Closure for a container

A closure is provided that is configured to fit over a mouth of a receptacle to form a container. The closure includes a body portion having an open bottom formed of a skirt that defines an outer periphery of the body portion and an end wall defining at least one dispensing aperture. The closure also includes a member supported at the end wall. The member has a flap configured for pivotal movement and a user interface configured for sliding movement. The sliding movement of the user interface causes the pivotal movement of the flap. The closure further includes a retaining member coupled to the body portion for securing the member to the body portion. The retaining member at least partially covers the flap and the user interface.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a closure for a container for storing and dispensing materials (e.g., a particulate matter, etc.). The present disclosure more specifically relates to a closure having a movable flap for enclosing one or more dispensing openings in the closure.

It is generally known to provide a cover or closure on a container used for storing and dispensing particulate matter (e.g., granulated, powdered, etc.) or other materials, particularly foodstuffs, seasonings, etc. such as those displayed and sold in supermarkets. Such a closure typically attaches to an open end of a receptacle and has at least one dispensing opening for dispensing the material retained with the receptacle. The closure may include a hinged flap associated with the at least one dispensing opening that is configured to selectively close or seal such an opening when the flap is moved to a closed position. If a flap is provided on such a closure, the flap is typically configured to be moved from the closed position to an open position by being directly engaged by a user (e.g., by being lifted by the hand of a user, etc.).

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a closure configured to fit over a mouth of a receptacle to form a container. The closure includes a body portion having an open bottom formed of a skirt that defines an outer periphery of the body portion and an end wall defining at least one dispensing aperture. The closure also includes a member supported at the end wall. The member has a flap configured for pivotal movement and a user interface configured for sliding movement. The sliding movement of the user interface causes the pivotal movement of the flap. The closure further includes a retaining member coupled to the body portion for securing the member to the body portion. The retaining member at least partially covers the flap and the user interface.

Another embodiment relates to a closure configured to fit over a mouth of a receptacle to form a container. The closure includes a body portion having an open bottom formed of a skirt that defines an outer periphery of the body portion and an end wall defining at least one dispensing aperture. The closure also includes a flap supported at the end wall and configured for pivotal movement between a first position in which the dispensing aperture is closed and a second position in which the dispensing aperture is open. The closure further includes a user interface coupled to the flap and slidable in a direction substantially parallel to the end wall for moving the flap between the first position and the second position. The user interface remains within the outer periphery of the body portion as the flap is moved between the first position and the second position.

Another embodiment relates to a closure configured to fit over a mouth of a receptacle to form a container. The closure includes a body portion having an open bottom formed of a skirt and an end wall defining a dispensing aperture. The closure also includes a flap supported at the end wall for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position. The closure further includes a user interface coupled to the flap and supported at the end wall for slidable movement between a first position in which the flap is in the open position and a second position in which the flap is in the closed position. The closure further includes a retaining member disposed over the flap and the user interface and coupled to the end wall for securing the flap and the user interface relative to the body portion. The end wall defines a recess configured to receive the retaining member so that the retaining member is substantially uniform with the end wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the FIGURES in general, a closure, shown as a closure20, for a container10is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Closure20may be used for dispensing matter that is provided in conventional receptacle, shown as a receptacle12. Such matter may include particulate food stuffs such as cheese, spices, powdered creamers, etc. or a variety of other matter (e.g., including liquid matter, solid matter, semi-solid matter, etc.) that is capable of being stored within receptacle12and that can be dispensed through an dispensing opening that may be provided in closure20.

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 4, closure20is shown as generally including a body (e.g., base, etc.), shown as body portion100, a cover (e.g., lid, etc.), shown as a flap200, an actuating device, shown as a user interface300, and an attachment member (e.g., locking member, etc.), shown as a retaining member400. Closure20is configured to fit over a mouth of receptacle12to form container10. Body portion100has an open bottom formed of a skirt that defines an outer periphery of the body portion and an end wall that defines at least one dispensing aperture. Flap200and user interface300, which according to an exemplary embodiment may be integrally formed as a one-piece unitary body, are supported at the end wall. Flap200is configured for pivotal movement between closed position (shown inFIG. 2) and an open position (shown inFIG. 3). The sliding movement of user interface300causes the pivotal movement of flap200thereby allowing for an indirect opening of flap200by a user. Retaining member400is provided to secure flap200and user interface300to body portion100.

Referring toFIGS. 5 through 7, body portion100of the closure20is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Body portion100has a side wall102(e.g., skirt, etc.) adapted to fit over an end of receptacle12. According to one exemplary embodiment, side wall102is cylindrical in shape and has a coupling component (e.g., attachment structure), shown as threads104, located on an inside surface for engaging a corresponding coupling component (e.g., threads, etc.) on receptacle12to secure closure20to the open end of receptacle12. According to the various alternative embodiments, the coupling component may be any known or otherwise suitable structure (e.g., press-on rings or snap-fit structure, ribs, etc.) for coupling closure20to receptacle12.

Side wall102extends continuously in a substantially vertically direction between a bottom edge106(e.g., a free end, etc.) of side wall102and an end wall108of body portion100. According to the embodiment illustrated, side wall102is slightly tapered such that the diameter of side wall102near the top of body portion100is slightly smaller than the diameter of side wall102near the bottom of body portion100. This slight taper (which may be as small as several thousandths) is intended to reduce the potential for interference with machinery that may be used to couple closure20to receptacle12.

Side wall102also comprises a depression or indentation110. Indentation110is configured to cooperate with a corresponding depression or indentation provided on end wall108to receive a thumb, finger, etc. of a user for facilitating the movement of user interface300and the opening of flap200from the closed position. According to an exemplary embodiment, indentation110is substantially concave (e.g., semi-circular, etc.) and has a surface that is angled slightly downward to further simplify access to user interface300for a user. According to the various alternative embodiments, indentation110may be provided in any of a number of forms (e.g., planar surfaces, convex surfaces, curvilinear surfaces, etc.) or may be eliminated entirely if it is determined that a user can adequately actuate user interface300without providing additional clearance in side wall102.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of side wall102remains substantially constant from the top end (e.g., the end of side wall102closest to end wall108) to the bottom end106(e.g., the end of side wall102opposite the top end) of side wall102. According to the various alternative embodiments, the thickness of the side wall102may reduce as side wall102extends from the top end to the bottom end such that the thickness of side wall102near its bottom end is less than the thickness of side wall102near its top end. The reduction in the thickness of side wall102as it extends away from end wall108may reduce the extent to which body portion100takes a noncircular or oval shape when it is removed from the mold. According to other alternative embodiments, the thickness of side wall102may increase as it extends away from end wall108or may otherwise vary along the height of side wall102.

Body portion100also includes end wall108which is shown as being oriented substantially perpendicular to a central axis of side wall102. According to an exemplary embodiment, end wall108and side wall102are integrally formed as a single unitary body in a single mold by an injection molding operation to form body portion100. According to the various alternative embodiments, end wall108and side wall102may be formed separately and may be coupled together in any known or otherwise suitable manner (e.g., snap-fit, adhesive, welding, etc.).

End wall108defines at least one shaker opening112(shown as a single tear-drop shaped opening). According to an exemplary embodiment, shaker opening112is provided on a side of body portion100opposite indentation110with the narrow portion of the tear-drop shape being arranged adjacent to side wall102. According to the embodiment illustrated, shaker opening112includes a peripheral edge recess114that may provide an area of reduced thickness (relative to other portions of end wall108) surrounding shaker opening112and is configured to receive a portion of flap200. The area of reduced thickness is intended to provide a relatively thin, flexible region around shaker opening112to facilitate the sealing and retention features provided by the interface between shaker opening112and flap200. According to the embodiment illustrated, peripheral edge recess114is slanted downward and inward towards shaker opening112. Such a configuration may allow any material being dispensed from receptacle12to fail back into receptacle12if left on peripheral edge recess114. Such a configuration may also provide guidance for the portion of flap200that is configured to engage shaker opening112.

