U.S. patent application number 12/503812 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-20 for portable play activity apparatus with toy storage & toy transportation capabilities.
Invention is credited to Jackson Deward Bishop, III, Donald Stanley Russell, JR., Kalyn Renee Russell.
Application Number | 20110014843 12/503812 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43465628 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110014843 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Russell; Kalyn Renee ; et
al. |
January 20, 2011 |
Portable Play Activity Apparatus with Toy Storage & Toy
Transportation Capabilities
Abstract
A toy storage and transportation apparatus includes a mat and a
container that merges integrally into the mat. The container
defines a storage interior and has a first open end and second
closed end. The mat extends outwardly from the container to form a
recreation area. When in a storage configuration, the mat flexibly
rolls around and conforms to the shape of the container. The mat
can further comprise a floor portion and at least two flap
portions, with flap portions defining a crease with the floor
portion. Each flap portion has an attachment fixed to the flap
portion opposite from the crease. When folded along the creases and
attached to each other with the attachment, the floor portion and
flap portions define a tent structure. The flap portions can be
formed with a sleeve, and support members are inserted into
respective sleeves to form the tent structure.
Inventors: |
Russell; Kalyn Renee;
(Castle Rock, CO) ; Russell, JR.; Donald Stanley;
(Castle Rock, CO) ; Bishop, III; Jackson Deward;
(Castle Pines, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACKSON ESQUIRE;ROGER A. JACKSON
209 KALAMATH STREET, UNIT 9
DENVER
CO
80223-1348
US
|
Family ID: |
43465628 |
Appl. No.: |
12/503812 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/75 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A device comprising: a container; a flexible mat attached to
said container on one edge to extend outwardly therefrom; and, said
mat conforming to the shape of said container when said mat is
wrapped around said container.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said mat further comprises: a
floor portion; at least two flap portions, each said flap portion
defining a crease with said floor portion; and, said floor portion
and said flap portions cooperating to define a tent structure when
said flap portions are folded along said crease and attached to
each other with said attaching means.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said flap portions have a sleeve
formed therein, and further comprising at least two support
members, each said support members being inserted into a respective
said sleeve.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said container defines a storage
interior and has a first open end and second closed end.
5. A toy, comprising; a mat; a container merging integrally into
said mat; and, said mat extending outward from said container and
having sufficient flexibility to conform to said container when
rolled around said container.
6. The toy of said 5, wherein said mat further comprises: a floor
portion; at least two flap portions, each said flap portion
defining a crease with said floor portion; and, said floor portion
and said flap portions cooperating to define a tent structure when
said flap portions are folded along said crease and attached to
each other with said attaching means.
7. The device of claim 5 wherein said flap portions have a sleeve
formed therein, and further comprising at least two support
members, each said support members being inserted into a respective
said sleeve.
8. The device of claim 5 wherein said container defines a storage
interior and has a first open end and second closed end.
9. A method for establishing a compact, portable recreation area
comprising the steps of: A) providing a container for holding
recreation items; B) forming a mat that is integral to said
container, said mat extending outwardly from said container when
said container; C) wrapping said mat around said container; and, D)
selectively extending said mat from said container.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said container defines an
interior and further comprising the step of: E) storing recreation
items in said container.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/081,039, filed Jul. 16, 2008 by Kalyn Renee
Russell et al. for an invention entitled "Portable Play Activity
Apparatus with Toy Storage and Toy Transportation Capabilities",
and hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of child
activity apparatus. More specifically, the present invention
pertains to a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and
toy transportation capabilities that provides a user with a roll
up, portable play activity mat and also with a vessel in which to
store and transport toys and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many devices that are used for toys and/or toy storage have
a fixed structure and are very cumbersome and inconvenient to set
up for the play activity. After the playful activity is complete,
the size toy/toy storage devices are not adapted for easy and
convenient transport. Accordingly, a principal objective of the
present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus
with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that will
overcome the deficiencies of the prior art devices. Several
advantages and objects of the present invention are as described
below.
[0004] An objective of the present invention is to provide a
portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy
transportation capabilities that will allow a user to storage and
transport a variety of articles such as toys and the like in a safe
and secure manner. Yet another objective of the present invention
is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage
and toy transportation capabilities that is portable and can be
embodied with an adjustable shoulder strap. Another objective of
the present invention is to provide a portable play activity
apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that
allows a play area mat to be rolled up and stored around the
exterior of the tube shaped storage container.
[0005] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy
transportation capabilities that can be printed on for the
presentation and display of a variety of graphic scenes and images.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a
portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy
transportation capabilities which can be used to store and
transport a wide variety of articles in a safe and secure manner
including toys, books, clothing, food and beverage items, diapers
or pull ups, personal care items including tooth brushes, combs,
hair brushes, towels, blankets, and other articles.
[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy
transportation capabilities that can be embodied with a pillow
device for use as a head support device. Another objective of the
present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus
with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that can be
embodied with a tent structure for temporarily covering a user.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable
play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation
capabilities that can be attached to a number of other like
apparatus for the creation of larger play or activity areas.
[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy
transportation capabilities that can be attached to a number of
other like apparatus for the creation of larger tent structures.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable
play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation
capabilities to which can be applied a variety of appliques such as
tires, carriage wheels, car front ends, carriage front ends, castle
walls, seating or stands such as those used for race tracks, sports
stadiums, etc.
[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
portable tool and car repair mat that can be attached to a rolling
car repair dolly and also hold a variety of tools for easy access
during car repair. Another objective of the present invention is to
provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy
transportation capabilities that may be offered in a variety of
sizes, colors, and materials to suit a wide variety of applications
and user preferences. Another objective of the present invention is
to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and
toy transportation capabilities that comprise infant mobile devices
that contain hanging items such as toys, animals, etc which can be
assembled and placed over the play mat area to entertain an infant
or child.
[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy
transportation capabilities that contains audio or musical
capabilities such as radio, CD, etc. Another objective of the
present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus
with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that contains
alarm clock capabilities. Another objective of the present
invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy
storage and toy transportation capabilities that contains built in
lighting capabilities. Another objective of the present invention
is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage
and toy transportation capabilities that contains darkening screens
for reducing light bleed when used for sleeping purposes.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy
transportation capabilities which is more versatile and compact
than prior art devices. It is intended that any other advantages
and objectives of the present invention that become apparent or
obvious from the detailed description or illustrations contained
herein are within the scope of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A portable play activity apparatus for toy storage and
transportation in accordance with several embodiments of the
present invention can include a mat and a container that merges
into the mat so that the container and mat to form an integral
combination. The container defines a storage interior and has a
first open end and second closed end. When in an operational
configuration, the mat extends outwardly from the container to form
a recreation area. When in a storage configuration, the mat has
sufficient flexibility, to allow for it to be rolled around the
container and conform to the shape of the container when the
apparatus is in a storage/transport configuration.
[0012] According to several embodiments of the present invention,
the mat can further comprise a floor portion and at least two flap
portions, with of the flap portions defining a crease with said
floor portion. Each flap portion has an attaching means fixed to
the flap portion opposite from the crease. When folded along the
creases and attached to each other with the attachment means, the
floor portion and flap portions cooperate to define a tent
structure. The flap portions can be formed with a sleeve, and
respective support members, each said support members being
inserted into a respective said sleeve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The novel features of this invention will be best understood
from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying description, in which similarly-referenced characters
refer to similarly referenced parts, and in which;
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable play activity
apparatus according to several embodiments of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the portable play activity
apparatus of FIG. 1, which illustrates the play mat in an unrolled
and ready to use state;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the portable play
activity apparatus FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portable play activity
apparatus of FIG. 1, which shows the play mat in the unrolled and
ready to use state, the main storage compartment, the secondary
optional tent storage compartment, and further showing the optional
flap portions of the mat in an assembled and upright position;
[0018] FIG. 5 is the same view as FIG. 4, but with objects disposed
in the main storage compartment, and with the container having a
front access opening and hinged panels, according to several
alternative embodiments of the present invention, which are shown
in the open position;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a portable play activity
apparatus illustrating the tented embodiment with the tent in the
assembled state having a rectangular flap opening, with the play
mat in the unrolled and ready to use state, further showing the
optional vertical mat border pieces in the assembled and upright
position;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a portable play
activity apparatus illustrating the tented embodiment with the tent
