U.S. patent number 3,787,676 [Application Number 05/301,956] was granted by the patent office on 1974-01-22 for collapsible lampshade.
Invention is credited to Irving S. Korach.
United States Patent |
3,787,676 |
Korach |
January 22, 1974 |
COLLAPSIBLE LAMPSHADE
Abstract
A lampshade comprising an outer covering of a flexible covering
material permanently formed into a continuous, open-ended
configuration having bonded to the inner surface thereof a set of
preformed flexible retainers having endwise directed channels for
each detachably receiving a separate wire lampshade hoop to form a
collapsible and re-assemblible lampshade.
Inventors: |
Korach; Irving S. (Granada
Hills, CA) |
Family
ID: |
23165641 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/301,956 |
Filed: |
October 30, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/352 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V
1/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21V
1/00 (20060101); F21V 1/06 (20060101); F21v
001/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;240/18R,18A,18D |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
|
|
|
|
|
294,722 |
|
Aug 1928 |
|
GB |
|
1,294,280 |
|
Apr 1962 |
|
FR |
|
Primary Examiner: Peters, Jr.; Joseph F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Shapiro; Allan M.
Claims
1. A collapsible lampshade comprising:
a continuous flexible lampshade covering, said covering being
positionable into a configuration having a continuous closed side
and open ends and having an axis extending through said open ends
of said flexible covering, said covering being substantially rigid
in a direction parallel to said axis and substantially flexible in
a direction radial to said axis;
at least one retainer secured to said flexible covering, said
retainer being formed of flexible material so that said retainer
can flex with radial flexure of said flexible covering, said
retainer having walls defining a retainer channel, said channel
being open toward one of said open ends of said flexible covering,
and being open in a direction generally parallel to said axis;
and
a substantially rigid hoop, said hoop having such dimensions as to
be removably positionable within said channel to retain said
retainer and the adjacent flexible covering attached thereto in the
particular configuration required by the shape of said
substantially rigid hoop so that said flexible covering and said
retainer are retained in a shape dictated by said hoop, said hoop
being removable to permit flexure of said
2. The collapsible lampshade of claim 1 wherein:
said retainer is positioned away from both ends of said flexible
lampshade
3. A collapsible lampshade comprising:
a continuous flexible lampshade covering, said covering being
positionable into a configuration having a continuous closed side
and open ends and having an axis extending through said open ends
of said flexible covering;
an upper retainer positioned adjacent and spaced away from said
upper end of said flexible lampshade covering;
a lower retainer positioned adjacent and spaced away from the lower
end of said flexible lampshade covering, each of said retainers
being formed of flexible material so that each said retainer can
flex with radial flexure of said flexible covering, each of said
retainers having walls defining a retainer channel, each of said
channels being open toward one of said open ends of said flexible
covering, and being open in a direction generally parallel to said
axis; and upper and lower substantially rigid hoops, said hoops
having such dimensions as to be respectively removably positionable
within said upper and lower channels to retain said upper and lower
retainers and the adjacent flexible covering attached thereto in
the particular configuration required by the shape of said
substantially rigid hoops so that said flexible covering and said
retainers are retained in a
4. The collapsible lampshade of claim 2 wherein:
there is an upper retainer and a lower retainer, said upper
retainer being positioned adjacent one end of said flexbile
covering, and said lower retainer being positioned adjacent the
other end of said flexbile covering, thus defining the upper and
lower ends of said flexible lampshade covering;
each of said retainers having a retainer channel therein, said
retainer channels being open substantially axially, said channel in
said upper retainer having its open side being directed toward said
lower edge of
5. The collapsible lampshade of claim 4 wherein:
said open channel in said lower retainer is directed toward the
upper edge
6. The collapsible lampshade of claim 5 wherein:
there is an upper hoop removably positioned within said channel in
said upper retainer and wherein there is a lower hoop removably
positioned
7. A collapsible lampshade comprising:
a continuous flexible lampshade covering, said covering being
positionable to a configuration having a continuous closed side and
open ends and having an axis extending through said open ends of
said flexible covering;
an upper retainer and a lower retainer, each of said retainers
being secured to said flexible covering, said upper retainer being
positioned adjacent one open end of said flexbile covering and said
lower retainer being positioned adjacent the other open end of said
flexible covering, thus defining the upper and lower ends of said
flexible lampshade covering, each of said retainers being formed of
a flexible material so that said retainer can flex with flexure of
said flexible covering, each of said retainers having a retainer
channel therein, said retainer channels being open substantially
axially, said channel in said upper retainer having its open side
being directed toward said lower edge of said flexible lampshade
covering and said open channel in said lower retainer being
directed toward the upper edge of said flexible lampshade
covering,
said upper retainer being positioned away from said upper end of
said flexible lampshade covering and said lower retainer being
positioned away from the lower end of said flexible lampshade
covering; and
a substantially rigid hoop removably positionable within said
channel in said upper retainer and a substantially rigid lower hoop
removably positionable within said channel in said lower retainer,
each of said hoops positioning the adjacent flexible covering
attached adjacent said retainers into the particular configuration
required by the shape of said substantially rigid hoops so that
said flexible covering and said
8. A collapsible lampshade comprising:
a continuous flexible lampshade covering, said covering being
positionable into a configuration having a continuous closed side
and open ends and having an axis extending through said open ends
of said flexible covering;
at least one retainer secured to said flexible covering, said
retainer being formed of flexible material so that said retainer
can flex with flexure of said flexible covering, said retainer
having walls defining a retainer channel, said channel being open
toward one of said open ends of said flexible covering, and being
open in a direction generally parallel to said axis;
a substantially rigid hoop, said hoop being removably positioned
within said retainer, a retainer clip engaging said hoop and said
retainer to hold said hoop within said channel;
said retainer clip comprising legs which resiliently engage said
retainer and having a flange engaging said hoop to retain said hoop
within said channel, said hoop retaining said retainer and the
adjacent flexible covering attached thereto in the particular
configuration required by the
9. A collapsible lampshade comprising:
a continuous flexible lampshade covering, said covering being
positionable into a configuration having a continuous closed side
and open ends and having an axis extending through said open ends
of said flexible covering;
at least one retainer secured to said flexible covering, said
retainer being formed of flexible material so that said retainer
can flex with flexure of said flexible covering, said retainer
having walls defining a retainer channel, said channel being open
toward one of said open ends of said flexible covering, and being
open in a direction generally parallel to said axis;
a substantially rigid hoop, said hoop being removably positioned
within said retainer, a retainer clip engaging said hoop and said
retainer to hold said hoop within said channel;
said retainer clip comprising legs which resiliently engage said
retainer and having a flange engaging said hoop to retain said hoop
within said channel, said hoop retaining said retainer and the
adjacent flexible covering attached thereto in the particular
configuration required by the
10. The collapsible lampshade of claim 9 wherein:
said retainer clip engages around said hoop so that said retainer
clip is
11. A collapsible lampshade comprising:
a continuous flexible lampshade covering, said covering being
positionable into a configuration having a continuous closed side
and open ends and having an axis extending through said open ends
of said flexible covering;
at least one retainer secured to said flexible covering, said
retainer being formed of flexible material so that said retainer
can flex with flexure of said flexible covering, said retainer
having walls defining a retainer channel, said channel being open
toward one of said open ends of said flexible covering, and being
open in a direction generally parallel to said axis;
a substantially rigid hoop, said hoop being removably positioned
within said retainer, a retainer clip engaging said hoop and said
retainer to hold said hoop within said channel;
said retainer clip comprising legs which resiliently engage said
retainer and having a flange engaging said hoop to retain said hoop
within said channel, said hoop retaining said retainer and the
adjacent flexible covering attached thereto in the particular
configuration required by the
12. A collapsible lampshade comprising:
a lampshade covering having a continuous side and open ends and
having an axis extending through said open ends, said covering
being flexible in a direction radial to said axis and rigid in the
direction substantially parallel to said axis so that said
lampshade covering can be flexed to a substantially flattened
position;
an upper flexible retainer attached to the interior of said
lampshade covering adjacent one end thereof to define the upper end
of said lampshade covering, said upper flexible retainer having an
open channel therein directed substantially parallel to said axis
and open in a direction away from said upper end of said
covering;
a lower flexible retainer attached to the interior of said flexible
covering adjacent the other end thereof to define the lower end of
said lampshade, said second retainer having an open channel therein
directed substantially axially toward the upper end of said shade,
both said upper and lower flexible retainers being capable of
flexing with said lampshade cover;
a substantially rigid upper supporting hoop configured to be
supported by a lamp and to engage in said channel in said upper
retainer so that said lampshade covering hangs on said upper hoop
to retain said covering on said upper hoop; and
a lower substantially rigid hoop engaged in and gravitationally
restrained in said channel in said lower flexible retainer, so that
said hoops substantially define the opening of said flexible
lampshade covering.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to common hardback lamp-shades and more
particularly to collapsible lampshades wherein a flexible
decorative covering material is affixed to a set of upper and lower
wire hoops to form a lampshade.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Lampshades are well-known in the art. They usually comprise a
hollow structure of translucent material which is sufficiently thin
that it is not totally self-supporting. Therefore, the usual prior
art lampshades have a set of rings positioned within the covering
at the top and bottom thereof. Often, the covering is of heavy,
translucent paperstock formed in frustoconical configuration, with
open top and bottom. Overlapped and cemented edges permit this
frustoconical structure to be formed from such stock. The support
rings are positioned at the top and bottom of the covering, and the
covering is rolled around it to form the top and bottom of the
lampshade and retain the rings in place. The frusto-conical
configuration is preferred so that the finished lampshades can be
nested for shipping. Sometimes, the prior art lampshades are formed
in purely cylindrical shape but, in this configuration, they cannot
be nested and thus pose additional shipping and warehousing
problems by their substantial volume.
One attempt to overcome the problems of the excessive volume during
shipping and warehousing is represented by B. E. White U.S. Pat.
No. 3,557,362. In that case, the patentee teaches that the
lampshade should be shipped and stored as a kit, and the final
assembly operations, including the forming of the covering into
hollow form, be performed at the retail location. However, since
this patentee teaches that the final assembly operation includes
the forming of the covering into its hollow form and that this be
performed away from the original manufacturing site, the personnel
doing the final assembly need be, but usually are not, as skilled
as those at the factory. This results in workmanship of lower
quality. Accordingly, the prior art does not provide lampshades
which can be shipped in high packing density form, and can be
assembled into hardback lampshades by mere assembly operations
where all manufacturing operations have been performed in the
factory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to aid in the understanding of this invention, it can be
stated in essentially summary form that it is directed to a
collapsible lampshade. The collapsible lampshade has a fully
assembled flexible hollow covering which has a preformed, flexible
retainer having a channel. The covering with the retainer is folded
substantially flat for shipping and storing. The lampshade includes
a substantially rigid hoop which is inserted into the channel to
hold the covering open in the lampshade configuration when the
lampshade is to be used.
It is an object of this invention to provide a method for
manufacturing a lampshade in mass production that preserves all of
the existing visual and aesthetic characteristics, as well as the
structural characteristics of the commonly accepted lampshade,
while providing a practical method for manually collapsing the
lampshade and re-assembling the lampshade components to the
original lampshade configuration without degradation of any of the
component parts and without the use of manufacturing steps. A still
further object of the invention is to provide a collapsible
lampshade that will reduce the shipping volume by a percentage
sufficient to produce a tariff classification change, thereby
reducing the cost of shipping such lampshades. A still further
object of the invention is to provide a collapsible lampshade that
will reduce the volume of storage space required by reducing the
storage volume of the collapsible lampshade by a percentage of at
least 75 percent of its assembled volume, thus benefiting
manufacturers and retailers by reducing warehouse requirements. A
still further object of the invention is to provide a means for
constructing a collapsible lampshade that will provide a completely
unencumbered exterior surface, including the top and bottom edges
for the purpose of allowing the discretionary application of
decorative trim without the requirement of concealing overlapped
structural edge members. A still further object of the invention is
to provide a means for constructing a lampshade of collapsible
characteristics that will eliminate the existing shadow images
formed by the top and bottom edge members of present lampshades by
allowing the dis-cretionary use of any part of the entire interior
surface of the covering material for the purpose of attaching a set
of standard wire lampshade hoops.
It is another object of the invention to construct a lampshade
wherein the support hoops for the lampshade cover can be installed
intermediate the open ends of the lampshade, and to provide
flexible decorative trim on the outside of the lampshade cover
outside of the hoop installation so that shadow images formed by
the hoops within the lampshade cover will not be visible.
The features of the present invention which are believed to be
novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The
present invention, both as to its organization and manner of
operation, together with the further objects and advantages
thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the collapsible lampshade of this
invention, with parts broken away to show the interior and
constructional details thereof.
FIG. 2 is a view of the collapsible lampshade of this invention,
with a portion of the cover broken away, and showing the rings in
exploded position ready for installation within the covering.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view, with parts broken away, showing the
lampshade in its collapsed configuration, and showing the upper and
lower wire hoops contained within the folded lampshade
covering.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial section through the lampshade of this
invention, taken generally along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a view, partially isometric and partially in section,
showing another embodiment of the structure for attaching the hoops
within the covering.
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing another embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing a further
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment of the collapsible lampshade is generally
indicated at 10 in FIGS. 1 through 3. The lampshade 10 has a
covering 12 which is illustrated as being a hollow frustoconical
configuration. A cylindrical structure of the covering is also
included within the scope of the definition of the hollow lampshade
covering. Covering 12 is made of a single sheet of flexible
material. Many types of flexible, resilient materials can be
utilized for this covering material. Conventionally, the covering
12 is translucent. Oiled paper stocks and other types of paper are
often employed in this service. These paper materials may be coated
with a polymer composition material to enhance the finish or
texture, or the cleanability of the lampshade. Covering material in
the form of vinyl polymer resilient sheeting is the preferred
material. On the other hand, laminated covering stock can be
employed to get the benefits of the characteristics of several
types of materials. The particular covering for the lampshade 10 of
this invention needs to be resilient but, aside from that, no
particular or special characteristic is required for employment in
the lampshade of this invention. Covering 12 is cut to size, with
overlapping edges, so that a lap seal 14 is formed. Lap 14 is
secured in the manufacturing process, and the permanent joining of
lap 14 can be accomplished by any convenient manufacturing process,
including sewing, adhesive bonding, high-frequency heat welding,
thermal heat welding, or ultrasonic welding, depending upon the
joining characteristics of the covering material. By this means,
the hollow covering 12 is permanently fashioned into a continuous
flexible structure having open ends. The finished covering has an
upper edge 16 and a lower edge 18 at the open ends and has a
central axis extending out of the open ends.
As is best seen in FIG. 4, upper retainer 20 is of generally
inverted U-shaped configuration, having a securement leg 22 and a
retainer leg 24. Retainer channel 26 is formed in the space
therebetween. Outer face 28 of securement leg 22 is substantially
flat. The material from which retainer 20 is made is such that the
finished retainer is resiliently flexible. An extruded polymer
composition material is eminently suitable, especially when the
securement characteristics of retainer 20 are such that it can be
conveniently attached to the inner surface of covering 12. It is
for this reason that the outer face 28 is substantially flat so
that a large area of retainer 20 can come into engagement with the
inner surface of covering 12 for secure attachment thereto. As an
extruded section, retainer 20 is preferably extruded of a vinyl
polymer compound, with sufficient plasticizer to produce the
desired flexibility. Furthermore, the thickness of the legs of the
retainer and the width of retainer channel 26 are designed so that
adequate flexibility is obtained.
The lampshade covering material is flexible, but has no substantial
resiliency. Therefore, the covering cannot be stretched to engage
the retainer. Thus, the retainer channel is directed toward an open
end, preferably the larger open end of a frustoconical
configuration, so the rigid hoop can be inserted into the fully
assembled covering.
In assembly, the extruded retainer material is cut to a proper
length for retainer 20, and the retainer is positioned in circular
form in position within the already permanently lapped covering 12
at the desired location. When placed in position, upper retainer 20
is located so that its retainer channel 26 is open in the downward
direction, away from upper edge 16 and toward lower edge 18. When
in the desired position, retainer 20 is permanently secured in
place. The manner of attachment depends upon the material of
retainer 20 and of covering 12. However, the preferred attachment
is permanent, as by adhesive bonding, high frequency heat welding,
thermal heat welding, or ultrasonic welding. These latter types of
attachments are eminently successful, when both the covering 12 and
retainer 20 are of vinyl polymer material.
Retainer 20 is the upper retainer, as is seen in FIG. 1.
Additionally, retainer 30 is the lower retainer. Retainer 30 is
preferably identical to retainer 20 in material and in cross
section; thus, retainer 30 can be cut from the same extrusion
material. However, in installation within covering 12, retainer 30
will be of longer length than retainer 20, when covering 12 is
formed in frustoconical shape. Additionally, retainer 30 is
installed and secured within covering 12 with an orientation such
that the channel therein is opened in the upward direction, facing
upper edge 16. Retainer 30 is permanently installed within covering
12, preferably by the same method of attachment as retainer 20.
As another method of assembly, during the original manufacturing
process, when the flexible outer covering is cut out as a blank and
it is not yet rolled into a hollow form, the retainers 20 and 30
can be attached thereto. Attachment at this time permits the
attachment step to be taken while the covering is in the flat,
blank position and thus makes the attachment step more convenient
for some manufacturing processes. The positionings of retainers 20
and 30, as well as their lengths, are such that, after such
attachment in the blank position and as a part of the complete
manufacturing operation of the lampshades, the flexible material
12, now carrying retainers 20 and 30, is formed into a hollow
structure by lapping and permanently attaching the edges of the
flexible material 12. The retainers 20 and 30 are cut to such
length and are positioned so that, when such lapping takes place,
the opposite ends of the respective retainers are butted together.
Thereupon, securement of the lap 14 is accomplished by any
permanent manufacturing method, as described above. Thereupon, the
folded, flexible portion of the lampshade 10 is ready for flat
position insertion into a box in the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 3. In such configuration, the hoops are included therewith.
Furthermore, the thus fully-manufactured lampshade is capable of
final assembly by insertion of the hoops into their retainers, with
clips holding the hoops in place.
As is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, retainer 20 is secured not
directly even with upper edge 16 and, as is seen in FIGS. 1 and 2,
lower retainer 30 is not directly even with lower edge 18. If
desired, they can be flush or even with these edges. However, in
the collapsible lamp-shade of this invention, it is possible to
place these retainers away from the edges, in order to achieve a
superior appearance. Since the covering 12 is translucent and the
retainers 20 and 30 are opaque, in order to prevent the shadows
from the retainers from being seen on the outside of the shade,
opaque flexible trim strips 32 and 34 are permanently secured to
the exterior of covering 12, outside of the location of the
attachment of the retainers. This attachment enhances the beauty of
lampshade 10.
The entire structure so far described is resiliently flexible and
is capable of being pushed from the shape of a structure of
revolution, such as a frusto cone or cylinder, to a fairly flat
shape, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In order to maintain the assembled
lampshade 10 into the open configuration in which it is to be used,
conventional wire hoops are provided. Upper hoop 36 and lower hoop
38 are illustrated as being circular in form. They are preferably
formed of fairly stiff steel wire of circular cross-section, and
are butt-welded to the desired hoop diameter. In addition, upper
hoop 36 can be fitted with a spider 40 of any one of several
conventional shapes for attachment of the shade 10 to a lamp. As is
best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, spider 40 is attached to upper hoop 36
by means of legs 42, 44, and 46, which extend substantially
parallel to the central axis of the general shape of revolution of
the lampshade 10. These legs are attached to upper hoop 36.
The flexible structure, comprised of covering 12, secured in a
hollow shape with its upper and lower retainers 20 and 30 secured
to the interior thereof, can be folded flat, as previously
described. It is this flexible structure that is held into the
expanded position shown in FIG. 1 by the use of the hoops. Upper
hoop 36 is engaged upwardly into channel 26 of upper retainer 20.
Legs 42 permit upper hoop 36 to fully enter the channel and seat at
the closed end thereof, as illustraed in FIG. 4. Gravity normally
retains upper hoop 36 in its upper retainer 20, because of the
upward force by the lamp on spider 40 which holds the entire
lamp-shade upon the lamp. Lower hoop 38 is inserted into lower
retainer 30 and is normally gravity-retained in place.
In order to provide for positive assembly, retainer clips 48 are
provided. These retainer clips have legs 50 and 52 which define a
U-shaped receptacle which engages over the edge of retainer leg 24.
Furthermore, one or both of legs 50 and 52 can be provided with a
tooth 54 which engages into the resilient material of retainer leg
24 to retain retainer clip 48 in place. Retainer clip 48 is
provided with flange 56 which closes retainer channel 26 to retain
upper hoop 36 therein. Retainer clips 48 are also used to hold
lower hoop 38 within lower retainer 30. Thus, when fully assembled,
the lampshade 10 is firm, secure, and rigid. The assembly requires
no tools and no manufacturing operations, but mere insertion of
several parts in place. Disassembly can be conveniently achieved by
removal of the retainer clips 48, followed by removal of upper and
lower hoops 36 and 38. Thereupon, the covering 12 is returned to
its unsupported, flexible condition. By this means, the rigid parts
represented by upper and lower hoops 36 and 38 are removed from the
flexible parts.
FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are each directed to a collapsible lampshade
having a flexible covering of the type described above, but are
directed to different embodiments of retainers. In FIG. 5,
lampshade 58 is of the same general structure of lampshade 10 and
has a flexible covering 60. Within the covering is secured upper
retainer 62. Upper retainer 62 comprises a securement leg 64 and a
retainer leg 66 which define therebetween retainer channel 68.
Positioned within retainer channel 68 is upper hoop 70. The
exterior surface of upper retainer 62, and particularly the outer
surface of retainer leg 66, is cylindrical in shape, particularly
incluidng the lower surface of upper hoop 70. Thus, upper hoop 70
can be retained within retainer channel 68 by means of resilient
C-shaped retainer clip 72. Retainer clip 72 is preferably of
resilient, metallic material and has dimensions so that it can be
snapped over retainer leg 66 and under upper hoop 70, as shown in
FIG. 5. Retainer clip 72 can be resiliently removed for
disassembly.
FIG. 6 illustrates a lampshade 74 which has a flexible outer
covering 76 and an upper retainer 78. Upper retainer 78 is again
configured with a securement leg 80, permanently attached to
flexible covering 76 and retainer leg 82. Upper hoop 84 is
positioned within the channel defined therebetween. Retainer clip
86 is somewhat in the form of an open D-shape, having a flange 88
engaged between upper retainer 78 and covering 76. Furthermore,
clip 86 has a finger 90 which not only closes the open side of the
channel in which upper hoop 84 is located, but engages in a notch
in securement leg 80. Finger 90 is retained in the notch by
engagement of flange 88. Retainer clip 86 is sufficiently resilient
that it may be snapped in and out of place by resilient
deformation.
FIG. 7 illustrates lampshade 92 which has an outer covering 94 and
an upper retainer 96. Upper retainer 96 is of such form as to have
a securement leg 98 permanently attached to the interior of
flexible covering 94, and a retainer leg 100 which defines a
retainer channel into which upper hoop 102 is inserted. As is seen
in FIG. 7, retainer clip 104 is formed as a hemicylinder which
engages halfway around the upper hoop 102. In this way, the
retainer clip 102 swings around upper hoop 102 to clip and unclip
itself from upper retainer 96. The difference in this structure is
that retainer clip 104 stays in place, when the hoop is removed and
is not a separate part.
In the case of each of the lampshades illustrated in FIGS. 5 though
7, of course, there is also a lower retainer and lower hoop, each
having the configuration and retainer clips, as described in the
respective embodiments.
This invention having been described in its preferred embodiment,
and several additional embodiments also having been described, it
is clear that it is susceptible to numerous modifications and
embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art and
without the exercise of the inventive faculty. Accordingly, the
scope of this invention is defined by the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *