Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FLOOR MAT SYSTEM
FIELD OF USE
The present invention relates to a floor mat system for absorbing liquid, and more
particularly, a system for use in public restrooms for preventing the unsanitary and
offensive accumulation thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Public restrooms are too often unsanitary, unsightly, and contain odorous deposits
of urine. In addition to the foul odors, people using the restrooms often walk through such
matter, thereby contaminating their shoes and spreading such matter throughout the
restroom and in nearby hallways and common areas. The problem is particularly acute in
public restrooms having urinals for men, and in rest homes and hospitals where the elderly
or others with physical disabilities use the restroom facilities. Also, the problem of
maintaining sanitary conditions for household pets has never been satisfactorily resolved.
The following references are pertinent:
U.S. Patent No. 2,057,162 (Richey) discloses a water-absorbent mat
comprising a single ply of sheet material, and a moisture-proof backing, the
mat having a semicircular opening to fit around a lavatory, and a pair of
cords to secure the mat to the lavatory.
U.S. Patent No. 2,187,676 (Biewen) discloses an absorbent floor mat
rectangular in shape with a cut-out portion to fit about a toilet. The floor
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mat is made of an absorbent material and impregnated with a suitable
deodorizing or disinfectant material.
U.S. Patent No. 2,771,613 (Markiewicz) discloses a pear-shaped floor
protecting mat made of a flexible absorbent material that is washable. The
mat includes an opening disposed therein and fits tightly about the base of
a toilet bowl.
U.S. Patent No. 4,125,656 (Creamer) discloses an absorbent pad adapted to
be formed into a U-shaped configuration and placed about the front side of
a toilet base to absorb moisture gravitating downward. The pad is adjustable
and suitable to fit about toilet bases of different configurations.
U.S. Patent No. 4,285,075 (Nelson) discloses a sanitary commode mat
comprising a mat cover designed to fit snugly around the base of a
commode. The mat includes a hinged mat cover wherein an absorbent pad
is placed. To replace the pad, one must lift the contaminated top grille of
the mat, remove the pad and replace it with a clean pad, and close the
cover.
U.S. Patent No. 4,876,135 (Mclntosh) discloses a floor mat with disposable
absorbent cardboard pad for use in automobiles or as a door mat.
None of these configurations have found market acceptance. In addition, when
absorbent materials are used that are flammable, what was an unsanitary condition has
been converted into a dangerous one.
What is needed is a system for public, semi-private, and residential restrooms that
will simplify and improve the sanitary maintenance of such restrooms. The system will
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include a disposable pad that is not only flame-retardant but also is biodegradable and not
pose any danger to the environment. A system is needed that will enable businesses to
maintain sanitary and attractive restroom facilities for their patrons, while not posing a fire
hazard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
However, while it is understood that the principles of the present invention have
numerous other applications, the floor mat system will hereinafter be described with
10 reference to urinals in men's public restrooms for purposes of illustration only.
The system of the present invention provides a sanitary and cost-effective solution
to the aforementioned problems by absorbing the urine before it reaches the restroom
floor, thereby preventing any accumulation of the matter on the restroom floor, and
preventing the floor from becoming slippery causing a possible safety hazard. The system
also prevents the spread of bacteria and odors associated with the urine throughout the
restroom and beyond and onto the shoes of the patrons, and prevents damage to the floor
and grouting about the commodes from the damaging and corrosive effects of the acid
common in urine.
The preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention comprises a
permanent base member, a disposable diaper-type pad, and means for retaining thedisposable pad upon the upper surface of the permanent base member. The disposable
diaper-type pad is positioned onto the base member in a restroom about a urinal used by
men to protect the floor from the harmful, unsanitary, and corrosive effects of urine.
The permanent base member is disposed upon the floor of the restroom and
adjacent to the commode. The base member has an upper surface that is generally
horizontal.
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The disposable pad includes a layer of liquid-absorbent material, and the layer of
absorbent material is one of a plurality of layers. The pad is preferably made of a
flame-retardant material, and is replaced on a regular or daily basis. When the pad is used
with a urinal as commonly found in a restroom used by men, it is broader at one end and
narrower at the other. The broader end abuts the wall beneath the urinal, and the narrower
end opposes the broader end.
Since the materials listed above for the absorbent pad are biodegradable, it is highly
desirable to make the waterproof backing also biodegradable, so that disposal of large
10 quantities of the pads will not be a hazard to the environment.
The disposable pad is made of biodegradable materials. The waterproof bottom
layer has either a paraffin-wax coating, or a "Scotchgard"TM-type chemical may be applied
to the underside of the pad, locked the moisture into the pad.
The means for retaining the disposable pad to the base member is tape disposed on
the undersurface of the pad, and having an adhesive surface that adheres to the upper
surface of the base member or directly onto the floor.
The disposable pad may be applied directly to the floor without the base member.The tape disposed on the back of the pad is applied directly to the floor abutting the wall
underneath the commode.
For a more complete understanding of the floor mat system of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings in
which the presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example.
As the invention may be embodied in many forms without departing from spirit of essential
characteristics thereof, it is expressly understood that the drawings are for purposes of
illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the
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invention. Throughout the description, like reference numbers refer to the same
component throughout the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE l is an environmental view of the floor mat system of the present invention
for use with a conventional urinal found in public restrooms for men;
FIGURE 2 is an assembly view showing the floor mat system of FIGURE 1, the
system comprising the disposable floor mat, the base member, and means for securing the
pad to the base member;
FIGURE 3 is a sectional view of the floor mat system of the present invention, the
section being taken through 3-3 of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 4 is a second environmental view of the floor mat system of the present
invention for use with a conventional toilet;
FIGURE 5A is a top view of the floor mat system of the present invention shown in
FIGURE 4;
FIGURE 5B discloses a floor mat system of the present invention having a generally
T-shaped configuration;
FIGURE 5C discloses a floor mat system of the present invention having a generally
triangular-shaped configuration;
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FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of yet another preferred embodiment of the floor mat
system of the present invention, comprising a two-layer disposable pad;
FIGURE 7 is a sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the floor mat
system of the present invention having two layers and a base member;
FIGURE 8 is a top view of another preferred embodiment of the floor mat system
of the present invention for use with a conventional urinal;
FIGURE 9 is a side view of the base member, the nonabsorbent flat member, and
the absorbent pad of the floor mat system of FIGURE 8;
FIGURE 10 is an exploded side detail of the floor mat system of FIGURE 8, detailing
the engagement between the lip. extending about the perimeter of the rearward portion
view of the base member and the nonabsorbent flat member;
FIGURE 11 is an exploded assembly view of the floor mat system of FIGURE 8,
detailing the cooperative engagement between upwardly extending floor projection and
the bore disposed on the underside of the floor mat; and
FIGURE 12 is an exploded side detail of the floor mat system of FIGURE 8, detailing
the bore disposed on the underside of the floor mat;
FIGURES 13 and 14 disclose another preferred embodiment of the floor mat system
of the present invention, further comprising an overlay mat that attaches to the absorbent
pad and the nonabsorbent flat member, the overlay mat preventing the splashing or
spillage of liquid onto the floor portion;
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FIGURES 15 and 16 disclose another preferred embodiment of the floor mat system
of the present invention for use with a conventional urinal;
FIGURES 17 and 18 disclose yet another preferred embodiment of the floor mat
system of the present invention for use with a conventional urinal;
FIGURES 19 and 20 disclose a disposable restroom floor mat of the present
invention for use with a conventional urinal, the floor mat being generally in the shape of
an unfolded box for purposes of compact storage;
FIGURE 21 is a top view disclosing an embossing configuration within the overlaypad that produces wicking channels;
FIGURE 22 is a top view disclosing an overlay pad that includes a plurality of
serpentine channels that are essentially parallel to each other, extending from the narrower
edges to the wider edge; and
FIGURES 23 and 24 disclose another embodiment of a disposable floor mat of the
present invention for use with a conventional urinal, the floor mat being generally in the
20 shape of a hand fan, the channels folding for complete storage and disposal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The floor mat system of the present invention has many applications in public
restrooms, but will be described herein with reference to urinals in men's restrooms for
purposes of illustration only.
Referring now to the drawings, the system [10] of the present invention as shownin FIGURE 1 is useful for keeping the floor [14] about the commode [12] in a sanitary
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condition. A commode as used herein includes a urinal, a latrine, a toilet, and any other
fixture generally found in either a public or private restroom for the disposing of urine.
However, for purposes of illustration only, a urinal as is commonly found in restrooms for
men will be used herein.
The first preferred embodiment of the system [10] comprises a permanent base
member [20], a disposable pad [30], and means [44] for retaining the disposable pad [30]
upon the upper surface of the permanent base member [20]. The permanent base member
[20] is disposed upon the floor [14] of the restroom adjacent to the commode [12]. The
base member [20] has an upper surface [22] that is generally horizontal.
The base member [20] iS reusable and is preferably low and close to the ground, so
that people will not trip over the base member [20]. Also, the edges [24] of the base
member [20] include a beveled edge [29] to further prevent any such tripping.
The base member [20] is made from a rubber-like, impermeable material, such as
polyvinyl-chloride, and is preferably PVC-75 Koreseal (registered trademark), and is
commercially available from the RJF International Corp. The base member [20] has a
non-skid undersurface [24] to retain the base member [20] in a fixed position relative to the
floor [14]. The undersurface [24] of the base member [20] includes rubber skids [26] that
increase the friction component of the base member [20] relative to the floor [14]. The
base member [20] has a substantially horizontal upper surface [28] for retaining the
disposable absorbent pad [30] thereon.
The base member [20] is positioned directly under and centered relative to the
urinal [12], abutting the wall [16] under the urinal [12]. While the forward edge [21] of the
upper surface [28] of the base member [20] underneath the urinal [12] iS broad, such
breadth is undesirable for a man using the urinal [12] who wants to avoid stepping on the
pad [30] or tripping on the base member [20]. Hence, the rearward edge [23] of the upper
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surface [28] of the base member [20] is narrow, thereby enabling the man using the urinal
[12] to place one foot on either side straddling the base member [20] and the pad [30].
As shown in FIGURE 3, the disposable pad [30] comprises an upper protective layer
[33], an absorbent layer adjacent [35] to the upper protective layer [33], and a waterproof
bottom layer [38]. The shape of the pad [30] is the same as the shape of the upper surface
of the base member [20].
The disposable pad [30] is a high-performance, heavyweight, fluff-filled underpad
10 with a super-absorbent polymer, and is commercially available from the Hospital Supply
Company and used in hospital beds to keep them dry. The absorbent layer [35] is white
spunbonded, and the waterproof backing [38] is green polypropylene with a flat seal. The
absorbent layer has rewet properties, internal method D-3004-D, 0.5 psi pressure, with a
1.0 saline solution, involving a five-minute dunk, and a one-minute drain. The amount of
super-absorbent polymer in each absorbent pad [30] can be adjusted periodically to
increase or decrease the amount of super-absorbent polymer, thereby maximizing the
effectiveness of the product.
The protective layer [33] is a white spunbonded or nonwoven pad [30] of about 1820 grams per square meter, and serves to protect the absorbent layer [35]. The protective
layer [33] of the disposable pad [30] is treated with flame-retardants, either ThermoguardTM
or PyronilTM. ThermoguardTM is commercially available from Atochem North America, and
PyronilTM is commercially available from Elf Atochem of North America. NPyronilTM 45"
is a flame retardant additive that may even be blended with other flame retardants
ThermoguardTM contains 90% thermoguard S antimony oxied in low density
polyethylene. The chemical name for PyronilTM is D1-2-ethylehxyl tetrabromo-phthalate
with 45% bromine.
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The absorbent layer [35] is a super absorbent polymer core material. The material
is commercially available from the Chemdal Corporation in Palatine, Illinois, under the
trade name AridallTM 1 128, iS a thermal bonded web comprising a fluff pulp, bonding fibre
and superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent layer [35] iS a superbonded thermal unit that
will not break down when wet. The pad [30] has an absorbency of at least ten times its
own weight.
Another disposable pad [35] iS a thermally bonded web comprising a fluff pulp,
bonded fiber and superabsorbent fiber, being commercially available from the Walkisoft
10USA, Inc., of Mt. Holly, North Carolina, with a product code of 500.382.
