U.S. patent application number 13/797231 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for metal post bracket assembly and methods of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is John R. Doyle. Invention is credited to John R. Doyle.
Application Number | 20140264220 13/797231 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51523521 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140264220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doyle; John R. |
September 18, 2014 |
METAL POST BRACKET ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF USE
Abstract
A shaped bracket having a multi section bent flat plate having
an elevated abutment member having an oval cutout that permits
projections or lugs on the post to be secured therewithin, such
flat plate configured to fit the surface of the T-shaped post, and,
thus, functions to enable a metal post bracket assembly configured
to securely affix fence rails to T-shaped posts, more specifically,
a single piece bracket that is easily attached and easy to install
to the T-shaped post, provides neat or hidden appearance, and can
be firmly secured to the steel posts capable of withstanding side
winds.
Inventors: |
Doyle; John R.;
(Cartersville, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Doyle; John R. |
Cartersville |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51523521 |
Appl. No.: |
13/797231 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/65.06 ;
256/65.03; 29/525.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/1421 20130101;
E04H 17/1434 20130101; Y10T 29/49947 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/65.06 ;
256/65.03; 29/525.01 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/14 20060101
E04H017/14 |
Claims
1. A bracket for engagement with a post having one or more lugs
running along a front face of the post and for engagement with one
or more fence rails, the bracket comprising: a flat plate having a
first connector section and a second connector section, at least
one first riser section integral with said first connector section,
at least one second riser section integral with said second
connector section, an abutment section integral with said at least
one first riser section and said at least one second riser section;
wherein said first connector section and said second connector
section are configured with one or more apertures therein; and
wherein said abutment section is configured with a cutout
therein.
2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said flat plate is configured to
wrap around the post.
3. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said cutout is configured to fit
the one or more lugs.
4. The bracket of claim 2, wherein said flat plate further
comprises an attachment device.
5. The bracket of claim 4, wherein each of said one or more
apertures is configured to receive said attachment device.
6. The bracket of claim 4, wherein said attachment device further
comprises a screw.
7. The bracket of claim 5, wherein said attachment device is
configured to releasably affix said flat to the rail.
8. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the post is configured as
T-shaped.
9. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said first connector section and
said second connector section and said abutment section extend in a
common plane.
10. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said at least one first riser
section and at least one second riser section extend in a common
plane.
11. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said abutment section is
configured to contact the front face of the post.
12. The bracket of claim 7, further comprising one or more spacers
affixed thereto the rail.
13. The bracket of claim 12, further comprising another rail of the
one or more rails affixed thereto said one or more spacers
configured as a double sided rail.
14. A bracket assembly for engagement with a post having one or
more lugs running along a front face of the post and for engagement
with one or more fence rails, the bracket comprising: a flat plate
having a first connector section and a second connector section, at
least one first riser section integral with said first connector
section, at least one second riser section integral with said
second connector section, an abutment section integral with said at
least one first riser section and said at least one second riser
section; an attachment device; wherein said first connector section
and said second connector section are configured with one or more
apertures therein; and wherein said abutment section is configured
with a cutout therein.
15. The bracket of claim 14, wherein said flat plate is configured
to wrap around the post.
16. The bracket of claim 14, wherein said cutout is configured to
fit the one or more lugs.
17. The bracket of claim 15, wherein each of said one or more
apertures is configured to receive said attachment device.
18. The bracket of claim 14, wherein said attachment device further
comprises a screw.
19. The bracket of claim 17, wherein said attachment device is
configured to releasably affix the post to the rail.
20. The bracket of claim 14, wherein the post is configured as
T-shaped.
21. The bracket of claim 14, wherein said first connector section
and said second connector section and said abutment section extend
in a common plane.
22. The bracket of claim 14, wherein said at least one first riser
section and at least one second riser section extend in a common
plane.
23. The bracket of claim 14, wherein said abutment section is
configured to contact the front face of the post.
24. The bracket of claim 19, further comprising one or more spacers
affixed thereto the rail.
25. The bracket of claim 24, further comprising another rail of the
one or more rails affixed thereto said one or more spacers
configured as a double sided rail.
26. A method of supporting one or more fence rails to a post having
one or more lugs running along a front face of the post, comprising
the steps of: obtaining a bracket assembly having a flat plate
having a first connector section and a second connector section, at
least one first riser section integral with said first connector
section, at least one second riser section integral with said
second connector section, an abutment section integral with said at
least one first riser section and said at least one second riser
section, an attachment device, wherein said first connector section
and said second connector section are configured with one or more
apertures therein, and wherein said abutment section is configured
with a cutout therein; positioning said cutout of said abutment
section around one of the one or more lugs running along the front
face of the post, wherein said a flat plate wraps around the post;
positioning the fence rail proximate said first connector section
and said second connector section; inserting one or more said
attachment device in said one or more apertures; affixing said flat
plate to the fence rail; and supporting the rail on the post.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of
supporting two or more rails on the post.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The disclosure relates generally to connectors, brackets,
supports, or holders and more specifically it relates to post
brackets or connectors for attaching rails to a metal post.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various anchors, brackets, holders, and supports are known
in the prior art, for example, there are brackets, connectors, and
clamps and brackets, connectors, and clamps for special purposes
such as pipe clamps for antennas, chain link fence, and
scaffolding. It is known to configure anchors, brackets, holders,
and supports, in particular, by using two piece rigid assemblies
drawn together by threaded bolts and nuts.
[0003] Moreover, steel fence posts having a T-shaped cross section
have commonly been used for many years for supporting wire and
barbed wire fence. Brackets are not generally available for
fastening wood rails, boards placed end-to-end, to steel posts.
Such suitable brackets or clamps ought to be easily attached, easy
to install, to provide neat appearance, and be firmly secured to
the steel posts capable of withstanding side winds. One previous
approach includes a bent bracket devised for ratchet attachment of
horizontal members to steel fence posts to form a bottom or rest on
which the lower edge of a board or rail is to be placed. Another
approach was to provide rail to post connector having two separate
members joined by one or more fasteners and having a hinged
connection between its halves, specifically adapted to a circular
post having a u-shaped bracket for securing to a circular post not
adaptable for application to T-shaped posts.
[0004] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a
recognizable unmet need for a metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use, wherein a single piece bracket may be configured to
securely affix fence rails to T-shaped posts, more specifically, a
single piece bracket that is easily attached and easy to install to
the T-shaped post, provides neat or hidden appearance, and can be
firmly secured to the steel posts capable of withstanding side
winds.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] Briefly described, in example embodiment, the present
apparatus overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantage, and meets the
recognized need for a metal post bracket assembly and methods of
use comprising, in general, a shaped bracket having a multi section
bent flat plate having an elevated abutment member having an oval
cutout that permits projections or lugs on the post to be secured
therewithin, such flat plate configured to fit the surface of the
T-shaped post, and, thus, functions to enable a metal post bracket
assembly configured to securely affix fence rails to T-shaped
posts, more specifically, a single piece bracket that is easily
attached and easy to install to the T-shaped post, provides neat or
hidden appearance, and can be firmly secured to the steel posts
capable of withstanding side winds.
[0006] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the a
metal post bracket assembly and methods of use comprising, in
general, a bracket piece composed of primarily straight lines and
an elevated middle portion, such that the left portion can be
secured to the railing of a fence, the middle is elevated to permit
a post to be secured therein and against the railing, and the right
portion is also secured against the railing of a fence. The
elevated middle portion further comprises an oval cutout that
permits projections or lugs on the post to be secured therewithin,
thus also securing the height of the fence railing from sliding
down the post.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, a bracket for engagement with a
post having one or more lugs running along a front face of the post
and for engagement with one or more fence rails, the bracket
comprising a flat plate having a first connector section and a
second connector section, at least one first riser section integral
with said first connector section, at least one second riser
section integral with said second connector section, an abutment
section integral with said at least one first riser section and
said at least one second riser section, wherein said first
connector section and said second connector section are configured
with one or more apertures therein, and wherein said abutment
section is configured with a cutout therein.
[0008] In a further exemplary embodiment, a bracket assembly for
engagement with a post having one or more lugs running along a
front face of the post and for engagement with one or more fence
rails, the bracket comprising a flat plate having a first connector
section and a second connector section, at least one first riser
section integral with said first connector section, at least one
second riser section integral with said second connector section,
an abutment section integral with said at least one first riser
section and said at least one second riser section, an attachment
device, wherein said first connector section and said second
connector section are configured with one or more apertures
therein, and wherein said abutment section is configured with a
cutout therein.
[0009] In still a further exemplary embodiment of the method of
supporting one or more fence rails to a post having one or more
lugs running along a front face of the post, comprising the steps
of obtaining a bracket assembly having a flat plate having a first
connector section and a second connector section, at least one
first riser section integral with said first connector section, at
least one second riser section integral with said second connector
section, an abutment section integral with said at least one first
riser section and said at least one second riser section, an
attachment device, wherein said first connector section and said
second connector section are configured with one or more apertures
therein, and wherein said abutment section is configured with a
cutout therein; positioning said cutout of said abutment section
around one of the one or more lugs running along the front face of
the post, wherein said a flat plate wraps around the post,
positioning the fence rail proximate said first connector section
and said second connector section, inserting one or more said
attachment device in said one or more apertures; affixing said flat
plate to the fence rail, and supporting the rail on the post.
[0010] Accordingly, a feature of the metal post bracket assembly
and methods of use is its ability to provide a bracket configured
to fit T-shaped post.
[0011] Another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to firmly secure the bracket assembly
to the T-shaped post to enable a heavy person to stand on the rail
fence and/or climb the rail fence without slip, rocking, or
wobbling.
[0012] Still another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to provide a shaped bracket
configured to fit the surface of the T-shaped posts.
[0013] Yet another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to firmly secure the bracket assembly
to the T-shaped post capable of withstanding side winds.
[0014] Yet another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to be easily attached and easy to
install to the T-shaped post.
[0015] Yet another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to provide neat or hidden appearance
of the bracket system.
[0016] Yet another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to provide a versatile bracket
capable of supporting one or more rails on a T-shaped post.
[0017] Yet another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to provide a single component bracket
that does not require any tools to assembly or installation.
[0018] Yet another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to provide a bracket that does not
require any tools to assembly or installation.
[0019] Yet another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to accommodate different
configuration and size T-shaped post.
[0020] Yet another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to enable quick installation.
[0021] Yet another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to provide variable height adjustment
of fence rails according to the staggered lugs protruding from
T-shaped post.
[0022] Yet another feature of the metal post bracket assembly and
methods of use is its ability to provide a bracket support if a
rail seam occurs where the bracket is to be attached.
[0023] These and other features of the metal post bracket assembly
and methods of use will become more apparent to one skilled in the
art from the following Detailed Description of the Embodiments and
Claims when read in light of the accompanying drawing Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The present metal post bracket assembly and methods of use
will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of
the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures,
in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer
to like elements throughout, and in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of
post bracket assembly;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a front side view of the post bracket assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a top view of the post bracket assembly of FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 4 is perspective view of the post bracket assembly of
FIG. 1 shown affixed to a lugged T-shaped post supporting one or
more fence rails;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a top view of the post bracket assembly of FIG. 1
shown affixed to a T-shaped post supporting one or more fence rails
shown in FIG. 4;
[0030] FIG. 6 is perspective view of the post bracket assembly of
FIG. 1 shown affixed to a T-shaped post supporting two or more
fence rails;
[0031] FIG. 7 is side view of the post bracket assembly of FIG. 1
shown affixed to a T-shaped post supporting two or more fence rails
shown in FIG. 6;
[0032] FIG. 8A is perspective view and 8B is a top view of the post
bracket assembly of FIG. 1 shown affixed to a lugged T-shaped post
with spacers to supporting one or more double fence rails; and
[0033] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method of securing a fence
rail to a T-shaped post.
[0034] It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended
solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are,
therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to
any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except
insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 specific terminology is
employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however,
is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so
selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element
includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner
to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The
examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely
examples among other possible examples.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, by way of example, and not
limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of a fence
post bracket, such as bracket assembly 10. Preferably, bracket
assembly 10 includes stamped, shaped, bent, or formed sections such
as shaped flat plate 12 having connector sections, first connector
section 21 and second connector section 25, integral angled
sections, such as first riser section 22 and second riser section
24, and an integral mid sections, such as abutment section 23.
Preferably, abutment section 23 includes an aperture or hole, such
as oval cutout 34. Moreover, first connector section 21 and second
connector section 25 are preferably formed with one or more
apertures 32.
[0037] Preferably, first connector section 21 and second connector
section 25 extend in a common plane, such as first common plane CP1
and abutment section 23 extend in another common plane, such as
second common plane CP2. Moreover, first common plane CP1 and
second common plane CP2 preferably run parallel to each other.
Furthermore first riser section 22 and second riser section 24
preferably integrally connects connector section 21 and second
connector section 25 to abutment section 23, and connector section
21 and second connector section 25 are preferably set at angle or
curve approximately at ninety degrees relative to first common
plane CP1 or to second common plane CP2.
[0038] Bracket assembly 10 is preferably formed of a suitable
material, such as steel, iron, rigid plastic or plastic with metal
inserts for strength, fiber, metal, aluminum, alloy, stainless
steel, or the like, capable of providing structure to bracket
assembly 10. Preferably, the material includes other suitable
characteristics, such as durability, rust-resistance, light weight,
heat-resistance, chemical inertness, oxidation resistance, ease of
workability, or other beneficial characteristic understood by one
skilled in the art.
[0039] It is contemplated herein that sections or integral sections
of shaped flat plate 12 may include various configurations, angles,
and sizes and such sections may be arranged proximate one another
to fit and reversibly fit one or more sizes and configurations of
post, poles, or stakes utilized to support one or more fence
rails.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, by way of example, and not
limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of bracket
assembly 10 configured to affix one or more fence rails R to a
fence post, such as lugged T-shaped post P. Preferably bracket
assembly 10 is mounted or positioned on lugged T-shaped post P with
abutment section 23 in contact with front face FF of T-shaped post
P and first riser section 22 and second riser section 24 wrapped
around T-shaped post P or T-shaped post P positioned therein first
riser section 22 and second riser section 24. Moreover, one of the
plurality of bumps or protrusions, such as lug L staggered along
the front face FF of T-shaped post P is preferably positioned
therein oval cutout 34 of bracket assembly 10.
[0041] Furthermore, one or more apertures 32 are preferably
configured to receive an attachment device, nail, bolt, or
fastener, such as screw S (as shown in FIG. 5). It is contemplated
herein that spaced apart apertures 32 may be configured and/or
sized to accommodate various size, threaded and unthreaded screw S
to affix bracket assembly 10 to fence rail R.
[0042] In use, bracket assembly 10 is preferably wrapped around
T-shaped post P or T-shaped post P is preferably positioned therein
first riser section 22 and second riser section 24. Preferably lug
L of T-shaped post P is selected and positioned in oval cutout 34
of bracket assembly 10 of abutment section 23. Once in position,
fence rail R, or fence rail R1 and fence rail R2 are preferably
positioned proximate first connector section 21 and second
connector section 25 wherein screws S are utilized to affix,
sandwich, and/or cinch bracket assembly 10 around T-shaped post P.
Moreover, oval cutout 34 is preferably sized and configured to
accommodate lug L of T-shaped post P and when affixed or secured
therewithin bracket assembly 10 oval cutout 34 and lug L of
T-shaped post P in combination securely affixes fence rail R, or
fence rail R1 and fence rail R2 to T-shaped post P preventing any
slippage or wobble between bracket assembly 10 and T-shaped post
P.
[0043] It is contemplated herein that a single piece bracket, such
as bracket assembly 10 may be easily attached and/or easily
installed to T-shaped post P, may provide neat or hidden appearance
of bracket assembly 10, and bracket assembly 10 may be firmly
secured to T-shaped post P capable of withstanding side winds
with.
[0044] It is contemplated herein that a single piece bracket, such
as bracket assembly 10 may include one or more sizes and
configurations to accommodate different post P and/or fence rails R
to sandwich post P between bracket assembly 10 and fence rails R
and to prevent lateral or vertical motion of bracket assembly 10
and its supported fence rails R, such as securing the height of
fence rails R relative to the ground.
[0045] It is contemplated that the middle portion is elevated, such
as first riser section 22 and second riser section 24 is elevated
to permit T-shaped post P to be secured therein and against fence
rails R, and first connector section 21 and second connector
section 25 is also preferably secured to fence rails R by screws S.
Moreover, first riser section 22, second riser section 24, and
abutment section 23 may be configured to match T-shaped post P or
other shaped post.
[0046] Moreover, bracket assembly 10 preferably is re-useable, in
that assembly 10 may be repeatedly affixed to any one of one or
more sizes and configurations of T-shaped post P or other shaped
post with lugs L or alternatively utilized to support one or more
sizes and configurations of fence rails R at a variety of heights
along T-shaped post P.
[0047] Referring again to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a top view
of an example embodiment of bracket assembly 10 releasably affixed
to an exemplary T-shaped post P and one or more fence rails R, such
as fence rail R1 and fence rail R2. Preferably, screws S are
preferably inserted in apertures 32 and utilized to affix,
sandwich, and/or cinch bracket assembly 10 around T-shaped post P
to fence rail R, or fence rail R1 and fence rail R2. It is
contemplated herein that first riser section 22 and second riser
section 24 are preferably sized to match the depth of T-shaped post
P.
[0048] It is recognized herein that a bracket support 42 may be
required if a seam between fence rail R1 and fence rail R2 occurs
where bracket assembly 10 is releasably affixed to fence rail R1
and fence rail R2. Bracket support 42 may be positioned opposite
side of fence rail R1 and fence rail R2 from bracket assembly 10 as
shown in FIG. 5 or alternatively, bracket support 42 may be
positioned between bracket assembly 10 and fence rail R1 and fence
rail R2. Furthermore, bracket support 42 may be configured with
matching apertures 32 to bracket assembly 10. Still furthermore, it
is contemplated herein that bracket assembly 10 and bracket support
42 may be a manufactured or fabricated as a single piece.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, by way of example, and not
limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of bracket
assembly 10 configured to affix one or more fence rails R to a
fence post, such as lugged T-shaped post P. Preferably two or more
bracket assembly 10 are preferably utilized to releasably affix two
or more fence rails R, such as fence rail RA and fence rail RB,
each positioned at different vertical heights along lugged T-shaped
post P. Moreover, two or more fence rails R, such as fence rail RA
and fence rail RB are preferably releasably affixed thereto spaced
apart lugs L of lugged T-shaped post P as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and
configured as a post P and multi single sided rail fence. It is
recognized herein, and shown in FIG. 7, that fence rails, such as
fence rail RA and fence rail RB may be utilized to support vertical
fence boards, such as picket fence 40 or other slat boards.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 8A, by way of example, and not
limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of bracket
assembly 10 configured to releasably affix two or more fence rails
R to a fence post, such as lugged T-shaped post P. Preferably, in
FIG. 8B, screws S are inserted in apertures 32 and utilized to
affix, sandwich, and/or cinch bracket assembly 10 around T-shaped
post P to fence rail RX, or first fence rail RX1 and second fence
rail RX2. Furthermore, screws S are driven through spacers SP, such
as first spacer SP1 and second spacer SP2 into fence rail RX, or
first fence rail RX1 and second fence rail RX2 to releasably affix
spacers SP, such as first spacer SP1 and second spacer SP2 thereto
bracket assembly 10 and/or fence rail RX, or first fence rail RX1
and second fence rail RX2. Still further, screws S are driven
through another fence rail R, such as fence rail RY, or first fence
rail RY1 and second fence rail RY2 to releasably affix rail RY, or
first fence rail RY1 and second fence rail RY2 thereto spacers SP,
such as first spacer SP1 and second spacer SP2 configured as a post
P and double sided rail fence.
[0051] It is contemplated herein that one or more rails R do the
spanning work in fences, connecting one post P to the next post P.
Preferably rails R are horizontal elements, running parallel to the
ground. Top and bottom rails R are typically found in wooden fence
styles; many will also have middle rails R as well. I.e., post and
rail fence.
[0052] It is contemplated herein that one or more panels or slats
running perpendicular to the ground, as shown in FIG. 7, may be
affixed to rails R as the chief screening component in privacy
wooden fences. Such panels may be spaced, alternate side to side
(on a single rail Rx, or double Rx to RY), cover one side of a rail
(i.e., RX) butted or spaced one panel against the next or cover
both sides (i.e., RX and RY) butted or spaced one panel against the
next to hide bracket assembly 10, T-shaped post P, fence rail RX,
and fence rail RY.
[0053] Moreover, fence rail RY may simply be a cover, slat, or
picket extending a length necessary to cover bracket assembly 10,
as shown in FIG. 8A.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a flow diagram
900 of a method for releasably affixing fence rails R to a lugged
fence post, such as lugged T-shaped post P utilizing one or more
bracket assembly 10. In block or step 910, obtaining one or more
bracket assembly 10 as described above in FIGS. 1-8. In block or
step 915, obtaining a lugged fence post, such as lugged T-shaped
post P to releasably affix or attach bracket assembly 10. In block
or step 920, positioning oval cutout 34 of first bracket assembly
10 of abutment section 23 around one of a plurality of lugs L
formed on T-shaped post P. In block or step 925, positioning fence
rail R, or fence rail R1 and fence rail R2 proximate first
connector section 21 and second connector section 25 of first
bracket assembly 10. In block or step 930, inserting screws S
preferably in apertures 32. In block or step 935, affixing bracket
assembly 10 around T-shaped post P to fence rail R, or fence rail
R1 and fence rail R2 by inserting screws S, thus, cinching bracket
assembly 10 around T-shaped post P. In block or step 940,
supporting rail R, or fence rail R1 and fence rail R2 in
perpendicular alignment relative to T-shaped post P.
[0055] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative
embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described
exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those ordinarily
skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only,
and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications
may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely
listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does
not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that
method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which
this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are
used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes
of limitation. Moreover, the present invention has been described
in detail; it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited
to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only
by the following claims.
* * * * *