According to an exemplary embodiment, peripheral edge recess114is sized (e.g., has a depth, etc.) so that flap200can be substantially coplanar or flush with end wall108when in the closed position. Such a configuration advantageously provides closure20with a more uniform appearance when flap200is in the closed position and/or may reduce the likelihood that flap200will be inadvertently opened by having an object (e.g., a finger, another container, etc.) catch on flap200and move it upward. According to the various alternative embodiments, shaker opening112may have any suitable shape, size, number and pattern to suit the desired application and material to be dispensed from the container. For example, end wall108may include two or more shaker openings112, and each shaker opening112may have a shape and size that is suitable to the application in which the closure will be used. For example, shaker opening112may be circular, rectangular, football-shaped, half moon-shaped, or one of a variety of other shapes.

End wall108also defines a recess, shown as a channel116for receiving and supporting flap200and user interface300. Channel116is sized and configured so that flap200and user interface300can be recessed within end wall108. According to an exemplary embodiment, channel116is a substantially rectangular channel located in a central region of end wall108. Channel116extends between a first end118that terminates at shaker opening112and a second end120that terminates at indentation110. According to the embodiment illustrated, channel116has a width that is substantially equal to the width of flap200and user interface300, which is also substantially equal to the width of shaker opening112. Channel116is defined by a bottom wall122and a pair of side walls124. Bottom wall122varies in depth and orientation as channel116extends between first end118and second end120. For example, an area of channel116configured to receive the transition region between flap200and user interface300(e.g., an area centrally located on end wall108, etc.), has a greater depth than an area near first end118and an area near second end120. The area of increased depth may provide clearance for the movement of flap200and user interface300.

End wall108also defines a recess126for receiving retaining member400. According to an exemplary embodiment, recess126has a shape corresponding to the shape of retaining member400and a depth that allows a top surface of retaining member400to be substantially coplanar or flush with end wall108and flap200when retaining member400is secured to body portion100. Such a configuration advantageously provides closure20with a more uniform appearance. Recess126is defined by a bottom wall128and a side wall130which is substantially perpendicular to bottom wall128. According to the embodiment illustrated, recess126has a substantially circular shape and is centrally located relative to end wall108. As shown, recess126is not continuous across end wall108, but rather is interrupted by channel116and shaker opening112. According to the various alternative embodiments, recess126may take any one of a plurality of different shapes (e.g., square, triangular, oval, rectangular, trapezoidal, tear-drop shaped, football shaped, etc.) depending on the shape of retaining member400.

Bottom wall128of recess126defines a receiving structure, shown as a plurality of coupling apertures132, located around channel116in end wall108. According to an exemplary embodiment, coupling apertures132are circular and have a diameter on the top side of bottom wall128that is greater than the diameter on the bottom side of bottom wall128to create a receiving profile (e.g., funnel-shape, cone, wedge, countersink, taper, etc.) to receive the corresponding coupling structure provided on retaining member400. According to the embodiment illustrated, eight coupling apertures132are provided—four on a first lateral side of channel116and four on a second lateral side of channel116. According to the various alternative embodiments, any number of coupling apertures132may be provided in bottom wall128to correspond to the coupling structure of retaining member400. According to other alternative embodiments, coupling apertures132may take any one of a plurality of different shapes (e.g., square, triangular, oval, rectangular, trapezoidal, tear-drop shaped, football shaped, etc.). According to further alternative embodiments, coupling apertures132may be provided outside of recess and anywhere along end wall108. According to still further alternative embodiments, the receiving structure may include pegs, projections, or other types of suitable coupling structures that are configured to cooperate with corresponding structure or structures provided on retaining member400.

