoted into a first position.
35. The luggage device of claim 21, further comprising a force
activated compression brake.
36. The luggage device of claim 21, wherein at least one wheel of
the first pair of wheels includes a second portion which overlaps
or is contained within boundaries defined by the long side and the
at least one short side when the first pair of wheels are in the
first retracted position.
37. The luggage device of claim 21, further structure mounting the
second pair of wheels to the main body for providing the second
pair of wheels with a fully retracted position and an ejected
position, wherein the handle is pivotably connected to the main
body and operatively connected to the first pair of wheels and
second pair of wheels such that activation of the handle causes the
first pair of wheels to move from the first retracted position to
the second extended position and causes the second pair of wheels
to move from the fully retracted position to the ejected
position.
38. The luggage device of claim 37, wherein when the first pair of
wheels are in the second extended position and the second pair of
wheels are in the ejected position, the luggage device can be
rolled on the first and second pairs of wheels with the long side
parallel to a transportation surface.
39. The luggage device of claim 38, further comprising a pivot
point, an L-shaped bracket rigidly connected to the handle and
including a locking wedge projecting therefrom, and a rotating arm
including a mating structure for receiving the locking wedge, the
L-shaped bracket and rotating arm being rotatably connected to the
pivot point.
40. The luggage device of claim 39, further comprising: a guide
member fixed to the main body; and a tubular extension member
including a first end pivotably connected to the L-shaped bracket
and a second end portion housing a spring biased brake member,
translation of the tubular extension member being controlled by the
guide member.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/770,084, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application
Ser. No. 09/839,900, filed Mar. 20, 2001, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to convertible
luggage devices and more particularly to luggage devices that can
be alternatively pushed or pulled and which provide structure that
is multi-functional.
[0003] Convenience is an important consideration in luggage choice.
Families who travel with small children often bring strollers, car
seats, diaper bags, carry-on bags and a host of other items. Those
traveling without children also must contend with transporting a
number of items.
[0004] Prior luggage devices have been developed with wheels so
that the luggage can be rolled rather than continuously carried.
Luggage including two or four wheels have previously been produced.
While such luggage can conceivably be pushed, most devices are
designed to be pulled behind the traveler.
[0005] Luggage having convertible aspects have also been developed.
Such luggage includes pivoting structure and complimentary
structures that can be used as a sitting stool or as a baby
stroller. Conventional luggage devices with convertible aspects
have also been configured to be pushed rather than pulled behind a
traveler.
[0006] However, prior devices can lack sufficient convenience for
an individual to make it a luggage choice. For example, a number of
conventional luggage devices are not equipped with a stable wheel
base. The devices easily tip over in response to a lateral force.
Other luggage devices lack structure for easy conversion into a
stroller or push cart. That is, the conventional devices require
several steps to transform, fold or unfold the various structures
of the device. Still other conventional luggage devices lack
necessary safety features to make them a luggage choice.
[0007] What is needed and heretofore unavailable is a convertible
luggage device that incorporates basic travel needs into a single
component that is easy to push, fold, store and stack. What is also
needed is a luggage device that is convertible to thereby provide
multiple carrying functions. The present invention satisfies these
and other needs.
INVENTION SUMMARY
[0008] Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is
directed towards a luggage device that is convenient to use. In one
aspect, the luggage device of the present invention is convertible
from a hand carried storage device to a rolling piece of
luggage.
[0009] In another aspect, the luggage device of the present
invention includes a pivoting handle and extendable wheels. In one
preferred embodiment, the storage area of the luggage device has a
generally horizontal profile and a relatively long wheel base that
provides stability during transport.
[0010] The luggage device of the present invention can be equipped
with stroller components. The stroller components are retractable
to a position adjacent a long side of the storage compartment. In
its unfolded configuration, the stroller components define a seat
for a child and further include safety straps for holding the child
in the seat. A braking assembly is provided to insure that the
luggage device does not roll until after conversion into a stroller
and upon a positive step being taken to deactivate the brake.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the present invention includes
structures for accomplishing the automatic extension and retraction
of the wheels. To wit, it is contemplated that the pivoting handle
of the luggage device cooperates with lever mechanisms to set a
desired position of certain of the wheels of the device.
