U.S. patent application number 13/670961 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for military helmet.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yochanan Cohen. Invention is credited to Yochanan Cohen.
Application Number | 20140123360 13/670961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50620967 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140123360 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cohen; Yochanan |
May 8, 2014 |
Military Helmet
Abstract
Embodiments of a protective helmet have a shell formed from a
cushioning material, a cushioning spacer layer coupled to the shell
and only partially covering an inner surface of the shell, a
ballistic-resistant inner shell having an outer surface attached to
the cushioning spacer layer and an inner surface, and an innermost
cushioning pad layer attached to the inner surface of the
ballistic-resistant inner shell. A flexible thin cover extending
around an outer surface of the cushioning shell and with or without
graphics may be provided.
Inventors: |
Cohen; Yochanan; (New York,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cohen; Yochanan |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50620967 |
Appl. No.: |
13/670961 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/6.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/003 20130101;
F41H 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/6.6 |
International
Class: |
F41H 1/04 20060101
F41H001/04 |
Claims
1. A protective helmet comprising: a continuous cushioning material
shell having an inner surface; a cushioning spacer layer coupled to
said cushioning shell, said cushioning spacer layer only partially
covering said inner surface of said cushioning shell; a continuous
hard anti-ballistic inner shell having an outer surface and an
inner surface, said outer surface attached to said cushioning
spacer layer; an innermost cushioning pad layer attached to said
inner surface of said hard inner structure.
2. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein: said hard
anti-ballistic inner shell is formed from at least one of
para-aramid synthetic fiber and ultra-high-molecular-weight
polyethylene.
3. A helmet according to claim 1, further comprising: a flexible
thin cover extending around an outer surface of said cushioning
shell.
4. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein: said
cushioning shell is formed from one of foam, thermoplastic
polyurethane, and open-cell polyurethane.
5. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein: said
cushioning spacer layer is formed from at least one of foam,
thermoplastic polyurethane, and open-cell polyurethane.
6. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein: said
innermost cushioning pad layer is formed from at least one of foam,
thermoplastic polyurethane, and open-cell polyurethane.
7. A protective helmet according to claim 2, wherein: said hard
anti-ballistic inner shell is formed from a para-aramid synthetic
fiber.
8. A protective helmet according to claim 5, wherein: said
cushioning spacer layer comprises at least one spacer defining
spaces.
9. A protective helmet according to claim 8, wherein: said at least
one spacer comprises a plurality of spacers.
10. A protective helmet according to claim 6, wherein: said
innermost cushioning pad layer comprises at least one pad defining
spaces.
11. A protective helmet according to claim 10, wherein: said
innermost cushioning pad layer comprises a plurality of pads
defining space therebetween.
12. A protective helmet according to claim 3, wherein: said
flexible thin cover comprises one of a fabric, film and foil.
13. A protective helmet according to claim 12, wherein: said
flexible thin cover comprises one of ballistic nylon,
polychloroprene, polyester fabric, para-aramid synthetic fiber, and
ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene.
14. A protective helmet according to claim 3, wherein: said
flexible thin cover is adapted to be removable from said cushioning
shell without damaging said cushioning shell.
15. A protective helmet, comprising: a continuous cushioning shell
formed from at least one of foam and thermoplastic polyurethane,
said continuous cushioning shell having a convex outer surface and
a concave inner surface; a cushioning spacer layer coupled to and
only partially covering said concave inner surface of said
cushioning shell, said cushioning spacer layer including at least
one pad defining first spaces and formed from at least one of foam
and thermoplastic polyurethane; a continuous ballistic-resistant
inner shell having a convex outer surface and a concave inner
surface, said convex outer surface of said ballistic-resistant
inner shell attached to said cushioning spacer layer and formed
from at least one of a para-aramid synthetic fiber and
ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene; an innermost cushioning
pad layer attached to said concave inner surface of said
ballistic-resistant inner shell and formed from at least one of
foam, thermoplastic polyurethane, and open-cell polyurethane.
16. A protective helmet according to claim 15, further comprising:
a flexible thin cover extending around said outer convex surface of
said cushioning shell.
17. A protective helmet according to claim 16, wherein: said
flexible thin cover is adapted to camouflage said helmet.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to military helmets. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to military helmets
having enhanced protective performance characteristics.
[0003] 2. State of the Art
[0004] Head trauma resulting in traumatic brain injury (TBI) has
become a common occurrence in the military. A common cause of TBI
is damage caused by explosive devices such as improvised explosive
devices (IEDs).
[0005] TBI injuries fall into several categories that may have
different symptoms. Mild TBI (MTBI), commonly referred to as a
concussion, is a brief loss of consciousness or disorientation
ranging up to thirty minutes. Although brain damage may not be
visible on an MRI or CAT scan, common symptoms of MTBI include
headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision,
ringing in the ears, fatigue or lethargy, behavioral or mood
changes, and trouble with memory, concentration or attention.
Severe traumatic brain injury is associated with loss of
consciousness for over thirty minutes or amnesia. Symptoms of
severe TBI include all those of MTBI as well as headaches that
increase in severity or do not abate, repeated vomiting or nausea,
convulsions or seizures, dilation of the eye pupils, slurred
speech, weakness or numbness in the extremities, loss of
coordination, and increased confusion or agitation. TBI injuries
can cause lasting physical and cognitive damage.
[0006] Presently, the U.S. army utilizes the Advanced Combat Helmet
(ACH) that incorporates ballistic fiber such as KEVLAR (a trademark
of DuPont of Wilmington, Del.), TWARON (a trademark of Teijin
Twaron, B.V. of the Netherlands), or ultra-high-molecular-weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE). The ACH has a suspension system including a
rear suspension system to which a ballistic "nape pad" is attached.
The nape pad is intended to reduce solider deaths from shrapnel
wounds to the neck and lower head.
[0007] Despite the introduction of the ACH, TBI injuries continue
to be a major cause of concern.
SUMMARY
[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts that are further described below in the detailed
description. This summary is not intended to identify key or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0009] A military helmet includes a multilayered system including a
cushioning outer shell, a hard ballistic resistant inner shell, a
cushioning spacer layer between the cushioning outer shell and the
hard inner shell, with the cushioning spacer layer arranged
relative to the hard inner shell to redirect energy transmitted
from the cushioning outer shell along a circuitous path to air and
to the hard inner shell, and plurality of innermost cushioning pads
coupled to the inside of the hard inner shell.
[0010] In one aspect, the cushioning outer shell serves the purpose
of absorbing or deflecting an acoustic shock wave that can impact
the military helmet in advance of the impact of a projectile (e.g.,
bullet).
[0011] In one embodiment, the cushioning outer shell is covered by
a flexible thin cover. The flexible thin cover may be a fabric,
film, foil, or other cover such as a ballistic nylon (a high denier
nylon thread with a dense basket weave) that is used as a cover for
the ACH. The flexible thin cover may provide a surface for printing
graphics (e.g., camouflage). The flexible thin cover may also
protect the cushioning outer shell from damage.
[0012] In one embodiment, the hard ballistic resistant inner shell
is formed from a ballistic fiber composite material such as
KEVLAR.
[0013] In one embodiment, the cushioning spacer layer includes a
plurality of elements glued or otherwise attached to the cushioning
outer shell and to the hard inner shell. In another embodiment, the
cushioning spacer layer comprises a single member defining a
plurality of spaces. The cushioning spacer layer elements or member
may include a plurality of layers of different densities.
[0014] In one embodiment one or more of cushioning layers or
elements is formed from a foam material such as an elastomeric,
cellular foam material. In another embodiment, one or more of the
cushioning layers is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a first embodiment
of a military helmet.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative cushioning
spacer layer.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a military helmet including
straps and accessories.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] One embodiment of a military helmet 10 is seen in FIGS. 1-3.
Helmet 10 includes a multilayered system including an optional
outermost cover 15, a cushioning outer shell 20 having a convex
outer surface 22 and a concave inner surface 24, a hard
ballistic-resistant inner shell 40 with a convex outer surface 42
and a concave inner surface 44, a cushioning spacer layer 30
located between and separating the cushioning outer shell 20 and
the hard inner shell 40, and one or more innermost cushioning pads
50 coupled to the inside surface 44 of the hard inner shell 40. The
innermost cushioning pads 50 may be covered by another fabric layer
60. As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, the cushioning
spacer layer 30 separates the cushioning outer shell 20 from the
ballistic-resistant inner shell 40 and redirects energy transmitted
from the cushioning outer shell along a circuitous path to air gaps
and to the ballistic-resistant inner shell, thereby causing
dissipation of shock (pressure) wave energy. Pressure wave energy
that does reach the ballistic-resistant inner shell 40 is further
dissipated by the innermost cushioning pads 50 before reaching the
head of the helmet user (not shown).
[0021] When a projectile is shot at the helmet, before the
projectile reaches the helmet, an energy wave hits the helmet. This
energy wave can be a significant percentage of the total energy
(energy or shock wave energy plus projectile energy) that impacts
the helmet. In fact, in some circumstances, it is possible that
only a shock wave is received, in which case, the shock wave is
100% of the total energy impacting the helmet. The military helmet
10 is designed to lessen the total energy impact on its user in two
separate manners. First, the energy wave can take various paths.
For example, it should be appreciated that the cushioning outer
shell 20 will absorb and/or distribute some or all of the energy.
The energy may be absorbed by deflection of the foam cushioning. If
some of the energy passes through the cushioning outer shell 20 it
can either pass into the cushioning spacers 30 or into the air
between the cushioning spacers. Again, if the energy passes into
the cushioning spacers, the energy may be absorbed by deflection of
the cushioning spacers. Alternatively or in addition, the energy
may be absorbed in the air between the cushioning spacers. Energy
passing through the cushioning spacer level will reach the hard
inner shell where it can be one or more of reflected, distributed,
absorbed or transmitted. Energy passing through the hard inner
ballistic-resistant will be passed to the innermost cushioning pads
50 or the air gaps between the pads where the energy again may be
absorbed by deflection of the cushioning pads 50 or by the air gaps
therein. With all of these possible paths, it will be appreciated
that the energy imparted by the energy shock wave will be
significantly dissipated before reaching the head of the user. In
addition, by forcing the energy wave through a tortuous path due to
the use of cushioning and multiple layers with air gaps, the
resistance to the energy shock waves by the helmet is increased. In
this manner, the incidence of brain concussions of wearers of the
military helmet 10 can be reduced.
[0022] The military helmet 10 is also adapted to lessen the impact
of the projectile itself. In particular, while the cushioning outer
shell 20 and the cushioning spacer layer 30 will not appreciably
stop the projectile, the hard inner shell 40 formed from a
ballistic-resistant material will act to stop the projectile in the
manner of the previously described with reference to the Advanced
Combat Helmet.
[0023] Some of the energy paths through the helmet can be seen by
reference to FIG. 3 which shows three different cross-sectional
paths through the military helmet. A first cross section at
location A through the military helmet shows a fabric cover 15, the
cushioning shell 20, a cushioning spacer pad 30, a
ballistic-resistant inner shell 40, an inner cushioning pad 50, and
an inner fabric cover 60 for the inner cushioning pad 50. Location
B shows the cover 15, cushioning shell 20, space 35 (e.g., air
between the cushioning spacer pads 30), the ballistic-resistant
inner shell 40, an inner cushioning pad 50, and an inner fabric
cover 60 for the inner cushioning pad 50. Location C includes the
cover 15, the cushioning shell 20, the cushioning spacer pad 30,
the ballistic-resistant inner shell 40, and space 55 (e.g., air gap
between the inner cushioning pads 50).
[0024] It should be appreciated that the described cross-sections
give certain energy paths through the military helmet 10, but that
many other exist, and it is not necessary that all of these paths
exist simultaneously in a military helmet. In fact, it will be
appreciated that energy waves will generally take a path of least
resistance through a substance that may not correspond exactly to
any of the cross-sections. Because harder substances will generally
transmit energy waves more readily than air, the air gaps will
cause the energy to travel and spread radially through the
cushioning shell 20 and the hard inner shell 40. However, travel
through a longer distance in the cushioning shell 20 and the
ballistic-resistant inner shell 40 causes further attenuation of
the energy.
[0025] In one embodiment, the flexible thin cover 15 may be a
fabric, film, foil, or other cover such as a ballistic nylon (a
high denier nylon thread with a dense basket weave) that is used as
a cover for the ACH. The flexible thin cover may provide a surface
for printing graphics, e.g., camouflage (see FIG. 5). The flexible
thin cover may also protect the cushioning outer shell from damage.
If desired, the flexible thin cover may extend around the periphery
of the helmet (as suggested in FIG. 3) to protect the periphery of
the cushioning shell 20 and the cushioning spacer layer 30 and
optionally the hard inner shell 40 and even the innermost
cushioning pads 50. Alternatively, if desired, a flexible band may
be used to extend around the periphery and cover the peripheral
edge of cushioning shell 20, the spacer layer 30 and optionally the
hard shell 40. In one embodiment, the flexible thin cover is made
from ballistic nylon, a high denier nylon thread with a dense
basket weave such as Cordura (a trademark of Invista, Wichita,
Kans.). In another embodiment, the flexible thin cover is made from
a Neoprene (a trademark of DuPont, Delaware) rubber
(polychloroprene) fabric. In another embodiment, the flexible thin
cover is made from a polyester fabric. In another embodiment, the
flexible thin cover is made from non-woven fabric. In another
embodiment, the flexible thin cover is made from a printable film.
In another embodiment, the flexible thin cover is made from a
para-aramid synthetic fiber such as KEVLAR (a trademark of DuPont
of Wilmington, Del). In another embodiment the flexible thin cover
comprises TWARON (a trademark of Teijin Twaron, B.V. of the
Netherlands). In another embodiment, the flexible thin cover is
made from a ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. By way of
example only, the thin cover may be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm thick,
although it may be thinner or thicker. By way of another example,
the flexible thin cover may be between 0.3 mm and 3.25 mm thick. By
way of another example, the flexible thin cover may be between 1.0
mm and 1.5 mm thick. The thin cover 15 may be attached at one or
more places to the cushioning shell 20, so that the cover may be
removed from the shell 20 without damaging the shell. By way of
example only, attachment may be made by use of Velcro (a trademark
of Velcro USA Inc., Manchester, N.H.). Alternatively, the thin
cover may be glued, tacked or sewn to the shell 20. In one
embodiment, the thin cover 15 covers the entire cushioning shell
20.
[0026] In one embodiment the cushioning shell 20 is comprised of
foam. The foam may be an elastomeric, cellular foam or any other
desirable foam. In another embodiment, the cushioning shell is
comprised of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In another
embodiment, the cushioning shell is comprised of open-cell
polyurethane. In another embodiment, the cushioning shell is
comprised of closed cell polyolefin foam. In another embodiment,
the cushioning shell is comprised of polyethylene foam which may be
a high density polyethylene foam. In one embodiment, the outer
surface 22 of the cushioning shell 20 is generally (hemi-)spherical
in shape. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the
cushioning shell may be between 3 mm and 13 mm thick, although it
may be thinner or thicker. By way of example, and not by way of
limitation, the cushioning shell may have a density of between 3.4
lbs/ft.sup.3 (approximately 0.016 g/cm.sup.3) and 25 lbs/ft.sup.3
(approximately 0.4 g/cm.sup.3), although it may be more dense or
less dense.
[0027] In one embodiment the cushioning spacer layer 30 comprises a
plurality of pads 31. The pads 31 may be circular in shape or may
be formed in other shapes. Multiple shapes may be used together. In
one embodiment, the spacer layer may include a strip of material 33
(seen in FIG. 1) around the peripheral edge of the military helmet
between the shell 20 and the hard inner shell 40 that can prevent
foreign material from entering between the shell 20 and the hard
inner shell 40. In another embodiment (seen in FIG. 4) the
cushioning spacer layer is a single pad 30a defining multiple
cut-outs 35a (i.e., the equivalent of multiple connected pads). In
one embodiment the spacer layer 30 is comprised of foam. The foam
may be an elastomeric, cellular foam or any other desirable foam.
In another embodiment, the cushioning spacer layer is comprised of
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In another embodiment, the
cushioning spacer layer is comprised of open-cell polyurethane. In
another embodiment, the cushioning spacer layer is comprised of
closed cell polyolefin foam. In another embodiment, the cushioning
spacer layer is comprised of polyethylene foam which may be a high
density polyethylene foam. In another embodiment, the cushioning
spacer layer 30 has multiple layers formed from different
materials. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the
cushioning spacer layer may be between 3 mm and 26 mm thick,
although it may be thinner or thicker. As another example, the
cushioning spacer layer may be between 6 and 13 mm thick. By way of
example, and not by way of limitation, the cushioning spacer layer
may have a density of between 3.4 lbs/ft.sup.3 (approximately 0.016
g/cm.sup.3) and 25 lbs/ft.sup.3 (approximately 0.4 g/cm.sup.3),
although it may be more dense or less dense.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the spacer layer 30 covers
approximately fifty percent of the inner surface area of the shell
20. In another embodiment, the spacer layer 30 covers between
twenty percent and eighty percent of the inner surface area of the
shell. The spacer layer 30 should cover sufficient area between the
shell 20 and the hard inner shell 40 so that upon most expected
impacts to the helmet 10, the shell 20 does not directly come into
contact with the hard inner shell 40. Regardless of the material
and arrangement of the cushioning spacer layer 30, in one
embodiment the cushioning material is affixed to the shell 20 and
to the hard inner structure. Affixation can be done with glue,
Velcro or any other affixation means.
[0029] In one embodiment, the hard ballistic-resistant inner shell
40 is comprised of a ballistic-resistant fibrous material. In one
embodiment the inner shell material comprises a para-aramid
synthetic fiber such as KEVLAR (a trademark of DuPont of
Wilmington, Del.). In another embodiment the inner shell material
comprises TWARON (a trademark of Teijin Twaron, B.V. of the
Netherlands). In another embodiment, the inner shell material
comprises ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. As previously
mentioned, in one embodiment the hard ballistic-resistant shell 40
is affixed to the spacer layer 30. Affixation can be done with
glue, Velcro or any other affixation means. By way of example and
not by way of limitation, the hard ballistic-resistant shell is
between 2 mm and 20 mm thick, although it may be thinner or
thicker. As another example, the hard inner ballistic-resistant
shell 40 is between 7 mm and 12 mm thick.
[0030] In one embodiment, the one or more innermost cushioning
pad(s) 50 is comprised of foam. The foam may be an elastomeric,
cellular foam or any other desirable foam. In another embodiment,
the cushioning pad(s) 50 is comprised of thermoplastic polyurethane
(TPU). In another embodiment, the cushioning pad(s) is comprised of
open-cell polyurethane. In another embodiment, the cushioning
pad(s) is comprised of closed cell polyolefin foam. In another
embodiment, the cushioning pad(s) is comprised of polyethylene foam
which may be a high density polyethylene foam. In one embodiment
the innermost cushioning pad 50 is a single pad defining multiple
cut-outs (i.e., the equivalent of multiple connected pads). In
another embodiment, a plurality of innermost cushioning pads 50 are
provided. Regardless, the single pad with the cut-outs or the
multiple pads are arranged in a desired configuration and are
affixed to the hard inner structure 40. Affixation can be done with
glue, Velcro or any other affixation means. By way of example and
not by way of limitation, the innermost cushioning layer may be
between 3 mm and 26 mm thick, although it may be thinner or
thicker. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the
innermost cushioning pads may have a density of between 3.4
lbs/ft.sup.3 (approximately 0.016 g/cm.sup.3) and 25 lbs/ft.sup.3
(approximately 0.4 g/cm.sup.3), although they may be more dense or
less dense.
[0031] In one embodiment, the innermost cushioning pad(s) 50 is
covered by a fabric layer 60 (seen in FIG. 3). In one embodiment,
fabric layer 60 is absorbent. In one embodiment fabric layer 60 is
removable from the foam pad(s) 50. In one embodiment, the flexible
thin cover is made from ballistic nylon, a high denier nylon thread
with a dense basket wave such as Cordura (a trademark of Invista,
Wichita, Kans.). In another embodiment, the flexible thin cover is
made from a Neoprene (a trademark of DuPont, Delaware) rubber
(polychloroprene) fabric. In another embodiment, the flexible thin
cover is made from a polyester fabric. In another embodiment, the
flexible thin cover is made from non-woven fabric. By way of
example only, the thin cover may be between 0.3 mm and 3.25 mm
thick, although it may be thinner or thicker. By way of another
example, the flexible thin cover may be between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm
thick.
[0032] In one embodiment, and as suggested by FIG. 5, the military
helmet 10 is adapted to be compatible with night vision devices
(NVDs), communication packages, Nuclear, Biological and Chemical
(NBC) defense equipment and body armor. In one embodiment, the
military helmet 10 provides an unobstructed field of view and
increased ambient hearing capabilities. In one embodiment, the
military helmet 10 is provided with a chin strap retention system
95 (FIG. 5). In one embodiment, the military helmet 10 is provided
with an armor nape pad (not shown). In one embodiment, the armor
nape pad (not shown) is provided with a cushioning outer layer, a
hard ballistic-resistant inner layer, a cushioning spacer layer
located between and separating the cushioning outer layer and the
hard ballistic-resistant inner layer, and a cushioning pad coupled
to the inside surface of the hard ballistic-resistant inner layer.
The outer surface of the cushioning outer layer of the nape pad
and/or the inner surface of the cushioning pad coupled to the
inside surface of the hard ballistic-resistant inner layer of the
nape pad may be provided with a fabric layer.
[0033] In one embodiment small holes are drilled in one or both of
the cushioning shell and in the anti-ballistic hard shell for
ventilation purposes and/or for attaching straps or other
structures. The attachment holes may be covered by ballistic
screws, nuts or bolts. Regardless, it will be appreciated that the
size and number of holes in the anti-ballistic hard shell is kept
to a minimum to limit the potential of penetration of projectiles
through the holes. For purposes of the claims, a shell structure
having holes for these purposes should still be considered a
"continuous shell".
[0034] The military helmet 10 has a concave outer surface and a
convex inner surface. As seen in FIG. 3, the shape of the military
helmet is adapted to cover the back, top, and sides of a soldier's
head without blocking vision or hearing. As such, the bottom rim of
the helmet angles upward from the back of the helmet toward the
front of the helmet at a first angle .alpha., and then angles a
steeper angle .beta. at about the ear area, and then extends
substantially horizontally .gamma. at the forehead area.
[0035] The military helmets described are particularly suited for
military use although they may be used for other purposes such as,
by way of example only and not by way of limitation, a protective
police helmet or an explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) helmet.
[0036] There have been described and illustrated herein several
embodiments of a military helmet. While particular embodiments have
been described, it is not intended that the claims be limited
thereto, as it is intended that the claims be as broad in scope as
the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.
Thus, while particular materials for cushioning layers have been
disclosed, it will be appreciated that other materials may be used
as well. Similarly, while particular types of materials have been
disclosed for the hard shell layer, it will be understood that
other materials can be used. Also, while particular types of
materials for the cover layers have been described, other materials
can be use. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that yet other modifications could be made without
deviating from the spirit and scope of the claims.
* * * * *