in the assembled state with the play mat in the unrolled and ready
to use state, further showing the optional vertical mat floor
portion and flap portions in the assembled and upright
position;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of two portable play
activity apparatus, which illustrates the tented embodiments with
the tents in the assembled state with the play mats in the unrolled
and ready to use state; further showing the optional flap portions
in the assembled and upright position with both assemblies disposed
end to end to allow passage from one apparatus to the other;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of a portable play
activity apparatus illustrating another tented embodiment supported
by flexible rods, with the tent in the assembled state having a
rectangular flap opening, with the play mat in the unrolled and
ready to use state, further showing the optional vertical mat
border pieces in the assembled and upright position;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portable play activity
apparatus of FIG. 1, but further showing the optional vertical mat
border pieces in the flat non assembled position with the Velcro
connection tabs not attached;
[0024] FIG. 11 is the same view as FIG. 10, but with the mat floor
portion and flap portions in the upright assembled position;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portable play activity
apparatus of FIG. 1, according to several embodiments of the
present invention, which illustrates an optional recessed pillow
storage compartment with attached pillow and an attached sleeping
bag in the laid out ready to use state;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective top view of a portable play
activity apparatus illustrating the play mat in the unrolled and
ready to use state, and further showing multiple optional front
disposed, hinged access doors in the closed position, as well as a
side disposed access that is capped;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 15 is the same view of FIG. 14, but with the apparatus
in a partially rolled up state;
[0029] FIG. 16 is the same view of FIG. 14, but with the mat fully
wrapped around the container in a fastened state;
[0030] FIG. 17 is the same view as FIG. 16, but with a carrying
shoulder strap attached to each end of the container;
[0031] FIG. 18 is the same view as FIG. 16, but with a handle
fastened to the back side of the mat;
[0032] FIG. 19 is an end view of a portable play activity apparatus
of FIG. 1, which shows the play mat in the rolled up, ready to
store or transport state; and
[0033] FIG. 20 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of a
portable play activity apparatus illustrating the play mat in the
unrolled ready to use state, wheel appliques attached to the main
tube body ends, and further showing an enlarged detail illustrating
the wheel center as a threaded, removable end cap removed from the
main tube body with objects inserted inside the tube body end
opening.
WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS
[0034] In view of the limitations now present in the prior art, the
present invention provides a new and useful portable play activity
apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities,
which is simpler in construction, more universally usable and more
versatile in operation than known device of this kind.
[0035] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new
portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy
transportation capabilities that provides a user with a roll up,
portable play activity mat and also with a vessel in which to store
and transport toys and the like. It is also a purpose of the
present invention to provide a new portable play activity apparatus
with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that has many
novel features not offered by the prior art apparatus that result
in a new portable play activity apparatus which is not apparent,
obvious, or suggested, either directly or indirectly by any of the
prior art apparatus.
[0036] The present invention, disclosed herein in several
embodiments, can provide portable toy storage and play area that
can quickly be unrolled and placed into a position on the ground
where a child can comfortably play in a designated region. The
device will allow a user to transport a wide variety of items, and
can be used by children of a wide age group for a variety of
purposes which are disclosed herein as preferred and alternate
embodiments including but not limited in use to, a portable toy
storage and play mat area, a portable overnight tube for storing
personal items, pillow, clothing, as well as a wrap around sleeping
mat and optional tent for sleepovers and or camping environments, a
portable modular, tented play area that can be connected to one or
more similar modular play areas to create a single larger play
area, a portable napping or sleeping mat with optional tent screen
or darkening panels to reduce light bleed for day care or travel
environments, as well as other applications not referred to herein
which are obvious to the use and function of the invention and are
therefore to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure
contained herein.
[0037] Referring now to the Figures, apparatus 10 generally
comprises a main storage container 12, a play area mat 14 that
merges integrally into container 12 and an adjustable shoulder
strap 16 (FIG. 17) and optional themed appliques 18. The main
storage container 12 in the preferred embodiment can have a
cylindrical tube shaped body having first and second substantially
planar, round ends 20, 22 and a substantially hollow interior
wherein articles 24 such as toys and the like may be inserted for
storage and or transport (See FIGS. 5 and 20). As described more
fully below, the interior of container 12 can be accessed, and can
function so that a multitude of articles 24 can be inserted for
storage and or transport, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 20. These
articles 24 can include but not limited in use to, toys, books,
clothing, food and beverage items, diapers, pull ups, personal care
items including tooth brushes, combs, hair brushes, towels,
blankets, as well as other articles not referred to herein.
[0038] The adjustable shoulder strap 16 is intended to removably
attach to each end 20, 22 of the tube by means of clip fasteners
(not shown) or similar quick release fasteners that will allow a
user to quickly detach and re-attach the shoulder strap to the end
of container 12 for easy transport. In lieu of (or in addition to)
strap 16, a handle 26 can be attached to container 12 for transport
of the apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 18.
[0039] It is to be understood that the present invention may embody
one or two openings disposed at the tube ends 20, 22, and may be
closed by a variety of methods including but not limited in use to,
hinged flaps, compression caps, screw caps, snap caps, and other
methods not referred to herein of closing the tube end openings
which are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure
contained herein. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 19-20, tube
enclosure cap(s) 28 or similar devices can be securely held in
position at the ends of the container by a variety of means such as
threaded connection whereby the cap(s) comprise threaded grooves at
the exterior surface of the cap body, which integrate with and
engage threaded grooves at the interior of the main storage
container body and whereby a user must rotate the end cap(s) in a
repeated manner to disengage the cap from the storage container
body and thereby allow access therein to open container 12.
[0040] The end caps may further be secured in position by one or a
multitude of pins and slotted grooves (not shown) whereby the pins
are embodied in the main storage container body disposed towards
the corresponding end of the container body and protrude inward in
a perpendicular manner from the curved exterior surface of the
storage container body, and whereby the first and second end caps
comprise a corresponding number of slots which receive each pin,
and when the cap is rotated or twisted in a turning motion, the
slots will ride along the pins and act to pull the caps in a
direction which is towards the end of the storage container at
which point the slots will allow for the pins to be locked into a
secure position along the path of the slot and thereby secure the
caps into position until the process is reversed. The end caps can
also be presented as end inserts that are inserted or threaded into
the ends of the tubes and whereby the overall diameter of the
opening and corresponding plug end is smaller than the diameter of
the main storage container body.
[0041] The play activity mat is generally rectangular in shape and
can have a flat profile which is similar to a foam pad with a
thickness of approximately one half inch (0.5'') and can further be
intended to attach to the main storage container body along one
edge by means of Velcro straps, snaps, zippers, buttons, ties,
clips, or other fastener not referred to herein which will perform
the same function and is therefore to be considered apparent and
obvious to the disclosure contained herein. Or, the mat and
container can be manufactured as an integral unit so that the
entire mat/container combination is integral to each using the
processes cited above. The mat material may be offered in a variety
of embodiments including but not limited in use to, a piece of foam
or foam rubber covered in a vinyl or plastic lining, foam wrapped
in fabric, rubber, fabric filled with feathers, down filling, or
similar material which will act as a cushioning barrier between the
child and the floor surface. When the mat is not in use, it is
intended that the mat be wrapped around the exterior surface of the
main storage container, and secured thereon by means of Velcro
straps 32, as shown in FIGS. 16-18. Snaps, zippers, buttons, ties,
clips, or other fastener not referred to herein which will perform
the same function could also be used, and are therefore to be
considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure contained
herein.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 10-11, the mat 14 may further
include floor portion 40 with folded flap portions 42 that can be
folded in a manner which is perpendicular to the main mat body and
then attached at each end to the adjacent panel end by fastening
means 44 such as Velcro, snaps, zippers, buttons, hook and loop
fasteners, as well as other methods of attaching the end panels not
referred to herein which are to be considered apparent and obvious
to the disclosure. Once the side and end panels are in the folded
upright, the panels define a crease 41, and the flap portions 42
and floor portion 40 of the mat cooperate to create a play
enclosure 45, wherein a child can safely play in a secure
semi-confined environment, as shown in FIG. 11. When the end and
side panels are in the flat unfolded position, they will act to
extend the play mat area. It is to be understood that the play mat
material is intended to be printed thereon with graphics, images,
logos, photographs, alpha and or numeric characters etc.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 9, the present invention in several
alternate embodiments can comprise one or more tent panels 36. The
tent panels include an access opening 37 and can be erected by
means of rigid or semi flexible poles 38 similar to those used in
common camping tent enclosures, which insert into sleeves or
pockets (not shown), which are sewn into the tent panels and or the
connector pocket tabs attached to the play mat, and which thereby
act to keep the tent panels in an upright and stable position. In
these embodiments, the container may include a partition disposed
within the interior of the tube to establish an additional storage
compartment 34 within the main container 12, for the storage of
tent panels 36 and poles 38 when not in use. The tent storage
compartment can be seen in FIG. 4. These embodiments may further
comprise an additional access opening which is separate from the
main tube access openings. Once again, the methods of closing or
securing the access openings may be accomplished in a variety of
ways referred to above in the preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0044] Still other alternate embodiments may contain the tent as
described in the above alternate embodiment as well as openings 37
in the tent panels and connector pieces to allow for a second tent
panel 36 can be attached to the first tent panel 36 to thereby
create a single larger tented play area structure, which allows for
one or more users to travel freely between the attached individual
tented play areas. An example of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
8. In this manner the tented play areas can be connected together
in an end to end manner or a side by side manner that allows for
any number of tented play areas to be connected together.
[0045] The present invention in several alternate embodiments can
further comprise a mat 14 with increase thickens to establish a
sleeping mat. These embodiments can option include a sleeping bag
46 which the user can unroll along with mat 14 and then sleep
therein. The sleeping bag can be selectively attached to mat 14,
according to the user's needs. The main tube compartment may
further contain a built in pillow recess region at the exterior of
the container wherein a pillow 48 can be selectively attached, or
inserted for use when the sleeping bag is unrolled and then remove
prior to rolling mat 14 around container 12 for storage. In these
embodiments the sleeping 46 and pillow 48 can be selectively
attached via Velcro strips, etc., and the container 12 can be used
to store any variety of items associated with overnight sleeping
activities such as sleep wear, person care items, etc.
[0046] Still another alternate embodiment of the invention may be
incorporated into a rolling car repair dolly wherein the main
container is intended to store and transport articles 24 that are
tools, and the mat material is intended to serve as a back pad
which the user lays on during use. This embodiment may offer the
main container in a variety of open faced embodiments to allow for
quick easy access to tools contained therein and which may also
contains a hinged front face plate that can be closed and secured
in position when not in use.
[0047] This embodiment may further comprise a variety of articles
24 that are accessories used in mechanical repair including but not
limited in use to, lights, reflectors, compressor connections or
equipment, on board diagnostics equipment, as well as other items
not referred to herein which are to be considered apparent and
obvious to the disclosure.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 20, other alternate embodiments of the
invention can comprise appliques 18 that can be attached to the
exterior surfaces of the main storage container to personalize or
theme the play area. These appliques 18 can include but not limited
in use to, racing car features such as tires, numbers, car doors,
car front ends, steering wheels, carriage wheels, carriage front
and or back ends, castle components such as doors, walls, bridges,
moats, etc., flowers, fairies, princess associated items, as well
as other themed items not referred to herein which can be
incorporated into the invention disclosed herein to further enhance
or embellish the appearance, use, and or function of the
invention.
[0049] Still other alternate embodiments of the invention can
comprise infant mobile devices (not shown) that contain hanging
items such as toys, animals, etc., which attach to a flexible pole
or tube which can be inserted into pole pockets attached to the
corners or sides of the main mat or play pad, and which will act to
support the hanging mobile devices and thereby entertain an infant
or child. As in the tent embodiment disclosed above, the various
components of the mobile can be stored in the main tube container
in the main compartment or a secondary compartment specific to the
components. This embodiment may also be used with existing infant
and child entertainment products (not shown) that can simply be
placed on top of the mat or play pad and thereby act to entertain
the infant or child.
[0050] Still other embodiments can be used for physical work out or
gym related activities wherein the mat provides a suitable surface
on which a user can stretch and or yoga, exercise, etc. and wherein
the container will serve as a vessel to hold related articles such
as gym supplies, water, towel, wallet, keys, etc., and which may
contain compartments or pockets having nylon netting specific to
securing such articles.
[0051] The main container and mat can be manufactured separately or
as an integral unit out of a suitable plastic material that can be
made by means of vacuum forming, injection mold process, or other
suitable method of manufacture that will accomplish the goal of
affordable manufacturing. If manufactured separately, and as
disclosed previously herein, the mat or pad material can be a piece
of foam or foam rubber covered in a vinyl or plastic lining, foam
wrapped in fabric, rubber, fabric filled with feathers, down
filling, or similar material which will act as a cushioning barrier
between the child and the floor surface. Other suitable materials
may be used to manufacture the invention in a durable and
affordable manner.
[0052] In each of the embodiments disclosed herein it is to be
understood that the main tube body and mats or pads may be offered
in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials to suit a wide variety
of applications and user preferences.
[0053] The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects
of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding
the intended use and application of the invention. In reference to
such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present
invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction,
fabrication, material, or application of use described and
illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or
application should be considered apparent as an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] While the portable play activity apparatus of the present
invention, as herein shown and described in detail, is fully
capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages above
stated, it is to be understood that the presently preferred
embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention. As such, no
limitations are intended other than as defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *