Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
ll~CS87
CollaPsible receptacle with integral sling
This is a division of copending Canadian Patent
Application Serial No. 337,971 which was filed on October
18, 1979.
Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to
receptacles for material handling. More particularly,
this invention concerns a collapsible receptacle with an
integral sling which is useful in handling flowable
materials in semi-bulk quantities.
Backqround Art
The handling of particulate, granular or other
flowable materials involves several problems. Such
materials include chemicals, minerals, fertilizers,
foodstuffs, grains, agricultural products and the like.
Materials like these have generally been handled in two
fa~hion6. Bulk handling equipment, including railroad
cars, barges, trucks and the like, is employed when large
quantities of material are required. Such bulk handling
equipment, however, is of limited versatility. Only large
quantities of materials can be handled efficiently, and
only at those locations accessible to such equipment. In
addition, sanitary standards are more difficult to maintain
with bulk handling equipment because the materials are
often exposed during at least part of the handling.
1~ 587
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Container systems have been developed ~or handling
relatively smaller quantities of material. The containers
are individually filled, loaded for transportation to a
point of distribution or use, unloaded, opened and
emptied. Although containers can be more convenient in
some respects, higher handling costs are usually incurred
because less material is carried per container. The
return freight costs of reusable containers can be
substantial, particularly for rigid or noncollapsible
containers.
There has been increasing interest in the use of
flexible, collapsible containers for handling semi-bulk
quantities of materials. The advantages of such
receptacles include relatively low weight, reduced cost,
better versitility, and low return freight costs in the
case of reusable receptacles. One disadvantage of some
flexible receptacles, however, is that they are not
self-supporting and must therefore be handled with the aid
of pallets or the like. Other flexible receptacles
incorporate external sling assemblies for purposes of
self-support. Two successful examples of receptacles with
external sling constructions can be found in U.S. Patents
Nos. 4,113,146 and 4,143,796 to Williamson and Williamson
and Derby, respectively.
The incorporation of a sling assembly into a flexible
receptacle, however, complicates the construction thereof
in that the sling must be fashioned separately and then
secured to the receptacle. Collapsible receptacles having
external slings thus tend to be more expensive. There is
thus a need for an improved collapsible receptacle of
reduced cost which is self-supporting without an external
sling arrangement.
Disclosure of Invention
____~__
In accordance with an aspect of the invention there
is provided a collapsible receptacle for handling flowable
1176 ~
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materials, which comprises a receptacle blank of predeter-
mined configuration formed from a single piece of material;
said receptacle blank being folded to define four side
panels each having top and bottom edges, a top panel and a
bottom panel; the top edges of two of the side panels in
said receptacle blank being folded back and secured to
form lift sleeves by which the receptacle can be
supported; the bottom panel in said receptacle blank being
folded across and secured about the periphery thereof to
the bottom edges of the side panels therein; the top panel
in said receptacle blank being folded between the lift
sleeves and secured about the periphery thereof to the
side panels therein; and fill spout means mounted in the
top panel of said receptacle blank for introducing
flowable material into the receptacle.
The present invention comprises a material receptacle
which overcomes the foregoing and other difficulties
associated with the prior art. The invention comprises a
new and improved collapsible receptacle for handling
materlals in semi-bulk quantities, The receptacle
features top loading and bottom discharge. The receptacle
herein can be used with virtually any flowable material,
including minerals, chemicals, fertilizers, foodstuffs,
agricultural products and the like. The receptacle of the
pre5ent invention can be sized to handle from about six to
eighty-four cubic feet of material, or up to about 3,000
pounds by weight. The construction of the receptacle
herein functions as an integral sling, whereby an external
sling ascembly is neither desirable nor necessary. The
invention lends itself simplified construction, and is
therefore less expensive than collapsible receptacles
incorporating external sling assemblies.
More specifically, the present invention comprises a
collapsible receptacle with a built-in sling. The
receptacle is formed primarily of rectangular panels of
flexLble but substantially inextensible material. Woven
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117~'S~7
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polypropylene or woven polyethylene materials can be
utliized in constructing the invention. The receptacle
herein includes a number of side panels, two of which are
relatively longer than the other side panels. The side
panels are arranged and secured together along the side
edges thereof. The longer side panels are folded back and
secured to themselves to form opposing lift loops or
sleeves extending substantially the width of the
receptacle. A bottom panel is secured between the bottom
edges of the side panels, while a top panel with a fill
spout therein is secured between the top edges of the side
panels. If desired, a discharge spout can be mounted in
the bottom panel.
In another embodiment of the invention, reinforced
lS material is utilized for the two side panels having the
lift sleeves at the tops thereof. The reinforced material
comprises woven polypropylene or woven polyethylene with
continuous longitudinal strands of polyester woven
directly therein. The reinforcing polyester strands can
be provided in the material as selvage or bands.
In another aspect of the invention, a combination
top/bottom panel assembly can be used in constructing the
receptacle. The assembly includes a panel with an opening
posltioned centrally therein. The opening is preferably
oblong or oval in shape and is at least as wide in the
long direction as the maximum bridging distance of the
material being handled. A spout is positioned in the
opening and secured to the panel. The assembly can be
used in this form as a top panel for the receptacle. To
convert to a bottom panel construction, a closure assembly
is secured to the panel about the spout.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the
receptacle is formed from a single piece of material.
Preferably, a receptacle blank is formed by making
predetermined cutouts through a length of flattened
117CS87
circular or tubular material. The forward and trailing
ends of the receptacle blank correspond so that blanks can
be cut sequentially from an advancing supply of tubular
material without waste. openings for the fill and dis-
s charge spouts are cut into the receptacle blank as desired.
The blank is then folded and secured to form a collapsible
receptacle with an integral sling.
Brief Description of Drawings
The present invention taken in conjunction with the
invention disclosed in copending Canadian Patent
Application Serial No. 337,971 which was filed on October
18, 1979, will be described in detail hereinbelow with the
aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a bottom side perspective view of a
collapsible receptacle incorporating a first embodiment of
the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a reduced front view of the receptacle
shown in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 3 is a reduced top view of the receptacle shown
in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic sectional view taken along
lines 4-4 of FIGURE 3 in the direction of the arrows;
FIGURE 5 is a partial perspective view of the bottom
of the receptacle shown in FIGURE 1 with the discharge
spout assembly extended;
FIGURES 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are diagrams of two types of
seams utilized in constructing the invention;
FIGURE 7 is a partial bottom side perspective view of
a collap~ible receptacle incorporating a second embodiment
of the invention~
FIGURES 8-11 illustrate steps in constructing a third
embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 12 is a perspective illustration of a
collapsible receptacle incorporating the third embodiment
of the invention;
117~S87
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FIGURE 13 is a bottom side perspective view of a
collapsible receptacle incorporating a fourth embodiment
of the invention;
FIGURE 14 is a bottom view of the receptacle shown in
FIGURE 13
FIGURES 15-18 are detail illustrations showing
construction of the bottom receptacle panel:
FIGURES 19-22 illustrate steps in constructing a fifth
embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 23 is a perspective illustration of a
collapsible receptacle incorporating the fifth embodiment
of the invention;
FIGURE 24 is a partial perspective view of the
receptacle shown in F~GURE 23 with the discharge spout
assembly extended; and
FIGURE 25 is a diagrammatic vertical section view
~hrough the extended discharge spout assembly of FIGURE 24.
,,
i~7(~S87
(
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the Drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout
the several views, and particularly referring to FIGURE
1, there is shown a receptacle 10 incorporating a fi~st
embodiment of the invention. The receptacle 10 is of
flexible, collapsible construction and is useful in
handling semi-bulk quantities of material 12. For
example, material 12 can comprise minerals, chemicals,
fertilizers, foodstuffs, agricultural products or
the like.
A forklift assembly 14 supports the receptacle 10
in FIGVRE 1. Forklift assembly 14 includes a mast 16
on a conventional forklift vehicle (not shown). Mast
16 supports a cross member 18 which ls vertically movable
along the mast. Other loading vehicles having different
types of lift assemblies can also be utilized.
A fork attachment 20 is connected to the cross member
18. Attachment 20 includes two vertical columns 22 and
arms 24 extending outwardly from the upper ends of the
connected between columns 22. A plate 28 is secured over
crossbars 26. Portions of receptacle 10 are received
over arms 24 for support by fork attachment 20.
If desired, receptacle 10 can be lifted and
carried by a crane or the like using an attachment
having arms similar to arms 24 in fork attachment 20.
Receptacle 10 is self-supporting, and no external sling
assemblies or pallets are required to handle the
receptacle.
Cons~.ructional details of receptacle 10 are shown in
FIGURES l, 2 and 3. Receptacle 10 comprises front and
back side panels 30 and 32, and left and right side panels
34 and 36. Side panels 30, 32, 34 and 36 arc all
8 117~5~7
generally rectangular. In accordance with the preferred
construction of receptacle 10, side panels 34 and 36 are
relatively longer than side panels 30 and 32. The ~pper
ends of side panels 34 and 36 are folded back and secured
to themselves to form lift sleeves 38 and 40, respectively.
Lift sleeves 38 and 40 thus extend the entire width of
side panels 34 and 36, respectively.
In particular, the formation of lift sleeves 38 and
40 proceeds as follows. Each lift sleeve 38 and 40 is
formed similarly. With respect to panel 34, the top edge
thereof is secured by stitching 42 extending across the
panel. Preferably, a second line of stitching'44 is
provided across panel 34 above stitching 42. If desired,
the top and side edges of panel 34 can be folded inward
before provision of stitching 42 and 44 for extra
reinforce~ent of these areas in receptacle 10. It has
been found that the two lines of stitching 42 and 44
create a truss-like effect, which is more effective in
distributing load between lit sleeve 38 and receptacle
10. Lift sleeve 40 in side panel 36 is formed
in similar fashion. It will thus be understood that
lift sleeves 38 and 40 extending across the entire width
of receptacle ].0 are formed directly in an opposing
pair of side panels.
The side panels 30, 32, 34 and 36 are joined at the
side edges thereof to form an upstanding sidewall in
receptacle 10. The side edges of the panels are connected
together by means sewn seams 46. Seams, such as plain
seams wherein adjacent panels are joined by stitching
along a line positioned inwardly from the free edges
of the panels, can be used to interconnect each panel
30, 32, 34 and 36 to an adjacent panel. Ottler suitable
types of seams 46 can also be used, if desired. The
side panels 30, 32, 34 and 36 are thus intcrconnected
by longitudinal seams 46 extending along the lengtl
thereof.
1~7~2587
( A top panel 48 is secured between the upper ends
of side panels 30, 32, 34 and 36. Panel 48 can be of
rectangular or square configuration. Panel 48 is secured
about the periphery thereof to side panels 30, 32, 34
and 36 by means of stitching 50. A fill spout 52 is
mounted in an opening provided centrally in the top
panel 48. The spout 52 is generally cylindrical, and
is secured by stitching 54 about the circumference of
one end to panel 48. A wire tie 56 or other suitable
device can be employed to close ~ill spout 52. It will
thus be apparent that flowable material 12 is introduced
into receptacle 10 through fill spout 52.
Referring now to FIGURES 1, 2 and 5, a bottom panel
58 closes the lower end of receptacle 10. Bottom panel
5~ is secured about the periphery thereof by stitching
60 to the bottom edges of panels 30, 32, 34 and 36. The
bottom panel 58 includes a discharge spout assembly 6?.
Discharge spout assembly 62 is substantially identical
to the discha~ge spout assembly 70 illustrated and
described in U.S. Patent No. 4,143,796, which issued to
R.P~. Iqilliamson, et al on March 13, 1979.
FIGURE 1 illustrates discharge spout assembly 62 in
the closed position, while FIGURE 5 illustrates the
assembly in the open and extended position. Briefly,
discharge spout assembly 62 includes a spout 64 connected
to an opening in bottom panel 58. Spout 64 is closed with
a wire tie 66. When not in use spout 64 can be rolled up,
covered with flap 68, and closed inside flaps 70 by draw
cord 72.
Collapsible receptacle 10 can be constructed of any
suitably strong material which is flexible but
substantially inextensible. Natural or synthetic woven
material can be employed. Jute, cotton, polyethylene, or
polypropylene are examples of such materials. It has been
~ound that woven polypropylene material is advantageous
~176~587
because of its strength, durability and puncture
resistance. An impermeable liner 74, shown in FIGURE 1,
can be provided inside receptacle 10, if desired. I,iner
74 would be advantageous when handling foodstuffsr fine
powdered materials, or moist materials. Polybutylene
film, for instance, can be used for liner 74.
FIGURES 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are detailed illustrations
of seams which can be employed in connecting adjacent
panels in receptacle 10. FIGURE 6a comprises a plain
seam wherein single layers of panels A and B are connected
by stitching C. In FIGURE 6b a double layer of panel A
is secured to a single layer of panel B. Double layers
of panels A and B are interconnected in FIGURES 6c and
6d. Panels A and B in these detailed illustrations
represent any pair of adjacent panels in receptacle 10.
If desired the outside edges of panels A and B can be
fused or adhesii~ely secured together to minimize leakage.
FIGURE 7 partially illustrates a second embodiment
of the invention. Various components of collapsible
receptacle 80 are substantially identical in construction
and function to components of collapsible receptacle 10
sho~ln in FIGURES 1-5. Such identical components are
designated in FIGURE 7 with the same reference numerals,
but are differentiated therefrom by means of a prime (')
designation.
The primary distinction comprises the fact that
receptacle 80 does not include a discharge spout assembly,
whereas receptacle 10 includes spout assembly 62. Bottom
panel 561 in receptacle 80 simply comprises a square or
rectangular section of material. Discharge of flowable
materials from receptacle 80 is accomplished by puncturing
bottom panel 56'. Receptacle 80 is thus best suited for
material handling applications wherein reuse of the
receptacle is not contemplated. Though illustrated only
~7~ 587
11
partially, receptacle 80 is substantially identical to
receptacle 10 in all other respects.
FIGURES 8-11 illustrate the steps involved in
constructing the collapsible receptacle 90 shown in
FIG~RE 12. Receptacle 90 comprises a third embodiment
of the present invèntion. Receptacle 90 is formed from
two panels 92 and 94 each having the configuration of
an elongate rectangle. Panels g2 and 94 comprise suitable
natural or synthetic material, such as woven polypropylene
or woven polyethylene. Panel 92 includes an opening 96
near one end thereof. Panel 94 includes loops or sleeves
98 formed at the ends thereof. Sleeves 98 in panel 94 are
formed by ~olding back and securing the ends of the panel
with stitching 100. Preferably, a second line of
stitching 102 is provided between stitching 100 and the
end of each sleeve 98.
As shown in FIGURE 10, panel 94 is laid over panel
~2 and secured thereto with stitching 104. The area where
panels 92 and 94 cross over comprises the bottom of
receptacle 90. If desired, an opening 106 can be formed
through panels 92 and 94 to receive a discharge spout
assembly. A discharge spout assembly similar to spout
assembly 62 in receptacle 10 can then be mounted in bottom
opening 106.
Panels 92 and 94 are folded inwardly and secured
together along adjacent edges thereof by stitching 108,
as is best shown in FIGURES 11 and 12. A fill spout
110 is then sewn into opening 96 in the upper portion of
panel 92. This portion of panel 92 is then folded
inwardly and secured about the periphery thereof by
stitching 112 to the end panels 92 and 94. The top of
receptacle 90 is thus closed in this manner. Any of the
seam constructions illustrated in FI~URES 6a, 6b, 6c or
6d can be employed in constructing receptacle 90.
~17~?S87
12
( It will thus be apparent that collapsible receptacle
90 includes a bottom of double-layered construction.
Receptacle 90 is comprised of two panels 92 and 94, each
of which extends around the bottom of the receptacle for
increased support. Lift sleeves 98 are connected by a
continuous length of material uninterrupted by stitched
seams.
Referring now to FIGURE 13, there is shown a
collapsible receptacle 120 incorporating a fourth
embodiment of the invention. Various components o~ the
fourth inventive embodiment are substantially identical
in construction and function to components of the first
embodiment, receptacle 10 shown in FIGURES 1-5. These
identical co~ponents are designated in FIGURE 13 with same
lS reference numerals as utilized hereinbefore in connection
~lith receptacle 10, but are distinguished thererom by
means of a double prime ('') designation.
The primary distinction between receptacle 120 and
receptacle 10 comprises bands 122 in panels 34'' and 36'',
the latter of which is not shown in FIG~RE 13.
Preferably, each panel 34'' and 36'' includes two
longitudinal bands 122 extending the entire length thereof
and positioned near each side edge thereof. Panels 34''
and 36 " are preferably formed of woven polypropylene or
woven polyethylene material, while bands 122 are each
formed of continuous strands woven straight into each
panel. For example, each band 122 can be about one to two
inches wide, and be comprised of about 50 strands of
polyester. Bands 122 can also be woven into panels 34''
and 36'' in the form of selvage. It has been found that
bands 122 in receptacle 120 urther enhance the integral
slin~ construction o the receptacle.
Referring to FIG~RES 14-1~, collapsible receptacle
120 preferably includes bottom panel 124 having discharge
., .
- 1~7~S87
13
spout assembly 126 mounted therein. The bottom of
receptacle 120 is constructed as follows. Panel 124 is
provided with a central opening 128. A round or oblong
configuration can be utilized for opening 128. In
accordance with the preferred construction of the
invention, opening 128 is ~enerally oval or oblong in
configuration. The longest dimension of opening 128
should be greater than the maximum bridging distance
of the particular material 12 to avoid clogging of
discharge spout assembly 126. It has been found that
clogging or material bridging across an opening depends
upon the width of the opening rather than area. An
oval opening 128 is thus preferable because material
bridging can be avoided with a relatively smaller opening
which does not weaken panel 124 as much as a round or
larger area opening.
As shown in FIGURE 16, a spout 130 is then secured
in opening 128 by stitching 132. It will be appreciated
that panel 124 with spout 130 could be utilized as the top
panel 48'' in receptacle 120.
A closure subassembly 134, which is shown in FIGUR~S
17 and 18, is then secured over spout 130 to panel 124.
Subassembly 134 includes another panel 136 which is
relatively smaller than bottom panel 124. A pair of
crosscuts 13~ and 140 are formed through panel 136. Four
flaps are thus formed by crosscuts 138 and 140. These
flaps are next folded back and secured to panel 136, such
as by means of sewing, to form guide loops for draw rope
142 shown in FIGURES 13 and 14. An optional cover flap
144 can then be sewn or otherwise secured to one side of
panel 136 to complete construction of subassembly 134.
The subassembly 134 is then attached to bottom panel 124
with stitching 146 to complete construction of discharge
spout assembly 126.
'S87
14
It will be understood that the construction of
panel 124 and discharge spout assembly 126 comprises a
significant feature of the invention. This construction
is not limited to receptacle 120, but can be employed
S in receptacle 10 or other receptacle constructions. The
construction of this bottom panel begins with a panel/
spout subassembly, which can be utilized by itself as
a top panel. A bottom panel is formed simply by adding
a closure subassembly 134 to panel 124. This facilitates
the construction of both top and bottom panels. In
addition, the use of subassembly 134 considerably
reinforces panel 124 in the area surrounding spout 130
by eliminating high stress points at the corners of
crosscuts 13~ and 1~0.
FIGURES 19-22 illustrate the steps involved in
constructing the collapsible receptacle 150 shown in
PIGURE 23. Receptacle 150 comprises a fifth embodiment
of the invention herein. In contrast to the collapsible
bags or receptacles shown in FIGURES 1-18, each o$ which
is constructed from multiple pieces of suitable
rectangular material, the receptacle 150 is constructed
from a single 2iece of material. The method of
constructing receptacle 150 can be adapted to automation
and comprises a significant feature of this particular
embodiment.
Referring to FIGURE 19, a predetermined receptacle
blan~ is first cut from a length of circular or tubular
material 152. Suitable natural or synthetic material,
such as woven polypropylene or woven polyethylene, can
be used eor material 152. Circular or tubular material
152 is in flattened condition and advanced from a supply
thereof in the direction of arrow 154 into a cutting
station. If desired, material 152 can include four
integral reinforcing bands 156, only two of which are
shown. Bands 156 are similar to bands 122 utilized in
1~7(~587
receptacle 120 described above. Each band 156, for
example, comprises an area of one to two inch width
with a plurality of continuous reinforcing strands
extending in a longitudinal direction through material
152. Provision of bands 156 in material 152 enhances
the integral sling construction of receptacle 150.
Receptacle blank 158 is cut from material 152 as
follows. One transverse cut 160 extends inwardly from
one edge of material 152 and across about 3/4 of the width
lC thereof. Another transverse cut 162 is made inwardly
from the opposite edge of material 152 offset from cut
160 and across the remaining 1/4 width of material 152.
The ends of cuts 160 and 162 are connected by a
longitudinal cut 164. Another longitudinal cut 166
intersects cut 160 at a point located at 1/4 of the width
of material 152 from the opposite edge thereof. Cuts 160,
162, 164 and 166 all extend through both layers of the
flattened circular or tubular material 152.
It will be apparent that cut 166 remains in
receptacle blank 158, while cuts 160-164 serve the purpose
of severing the receptacle blank from material 152. Cuts
160, 162 and 164 define the upper end of the leading
receptacle blank 158, and at the same time define the
bottom end of the trailing receptacle blank. There is
thus little or no material waste in forming each
receptacle blank 158, which is one of the significant
advantages of the fifth inventive embodiment herein.
In accordance with the preferred construction,
t~Jo openings are then cut into the opposite longitudinal
edges of receptacle blank 158. A generally semi-circular
fill opening 168 is formed in the edge of receptacle blank
158 near cut 166. A generally semi-circular discharge
opening 170 is preferably formed in the opposite edge of
receptacle blank 158 at the bottom end thereof. Provision
117~587
16
of opening 170 is optional and is not necessary if it is
desired to construct receptacle 150 without a discharge
spout.
The tubular receptacle blank 158 is then opened as
S shown in FIGURE 20. It will be observed that a pair of
reinforcing bands 156 are provided in opposite panel
portions 172 and 174 of the receptacle blank 158, while
openings 168 and 170 are provided in the remaining pair
of panel portions 176 and 178 thereof.
10Referring to FIGURE 21, the upper ends of panel
portions 172 and 174 are then folded back and secured
to themselves with at least one line of stitching 180
to form lift loops or sleeves 180. After formation of
lift sleeves 182, a fill spout 184 is then sewn into
15opening 168 of panel portion 176 in receptacle blank
158. Installation of fill spout 184 is similar to that
of spout 52 shown in FIGURE 4.
Referring to FIGURE 22, the top end of panel portion
176 with fill spout 184 therein is then folded inwardly
and secured about the periphery thereof by stitching
186 to panel portions 172 and 174. Closure of the top
end of receptacle 150 is thus completed with this step.
A conventional wire tie (Inot shown) can be used to close
Eill spout 184.
Referring to FIGURES 22 and 23, a discharge spout
assembly 188 is next sewn into opening 170 in the lower
end o~ panel portion 178. If desired, discharge spout
assembly 188 can comprise simply a spout 190 and wire
tie 192 installed in a fashion similar to fill spout
184.
FIGURES 24 and 25 illustrate the preferred
construction of discharge spout assembly 188 in the open
and extended position. A closure subassembly 134, which
was previously described herein and shown in FIGURES 17
. .
.:
1~7(~S~7
17
( and 18, is secured to panel portion 178 around spout 190.
he addition of closure assembly 134 reinforces the bottom
of receptacle 150.
~rom the foregoing, it will be understood that the
present invention comprises an improved collapsible
receptacle having numerous advantages over the prior art.
The receptacle herein utilizes a construction which
serves as a built-in sling for the receptacle, thereby
eliminating the complication and expense of an external
sling arrangement. Other advantages will suggest
themselves to those skilled in the art.
Although particular embodiments of the invention have
been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and
described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will
lS be understood that the invention is not limited to the
embodiments disclosed, but is intended to embrace any
alternatives, modifications, and rearrangements and/or
substitutions of parts or elements as fall within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
