U.S. patent application number 13/547201 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for dishwasher basket.
This patent application is currently assigned to NUK USA LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Robert J. Godfrey, Mike Kilgore, Andy Lee Kirkpatrick, Brandon Leedy, Alan P. Paal, David A. Parrott. Invention is credited to Robert J. Godfrey, Mike Kilgore, Andy Lee Kirkpatrick, Brandon Leedy, Alan P. Paal, David A. Parrott.
Application Number | 20140014605 13/547201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49913064 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140014605 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kilgore; Mike ; et
al. |
January 16, 2014 |
DISHWASHER BASKET
Abstract
A dishwasher basket for use within an existing dishwasher for
holding baby items including a main basket, at least one side
basket housed within the main basket and being selectively
extendable from a position within the main basket to a second
position extending at least partially outside of the main basket, a
lid member hingedly secured to the main basket, and a midplate
member removably positionable within the main basket and located
between the at least one side basket and the lid member. Each side
basket includes a plurality of straw openings associated with a
cover member and a plurality of cone shaped members associated with
the side basket for holding a straw in an upright position within
the side basket.
Inventors: |
Kilgore; Mike; (Green Bay,
WI) ; Paal; Alan P.; (New Franken, WI) ;
Kirkpatrick; Andy Lee; (Green Bay, WI) ; Parrott;
David A.; (Mason, OH) ; Leedy; Brandon;
(Mason, OH) ; Godfrey; Robert J.; (Baraboo,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kilgore; Mike
Paal; Alan P.
Kirkpatrick; Andy Lee
Parrott; David A.
Leedy; Brandon
Godfrey; Robert J. |
Green Bay
New Franken
Green Bay
Mason
Mason
Baraboo |
WI
WI
WI
OH
OH
WI |
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NUK USA LLC
Hackensack
NJ
|
Family ID: |
49913064 |
Appl. No.: |
13/547201 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/501 20130101;
A47L 15/505 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/85.25 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/14 20060101
A47L015/14 |
Claims
1. A dishwasher basket comprising: a main basket; at least one side
basket housed within said main basket, said side basket being
selectively extendable between a first position wherein said at
least one side basket is located substantially within said main
basket and a second position wherein said at least one side basket
resides at least partially outside of said main basket; and a lid
secured to said main basket for providing access thereto; said main
basket, said at least one side basket, and said lid including a
plurality of openings to facilitate cleaning and to allow for the
removal of water during various dishwashing cycles.
2. The dishwasher basket according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one side basket is selectively extendable through a side wall
opening associated with said main basket.
3. The dishwasher basket according to claim 1 including a midplate
removably positionable within said main basket, said midplate lying
between said at least one side basket when said side basket is
located within said main basket and said lid.
4. The dishwasher basket defined in claim 1 wherein said lid is
hingedly attached to said main basket.
5. The dishwasher basket defined in claim 1 wherein said at least
one side basket includes a cover, said cover including a plurality
of openings to facilitate cleaning and to allow for the removal of
water during various dishwashing cycles, said cover being movable
between a first position wherein said cover provides access to the
interior of said at least one side basket and a second position
wherein said cover extends over the interior of said at least one
side basket.
6. The dishwasher basket defined in claim 5 wherein said cover
further includes a plurality of straw holes for receiving a straw
when positioned therethrough.
7. The dishwasher basket defined in claim 6 wherein said at least
one side basket further includes a plurality of cone shaped
members, each cone shaped member being positioned in substantial
alignment with one of said plurality of straw holes, each said cone
shaped member being adapted to receive one end portion of a straw
when positioned thereon.
8. The dishwasher basket according to claim 6 wherein said at least
one side basket further includes a receiving channel, said
receiving channel being positioned in substantial alignment with
said plurality of straw holes and being adapted for receiving one
end portion of a straw positioned therein.
9. The dishwasher basket according to claim 6 wherein said at least
one side basket further includes a plurality of recessed cavities,
each recessed cavity being positioned in substantial alignment with
a corresponding straw hole, each recessed cavity being adapted to
receive one end portion of a straw when positioned therein.
10. The dishwasher basket according to claim 5 wherein said cover
includes a plurality of notches, and wherein said at least one side
basket includes a plurality of first notches, said plurality of
first side basket notches being positioned in substantial alignment
with said plurality of cover notches for holding a straw in a
substantial vertical arrangement when positioned respectively
through one of said cover notches and through one of said
corresponding first side basket notches.
11. The dishwasher basket according to claim 10 wherein said at
least one side basket further includes a plurality of second
notches positioned at an intermediate location between said
plurality of cover notches and said plurality of first side basket
notches, said plurality of intermediate second notches being
positioned in substantial alignment with said plurality of cover
notches and with said plurality of first side basket notches, said
plurality of intermediate second notches facing in an opposite
direction as compared to said plurality of cover notches and said
plurality of first side basket notches.
12. The dishwasher basket according to claim 1 including a pair of
side baskets housed within said main basket, each side basket being
selectively extendable from a first position wherein each side
basket is located substantially within said main basket and a
second position wherein each side basket extends at least partially
outside said main basket.
13. The dishwasher basket according to claim 3 wherein said main
basket includes a ridge member associated with each opposite side
of said main basket, said midplate resting on said ridge members
when position within said main basket.
14. A dishwasher basket comprising: a main basket; at least one
side basket housed within said main basket, said at least one side
basket being selectively extendable from a first position wherein
said at least one side basket is located substantially within said
main basket and a second position wherein said at least one side
basket extends at least partially beyond the perimeter of said main
basket; a midplate removably positionable within said main basket;
and a lid attachable to said main basket; said main basket, said at
least one side basket, said lid and said midplate including a
plurality of drainage holes for facilitating cleaning and for
allowing the removal of water during various dishwashing
cycles.
15. The dishwasher basket according to claim 15 wherein said at
least one side basket includes a cover, said cover including a
plurality of straw holes for receiving a straw when positioned
therethrough.
16. The dishwasher basket according to claim 15 wherein said at
least one side basket further includes a plurality of cone shaped
members, each cone shaped member being positioned in substantial
alignment with one of said plurality of straw holes, each cone
shaped member being adaptable for receiving one end portion of a
straw when positioned thereon.
17. A dishwasher basket comprising: a main basket; a pair of side
baskets, each side basket being housed within said main basket and
each being selectively movable from a first position wherein said
side basket is located substantially within said main basket and a
second position wherein said side basket extends at least partially
outside of said main basket; each side basket further including a
cover member which is movable between a first position wherein said
cover member extends over the interior of said side basket and a
second position providing access to the interior of said side
basket, each cover member including a plurality of straw holes; a
lid hingedly secured to said main basket; and a midplate removably
positionable within said main basket between said pair of side
baskets and said lid; each side basket further including a
plurality of cone shaped members, each cone shaped member being
positioned in substantial alignment with one of said plurality of
straw holes, each cone shaped being adapted to receive one end
portion of a straw when positioned thereon; said main basket, said
pair of side baskets, said cover members, said lid and said
midplate each including a plurality of drainage holes to facilitate
cleaning of objects positioned therein and to allow for the removal
of water during various dishwashing cycles.
18. The dishwasher basket according to claim 17 wherein said main
basket includes at least a pair of channel members associated with
each opposite side thereof, and wherein each of said pair of side
baskets includes at least one projection associated therewith for
engagement with a corresponding channel member, each said
projection member being slidably movable within a corresponding
channel member for allowing said side baskets to be slidably
adjustable between their first and second positions.
19. The dishwasher basket according to claim 18 wherein said main
basket further includes at least one ridge member associated with
each opposite side of said main basket, said ridge members being
positioned above said channel members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a dishwasher
basket and, more particularly, to a device for securing baby
bottles and other component parts related thereto as well as other
baby items such as baby bottles, nipples, collars, caps, straws,
cups and the like.
[0002] There are a number of items used to assist in the feeding
and nourishment of young children and infants including, but not
limited to, baby bottles, sippy cups, non-spill cups, straw cups,
straws, eating utensils, and much more. Oftentimes, these items
include a number of small component parts such as baby bottle
nipples, collars, caps, cup lids, straws, valves and the like.
These items are difficult to wash properly in a dishwasher because
they tend to be awkwardly, shaped and, because of their small size,
may get dislodged during washing. Currently, such items are placed
randomly within the dishwasher, or in a dishwasher accessory such
as a silverware basket. In order to wash these items properly, they
must be thoroughly cleansed with the water from the jets of the
dishwasher. However, because traditional dishwashers and dishwasher
accessories are not designed to adequately hold these types of
items, it is difficult to retain them within the confines of the
dishwasher basket or accessory, and to get them properly cleaned.
Consequently, these items are often washed by hand, which takes
considerable time and does not necessarily guarantee effective
cleaning.
[0003] Although there are some dishwasher baskets designed in an
attempt to effectuate thorough cleaning of the component parts of
infant feeding equipment, an improved dishwasher basket intended
for use in securing these components to ensure complete cleaning
during the various dishwashing cycles is desirable. Therefore, a
need exists for a multi-compartmental dishwasher basket which is
adjustable in size to accommodate a variety of baby items, as
needed, while securing such items within the dishwasher basket to
ensure thorough cleaning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to a dishwasher basket
which is intended to secure the components of baby bottles, sippy
cups, non-spill cups, straw cups, straws, eating utensils and other
similar items during the various dishwashing cycles. The dishwasher
basket is designed to be placed within a dishwasher so that the
component parts of infant feeding vessels may be positioned and
held therein to be thoroughly washed and secured in order to
prevent these items from becoming lost within the dishwasher. The
dishwasher basket may be fashioned from any suitably washable
material such as, but not limited to, organic polymers, elastomeric
material, thermoplastic, thermosetting polymer, polycarbonate,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride,
silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, stainless steel and the
like. The dishwasher basket may include a plurality of drainage
holes across its various surfaces to facilitate complete cleaning
and to allow for the removal of water during the various
dishwashing cycles.
[0005] The dishwasher basket may further include a main basket for
housing a plurality of side baskets. The side baskets are
selectively extendable from the opposite sides of the main basket
and are normally housed therewithin Each of the side baskets may
include at least one projection for slidable engagement with a
corresponding channel associated with the main basket, the at least
one projection securing each side basket to the main basket and it
allows the side baskets to be adjusted in order to accommodate
varying storage needs within the dishwasher basket. When the side
baskets are fully extended, they are positioned substantially
outside the sidewall openings of the main basket and Outside the
side wall perimeter of the main basket so that the main basket may
be used for additional storage, as needed.
[0006] Each side basket may further include a cover located on the
top face of the side basket for securing items within the side
basket when it is in an extended position. The cover may further
include a plurality of projections, each projection intended for
engagement with one of a plurality of holes located in the side
walls of each side basket for removably securing the cover to the
side basket. Each side basket may further include a plurality of
cone shaped members located within the side basket, each cone
shaped member being adapted for receiving a first end of a straw
for holding it substantially in place within the dishwasher basket.
A plurality of straw holes are located within the cover, each straw
hole being in substantial alignment with a corresponding cone
shaped member located therebelow and each straw hold being sized to
hold a second end of a straw substantially in place within the
dishwasher basket. Thus, each of the cone shaped members cooperate
with each of the corresponding straw holes located in the cover to
hold the straws in an upright position in order to facilitate
complete cleaning during the various dishwashing cycles.
[0007] The dishwasher basket may further include a midplate and a
lid for storing small component parts of infant feeding equipment
therebetween such as, but not limited to, baby bottle nipples,
collars, caps, cup lids, valves and the like. The lid may be
attached to the main basket by a hinge, or a plurality of hinges.
The midplate may be positioned against at least one ridge or flange
member associated with each opposite side of the main basket, the
ridge members being located above the corresponding channels for
receiving the projections associated with the side baskets. The
midplate is operably secured against the ridge members when the lid
is in a closed position, and it rests upon the ridge or flange
members when the lid is in an open position. Thus the midplate may
be removed from the dishwasher basket when more vertical space
within the main basket and/or the side baskets is desired.
[0008] Specific advantages and features of the present dishwasher
basket will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the
description of several illustrative embodiments of the present
invention.
[0009] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
dishwasher basket constructed in accordance with the teachings of
the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the dishwasher basket of
FIG. 1 with the extendable side baskets extending outward from the
main basket.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of the dishwasher
basket of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a partial side perspective view of the dishwasher
basket of FIG. 1 showing the cover associated with one side basket
in an open position.
[0014] FIG. 5A is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of a straw holder associated with the side baskets of FIGS.
1-4.
[0015] FIG. 5B is a partial side perspective view of another
embodiment of a straw holder associated with the side baskets of
FIGS. 1-4.
[0016] FIG. 5C is a partial side perspective view of still another
embodiment of a straw holder associated with the side baskets of
FIGS. 1-4.
[0017] It should be understood that the present drawings are not
necessarily to scale and that the embodiments disclosed herein are
sometimes illustrated by fragmentary views. In certain instances,
details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present
invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may
have been omitted. It should also be understood that the invention
is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments
illustrated herein. Like numbers utilized throughout the various
figures designate like or similar parts or structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring now to the drawings more particularly by reference
numbers, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a dishwasher basket
10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. FIG. 1 shows the present dishwasher basket 10 in its
closed position and FIG. 2 shows the side baskets 16 in their
extended position. The dishwasher basket 10 is intended to secure
baby items including the components parts associated therewith such
as, but not limited to, baby bottles, sippy cups, non-spill cups,
straw cups, straws and other similar baby related items during the
various dishwashing cycles. The dishwasher basket 10 is designed to
be placed within a dishwasher so that the component parts of infant
feeding items may be positioned therewithin to be thoroughly washed
and held secured therewithin in order to prevent these items from
becoming dislodged or lost within the dishwasher. In one embodiment
of the present invention, various aspects of the dishwasher basket
10 may be constructed directly into the racks of dishwashers
themselves. Furthermore, various aspects of the dishwasher basket
10 may be utilized independent of the dishwasher basket 10 and thus
designed as separate accessories to be used in conjunction with
existing dishwasher racks, silverware baskets or dishwasher
baskets. In addition to its intended use, the dishwasher basket 10
may be readily adapted for any number of uses including washing a
variety of other components, or uses not related to dishwashing
(such as storage) without departing from the teachings and practice
of the present invention.
[0019] The dishwasher basket 10 may be fashioned from any suitably
material such as, but not limited to, organic polymers, elastomeric
material, thermoplastic, thermosetting polymer, polycarbonate,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride,
silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, stainless steel and the
like. The dishwasher basket 10 may include a plurality of drainage
holes 12 located across its various surfaces as illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5 to facilitate complete cleaning and to allow for the
removal of water during the various dishwashing cycles. In
alternative embodiments, any number of the slots, spaces or cutouts
12 of varying shapes and/or sizes may be integrated within the
various surfaces of the dishwasher basket 10 without departing from
the teachings and practice of the present invention.
[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the dishwasher basket 10
includes a main basket 14 and a pair of side baskets 16. The side
baskets 16 are housed within main basket 14 and each are
selectively extendable from a first position wherein a side basket
16 is located substantially within the main basket 14 and a second
position wherein a side basket 16 is located substantially outside
of the main basket 14. In this regard, each opposite end portion of
the main basket 14 is open and includes an opening 24 to receive a
side basket 16 and one end portion of the side basket 16 forms the
closed end portion of the main basket 14 when the side basket is in
its closed position. Each of the side baskets 16 may include at
least one projection 20, and preferably two projections 20, one on
each opposite side of the basket 16 as best illustrated in FIG. 3,
for slidable engagement with a pair of corresponding channels 22
associated with the main basket 14. The channels 22 may extend
partially or completely through the main basket 14 as best
illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. When positioned within the channels 22,
the projections 20 secure the side baskets 16 to the main basket 14
and allow the side baskets 16 to be slidably adjusted between their
respective first and second positions in order to accommodate
varying storage needs within the dishwasher basket 10. When the
side baskets 16 are extended, they are positioned at least
partially outside the sidewall openings 24 of the main basket 14,
and at least partially outside of the perimeter of the main basket,
so that the main basket 14 may be used for additional storage, as
needed, and other items may be positioned within the side baskets
16. The projections 20 also function as stop members when the side
baskets 16 are fully extended, the projections 20 engaging one end
portion of each respective channel 22. It is also understood that
the side baskets 16 may be moveably secured within the main basket
14 using a variety of other mechanisms, as desired, to accommodate
various alternative designs of the dishwasher basket 10 without
departing from the teachings and practice of the present
invention.
[0021] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, each side basket 16 may
further include a cover 26 located on the top face thereof for
securing items placed within the side basket 16 when it is in an
extended position. The cover 26 includes a plurality of projections
28, each projection 28 intended for engagement with one of a
plurality of holes 30 located in the side walls of the side basket
16 for removably securing the cover 26 to the side basket 16. The
side basket 16 and/or the cover 26 are made of sufficiently
flexible material to facilitate the removal and insertion of the
projections 28 into the holes, as desired. In one embodiment, the
cover 26 can be pivotally rotated about a pair of projections 28 to
open and close the cover 26 as best shown in FIG. 4. The other pair
of projections 28 can be flexibly or resiliently maneuvered into
and out of their corresponding holes 30 to open and secure the
cover 26 in its closed position. In other embodiments, the cover 26
may be connected to the side basket 16 in still other various ways
including, but not limited to, a snap-in connection, a
friction-based connection, the use of channels and/or notches for
receiving the cover projections 28, or any other suitable
connection means. The cover 26 may also be held in place with a
hinge or still other securing means.
[0022] Each side basket 16 may further include a plurality of straw
holes 34 located within the cover 26 as best illustrated in FIGS.
2-4, each straw hole 34 being adapted to receive a straw when
placed therethrough. Each basket 16 may also include a plurality of
cone shaped members 32 located within the side basket 16 as best
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, each cone shaped member 32 being
adapted to receive one end portion of a straw when placed
thereover. Each of the cone shaped members 32 cooperates with and
is positioned in substantial alignment with a corresponding straw
hole. 34 located on the cover 26 so that one end portion of the
straw is placed over the cone shaped member 32 and a second portion
of the straw is held in a vertical orientation by extending through
the corresponding straw hole 34 located thereabove. Placing a straw
through one hole 34 and engaging its opposite end portion with a
corresponding cone shaped member 32 allows the straw to be held in
an upright position in the basket 10 in order to facilitate
complete cleaning during the various dishwashing cycles.
[0023] In alternative embodiments a variety of other receiving
members may be utilized which permit straws to be held in an
upright position to ensure complete cleaning during the various
dishwashing cycles without departing from the teachings and
practice of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment
illustrated in 5A, the cone shaped members 32 are replaced with a
receiving channel 36 which is likewise located within the side
basket 16 and cooperates with the straw holes 34 located within the
cover 26. In this embodiment, the one end portion of the respective
straws merely sit within the channel 36 and the combination of the
channel 36 and holes 34 hold the straws within the dishwasher
basket 10 in an upright position.
[0024] In the embodiment illustrated in 5B, a plurality of spaced
notches 38A replace the straw holes 34 located within the cover 26
and face in the same direction as a plurality of spaced notches 38C
which replace the cone shaped members 32 located within the bottom
portion of the side basket 16. An additional row of spaced notches
38B are located within the basket 16 and are located intermediate
the notches 38A and 38C, the notches 38B facing the opposite
direction from the notches 38A and 38C. Each notch 38A cooperates
with a vertically corresponding notch 38B and 38C so that when a
straw is inserted within the respective notches, it will be held
within the dishwasher basket 10 in an upright position.
[0025] In the embodiment illustrated in 5C, a plurality of recessed
cavities 40 replace the cone shaped members 32 at the bottom of the
each basket 16 and each cavity 40 cooperates with a corresponding
straw hole 34 located within the cover 26 for again holding straws
within the dishwasher basket 10 in an upright position.
[0026] The dishwasher basket 10 may further include a midplate 42
and a lid 44 for storing small component parts of infant feeding
equipment therebetween such as baby bottle nipples, collars, caps,
cup lids, valves and the like. These smaller items can be placed on
the midplate 42 and can be trapped between the midplate 42 and the
lid 44, when closed, to retain these items within the basket 10.
The lid 44 may be attached to the main basket 14 by one or more
hinges 46. In another embodiment, the lid 44 may be selectively
connected to the main basket 14 by any suitable means including,
but not limited to, a snap-in and/or a friction based connection.
In one embodiment, the midplate 42 may rest upon and be positioned
against ridge members 48 located on each opposite side of the main
basket 14 above the channels 22 as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The
midplate 42 rests upon and is operably secured against the ridge
members 48 when the lid 44 is in its closed position. The midplate
42 may be removed from the dishwasher basket 10 by simply lifting
the member 42 off of the ridges 48 when more vertical space within
the main basket 14 and/or the side baskets 16 is desired. The lid
44 can be closed with or without the midplate 42 in place within
the basket 10. In another embodiment, the midplate 42 may be
selectively connected to the main basket 14 in various ways
including, but not limited to, a snap-in connection, a
friction-based connection, notches for receiving the midplate 42,
or any other suitable connection. In yet another embodiment, the
midplate 42 may be slidably insertable via a narrow opening located
within the upper side wall portion of the main basket 14, or by any
other process which secures the midplate 42 within the main basket
14. It is also further envisioned that multiple midplates 42 may be
housed within the main basket 14 and/or within the lid 44 without
departing from the teachings and practice of the present invention.
The midplate 42 may be totally within the main basket 14, or at
least a portion thereof may rest upon the top edge portion of the
main basket 14.
[0027] The present dishwasher basket 10 therefore provides an
expandable dishwasher basket made specifically to hold a wide
variety of different types of baby items as discussed above. Each
respective side basket 16 can be extended to a position outside of
the main basket 14 for placing items therewithin. When one or both
of the side baskets 16 are loaded, they can then be re-inserted
into the main basket 14. Additional smaller items can be placed on
the midplate 42 and captured between the midplate 42 and the lid 44
when the lid is moved to its closed position. If additional space
is needed, the side baskets 16 can be left in their extended
positions and additional items can be placed inside the main basket
14. Still further, if straws are to be cleaned using the present
basket 10, these straws can be placed within the straw openings 34
and can be further engaged with any one of the plurality of holding
means including the cone-shaped members 32, the channel 36, the
notches 38A, 38B, and 38C, and the recessed cavities 40. When
straws are to be cleaned, the side baskets 16 will be at least
partially extended outside of the perimeter of the main basket 14
so that the straws can remain in an upright vertical position
without interfering with the midplate 42 and/or the lid 44. It is
also recognized and anticipated that other items besides baby
related items can be placed within the basket 10 for cleaning
within a typical dishwasher. Still further, it is also recognized
that the overall dimensions of the present basket 10 including the
extendible side baskets 16 as well as the specific shape and
configuration of the various members associated therewith are also
subject to wide variations and may be sized and shaped into a wide
variety of different sizes and configurations so as to be
compatible for placement within known existing dishwashers, or to
conform with any space limitations associated therewith without
impairing the teachings and practice of the present invention.
Other variations and modifications to the various components
comprising the present dishwasher basket 10 are also
contemplated.
[0028] Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments
of a novel dishwasher basket. As is evident from the foregoing
description, certain aspects of the present invention are not
limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated
herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications
and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those
skilled in the art. The terms "having" and "including" and similar
terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense
of "optional" or "may include" and not as "required". Many changes,
modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the
present invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled
in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying
drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other
uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope
of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is
limited only by the claims which follow.
* * * * *