Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02781363 2012-06-14
TOOTHBRUSH HEAD AND PASTE DELIVERY MEANS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to dental hygiene devices. More specifically,
the
present invention relates to a new and improved toothbrush device that
incorporates an
articulating head and a toothpaste delivering body portion that communicates
toothpaste into the head portion for cleaning and brushing the surfaces of
teeth and
along the gum line.
1o BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well understood that poor dental hygiene, and more particularly poor
brushing habits, can lead to various oral maladies related to the structure of
one's teeth,
gums, and tongue. These generally include plaque buildup, gum diseases and
tooth
decay. It is submitted that proper cleaning of teeth surfaces, between teeth
and along
the gum line can prevent or reduce instances of these conditions, wherein
debris,
plaque and bacteria are removed from the surfaces of the mouth by the contact
of the
toothbrush in conjunction with toothpaste dentifrice. Proper brushing of one's
teeth
involves comprehensively cleaning both the surfaces of each tooth, while also
cleaning
along the tooth gum line and scrubbing the surface of the tongue. This
prevents oral
disorders and further improves hygiene.
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Traditional toothbrush devices utilize elongated shafts comprising handle
portion
and a head portion having a plurality of densely clustered and upstanding
bristles. The
bristles are adapted to abrasively remove plaque and debris from a tooth
surface, clean
within the spaces between teeth, and further to massage the interface between
the
s teeth and gums. More modern brushes include tongue cleaning portions along
the head
posterior and opposite of the bristles, along with a configuration and design
for the
bristles that is directed for a specific type of cleaning. These devices are
thoroughly
described in the art as oral hygiene instruments for the purposes of cleaning
teeth using
toothpaste. Many variations of the brush head design and handle have been
proposed
lo and implemented, wherein their structure improves upon the ability of the
brush to
remove plaque, contact various surfaces of the tooth and to further increase
the utility of
the device with respect to brushing effectiveness and overall oral hygiene.
The present invention is related to an oral hygiene device that comprises an
articulating head region and a body structure adapted to store toothpaste
therein and
15 communicate the paste to the head region during brushing operations. The
head region
comprises a structure that allows simultaneous brushing and cleaning of the
occlusal,
buccal and linqual surfaces of the tooth, as well as the gum line interface of
the tooth.
The head region comprises a flexible, articulating construction that allows
the device to
be comfortably utilized and accommodate various tooth geometries using the
same
20 configuration. The backside of the head region preferably comprises a
tongue cleaning
surface, while the body region comprises an internal cavity and mechanism for
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transmitting toothpaste stored within the body region to the head region
during brushing
activities.
Combining a toothbrush head that is well adapted for maintaining ready oral
hygiene of a user with a toothbrush body structure that is capable of storing
quantities of
toothpaste therein offers several advantages not realized in the prior art.
For traveling
users and those in military service, it is not always convenient to carry both
a toothpaste
container and a separate toothbrush instrument, wherein the two items may
become
separated from one another or the combination thereof creates too much clutter
in a
tightly packed carrying case. The present invention contemplates a unique body
1o structure that provides a toothpaste container within an interior volume,
wherein the
container defines the handle of the brush. A manual drive mechanism is
utilized to
manually force the paste through the body region interior and to the head
region,
wherein it is dispensed therethrough for ready use in oral tooth brushing and
cleaning.
Oral hygiene while deployed in the military or while traveling for extended
periods is a
very important consideration for the overall health of an individual. It is
therefore
contemplated that the use of the present device facilities such hygiene and
oral health,
wherein thorough and effective tooth brushing is accomplished in conjunction
with ready
deployment of toothpaste.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to oral hygiene
implements and encompassing toothbrushes. These include devices that have been
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patented and published in patent application publications. These devices have
familiar
design elements for the purposes of brushing an entire tooth surface and
engaging the
gum region. These devices specifically relate to brush head devices that
provide bristles
in a number of different configurations and orientations. Those devices deemed
most
relevant to the present disclosure are herein described for the purposes of
highlighting
and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further
highlighting
the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
Specifically, U.S. Patent No. 6,381,794 and No. 6,401,288 to Porper disclose a
brush head and body defining a new electric toothbrush, comprising a pair of
opposing
bristle head portions, a longitudinal drive shaft and a drive means located
between the
bristle head portions to provide a reciprocating motion of the bristle head. A
reciprocating motion imparted by the drive means through the crank creates a
side-to-
side, lateral movement of the bristle head in an oscillatory motion. While
disclosing a
new and novel brush head that is adapted to function with an electric
toothbrush body,
the Porper device is limited thereto and comprises a divergent structure as it
relates to
the present invention. While the present invention contemplates use with a
reciprocating
or sonic toothbrush driver, it is more directed to a new toothbrush head and
body
structure that facilitates complete coverage of the user's teeth while
brushing either
manually or using a drive means.
Similar to the Porper device is U.S. Patent No. 7,849,549 to Hegemann, wherein
an oral brushing device adapted to be connected to a drive means is disclosed
having a
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head design that follows the "Bass" or "Modified-Bass" tooth-brushing method.
The
drive means of the device provides bi-directional and straight motion of a
first and
second opposing brush assembly, which brush both the upper portions of a tooth
and
along the lateral gum lines. The brush assemblies are mounted to separated and
elastic
arm structures, which angle the bristles of the brush inward and downward to
cover the
crown and respective side portions of the tooth. The independently mounted
structures
are motioned in opposing directions by the drive means when in operation. By
contrast,
the present invention comprising an oral brushing device head having flexible
and
rotatable side portions with respect to a crown portion, along with a body
structure that
facilitates toothpaste flow into the head or a drive means for oscillating the
head portion.
U.S. Patent No. 4,638,520 to Eickmann discloses a toothbrush having bristles
attached to a two-sided, arcuate head wherein bristles are facing inward
toward one
another for the purposes of brushing between teeth and along the gum line. The
head
comprises of two portions that diverge from a handle portion, wherein the
bristles are
inwardly facing to rub against a tooth between the two head portions. The
Eickmann
device, while providing a novel toothbrush head design, fails to disclose the
structure of
the present invention, for both the body of the toothbrush and the head
design. The
Eickmann device provides two diverging portions, while the present invention
provides a
crown portion and two lateral portions that are flexibly attached or hinged
with respect to
the crow portion to accommodate the geometry of a user's tooth and provide
complete
coverage thereof when brushing.
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U.S. Patent No. 5,327,607 to Wagner discloses an oral hygiene device that
includes a bristle carrying head having a spine region and a pair of planar
side panels
angled approximately forty-five degrees downward from the spine region. The
spine
region and side panels include inwardly facing bristles for simultaneous
engagement of
occlusal tooth surfaces and buccal and linqual tooth sidewalls, gingival
surfaces and
tooth surfaces below the gum line. The bristles are tapered as they extend
outward
along the side panels from the spine, getting progressively longer to allow
contact along
the tooth sidewalls and gum line intersection. The Wagner device provides a
means to
brush a tooth along the gum lines, sidewalls and crow portion simultaneously;
however
1o this is accomplished via a tapering set of bristles. The present invention
angles uniform
bristles inward from upstanding sidewall portions that hingeably connect to a
horizontal
crown portion.
Similar to the Wagner device, U.S. Patent No. 5,137,039 to Klinkhammer
discloses a tooth cleaning implement having a pair of spaced jaws adapted to
straddle a
row of teeth and clean both gums and teeth simultaneously. The jaws are
adapted to
secure to a number of different tooth and gum cleaning implements for the
purposes of
removing debris and cleaning the tooth and gum surfaces. As noted in the
aforementioned prior art devices, the Klinkhammer device fails to disclose the
novel
aspects of the present toothbrush device articulating head region and
toothpaste
delivering body region.
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The present invention provides a new and improved dental hygiene device that
incorporates an enveloping and articulating brush head, along with a body
structure that
provides storage and communication of toothpaste from its interior to the head
region
for brushing and cleaning the surfaces of teeth and gums. The structure and
intent of
the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the
prior art, and
consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to
existing
toothbrush devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially
fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of oral
lo hygiene implements now present in the prior art, the present invention
provides a new
articulating toothbrush and toothpaste storage device wherein the same can be
utilized
for providing convenience for the user when brushing the surfaces of teeth and
gums
while packaging the cleaning implement together with the toothpaste solution.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved
toothbrush device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of
the
disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush device
that
has an articulating and encompassing head region, wherein the occlusal, buccal
and
linqual surfaces of a tooth and gum line are contacted with each pass of the
brush head.
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Another object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush device
having a
crown portion that contacts the occlusal surface of the tooth and hingeable
sidewall
portions that contact the buccal and linqual sides of the tooth.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush device
having a
rotatable crown portion that allows the brush head portion to rotate with
respect to the
brush body portion.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush device
wherein the body portion of the device includes an internal cavity and drive
means for
storing and communicating toothpaste from the body portion and into the head
portion.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush
device
that combines an enveloping head portion with a toothpaste delivering body
portion that
may further incorporate an electric oscillation means for vibrating the
bristles in the head
region during brushing activities to facilitate tooth and gum cleaning.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly
pointed
out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and
used may
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be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in
connection with
the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided
throughout.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention,
including a close-up view of the head portion and an exterior view of the body
portion.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the articulating mechanism
within the head portion.
FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of an embodiment of the articulating
head
portion.
FIG. 4 shows yet another perspective view of an embodiment of the articulating
1o mechanism within the head portion.
FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the body portion and toothpaste drive
mechanism, along with a view of the threaded toothpaste container engagement
end of
the device.
FIG. 6 shows a cross section view of the threaded toothpaste container
engagement end and toothpaste drive mechanism of the present invention
FIG. 7 shows the rotatable embodiment of the present invention head portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are
used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the oral
hygiene
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implement. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the
present
invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for combining an
enveloping brush design with a body region adapted to store and dispense
toothpaste
into the brush head portion when cleaning the surfaces of a tooth and along
the tooth
gum line. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should
not be
considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the present
invention that includes a close-up view of an embodiment of the toothbrush
working
end. The present device is a combination enveloping toothbrush structure and
1o toothpaste retainer structure that establishes a compact and readily
deployable oral
hygiene tool. The device comprises a body region 12 connecting to a toothbrush
head
region 11 at its distal end. The body region 12 includes an internal cavity
adapted to
accept and store a quantity of toothpaste therein, wherein the cavity defines
a hollow
interior volume within the body region 12 that spans its entire length,
originating at its
proximal end and extending through its distal end and into the head region 11,
wherein
toothpaste is communicated thereinto. Driving the toothpaste toward the head
region 11
is a toothbrush drive mechanism within the body region 12 that is actuated by
a
rotatable end cap 13 and drive screw mechanism. Rotation of the end cap 13
displaces
an internal ram driven by the drive screw, which forces the paste through the
body
region distal end and into a conduit within the head region. Paste then exits
the head
region conduit through an aperture, wherein the paste enters the bristled
interior section
of the head and begins to lather as bristles come into contact with teeth and
water.
CA 02781363 2012-06-14
Also shown in FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the head region 11. The head region
comprises of a crown portion 20 that hingeably connects to a first and second
side
portion 17. The crown portion 20 provides a largely horizontal surface for the
sidewalls
17 to perpendicularly connect and form a U-shaped design. The connection and
interface between the sidewalls 17 and crown is a flexible one that is readily
hingeable,
allowing the sidewalls to expand outward from their natural position when
placed over
an enlarged tooth structure. Along the interior surface of the side portions
17 and the
crown portion 20 are upstanding and inwardly directed bristles 18, 19. The
crown
bristles 19 are vertically aligned and adapted to contact the crown or
occlusal portion of
a tooth, while the side portion bristles 18 are adapted to be positioned
perpendicularly to
the crown bristles 19 for contacting the lingual and buccal sides of a tooth
and the gum
line. This provides a cluster of bristles on three sides of a tooth for
simultaneous contact
and cleaning thereof.
The head region 11 of the device is adapted to securely connect to the body
region 12 via a threaded or similar mechanically fastening connection that
prevents
dislodgement or relative rotation while in use. The upper side of the crown
portion of the
head may further incorporate a tongue abrasive cleaning surface, wherein a
surface
texture removes debris from the surface of the tongue when dragged
thereagainst.
Further elements highlighted in FIG. 1 include a user hand grip 15 along the
body
region, a window for visualizing the volume of toothpaste within the body
region 12 and
an optional control switch for an embodiment of the present invention that
contemplates
the incorporation of an oscillatory mechanism within the handle. Oscillating
and
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vibrating toothbrush devices are well described in the art and are readily
recognizable to
one skilled in the art of electric toothbrush devices. It is desired to
disclose an
embodiment of the present device that incorporates a head region 11
oscillating means,
wherein the elements of the oscillating means are positioned within the body
region 12
and adjacent to the toothpaste interior toothpaste conduit.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of the toothbrush
head region 11 of the present invention, wherein two side portions 17 are
orthogonally
and hingeably connected to a crown portion 20. In this embodiment, a
rotational spring
21 is utilized as the hinge joint between the side and crown portions, wherein
the
1o rotational spring 21 maintains an inward bias on the sidewalls to
counteract outward
flexing of the overall U-shaped structure when being brushed over larger
molars. This
inward bias increases the bristle 18 surface pressure on the sides of a tooth,
while the
user is able to depress the distal end of the body region 12 and crown
bristles 19 onto
the crown region of the tooth. Outward rotation of the sides portions 17 is
readily
possible, but an inward reaction force from the hinge spring ensures the
assembly does
not become extended to the point the side bristles 18 do not provide adequate
contact
pressure or surface abrasion on the tooth sidewalls.
In this view the connection between the body region and the head region is
further illustrated, wherein the head region 11 is removable from the body
region for
cleaning the body region interior, and further for replacing the head region
with an
alternate form or fresh replacement. The preferred means of connection is a
threaded
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engagement, wherein the head threadably connects to the body portion and is
torqued
thereto to prevent relative rotation or dislodgement. The connection between
the two
regions further includes an open aperture and pathway for toothpaste to flow
from the
body region 12 to the brush head 11. Once within the head region 11, an
internal
conduit routes the viscous paste through the crown portion 20 to an outlet
extending
through the crown interior surface. The paste exits this aperture and is
placed onto the
bristles, wherein contact with water and the induced scrubbing motion of the
bristles
quickly lathers the paste into an oral cleaning solution. The drive means of
the body
region forces the paste into the head region 11, wherein hydraulic pressure
causes the
paste to exit the head region aperture onto the bristles. As the toothpaste is
consumed,
the remaining quantity thereof is readily visualized from a window provided in
the body
region 12, which can be monitored over time to estimate when the assembly
needs
refilling.
Referring now to FIGs. 3 and 4, there are shown perspective views of
embodiments of the articulating brush head region, wherein a solid connection
22
between the crown portion 20 and the side portions 17 of the head is defined,
and
further an accordion flex joint connection 23 is also defined. The solid
connection 22
comprises a continuation of material from the crown region 20, wherein a
designed
crease in the head geometry, a material transition or a thinned section of
material allows
ready flexing of the side regions 17 away from one another and with respect to
the
crown region 20. In the accordion flex joint embodiment of FIG. 4, an
accordion style
element connects the side portions 17 with the crown portion, wherein the
accordion
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element comprises a readily flexible and reduced stiffness structure with
respect to the
crown and side portion material. This allows the side portions to displaced
based on
input pressure from the sidewalls of a tooth being contacted by the side
portion bristles
18 while still maintaining surface pressure on the tooth for scrubbing and
cleaning
purposes.
In any embodiment of the present invention, the head region is adapted to
provide a continuous bristle surface that envelops the exposed regions of a
tooth,
simultaneously contacting the sidewall and crown regions of a tooth to remove
debris,
plaque and germs therefrom. The sidewalls 17 are further adapted to extend
from the
1o crown of the tooth towards and over the gum line, gently massaging the gums
while
also allowing the bristles 18 to remove plaque and debris from the oral
epithelium, free
gingival margin and gingival sulcus portion of the periodontium. In use, a
user's row of
teeth is placed within the interior volume of the head region U-shape,
contacted by
bristles along three planes. Fore-aft and oscillatory motion of the brush head
breaks up
plague and removes debris from the exposed surface area of the tooth, while
the
bristles penetrate the spaces between teeth and between the teeth and gums.
The
design and shape of the brush head reduces gaps in brushing coverage,
increases
brushing efficiency and further reduces time required to brush one's teeth.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an exploded view of the articulating
and
toothpaste storing toothbrush of the present invention. The drive means 24 is
shown
separated from the body region 12 for clarity of its operation. The drive
means
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comprises a rotatable end cap 26 that attaches to an elongated drive screw 27
having a
thread pitch along its length. The threading engages a ram element 25 that is
adapted
to be placed within the hollow cavity of the body region and be supported by
the body
region interior sidewalls. Specifically, the ram element comprises lateral
tabs that
s engage opposing slots 28 along the interior surface of the body region,
wherein the tabs
bear against the slots 28 as the drive screw 27 is rotated. Thus the ram 25 is
prevented
from rotating freely, and therefore is driven forward or backward along the
drive screw
27 by the screw threads. When placed within the body region interior, the
drive screw is
rotated by manual rotation of the end cap 26 to place pressure on the paste
within the
1o body region 12 until paste exits the distal end and is communicated to the
bristle area of
the head region 11.
The end cap freely rotates in either direction when applied to the body
region,
wherein a snap top connection between the cap and the proximal end of the body
region secures the cap thereto but allows static rotation. This connection is
familiarly
15 utilized in medicine bottles, wherein an internal tab along the interior of
the cap
traverses a raised ridge on the body region until placement into a valley that
allows free
rotation. The valley prevents separation of the cap 26 from the body region
12, except
the tab is aligned with a flat region in the ridge perimeter, which allows the
tab to slide
unopposed therefrom to separate the two elements. When the cap is removed and
the
20 drive means 24 is removed from the interior of the body region 12, interior
threading 29
along the interior surface of the proximal end allows secure connection to a
toothpaste
container 30 for refilling the assembly. The toothpaste incorporates a
threaded cap 31
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that allows the two to be connected and pressure to be applied to the paste
container
for transference of paste from one vessel to the other without fear of
separation or
spillage.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a cross section view of the body
region
12 proximal end, wherein the end cap 26 is connected to the body region 12 and
is
forcing paste 32 through its interior. The end cap 26 connection is one
wherein a tab 34
is positioned over a raised ridge 33 along the proximal end of the body 12,
allowing the
cap 26 to freely rotate and thus rotate the connected drive screw 27. The
drive screw
further rotates the ram element 25, which is positioned within the guide slots
28 to
1o prevent free rotation and rather allow the threads of the turn screw 27 to
translate the
ram 25 towards the paste for dispersement thereof. Removing the end cap 26 and
the
drive means allows the interior of the body region to be cleaned and refilled
as
necessary.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown yet another embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the head region comprises a rotatable structure that
separated the
crown portion 20 from the side portions and a bridge 35 connection
therebetween. The
crown 20 rotatably connects to the bridge 35 via a post, wherein the post is
preferably
the paste conduit from the body 12 to the bristles 19, 18. In this embodiment,
the side
portions 17 connect to a bridge portion 35 to maintain a U-shape of similar
structure of
the previous embodiments; however, the bridge and side portions are rotatable
from the
crown portion 20 to allow the user to brush molars without aligning the body
region with
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the direction of the row of teeth. Thus, the angle of the brush is adjustable
with respect
to the orientation of the handle to improve overall flexibility of use and
ergonomic use of
the assembly. The side portions 17 are similarly flexibly hinged from the
bridge portion
35 to accommodate larger teeth, while the paste conduit allows ready
communication of
the contents of the body region 12 into the rotatable embodiment of the head
region.
Traditional toothbrush devices may not be designed to cover exposed regions of
a user's teeth, which requires the user to manually move the brush across
individual
portions of each tooth to ensure proper care and uniform cleaning of each
tooth. This
process is time-consuming and prone to compliance issues, as it relates to
regular,
1o consistent and thorough brushing of one's teeth. Additionally, toothbrush
heads may not
be sized to fit different teeth sizes, and therefore can be uncomfortable or
particularly
ineffective for individuals with very small or large teeth. If the bristles of
toothbrushes do
not clear out all food remnants and other deteriorative items, users' teeth
may develop
cavities, plaque build-up, and other oral hygiene problems. A further problem
associated
with traditional toothbrush devices that is particular to traveling or
deployed personnel is
the volume and time consumed by extracting paste from separate container of
toothpaste. The present invention provides a new toothbrush assembly that
addresses
these needs, and further fulfils a long-felt need in the art.
The present invention features a hollow body region for containing dispensable
toothpaste therefrom, wherein its working end is connects to a three-sided
brush head.
Flexible pivot joints connect the side portions of the head in a moveable,
pliable manner
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for accommodating teeth of different shapes and sizes. An internal motor can
power the
bristles, causing them to vibrate, or alternatively the assembly may be
manually utilized
without a power source. Overall, the present invention ensures food remnants,
plaque,
and other threats to optimal oral hygiene are thoroughly removed from all
sides and in-
between areas of each tooth, along with the areas along the gum line that may
capture
plaque and other germs.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and
described
in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It
is
recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the
invention
1o and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
With respect to
the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional
relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size,
materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily
apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent
relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to
be
encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles
of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily
occur to those
skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and
operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
18
