U.S. patent application number 13/532780 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for umbrella backpack and deployment mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to Neil Prasannakumar. The applicant listed for this patent is Artem Mishin, John C. Myung, Neil Prasannakumar, Adam Tavin, Howard Allen Wilson, IV. Invention is credited to Artem Mishin, John C. Myung, Neil Prasannakumar, Adam Tavin, Howard Allen Wilson, IV.
Application Number | 20130098410 13/532780 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48134951 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130098410 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prasannakumar; Neil ; et
al. |
April 25, 2013 |
UMBRELLA BACKPACK AND DEPLOYMENT MECHANISM
Abstract
An umbrella deployment mechanism includes: a housing contained
within a backpack; a frame associated with the housing and
deployable between a first position in which the frame is located
within the backpack and a second position in which the frame is
elevated above the first position; and a canopy associated with the
frame and deployable between a first position in which the canopy
is located within the backpack and a second position in which the
canopy is elevated above the frame.
Inventors: |
Prasannakumar; Neil;
(Edison, NJ) ; Wilson, IV; Howard Allen;
(Campbell, CA) ; Tavin; Adam; (East Palo Alto,
CA) ; Mishin; Artem; (Pacifica, CA) ; Myung;
John C.; (San Jose, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Prasannakumar; Neil
Wilson, IV; Howard Allen
Tavin; Adam
Mishin; Artem
Myung; John C. |
Edison
Campbell
East Palo Alto
Pacifica
San Jose |
NJ
CA
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Neil Prasannakumar
|
Family ID: |
48134951 |
Appl. No.: |
13/532780 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61550437 |
Oct 23, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2011/005 20130101;
A45B 19/02 20130101; A45B 19/10 20130101; A45B 25/16 20130101; A45F
3/04 20130101; A45B 11/00 20130101; A45B 2023/0006 20130101; A45B
11/02 20130101; A45B 2023/0093 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/16 |
International
Class: |
A45B 23/00 20060101
A45B023/00 |
Claims
1. An umbrella deployment mechanism comprising: a housing contained
within a backpack; a frame associated with the housing and
deployable between a first position in which the frame is located
within the backpack and a second position in which the frame is
elevated above the first position; and a canopy associated with the
frame and deployable between a first position in which the canopy
is located within the backpack and a second position in which the
canopy is elevated above the frame.
2. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the
deployment of the frame and the canopy is triggered by a release
mechanism.
3. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 2 wherein the release
mechanism is a pull cord.
4. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 2 wherein the release
mechanism is a push button.
5. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 2 wherein the release
mechanism includes an inflation mechanism.
6. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the frame
includes one or more support poles supporting the canopy.
7. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 6 wherein the frame
includes two extendable support poles adapted to deploy the canopy
in response to a release mechanism.
8. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 6 wherein the frame
includes one or more inflatable support poles adapted to deploy the
canopy in response to a release mechanism.
9. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein one or more
springs control the deployment of the frame.
10. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein one or
more springs control the deployment of the canopy.
11. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the canopy
includes a plurality of ribs supporting the shape of the
canopy.
12. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 11 wherein the
canopy includes ribs of varying length to support an irregular
shaped canopy.
13. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the
housing is contained within an interior section of the
backpack.
14. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the
housing is contained within an external section of the
backpack.
15. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the
backpack is associated with a second backpack such that the
backpack is adapted to be worn between a user's back and the second
backpack.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application incorporates by reference and claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/550,437
filed Oct. 23, 2011 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/150,087 filed Jun. 24, 2011.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present subject matter relates generally to an umbrella
backpack and associated deployment mechanism.
[0003] Umbrellas and are well known, as are their uses, whether for
rain protection, sun protection, or fashion. One significant
disadvantage to the common umbrella is that, in use, it necessarily
occupies at least one of the user's hands. Another disadvantage is
that people regularly find themselves without an umbrella when it
is most needed.
[0004] In order to be more highly functional, there is a need for
an umbrella that operates hands free and may be more readily
available when needed by a user.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In order to provide a user with the hands free use of an
umbrella while obtaining maximum coverage from rain or sun, the
present invention discloses an umbrella deployment mechanism that
may be integrated with a backpack. By integrating the umbrella
deployment mechanism within a backpack, the umbrella may be more
likely to be on hand by a user when the need for the umbrella
arises. For example, the umbrella backpack device may be
particularly beneficial for people that routinely use backpacks for
school, work, hiking, etc.
[0006] In one example, the deployment mechanism is a thin device
that may be integrated with a backpack, whether into the backpack
or adjacent thereto. The deployment mechanism contains a canopy
that may be used as an umbrella. When launched, the deployment
mechanism ejects the canopy out of the backpack and automatically
positions it over a user's head. When desired, the canopy may be
drawn or folded back into the deployment mechanism. For example, in
one version, the canopy may be repacked into the backpack using a
pull cord.
[0007] In one embodiment, the deployment mechanism may include a
frame, a housing, and a folded canopy. The deployment mechanism may
be launched by a release mechanism. Any of various release
mechanisms may be used, such as a release button, a pull cord,
air-inflation, etc. The release mechanism releases a plunger that
releases the canopy to spring into an unfolded form. Torsion
springs are used to push the canopy upward when the plunger is
released. A shaft sits on top of the frame that includes rotating
discs at either end. These rotating discs hold the ends of the arcs
that are used to support the canopy portion of the umbrella.
[0008] The arcs that support the canopy are shaped in a way that
allows them to fan outward automatically when they are released.
The arcs fully support the canopy portion of the umbrella. A lock
is located on the bottom portion of the frame, so when the
deployment mechanism is released, it may remain in unfolded form
for the desired amount of time and will remain stable. The pull
cord may be used to pull the assembly back into the folded and
locked position when desired. Other springs may be used to allow
the arcs to be rotated and pulled inward when the pull cord is used
to repack the umbrella.
[0009] In other embodiments, the canopy may be supported by other
structures. For example, in one embodiment, the deployment
mechanism may include one or more support poles. One or more sets
of ribs may extend from each support poles to support the canopy.
Accordingly, the canopy may be any of a number of various shapes
and sizes, whether circular, square, rectangular, triangular, etc.
In another example, the canopy may be supported by ribs that extend
from each of the corners of the frame. In yet another example, the
support structure for the canopy may be inflatable, for example, a
quick inflating structure that may be pumped up or inflated using
CO2 cartridges.
[0010] In one example, an umbrella deployment mechanism includes: a
housing contained within a backpack; a frame associated with the
housing and deployable between a first position in which the frame
is located within the backpack and a second position in which the
frame is elevated above the first position; and a canopy associated
with the frame and deployable between a first position in which the
canopy is located within the backpack and a second position in
which the canopy is elevated above the frame. The deployment of the
frame and the canopy may be triggered by a release mechanism, such
as a pull cord, push button, or an inflation mechanism and may be
controlled by one or more springs. The frame may include one or
more support poles supporting the canopy. In some examples, the
frame includes two extendable support poles adapted to deploy the
canopy in response to the release mechanism. In another example,
the frame includes one or more inflatable support poles adapted to
deploy the canopy in response to a release mechanism. The canopy
may include a plurality of ribs supporting the shape of the canopy.
The ribs may be of varying length to support an irregular shaped
canopy, for example, the front side of the canopy may be extended
to better cover the head and body of the user.
[0011] In some examples, the housing is contained within an
interior section of a backpack. In other examples, the housing is
contained within an external section of the backpack. In still
other examples, the backpack within which the housing is located is
associated with a second backpack such that the backpack is adapted
to be worn between a user's back and the second backpack.
[0012] An advantage of the deployment mechanism is that it allows
for the hands free use of an umbrella with a backpack.
[0013] Another advantage of the deployment mechanism is that it may
fully auto deploy with the press of a button or pull of a cord.
[0014] A further advantage of the deployment mechanism is that it
may be retracted easily.
[0015] Yet another advantage of the deployment mechanism is that it
is lightweight and is not burdensome to carry with a backpack.
[0016] Another advantage of the deployment mechanism is that it is
easy to release and retract the umbrella.
[0017] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the
examples will be set forth in part in the description which
follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the
art upon examination of the following description and the
accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation
of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be
realized and attained by means of the methodologies,
instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in
accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by
way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer
to the same or similar elements.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view of the folded and unlaunched
deployment mechanism.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folded and unlaunched
deployment mechanism.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the launched and unfolded
deployment mechanism.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of another deployment
mechanism in a launched, but unfolded position.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the deployment
mechanism from FIG. 4 in a launched and unfolded position.
[0024] FIGS. 6-12 are perspective views of other umbrella designs
that may be employed with the deployment mechanism provided
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an embodiment of an
umbrella deployment mechanism for use with a backpack (deployment
mechanism 10) according to the present invention. While the
deployment mechanism 10 will be described in detail with respect to
the drawing provided herein, it is understood that the teaching of
the present disclosure may be embodied in a wide range of
deployment mechanisms 10 and the examples provided herein are
believed to be broadly illustrative, but not exhaustive. As shown
in FIG. 1, the deployment mechanism 10 includes various elements
that may be assembled together to create the functional deployment
mechanism 10. Examples of various elements are described below with
reference to the Figures.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the deployment mechanism 10 includes a
frame 12 that fits inside a housing 20. The frame 12 is generally
rectangular in shape and includes two side protrusions 14, a bottom
protrusion 16 and several openings 18. The two side protrusions 14
extend outward to the housing 20. The side protrusions 14 allow the
deployment mechanism 10 to be aligned inside of the housing 20 when
released. The bottom protrusion 16 attaches to a plunger 22, which
holds the frame 12 inside of the housing 20 until it is
deployed.
[0027] A pull cord 56 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) may be used to
release the frame 12 and allow the deployment mechanism 10 to
release the canopy 48. In an alternative embodiment, a push button
or other release mechanism may be used to trigger the deployment
mechanism 10. For example, the push button may be positioned on one
of the shoulder straps on a backpack, and when pressed, removes the
plunger 22 from the bottom protrusion 16 thus ejecting the canopy
48. As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 12 also includes several openings
18 that are located at varying heights along the vertical
centerline of the frame 12. These openings 18 may provide a path
through which a pull cord 56 may be integrated with the frame. The
use of the pull cord 56 is described further with reference to
FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0028] Also located on the frame 12 is a lock 26. The lock 26 sits
on a pin 28 located on the lower portion of the frame 12. The lock
26 is used after the deployment mechanism 10 is launched, and holds
the frame 12 so that it stays deployed. The bottom ridge of the
lock 26 sits on top of the housing 20, as shown in the unfolded
view of the deployment mechanism 10 in FIG. 3. In a preferred
embodiment, the lock 26 may be a spring-loaded lock 26.
[0029] The frame 12 and housing 20 shown in FIG. 1 may be composed
of a solid yet lightweight material such as plastic. However, it is
contemplated that in other embodiments the frame 12 and housing 20
may be composed of any other material that is suitable for the
deployment mechanism 10, including various metals and composites.
In the example shown in FIG. 1 the housing 20 includes a front and
back portion that is screwed together. However in other embodiments
it is contemplated that the housing 20 may be connected by other
means or it may be one hollow structure. In still other examples,
such as the frame 12 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the frame 12 may be
hollowed out to be lightweight and better handle wind.
[0030] Turning back to FIG. 1, two springs 30 are also located
inside of the housing 20. The springs 30 supply the force that
propels the frame 12 upward to release the canopy 48. The force
from the springs 30 may also assist the unfolding of the canopy 48.
The springs 30 sit on top of mounts 32 that are located on either
side of the frame 12, inside of the housing 20.
[0031] As further shown in FIG. 1, a shaft 34 is located atop the
frame 12. The shaft 34 extends across the top of the frame 12 and
includes rotation shafts 38 on either side. Each rotation shaft 38
connects to the end caps 36. The rotation shaft 38 allows for
circular movement so that the portions of the canopy 48 that extend
outward from the housing 20 may fan out and form the canopy 48
portion of the umbrella upon deployment. The end caps 36 facilitate
the extension of the canopy 48, asserting outward force on the arcs
44. The arcs 44 function as ribs 44 to support the canopy 48.
[0032] At the end of each rotation shaft 38 are rotating discs 40.
The rotating discs 40 are circular and sit around the ends of the
rotation shafts 38. The rotation discs 40 connect to the arcs 44,
and allow the arcs 44 to move freely around the rotation shaft 38.
Rotations disc end caps 42 sit on either side of the outermost
rotating discs 40. The rotation disc end caps 42 provide a barrier
on the ends of the shaft 38 securing the rotating discs 40 to the
shaft 38. The rotation disc end caps 42 may be securely connected
to the ends of the shaft 38 so that they can withstand the outward
force of the arcs 44 and rotation discs 40.
[0033] The rotating discs 40 connect to the arcs 44, so that there
is a rotating disc 40 at each end of the arcs 44. The arcs 44 are
the portions of the deployment mechanism 10 that support the canopy
48 of the umbrella. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the arcs 44 are
spring-loaded such that they fan out automatically on release of
the deployment mechanism 10. The arcs 44 rotate to spread outward
thus allowing the canopy 48 to spread out fully. In the example
shown in FIG. 1 there are four arcs 44, however it is contemplated
that in other embodiments there may be any other number of arcs 44.
In FIG. 1, three arcs 44 sit on the front of the deployment
mechanism 10, and the fourth arc 44 sits on the other side of the
deployment mechanism 10. However it is contemplated that in other
embodiments the arcs 44 may be configured in any other arrangement
so long as they may extend properly upon deployment.
[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the arcs 44 are different
sizes so that the innermost arc 44 is the shortest, and the
outermost arc 44 is the longest allowing them to stack
appropriately. In FIG. 1, the arcs 44 may be composed of any
lightweight material capable of supporting a canopy 48.
[0035] As further shown in FIG. 1, a roller 46 is located on the
outermost arc 44. The roller 46 facilitates the movement of the arc
44, so it may have a smooth transition upon ejection and retraction
of the deployment mechanism 10.
[0036] As explained above, the innermost arc 44 is located on the
back side of the deployment mechanism 10. However it is
contemplated that the arcs 44 may be configured in any other
arrangement, as long as they may be extended properly.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the deployment mechanism 10
shown in FIG. 1. The example shown in FIG. 2 illustrates how the
side protrusions 14 fit inside the housing 20. FIG. 2 also gives a
more detailed view of the shaft 34. This example illustrates how
the rotating shafts 38 fit inside the end caps 36. The pulley 24
also includes an opening, through which the shaft 34 passes
through. The example in FIG. 2 also illustrates how a portion of
the housing 20 extends over and around the shaft 34, thus
protecting those moving parts from interfering with other elements
of the deployment mechanism 10 such as the canopy 48 or the
backpack.
[0038] As shown, the housing 20 fits around the frame 12 on both
sides of the deployment mechanism 10. A portion of the housing 20
also fits around the springs 30, thus protecting the springs 30
from interfering with other elements of the deployment mechanism
10. In the example shown the rotation disc end caps 42 are
rounded.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the deployment
mechanism 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in unfolded form after
deployment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the frame 12 is
deployed and is being held above the housing 20 by the lock 26. The
plunger 22 has been disengaged and the springs 30 have propelled
the frame 12 upward. The example shown in FIG. 3 also demonstrates
how the rotation shaft end caps 36 extend outward to the rotating
discs 40. This motion forces the arcs 44 to fan out upward and
allows them to support the canopy 48 portion of the umbrella.
[0040] As shown, once the frame 12 is deployed, the housing 20 is
empty. As explained earlier, a pull cord 56 may be used with the
deployment mechanism 10, in which case the pull cord 56 would
extend down from the pulley 24 through the housing 20. As shown in
FIG. 3, there is also an opening 18 in the housing 20, so that the
pull cord 56 may pass through the opening 18 and be used by the
person wearing the umbrella backpack.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, after deployment, the arcs 44 are
positioned such that they are fanned out at an equal distance
apart. However, it is contemplated that the arcs 44 may be in any
arrangement as long as they are capable of supporting a canopy 48.
Once the arcs 44 are extended outward after deployment, they may
support a canopy 48 or any other material that may function as the
covering portion of the umbrella.
[0042] The embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3 is
only one contemplated embodiment of the deployment mechanism 10
provided herein. There are numerous contemplated embodiments that
may be employed. Another example of a deployment mechanism is shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, another embodiment of the deployment
mechanism 10 may include a pair of support poles 52 that, when
deployed (i.e. launched), extend from the frame 12 to place the
canopy 48 above the head of the user. A cross bar 54 is shown
connecting the two support poles 52 to provide structural support
and retain the appropriate alignment and positioning of the support
poles 52.
[0044] FIG. 4 further illustrates how the deployment mechanism 10
may be worn on a person and used with a backpack 50 and shows how
the pull cord 56 may be positioned along one of the straps of the
backpack 50. It is contemplated that the deployment mechanism 10
may be associated with the backpack 50 in any of a number of ways.
For example, the deployment mechanism 10 may be incorporated into
the interior portion of the backpack 50, may be a separate
self-contained launcher bag (a secondary backpack 50) that may be
worn between the (primary) backpack 50 and user's back, may be
secured to an outer portion of the backpack 50, etc. In each
instance, it is contemplated that the preferred embodiment of the
deployment mechanism 10 is to be contained within a section of a
backpack 50 (whether a primary backpack 50, secondary backpack 50,
etc.) to conceal the deployment mechanism 10 when in a stored, or
unlaunched/undeployed, condition. It is further contemplated that
depending on the placement of the deployment mechanism 10, it may
be advantageous to provide a padded layer of material between the
housing 20 and the user to improve the user's comfort when wearing
the backpack 50 including the deployment mechanism 10.
[0045] Turning to FIG. 5, the pull cord 56 may be used to launch
the deployment mechanism 10. The deployment mechanism 10 shown in
FIG. 5 is shown in a launched and unfolded position. As shown, the
canopy 48 is supported by a set of ribs 44 extending from each of
the support poles 52. The ribs 44 towards the front of the canopy
48 may be longer than the ribs 44 on the sides and rear of the
canopy 48 to extend the canopy 48 over the head and body of the
user. Of course, the canopy may be any of numerous shapes and
designs, as described further herein.
[0046] Further, it is contemplated that the canopy 48 may be
interchangeable such that the ribs 44 and canopy 48 may be
replaceable to account for wind damage, wear and tear, etc. In
addition, by utilizing a universal connector adapted to enable
various types of canopies 48 to be used with a given deployment
mechanism 10, the user may interchange the canopy 48 to suit a
particular need or preference.
[0047] In the example shown, when the deployment mechanism 10 is
contained within the backpack 50 prior to launch, the pull cord 56
is fully extended along the length of the shoulder strap of the
backpack 50. Then, to launch the deployment mechanism 10, the user
may allow the pull cord 56 to retract towards the top of the
shoulder strap, enabling the spring-loaded deployment mechanism 10
to push the frame 12 upwards to deploy the canopy 48. Then, when
the user wishes to repack the canopy 48 into the backpack 50, the
user may pull the pull cord 56 back downward towards the lower
portion of the shoulder strap of the backpack 50 to pull the canopy
48 shut and to pull the frame 12 into the backpack. Of course, in
other embodiments, another release mechanism, such as a push
button, may replace some or all of the functionality of the pull
cord 56 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Alternatively, the deployment
mechanism 10 may incorporate one or more inflatable elements (e.g.,
an inflatable canopy 48, as shown in FIG. 11) such that the release
mechanism may include an air pump or other inflation mechanism
(e.g., CO2 cartridges) for instant/rapid inflation.
[0048] FIGS. 6-12 illustrate additional contemplated embodiments of
the canopy 48 and its support structure and deployment mechanism
10. As shown in FIG. 6, the canopy 48 is supported by four ribs 44
extended from the frame 12 by spring-loaded joints 40. In such an
example, the canopy 48 may be packed within the backpack 50 and
then, when the frame 12 deploys after the user activates the
deployment mechanism 10 using the pull cord 56, the spring-loaded
joints 40 extends the ribs 44 and deploys the canopy 48.
[0049] It is contemplated that in some of the embodiments, for
example in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the canopy 48 deploys
above the backpack 50 to a first elevated height, the canopy 48
unfolds, or otherwise activates for use, and then the canopy 48
retracts to a second elevated height, lower than the first elevated
height, for use. Such an embodiment would help provide the canopy
48 a larger space to operate above the user's head while opening
into the configuration for use. This may further enable the canopy
to more fully enclose the space around the user's head without
endangering the user during the deployment of the canopy 48.
[0050] FIG. 8 is another example of the style of canopy 48 shown in
FIGS. 1-3.
[0051] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the canopy 48 is first
deployed to a position above the backpack 50 and then the user may
reach back to the canopy 48 and pull it into position over the
user's head. In such an example, the support poles 52 may be bent
into a position that holds the canopy in a position and shape for
use and then returned to a position appropriate for repacking the
deployment mechanism 10 into the backpack 50. Accordingly, the
extendable support poles 52 may further be bendable and retain some
memory in shape such that the user may bend them into position to
deploy the canopy 48.
[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 10, a single support pole 52
may be used to deploy the canopy 48 above the user's head. Much
like the example shown in FIG. 7, the canopy 48 may deploy to a
first height above the user's head, the canopy 48 may open, and
then the canopy may retract slightly to move the canopy 48 closer
to the user's head.
[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 11 the canopy 48 may be a
plastic material including inflatable ribs 44. In this embodiment,
the frame 12 itself may also be inflatable, though it is not
required to be so. Such an example may be inflatable using an
integrated pump, replaceable CO2 cartridges, or in any other manner
one may inflate the canopy 48.
[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the ribs 44 may be
bendable/foldable such that it is easy for a user to twist the ribs
44 and fold them into shape to be replaced into the backpack 50.
Applying twisting forces to the ribs 44 may cause the canopy to
collapse and be easily repacked.
[0055] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to
the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention and without diminishing its
attendant advantages.
* * * * *