U.S. patent application number 12/219389 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-28 for secure storage system having mobile shelving units.
This patent application is currently assigned to Metro Industries Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey C. Olson.
Application Number | 20100019631 12/219389 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41568005 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100019631 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olson; Jeffrey C. |
January 28, 2010 |
Secure storage system having mobile shelving units
Abstract
A storage system having mobile storage units and lock means for
securing a plurality of the storage units. A storage system having
mobile storage units, door means, and lock means for securing a
plurality of the storage units. A method for securing a storage
system having mobile storage units and lock means.
Inventors: |
Olson; Jeffrey C.; (Dallas,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
1290 Avenue of the Americas
NEW YORK
NY
10104-3800
US
|
Assignee: |
Metro Industries Inc.
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
41568005 |
Appl. No.: |
12/219389 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/201 ;
312/198; 312/215 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 53/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/201 ;
312/215; 312/198 |
International
Class: |
A47B 53/02 20060101
A47B053/02 |
Claims
1. A storage system, comprising: a. first and second storage units,
each of which has an interior for storing items; b. guide means for
mounting said first storage unit for movement between (1) a closed
position relative to said second storage unit, wherein in the
closed position access to the interiors of said first and said
second storage units is prevented, and (2) an open position spaced
away from said second storage unit, wherein in the open position
access to the interiors of said first and said second storage units
is provided; and c. lock means for selectively (1) locking said
first storage unit in the closed position and (2) unlocking said
first storage unit thereby permitting it to move to the open
position.
2. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein when said first
storage unit is in the closed position, the exterior sides of said
first and said second storage units are substantially enclosed
thereby preventing access to their interiors.
3. The storage system according to claim 2, further comprising
enclosing means for substantially enclosing all the exterior sides
of said first and said second storage units when said first storage
unit is in the closed position.
4. The storage system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of
the exterior sides of said first or said second storage unit is
substantially enclosed via a wall which is separate from the
storage system.
5. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein said second
storage unit is mounted in a stationary position, and said guide
means mounts said first storage unit for translational movement
between the closed position and the open position.
6. The storage system according to claim 1, further comprising one
or more additional first storage units, one of said first storage
units being positioned most distant from said second storage unit,
wherein (1) said guide means mounts each of said additional first
storage units for movement along a path between a closed position
relative to an adjacent storage unit, the adjacent storage unit
being one of said first storage units, and an open position spaced
away from the adjacent storage unit and (2) said lock means is
operative for selectively locking one of said additional first
storage units in its closed position and unlocking it.
7. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein said lock means
does not require a separate rack means to lock said first storage
unit in the closed position.
8. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein said lock means
comprises a bar operable to extend into an aperture in the guide
means.
9. The storage system according to claim 1, further comprising one
or more additional first storage units, wherein said lock means is
operable to lock two adjacent storage units together.
10. The storage system according to claim 9, wherein if neither of
the two adjacent storage units is said second storage unit, the two
adjacent storage units are operable to move as a single unit when
they are locked together.
11. A storage system comprising: a. first and second storage units,
each of which has an interior for storing items; b. guide means for
mounting said first storage unit for movement between a first
position and a second position relative to said second storage
unit, wherein when said first storage unit is in the first position
there is an access space between said first and said second storage
units; c. door means mounted for movement between (1) a closed
position wherein the door means substantially obstructs the ingress
of the access space formed when said first storage unit is moved to
the first position and (2) an open position wherein the door means
does not substantially obstruct the ingress of the access space;
and d. lock means for selectively (1) simultaneously locking said
door means in the closed position and said first storage unit in
the first position and (2) simultaneously unlocking said door means
permitting it to move to said open position and said first storage
means permitting it to move to said second position.
12. A method for securing a storage system, the storage system
comprising first and second storage units each having an interior,
guide means for mounting said first storage unit for movement, and
lock means for selectively locking said first storage unit in a
closed position, the method comprising: a. moving said first
storage unit from an open position spaced away from said second
storage unit, the open position being a position where the interior
of each of said first and said second storage units are accessible,
to a closed position relative to said second storage unit, the
closed position being a position where the interior of at least one
of said first and said second storage units is not accessible; and
b. locking said lock means when said first storage unit is in the
closed position, thereby to prevent access to the interior of each
of said first and said second storage units.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Hospitals, restaurants, businesses, and homeowners need
storage space. However, because space is often limited, storage
systems are desiredly compact and efficient. A number of compact
storage systems exist that employ mobile shelving units that move
along or are guided by a bottom or a top track. An example of a top
track storage system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,725
(Welsch, et al.) An example of a bottom track storage system is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,474 (Welsch, et al.) (Both of
these patents are assigned to the assignee of the subject
invention.) A perceived problem with these storage systems,
however, is that their contents are not secure. These storage
systems are often located in a room to which many people have
access. As a result, one with access to that room can readily gain
access to the interior of the storage system. This poses potential
problems to a business owner, for example, as employees or others
can pilfer the often valuable contents of the shelving units and to
a homeowner as children can have access to possibly dangerous
materials stored therein.
[0002] There has been some effort put into developing apparatus and
methods for holding or fixing mobile shelving unit movement along a
track or other guide structure. These efforts tend to be directed
to the safety feature of maintaining an access aisle open so that a
user in the aisle is not inadvertently struck by a moving mobile
shelving unit. Information relevant to these efforts can be found,
for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,523,794 (Peterman); 4,607,896
(Peterman); and 5,160,189 (Johnston, et al.). The techniques
employed, however, fail to teach how to secure a storage system
having mobile shelving units so as to prevent access to the
contents of the shelving units. Further, the holding mechanisms are
often complex and/or are not versatile.
[0003] For at least the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a
secure storage system having mobile shelving units that can be
secured in various ways so as to protect the contents of the
shelving units.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention has been developed with this need in
mind. Further, while several aspects of the invention are herein
described, the invention is broader than each aspect and the
invention's scope is delineated by the claims and corresponding
equivalents.
[0005] One aspect of the invention is directed to a storage system
that comprises first and second storage units, each having an
interior for storing items, and guide means for mounting the first
storage unit for movement between a closed position relative to the
second storage unit and an open position spaced away from the
second storage unit. Means are provided so that access to the
interiors of the first and second storage units is only available
in the regions wherein the units face each other. Therefore, in the
closed position, it is not possible to access the interiors of the
storage units. However, in the open position, it is possible to
access the interiors of the storage units. The system further
comprises lock means for selectively locking the first storage unit
in the closed position and unlocking the first storage unit so that
it can move to the open position.
[0006] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a storage
system comprising first and second storage units, each having an
interior for storing items, and guide means for mounting the first
storage unit for movement between a first position and a second
position relative to the second storage unit. When the first
storage unit is in the first position, there exists an access space
between the first and second storage units, whereby the interiors
of the storage units are accessible. The system further comprises
door means mounted for movement between a closed position and an
open position. When in the closed position, the door means
substantially obstructs the ingress to the access space such that
the interiors of the storage units are not accessible. When in the
open position, the door means does not substantially obstruct the
ingress to the access space, and thus the interiors of the storage
units are accessible when the first storage unit is in the first
position. The system further comprises lock means for selectively
(a) simultaneously locking the door means in the closed position
and the storage unit in the first position and (b) simultaneously
unlocking the door means (thus permitting the door means to move to
the open position) and the first storage means (thus permitting it
to move to the second position).
[0007] A further aspect of the invention is directed to a method
for securing a storage system, the storage system comprising first
and second storage units each having an interior, means to prevent
access to the interiors of the first and second storage units other
than through the regions wherein the units face each other, guide
means for mounting the first storage unit for movement, and lock
means for selectively locking the first storage unit in a closed
position. The method comprises moving the first storage unit from
an open position spaced away from the second storage unit to a
closed position relative to the second storage unit. The open
position is a position where the interior of each of the first and
second storage units are accessible. The closed position is a
position where the interior of each of the first and second storage
units are not accessible. The method further comprises locking the
lock means when the first storage unit is in the closed position,
thereby to prevent access to the interior of each of the first and
second storage units.
[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a top plan schematic view of a storage system
wherein a stationary storage unit and a mobile storage unit are
secured in a closed position relative to each other;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan schematic view of a storage system
wherein a plurality of mobile storage units are secured in a closed
position relative to a stationary unit;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top plan schematic view of a storage system
wherein two mobile storage units are secured in a closed position;
and
[0012] FIG. 4 in a top plan view of a storage system wherein door
means are used to secure a plurality of storage units in a closed
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to a secure storage system
having mobile storage units. As storage systems having mobile
storage units are widely available, there are many teachings
regarding their details and various configurations. Two examples of
storage systems with mobile storage units can be found in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,991,725 (Welsch, et al.) (top track storage system) and U.S.
Pat. No. 7,143,474 (Welsch, et al.) (bottom track storage system),
the disclosures of each of which are herein incorporated in their
entireties by reference. Therefore, for purposes of efficiency,
discussion of many of the details of such storage systems that are
not crucial to understanding, describing, and enabling the present
invention is omitted herein. Nevertheless, the present invention is
intended to encompass all of the many types and configurations of
storage systems having mobile storage units that are well-known in
the art.
First Embodiment
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a storage system comprising a stationary
storage unit 101, a first mobile storage unit 102, and a plurality
of other mobile storage units 103. The mobile units are mounted for
movement toward and away from the stationary unit. The storage
units can be any of several kinds well known in the art. For
example, a storage unit could comprise four corner posts that
support one or more shelves. The volume defined by the four posts
or corners of each unit is the interior of that unit. Enclosure
means are provided substantially to enclose certain exterior
portions of each unit so as to limit access to the interior of that
unit. For example, such enclosure means could be in the form of an
exterior side on each mobile unit 102. Alternatively, a separate
wall structure 109 against which the storage system is mounted
could provide the means for enclosing one side of each storage
unit.
[0015] More particularly, as seen in FIG. 1, the stationary unit is
enclosed by, for example, a panel 120 on its extreme left-most
side, a panel on its uppermost end 122, and a wall 109 in the area
in and against which the storage system is installed. The first
mobile unit 102 similarly has a panel 124a on its extreme
right-most side and a panel 126a on its uppermost end, and is
enclosed by the wall 109 on its lowermost end 128. In this way
access to the interiors of the stationary and first mobile units is
limited to the region in which these units face each other. The
remaining mobile storage units may have enclosure panels 124b and
126b comparable to those on the first mobile unit 102a. Of course
if the storage system is free-standing and away from the wall 109,
each of the stationary and mobile storage units may have a panel
enclosing its lowermost end as seen in FIG. 1. A storage unit could
also be constructed as a partial enclosure, such that separate
enclosure panels are not required. For example, stationary storage
unit 101 could be formed with a back and sides, like a bookcase.
Some of the mobile storage units could be constructed only with
sides, as their front and back portions would be effectively closed
off by other storage units in certain configurations, like mobile
storage unit 202 in FIG. 2.
[0016] The stationary storage unit 101 may be bolted to the floor
or otherwise secured in place by conventional structures.
[0017] The mobile storage units are mounted for movement on a guide
structure, such as a track 402. There are many types of track
systems that are well-known in the art such as, for example, a top
track system and a bottom track system. In a top track system, the
mobile storage units have wheels or other sliding mechanisms to
move along the floor and the tops of the mobile storage units are
guided for movement by track means, like a guide rail, located at
the top of the storage units, all as fully described in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,991,725. In a bottom track system, tracks are mounted along
the floor and the mobile storage units are mounted for movement
along the tracks, as fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,474.
The guide structures that may be used in conjunction with the
present invention are not limited to these track systems. Any guide
means that effectively guides the movement of the mobile storage
units is contemplated by the invention.
[0018] The mobile storage units are mounted on the guide means for
movement between at least two positions, namely a closed position
and an open position. In FIG. 1, mobile storage unit 102a is shown
in the closed position relative to stationary storage unit 101. In
this closed position, access to the interiors of these two storage
units is prevented because all exterior portions of the storage
unit are substantially enclosed or otherwise inaccessible and the
stationary unit and mobile unit each respectively obstruct the
region in which access would otherwise be provided where the units
confront each other. In FIG. 1, enclosure panels 124a and 126b, and
wall means 109 serve to enclose the interiors of storage units 101
and 102.
[0019] The open position is one wherein the interiors of the
storage units are accessible. Referring to FIG. 1, if mobile
storage unit 102 is moved along the guide means away from
stationary storage unit 101 into the space represented by 110, then
the mobile storage unit would be in an open position in which the
interiors of both the stationary storage unit 101 and the mobile
storage unit 102 are accessible.
[0020] The storage system further comprises lock means 111.
Although the lock means is indicated as being located between the
stationary storage unit 101 and mobile storage unit 102, and is
discussed below as being mounted on or otherwise associated with
the left corner of the mobile storage unit 102, the lock means
could be mounted on or otherwise associated with an adjacent corner
112 of the mobile storage unit 102. The lock means 111 functions to
selectively lock the mobile storage unit 102 in the closed
position, as shown in FIG. 1. When the lock means 111 is not
locked, the mobile storage unit 102 is free to move to the open
position. Thus, the lock means functions to secure the interiors of
storage units 101 and 102, when the mobile unit is in the closed
position.
[0021] The lock means has two component mechanisms, and comprises a
holding mechanism that holds the storage units in the closed
position and a locking mechanism that locks the storage units in
that closed position such that a party without a proper authority
cannot disengage the lock means. The holding mechanism and locking
mechanism can also be viewed as merely two functions of the locking
means, as both functions could be accomplished through the same
mechanism.
[0022] To hold the storage units in the closed position, the lock
means 111 could comprise a bar that can be engaged with the guide
means 104. For example, in a bottom track system, an extendable bar
could be mounted on mobile storage unit 102. An individual track
402 could have an aperture through which the bar could extend. When
the bar is extended through the aperture in the track 402, movement
of mobile storage unit 102 would be prevented, thus maintaining
stationary storage unit 101 and mobile storage unit 102 in the
closed position.
[0023] Such a holding mechanism of the lock means could be locked
through a number of available mechanisms well known in the art. For
example, the extendable bar could be part of a mechanical cylinder
lock attached to the mobile storage unit 102. A user would thus
need a key to operate the cylinder lock. Alternatively, the
extendable bar could be a component of an electronic
touchpad/keypad lock, a sensor lock, or even a biometric lock. In a
touchpad/keypad lock, the user enters a code into the
touchpad/keypad to cause the bar to extend or retract. In a sensor
lock, the user possesses a transmitter that, when brought into
close proximity with the lock, for example, sends a signal to a
sensor to extend or retract the extendable bar. In a biometric
lock, a user causes the lock to operate through recognition of some
physical characteristic. For example, the lock could comprise a
fingerprint recognition apparatus wherein the user can cause the
lock to operate when he places his finger on a pad on the apparatus
and it is successfully recognized. Alternatively, a biometric lock
could comprise a voice recognition unit, or a retinal scan unit,
for identifying the user and allowing for operation of the lock
means. In sum, the present invention envisions the lock means
comprising any sort of locking mechanism that prevents operation of
the lock means except by authorized users.
[0024] Alternatively, the lock means could comprise merely a
conventional combination lock having a hasp. In such a case, the
mobile storage unit 102 could have a tab which extends over the
individual track 1113. The tab could have a hole through it and the
individual track 402 could have a corresponding hole. Then the hasp
of a combination lock or pad lock could be placed through both the
hole in the tab and the hole in the track, and the lock actuated.
This would effectively lock the mobile storage unit in place on the
track such that the stationary storage unit 101 and mobile storage
unit 102 are in the closed position. Only a user with the
appropriate combination or key could open the lock to thus remove
it and permit movement of the mobile storage unit 102 into the open
position.
[0025] As yet another example embodiment, the lock means could
comprise a combination lock or pad lock that is used to lock the
mobile storage unit 102 to the stationary storage unit 101. Such an
arrangement could be provided in a number of ways. For example, the
stationary storage unit 101 and mobile storage unit 102 could each
have a tab with a hole. The tabs could be horizontally-oriented
tabs located along the bottom of the units in such a manner such
that they can overlap. The hasp of the lock could fit through the
holes to lock the units together. Alternatively, the tabs could be
vertically-oriented tabs located at any height along the storage
unit, but preferably at about arm level for ease of use by a user.
The tabs would come together when the storage units are in the
closed position. The hasp of the lock could be fitted through the
holes in the tabs. This could also be accomplished through the use
of brackets.
[0026] Several types of lock means have been discussed. However,
the present invention is not limited to the lock means discussed
herein. It is well within the skill of the art to employ any number
of locking mechanisms to effectively secure the storage system. It
is within the spirit of the invention to use any locking mechanisms
available to an ordinary artisan. Protracted discussion of such
lock means is omitted for purposes of focusing the disclosure on
the inventive concept, that of securing a storage system having one
or more mobile storage units.
[0027] Thus far, the focus has been on securing stationary storage
unit 101 and mobile storage unit 102 in the closed position.
However, as a feature of the present invention, any number of
storage units could be secured. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates how
stationary storage unit 201, mobile storage unit 202, and an
additional plurality of other mobile storage units 203 could all be
secured together, thus preventing access to the interior of all of
the storage units in the storage system. In this example,
right-most mobile storage unit 204, as seen in FIG. 2, has lock
means 205 located on its outer corner. The lock means may comprise
any of the lock means described above for holding the mobile unit
in place and securing it from disengagement by an unauthorized
party. In this embodiment, all of the exposed exterior sides of the
storage units are enclosed by any of the enclosure means described
above, such as here, by a wall 206 and enclosure panels represented
by the thickened lines.
[0028] The lock means could be located on any or all of the
intermediate mobile storage units for creating different
configurations of secured storage units in the system. For example,
perhaps it is necessary only to secure stationary storage unit 201,
mobile storage unit 202, and one or more members of the plurality
of mobile storage units 203. With the appropriate placement of
enclosure means and lock means, such a group of storage units can
be secured while allowing the additional storage units to be
accessible.
Second Embodiment
[0029] As another aspect of the invention, solely mobile storage
units could be secured without reference to a stationary unit. FIG.
3 depicts a storage system with mobile storage units 301 and 302
secured in a closed position, leaving the stationary storage unit
303 and another three mobile storage units 304 accessible. Again,
in this embodiment a closed position is a position wherein access
to the interiors of the second storage units is prohibited. As with
the first embodiment, the exposed exterior sides of the second
storage units must be enclosed with enclosure means. However, in
the closed position, the secured mobile storage units may or may
not be mobile, as discussed below.
[0030] In one example, the lock means 305 is such that the mobile
storage units 301 and 302 are locked in place. This could be
accomplished, for example, by each second mobile storage unit 301,
302 having a horizontal tab that extends along the individual track
306 at the location specified by the lock means 305. Each
horizontal tab could have a hole in it, and the individual track
306 could have a hole in it, such that a bolt, hasp or bar of a
lock means (a padlock, combination lock, or the like) could fit
through each horizontal tab's hole and the track component's hole
when the three holes are overlapped. As a result, the movement of
the second mobile storage units 301, 302 along the track would be
prevented by the lock means.
[0031] Alternatively, an extendable bar could be mounted on the
mobile storage unit 301 and could extend into an aperture in the
individual track 306. Since in such a case only the movement of
mobile storage unit 301 is prevented by the lock means, mobile
storage unit 302 would have to have its movement in the opposite
direction, away from unit 301, hampered by a stopper or the like on
the guide means. The location of the lock means could, of course,
vary. For example, the lock means could be located at the corner
307 or at any other location along that side of the mobile storage
unit 301, and the lock means would still operate to prevent
movement of both mobile storage units 301, 302, and thus would keep
the mobile units in the closed position. Also, any of the other
mobile storage units 304 could similarly have lock means and
enclosure panels, and thus could be moved into a closed position
relative to the mobile storage units 301, 302 and be secured.
[0032] In another example, the mobile storage units 301, 302 could
still have the capability of movement even though locked together
as a unitary structure. In such a case, it would be necessary to
lock the mobile storage units 301, 302 together without locking
them to the guide means. For example, the lock means could comprise
vertical tabs or brackets and a combination or pad lock, as
described with reference to the first embodiment. Any lock means
will do as long as the units are not locked in place.
[0033] As illustrated by the second embodiment, a secure storage
system could comprise only mobile storage units. Thus, the
invention does not require that one or more storage units be
stationary. Further, in the closed position, the secured mobile
storage units may or may not be mobile, depending on the type of
lock means used.
Third Embodiment
[0034] In yet another embodiment, the storage system comprises door
means. More specifically, FIG. 4 depicts a storage system
comprising a door 401 movably attached to stationary storage unit
404 for substantially obstructing ingress 402 to the access space
403 between a stationary storage unit 404 and a mobile storage unit
405. The door can be locked in place by lock means 406. When the
door is locked in place, the movement of the mobile storage units
would have to be prevented by either the door or by some other
means, like a brake. Importantly, such other means would have to be
inaccessible when the door is locked. All exposed exterior sides of
the storage units are enclosed by enclosure means. As a result, the
entire storage system, that is the interiors of all the storage
units, can be secured.
[0035] The door 401 can be constructed of any materials well-known
in the art for constructing storage systems. All that is required
is that the door prevents access to the interiors of the storage
units when the door is in its closed position. The door can move
from a closed position, wherein the door substantially obstructs
ingress to the access space and is held in place, to an open
position. The open position is a position wherein the door is not
held in place and thus can be freely moved. When in the open
position, the door 401 of this embodiment can be swung open a full
180 degrees. A holding mechanism, such as a clip, magnet, or the
like, can be optionally provided on the stationary storage unit 404
to hold the door in its fully open position so that the door does
not inadvertently move when the storage system is being
accessed.
[0036] The door 401 can be mounted on the stationary storage unit
404 at a point 407. Such mount can be accomplished through any
means well known in the art, such as hinges. The door 401 could
also be movably attached to the guide means, in this case, the
individual track 408. The guide means alternatively could have a
tab that extends outward from the storage system upon which the
door 401 could be movably attached. The door 401 could even be
installed in the floor of the room in which the storage system is
located.
[0037] The lock means 406 for holding the door 401 in place and
locking it can comprise or be similar to any of the lock means
discussed with reference to the previous embodiments. The lock
means would be preferably located at arm level for ease of use by
the user.
[0038] Alternatively, the door means could be movably attached at a
different location. For example, the door means could be movably
attached to the mobile storage unit 405 at the location specified
by the lock means 406, or to the guide means at said location. Thus
arranged, the lock means could lock the door to the stationary
storage unit 404. In this case, it would be important that the
attachment mechanism of the door to the stationary storage unit or
guide means not impede movement of the mobile storage units along
the guide means when the door is in the open position. Similarly,
the door means could conceivably be located at any point along the
storage system so long as, when it was in the closed position, it
substantially obstructs the ingress of the access space.
[0039] The door means need not comprise a "swinging" door, but
could, for example, be a sliding door. In such a case, the door
means could be slidably attached to the stationary storage unit 404
or to the guide means. Alternatively, the door means could comprise
a pull-down door. For example, in a top-track storage system, the
door could be slidably attached to the top track.
[0040] In sum, the use of a door in a storage system having mobile
storage units has many benefits. When combined with lock means, it
is a practical way to provide a user-friendly, secure storage
system.
[0041] The secure storage systems described above offer convenient
and versatile arrangements and methods for securing the contents of
the individual storage units comprising the system. The systems
described herein meet an important security need for users that has
not been previously addressed, and do so without requiring complex
and expensive hardware. Moreover, the combination of a door and a
secure modular storage system is unique in its own right.
[0042] While several embodiments of the invention have been
described, along with numerous alternative features, the true scope
of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
Rather, the present invention covers various modifications and
equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the
appended claims. The scope of the appended claims is to be accorded
the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such
modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
* * * * *