[0012] In other preferred embodiments, the stroller components can
be lacking or can be removed from the luggage device. The present
invention can further include a strapping system for receiving a
child car safety seat. Alternatively, the device can be equipped
with a foldable basket designed to receive other luggage or travel
items.
[0013] The convertible luggage device of the present invention also
embodies a profile well suited for stacking when placed in its
folded configuration as well as zipper accessible compartments for
storing convertible portions of the device. Additionally, resting
of one luggage device upon another allows for transporting a
plurality of devices.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of illustrative
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, depicting a convertible
luggage device of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, depicting the luggage device
shown in FIG. 1 with a handle assembly in a projected position;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, depicting the luggage device
of FIG. 2 in tilted for pulling or pushing on wheels;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cutaway view, depicting convertible structures
of the luggage device of the present invention in a retracted
position;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cutaway view, depicting convertible structures
of the luggage device shown in FIG. 4 in a deployed position;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a partial view, depicting a handle and brake
assembly of a luggage device of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cutaway view, depicting aspects of the
handle and brake assembly shown in FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view, depicting details of wheel ejection
and braking systems;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view, depicting details of a braking
system;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, depicting one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view, depicting another embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, depicting yet another
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] As shown in the drawings, which are included for purposes of
illustration and not by way of limitation, the present invention is
embodied in a convertible luggage device that has structures
providing multi-functionality. Referring to FIG. 1, the luggage
device 20 of the present invention includes a body or container
portion 22 having a top 24, a bottom 26 and a plurality of
sidewalls 28. Although the luggage device is shown as having a
generally rectangular box configuration in its fully retracted
form, various other shapes are possible. To wit, it is contemplated
that for a particular purpose, the luggage device can, for example,
lack well-defined sidewalls 28. In the embodiment shown in the
figures, the luggage device 20 has a long dimension 30 and two
shorter dimensions 32, 34 to thereby define the rectangular box
shape. As such, the luggage device 20 has a horizontal or low
profile when placed so that the long dimension 30 is touching or
parallel to the ground.
[0028] The luggage device 20 further includes a first pair of
wheels 36 and a second pair of wheels 38 each of which project or
are projectable from the bottom 26 of the luggage device 20. It is
contemplated that in a preferred embodiment, the pairs of wheels be
spaced sufficiently to provide the luggage device 20 with a broad
wheel base, thus making the device highly stable. The device 20
further includes a retractable handle assembly 40, the details of
which are provided below.
[0029] The luggage device 20 additionally includes a plurality of
zippers providing access to various compartments of the luggage
device 20. A first zipper 42 is configured in a top lid 44 of the
luggage device 20 and provides access to a pocket or storage
compartment in the top lid 44. A second zipper 45 provides a means
for removing or opening the top lid 44 to gain access to for
example, convertible structures stored therein. A third zipper 49
provides access to an interior compartment of the body or main
portion 22 of the luggage device 20. The interior compartment can
be used for transporting travel items. Finally, a fourth zipper 50
provides access to the interior compartment when the luggage device
20 has been converted to a deployed configuration.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the luggage device 20 can be
placed generally vertically on a sidewall 28 and the handle
assembly 40 can be placed in an extended position. When tilted onto
the first pair of wheels 36, the device 20 can be pushed or pulled
as desired by applying a force to the handle assembly 40. In order
to provide stability when placed in a vertical position, the
luggage device 20 can include a support or pair of spaced supports
46 which extend approximately the same distance from the sidewall
28 as the first pair of wheels 36. The second pair of wheels 38 are
shown in a retracted position. The device can further be equipped
with a grasping structure 48 attached to another of the sidewalls
28 located proximate the handle assembly 40. The grasping structure
48 allows a traveler to carry the luggage device 20 when
convenient.
[0031] Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, one embodiment of the
convertible structure 50 of the luggage device 20 of the present
invention is shown. In a retracted form (FIG. 4), the convertible
structure is folded against the body portion 22. When expanded
(FIG. 5), the convertible structure defines a basket, a platform
for a car seat, or a stroller seat.
[0032] In one aspect, the convertible structure 50 projects from
the top side 24 of the luggage device 20. As stated, access to the
convertible structure 50 may be accomplished by unzipping the top
lid 44. The convertible structure 50 includes a pair of spaced
folding diagonal supports 52 that engage spaced telescoping support
tubes 54. Moreover, the convertible structure includes a horizontal
seating support bar 56 and at least a pair of angled seating
supports 58, each of which are connected to midsection portions of
one or more of the folding diagonal support 52 or telescoping
support tubes 54 to thereby define a seat or a receiving element
for a car seat. A web spanning these members and safety straps are
further provided, such structures being removable as desired.
[0033] As shown in the drawing figures, in a deployed
configuration, the telescoping support tubes 54 and the handle 40
define a support triangle with the top 24 of the luggage device 20.
Bisecting that triangular support are the folding diagonal supports
52, one end 59 of each of which is operatively associated with a
first bracket 60 and a second end 61 engages a midsection portion
of the telescoping support tube 54. A first end 64 of each of the
telescoping support tubes is pivotably mounted to the top 24 of the
body 22 of the luggage device, whereas a second end 60 of each of
which engages the handle assembly 40.
[0034] In one preferred embodiment, the second end 60 of the
telescoping support tubes include a locking hinge collar 70 which
operates to lock the handle 40 in a generally upright or deployed
position (FIG. 5). A terminal end 72 of the handle assembly can be
configured within a guide (not shown) or can be free floating and
can further include a brake lock 74. Where the device 20 includes a
guide, the terminal end 72 of the handle assembly 40 can be slid
transversely in a controlled manner when being deployed. When a
guide is not provided, control during deployment is provided by the
interconnection and cooperation of the handle 40, telescoping tubes
54, folding diagonal support 52 and first bracket 60.
[0035] With reference to FIGS. 5-7, the handle assembly 40 and
brake and wheel ejection system is described in more detail. After
gaining access to the handle assembly 40, one simple tugging or
pulling motion accomplishes the deployment of the convertible
portion and wheels 36, 38 of the luggage device 20. The handle
assembly 40 is held in a generally vertical position by the locking
action of the hinge collars 70 and the engagement of the brake lock
74 against a braking lever assembly 82. When the luggage device 20
is so configured, a brake handle 84 pivotably attached to the
handle assembly 40 is in an open position as demonstrated by
diverging juxta-positioning of the two members and the second pair
of wheels 38 are locked.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the handle assembly further
includes a tubular handle portion 90, a pair of pulleys 92, and a
pair of cables 94 each of which are fixed to one pulley 92. The
cables 94 are separately routed through the tubular handle portions
90 and into engagement with the brake lock 74 attached to the
terminal end 72 of the handle assembly 40. The brake lock 74
further includes a piston 99 and a biasing spring 100, the piston
99 being translatable within the tubular portion 90 and the spring
100 being fixed therewithin. Opposing ends 98 of the brake handle
84 can be configured to engage the pulleys 92 so that an action
which causes the brake handle 84 to converge with the handle
assembly 40, in turn causes the brake 82 to disengage the wheels
38.
