U.S. patent application number 11/975482 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for moveable swimming pool seat.
Invention is credited to Michael W. Smith.
Application Number | 20090100587 11/975482 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40561956 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090100587 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Michael W. |
April 23, 2009 |
Moveable swimming pool seat
Abstract
here is provided a moveable swimming pool seat for use with a
swimming pool that has a pool wall and a pool deck. The moveable
swimming pool seat includes: an upper wall support member; a seat
support member connected to the upper wall support member; a seat
connected to the seat support member; a lower wall support member
connected to the seat support member; at least one strap having a
first end and a second end, with the first strap end connected to
the upper wall support member; and a pin connected to the second
strap end.
Inventors: |
Smith; Michael W.; (Tempe,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GALLAGHER & KENNEDY, P. A.
2575 E. CAMELBACK RD. #1100
PHOENIX
AZ
85016
US
|
Family ID: |
40561956 |
Appl. No.: |
11/975482 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/496 ; 297/14;
297/217.7; 4/506 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/14 20130101; A47C
15/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/496 ; 297/14;
297/217.7; 4/506 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/14 20060101
E04H004/14; A47C 9/00 20060101 A47C009/00 |
Claims
1. A moveable swimming pool seat for use with a swimming pool
structure having a pool wall and a pool deck, the seat comprising:
an upper wall support member; a seat support member connected to
the upper wall support member; a seat connected to the seat support
member; a lower wall support member connected to the seat support
member; and at least one strap having a first end and a second end,
with the first strap end connected to the upper wall support
member; and a pin connected to the second strap end.
2. The moveable swimming pool seat according to claim 1 wherein the
lower wall support member further comprises a horizontal support
connected to the seat support member, a left lateral support
connected to the horizontal support, and a right lateral support
connected to the horizontal support.
3. The moveable swimming pool seat according to claim 1 wherein the
upper wall support member, the seat support member, and the lower
wall support member each comprise tubes.
4. The moveable swimming pool seat according to claim 3 wherein the
upper wall support member, the seat support member, and the lower
wall support member each comprise polyvinylchloride tubing.
5. The moveable swimming pool seat according to claim 1 further
comprising a strap adjustment buckle attached to the strap.
6. The moveable swimming pool seat according to claim 1 wherein the
seat further comprises an upper surface having a material for
receiving printing.
7. The moveable swimming pool seat according to claim 1 wherein
upper wall support member includes a wall contact.
8. The moveable swimming pool seat according to claim 2 further
comprising a tube cap connected to each of the left lateral support
and the right lateral support.
9. The moveable swimming pool seat according to claim 1 wherein the
seat is hollow.
10. A moveable and adjustable swimming pool and seat assembly for
allowing a user to sit in a swimming pool having a surface of
water, the assembly comprising: a swimming pool having a pool wall
and a pool deck; a pin receiver positioned in the pool deck; an
upper wall support member with a first end positioned proximate to
the pool wall; a seat support member connected to the upper wall
support member; a seat connected to the seat support member; a
horizontal member connected to the seat support member in moveable
contact with the swimming pool wall; a left lateral support having
a first end connected to the horizontal member and a second end in
moveable contact with the pool wall; a right lateral support having
a first end connected to the horizontal member and a second end in
moveable contact with the pool wall; a strap having a first end and
a second end, with the first strap end connected to the upper wall
support member; and a pin connected to the second strap end
positioned in the pin receiver.
11. The assembly according to claim 10 wherein the upper wall
support member, the seat support member, the horizontal member, the
left lateral support, and the right lateral support each comprise
tubes.
12. The assembly according to claim 11 wherein the upper wall
support member, the seat support member, the horizontal member, the
left lateral support, and the right lateral support member each
comprise polyvinylchloride tubing.
13. The assembly according to claim 10 further comprising a strap
adjustment buckle attached to the strap.
14. The assembly according to claim 10 wherein adjustment of the
strap relative to the snap adjustment buckle allows a user to raise
or lower the seat relative to the surface of the water.
15. The assembly according to claim 10 wherein the seat further
comprises an upper surface having a material for receiving
printing.
16. The assembly according to claim 10 wherein the pin receiver
comprises a tube selected from the group consisting of stainless
steel, brass alloys, bronze alloys, and aluminum alloys.
17. The assembly according to claim 10 wherein upper wall support
member includes a wall contact.
18. The assembly according to claim 10 further comprising a tube
cap affixed to each of the left lateral support and the right
lateral support.
19. A method for securing and adjusting a swimming pool seat
relative to a swimming pool having a side wall, a deck, and a
surface of water, the method comprising the steps of: securing a
strap connected to an upper wall support member of the swimming
pool seat; placing the seat in the swimming pool so as to submerge
a seat connected to the swimming pool seat below the surface of the
water; contacting the upper wall support member of the swimming
pool seat with a wall of the swimming pool in a nonpermanent
contact; and contacting a left lateral support and a right lateral
support of the swimming pool seat with a wall of the swimming pool
in a nonpermanent contact.
20. The method according to claim 19 wherein the step of securing a
strap further comprises placing a pin, connected to a strap, into a
pin receiver located on the swimming pool deck.
21. The method according to claim 19 further comprising the step of
adjusting a strap adjustment buckle attached to the strap so as to
adjust the depth of the seat.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to swimming pools and seats
for use therein. More particularly the present invention relates to
a moveable seat that may be positioned so as to allow the user to
rest proximate to a wall of the swimming pool.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Swimming pools are popular facilities for recreation. In a
residential setting, swimming pools are often placed in a backyard
or patio setting that allows enjoyment of the pool and the
surrounding area as an entertainment environment. It is common to
use toys in the pool such as floats, balls, tubes, etc. on which a
user can sometimes rest in the water. Thus, it has become an
enjoyable usage of swimming pools to float in the water as well as
swim and/or dive. In the backyard or back patio environment, the
pool may also be the center of entertainment, or "pool party"
during which refreshments are served. An individual recreating in a
pool area sometimes desires that he or she be allowed to be in the
water while simultaneously enjoying refreshments. Standing in the
pool is one way for the individual to support himself or herself.
Alternatively, the user could rest on some kind of support such as
a chair or stool. Pool floats are often unstable and unsuitable as
a support; and the typical backyard furniture is not suitable for
use in the water. Thus, it would be desired to provide a means to
support a human in or around the water while allowing the user to
enjoy a refreshment or snack.
[0003] In the hotel and resort environment, swimming pools and
their surroundings can take on elaborate and luxurious
architecture. The swimming pool is often a central entertainment
focus in the hotel and resort location. Restaurants and bars may be
located proximate to the pool. In some instances it is known to
place a bar or restaurant counter in or next to the pool so that
the patron can sit on a permanent barstool, in the water, and enjoy
a beverage or snack. This kind of architecture suffers from
permanence and expense in construction. Other times a swimming pool
patron may wish to sit in the swimming pool water, so as to enjoy
the cooler temperature of the water, while carrying on social
conversation with others outside the pool. However, very few
structures allow a patron to sit or rest in the water. It would be
desired to provide a convenient means of retrofitting existing pool
structures so as to provide a chair-like support for pool patrons.
Further, it would be desired to provide a chair-like structure that
is not permanent but can be removed from the swimming pool when not
in use.
[0004] In both the hotel and residential environments, outdoor
furniture can allow a swimming pool patron to sit near the pool.
However, to enjoy the water, the individual must move from the seat
and enter the water. Then, when the individual tires of the water,
he or she must exit the water, and will then often dry off, and
retake the chair or seat. It would be desired to provide a swimming
pool accommodation where the swimming pool patron enjoys the water
and the comfort of a seat at the same time. It would also be
desired that the seat be adjustable so that the individual can
select where the water reaches the individual on his or her
body.
[0005] Hence there has been identified a need to provide an
improved seat or support in the swimming pool environment. It would
be desired to provide a type of seat that could be used in both
residential and commercial applications. It would further be
desired to provide a swimming pool seat that, while strong and
robust in structure, is nevertheless light and easily placed and
removed. It is further desired that a swimming pool seat be
designed so that it can be retrofit into existing swimming pool
structures. The present invention addresses one or more of these
needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, and
by way of example only, there is provided a moveable swimming pool
seat for use with a swimming pool that has a pool wall and a pool
deck. The moveable swimming pool seat includes: an upper wall
support member; a seat support member connected to the upper wall
support member; a seat connected to the seat support member; a
lower wall support member connected to the seat support member; at
least one strap having a first end and a second end, with the first
strap end connected to the upper wall support member; and a pin
connected to the second strap end.
[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, still by way of
example only, there is provided a swimming pool and seat assembly
for allowing a user to sit in a swimming pool that has a surface of
water. The assembly includes: a swimming pool having a pool wall
and a pool deck; a pin receiver positioned in the pool deck; an
upper wall support member with a first end positioned proximate to
the pool wall; a seat support member connected to the upper wall
support member; a seat connected to the seat support member; a
horizontal member connected to the seat support member; a left wall
support having a first end connected to the horizontal member and a
second end in contact with the pool wall; a right wall support
having a first end connected to the horizontal member and a second
end in contact with the pool wall; a strap having a first end and a
second end, with the first strap end connected to the upper wall
support member; and a pin connected to the second strap end
positioned in the pin receiver. The upper wall support member, the
seat support member, and the lower wall support member may each
comprise tubes such as PVC tubes. The strap may also include a
strap adjustment buckle by adjusting which a user can raise or
lower the seat relative to the surface of the water. The seat may
further comprise an upper surface having a material for receiving
printing and advertising thereon.
[0008] In still a further aspect of the present invention, and
still by way of example only, there is provided a method for
securing and adjusting a swimming pool seat relative to a swimming
pool having a side wall, a deck, and a surface of water, wherein
the method comprises the steps of: (1) securing a strap connected
to an upper wall support member of the swimming pool seat; (2)
placing the seat in the swimming pool so as to submerge a seat
connected to the swimming pool seat below the surface of the water;
(3) contacting the upper wall support member of the swimming pool
seat with a wall of the swimming pool in a nonpermanent contact;
and (4) contacting a left lateral support and a right lateral
support of the swimming pool seat with a wall of the swimming pool
in a nonpermanent contact. (The numbers do not represent any
necessary order of steps.) The step of securing a strap may further
include the step of placing a pin, connected to a strap, into a pin
receiver located on the swimming pool deck. The method can also
include the step of adjusting a strap adjustment buckle attached to
the strap so as to adjust the depth of the seat.
[0009] Other independent features and advantages of the moveable
swimming pool seat will become apparent from the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a moveable swimming pool
seat, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of a moveable swimming
pool seat positioned on a swimming pool structure, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of a moveable swimming
pool seat showing elements of the lower wall support member,
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a moveable swimming pool
seat showing a swimmer/user resting on the seat, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0014] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. [0015]
10 pool seat [0016] 11 swimming pool [0017] 12 water [0018] 13
water surface [0019] 14 pool wall [0020] 15 pool deck [0021] 16 pin
receiver [0022] 21 upper wall support member [0023] 22 seat support
member [0024] 23 seat [0025] 24 lower wall support member [0026] 25
horizontal support [0027] 26 left lateral support [0028] 27 right
lateral support [0029] 28 strap [0030] 29 strap first end [0031] 30
strap second end [0032] 31 pin [0033] 32 strap adjustment buckle
[0034] 33 tube [0035] 34 tube cap [0036] 35 wall contact [0037] 40
hub
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0038] The following detailed description of the invention is
merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the
invention or the application and uses of the invention.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background of the invention or the
following detailed description of the invention. Reference will now
be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0039] Referring initially to FIG. 1 there is shown a preferred
embodiment of a moveable swimming pool seat 10. Pool seat 10
includes as structural elements upper wall support member 21, seat
support member 22, seat 23, and lower wall support member 24. As
further shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, lower wall support member 24 can
include as sub-elements horizontal support 25, left lateral support
26, and right lateral support 27. The moveable swimming pool seat
10 may further include strap 28 and pin 31 connected to a first end
29 of strap 28. Strap 28 is connected to upper wall support member
21 at strap second end 30.
[0040] As will be further explained, moveable swimming pool seat 10
is advantageously designed to be used with a contemporary swimming
pool. Typical elements of such a swimming pool 11 are illustrated
in FIG. 2. Swimming pool 11 contains water 12 in such a manner that
water 11 defines a water surface 13. Swimming pool 11 also includes
a pool wall 14. Such a pool wall 14 is generally vertical in
arrangement, though it will be appreciated that pool walls 14 can
be slightly angled from a perfect vertical alignment, and further
pool wall 14 can transition through a curve or radius to other pool
structures (not illustrated) such as bottoms, steps, and seats.
Typical pool walls 14 are surfaced with materials such as plaster,
concrete, pebbles, or other synthetics. Some swimming pools are
constructed largely of synthetic materials such as fiberglass, and
the pool wall 14 would thus be of such a material. The swimming
pool 11 also includes a pool deck 15. Typical pool decks 15 are
generally horizontal (or close to horizontal) and are designed for
safe walking of the swimmers around the swimming pool 11 area. A
typical pool deck 15 may be constructed from a variety of
construction materials such as concrete, stone, tile, wood, or
synthetic materials.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 a preferred configuration of
swimming pool seat 10 is now described. Upper wall support member
21 is joined to seat support member 22 at an angle. The angle
between upper wall support member 21 and seat support member 22 can
vary, though somewhat under 90 degrees is acceptable. A portion of
seat support member 22 supports seat 23. It is generally desired
that seat 23 be positioned on seat support member 22 so that seat
presents a generally horizontal surface on which a swimmer/user can
sit as shown in FIG. 4. Horizontal support 25 is preferably
attached to lower wall support member 24 so that horizontal support
25 extends in a generally horizontal direction, relative to water
surface 13, when pool seat 10 is resting at its bottomed position,
i.e., hanging at rest from strap 28. Left lateral support 26 is
affixed to one end of horizontal support 25, and right lateral
support 27 is affixed to an opposite end of horizontal support 25.
Further, left lateral support 26 and right lateral support 27
extend from horizontal support 25 at an angle, preferably
approximately a right angle. The lengths of the pieces and the
associated angular interrelationship can be varied. The desire is
to obtain a seat that, when resting at its bottomed position
against pool wall 14, seat 23 is positioned in a generally
horizontal position relative to water surface 13.
[0042] It will be appreciated that the depth at which seat 23 rests
below water surface 13 can be varied by extending or shortening the
length of strap 28. Thus an individual swimmer/user can adjust the
swimming pool seat 10 so as to provide a sitting position that is
uniquely comfortable to that user. A person may want to sit with
the water at his shoulders, or at mid-chest, or at his waist; and
the depth of the seat 23 can be adjusted accordingly. Thus, in a
preferred embodiment it is desired to provide a strap adjustment
buckle 32 with strap 28.
[0043] It is generally preferred that the pool seat 10 be
fabricated of weather-resistant materials suitable for robust
pool-related usage. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials such as PVC
tubes and pipes have been found acceptable, though other materials
can be used. PVC tubing has the advantage of being light weight,
robust, hollow, and relatively inexpensive. Several of the various
components of pool seat 10 (such as upper wall support member 21,
seat support member 22, and lower wall support member 24) can be
readily fabricated and assembled of PVC tubing. Thus use of a hub
40, a t-shaped piece, can be used to join lengths of PVC tubing
with male to female fittings. While various portions of swimming
pool seat 10 have been shown as fabricated from straight lengths of
PVC pipe, it should be appreciated that other configurations are
possible. For example, curved portions may be used rather than
straight portions. Curved portions may present an appealing design
alternative in terms of aesthetics. However, at present it is
preferred to use straight portions of PVC pipe due to cost
considerations.
