U.S. patent application number 11/373732 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for cosmetic compositions and container therefor.
Invention is credited to Carla Gervasio.
Application Number | 20060177411 11/373732 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29710424 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060177411 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gervasio; Carla |
August 10, 2006 |
Cosmetic compositions and container therefor
Abstract
A self-standing container holds particles of a cosmetic
composition. The container may be cup-shaped or box-shaped, for
example, and made of laminated paper or polystyrene. When ready to
use, the user opens the container and adds liquid or gel to mix
with the dry particles to form a moist cosmetic composition, so no
separate mixing container or measuring cup is necessary. The
composition formed is suitable for treating a user's skin and/or
hair. A fill mark on the container informs the user of a proper
amount of the liquid or gel to add to the container. The particles
may include both ground-up and whole particles from substances such
as dried botanicals (plant ingredients) and a binding agent. A
cosmetic composition includes a ready-to-mix mixture of ingredients
including particles from dried herbs and/or flowers and a dried
food, and an essential oil.
Inventors: |
Gervasio; Carla; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ORRICK, HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE, LLP;IP PROSECUTION DEPARTMENT
4 PARK PLAZA
SUITE 1600
IRVINE
CA
92614-2558
US
|
Family ID: |
29710424 |
Appl. No.: |
11/373732 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10165369 |
Jun 7, 2002 |
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11373732 |
Mar 10, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/74 ; 424/725;
424/735; 424/750; 424/766; 424/769; 424/770 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61Q 19/008 20130101;
A61Q 5/00 20130101; A45D 34/00 20130101; A45D 2200/058 20130101;
A61K 8/9706 20170801; A61Q 19/00 20130101; A61K 2800/28 20130101;
A61K 8/9789 20170801; A61K 2800/87 20130101; A61K 8/9728 20170801;
B65D 81/3216 20130101; A61K 8/9794 20170801; A61K 8/0212 20130101;
A61Q 19/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/074 ;
424/725; 424/735; 424/750; 424/769; 424/770; 424/766 |
International
Class: |
A61K 8/97 20060101
A61K008/97; A61K 36/736 20060101 A61K036/736; A61K 36/00 20060101
A61K036/00; A61K 36/899 20060101 A61K036/899; A61K 36/87 20060101
A61K036/87; A61K 36/13 20060101 A61K036/13 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic composition, comprising: a ready-to-mix mixture of
ingredients including: (a) particles comprising at least one of
dried herbs and flowers, (b) particles comprising a dried food, and
(c) and at least one type of essential oil.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the dried food includes a
starchy food which acts as a binding agent in the mixture when a
liquid or gel is mixed in with the mixture.
3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the starchy food comprises
at least one of wheat, rice, flour and oats.
4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one type of
essential oil is provided in particle form.
5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one type of
essential oil is provided in liquid form.
6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one type of
essential oil includes at least one of almond, grape seed,
geranium, tea tree and juniper oil.
7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the particles and essential
oil are mixable with a liquid or gel to form a moist cosmetic
composition for treating a user's skin and/or hair.
8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the particles comprise both
coarsely grounded particles and ungrounded particles.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present Application is a division of U.S. Ser. No.
10/165,369, filed Jun. 7, 2002, which Application is fully
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention provides cosmetic compositions and a
container therefor that allow a user to easily prepare and dispense
a treatment for the skin or hair.
[0003] A huge market exists in cosmetic compositions, including
skin and hair care treatments. Such treatments may be applied to
the face or other skin areas, or the hair, to produce a cleansing,
purifying, relaxing effect. Ready-to-use compositions in the form
of skin creams, body lotions, or facial masks are currently
available, for example, in a jar or tube. As an example, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,569,839 describes a cosmetic composition of this type. In
this case, the user need only open the jar or tube and apply the
composition to the skin with their fingers, a towel, or other
applicator. Also, dry powder mixes are currently commercially
available that can be mixed immediately prior to use with a liquid
or gel to form a moist composition that can then be applied to the
skin. In this case, the dry powder mix is emptied from its
container into a bowl or other container, then liquid or gel is
added to and mixed with the powder mix.
[0004] The present invention provides cosmetic compositions and a
container therefor that provides improved convenience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides cosmetic compositions and a
container that enables users to quickly and conveniently mix an
instant, fresh batch of a cosmetic composition in their homes or
other location. The invention enables preparation of a cosmetic
composition that has an optimal consistency each time it is used,
thereby avoiding waste and less-than-optimal performance.
[0006] Among other things, the invention addresses the consumer's
demand for products that provide immediate results, while being
convenient and even fun to use, and the consumer's preference for
products that incorporate natural ingredients, including flowers,
and other botanicals.
[0007] In particular, a cosmetic composition and container therefor
according to the invention includes a self-standing container that
is nominally closed, but can be opened by a user when ready to use.
The container is constructed to at least temporarily hold a liquid
or gel added thereto when the container is opened. For example, the
container may be cup-shaped and constructed from paper, Styrofoam
or other disposable material. The composition includes particles
made from selected ingredients for forming a cosmetic composition
with a desired consistency when mixed with a suitable liquid or
gel. The particles are sealed within the container. For example,
the particles may be loose or bulk within and sealed by the
container, or the particles may be sealed within a separate sealed
container or package within a larger container in which the mixing
is carried out. The mixed composition formed in the container is
suitable for treating a user's skin and/or hair, e.g., as a scrub,
mask or cleanser, or a shampoo or rinse treatment.
[0008] The particles may include both ground-up and whole particles
from substances such as dried botanicals (plant ingredients),
including dried foods, herbs, florals (flowers) and cereals/grains,
and a binding agent such as wheat, rice, flour, oats, clay and iron
oxides. The binding agent causes the particles to form a thickened
composition. Moreover, a botanical such as oat bran flour can also
serve as a binding agent in which case a separate binding agent may
not be needed.
[0009] In one embodiment, the container has a fill mark that
informs the user of a proper amount of the liquid or gel to add to
the container to form the cosmetic composition with a desired
consistency.
[0010] In one embodiment, a package may be carried within the
container that holds the liquid or gel that is to be mixed with the
particles to form the cosmetic composition with a desired
consistency. In this way, a self-contained kit is provided. A
stirring spoon, stick or other implement may also be packaged with
the container.
[0011] A method for packaging and using a cosmetic composition
includes providing particles comprising selected ingredients for
treating a user's skin and/or hair in a container, and closing the
container, such as by sealing it with a lid. The container is a
self-standing, closed, openable container that is constructed to at
least temporarily hold a liquid or gel added thereto when the
container is opened. The method also includes opening the
container, when ready to use by a user, and mixing in a suitable
liquid or gel to form a cosmetic composition for treating a user's
skin and/or hair.
[0012] A cosmetic composition includes a ready-to-mix mixture of
ingredients including particles made from dried herbs and/or
flowers, particles made from a dried food, and one or more types of
essential oil, either in particle or liquid form.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a cosmetic composition and container,
with a lid in a partially opened position, and with an outer
surface of the container shown in a partial cutaway view;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a cosmetic composition and container,
with a package of liquid or gel carried therein;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a cosmetic composition and container,
with a liquid or gel carried therein; and
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a further cosmetic composition and
container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a cosmetic composition and container,
with a lid in a partially opened position, and with an outer
surface of the container shown in a partial cutaway view. The
container, shown generally at 100, is cup-shaped in this
embodiment, although other shapes are possible. The container 100
includes a wall portion 110 and a bottom portion 120 that enables
the container to be self-standing, e.g., to stand up by itself when
placed on a flat surface such as a table or countertop. The wall
portion 110 and bottom portion 120 may be made of paper, plastic,
Styrofoam/polystyrene or other suitable material. Optionally, the
container may be made of a transparent material, or a heavier
material such as glass, metal, porcelain or ceramic. The outer face
of the wall portion may have printing directly on it, or a label
140 with printing on it may be adhered to the outer face. The
printing may indicate the ingredients of the particles 160, as well
as providing directions for use. Example directions may read as
follows:
[0018] Directions:
[0019] Fold lid halfway back; add water to FILL LINE on outside of
cup.
[0020] Stir very well to bring all ingredients up from the bottom.
Remove lid.
[0021] Let stand for 5 minutes.
[0022] Stir again and apply.
[0023] In a facial mask application, the user may also be directed
as follows:
[0024] For an extra rich and soothing mask, substitute warm water
with warm whole milk or cream.
[0025] Apply to face in circular motion and leave on for ten
minutes.
[0026] Wash off with warm or cool water.
[0027] The user may also be warned that the product is for external
use only and is not to be consumed. Additionally, graphical
instructions may be provided, e.g., which show a liquid being
poured into the cup with the lid half open, a user stirring the
composition with the lid off, and the composition applied to a
user's face. The user may further be instructed to apply the
composition to the skin with their fingers, a towel, or other
applicator, e.g., as a topical application.
[0028] Optionally, the user may be directed to heat up the mixture
in a microwave oven for a given period of time. The fill line
mentioned above may be printed on the outer face and/or inner face
of the wall portion 100, e.g., as shown by fill line mark 150.
Moreover, a fill line may be indicated by a protrusion or similar
mark 115. The fill mark 115, 150 informs the user of a proper
amount of the liquid or gel to add to the container to form the
cosmetic composition with a desired, optimal consistency. Thus, the
user can obtain good results reliably without the need for
measuring cups or the like. The location of the fill mark 115, 150
is determined based on the volume displaced in the container by the
particles and corresponding liquid or gel. Moreover, multiple fill
marks may be provided at different heights along the container when
there are multiple possible formulations. For example, the
different fill marks may reflect the fact that different optimal
amounts are used for a liquid versus a gel, or for different types
of liquids (e.g., water versus milk or fruit juice). As an example,
less milk may be used than water since milk is thicker, so the fill
mark for milk might be lower than for water.
[0029] An inner face 125 of the wall portion 110 may be
coated/laminated with a liquid-resistant material such as wax,
plastic or foil to prevent liquid from penetrating the wall portion
110.
[0030] The container 100 further includes a lid or cover 130 that
may have various configurations. In one possibility, the lid 130 is
a pliable material, such as paper with a plastic or foil sheeting,
that is adhered to a circumferential lip 112 of the container 100.
Another possibility is to use a twist off cap.
[0031] Generally, the container 100 may be fabricated using known
technologies, such as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,996,
entitled "Package of convenience food," incorporated herein by
reference. This type of container is used in the "Cup of
noodles.RTM." product of Nissin Foods, Japan. The container is
preferably sized for a single use, and made of an inexpensive
material so it can be discarded. The container should thus be sized
to hold the desired amount of cosmetic composition particles and
the corresponding amount of liquid or gel which, when mixed, form
the composition. The size should also be generous enough to allow
vigorous mixing by the user without excessive spillage over the
container's edge. The container 100, as well as the other
containers described herein, may further be packaged in an outer
layer of cellophane or the like to protect the container.
[0032] The particles 160 are inserted into the container 100 prior
to the lid 130 being sealed, at the time of production. Once
sealed, the container 100 provides a convenient package which can
be easily shipped and stored, and has a relatively long shelf life.
Additionally, once purchased, the container can be easily
transported by the user in a handbag, backpack or the like.
[0033] In a further possibility, the particles may be carried in a
separate container or package, such as a paper, plastic or foil
sachet or bag, within the container 100. In this case, the user
opens the sachet and empties the particles into the container 100
before use.
[0034] The particles 160 include ingredients of a cosmetic
composition. Moreover, when a suitable liquid or gel is mixed in
with the particles, a cosmetic composition is formed that is useful
for treating a user's skin and/or hair. For example, the particles
may include both ground-up and whole particles from substances such
as dried botanicals (plant ingredients), including dried foods,
herbs, florals and cereals/grains, and a binding agent such as
wheat, rice, flour, oats, clay and iron oxides. The binding agent
enables the mixture of the particles and the liquid or gel to form
a desired consistency when mixed by the user using a utensil or
other appropriate implement. Generally, the consistency should be
thick enough so that the mixture is not runny, yet thin enough so
that it can be applied smoothly. The particles may be obtained by
pulverizing the raw ingredients in a known manner. For example,
grinding or micronization may be used, optionally followed by a
sieving operation. Note also that the particles 160 may be in
various conditions in the container, e.g., loose, clumped together,
bound together, and so forth.
[0035] The particle ingredients and size may be selected based on
the desired application. The beneficial properties of various
plants (including shrubs, trees and portions such as roots, stems,
leaves, flower, fruits and seeds) are known in the art. These
properties include: emollient, anti-inflammatory, anti-pruriginous,
antiseptic, antiperspirant, astringent, soothing, cicatrisive, and
tonic properties. For example, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,839,
incorporated herein by reference. Moreover, the particle size can
be tailored for the desired application. For instance, a facial
mask generally benefits from a smoother texture, so smaller
particles may be used. A scrub, on the other hand, preferably has a
coarser texture, which can be achieved by using larger particles,
including whole, ungrounded particles and coarsely-grounded
particles. Generally, the composition should have a viscosity,
which can range from relatively low to relatively high, which
enables the composition to be easily used for its intended purpose.
For example, the viscosity or consistency of a facial mask should
be thick enough so it is easy to apply to the face and remains on
the face without being runny. On the other hand, a relatively low
viscosity or thickness, similar to a shampoo, may be desirable for
a composition that is applied to the hair. The viscosity can be
increased or decreased as desired, e.g., so that the composition
can be applied to the hair, body, etc. with optimal ease.
[0036] Essentially, when mixed with the liquid or gel, the
particles undergo a phase change from a dry or solid phase to a
semi-liquid or semi-solid phase. The liquid or gel hydrates the
dehydrated particles to form a moist composition.
[0037] Particle size or range of sizes will be known to those
skilled in the art from the disclosure herein and a knowledge of,
and experience with, ingredients of the type disclosed herein. The
size of the particles may vary depending on factors such as the
coarseness and consistency desired for a particular application of
the mixed product, the nature and/or characteristics of the dried
botanicals, the binding agent(s) used and the liquid or gel used.
Suitable ranges of particle sizes will be known to those of skill
in the art.
[0038] Example formulations and application for cosmetic
compositions are as follows. The relative amount of each ingredient
is given by volume, and can be selected as desired within any
range. For example, the relative amounts of the ingredients can be
increased or decreased to provide more or less of the desired
quality of the ingredient. In formulation (1), for instance, to
provide relatively greater soothing qualities, relatively more
Chamomile flower and lavender flower can be used, e.g., 6 parts of
each can be used instead of 3 parts. Moreover, note that the same
ingredient can have many functions in one or more formulas. For
example, ascorbic acid, which is in Vitamin C, can function as both
an anti-oxidant and a preservative in the same or different
formulas.
[0039] 1. Nourishment scrub mask (for dry sensitive skin) [0040] 5
parts powdered soy milk, 1 part oat flour (to help hydrate) [0041]
3 parts Chamomile flower, 3 parts lavender flower (to soothe)
[0042] 1 part Almond powder or 0.5 ounce sachet of Almond oil (to
soften and condition)
[0043] 2. Wellness scrub mask (for normal, combination skin) [0044]
1 part Ginger powder (to stimulate circulation) [0045] 0.5 ounce
Grape seed oil (to hydrate and soften) [0046] 3 parts Oatmeal flour
(to gently cleanse and exfoliate) [0047] 1 part Geranium flowers
(to calm and balance) [0048] 2 parts Violet flowers (to soothe)
[0049] 5 parts Powdered soy milk [0050] 3 parts clay (cleanses)
[0051] 3. Wellness scrub mask 2 (for normal, combination skin)
[0052] 1 part Ginger powder (to stimulate circulation) [0053] 1
part Black currant (rejuvenates tired skin, has anti-oxidant
properties) [0054] 1 part Violet flower (to soothe) [0055] 0.5
ounce Geranium oil (to calm and balance) [0056] 3 parts Kaolin clay
(helps remove impurities, detoxify skin) [0057] 3 parts Oatmeal (to
gently cleanse and exfoliate) [0058] 0.5 ounce Almond oil
(moisturizes, hydrates).
[0059] 4. Clarify scrub mask (for acne-prone skin) [0060] 5 parts
Green clay (to deep cleanse and purify) [0061] 0.25-ounce Tea tree
oil or juniper oil (to combat blemishes) [0062] 1 part Marigold
flower and eucalyptus (to calm irritation) [0063] 1 part Cucumber
(to tone and fresh) [0064] 2 parts powdered yeast (antioxidant,
soothes) [0065] 1 part Eucalyptus (has anti-bacterial
properties)
[0066] 5. Detox mask (for oil prone skin) [0067] 5 parts Green clay
(to draw out impurities) [0068] 2 parts Seaweed (to tone and
condition) [0069] 1 part Witch hazel and 1 part lemongrass (to
tighten pores) [0070] 1 part chopped Apple (to gently
exfoliate)
[0071] 6. Detox mask 2 (for oil prone skin) [0072] 2 parts
Pineapple (exfoliates) [0073] 2-5 parts clay (deep cleanses and
exfoliates) [0074] 2 parts Marigold flower (has antiseptic
properties) [0075] 1 part chopped Apple (clarifies) Example
ingredients for the liquid or gel include: Water, milk, beer,
tomato sauce, fruit juice (e.g., apple, lemon), eggs, honey,
yogurt, cucumber gel, aloe vera gel. As an example, approximately
0.25 to 0.5 cup of the liquid or gel may be added to the other
ingredients, which may also comprise a volume of approximately 0.25
to 0.5 cup. Cosmetically acceptable dyes and pigments may also be
used.
[0076] Generally, the cosmetic composition may include a
ready-to-mix mixture of ingredients such as particles made from
dried herbs and/or flowers, particles made from a dried food, and
one or more essential oils, either in particle or liquid form. For
example, the dried food may include a starchy food such as wheat,
rice, flour and/or oats which acts as a binding agent in the
mixture when a liquid or gel is mixed in with the mixture. The
essential oil may be of various types, including almond, grape
seed, geranium, tea tree and juniper oil. Again, these are only
examples, and many other foods and oils may be used.
[0077] Note that, for a scrub application in particular, it is
desirable to have an abrasive agent. This may be achieved using a
natural product, such as coarsely-grounded clay, oatmeal or sand,
or an artificial product such as a polymer or synthetic, e.g., such
as Jojoba beads.
[0078] The examples given are meant to be illustrative rather than
limiting, as the invention may use any known ingredients for
forming a cosmetic composition.
[0079] FIG. 2 illustrates a cosmetic composition and container,
with a package of liquid or gel carried therein. Here, the
container 200 includes a package 210 carried within the container
that contains the liquid or gel 220 that is to be mixed with the
particles 160. Preferably, the package 210 contains an optimal
amount of liquid or gel for forming the composition with a desired
consistency. The package may be formed of a generally rigid
material such as plastic, for example, with a screw off or pull off
top. Alternatively, the package may be formed of a pliable
material, such as a paper, plastic or foil plastic bag, pouch,
sachet, or envelope, which can be torn open to release the liquid
or gel. Similarly, a vial can be used to hold the liquid or gel.
Furthermore, the package 210 may be unsecured within the container
200, or secured, e.g., to the inner side wall of the container 200
using a releasable adhesive. To use, the user removes the lid from
the container, then removes the package 210 and empties its
contents into the container 200 to mix with the particles 160.
