Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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STACKABLE AND NESTABLE CONTAINER
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to containers which are capable of stacking and
nesting with similar containers.
BACKGROUND ART
Containers which both stack and nest with similar containers are
commonly used in industry for transporting and storing articles. Nesting is
achieved
when one container receives a like container therein such that there is some
overlap
between the walls of the containers. On the other hand, stacking is a term
usually
applied to occupied containers, such that there is relatively little or no
overlap
between similar containers.
There are various ways to achieve both stacking and nesting between
similar containers. For example, the nestability and stackability of some
containers
may be dependent on their orientation relative to each other. A container of
this
type is illustrated in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 5,881,902. As disclosed
therein, a series of feet and corresponding pockets are provided, so that,
depending
on how the upper container is turned relative to the lower container, the
containers
may nest in one relative orientation and stack in another. Some containers
typically
require the articles in the lower container support the containers above it.
Such is
true for typical crates used to carry cans or bottles, such as that disclosed
in U.S.
Patent No. 5,855,277. Accordingly, this type of container is not particularly
well-
suited for the transport and storage of fragile articles, produce, vegetation,
or baked
goods, and similar articles, where the articles themselves cannot be used to
support
the weight of similar containers when in a stacking arrangement, for risk of
damaging the articles.
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Other containers may have a mechanism for adjusting the distance
between the floors of containers which are nested or stacked. By adjusting the
distance between the floors of nested or stacked containers, the containers
can be
selectively made to stack at different heights to thereby accommodate articles
of
different heights. The empty containers can also be nested to accommodate
differently sized articles. Such a mechanism is disclosed in commonly owned
U.S.
Patent No. 5,494,163.
Containers used in the field to collect and store produce may also be
placed into larger collection container, known as field bins, for transport.
Field bins
typically have a uniform construction, including rectangular walls having
corners
with added material on the inner corner forming an angle. Due to this extra
material
in the inner corners, most containers typically do not fit efficiently or
uniformly into
the field bins. In addition, present containers used with field bins are not
typically
capable of nesting, since such nesting capability for occupied containers
could
potentially cause damage to the fragile or perishable container contents.
Containers
used in the field for collecting produce and other perishable items are also
subject
to a great deal of handling, not only by such users in the field, but by those
involved
in every facet of the container and product handling.
Thus, there is a need for an improved container which is stackable and
nestable with a similar container, and which has relatively greater strength
characteristics when stacked with a similar container, as well as a more
robust design
which provides for greater support during the stacking and nesting with other
containers. Such container should also provide for a relatively quick and easy
way
to change the container from the nesting stage to the stacking stage. Such
containers
should also be capable of being received into field bins, and should also be
suitable
for receiving fragile articles therein, such as produce, and should also seek
to keep
such articles from becoming damaged during stacking of containers.
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DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a principal object according to the present invention
to provide an improved container which stacks and nests with a similar
container.
Another object according to the present invention is to provide a
nesting and stacking container which is adapted for use with field bins.
Yet another object according to the present invention is to provide a
container which has a movable bail member to allow the container to change
between
a stacked orientation and a nested orientation with a similar container.
It is still another object according to the present invention to provide
a container which has a movable member which provides lateral and overall
stability
to containers of the type when in a stacked orientation with each other.
In carrying out the above objects, features and advantages of the
present invention, provided is a container adapted to be oriented in a
stacking or
nesting configuration with a similar container includes a bottom panel, first
and
second pairs of opposed upstanding sidewalk extending around the periphery of
the
bottom panel and formed integrally therewith. Each of the adjacent sidewalls
may
be attached by a non-perpendicular corner wall portion which extends
therebetween,
which is preferably chamfered. Also included is a member which is pivotably
attached to one of the first pair and second pair of opposed sidewalls distal
the
corner wall portion. The member extends between the one of the first pair and
second pair of opposed sidewalk and is movable between a first position and a
second position. The member is rotatably movable about the sidewall of said
container to which it is attached. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate
portion of the member is non-linear and includes an offset or undulating
portion
which projects toward an adjacent one of the second pairs of sidewalk, to
provide
for lateral stability and strength to the containers, particularly in a
stacked
orientation.
