Soccer kicking and soccer playing practice system

A practice area for children to sharpen their soccer skills, preferably taking place in an indoor arena or recreation room. A soccer goalkeeper is positioned in an aesthetically pleasing and inviting environment which will entice children to participate. For example, a castle can be erected having an entranceway to the castle which is actually a practice soccer goal. The goal may be varied in shape and size with varied net structures. A goalkeeper is positionable in front of a goal of the castle in an infinite number of positions. The arms, legs and torso of the simulated goalkeeper, in the form of a mannequin or a remotely controlled robot, can be varied in position so as to present various defensive postures. Once positioned, the soccer goalkeeper will maintain this position until manually repositioned or electrically manipulated to occupy a different position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a system for encouraging young children to 
practice soccer kicking and soccer playing against a poseable goalkeeper 
movably positioned in front of a soccer goal in an indoor arena. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The game of soccer as it is referred to in North America, or association 
football as it is called in most of the world, is the world's most popular 
team sport. Almost every country on Earth plays the game in some form or 
another. It is both physically and intellectually demanding, requiring 
excellent athletic skill and quick thinking. 
Various civilizations take credit for discovering the sport. The first 
record of soccer-like games acknowledge games having been played in China 
more than 2,000 years ago. Other records reflect early soccer play in 
ancient Greece, Japan, and Mexico. 
A game known as harpastrum was played by the Romans. This game spread 
throughout Europe and was probably the origin of modern soccer. 
England, however, was the starting place of the modern day game. In 1863 
the Football Association (FA) was created and uniform rules were 
established. In 1872 the first international game was played between 
England and Scotland. Soccer professionalism was legalized in England in 
1885. From there the game spread throughout the British Empire and to the 
rest of the world. 
An international governing body was established in 1904 to control the 
sport--the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). 
Today, FIFA is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, has more than 140 
member nations and oversees the soccer play of about 39 million players 
worldwide. 
FIFA rules require that the game be played on a rectangular soccer field 
between 100 and 130 yards long and between 50 and 100 yards wide. In 
international matches the field is 110 to 120 yards long and 70 to 80 
yards wide. A goal having a width of 8 yards and a height 8 feet is placed 
at each end of the field. The touchlines are located on the sides of the 
field. The goal lines are at the ends of the field. Additional markings 
include a halfway line, goal areas, penalty areas, corners, and center 
circle. 
There are 11 players on a team consisting of a goalkeeper and ten field 
players. The field players include defenders (fullbacks), midfielders 
(halfbacks), and forwards. The uniform of the game includes shorts, a 
shirt, socks, shoes, soccer goal keeper's gloves, and sometimes shin 
guards. A soccer ball is a round, inflated rubber bladder covered with 
leather or other approved material. The ball has a circumference between 
27 and 28 inches and a weight between 14 and 16 ounces. 
A referee officiates the game. The referee enforces the rules and keeps 
track of the time. Two linesmen patrol the touchlines and determine 
possession. 
The purpose of the game is to put the ball into the opponent's goal. The 
field players commonly use their feet, head, or body. Only the goalkeeper 
can touch the ball with their hands. The field players get into position 
to score by using a series of passing movements, either by kicking, 
heading, or dribbling (controlling the ball with the feet) the ball 
downfield. Players may run as many as 6 or 7 miles during the course of a 
game. The game is divided into two 45-minute halves, with the team scoring 
the most goals winning. 
The world championship of soccer is known as the World Cup. It is played 
every four years and is the most-watched sporting event in the world. The 
World Cup attracts an estimated television audience of more than 1 billion 
people. 
The sport's popularity has grown rapidly in the United States since the 
1960's through promotion by groups such as the United States Soccer 
Federation. In 1968, the North American Soccer League (NASL) was the first 
professional soccer league to compete in the United States. League play 
was suspended in 1985. 
However, in 1978 the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) began professional 
competition in the United States. Indoor soccer is a faster version of the 
outdoor game and is played on a smaller field. 
Examples of known simulated figures for use in practicing sports are 
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,909,370, 2,974,958, 3,861,676, 3,387,842, 
4,529,390, 4,934,938, 4,989,862, 5,181,725, 5,503,402, 5,527,185, Des. 
321,370. All of these patents are hereby incorporated in their entirety by 
reference. 
With reference to the individual patents, U.S. Pat. No. 2,909,370 discloses 
a boxing dummy. The dummy includes a mechanism by which when the dummy is 
struck on the head, both of its gloves are moved outwardly and/or upwardly 
toward the person striking the dummy. In addition, the head and face of 
the dummy are turned in a sidewise direction oppositely from the direction 
of a side blow to either side of the dummy's head delivered by an 
individual, and from which sidewise movement the dummy's head will 
immediately return to its normal or frontwise position. Similar movement 
occurs with the body of the dummy when a blow is delivered to either side 
of a median line on the dummy. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,974,958 it is disclosed that a miniature golf apparatus 
and game can be provided which includes a barrier having a tunnel through 
which a ball may pass and a deflector arranged behind the tunnel for 
deflecting the ball to either side. The barrier may be in the form of a 
structure having rubber barriers surrounding the openings such that the 
ball bounces back if not hit in the correct direction. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,842 it is disclosed that a self defense practice 
device is used for training in various self defense arts such as karate or 
judo. The practice dummy includes an electrically operated caming means 
for vertical oscillation of the dummy. The dummy includes markings to 
indicate the various nerve centers which are normally present in a human 
being and which, if struck in a suitably rapid and forceful manner will 
produce temporary disability, extreme pain, temporary paralysis, or 
unconsciousness. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,676 it is disclosed it is disclosed that a 
disconnectable training device can be provided for sports such as jujitsu, 
judo or karate. The training device is in the shape and size of a human 
being and includes yieldable material with the arms and the shoulder 
sections being held by means of joints which can be adjusted. Upon impact 
from an individual, the body will be disconnected from a support plate. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,390 it is disclosed that an interactive inflatable 
bag toy can be provided having a pocket for receiving and retaining a 
thrown object. The sidewalls of the pocket are biased inward by air 
pressure of the inflated body to constrict a portion of the pocket and 
facilitate retention of the object. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,938 it is disclosed that a football training dummy 
can be provided which springs back automatically when struck by a ball. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,862 it is disclosed that a basketball game practice 
device can be provided to simulate a defensive basketball player which is 
variable in height according to a particular offensive player's height and 
needs. In addition, the arms of the defensive device are individually 
rotatable. Also, the defensive device includes resilient lower limbs and 
stabilizers affixed thereto so that bumps or contact with the defensive 
device will not knock down or substantially move the defensive device. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,725 it is disclosed that a soccer shooting training 
target can be installed on an existing soccer goal. The target includes a 
plurality of individual targets having flaps sized to allow passage of a 
soccer ball. This device requires very accurate soccer kicking towards the 
corners of a soccer goal net for more advanced players. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,402 it is disclosed that a soccer practice focal 
device is provided to be mounted for quick installation and removal from a 
soccer goal. The device can thereby by utilized immediately before a 
soccer game. The focal device defines a focal area which a player mentally 
focuses on and attempts to shoot a soccer ball through. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,185 it is disclosed that an athletic training device 
can be provided in the shape of a human athlete which is vertically 
adjustable in height and having arms articulated at the elbows and 
shoulders to position the arms. In one embodiment, a soccer goalkeeper is 
mounted vertically above a base stand with a support rod extending behind 
the player. 
In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 321,370 a simulated basketball player is disclosed. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The enthusiasm shown by the world in embracing the game of soccer, has had 
an impact on the world's children. Soccer is an important developemental 
game whose qualities will enhance desirable qualities in children. 
Accordingly, it is an important object of the present invention to provide 
a practice area for children to sharpen their soccer skills, preferably 
taking place in an indoor arena. This object will be accomplished by the 
use of a simulated soccer goalkeeper, male or female, positioned in an 
aesthetically pleasing and inviting environment which will entice children 
to participate. 
For example, a castle can be erected having an entranceway to the castle 
which is actually a practice soccer goal. The goal may be varied in shape 
and size with varied net structures. 
A goalkeeper is positionable in front of a goal of a castle or other 
structural arrangements, such as a three-dimensional block model, are 
included in the scope of the present invention, in an infinite number of 
positions. The arms, legs and torso of the simulated goalkeeper, in the 
form of a mannequin or a remotely controlled robot, can be varied in 
position so as to present various defensive postures. Once positioned, the 
soccer goalkeeper will maintain this position until manually repositioned 
or electrically manipulated to occupy a different position. 
Accordingly, children can practice a goal shot against a prepositioned 
goalkeeper for an extended period of time or by frequently altering the 
position of the goalkeeper, practicing varied attacks on the goalkeeper 
over short intervals of time. 
It is understood as being within the scope of the present invention that 
when an "arena" is referred to, it may be a practice arena located indoors 
in an amusement park, within an auditorium, indoor game hall, sports 
center or even a recreation room of an apartment or commercial complex. 
The field forming the arena may include simulated grass and a separate 
protected area, having chairs and tables, for adults to monitor the 
progress of their children and maintain statistics of a child's 
improvement. This area may also be used for consuming food and drink 
without interfering with the practice field. 
In contrast to the cited patents which relate to the use of practice 
dummies, the present invention includes a system for suspending a 
simulated goalkeeper from the ceiling of an indoor arena or from the 
ground, such that the simulated goalkeeper can be maintained in an above 
ground position such as would be encountered by a diving or jumping 
goalkeeper during actual soccer play. In addition, rather than intending 
to contact the practice dummies as in the prior art, it is an object of 
the present invention to avoid contact by a soccer ball with the simulated 
soccer goalkeeper of the present invention by kicking the soccer goal 
around the goalkeeper and into the goal. 
Dependent upon the position of the goalkeeper, the child can practice 
kicking of a soccer ball into a goal which is part of an inviting, 
aesthetically pleasing structure. Creation of such an environment 
encourages young children to increase their practice time, and accordingly 
their skills. 
The movability of the simulated soccer goalkeeper is preferably obtained by 
extending a rigid tube from within a tube holder, located below ground, 
with a portion of the tube extending up into one foot, or in the case of 
two tubes, into both feet of the simulated soccer goalkeeper. In addition, 
the arms, legs and torso of the simulated soccer goalkeeper are poseable 
into an infinite number of positions which are maintained in place. 
Alternatively, the simulated soccer goalkeeper may be supported above 
ground by a weighted base having a horizontally extending support rod 
extending between the support base and the player for anchoring a free end 
of the support rod to the arms, legs or torso of the player. The support 
rod is positioned within a larger internal diameter tube mounted in the 
torso of the player. 
Another alternative for positioning the simulated soccer goalkeeper is by 
suspension from an overhead support rod slidably anchored at one end in a 
guide track suspended from the ceiling or a wall of an indoor arena. The 
opposite end of the support rod is secured to the torso of the simulated 
soccer goalkeeper so that the body of the goalkeeper is rotatably mounted 
on the support rod for suspension of the entire body of the goalkeeper 
above ground or positioned with at least one foot on the ground and the 
arms posed in a simulated diving orientation. 
Accordingly, it is another object of the present invention to provide a 
simulated soccer goalkeeper which is positionable in a variety of 
positions and in all directions so as to simulate the orientation of a 
soccer goalkeeper attempting to block a soccer goal shot. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide a soccer playing 
practice system including a simulated soccer goalkeeper which is 
positionable in front of a soccer goal in a variety of positions so as to 
enable young children to practice soccer goal shots in an indoor arena 
with a mannequin posing as the goalkeeper in a position to entice children 
to sharpen their soccer goal shot skills and to monitor their progress by 
a statistical analysis marking system. 
It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a soccer 
playing practice system having a simulated soccer goalkeeper which is 
supported by a rod extending from the ground into one of the feet of the 
goalkeeper such that the position of the goalkeeper can be manipulated in 
a position simulative of a soccer goalkeeper's position for blocking 
soccer goal shots. 
It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a soccer 
playing practice system where the soccer goalkeeper is suspended from the 
ceiling or four walls of an arena into a position simulative of an 
elevated goal protecting position in front of a soccer goal. 
It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a soccer 
playing practice system included in an indoor arena having a playing field 
and a soccer goal located within a structural form, such as a castle, 
wherein children are enticed to practicing kicking soccer goals past a 
simulated soccer goalkeeper and including a protected area for including 
adult supervision. 
These and other objects of the invention, as well as many of the intended 
advantages thereof, will become more readily apparent when reference is 
made to the following description taken in conjunction with the 
accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
In describing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the 
drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of 
clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the 
specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific 
term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner 
to accomplish a similar purpose. 
With reference to the drawings, in general, and to FIGS. 1 and 2, in 
particular, a soccer playing practice system embodying the teachings of 
the subject invention is generally designated as 30. With reference to the 
orientation in FIG. 1, the system 30 includes, preferably, an indoor 
arena, in which is located a playing field 32 made of natural grass or 
artificial turf forming a soccer playing field. An entranceway 34 is 
provided at one end 36 of the field. At the same end 36, is positioned a 
decorative structure 38. In the embodiment shown, this structure is in the 
form of a castle 40. 
The castle 40, includes an opening 42 which includes a soccer goal 44. 
Alternatively, the goal can take the form of the goal 46 shown in dotted 
lines. The goal forms a "kicking zone" for encouraging young children to 
kick a soccer ball. The size of the goal may be varied to increase the 
accuracy of the kicker. 
Positioned in front of the goal is a simulated soccer goalkeeper 48 which 
is positionable by movement of its legs, arms, head and torso into an 
infinite number of forms. The goalkeeper 48 is supported by one of a 
plurality of support systems which are either based in the ground, 
suspended from the ceiling or walls or from a support stand positioned on 
the ground from which extends a support rod. The goal forms a "kicking 
zone" for encouraging young children to kick a soccer ball. The size of 
the goal may be varied to increase the accuracy of the kicker. 
Positioned downstream from the goalkeeper 48 is an individual 50 who is 
practicing the game of soccer in an effort to increase their skill and 
ability. It is an object of the individual to kick a soccer ball 52 past 
the goalkeeper 48 and into a scoring zone so as to simulate the scoring of 
a soccer goal. This increases the individual's self-confidence and 
enjoyment of the game. 
Positioned on one side 54 of the field 32 is a protective enclosure 56 
within which may be located a plurality of chairs and tables and storage 
compartments for the shoes of the individuals who are practicing the 
soccer game. The parents of the individual may be positioned within this 
enclosure as well as coaches and/or supervising adults. From this vantage 
point, the efforts of the individual 50 can be statistically monitored. 
In FIG. 2, the goalkeeper 48 is shown positioned in front of a soccer goal 
44 having a net 56. The goalkeeper 48 is supported by a base support 58 
positioned at the rear of the soccer goal 44. An elongated rod 60 extends 
from the stand 58 and is attachable to the torso of the goalkeeper 48. The 
weight of the base support 58 maintains the position of the goalkeeper 48 
in a predetermined position. 
Alternatively, a guide track 62 mounted on the ceiling 64 of the arena may 
be used to change the location of the goalkeeper 48. In this arrangement, 
a support rod 64 extends from the guide track 62 and into the torso of the 
goalkeeper 48. The support rod 64 is movable to the left as indicated by 
arrow 66 or to the right as indicated by arrow 68. 
In addition, located to one side of the goalkeeper 48 is a second simulated 
soccer goalkeeper 70 which is positioned in a different position from the 
goalkeeper 48 and supported by support rod 72 extending to the guide track 
62. Goalkeeper 70 has both of its arms extending upwardly from one side of 
the torso as compared to goalkeeper 48 having its arms extending 
downwardly from its sides. 
Similarly, additional support rods 74 and 76 can be supported within guide 
track 62 and similarly include additional goalkeepers which are positioned 
in alternative positions to that of goalkeepers 48 and 70. Accordingly, by 
the sliding movement of the support rods 64, 72, 74 and 76, different 
positioned goalkeepers can be slid to a position in front of the soccer 
goal 44. 
As an example of the various positions within which a simulated soccer 
goalkeeper can be positioned, reference is made to FIGS. 3 through 10. It 
is understood that various support systems can be used to maintain the 
position of the goalkeepers shown in FIGS. 3 through 10. 
In FIGS. 3 and 4, the goalkeeper 78 is positioned with his legs spaced 
slightly apart, knees bent, hands on his legs, in the "ready" position. 
The legs 80, 82, are positionable in the direction of arrows 84 and 86 to 
simulate the positioning of a soccer goalkeeper for a soccer goal kick. 
This is just one example of a soccer goalkeeper's positioning in front of 
a goal for practicing of children in the taking of soccer goal kicks. 
As shown with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6, simulated soccer goalkeeper 88 is 
positionable with one elevated arm and one arm by his side. In addition, 
while both legs are slightly bent, one leg is positioned above the ground 
90. This position is simulative of a slight jumping of the goalkeeper. 
In FIGS. 7 and 8, a goalkeeper 92 is shown in a position with both arms 
extending above the goalkeeper's head and with the torso bent at an angle 
94 of approximately 140.degree.. One leg is positioned on the ground 96 
whereas the other leg is slightly lifted above the ground. 
In FIG. 9, a goalkeeper 98 is shown in a position simulative of a sudden 
throwing of the body of the goalkeeper to one side so that his arms extend 
parallel to the ground 100 at an angle of 90.degree. with respect to his 
body. The goalkeeper appears to be stretching towards a sudden soccer goal 
kick directed to the right side of the goalkeeper. 
In FIG. 10, the simulated soccer goalkeeper 102 is positioned totally above 
the ground 104. Both legs 106, 108 are positioned to appear as if the 
goalkeeper is leaping across the front of the goal in an attempt to save a 
goal. In this position, the arms extend in front of the goalkeeper, 
approximately parallel to the ground. 
As will be noted for this embodiment, an L-shaped support rod 110 extends 
from the ground 104 and then turns at a right angle to connect with the 
foot 112 at the bottom of the leg 108 of the goalkeeper. As will be 
explained in more detail with reference to the other figures, the support 
rod 110 is housed within a tube located in the ground having a greater 
diameter than the support rod. In addition, a receiving tube located 
within the leg 108 of the simulated goalkeeper 102 receives the lesser 
diameter support rod 110. The position of the goalkeeper 102 can thereby 
be supported above the ground 104. 
In FIG. 11, a structural element 114 is shown which is simulative of a 
castle as shown with respect to decorative structure 38, shown in FIG. 1. 
In this embodiment, the opening 116 appears to be a doorway or an entrance 
whereas it is actually a soccer goal 118. In front of the soccer goal 118 
is positioned the simulated goalkeeper. By the inclusion of a structural 
element 114 which has a entertaining or aesthetically pleasing appearance 
to children, they are encouraged to kick soccer goals past the simulated 
soccer goalkeeper. 
FIG. 12 includes additional details, as in FIG. 2, of one example of a 
soccer goal 44 having net 56. The goal 44 is positioned on the level of 
the ground 120 within the opening 116 of the structural element 114 as 
shown in FIG. 11. 
As described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate 
soccer goal 46 having net structure 48. The goal 46 is positioned on the 
ground 122 in the opening 116 of the structural element 114 as shown in 
FIG. 11. 
In FIG. 14, additional details of the base support 58, as shown in FIG. 2, 
is disclosed. The base support is of hollow cylindrical shape having 
weights in its interior and is supported by the ground 124. The base 
support is of sufficient weight such that one end 126 of support rod 60 
extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base support such 
that the free end 128 is engageable in a hollow tube of greater diameter, 
with the hollow tube being mounted within the torso, arms or legs of a 
simulated soccer goalkeeper. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the 
support rod 110 which extends from the ground 104 to support the 
goalkeeper 102, can extend from the base support 58 so as to position the 
goalkeeper in any possible position. 
Alternatively, a plurality of tubes 130, 132, 134, can be located below 
ground level 136 in the field 32 as shown in FIG. 1. Extending from one of 
the tubes 130, 132, 134, will be a support rod 136a, 136b or 136c as shown 
in phantom lines in FIG. 15. The opposite end of the support rod 136a, 
136b or 136c extends into a greater diameter tube located in the body of 
the simulated soccer goalkeeper. For example, in FIGS. 3, 5 and 9, a tube 
located within one of the feet of the goalkeeper located on the ground in 
these Figures, can include a hollow tube which receives a support rod 
extending from within tube 130, 132 or 134, dependent upon the positioning 
of the simulated soccer goalkeeper. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, an 
L-shaped support rod 110 may extend from tube 132, in the position shown 
by support rod 136b so as to support a goalkeeper 102 above the ground. 
In FIGS. 16 through 22, alternative methods of mounting a simulated soccer 
goalkeeper in front of a soccer goal are shown. These Figures illustrate a 
ceiling or wall mounted support rod system. 
For example, in FIGS. 16 through 18, a guide track 62 having support rod 64 
extending therefrom, is shown, as is similarly shown in FIG. 2. The 
support rod is slidably mounted in the guide rail 62 for lateral movement 
of the goalkeeper. The guide rail 62 is C-shaped having arms 138, 140 
which surround support bar 142 located at the upper end of support rod 64. 
Support bar 142 and support rod 64 are secured to each other, preferably by 
welding, to form a T-shaped support mechanism for slidably mounting a 
simulated soccer goalkeeper in a guide track. It is understood that the 
opposite end of rod 64, from the end attached to the support bar 142, 
includes an angled rod portion or is directly insertable into a lesser 
diameter tube mounted in the simulated soccer goalkeeper. By the lateral 
movement of the support rod 64, the location of the goalkeeper can be 
varied. Of course, it is understood that the arms and legs of the 
goalkeeper can be positioned in any position simulative of the protective 
posture of the goalkeeper. 
Alternatively, a support rod may take the form of support rod 144 shown in 
FIG. 19. The support rod 144 includes a hooked end 146 which is adapted to 
hang on the support bar 142 which is slidably mounted in the gap 149 of 
the guide track 62. 
In mounting the support system of the present invention in alternative 
locations, it is possible to use a plurality of metallic arms 148 (FIG. 
20) supporting a hook-like metallic plate 150, from the walls of an arena. 
The spaced arms 148 can be mounted within a wall or externally of a 
sidewall. 
Cooperating with the plate 150 is a C-shaped guide track 152, having plate 
154 mounted on top of the guide track and including a mouth portion 156 
which cooperates with a hooked portion 158 of the plate 150. It is thereby 
possible to suspend the guide track 152 from a wall as supported by spaced 
arms 148. A support bar and support rod, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 would 
then cooperate with the guide track 152 as shown in FIG. 21. 
Alternatively, a plurality of spaced supporting rods 158 can have one end 
mounted in a plate 160 mounted on the ceiling 162. An opposite end 164 of 
the support rods 158 could be secured or welded, at spaced locations, to 
an elongated C-shaped guide track 166. A support bar and support rod as 
shown with respect to 16 and 17, could cooperate with the guide track 166 
as shown in FIG. 22 to laterally slide a simulated soccer goalkeeper in 
front of a soccer goal. 
According to the present invention, a simulated soccer goalkeeper is 
positionable in front of a soccer goal into an infinite number of 
positions. In addition, with ceiling mounted or wall mounted support 
systems, the goalkeeper is laterally slidable across the opening of the 
goal. 
The practice of an individual, and their improvement may be monitored and 
tracked by an appropriate marking system. The marking system may be 
entered on paper or computer program by an adult (parent) or supervisor so 
as to chart and/or statistically monitor the progress of an individual. 
The foregoing description should be considered as illustrative only of the 
principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will 
readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the 
invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, 
and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be 
resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.