Foldable swing having rotatable handle

A child swing includes a swing frame and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions. The swing may further include a swing seat and at least one hanger arm rotationally coupled to the swing frame and supporting the swing seat. The at least two positions may include a lift position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged above the rotational axis, an open access position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged rearward of the rotational axis, an entertain position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward of the rotational axis, and a storage position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward and below the rotational axis.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a rotatable handle for a swing. More specifically, this invention relates to a rotatable handle for a foldable child swing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of child or infant swings are known in the art. Typically, such swings include a support frame, hanger arms pivotably attached to the support frame, and a seat attached to the hanger arms.

It is also known to include a handle on the swing to allow a user to carry the swing. The handle is rigidly attached to the support frame, but the swing seat can sway back-and-forth as the swing is carried, which makes the swing somewhat awkward to move.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention relates to a swing that comprises a swing frame and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions. The swing further may comprise a swing seat and at least one hanger arm rotationally coupled to the swing frame and supporting the swing seat. The at least two positions may include a lift position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged above the rotational axis, an open access position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged rearward of the rotational axis, an entertain position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward of the rotational axis, and a storage position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward and below the rotational axis.

According to the present invention, in the lift position, the swing handle may be locked to prevent rotation of the swing handle relative to the swing frame. In the open access position, the swing handle may be stopped from any further rearward rotation relative to the swing frame. In the entertain position, a detent mechanism may frictionally resist rotational motion by the swing handle in a forward or rearward direction relative to the swing frame. In the storage position, the swing handle may be nested between a seat back and a seat bottom of the swing when the swing is folded.

The swing also may comprise a handle support structure supported by the swing frame, and the swing handle may comprise a handle portion and a support interface portion. The support interface portion may be attached to the handle support structure. In addition, the handle portion may comprise at least one electronic device and electrical wiring extending from the at least one electronic device to the support interface portion. The electronic device may be a light producing device and/or a sound producing device. The support interface portion and the handle support structure may include at least one moving contact assembly to provide electrical contact between the handle support structure and the support interface portion, and the electrical wiring may electrically contact the at least one moving contact assembly. The moving contact assembly may be configured to maintain electrical contact over a rotational angle range as the swing handle rotates relative to the handle support structure, and this rotational angle range may correspond to the angular range about the entertain position of the swing handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. An effort has been made to use the same reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1illustrates a swing1according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The swing1has a foldable frame and a reclinable swing seat20that can be moved between a fold position, a first, upright in-use position, and a second, reclined in-use position. The swing1also includes a handle60that can be used to carry the swing. The handle60can be rotated between at least two positions. For example, in one embodiment, the handle60can be rotated between four positions, including: an open access position during which a child can be seated in the swing, a lift and lock position during which the swing can be carried by the handle, an entertain position during which a child seated in the swing can view lights and/or other play features of the handle, and a storage position during which the handle can be compactly stored when the frame is folded. The number of positions may also be more than four.

The swing1generally includes a support frame10, a seat20having a seat back22and a seat bottom24, and pair of hanger arms30that connect the seat20to the support frame10. The seat back22is pivotally connected to the hanger arms30at pivots P1, and the seat bottom24is pivotally connected to the hanger arms30at pivots P2.

The support frame10generally includes front legs12, rear legs14, a front cross member16extending between the front legs12, a rear cross member18extending between the rear legs14, and first and second housings50. In the illustrated embodiment, the front legs12of the support frame10are fixedly connected to the respective housings50, and the rear legs14of the support frame10are pivotally connected to the respective housings50to allow the swing1to fold, as will be explained below. Alternatively, the front legs can be pivotally connected to the respective housings, and the rear legs can be fixedly connected to the respective housings. In a further embodiment, both the front and rear legs can be pivotally connected to the housings. The fold swing operation will be described below in connection withFIGS. 7-9.

