CONFIGURABLE CABLE DOLLY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT PULLEYS AND METHODS FOR USING SAME

Disclosed herein are a configurable cable dolly and pulleys and methods for using same. A cable dolly includes a frame including a pair of reel spool arm placement holes, a handle attached to a top part of the frame, a reel spool arm removeably positioned in the pair of reel spool arm placement holes, a pair of reel spool arm clamps attached to the frame, the pair of reel spool arm clamps configured to clamp the reel spool arm to the frame, a pair of wheels attached to the frame, and a base attached to the frame.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to telecommunications equipment.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunications service providers provide services to users, subscribers, or customers (collectively “users”) at their premises via a cable system in addition to other telecommunications infrastructure. The cable system can be a coaxial cable system, a fiber optics cable system, a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) cable system, and/or combinations thereof (collectively “data cable”). The cable systems are laid underground, using telephone or other utility poles or structures, and/or combinations thereof. Laying of cable can involve carrying or transportation of heavy cable rolls, e.g., weighing 200 lbs. and pulling, throwing, or dropping the cable underground or via aerial spans, respectively, which can run over 100 to 200 feet in distance. Moreover, hazards have to be accounted for, such as cars, people, bicycles, and/or other stationary and non-stationary objects.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are telecommunications equipment and methods for using the telecommunications equipment to lay cable.

In implementations, a cable dolly includes a frame including a pair of reel spool arm placement holes, a handle attached to a top part of the frame, a reel spool arm removeably positioned in the pair of reel spool arm placement holes, a pair of reel spool arm clamps attached to the frame, the pair of reel spool arm clamps configured to clamp the reel spool arm to the frame, a pair of wheels attached to the frame, and a base attached to the frame.

In implementations, a telecommunications apparatus includes a cable dolly, a plurality of pulleys, and a traveler pulley. The cable dolly includes a first removeable reel spool arm configured to hold a guy wire spool and a rope spool and a second removeable reel spool arm configured to hold a data cable spool. The traveler pulley is configured be attached to a rope from the rope spool and a data cable from the data cable spool. The one or more of the plurality of pulleys are attached to at least one of a span wire spanning two poles, a pole, or a premises. A guy wire from the guy wire spool is connected to the attached pulleys. The traveler pulley is deployed on the guy wire and configured to be moved by the rope across the guy wire. The data cable is laid out from the second removeable reel spool arm to the premises by moving the traveler pulley.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures and descriptions provided herein may be simplified to illustrate aspects of the described embodiments that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein disclosed processes, machines, and/or manufactures, while eliminating for the purpose of clarity other aspects that may be found in typical similar devices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may thus recognize that other elements and/or steps may be desirable or necessary to implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments, a discussion of such elements and steps may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art in light of the discussion herein.

Embodiments are provided throughout so that this disclosure is sufficiently thorough and fully conveys the scope of the disclosed embodiments to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific aspects, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain specific disclosed details need not be employed, and that embodiments may be embodied in different forms. As such, the exemplary embodiments set forth should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The steps, processes, and operations described herein are thus not to be construed as necessarily requiring their respective performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as a preferred or required order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed, in place of or in conjunction with the disclosed aspects.

Yet further, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, steps or aspects, these elements, steps or aspects should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element or aspect from another. Thus, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, step, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, step, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

The non-limiting embodiments described herein are with respect to cable dollies and pulleys and methods for using thereof. The cable dollies and pulleys and methods for using thereof may be modified for a variety of applications and uses while remaining within the spirit and scope of the claims. The embodiments and variations described herein, and/or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope and spirit. The descriptions herein may be applicable to all embodiments of the fusion packages and the methods for making the fusion packages.

Disclosed herein are implementations of cable dollies and pulleys and methods for using thereof. The implementations shown are illustrative and other implementations are within the scope of the specification and claims described herein. For purposes of illustration, certain aspects, features, and the like are described with respect to implementations. These aspects, features, and the like are appropriately applicable to and interchangeable with other implementations described herein.

In some implementations, the cable dollies and pulleys and methods for using thereof increase and improve production by targeting fatigue from strenuous cable routing. The system includes multiple telecommunications equipment which collectively enable a reduction in strain on a service provider personnel back, lower limbs and upper body by simplifying a complex cable installation or replacement drop routing process to a singular modular form. The system assists service provider personnel by preventing onset of fatigue by eliminating a large amount of physical work involved in the service of cable drops (service lines) by spreading weight loads over the telecommunications equipment. This helps service provider personnel have more energy and be less prone to injury.

In some implementations, the telecommunications equipment includes a cable dolly which has a built-in stand or cable deployment configuration that helps the service provider personnel transport and set up for aerial drop routing through a pulley system. In some implementations, the cable dolly includes a built-in device for easily drawing out underground cable over a long span efficiently and more readily. In some implementations, the cable dolly includes a cable catchment tool to enable the service provider personnel to quickly tidy long lengths of cable to be disposed of in an efficient and convenient manner.

In some implementations, the telecommunications equipment includes a system of pulleys that enable the service provider personnel to route the heavily resistant surface of a drop cable aerially instead of having to first roll out the cable to ensure no kinks occur when drawing longer drops.

In some implementations, the telecommunications equipment includes a tray for the transportation of equipment boxes and tools over distance to lower fatigue.

In some implementations, the telecommunications equipment includes a guy wire system for transporting aerial cable across busy or wide roads with no impedance to normal traffic, ensuring drop height is met more efficiently and matching power cable aerial routes and state guidelines.

In some implementations, the telecommunications equipment includes a traveler pulley and rope to replace aerial cable damaged by debris or water-logged in contrast to using an attach to old cable and pull through method.

The described implementations provide an apparatus and method for service cable installation and delivery, including all variations implied by its use or design. A cable dolly and accessories are provided for the methodical, systematic, design, and implementation of service cable in the telecommunications industry. An all-encompassing, ergonomically safe system for the routing, handling, and delivery of telecommunications service cable by service provider professionals. A free-standing, configurable cable caddy and/or dolly with cable spooling apparatus with industry and service specific adaptations for modular implementation in cable distribution networks and the like.

FIG.1Ais a view of an example cable dolly1000in accordance with implementations. The cable dolly1000includes a frame1100, an adjustable handle1200, a removeable reel spool or catchment arm (collectively “removeable reel spool arm”)1300, a pair of reel spool arm clamps1400, a removeable tray1500, a spool meter1600, a set of wheels1700, a set of wheel brakes1750, and a base1800. The adjustable handle1200, the removeable reel spool arm or catchment arm1300, the pair of reel spool arm clamps1400, the removeable tray1500, the spool meter1600, the set of wheels1700, the set of wheel brakes1750, and the base1800are connected to or attached to (collectively “connected to”) to the frame1100. The frame1100, the adjustable handle1200, the removeable reel spool arm1300, the pair of reel spool arm clamps1400, the set of wheel brakes1750, and the base1850can be made of aluminum, steel, and/or other suitable materials. The removeable tray1500can be made of metal, plastic, rubber, and/or other suitable materials.

The adjustable handle1200enables the cable dolly1000to be adjusted to a service provider personnel. The adjustable handle1200cane be adjusted by pulling on one or more handle clips1210and adjusting the adjustable handle1200accordingly. The one or more handle clips1210can be positioned or placed in adjustment holes present in the adjustable handle1200.

The removeable reel spool arm1300includes a catchment section1310and a pair of collapsible arms1320,1322on each end of the catchment section1310. The catchment section1310includes one or more catchment mechanisms1312for attachment of a cable, data cable, rope1314, guy wire, steel wire, and the like (collectively “cable” unless otherwise specified). In the instance there are two or more catchment mechanisms, a separator1316can be attached to the removeable reel spool arm1300. The one or more catchment mechanisms1312can be used to roll up the cable, carry cable, or pull cable from the cable dolly1000, as applicable and appropriate. In an example, the cable can be disconnected from a catchment mechanism and the removeable reel spool arm1300can be removed from the frame1100, causing the cable to drop to the ground. Each collapsible arm of the pair of collapsible arms1320,1322can include a first arm portion1324and a second arm portion1326. The second arm portion1326can include a removeable grip1327. The first arm portion1324and the second arm portion1326are interconnected and configurable to form a right angle configuration and a lockable configuration.

The removeable reel spool arm1300can be used after placement of the removeable reel spool arm1300into spool arm placement holes, as shown inFIG.1D, in the frame1100as more clearly shown and described with respect toFIG.1Dherein below. Once fitted into the frame1100, the removeable reel spool arm1300is kept in place by placing the first arm portion1324and the second arm portion1326in the lockable configuration. In the lockable configuration, the first arm portion1324and the second arm portion1326are in a straight or linear position with respect to each other and the pair of reel spool clamps1400can be used to secure the removeable reel spool arm1300. When the service provider personnel needs to use the removeable reel spool arm1300, the first arm portion1324and the second arm portion1326are placed in the right angle configuration. The number of removeable reel spools1300in a cable dolly1000is variable. In some implementations, there can be a removeable reel spool arm1300for the guy wire and/or rope and a removeable reel spool arm1300for data cable.

The set of wheels1700can be used for moving the cable dolly1000. The set of wheel brakes1750are used to lock the set of wheels1700when the cable dolly1000is in a standing or cable deployment mode.

The removeable tray1500can be used for clipping other tools to the cable dolly1000, can be a bag for holding other tools, and the like. The base1800can be used for carrying items in addition to looped cable. The spool meter1600can be used to measure a width of looped cable.

FIG.1Bis a side view of the cable dolly1000in a standing configuration. As noted, the handle1200is adjustable. This can be achieved by removing and replacing a pin1212after adjusting a height of the handle1200. In the standing configuration ofFIG.1B, the cable dolly1000shows a kickstand1900for stabilizing the cable dolly1000when cable is being reeled in or cable is being reeled out. In some implementations, the kickstand1900includes a peg1910for insertion into the ground. The peg1910is retractable in the kickstand1900and deployed by disengaging a pin1912holding the peg1910in the kickstand1900. When the kickstand1900is not use, the kickstand1900is latched to the frame1100using a kickstand latch1920on the frame1100. In the standing configuration, the wheel brake1750is positioned against the wheel1700to prevent movement of the cable dolly1000.

FIG.1Cis another view of the cable dolly1000ofFIG.1A. As stated, the cable dolly1000can include multiple removeable reel spools. In this view, there is shown the removeable reel spool arm1300and a removeable reel spool arm1330for carrying a data cable1340. The removeable reel spool arm1300is latched to the frame1100using the reel spool arm clamps1400. The removeable reel spool arm1330is latched to the frame1100using the reel spool arm clamps1410. This view of the cable dolly1000also shows a cable groove1930for routing of underground cable.

FIG.1Dis an enlarged view of the removeable reel spool arm1300of the cable dolly1000in accordance with implementations. The removeable reel spool arm1300is fitted into a pair of reel spool arm placement holes1150and1152in the frame1100. The removeable reel spool arm1300includes the catchment section1310and the pair of collapsible arms1320,1322on each end of the catchment section1310. The catchment section1310includes the one or more catchment mechanisms1312for attachment of the rope1314, for example. Each collapsible arm of the pair of collapsible arms1320,1322can include the first arm portion1324and the second arm portion1326. The second arm portion1326can include the removeable grip1327. The first arm portion1324and the second arm portion1326are interconnected and configurable to form a right angle configuration and a lockable configuration. In the lockable configuration, the first arm portion1324and the second arm portion1326are in a straight or linear position with respect to each other and the pair of reel spool arm clamps1400can be used to secure the removeable reel spool arm1300.

FIG.1Eis a perspective view of an example cable dolly1950in accordance with implementations. The cable dolly1950can include the features described herein for the cable dolly1000. In these implementations, the cable dolly1950uses j-type hooks1960for placement of one or more removeable reel spools1300. In addition, the handles1200can be a pair of looped handle bars1220.

FIG.1Fis an enlarged view of the kickstand1900for the cable dolly1000or1950ofFIG.1Aand/orFIG.1E, respectively, in accordance with implementations. As shown the kickstand1900can in a standing configuration (dashed lines) and a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the kickstand is latched to the frame1100using a hook1960latched to an eye1962on the frame1100.FIG.1Falso shows an alternative method for locking the wheel1700. In these implementations, a hitch pin1970, which is attached to the frame1100, can be inserted into a mated opening1972on wheel1700to lock the wheel1700.

FIG.2Ais a view of an example drop routing pulley2000andFIG.2Bis a side view of the drop routing pulley2000in accordance with implementations. The drop routing pulley2000can be connected to a span wire2005as further described inFIG.6. The drop routing pulley2000includes a span clamp2010, a loop or eye hook2015, a frame2020, a guide wheel2025, and a tension bearing wheel2030. The loop or eye hook2015is connected to the span clamp2010. The frame2020is connected to the loop or eye hook2015using a rotatable coupler2017. The guide wheel2025and the tension bearing wheel2030are connected to the frame2020using rotatable couplers2027and2032, respectively. A data cable2040can be routed through an opening2035between the guide wheel2025and the tension bearing wheel2030.

FIG.2Cis a view of another example drop pulley2500andFIG.2Dis a side view of the drop pulley2500in accordance with implementations. The drop routing pulley2500can be connected to a span wire, a telephone pole, or other structure as further described inFIG.6. The drop routing pulley2500includes a loop or eye hook2510, a first frame2520, a second frame2530, and a routing wheel2540. The loop or eye hook2510includes a hitch pin or clamp mechanism2512for connecting to the span wire or the telephone pole, or other structure. The loop or eye hook2510is connected to the first frame2520. The first frame2520is connected to the second frame2530using a hinge2532and clasp2534mechanism. The second frame2530can be hinged open with respect to the first frame2520. This permits placement of a data cable in the drop pulley2500after the data cable has been attached to a traveler pulley as described herein. The wheel2540is connected to the second frame2530using a rotatable coupler2542. A guy wire and/or the data cable can be routed through an opening2545.

FIG.3Ais an example pulley3000andFIG.3Bis a side view of the pulley3000in accordance with implementations. The pulley3000can be connected to a span wire, a telephone pole, or other structure as further described inFIG.6. The pulley3000includes a pin connecting mechanism3100for connecting to the span wire, a telephone pole, or other structure. The pulley3000includes a frame3200, a pin connecting mechanism3300, and a routing wheel3400. The pin connecting mechanism3100is connected to the frame3200. The pin connecting mechanism3300is connected to the frame3200. The wheel3400is connected to the frame3200using a rotatable coupler3410. A data cable can be routed through an opening3500.

FIG.4Ais a view of an example traveler pulley4000,FIG.4Bis a side view of the traveler pulley4000, and a perspective view of the traveler pulley4000in accordance with implementations. The traveler pulley4000includes a triangular frame4100and a set of routing wheels4200. The triangular frame4100includes a first plate4110and a second plate4120. Each plate has a first section4112,4122and a second section4114,4124.

The set of routing wheels4200includes a first set of routing wheels4210and a second set of routing wheels4220. In some implementations, the number of wheels in the first set of routing wheels4210is greater than the number of wheels in the second set of routing wheels4220. The first set of routing wheels4210are connected to an upper section4212between the first section4112of the first plate4110and the first section4122of the second plate4120via couplers or rotational couplers and the second set of routing wheels4220are connected to a lower section4214between the first section4112of the first plate4110and the first section4122of the second plate4120via couplers or rotational couplers. The second section4114of the first plate4110and the second section4124of the second plate4120are connected together to form a triangular opening4300.

The traveler pulley4000travels on a guy wire4400, which is positioned in an opening between the first set of routing wheels4210and the second set of routing wheels4220. A data cable and a rope are connected to the triangular opening4300as further described inFIG.6. The traveler pulley4000pulls the data cable along the guy wire4400as the rope is pulled by a user.

FIG.5is a side view of an example cable dolly5000in a cable deployment configuration in accordance with implementations. The cable dolly5000can include the features described herein for the cable dolly1000and the cable dolly1950. The cable dolly5000includes a frame5100, handles5200, removeable reel spools5300,5310, a spool meter5400, a set of wheels5500, a set of wheel brakes5510, a base or lift plate5600, and a kickstand5700. The frame5100, the handles5200, the removeable reel spools5300,5310, the spool meter5400, the set of wheels5500, the set of wheel brakes5510, the base or lift plate5600, and the kickstand5700are connected and operable as described herein.

FIG.6is a view of an example cable deployment scenario6000in accordance with implementations. The cable deployment scenario6000includes poles6100,6110, and6120, a road6200, and a premise6300. In the cable deployment scenario6000, a data cable6400is being laid from a point A to a demarcation point6310on the premise6300. In some implementations, this could be a new cable deployment or a replacement cable deployment. In the instance of a replacement cable deployment, a cable dolly6500can be used to reel in damaged cable6510as described herein. The cable dolly6500can be the cable dolly1000,1950,5000, and/or combinations thereof in a standing configuration as described herein.

Cable dollies6600and6610are positioned in a standing configuration at point A, each cable dolly6600and6610having a spool of data cable, such as the data cable6400, ready for deployment. The cable dollies6600and6610can be the cable dolly1000,1950,5000, and/or combinations thereof in a standing configuration as described herein. In the cable deployment scenario6000, a span wire6700is already connected between the poles6100and6110. A ladder6710can be used to attach a clamp6800and one or more pulleys6810,6820, and6830, such as the drop routing pulley2000, the drop pulley2500, the pulley3000, and/or combinations thereof on the span wire6700, the pole6120, and the premise6300.

A guy wire6900can be attached to the clamp6800, pulled across the road6200and attached to the pulley6820and the pulley6830. The guy wire6900is lighter as compared to the data cable6400and can be more easily and safely pulled across the road6200. The guy wire6900can be tensioned by tying one end to the pole6110. In some implementations, another cable can be used to tension the guy wire6900using the pole6120. A traveler pulley6950can be positioned on the guy wire6900. In some implementations, multiple traveler pulleys6950can be used. A rope6952is attached to the traveler pulley6950to pull the traveler pully6950across the guy wire6900. The data cable6400is attached to the traveler pulley6950. In some implementations, a messenger of the data cable6400is attached to the traveler pulley6950. The traveler pulley6950is pulled across the road6200from point A to point B. At point B, the pulley6820, which is a drop pulley2500, is opened and the guy wire6900is removed to allow the traveler pulley6950move from point B to point C. The data cable6400is inserted into the pulley6820at this time. In some implementations, the guy wire6900can be reinserted into the pulley6820. In some implementations, the guy wire6900can be attached to the pulley6820using a p-type or j-type hook or the guy wire6900can be attached to the pole6120using another attachment mechanism as is well-known. The traveler pulley6960is then pulled from point C to point D to complete deploying the data cable6400to the demarcation point6310. The data cable6400is fed from the cable dolly6600.

Using the cable dollies and pulleys as described herein transfers the load from the service provider personnel to the cable dollies, pulleys, and guy wire. In addition, pulling the data cable6400over the road6200becomes less hazardous. Laying of data cable can be done by attached the data cable to a pedestal or pole at one end and then pulling the cable dolly to a destination. The data cable reels out as needed.

In general, a cable dolly includes a frame including a pair of reel spool arm placement holes, a handle attached to a top part of the frame, a reel spool arm removeably positioned in the pair of reel spool arm placement holes, a pair of reel spool arm clamps attached to the frame, the pair of reel spool arm clamps configured to clamp the reel spool arm to the frame, a pair of wheels attached to the frame, and a base attached to the frame.

In some implementations, the reel spool arm further includes a catchment section and a pair of collapsible arms attached to each end of the catchment section, wherein each of the pair of reel spool arm clamps is configured to clamp one of the pair of collapsible arms. In some implementations, the catchment section further includes one or more catchment mechanisms for attaching a cable. In some implementations, each of the pair of collapsible arms further includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion moveably connected to the first arm portion, where the first arm portion and the second arm portion having a right angle configuration configured to reel in cable and having a lockable configuration configured to be clamped by one of the pair of reel spool arm clamps. In some implementations, the cable dolly further includes a kickstand moveably attached to the frame, the kickstand configured to enable placement of the cable dolly in a standing configuration for deployment of cable from the cable dolly. In some implementations, the kickstand further includes a retractable peg in the kickstand configured to penetrate a ground and enable enhanced placement of the cable dolly in the standing configuration for deployment of the cable from the cable dolly. In some implementations, the frame further includes a latching mechanism configured to latch to a mating latching mechanism on the kickstand when the cable dolly is in a non-standing configuration. In some implementations, the cable dolly further includes a pair of wheel brakes configured to stop movement of the pair of wheels when the cable dolly is in the standing configuration. In some implementations, the cable dolly further includes a spool meter on the frame, the spool meter configured to indicate a length of cable present on the cable dolly. In some implementations, the frame further includes one or more handle clips configured to enable adjusting a height of the handle, the one or more handle clips configured to fit one or more holes in the handle.

In general, a telecommunications apparatus includes a cable dolly, a plurality of pulleys, and a traveler pulley. The cable dolly includes a first removeable reel spool arm configured to hold a guy wire spool and a rope spool and a second removeable reel spool arm configured to hold a data cable spool. The traveler pulley is configured be attached to a rope from the rope spool and a data cable from the data cable spool. The one or more of the plurality of pulleys are attached to at least one of a span wire spanning two poles, a pole, or a premises. A guy wire from the guy wire spool is connected to the attached pulleys. The traveler pulley is deployed on the guy wire and configured to be moved by the rope across the guy wire. The data cable is laid out from the second removeable reel spool arm to the premises by moving the traveler pulley.

In some implementations, each of the first removeable reel spool arm and the second removeable reel spool arm further includes a catchment section and a pair of collapsible arms attached to each end of the catchment section, wherein each reel spool arm clamp of a pair of reel spool arm clamps is configured to clamp one of the pair of collapsible arms. In some implementations, the catchment section further includes one or more catchment mechanisms for attaching to a cable. In some implementations, each of the pair of collapsible arms further includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion moveably connected to the first arm portion, where the first arm portion and the second arm portion having a right angle configuration configured to reel in cable and having a lockable configuration configured to be clamped by one of the pair of reel spool arm clamps. In some implementations, the cable dolly further includes a kickstand configured to enable placement of the cable dolly in a standing configuration for deployment of the data cable from the cable dolly. In some implementations, the kickstand further includes a retractable peg in the kickstand configured to penetrate a ground and enable enhanced placement of the cable dolly in the standing configuration for deployment of the data cable from the cable dolly. In some implementations, the cable dolly further includes a latching mechanism configured to latch to a mating latching mechanism on the kickstand when the cable dolly is in a non-standing configuration. In some implementations, the cable dolly further includes a pair of wheel brakes configured to stop movement of a pair of wheels when the cable dolly is in the standing configuration. In some implementations, the cable dolly further includes a spool meter on the frame, the spool meter configured to indicate a length of cable present on the cable dolly. In some implementations, the cable dolly further includes one or more handle clips configured to enable adjusting a height of a handle, the one or more handle clips configured to fit one or more holes in the handle.

Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.