U.S. patent application number 11/627942 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for girt and purlin retainer.
This patent application is currently assigned to C. Green & Sons, Inc.. Invention is credited to David Derwacter, Clarence Green, Walter Green, Wayne Green, Chester Prinkey, Darren Skeese, Daniel West.
Application Number | 20080178538 11/627942 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39666363 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080178538 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green; Wayne ; et
al. |
July 31, 2008 |
GIRT AND PURLIN RETAINER
Abstract
A retainer assembly for securing one of a girt and a purlin is
provided. In one embodiment, the retainer assembly includes at
least one retainer and is configured to be attached to a connecting
member. The retainer is further configured to receive and retain a
cross-beam, such as a girt or a purlin. The connecting member is
configured to be attached to a support member.
Inventors: |
Green; Wayne; (Newark,
OH) ; Green; Walter; (Fredricktown, OH) ;
Green; Clarence; (Newark, OH) ; Derwacter; David;
(Zanesville, OH) ; Prinkey; Chester; (Utica,
OH) ; Skeese; Darren; (Nashport, OH) ; West;
Daniel; (Newark, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BENESCH, FRIEDLANDER, COPLAN & ARONOFF LLP;ATTN: IP DEPARTMENT DOCKET
CLERK
2300 BP TOWER, 200 PUBLIC SQUARE
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
C. Green & Sons, Inc.
St. Louisville
OH
|
Family ID: |
39666363 |
Appl. No.: |
11/627942 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/92.2 ;
52/92.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/2604 20130101;
E04B 1/2608 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/92.2 ;
52/92.3 |
International
Class: |
E04B 7/04 20060101
E04B007/04 |
Claims
1. A retainer assembly for securing a cross-beam to a support
member, the retainer assembly comprising: a low-thermal conductor
member for attachment to the support member; means for receiving
the low-thermal conductor member; means for retaining the
low-thermal conductor member; means for receiving the cross-beam;
and means for retaining the cross-beam.
2. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the means for
retaining the low-thermal conductor member are means for retaining
the low-thermal conductor member without the use of tools.
3. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the means for
retaining the cross-beam are means for retaining the cross-beam
without the use of tools.
4. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the low thermal
conductor member is constructed of a material selected from the
group consisting of wood, a polymeric material, steel and other
metal.
5. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the cross-beam is a
girt.
6. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the cross-beam is a
purlin.
7. A compressible clip for securing a cross-beam to a support
member, the compressible clip comprising: a first leg having a
first block engaging portion and a first cross-beam engaging
portion; a second leg, opposite the first leg, having a second
block engaging portion and second cross-beam engaging portion; and
a connecting portion having a first end adjacent the first leg and
a second end adjacent the second leg.
8. The compressible clip of claim 7, wherein the cross-beam is one
of a girt and a purlin.
9. The compressible clip of claim 7, wherein the first leg and the
second leg are each substantially L-shaped.
10. The compressible clip of claim 9, wherein the first leg and the
second leg each further include a tapered portion.
11. The compressible clip of claim 7, wherein the first leg and
second leg each include a plurality of teeth.
12. The compressible clip of claim 7, wherein the first leg and
second leg each include a plurality of apertures.
13. A kit for connecting a cross-beam to a support member, the kit
comprising: a connecting member having a first surface and a second
surface and configured to be attached to a support member; at least
one retainer having: a first member with a first portion configured
to be attached to the first surface of the connecting member and a
second portion configured to be attached to a first surface of the
cross-beam, and a second member with a first portion configured to
be attached to the second surface of the connecting member and a
second portion configured to be attached to a second surface of the
cross-beam.
14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one retainer is a
unitary member having a bent portion with a first end adjacent to
the first member and a second end adjacent to the second
member.
15. The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one retainer includes
a plurality of teeth.
16. The kit of claim 13, further comprising a second retainer.
17. The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one retainer is
configured to be squeezed onto the connecting member.
18. The kit of claim 13, wherein the retainer is configured to be
squeezed onto the cross-beam.
19. The kit of claim 13, wherein the connecting member is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
wood, steel, a polymeric material, and other metal.
20. A cross-beam retaining assembly comprising: a block-shaped
member having a low thermal conductivity; a first retainer having a
U-shaped profile including a first leg, a second leg, and a
connecting member disposed between the first leg and second leg,
wherein the first leg is L-shaped and has a major portion with a
plurality of teeth configured to engage a cross-beam and a minor
portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage the
block-shaped member, the second leg is L-shaped and has a major
portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage a cross-beam
and a minor portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage
the block-shaped member, and the connecting member is curved; and a
second retainer having a U-shaped profile including a first leg, a
second leg, and a connecting member disposed between the first leg
and second leg, wherein the first leg is L-shaped and has a major
portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage a cross-beam
and a minor portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage
the block-shaped member, the second leg is L-shaped and has a major
portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage a cross-beam
and a minor portion with a plurality of teeth configured to engage
the block-shaped member, and the connecting member is curved.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present application relates to a girt or purlin
retainer. More particularly, the application relates to a
compressible girt or purlin retainer.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Building frames having girt clips and/or purlin clips are
known in the art. Generally, a building frame consists of
horizontally spaced-apart metal, wood, or polymer frame members.
Purlins span between primary framing and a supporting roof material
and are "Z" or "C"-shaped members formed from sheet metal, a
polymeric sheet material, or wood. Girts span between the frame
members to support wall material and are typically "Z" or
"C"-shaped members formed from sheet metal, a polymeric sheet
material, or wood. Each of the frame members normally has a
plurality of vertically-spaced clips secured thereto which extend
substantially horizontally to support the girts. Inasmuch as the
length of the girts are typically less than the length of the
building, the girts are often overlapped and secured together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] The accompanying drawings, together with the detailed
description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the
claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same
reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale and the
proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose
of illustration.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
girt retaining assembly aligned with a support member;
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
girt or purlin retaining assembly;
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
single girt or purlin retainer;
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a girt or
purlin retaining assembly attached to a support member;
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
girt retaining assembly aligned with a corner support member;
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a girt or purlin retainer having a first retaining
plate and a second retaining plate;
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a girt or purlin retainer;
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a profile for a girt or purlin
retainer;
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative profile for a girt or
purlin retainer;
[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative profile for a double girt
or purlin retainer;
[0014] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative profile for a simplified
girt or purlin retainer;
[0015] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative profile for a girt or
purlin retainer having apertures;
[0016] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative profile for a girt or
purlin retainer having positive fastener angling apertures; and
[0017] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
positive fastener angling aperture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
girt or purlin retaining assembly 100 attached to first and second
cross-beams C.sub.1, C.sub.2 and attached to a support member S.
The support member S may be a column, wall, roof rafter, or any
other known supporting structure, and the first and second
cross-beams C.sub.1, C.sub.2 may be a girt, a purlin, or any other
known cross-beam having at least a first and second surface. In the
illustrated embodiment, the girt or purlin retaining assembly 100
includes a first retainer 110a attached to a first cross-beam
C.sub.1 and a second retainer 110b attached to a second cross-beam
C.sub.2. The first and second retainers 110a,b are further
configured to be attached to a connecting member 120 having at
least a first and second surface and shown here as a block. The
connecting member 120 is configured to be attached to the support
member S.
[0019] In one embodiment, the support member S is substantially
perpendicular to the ground. Further, the girt or purlin retaining
assembly 100 is aligned with the support member S such that each of
the first and second cross-beams C.sub.1, C.sub.2 is substantially
perpendicular to the support member S and is substantially parallel
to the ground. Further, the girt or purlin retaining assembly 100
aligns the first and second cross-beams C.sub.1, C.sub.2 such that
the first cross-beam C.sub.1 is co-linear with the second
cross-beam C.sub.2. In this embodiment, the first and second
cross-beams C.sub.1, C.sub.2 are girts and may be used to support
wall material (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the
support member S is a roof rafter and first and second cross-beams
C.sub.1, C.sub.2 are purlins that may be used to support roof
decking material (not shown). It should be understood that the
support member S may be oriented at any angle, and the girt or
purlin retaining assembly 100 may be attached to the support member
S at any desired angle.
[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 120 may
be attached to the support member S by nails, rivets, staples, or
other such fasteners. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the
connecting member 120 has a pair of apertures for receiving a pair
of fasteners and the support member S has a pair of corresponding
apertures. In one such embodiment, one or more of the apertures may
be threaded and configured to receive a screw, bolt, threaded rod,
or other such threaded fastener. In another such embodiment, one or
more of the apertures may be smooth and configured to receive pins,
ties, or other such smooth fasteners.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the girt or purlin
retaining assembly 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment,
the first retainer 110a has a U-shaped profile and includes a first
leg 210a, a second leg 220a, and a connecting portion 230a joining
the first leg 210a and the second leg 220a. In the illustrated
embodiment, each of the first and second legs 210a, 220a is flat
and the connecting portion 230a is curved. In alternative
embodiments (not shown), the first and second legs 210a, 220a may
be curved or angled to match the shape of a desired cross-beam or
connecting member. In another alternative embodiment (not shown),
the connecting portion is straight. In yet another alternative
embodiment (not shown), the connecting portion is hinged.
[0022] In one embodiment, the first retainer 110a is a compressible
clip configured to be squeezed onto the connecting member 120 and
onto a cross-beam (not shown). In one embodiment, the first
retainer 110a is configured to be squeezed by hand onto the
connecting member or the cross-beam. In an alternative embodiment,
the first retainer 110a is configured to be squeezed with a vice, a
hand tool such as pliers, pincers, vice grips, or other known
tools. In another alternative embodiment, the first retainer 110a
may be hammered onto the connecting member or cross-beam.
[0023] Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the second
retainer 110b 110a has a U-shaped profile and includes a first leg
210b, a second leg 220b, and a connecting portion 230b joining the
first leg 210b and the second leg 220b. In the illustrated
embodiment, each of the first and second legs 210b, 220b is flat
and the connecting portion 230b is curved. In alternative
embodiments (not shown), the first and second legs 210b, 220b may
be curved or angled to match the shape of a desired cross-beam or
connecting member. In another alternative embodiment (not shown),
the connecting portion is straight. In yet another alternative
embodiment (not shown), the connecting portion is hinged.
[0024] In one embodiment, the second retainer 110b is a
compressible clip that is configured to be squeezed onto the
connecting member 120 and onto a cross-beam (not shown). In one
embodiment, the second retainer 110b is configured to be squeezed
by hand onto the connecting member or the cross-beam. In an
alternative embodiment, the second retainer 110b is configured to
be squeezed with a vice, a hand tool such as pliers, pincers, vice
grips, or other known tools. In another alternative embodiment, the
second retainer 110b may be hammered onto the connecting member or
cross-beam.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
an exemplary retainer 110. As can be seen in the illustrated
embodiment, the retainer 110 has a U-shaped profile that includes a
first leg 210, a second leg 220, and a connecting portion 230
joining the first leg 210 and the second leg 220. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first and second legs 210, 220 are both
L-shaped, having a major length and a minor length. The retainer
110 further includes a plurality of teeth 310. In the illustrated
embodiment, the teeth 310 are V-shaped teeth stamped in the
retainer 110 and bent inwards. In other words, the teeth 310 of the
first leg 210 are bent towards the second leg 220, and are
therefore configured to engage a first surface of a cross-beam (not
shown) or connecting member (not shown). Further, the teeth 310 of
the second leg 220 are bent towards the first leg 210 and are
therefore configured to engage a second surface of a cross-beam or
connecting member. In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth 310 are
smooth. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the teeth have
serrated edges. In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the
teeth may have a W-shape, a right-triangle-shape, or any other
shape having at least one point. In another alternative embodiment
(not shown), one or more of the teeth may be replaced with
adhesive, rubber strips, or other known engaging or gripping
elements.
[0026] In this embodiment, when the retainer 110 is squeezed onto
the connecting member or cross-beam, the teeth 310 engage and
retain the connecting member or cross-beam. In the illustrated
embodiment, the retainer 110 has six teeth on the first leg 210 and
six teeth on the second leg 220. It should be understood that more
or fewer teeth may be employed as desired.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a girt or
purlin retaining assembly 100 retaining a first cross-beam C.sub.1
and a second cross-beam C.sub.2, and connected to a support member
S. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the first retainer
110a is substantially L-shaped having a major length and a minor
length. The first retainer 110a includes a first beam engaging
portion 410a configured to receive and retain a first cross-beam
C.sub.1, such as a girt or a purlin. In the illustrated embodiment,
the first beam engaging portion 410a is the major length of the
L-shaped retainer. The first retainer 110a further includes a first
connecting member engaging portion 420a configured to engage the
connecting member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the
connecting member 120 is a block. Therefore, for convenience, the
first connecting member engaging portion 420a may be referred to as
a first block engaging portion 420a. However, this term should not
be read as limiting, and it should be understood that the
connecting member 120 is not limited to having a block shape nor is
the block engaging portion 420a limited to engaging a block-shaped
connecting member. In the illustrated embodiment, the first block
engaging portion 420a is the minor length of the L-shaped
retainer.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the first retainer 110a
includes a taper 430a between the first beam engaging portion 410a
and the first block engaging portion 420a. The tapered shape
reduces the amount of material used in the first retainer 110a and
provides clearance to ease installation of the crossbeam on a
support member (not shown).
[0029] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the second retainer 110b
is also substantially L-shaped. The second retainer 110b includes a
second beam engaging portion 410b configured to receive and retain
a second cross-beam C.sub.2, such as a girt or a purlin. In the
illustrated embodiment, the second beam engaging portion 410b is
the major length of the L-shaped retainer. The second retainer 110b
further includes a second connecting member engaging portion 420b
configured to engage the connecting member 120. The second
connecting member engaging portion 420b may also be referred to as
a second block engaging portion 420b. However, this term should not
be read as limiting, and it should be understood that the
connecting member 120 is not limited to having a block shape nor is
the block engaging portion 420b limited to engaging a block-shaped
connecting member. In the illustrated embodiment, the second block
engaging portion 420b is the minor length of the L-shaped
retainer.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the second retainer 110b
includes a taper 430b between the second beam engaging portion 410b
and the second block engaging portion 420b. The tapered shape
reduces the amount of material used in the second retainer 110b and
provides clearance to ease installation of the crossbeam on a
support member (not shown).
[0031] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the connecting
member 120 and the first and second cross-beams C.sub.1, C.sub.2
extend beyond the first and second retainers 110a,b by a distance
d. The distance d is selected by a user assembling the girt or
purlin retaining assembly 100. In an alternative, such as shown in
FIG. 1, the, the connecting member 120 and the first and second
cross-beams C.sub.1, C.sub.2 are flush with the first and second
retainers 110a,b.
[0032] In one embodiment, the first and second retainers 110a,b and
the support member S are constructed of steel, other metal, or
another high thermal conductivity material. In this embodiment, the
connecting member 120 and the first and second cross-beams C.sub.1,
C.sub.2 are constructed of wood, a polymer, or other material
having a low thermal conductivity. In other words, the connecting
member 120 and the first and second cross-beams C.sub.1, C.sub.2
are low thermal conductivity members. In the illustrated
embodiment, the connecting member 120 and the first and second
cross-beams C.sub.1, C.sub.2 extend beyond the first and second
retainers 110a,b, thereby preventing the first and second retainers
110a,b from contacting a wall. Instead, the connecting member 120
acts as a thermal break between a wall and the first and second
retainers 110a,b, thereby, reducing the flow of heat between a
building interior and exterior.
[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the connecting member 120 and
the first and second cross-beams C.sub.1, C.sub.2 are constructed
steel, other metal, or another high thermal conductivity material
and the connecting member 120 does not act as a thermal break.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a girt
retaining assembly 500 for attaching first and second cross-beams
C.sub.1, C.sub.2 to a corner support member S.sub.c. In the
illustrated embodiment, the girt retaining assembly 500 includes a
first retainer 510a configured to be attached to the first
cross-beam C.sub.1 and a second retainer (not show--hidden from
view) configured to be attached to the second cross-beam C.sub.2.
The first retainer 510a is further configured to be attached to a
first connecting member 520a, shown here as a block. The first
connecting member 520a is configured to be attached to the corner
support member S.sub.c according to one of the methods of attaching
described above.
[0035] With continued reference to FIG. 5, the second retainer (not
shown) is further configured to be attached to a second connecting
member 520b, shown here as a block. The second connecting member
520b is configured to be attached to the corner support member
S.sub.c according to one of the methods of attaching described
above.
[0036] As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the girt
retaining assembly 500 is aligned with the corner support member
S.sub.c such that the first cross-beam C.sub.1 is substantially
perpendicular to the corner support member S.sub.c and is
substantially parallel to the ground. Further, second cross-beam
C.sub.2 is aligned substantially perpendicularly to the corner
support member S.sub.c and is also aligned substantially
perpendicularly to the cross-beam C.sub.1. In alternative
embodiments, the girt retaining assembly 500 may be attached to the
corner support member S.sub.c at any desired angle.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a girt or purlin retainer 600 having a first leg 610
and a second leg 620. In this embodiment, the retainer 600 includes
two distinct members rather than a unitary member having a
connecting portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and
second legs 610, 620 have substantially the same profile as the
first and second retainers 110a,b described above in relation to
FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 600 includes a
plurality of teeth 630, similar to the teeth described above with
respect to FIG. 3. It should be understood that the first and
second legs 610, 620 can be squeezed onto both a cross-beam (not
shown) and a connecting member (not shown). In one embodiment, the
retainer 600 is configured to be squeezed by hand onto the
connecting member and the cross-beam. In an alternative embodiment,
the retainer 600 is configured to be squeezed onto the connecting
member and cross-beam with a vice, a hand tool such as pliers,
pincers, vice grips, or other known tools. In another alternative
embodiment, the retainer 600 may be hammered onto the connecting
member and cross-beam.
[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of a girt or purlin retainer 700. In this embodiment,
the retainer 700 includes a first leg 710 having a first extension
720 and a second leg 730 having a second extension 740. The first
and second legs 710, 730 are joined by a torsion spring 750
configured to bias the first leg 710 towards the second leg 730. A
user may separate the first leg 710 from the second leg 730 by
squeezing the first and second extensions 720, 740 towards each
other. The retainer 700 further includes a plurality of teeth 760,
similar to the teeth described above with respect to FIG. 3. A user
may attach the retainer 700 to a cross-beam (not shown) or a
connecting member (not shown) by squeezing the first and second
extensions 720, 740, placing a cross-beam or connecting member
between the first and second legs 710, 730, aligning the cross-beam
or connecting member with the appropriate teeth 760, and releasing
the first and second extensions 720, 740.
[0039] FIGS. 8-13 illustrate exemplary profiles of alternative
assemblies for retaining a girt or purlin. It should be understood
that these profiles may be employed for any of the retainers
110a,b, 600, 700 described in relation to FIGS. 1-7 above.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates a profile 800 that is substantially
similar to the profiles illustrated above in FIGS. 1-7. In this
embodiment, the profile 800 is substantially L-shaped, with a taper
810, and has a plurality of teeth 820.
[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates a profile 900 that is substantially
similar to the profile 800 illustrated in FIG. 8. However, in this
embodiment, the profile 900 includes a larger block engaging
portion 910 configured to engage a larger connecting member (not
shown).
[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates a substantially U-shaped profile 1000.
The U-shaped profile 1000 may be used for a unitary retainer for
engaging a connecting member and cross-beam (not shown) instead of
using two separate retainers.
[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates an L-shaped profile 1100 that is
substantially similar to the profile 800 illustrated in FIG. 8,
except it lacks a taper. An L-shaped profile without a taper may be
easier to manufacture.
[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates an L-shaped profile 1200 that is
substantially similar to the profile 800 illustrated in FIG. 8,
except it includes apertures 1210 instead of teeth. The apertures
are configured to receive fasteners (not shown). In one embodiment,
the apertures 1210 are threaded and configured to receive a screw,
bolt, threaded rod, or other such threaded fastener. In an
alternative embodiment, the apertures 1210 are smooth and
configured to receive pins, ties, nails, rivets, or other such
smooth fasteners. It should be understood that a retainer may
include both teeth, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and
apertures 1210, so that the retaining plate may be attached to the
cross-beam (not shown) and connecting member (not shown) in several
different ways simultaneously. It should be further understood that
apertures may be used in place of teeth in any of the above
described profiles.
[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates an L-shaped profile 1300 that is
substantially similar to the profile 1200 illustrated in FIG. 12,
except that instead of simple apertures, the profile employs
positive fastener angling apertures 1310. The positive fastener
angling apertures 1310 guide a fastener (not shown) diagonally. By
using such apertures, a user is able to drive a fastener through
both a cross-beam (not shown) and into the support member (not
shown), or through both a connecting member (not shown) and into
the support member (not shown).
[0046] It should be understood that a retainer may include any
combination of teeth, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2-3,
apertures 1210, such as those illustrated in FIG. 12, and positive
fastener angling apertures 1310, so that the retaining plate may be
attached to the cross-beam (not shown) and connecting member (not
shown) in several different ways simultaneously. It should be
further understood that any combination of teeth, apertures, and
positive fastener angling apertures may be used in any of the above
described profiles.
[0047] FIG. 14 illustrates a detail perspective view of the
positive fastener angling apertures 1310 of FIG. 13. In the
illustrated embodiment, the profile 1300 includes a slit-cut 1410
and guideway means 1420 formed from the deformed material of the
profile 1300 in the general shape of one half of a cone having a
curved wall. In this configuration, when a fastener F is driven
into the profile 1300, the guideway means guides the fastener F
diagonally. It should be understood that the fastener F may be any
one of a screw, bolt, threaded rod, pin, tie, nail, rivet, or other
known fastener.
[0048] To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is
used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be
inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term
is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A
or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both." When the applicants
intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A
or B but not both" will be employed. Thus, use of the term "or"
herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A.
Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995).
Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the
specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean
"on" or "onto." Furthermore, to the extent the term "connect" is
used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not
only "directly connected to," but also "indirectly connected to"
such as connected through another component or components.
[0049] While the present application illustrates various
embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in
some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict
or in any way limit the scope of the claimed invention to such
detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its
broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the
representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and
described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details
without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's
claimed invention.
* * * * *