Optionally, the package 210 may be secured to the outside of the
container 200, or carried with the container 200 in another, larger
container such as a paperboard box or the like.
[0080] FIG. 3 illustrates a cosmetic composition and container,
with a liquid or gel carried therein. Here, the liquid or gel 320
is separated from the particles by a membrane or panel 330, which
may be made of foil or laminated paper, for example. In use, the
user removes the cover of the container 300 and pierces the
membrane 330 using a suitable implement such as a stirring stick to
allow the liquid or gel to mix with the particles 160. Preferably,
the membrane remains attached to the container 300 even after it is
ruptured to avoid having pieces of it being mixed in with the
cosmetic composition. To this end, the membrane 330 may be ruptured
along diametrical score marks 340, while a circumferential or
peripheral portion of the membrane 330 remains attached to the
inner wall of the container 300.
[0081] Alternatively, the membrane 330 may be substantially rigid
so that it can be easily pulled out of the container 300. In this
case, the membrane may be weakened at its periphery so it can be
pulled away from the interior wall 300 of the container by the
user. To this end, the membrane may have a tether and pull ring
that extends to the top of the container to be pulled by the user.
In this manner, the membrane 330 can be removed from the container
300 altogether. Furthermore, the container 300 may have a step
increase in its diameter that forms a seat or shoulder upon which
the membrane 330 rests before it is removed by the user.
[0082] Advantageously, the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 are
self-contained and are ready to use without providing additional
equipment or supplies.
[0083] FIG. 4 illustrates a further cosmetic composition and
container. The container 400 is generally box-shaped, and has a top
portion 410 that may engage a bottom portion 420, or may be
attached to the bottom portion 420 in a hinged manner, for
instance. A seal 425, such as a ribbon with adhesive, may be
provided that is broken to open the container 400. The container
may be made of paperboard that is laminated on the interior, at
least in the bottom portion 420, to prevent the liquid or gel from
leaking through. A fill mark is included to inform the user of the
appropriate amount of liquid or gel to add. Optionally, as
discussed also in connection with the package 210 of FIG. 2, a
package holding a liquid or gel may be carried within the container
400. In a further option, the particles 160 are carried in a
separate container within the container 400
[0084] Moreover, while the container 400 is four-sided, various
other container shapes may be used as well, e.g., such as
containers having more than four sides, containers having both flat
and rounded portions, and so forth. Additionally, the container may
have a novelty shape, such as that of a house, teddy bear, doll,
apple, cartoon character, or other pleasing object. Plastic forming
techniques may be used to form such shapes.
[0085] Accordingly, it can be seen that the present invention
provides a cosmetic composition and container therefor which
includes a self-standing container that is nominally closed, but
can be opened by a user when ready to use. The container is
constructed to at least temporarily hold a liquid or gel added
thereto when the container is opened. The composition, which is
suitable for treating a user's skin and/or hair, includes particles
made from selected ingredients for forming a cosmetic composition
when mixed with a suitable liquid or gel. The particles may include
both ground-up and whole particles from substances such as dried
botanicals (plant ingredients); including dried foods, herbs,
florals and cereals/grains, and a binding agent such as wheat,
rice, flour, oats, clay and iron oxides. Moreover, a botanical such
as oat bran flour can also serve as a binding agent in which case a
separate binding agent may not be needed. Furthermore, the
container may have a fill mark that informs the user of a proper
amount of the liquid or gel to add to the container to form the
cosmetic composition with a desired consistency. Optionally, a
package may be carried within the container that holds the liquid
or gel that is to be mixed with the particles to form the cosmetic
composition. The particles may also be carried in a separate
package within the container. A cosmetic composition includes a
ready-to-mix mixture of ingredients including particles from dried
herbs and/or flowers and a dried food, and an essential oil.
[0086] While the invention has been described and illustrated in
connection with preferred embodiments, many variations and
modifications as will be evident to those skilled in this art may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, and the invention is thus not to be limited to the
precise details of methodology or construction set forth above as
such variations and modification are intended to be included within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *