U.S. patent application number 12/287275 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for magnetized armband.
This patent application is currently assigned to AAW Products, Inc. Invention is credited to Andre A. Woolery.
Application Number | 20090050657 12/287275 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40549486 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090050657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woolery; Andre A. |
February 26, 2009 |
Magnetized armband
Abstract
A band for holding work items comprises a first region, a second
region, a layered portion, a cushioned portion and at least one
magnet. The layered portion is located between the first region and
the second region. The layered portion is configured to receive one
or more magnets which provide a magnetic force for attracting
magnetically attractable objects. The cushioned portion is
configured to receive one or more objects such as pins.
Inventors: |
Woolery; Andre A.; (Menlo
Park, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jonathan O. Owens;HAVERSTOCK & OWENS LLP
162 North Wolfe Road
Sunnyvale
CA
94086
US
|
Assignee: |
AAW Products, Inc
|
Family ID: |
40549486 |
Appl. No.: |
12/287275 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11403347 |
Apr 12, 2006 |
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12287275 |
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60671922 |
Apr 14, 2005 |
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60998839 |
Oct 11, 2007 |
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61003751 |
Nov 19, 2007 |
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61004440 |
Nov 26, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/183 ;
224/221; 224/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20130101; A45F
2005/008 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/183 ;
224/221; 224/267 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00; A45F 3/14 20060101 A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. A band for holding work items around surfaces, the band
comprising: a first region; a second region configured to
adjustably couple to the first region forming a closed loop which
is adjustable in diameter to fit around various surfaces; a layered
portion located between the first region and the second region,
wherein the layered portion is configured to hold at least one
object; at least one magnet, wherein the magnet is located within
the layered portion and provides a magnetic force for attracting
magnetically attractable objects; and a cushioned portion located
between the first and the second region, wherein the cushioned
portion is configured to receive at least one object.
2. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is
configured to couple with the first region to form a closed loop
which is adjustable in diameter in the range of one inch to twelve
inches.
3. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is
configured to couple with the first region and form a closed loop
to fit around a wrist.
4. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closed loop is
selectively configured to tightly or loosely fit around the various
surfaces.
5. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is
coupled to the first region by hook and loop fasteners.
6. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is
coupled to the first region by a zipper.
7. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is
coupled to the first region by a button.
8. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is
coupled to the first region by a buckle.
9. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the layered portion
comprises more than one layer of fabric.
10. The band as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one magnet
is completely stitched within the layers of the layered
portion.
11. The band as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one magnet
is partially stitched within the layers of the layered portion.
12. The band as claimed in claim 1 wherein a shape of the magnet is
selected from the set comprising a strip, a ball bearing, and a
disc.
13. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of magnets
are spread out within the layer portion, wherein the band is
configured to substantially encircle a surface with magnets when
the second region is coupled with the first region.
14. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of magnets
are positioned to avoid mutual magnetic attraction between each
other.
15. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet
comprises a ceramic magnet.
16. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet
comprises a neodymium magnet.
17. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cushioned portion
is positioned on top of part of the layered portion.
18. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cushioned portion
is positioned adjacent to the layered portion.
19. A sleeve for holding work items, the sleeve comprising: a
layered sleeve portion, wherein the layered sleeve portion is
configured to hold an object; a flap wherein the flap is configured
to tighten the layered sleeve portion around a surface; at least
one magnet, wherein the magnet is located within the layered sleeve
portion and provides a magnetic force for attracting a magnetically
attractable object; and a cushioned portion configured to receive
at least one object.
20. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the layered sleeve
portion is fabric.
21. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the flap comprises a
fastener and is configured to gather loose fabric and fasten to a
corresponding fastener on the layered sleeve portion.
22. The sleeve as claimed in claim 21, wherein the fastener and
corresponding fastener are hook-and-loop fasteners.
23. The sleeve as claimed in claim 21, wherein the fastener and
corresponding fastener are buttons.
24. The sleeve as claimed in claim 21, wherein the fastener and
corresponding fastener are buckles.
25. The sleeve as claimed in claim 21, wherein the magnets are
distributed in such a way as to allow the magnetically attracted
objects to be attracted to substantially all points of the
sleeve.
26. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one
magnet comprises a ceramic magnet.
27. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one
magnet comprises a neodymium magnet.
28. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cushioned
portion is positioned on top of part of the layered portion.
29. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cushioned
portion is positioned adjacent to the layered portion.
30. An armband for holding magnetically attractable work items, the
armband comprising: a first region configured with a plurality of
hooks; a second region configured with a plurality of hook
receptors for adjustably coupling to the first region, wherein the
coupling causes the band to form a closed loop, wherein the length
of the second region allows the closed loop to be adjustable in
diameter in a range from one inch to twelve inches; a layered
portion located between the first region and the second region,
wherein the layered portion is configured to hold an object; a
plurality of neodymium magnets, wherein the magnets are stitched
between the layered portion and provides a large magnetic force for
attracting a magnetically attractable objects; and a cushioned
portion located between the first region and the second region,
wherein the cushioned portion is configured to receive an
object.
31. The armband as claimed in claim 30, wherein the closed loop is
selectively configured to tightly or loosely fit around the various
sized arms and various surfaces.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Patent Application is a continuation-in-part of
co-pending patent application Ser. No. 11/403,347, filed Apr. 12,
2006 and entitled "MAGNETIZED ARMBAND," which claims priority under
35 U.S.C. section 119(e) of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/671,922, filed Apr. 14, 2005, and entitled
"MAGNETIZED ARMBAND," both of which are hereby incorporated by
reference. The Patent Application also claims priority under 35
U.S.C. section 119(e) to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent
Application, Ser. No. 60/998,839, filed Oct. 11, 2007, and entitled
"MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS," to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent
Application, Ser. No. 61/003,751, filed Nov. 19, 2007, and entitled
"MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS" and to the co-pending U.S. Provisional
Patent Application, Ser. No. 61/004,440, filed Nov. 26, 2007, and
entitled "MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS," all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to magnetic
accessories. More particularly the present invention relates to a
magnetized armband.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Professional users of small hand tools such as carpenters,
seamstresses, auto mechanics, electricians, plumbers, construction
workers, as well as non-professional do-it-yourselfers are often
frustrated whenever they misplace, drop or fumble tools or supplies
while doing their jobs. Workers often times wear aprons or similar
devices to hold these supplies to keep them close at hand and also
to be able to move more freely. However, wearing an apron or
similar device has certain limitations. For instance, repetitive
reaching in pockets for supplies is tedious. Moreover, wearing an
apron or similar device does not help the task of reaching for
supplies while holding a perfectly aligned work piece or holding a
heavy work piece with one hand and some other tool with the other.
Additionally, aprons and similar devices are prone to accidentally
spill the tools and work items that are held within the pockets of
the apron or similar device. Often this spillage is caused because
the worker accidentally knocked the tools or work items over with
their hand, or because of how the worker is positioned while doing
their job.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A band for holding work items comprises a first region, a
second region, a layered portion and at least one magnet. The
layered portion is located between the first region and the second
region. The layered portion is configured to receive a magnet which
provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable
objects.
[0005] In a particular embodiment of the application, the second
region is configured to couple to the first region. In some
embodiments, the coupling is also capable of being released. In
some embodiments, the coupling is such that, when the second region
is coupled to the first region, the band forms a closed loop. In
some embodiments hook and loop fasteners are used to close the
loop. Zippers, buttons and buckles are also utilized in other
embodiments. In some embodiments of the present application the
closed loop is adjustable to a range of diameters of approximately
one (1) to twelve (12) inches.
[0006] Typically, the layered portion comprises multiple layers of
flexible fabric. In some embodiments, a magnet is completely
stitched within the multiple layers. The one or more magnets are
also capable of being partially stitched within the multiple
layers. In some embodiments, the magnets are partially stitched
within the multiple layers and some other means, such as a zipper,
hook and loop fasteners, buttons or buckles, are used to completely
enclose the magnet. Various shaped magnets are contemplated by the
present application including but not limited to strips, discs, and
ball bearings. Any other shapes are alternatively appropriate.
[0007] In some embodiments, the magnets are configured to
completely encircle a worker's wrist when the armband is worn. In
other embodiments the magnets only partially encircle the wrist.
Typically the magnets are configured to avoid mutual magnetic
attraction. In some embodiments of the present application,
neodymium type magnets are used.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present application, the band
can be used by a worker by forming a closed loop around the rung of
a ladder, or other workplace fixtures, in order to gain easy access
to supplies.
[0009] A sleeve for holding work items which comprises a layered
sleeve portion configured to hold a magnet and a flap to tighten
the layered sleeve portion around a surface is also disclosed. In
some embodiments the sleeve portion is fabric. The magnet provides
a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects to
the layered sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the flap gathers
loose material and tightens the sleeve around a worker's wrist.
Various means are contemplated to couple the flap to the sleeve
including, but not limited to: hook and loop fasteners, zippers,
buttons and buckles.
[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, magnets are
evenly distributed throughout the sleeve portion so as to allow
magnetically attracted tools and supplies to be attracted to
substantially all points of the sleeve.
[0011] In another embodiment, a band for holding work items
comprises a first region, a second region, a layered portion, at
least one magnet and a cushioned portion. The layered portion is
located between the first region and the second region. The layered
portion is configured to receive a magnet which provides a magnetic
force for attracting magnetically attractable objects. The
cushioned portion is located between the first and second regions
and configured to receive at least one object.
[0012] In a particular embodiment, the second region is configured
to couple to the first region. In some embodiments, the coupling is
also capable of being released. In some embodiments, the coupling
is such that, when the second region is coupled to the first
region, the band forms a closed loop. In some embodiments hook and
loop fasteners are used to close the loop. Zippers, buttons and
buckles are also utilized in other embodiments. In some
embodiments, the closed loop is adjustable to a range of diameters
of approximately one (1) to twelve (12) inches.
[0013] Typically, the layered portion comprises multiple layers of
flexible fabric. In some embodiments, a magnet is completely
stitched within the multiple layers. The one or more magnets are
also capable of being partially stitched within the multiple
layers. In some embodiments, the magnets are partially stitched
within the multiple layers and some other means, such as a zipper,
hook and loop fasteners, buttons or buckles, are used to completely
enclose the magnet. Various shaped magnets are contemplated by the
present application including but not limited to strips, discs, and
ball bearings. Any other shapes are alternatively appropriate.
[0014] In some embodiments, the cushioned portion is located
adjacent to the layered portion. In other embodiments, the
cushioned portion is located on top of a part of the layered
portion.
[0015] In some embodiments, the magnets are configured to
completely encircle a worker's wrist when the armband is worn. In
other embodiments the magnets only partially encircle the wrist.
Typically the magnets are configured to avoid mutual magnetic
attraction. In some embodiments of the present application,
neodymium type magnets are used.
[0016] In another embodiment of the present application, the band
can be used by a worker by forming a closed loop around the rung of
a ladder, or other workplace fixtures, in order to gain easy access
to supplies.
[0017] In an alternative embodiment, a sleeve for holding work
items which comprises a layered sleeve portion comprising a
cushioned portion and configured to hold a magnet and a flap to
tighten the layered sleeve portion around a surface is disclosed.
In some embodiments the sleeve portion is fabric. The magnet
provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable
objects to the layered sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the
flap gathers loose material and tightens the sleeve around a
worker's wrist. Various means are contemplated to couple the flap
to the sleeve including, but not limited to: hook and loop
fasteners, zippers, buttons and buckles.
[0018] In some embodiments, magnets are evenly distributed
throughout the sleeve portion so as to allow magnetically attracted
tools and supplies to be attracted to substantially all points of
the sleeve. In some embodiments, the cushioned portion is located
adjacent to the magnet. In other embodiments, the cushioned portion
is located on top of a part of the magnet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the
present application.
[0020] FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the
present application.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the
present application.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the
present application.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the present application
where the magnets are configured to substantially encircle a
workers wrist when wrapped around a worker's wrist.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present application
when the band forms a closed loop around a workers wrist.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a worker using an embodiment of the
present application.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present application
dangling from the rung of a ladder.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present
application around a worker's wrist.
[0028] FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of the present application
around a worker's wrist comprising a cushioned portion.
[0029] FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the
present application including a cushioned portion.
[0030] FIG. 9C illustrates a back view of an embodiment of the
present application including a cushioned portion.
[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present
application around a worker's wrist comprising a cushioned
portion.
[0032] FIG. 11A illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment
of the present application around a worker's wrist comprising one
or more straps.
[0033] FIG. 11B illustrates a bottom view of an alternative
embodiment of the present application around a worker's wrist
comprising one or more straps.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] In the following description, numerous details are set forth
for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the
art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the
use of these specific details.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the magnetized
armband is depicted therein. A magnetized armband 100 is shown
which comprises an elongated fabric band having a layered portion
110 located between a first region 130 and a second region 140. The
band is constructed from a flexible fabric such as woven cloth.
Various other types of materials could alternatively be used
including, but not limited to leather, cotton, cotton/polyester
blends, plastic, nylon, vinyl, neoprene, synthetic leather, knit or
rubber.
[0036] The first region 130 and a second region 140 can be coupled
to form a closed loop. In some embodiments of the present
application, the loop side of a hook-and-loop fastener fabric 170
is stitched to the top of the second region 140. As shown in FIG.
1B, the hook side of the hook-and-loop fastener 150 is stitched to
the underside of the of the band substantially underneath the first
region 130. Additionally, a fabric tab 160 has the hook side of the
hook-and-loop fastener fabric 180 stitched to the bottom side of
the tab 160. Alternatively, other means for fastening the
magnetized armband 100 can be utilized including but not limited to
buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. In some
embodiments the second region 140 and the hook-and-loop fastener
fabric 170 is sufficiently long so as to allow for adjustability.
In some embodiments of the present application, the diameter of
this closed loop ranges from one (1) inch to twelve (12) inches.
However, a closed loop with any other appropriate diameter is
contemplated.
[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the
first and second regions (1130, 1140) are coupled to a first and
second strap (1135, 1145), wherein the first and second straps are
releasably attachable to each other via a hook-and-loop fastener
fabric (1150, 1170) coupled to their surfaces. Alternatively, other
means for fastening the magnetized armband 1100 are able to be
utilized including but not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps,
hooks, threads or zippers. In some embodiments the second strap
and/or first strap (1145, 1135) and the hook-and-loop fastener
fabric (1150, 1170) is sufficiently long so as to allow for
adjustability.
[0038] In some embodiments, the layered portion 110 has multiple
layers of fabric to hold one or more magnets 120. As shown in FIG.
1, the one or more magnets 120 are long strips. Alternatively, as
shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, these magnets are either
small balls or discs, respectively. These magnets are substantially
permanently stitched into the multiple layers. Alternatively, the
magnets 120 are partially stitched into the multiple layers to
allow access to them. In the example of the magnetized armband
where the magnets 120 are partially stitched into the multiple
layers, various means can be utilized to completely seal the
magnets. These means include, but are not limited to buttons,
buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers.
[0039] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, vertically
configured magnets 120 are numerous and spread out so as to
substantially encircle the whole wrist of a worker when the
magnetized armband is wrapped in a closed loop around a worker's
wrist.
[0040] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the magnetized
armband 200 is wrapped around a worker's wrist 210. The hook
fasteners (depicted in FIG. 1 as 150) line up with the loop
fasteners area 250, allowing the armband to become a closed loop
around the worker's wrist 210. The fabric tab 240 is included to be
held by the worker to wrap the magnetized armband and also allows
the worker to easily loosen the loop fasteners area 250 from the
hook fasteners or to remove the magnetized armband 200. The fabric
tab 240 also fastens to the loop fastener area 250. Magnetically
attractable tools and supplies 220 are attracted and held to the
armband by the magnetic field from the one or more magnets 230
stitched into the fabric. This allows the attracted tools and
supplies 220 to be readily accessible to the worker.
[0041] In some embodiments, neodymium magnets are utilized to
attract such tools and supplies. Neodymium has been chosen because
it is one of the strongest permanent magnets made and does not lose
its strength over time.
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates some embodiments of the present
application being used by a worker. The magnetized armband 300 is
wrapped around a worker's wrist 310 and connected by coupling a
second region 330 and a fabric tab 340 to a first region 350.
Magnetically attractable tools and supplies 320 are held to the
magnetized armband 330 by the magnets 360. As depicted, the worker
can hold screws in place while drilling and can easily gain access
to additional supplies held in place on the magnetized armband.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present
application. The second region 430 and the fabric tab 440 is
coupled to the first region 450 to form a closed loop. The closed
loop that is formed is loose which allows the band to dangle from a
surface. This embodiment can be used with various surfaces or
workplace fixtures, including but not limited to the rung of a
ladder 470. In this embodiment of the present application, a worker
using a ladder can set the band to dangle at the appropriate
height, and attach magnetically attractable tools and supplies to
the band for easy access to them.
[0044] FIGS. 9A-9C show yet another embodiment of the present
application. In this embodiment the magnetized armband 900 further
comprises a cushioned portion 990 positioned between the first
region 930 and the second region 940. This cushioned portion 990
may be used for receiving objects such as pins (not shown) by
puncturing the surface of the cushioned portion 990 with the pins
and thereby lodging the pins in the cushioned portion 990. This
allows the pins and other similar objects to be securably removable
from their lodged position due to friction and therefore readily
accessible to the worker. In some embodiments, the cushioned
portion 990 is positioned substantially adjacent to the layered
portion 910. In other embodiments, the cushioned portion 990 is
positioned on top of a part of the layered portion 910. This
further secures the pins and other similar metallic objects in
their lodged position via magnetic attraction when at least one
magnet 920 is inserted in the layered portion 910. Alternatively,
the cushioned portion 990 is able to be in any position on the
surface of the magnetized armband 900.
[0045] The first region 930 and a second region 940 is able to be
coupled to form a closed loop. In some embodiments of the present
application, the loop side of a hook-and-loop fastener fabric 970
is stitched to the top of the second region 940. As shown in FIG.
9B, the hook side of the hook-and-loop fastener 950 is stitched to
the underside of the band substantially underneath the first region
930. Additionally, a fabric tab 960 has the hook side of the
hook-and-loop fastener fabric 980 stitched to the bottom side of
the tab 960. Alternatively, other means for fastening the
magnetized armband 900 are able to be utilized including but not
limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. In
some embodiments, the second region 940 and the hook-and-loop
fastener fabric 970 is sufficiently long so as to allow for
adjustability. In some embodiments of the present application, the
diameter of this closed loop ranges from one (1) inch to twelve
(12) inches. However, a closed loop with any other appropriate
diameter is contemplated.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the present
application. In this embodiment the magnetized armband 500 is a
sleeve for holding work items 520 comprising a sleeve portion 510,
having at least one magnetic substance 530 enclosed in it and a
strap 540 with a fastener. There is also a fastening area 550 with
a corresponding fastener. The strap is wrapped around the wrist 560
or other surface and gathers any loose sleeve material 570. The
strap 540 adjustably and releasably tightens the sleeve 510 onto
the wrist or arm 560 and is fastened onto a corresponding fastener
in the fastening area 550.
[0047] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present application.
In this embodiment, the magnetized armband 1000 is a sleeve for
holding work items 1020 comprising a sleeve portion 1010, having at
least one magnetic substance 1030 enclosed in it and a strap 1040
with a fastener. Further, the sleeve portion 1010 also comprises a
cushioned portion 1090 for receiving objects such as pins (not
shown) by puncturing the surface of the cushioned portion 1090 with
the pins and thereby lodging the pins in the cushioned portion
1090. In some embodiments, the cushioned portion 1090 is positioned
adjacent to the metallic substance 1030. In other embodiments, the
cushioned portion 1090 is positioned on top of a part of the
magnetic substance 1030. Alternatively, the cushioned portion 1090
is able to be in any position on the surface of the sleeve portion
1010. There is also a fastening area 1050 with a corresponding
fastener. The strap is wrapped around the wrist 1060 or other
surface and gathers any loose sleeve material 1070. The strap 1040
adjustably and releasably tightens the sleeve 1010 onto the wrist
or arm 1060 and is fastened onto a corresponding fastener in the
fastening area 1050.
[0048] The present invention has been described in terms of
specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the
understanding of the principles of construction and operation of
the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and
details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims
appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that modifications can be made in the embodiment chosen for
illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Specifically, it will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art that the device of the present invention could be
implemented in several different ways and have several different
appearances.
* * * * *