The impermeable bottom layer [38] is a green polypropylene waterproof backing
material that retains liquid, preventing seepage onto the floor [14] of the restroom. A
waterproof embossed polyethylene material may also be used.
Since the materials listed above for the absorbent pad [35] are biodegradable, it is
highly desirable to make the waterproof backing [38] also biodegradable, so that disposal
of large quantities of the pads [30] will not be a hazard to the environment.
20Preferably, a paraffin-type backing is used, having a non-woven or jute (burlap)
material having a paraffin-wax coating. The backing [38] will be waterproof, andbiodegradable. The backing [38] is commercially available from the International Group,
Inc. of Agincourt, Ontario Canada, and is "Parafflex 4775," a blend of wax and polymers
specifically designed for saturating fabrics and paper. The material is chemically stable and
is sprayed onto the bottommost layer of the pad [30].
Also, another type of biodegradable backing [38], instead of the paraffin-wax
coating, involves a "ScotchgardTM"-type of fabric protection by way of chemical
application to the bottom of the pad [30], locking in the moisture and preventing it from
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escaping. The ingredients include naphthol spirits, carbon dioxide, haptene, l-methoxy-2,
propyl acetate, and fluoraoliphatic resin.
The preferred shape of the base member [20] and the pad [30] as shown in FIGURE
1 is generally T-shaped, except that the two side edges [25] abutting the rearward edge [23]
are symmetrical and arcuate. FIGURE 5A shows a U-shaped base member [20A] and pad
[30A] for use with a conventional commode. The base member [20B] and the pad [30B]
may also have a conventional T-shape as shown in FIGURE 5B, or the base member [20C]
and the pad [30C] may also have a triangular shape as shown in FIGURE 5C.
Two-sided tape [44] is preferably permanently attached and disposed on the
undersurface [39] of the impermeable bottom layer [38] of the pad [30]. The other surface
of the tape [44] includes lift-off paper. The tape [44] is refastenable and reusable, and is
similar to the tape [44] commonly used on baby diapers. The tape material is preferably
two-piece polypropylene as commercially sold by the 3M Company, with anchored finger
lift feature and silicone treated. The tape [44] retains the pad [30] in place onto the base
member [20], or alternatively, directly to the floor [14] beneath and abutting the wal I [16],
or for those urinals that extend to the floor [14], the pad [30] abuts the urinal [12] on the
floor [14]. Velcro hook-and-loop-type fasteners may also be used.
One strip of the tape [44] is preferably disposed for engagement with the center of
the forward edge [21] of the base member [20], and two additional strips of the tape [44]
are symmetrically disposed, one along the perimeter for engagement with each arcuate
edge [25] of the base member [20] as shown in FIGURE 2.
The edges [39] of the layers of the disposable pad [30] are heat treated and bonded
together to prevent leakage by a thermal seal. The layers may also be secured together by
a strip of waterproof material disposed about the perimeter of the layers and retained
thereto by a stitch seam.
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The pad [30] is impregnated with deodorizing and disinfecting materials. The
super-absorbent polymer will neutralize the ammonia and will reduce odors.
FIGURE 6 discloses another embodiment, which involves the use of the disposable
pad [30'] without the base member [20], the pad [30'] being essentially identical in shape
and content to the pad [30] of the first embodiment, and applied directly to the floor [14'].
The tape [44'] disposed on the back of the pad [30'] iS applied directly to the floor [14']
abutting the wall [16'] underneath the commode.
FIGURE 7 discloses yet another embodiment of the restroom floor mat system [10"]of the present invention. which involves the base member [20"] and the disposable pad
[30"] wherein the pad [30"] includes only two layers, an upper absorbent layer [35"] and
a waterproof bottom layer [38"]. Again, the pad [30"] is essentially identical in shape and
content to the pad [30] of the first embodiment.
For those commodes that extend down to the floor [14], the pad is arcuately shaped,
and abuts the commode. For those trough-type urinals that are found in restrooms for men
that are common in sporting arenas, it is preferred that an elongated pad extend beneath
and parallel to the trough.
The floor mat system disclosed in FIGURES 8 and 9, discloses yet another preferred
embodiment of the restroom floor mat system [210] of the present invention.
The restroom floor mat system [210] comprises a permanent base member [220],
a disposable absorbent pad [230] that covers only the forward portion [222] of the base
member [220], and means [44] for retaining the base member [220] relative to the floor
[14].
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The rearward portion [224] of the base member [220] includes a slight grade
extending downwardly toward a pad-retaining compartment [250] disposed in the forward
portion [222] of the base member [220], SO that any moisture deposited in the rearward
portion [224] will gravitate toward the pad-retaining compartment [250]
The forward portion [222] of the base member [220] is lower than the rearward
portion [224]. The forward edge [223] of the forward portion [222] abuts the planar wall
[16] and is centered beneath the urinal [12], enabling any excess moisture running off the
wall [16] to run onto the absorbent pad [230], and not the floor [14]. The base member
[220] is generally T-shaped, the rearward portion [224] being symmetrical about an axis
normal to the wall [16] and tapering away from the wall [16] in a curvilinear manner. An
angled ledge [240] is beveled extending about the perimeter [242] of the base member
[220]. The angled ledge [240] slopes inwardly directing moisture onto the absorbent pad
[230]. The bottom [229] of the outside of the base member ledge [240] flairs outwardly
providing improved traction. The base member [220] surrounding the pad-retainingcompartment [250] preferably is vertical to retain the absorbent pad [230] and any excess
moisture.
Underneath the angled ledge [240] iS an inwardly extending recess [255] disposedabout the perimeter [242] to retain a nonabsorbent flat member [270] as shown in FIGURE
10. The nonabsorbent flat member [270] iS preferably made of a cardboard-like material,
the upper surface [272] having a waxed coating (similar to the coating on a carton of milk),
so that moisture deposited upon the upper surface [222] iS not absorbed into the cardboard-
like material. The waxed coating on the cardboard-like material also includes a fire-
resistant compound to comply with 16 CFR.
The top surface [227] of the base member [220] preferably includes upwardly-
extending ridges [233], the ridges [233] having a slight grade extending downwardly
toward the pad-retaining compartment [250]. The nonabsorbent flat member [270] iS
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retained within an inwardly extending lip [248] disposed about the perimeter of the
rearward portion [224] so that any moisture deposited upon a non-absorbent flat member
[270] will gravitate toward the pad-retaining compartment [250] of the base member [220].
The upwardly retaining ridges [233] are almost parallel to each other, being closer together
at the rear edge [211] of the base member [220] and separating slightly. The nonabsorbent
flat member [270] is positionable upon the upwardly-extending ridges, the forward
extending portion of the nonabsorbent flat member [270] abutting the disposable
nonabsorbent pad [230].
Turning now to FIGURES 11 and l 2, a pair of spaced apart projections [280] thatextend upwardly are secured to the floor [14], either by an adhesive or by conventional
fasteners. Each floor projection [280] iS in the general shape of a truncated cylinder. The
floor projections [280] enable the placement of the base member [220] in the same
position relative to the urinal, and further enhance the skid resistance of the base member
[220]. The base member [220] iS made of non-skid materials, such as plastic or rubber.
Each end [284] of the forward edge [221] of the underside of the base member [220]
includes a spaced apart bore [282] being in the general shape of a truncated cylinder. The
projections [280] are cooperatively retainable within the bores [282] to serve as a locking
device and position the base member [220] relative to each urinal. Each end [284] of the
forward edge of the base member [220] extends outwardly away from the parallel side
edges of the base member [220], the bores [282] being disposed within each outwardly
extending end [284] of the base member [220] for cooperative engagement with the floor
projections [280].
The disposable absorbent pad [230] iS positioned within the forward compartment
[250] of the base member [220]. A gap [275] extends between the underside of thedisposable absorbent pad [230] and the base member [220] along the forward perimeter
[242] of the base member [220] enabling the disposable absorbent pad [230] to be lifted
14
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from the base member [220] and easily replaced. A super-absorbent polymer, clay (cat
litter), corn cob fiber, cellulose (shredded and recycled newspaper), or any other material
described relative to the other embodiments is used as the absorbent material in the
absorbent pad [230]. The recycled paper is processed with a noncombustible chemical,
making the disposable absorbent pad [230] flame retardant. The nonabsorbent flat member
[270] and the absorbent pad [230] are biodegradable and flame retardant.
