Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02726570 2010-12-30
GARMENT WASHING DEVICE FOR PLUS SIZE BRASSIERES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to devices
for washing brassieres, and, more particularly, to devices
for washing plus size brassieres and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Brassieres (also commonly called "bras") are
commonly made with two cups, two shoulder straps, two back
straps, a latching mechanism (hooks and eyelets), optional
padding (soft foam, air, water, gel, or silicone), and,
optionally, two under-wires. Padding can come as removable
inserts or as an integral part of the bra. Some bras comprise
extremely delicate fabric, such as lace, satin, silk, mesh,
high-tech micro-fiber, stretch, and sheer fabric.
[0003] The under-wires, when used in the cups, often
become misshapen during washing and drying. Over time, the
under-wires can also tear through the bra's fabric. This can
result in injury to the breast or bra, and can also damage
other clothing and the washing machine drum.
[0004] The latching mechanism, located either on the two
back straps or on the front in between the cups at the inter-
cup bridge, typically has a couple to several hooks and
eyelets or a plastic snap closure. In the washing machine
and/or dryer the hooks frequently snag onto the bra itself,
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zippers, buttonholes, sweaters, and delicate fabrics, as well
as becoming misshapen. A bra can also easily become tangled
with other clothing and in crevices within the washer and
dryer, causing further deformities to the cups, padding,
under-wires, fabric, and straps. Repeated machine washing and
drying can also substantially diminish the elasticity of
bras. The padding, especially if made of thick and soft foam,
often becomes indented and bunched. If made of air, water,
gel, or silicone, it can become punctured and leak. Such
deformities are visible, even through a T-shirt, and are
especially noticeable when tight fitting garments are worn.
These problems are well understood by women who wear padded
or non-padded bras.
[0005] Another way
to wash bras is to place it within a
mesh washing bag, which is then placed in a washing machine.
However, because of its soft material construction, the bag
still does not adequately prevent the bra from being damaged-
-such as losing its original shape, collapsing inward and
against the cups' curved shape, and becoming tangled with
other bras or clothing within the same bag. In addition,
padded bras (especially those using air, water, gel, or
silicone) can be easily punctured, thus causing leakage to
the bra cups. The time and money needed to replace a damaged
bra can also be substantial.
[0006] Given all
these inconveniences, many women have
chosen to wash their bras by hand. However, hand-washing is
very time-consuming and impractical. It can also induce back,
hand, and wrist pain. Most bras that are hand-washed have to
be air-dried, which causes water deposits where they are hung
and thus slippery surfaces and more unnecessary cleanup.
[0007] The present
inventor has previously been issued
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U.S. Patent No. 6,742,683 (the '683 patent) on June 1, 2004,
which is entitled "Washing, Drying, and Storage Device for
Brassieres and Bikini Tops". The device
disclosed in this
patent is generally spherical in shape. It is
entirely
adequate for laundering of petite, small, regular and large
size bras. For example, petite size bras are commonly
marketed in the United States as size 32, small size bras as
size 34, regular size bras as size 36 and large size bras as
size 38. Other countries may use corresponding metric sizes.
Depending upon the size and shape of the cups of the bra, the
device disclosed in '683 patent may also be suitable for
laundering of bras of larger size than size 38.
[0008] As used
herein, "plus size" with respect to bras
will generally mean size 40 or larger, such as size 42, size
44, size 46, size 48, and so forth. Such plus
size bras
typically do not fit into the washing device of the 1683
patent, especially those bras over size 40 or 42.
[0009] Furthermore,
making a larger generally spherical
washing device to accommodate the plus size bras is possible,
but not practical since it will not fit into most top-loading
washing machines. That is, the
spacing between the top of
the agitator and the top edge of the drum of the washing
machine is not large enough to accommodate a larger generally
spherical washing device similar to that shown in the '683
patent. Thus, such a
larger laundry device cannot be
properly inserted into the washing machine.
[0010] A general
object of the present invention is to
therefore provide a washing device which will accommodate
plus size bras and still be of a size or configuration which
permits the washing device to be easily inserted into a
washing machine.
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[0011] Another
object of the present invention is to
provide a washing device for plus size bras which is of
sturdy construction to withstand the agitation typically
encountered in a washing machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present
invention is directed to a washing
device for washing plus size bras. In accordance with one
embodiment, the washing device includes a shell with an
interior, the shell consisting of an upper shell portion and
a lower shell portion, the upper shell portion and the lower
shell portion are curved inwardly toward an internal center
of the washing device. For example,
the upper and lower
shell portions may have relatively flat upper and lower
surfaces, respectively, such that the height of the shell is
less than the lateral dimension of the shell between opposite
sides, a hinge disposed along one side of the upper shell
portion and the lower shell portion, the hinge permitting
opening of the upper shell portion with respect to the lower
shell portion to insert a bra into the interior of the
washing device, and a releasable latch mechanism to securely
hold the upper shell portion and a lower shell portion
together during a washing cycle. The height of the washing
device is preferably about one-half, or less, of the lateral
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dimension of the washing device, such that the washing device
may be easily inserted into the washing machine. The shell
may include a generally flat rear surface and generally
curved side and front surfaces.
[0013] In
accordance with another embodiment, the washing
device preferably includes an insert which is kept in a
substantially fixed relationship to the shell when inserted
therein. The insert
may couple to the shell in a tab and
slot arrangement. The insert may have a rounded portion to
generally conform to the shape of a bra cup. Alternatively,
at least a portion of the insert is substantially flat. A
plurality of arms extends between the tabs and the rounded
portion or the flat portion of the insert. The insert
may
have a pocket configured to receive at least one bra strap,
and it may be configured to divide the interior of the shell
into two spatial regions, and a passage connects the two
spatial regions.
[0014] In
accordance with a still further embodiment, the
latch mechanism preferably includes a tongue and a loop on
one portion of the shell, and a receptacle on the other
portion of the shell, the receptacle configured to receive
the tongue and the loop. The receptacle may further include
a rail configured to contact the loop, and contact between
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the loop and rail preferably inhibit the latch mechanism from
opening accidentally during washing. For example, the latch
mechanism may include a resilient member on one shell
portion, with the resilient member disposed between a pair of
slots, and the slots do not overlap with the other shell
portion when the latch mechanism is closed. The latch
mechanism may be operated by simultaneously applying a force
in an inward direction and a force in an upward direction.
[0015] In accordance with yet another embodiment,
preferably, at least one of the shell portions includes a
rim, and at least one of the shell portions includes a
channel, such that a lip on one of the shell portions couples
in the channel in the other shell portion when the shell is
closed for improved durability of the washing device while
being subjected to the agitation of a washing cycle in a
washing machine.
[0016] The shell of
the washing device preferably includes
a plurality of openings, the openings being sized to inhibit
a bra strap from extending out of the shell through the
openings. The insert
may also include a plurality of
openings, and at least some of the openings in the insert are
larger than the openings in the shell.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The invention, together with its objects and the
advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to
the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
identify like elements in the figures, and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a rear and side elevational view of a
washing device in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the washing
device of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the washing
device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the washing
device of FIGS. 1-3 in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the washing
device taken from the opposite side to that shown in FIG. 4;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the engaging
rims and channels of the upper and lower shells of the
washing device shown in FIGS. 1-5 in accordance with the
present invention;
[0024] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of a
removable insert which is contained within the washing device
shown in FIGS. 1-5 during washing of a garment in accordance
with the present invention;
[0025] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of an
alternate removable insert which is contained within the
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washing device shown in FIGS. 1-5 during washing of a garment
in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a
cross-sectional view of the latching
mechanism for the washing device shown in FIG. 2 in
accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 10 is
an enlarged elevational view of the
latching mechanism for the washing device shown in FIG. 2 in
accordance with the present invention;
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] It will be
understood that the present invention
may be embodied in other specific forms without departing
from the spirit thereof. The present
examples and
embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects
as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not
to be limited to the details presented herein.
[0029] FIGS. 1-5
illustrate a washing device, generally
designated 100, according to one embodiment. Washing device
100 includes shell 102 and an insert 104. Shell 102 includes
upper shell portion 106 and lower shell portion 108. Upper
shell portion 106 and lower shell portion 108 may be
pivotally connected at a hinge 109. Shell 102 may be opened
by swinging upper shell portion 106 away from lower shell
portion 108. Insert 104 may be removed from shell 102 when
shell 102 is open. Shell 102 includes a latch mechanism 110
(FIG. 2). Latch mechanism 110 may hold shell 102 in a closed
position and it may be opened to place a bra or other garment
therein, or to add or remove the insert 104.
[0030] Washing
device 100 may protect a garment from
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damage caused by the washer, dryer, or other clothing
articles. Device 100 may also protect bra under-wires from
becoming bent or protruding from the bra and thus piercing
its fabric. In one embodiment, shell 102 and insert 104 are
made out of polypropylene that is heat graded to protect it
from heat damage.
[0031] As shown in
FIG. 6, shell upper portion 106
includes channel 115 between outer rim 111 and inner rim 112.
Shell lower portion 108 includes channel 114 between inner
rim 128 and outer rim 126. Inner rim 112 of upper shell
portion 106 may nestle in channel 114 of lower shell portion
108 when shell 102 is closed. Outer rim 126 of lower shell
portion 108 may nestle in channel 116 of upper shell portion
106 when shell 102 is closed. Engagement of inner rim 112 in
channel 114 and/or rim 126 in channel 115 preferably inhibits
lateral movement of upper shell portion 106 relative to lower
shell portion 108. Engagement
of inner rim 112 in channel
114 and/or outer rim 126 in channel 115 may also inhibit
deformation of the shell halves (e.g., flexure, buckling)
near the junction of the upper shell portion and the lower
shell portion. Inhibiting
deformation may keep upper shell
portion 106 and lower shell portion 108 from separating when
external loads are encountered during washing and/or handling
of device 100. Engagement
of inner rim 112 in channel 114
and/or outer rim 126 in channel 115 may also alleviate stress
on latch mechanism 110 and hinge 109.
[0032] In
accordance with one aspect of the present
invention, a top surface 107 of the upper shell portion 106
and the bottom surface 105 of the lower shell portion 108 are
are curved inwardly toward an internal center of the washing
device. For example, the top surface 107 of the upper shell
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portion 106 and the bottom surface 105 of the lower shell
portion 108 may be approximately flat. Thus, the washing
device 100 is reduced in height, as compared to a sphere of
approximately the same diameter. As seen in FIG. 1, a back
or rear surface 113, which accommodates hinge 109 is
relatively flat. A left side
surface 115, a right side
surface 116 and a front surface 117 are generally curved or
semicircular in configuration. For example, a washing device
100 suitable for washing plus size bras may have the
following approximate dimensions: height (bottom surface 105
to top surface 107) = 4.25 inches (10.8 cm.), lateral (right
side surface 116 to left side surface 117) = 8.75 inches
(22.2 cm.), and front to back (front surface 115 to back
surface 113) = 7 inches (17.8 cm.). Thus, even
though
washing device 100 accommodates plus size bras, with the
height of about 4.25 inches, washing device 100 can easily be
inserted into a top loading washing machine between the top
of the agitator and the top edge of the drum. Thus, the
washing device 100 is reduced in height, as compared to a
sphere of approximately 8.75 inches diameter, by
approximately 4.5 inches (11.4 cm.).
[0033] Referring
to FIGS. 4 and 5, insert 104 includes
tabs 120. Lower shell
portion 108 includes slots 122
disposed in the bottom of channel 114 (FIG. 6). Insert 104
may be coupled with lower shell portion 108 by inserting each
of tabs 120 on insert 104 into a corresponding slot 122 on
lower shell portion 108. Tabs 120 of
insert 104 and slots
122 of lower shell portion 108 may be distributed at various
points along the circumference of lower shell portion 108. At
least one tab on an insert may be partially or fully opposed
to one or more other tabs on the insert.
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[0034] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate insert 104 when
separated from shell 102. Insert 104 includes a plurality of
arms 124. Each arm 124
preferably includes tab 120 at its
unattached end. Tab 120 may be inserted into slot 122 on
lower shell portion 108. When shell 102 is closed, inner rim
112 of upper shell portion 106 (shown in FIG. 6) may hold one
end of arm 124 in place on lower shell portion 106. Thus,
closure of shell 102 keeps insert 104 in a relatively fixed
position relative to shell 102.
[0035] Arms 124 of
insert 104 may be integrally connected
to a contoured surface, such as to a dome or rounded portion
146 suitable for holding a cup of a bra. Rounded portion 146
may have a contour similar to the inner sides of the breast
cup sides they are to be used with, which helps preserve the
curvature of under-wires and bra cups during a washing cycle.
Arms 124 may have a curved portion 148 (e.g., concave) where
the arms attach to the rounded portion 146 to allow for space
to accommodate the padding of a padded bra cup.
[0036] When
installed in shell 102, insert 104 may serve
to divide internal volume of shell 102 into two portions,
which generally includes the volume above the rounded portion
146 and the volume below or underneath the rounded portion
146. The volume underneath the rounded portion 146 may be
referred to as a pocket 160. Pocket 160 includes an access or
opening 162. Pocket 160
may house one or more bra straps
(e.g., when a bra cup of the bra is placed on the rounded
portion 146). Pocket 160
can also house delicate
accessories, such as removable bra straps, demi-pads, pushup
pads, shoulder pads, hosiery, panties, and scarves.
[0037] In one
embodiment, shell 102 has sufficient space
to accommodate, for example, one thickly-padded bra, or two
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stacked semi-padded bras, or three stacked non-padded bras.
When more than one bra is placed inside shell 102, they may
be stacked so that the front sides of the cups of the second
bra faces the breast sides of the cups of the first bra, etc.
[0038] In an
embodiment, a system for washing garments
includes a shell and one or more inserts. Each insert may be
interchangeably installed in the shell. The inserts may have
different shapes. Each of the shapes may accommodate a
different type or shape of garment. For example, one insert
may have a form suitable for washing a padded bra and another
insert may have a form suitable for washing unpadded bras. A
user of the device may select the appropriate insert or
inserts for the garment or garments the user desires to wash,
dry, or store.
[0039] In some
embodiments, a washing device 100 may
include a form suitable for washing a garment that holds one
or prosthetic devices (e.g., a post-mastectomy bra). FIGS. 8A
and 8B illustrate an insert 174 for a washing device 100
which may be used for a bra having a prosthetic device. In
this embodiment, insert 174 may include a flat surface 175
rather than a rounded portion 146 of insert 104. Such a
relatively flat surface may accommodate a bra cup which
carries a breast prosthesis. Forms for carrying a prosthesis
may also be a convex, concave, or other suitable shape. In
one embodiment, a form for carrying prosthesis is customized
for the garment. When insert 174 is installed within washing
device 100, the volume underneath surface 175 may be referred
to as a pocket 180. Pocket 180 includes an access or opening
182. Additional
garments may be placed in pocket 180 for
washing. Washing devices (e.g., device 100 with insert 174)
can also be used for washing, drying, or storing removable
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bra straps, demi-pads, pushup pads, shoulder pads, hosiery,
panties, scarves and small clothing articles.
[0040]
Alternatively, such items may be washed in shell
102 without any insert.
[0041] In some
embodiments, the opposing sides of an
insert may have different shapes. For example, an insert may
include a rounded surface on one side (e.g., for an unpadded
bra cup) and a flat surface on the other side (e.g., for a
bra cup with a breast prosthesis).
[0042] Because
inserts 104 and 174 can each be inserted
into a same shell (e.g., shell 102), a common shell can be
used for washing different types of bras and other garments.
Although only two inserts are shown in FIGS. 7-8, a system
may include less than two different inserts or more than two
different inserts. Inserts may be provided for garments other
than bras. For example,
inserts may be provided for items
such as hats, gloves, scarves, hosiery, or slippers.
[0043] In some
embodiments, an insert may be attached to a
shell without tabs or slots. An insert may include pins,
flanges, arms, or beams that connect to one portion or both
portions of a shell. For example,
an insert may include a
pin or pins that plug into holes in one shell portion. In
certain embodiments, an insert, form or divider may be
permanently or semi-permanently attached to an outer shell.
An inner form connected by a hinge to an outer shell is
shown, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 6,742,683 to Phan.
[0044] Inserts 104
and 174, upper shell portion 106 and
lower shell portion 108 may be foraminous, e.g., they may
have numerous holes. These holes may allow water, detergent,
and air to freely penetrate to a bra inside (not shown) for
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thorough cleaning, drying, and storage. The numerous holes
may allow detergent, water, and air to freely and thoroughly
penetrate and flow between the bras when a garment or
garments (e.g., two semi-padded or three non-padded bras are
washed in the device. In one
embodiment, the holes are
between about 0.5 cm and about 1.0 cm. The holes may be
smaller than the bra's shoulder straps, which will prevent
the straps from falling out through the holes. Small holes
may also prevent bra's back straps and shoulder straps from
losing elasticity and the hooks on the bra's back strap from
catching onto other clothing articles, zippers, buttonholes,
the washer and dryer's crevices, as well as the bra itself.
In one embodiment, shell 102 has a diameter of about 12 to
about 16 cm with each portion having about 60 to 80 holes
(depending upon the device's size, which is determined by the
bra's cup size). Insert 104 may have about 40 to 70 holes. In
some embodiments, a flange, web or other portion of an insert
connecting a form may also include openings.
[0045] FIGS. 5, 7A-
7B and 8A-83 illustrate a washing
device 100 and two inserts 104, 174 therefor. Upper shell
portion 106 and lower shell portion 108 include shell
openings 200. Insert 104 includes insert openings 202. In
some embodiments, shell openings 200 are sized and shaped to
inhibit the bra strap or portions thereof from extending
outside of the shell. Holes may be large enough for water,
detergent, and air to penetrate, but small enough to contain
bra shoulder strap, back strap, and hooks, thus preventing
them from becoming tangled with other clothing articles and
the washer and/or dryer's crevices. Insert openings 202 may
be larger than shell openings 200. Relatively large insert
openings 202 may allow for better flow through the insert,
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thereby increasing cleaning effectiveness.
[0046] FIGS. 9 and
10 illustrate latch mechanism 110 for
the washing device 100. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional
view of latch 110 in a latched position, and FIG. 10 is an
enlarged elevational view of the latch 110. Referring to
FIG. 9, upper shell portion 106 includes tongue 210 and loop
212. Tongue 210 includes latch projections 214. Tongue 210
may resiliently deflect when a load is applied to latch
projections 214 toward the interior of upper shell portion
106. U-shaped
slot 216 may extend through the entire
thickness of upper shell portion 106, thereby creating a U-
shaped gap between tongue 210 and loop 212.
[0047] Referring to
FIG. 10, lower shell portion 108
includes receptacle 220. Receptacle
220 includes a catch
228. Raised front wall surface 226 and catch 228 may shield
tongue 210 from normal wear and tear. In addition, having
tongue 210 recessed may help keep device 100 from being
accidentally opening during washing, drying, and storage.
[0048] During
operation of latch mechanism 110, tongue 210
and loop 212 are received in receptacle 220. Latch
projections 214 slide over catch tab 238. The distal portion
of tongue 210 deflects inwardly as tongue 210 and loop 212
advance into receptacle 220. When latch
projections 214
slide beyond catch tab 238, tongue 210 may spring back
outwardly such that latch projections 214 extend into finger
opening 230. Tongue 210
may snap into a latched position.
Contact between latch projections 214 and catch 228 inhibit
shell 102 from opening.
[0049] To open
shell 102, a user may engage the upper edge
of outer rim 226 with one or more fingers and depress tongue
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210 with the thumb of the same hand. The user may
push
inwardly on latch projections 214 of tongue 210 through finger
opening 230 until tongue 210 bottoms out on back wall 232. When
tongue 210 bottoms out on back wall 232, a portion of latch
projections 214 (e.g., at their tips) may come just short of
clearing catch tab 238. The user may exert an upward force
on tongue 210 so as to overcome the resistance of latch
projections 214 against catch tab 238 and force latch
projections 214 upward past catch tab 238. The inner end of
catch tab 238 and/or back wall 232 may deflect at least
slightly under the upward force of latch projections 214 so
as to allow latch projections 214 to pass catch tab 238.
Thus, a user releases latch mechanism 110 by simultaneously
applying force in two directions (e.g., a force inward on
tongue 210 against the resilient force of the tongue, and a
force upward on tongue 210 against the resistance of catch
tab 238). A latch mechanism that opens by the application of
a force in two directions may be less prone to accidental
opening during use in a washing machine. For example, in the
embodiment described above, even if latch projections 214
directly strike a.pointed surface (e.g., part of the agitator
of the washing machine) when the device is agitated within
the washing machine (thereby applying an inward force to
tongue 210), latch mechanism 110 may remain latched because
there is no upward force to impel latch projections 214 over
catch tab 238.
[0050] As noted above with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10, interior
portion of receptacle 220 includes rails 236. Loop 212 on
upper shell portion 106 may contact rails 236 when tongue 210
and loop 212 are inserted into receptacle 220. Contact
between loop 212 and rails 236 may inhibit the upper portion
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of tongue 210 from deflecting inwardly. In some embodiments,
contact between loop 212 and rails 236 may inhibit latch
mechanism 110 from opening accidentally during washing.
[0051] In certain
embodiments, a tongue may be relatively
short such that a relatively large force is required to
deflect the end of the tongue.
[0052] In view of
the foregoing, it will be appreciated
that multiple bras can be thoroughly cleaned, dried, and
stored in a single wash cycle. When two semi-padded or three
non-padded bras are simultaneously washed in the device,
holes may allow detergent, water, and air to freely penetrate
and flow between the bras to thoroughly wash and dry as well
as safely store each bra, including a middle placed bra when
three bras are concurrently washed.
[0053] As used
herein, "shell" includes any element that
at least partially encloses, houses, or covers one or more
other objects. Examples of
such objects include garments,
forms, inserts, and accessories. A shell can have one part
or more than one part. For example,
a shell may have two
halves or two portions which are connected by a hinge. A
shell may have closed or open surfaces (e.g., surfaces having
openings).
[0054] Further
modifications and alternative embodiments
of various aspects of the invention may be apparent to those
skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly,
this description is to be construed as illustrative only and
is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the
general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be
understood that the forms of the invention shown and
described herein are to be taken as embodiments. Elements and
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materials may be substituted for those illustrated and
described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and
certain features of the invention may be utilized
independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the
art after having the benefit of this description of the
invention.
Changes may be made in the elements described
herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as described in the following claims. Terms
relating to orientation such as "upper", "lower", "top",
"bottom", "left", or "right" are used for reference only; the
device herein may be used in any orientation.
[0055] While
particular embodiments of the invention have
been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled
in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein
without departing from the invention in its broader aspects.
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