U.S. patent application number 11/843046 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for multiple sight gun sight assembly.
Invention is credited to William Orne, III, Troy Storch.
Application Number | 20090049734 11/843046 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40380843 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090049734 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Storch; Troy ; et
al. |
February 26, 2009 |
MULTIPLE SIGHT GUN SIGHT ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A system and method for providing multiple sights includes a
number of sights that are attached to a sight assembly. The sight
assembly is securable to a firearm and configured such that a
shooter can selectively utilize one of the number of sights
tailored for number of respective distances. Preferably, the sights
are connected such that moving one sight out of a shooting line of
sight brings another sight into the shooting line of sight. Such a
sight assembly allows a shooter to quickly configure a firearm for
accurate shooting at a variety of distances.
Inventors: |
Storch; Troy; (Waukesha,
WI) ; Orne, III; William; (US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOYLE FREDRICKSON S.C.
840 North Plankinton Avenue
MILWAUKEE
WI
53203
US
|
Family ID: |
40380843 |
Appl. No.: |
11/843046 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/136 ; 42/111;
42/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/18 20130101; F41G
1/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/136 ; 42/111;
42/139 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/00 20060101
F41G001/00 |
Claims
1. A sight assembly comprising: a base for securing the sight
assembly to a firearm; a housing attached to the base; a first
sight attached to the housing and constructed to rotate about an
axis oriented in a crossing direction relative to an axis
transverse to a bore of the firearm; and a second sight attached to
the housing and constructed to rotate about the axis.
2. The sight assembly of claim 1 further comprising a third sight
attached to the housing and constructed to rotate about the
axis.
3. The sight assembly of claim 2 wherein the first sight is
calibrated to align the firearm with a target within approximately
500 meters from the firearm, the second sight is calibrated to
align the firearm with a target generally between approximately 500
and 800 meters from the firearm, and the third sight is calibrated
to align the firearm with a target between approximately 800 meters
and 1000 meters from the firearm.
4. The sight assembly of claim 1 wherein the first sight and the
second sight are attached such that rotation of one sight rotates
the other sight.
5. The sight assembly of claim 1 further comprising a loop
extending from the housing and constructed such that the first
sight and the second sight can rotate thereunder.
6. The sight assembly of claim 1 further comprising a windage
adjuster constructed to translate the housing relative to the base
in a direction generally transverse to a barrel of the firearm.
7. The sight assembly of claim 1 wherein the firearm is constructed
to fire an approximately .50 caliber projectile.
8. The sight assembly of claim 1 wherein the housing is pivotably
connected to the base such that the housing is movable between an
in-use position and a stored position.
9. The sight assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first
sight and the second sight includes a ring that is offset from the
axis by a stem.
10. The sight assembly of claim 9 wherein the first sight is a ring
of a first size and the second sight is a ring of another size.
11. A gun sight assembly comprising: a first portion for engaging a
firearm; a second portion for engaging the first portion; a number
of sights connected to a hub; a pivot engaged with the hub for
rotationally connecting the number of sights to the second portion
such that each of the number of sights can rotate between a use
position and a stored position in a common plane.
12. The gun sight assembly of claim 11 wherein the common plane is
generally transverse to a bore of the firearm.
13. The gun sight assembly of claim 11 wherein the number of sights
includes a first sight associated with a first range to target, a
second sight associated with a second range to target, and a third
sight associated with a third range to target.
14. The gun sight assembly of claim 13 wherein the at least two of
the first, second, and third ranges to target overlap.
15. The gun sight assembly of claim 11 further comprising a windage
adjuster constructed to translate the second portion relative to
the first portion such that the second portion translates laterally
relative to a bore of a firearm.
16. The gun sight assembly of claim 11 further comprising an
elevation adjuster constructed to vary a distance between the pivot
and the first portion.
17. The gun sight assembly of claim 11 further comprising a hinge
constructed to allow the second portion to rotate between an in-use
position and a stored position.
18. The gun sight assembly of claim 17 wherein an axis of the pivot
is generally transverse to a bore of the firearm when the second
portion is in the stored position and the axis of the pivot is in a
common plane with the bore of the firearm when the second portion
is oriented in the in-use position.
19. A method of providing a firearm sight comprising: providing a
frame for being connected to a firearm; providing a mount that
engages the frame; providing a first and a second sight; connecting
the first sight and the second sight to the mount such that a
position of the first sight is fixed relative to the second sight
and such that the first sight and the second sight can rotate about
an axis generally aligned with a bore of the firearm.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the axis is parallel to and
offset from the bore.
21. The method of claim 19 further comprising connecting a third
sight to the mount such that a position of the third sight is fixed
relative to the first and second sights.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the first, second, and third
sights are formed as one-piece having a spoke and hub
configuration.
23. The method of claim 19 further comprising a providing a
pivotable connection between the mount and the frame such that the
first and second sights rotate about another axis.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising providing a
translatable joint between the mount and the frame generally
aligned with the another axis.
25. The method of claim 19 further comprising extending a band from
the mount about the first and second sight.
26. The method of claim 19 further comprising forming a channel in
the mount for receiving at least one of the first and second sights
during rotation.
27. The method of claim 19 further comprising attaching the firearm
sight to a firearm.
28. The method of claim 27 further comprising constructing the
frame to orient the firearm sight relative to one of a forward
position or a rear position of the firearm.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a firearm sight
and, more particularly, to a sight assembly having multiple
independent oculars or sights.
[0002] Fire arm sight assemblies generally include an ocular or
sight that is attached to the firearm to assist the shooter with
aligning the bore of the firearm with an intended target. Commonly,
the shooter adjusts either the sight relative to the firearm, or
the orientation of the sight relative to the target, to accommodate
different shooting conditions. For example, if a projectile will be
subjected to a crossing wind during the travel of the projectile to
the target, the shooter can lateral translate the sight relative to
the bore of the firearm, or simply aim the firearm at a sight that
is offset from an intended projectile impact area. These variations
in lateral alignment of the sight and/or the firearm with the
intended target are commonly referred to as windage
adjustments.
[0003] Another type of alignment adjustment the shooter must
accommodate is an inclination of declination of the firearm
relative to the target to accommodate the differences between the
generally linear sighting path and the occasionally more curved
projectile path. For targets at close range, this is generally a
negligible consideration for most shooters as the projectile will
follow a substantially linear path. This becomes a greater
consideration for accurate shooting as the target is moved further
from the firearm. In such situations, the shooter must adjust the
orientation of the sight relative to the firearm or sight the
firearm generally above an intended impact area. Adjusting the
orientation of the sight relative to the firearm manipulates the
association between the line of sight and the projectile path such
that the two lines cross at the intended impact area. Aiming above
a target accommodates the arcing path of the projectile such that
the projectile strikes the desired impact area even though the
firearm sight indicates an elevated impact area.
[0004] Regardless of the shooting technique, alignment of the sight
with the firearm or estimating the degradation of the projectile
path to be able to repeatedly hit an intended target is much more a
skill based on experience than the simply mechanical act of firing
a projectile from a firearm. Accurate shooting at various ranges
under varied conditions is a skill that few shooters master. The
ability to accurately hit a target is complicated by both the
ambient conditions and the range between the shooter and the
target. Although many adjustable gun sights are available, accurate
shooting with such sights is heavily dependent on the shooters
ability to orient the sight relative to the firearm to strike the
intended target. Accordingly, it is desired to provide a firearm
sight that can quickly and repeatably align the firearm with an
intended target.
[0005] The problems associated with the aiming of the firearm
mentioned above are magnified as the operable range of the firearm
increases. Small misalignments of the firearm relative to a distant
target will yield unintended or undesired impacts. High-power
firearms, such as a .50 caliber firearm, have the potential to
accurately deliver a projectile generally in a range of
approximately 2000 yards or approximately 1830 meters. Coupled with
the ability to deliver various projectile types such as
armor-piercing rounds, incendiary munitions, and explosive rounds,
such firearms are an invaluable deterrent to malevolent activities.
The ability to accurately deliver projectiles throughout the
operable range of such firearms provides the additional advantage
of maintaining a spacing between the intended target and the
shooter thereby providing a degree of protection for the shooter
from debris or other projectiles which may originate from the
target independently or as a result of the impact of the shooters
projectile.
[0006] Understandably, efficient utilization of such high-power
firearms depends heavily on the ability to quickly and efficiently
train new shooters in the shooting characteristics of such
firearms. Depending on a given shooters prior experience, even with
the assistance of known shooting aids, the ability to train a
shooter to accurately acquire and fire upon a variety of targets
within a 2000 yard operating range of a firearm can be a time
consuming and expensive endeavor. Accordingly, it would also be
desirable to provide a firearm sight assembly that is simple to use
and whose operation can be quickly understood.
[0007] It would therefore be desirable to have a system and method
for providing a firearm sight assembly that is easy to operate and
capable of quickly and accurately aligning the firearm projectile
path with targets at varying ranges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a system and method of
providing a firearm sight assembly that overcomes one or more of
the aforementioned drawbacks. The firearm sight assembly includes a
number of sights in a common assembly. The sight assembly according
to one aspect of the invention is securable to a firearm and
configured such that a shooter can selectively utilize one of the
number of sights tailored for a number of respective distances.
Preferably, the sights are connected such that moving one sight out
of a shooting line of sight brings another sight into the shooting
line of sight. Such a sight assembly allows a shooter to quickly
configure a firearm for accurate shooting at a variety of
distances.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention is disclosed as a sight
assembly having a base, a housing, and a first and second sight.
The housing is attached the base which is constructed to engage a
firearm. The first sight is attached to the housing and is
constructed to rotate about an axis oriented in a crossing
direction relative to an axis transverse to a bore of the firearm.
The second sight is also attached to the housing and is constructed
to rotate about the same axis. Such a construction equips a user
with a sight that is operable at a variety of distances with
minimal adjustment.
[0010] A further aspect of the invention is disclosed as a sight
assembly that includes a number of sights that are connected to a
hub. The sight assembly includes a first portion for engaging a
firearm and a second portion for engaging the first portion. A
pivot is engaged with the hub and rotationally connects the number
of sights to the second portion of the sight assembly such that
each of the number of sights rotates between a use position and a
stored position. The axis and hub are oriented such that the
respective positions are oriented in a common plane. Such a
construction provides a sight assembly that is simple to operate
and can efficiently implemented across a range of firearm
products.
[0011] Yet another aspect of the invention discloses a method of
providing a firearm sight. The method includes providing a frame
for being connected to a firearm and providing a mount that engages
the frame. A first and a second sight are provided and connected to
the mount such that a position of the first sight is fixed relative
to the second sight and such that the first sight and the second
sight can rotate about an axis generally aligned with a bore of the
firearm. Such a construction provides a sight assembly that can be
efficiently produced and provides for repeatable sight positioning
even when exposed to harsh operating conditions and
environments.
[0012] These and various other aspects, features, and advantages of
the present invention will be made apparent from the following
detailed description and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment presently
contemplated for carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm equipped with a
sight assembly according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the sight assembly
shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the sight assembly of
FIG. 1 with the sight assembly removed from the firearm;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the sight assembly shown in
FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the sight assembly
in a stored configuration;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sight assembly shown
in FIG. 3 and taken along line 6-6 shown in FIG. 3; and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sight assembly shown
in FIG. 3 and taken along line 7-7 shown in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a firearm 20 equipped with a sight system or
assembly 22 according to the present invention. Firearm 20 includes
a barrel portion 24 and a stock or action portion 26. It is
appreciated that although firearm 20 is shown as a generally
high-power, large caliber firearm, such as a .50 caliber firearm
that can be configured for single shot, semiautomatic, or fully
automatic operation, sight assembly 22 is operable with virtually
any firearm assembly wherein sighting at varied ranges is desired.
It is further appreciated that, although sight assembly 22 is shown
as being positioned proximate a rearward portion 28 of firearm 20,
sight assembly 22 could be secured to any portion of the firearm or
supporting structure provided sight assembly 22 moves generally
with firearm 20.
[0022] Firearm 20 includes an action 30 having a firing pin
constructed to impact a primer cartridge of a shell. Upon discharge
of the shell, a projectile is accelerated and travels through a
bore 32 of firearm 20. The projectile exits bore 32 proximate a
muzzle 34. Once fired, the projectile follows a projectile path to
a intended target. As is commonly understood from projectile
dynamics, after leaving bore 32, the projectile gradually slows
until impact with interfering objects. As previously discussed, the
ability to impact a desired target with the projectile depends
greatly on a shooters ability to align bore 32 of firearm 20 such
that the projectile follows a projectile path that crosses the
intended target.
[0023] A shooter position 36 is located generally behind firearm 20
such that a shooters line of sight is generally aligned with a
vertical plane associated with the desired projectile path. A
shooter utilizes sight assembly 22 and a forward post sight 23 to
align bore 32 such that the projectile impacts a desired target. As
shown in FIG. 2, sight assembly 22 is secured to a bracket 38 that
engages a top plate or an upper surface 40 of firearm 20. Sight
assembly 22 includes a first portion, frame, or base 42 and a
second portion, mount, sight mount, or housing 44 that is pivotably
connected to base 42. An optional rail 46 is constructed to engage
a forward portion 48 of bracket 38 such that optional rail 46 is
also secured to firearm 20 and generally aligned with the bore
thereof. Optional rail 46 is constructed to cooperate with other
sighting accessories, such as magnifying scopes, laser aiming
devices, etc. The operation and function of optional rail 46 is
readily understood in the art. It is appreciated that optional rail
46 include one or more vertically oriented rail sections and/or one
of more of a variety of additional aiming implements. It is further
appreciated that sight assembly 22 be operable to interact with
other supplemental sight systems such as a front sight post secured
to the firearm or the like.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, housing 44 includes a hoop 50 that
extends from a body 52 and generally forms a sight window 54
therebetween. Base 42 includes a first arm 55 in the second arm 55
that are positioned at generally opposite ends of base 42. A number
of passages 56 formed through base 42 cooperate with fasteners to
secure base 42 to bracket 38 and/or firearm 20. A dial or windage
adjustment dial 58 is positioned proximate one of arms 55, 57.
Manipulation of dial 58 translates housing 44 relative to base 42
in a lateral direction, indicated by arrow 60, with respect to bore
32 of firearm 20. Lateral translation of housing 44 relative to
base 42 is commonly understood as providing a windage adjustment of
sight assembly 22. Moving housing 44 to the right relative to base
42, translates bore 32 in the same direction relative to a shooters
line of sight. Lateral translation of housing 44 relative to base
42 laterally aligns a shooters line of sight with a projectile path
as a particular distance.
[0025] Another dial or sight selection dial 62 is connected to a
first sight 64 which extends into sight window 54. A number of
fasteners 66 secure a cover 68 to body 52 of housing 44 generally
between sight 64 and sight selection dial 62. A pivot or pin 70
passes through cover 68 and operatively engages a hub 72 connected
to sight 64. Rotation of sight dial 62, indicated by arrow 78,
rotates pin 70, hub 72, and sight 64 relative to housing 44. A
chamber or channel 80 is formed between cover 68 and body 52 such
that sight 64 can pass between cover 68 and body 52 of housing 44
during rotation of dial 62. Alternatively, a shooter could directly
engage sight 64 to move the sight through channel 80 to expose
other sights disposed therein.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of sight assembly 22. As shown
in FIG. 4, pin 70 passes through an opening 83 formed in body 52 of
housing 44. Pin 70 passes through channel 80 and operationally
engages hub 72. First sight 64, a second sight 88, and a third
sight 90 are secured to hub 72 such that the sights 64, 88, 90 move
in unison. The positions of sights 64, 88, 90 are fixed relative to
one another. Hub 72 includes an opening 92 constructed to engage
pin 70 such that rotation of pin 70 rotates hub 72 relative to
housing 44. A land 93 formed on pin 70 cooperates with a flat 95
formed in opening 92 such that pin 70, hub 72, and sights 64, 88,
90 are rotationally fixed relative to one another. Each sight 64,
88, 90 includes a target window 94, 96, 98, respectively, and a
number of optional orientation arms 100. The target window 94, 96,
98 of each sight 64, 88, 90 is offset from the axis of rotation of
pin 70 by an arm 102, 104, 106.
[0027] The length of arms 102, 104, 106 and the corresponding
target window 94, 96, 98, defines an orientation of the shooters
line of sight to a target and the inclination or declination of the
bore of firearm 20. That is, arms 102, 104, 106 provide a varied
offset of target window 94, 96, 98 relative to bore 32 of firearm
20 such that, when the shooters line of sight is aligned with the
target, the projectile path and the line of sight intersect at the
target. Each of sights 64, 88, 90 is associated such that sight
assembly 22 can be utilized for accurate targeting of intended
targets across a substantial portion or a majority of the operable
range of firearm 20. Preferably, sight 64 is configured to
accurately align firearm 20 with targets at approximately 1000
yards or roughly 915 meters from firearm 20, sight 88 is configured
to accurately align firearm 20 with targets between 500 yards or
450 meters and 800 yards or 730 meters, and sight 90 is configured
to accurately align firearm 20 with targets nearer than
approximately 500 yards or 450 meters.
[0028] To configure firearm 20 for shooting at targets at any of
these variable ranges, a shooter simply need position the desired
sight 64, 88, 90 within sight window 84. It is appreciated that
although three sights are shown, other sight configurations and
constructions are envisioned. For example, it is envisioned that
two or more sights may be provided and the sights provided may be
configured with no or differing ranges of overlap. It is further
envisioned that the sights and hub be separable but configured to
interact when assembled. Such a construction allows a user to
uniquely configure a sight assembly for a desired use.
[0029] Still referring to FIG. 3, an indexer 110 includes a spring
112 and a ball 114 that is constructed to cooperate with a detent
116, as shown in FIG. 6, formed in hub 72. Indexer 110 is
constructed to be received in a cavity 118 formed in body 52 of
housing 44. Indexer 110 is constructed to provide a tactile
indication of the positioning of sights 64, 88, 90 relative to
housing 44. Such a construction allows a shooter to repeatably
orient any one of sights 64, 88, 90 for use.
[0030] Another indexer 120 is constructed to be received in a
cavity formed in dial 58. Indexer 120 includes a biasing spring 124
and a ball 126. Ball 126 is constructed to cooperate with a number
of detent or recesses 128 formed in arm 55 of base 42. Indexer 120
provides a tactile signal as to the adjustment of windage dial 58.
Manipulation of dial 58 rotates a shaft 130 having a threaded
portion 132 formed thereon. Shaft 130 is rotationally supported in
a pair of bushings 134, 136 which engage respective openings 138,
140 formed in arms 55, 57. Threaded portion 132 is constructed to
cooperate with a threading 142, as shown in FIG. 7, formed in a
passage 144 formed through body 52 of housing 44. Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 7, rotation of dial 58 rotates shaft 130 thereby
rotating threaded portion 132 resulting in translation of housing
44 in lateral direction 60 relative to base 42. Recesses 128 and
indexer 120 provide a tactile indication as to the degree of
lateral translation of housing 44 relative to base 42.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, arms 55, 57 of base 42 includes a
number of recesses 150 constructed to cooperate with a number of
positioning pins 152 that are slidably received within cavities 154
formed in body 52 of housing 44. A spring 156 is received within
cavities 154 and bias positioning pins 152 into engagement with
recesses 150 formed in base 42. Positioning pins 152 cooperate with
recesses 150 such that housing 44 is rotatable relative to base 42.
Housing 44 is rotatable between an in-use position 160, as shown in
FIG. 6, and a stored position 162, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 5, when orientated in stored position 162,
an axis 164 of pin 70 is orientated in a generally transverse
direction relative to a longitudinal axis, indicated by arrow 166,
of the bore of the firearm. As shown in FIG. 6, when oriented in
the in-use position 160, an axis 170 of housing 44 is orientated in
a generally crossing direction with bore axis 166 and axis 164 of
pin 70 is generally orientated in a substantially common plane with
bore axis 166. Understandably, when positioned for use, the
orientation of axis 164 relative to bore axis 166 may be skewed
relative to the common plane to accommodate windage variations.
[0033] Still referring to FIG. 6, translation of housing 44,
indicated by arrow 172 in FIG. 6, from the in-use orientation 160
(shown in FIG. 6) to the stored orientation 162 (shown in FIG. 5)
translates pins 152 relative to the respective recesses 150 formed
in arms 55, 57 of base 42 and provides a tactile indication that
housing 44 has achieved the in-use position 160 and stored position
162, respectively. Pins 152 and recesses 150 allow sight assembly
22 to be repeatably oriented for use and/or storage. Pins 152,
springs 156, and recesses 150 are further configured to be operable
over the entire range of lateral movement housing 44 relative to
base 42 associated with the windage adjustment. Accordingly,
regardless of the instantaneous orientation of housing 44 relative
to base 42, sight assembly 22 can be quickly converted for use
and/or storage.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, body 52 of housing 44 includes a
passage 180 that is in fluid communication with channel 80. Passage
180 is constructed to allow debris which may collect in channel 80
to be directed out of channel 80 so as to not interfere with the
translation of sights 64, 88, 90 therethrough. The engagement
between indexer 110 and detent 116 of hub 72 ensures that sights
64, 88, 90 can be readily and repeatably moved between the in-use
position 182, occupied by sight 64 in FIG. 6, and the stored
position 184, occupied by sights 88, 90 in FIG. 6. The cooperation
of indexer 110 with detent 116 ensures that sights 64, 88, 90 can
be quickly and repeatably moved between the in-use position 182 in
the stored position 184 as shooting conditions vary.
[0035] The sight assembly 22 according to the present invention
provides a gun sight system that allows a shooter to quickly and
repeatably configure the firearm for shooting at various distances.
Sight assembly 22 is further configured to for generally seamless
integration into any of a number of firearm constructions. The
sight assembly is can also be integrated or augmented and/or
supplemented with the use of other sighting accessories such as
scopes, lasers, target magnifiers, or the like. The robust
construction of sight assembly 22 ensures product longevity and the
ability to withstand the inhospitable conditions frequently
associated with use of such firearms. Sight assembly 22 is further
constructed to be simple to operate such that novice shooters can
quickly become accurate marksman across at least a substantial
portion of a tactical range of any firearm equipped with such a
system.
[0036] Therefore, one embodiment of the invention includes a sight
assembly having a base, a housing, and a first and second sight.
The housing is attached the base which is constructed to engage a
firearm. The first sight is attached to the housing and is
constructed to rotate about an axis oriented in a crossing
direction relative to an axis transverse to a bore of the firearm.
The second sight is also attached to the housing and is constructed
to rotate about the same axis.
[0037] Another embodiment includes a gun sight assembly having a
first portion, a second portion, and a number of sights. The first
portion is for engaging a firearm and the second portion is for
engaging the first portion. The sight assembly includes a number of
sights that are connected to a hub. A pivot is engaged with the hub
for rotationally connecting the number of sights to the second
portion such that each of the number of sights rotates between a
use position and a stored position wherein the respective positions
are oriented in a common plane.
[0038] A further embodiment includes a method of providing a
firearm sight. The method includes providing a frame for being
connected to a firearm and providing a mount that engages the
frame. A first and a second sight are also provided and connected
to the mount such that a position of the first sight is fixed
relative to the second sight and such that the first sight and the
second sight can rotate about an axis generally aligned with a bore
of the firearm.
[0039] The present invention has been described in terms of the
preferred embodiment, the several embodiments disclosed herein are
related as being related to the assembly as generally shown in the
drawings. It is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and
modifications, aside from those expressly stated, the embodiments
summarized, or the embodiment shown in the drawings, are possible
and within the scope of the appending claims. The appending claims
cover all such alternatives and equivalents.
* * * * *