FIGURES 13 and 14 disclose another preferred embodiment of the floor mat system
[310] of the present invention, further comprising an overlay mat [380] that attaches to the
absorbent pad [330] and the nonabsorbent flat member [370]. The overlay mat [380]
minimizes the splashing or spillage of liquid onto the floor portion [14]. The overlay mat
[380] is a high loft polyester bat material that covers the nonabsorbent flat member [370]
and the front narrow portion of the absorbent pad [330]. The overlay mat [380] iS generally
the same shape as the base member [320]. The overlay mat [380] is either bonded or
melted onto the nonabsorbent flat member [370].
FIGURES 15 and 16 disclose another preferred embodiment of the floor mat system
[410] of the present invention for use with a conventional urinal. The disposable pad [420]
comprises only a narrow strip of absorbent material similar to a feminine napkin. The
rearward narrower portion [424] is higher than the forward wider portion [422], the
rearward portion [424] having a slight grade and extending downward toward the pad-
retaining compartment [450] directing liquid to flow into the absorbent pad [430].
FIGURES 17 and 18 disclose yet another preferred embodiment of the floor mat
system [510] of the present invention. There is no the lip in this embodiment extending
about the outer perimeter of the base member [520] but rather the perimeter is relatively
smooth and flat. This will lower the overall height of the base member [520], so as to
reduce the likelihood of stumbling. The rearward narrower portion [524] is still includes
a slight grade and extending downward toward the pad-retaining compartment [550].
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Other embodiments comprise an absorbent pad [620] secured to a base member
[630], making the system one unit [610]. Each unit [610] is disposed and replaced every
twenty-four hours. FIGURES 19 and 20 disclose a first embodiment of a disposable floor
mat unit [610] of the present invention for use with a conventional urinal, the floor mat unit
[610] being generally in the shape of an unfolded box for purposes of compact storage.
The rearward side flaps are taller than the forward side flaps. The side flaps may also be
cut at an angle (not shown). FIGURES 23 and 24 disclose a second embodiment of adisposable floor mat unit [610'] of the present invention for use with a conventional urinal,
the floor mat [610'] being generally in the shape of a hand fan, the channels [633'] folding
for complete storage and disposal.
Preferably, channels [633] are formed in the unit [611], extending from the narrower
edge [621] to the wider edge [623]. The channels [633] are formed either into the base
member [620] or formed by a wax design. Channeling may also be useful in the absorbent
pad (not shown). To move the liquid toward the absorbent pad [630], the unit [610] iS
embossed which will produce wicking. Wicking liquid tends to follow the higher density
channels [633], moving the liquid into the absorbent pad [620]. Another option is to use
a corrugated base member, securing the absorbent pad [620] to the corrugated base
20 member.
FIGURE 21 iS a top view disclosing a preferred embodiment of an embossing
configuration within the overlay pad [680] that produces wicking channels [682]. FIGURE
22 is a top view disclosing another preferred embodiment of an overlay pad [680] that
includes a plurality of serpentine channels [684] that are essentially parallel to each other,
extending from the narrower edges [621] to the wider edge [623]. The top surface [627]
of the unit [610] iS waxed prior to attachment to the absorbent pad [630]. The bottom
surface [624] iS skid resistant with lok-liftTM strips commercially available from the R.C.
Musson Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio.
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Also, lighter colors or earth tones are used for the absorbent pad, the nonabsorbent
layer and the overlay mat in all of the various embodiments. Light brown, gold, light blue,
or gray are recommended.
The systems of the present invention have numerous other uses in other
environments including around wash basins, bath tubs, showers, locker rooms, and the like
where bacteria, odors, and moisture are involved, and cross-contamination is a problem.
The systems are also useful in protection from slippage. Also, the principles of the present
invention have numerous other applications; such as for use with household pets, and in
10 factories in conjunction with heavy-duty machinery.
It is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the floor mat
system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the
disclosure herein. It is intended that the metes and bounds of the present invention be
determined by the appended claims rather than by the language of the above specification,
and that all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which form a conjointly
cooperative equivalent are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of these
clai ms.