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When the container is in the stacked orientation with the similar
container, the member is disposed in the first position which allows the
member to
be received in a corresponding recess of the similar container thereabove.
When
the container is in the nested orientation, the member is disposed in the
second
position allowing the container to nestably receive the similar container. The
first
pair of sidewalk has an inner wall portion and an outer wall portion defining
a
recess below the upper edge. The member has end portions mounted to the
sidewalk below the upper edge of the container. The recess may include a first
inclined portion corresponding to the corner wall portion, and a second
inclined
portion such that in the first position, the member rests substantially upon
the second
pair of opposing sidewalls and the end portions rest upon the first inclined
portion,
and in the second position the end portions rest upon the second inclined
portion.
The member includes an intermediate portion having an offset portion directed
towards an adjacent one of the second pair of opposed sidewalk.
In one embodiment, the container has a pair of handle portions each
mounted to a corresponding one of the second pair of opposed sidewalk. The
container may also include a second pair of handle portions each mounted to a
corresponding one of the second pair of opposed sidewalk, the second pair of
handle
portions projecting above the upper edge of the container. Still further, the
bottom
panel has a lower surface which includes a recess formed therein for receiving
the
member of a similar container therebelow in a stacked orientation.
When the members are positioned in the first position, this allows the
container to nestably receive a similar container. When the members are
positioned
in the second position, this allows the container to stackably support a
similar
container thereabove. More particularly, wherein when the containers are in
the
stacked position, the members are received in a recess of a similar container
thereabove to provide a first stacked distance between the floors of the
containers.
The above object and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description
of the
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best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIGURE la is a perspective view of a container according to the
present invention, where the movable members are in a first or down position
(adaptable for a nested orientation);
FIGURE 1b is a another perspective view of the container, where the
movable members are in a second or out position (adaptable for a stacked
orientation);
FIGURE 2a is a top plan view of the container of Figure la;
FIGURE 2b is a top plan view of the container of Figure 1b;
FIGURE 3a is side elevational view of the container of Figure la;
FIGURE 3b is side elevational view of the container of Figure 1b;
FIGURE 4a is an end elevational view of the container of Figure la;
FIGURE 4b is an end elevational view of the container of Figure 1b;
FIGURE Sa is a perspective view of the container of Figure la,
shown nested together with a similar container, where the movable members are
in
a first or down position (nested orientation);
FIGURE Sb is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1b
stacked with a similar container, where the movable members are in a second or
out
position (stacked orientation);
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FIGURE 6a is a perspective cross-sectional view of the containers in
a nested orientation as shown in Figure Sa;
FIGURE 6b is a perspective cross-sectional view of the containers in
a stacked orientation as shown in Figure Sb;
FIGURE 7 is a bottom plan view of the container of Figures la and
1b;
FIGURE 8 is a schematic view of the container showing the movable
member schematically in both the first position and the second position;
FIGURE 9 is an enlarged top view showing the connection of the
movable member to the container, with the member in the first position;
FIGURE 10 is a perspective view showing the connection of Figure
9;
FIGURE 11 is an enlarged top view showing the connection of the
movable member to the container, with the member in the second position;
FIGURE 12 is a perspective view showing the connection of Figure
11;
FIGURE 13 is an alternate perspective view showing the connection
of Figure 11;
FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the member
of one container of the present invention in the second position (stacked
orientation)
and engaging the recess in the bottom panel of a second container;
FIGURE 15 is an end elevational view showing the engagement of
Figure 14;
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FIGURE 16 is a side elevational view showing the engagement of
Figure 14;
FIGURE 17 is a side elevational view similar to that of Figure 16, but
wherein the member of the lower container is shown without its corresponding
container for illustrative purposes;
FIGURE 18 is an enlarged view of the underside of the second handle
member of the container according to the present invention;
FIGURE 19 shows a top plan view of a field bin of the type known
in the art, with schematic illustrations of the container according to the
present
invention; and
FIGURE 20 is a side elevational view of the field bin of Figure 19.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
With reference to Figures 1 through 18 of the accompanying
drawings, illustrated therein are various views of a container 10 according to
the
present invention. Since many of the advantages of the present invention
involve the
nestability and stackability of container 10 with like containers, reference
to nested
and stacked containers will be made with non-prime and prime (') reference
number
designations. Particularly, non-prime reference numerals are used to refer to
container 10, and prime reference numerals will be used to refer to a similar
container 10' which is nested and/or stacked with container 10. For example,
in
Figure Sa, container 10 is empty and is nested into similar container 10',
while
Figure Sb shows container 10 stacked onto similar container 10' . For ease of
explanation, the features of the containers are referred to using the same
reference
numerals distinguished by a prime if referring to a similar container
nested/stacked
therewith.
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Moreover, Figures 1 through 6 each have two related drawings, one
of which carries an "a" suffix (i.e. Figure la) which indicates that the
figure is a
view of container 10 in either a nested or nestable orientation and having
members
18 in a first (down) position, as disclosed herein. The other drawing for each
respective figure has a "b" suffix (i.e. Figure 1b) which indicates that the
corresponding figure is a view of container 10 in a either a stacked or
stackable
orientation having members 18 in a second (out) position as disclosed herein.
Generally, reference to a figure 1 through 6 without a suffix will be deemed
to
encompass both the "a" and "b" versions.
Container 10 is preferably formed of a plastic or polymeric material,
such as injection molded high density polyethylene, but of course may be
formed of
any material having the desired strength and properties to achieve the goals
according to the present invention. The present invention is directed to a
nestable
and stackable container which has structural features to facilitate stable
nesting of
empty containers and stacking of loaded containers. Although numerous uses are
contemplated, the present invention is particularly advantageous for the
collection,
storage, and transport of fresh produce from the field, including but not
limited to
stone fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, etc., as well as other fragile articles
where the
articles themselves cannot be used to support the weight of similar containers
when
in a stacking arrangement, for risk of damaging the articles.
Figure la illustrates individual container 10 in an orientation adaptable
to nesting, where members 18 are in the first (down) position. Figure 1b
illustrates
individual container 10 in an orientation adaptable to stacking, where members
18
are in the second (out) position. With further reference to Figures 5 and 6,
Figures
Sa and 6a illustrate container 10 in a nested orientation with similar
container 10' .
Figures 5b and 6b illustrate container 10 in a stacked orientation with
similar
container 10' . Figures 2a, 3a, and 4a illustrate, respectively, the top plan
view,
side elevational view, and end elevational view of container 10 having the
nestable
orientation of Figure 1, while Figures 2b, 3b, and 4b illustrate the
corresponding
views for the stackable orientation of container 10 in Figure 1b.
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Referring again to Figure la, illustrated therein is a perspective view
of container 10 in a nestable orientation. Container 10 has a bottom panel 12
or
base, a first pair of upstanding opposing side walls 14 integrally formed with
the
bottom panel 12, and a second pair of opposing sidewalk 16 (also referred to
as end
walls 16) which are also preferably integrally formed with both bottom panel
12 and
the first pair of upstanding opposing side walls 14. While container 10 is
shown as
being generally rectangular in shape, it is fully contemplated that container
may have
any shape feasible to achieve the goals and objects according to the present
invention.
As illustrated in Figure 7, bottom panel 12 includes first and second
pair of opposed edges, 52 and 54, corresponding to the first and second pairs
of
opposed sidewalk, respectively. Opposing side walls and end walls 14, 16 may
have
a different shape or contour than the design illustrated and still be in
accord with the
teachings of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, sidewalk 14,16
are
also tapered vertically for enhancing nestability between similar containers
10 and
10' . In the nested configuration, as best seen in the cross-sectional view of
Figure
6a, the distance between floors 12 and 12' of adjacent containers 10, 10' is
kept at
a minimum to make the most efficient use of storage space for empty
containers.
As shown generally in Figures la, 1b, 2a, 2b, etc., in another
preferred embodiment, adjacent side walls 14 and end walls 16 do not meet to
form
right-angles, but instead have disposed between each adjacent pair of walls
14, 16
a corner wall portion 15 which is not perpendicular to the adjacent sidewalls.
Corner wall portions 15 are shown with chamfered or angled surfaces in the
range
of approximately 30 ° to 60 ° , and are preferably oriented at
approximately 45 ° .
Corner wall portions 15 are particularly adapted to be received
efficiently and securely within a field bin 70 having correspondingly shaped
inner
corners 72. A top plan view of a field bin having containers 10 schematically
illustrated therein is shown for reference in Figure 19. Figure 20 is a side
elevational view of field bin 70. Of course, in keeping with the teachings
according
to the present invention, it is also contemplated that as an alternative to a
chamfer,
corner wall portion 15 but may instead have a relatively large radius or
rounded
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transitional edges with the corresponding side walls and end walls, or have
other
design features which are non-perpendicular corners to achieve the goals and
objects
set forth herein. Such alternate corner designs include members 18 which are
mounted to the container at a location spaced from and distal the traditional
corner
line, as defined herein.
Referring to Figure Sb, illustrated is container 10 in a stacked
orientation with a similar container 10' wherein the distance between the
floors 12,
12' of adjacent containers is relatively large in comparison to that of the
nested
orientation, in order to allow sufficient space for articles stored in
containers 10,
10' . This relatively greater distance between floors 12 and 12' in the
stacked
orientation is best illustrated in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6b. As
shown in
Figures Sb and 6b, in the stacked orientation, adjacent containers 10 and 10'
are
stacked relative to one another with little or no overlap of the respective
sidewalls
14 and 14' , and 16 and 16' .
In further keeping with the teachings according to the present
invention and with reference to Figures 1-6 and 8-17, container 10 includes at
least
one, and preferably a pair of movable members 18 (also referred to in the art
as a
bail or bail arm) which are movable between a first (or down) position shown
in
Figures la, Sa, and 6a to achieve the nesting orientation illustrated, and a
second (or
out) position shown in Figures 1b, Sb, and 6b, to achieve the stacking
orientation
illustrated. Particularly, it is upon movable members 18 that container 10 is
supported onto subjacent container 10' during the stacked orientation. Of
course the
amount of overlay, and thus the stacking distance of the stacked
configuration, can
be varied to suit the needs of the user by adjusting the sizes of the
component parts,
and that shown in Figure 6b is provided for illustration.
Container 10 also includes a rim portion 20 which defines the opening
to container 10. Rim 20 has an outer surface 22. Rim portion 20 also includes
an
upper edge 24 disposed substantially along side walls 14 of container 10, as
well as
at least partially on end walls 16. At or near the corner walls 25 of
container 10,
upper edge 24 of rim 20 transitions into a recess area 25 or channel for
attachment
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of support member 18, as discussed below. For ease of reference, rim 20 and
sidewalk 14, 16 may together be referred to as a double wall thickness or as
inner
and outer wall portions.
As shown in Figures la, 1b, 2a and 2b, member 18 is described in
detail herein and it is understood that the opposing member 18 is identical.
For ease
of discussion and not limitation, member 18 is generally symmetrical and
includes
various segments, including end portions 30 (having pintle 31), corner
portions 32,
and an intermediate portion 34. Intermediate portion 34 preferably includes
outer
intermediate portions 35 which are preferably linear portions, and a central
intermediate portion 36 which is preferably includes an undulation or an
offset
portion. The undulation of central intermediate portion 36 is preferably
directed
outboard or toward the adjacent end wall 16 of container 10.
Moreover, while offset portion 36 is shown as preferably being
centrally disposed along the length of member 18 and having a trapezoidal
shape, it
is fully contemplated according to the teachings of the present invention that
offset
portion 36 may have any shape or location necessary to achieve the goals of
the
invention. By example and not limitation, offset portion 36 may be rectangular
or
may be arcuate, and also need not be centrally located, but may instead be
spaced
apart from the centerline along intermediate portion 34. In such a design,
there may
be a pair of offset portions 36 symmetrical about the centerline. End portions
30
(and particularly pintles 31) of support member 18 are inserted into openings
40 of
upper sidewalls 14 and retained there by an interference fit. Each movable
member
18 is pivotable about openings 40.
Member 18 may be formed from metal or plastic material, such as rod
or tubing having the desired cross-section, contour, and shape, and is
preferably
formed of galvanized metal. For example, support member 18 illustrated in the
drawings is formed of generally cylindrical stock material. Member 18 is
generally
symmetrical about the longitudinal centerline of container 10.
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As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, each movable member 18 is
pivotably mounted to and attached to upper portion 26 of side walls 14. Each
member 18 also extends between the pair of opposing side walls 14 and is
rotatable
therearound. In the embodiment illustrated, the end portions 30 (or the
pintles 31
thereof) of support member 18 engage side wall 14 and are received within an
corresponding opening 40 in side wall 14 by an interference fit. More
particularly,
in the embodiment illustrated, end portions 30 of support members 18 are
mounted
to side wall 14 in recess area 25 of rim portion 20, below the plane of rim
upper
edge 24. Even more particularly, the attachment of support members 18 is in
recess
25 between rim 20 and side wall upper portion 26. As shown in Figures 2a, 2b
and
the enlarged views of Figures 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, recess 25 includes a flat
portion
37 and a pair of ledges 38 and 39 (inboard and outboard, respectively) which
are
shown in the Figures as inclined portions.
Most prior art containers which may include bails typically have
corners defined by walls which form approximately right-angles, where the
bails are
attached at the corners or proximate relative to the corners. In such cases,
bails in
their extended positions extend inward a short distance relative the entire
length of
the sidewall around which the bail rotates. However, in accordance with a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention, container 10 has chamfered corner walls
15
and therefore end portions 30 (pintles 31) of members 18 can not mount
directly at
or proximate the corner as in the prior art. Thus, in order to provide
strength and
support to members 18, they are mounted relatively inward from and distal
their
adjacent corner walls 15, or more particularly distal from the line (a
traditional
corner line) formed by the plane of end wall 16 and the adjacent corresponding
plane
of side wall 14. Accordingly, intermediate portion 34 of member 18 when in the
second (out) position for stacking purposes also extends relatively farther
inward
than in prior art containers. Of course, the positioning of members 18 depends
on
many factors, including but not limited to the size of container 10, the
length of side
walls 14 and end walls 16, and the size and angle of corner wall portions 15.
Intermediate portion 34 of member 18 may be linear as in the prior
art. However, in a preferred embodiment, an offset or undulation 36 is formed
in
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intermediate member 34. Relative to outer intermediate portions 35, offset 36
is
directed outwardly toward end walls 16. Such configuration of member 18 serves
to provide greater lateral stability and overall stability to member 18 during
a stacked
orientation of containers 10 and 10' , by directing the strength outboard and
to
accommodate any potential strength dissipation from member 18 being mounted
relatively inward from and distal the corner.
Moreover, while offset portion 36 is directed outward, the remainder
of intermediate portion 34 (such as portions 35) continues to be disposed
relatively
inward, such that, for container 10 which is in a stacked configuration and
resting
upon members 18' of a similar container 10' (as in Figures Sb and 6b), the
longitudinal span of bottom panel 12 extending between pairs of members 18' is
relatively reduced, thereby limiting or reducing any potential sag of bottom
panel 12.
To achieve the nested configuration illustrated in Figures la, Sa, and
6a, members 18' of lower container 10' are oriented in their first (down)
position
so that they are disposed generally upon upper edge 24 of rim 20, and so that
corner
portions 32 of member 18 rests upon ledge 39. When bails 18' are in this first
(down) orientation, container 10 can be nested with and received within
similar
container 10' , such that the distance between bottom panels 12 and 12' is
relatively
small.
In order to achieve the stacked configuration illustrated in Figures Sb
and 6b, members 18' of lower container 10' are rotated into the second (out)
position
so that end portions 30' of members 18' rest upon inboard ledges 38' in recess
area
25' of sidewalk 24'. As shown generally in Figures la, 1b, and 2b, upper edge
24
of container 10 may also include a slight notch or indentation 58 upon which
corner
portions 32 (or the outer corner portion 32 which is transitional with end
portion 30)
of member 18 rest in order to provide support for member 18 upon structural
edge
24 of rim 20. This orientation of members 18 keeps intermediate portion 34 of
member 18 substantially horizontal, or otherwise generally parallel with
bottom
panel 12.
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Intermediate portion 34 of members 18 is configured so that it is
received within a corresponding groove or recess 42 formed in the bottom
surface
31 of bottom panel 12. The detail and shape of corresponding groove 42 is best
shown in the bottom plan view of Figure 7. Recess 42 extends continuously from
sidewall 14 to opposed sidewall 14 (or bottom panel edges 52 to 54) for
receiving
intermediate portion 34. Thus, container 10' in this configuration stackably
supports
similar container 10 disposed thereabove. Compared to the nesting
configuration,
the stacked configuration provides a relatively large distance between
adjacent
bottom panels 12 and 12' for loading large articles, and if desired, a maximum
possible distance for the given containers 10 and 10' may be obtained. Other
views
of the stacking engagement between member 18 and recess 42 are illustrated in
the
various views of Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17.
A relatively quick and easy rotation of members 18 provides for a
quick conversion of the containers between the nested to stacked
configurations.
Movable members 18 provide for flexible and efficient use of nested and
stacked
containers. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that a
single
group of containers may include both containers that are nested as well as
those that
are stacked. For example, a single column of containers may have both
containers
that nested and some stacked, as necessary. All that needs to be done is to
move
members 18 from the first position to the second position.
Container 10 also includes a first handle portion 44, as shown in
Figures la, 2a, and 3a, which is centrally disposed in each end wall 16 of
container
10. Like member 18, handle 44 may be formed from metal or plastic material,
such
as rod or tubing having the desired cross-section, contour, and shape. Handle
portion 44 is preferably formed of galvanized metal, providing it with the
desired
strength and durability for various uses, and typically for the attachment of
a harness
or carrier commonly worn by workers in the field while collecting and handling
produce. Handle 44 is shown as being formed of generally cylindrical bar
stock.
As best shown in the top plan view of Figures 2a, 2b, handle 44 has
sufficient clearance longitudinally from central offset portion 26 of member
18 to
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provide for ease of gripping handle 44 during movement and transport of
container
10. Likewise, as illustrated in Figure 4a, there is sufficient clearance below
handle
44 to allow for insertion of a harness clip, user's hands and/or fingers, if
so desired.
As best shown in Figures 7 and 18, handle 44 is mounted to container 10 under
rim
20 of end walls 16, and may be secured thereunder with one or more integral
clips
64 or other mechanical fasteners known in the art for attaching objects like
handle
44. As shown in Figure 4a, the gripping portion 45 of first handle member 44
extends generally above upper edge 24 of container.
As illustrated best in Figures la, 4a, 7 and 18, container 10 also
includes a second handle portion 46 which is adapted to be gripped by a user's
hands. Handle 46 is formed integrally with container 10 and is disposed below
the
gripping portion 45 of handle 44. As illustrated in Figure la, handle 46
includes
an upper ribbed portion 48. Further, as illustrated in the bottom view of
Figure 7,
handle 46 includes a lower surface having an outer flat portion 50 and inner
recessed
openings 56 defined by upper ribbed portion 48 wherein a user may position his
palm and fingers, respectively, when lifting and handling container 10 by
second
handle portions 46. The underside of handle 46 is best shown in the enlarged
view
of Figure 18.
While the preferred embodiment includes at least two members 18,
a single member is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention such
as a
cantilever configuration connected to a single sidewall. The preferred
embodiments
include two member orientations - nested and stacked, but more or fewer
configurations are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention by
varying
the shapes and sizes of members. In addition, the bottom panel 12 of container
10
described above are shown with a pattern of holes 60, as shown in Figures 2a
and
7. It is also contemplated that the container 10 may include a second pair of
members 18 which are mounted to and pivot around the second pair of opposed
sidewalk 16. Such holes typically serve as vents and are particularly useful
to
promote ventilation and air circulation, especially when container 10 is
holding items
such as produce, and thus may be placed directly in hydrocoolers or forced air
coolers. Of course, depending on the use and application, any suitable
configuration
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of bottom panel 12 is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention
such as
a lattice pattern or a solid bottom panel. Similarly, sidewalls 14, 16 are
shown as
having vertically elongated slots 62 but any suitable configuration is
contemplated,
as well as solid sidewalk.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe
all
possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification
are
words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various
changes
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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