Abstract:
A foldable workstation is rendered mobile by a mobile support structure. The mobile support structure comprises a pair of castor support rails, each castor support rail attached to a vertical support. A horizontal member joins the two castor support rails. Castors attached to each support rail provide mobility. To facilitate attachment of the foldable workstation to the mobile support structure, a vertical support cover plate is attached to each rear leg of the foldable workstation. Each cover plate includes a channel for receiving one of the vertical supports. In this manner, the foldable workstation is mobile and can therefore be positioned in any location desired. Castor locks permit the foldable workstation to be securely positioned.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/301,031 filed Nov. 20, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/827,546 filed Apr. 6, 2001 which applications are incorporated herein by this reference thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to workstations and shelves and particularly to a folding workstation that has work surfaces foldable against a wall to provide flat working surfaces for space-constrained and other spaces.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
       [0003]     Workstations and workbenches often have flat horizontal surfaces upon which work may be performed. These horizontal surfaces occupy space, often within the confines of a room or building. The use of this space by the workstation or workbench prevents the use of such space for other purposes. This limits the available space adjacent the workstation even though the workstation may only be used on a temporary or intermittent basis.  
         [0004]     The flat surfaces of the workstation provide support for a variety of tasks including food preparation in the food service industry, instrument or other object preparation in a surgical theater, and the like. While it is convenient, useful, and perhaps even critical to have the availability of such flat, supporting work surfaces, such horizontally-projecting surfaces occupy space that might be needed for other purposes or that might be better used or made available once the work surface is no longer needed.  
         [0005]     A variety of attempts have been made in the prior art with respect to providing foldable and/or collapsible working surfaces. Such earlier developments of the art include the following patents and disclosures:  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,936 to Tsen discloses a wall-mounted rack assembly having a foldable table like plate member with a U-shaped support leg, and a second foldable shelf-like plate member. Such features are shown in some detail in  FIG. 3 , particularly elements  41 ,  43  and  51 .  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 1,727,408 to Cady discloses an upwardly folding shelf system having multiple pivotable shelves connected to a pair of legs.  FIG. 2  shows the folding operation of the folding shelf.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,622 to Kapteyn discloses a rack having a plurality of shelves that are able to fold upwardly into a storage position. For example, refer to  FIG. 2  (elements  12 ,  34  and  44 ) for additional detail.  FIG. 2  shows in phantom the folding operation.  FIG. 3  shows with phantom item  10  the crib-like holding of boxes for inspection.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 1,758,726 to Webb discloses a shelf and folding table structure whereby the entire structure may be folded into a non-use position.  FIG. 1  (elements  7 ,  10 ,  11  and  12 ) shows more detail regarding operation.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,151,576 to Patterson discloses a foldable display stand having plural shelves that can be maintained in selectable positions by use of fastening bolts.  FIG. 2  shows to the operation of the shelf trays.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 945,280 to Lindberg discloses an adjustable shelf bracket that has a removable pin for selectively maintaining the shelf at a desired angle.  
         [0012]     Additionally, certain design patents are known for foldable or folding shelf systems and the like. These include:  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 457,027 to. Mullet et al. is directed to a supported shelf system having struts on either side of the shelf panels.  
         [0014]     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 225,803 to Moore is directed to a foldable wall shelving unit which has shelves that fold into a bookcase-like frame with the shelves having depressions or wells into which objects may fit.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 95,043 to Kent is directed to a parcel shelf with an apparent latching mechanism that allows the shelf to unfold from a vertical framework.  
         [0016]     PCT International Application PCT/AU91/00030, Publication No. WO 91/11130 is directed to a wall mountable foldable table. This folding table fits into a vertical framework and, as shown in the drawings, provides means by which an ironing board or similar object can be stowed in such a framework.  FIGS. 5 and 6  show a folding mechanism for the foldable table.  
         [0017]     As can be seen, a number of approaches and attempts to advance the art have been made with respect to providing collapsible or folding work surfaces. Generally, all of these are directed to specific applications and take into account the generally different operating parameters so as to fulfill the need demanding the solution delivered by the respective patented inventions.  
         [0018]     However, the art is generally lacking in collapsible and foldable workstations that take into account the certain differences in physique of the human body. Generally, the multiple workstations of the prior art did not take into account the need for leg or foot room; as well as the ability to use an expansive horizontal work surface in conjunction with a smaller and upper horizontal work surface.  
         [0019]     Consequently, the prior art still requires additional foldable workbenches and workstations that more advantageously fulfill the needs demanded by people working in small or confined areas or such areas that only require temporary workspace. While efficient to maximize the available surface area to the person using the workstation, certain considerations must also be made with respect to the area in which the workstation operates so that when the workstation is folded up or collapses, a minimum horizontal area is displaced such that the surface area when the workstation is unfolded as compared to when it is folded or collapsed is maximized.  
         [0020]     Industrial applications such as those present in the food service industry where prep work must be done or the like also demand a workstation that is used on a temporary basis. In preparation for lunch or evening meals, a certain amount of work is done in order to prepare items for cooking and/or serving. Once these items are prepared, the flat work surfaces on which such preparations are made may no longer be necessary and the area may be freed up in order to provide space for other purposes such as foot traffic and the like.  
         [0021]     Consequently, a need remains in the art for foldable workstations that tailor themselves to certain specific applications or that may have a more general application and fulfill a wide variety of needs. Additionally, the state of the art would be augmented by a flexible and adaptable foldable workstation that provides a variety of uses and applications for foldable workstations that provide horizontal working surfaces and work space. It would be more advantageous to provide a workbench that only occupied adjacent space when necessary. It would also be advantageous to provide a workbench that provides easy access to and storage of tools.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of foldable or collapsible workstations/workbenches now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new foldable workstation construction wherein the amount of workstation working surface area is maximized in conjunction with providing conveniently located and disposed working surfaces for people using the foldable workstation.  
         [0023]     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a foldable workstation that accommodates the human form for better use and structure. The foldable workstation described herein has many of the advantages of foldable workstations and benches mentioned heretofore and developed previously as well as many novel features that result in a new foldable workstation which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, taught, or even implied by any of the prior art foldable shelves, racks, and the like, either alone or in any combination thereof.  
         [0024]     The foldable workstation of the present invention provides a foldable workstation that is attachable to a wall that has three flat horizontal work surfaces upon which work may be performed or items temporarily laid. The bottom shelf or surface is offset from upstanding legs that support a middle work surface in order to provide room for a person&#39;s shins and/or feet. While this reduces the surface area available for the lower shelf, it enables a person to better engage the workstation as a whole, thereby providing more advantage and utility. The lower shelf is connected by lateral supports to the upstanding legs supporting the middle shelf.  
         [0025]     The middle shelf is generally the larger of the flat surfaces and is generally positioned at the height of a person&#39;s hips or waist so that it might be more easily engaged or even possibly leaned into, onto, or against by the person.  
         [0026]     Lastly, an upper shelf is provided that is available for supporting objects such as bowls, tools, and the like. The upper shelf is the smallest shelf and is generally approximately half the size of the lower shelf. In doing so, the shorter projection outward made by the upper shelf allows more room for a person to maneuver, enabling the arms to function unobstructed while working on items present on the middle shelf.  
         [0027]     All three shelves are pivotally connected to a chassis which enables the flat folding of each of the work-surfaces against a wall or other vertical support upon which the chassis is affixed. Generally, the middle and lower work surfaces fold up toward the chassis while the upper smaller work surface folds down into the chassis.  
         [0028]     The table may be made of stainless steel or surgical steel for easy cleaning and sterilization, making it especially advantageous for the food service industry and medical professions.  
         [0029]     The present invention provides a folding or foldable workstation that allows flat horizontal workspaces to be provided as needed. The foldable workstation of the present invention also allows the retraction or folding of the flat work surface against a wall or the like to enable the foldable workbench to occupy less space when not in use.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable workstation that accommodates the human form.  
         [0031]     It is, another object of the present invention to provide a foldable workstation that efficiently uses space available, providing a small profile when folded or collapsed, yet providing ample workspace when unfolded.  
         [0032]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable workstation that may be sterilized for use in the food service or medical areas.  
         [0033]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable workbench.  
         [0034]     It is another object of the present invention to provide foldable horizontal work and storage spaces.  
         [0035]     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a review of the following specification and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0036]      FIG. 1  is a right side front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the foldable workstation of the present invention. A pin for use in holding up the top shelf as well as a chain attached thereto are shown in phantom as is lateral bracing;  
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the foldable workstation shown in  FIG. 1 . Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;  
         [0038]      FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of the foldable workstation shown in  FIG. 1 . Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;  
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the foldable workstation of  FIG. 1 . Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a right side elevational view of the foldable workstation of  FIG. 1 . Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;  
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a right front perspective view of the foldable workstation shown in a folded configuration;  
         [0042]      FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the folded foldable workstation in  FIG. 6 . Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;  
         [0043]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the folded foldable workstation shown in  FIG. 6 . Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;  
         [0044]      FIG. 9  is a right side elevational view of the folded foldable workstation of  FIG. 6 . Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;  
         [0045]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the folded foldable workstation of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0046]      FIG. 11  is a right side front perspective view of the foldable workstation of  FIG. 1  including the lateral bracing;  
         [0047]      FIG. 12   a  shows the foldable workstation in a retracted position joined to a mobile support structure;  
         [0048]      FIG. 12   b  shows the foldable workstation in an open position joined to the mobile support structure;  
         [0049]      FIG. 13  shows the mobile support structure without the foldable workstation in place;  
         [0050]      FIG. 14  shows a close-up of the foldable workstation joined to the mobile support structure;  
         [0051]      FIG. 15   a  shows a vertical support cover plate used to facilitate attachment of the foldable workstation to the mobile support structure; and  
         [0052]      FIG. 15   b  shows an end view of the vertical support cover plate. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0053]     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0054]     Referring to, the drawing where like numerals of reference indicate like elements throughout it will be noted that the present invention is used in the context of being attached to an ultimate support, such as a wall or other vertical flat surface, or other vertical support such as upstanding, poles or rails that provide support for the foldable work station  100  of the present invention.  
         [0055]     As shown in  FIG. 1  the foldable workstation  100  of the present invention has oppositely opposed and generally parallel upstanding frame shields  102  that serve as supports for the working surfaces of the foldable workstation.  100 . Upstanding frame shields are generally U-shaped in configuration, having a central slot  104  about which more detail is given below.  
         [0056]     The lower shelf  106 , middle shelf  108  and upper shelf  110  are generally all pivotally connected to the upstanding frame shields  102 . The three shelves pivot on axes that are all generally parallel to one another. The lower shelf  106  may be connected to the upstanding frame shield by two lower lateral supports  120 , which extend beyond the lower shelf to attach to the upstanding legs  122 . The upstanding legs  122  are pivotally attached to both the lower lateral supports  120  at the distal end of the lower lateral supports  120 , as well as to the free end of the middle shelf  108 .  
         [0057]     As shown in phantom in  FIG. 1  and the other drawings, rear lateral bracing  126  may be optionally present in order to space apart the upstanding frame shields  102 . The lateral bracing  126  also provides additional support and may be used as a means of attachment for the foldable workstation  100  to the wall or other ultimate support.  
         [0058]     Additionally, one or more pins  130  may be used to secure the upper shelf  110  into place in its horizontal position by engaging a hole therein. Such pins  130  may also hold the upstanding legs  122  into place with respect to the upstanding flame shields  102  as shown in  FIGS. 6-10 . A first hole  132  in the frame shields  102  may serve to allow passage of the pin  130  through the frame shield gap  104  to engage the upper shelf  110 . A second hole  134  may serve to uphold the upstanding legs  122  into place when the middle and lower shelves  108 ,  106  are folded into the space between the frame shields  102 . The corresponding hole  136  may be present in the side of each upstanding leg  122  near the top thereof to provide access for the pin  130 .  
         [0059]     Due to the unique configuration of the foldable workstation  100 , and as shown in  FIGS. 6-10 , the foldable-workstation of the present invention folds into the space between the frame shields  102  in a generally flush fashion in order to provide a minimum profile projecting out from the wall or other ultimate support. Additionally, the forward end  140  of the middle and main shelf  108  rests generally flush with the top of the upstanding frame shields  102 , making efficient use of the space used thereby. The same is generally true with respect to the front end of the lower shelf  142 . Although it may be fashioned flush with the rear end of the middle shelf, the front end  142  of the lower shelf  106  may also be separated from the rear end of the middle shelf  108  when the two shelves are folded.  
         [0060]     Depending upon the need for foot or shin space, the lower shelf may extend towards or retract from the upstanding legs  122  or alternatively, a center portion of the lower shelf  106  may be removed in order to provide leg space while the side areas of the lower shelf  106  extend towards the upstanding legs  122 . Additionally, a number of alternative embodiments may be achieved through propitious construction of the lower shelf  106 .  
         [0061]     In folding up towards the frame shields  102 , the upper and lower shelves  108 ,  106  may somewhat dispose the upstanding legs  122  at an angle. This slight angle is due to the disposition between the two shelves and their pivotal arrangement with the frame shields  102 . Additionally, the inner panel  150  of the frame shields  102  may project outwardly to a smaller degree and a lesser extent than the outer panel  152  in order to accommodate the upstanding legs  122 . Generally, the upstanding legs  122  as shown in  FIG. 6  do not project out past the outer panel  152  in a preferred embodiment and may come to rest between the two frame shield panels  150 ,  152 .  
         [0062]     This provides for a diminished profile for the foldable workstation  100  in its folded configuration. This is a unique aspect of the foldable workstation  100  of the present invention, as the manifestation of such a minimal profile with significant available horizontal workspace surface area delivers unique advantages coupled with the ergonomic designs allowing for foot room for the lower shelf  106  as well as arm and shoulder room for the upper shelf  110 . Particularly with limited wall space, the foldable workstation  100  can be configured to accommodate any width of wall space such that a thin foldable workstation or even square foldable workstation could be used for corners while a longer foldable workstation could be used when space so allows. Generally, the distance between the front end of the middle shelf  140  and the frame shields  102  and/or the lateral bracing  126  (when the foldable workstation  100  is unfolded) is generally that of a person&#39;s reach because the foldable workstation  100  is meant to accommodate the workings of the human body and the like. Consequently, the general width of the foldable workstation  100 , as indicated by the distance between the upstanding legs  122 , may be variable and adapted to specific applications.  
         [0063]     Ergonomic design is also present in the distance the upper shelf  110  extends outwardly from the wall or rear of the foldable workstation. The upper shelf  110  is designed to enable clear and free working of a person&#39;s hands, arms, and shoulders such that the upper shelf  110  does not interfere with turning, moving, and preparing or working upon items resting upon the middle shelf  108 . Consequent, the foldable workstation  100  set forth herein provides distinct advantages over those in the prior art, as it accommodates working situations not previously addressed.  
         [0064]     Additionally, the upstanding frame shields  102  are generally slanted and not squared at their lower ends  160  as shown in  FIGS. 1, 4 ,  6  and  9 . This provides certain manufacturing advantages as otherwise unneeded material is not used. Additionally, an abrupt and sharp corner  170  is avoided such that the projecting corner present the lower end of the frame shields  102  provides &amp; softer angle that is less disposed to causing injury as a right angle squared off corner would be.  
         [0065]     In order to provide additional support for the middle shelf  108  reinforcing supports  164  may be present below and underneath the middle shelf  108 . Such reinforcing supports may take the form of bars, hollow half girder structures, or the like extending laterally below the middle shelf  108 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , these supports are generally welded into the down turned sides  172  of the middle shelf  108  and are shaped in the form of a broad U-shape such that a conveniently manufactured means is provided by which the otherwise possibly thin and flexible upper shelf  108  work surface can be reinforced so that heavier items may be placed upon the middle shelf  108  and adequately supported thereby.  
         [0066]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , when the foldable workstation  100  is folded into its folded configuration, the pin  130  may engage the associated upstanding leg  122  via the upstanding leg hole  134 , passing through the associated frame shield  102 .  
         [0067]     As also shown in  FIG. 6 , both the middle shelf  108  and lower shelf  106  may have handle like front ends  140 ,  142  so that the foldable workstation  100  is more easily gasped and set into its folded configuration. In so doing the pins  130  are disengaged from the upper shelf  110 , which is then fold downwardly into the space between the frame shields  102 . The middle and lower shelves  108  are then folded also into the frame shields  102  as the pivotal connections between the middle and lower shelves  108 ,  106  and their corresponding pivotal connections with the upstanding legs  122  and the frame shields  102  form a parallelogram enabling the upstanding legs  122  to travel towards the frame shields  102  when the middle and lower shelves  108 ,  106  are pivoted upwardly.  
         [0068]     In a preferred embodiment, the foldable workstation  100  is constructed of stainless steel or other sterilizable material. This makes the foldable workstation  100  particularly advantageous in the preparation of food as foodstuffs may come into contact with the working surfaces  106 ,  108 ,  110  and such surfaces may be sterilized easily by harsh chemicals or other means. The same is similarly true for use of the foldable workstation  100  in the medical profession. Surgical instruments and the like may come into contact with the sterilized working surfaces  106 ,  108 ,  110 , yet the foldable workstation  100  folds towards the wall in order to reduce its footprint, making preparation tasks and duties in the surgical theater otherwise simpler, easier and safe.  
         [0069]     In an alternative embodiment, a pegboard may be used between the upper shelf  110  and the middle shelf  108  to which tools may be attached as with pegs or the like. Such a pegboard may be disposed between the frame shields  102  and sufficient room may be possible to allow the presence of such tools, even though the foldable workstation  100  is placed into a folded configuration. Alternatively, an indentation or well in the wall supporting the unit may serve to support the pegboard and accompanying tools.  
         [0070]     In order to accommodate the lower and upper shelves  106 ,  108 , the pivotal connection of these parts may be placed forward of the rear of the frame shields  102 . This allows room for the upper shelf  110  to fold down and behind the middle shelf  108 . The upper shelf  110  is generally pivotally connected to the upstanding frame shields  102  and a rear portion thereof generally at the top of the frame shields  102 .  
         [0071]     The foldable workstation  100  may also be made of steel as well as stainless steel. Alternative embodiments include the external application of corrosion resistant materials or the construction by corrosion resistant materials so that the foldable workstation may be both strong and durable. Pinch points present in the foldable workstation  100  may be reduced and fasteners for the foldable workstation  100 , such as those used to attach the unit to a wall or to provide pivotal connection between the different parts, may be those that are now known in the art or developed in the future. The foldable workstation  100  may be constructed such that the middle shelf  108  may safely hold 230 pounds. The lower and upper shelves  106 ,  110  may likewise be constructed to hold similar weights for their sizes. Where sterilization is not necessary, the components of foldable workstation  100  may have a powder coated finish. In one embodiment, the foldable workstation  100  may be approximately 49 inches wide, 27 inches deep and 60 inches high when fully extended and weigh approximately 70 pounds. In its closed or folded configuration, such a foldable workstation  100  would have a width of approximately 49 inches, a depth of approximately 5½ inches and a height of approximately 60 inches. As indicated above, the foldable workstation folds easily against the wall when not in use and may install easily in approximately half an hour. When sent or transported to the ultimate user, some assembly may be required, but generally none that would require special tools or special knowledge in the art.  
         [0072]     Any person or organization that needs to maximize the utilization of space may find the foldable workstation  100  a significant addition to their infrastructure. Such users may include hotels, motels, hospitals, factories and warehouses, offices, retail stores, auto repair shops, delivery companies, gyms, libraries, laboratories, and fire and police stations, to name but a few. Additional applications of the foldable workstation  100  include use in loading docks, in both staging and receiving areas, will-call areas, as attachments to pallet racks and end caps, janitorial closets, garages, mail rooms, kitchens and other food preparation areas, restaurant busboy stations, locker rooms, laundry rooms, storage areas, cleaning rooms, retail displays, maintenance engineering departments, delivery vans and trucks, or any other place where the utilization of space in an efficient manner is important.  
         [0073]     As shown in the several Figures, the elements providing utility and novelty to the present invention include the ability of flat working surfaces to fold flat against a wall. For the folding shelves shown in the figures, a number of flat working shelf surfaces are provided. The depth of the shelves or other flat surfaces coupled with the distance between such flat surfaces affects the ability of the flat surfaces to fold flat against a wall or other vertical structure.  
         [0074]     By providing horizontal working space in a manner that folds flat vertically, the foldable workbench and foldable shelf system of the present invention enable people to rely upon the flat working surfaces when needed yet allow such surfaces to occupy less space when not needed.  
         [0075]     In another embodiment, the foldable workstation  100  is mobile. More particularly, as shown in  FIGS. 12-13 , a mobile support structure  200  comprises a pair of castor support rails  202 , a pair of vertical supports  204 , a horizontal support rail  206  and four castors  208 .  
         [0076]     Once constructed, the mobile support structure  200  is joined to the workstation  100 . That is, as shown in  FIG. 14 , two vertical support cover plates  210  (shown in  FIGS. 15   a - 15   b ) are attached directly to the rear legs  102  of the workstation  100  such that the vertical supports  204  are received by channels  212  in the vertical support cover plates  210 . A lip  211  extends to a bottom of the castor support rails  202  to completely conceal the vertical support  204 . In this manner, the workstation  100  is rigidly attached to the mobile support structure  200  but easily removed when desired. In other words, it is only a matter of lifting the foldable workstation  100  such that the vertical supports  204  exit the confines of the channels  212 .  
         [0077]     In the embodiment shown, the vertical support cover plates  210  are attached to the rear legs  202  with nuts and bolts  214 . However, the vertical supports  204  may be attached to the rear legs  102  using any suitable means, including rivets, pins or the like.  
         [0078]     Construction of the mobile support structure  200  comprises attaching each vertical support  204  to a castor support rail  202  and attaching two rubber-wheeled castors  208  to each castor support rail  202 . Again, nuts and bolts are shown to attach the individual pieces to one another. However, any suitable means is possible. The two fabricated vertical support devices are then attached to one another by means of a horizontal support rail  206 . Then, the vertical supports  204  are inserted into channels  212  of the vertical support cover plates  210  which have been attached to the rear legs  102  of the foldable workstation  100 .  
         [0079]     While any type of castors or wheels may be used to provide mobility, ideally the castors  208  incorporate locking means  216  so that the workstation  100  may be securely positioned in any desired location. In other words, without locking means  216  the workstation  100  may tend to shift during use.  
         [0080]     Also, any suitable material may be used to fabricate the mobile support structure. For example, aluminum, steel, tin, plastic and similar rigid materials are suitable.  
         [0081]     While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept.