U.S. patent application number 12/689535 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-29 for travel luggage with a laptop computer mount.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kaceconcepts Holdings LLC. Invention is credited to Marc McAllister, CHRISTINE R. SWEENEY, Patrick Sweeney.
Application Number | 20100187062 12/689535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42353271 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100187062 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SWEENEY; CHRISTINE R. ; et
al. |
July 29, 2010 |
TRAVEL LUGGAGE WITH A LAPTOP COMPUTER MOUNT
Abstract
A portable luggage device includes a case, and spaced apart
telescoping sections carried by the case that are extendable
between a retracted position and an extended position. An inner
handle is coupled to exposed ends of the telescoping sections. An
outer handle encloses the inner handle, and support arms are
coupled to the outer handle for supporting a laptop computer. The
outer handle is rotatable with respect to the inner handle between
a stowed position defined by the support arms aligned with the
telescoping sections, and a deployed position defined by the
support arms extending outwards from the telescoping sections.
Inventors: |
SWEENEY; CHRISTINE R.;
(Ocoee, FL) ; Sweeney; Patrick; (Ocoee, FL)
; McAllister; Marc; (Gotha, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL W. TAYLOR
P.O. BOX 3791
ORLANDO
FL
32802-3791
US
|
Assignee: |
Kaceconcepts Holdings LLC
Ocoee
FL
|
Family ID: |
42353271 |
Appl. No.: |
12/689535 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61146769 |
Jan 23, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/1 ; 190/115;
190/18A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45F
2200/0525 20130101; A45C 9/00 20130101; A45F 2005/002 20130101;
A45C 13/262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/1 ; 190/18.A;
190/115 |
International
Class: |
A45C 9/00 20060101
A45C009/00; A45C 5/14 20060101 A45C005/14; A45C 13/00 20060101
A45C013/00 |
Claims
1. A portable luggage device comprising: a case having a bottom
end, a top end, and first and second pairs of spaced apart walls
extending between the bottom and top ends; a pair of spaced apart
telescoping sections carried by said case and movable between a
retracted position and an extended position; an inner handle
coupled to exposed ends of said pair of spaced apart telescoping
sections; an outer handle enclosing said inner handle; and a pair
of spaced apart support arms coupled to said outer handle for
supporting a laptop computer; said outer handle being rotatable
with respect to said inner handle between a stowed position defined
by said pair of spaced apart support arms being aligned with said
pair of spaced apart telescoping sections, and a deployed position
defined by said of pair of spaced apart support arms extending
outwards from said pair of spaced apart telescoping sections.
2. The portable luggage device according to claim 1 further
comprising a locking mechanism carried by said inner handle for
locking said outer handle in the stowed and deployed positions.
3. The portable luggage device according to claim 2 wherein said
outer handle includes first and second spaced apart openings, and
comprises: a first button within the first opening that is in
contact with said locking mechanism when said outer handle is
rotated in the stowed position; and a second button within the
second opening that is in contact with said locking mechanism when
said outer handle is rotated in the deployed position.
4. The portable luggage device according to claim 3 wherein said
locking mechanism comprises a spring-activated locking mechanism;
and wherein rotation of said outer handle between the stowed and
deployed positions is initiated by pressing said first or second
button that is in contact with said spring-activated locking
mechanism.
5. The portable luggage device according to claim 4 wherein said
outer handle has a curved inner surface between said first and
second buttons so that as said outer handle is rotated said
spring-activated locking mechanism slides along the inner surface
until contacting said first or second button that was not in
contact with said spring-activated locking mechanism.
6. The portable luggage device according to claim 3 where said
outer handle comprises a first button retaining area and a second
button retaining area so that as said outer handle is rotated
between the stowed and deployed positions, said first and second
buttons remain in their respective retaining area.
7. The portable luggage device according to claim 2 wherein the
first and second spaced apart openings in said outer handle are
spaced about 90 degrees apart.
8. The portable luggage device according to claim 2 wherein said
locking mechanism contacts the exposed ends of said pair of spaced
apart telescoping sections for initiating movement between the
retracted and extended positions.
9. The portable luggage device according to claim 1 where said pair
of spaced apart telescoping sections is positioned between said
pair of spaced apart support arms.
10. The portable luggage device according to claim 1 further
comprising a pair or spaced apart wheels carried by said case
adjacent the bottom end thereof.
11. The portable luggage device according to claim 1 wherein said
pair of spaced apart support arms extend outwards from said pair of
spaced apart telescoping sections within a range of about 75 to 100
degrees.
12. The portable luggage device according to claim 1 wherein said
support arms rotate at a same time between the stowed and deployed
positions.
13. A luggage device comprising: a case; a pair of spaced apart
telescoping sections carried by said case and movable between a
retracted position and an extended position; an inner handle
coupled to ends of said pair of spaced apart telescoping sections;
an outer handle enclosing said inner handle; a pair of spaced apart
support arms coupled to said outer handle; said outer handle being
rotatable with respect to said inner handle between a stowed
position defined by said pair of spaced apart support arms being
aligned with said pair of spaced apart telescoping sections, and a
deployed position defined by said of pair of spaced apart support
arms extending outwards from said pair of spaced apart telescoping
sections; and a locking mechanism carried by said inner handle for
locking said outer handle in the stowed and deployed positions.
14. The luggage device according to claim 13 wherein said outer
handle includes first and second spaced apart openings, and
comprises: a first button within the first opening that is in
contact with said locking mechanism when said outer handle is
rotated in the stowed position; and a second button within the
second opening that is in contact with said locking mechanism when
said outer handle is rotated in the deployed position.
15. The luggage device according to claim 14 wherein said locking
mechanism comprises a spring-activated locking mechanism; and
wherein rotation of said outer handle between the stowed and
deployed positions is initiated by pressing said first or second
button that is in contact with said spring-activated locking
mechanism.
16. The luggage device according to claim 15 wherein said outer
handle has a curved inner surface between said first and second
buttons so that as said outer handle is rotated said
spring-activated locking mechanism slides along the inner surface
until contacting said first or second button that was not in
contact with said spring-activated locking mechanism.
17. The luggage device according to claim 14 where said outer
handle comprises a first button retaining area and a second button
retaining area so that as said outer handle is rotated between the
stowed and deployed positions, said first and second buttons remain
in their respective retaining area.
18. The luggage device according to claim 14 wherein the first and
second spaced apart openings in said outer handle are spaced about
90 degrees apart.
19. The luggage device according to claim 13 wherein said locking
mechanism contacts the exposed ends of said pair of spaced apart
telescoping sections for initiating movement between the retracted
and extended positions.
20. The luggage device according to claim 13 further comprising a
pair or spaced apart wheels carried by said case.
21. The luggage device according to claim 13 wherein said pair of
spaced apart support arms extend outwards from said pair of spaced
apart telescoping sections within a range of about 75 to 100
degrees.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/146,769 filed Jan. 23, 2009, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to luggage, and more
particularly, to roll around luggage with a laptop computer mount
for supporting a laptop computer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Laptop computers and similar devices allow travelers, for
example, to perform computer related tasks while traveling.
Problems typically arise when the traveler is not able to find an
adequate work surface for the laptop computer. As a result, the
traveler uses their knees as support. This tends to become
uncomfortable over an extended period of time. Moreover, it becomes
difficult for the traveler to move around.
[0004] Additionally, for the sake of convenience, an increasing
number of travelers are using roll around luggage, wherein a laptop
computer can be carried therein. Roll around luggage includes a
pair of wheels along one edge of the luggage, and a pull handle.
The pull handle has an extended position for pulling the luggage,
and a retracted position when the luggage is not used or is stowed
away.
[0005] Consequently, roll around luggage has been provided that
includes a laptop computer mount for supporting a laptop computer.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,134 discloses roll around luggage
with a pull handle used for supporting a laptop computer. The pull
handle has a retracted position and an extended position, and
comprises a pair of spaced apart extension members and a cross
member coupled across exposed ends of the extension members. The
pull handle further comprises a pair of spaced apart support arms
that are pivotally attached to the spaced apart extension members
used for supporting a laptop computer.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,367 also discloses roll around luggage
with a pull handle used for supporting a laptop computer. The
extendable handle includes a handle grip for providing support to a
removable platform. The removable platform may be stored within an
auxiliary compartment within the luggage, and is removed for
engagement with the extendable handle. The removable platform
engages the handle and grip to allow the platform to stay suspended
from an opening in the handle for providing a mount for supporting
a laptop computer.
[0007] Despite the above referenced patents in which roll around
luggage provides a laptop computer mount for supporting a laptop
computer, they are relatively labor intensive to operate. For
example, the '134 patent requires a top compartment cover to first
be opened, then operation of an unlocking mechanism before the
handle can be extended, operation of a cylinder lock to set the
handle at a desired height, and operation of a computer tray
cylinder lock to lock the computer tray into place once it is
deployed. In the '367 patent, the first and second shell halves of
the luggage are opened to obtain the removable platform so that the
removable platform can then be positioned into the opening in the
handle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the foregoing background, an object of the
present invention to provide a laptop computer mount for roll
around luggage that is relatively straightforward to operate for
providing support for a laptop computer.
[0009] This and other objects, features, and advantages in
accordance with the present invention are provided by a portable
luggage device comprising a case having a bottom end, a top end,
and first and second pairs of spaced apart walls extending between
the bottom and top ends. A pair of spaced apart telescoping
sections may be carried by the case and movable between a retracted
position and an extended position. An inner handle may be coupled
to exposed ends of the pair of spaced apart telescoping
sections.
[0010] An outer handle may enclose the inner handle, and a pair of
spaced apart support arms may be coupled to the outer handle for
supporting a laptop computer. The outer handle may be rotatable
with respect to the inner handle between a stowed position defined
by the pair of spaced apart support arms being aligned with the
pair of spaced apart telescoping sections, and a deployed position
defined by the of pair of spaced apart support arms extending
outwards from the pair of spaced apart telescoping sections. By the
user executing a couple of straightforward steps, the portable
luggage device can be easily configured to create a desk space to
support a laptop computer.
[0011] The portable luggage device may further comprise a locking
mechanism carried by the inner handle for locking the outer handle
in the stowed and deployed positions. The outer handle may include
first and second spaced apart openings. A first button may be
within the first opening that is in contact with the locking
mechanism when the outer handle is rotated in the stowed position.
A second button may be within the second opening that is in contact
with the locking mechanism when the outer handle is rotated in the
deployed position.
[0012] The locking mechanism may comprise a spring-activated
locking mechanism, and wherein rotation of the outer handle between
the stowed and deployed positions is initiated by pressing the
first or second button that is in contact with the spring-activated
locking mechanism. The outer handle may have a curved inner surface
between the first and second buttons so that as the outer handle is
rotated the spring-activated locking mechanism slides along the
inner surface until contacting the first or second button that was
not in contact with the spring-activated locking mechanism.
[0013] The outer handle may comprise a first button retaining area
and a second button retaining area so that as the outer handle is
rotated between the stowed and deployed positions, the first and
second buttons remain in their respective retaining area.
[0014] The pair of spaced apart support arms may extend outwards
from the pair of spaced apart telescoping sections within a range
of about 75 to 100 degrees. The first and second spaced apart
openings in the outer handle may be spaced within a range of about
90 to 95 degrees apart.
[0015] The locking mechanism may contact the exposed ends of the
pair of spaced apart telescoping sections for initiating movement
between the retracted and extended positions. The pair of spaced
apart telescoping sections may be positioned between the pair of
spaced apart support arms. The portable luggage device may further
comprise a pair or spaced apart wheels carried by the case adjacent
the bottom end thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable luggage device in
a travel mode in accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable luggage device in
a carry mode in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable luggage device
shown in FIG. 2 with the support arms in a deployed position.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portable luggage device
shown in FIG. 3 with the support arms supporting a laptop
computer.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outer handle, the
telescoping sections and the support arms without the case in
accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the outer and
inner handles, telescoping sections and support arms without the
case in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an actuator that is part of
a locking mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective top and bottom views of an
inner handle in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective top and bottom views of an
upper half of the outer handle in accordance with the present
invention.
[0025] FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective top and bottom views of a
lower half of the outer handle in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective top and bottom views of a
button in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
support arm in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout, and prime notations are used to indicate
similar elements in alternative embodiments.
[0029] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, the illustrated portable
luggage device 10 comprises a case 12 having a bottom end, a top
end, and first and second pairs of spaced apart walls extending
between the bottom and top ends. Telescoping sections 14 are
carried by the case 12 adjacent the top end and are extendable
between a retracted position and an extended position. Spaced apart
wheels 16 are carried by the case 12 adjacent the bottom end. When
the telescoping sections 14 are in the retracted position as shown
in FIG. 1, the portable luggage device 10 is in a travel mode,
i.e., it is to be stowed away. When the telescoping sections 14 are
in the extended position as shown in FIG. 2, the portable luggage
device 10 is in a carry mode, i.e., it is to be wheeled around.
[0030] The portable luggage device 10 can easily be configured to
create a desk space when needed. The portable luggage device 10
includes an inner handle coupled to exposed ends of the telescoping
sections 14, and an outer handle 24 enclosing the inner handle.
Discussion of the inner handle is provided in greater detail
below.
[0031] Spaced apart support arms 26 are coupled to the outer handle
24 for creating the desk space. The outer handle 24 is rotatable
with respect to the inner handle and the telescoping sections 14
between a stowed position defined by the support arms 26 being
aligned with the telescoping sections as shown in FIG. 2, and a
deployed position defined by the support arms 24 extending outwards
from the inner handle and the telescoping sections 14 as shown in
FIG. 3. By the user executing a couple of straightforward steps,
the portable luggage device 10 can be configured to create a desk
space when needed.
[0032] The desk space may be used to support a laptop computer 30
as shown in FIG. 4, for example. Even though the desk space is
described for supporting a laptop computer 30, other items may be
supported in lieu of a computer, such as a notebook, for example.
An example length of the support arms 26 is about 12 inches. Of
course this length can vary depending on the intended application,
as readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. Although the
illustrated support handles 26 are on the outside of the
telescoping sections 14, they may be placed between the telescoping
sections in other embodiments.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer and inner handles
22 and 24, the telescoping sections 14 and the support arms 26
without the case 12 will now be discussed in greater detail. The
telescoping sections 14 may also be made out of metal, such as
aluminum, for example. The inner handle 22 is coupled to exposed
ends of the telescoping sections 14. Screws 38 or other fastening
devices are used to secure the inner handle 22 to the telescoping
sections 14. The inner handle 22 does not rotate, but travels up
and down between with the telescoping sections 14 between the
retracted position and the extended position.
[0034] The outer handle 24 encloses the inner handle 22. The outer
handle 24 includes an upper half 24(1) and a lower half 24(2) that
are joined together. The inner and outer handles 22, 24 may be made
out of plastic, for example. In this case, the upper and lower
halves 24(1), 24(2) of the outer handle 24 are joined together by
welding, i.e., heat sealing, as readily appreciated by those
skilled in the art. Alternatively, fastening devices such as screws
may be used to secure the two halves 24(1), 24(2) together.
[0035] The support arms 26 are coupled to the lower half 24(2) of
the outer handle 24 using screws or other fastening devices. The
support arms 26 may be made out of plastic or metal. The metal may
be aluminum, for example.
[0036] The outer handle 24 and support arms 26 are rotatable with
respect to the inner handle 22 and telescoping sections 14. The
rotation is between a stowed position defined by the support arms
26 being aligned with the telescoping sections 14, and a deployed
position defined by the support arms 26 extending outwards from the
telescoping sections 14. The deployed position provides the desired
desk space for supporting a laptop computer 30, for example. The
range of rotation of the support arms may be within 75 to 100
degrees, with a preferred rotation being about 90 to 95
degrees.
[0037] A spring activated locking mechanism is used for locking the
outer handle 24 in the stowed and deployed positions. The spring
activated locking mechanism includes an actuator 40 that extends
into an elongated slotted opening 42 in the inner handle 22.
Springs or similar tension producing devices are not shown, but are
positioned within the slotted opening 42 so that the actuator 40
provides tension away from the inner handle and towards the outer
handle 24.
[0038] In a resting position, lower edges 44 of the actuator 40
contacts the upper surfaces of the telescoping sections 14. The
outer handle 24 includes first and second spaced apart openings 50
and 52. A first button 60 is within the first opening 50 that is
aligned with the upper edge 46 of the actuator 40 when the outer
handle is rotated in the stowed position. A second button 62 is
within the second opening 52 that is aligned with the upper edge 46
of the actuator 40 when the outer handle 24 is rotated in the
deployed position.
[0039] Both of the first and second buttons 60, 62 rotate when the
outer handle 24 rotates. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the support arms
26 are in the stowed position. In the stowed position, the first
button 60 is aligned with the upper edge 46 of the actuator 40.
Pressure by the locking mechanism on the first button 60 into the
first opening 50 is what locks the support arms 26 in the stowed
position.
[0040] To move the support arms 26 from the stowed position to the
deployed position, the first button 60 is pressed, which in turn
pushes down against the actuator 40. This allows the outer handle
26 to be rotated with the first button 60 until the second button
62 is aligned with the upper edge 46 of the actuator 40. At this
point, the second button 62 is locked into place by the pressure
exerted by the upper edge 46 of the actuator 40, as illustrated in
FIG. 4. As with the first button 60, pressure by the locking
mechanism on the second button 62 into the second opening 52 is
what locks the support arms 26 in the deployed position.
[0041] A more detailed view of the actuator 40 is provided in FIG.
7. The actuator 40 may be made out of plastic or metal. The metal
may be aluminum, for example. The lower edges 44 and a lowermost
edge 45 of the actuator 40 are positioned in the elongated slotted
opening 42 in the inner handle 22. The actuator 40 includes a pair
of spaced apart protrusions 47 for engaging an underside of the
outer handle 24 when the support arms 26 are locked in either the
stowed or deployed positions. The actuator 40 is shaped so that the
springs push against the lowermost edge 45 of the actuator 40 while
the extensions 51 are able to contact the exposed ends of the
telescoping sections 14.
[0042] The inner handle 22 is configured as a drum with an axle 23
extending outwards from each end, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The
elongated slotted opening 42 extends into the inner drum 22. The
opening 42 is shaped to receive the extensions 51 from the actuator
40 as well as the lowermost edge 45.
[0043] As the actuator 40 is pressed downwards by either the first
or second buttons 60 and 62, the spring tension associated with the
actuator within the slotted opening 42 gives way so that the lower
edges 44 contact the telescoping sections 14. This advantageously
allows the telescoping sections 14 to be unlocked or released so
that they can be moved between the retracted or extended position.
The telescoping sections 14 may operate on a ball bearing type
release, as readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0044] The underside of the inner handle 22 includes openings for
receiving the ends of the telescoping sections 14. Screws 38 or
other fastening devices are used to secure the inner handle 22 to
the telescoping sections 14.
[0045] The outer handle 24 will now be discussed in greater detail.
Perspective top and bottom views of the upper half 24(1) of the
outer handle 24 is provided in FIGS. 10 and 11. Perspective top and
bottom views of the lower half 24(2) of the outer handle 24 is
provided in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0046] When the inner handle 22 is positioned within the upper and
lower halves 24(1), 24(2) of the outer handle 24, the axle 23
extending outwards from each end of the inner handle 22 is
positioned within the grooves 67 in the upper half 24(1) and in
grooves 69 in the lower half 24(2). In other words, the outer
handle 24 rotates about axles 23 of the inner handle 22.
[0047] The support arms 26 are positioned through the openings 61
in the lower half 24(2) of the outer handle 24, and extend into the
openings 63 within the underside of the upper half 24(1) of the
outer handle 24. When the outer handle 24 rotates, then the support
arms rotate accordingly. Rotation of the support arms 26 with
respect to the telescoping sections 14 is within 75 to 100 degrees,
as noted above, with a preferred rotation being about 90 to 95
degrees. The actual degree of rotation can be changed based on
positioning of the first and second openings 50, 52 for the first
and second buttons 60, 62.
[0048] The lower half 24(2) of the outer handle 24 includes slots
65 to allow room for the telescoping sections 14 during rotation.
The underside of the upper half 24(1) of the outer handle 24
includes ridges 71. The first or second button 60, 62 that is
engaging the actuator 40 is depressed so that the upper surface 64
thereof is below the inside surface of the upper half 24(1) of the
outer handle. This allows the handle 24 to be rotated. The size and
shape of the upper surface 64 of the first and second buttons 60,
62 correspond to the size and shape of the first and second
openings 50, 52 in the outer handle 24. During the rotation, the
button 60 or 62 slides over the ridges 71. FIGS. 14 and 15 are
perspective top and bottom views of one of the buttons 60. The
buttons 60, 62 are identical and may be formed out of rubber or
plastic, for example.
[0049] In another embodiment, the support arms 26 rotate
independently from one another. In addition, the support arms 26
may rotate while the outer drum 24 remains stationary. In this
embodiment, separate locking mechanisms would be required, one for
each arm 26. The support arms would be connected at the ends of the
outer drum 24.
[0050] In yet another embodiment, the support arms 26' are
replaceable should they become broken. As illustrated in FIG. 16,
the support arm 26' comprises a first section 90' that remains
attached to the outer handle 24, and a second section 92' that
detachably engages the first section. The second section 92'
includes a tip that extends into the first section 90'. The second
section 92' is released from the first section 90' by pressing on
the retention release 94'. A retention release 94' may also be
positioned on the opposite side.
[0051] To keep the laptop computer 30 from slipping off the support
arms 26', the outer edges of each support arm includes a lip 96'
that allows the computer to rest there against.
[0052] In addition, the case 12 includes a pair of spaced apart
support bars for providing support and balance when the support
arms 26 are supporting the laptop computer 30. Although not
illustrated, the support bars may be integrated into the fabric of
the case 12, and attach between the base and the backside of the
case. Consequently, the support bars are on the outer edges of the
luggage 10 and also provide protection for items in the luggage.
Opposite the pair of spaced apart wheels 16 at the base 32 of the
luggage is a pair of spaced apart base supports. The base supports
are typically polyurethane.
[0053] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit
of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention
is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and
that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *