U.S. patent application number 16/145549 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-02 for toy vehicle with adjustable chassis.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steve Dunham, Timothy Rettberg, Brendon Vetuskey, Kelvin Xian.
Application Number | 20200101394 16/145549 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69944991 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-02 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200101394 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunham; Steve ; et
al. |
April 2, 2020 |
TOY VEHICLE WITH ADJUSTABLE CHASSIS
Abstract
A toy vehicle with an adjustable chassis is disclosed. The toy
vehicle comprises a chassis having a left frame rail and a right
frame rail. Each of the left and right frame rails is moveable
between a first position and a second position. One or more wheels
are attached to each of the left and right frame rails and a
vehicle body is mounted onto the chassis. Moving the left and right
frame rails to their first positions results in the left and right
frame rails moving toward each other and toward the vehicle body.
Moving the left and right frame rails to their second positions
results in the left and right frame rails moving away from each
other and away from the vehicle body.
Inventors: |
Dunham; Steve; (Westchester,
CA) ; Rettberg; Timothy; (Rancho Palos Verdes,
CA) ; Vetuskey; Brendon; (Long Beach, CA) ;
Xian; Kelvin; (Foshan, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mattel, Inc. |
El Segundo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69944991 |
Appl. No.: |
16/145549 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/262
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 17/26 20060101
A63H017/26 |
Claims
1. A toy vehicle comprising: a chassis having a left frame rail and
a right frame rail, each of the left and right frame rails being
moveable between a first position and a second position; a front
wheel and a rear wheel attached to each of the left and right frame
rails; and a vehicle body mounted on top of the chassis; wherein
moving the left and right frame rails to their first positions
results in the left and right frame rails moving towards each other
and upwards toward the vehicle body; and wherein moving the left
and right frame rails to their second positions results in the left
and right frame rails moving away from each other and downwards
from the vehicle body.
2. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the chassis further
comprises a front portion and a rear portion, the front and rear
portions each having slanted openings for guiding the left and
right frame rails as the left and right frame rails move between
their first positions and second positions.
3. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the left and right frame
rails are biased towards their first positions.
4. The toy vehicle of claim 1, further comprising one or more
springs or elastic members biasing the left and right frame rails
toward their first positions.
5. The toy vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an adjustment
knob for controlling the movement of the left and right frame rails
between their first positions and second positions.
6. The toy vehicle of claim 5, wherein turning the adjustment knob
in a first direction moves the left and right frame rails to their
first positions and turning the adjustment knob in a second
direction moves the left and right frame rails to their second
positions.
7. The toy vehicle of claim 5, further comprising a central bar
positioned between the left frame rail and the right frame rail,
wherein turning the adjustment knob causes the central bar to move
the left and right frame rails between their first positions and
second positions.
8. The toy vehicle of claim 7, wherein rotational movement of the
adjustment knob is translated to linear movement of the central
bar.
9. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the front wheel and the rear
wheel attached to each of the left and right frame rails freely
rotate while the left and right frame rails are in their first
positions and second positions.
10. A toy vehicle comprising: a chassis having a left frame rail
and a right frame rail, the left and right frame rails being
moveable between a first position and a second position; a front
wheel and a rear wheel attached to each of the left and right frame
rails; a vehicle body mounted onto of the chassis; and an
adjustment mechanism for simultaneously moving the left and right
frame rails between their first positions and second positions.
11. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein the chassis further
comprises a front portion and a rear portion, the front and rear
portions each having slanted openings for guiding the left and
right frame rails as the left and right frame rails move between
their first positions and second positions.
12. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein the left and right frame
rails are biased towards their first positions.
13. The toy vehicle of claim 10, further comprising one or more
springs or elastic members biasing the left and right frame rails
toward their first positions.
14. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein the adjustment mechanism
is a rotatable adjustment knob.
15. The toy vehicle of claim 14, wherein turning the adjustment
knob in a first direction moves the left and right frame rails to
their first positions and turning the adjustment knob in a second
direction moves the left and right frame rails to their second
positions.
16. The toy vehicle of claim 14, further comprising a central bar
positioned between the left frame rail and the right frame rail,
wherein turning the adjustment knob causes the central bar to move
the left and right frame rails between their first positions and
second positions.
17. The toy vehicle of claim 16, wherein rotational movement of the
adjustment knob is translated to linear movement of the central
bar.
18. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein the front wheel and the
rear wheel attached to each of the left and right frame rails
freely rotate while the left and right frame rails are in their
first positions and second positions.
19. A toy vehicle comprising: a chassis having a front portion and
a rear portion, the chassis further supporting a left frame rail
and a right frame rail that are each moveable between a first
position and a second position, the front and rear portions each
having slanted openings for guiding the left and right frame rails
as the left and right frame rails move between their first
positions and second positions; a front wheel and a rear wheel
attached to each of the left and right frame rails; and a vehicle
body mounted onto the chassis; wherein moving the left and right
frame rails to their first positions results in the left and right
frame rails moving inwards toward a center of the chassis and
upwards into the vehicle body; and wherein moving the left and
right frame rails to their second positions results in the left and
right frame rails moving away from the center of the chassis and
downwards from the vehicle body.
20. The toy vehicle of claim 19 further comprising: an adjustment
knob for controlling the movement of the left and right frame rails
between their first positions and second positions; one or more
springs or elastic members biasing the left and right frame rails
toward their first positions; and a central bar positioned between
the left frame rail and the right frame rail, wherein rotating the
adjustment knob 90 degrees in a first direction results in the
central bar moving the left and right frame rails to their second
positions and turning the adjustment knob 90 degrees in a second
direction opposite the first direction results in the central bar
allowing the left and right frame rails to return to their first
positions.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to toy vehicles, and
in particular, toy vehicles with an adjustable chassis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Toy cars and vehicles are popular toys for people of all
ages. Generally, a typical toy vehicle comprises a vehicle body and
a set of wheels attached directly to the vehicle body or to a
chassis/frame forming part of the vehicle body. The positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle body plays an important part
in the aesthetics and/or playability of the toy vehicle. Thus, to
provide greater play value, it is desirable for a toy vehicle to
have repositionable wheels, which allows a single vehicle to be
displayed and played with in different configurations. Furthermore,
it is desirable for the toy vehicle to have a built-in mechanism
for easily adjusting the chassis and wheels on the toy vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A toy vehicle with an adjustable chassis is disclosed
herein. According to one aspect of the present invention, the toy
vehicle comprises a chassis having a left frame rail and a right
frame rail. The left and right frame rails are moveable between a
first position and a second position. A front wheel and a rear
wheel are attached to each of the left and right frame rails and a
vehicle body is mounted onto of the chassis. The toy vehicle also
includes an adjustment mechanism for simultaneously moving the left
and right frame rails between their first positions and second
positions.
[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, a toy
vehicle is provided comprising a chassis having a left frame rail
and a right frame rail. Each of the left and right frame rails is
moveable between a first position and a second position. One or
more wheels are attached to each of the left and right frame rails
and a vehicle body is mounted on top of the chassis. In one of more
embodiments, moving the left and right frame rails to their first
positions results in the left and right frame rails moving towards
each other and upwards toward the vehicle body. Moving the left and
right frame rails to their second positions results in the left and
right frame rails moving away from each other and downwards from
the vehicle body. Preferably, the one or more wheels attached to
each of the left and right frame rails freely rotate while the left
and right frame rails are in their first positions and second
positions.
[0005] The chassis of the toy vehicle further comprises a front
portion and a rear portion. In one or more embodiments, the front
and rear portions each have slanted openings for guiding the left
and right frame rails as the left and right frame rails move
between their first positions and second positions. In one
instance, the left and right frame rails are biased towards their
first positions. One or more springs or elastic members are used to
bias the left and right frame rails toward their first
positions.
[0006] In one or more embodiments, the toy vehicle has an
adjustment knob for controlling the movement of the left and right
frame rails between their first positions and second positions. In
one instance, turning the adjustment knob in a first direction
moves the left and right frame rails to their first positions and
turning the adjustment knob in a second direction moves the left
and right frame rails to their second positions. In some
embodiments, the toy vehicle further comprises a central bar
positioned between the left frame rail and right frame rail.
Turning the adjustment knob causes the central bar to move the left
and right frame rails between their first positions and second
positions. In one instance, rotational movement of the adjustment
knob is translated to linear movement of the central bar.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a toy
vehicle is provided comprising a chassis having a front portion and
a rear portion. The chassis supports a left frame rail and a right
frame rail that are each moveable between a first position and a
second position. A front wheel and a rear wheel are attached to
each of the left and right frame rails and a vehicle body is
mounted onto the chassis. The front and rear portions of the
chassis each have slanted openings for guiding the left and right
frame rails as the left and right frame rails move between their
first positions and second positions. Moving the left and right
frame rails to their first positions results in the left and right
frame rails moving inwards toward a center of the chassis and
upwards into the vehicle body. Moving the left and right frame
rails to their second positions results in the left and right frame
rails moving away from the center of the chassis and downwards from
the vehicle body.
[0008] In one or more embodiments, the toy vehicle further
comprises an adjustment knob for controlling the movement of the
left and right frame rails between their first positions and second
positions. One or more springs or elastic members bias the left and
right frame rails toward their first positions. A central bar is
also positioned between the left frame rail and right frame rail.
In one instance, rotating the adjustment knob 90 degrees in a first
direction results in the central bar moving the left and right
frame rails to their second positions. Turning the adjustment knob
90 degrees in a second direction opposite the first direction
results in the central bar allowing the left and right frame rails
to return to their first positions.
[0009] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description. It is to be understood, however,
that the detailed description and specific examples, while
indicating some embodiments of the invention, are given by way of
illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications
within the scope of the invention may be made without departing
from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes all
such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference
numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:
[0011] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate top views of a generalized
representation of an adjustable chassis for a toy vehicle in a
first configuration (FIG. 1A) and a second configuration (FIG. 1B),
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front views of a toy vehicle in a
first configuration (FIG. 2A) and a second configuration (FIG. 2B),
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate side views of a toy vehicle in a
first configuration (FIG. 3A) and a second configuration (FIG. 3B),
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate bottom views of an adjustable
chassis with frame rails in their first positions (FIG. 4A) and
their second positions (FIG. 4B), according to the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B;
[0015] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate top views of an adjustable
chassis with a central bar in its first position (FIG. 5A) and its
second position (FIG. 5B), according to the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 3A and 3B;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of a toy vehicle, according
to another embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of a toy vehicle, according
to another embodiment of the invention; and
[0018] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a front view (FIG. 8A) and rear
view (FIG. 8B) of an adjustable chassis, according to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] A toy vehicle according to the present invention includes an
adjustable chassis with one or more movable frame rails. Depending
on the positioning of the one or more frame rails, wheels attached
to the one or more frame rails may be moved to different positions
on the toy vehicle, thereby allowing the toy vehicle to be
displayed and played with in different configurations.
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a general embodiment of an
adjustable vehicle frame or chassis 100 of a toy vehicle is shown.
The chassis 100 is the main supporting structure of the toy vehicle
to which other components, such as wheels 108 and a vehicle body
(not shown), are attached. It is to be noted that though the toy
vehicles are described and illustrated herein as having a separate
vehicle body mounted on the chassis 100 (i.e., body-on-frame
construction), the vehicle body may also be unified with the
chassis 100 (i.e., unibody construction) in certain
embodiments.
[0021] In a typical embodiment, chassis 100 includes a left frame
rail 104 and a right frame rail 106 supported by a lower portion
102 of the chassis 100. The left and right frame rails 104, 106 can
each be moved between a first position A (see FIG. 1A) and a second
position B (see FIG. 1B). Moving the left and right frame rails
104, 106 in respective first directions (as indicated by the arrows
in FIG. 1A) allows the left and right frame rails 104, 106 to shift
to their second positions B. Conversely, moving the left and right
frame rails 104, 106 in respective second directions (as indicated
by the arrows in FIG. 1B) allows the left and right frame rails
104, 106 to shift back to their first positions A.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the left and right frame rails
104, 106 move together simultaneously when being shifted between
their first and second positions. In other embodiments, the left
and right frame rails 104, 106 are moved separately to their first
and second positions. For example, the left frame rail 104 may be
moved to its second position B while the right frame rail 106
remains in its first position A. Further, though two frame rail
positions are described and illustrated herein (i.e., first
position A and second position B), some embodiments of the
adjustable chassis may have a different number of frame rail
positions. In one instance, the left and right frame rails may each
move incrementally through three or more frame rail positions. In
other instances, due to a gradual/continuous transitional movement
between the first and second positions, the left and right frame
rails may each be positioned in the first or second position, as
well as any position between the first and second positions.
[0023] Since wheels 108 are attached to the left and right frame
rails 104, 106, the wheels 108 are also repositioned accordingly as
the left and right frame rails 104, 106 move between their first
and second positions. Thus, moving the left and right frame rails
to their first or second positions transforms a toy vehicle to a
respective first or second configuration with differently
positioned wheels. Preferably, the wheels 108 can freely rotate in
either vehicle configuration, irrespective of whether the left and
right frame rails 104, 106 are in their first or second positions.
This allows a user to play with the toy vehicle in multiple
configurations.
[0024] FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of a toy vehicle 200 that
has a first configuration C (see FIG. 2A) and second configuration
D (see FIG. 2B). The toy vehicle 200 has a vehicle body 210 that is
positioned over wheels 208 attached to an adjustable chassis (not
shown). The vehicle body 210 can be of any shape or design as long
as it has sufficient space inside to accommodate the chassis and/or
the movement of the frame rails and wheels 208. In this
illustrative embodiment, to transform the toy vehicle 200 from its
first configuration C to its second configuration D, the chassis is
adjusted such that it causes the wheels 208 to move at an angle
both away from each other and downwards from the vehicle body 210.
To transform the toy vehicle 200 from its second configuration D to
its first configuration C, the chassis is adjusted such that it
causes the wheels 208 to move at an angle both towards each other
and upwards toward the vehicle body 210. In a preferred embodiment,
the wheels 208 all move together simultaneously while the chassis
is being adjusted. In other embodiments, one or more of the wheels
208 are moved separately while the chassis is being adjusted.
[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B show side views of a toy vehicle 300 having
a similar first configuration C (see FIG. 3A) and second
configuration D (see FIG. 3B) as the toy vehicle 200 in FIGS. 2A
and 2B. In its first configuration C, the positioning of the wheels
308 gives the toy vehicle 300 a lowered vehicle body 310
reminiscent of a lowrider car style when the toy vehicle 300 is
placed on a support surface such as the floor, a track or a
tabletop. In its second configuration D, the positioning of the
wheels 308 gives the toy vehicle 300 a more "normal" car
configuration where the vehicle body 310 is higher off the support
surface. In addition to a difference in its appearance, changing
the configuration of the toy vehicle 300 may also affect its racing
characteristics. For example, the lower ride height or clearance of
the toy vehicle 300 while it is in the low rider configuration C
gives the toy vehicle 300 a low center of gravity. The toy vehicle
300 is thus less likely to topple or roll over when traveling at
high speeds or performing sharp/abrupt turns. Transforming the toy
vehicle 300 to the more "normal" configuration D gives the toy
vehicle 300 a higher ground clearance that is helpful if the toy
vehicle 300 is played on uneven terrain or travels through loops,
ramps or obstacles.
[0026] FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example of an adjustable chassis 400
viewed from the bottom of a toy vehicle similar to the toy vehicle
300 in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Specifically, FIGS. 4A and 4B show an upper
portion 402 of the chassis 400. The lower portion of the chassis
that supports the left frame rail 404 and a right frame rail 406 is
not shown (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A and 5B for an example of the lower
portion of a chassis). Front wheels 408 and rear wheels 409 are
attached to the left frame rail 404 and right frame rail 406.
Moving the left and right frame rails 404, 406 repositions the
front and rear wheels 408, 409 accordingly.
[0027] The left and right frame rails 404, 406 can each be moved
between a first or inner position E (see FIG. 4A) and a second or
outer position F (see FIG. 4B). While the left and right frame
rails 404, 406 are in their first positions E, shifting the left
and right frame rails 404, 406 away from the center of the chassis
400 (as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4A) and away from the
vehicle body moves the left and right frame rails 404, 406 to their
second positions F. Shifting the left and right frame rails 404,
406 toward the center of the chassis 402 (as indicated by the
arrows in FIG. 4B) and toward the vehicle body moves the left and
right frame rails 404, 406 back to their first positions E. Leaf
springs 412, 414 further bias the left and right frame rails 404,
406 toward their first positions E.
[0028] The chassis 400 also includes a central bar 416 that is
positioned between the left and right frame rails 404, 406. The
central bar 416 has one or more angled cam surfaces 418 that
contact one or more respective cam surfaces 419 on the left and
right frame rails 404, 406. These cam surfaces are able to slide
against each other as the central bar moves laterally back and
forth. Moving the central bar backward in the direction G forces
the left and right frame rails 404, 406 apart (i.e., to their
second positions F). Moving the central bar forward in the
direction H allows the leaf springs 412, 414 to push the left and
right frame rails 404, 406 back toward the center of the chassis
402 (i.e., to their first positions E).
[0029] FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a lower portion 500 of a
chassis. The lower portion 500 connects with the upper portion 402
of the chassis 400 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A and 4B). The lower portion
500 of the chassis includes an adjustment knob 502 operatively
connected to the central bar 416. In this illustrative embodiment,
the adjustment knob 502 has a protrusion 504 that engages with an
opening 506 on the central bar 416. The opening 506 is shaped such
that movement of the protrusion 504 causes the central bar 416 to
laterally move back and forth.
[0030] FIG. 5A shows a first position of the adjustment knob 502
and the central bar 416. As the adjustment knob 502 is turned
counter-clockwise in the direction of arrow I, the central bar 416
moves back in the direction of arrow G, which results in the second
position shown in FIG. 5B. In FIG. 5B, the adjustment knob 502 may
then be turned clockwise in the direction of arrow J to move the
central bar 416 forward in the direction of arrow H and return to
the first position shown in FIG. 5A. As described earlier, moving
the central bar 416 back or forth causes the left and right frame
rails 404, 406 to move to their second positions B (see FIG. 4B) or
return to their first positions A (see FIG. 4A), respectively. A
stop is further included as part of the central bar 416, adjustment
knob 502, and/or lower portion 500 of the chassis to prevent the
adjustment knob 502 from being rotated more than 90 degrees in the
counter-clockwise direction I or clockwise direction J.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows another example of a toy vehicle 600 including
both an adjustable chassis 612 (the lower portion of the chassis
612 has been removed and is not shown) and a vehicle body 610. The
toy vehicle 600 has an adjustment knob 602 with an extension 608
that a user can grasp to more easily rotate the adjustment knob
602. Turning the adjustment knob 602 clockwise in the direction of
arrow J moves the central bar 616 forward in the direction of arrow
H, which subsequently allows the left and right frame rails 604,
606 to move toward the center of the chassis 612 (as indicated by
the arrows in FIG. 6) and toward the vehicle body 610. Though an
adjustment knob 602 is described and illustrated herein, other
adjustment mechanisms for moving the left and right frame rails
604, 606 may also be used. For example, the adjustment mechanism
may utilize a switch, button or dial to adjust the positions of the
left and right frame rails. Also, the left and right frame rails
may be moved manually as described or mechanically through the use
of an electric motor.
[0032] In other embodiments, the chassis does not include a central
bar. FIG. 7 shows an example of a toy vehicle 700 where rotational
movement of an adjustment knob 708 directly moves a left frame rail
704 and right frame rail 706. An elastic member 702, such as an
elastic band, is coupled to the left frame rail 704 and right frame
rail 706, thereby biasing the left and right frame rails 704, 706
to their first positions A. Each of the frame rails 704, 706
includes a pair of posts 703 as shown in FIG. 7. The elastic member
702 extends around all the posts 703, thereby pulling or biasing
the frame rails 704, 706 toward each other.
[0033] The adjustment knob 708 is positioned between the left and
right frame rails 704, 706 and has an extension 710 that a user can
grasp to rotate the adjustment knob 708. Turning the adjustment
knob 708 ninety degrees in either direction clockwise or
counter-clockwise (as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7) forces the
left and right frame rails 704, 706 apart to their second
positions. Continuing to turn the adjustment knob 708 ninety
degrees in the same direction or in the opposite direction allows
the elastic member 702 to pull the left and right frame rails 704,
7406 back toward the center of the toy vehicle (i.e., to their
first positions).
[0034] FIGS. 8A and 8B show an example of a front portion 802 and
rear portion 804 of an adjustable chassis 806. As shown in FIG. 8A,
the front portion 802 has slanted openings 808, 810 for
respectively guiding the left and right frame rails 812, 814 as
they move between their first positions and second positions. Here,
the left and right frame rails 812, 814 are depicted in their
second positions. The slanted openings 808, 810 are angled such
that the left and right frame rails 812, 814 simultaneously move
both towards the center of the chassis 806 and upwards from a
support surface/floor as the left and right frame rails 812, 814
move from their second positions to their first positions. Moving
from their first positions to their second positions causes the
left and right frame rails 812, 814 to simultaneously move both
away from the center of the chassis 806 and downwards toward the
support surface/floor.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 8B, the rear portion 804 also has slanted
openings 816, 818 that are similarly angled, which allows the
respective left and right frame rails 812, 814 to remain parallel
to the supporting surface and each other as they move. The rear
portion 804 further includes cutaways 820, 822 to facilitate the
insertion of the left and right frame rails 812, 814 onto the
chassis 806 during the manufacturing and/or assembly of the toy
vehicle. In other embodiments, the chassis 806 may include openings
of different shapes or angles to allow the left and right frame
rails be repositioned in different positions on the toy
vehicle.
[0036] Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and
described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it
is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and
within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
[0037] Moreover, it is to be understood that terms such as "left,"
"right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "side," "height,"
"length," "width," "upper," "lower," "interior," "exterior,"
"inner," "outer" and the like as may be used herein, merely
describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the
present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
Further, the term "exemplary" may be used herein to describe an
example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as
exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous
embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible
embodiment of the invention.
[0038] Finally, various features from one of the embodiments may be
incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is
appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a
manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *