U.S. patent application number 10/534189 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for skylight system.
Invention is credited to Rodric Lindsay Fooks.
Application Number | 20060272232 10/534189 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28795964 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060272232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fooks; Rodric Lindsay |
December 7, 2006 |
Skylight system
Abstract
A skylight system (10) including a prefabricated mounting frame
(20) and a prefabricated hood assembly (25), adapted to assemble
together to form a skylight (10).
Inventors: |
Fooks; Rodric Lindsay;
(Riverstone, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
28795964 |
Appl. No.: |
10/534189 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
November 10, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU03/01481 |
371 Date: |
June 5, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/033 20130101;
E04D 13/1475 20130101; E04D 13/0305 20130101; E04D 13/0354
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/200 |
International
Class: |
E04B 7/18 20060101
E04B007/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 8, 2002 |
AU |
2002952574 |
Claims
1. A skylight system including a prefabricated mounting frame and a
prefabricated hood assembly, adapted to assemble together to form a
skylight.
2. The skylight system of claim 1 wherein, said prefabricated
mounting frame comprises a rectangular arrangement of extruded
sections to form a rectangular support structure.
3. The skylight system of claim 2 wherein, said extruded sections
are provided with bottom flange portions adapted to seat on the
batten timbers of a sloping roof.
4. The skylight system of claim 2 wherein, said extruded sections
are provided with a pair of closely spaced projecting flanges
adapted to accept and retain pre-assembled flashing elements
attached to said extruded sections.
5. The skylight system of claim 4 wherein, said flashing elements
along the two sloping sides of said skylight, comprise roll-formed
metal strips, said roll-formed strips adapted to interface with
roof covering material.
6. The skylight system of claim 4 wherein, said flashing elements
along the two horizontal sides of said skylight comprise malleable
metal strips.
7. The skylight system of claim 2 wherein, said prefabricated
mounting frame is provided with sprung retainer elements attached
to each of the extruded elements forming the sides of said
rectangular support structure.
8. The skylight system of claim 7 wherein, said sprung retainer
elements are in the form of bent metal strips with the lower ends
of said strips forming an angle with said sides of said rectangular
support structure, such that said lower ends deflect inwardly from
said sides.
9. The skylight system of claim 3 wherein said extruded members are
provided with an horizontal ledge extending outwardly from said
extruded members, said horizontal ledge adapted to support a
sealing strip, said sealing strip forming a perimeter seal around
the top of said prefabricated mounting frame.
10. The skylight system of claim 1 wherein, said prefabricated hood
assembly includes perimeter capping, glass layers, internal sash
frame, extruded seal elements and extruded clamping members.
11. The skylight system of claim 10 wherein, said perimeter capping
is fabricated from extruded elements adapted to provide framing of
said glass layers and support for said clamping members.
12. The skylight system of claim 11 wherein, said internal sash
frame is retained within said perimeter capping by said clamping
members, said clamping members provided with a clamping ledge
adapted to engage in grooves provided in the outer faces of said
internal sash frame.
13. The skylight system of claim 10 wherein, said extruded seal
elements provide support for said glass layers.
14. The skylight system of claim 10 wherein, said glass layers are
clamped between said perimeter capping, said extruded seal elements
and said internal sash frame by said clamping members.
15. The skylight system of claim 14 wherein, said clamping members
are fastened to said perimeter capping by self tapping screws.
16. The skylight system of claim 1 wherein, said prefabricated hood
assembly is adapted for assembly with said prefabricated mounting
frame so that said internal sash frame locates within said
prefabricated mounting frame; said clamping members seating on said
perimeter seal.
17. The skylight system of claim 16 wherein, said prefabricated
hood assembly is retained in sealing engagement with said
prefabricated mounting frame by means of said sprung retainer
elements engaging in recesses provided in the outer surfaces of
said internal sash frame.
18. The skylight system of claim 15 wherein, said prefabricated
mounting frame is provided with an extruded hinge section; said
hinge section adapted to be a clip-on attachment to one of said
extruded sections of said prefabricated mounting frame.
19. The skylight system of claim 18 wherein, said hinge section
includes an extruded lobe element, said lobe element being of
substantially circular section and further including a convex
extruded arcuate guide segment concentric with said lobe
element.
20. The skylight system of claim 19 wherein, at least one of said
extruded elements of said perimeter capping of said prefabricated
hood assembly includes an extruded hinge element of partially
cylindrical form and a concave extruded arcuate guide segment
concentric with said hinge element, said hinge element and said
concave extruded arcuate guide segment adapted to mate with said
lobe element and said convex extruded arcuate guide segment so as
to allow rotation of said prefabricated hood assembly about said
lobe element when one of said extruded hinge elements of said
perimeter capping is assembled with said lobe element.
21-38. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to skylights adapted to be
fitted to the roofs of buildings and, more particularly, to methods
of construction and fitting of such skylights.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Skylights, let into roofing, have long been used to provide
a source of light into the interior of a building. Skylights may be
fixed or openable and may be adapted to provide ventilation as well
as light. Skylights known in the industry suffer from a number of
disadvantages.
[0003] At least some commonly available skylights of overseas
manufacture may not conform to required standards of traficability,
that is of being capable of supporting the weight of a person
traversing the skylight, both in the strength of glass employed and
the strength of frame construction.
[0004] Another problem commonly encountered in skylights intended
to allow ventilation is that they do not adequately prevent the
ingress of debris and in particular may not be proof against flying
embers.
[0005] In addition, many available skylights require considerable
on-site fabrication and are time consuming to install.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to address or
ameliorate at least some of the above disadvantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, in one broad form of the invention there is
provided a skylight system including a prefabricated mounting frame
and a prefabricated hood assembly, adapted to assemble together to
form a skylight.
[0008] Preferably said prefabricated mounting frame comprises a
rectangular arrangement of extruded sections.
[0009] Preferably said extruded sections are provided with bottom
flange portions adapted to seat on the batten timbers of a sloping
roof.
[0010] Preferably said extruded sections are provided with a pair
of closely spaced projecting flanges adapted to accept and retain
pre-assembled flashing elements attached to said extruded
sections.
[0011] Preferably said flashing elements along the two sloping
sides of said skylight, comprise roll-formed metal strips, said
roll-formed strips adapted to interface with roof covering
material.
[0012] Preferably said flashing elements along the two horizontal
sides of said skylight comprise malleable metal strips.
[0013] Preferably said prefabricated mounting frame is provided
with sprung retainer elements attached to each of the extruded
elements forming the sides of said rectangular support
structure.
[0014] Preferably said sprung retainer elements are in the form of
bent metal strips with the lower ends of said strips forming an
angle with said sides of said rectangular support structure, such
that said lower ends deflect inwardly from said sides.
[0015] Preferably said extruded members are provided with an
horizontal ledge extending outwardly from said extruded members,
said horizontal ledge adapted to support a sealing strip, said
sealing strip forming a perimeter seal around the top of said
prefabricated mounting frame.
[0016] Preferably said prefabricated hood assembly includes
perimeter capping, glass layers, internal sash frame, extruded seal
elements and extruded clamping members.
[0017] Preferably said perimeter capping is fabricated from
extruded elements adapted to provide framing of said glass layers
and support for said clamping members.
[0018] Preferably said internal sash frame is retained within said
perimeter capping by said clamping members, said clamping members
provided with a clamping ledge adapted to engage in grooves
provided in the outer faces of said internal sash frame.
[0019] Preferably said extruded seal elements provide support for
said glass layers.
[0020] Preferably said glass layers are clamped between said
perimeter capping, said extruded seal elements and said internal
sash frame by said clamping members.
[0021] Preferably said clamping members are fastened to said
perimeter capping by self tapping screws.
[0022] Preferably said prefabricated hood assembly is adapted for
assembly wish said prefabricated mounting frame so that said
internal sash frame locates within said prefabricated mounting
frame; said clamping members seating on said perimeter seal.
[0023] Preferably said prefabricated hood assembly is retained in
sealing engagement with said prefabricated mounting frame by means
of said sprung retainer elements engaging in recesses provided in
the outer surfaces of said internal sash frame.
[0024] Preferably said prefabricated mounting frame is provided
with an extruded hinge section; said hinge section adapted to be a
clip-on attachment to one of said extruded sections of said
prefabricated mounting frame.
[0025] Preferably said hinge section includes an extruded lobe
element, said lobe element being of substantially circular section
and further including a convex extruded arcuate guide segment
concentric with said lobe element.
[0026] Preferably at least one of said extruded elements of said
perimeter capping of said prefabricated hood assembly includes an
extruded hinge element of partially cylindrical form and a concave
extruded arcuate guide segment concentric with said hinge element,
said hinge element and said concave extruded arcuate guide segment
adapted to mate with said lobe element and said convex extruded
arcuate guide segment so as to allow rotation of said prefabricated
hood assembly about said lobe element when one of said extruded
hinge elements of said perimeter capping is assembled with said
lobe element.
[0027] Preferably the degree of rotation of said prefabricated hood
assembly is controlled by a latching mechanism within the limits of
rotation allowed by said extruded lobe element, said extruded hinge
element and said arcuate guide segments.
[0028] Preferably said prefabricated hood assembly is provided
along one side of said perimeter capping with a raised cowling,
said cowling provided with an opening facing out over said glass
layers.
[0029] Preferably said cowling is provided with a hinged flap, said
flap adapted to provide closure means for said opening.
[0030] Preferably said hinged flap is provided with extruded
element along its upper edge adapted to mate with extruded element
at the upper edge of said opening of said cowling, so as to allow
said hinged flap to rotate between a first open and a second closed
position.
[0031] Preferably the status of said hinged flap is changed from
closed to open by means of the outstroke of a solenoid
actuator.
[0032] Preferably the status of said flap is changed from open to
closed by means of the instroke of said solenoid actuator and a
return spring.
[0033] Preferably said cowling houses an electrically driven
exhaust fan assembly.
[0034] Preferably said extruded seal element is of the form of an
extruded strip, said strip provided with a plurality of co-extruded
ridges on a first side of said strip and a projecting co-extruded
tongue on an opposite side of said strip.
[0035] Preferably said co-extruded ridges are broached at intervals
by a post-extruding operation to allow the passage of water
condensate.
[0036] Preferably said extruded strip is provided with through
holes, punched through said strip in a post-extruding operation to
allow the egress of water condensate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the a skylight system
according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention,
[0039] FIG. 2 is a sectioned view of the higher end portion of the
skylight system of FIG. 1,
[0040] FIG. 3 is a sectioned view of the higher end portion of FIG.
2 and the opposite lower end portion of the skylight system of
FIGS. 1 and 2,
[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a prefabricated mounting
frame of the skylight system of FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a part side section view of a second preferred
embodiment of a skylight system according to the invention in a
first, closed position,
[0043] FIG. 6 is a part side section view of the embodiment of FIG.
6 in a second, opened position,
[0044] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment
of the invention,
[0045] FIG. 8 is a part side section view of the embodiment of FIG.
7 in a first, open position,
[0046] FIG. 9 is a part side section view of the embodiment of FIG.
7 in a second, closed position,
[0047] FIG. 10A to 10C are perspective views of a preferred
embodiment of a component of the skylight system of the invention,
and
[0048] FIG. 11 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the skylight
system with flashing elements interposed with roof tiles.
[0049] FIG. 12 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the skylight
system adapted for installation to a corrugated metal roof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Preferred Embodiment
[0050] A first preferred embodiment of a skylight system 10
according to the invention will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 4. A prefabricated mounting frame 20 is constructed from
extruded sections 21 to form a generally rectangular support
structure 22 as may best be seen in FIG. 4, and is provided with
bottom flange 23 adapted to rest on the batten timbers 24 of a roof
as shown in FIG. 1. The upper edge of extruded section 21 is
provided with a horizontal top ledge 41 adapted to accept sealing
strip 44.
[0051] Extruded section 21 is further provided with projecting
flanges 14 adapted to receive flashing elements 15, 16 and 16A as
shown in FIG. 4. Flashing elements 15, 16 and 16A are pre-assembled
with rectangular support structure 22 by crimping flashing 15, 16
and 16A between the projecting flanges 14 so as to allow
integration of the flashing with roofing material such as tiles
when installing the skylight system 10.
[0052] In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention a
silicon or other suitable sealant 52 is introduced into the space
between the flanges 14 prior to fully inserting the flashing 15, 16
and 16A. In this process, the flashing is firstly inserted a short
distance into the flanges and the sealant injected through a series
of pre-drilled holes 51 from the inside of the frame as shown in
the inset of FIG. 2. Optionally, overlapping portions of flashing
elements 15, 16 and 16A extending outwardly from the support
structure may be fastened together by any suitable means including
rivets, welding and the TOX.RTM. fastening system.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment of flashing 15 adapted for use
along the two sloping sides 17 of skylight system 10, flashing 15
is fashioned out of malleable metal sheeting roll-formed to a
profile adapted to suit the configuration of roofing material as
shown in FIG. 1A. Flashing along the upper and lower horizontal
edges 18 and 19 of skylight system 10 is fashioned from
conventional malleable flat sheeting.
[0054] In this first preferred embodiment, a prefabricated hood
assembly 25 comprises a perimeter capping 26 formed of extruded
elements 27 and internal sash frame members 28 forming a
rectangular sash frame 29 within perimeter capping 26. The sections
of sash frame members 28, along the two sloping sides and the high
side of the frame are formed with raised portions 50 which act to
nest glass layers 30 around three sides of the glass.
[0055] Glass layers 30 are held in a clamped position between
perimeter capping 26 and sash frame 29 by means of clamping member
31. Clamping member 31 is provided with clamping ledge 32 which
engages groove 33 of sash frame 29. Self-tapping screws 34 pass
through holes 35 in clamping member 31 to engage with a projecting
member 36 of extruded element 27.
[0056] In this instance, glass layers-30 are supported on extruded
seal element 38 held in place by extruded tongue 43 located in
groove 37 of sash frame member 28. As shown in FIG. 3 glass layers
30 are further supported at the lower end of perimeter capping 26
by extruded buffer 47.
[0057] As explained in more detail below, extruded seal element 38
underlying the lower edge of glass layers 30 is provided with
channels as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C through ridges 46 so as to
allow condensation collecting on the underside of the lower glass
panel to flow downwardly to pass through these channels and drain
through holes 48 and mating holes 45 in clamping member 31.
[0058] Rectangular support structure 22 is provided along each of
its four sides with sprung retainer elements 39, attached to the
extruded sections 21 by fasteners 40. As can be seen in FIG. 2,
retainer elements 39 are so constructed as to engage in recess
grooves 41 of sash frame 29.
[0059] It will be clear that with suitably sized components,
prefabricated hood assembly 25 may be inserted into rectangular
support structure 22 so that initially sprung retainer elements 39
will be deflected to allow the sash frame 28 to enter rectangular
support structure 22 to a point where clamping members 31 are
seated on sealing strip 44 and retainer elements 39 deflect
inwardly to engage recess grooves 41 so as to lock sash frame 29 in
position.
[0060] The angled sections of retainer elements 39 are provided
with slots 43 as can be seen in FIG. 3. Should removal of
prefabricated hood assembly 25 be required, access holes may be
drilled through extruded sections 21 opposite the slots 43 so that,
with a suitable tool, sprung retaining elements 39 may be pulled
outwardly to disengage from recess grooves 41.
[0061] The method of construction of this first embodiment of the
present invention, allows access to the internal surfaces of
rectangular support structure 22 for the purpose of strapping
support structure 22 to structural supporting members of the roof
to which the skylight is to be installed.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 11, a typical installation of
skylight system 10 shows the disposition of flashing elements 15,
16 and 16A interposed with roof tiles 49 (shown as dashed lines).
At upper horizontal side 18, flat malleable flashing 16 lies under
the row of roof tile 49a, while at lower horizontal side 19
flashing 16A overlies the row of roof tile 49e. Roll formed
flashing 15 retains below roof tiles 49a, 49b, 49c and 49d but is
deformed at approximate position `A` to deflect upwardly to emerge
between roof tiles 49d and 49o and overly roof tile 49e. Note that
the inner edge of roll-formed flashing 15 remains crimped between
projecting flanges 14.
[0063] In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention the
flashing elements 15, 16 and 16A are formed of "0" tempered
aluminium sheet. This material is malleable but cannot be stretched
during installation on site. For this reason the flashing 16A
extending from the lower end 19 of support structure 22 is prepared
prior to assembly by the pressing of corrugations or flutings 55
along its lower edge and extending approximately half the width of
the sheet comprising the flashing element as shown in the inset of
FIG. 11. Preferably a pressed in indentation 56 is formed
substantially along the length of the flashing to minimise
distortion of the flat edge portion to be inserted into the flange
portions of the frame 22.
[0064] This corrugating or fluting process in effect provides
additional material along the lower edge of the flashing element.
This additional material allows for the conforming of the lower
portion of the flashing to the profile of the tiles by tamping
blows with a suitable mallet.
[0065] Thus installation time is minimized by the ability to
install rectangular support structure 22 and attached flashing
elements 15, 16 and 16A and the simple insertion of the
prefabricated hood assembly 25 once the rectangular support
structure 22 is fixed in position.
Second Preferred Embodiment
[0066] A second preferred embodiment of a skylight system according
to the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5
and 6 wherein like elements of the first embodiment are similarly
numbered but with the addition of 100 so that for example feature
22 of the first embodiment is referenced as feature 122 in the
second embodiment.
[0067] Accordingly there is provided a rectangular support
structure 122 fabricated from extruded sections 121 and provided
with flange elements 123 to allow structure 122 to be positioned on
roof battens 124. As for the first embodiment already described,
the extruded sides of structure 122 are provided with projecting
flanges 114 to allow the pre-assembly of flashing (not shown) along
the two sloping sides of skylight system 100 and conventional
malleable flat flashing 115 along the upper and lower horizontal
sides.
[0068] Extruded sections 121 in this embodiment are so formed as to
allow the clip-on attachment of an extruded hinge section 143.
Preferably binge section 143 will be attached to the upper
horizontal side of structure 122. Hinge section 143 is provided
with an extruded hinge lobe 144 and arcuate guide section 145.
[0069] In this second preferred embodiment perimeter capping 126 is
provided with extruded hinge trough 146 and extruded arcuate guide
follower 147. Prefabricated hood assembly 125 includes upper sash
frame 129 which clamps glass layers 130 against perimeter capping
126 by means of clamping member 131 and self-tapping screws
134.
[0070] With reference to FIG. 6 it will be observed that
prefabricated hood assembly 125 may be rotated into an open
position relative to rectangular support structure 122 about
extruded hinge lobe 144. Prefabricated hood assembly 125 is
constrained to rotate about extruded hinge lobe 144 as long as
extruded arcuate guide follower 147 remains in contact with arcuate
guide section 145. This contact may be maintained by restricting
the opening of prefabricated hood assembly 125 with a suitable
latching mechanism (not shown) such as commonly found on hinged
sash windows.
[0071] For installation of this second embodiment of the invention,
the rectangular support structure 122 is firstly positioned and
fastened to the roof structural members as was the case for the
first embodiment described above. Prefabricated hood assembly 125
is then hooked into position with hinge trough 146 around hinge
lobe 144 and rotated to its closed position. In use the
aforementioned latching mechanism allows the opening of the hood
assembly as desired.
Third Preferred Embodiment
[0072] A third preferred embodiment of a skylight system according
to the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 7
wherein like elements of the first and second embodiments are
similarly numbered but with the addition of 200 so that for example
feature 22 of the first embodiment and 122 of the second embodiment
is referenced as feature 222 in this third embodiment.
[0073] Accordingly, in FIG. 7 rectangular support structure 222 is
located on roof battens 224 as before resting on flange elements
223. In this embodiment prefabricated hood assembly 225 is provided
with cowling 250. Cowling 250 is provided with opening 251 and
hinged flap 252.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 8, hinged flap 252 is hinged by means of
hinge arrangement 258 wherein extruded element 259 of cowling 250
is so formed as to provided rotational support for mating extruded
element 260 of hinged flap 252.
[0075] Again with reference to FIG. 8, contained in cowling 250 is
motor and fan assembly 260 where barrel fan 253 extends parallel to
opening 251 of cowling 250 with fan motor 254 located at one end of
the fan. When in ventilating mode, solenoid 255 outstrokes rod 258
to force flap 252 into its open position and barrel fan motor is
switched on. Barrel fan 253 now acts to draw air from building
interior 257 and expel it through opening 251. When not in
ventilating mode, barrel fan rotor is switched off and solenoid 255
retracts rod 258 allowing flap 252 to close under force from a
return spring (not shown).
Extruded Seal Element
[0076] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 10, extruded seal element 38
will now be more fully described. A problem with sealing elements
of prior art is that these are generally injection moulded from
elastomer material requiring specific moulds for every differently
dimensioned skylight assembly. The method of seal manufacture here
described overcomes this disadvantage.
[0077] In a first procedure profile 300 is extruded of indefinite
length as desired from elastomeric material such as rubber,
neoprene or the like as shown in FIG. 10A. In a subsequent
operation ridges 301 are provided with drainage channels 302 either
by mechanical milling or by hot melt methods (FIG. 10B). Finally
punched drainage holes 303 are provided at suitable intervals (FIG.
10c).
Fourth Preferred Embodiment
[0078] In a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
system 6f flashing is adapted specifically to the fitting of any of
the skylights described herein above to a corrugated metal
roof.
[0079] As also described above, the rectangular support structure
is pre-assembled with upper and lower and side flashing elements
inserted into the extruded flanges and sealed with a suitable
sealant. The arrangement is shown in FIG. 12.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 12 the pre-assembled flashing 316 at the
high side of the skylight 300 is joined to the metal of the
corrugated roof 325 by means of corrugated flashing element 320.
Flashing 316 in this embodiment is provided with an upwardly folded
edge portion 330. Corrugated flashing element 320 is comprised of
malleable aluminium sheet which is prepared with corrugations to
match those of a corrugated metal roof along its higher edge 322
and provided with a fold over portion 321 at its lower edge 323
adapted to fit over upwardly folded edge portion 330. The
corrugated edge 322 may be placed over the sheeting of roof 325
with suitable sealant as shown in FIG. 12 or positioned under it as
shown in the inset of FIG. 12. Although shown in FIG. 12 as
upwardly folded, edge portion 330 and 321 may be folded further as
shown in the inset of FIG. 12 so as to lie flush against the
surface of flashing element 316.
[0081] A similar arrangement is used to connect the lower end
flashing element 316A to the sheeting of roof 325 with corrugated
flashing element 340. Corrugated flashing element 340 is provided
at its higher edge with fold over portion 341 adapted to mate with
folded under portion 342 of the lower edge of flashing element
316A. The lower edge of corrugated flashing element 340 is prepared
with corrugations to match those of the corrugated sheeting of roof
325.
[0082] It will be appreciated that the location of corrugated
flashing elements 320 and 340 is determined by the corrugations of
roof sheeting whereas the location of the skylight may be
determined by the location of the timber structure of the roof. The
fold over portions 321 with folded edge portion 330, and fold over
portion 341 with folded edge portion 342 allows sideways adjustment
of the connecting flashing elements and the pre-assembled skylight
flashing.
[0083] The above describes only some embodiments of the present
invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art,
can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of
the present invention.
* * * * *