End wall108further includes one or more projections (e.g., raised skirts, stacking lips, nesting rings, etc.), shown as rims134aand134b, that extend at least partially around end wall108. Rims134aand134bare provided so that a bottom surface of a receptacle a container that is stacked on top of closure20may be supported directly on end wall108such that rims134aand134brestrain the receptacle from significant lateral movement. According to the embodiment illustrated, rims134aand134bare offset inwardly from side wall102and are shaped to substantially correspond to the shape of side wall102. Rim134ais shown as extending between indentation110and shaker opening112on a first lateral side of channel116, while rim134bis shown as extending between indentation110and shaker opening112on an opposite second lateral side of channel116. According to an exemplary embodiment, an inside edge of rims134aand134bis substantially adjacent to side wall130of recess126. Each of rims134aand134bare shown as having a substantially triangular cross-section. The height and width of rims134aand134bmay vary depending on how the bottom of the receptacle is shaped. According to the various alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of rims134aand134bmay be any known or otherwise suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, trapezoidal, rounded, L-shaped, etc.). According to other alternative embodiments, the height and width of rims134aand134bmay be provided in any suitable range such as, for example, a height and a width that causes the bottom of a stacked container to be lifted or elevated above the end wall108of body portion110.

Referring toFIGS. 8 through 10, flap200of closure20is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Flap200is supported by body portion100and is configured to be selectively moved between a first or closed position in which shaker opening112is closed (e.g., concealed, at least partially concealed, etc.) and a second or open position in which shaker opening112is open (e.g., exposed, at least partially exposed, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, flap200is configured for pivotal movement between the closed position and the open position.

Flap200is shown as a substantially flat and rectangular member having a first end202that is configured to cover shaker opening112and a second end204that provides for the pivotal movement of flap200. The width of flap200corresponds approximately to the width of channel116so that when flap200is supported at body portion100, flap200and end wall108of body portion100provide a smooth and uniform appearance.

According to an exemplary embodiment, first end202of flap200is tapered and does not extend past side wall102when moved to the closed position. Flap200has a projection206(e.g., clean-out rings, etc.) extending perpendicularly downward from an underside of first end202of flap200and corresponding to shaker opening112. According to the embodiment illustrated, projection206has a tear-drop shape and is sized slightly smaller than shaker opening112. According to the various alternative embodiments, projection206may be the same size or slightly larger than shaker opening112so that projection206will frictionally engage shaker opening112when flap200is moved to a closed position.

According to an exemplary embodiment, projection206has a substantially rectangular cross-section. According to the various alternative embodiments, the lower, outside edge (or a portion of the edge) of projection206may be relieved (e.g., radiused, angled, sloped, chamfered, beveled, etc.) to facilitate entry of projection206in shaker opening112. The extension of projection206into shaker opening112tends to reduce the likelihood of sifting or other leakage of material in the receptacle out from beneath flap200when flap200is in the closed position. According to an exemplary embodiment, the length of projection206is sufficient to allow the end of projection206to at least extend through shaker opening112. According to the various alternative embodiments, the length of projection206may be sufficient to allow projection206to extend only a portion of the way through shaker opening112. By adjusting the length and/or size of projection206, the amount of force required to fully close (and open) shaker flap200can be adjusted or modified as desired.

Provided at second end204of flap200is a pivot rod or shaft208that defines an axis about which flap200is configured to pivot when moving between the closed position and the open position. To support pivot shaft208, flap200includes a side wall210at each lateral side of second end204. According to the embodiment illustrated, pivot shaft208includes a first projection212extending outward from side wall210at a first lateral side of flap200and a second projection214extending outward from side wall210at an opposite second lateral side of flap200. First projection212and second projection214are configured to between received within recesses defined by end wall108of body portion100. For example, first projection212and second projection214are received with recesses136(shown inFIG. 5) defined by bottom wall128of recess126and side walls124of channel116. According to the embodiment illustrated, first projection212and second projection214each have a substantially circular cross section, but alternatively, may have any of a number of cross sectional shapes that will permit the pivotal movement of flap200.

Still referring toFIGS. 8 through 10, user interface300is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As detailed above, flap200is configured for pivotal movement between the closed position and the open position. To move flap200from the closed position to the open position, flap200is not intended to be directly engaged by a user, but rather, is configured to be indirectly engaged by a user. It has been discovered that flap200may be easier for a user to open through indirect engagement rather than direct engagement. To facilitate the indirect opening of flap200, user interface300is provided. A user directly engages or otherwise manipulates user interface300to move flap200between the closed position and the open position.

According to an exemplary embodiment, user interface300is supported by body portion100and is configured to be selectively moved between a first position in which flap200is in the closed position and a second position in which flap200is pivoted upward and is in the open position. According to the embodiment illustrated, user interface300is configured for sliding movement between the first position and the second position. Further, user interface300is configured to slide towards shaker opening112(e.g., towards a central portion of body portion100, etc.) to open flap200and to slide away from shaker opening112(e.g., towards side wall102, etc.) to close flap200.

User interface300is shown as a substantially flat and rectangular member having a first end302that is configured to be engaged or otherwise manipulated by a user and a second end304that is configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to flap200. The width of user interface300corresponds approximately to the width of channel and flap200so that when user interface300is supported at body portion100, user interface300and end wall108of body portion100provide a smooth and uniform appearance.

According to an exemplary embodiment, first end302of user interface300does not extend past side wall102when moved between the first position and the second position. First end302has a projection306extending downward from a top surface of first end302. Projection306is configured to be engaged by the user and includes an angled surface308to further facilitate engagement. Angled surface308may include indicia or a marking to provide guidance to a user that this is the portion of user interface300that should be engaged to open flap200. Angled surface308may also be textured (e.g., include a plurality of spaced apart ribs, etc.) to provide a frictional engagement between the user and user interface300(e.g., to ensure a positive engagement between the user and user interface300, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, flap200and user interface300are integrally-formed as a single unitary body. In such an embodiment, a transition area or central region150(e.g., web, panel, bridge, strip, etc.) is provided between flap200and user interface300. Central region150provides a structure for joining flap200and user interface300. According to the embodiment illustrated, central region150includes a first end152that is coupled to a lower edge of a rear wall216of flap200and a second end154that is coupled to a lower edge of second end304of user interface300. Provided at first end152is a hinge (e.g., a living hinge, etc.) that allows flap200to pivot relative to central portion150and user interface300. The hinge may be defined by an area of reduced thickness (e.g., slot, cut away, recess, crevice, channel, etc.) or formed using any suitable technique.

According to the embodiment illustrated, central portion150is orientated lower than flap200and user interface300. To accommodate the lower orientation of central portion150, channel116includes the area of increased depth. Central portion150is lower so that flap200can fold back over central portion150when flap200is pivoted to the open position. For this reason, the length of central portion150is substantially equal to the height of rear wall216(e.g., the portion of flap200that folds back over central portion150, etc.).

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, retaining member400is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Retaining member400is configured to be coupled to body portion100for securing flap200and user interface300relative thereto. Retaining member400secures flap200and user interface300relative to body portion100by being positioned at least partially over flap200and user interface300. In such a configuration, flap200and user interface300are captured (e.g., trapped, sandwiched, etc.) between end wall108of body portion100and retaining member400. Retaining member400captures flap200and user interface300in such a manner that permits flap200to pivot between the closed position and the open position and that permits user interface300to slide between the first position and the second position.

According to an exemplary embodiment, retaining member400is a substantially circular member configured to be received by recess defined in end wall108of body portion100. Retaining member400has a thickness that allows retaining member400to be substantially flush with end wall108when coupled to body portion100. According to the embodiment illustrated, retaining member400is configured to conceal or cover central portion150. When flap200is in the closed position, retaining member400cooperates with end wall108, flap200and user interface300to provide a substantially continuous and smooth top surface for closure100.

Retaining member400is shown as including a first cutout area402configured to receive flap200, and a second cutout area404configured to receive user interface300. First cutout area402includes a rear wall406that is substantially straight and which is configured to engage a top surface of flap200when flap200is pivoted to the open position. Second cutout area404includes a rear wall408that substantially convex and which is configured to engage a back surface of projection306when user interface300is moved to the second position. According to the various alternative embodiments, rear wall406and rear wall408may have any of a number of shapes depending on the configurations of flap200and user interface300.

To facilitate the coupling of retaining member400to body portion100, retaining member400includes an engaging structure (e.g., coupling member, attachment device, etc.), shown as a plurality of projections410(e.g., legs, tubes, plugs, etc.), extending from an underside of retaining member400. According to an exemplary embodiment, retaining member400includes eight projections410. Projections410are each shown having a cylindrical base412and a lower, outer ridge414(e.g., rib, collar, barb, etc.). Projections410are configured to extend into coupling apertures132such that ridges414engage the lower surface of end wall108or lower corner of coupling apertures132to retain retaining member400in a coupled relationship with body portion100. According to the various exemplary embodiments, projections410may take any one of a plurality of different shapes (e.g., square, triangular, oval, rectangular, trapezoidal, tear-drop shaped, football shaped, etc.) and be provided in different numbers to correspond to the receiving structure provided within end wall108.

According to an exemplary embodiment, base portion100, flap200, user interface300and retaining member400may be formed in separate molds and then joined to form closure20by a suitable assembly procedure. According to an exemplary embodiment, flap200and user interface300are integrally formed to provide a one-piece unitary member. To assemble closure20for such a configuration, the one-piece unitary member is arranged on body portion100such that first projection212and second projection214of pivot shaft208are received by recesses136with flap200being positioned over shaker opening112. With the one-piece unitary member in such a position, retaining member400can be attached to body portion100by aligning and engaging projections410with coupling apertures132. Once retaining member400is attached, the one-piece unitary body is captured between body portion100and retaining member400in a manner that secures the one-piece unitary member to body portion100but still allows for the pivotal movement of flap200and the sliding movement of user interface300.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, the operation of closure20between the closed position and the open position will be described. To move flap200from the closed position (shown inFIG. 14) to the open position (shown inFIG. 13), a user applies a force on projection306of user interface300. Optimally, the force applied by the user is in a direction towards the center of closure20and somewhat parallel to end wall108. The user may apply such a force directly (e.g., by using a thumb, finger, etc.) or indirectly (e.g., by using a manipulation device or tool, etc.). The force applied by the user causes user interface300to slide within channel116towards the center of closure20. As user interface300slides towards the center of closure20, flap200begins to pivot about pivot shaft208. As flap200pivots about pivot shaft208, flap200also folds back over central region150the one-piece unitary member by rotating about hinge156. According to an exemplary embodiment, user interface300can slide towards the center of closure20until projection306engages rear wall408of second cutout area404. According to the embodiment illustrated, flap200has been rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to end wall108when projection306engages rear wall408. According to the various alternative embodiments, flap200may be provided at any angle relative to end wall108when projection306engages rear wall408. According to other alternative embodiments, the angular displacement of flap200may be controlled by a structure other than projection306engaging rear wall408. For example, a stop mechanism or tab may be provided on end wall108to limit the movement of flap200. To return flap200to the closed position, the user can either directly push downward on flap200or may slide user interface300in the opposite direction until flap200is returned to the closed position.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the closure for a container provided in this specification are illustrative only. Although only a few exemplary and alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these embodiments (such as variations in features such as orientation of flaps, skirts and corresponding recesses; variations in sizes, structures, shapes, dimensions and proportions of the flaps, recesses, projections, skirts, stiffeners and other elements; variations in the flap hinge arrangements, number of flaps, configuration and operation of flap closure structures and systems, arrangement and proportioning of spoon and shaker openings, use of materials, colors, combinations of shapes, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. For example, the closure may be adapted and sized for use on any type of receptacle, or for use on receptacles of different sizes, and/or the closure may be used for dispensing a variety of different materials or contents. The body portion may be adapted for use on a receptacle with a square, rectangular, or other shaped mouth or opening, or the shaker opening may be replaced with more than one opening (e.g., a tear-drop, triangular, rectangular, circular, oval, or other shaped openings) and be configured to pour one or more of a variety of different materials. According to other alternative embodiments, the closure may be adapted for coupling to a receptacle by a threaded interface or by a snap-on ring or other press-fit engagement structure. According to other alternative embodiments, the flap and the user interface may be formed as separate members. It is readily apparent that each of the different embodiments and elements of the closure may be provided in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, combinations, etc. It is also readily apparent that the interfaces and structures for sealing and/or retaining the flap may be designed with any profile and configuration suitable for securing the flap to the body portion. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the inventions as defined in any appended claims.

The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In any claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the exemplary and other alternative embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions as expressed in any appended claims.