[0037] In one aspect, the brake lever assembly 82 includes a first
elongate rotation component 102 that is configured to engage a
second elongate transmission component 104 which applies a direct
force upon the wheels 38. It is to be recognized that there may be
a separate braking system for each of the second pair of wheels 38
or alternatively, only one such system can be provided for a
particular application. In any case, when the handle assembly 40 is
fully deployed, the brake lock assembly 74 is placed against the
first rotatable component 102 which forces the second translatable
component 104 against a wheel 38. Compression of the brake handle
84 against he handle assembly 40 causes the pulleys 92 to rotate
and the piston 99 to withdraw. This action operatively causes the
second translatable component 104 to be removed from the wheel 38,
thereby unlocking the same.
[0038] Additionally, when the handle is in its deployed state, the
wheels are automatically extended from the bottom 26 of the luggage
device. Pulling on the handle assembly 40 causes the first pair of
brackets 60 to rotate. Through pivoting lever 110 connections to
second and third pairs of rotatable brackets 112, 114, the wheels
36, 38 are caused to project from the luggage device 20. Although
the figures depict a luggage device 20 having four
retractable/projectable wheels 36, 38, it is also contemplated that
only the second pair of wheels be retractable/projectable. Through
conventional techniques, the wheels are locked in both the
retracted and projected positions.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the luggage device is designed to
be pushed when all four wheels 36, 38 are in an extended or
projected position. It is to be recognized, however, that for
particular applications, the luggage device 20 can be configured to
be pushed or pulled as desired.
[0040] The luggage device 20 of the present invention is
contemplated to be manufactured from light weight materials. The
chassis, including the handles, levers and supporting members can
be made from an aluminum and fiberglass composite. The luggage
exterior can embody conventional fabrics or a hard shell of plastic
or aluminum. The overall dimensions of the luggage device can be
selected as desired, while sizes compliant with airline
requirements is preferable.
[0041] In one specific embodiment and with reference to FIG. 8,
there is shown a luggage device 120 including a body or container
portion 122 having a top 124, a bottom 126 and a plurality of
sidewalls 128. The luggage device 120 further includes a first pair
of wheels 136 and a second pair of wheels 138 each of which project
or are projectable from the bottom 126 of the luggage device 120.
It is to be understood that FIG. 8 depicts only one wheel of the
pairs of wheels 136, 138 and likewise, one set of two separate
structures connected thereto for ejecting and retracting the
wheels. The device 120 further includes a retractable handle
assembly 140.
[0042] After gaining access to the handle assembly 140, one simple
tugging or pulling motion accomplishes the deployment of the
convertible portion and wheels 136, 138 of the luggage device 120.
The handle assembly 140 includes a first portion 142 and a second
portion 144. The second portion 144 is fixedly connected to an
L-bracket 146 at a fixed pivot point 148 when the handle 140 is
pulled to its greatest horizontal length extending from the luggage
device 120. Attached to the L-bracket 146 is a locking wedge 147.
Moreover, attached to pivot point 148 is a locking arm 151 which
includes a cutout for receiving the locking wedge 147. Any
conventional means is appropriate for defining the pivot point 148
and fixedly connecting the L-bracket 146 to the handle assembly 140
as well as for structure intended to work as a locking assembly as
are the locking wedge and arm. For example, the locking wedge 147
can be replaced with a toggling button that alternatively engages
and disengages locking arm 151.
[0043] Pivotably connected to the L-bracket 146 at pivot point 150
is an extension member 152 which is in turn connected to one of the
pairs of second wheels 138 at axis 153. The extension member 152 is
threaded through guide 154 which cooperates to accomplish the
ejection/retraction and spatial orientation of the second wheel
138. The guide can form a ring surrounding the extension member and
is fixed to the luggage device 120.
[0044] The handle assembly 140, bracket 146 and extension member
152 can be tubular or otherwise include a longitudinally extending
internal space or slot for receiving therethrough a cable 160. At
one end, the cable 160 is wrapped about a reel 162 positioned in
the handle 140 and at a second end 164, the cable 160 is attached
to a brake member 166 slidably configured within the extension
member 152 (See also FIG. 9). The reel 162 in turn, is controlled
by a second handle 168. One end of the brake member 166 is in
direct engagement with a wheel 138 and the brake member 166 is
biased by a spring 170.
[0045] The second set of wheels 138 are operatively connected to
the first set of wheels 136 via a rod 180. A first end of the rod
180 is connected to pivot point 150 and at its other end to a first
member 182 of a V-bracket assembly. The second member 184 of the
V-bracket assembly is fixedly attached to the first member at point
186. Extending from the second member 184 of the V-bracket is an
arm 190 which is pivotably connected to the second member at point
192. The arm 190 is threaded through a guide member 196 which
facilitates the ejection and retraction of a wheel 136 connected to
the arm 190 at axle 198.
[0046] To eject the wheels 136, 138, the handle 140 is first pulled
to its full horizontal length and then rotated about point 148 to a
position represented as 140' in FIG. 8. (It is to be noted that
like reference numbers are identified with a prime symbol to
represent relative positions after translational movement of a
component.) Since it is locked to a fully extended handle 140, the
L-bracket 146 follows the rotation of the handle from a horizontal
position. The L-bracket 146 can then be locked into position 160'
through the cooperation of locking wedge 147' and locking arm
151.
[0047] As the L-bracket is rotated to its locked position 146', the
extension member 152 is pushed through guide 154 to position 152'.
In doing so, wheels 138 are moved from a first retracted position
to position 138' where the wheels are extended and positioned
further from the long side of the body than when in the first
retracted position as indicated by dimension "d" in FIG. 8.
[0048] Through this action, pivot 150 is translated to position
150', thereby rotating the V-shaped assembly 182, 184 via rod 180.
As the V-shaped assembly is rotated about point 186, the arm 190 is
advanced through guide 196 to cause the first wheels 136' to move
from a retracted position to an ejected position 136' where the
wheels are extended and positioned further from the long side of
the body than when in the first retracted position. In order to
retract the wheels 136, 138, the locking arrangement 146, 151 is
released and the handle 140 is replaced to a horizontal position as
shown in FIG. 8. The handle 140 can then be further retracted by
sliding it along the top 124 of the luggage device along rails.
[0049] To rotationally unlock the second wheels 138, second handle
168 is activated. More specifically, handle 168 is placed in a
vertical position or substantially in alignment with the handle 140
as shown in FIG. 8 (position 168'). By doing so, the cable 160 is
wrapped about and simultaneously pulled toward point 162. Such
action causes brake component 164 which is connected to the cable
160 to disengage from contact with wheel 138. To again apply the
brake, the second handle 168 is pulled away from the handle 140.
The spring 170 then aids in applying a force against the wheel
138.
[0050] A conventional child's car seat 210 can be attached directly
to clamp 212 configured on a surface of the luggage device 120.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, support structure can be
provided to project from the luggage device 120 to which a car seat
can be connected or can further include webbing that forms an
independent seat (For example, See FIG. 8).
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 10-12, various embodiments of luggage
device of the present invention are contemplated. The luggage
device 20 can be converted into a stroller with a storage
compartment or a receptacle for a car seat (FIG. 10) or can simply
convert into a pushable luggage device (FIG. 11). The device 20 can
also include a basket 12 with a durable inner lining for receiving
travel or other items. Due to its contemplated profile, the luggage
device 20 of the present invention is also well suited for
stacking.
[0052] The present invention provides a convenient luggage device
that can be pushed or pulled in vertical or horizontal positions
and which is convertible into various forms. One easy pulling
motion on the handle assembly of the luggage device of the present
invention accomplishes the extension of the wheels as well as the
locking of at least one wheel of the device and the deployment of
the convertible portion thereof. A simple second compression force
applied to the brake handle releases the lock on the wheels and the
luggage device is ready for use.
[0053] It will be apparent from the foregoing that, while
particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and
described, various modifications can be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not
intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended
claims. While the specification describes particular embodiments of
the present invention, those of ordinary skill can devise
variations of the present invention without departing from the
inventive concept
* * * * *