U.S. patent application number 11/565885 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-01 for system and apparatus for holding an item in storage.
This patent application is currently assigned to SS3 STORAGE SYSTEMS, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to James Eldon, Alan Winig, Richard Winig.
Application Number | 20070251904 11/565885 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38668719 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070251904 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Winig; Alan ; et
al. |
November 1, 2007 |
SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR HOLDING AN ITEM IN STORAGE
Abstract
A system for holding an item on a hook-arm that has a polygonal
cross-section and is mounted within a yoke assembly. The yoke
assembly includes a front plate with a rear face and a plurality of
open-ended channels that each have a polygonal cross-section that
is complementary to the polygonal cross-section of the hook-arm. At
least two of the plurality of channels share a common open end. A
rear plate mates with the front plate, and has a front face and
including a first flange and a second flange that are arranged in
spaced apart, parallel relation to one another and in off-set
relation to the front face. The front plate is mountable to the
rear plate with the at least one hook-arm positioned within one of
the plurality of open-ended channels. The whole assembly is then
mounted upon a frame having spaced apart openings that are sized
and oriented so that one of the spaced apart openings receives the
first flange and one of the spaced apart openings receives the
second flange.
Inventors: |
Winig; Alan; (Wynnewood,
PA) ; Winig; Richard; (Villanova, PA) ; Eldon;
James; (Barto, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUANE MORRIS LLP;IP DEPARTMENT
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-4196
US
|
Assignee: |
SS3 STORAGE SYSTEMS, L.L.C.
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
38668719 |
Appl. No.: |
11/565885 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60793563 |
Apr 19, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/106.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/06 20130101;
A47F 5/0853 20130101; A47F 5/0823 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/106.01 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08 |
Claims
1. A system for holding an item comprising: at least one arm having
a polygonal cross-section; a yoke assembly for supporting said at
least one arm including: (i) a front plate having a rear face that
defines a plurality of open-ended channels each defined by a
faceted portion of said rear face wherein at least two of said
plurality of channels share a common opening; (ii) a rear plate
having a front face and including a first flange and a second
flange that are arranged in spaced apart, parallel relation to one
another and in off-set relation to said front face, wherein said
front plate is mountable to said rear plate with said at least one
hook-arm positioned within one of said plurality of open-ended
channels; and a frame having spaced apart openings that are sized
and oriented so that one of said spaced apart openings receives
said first flange and one of said spaced apart openings receives
said second flange.
2. A system for holding an item according to claim 1 wherein two
arms are located within said yoke assembly.
3. A system for holding an item according to claim 2 wherein said
two arms each comprise a hexagonal cross-section.
4. A system for holding an item according to claim 1 wherein said
front plate having a rear face that defines two transverse
open-ended channels and two channels that are each oriented at an
angle relative to an adjacent one of said transverse channels.
5. A system for holding an item according to claim 4 wherein at
least one of said transverse channels and one of said angled
channels have one common opening.
6. A system for holding an item according to claim 1 wherein said
rear face defines one longitudinal open-ended channel.
7. A system for holding an item according to claim 1 wherein said a
front plate defines a central opening that receives a locking-wheel
for fastening said front plate to said rear plate
8. A system for holding an item comprising: at least one arm having
a polygonal cross-section; a yoke assembly for supporting said at
least one arm including: (i) a front plate having a rear face; (ii)
a rear plate having a front face that defines a plurality of
open-ended channels each defined by a faceted portion of said front
face wherein at least two of said plurality of channels share a
common opening; and including a first flange and a second flange
that are arranged in spaced apart, parallel relation to one another
and in off-set relation to said front face, wherein said front
plate is mountable to said rear plate with said at least one
hook-arm positioned within one of said plurality of open-ended
channels; and a frame having spaced apart openings that are sized
and oriented so that one of said spaced apart openings receives
said first flange and one of said spaced apart openings receives
said second flange.
9. A system for holding an item according to claim 8 wherein two
arms are located within said yoke assembly.
10. A system for holding an item according to claim 9 wherein said
two arms each comprise a hexagonal cross-section.
11. A system for holding an item according to claim 8 wherein said
rear plate having a front face that defines two transverse
open-ended channels and two channels that are each oriented at an
angle relative to an adjacent one of said transverse channels.
12. A system for holding an item according to claim 11 wherein at
least one of said transverse channels and one of said angled
channels have one common opening.
13. A system for holding an item according to claim 8 wherein said
rear face defines one longitudinal open-ended channel.
14. A system for holding an item according to claim 8 wherein said
a front plate defines a central opening that receives a
locking-wheel for fastening said front plate to said rear
plate.
15. A system for holding an item comprising: at least one arm; a
plate having a front face to which said at least one arm is welded,
wherein said plate includes a first flange, a second flange, and a
central flange that are arranged in spaced apart, parallel relation
to one another and in rearwardly off-set relation to said front
face; a locking-wheel having a threaded shaft threadingly passing
through said plate and located adjacent to said central flange; and
a frame having a plurality of parallel spaced apart openings that
are sized and oriented so that one of said spaced apart openings
receives said first flange, one of said spaced apart openings
receives said second flange, and one of said spaced apart openings
receives said central flange.
16. A system for holding an item comprising: at least one arm; a
plate having a front face to which said at least one arm is welded,
wherein said plate includes a first flange, a second flange, and a
central flange that are arranged in spaced apart, parallel relation
to one another and in rearwardly off-set relation to said front
face; a frame having a plurality of parallel spaced apart openings
that are sized and oriented so that one of said spaced apart
openings receives said first flange, one of said spaced apart
openings receives said second flange, and one of said spaced apart
openings receives said central flange; and a locking-wheel having a
threaded shaft threadingly engaging said plate and a portion of
said frame so as to maintain said plate in position on said frame.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority from
co-pending Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/793,563,
filed on Apr. 19, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to storage and organizational
systems and devices, and more particularly to storage and
organizational systems and devices for storing home and garden
tools or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In modern American suburbia, the garage has become the
storage receptacle for a myriad of items that are necessary for
work and recreation. The need for this storage space has become so
acute that many suburban dwellings contain a 3-car garage even
though the occupants own only two vehicles. Although, in many
instances a recreational vehicle or boat occupies the third bay; in
most cases, that extra space is utilized for storage and as a work
area. Items such as sports equipment, gardening implements, and
work shop related items, e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches,
hand and power tools, and other implements for home, vehicle, or
garden repair and maintenance are generally stored in the
garage.
[0004] There are a number of systems for storing relatively small
and lightweight articles known in the art. For example, pegboard or
perforated panel systems are known for hanging articles in a
vertical or horizontal orientation using pegboard hooks that are
removably attached to a perforated panel. Shelving may also be
provided on pegboards using the same or similar structures for
securing and supporting the shelf to the pegboard. Prior art
perforated panel systems (known as "pegboards") typically comprise
a pressed composite board material with regularly spaced circular
perforations into which hooks may be inserted for the storage or
display of tools, instruments, and other articles. Changing the
locations of the stored articles requires that the hooks or
shelf-supports be removed completely from their respective
supporting holes in the pegboard, and then reinserted into other
holes. After a period of use, the holes tend to become worn and
enlarged, and eventually become unable to retain the hooks. Also,
the hooks are easily misplaced or lost. These pegboard systems are
also aesthetically unattractive, especially after many years of
use.
[0005] Those who use pegboards are also familiar with the
frustration and irritation associated with an insecure hook. Such
fasteners often pull off the pegboard and get lost or damaged,
especially when only one or two items are held.
[0006] It would be advantageous to have a storage system which
allowed ease of accessibility to tools, such as gardening
implements, while maximizing the use of garage space, in an
aesthetically satisfying manner. It would also be advantageous to
have a storage system that could be mounted directly to the walls
of a typical garage or tool shed, thereby allowing effective use of
available space while removing sports equipment, gardening
implements, and work shop related items from the floor space of the
garage or a tool shed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a system for holding an item
including at least one hook-arm having a polygonal cross-section
that is mounted within a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly includes
a front plate with a rear face and a plurality of open-ended
channels that each have a polygonal cross-section that is
complementary to the polygonal cross-section of the hook-arm. At
least two of the plurality of channels share a common open end. A
rear plate mates with the front plate, and has a front face and
including a first flange and a second flange that are arranged in
spaced apart, parallel relation to one another and in off-set
relation to the front face. The front plate is mountable to the
rear plate with the at least one hook-arm positioned within one of
the plurality of open-ended channels. The wholly assembly is then
mounted upon a frame having spaced apart openings that are sized
and oriented so that one of the spaced apart openings receives the
first flange and one of the spaced apart openings receives the
second flange.
[0008] In another embodiment, a system for holding an item is
provided that includes at least one arm and a plate having a front
face to which the at least one arm is welded. The plate includes a
first flange, a second flange, and a central flange that are
arranged in spaced apart, parallel relation to one another and in
off- set relation to thefront face. A locking-wheel is provided
having a threaded shaft threadingly passing through the plate and
located adjacent to the central flange. A frame that is mountable
on a vertical surface has a plurality of parallel spaced apart
openings that are sized and oriented so that one of the spaced
apart openings receives the first flange, one of the spaced apart
openings receives the second flange, and one of the spaced apart
openings receives the central flange.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by,
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention, which are to be considered together with the
accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and
further wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective, broken-away view of a storage
system formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a yoke
assembly formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a yoke assembly formed in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the yoke assembly
shown in FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an arm;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the arm shown in FIG.
5;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a partially cross-section partially broken-away
portion of the arms shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an arm end cap;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the end cap shown in
FIG. 8;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the end cap shown in
FIG. 9;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the end caps
shown in FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a front plate;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the front plate shown
in FIG. 12;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a rear surface view of the front plate shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the front plate shown
in FIG. 14;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of front plate formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a rear plate formed in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a rear plate formed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the rear plate shown
in FIG. 18;
[0029] FIG. 20 is an end view of the rear plates shown in FIGS. 18
and 19;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke assembly formed
in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a top view of a front plate formed in accordance
with the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the front plate shown in FIG.
22;
[0033] FIG. 24 is an end view of the front plates shown in FIGS. 22
and 23;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a frame formed in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a broken-away end view of the frame shown in FIG.
25;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the frame shown in
FIGS. 25 and 26;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view, partially in
cross-section, showing a yoke assembly assembled to a frame;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a fully-assembled yoke
assembly;
[0039] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a yoke assembly;
[0040] FIGS. 31 and 32 are perspective views of yet further
embodiments of a yoke assembly formed in accordance with the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a further alternative
embodiment of a yoke assembly formed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a container supported by
two yoke assemblies formed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a shelf supported by two
yoke assemblies formed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a yoke assembly formed in accordance with the present invention
that includes welded hook-arms;
[0045] FIG. 37 is a side elevational view of the yoke assembly
shown in FIG. 36;
[0046] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of rear plate formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 39 front elevational view of the rear plate shown in
FIG. 38, with a threaded nut assembled to a centrally disposed
through-hole;
[0048] FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of the rear plate shown
in FIG. 39;
[0049] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the rear plate shown in
FIG. 39;
[0050] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a locking-wheel formed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of the locking-wheel
shown in FIG. 42; and
[0052] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a shelf supported by a yoke
assembly formed in accordance with the present invention that
includes welded hook-arms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0053] This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be
considered part of the entire written description of this
invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and
certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale
or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and
conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as
"horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well
as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly,"
"upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation
as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under
discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description
and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation.
Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal"
versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted relative to one
another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center
of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling
and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term
"operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or
connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as
intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover the
structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written
description or drawings for performing the recited function,
including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent
structures.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a storage system 2 formed in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes one or
more arms 4, a yoke assembly 6, and a frame 8. More particularly,
hook-arm 4 is often formed from a rod or the like having a
polygonal cross-sectional profile, and comprises a first hook-end
12, a first shank 14, an elbow 16, a second shank 18 and a second
hook-end 20. In one preferred embodiment, hook-arm 4 comprises a
hexagonal cross-sectional profile (FIG. 6). A sleeve 24 is disposed
over first hook-end 12 and second hook-end 20 that is often formed
from a soft and resilient material, such as, an elastomeric polymer
or rubber, but may also comprise a harder and stiffer plastic
material (FIGS. 7-10).
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, yoke assembly 6 includes a front
plate 30 and a rear plate 32. In one preferred embodiment, front
plate 30 and rear plate 32 may be releasably fastened together with
a locking-wheel 34 (FIG. 3). Turning first to FIGS. 11-20, front
plate 30 has a front face 36, a rear face 38, and a rearwardly
projecting, annular flange 40. Often, a plurality of through-holes
42 communicate between front face 36 and rear face 38. In one
embodiment, through-holes 42 are sized and arranged so as to accept
threaded fasteners 44 within complementarily threaded bushings 45.
In another embodiment, a central through-hole 46 is located within
a central recess 49 on front face 36a of a front plate 30a that is
sized and shaped to accept locking-wheel 34. Referring once again
to front plate 30 and now to FIGS. 14-15, a plurality of channels
are defined within rear face 38, including one or more channels 50
that are arranged transversely, one or more channels 52 that are
arranged at an angle relative to channels 50, and at least one
channel 54 that is arranged longitudinally. Each channel 50,52,54
is defined by a faceted portion of rear face 38 (FIGS. 14 and 17).
Transverse channel 50 defines opening 56 and longitudinal channel
54 defines openings 58 within annular flange 40. In one embodiment,
each of transverse channels 50 share a common opening 60 with an
angled channel 52 defined within annular flange 40. Each of
channels 50, 52, and 54 have a cross-sectional profile that closely
matches the cross-sectional profile of hook-arm 4. In one preferred
embodiment, each of channels 50, 52, and 54 have a partially or
semi-hexagonal cross-sectional profile.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 18-20, rear plate 32 has a front face 65,
an upper off-set flange 67, and a lower off-set flange 69. A
plurality of through-holes 72 are defined in rear plate 32 in a
pattern that is complementary to the pattern of through-holes 42 in
front plate 30. Often, through-holes 72 are defined within upper
off-set flange 67 and lower off-set flange 69. Through-holes 72 are
sized and arranged so as to accept threaded fasteners 44. In some
embodiments, front face 65 of rear plate 32 is substantially planer
and smooth, with upper and lower off-set flanges 67,69 arranged in
recessed parallel relation to the surface of front face 65. In
other embodiments, a plurality of channels are defined within front
face 65a.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 17, in one embodiment central through-hole
76 is defined through front face 65a that is sized and shaped to
accept a threaded fastener 44a that passes through a central
through-bore 71 defined in locking-wheel 34 and central
through-hole 46 located within a central recess 49 of front plate
30a. The plurality of channels defined in front face 65a often
include one or more channels 80 that are arranged transversely, one
or more channels 82 that are arranged at an angle relative to
channels 80, and at least one channel 84 that is arranged
longitudinally. Transverse channels 80 define openings 86 and
longitudinal channel 84 define openings 88. In one embodiment, two
transverse channels 80 share a common opening 90 with angled
channels 82 (FIGS. 22-24). Each of channels 80, 82, and 84 have a
cross-sectional profile that closely matches the cross-sectional
profile of hook-arm 4. In one preferred embodiment, each of
channels 80, 82, and 84 have a partially or semi-hexagonal
cross-sectional profile.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 25-28, frame 8 is typically formed
as an elongate, often extruded panel having a rear wall 100 with
spaced apart, parallel side walls 102,104 that project outwardly
from spaced-apart longitudinal edges 106,108. Face walls
110,112,114, and 116 are disposed in spaced relation to rear wall
100 and in co-planar spaced relation to one another so as to define
at least three slots 120,122, and 124. More particularly, face
walls 110 and 112 project inwardly from the respective ends of
parallel side walls 102,104 while face walls 114 and 116 sit a top
parallel beams 126,128 and 130,132. In this way, slots 120,122, and
124 form three parallel passageways that run the length of frame
8.
[0059] A storage system 2 formed in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention is assembled in the following manner. One
or more arms 4 are arranged and positioned so that either shank 18
or shank 14 is located between a front plate 30 and a rear plate
32. In this position, each arm 4 is aligned in parallel, coaxial
relation with one of channels 50 for vertical assembly (FIGS. 28-31
and 34-35), channels 52 for an angled assembly (FIG. 33), or
channel 54 for a horizontal assembly (FIG. 32). Likewise, when
front plate 30a and rear plate 32a are used, each arm 4 is aligned
in parallel, coaxial relation with one of channels 80 for vertical
assembly (FIG. 3), channels 82 for an angled assembly, or channel
84 for a horizontal assembly. Once in this position, front plate
30,30a is moved toward rear plate 32,32a until rear face 36 of
front plate 30 engages front face 65 of rear plate 32. Once in this
position, fasteners 44 may be inserted through openings 42 or 46 so
as to complete yoke assembly 6. If arms 4 are positioned within
angled channels 52 or transverse channels 50, one end of arm 4 will
exit yoke assembly 6 via common openings 60.
[0060] A fully-assembled yoke assembly 6 may be positioned upon a
frame 8 in the following manner. With arms 4 positioned within yoke
assembly 6, yoke assembly 6 is moved toward frame 8 until upper
offset flange 67 enters slot 120. In this position, upper recessed
flange 67 is cammed into position against the inner surface of face
wall 110. Once in this position, lower recessed flange 69 may be
inserted in slot 122 such that it is captured behind face wall 112
and adjacent to beam 126. Yoke assembly 6 assembled to frame 8 is
free to slide longitudinally along slots 120,122 so that yoke
assembly 6 and arms 8 may be positioned at any location along the
length of frame 8. Once in position, one or more yoke assemblies 6
may be grouped to form a support for one or more items directly
(FIG. 1) or as an intermediate support structure for a container
(FIG. 34) or a shelf (FIG. 35).
[0061] The present invention has been described with respect to
specific embodiments although optional modifications may be carried
out by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of
the invention. For example, in one embodiment a rear plate 125 has
a front face 126, an upper off-set flange 129, and a lower off-set
flange 131 (FIGS. 36-44). A through-hole 134 is centrally defined
in rear plate 125 adjacent to an off-set, cantilevered tab 138 that
projects outwardly from a rear face 139 of rear plate 125.
Through-hole 134 is sized and arranged so as to accept a threaded
nut 140. In some embodiments, front face 126 of rear plate 125
includes weld islands 142, with upper and lower off-set flanges
129,131, arranged in recessed parallel relation to the surface of
front face 126. Upper off-set flange 129 also includes a downwardly
projecting cantilevered tab 145, that is formed as a punched-out
portion of front face 126. A locking-wheel 150 includes a threaded
stem 153 that projects outwardly from the rear face of a
pressure-plate 156 (FIGS. 36-37 and 42-43). Pressure-plate 156 may
include finger-grips 159 to aid in rotating locking-wheel 150 into
and out of threaded engagement with threaded nut 140. Hook-arms 160
may have a variety of shapes and configurations, and are often
permanently fastened to front face 126, via spot welds or the like
on weld islands 142.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 25-27 and 43, rear plate 125 is assmbled
to frame 8 by positioning upper off-set flange 129 so that
downwardly projecting cantilevered tab 145 is cammed into position
against the inner surface of face wall 110. As this occurs,
cantilevered tab 138 is cammed into position against the inner
surface of face wall 114 and downwardly projecting lower off-set
flange131 is cammed into position against the inner surface of face
wall 116. From this arrangement, and without locking-wheel 150
fully engaged with frame 8, rear plate 125 may be slid along frame
8 to a preferred or desired position. Once in position, threaded
stem 153 of locking-wheel 150 is threaded into nut 140, and
tightened by rotating finger-grips 159 so that the rear surface of
pressure-plate 156 engages frame the front face of frame 8 so as to
cause at least cantilevered tab 138 to elastically deform and
thereby grip frame 8.
[0063] It is to be understood that the present invention is by no
means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed
and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or
equivalents within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *