Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ALL-TERRAIN BOARD VEHICLE
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to personal transportation devices
and in particular
to all-terrain board vehicles for personal use.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The origins of modern day all-terrain boarding date back to the
early indigenous
peoples of what is now known as the Hawaiian islands, who were known to slide
down volcanic
slopes standing or otherwise "riding" on sleds of smoothed logs lashed
together, as well as use
smoothed logs or otherwise wooden craft in the water to "surf' waves which
then became
modern day surfing. Sliding down, or "riding" mountains was revived in the
late 20th century
after the rise in popularity of surfing created an environment for innovation
from which modern
day skateboarding, snowboarding, and all-terrain boarding are born. This
widespread popularity
of "board" sports led to many new advances in board types, steering
configurations, and wheel
type variations coming into existence. These advances in "board" technology
propelled board
sports into many niche areas of riding, particularly all-terrain boarding and
more specifically in
line boarding. An in line board is a type of board essentially comprised of a
standing platform,
otherwise known as a "board" or "deck" and two wheels placed in line with one
another,
mounted by the axles, and is ridden on a multitude of surfaces, either
downhill or on flat ground,
with the rider positioned standing upon the vehicle in a sideways manner.
[0003] There are many known all-terrain board types. Original designs
featured up to
four wheels and were configured in a manner similar to a large skateboard and
were ridden off
road. To obtain higher speeds boards featuring larger size wheels placed in
line were developed.
Traditional in line boards generally feature a steering system which is based
on the front wheel
held by a fork that swings laterally from a pivoting axis positioned in front
of the wheel and
below and perpendicular to the axle of the wheel. This design requires the
frame to extend past
the leading edge of the front wheel below the axle, resulting in a dangerously
low ground
clearance from the frame, in some cases causing the front frame to impact the
ground and stop
the vehicle entirely, violently throwing the rider to the ground. Also,
traditional in line boards are
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non-motorized and thus are limited to downhill travel, or can be pushed like a
skateboard across
flat ground. Pushing an in line board is not very efficient however due to the
cumbersome size
and weight of the vehicle. Some in line boards feature hollow hub or "hub-
less" wheels wherein
the rider places their feet within the wheel, and these boards generally
ridden on flat paved
surfaces. Though some of these all-terrain board designs, including in line
boards and hub-less
wheel boards, have achieved considerable popularity and commercial success;
there has been a
continuing need for improvement.
SUMMARY
[0004] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other
variations of the
embodiments described below may also be practiced without departing from the
scope of the
invention. Further note, these embodiments, and other embodiments of the
present invention,
will become more fully apparent from a review of the description and claims
which follow.
[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is described an
in line all-
terrain board vehicle consisting of a frame, including standing platform, and
longitudinally
extending frame locating a forward most wheel and rearward most wheel, exactly
in line with
one another, one or more of said wheels being a steering wheel and/or of a
hollow hub
configuration. A steering wheel is mounted dynamically within the cavity of
the hollow hub or
hubs of the wheels, wherein the frame is pivotally connected to the steering
wheel by a pivoting
member located below the axis of the wheel, the pivot being disposed at an
angle located
perpendicular to an inclination subtended from the frame, in correspondence
with the axis of
said wheel in relation to the ground, located between the axis of said wheel,
and the ground
surface, such that when the riders weight is applied to either side of the
vehicle the steering
wheel will pivot to the opposite side of the lean causing the forward most
wheel to no longer be
in line with the longitudinal orientation of the vehicle, but subtended on an
angle relative to the
longitudinal orientation of said vehicle, in correspondence with the severity
of the riders lean,
causing the vehicle to alter course.
[0006] In the embodiment described above, one of the wheels may be a
forward most
steering wheel, wherein the frame is pivotally connected to the forward most
steering wheel by a
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pivoting member located perpendicular to an inclination subtended from the
frame, in
correspondence with the axis of the front wheel in relation to the ground,
located between the
axis of said wheel, and the ground surface, such that when the rider's weight
is applied to either
side of the vehicle the steering wheel will pivot to the opposite side of the
lean causing the
forward most wheel to no longer be in line with the longitudinal orientation
of the vehicle and
rear wheel, but subtended on an angle relative to the frame in correspondence
with the severity
of the riders lean, causing the vehicle to alter course. Further, optionally,
one of the wheels is a
rearward most steering wheel, wherein the frame is pivotally connected to the
rearward most
steering wheel, within the cavity of the hollow hub of the rearward most wheel
by a pivoting
member located perpendicular to an inclination subtended from frame, in
correspondence with
the axis of the rear wheel in relation to the ground, located between the axis
of said wheel, and
the ground surface, such that when the riders weight is applied to either side
of the vehicle the
rearward most steering wheel will pivot to the opposite side of the lean
causing said wheel to no
longer be in line with the longitudinal orientation of the vehicle and front
wheel, but subtended
on an angle relative to the frame in correspondence with the severity of the
riders lean, causing
the vehicle to alter course. In an additional embodiment, both of the wheels
are adapted as
steering wheels, wherein the frame is pivotally connected to the forward most
and rearward most
steering wheels within the cavity of the hollow hub of said wheels by a
pivoting member located
below the axis of the wheel or wheels, the pivot being disposed at an angle
located perpendicular
to an inclination subtended from the frame, in correspondence with the axis of
said wheel or
wheels in relation to the ground, such that when the riders weight is applied
to either side of the
vehicle the steering wheels will pivot to the opposite side of the lean
causing the forward most
wheel and rearward most wheel to no longer be in line with each other, or the
longitudinal
orientation of the vehicle, but subtended on an angle relative to each other
and in correspondence
with the severity of the riders lean, causing the vehicle to alter course.
[0007] In
one embodiment of the present invention, the steering mechanism comprises a
base that is part of or housed and/or mounted therein to the inner rim race of
the wheel, upon
which the frame arm or arms mount centrally by means of a pivoting member
containing a
rotating axis comprised of a kingpin or otherwise rotating column, and
bearings and/or bushings.
In another embodiment, the steering mechanism is comprised of a rolling
carriage upon an
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arched track wherein the origin of the arch is located between the axis of the
wheel and the
ground, in which angular movement of the steering wheel in relation to the
longitudinal direction
of the vehicle is achieved. In yet another embodiment, the steering mechanism
features a
torsional or otherwise rotational movement dampening system that reduces
unwanted movement
due to vibrations induced by uneven terrain, and acts as a stop to prevent the
steering wheel from
angular movement past 30 degrees clockwise and counter clockwise on the plane
of rotation.
This rotational dampening helps keeps the wheels in line while the rider
travels forward and adds
resistance requiring the rider to lean into turns.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The embodiments herein will be understood from the following
description with
reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an all-terrain board vehicle in accordance
with one
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 1.1 is a partial perspective view of the all-terrain board vehicle of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the all-terrain board vehicle of FIG. 1 in use
by a rider;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the all-terrain board of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the all-terrain board of FIG. 1 showing
steering
dynamics;
FIG. 5 is an alternate bottom plan view of the all-terrain board of FIG. 4
showing steering
dynamics;
FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the all-terrain board of FIG. 1 showing
steering
dynamics;
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the all-terrain
board of the
present invention featuring both forward most steering wheel and rearward most
steering
wheel, with adjustable pivoting frame arm members;
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FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a further alternate embodiment of the all-
terrain board
of the present invention featuring both forward most steering wheel and
rearward most
steering wheel, with pivoting and shock absorbing frame arm members;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a further alternate embodiment of the all-
terrain board
of the present invention featuring a stationary mounted rear wheel and a
forward most
steering wheel, with pivoting frame arm members;
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a further alternate embodiment of the all-
terrain board
of the present invention featuring a stationary mounted forward most wheel and
a
rearward most steering wheel;
FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a further alternate embodiment of the all-
terrain board
of the present invention featuring both a forward most steering wheel, and
rearward most
steering wheel, and a one piece frame;
FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a further alternate embodiment of the all-
terrain board
of the present invention featuring both a forward most steering wheel, and
rear wheel
mounted stationary, to a frame featuring adjustable pivoting members; and
FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a further alternate embodiment of the all-
terrain board
of the present invention featuring both a forward most steering wheel, and a
rearward
most steering wheel, as well as upwardly extending deck ends.
[0009] In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are
illustrated by way of
example. It is to be expressly understood that the drawings are only for the
purpose of
illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a
definition of the limits of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the
invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the
following description or
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illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and
of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded
as limiting. In
particular, all terms used herein are used in accordance with their ordinary
meanings unless the
context or definition clearly indicates otherwise. Also, unless indicated
otherwise except within
the claims the use of "or" includes "and" and vice-versa. Non-limiting terms
are not to be
construed as limiting unless expressly stated or the context clearly indicates
otherwise (for
example, "including", "having", "characterized by" and "comprising" typically
indicate
"including without limitation"). Singular forms included in the claims such as
"a", "an" and
"the" include the plural reference unless expressly stated or the context
clearly indicates
otherwise. Further, the stated board vehicle features and/or configurations or
embodiments
thereof the suggested intent may be applied as seen fit to certain operating
conditions or
environments by one experienced in the field of all-terrain board vehicle
technology.
[0011] Now referring to the drawings, and initially to Figure 1, in one
embodiment, the
present invention pertains to an in line all-terrain board vehicle 1
consisting of a frame 4, made
of one or more components, including a standing platform or "board" otherwise
known as a deck
5, upon which the operator or rider 2 (depicted in Figure 2) stands, and a
longitudinally
extending frame 4 locating two wheels 3 positioned exactly in line (or
substantially (each
reference to the word "substantially" in the within disclosure refers to the
commonly held
meaning of the word) in line, in accordance with the common definition of the
word) with each
other, on either end (or near each end) of the deck 5 portion of said frame 4.
In this embodiment,
one or more of said wheels is dynamically mounted to the frame 4 such as to be
a steering wheel
12, by means of a steering mechanism 34.
[0012] An at least one wheel 3 is disposed substantially distally at or
near each end of the
frame 4. As depicted in Figure 1, each of the at least one wheels 3 is
comprised of an inner rim
race 6 and outer rim race 7 which may contain a large diameter bearing or
bearings wherein the
rim races 6, 7 are arranged in such a fashion as to create a large bore
bearing or otherwise hub 9,
thus rendering the "axle" or axis of each wheel 3 hollow. Radial movement of
the inner rim race
6 of each wheel 3 is inhibited once mounted or otherwise assembled to the
vehicle 1 or
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components thereof, and the inner rim race may contain mounting points and/or
housings for
steering systems, braking systems, motive power systems and/or transmission
members, and
lighting systems, all of which may be placed within the hollow area of the hub
9. The outer rim
race 7 rotates radially allowing for forward and/or backward movement and is
comprised of one
or more parts including mounting points and/or housings for braking systems
and/or braking
surface / surfaces, motive power systems, and/or transmission members, being
housed within the
hub 9 or externally mounted.
[0013] A tire 8 is mounted stationary to the outer rim race 7. The tire 8
may be solid, air
filled, and/or contain uniform, or multiple densities of foam or suitable
material, or a semi rigid
structure that effectively maintains the shape of the tire 8 under load. The
hub 9 optionally
includes a seal (or seals) comprised of rubber or suitable material, which
seal is contained
between the stationary inner rim race 6 and outer rim race 7, and deters
contaminants from
entering each wheel 3.
[0014] Wheel sizes range from an overall diameter of 10 cm up to 60 cm,
preferably
within the 20 cm to 50 cm diameter, and widths of 2 cm up to 20 cm, preferably
4 cm up to 15
cm width range, as to be proportionate to the rider size. Different wheel
sizes and configurations
are contemplated for use without deviating from the scope of the invention.
For example, wheels
3 having a spherical profile, or a more planar profile, or combination
thereof, may be employed,
where such different wheel configurations serve to alter the ground surface
contact area 37 of the
vehicle 1. It is not always necessary for the stationary mounted wheel 15 to
be of a hollow hub 9
configuration, a traditional rod axle design may be utilized in some
variations utilizing stationary
mounted wheels 15.
[0015] Referring next to Figure 3, it can be seen that the frame 4
configuration can
include a deck 5 of a planar or linear (or substantially planar or linear)
design, or, as depicted in
Figure 3, a deck 5 design having a convex curvature, otherwise known as a
camber 25, to allow
compression or shock absorption under load of rider 2 weight. The deck is
ideally an arc shape
originating tangent of the axes or axis 16 of either wheel 3. In this
embodiment, the apex of the
arc (or arch) 25 is within the uppermost edges 23 of said wheels 3, preferably
collinear with, or
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beneath axes 16 of the wheels 3, thereby providing a lower center of gravity /
mass to the vehicle
1, and resulting in a more stable vehicle 1 configuration.
[0016] Referring to Figure 13, the deck 5 portion of the frame 4
optionally includes
upwardly extending deck ends 41 upon which subsequent frame components may be
mounted. In
one embodiment, the frame 4 configuration also includes a vertical plate on
either end of the
deck 5 portion of the frame 4 structure, acting as fender 29 (see Figure 8) or
fenders, as well as a
stop to aid the rider 2 in foot placement and stance stability. Upon the deck
5 portion of the
frame 4 may be suitably cushioned foot pads 30 of either, a planar, or concave
arc shape,
wherein elevated heel, and/or toe sections are incorporated to further aid in
rider 2 foot
positioning and stance stability which help with the overall handling or
otherwise responsiveness
of the board vehicle 1. A binding device (or binding) 31, or multiple binding
devices, including
variable position mounting brackets 33, may also be utilized to harness the
rider 2 to the board
vehicle 1.
[0017] Referring next to Figures 1 and 3, the frame 4 structure may be
built as one piece
or include subsequent sections or parts, including frame arm 26 sections
including rotatable or
otherwise adjustable members 27 (see Figure 7) as well pivoting members 28
including bearings
and/or bushings and shock absorbing members 29, including subsequent
adjustable members to
customize steering mechanism pivot axis angles 17, ride height, stance, and/or
suspension of the
of the vehicle 1.
[0018] Frame 4 and/or frame variants may include, but are not limited to,
mounting
points and/or housings for the steering mechanism or mechanisms and/or
components thereof,
brake system or systems and/or components thereof, motive power system or
systems and/or
components thereof, binding system or systems and/or components thereof, and
lighting system
or systems and/or components thereof.
[0019] As depicted in Figure 9, a unidirectional steering embodiment of
an in line all-
terrain board vehicle 39 may be incorporated wherein extending from the front
of the deck
portion of the frame around one or both sides, or over top of the front wheel
10 is a frame arm or
arms which dynamically mount to the inner rim race of said wheel 10, by means
of the steering
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mechanism 34 (of the types described herein) causing this to be a forward most
steering wheel
(or steering mechanism) 10 and extending from the rear of the deck portion 5
of the frame 4 and
around either side, or over top of the rear wheel 11 is a frame arm or arms
which mount
stationary to the inner rim race of the hollow hub, or axle of said wheel 3.
[0020] Still referring to Figure 1, the steering mechanism 34 is
comprised of a base 35
that is part of or otherwise housed and/or mounted therein to the inner rim
race 6 of the wheel 3,
upon which the frame arm 12 or arms mount centrally by means of a kingpin or
otherwise, a
rotating column or track, and may contain bearings and/or bushings, and/or
other components for
facilitating rotational movement.
[0021] Referring to Figures 1 and 8, the steering mechanism 34 may
feature a torsional
or otherwise rotational movement dampening system 28 that reduces unwanted
movement of the
dynamically mounted steering wheel 12 due to vibrations induced by uneven
terrain, and acts as
a stop to prevent said wheel 3 (or wheels, as applicable) from angular
movement past thirty (30 )
degrees clockwise and counter clockwise on the plane of rotation 20. This
rotational dampening
also adds resistance requiring the rider 2 to lean 42 into turns in relation
to the severity of the
steering correction required, and keeps said wheels 3 in line with one another
while traveling
forward. The torsional dampening system 28 optionally includes bushings and/or
springs
including extension springs, and/or compression springs and/or torsion springs
and/or gas springs
and/or air springs, as well as adjustable members to limit rotational travel
and pressure
sensitivity to accommodate riders 2 weight, and preferred riding styles and/or
terrain.
[0022] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the frame 4 is dynamically
mounted to at
least one steering wheel 12, by a pivoting member 36 or steering mechanism 34
featuring a
pivoting axis 17, oriented centrally in a longitudinal direction 20 (as
depicted in Figure 4) and set
perpendicular to an inclination 18 subtended from frame 4, in correspondence
with the axis 16 of
said wheel 10 in relation to the ground 15. When a rider's 2 weight is applied
to the frame, and
directed to either side of the vehicles longitudinal orientation, this force
is transferred through the
aforementioned pivoting axis 17, via the rotating assembly within the steering
mechanism 34 and
subsequently exerted on the ground 15 through the contacting surface of said
wheel 12.
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[0023] The action of exerting force on either side of the frame 4 results
in rotational
movement of the frame 4 in accordance with the direction of riders 2 exerted
force or otherwise
lean. This rotational movement follows an arc 24 originating from the ground
15 directly in line
with the longitudinal orientation 20 of the vehicle 3 resulting in the
horizontal orientation of the
deck to be tilted or otherwise angled (see fig. 6). In response, the steering
mechanism 34 pivot
axis 17, (or axes) is caused to be tilted or otherwise angled 42 left or right
respectively in relation
to the longitudinal direction 20 of the vehicle 1 due to the pivot axis
orientation angle 17.
[0024] Forces exerted through tilting or otherwise rotating of the frame
4 along its
longitudinal axis 20 upon the steering mechanism 34 are transferred
mechanically into rotational
movement of the wheel 3 along its central axis following a path determined by
the placement of
the pivot axis 17. This results in a change in the wheel 3 orientation in
relation to the direction of
the vehicle 20, in accordance with the severity of the angle of said pivot
point in relation to the
ground 15. The plane of rotation of the pivoting axis 17 within the hub 9,
results in the front
wheel 10 and rear wheel 11 being no longer exactly in line, but rather
displaced at opposing
angles 19 (see Figure 5). Displacement of the wheels 3 at these opposing
angles 19 produces a
turning radius 22 tangent with the center of each wheel 3, originating from
outwardly of the
downward leaning side of the vehicle 1 causing said vehicle to alter course
from a straight line,
and follow an arched line or otherwise radius 22 in the direction lean 42 of
the rider 2.
[0025] Referring back to Figure 1 and Figure 3, in the embodiments shown,
the steering
mechanism 34 pivot axis angle 17 is substantially perpendicular to an
inclination 18 subtended
from frame 4, in correspondence with the axis 16 of said wheel in relation to
the ground 21,
located between the axis 16 of said wheel, and the ground 15, with a steeper
axis angle 17
resulting in tighter turning radii. In the embodiments shown, the pivot axis
angle 17 may be
between 0 and + / - 90 degrees relative to the axis 16 of the hub 9, in
relation to the ground 15.
[0026] Still referring to Figure 1, a hi-directional steering embodiment
of the board
vehicle 1, may also be employed, which embodiment features both a forward most
steering
wheel 10, and a rearward most steering wheel 11, wherein a frame arm (or arms)
extend(s) from
the front of the deck 5 portion of the frame 4 around one or both sides, or
over top of the front
wheel 10, and is / are connected to the forward wheel 10 by means of a
steering mechanism 34,
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to make the forward wheel 10 a forward most steering wheel 12. In this
embodiment, a frame
arm 26 (or arms) extend(s) from the rear of the deck 4 and around either side,
or over top of the
rear wheel 11. In this embodiment, the frame arm 26 (or arms) is / are mounted
or otherwise
assembled to the inner rim race 5, within the hollow hub 9 via a steering
mechanism 13, making
the rearward wheel 11 a rearward most steering wheel.
[0027] Referring to Figures 1 and 10, rear steering wheel configurations
40 may also be
utilized wherein extending from the front of the deck portion of the frame 4
and around either
side, or over top of the front wheel 10 is a frame arm 26 (or arms) which
mount(s) stationary to
the inner rim race 5 of the hollow hub 9, or axle of said wheel 10, and
extending from the rear of
the deck and around either side, or over top of the rear wheel 11 is a frame
arm or arms which
mount dynamically to the inner rim race, of the hollow hub of said wheel by
means of a steering
mechanism inside said hub, making this a rearward most steering wheel 14. Yet
another vehicle
configuration is depicted in Figure 11. Furthermore, yet another vehicle
configuration 38, is
depicted in Figure 12, wherein both front and rear wheels are mounted
stationary to the frame,
and steering relies on dynamic rider input, wheel dynamics, as well as dynamic
characteristics of
said frame.
[0028] Referring to Figures 1 and 1.1, optionally, a braking system (not
shown) may be
included in an at least one wheel 3, the braking system for slowing the
vehicle 1 in which a brake
disk is mounted internally or externally to, or is part of the rotating outer
race 7 portion of said
wheel 3, with the caliper including brake pad/s mounted stationary to the
inner race 6 or races. A
V-brake configuration may also be utilized, wherein the brake pads contact the
rotating outer rim
race 6 or races of said wheel 2 or wheels, and the calipers mount stationary
to the inner race 6
thereof. A drum brake configuration may also be used wherein the brake pads
contact the
rotating outer rim race 6 or races of said wheel or wheels 2, and the calipers
mount stationary to
the inner race 5 thereof. It is contemplated that the braking system would be
controlled by
manual actuation by means of a hand held hydraulic, electric, or mechanical
actuation device.
Various types of braking systems could be employed and the examples set out
above are not
intended to be limiting in any way.
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[0029] Still referring to Figures 1 and 1.1, optionally, the vehicle 1 of
the present
invention may also feature an electrically or otherwise driven motive power
motor or motors (not
shown) mounted on or otherwise housed within the inner rim race 6 or races, of
said hub 9, with
a gearing configuration directly driving the outer rim race 7, or races. Said
motor or motors may
be coupled with an electronic speed controller or controllers or otherwise
throttle control device,
and batteries and/or other power source located on the vehicle 1. Speed
control of such motor(s)
may be directed by a hand-held lever or otherwise actuation device, in
conjunction with said
throttle control device, including pressure sensors embedded in said cushioned
foot pad 31 or
pads, and/or frame 4, wherein the rider 2 applies a portion of their weight or
otherwise center of
mass to the front foot pad to direct forward motion of the vehicle 1, or
applies their weight
rearward, to the trailing, or rear foot pad, to slow down, stop, or reverse
directional travel of said
vehicle 1.
[0030] While one or more embodiments of this invention have been
described above, it
will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can
be made therein
without departing from the essence of this invention. All such modifications
are believed to be
within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended
hereto.
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