U.S. patent application number 14/214733 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for backpack frame system with slotted frame.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mystery Ranch, Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Mystery Ranch, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Dana W. Gleason, JR., Kent Saucedo.
Application Number | 20140263519 14/214733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51523088 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140263519 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saucedo; Kent ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
BACKPACK FRAME SYSTEM WITH SLOTTED FRAME
Abstract
A backpack frame system having a slotted frame configured to be
detachably and interchangeably connected with a backpack is
provided. The frame can include a plurality of generally uniformly
spaced-apart slats extending between at least two upright members
or cross members. Slots are defined between the slats, which are
adapted for connection with an attachment system such that one or
more objects or cargo may be hung from or otherwise secured to the
frame. A looping system is provided for connecting the frame to the
backpack. The backpack may be provided with a looping system
comprising first and second sets of loops that can be
interconnected by a connector and encircle a portion of the frame,
such as an upright member, thereby connecting the frame to the
backpack.
Inventors: |
Saucedo; Kent; (Mesa,
AZ) ; Gleason, JR.; Dana W.; (Bozeman, MT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mystery Ranch, Ltd. |
Bozeman |
MT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mystery Ranch, Ltd.
Bozeman
MT
|
Family ID: |
51523088 |
Appl. No.: |
14/214733 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61794001 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/633 ;
224/261 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2003/045 20130101;
A45F 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/633 ;
224/261 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/08 20060101
A45F003/08 |
Claims
1. A backpack frame system, said backpack frame system comprising:
a frame including at least one of a generally upright member and a
cross member; and a backpack having at least one shoulder strap and
a looping system for securing at least one of said frame upright
member and said frame cross member to said backpack, said looping
system including: a first set of loops; a second set of loops; and
a connector adapted for being passed through at least some of the
loops of said first set of loops and at least some of the loops of
said second set of loops.
2. The backpack frame system of claim 1, wherein said frame
includes: a left upright member; a right upright member; a
plurality of slats extending between said left and right upright
members; and a plurality of slots defined between said slats.
3. The backpack frame system of claim 2, wherein at least some of
the loops of said first set of loops are each positioned for
passing through a respective said slot of said frame.
4. The backpack frame system of claim 2, wherein at least some of
the loops of said second set of loops are positioned for passing
over an outer edge of said frame.
5. The backpack frame system of claim 2, wherein at least some of
the loops of said first set of loops are each aligned with a
respective said slot of said frame and wherein at least some of the
loops of said second set of loops are each aligned with a
respective said slat of said frame.
6. The backpack frame system of claim 2, wherein at least some of
the loops of said first set of loops have a width approximately
equal to a width of at least some of said slots and wherein at
least some of the loops of said second set of loops have a width
approximately equal to a width of at least some of said slats.
7. The backpack frame system of claim 6, wherein the widths of said
slots, said slats, said loops of said first set of loops and said
loops of said second set of loops are each approximately 1
inch.
8. The backpack frame system of claim 1, wherein at least some of
the loops of said first set of loops in combination with at least
some of the loops of said first set of loops generally encircle at
least a portion of at least one of said frame upright member and
said frame cross member when said connector is passed through said
loops.
9. The backpack frame system of claim 1, wherein apertures of at
least some of the loops of said first set of loops are at least
partially aligned with apertures of at least some of the loops of
said second set of loops when said connector is passed through said
loops.
10. The backpack frame system of claim 1, wherein at least some of
the loops of said first set of loops and at least some of the loops
of said second set of loops at least partially overlie one of said
frame upright member and said frame cross member when said
connector is passed through said loops.
11. The backpack frame system of claim 1, wherein said connector
passes alternatingly through the loops of said first set of loops
and the loops of said second set of loops.
12. The backpack frame system of claim 1, wherein said connector is
a strap.
13. The backpack frame system of claim 1, wherein said backpack
further includes a collar defining a pocket and wherein said frame
is at least partially received in said pocket.
14. The backpack frame system of claim 1, wherein said backpack
further includes a membrane and wherein a gap is defined between a
rearwardly facing surface of said membrane and a forwardly facing
surface of said frame.
15. The backpack frame system of claim 14, wherein said gap is
defined between said membrane and at least one of said frame
slats.
16. The backpack frame system of claim 14, wherein said gap is
adapted for receiving a sling therein.
17. The backpack frame system of claim 14 further comprising a
sling wherein at least a portion of said sling is received in said
gap.
18. The backpack frame system of claim 17, wherein said sling
includes an attachment device extending from a distal end of said
sling, said attachment device being connected to at least one slat
of said frame.
19. The backpack frame system of claim 17, wherein said sling
extends from a pack bag.
20. A frame for connection with a backpack, said frame comprising:
a left upright member; a right upright member; a plurality of slats
extending between said left and right upright members; and a
plurality of slots defined between said slats, wherein at least a
portion of said slots are adapted for receiving at least a portion
of an attachment system therethrough for connecting objects to said
frame.
21. The frame of claim 20, wherein said slots each have a width
generally equal to a width of said slats.
22. The frame of claim 20, wherein the width of said slots is
approximately 1 inch and the width of said slats is approximately 1
inch.
23. The frame of claim 20, wherein said attachment system is a
Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) attachment
system.
24. The frame of claim 20, wherein said frame is adapted for being
interchangeable with a second frame.
25. The frame of claim 20 further comprising multiple frame sheets,
said frame sheets being selectively combined with one another to
provide a desired frame stiffness.
26. A connection system for attaching a frame to a backpack, said
connection system comprising: a first set of loops; a second set of
loops; and a connector adapted for being passed through at least
some of the loops of said first set of loops and at least some of
the loops of said second set of loops.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/794,001, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, to Kent
Saucedo et al. entitled "Slotted Backpack Frame," currently
pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporate herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Backpacks and backpack frame systems have been used for many
years to carry a given load of contents on the back of a user. One
example of such a frame system is Mystery Ranch, Ltd.'s NICE.RTM.
frame system provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,777 to Gleason
(hereinafter the "'777 Gleason patent"). Such frame systems may
include a frame comprised of semi-rigid stays housed within sleeves
that are fixedly attached to a backpack, as disclosed in the '777
Gleason patent.
[0003] Users often desire to attach a wide variety of cargo of
various shapes, sizes and weights to the frame systems, including
bags, packs, tactical radios, weaponry systems, holsters,
ammunition cans, magazine pouches, canisters, camping gear,
hydration systems, medical tools, utility pouches, and the like.
The optimal degree of rigidity provided by the frame may vary
depending upon the weight of the cargo attached thereto. For
example, when a heavier load is carried, a stiffer frame is
generally required to support the weight of the load. However, with
lighter loads, a more flexible frame may provide greater comfort.
Currently known frame systems do not provide such adaptability nor
are they configured for interchangeability between one or more
backpacks. Additionally, such known frame systems are not generally
suitable for retrofitting an existing backpack for use with modular
military equipment.
[0004] As such, a need exists for a frame system that can
accommodate a wide variety of cargo attached thereto. A need also
exists for a frame system that can provide rigidity of varying
degrees. Additionally, a need exists for a frame system having a
frame that is readily replaceable or interchangeable such that the
frame system can be adapted for use in a variety of applications.
Finally, a need exists for a frame system that is compatible with
modular military equipment and can be implemented to retrofit
existing backpacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
backpack frame system comprising a slotted frame that may be
detachably and interchangeably connected with a backpack. The frame
can include left and right upright members, a plurality of
vertically-spaced slats extending between the left and right
upright members, and a plurality of slots defined between the
slats. The slats may be adapted for having an attachment system
connected thereto and the slots may be adapted for receiving at
least a portion of the attachment system therethrough. The slats
and slots may be uniformly spaced and may each be approximately one
inch in width thereby rendering the frame compatible for use with
Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) attachment
systems. In one embodiment, the frame may optionally include
multiple frame sheets that can be selectively combined with one
another to provide a desired frame stiffness.
[0006] The present invention is further directed to a looping
system for securing the frame to the backpack. In one embodiment,
the looping system comprises a first set of inner loops, a second
set of outer loops and a connector adapted for being passed through
at least some of the inner and outer loops. The looping system is
configured for securing at least one of the frame's upright
members, cross members, slats or other structure to the backpack.
The inner loops may each be positioned for being aligned with and
passing through a respective slot of the frame. Correspondingly,
the outer loops may each be positioned for being aligned with a
respective slat and passing over an outer edge of the frame. The
inner loops can have a width approximately equal to a width of the
frame's slots and the outer loops can have a width approximately
equal to a width of the frame's slats.
[0007] When the connector, which may be in the form of a strap, is
alternatingly passed through corresponding inner and outer loops,
the loops generally encircle at least a portion of the frame, such
as one of the frame's upright members, thereby securing the frame
to the backpack. In this manner, eyelets or apertures of the inner
and outer loops can become at least partially aligned with one
another when the connector is passed therethrough. The backpack may
optionally include a collar defining a pocket for receiving at
least a portion of the frame in order to further secure the frame
to the backpack.
[0008] A gap may be defined between a rearwardly facing surface of
a backpack membrane and a forwardly facing surface of the frame,
the gap being adapted for optionally receiving a sling therein. The
sling, which may extend from a pack bag or other suitable object,
can comprise an attachment device at a distal end thereof that is
adapted for attachment to a frame slat for connecting the sling to
the frame.
[0009] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the
specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith in which
like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts
in the various views:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a rear plan view of a frame constructed according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the frame of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a backpack constructed
according to one embodiment of the present invention, the backpack
being illustrated without a frame connected thereto;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a backpack frame system
constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention
illustrating a connector being passed through a portion of the
system's loops;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the backpack frame
system of FIG. 3 illustrating the frame fully installed on the
backpack; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the backpack frame
system having a sling constructed according to one embodiment of
the present invention illustrating the sling connected to the
frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the
characteristics of the present invention, proportional
relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained
in the drawing figures.
[0018] The following detailed description of the invention
references specific embodiments in which the invention can be
practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the
invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and
changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims
and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled.
[0019] The present invention is directed generally to a backpack
frame system 10 comprising a harness or backpack 12 and a frame 14.
As disused in greater detail below, the frame 14 may be configured
for having objects, equipment or cargo hung thereon or otherwise
attached, mounted or connected thereto. The backpack 12 may be
somewhat similar in nature to that disclosed in the '777 Gleason
patent and may include one or more shoulder straps 16 and,
optionally, a hip belt 18. It will be appreciated that the backpack
12 may or may not include a base frame as disclosed in the '777
Gleason patent and that such a base frame may be replaced by, or
supplemented with, the frame 14 of the present invention. While the
frame 14 of the present invention may be replacably or
interchangeably connected to the backpack 12, as described herein,
it will be understood that the frame 14 may alternatively be
permanently or semi-permanently secured to the backpack 12.
[0020] In one embodiment, the frame 14 comprises left and right
upright members 20 and 22 having spaced-apart crossbars or slats 24
extending therebetween. The frame 14 may further include upper and
lower cross members 26 and 28 extending between the left and right
upright members 20 and 22 as well. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
left and right upright members 20 and 22 define outer side edges 30
and 32 of the frame 14. However, it will be appreciated that one or
more of the slats 24, cross members 26 and 28 or other protrusions
may extend beyond the side edges 30 and 32.
[0021] As shown, openings or slots 34 are defined between the
frame's slats 24. It will be appreciated that, while the slats 24
and slots 34 are shown extending generally horizontally between the
left and right upright members 20 and 22, the slats 24 and slots 34
may alternatively extend generally vertically between the upper and
lower cross members 26 and 28 or in any other desired direction or
angle. The frame 14 may further include slats 24 and slots 26
extending in more than one direction.
[0022] In one embodiment, the frame 14 is connected to a backpack
12 such that the slats 24 and slots 34 are generally accessible or
may be at least partially uncovered in order to gain access
thereto. The slots 34 can be adapted for receiving at least a
portion of an attachment system or device therethrough and the
slats 24 may be adapted for having the attachment system or device
hung thereon or otherwise attached or connected thereto. Such
attachment systems and devices may include, but are not limited to,
hooks, buckles, clamps, hangers, clips, tabs, snaps, anchors,
clasps, loops, carabiners, rings, connectors, hook and loop
fasteners, straps, belts, cables, ties or any other attachment,
mounting or fastening systems or devices now know or hereafter
developed that are suitable for removably, interchangeably,
permanently or semi-permanently hanging or otherwise connecting or
attaching objects, equipment or cargo to the frame 14. Such
objects, equipment or cargo may include, but are not limited to
bags, packs, tactical radios, weaponry systems, holsters,
ammunition cans, magazine pouches, mortar base plates, canisters,
camping gear, hydration systems, medical tools, utility pouches,
and the like.
[0023] The slats 24 and slots 34 may be of any suitable shape and
dimension and, in one instance, may have approximately equal
widths. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the slats 24 have
a width W.sub.1 of approximately one inch and at least a portion of
the slots 34 also have a width W.sub.2 of approximately one inch,
which can render the frame 14 compatible for use with Modular
Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) attachment systems for
military equipment. The frame 14 may also be configured for
compatibility with Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) attachment
systems as well. This allows virtually any modular military
equipment to be attached to the frame 14. It will be understood
that the frame 14 can be attached to an existing system or backpack
in order to retrofit the system or backpack and render it
MOLLE-compatible or PALS-compatible.
[0024] The frame 14 may be constructed of fiberglass, carbon fiber,
composite materials, Kevlar.RTM., polymers, plastics,
fiber-reinforced polymers or plastics, metallic materials,
combinations thereof or any other suitable material now known or
hereafter developed. Depending upon the type of material used to
construct the frame 14, the frame 14 may be formed through a number
of manufacturing processes including water jet cutting, injection
molding, thermoforming, machining, laser cutting, lamination or
combinations thereof or any other suitable processes now known or
hereafter developed. The frame 14 may comprise a sleeve (not shown)
in which one or more of the upright members 20 and 22, slats 24 or
cross members 26 and 28 may be housed.
[0025] The strength, stiffness and flexibility of the frame 14 may
be controlled by a variety of design factors including the type of
material(s) used to construct the frame 14, the thickness of the
frame 14, width of the slats 24 and slots 34, along with other
various factors that will be appreciated by those of skill in the
art. As discussed in more detail below, the frame 14 may be
replaceable or interchangeable and a plurality of frames 14 of
various designs may be compatible for use with a single backpack 12
design. As such, frames 14 can be swapped with one another in order
to adapt a frame system 10 for carrying the cargo necessary for the
mission at hand.
[0026] In one embodiment, the frame 14 may be constructed of a
plurality of sheets of material that may or may not be laminated
together. In cases where the sheets are not laminated together,
individual sheets may be stacked together to form a resulting frame
14. In other words, multiple frame sheets may be selectively
combined and attached to the backpack 12 in order to provide the
desired strength and stiffness. In cases where a heavier load is
carried, a stiffer frame 14 is generally desired to support the
weight of the load and, therefore, more frame sheets can be added.
In cases where a lighter load is carried, a more flexible frame 14
may provide greater comfort and, therefore, not as many frame
sheets may be used.
[0027] It will be appreciated that the frame 14 of the present
invention may be adapted for attachment to a variety of structures
including, but not limited to, backpacks 12, vehicles, aircraft,
marine vessels or any other suitable desired structures.
[0028] The frame 14 can be replacably, interchangeably, permanently
or semi-permanently secured to the backpack 12 by any suitable
attachment or connection means. In one embodiment, as illustrated
in FIG. 4-6, the frame 14 can be attached to the backpack 12 with a
lacing or looping system 36 comprising at least one first set 38 of
loops 40, at least one second set 42 of loops 44 and at least one
connector 46 adapted for being passed through at least a portion of
the loops 40 and 44.
[0029] The loops 40 and 40 may be affixed to the backpack 12 and
may be constructed of nylon, polyester or polypropylene strap
material, webbed fabric, rope, wire rope, leather or any other
suitable material now known or hereafter developed. The looping
system 36 can be configured for securing any one or more of the
frame's left upright member 20, right upright member 22, slats 24,
upper cross member 26 or lower cross member 28 to the backpack
12.
[0030] In the embodiment illustrated, loops 40 are in the form of
"inner" loops in that they pass through an interior of the frame 14
and loops 44 are in the form of "outer" loops in that they pass
over an outer edge 30 or 32 of the frame 14. In other words, loops
40 may each be positioned for being aligned with and passing
through a respective slot 34 of the frame 14. Correspondingly,
loops 44 may each be positioned for being aligned with a respective
slat 24 and passing over an outer edge 30 or 32 of the frame 14.
The inner loops 40 may have a width W.sub.3 that is less than,
approximately equal to or greater than the width W.sub.2 of the
frame's slots 34 and the outer loops 44 may have a width W.sub.4
that is less than, approximately equal to or greater than the width
W.sub.1 of the frame's slats 24. In one embodiment, at least a
portion of the inner loops 40 have a width W.sub.3 of approximately
one inch and at least a portion of the outer loops 44 also have a
width W.sub.4 of approximately one inch. The inner loops 40 may
have spaces 48 defined therebetween of a width W.sub.5
approximately equal to the width W.sub.4 of the outer loops 44.
Similarly, the outer loops 44 may have spaces 50 defined
therebetween of a width W.sub.6 approximately equal to the width
W.sub.3 of the inner loops 40. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the
widths W.sub.1-W.sub.6 of the slats 24, slots 34, loops 40 and 44,
and spaces 48 and 50 are all approximately one inch.
[0031] As best demonstrated in FIG. 4, the connector 46 may be
threaded through the inner and outer loops 40 and 44 in alternating
fashion in order to secure the frame 14 to the backpack 12. The
loops 40 and 44 can include apertures or eyelets 52 and 54,
respectively, that become at least partially aligned when the
connector 46 is passed therethrough. However, it will be understood
that this need not be the case and that the connector 46 may zigzag
back and forth between the inner loops 40 and outer loops 44. The
connector 46 may be a strap (as shown in the figures), rod, cable,
bar or other suitable device that may be threaded through the
eyelets 52 and 54 of the loops 40 and 40. As shown, when the frame
14 is connected to the backpack 12, the inner loops 40 and outer
loops 44 each at least partially overlie a respective frame upright
member 20 and 22. In that manner, the inner loops 40 and outer
loops 44 may, in combination, generally encircle or surround at
least a portion of a respective frame upright member 20 or 22 when
the connector 46 is passed through the loops 40 and 44 in order to
secure the frame 14 to the backpack 12. The connectors 46 may each
be generally longitudinally aligned with the frame upright members
20 and 22.
[0032] While the figures illustrate the loops 40 and 44 arranged in
generally vertical orientation along left and right sides of the
backpack 12, it will be appreciated that the loops 40 and 44 may be
arranged in other manners. For example, in one embodiment, the
loops 40 and 44 are arranged in a generally horizontal orientation
so that the loops 40 and 44 are adapted for encompassing and
securing one or more of the frame's slats 24, cross members 26 and
28 or other structure to the backpack 12.
[0033] The looping system 36 can act as a shock absorber to reduce
the impact of forces transmitted between the attached cargo and the
wearer. It will be appreciated that with the present invention, the
frame 14 can be selectively attached to or removed from the
backpack 12 in a relatively short period of time.
[0034] As illustrated, an upper end of the frame 14 may be inserted
into and received within a pocket 56 defined by a collar 58, as
best shown in FIG. 3, located at an upper end of the backpack 12.
The insertion of at least a portion of the frame 14 within such a
pocket 56 further secures the frame 14 to the backpack. In fact, it
will appreciated that a pocket system, comprising for example,
upper and lower pockets and/or left and right pockets may
implemented in substitution of the looping system 36.
[0035] It will further be appreciated that other means and methods
for attaching the frame 14 to the backpack 12 may be utilized in
addition to, or in substitute of, the looping system 36. For
example, the frame 14 may be attached to the backpack 12 with
rivets, screws, anchors, pins, clamps, other suitable fasteners,
straps, sleeves (similar in nature to those disclosed in the '777
Gleason patent) or any other suitable attachment means, methods or
systems now known or hereafter developed.
[0036] In the embodiment shown, the backpack 12 includes a membrane
60 secured thereto. When the frame 14 is attached to the backpack
12, a gap 62 may be defined between a rearwardly facing surface of
the membrane 60 and a forwardly facing surface of the frame 14.
Accordingly, the gap 62 is defined between one or more of the
frame's slats 24 and the membrane 60. The gap 60 may receive at
least a portion of a sling 64 or other object therein. The sling 64
may be similar in nature to the sling disclosed and denoted as
numeral 156 in U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,114 to Gleason (the "Gleason
'114 patent"). The sling 64 can include an attachment device 66
extending from its distal end 68. The attachment device, as shown
in FIG. 6, may include a flap 70 that can be folded back and
attached to the sling 64 via a fastener (not shown), such as and
including, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener. The flap
70 may be wrapped around one slat 24 and folded under a second,
lower slat 24 as shown. In that manner, the sling's attachment
device 66 can be connected to at least one of the frame's slats 24.
Alternatively, like the sling disclosed in Gleason '114 patent, the
attachment device 66 of the present invention may include a strap
(not shown), at least one buckle (not shown), or other suitable
attachment system or device, as discussed above, attached thereto.
An opposite end (not shown) of the sling 64 may be attached to and
extend from a bag, as taught by the Gleason '114 patent, another
object or cargo, or may be doubled over and connected to an upper
end of the frame 14 or backpack 12.
[0037] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set
forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which
are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain
features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed
without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is
contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many
possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing
from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all
matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are
to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.
[0038] The constructions described above and illustrated in the
drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended
to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention.
Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a
novel invention. 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
construction 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.
* * * * *