[0044] Seat 23 can be fabricated from a variety of materials
including preferably plastic or polymers. Molding procedures, such
as injection molding, can be used to manufacture seat 23. Other
components, such as strap 28 are preferably fabricated of a weather
resistant fabric material. Pin 31 and pin receiver 16 are
preferably fabricated of a weather resistant metal or alloy such as
stainless steels, brass alloys, bronze alloys, and aluminum
alloys.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the components of swimming pool
seat 10 are permanently joined together. However, it is possible in
other embodiments to design the components so that they can be
assembled and then disassembled. Thus, for example, upper wall
support member 21 could be joined into a reciprocally matched
receiving portion (not illustrated) in seat support member 22, by,
for example a screw fitting or pressure fitting. In a similar
manner, lower wall support member 24 could be joined to seat
support member 22. One advantage offered by a swimming pool seat 10
that can be disassembled is ease of storage.
[0046] Having described the swimming pool seat 10 from a structural
standpoint, a preferred method of using the seat 10 will now be
described. In one embodiment a pin receiver 16 is first positioned
or affixed to pool deck 15. Pin receiver 16 is preferably a
cylindrical structure that is a close reciprocal fit to pin 31. For
example, the placement of pin 31 into pin receiver 16 is a secure,
tight fit; and the fit is sufficient so as to prevent movement of
strap 28 in a manner that would lower pool seat 10 in water 12. The
pin receiver 16 is preferably placed in a manner flush to the
surface of pool deck 15 so that a swimmer/user walking barefoot on
pool deck 15 would not be injured by stepping on pin receiver 16.
Where a pool deck 15 is made of a hard material such as concrete,
masonry, or stone, a pin receiver 16 can be positioned by drilling
a hole in the pole deck that closely matches the depth and outer
diameter of pin receiver 16. Pin receiver is then placed in the
hole and secured by, for example, epoxy, glue, mortar, or the
like.
[0047] In other embodiments strap 28 does not include a pin 31, and
there is no need for a pin receiver 16. In such an embodiment the
strap first end 29 (the end which would be connected to a pin 31 if
present) is affixed, as by tying off, to any suitable poolside
zitem--a chair, a rock, a tree, a barbecue grill, etc. The point is
that movement of strap 28, which allows pool seat 10 to fall deeper
into the pool 11, can be prevented by suitably affixing strap 28 to
something.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the various members of the
moveable swimming pool seat 10 are not capped. Thus, when formed of
hollow tubes that are not capped, water can flow through components
such as upper wall support member 21, seat support member 22, and
lower wall support member 24. Additionally, seat 23 is uncapped or
has an opening so that water can flow through seat 23 in and out of
seat support member. The advantage of such an arrangement is the
moveable swimming pool seat can more easily be placed in the water,
and removed from the water, when water can flow through its
components. The swimming pool seat 10 loses buoyancy and can be
positioned under the water surface 13. When a swimmer/user desires
to remove seat 10 from the water 12, the user can grasp seat 10 and
pull upwardly. The seat 10, allowing water to pass through, moves
more easily, and the user does not have to pull the additional
weight of the water to remove seat 10. This is also advantageous in
that, once seat 10 is removed from the water 12, a user does not
have to empty water contained in the seat 10 back into the pool
11.
[0049] However, in other embodiment, members of the swimming pool
seat 10 can be capped, preferably with soft, cushioned, or
resilient materials that allow swimming pool seat 10 to contact
swimming pool wall 14 without damage thereto. Thus, for example,
left lateral support 26 and right lateral support 27 may have end
pieces or a tube cap 34 at their free, unattached, ends. The tube
cap 34 comes into contact with pool wall 14 and can serve to
cushion the contact between seat 10 and wall 14. It will also be
appreciated that even in those embodiments where a tube cap 34 is
present, the tube cap 34 may itself have an opening in it so as to
allow fluid communication between the pool water 12 and the hollow
interior of the swimming pool seat 10.
[0050] In addition to an end cap 34, certain embodiments of the
swimming pool seat 10 may include a further feature to allow for a
manner of contact with pool wall 14 that minimizes the possibility
of damage thereto. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown
an upper wall support member 21 that includes a wall contact 35. In
the illustrated preferred embodiment, wall contact 35 comprises a
portion of upper wall support member 21 that is further angled in a
way that allows an extended surface area with which wall contact 35
rests against pool wall 14. The close matching of the fit between
wall contact 35 and pool wall 14 allows the surface area of contact
to be maximized. A maximum surface area of contact advantageously
spreads out the force that is set up between wall contact 35 and
wall 14 when an individual/user places weight on pool seat 14,
thereby decreasing those forces which could chip, scratch, or mar
the pool wall 14. If desired, other materials such as cushioned or
resilient materials can be disposed on wall contact 35 so as to
protect pool wall 14.
[0051] An important feature of swimming pool seat 10, when
positioned with a swimming pool 11, is that the seat 10 is
moveable. Seat components such as upper wall support member 21,
left lateral support 26, and right lateral support 27 are in
contact with swimming pool wall 14; however, these components are
not permanently affixed to wall 14. The components are actually
free to adjust and move relative to pool wall 14. The connection
between pin 31 and pin receiver 16 serves, via strap 28, to hold
swimming pool seat 10 in a generally set bottom position relative
to water surface 13. However, in the manner in which strap 28 is
connected to seat 10, seat 10 is allowed the movement as described.
The movement of seat 10 is both an arc-like movement in that seat
10 can sway when there is tension in strap 28. However, the freedom
of movement allowed to swimming pool seat 10 is also vertical
movement in that seat 10 can move upwardly relative to water
surface 13 by inducing slack into strap 28.
[0052] One significance of a moveable swimming pool seat 10 relates
to pool safety. Unlike structures that are permanently attached to
a swimming pool 11 or swimming pool wall 14, there is little risk
of a swimmer being obstructed or trapped under water by moveable
swimming pool seat 10. Both the relative light weight of seat 10,
and its freedom of movement, allow a swimmer to move the swimming
pool seat 10 both in a lateral direction (to the right or to the
left), in an upward direction, and also in an outward direction
away from the pool wall 14. Thus, in a situation in which a swimmer
finds himself or herself under water near the moveable swimming
pool seat 10, the swimmer can gain freedom of movement by pushing
the seat 10 in one of those directions. This is in contrast to
those structures that are permanently moored or affixed to a
swimming pool; with such a fixture the swimmer could not move a
permanently attached seat, and the swimmer himself or herself would
have to move his or her body to free himself from a confined
underwater position. Thus, a moveable seat 10 as described herein
is inherently different from and safer than permanently attached
structures.
[0053] While the safety advantage is a clear distinction that
differentiates the moveable swimming pool seat 10 from other
structures, the mobility of the seat 10 offers an additional
advantage. It is common to use a swimming pool cleaner (not
illustrated) that moves along the surfaces of the swimming pool 11
to perform its cleaning function. Devices such a sweepers and
underwater vacuums run along the bottom and walls of the swimming
pool to remove sand, leaves, and the like from the pool. Likewise,
an individual may clean the swimming pool by manually pushing a
pole connected to a sweeper, brush, vacuum or other such device
over the swimming pool surfaces. Such cleaning operations are
obstructed and made more difficult when they encounter permanently
affixed structures. However, in contrast to a permanent fixture,
the moveable swimming pool seat 10 offers no significant impediment
to cleaning operations. If an automatic or manual vacuum or sweeper
encounters the moveable seat 10, the seat 10 gives way to the force
of the cleaner. Hence, cleaning operations are simplified when a
moveable swimming pool seat 10 is used instead of a permanent seat
or other fixture.
[0054] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made
to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to a
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *