U.S. patent application number 11/568929 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for powder vessel for makeup.
Invention is credited to Ho-Suk Song.
Application Number | 20080092916 11/568929 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37023970 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080092916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Song; Ho-Suk |
April 24, 2008 |
Powder Vessel for Makeup
Abstract
Disclosed is a powder vessel for makeup including a container
body for storing powder, a coupling member coupled to a top portion
of the container body, the coupling member having a stopper rib and
a receiving bore provided above the stopper rib, an elastically
deformable plug member fitted into the receiving bore of the
coupling member and resting against the stopper rib, the plug
member having a plurality of discharge holes for allowing the
powder to be dispensed from the container body, a dispersion member
for allowing the power to be uniformly dispersed to the outside,
the dispersion member adapted to enclose an outer portion of the
plug member and hold the plug member against removal from the
receiving bore of the coupling member, and a cover combined with
the coupling member in such a manner as to enclose the dispersion
member against exposure to the outside.
Inventors: |
Song; Ho-Suk; (Seo-gu,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER, EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Family ID: |
37023970 |
Appl. No.: |
11/568929 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
March 21, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR06/01029 |
371 Date: |
November 10, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/294 ;
132/298 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 33/02 20130101;
A45D 33/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/294 ;
132/298 |
International
Class: |
A45D 33/00 20060101
A45D033/00; A45D 33/02 20060101 A45D033/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 21, 2005 |
KR |
20-2005-00007663 |
Mar 13, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0024977 |
Claims
1. A powder vessel for makeup comprising: a container body for
storing powder, the container body having an open top portion; a
coupling member coupled to the top portion of the container body,
the coupling member having a stopper rib extending along an inner
circumference of the coupling member and a receiving bore provided
above the stopper rib; an elastically deformable plug member fitted
into the receiving bore of the coupling member and resting against
the stopper rib, the plug member having a plurality of discharge
holes for allowing the powder to be dispensed from the container
body; a dispersion member for allowing the power dispensed through
the discharge holes of the plug member to be uniformly dispersed to
the outside, the dispersion member adapted to enclose an outer
portion of the plug member and hold the plug member against removal
from the receiving bore of the coupling member; and a cover
combined with the coupling member in such a manner as to enclose
the dispersion member against exposure to the outside.
2. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 1, wherein the
elastically deformable plug member has a diameter greater than an
inner diameter of the receiving bore of the coupling member and is
forcedly fitted into the receiving bore, whereby one end of each of
the discharge holes is reduced in size to prevent the powder from
discharging when no external force is applied to the plug member
but is opened to allow the powder to be dispensed from the
container body when an external force is exerted on the plug
member.
3. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 1, wherein the
elastically deformable plug member is formed in a step-like shape
corresponding to a shape of the receiving bore of the coupling
member in such a manner that a part of the plug member is fitted
into the receiving bore and the remaining part of the plug member
rests on a top portion of the coupling member.
4. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 2, wherein the
discharge holes of the elastically deformable plug member have a
uniform diameter.
5. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 2, wherein the
discharge holes of the elastically deformable plug member have
different diameters changing from a center toward a periphery of
the plug member.
6. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 1, wherein the
coupling member has an engagement groove into which an end of the
dispersion member is fitted.
7. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 6, wherein the
coupling member is provided with an outwardly protruding
reinforcing portion at above the engagement groove.
8. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 7, wherein the
reinforcing portion has a plurality of teeth of a triangular
configuration with pointed ends oriented outwardly.
9. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 1, wherein the
container body includes an inner powder bowl for storing the powder
in an easy-to-discharge manner.
10. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 9, wherein the
inner powder bowl is of a hemispherical shape.
11. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 1, further
comprising an annular sealing member for preventing any leakage of
the powder, the sealing member provided between the container body
and the coupling member.
12. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 11, wherein
the sealing member is made of foamed resin materials including a
sponge.
13. A powder vessel for makeup comprising: a container body for
storing powder, the container body having an open top portion; a
coupling member coupled to the top portion of the container body,
the coupling member having a stopper rib extending along an inner
circumference of the coupling member and a receiving bore provided
above the stopper rib; an elastically deformable plug member fitted
into the receiving bore of the coupling member and resting against
the stopper rib, the plug member having a plurality of discharge
holes for allowing the powder to be dispensed from the container
body; a dispersion member for allowing the power dispensed through
the discharge holes of the plug member to be uniformly dispersed to
the outside, the dispersion member adapted to enclose an outer
portion of the plug member and hold the plug member against removal
from the receiving bore of the coupling member; and a cover
combined with the coupling member in such a manner as to enclose
the dispersion member against exposure to the outside, wherein the
elastically deformable plug member has a diameter greater than an
inner diameter of the receiving bore of the coupling member and is
forcedly fitted into the receiving bore, whereby one end of each of
the discharge holes is reduced in size to prevent the powder from
discharging when no external force is applied to the plug member
but is opened to allow the powder to be dispensed from the
container body when an external force is exerted on the plug
member.
14. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 13, wherein
the discharge holes of the elastically deformable plug member have
a uniform diameter.
15. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 13, wherein
the discharge holes of the elastically deformable plug member have
different diameters changing from a center toward a periphery of
the plug member.
16. A powder vessel for makeup comprising: a container body for
storing powder, the container body having an open top portion; a
coupling member coupled to the top portion of the container body,
the coupling member having a stopper rib extending along an inner
circumference of the coupling member and a receiving bore provided
above the stopper rib; an elastically deformable plug member fitted
into the receiving bore of the coupling member and resting against
the stopper rib, the plug member having a plurality of discharge
holes for allowing the powder to be dispensed from the container
body; a dispersion member for allowing the power dispensed through
the discharge holes of the plug member to be uniformly dispersed to
the outside, the dispersion member adapted to enclose an outer
portion of the plug member and hold the plug member against removal
from the receiving bore of the coupling member; and a cover
combined with the coupling member in such a manner as to enclose
the dispersion member against exposure to the outside, wherein the
elastically deformable plug member is formed in a step-like shape
corresponding to a shape of the receiving bore of the coupling
member in such a manner that a part of the plug member is fitted
into the receiving bore and the remaining part of the plug member
rests on a top portion of the coupling member.
17. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 16, wherein
the discharge holes of the elastically deformable plug member have
a uniform diameter.
18. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 16, wherein
the discharge holes of the elastically deformable plug member have
different diameters changing from a center toward a periphery of
the plug member.
19. A powder vessel for makeup comprising: a container body
including an inner powder bowl for storing powder in an
easy-to-discharge manner; a coupling member coupled to a top
portion of the container body, the coupling member having a stopper
rib extending along an inner circumference of the coupling member
and a receiving bore provided above the stopper rib; an elastically
deformable plug member fitted into the receiving bore of the
coupling member and resting against the stopper rib, the plug
member having a plurality of discharge holes for allowing the
powder to be dispensed from the container body; a dispersion member
for allowing the power dispensed through the discharge holes of the
plug member to be uniformly dispersed to the outside, the
dispersion member adapted to enclose an outer portion of the plug
member and hold the plug member against removal from the receiving
bore of the coupling member; and a cover combined with the coupling
member in such a manner as to enclose the dispersion member against
exposure to the outside.
20. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 19, wherein
the discharge holes of the elastically deformable plug member have
a uniform diameter.
21. The powder vessel for makeup as recited in claim 19, wherein
the discharge holes of the elastically deformable plug member have
different diameters changing from a center toward a periphery of
the plug member.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is directed to a powder vessel for
makeup and, more specifically, to a convenient-to-carry and
easy-to-use powder vessel for makeup in which a puff is coupled to
a vessel for storing powder.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As a general practice, women have been satisfying their
desire to have a beautiful appearance by wearing makeup on cheeks,
lips, eyebrows and so forth through the use of cosmetics of varying
colors. The makeup worn in the morning tends to be removed or
changed little by little as the user take part in daily activities,
at which time a toilet set is needed for removing or readjusting
the makeup.
[0003] Conventionally, the makeup has been worn by getting cosmetic
powder on a puff with which a vessel is equipped separately. At the
time when the makeup is newly worn or readjusted with a toilet
article whose vessel and puff are separately provided in this
fashion, the user have to place the powder vessel on a floor and
then apply powder on the face by dipping the puff into the powder
contained in the vessel with one hand while holding a mirror with
the other hand. This is quite cumbersome and poses a problem in
that the powder may be scattered during application and may be
spilt when the powder vessel is inadvertently overturned.
[0004] As a solution to this problem, there has been proposed a
powder vessel integrally combined with a puff. However, this powder
vessel has no particular member for pushing the powder contained in
the vessel toward the puff, thus leaving some powder within the
vessel even when the powder vessel is used up. Furthermore, the
powder stored in the powder vessel may be leaked out through the
puff while not in use, which leads to waste of the powder and makes
the vessel dirty-looking.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0005] Taking into account the above-noted problems inherent in the
prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
powder vessel for makeup that can be used and carried with ease
through the unification of a puff with the powder vessel, allows
the powder to be readily discharged under the opening and closing
action, i.e., pumping action, of dispensing holes formed through an
elastically deformable plug member, prevents the powder from being
leaked out and thus wasted by the closing action of the dispensing
holes when the vessel is not in use, and maintains the vessel
clean.
Technical Solution
[0006] In order to achieve this object, the present invention
provides a powder vessel for makeup comprising: a container body
for storing powder, the container body having an open top portion;
a coupling member coupled to the top portion of the container body,
the coupling member having a stopper rib extending along an inner
circumference of the coupling member and a receiving bore provided
above the stopper rib; an elastically deformable plug member fitted
into the receiving bore of the coupling member and resting against
the stopper rib, the plug member having a plurality of discharge
holes for allowing the powder to be dispensed from the container
body; a dispersion member for allowing the power dispensed through
the discharge holes of the plug member to be uniformly dispersed to
the outside, the dispersion member adapted to enclose an outer
portion of the plug member and hold the plug member against removal
from the receiving bore of the coupling member; and a cover
combined with the coupling member in such a manner as to enclose
the dispersion member against exposure to the outside.
[0007] The container body includes an inner powder bowl of a
hemispherical shape for storing the powder in an easy-to-discharge
manner. This enables the powder to be smoothly dispensed along a
curved surface of the inner powder bowl, thus ensuring that the
powder vessel can be used with ease regardless of the quantity of
the powder stored and the inclination angle of the powder vessel
used.
[0008] The coupling member has an engagement groove into which an
end of the dispersion member is fitted. This helps to prevent any
occurrence of a gap between the dispersion member and the container
body, thus inhibiting the powder from leaking an otherwise occurred
gap.
[0009] The elastically deformable plug member has a diameter
greater than an inner diameter of the receiving bore of the
coupling member and is forcedly fitted into the receiving bore.
This ensures that one end of each of the discharge holes is reduced
in size to prevent the powder from discharging when no external
force is applied to the plug member but is opened to allow the
powder to be dispensed from the container body when an external
force is exerted on the plug member.
[0010] The elastically deformable plug member is formed in a
step-like shape corresponding to a shape of the receiving bore of
the coupling member in such a manner that a part of the plug member
is fitted into the receiving bore and the remaining part of the
plug member rests on a top portion of the coupling member.
Advantageous Effects
[0011] In accordance with the present invention, a beneficial
effect is attained in that a powder vessel for makeup can be used
and carried with ease through the unification of a puff with the
powder vessel, allows the powder to be smoothly discharged under
the opening and closing action, i.e., pumping action, of dispensing
holes formed through an elastically deformable plug member,
prevents the powder from being leaked out and thus wasted by the
closing action of the dispensing holes when the vessel is not in
use, and maintains the vessel clean.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a powder
vessel in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a combined perspective view illustrating the
powder vessel in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the powder vessel
illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing an elastically deformable
plug member fitted into a container body, with no external force
exerted on the plug member;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing the elastically deformable
plug member fitted into the container body, with an external force
exerted on the plug member;
[0017] FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views respectively
illustrating examples of the elastically deformable plug
member;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a powder
vessel in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the powder vessel in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE
[0020] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description of a preferred embodiment given in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the
present invention will be described in detail with reference to
FIGS. 1 through 9.
[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a powder
vessel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a combined perspective view illustrating the powder
vessel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the powder vessel illustrated
in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing an elastically
deformable plug member fitted into a container body, with no
external force exerted on the plug member. FIG. 5 is a bottom view
showing the elastically deformable plug member fitted into the
container body, with an external force exerted on the plug member.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views respectively illustrating
examples of the elastically deformable plug member. FIG. 8 is an
exploded perspective view showing a powder vessel in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a
cross-sectional view of the powder vessel in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a powder vessel of the
present invention includes a container body 10 for storing powder,
a coupling member 20 coupled to the container body 10 and having a
receiving bore 21 and a stopper rib 22 of a predetermined width, an
elastically deformable plug member 30 fitted into the receiving
bore 21 of the coupling member 20 and resting against the stopper
rib 22, the plug member 30 having a plurality of discharge holes 31
for allowing the powder to be discharged from the container body 10
under a pumping action, a dispersion member 40 for allowing the
power dispensed through the discharge holes 31 of the plug member
30 to be uniformly dispersed to the outside, the dispersion member
40 adapted to enclose an outer portion of the plug member 30 and
hold the plug member 30 against removal from the receiving bore 21
of the coupling member 20, and a cover 50 combined with the
coupling member 20 in such a manner as to enclose the dispersion
member 40 against exposure to the outside.
[0023] The container body 10 is provided with an internal storage
space for storing the powder and is engaged with to the coupling
member 20, which in turn carries the elastically deformable plug
member 30. Such a container body 10 optionally includes an inner
powder bowl 12 of a hemispherical shape that helps the powder to be
dispensed with ease. Forming the container body 10 into a dual
vessel type assures an easier discharge of the powder and improves
aesthetic appearance of the powder vessel.
[0024] More specifically, the inner powder bowl 12 received within
the container body 10 is adapted to contain the powder therein and
has a rim 13 resting on the top periphery of the container body 10.
The inner powder bowl 12 is preferably of a hemispherical shape to
ensure that the powder can be smoothly dispensed therefrom.
Furthermore, the inner powder bowl 12, which is removably combined
with the container body 10, may be optionally employed depending on
the quantity of the powder to be stored.
[0025] In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 wherein
the inner powder bowl 12 is removed from the container body 10, an
annular sealing member 14, such as a rubber ring or a packing
material, is provided below the bottom end of the coupling member
20 or above the top end of the container body 10 so that the powder
can be inhibited from any leakage. Namely, the sealing member 14 is
provided between the coupling member 20 and the top end of the
container body 10. In this regard, the sealing member 14 may
preferably be made of a foamed resin material, such as a sponge, or
a rubber ring that can be resiliently compressed to provide sealing
as the container body 10 and the coupling member 20 are combined
together. The sealing member 14 may optionally have an adhesive
layer on the top and/or bottom surface thereof so that the sealing
member 14 can be bonded to one or both of the container body 10 and
the coupling member 20.
[0026] The coupling member 20 acts to secure the plug member 30 and
the dispersion member 40 to the container body 10 and is threadedly
engaged with the top portion of the container body 10 in such a
manner that the internal storage space of the container body 10 can
communicate with the outside through the coupling member 20. The
cover 50 is adapted to enclose the coupling member 20 and removably
combined with the coupling member 20 at its end portion. The
coupling member 20 has a step-like configuration for engagement
with the container body 10 and the cover 50.
[0027] Further, the coupling member 20 has a receiving bore 21 and
a stopper rib 22 on which the plug member 30 rests. The stopper rib
22 is shaped to support a part of the bottom surface of the plug
member 30, while the receiving bore 21 is adapted to partially
receive the plug member 30. In this regard, the plug member 30 has
a size somewhat greater than that of the receiving bore 21 so that
the plug member 30 can be forcedly fitted into the receiving bore
21.
[0028] As an alternative embodiment, referring to FIG. 9, the
receiving bore 21 may be in a tapering shape to have a diameter
gradually reducing from the top toward the bottom. Under a state
that the plug member 30 is fitted into the receiving bore 21, the
lower ends of the discharge holes 31 of the plug member 30 remain
closed and prevent any discharge of the powder if no external force
is applied to the plug member 30. If an external force is exerted
on the plug member 30, however, the lower ends of the discharge
holes 31 are opened to allow the powder within the container body
10 to be dispensed to the outside.
[0029] In addition, the coupling member 20 is provided with an
engagement groove 23 into which the lower end of the dispersion
member 40 is fitted. In other words, the dispersion member 40
encloses the plug member 30 and is then inserted into the
engagement groove 23 of the coupling member 20 at its lower end,
thus eliminating any gap which would otherwise be created between
the coupling member 20 and the dispersion member 40 and would be a
cause of powder leakage.
[0030] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a reinforcing
portion 24 is further provided on the part of the coupling member
20 at which the dispersion member 40 is engaged with the engagement
groove 23. The reinforcing portion 24 firmly holds the dispersion
member 40, thus ensuring that the coupling member 20 and the
dispersion member 40 are combined together in such a manner as to
prevent any leakage of the powder dispensed through the plug member
30 therebetween.
[0031] Specifically, the reinforcing portion 24 is provided with a
plurality of radially outwardly protruding teeth 25 which may be a
triangular, round or other shape. The teeth are disposed at a
predetermined interval in a circumferential direction and have
pointed ends that serve to firmly retain the dispersion member 40
against any inadvertent separation from the reinforcing portion
24.
[0032] The plug member 30 is generally comprised of a material for
use in a puff, e.g., a sponge, and fitted into the receiving bore
21 of the coupling member 20. Further, the plug member 30 is
provided with a plurality of discharge holes 31 that allows the
powder to be dispensed from the container body 10 to the
outside.
[0033] The plug member 30 may be formed in many different shapes.
In the present embodiment, the plug member 30 is either a
forced-fit type cylinder as depicted in FIG. 6 or a snug-fit type
one having a portion whose size is equal to that of the receiving
bore 21 of the coupling member 20.
[0034] The plug member 30 shown in FIG. 6 has an outer diameter
greater than the inner diameter of the receiving bore 21 of the
coupling member 20 and is therefore forcedly fitted into the
receiving bore 21. This assures that the lower ends of the
discharge holes 31 of the plug member 30 is reduced to suppress any
discharge of the powder from the container body 10, when no
external force is applied to the plug member 30, but is opened or
enlarged to allow the powder to be dispensed, if an external force
is exerted on the plug member 30.
[0035] Since the plug member 30 has an outer diameter greater than
the inner diameter of the receiving bore 21, a part of the plug
member 30 is compressed into the same diameter as that of the
receiving bore 21 and the remaining part thereof is expanded into a
sector-like shape in its cross-section at the time when the plug
member 30 is forcedly fitted into the receiving bore 21. This means
that the discharge holes 31 varies in their shape depending on
whether the powder vessel is in use or not.
[0036] More specifically, at the time when the powder vessel is not
in use and no external force is exerted on the plug member 30, the
discharge holes 31 of the plug member 30 as viewed from the bottom
are closed as illustrated in FIG. 4, thus preventing the powder
stored in the container body 10 from any discharge. In the event
that the powder vessel is used and an external force is applied to
the plug member 30, the discharge holes 31 of the plug member 30 as
viewed from the bottom are restored into their original shape as
illustrated in FIG. 5 and provide passageways through which the
powder is dispensed from the container body 10.
[0037] Such an opening and closing operation of the discharge holes
31 results in a pumping action whereby the powder in the container
body 10 is drawn to the outside, thereby facilitating the discharge
of the powder.
[0038] On the other hand, in the case that the plug member 30 is
formed into a step-like shape corresponding to the inner and outer
diameters of the coupling member 20 as illustrated in FIG. 7, a
part of the plug member 30 is fitted into the receiving bore 21 of
the coupling member 20 and the remaining part thereof rests on the
top portion of the coupling member 20.
[0039] The discharge holes 31 are comprised of a plurality of
through-holes penetrating the plug member 30 whose shape and size
may be arbitrarily determined. In other words, the discharge holes
31 may include through-holes of a uniform diameter disposed
concentrically or irregularly. Alternatively, the discharge holes
31 may have varying diameters which become smaller from the center
toward the periphery of the plug member 30 and vice versa.
[0040] The dispersion member 40 allows the power dispensed through
the discharge holes 31 of the plug member 30 to be uniformly
dispersed to the outside. The dispersion member 40 is adapted to
enclose an outer portion of the plug member 30 and is fitted at its
lower end into the engagement groove 23 formed on the outer surface
of the coupling member 20.
[0041] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lower end
of the dispersion member 40 fixedly secured to the reinforcing
portion 24 and the engagement groove 23 is tougher and more
resilient than other parts of the dispersion member 40 so that the
dispersion member 40 can be fitted to the coupling member 20 and
kept in place by the teeth 25 with enhanced durability.
[0042] The cover 50 encloses the upper portion of the dispersion
member 40 against any exposure to the outside while the powder
vessel is not in use, at which time the lower end of the cover 50
is combined with the outer surface of the coupling member 20.
[0043] Description will now be given to a method of using the
powder vessel in accordance with the present invention.
[0044] First of all, the cover 50 is removed from the coupling
member 20 and the container body 10 is inclined at a desired angle
so that the dispersion member 40 can face the bodily part of the
user.
[0045] Thus, the powder in the container body 10 flows downwards
along the curved surface of the inner powder bowl 12. Since the
discharge holes 31 of the plug member 30 are reduced in size and
kept closed in this condition, no powder is dispensed through the
discharge holes 31.
[0046] Subsequently, if the user brings the powder vessel into
contact with his or her bodily part and presses the former against
the latter, the elastically deformable plug member 30 is deformed
by the external pressing force, in response to which the discharge
holes 31 are restored into their original shape and opened, thus
allowing the powder to be dispensed through the discharge holes 31
and then discharged to the outside through the dispersion member 40
in a fine powdery form.
[0047] As the pressing operation of the plug member 30 is
repeatedly conducted by the user, a suitable amount of powder is
continuously discharged from the powder vessel. At the end of use
of the powder vessel, the cover 50 is combined with the coupling
member 20.
[0048] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
various changes or modifications may be made thereto within the
scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *