U.S. patent application number 12/825053 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-30 for shoe protector for skateboarding applications.
Invention is credited to Marcelo F. ESPOSITO, Mark M. TAKAHASHI.
Application Number | 20100325922 12/825053 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43379179 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-30 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20100325922 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ESPOSITO; Marcelo F. ; et
al. |
December 30, 2010 |
SHOE PROTECTOR FOR SKATEBOARDING APPLICATIONS
Abstract
A shoe protector as presented herein can be used to protect a
shoe from damage caused when performing skateboarding tricks such
as an ollie. The shoe protector includes a main body section shaped
and sized to cover a portion of a shoe, the main body section
having a tab formed in its upper section. The shoe protector also
includes a plurality of shoelace holes formed in the tab, the
shoelace holes being sized, shaped, and spaced apart to accommodate
a shoelace pattern of the shoe, and an outer flap coupled to the
main body section. The outer flap covers the shoelace holes, and
the outer flap has the same perimeter and outline as an underlying
portion of the tab.
Inventors: |
ESPOSITO; Marcelo F.;
(Oceanside, CA) ; TAKAHASHI; Mark M.; (San Diego,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark Takahashi
12487 Cavallo Street
San Diego
CA
92130
US
|
Family ID: |
43379179 |
Appl. No.: |
12/825053 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61221649 |
Jun 30, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/72R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 13/00 20130101;
A43B 5/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/72.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/22 20060101
A43B013/22 |
Claims
1. A shoe protector comprising: a main body section shaped and
sized to cover a portion of a shoe, the main body section having an
adhesive bottom major surface; and an upper section continuous with
the main body section, the upper section forming a tab including a
plurality of shoelace holes formed therein, the shoelace holes
being sized, shaped, and spaced apart to accommodate a shoelace
pattern of the shoe.
2. The shoe protector of claim 1, further comprising a liner
backing the adhesive bottom surface.
3. The shoe protector of claim 1, wherein the tab includes a
plurality of slits that terminate at the shoelace holes.
4. The shoe protector of claim 3, wherein the plurality of slits
are downwardly angled.
5. The shoe protector of claim 1, further comprising an outer flap
that covers the plurality of shoelace holes.
6. The shoe protector of claim 5, wherein the outer flap covers the
tab.
7. The shoe protector of claim 5, wherein the outer flap has an
adhesive back surface.
8. The shoe protector of claim 7, further comprising a liner
backing the adhesive back surface.
9. The shoe protector of claim 5, wherein the outer flap has the
same perimeter and outline as an underlying portion of the tab.
10. The shoe protector of claim 1, further comprising a distinctive
section one an exposed outer surface of the main body section, the
distinctive section formed from a different type of material than
the main body section.
11. The shoe protector of claim 1, further comprising a protruding
surface feature on an exposed outer surface of the main body
section.
12. The shoe protector of claim 11, wherein the protruding surface
feature comprises at least one protruding rib.
13. The shoe protector of claim 11, wherein the protruding surface
feature comprises protruding bumps arranged and oriented in a
pattern.
14. A shoe protector comprising: a main body section shaped and
sized to cover a portion of a shoe, the main body section having a
tab formed in its upper section; a plurality of shoelace holes
formed in the tab, the shoelace holes being sized, shaped, and
spaced apart to accommodate a shoelace pattern of the shoe; and an
outer flap coupled to the main body section, the outer flap
covering the shoelace holes, and the outer flap having the same
perimeter and outline as an underlying portion of the tab.
15. The shoe protector of claim 14, wherein: the main body section
has an adhesive bottom major surface; and the outer flap has an
adhesive back surface.
16. The shoe protector of claim 15, further comprising: a first
liner for the adhesive bottom major surface; and a second liner for
the adhesive back surface.
17. The shoe protector of claim 15, wherein the tab includes a
plurality of slits formed therein, each of the slits originating at
an edge of the main body section, and each of the slits terminating
at a respective one of the plurality of shoelace holes.
18. The shoe protector of claim 14, wherein: the main body section
is formed from a number of layers of material; the tab is formed
from some but not all of the layers of material; and the outer flap
is formed from a remaining number of the layers of material, which
are not used to form the tab.
19. A shoe protector comprising: a main body section shaped and
sized to cover a portion of a shoe, the main body section having an
adhesive bottom major surface and an exposed outer surface; and
protruding surface features on the exposed outer surface, wherein
the protruding surface features are formed from a grippy, tacky, or
resilient material.
20. The shoe protector of claim 19, wherein the protruding surface
features are arranged and oriented to increase surface friction.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/221,649, filed Jun. 30, 2009.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate
generally to footwear. More particularly, embodiments of the
subject matter relate to a shoe protector suitable for use for
skateboarding activities.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Skateboarding is a wonderful sport that has become more
popular with America's youth than little league baseball, Pop
Warner football, and other traditional sporting activities. A
skateboard includes the following fundamental components: a deck;
four wheels; and two trucks that attach the wheels to the deck and
which serve as turning mechanisms for the skateboard. Grip tape is
an adhesive-backed accessory that is almost always applied to the
top surface of the deck. The exposed surface of the grip tape is a
gritty, sandpaper-like surface that provides friction and grip when
the skateboarder stands on the deck.
[0004] Most of modern skateboarding tricks are based on a maneuver
known as the ollie. This fundamental and basic trick is a no-handed
jump during which the skateboard is propelled upward as the
skateboarder leaps in the air. FIG. 1 depicts a sequence (from left
to right) of a skateboarder performing an ollie over an obstacle
102. The ollie is based on the motion of slapping the tail of the
skateboard with the back foot (FIG. 1b), while jumping at the same
time. In conjunction with the jump, the skateboarder drags his
front foot upward (FIG. 1c) toward the nose of the skateboard deck.
This dragging motion allows the skateboarder to pull the skateboard
higher, and it causes the skateboard to pivot about the front foot,
thus making it appear to "stick" to the skateboarder's back foot
(FIG. 1d). The dragging motion also stabilizes the jump and allows
the skateboarder to land parallel to the ground.
[0005] As shown in the detailed view of FIG. 2, when the
skateboarder drags his foot upward during an ollie, the shoe tends
to scrape against the grip tape 104 that is adhered to the top of
the skateboard deck 106. In particular, the side and top of the
shoe near the toe area (as identified by reference number 108 in
FIG. 2) will directly contact and scrape against the grip tape 104
during an ollie. The sandpaper-like surface of the grip tape 104
abrades the shoe, and such abrasion can be very detrimental to the
shoe. Indeed, the ollie is the fundamental and basic trick that is
performed often by skateboarders, and ollies lead to the quick
destruction of skateboarding shoes (e.g., broken laces, tears or
holes in the shoe material, etc.). Moreover, the damage caused by
ollies is typically more severe on the front shoe because most
skateboarders primarily ride with either their left foot forward or
their right foot forward. Therefore, the shoe of the back foot is
less frequently exposed to grip tape scraping caused by ollies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be
derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like
reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the
figures.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram that shows a sequence of a skateboarder
performing an ollie;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram that shows how a shoe drags
against the skateboard deck during an ollie;
[0009] FIG. 2.1 is a side view of a shoe that has signs of wear and
tear caused by ollies;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of a shoe having installed thereon an
exemplary embodiment of a shoe protector;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a shoe
protector;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front edge view of the shoe protector depicted
in FIG. 4;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of the shoe protector depicted in FIG.
4;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of the shoe depicted in FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a side view of the shoe 300 and the shoe protector
302 (where a portion of the shoe protector 302 is shown in
phantom);
[0016] FIG. 9 is a top view of a shoe protector that uses slits for
the shoelace holes; and
[0017] FIGS. 10-12 are top views of shoe protectors that have
various surface features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following detailed description is merely illustrative in
nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject
matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used
herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example,
instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as
exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no
intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented
in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the
following detailed description.
[0019] In addition, certain terminology may also be used in the
following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus
are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as
"upper", "lower", "above", and "below" refer to directions in the
drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as "front", "back",
"rear", "side", "outboard," and "inboard" describe the orientation
and/or location of portions of the component within a consistent
but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference
to the text and the associated drawings describing the component
under discussion. Such terminology may include the words
specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of
similar import. Similarly, the terms "first", "second" and other
such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a
sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.
[0020] FIG. 2.1 is a side view of a shoe 200 that has signs of wear
and tear caused by ollies. In particular, repeated ollies tend to
wear and damage an "ollie area" 202 of the shoe 200. The ollie area
202 is typically located on the outer side of the shoe 200 and
closer to the toe than the heel. Usually, the ollie area 202 is
near the portion of the shoe that covers the pinkie toe. Moreover,
the ollie area 202 often spans a portion at or near the top of the
shoe 200. For example, the ollie area 202 might encompass the area
near and including the first shoelace hole (relative to the toe end
of the shoe 200), the first two shoelace holes, the first three
shoelace holes, or the like. Indeed, as depicted in FIG. 2.1, the
shoelaces 206 near the toe end of the shoe are often severed after
only a few ollies because the shoelaces 206 are usually exposed in
the ollie area 202.
[0021] This description is directed to a simple, elegant, and
effective shoe protector that is designed to "shield" the shoe from
the wear and tear that is typically associated with ollies. In this
regard, FIG. 3 is a front view of a shoe 300 having installed
thereon an exemplary embodiment of a shoe protector 302, FIG. 4 is
a bottom view of the shoe protector 302, FIG. 5 is a front edge
view of the shoe protector 302, FIG. 6 is a top view of the shoe
protector 302, FIG. 7 is a side view of the shoe 300 and the shoe
protector 302, and FIG. 8 is a side view of the shoe 300 and the
shoe protector 302 (where a portion of the shoe protector 302 is
shown in phantom).
[0022] When uninstalled, the shoe protector 302 is a generally flat
and relatively thin construction of one or more materials,
composites, laminates, etc. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, and 8, the
two major surfaces of the shoe protector 302 are shaped and sized
such that the shoe protector 302 can provide adequate protection
for the ollie area 202 of the shoe 300. Thus, the overall size,
shape, perimeter, and configuration of the two major surfaces of
the shoe protector 300 could be designed in a universal manner to
accommodate a typical shoe that is used by skateboarders. In
practice, the shoe protector 300 could be manufactured in different
sizes to fit different shoe sizes.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, in certain embodiments the lower edge
304 of the shoe protector 302 extends to the sidewall portion 306
of the sole 308, but the lower edge 304 does not protrude from the
bottom of the sole 308. Alternatively, the lower edge 304 of the
shoe protector 302 could terminate above the sidewall portion 306.
The width and contour of the shoe protector 302 are configured to
provide adequate protection for the ollie area 202 without
unnecessarily obscuring too much of the shoe 300. Thus, the two
major surfaces of the shoe protector 302 resemble a ski boot in
this particular embodiment.
[0024] The body of the shoe protector 302 is formed from a material
that is strong and tough enough to withstand the abrasion caused by
repeated ollies. In certain embodiments, the material include or be
formed from, without limitation: leather; rubber; vinyl; urethane;
silicone; suede; canvas; cloth; synthetic leather; adhesive tape
(e.g., electrical tape, duct tape, or the like); a composite
material such as KEVLAR; a lamination of different material layers;
plastic; or any suitable combination thereof. Regardless of the
chosen material, the shoe protector 302 should be tough, resilient,
and flexible. The flexibility enables the shoe protector 302 to be
installed onto the outer surface of the shoe 300 in a conformal
manner that follows the general shape and contour of the shoe 300.
In certain embodiments, the shoe protector 302 is formed from a
solid piece of material. In one exemplary implementation, the shoe
protector 302 is formed from a lamination of multiple layers of
adhesive tape (preferably, duct tape, which is often referred to as
duck tape or gray tape). The number of layers can be selected to
form a relatively thin shoe protector 302 (for example, one to
three layers) or a relatively thick shoe protector 302 (for
example, three to six layers). Moreover, the lamination could be
formed such that the shoe protector 302 has a uniform number of
layers or a non-uniform number of layers that results in a varied
thickness. For example, the shoe protector 302 could be fabricated
with additional layers near its center 310 (see FIG. 6), which
typically corresponds to the area exposed to the most abrasion
caused by ollies.
[0025] The upper section of the shoe protector 302 forms a tab 312
that can be used to install the shoe protector 302 onto the shoe
300. The tab 312 includes one or more shoelace holes 314 formed
therein (in the illustrated embodiment, two shoelace holes 314).
The shoelace holes 314 are sized, shaped, and spaced apart to
accommodate the shoelace pattern of the shoe 300. In some
embodiments, the shoe protector 302 could be installed by threading
the shoelace into the eyelets of the shoe 300 while, at the same
time, threading the shoelace into the shoelace holes 314 (see FIG.
3 and FIG. 8). The shoelace holes 314 function to locate the shoe
protector 302 in the proper fore-aft position on the shoe 300, and
also function to maintain the shoe protector 302 in its installed
position. Referring to FIG. 9, in certain embodiments, the tab 312
includes slits 316 that terminate at the shoelace holes 314, and
these slits 316 allow the shoe protector 302 to be easily installed
onto the shoe 300 without having to remove or replace the shoelace.
The slits 316 may be downwardly angled (as shown in FIG. 9) to
facilitate a "hooking" engagement onto the shoelaces. This downward
angle allows easy installation while retaining structural integrity
and strength to withstand the forces associated with the dragging
motion of an ollie. The arrow in FIG. 9 represents how the shoe
protector 302 tends to be pulled downward during an ollie. Thus,
the downward angle of the slits 316 ensures that the shoe protector
does not become dislodged during repeated ollies. It should be
appreciated that other slit, tab, and shoelace hole configurations
could be utilized in an embodiment of the shoe protector 302.
[0026] It should be realized that the shoelace holes 314 are
optional, and that the shoe protector 302 can be modified for use
with shoes that do not utilize shoelaces (e.g., slip-on shoes,
shoes that use Velcro fastening straps, shoes that use buckles,
shoes that use snaps, or the like). As described in more detail
below, the shoe protector 302 could employ adhesive or other
fastening means to accommodate installation onto shoes that do not
use shoelaces.
[0027] Certain embodiments of the shoe protector 302 include an
outer flap 330. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the outer flap 330 is
located such that when installed it covers the shoelace holes 314.
In preferred embodiments, the outer flap 330 has the same perimeter
and outline as the underlying tab 312--this gives the shoe
protector 302 a clean look. The base of the outer flap 330 may span
the entire width of the tab 312, as depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5,
or the outer flap 330 may instead be realized as a "pocket" formed
over the tab 312. The outer flap 330 provides ollie protection for
the area of the shoe 300 near the shoelace holes 314, and it
provides ollie protection for the shoelace itself. This is
desirable because shoelaces can break after only several ollies
have been performed if they are left exposed.
[0028] The outer flap 330 may be fabricated as an integral part of
the main body of the shoe protector 302. In this regard, the outer
flap 330 may be realized using some of the layers of a laminate
construction or otherwise as a "continuation" of the lower portion
332 of the shoe protector 302. For example (as depicted in FIG. 5),
the lower portion 332 of the shoe protector 302 could be formed
from a number (N) of layers, the tab 312 could be formed from some
but not all of the layers (e.g., N-M), and the outer flap 330 could
be formed from the remaining number of layers (e.g., M). Of course,
as explained above, different thicknesses and different numbers of
layers could be used for the various sections of the shoe protector
302, and this particular example is not intended to be limiting or
restrictive of the scope of the described subject matter.
[0029] In certain embodiments, the bottom major surface of the shoe
protector 302 is adhesive, tacky, or sticky. This adhesive nature
facilitates installation of the shoe protector 302 onto the shoe
300, and ensures that the shoe protector 302 remains substantially
in place and somewhat stationary in use. In preferred
implementations, the entire bottom major surface of the shoe
protector 302 is adhesive. Moreover, the shoe protector 302 could
be manufactured with a liner 334 backing the adhesive surface.
Thus, the user can remove the liner 334 before installing the shoe
protector 302.
[0030] In addition, the back surface of the outer flap 330 may be
adhesive, tacky, or sticky. This adhesive nature enables the outer
flap 330 to adhere to the shoelace and/or a portion of the
underlying tab 312 (see FIG. 3). The adhesive nature of the outer
flap 330 also reinforces the area of the tab 312 surrounding the
shoelace holes 314. This reinforcing characteristic is particularly
beneficial for embodiments that utilize the slits 316 described
with reference to FIG. 9. For such embodiments, the outer flap 330
functions as a seal against the tab 312 and inhibits separation of
the slits 316 after installation. In preferred implementations, the
entire back surface of the outer flap 330 is adhesive. Moreover,
the shoe protector 302 could be manufactured with a liner 336
backing the adhesive surface of the outer flap 330. Thus, the user
can remove the liner 336 while installing the shoe protector
302.
[0031] Although the adhesive surfaces described above are optional,
practical implementations utilize them to inhibit movement of the
shoe protector 302 during skateboarding and, particularly, during
ollies. If the shoe protector 302 is made from layers of adhesive
tape, then the adhesive surfaces will be present as an inherent
part of the tape layers. In other embodiments, the shoe protector
302 could utilize double-backed adhesive tape for purposes of these
adhesive surfaces. In yet other embodiments, an adhesive substance
such as a glue could be applied to form the adhesive surfaces. In
yet other embodiments, a fastening mechanism or material (e.g.,
Velcro, snaps, buttons, hooks, straps, etc.) could be used to
secure the shoe protector 302 onto the shoe. For example, the shoe
protector 302 could be sold as a kit having a hook (or loop)
installation piece that is designed to be affixed, attached, or
otherwise secured to the shoe. In conjunction with this backing
piece, the kit can include any number of protection pieces that are
outfitted with a cooperating loop (or hook) bottom surface. In such
an implementation, a protection piece can be easily installed and
removed from the installation piece. Thus, the kit could contain a
plurality of protection pieces and one installation piece that use
Velcro as an attachment mechanism. Notably, Velcro installation is
very suitable for shoes that do not have shoelaces.
[0032] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show the shoe protector 302 after
installation onto the shoe 300. The outer flap 330 is folded onto
the underlying tab 312 (which is hidden from view in FIG. 7, but is
shown in phantom in FIG. 8). Accordingly, the underlying eyelets of
the shoe 300, a portion of the shoelace, and the shoelace holes 314
are covered and protected by the outer flap 330. As shown in FIG.
8, the shoelace is threaded into the shoelace holes 314 (for this
example, the lowermost two eyelets are aligned with the shoelace
holes 314), thus establishing the shoe protector 302 in the desired
fore-aft position on the shoe 300. Notably, the shoe protector 302
need not be installed using the lowermost two eyelets, and the user
could move the shoe protector 302 up and down as desired. This
flexibility allows the user to position the shoe protector 302 as
needed to accommodate his particular wear pattern on the shoe
300.
[0033] The skateboard industry is well known for its use of
graphics and branding. Thus, the shoe protector 302 could be
fabricated in different colors, patterns, and/or designs that add
some ornamental flavor to the product. Moreover, stickers or
graphics could be applied to the exposed outer surface of the shoe
protector 302 to add some distinguishing flair to the product. In
this regard, the shoe protector 302 can be used as a branding and
marketing tool.
[0034] Moreover, the shoe protector 302 may incorporate features,
elements, or characteristics that may be functional and/or
ornamental in nature. In this regard, FIGS. 10-12 are top views of
shoe protectors that have various surface features. FIG. 10 depicts
a shoe protector 400 having a distinctive section 402 formed
therein. The distinctive section 402 may be integrally formed in
outer surface (or in the outermost layer) of the shoe protector
400, or it may be realized as a "window" or cutout in the outer
layer of the shoe protector 400. The distinctive section 402 may be
implemented using a different material or combination of materials
than the surrounding primary section 404 of the shoe protector 400.
For example, the primary section 404 might be formed from duct tape
and the distinctive section 402 could be formed from rubber. The
specific material used for the distinctive section 402 may be
selected from the list set forth above. In certain embodiments, the
distinctive section 402 is formed from a material or combination of
materials having specific physical traits that benefit ollies and
other skateboarding tricks. For example, the distinctive section
402 could be formed from a grippy, tacky, or resilient material
that is intended to provide additional grip and surface friction
when performing ollies. As mentioned above with reference to FIGS.
1 and 2, successful ollies depend upon friction between the shoe
and the grip tape of the skateboard deck. Thus, the distinctive
section 402 can be configured and formed from suitable material(s)
that increase this friction.
[0035] FIG. 11 depicts another embodiment of a shoe protector 500
that includes surface features designed to improve the quality of
ollies. This shoe protector 500 includes protruding bars or ribs
502 on its exposed outer surface. Notably, these ribs 502 are
arranged and oriented in a way that anticipates the usual forces
associated with an ollie (see the arrow in FIG. 9). In other words,
the ribs 502 may be approximately horizontal when the shoe
protector 500 is installed, so that they are perpendicular or
approximately perpendicular to usual direction of travel of the
shoe. This orientation of the ribs 502 results in added grip that
can be used to pull the board upward during the ollie. Moreover,
the ribs 502 might be formed from a grippy, tacky, or resilient
material (such as rubber or urethane) to increase their
effectiveness. In practice, the shape, size, pattern, and number of
ribs 502 may vary from that shown in FIG. 11.
[0036] FIG. 12 depicts yet another embodiment of a shoe protector
600 that includes surface features designed to improve the quality
of ollies. This shoe protector 600 includes protruding bumps 602 on
its exposed outer surface. Notably, these bumps 602 could be
arranged and oriented in a way that anticipates the usual forces
associated with an ollie (see the arrow in FIG. 9). Indeed, the
bumps 602 could be arranged in a pattern similar to that shown in
FIG. 11. Moreover, the bumps 602 might be formed from a grippy,
tacky, or resilient material (such as rubber or urethane) to
increase their effectiveness. Furthermore, the bumps 602 could be
arranged to form an ornamental or graphical shape (e.g., a star, a
skull, a lightning bolt, a logo, etc.). In practice, the shape,
size, pattern, and number of bumps 602 may vary from that shown in
FIG. 12.
[0037] Although the exemplary embodiments described above relate to
a shoe protector intended to protect the "ollie" zone of a shoe,
the size, shape, and configuration of the shoe protector can be
adjusted and varied as needed to contemplate other areas of a shoe
that are susceptible to wear and tear. For instance, a shoe
protector could be configured to protect the toe area of the shoe,
the heel area of the shoe, or any desired location.
[0038] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated
that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be
appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described
herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the
foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the
art with a convenient road map for implementing the described
embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various
changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements
without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which
includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time
of filing this patent application.
* * * * *