U.S. patent application number 16/252051 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-24 for tonneau with cargo management basket.
This patent application is currently assigned to Reliable Engineered Products, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Reliable Engineered Products, LLC. Invention is credited to Joseph T. Kolwick, Randy W. Linn, Thomas P. Nowicki.
Application Number | 20190322220 16/252051 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68237330 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190322220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Linn; Randy W. ; et
al. |
October 24, 2019 |
TONNEAU WITH CARGO MANAGEMENT BASKET
Abstract
A tonneau for use with a pick-up truck bed includes a frame for
attachment over the truck bed and a cover configured on top of the
frame to protect the contents of the bed. The tonneau further
includes a slidable cargo basket configured at the rear of the
pick-up truck bed for enabling easy cargo access. The cargo
management basket includes a plurality of slidable panels that are
foldable allowing users to easily access the truck bed.
Inventors: |
Linn; Randy W.; (Charlotte,
MI) ; Kolwick; Joseph T.; (Grand Ledge, MI) ;
Nowicki; Thomas P.; (Okemos, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Reliable Engineered Products, LLC |
Charlotte |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Reliable Engineered Products,
LLC
|
Family ID: |
68237330 |
Appl. No.: |
16/252051 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62661317 |
Apr 23, 2018 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 5/041 20130101;
B60J 7/102 20130101; B60R 5/045 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 5/04 20060101
B60R005/04; B60J 7/10 20060101 B60J007/10 |
Claims
1. A tonneau for use with a pick-up truck bed comprising: a frame
for attachment over the truck bed; a cover configured on top of the
frame to protect the contents of the bed; and a slidable cargo
management basket configured at the rear of the pick-up truck bed,
such that the basket is moveable, between a forward and extended
position, without removing any portion of the cover, where the
basket is configured over the pick-up truck tailgate when in the
extended position, for providing an easily accessible cargo area at
the rear end of the bed while standing at ground level and
preventing movement of cargo in the basket during vehicle motion in
the forward position; and wherein the cargo management basket
slides on the frame using a rail assembly and is foldable into a
stowed position for providing access under the frame into the truck
bed.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. A tonneau as in claim 1, wherein the cargo basket moves above a
floor of the truck bed.
5. A tonneau as in claim 1, wherein the slidable cargo basket
includes at least one slidable panel for accessing the truck
bed.
6. A tonneau as in claim 1, wherein the frame is held to the truck
bed using a plurality of clamps.
7. (canceled)
8. A tonneau as in claim 1, wherein the slidable cargo basket
includes a floor pan that pivots to a folded stowed position.
9. A tonneau for providing a cover for a pick-up truck bed
comprising: a substantially rectangular frame secured under an
upper rim of the pick-up truck bed; a cover attached to the frame
for protecting cargo in the pick-up truck bed; a cargo management
basket that slides between a forward and extended position without
removing the cover such that when in an extended position the
basket extends over a lowered pick-up truck tailgate for allowing
cargo to in the basket to be accessible to the user while standing
at the rear of the truck bed; and wherein the cargo management
basket includes a foldable floor pan.
10. A tonneau as in claim 9, wherein the moveable basket uses a
plurality of slidable panels to conceal cargo in the basket.
11. A tonneau as in claim 9, wherein the frame is held to the truck
bed using a plurality of clamps.
12. A tonneau as in claim 9, wherein the cargo basket slides using
a roller assembly.
13. (canceled)
14. A tonneau as in claim 9, wherein the moveable cargo basket is
foldable on at least one side of the truck bed.
15. (canceled)
16. A tonneau for covering a pick-up truck bed comprising: a frame
secured under an upper rim of the pickup truck bed; a cover for
covering the frame and the pickup truck bed; a slideable basket and
movable without removing any portion of the cover between a forward
and extended position where the basket is formed using a plurality
of foldable panels for stowing the basket to at least one side of
the pickup truck bed and providing access to the interior thereof;
and wherein the slideable basket extends over a lowered pick-up
truck gate when in the extended position for allowing user access
to the slidable basket at the rear end of the pickup truck bed.
17. A tonneau as in claim 16, wherein the cargo basket moves using
a roller assembly.
18. A tonneau as in claim 16, wherein the frame is held under a rim
of the pick-up truck bed using at least one clamp.
19. A tonneau as in claim 16, wherein the basket is foldable to at
least one side of the truck bed.
20. A tonneau as in claim 16, wherein the basket includes a sling
bag for preventing movement of the cargo in the basket.
21. A tonneau for use with a pick-up truck bed comprising: a frame
for attachment over the truck bed; a cover configured on top of the
frame to protect the contents of the bed; a cargo basket which
slides on a rail assembly attached to the frame and moves between a
forward and extended position for providing an easily accessible
cargo area to prevent movement of cargo in the the basket, where
the cargo basket is foldable enabling at least one portion of the
basket to be configured to a side of the truck bed for providing
access to an interior of the truck bed; and wherein the cargo
basket extends over a lowered pick-up truck gate when in the
extended position for allowing user access to the cargo basket at
the rear end of the pickup truck bed.
22. (canceled)
23. A tonneau as in claim 21, wherein the slidable cargo basket
slides using a roller assembly without touching the truck bed.
24. A tonneau as in claim 21, wherein the slidable cargo basket
includes at least one slidable gate for accessing the truck
bed.
25. A tonneau as in claim 21, wherein the frame is held to the
truck bed using a plurality of clamps.
26. (canceled)
27. A tonneau as in claim 21, wherein the slidable cargo basket
includes a floor pan that pivots into a folded stowed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. Design patent
application Ser. No. 29/677,345 entitled "A TONNEAU WITH CARGO
MANAGEMENT BASKET" filed Jan. 18, 2019 and owned by Reliable
Engineered Products, LLC.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to truck pick-up
accessories and more particularly to a tonneau having a cargo
management basket.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A tonneau cover or "tonneau" is well known in automotive
terminology and generally refers to a cargo space area of a car or
truck that opens from the top. In a pickup truck or utility vehicle
having an open bed, the tonneau often describes a hard or soft
cover used to protect the cargo bed from the environment. Hard
tonneau covers open by a hinged or folding mechanism while soft
covers typically open by rolling up the soft vinyl material. Both
types of covers work to conceal and/or cover the bed and/or cargo.
The tonneau also keeps items in the truck bed out of the driving
environment by providing extra security to keep personal items out
of sight.
[0004] One of the problems associated in using a tonneau, in
connection with the truck bed, deals with the truck while in
motion. When an item is located in the bed for transport, it can
move freely around the bed under the tonneau with the motion of the
vehicle. In the case of groceries or other fragile items, this can
have disastrous consequences even under the best driving conditions
since the truck and cargo can be damaged by items rolling round in
the bed.
[0005] Accordingly, a tonneau with additional features for securing
items is needed for use with an open bed pick-up truck.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating the tonneau cover
frame subassembly and cargo management subassembly according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of the tonneau cover
frame subassembly.
[0009] FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view of the cargo management
subassembly.
[0010] FIG. 1C is a lower perspective view of the cargo management
subassembly.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly where
the floor pan in the cargo management basket is fully deployed in
the forward position.
[0012] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly
functionality where the floor pan in the cargo basket is partially
folded and the sliding gates are open.
[0013] FIG. 2C is perspective view of the tonneau assembly where
the floor pans are fully stowed, the short gate assemblies are
fully stowed, and the tall gate assemblies are pivoting into their
stowed positions.
[0014] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly where
the floor pans, tall gate assemblies, and short gate assemblies are
illustrated in their fully stowed positions.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a magnified view of the passenger tall and short
gate assemblies folded into the stowed position as shown in FIG.
2D.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
in a deployed forward position with the truck bed tailgate
closed.
[0017] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
in a deployed forward position with the truck bed tailgate
open.
[0018] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
in a deployed extended position with the truck bed tailgate
down.
[0019] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
illustrated in the stowed extended position over the truck bed
tailgate.
[0020] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
illustrated in its forward stowed position against the sides of the
truck bed.
[0021] FIG. 5 is also a perspective view of the cargo management
basket shown inside the truck bed in a stowed position.
[0022] FIG. 5A is a magnified preservative view of the cargo
management basket in a stowed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in
accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that
the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus
components related to a tonneau pick-up bed cover. Accordingly, the
apparatus components and method steps have been represented where
appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only
those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the
embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description
herein.
[0024] In this document, relational terms such as first and second,
top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one
entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily
requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between
such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or
any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded
by "comprises a . . . " does not, without more constraints,
preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the
process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the
element.
[0025] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a tonneau and its cover
according to an embodiment of the invention. The tonneau assembly
100 includes a cover frame subassembly 101 and a cargo management
basket subassembly 102. The cover frame subassembly 101 works in
combination with the cargo management basket subassembly 102 for
providing a cover over the truck bed by providing the user with
additional utility of providing a slidable cargo management basket
which provides the user with easy access to cargo items.
[0026] FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of the tonneau cover
frame subassembly. The tonneau cover frame subassembly 101A is
comprised of a driver side rail 103, a front header 105, a
passenger side rail 107, a rear header 109, and a plurality of side
rail clamps 106. The frame 101A is substantially rectangular in
shape where both frame 101 and the cargo management basket
subassembly 102 are manufactured of plastic or metal material
allowing it to remain rigid while covering the pick-up truck bed.
The frame rails 103 and 107 are angled so they can be positioned at
a point on the top edge of the truck bed and the inner edge of the
truck bed. Each respective rail 103, 107 attaches to the upper rim
of the truck bed using a side rail clamp 106 that frictionally
engages under the rim of the truck bed to hold the cover frame
subassembly 101A into a fixed position. In one embodiment, four (4)
clamps can be positioned under both the driver side rail 103 and
passenger side rail 107 for use with up to 7 foot and 8-foot sized
pick-up long beds. Further, the frame 101A includes a plurality of
cross-bar supports 111, 113, 115 that work to provide cross-support
for the tonneau cover on the frame subassembly. The tonneau cover
used to cover the frame subassembly 101A is typically a strong
material such as cloth, vinyl or metal to protect any cargo from
theft and/or environmental elements when placed within the truck
bed.
[0027] FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view of the cargo management
basket subassembly. FIG. 1C is a lower perspective view of the
cargo management basket subassembly. With regard to both FIG. 1B
and FIG. 1C, the cargo management basket subassembly 102 is
substantially rectangular forming a drawer-like shape and is formed
using a plurality of panels supported by a frame. More
specifically, the front of the basket is formed by a driver side
short pivot gate 117, a driver side short slide gate 119, a
passenger side short sliding gate 121 and a passenger side short
pivot gate 123. The driver side short slide gate 119 and the
passenger short sliding gate 121 are joined or latched together at
their upper or top edge using a short gate slide lock 120 that
bridges the gates 121, 123 holding them in position.
[0028] Similarly, the rear of the basket if formed by a driver side
tall pivot gate 125, driver side tall sliding gate 127, passenger
side tall sliding gate 129 and passenger side tall pivot gate 131.
The driver side tall sliding gage 127 and passenger side tall
sliding gate 129 are also joined or latched together at their upper
edge using a tall gate slide lock 128. The sides of the basket are
formed by driver side panel 133 and passenger side panel 135. The
bottom of the basket is formed using a plurality of folding panels.
These include first driver side floor pan 137, and second driver
side floor pan 139, first passenger side floor pan 141 and second
passenger side floor pan 143. Although the cargo management basket
102 typically uses a solid floor pan, those skilled in the art will
also recognize the bottom of the cargo management basket can also
include or be replaced with a net or mesh-like material to securely
hold items in the basket.
[0029] The cargo management basket subassembly 102 is supported by
and is suspended from a driver roller rail 145 and a passenger
roller rail 147. A driver roller plate 149 and passenger roller
plate 151 work with the respective roller rail 145, 147 allowing
the roller plate to move and/or glide along the rail. This enables
the cargo management basket 102 to move between a fully extended
and fully forward position. The driver roller plate 149 and
passenger roller plate 151 both include a slider mechanism, roller
bearing or the like allowing a smooth and easy motion along each of
the roller rails 145, 147. Each of the driver roller rail 145 and
passenger side rail 147 is adjusted in the truck bed using a
respective tensioner 153, 155 located at the end of each rail. The
tensioner 153, 155 provides a back stop which applies tension on
the roller rails for ease of operation as well as unclamping and
moving the basket to the extended position.
[0030] In order that the user may gain easy access to the truck
bed, each of the gates in the basket slide to open. More
specifically, the short gate slide lock 120 is moved to allow the
driver side sliding gate 119 and passenger side sliding gate 121 to
be moved outwardly to slide open thus creating a gap of hole.
Similarly, the tall gate slide lock 128 also moves to allow the
driver side tall slide gate 127 and passenger side tall slide gate
129 slide outwardly to create and opening or access slot into the
truck bed. Moreover, as described herein, the cargo management
basket subassembly 102 can be folded to allow full access to the
truck bed.
[0031] The folding process for storage of the cargo basket includes
the following steps. [0032] 1. Unlatch and slide the cargo
management basket 102 to its extended position. [0033] 2. Fold the
first driver floor pan 137 to driver side panel 133. [0034] 3. Fold
first passenger floor pan 141 to passenger side pane 135. [0035] 4.
Disengage the short gate slide lock 120. [0036] 5. Slide the driver
side short sliding gate 119 over the driver side short pivot gate
117. [0037] 6. Lift and rotate the driver side short pivot gate 117
into its stowed position next to the second driver side floor pan
139 in its folded position. [0038] 7. Slide the passenger side
short sliding gate 121 over the passenger side short pivot gate
123. [0039] 8. Lift and rotate the passenger side short pivot gate
123 into its stowed position next to the second passengers side
floor pan 141 in its folded position. [0040] 9. Disengage tall gate
slide lock 128. [0041] 10. Slide the driver side tall sliding gate
127 over the driver side tall pivot gate 125. [0042] 11. Lift and
rotate the driver side tall pivot gate 125 into its stowed position
over to the driver side panel 133 holding the driver folded
assembly. [0043] 12. Slide passenger side tall sliding gate 129
over the passenger side tall pivot gate 131. [0044] 13. Lift and
rotate the passenger side tall pivot gate 131 into its stowed
position over to the passenger side panel 135 holding the folded
passenger assembly. [0045] 14. Return the driver and passenger
folded stowed basket assembly to its forward position in the truck
bed.
[0046] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly where
the floor pan in the cargo management basket is deployed and the
basket in its forward position. The tonneau assembly 200 is
illustrated where the cargo management basket 201 is shown in a
forward position normally used in transit. The driver side tall
slide gate 203 and passenger side tall slide gate 205 are shown
pulled together or closed and the driver side short slide gate 207
and passenger side short sliding gate 209 is also shown pulled
together or closed.
[0047] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly
illustrating the steps in the folding process for the cargo
management basket. Initially, the floor pan in the cargo management
basket is folded. The second driver side floor pan 211 and folds
upon the first driver side floor plan 212. Similarly, the second
passenger side floor pan 213 folds upon the first passenger floor
plan 214. The floor pan has concave or "cupped" shape on the edges
allowing it to engage in the gate assemblies to maintain its flat
surface during normal use. The floor plan includes a plurality of
hinges allowing it to fold into quarter sections so to be easily
stored against the side of the truck bed. Thereafter, when the user
desires to fold up the cargo management basket 201, the driver side
short sliding gate 207 and the and passenger side short sliding
gate 209 each outwardly slide toward their respective side of the
bed to form a gap. Similarly, the driver side tall sliding gate 203
and passenger side tall sliding gate 205 also slide outwardly
toward the side of the truck bed to form a gap.
[0048] FIG. 2C is perspective view of the tonneau assembly where
the floor plan is folded and the driver side tall gate assembly 203
is folding upon the driver side short gate assembly 207. Similarly,
the passenger side tall gate assembly 205 is folded upon the
passenger side short gate assembly 209. As described herein, the
floor pans 211, 213 are pivoted upwardly and folded against the
side panels of the basket which are next to the side of the truck
bed. The driver side short gate assembly 207 and passenger side
short gate assembly 209 are folded upon the previously stowed floor
pans. Then the drivers tall sliding gate assembly 203 and passenger
side tall gate assembly 205 are then folded upon the short gate
assemblies so the truck bed is fully accessible.
[0049] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the tonneau assembly where
the floor pans, driver and passenger tall gate assemblies as well
as the driver's and passenger side short gate assemblies are
illustrated in a fully folded and stowed position against their
respective side panel. The folded driver side tall gate assembly
219 and folded passenger side tall gate assembly 221 are shown
folded against the folded driver side short gate assembly 215 and
folded passenger side short gate assembly 217 so to be in a stowed
position against each respective side of the side panel. This
enables the user to break-down and fold the cargo management basket
so that it is folded and stowed out of the way if the entire truck
bed area is needed under the tonneau cover.
[0050] FIG. 3 is a magnified view of the folded basket assembly
with the passenger side tall gate assembly folded on the passenger
side short gate assembly as show in FIG. 2D. The folded basket
assembly 300 is illustrated with the passenger roller plate 303
that includes a slidable rail 301 that is attached to the roller
plate 303 in a manner so that it can slide longitudinally partially
along its length. The slideable rail 301 rides within a slot or
channel using roller bearings or the like making it easy to move
along the length to its extended position over the tailgate of the
truck bed. As seen in FIG. 3, the passenger side tall gate assembly
305 is folded upon the passenger side short gate assembly 307 using
one or more hinges 309 or the like.
[0051] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
in a deployed forward position with the truck bed tailgate closed.
The cargo management basket 400 is shown in its deployed forward
position where the truck bed tailgate 401 is shown "raised" or
closed. This is the typical position of the cargo management basket
when in use and the vehicle is moving or in transit.
[0052] FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing the tonneau with its
cargo management basket in a deployed forward position and the
truck tailgate open. In this embodiment, the cargo management
basket 400 is illustrated with truck tailgate 401 down where both
the driver side tall sliding gate 403, passenger side tall sliding
gate 405, driver side short sliding gate 407 and passenger side
short sliding gate 409 are illustrated in a closed position so that
items stowed with the cargo management basket 411 are contained
inside the basket.
[0053] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
in a deployed extended position with the truck bed tailgate down.
In this view, the truck tailgate 401 is down or lowered and the
cargo management basket assembly 400 is pulled outwardly so that it
hangs over the tailgate 401. As noted herein, the cargo management
basket 411 is suspended above the tailgate 401 so that it does not
touch the surface of the of truck bed or tailgate. This is the
typical position of the cargo management basket when the cargo is
being loaded and unloaded in the basket.
[0054] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
illustrated stowed and extended over the truck bed tailgate. As
described herein, when the user desires to fold the cargo
management basket to gain full access to the truck bed, the
driver's and passenger tall sliding gates and the driver and
passenger short sliding gates are folded with the floor pan into
their respective positions. In FIG. 4D, the driver side tall gate
assembly 403 and passenger side tall gate assembly 405 are shown
folded over the driver side short gate assembly 409 and the
passenger side short gate assembly 410 and is in its stowed
extended position over the tailgate 401.
[0055] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the cargo management basket
illustrated and folded against the sides of the truck bed. In this
view, the folded panels forming the cargo management basket have
been pushed forward from over the tailgate 401 to the sides of the
truck bed just behind the wheel well 413. In this stowed position,
the user has full access to the truck bed for cleaning or carrying
large cargo.
[0056] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cargo basket shown
inside the truck bed in a fully stowed position. FIG. 5A is a
magnified preservative view of the cargo basket in the stowed
position. With regard to both FIG. 5 and FIG. 5A, the tonneau
assembly 500 is shown mounted in the truck bed where the truck
tailgate 501 in a down position. The driver side floor pan assembly
505 is folded against the driver side panel 506. The driver side
short gate assembly 504 is folded upon the driver side floor pan
assembly 505. The driver side tall gate assembly 503 is folded upon
the driver side short gate assembly 504. When folded in this
position, the cargo management basket is positioned on the side and
substantially in parallel with the side of the truck bed just
behind the wheel well 507 toward the truck tailgate. The folded
position of the cargo management basket assembly allows the user
full access to the truck bed.
[0057] Thus, the tonneau with a cargo management basket provides
high utility accessory adding a rear storage compartment or basket
to a vehicle having a cargo bed. The tonneau provides easy access
to the basket providing an additional means to safely transport
everyday items without them moving freely about the bed. This adds
safety and prevents damage to both the truck and/or goods. The
tonneau requires no alternations on the vehicle and fastens with
clamps to hold the tonneau top rails in place. The tonneau top
rails hold the cover assembly in place along with supporting the
entire storage compartment. Further, the tonneau includes a rear
slide out storage compartment that is designed to operate inside of
the truck bed while under a protective tonneau cover. Thus, while
in use, the cargo basket can be accessed without having to open the
tonneau cover. The cargo basket uses roller that moves in a track
on a rail for ease of operation allowing access to the basket over
the pickup tailgate area. The cargo basket moves and is suspended
above the truck bed so that it does not touch the bed.
[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the cargo basket may also
include a sling/storage bag or net replacing the bottom of the
basket. The bag works to restrain smaller items without having to
individually tie them down. The sling/storage bag is attached to
the front and rear gates which creates a storage bag with cover and
sides for protection of the items. The tonneau with cargo
management also provides access to the entire length of the truck
bed. Both the front and rear gates can be easily folded away and
fastened outside of the truck wheel wells. This enables full use of
the truck bed for larger items such a plywood, drywall, appliances
etc.
[0059] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the
present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary
skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes
can be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention as set forth in the claims below.
[0060] Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as a critical, required, or essential features or
elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely
by the appended claims including any amendments made during the
pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as
issued.
* * * * *