Abstract:
The invention concerns a module ( 100 ) adapted for use with a hand-held power drill ( 200 ) for dual-action abrading, polishing, and/or cleaning of a substrate. The module ( 100 ) uses a direct drive mechanism whereby rotation of a suitable work member ( 204 ) is actuated along a circular orbital path. The module ( 100 ) optionally includes a handle ( 114 ) coupled to the module ( 100 ), which allows the spindle ( 110 ) motion induced by the power drill ( 200 ) and the motion of the housing ( 102 ) to be effectively decoupled from each other and enhances operator control over the work member ( 204 ). Providing a modular device ( 100 ) that can be used with a common household tool results in an increased versatility as well as space and cost savings for the consumer.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Modular devices, kits and methods are provided for processing a substrate. More particularly, modular devices, kits and methods are provided for performing orbital rotation (dual-action) processing on a substrate. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Rotary sanders, grinders, polishers, buffers, and cleaners are used in a wide range of applications, including carpentry, metal working, vehicle detailing, and vehicle repair. These tools can also be used with diverse substrates, including marble, glass, upholstery, wood, metal and painted surfaces. The tools are sometimes adapted for specialized applications, for example when there is risk of damaging the substrate. One such application is in automotive and marine exterior detailing. Car exteriors typically include several layers of paint, which are then topped with a protective clear coat layer. Boats typically utilize a gel coat in lieu of the protective clear coat layer that may be treated in a similar fashion to automotive finishes. To obtain an aesthetically pleasing shine, car enthusiasts apply a wax or liquid polish composition to the exterior of the car and then use a rotary polisher to spread the composition and remove swirls and minor scratches from the clear coat layer. 
         [0003]    Simple rotary (or “single-action”) polishers use a work member that rapidly spins about a fixed axis of rotation relative to the polishing device. While these devices are capable of polishing the substrate at a high cut rates, this action can also generate significant heat because the polishing head rotates at such high speeds. In the hands of an untrained operator, a single-action polisher can generate enough heat to risk “burning” the paint, which refers to the undesirable removal of paint residing below the clear coat surface. Decreasing the rotational speed of the work member can reduce this risk, but doing so can also reduce polishing efficiency below acceptable levels. 
         [0004]    The risks associated with a single-action polisher can be substantially mitigated while maintaining polishing efficiency by using an oscillating, dual-action polisher. Dual action polishers use a work member that spins about a central spindle, while the spindle itself rotates around an eccentric offset. Like a planet orbiting around the sun, the head of a dual-action polisher spins about a first axis while orbiting around a second axis displaced from the first axis. For this reason, these dual-action devices are also sometimes referred to as orbital polishers. The combined rotating/orbiting motion dissipates heat and can effectively prevent the polisher from burning the paint. This safety feature makes dual-action devices an attractive option for hobbyists and professionals alike. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Conventional dual-action devices use a freely-rotating work member (or head unit) coupled to an orbital mechanism. This mechanism is powered by a dedicated drive motor that operates at high speeds, typically in excess of 8,000-10,000 rotations per minute (rpm). These high orbital speeds are sufficient to induce self-rotation of the work member about the second axis based on the inertia of the work member as it is flung around in its orbital motion about the first axis. 
         [0006]    While the inertial drive mechanism can produce satisfactory results at high drive speeds (e.g. in the range of 8,000-10,000 rpm), the mechanism encounters performance limitations at lower drive speeds. At lower drive speeds, the orbital speed is also lower, which significantly reduces the driving force that rotates the work member. Since the driving force is reduced, friction between the work member and the substrate can retard or halt entirely the rotation of the work member, resulting in poor performance. The manufacturer of the device thus faces an unfortunate dilemma. While the diameter of the work member can be substantially reduced to lower the drag on the work member, this forces the operator to make additional passes to get the same job done. Use of intermediate diameters with higher orbital speeds might be feasible, but this approach increases power consumption and potentially limits the scope of applications for the device. Obviously, none of these options are ideal. 
         [0007]    The provided devices and methods overcome the above problem by using a direct drive (or a forced rotation) mechanism that enables the dual-action motion to be provided by a modular component releasably coupled to an external drive motor. This approach conveniently enables the device to be used with household power drills, which typically operate at relatively low drive speeds not exceeding 2,500 rpm. These devices optionally include a handle attached to the housing, which allows the spindle motion driven by the drive motor and the motion of the housing to be effectively decoupled from each other. The handle can be positioned close to the substrate, thus providing enhanced operator control over the dual-action head unit. By providing a modular device that can be used with a common household tool, these devices and methods provide for increased versatility as well as space and cost savings to the consumer. 
         [0008]    In one aspect, a module adapted for use with a handheld power drill comprising: a housing having first and second sides; a rotatable spindle extending outwardly from the first side, the spindle having an outer end adapted for releasable coupling to the power drill; a direct drive mechanism coupled to the spindle; and a backing plate located adjacent the second side and engaged to the direct drive mechanism whereby rotation of the spindle directly drives rotation of the backing plate, the rotation occurring along a circular orbital path relative to the housing. 
         [0009]    In another aspect, a dual-action device kit is provided, comprising: a module adapted for use with a handheld power drill, the module comprising: a housing having first and second sides; 
         [0010]    a rotatable spindle extending outwardly from the first side, the spindle having an outer end adapted for releasable coupling to the drill device; and a backing plate adjacent the second side and engaged to the spindle wherein rotation of the spindle causes the backing plate to rotate along a circular orbital path relative to the housing. 
         [0011]    In still another aspect, a method of processing a substrate comprising: providing a module having a housing, a rotatable spindle extending outwardly from a first side of the housing and received in the housing, a handle coupled to the housing, and a work member engaged to the spindle and extending along a second side of the housing; releasably coupling a handheld power drill to the spindle; placing the work member against the substrate; and rotating the work member, using the drill device, along a circular orbital path across the surface of the substrate while holding the handle to prevent rotation of the module. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view looking at the top and side surfaces of a dual-action module for a handheld power drill according to one exemplary embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view looking at the bottom and side surfaces of the module of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a plan view looking at the bottom side of the module of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the module of  FIGS. 1-3 , looking at the bottom and side surfaces of its components; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the module of  FIGS. 1-4 , looking at the top and side surfaces of its components; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an elevational cross-sectional view of the module of  FIGS. 1-5  along the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 3 ; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the module of  FIGS. 1-6  coupled to the handheld power drill. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The provided dual-action modules, related kits and methods are further described herein by way of illustration and example. In exemplary embodiments, these dual-action modules are capable of being coupled to a handheld power drill and are usable in applications including, but not limited to, sanding, compounding, cleaning, polishing, waxing and buffing automotive and marine exteriors. Analogous uses could exist in metal finishing, upholstery cleaning, and wood working 
         [0020]    A module according to one exemplary embodiment is shown in  FIG. 1  and broadly designated by the numeral  100 . The module  100  includes a housing  102 , the housing  102  having at least two sides, such as a top side  104  and a bottom side  106 . As used herein, it is to be understood that the terms “top” and “bottom” are merely used in a relative sense and the exact location of the sides can be any suitable location, such as top, bottom, left, right, etc. 
         [0021]    In the illustrated embodiment the top side  104  is disposed generally opposite the bottom side  106 . One or both of the top and bottom sides  104 ,  106  may be planar or curved. In one embodiment, the top and bottom sides  104  and  106  are planar and parallel to each other. The housing  102  as shown has a generally cylindrical shaped wall section, but other suitable shapes are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the housing  102  could optionally have a square or hexagonal cross-section. 
         [0022]    As shown, the top side  104  has an aperture  108  located in the top side  104 . As used herein, the term “aperture” refers to a passageway extending partially or entirely through a given object. In exemplary embodiments, the aperture  108  may be symmetrically disposed about the cylindrical axis of the housing  102 . For example, the aperture may be circular and it may be disposed at the geometric center of the top side  104 . 
         [0023]    A rotatable spindle  110  extends outwardly through the aperture  108 , protruding in a direction perpendicular to the top side  104  of the housing  102 . In some embodiments, the spindle  110  extends at an acute angle relative to the top side  104  or has one or more flexible joints allowing the longitudinal axis of the spindle  110  to change along its length. The spindle  110  has an outer end  112  adapted for releasable coupling to a power drill (not shown in this figure). In some embodiments, the outer end  112  has a diameter of about 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters) or less. As used herein, the term “diameter” refers to the widest lateral dimension of an object, which need not be circular. In this case, the lateral dimension is measured along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spindle  110 . The outer end  112  can have a round or polygonal cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the outer end has a hexagonal cross-section to facilitate engagement to common household power drills. 
         [0024]    As further shown in  FIG. 1 , a handle  114  is coupled to the housing  102  and extends outwardly from the housing  102  in a lateral direction. Optionally, the handle  114  could be made integral with the housing  102 . The handle  114  facilitates control of the module  100  by allowing an operator to grasp the handle  114  on the housing  102  with one hand while operating the power drill with the other hand. Because of the close proximity of the handle  114  to the substrate being acted upon by the module  100 , gripping the handle  114  and power drill together affords the operator a significantly greater degree of control than gripping the power drill alone. As used herein, the term “substrate” generically refers to an outer surface of a workpiece that is acted upon by the module  100 . 
         [0025]    Adjacent to and extending slightly past the bottom side  106  of the housing  102  is a dual-action assembly  116 . Additional details of the assembly  116  are shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In these figures the module  100  is inverted, showing bottom-facing components of the assembly  116 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the assembly  116  partially resides in a cavity  118  located on the bottom side  106  of the housing  102 . 
         [0026]    Like the housing  102 , the assembly  116  also has a generally cylindrical configuration. However, the diameter of the assembly  116  is smaller than that of the cavity  118 , allowing the assembly  116  to rotate about a first axis  120  that represents the cylindrical axis of the assembly  116  while simultaneously orbiting about a second axis  122  that represents the cylindrical axis of the outer end  112  of the spindle  110 . As shown, the axis  120  is slightly offset from the second axis  122 , such that the assembly  116 , as a whole, traces a circular path relative to the housing  100  during operation. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the assembly  116  includes a generally circular backing plate  124  having a planar bottom surface and a semi-circular counterweight  126  adjacent to the backing plate  124 . The backing plate  124  and counterweight  126 , despite rotating at different rates relative to each other, are commonly coupled to underlying components of the assembly  116  by a screw  128 . The counterweight  126  has a size and weight that is precisely calibrated to compensate for the off-center disposition of the assembly  116  relative to the housing  102 . By balancing the weight across the bottom side  106  of the housing  102 , the counterweight  126  helps minimize flutter and wobbling of the module  100  during operation. 
         [0028]    The backing plate  124  provides six screws  130  located along its annular rim on the bottom side of the assembly  116 . The screws  130  are preferably arranged in a standardized configuration that allows the backing plate  124  to be attached to a wide variety of work members adapted to contact the substrate, or one or more intermediary components (e.g. an interface backing plate). The particular work member used depends on the desired application. Exemplary work members include abrasive discs, polishing pads, sanding pads, buffing pads, cleaning pads, and brushes. 
         [0029]    One notable aspect of this configuration is that the second axis  122 , or rotational axis of the spindle  110 , forms a fixed angle with respect to the plane of the backing plate  124 . Preferably and as shown, this fixed angle is about 90 degrees, such that the shaft of the power drill is perpendicular to the substrate being abraded, polished, or cleaned. This perpendicular orientation provides the operator with enhanced control over the normal force applied to the substrate by the backing plate  124 . 
         [0030]    The configuration shown improves operator control because forces applied to press the backing plate  124  against the substrate are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the spindle  110 , thus avoiding the creation of a moment that could tip the backing plate  124  relative to the substrate. As a further benefit over prior art devices, each of the housing  102  and dual-action assembly  116  of the module  100  has a weight distribution that is generally symmetric about the axis  122 . This also helps the operator apply even pressure across the surface of the work member. 
         [0031]    As illustrated in subsequent  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the dual-action motion of the assembly  116  is actuated by a direct drive mechanism whereby the backing plate  124  and the spindle  110  are engaged to each other.  FIG. 4  presents the components of the module  100  in exploded view, showing the bottom-facing surfaces of each component.  FIG. 5  is an exploded view taken from the opposite direction, showing the top-facing surfaces of each component. Unless otherwise noted, the internal components of the module  100  are preferably made from stainless steel (such as 300-series stainless steel) or polymeric composite materials. Some exterior components of the module  100 , such as the housing  102 , can optionally be made from aluminum. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , and starting at the bottom of the module  100 , the screw  128  extends through a central aperture in the counterweight  126  and rigidly couples the counterweight  126  to the spindle  110 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the spindle  110  has an inner end  132  with a “D”-shaped cross-section received in a complemental “D”-shaped recess  134  in the counterweight  126 , which prevents the spindle  110  and counterweight  126  from rotating relative to each other. 
         [0033]    Optionally and as shown, the backing plate  124  is integrally connected to spur gear  136 . Although illustrated here as an integral component, the gear  136  and backing plate  124  can also be discrete components that are subsequently joined together. Captured within the backing plate  124  and the gear  136  are a pair of stacked annular bearings  138 , partially visible in the bottom view of  FIG. 3 . The bearings  138  occupy an annular space between the spindle  110  and the backing plate  124 /gear  136  and help minimize friction as the backing plate  124 /gear  136  collectively rotate about the spindle  110 . 
         [0034]    As seen in the figures, the spindle  110  includes a pair of non-concentric cylindrical segments  144 ,  146  joined together end to end. The first segment  144  extends toward the top side of the module  100  and is generally symmetric about the second axis  122  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). The second segment  146 , on the other hand, extends toward the bottom side of the module  100  and is generally symmetric about the first axis  120 . As a result of this offset axis configuration, the first axis  120  orbits about the second axis  122  at a rate exactly equal to the rotation rate of the spindle  110 . 
         [0035]    Proceeding further, an annular gasket  140  and internal ring gear  142  are symmetrically disposed along the spindle  110 . When the module  100  is assembled, the gasket  140  is captured in a space between the ring gear  142  and the backing plate  124 . These components are mutually engaged such that gear teeth extending inwardly from the ring gear  142  mesh with gear teeth extending outwardly from the spur gear  136 , causing the spur gear  136  to rotate about the first axis  120  as the first axis  120  orbits about the second axis  122 . In this internal ring gear configuration, the backing plate  124  rotates about the first axis  120  in a direction counter to its orbital direction about the second axis  122 . In other words, when the backing plate  124  rotates in a clockwise direction, the first axis  120  traces a circular orbital path in a counterclockwise direction. 
         [0036]    The relative rates of rotation of the backing plate  124  and the spindle  110  are generally determined by the relative diameters of the ring gear  142  and spur gear  136 . In some embodiments, the spindle  110  and the backing plate  124  rotate at different rates according to a pre-defined ratio that is at least 5:1, at least 7:1, or at least 8:1. In some embodiments, the spindle  110  and backing plate  124  rotate at different rates according to a pre-defined ratio that is at most 15:1, at most 12:1, or at most 10:1. In some embodiments, the mating gears  136 ,  142  are helical gears to reduce noise. 
         [0037]    The internal ring gear  142  is then fastened to the housing  102  such that these components do not rotate relative to each other. This is accomplished here by a series of screws  148 , which extend through the ring gear  142  and engage threaded apertures located on inner surfaces of the housing  102 . Optionally and as shown, annular bearings  150  are also concentrically mounted within the cavity  118  of the housing  102  adjacent the aperture  108 . The bearings  150  are radially disposed between the spindle  110  and the housing  102 , thereby facilitating free rotation of the spindle  110  relative to the stationary ring gear  142  and housing  102 . 
         [0038]    As previously indicated, the handle  114  is directly attached the outer surface of the housing  102  and extends along a direction generally parallel to the plane of the backing plate  124 . During operation of the module  100 , the handle  114  allows the operator to stabilize the module  100  and prevent the housing  102  from rotating along with the spindle  110  and back plate assembly  116 . The location of the handle  114  is also beneficial because the operator can grip the module  100  at a location close to the substrate being treated. This in turn provides a superior degree of control compared with a configuration where the operator only grips the power drill. Although not shown here, the handle  114  could optionally protrude from other surfaces of the housing  102  and extend in different directions depending on the desired position for the operator&#39;s hand. 
         [0039]    Although the handle  114  serves the useful functions above, it could also be omitted. As an alternative embodiment, for example, the module  100  could include, instead of a handle, a mechanical fixture or other structure that releasably couples the housing  102  to the power drill to prevent undue rotation of the housing  102  during operation. In further embodiments, this fixture itself serves as, or includes, a handle to facilitate operator control. 
         [0040]    Adjacent to the handle  114 , and toward the bottom side of the module  100 , a protective collar  152  encircles the housing  102  in a friction fit relation. In some embodiments, the collar  152  is made from a flexible polymeric material can function as a splash guard when the module  100  is being used with liquid compositions. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section taken along the line  6 - 6  indicated in  FIG. 3  and shows the relative orientation of the above components in module  100  in assembled form. As illustrated, the geometric center of the backing plate  124  is slightly offset from the geometric center of the housing  102 . The degree of offset δ, as defined in this figure, need not be large to provide the benefits of a dual action device. In some embodiments, the offset ranges from about 2 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary method of using the module  100  in conjunction with a suitable power drill  200 , intermediary pad  202 , and work member  204 . First, the intermediary pad  202  is securely fastened to the backing plate  124  by the screws  130 . Preferably and as shown, the pad  202  has a planar bottom-facing surface extending across substantially all of the backing plate  124 . In some embodiments the intermediary pad  202  is a compressible pad, such as an interface pad or a back-up pad. In some embodiments, the intermediary pad  202  serves as a spacer or backing for the work member  204 . Either or both the pad  202  and the work member  204  can be reusable. 
         [0043]    Second, the work member  204  is coupled to the intermediary pad  202 . Since the work member  204  directly contacts the substrate, it can be soiled or worn out quickly during use. Therefore, for the convenience of the operator, it can be advantageous for the work member  202  to be releasably coupled to the intermediary pad  202  to allow rapid replacement. It is contemplated, for example, that the intermediary pad  202  and work member  204  could have respective coupling surfaces for releasable engagement to each other. Such coupling surfaces could include for example hook and loop structures, or the mating structures described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,161 (Chesley et al.). Alternatively, a pressure sensitive adhesive could be used to releasably couple the intermediary pad  202  and the work member  204  to each other. 
         [0044]    Other combinations are also possible. For example, mating coupling surfaces could additionally be used to releasably couple the backing plate  124  to the intermediary pad  202 . Alternatively, the intermediary pad  202  could be omitted and coupling surfaces could be used to releasably couple the backing plate  124  directly to the work member  204 . 
         [0045]    Optionally and as shown in  FIG. 7 , the backing plate  124 , pad  202 , and work member  204  have diameters that generally match each other. However, if desired, the module  100  could optionally be used with pads and/or work members having diameters larger than the backing plate  124 . In these cases, care should be taken to ensure that adequate torque is delivered to the spindle  110  in view of the increased drag resistance resulting from the larger contact area. Further, it could be beneficial for the compressible pad  202  to be made relatively stiff such that normal force applied by the backing plate  124  is distributed evenly across the polishing pad  204 . 
         [0046]    Third, the outer end of the spindle  110  is then coupled to a handheld power drill  200 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In a common embodiment, the working end of the power drill  200  has a universal chuck with adjustable grippers. The grippers can be expanded and contracted as needed to receive and rigidly mount the spindle  110  within the chuck. Although not shown here, other powered devices besides power drills could also engage the spindle  110  to drive the module  100 . 
         [0047]    For some applications, a composition is applied either to the bottom side of the polishing pad, to the substrate, or both, after the module  100  is mounted to the drill  200 . The composition could be, for example, lubricant, wax, liquid polishing composition, or cleaning composition. 
         [0048]    Finally, to operate the module  100 , the operator grips a handle  206  of the drill  200  while simultaneously grasping the handle  114  of the module  100  to place the module  100  into contact with the substrate. The operator then depresses a trigger  208  on the drill  200  to induce rotation of the spindle  110 . As the spindle  110  is rotated relative to the housing  102 , the rotation directly drives rotation of the backing plate  124  along a circular orbital path relative to the housing  102 . From here, the operator can laterally glide the housing  100  in a back and forth manner to abrade, polish, or clean the substrate. If desired, the operator can increase pressure on the substrate by gently urging the power drill  200  downward, while maintaining lateral control over the module using the handle  114 . 
         [0049]    A significant and unexpected advantage of the mechanism used in the module  100  derives from its ability to directly drive both rotational and orbital motion of the backing plate  124 . As a result, each rotation of the backing plate  124  corresponds to a certain fixed number of rotations of the spindle  110 . Because the ratio between rotation rate of the backing plate  124  and the spindle  110  is constant irrespective of the drag resistance caused by friction with the substrate, good efficiency of the dual action module  100  can be achieved even with the relatively low drive speeds (or motor speeds) employed by household power drills. Since the motor speeds of the power drill are relatively easy to measure and control, the direct drive mechanism used by the module  100  also provides a high degree of predictability as to the action of the work member  204  when operating the module  100 . 
         [0050]    Assuming a given drive speed, the provided module  100  also provides a fixed rate of oscillation and fixed eccentric offset unlike some prior art devices. Since these characteristics are precisely defined by the rotational speed of the spindle  110  and the offset δ between the first and second segments  144 ,  146  of the spindle  110 , the module  100  can be optimized to display a particular degree of eccentricity or rotational speed for a given application. Again, this provides precise control over the dual-action motion of the work member  204 . 
         [0051]    In preferred embodiments, the drive mechanism of the module  100  nominally operates at a spindle rotation rate that does not exceed 2,500 rotations per minute. More preferably, the drive mechanism nominally operates at a spindle rotation rate that does not exceed 2,200 rotations per minute. Most preferably, the drive mechanism nominally operates at a spindle rotation rate that does not exceed 2,000 rotations per minute. Again, the direct drive mechanism of the assembly  116  enables relatively lower speed motors, including those typically used in household power drills, to power a dual-action device while maintaining consistent and predictable rates of rotation and oscillation. 
         [0052]    The module  100  also has improved versatility compared with integrated dual-action devices because it can be used with a wide variety of commercially available power drills  200 . For example, the module  100  could be advantageously employed in either a corded or cordless configuration. Because the drive unit powering the module  100  is provided as a separate component, an operator has flexibility in pairing the module with a power drill  200  with a torque and/or drive speed that is best suited for the application at hand. Since many consumers already possess a power drill, the module  100  provides significant cost savings to these consumers since the inclusion of a drive motor is obviated, reducing complexity and manufacturing costs associated therewith. The module  100  is also relatively compact allowing it to be easily packaged, stored and transported. 
         [0053]    Kits and assemblies including the module  100  are also contemplated. For example, the module  100  may be bundled as part of a kit containing one or more work members  204 . For example, in abrasive applications, the module  100  could be provided with a selected set of abrasive discs having progressively increasing grit size (or coarseness) suitable for achieving wide ranges of cut and finish. In automotive care, the set of work members  204  could include pads of different materials such as wools and various grades of open-celled foams. As another variant, the kit could include one or more liquid compositions for use with the one or more included work members  204 . Similarly, kits can also be implemented with respect to the intermediary pads  202 , which can be provided with variations in thickness, diameter, and/or stiffness. 
         [0054]    All of the patents and patent applications mentioned above are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. The embodiments described above are illustrative of the present invention and other constructions are also possible. Accordingly, the present invention should not be deemed limited to the embodiments described in detail above and shown in the accompanying drawings, but instead only by a fair scope of the claims that follow along with their equivalents.