The support frame10, in addition to supporting the support hangers30and ultimately the seat20, also supports a swing handle60, which is part of a swing handle assembly. The swing handle60is rotationally connected at either end to the housings50and to the hanger arms30. The operation and structure of the swing handle assembly will be described below in connection withFIGS. 12-21.

The swing1also can include a power supply52within one of the housings50for supplying power to a motor to drive the motion of the swing1and/or for supplying power to the swing's electronic devices. The power supply52may comprise, for example, a battery holder for holding batteries.

As mentioned above, the swing seat20can be moved between a fold position, a first, upright in-use position, and a second, reclined in-use position. More specifically, the seat back22of the swing seat20is positionable in a first, upright in-use position, in a second, reclined in-use position in which the seat back22is adjusted rearward relative to its first in-use position, and in a fold position in which the seat back22is adjusted forward relative to its first, upright in-use position. While the frame10of the swing1is in-use, that is, erect, the seat back22can be positioned in its first and second in-use positions, and, when the frame10is folded for storage, the seat back22can be positioned in its fold position.

The seat recline mechanism will now be described in connection withFIGS. 2-6. The seat recline mechanism includes a latch200positioned on each side of the seat back22for engagement with the respective hanger arms30.FIG. 2is a detail view of the right side of the seat back22and the latch200. Although the figures generally show the structural relationship between the seat20and the hanger arms30by reference to only one hanger arm30, it will be understood that, in the illustrated embodiment, the seat-hanger arm relationship on the left and right sides of the swing are mirror images.

The seat back22includes a channel210molded along at least a portion of the perimeter of the rear surface23of the seat back22. Upper and lower ribs220,230are positioned in the channel210for capturing the latch200therebetween. The seat back22also includes a slot240adjacent the ribs220,230for receipt of a portion of the latch200. As seen inFIG. 2, the latch200is spaced from the pivot P1.

The latch200has a U-shaped segment250configured for insertion into the channel210between ribs220,230, a flange260at one end of the U-shaped segment250, and a locking ridge270at the other end of the U-shaped segment250. The flange260is configured for insertion into slot240in a snap fit to secure the latch to the seat back22.FIG. 3illustrates the latch200positioned in the channel210of the seat back22, with flange260extending through slot240. The locking ridge270is configured to engage latch-receiving members, such as ribs, on the hanger arms30to secure the seat back22in a selected in-use position.

The latch200also includes a segment280with finger bumps282. A user can press on the finger bumps282to flex the latch200inwardly, about the U-shaped segment250, in the direction of arrow A inFIG. 2to disengage the latch from the hanger arms30. This segment280may be visible to the user to facilitate positioning of the seat back to a desired in-use position.

FIG. 4shows the inner surface of the left-side hanger arm30in accordance with the invention, the right-side hanger arm30being a mirror image. The hanger arm30includes two through holes, one of which is labeled C1, to receive the pivot P1of the seat back22and the pivot P2of the seat bottom24, respectively. In other embodiments, the seat back22and the seat bottom24can share a common pivot, and the hanger arm can include a single hub or single through hole to receive the pivot. The hanger arm30also includes first and second ribs300,302corresponding to the first, upright in-use position and the second, reclined in-use position, respectively. To position the seat back22in the first, upright in-use position, the locking ridge270of each latch200is positioned against the first rib300of the respective hanger arm30, as shown in FIG.5. To position the seat back22in the second, reclined in-use position, the locking ridge270of each latch200is positioned against the second rib302of the respective hanger arm30, as shown in FIG.6.

As can be seen fromFIG. 2, the locking ridge270has a flat surface271and an angled surface272. Due to the configuration of the locking ridge270, the user only needs to actuate the latch200to move the seat back22in a rearward direction, for example, from the upright in-use position to the reclined in-use position. The user need not actuate the latch200to move the seat back22in a forward direction, for example, from the reclined in-use position to the upright in-use position. When moving the seat back22forward from the reclined in-use position toward the upright in-use position, the user can grip the seat back22and pivot it forward, which causes the angled surface272to ride over the first rib300. The latch200flexes inward until it passes the rib300and then restores to its at-rest configuration. At this point, the user can release the seat back22to allow the flat surface271to rest on the first rib300. The seat back22can be moved from the upright in-use position to the fold position in the same manner, that is, by simply gripping the seat back22and pivoting it forward.

In addition to ribs300,302, each hanger arm30can include a rib304on its inner surface, forward of rib302, to maintain the seat back22in the fold position. The rib304has a detent so that, when folded, the side of the seat back22comes into contact with the detent in a friction fit and is maintained in the fold position until the user pushes the seat back22rearward, away from the rib304. Similarly, the hanger arms30each can include a rib306with a detent for engagement with a side of the seat bottom24to maintain the seat bottom24in a fold position when pivoted upwardly and rearwardly, toward the seat back22.

Although only two in-use positions are shown in the figures, it will be understood that the hanger arms30can include additional ribs representative of additional in-use positions. Further, although the figures show the seat20suspended from a pair of hanger arms30, the present invention envisions a swing having a single hanger arm to suspend the seat.

The latches200can be integrally molded as a unitary body with the seat back22, or they can be fabricated separately from the seat back22and later releasably attached to the seat back22as shown in FIG.2. When fabricated separately, the latches200can have a different color than the seat back22to make them more visible to the user. In addition, the latches200can be fabricated from any suitable material, including plastic (such as acetal), steel, and aluminum. When the latch200is fabricated from a relatively rigid material, such as a metal or metal alloy, as opposed to a flexible plastic, the latching force achieved by deformation and restoration of the plastic latch material can be accomplished by a spring appropriately located relative to the metal latch200and the channel210.

The swing fold operation will now be described in connection withFIGS. 7-9.FIG. 7shows the swing in an in-use position, the seat back22in its first, reclined in-use position, and the swing handle60in its lift and lock position. A rear leg fold mechanism70is mounted to each rear leg14adjacent each housing50. To fold the swing1, the rear leg fold mechanisms70are actuated by the user so that the rear legs14can pivot relative to the housings50toward the front legs12.

FIGS. 10,10A,11A, and11B illustrate the rear leg fold mechanism in more detail. The rear leg fold mechanism generally includes a leg socket member72to which the rear leg is mounted, a release lever74, and a locking pin76connected to the release lever74. As shown inFIG. 10A, the locking pin76of the illustrated embodiment is formed as part of the release lever74; however, it will be understood that the locking pin76can be molded separately from, and then connected by a suitable fastener to, the release lever74. The socket member72is rotationally mounted to the respective housing50about pivot P3and rotates with the rear leg14between the in-use position and the fold position. The locking pin76of the release lever74is configured to be captured in slots78,80in the socket member72and the housing50, respectively. The slot78in the socket member72has a slight arc to allow the pin76to move radially outward (when the lever74is squeezed) and radially inward (when the lever74is released). The slot78in the housing50is generally C-shaped to include a lock area82, a folded detent area84, and a travel area86between the two. When the lever74is released, as shown inFIG. 11A, the pin74can remain located in the lower, lock area82and the leg14cannot rotate. When the lever74is squeezed, the pin76rotates into the travel area86in the housing slot80, and the pin76rides along this track-like area as the rear leg14is pivoted to the fold position.FIG. 8shows the rear legs14in a partially pivoted position. In this position, the locking pin76is located in travel area86. When the rear leg14is completely folded, as shown inFIG. 11B, the pin76is free to move to the folded detent area84to lock the leg14in place. This area84has a lead out angled surface88that creates a detent or soft lock. Because there is no positive lock in this area84, the legs14can be moved to the in-use position without squeezing the lever74. The degree of the angled surface88will determine the amount of force needed to move the legs14to the in-use position. Although the figures show fold mechanisms associated with the rear legs, it is envisioned that, in an alternative swing arrangement, the fold mechanisms could be associated with the front legs.

In addition to the pivoting of the rear legs14, the swing handle60is pivoted during the fold operation. The swing handle60is pivoted from an in-use position (one of the open access position, the lift and lock position, and the entertain position) to the storage position, in the direction of arrow B in FIG.8. The swing handle60can be moved to the storage position either before or after folding of the rear legs14.

Once the swing handle60is in the storage position, the seat back22and the seat bottom24are pivoted to their fold positions. That is, the seat back22and the seat bottom24are pivoted toward each other until the back and bottom22,24frictionally engage the detents of the respective ribs304,306on the inner surface of the hanger arms30. The swing handle60nests between the seat back22and bottom24when all three structures are folded.FIG. 9illustrates the swing1in its fully folded position.

If the user wants to carry the folded swing1, the user can maintain the swing handle60in the lift and lock position shown in FIG.7and fold the remaining swing structures, including the rear legs14, the seat back22, and the seat bottom24. In this regard, the swing handle assembly operates independently of the remaining fold structures.

FIG. 12illustrates a swing handle assembly100according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Such a swing handle assembly100is present at each end of the swing handle60to mount the swing handle60to the frame10(shown in FIG.1). The swing handle assembly100includes an end of the swing handle60and a handle support structure110. The handle support structure110is positioned within a respective housing50(shown in FIG.1), and it may be integrally molded with the housing50or may be attachable to the housing50. The swing handle60is rotationally coupled to the handle support structure110such that the swing handle60may rotate about a handle rotational axis RA between at least two positions. In addition, the swing handle60may include a number of electronic devices162, as shown in FIG.1.

The swing handle60may comprise a handle portion112and a support interface portion114. The support interface portion114is the portion of the swing handle60that is attached to the handle support structure110. The support interface portion114is positioned within the respective housing50(shown in FIG.1).

FIG. 13illustrates the swing handle60rotated relative to the handle support structure110so that the swing handle60is in an open access position. In this position, a central portion of the swing handle60, which includes the central portion of the handle portion112, is arranged rearward of the rotational axis of the handle60. In this application forward of the rotational axis is toward a front of the swing1and rearward of the rotational axis is toward the rear of the swing1.

In this open access position, access to the seat20is easily facilitated because the swing handle60is out of the way relative to the seat20, as illustrated inFIG. 14. Achild may be easily placed within the seat20while the swing handle60is rotated rearward. In this open access position, the swing handle60is stopped from any further rearward rotation relative to the handle support structure110and the frame10. The swing handle60is stopped relative to the support structure110when a handle stop120on the handle60meets a support stop122on the handle support structure110.

Referring toFIG. 13, the handle stop120is located on an outer peripheral wall124of the support interface portion114. The handle stop120may be shaped, for example, as a protrusion with a flat edge facing the support stop122when in contact with the support stop122. The support stop122may be shaped, for example, as a protrusion with a flat edge facing the handle stop120when in contact with the handle stop120. In particular, the support stop122may be generally L-shaped with a radial rib121of the L facing the handle stop120. The radial rib120extends radially from the axis of rotation. The radial rib121contacts the handle stop120when the handle stop120meets the support stop122. The support stop122may also include a circumferential rib123extending in a circumferential direction relative to the axis of rotation. In this respect, the support stop122has a dual function: to facilitate positioning of the swing handle60in the open access position, as explained above, and to facilitate positioning of the swing handle60in the entertain position, as will be explained below.

Rotation of the swing handle60relative to the handle support structure110to the entertain position is now described with reference toFIGS. 1,12, and15.FIG. 15illustrates the swing handle60rotated relative to the handle support structure110so that the swing handle60is in an entertain position. In this position, a central portion of the swing handle60is arranged forward of the rotational axis of the swing handle60, when the swing handle60is arranged as part of the swing. The swing handle60and handle support structure110are configured so that, when the swing handle60is in this entertain position, the central portion of the swing handle60is positioned above and/or in front of a child seated in the swing. Thus, the child would be able to easily view the swing handle60and any toys and/or electronic stimuli associated with the handle60. In this regard, the swing handle60may include features to entertain the child. As described further below, the swing handle may include electronic devices162(shown inFIG. 1) to provide lights and/or sounds for entertainment.

To maintain the swing handle60in the entertain position, the support interface portion114includes a detent mechanism that frictionally resists rotational motion by the swing handle60in a forward or rearward direction relative to the handle support structure110and the swing frame10. The detent mechanism may comprise, for example, one or more detents on one of the support interface portion114of the swing handle60and the handle support structure110. The other of the support interface portion114and the handle support structure110includes a protrusion, as part of the detent mechanism, arranged such that when the swing handle60is rotated in a first direction relative to the handle support structure110and the detent and the protrusion meet, the detent frictionally resists rotational motion by the swing handle60in the first direction or in a direction opposite to the first direction.

FIG. 15illustrates an example where the detent150is on the support interface portion114of the swing handle60. In this case, the support stop122may serve as the protrusion that frictionally resists the detent150when the detent150and the support stop122meet. Alternatively, the protrusion may be other than the support stop122.

The support stop122may be generally L-shaped, as described above with respect toFIGS. 12 and 13. The radial rib121of the L extends radially from the center of rotation and acts to stop the handle stop124, as explained with respect to the open access position of FIG.13. The radial rib121may be angled such that its radially distance from the rotation axis increases along the rotation axis. The circumferential rib123of the L extends circumferentially and engages the detent150to provide frictional engagement between the support stop122and the detent150as the detent150moves along the support stop122. The circumferential rib123and the height of the detent150are set to provide sufficient resistance to rotation to hold the swing handle60in the entertain position, but not so much resistance as to make it difficult to rotate the handle out of the entertain position.FIG. 1illustrates the swing with the handle60in the entertain position.

Rotation of the swing handle60relative to the handle support structure110to the lift position is now described with respect toFIGS. 12,16, and17.FIG. 17illustrates the swing handle60rotated relative to the handle support structure110so that the swing handle60is in the lift position. In this position, a central portion of the swing handle60is arranged generally above the rotational axis of the swing handle60, when the swing handle is arranged as part of the swing. In this lift position, the swing handle60is locked relative to the handle support structure110and frame10. The swing1may be lifted by grasping the swing handle60and lifting. Because the rotational motion of the swing handle60is locked relative to the swing frame10, the swing1may be more easily carried without awkwardness otherwise caused by freely swinging motion of the swing frame10relative to the swing handle60.

The swing handle may be locked relative to the swing frame10and handle support structure110by means of a protrusion and matching recess. For example, one of the support interface portion114of the swing handle60and the handle support structure110may include a protrusion, and the other of the support interface portion114and the handle support structure110may include a recess matched to the protrusion such that, when the protrusion is within the recess, the swing handle60is locked relative to the handle support structure110. The locking mechanism of the protrusion and recess may also incorporate a user-activated lock.

FIGS. 12 and 16illustrate an example where the protrusion160is on an inner peripheral wall164of the support interface portion114of the swing handle60, and the recess162is on an outer peripheral wall166of the handle support structure110. When the swing handle60is rotated such that the protrusion160lines up with recess162, the handle60may be grasped and lifted so that the protrusion160enters the recess162, and further rotational motion of the swing handle60relative to the handle support structure110, in either rotational direction, is prevented. The locking of the handle60relative to the handle support structure110may be released by lowering the handle60(such as by pushing on the handle60) relative to the handle support structure110to disengage the protrusion160from the recess162.FIG. 17illustrates the swing with the handle60in the lift position.

The lift and lock mechanism described above with the matching protrusion and recess provides a number of advantages. Locking action is transparent to the user with no secondary action required. Moreover, the design uses few moving parts and is easy to assemble. Further, cost effective materials can be used to achieve the desired function.

Rotation of the swing handle60relative to the handle support structure110to the storage position is now described with respect toFIGS. 12,20, and21.FIG. 21illustrates the swing handle60rotated relative to the handle support structure110so that the swing handle60is in a storage position. In the storage position, the rotational motion of the swing handle60relative to the handle support structure110need not be stopped, locked, or frictionally resisted by structures on the swing handle60and/or handle support structure110, because the relative rotation is prevented by nesting of the swing handle60between the seat back22and the seat bottom24of the seat20. The swing handle60may be nested between the seat back22and the seat bottom24of the seat20, when the swing is in a folded position.

According to one embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 12, the handle60and handle support structure110include structure to allow the handle60to be snapped onto the handle support structure110, and thereafter the handle60is rotationally fixed to the handle support structure110. In this regard, the outer peripheral wall166of the handle support structure110includes a snap finger180. When the handle60is assembled to the handle support structure110such that the inner peripheral wall164of the support interface section114passes over and past the snap finger180, the snap finger180extends radially outward and beyond a lip182of the inner peripheral wall164. This extension of the snap finger180beyond the lip182prevents the handle60from being slid off of the handle support structure110.

FIGS. 18 and 19illustrate another aspect of the invention wherein electrical wiring161extends from the handle portion112of the swing handle60into and through the support structure110so that electronic devices162(seeFIG. 1) on the handle portion112may be powered by a power supply not in the handle portion112, but in one of the housings50.

The wiring161extends into a cavity164within the handle portion112to the electronic devices162on the handle portion112. The electronic devices may be, for example, light producing electronic devices and/or sound producing electronic devices. For example, if the electronic devices162are for the entertainment of a child in the swing, one or more of the electronic devices162may be a colored light shaped as a pleasing design for a child, such as a star or a cat. The electronic devices162may also produce sounds instead of, or in addition to, light. For example, if the electronic device is a colored light shaped as a cat, the device may also produce a “meow” sound. One or more of the electronic devices162may also produce sounds such as music, for example.

The support interface portion114may include an outer peripheral wall170adjacent the handle portion112. In order to pass the wiring161from the cavity164of the handle portion112to the support interface portion114of the handle60, the outer peripheral wall170may include a slot171. The slot171allows for an electrical connection between the handle portion112and the interface portion114. An electrical connection or contact between the support interface portion114and the handle support structure110may be implemented by means of at least one moving contact assembly.

Beneficially the moving contact assembly allows electronics to be powered in a movable handle, i.e., the handle60, through wiring passing through a rotating joint, i.e., the joint of the support interface portion114and the handle support structure110.

The moving contact assembly may comprise a generally arc shaped contact172on the handle support structure110and at least one spring contact174on the support interface portion114. The spring contacts174are adapted to electrically contact the generally arc shaped contact172as the swing handle60rotates relative to the handle support structure110.

The generally arc shaped contact172may comprise a printed circuit board or conductive ink formed on a surface of the handle support structure110, for example. If the generally arc shaped contact172comprises a printed circuit board, the handle support structure110may comprise a board mounting slot, so that the printed circuit board may be fixedly attached to the handle support structure110via the board mounting slot by snapping into the slot. Alternately the printed circuit board may be fixedly attached to the handle support structure110by screws or glue. The wiring160electrically contacts the generally arc shaped contact172via spring contacts174.

The spring contacts174may be formed of any appropriate material, and may be, for example, formed of a sheet metal stamping, conductive plastic, or graphite, for example.

The spring contacts174may pass through respective slots of the at least one slot178on the support interface portion114. The wiring161may we attached to the support interface portion114by wrapping the wiring161around respective support posts301. The spring contacts174may be attached to the wiring161using a contact snap180attached to the support interface portion114. Power supply wiring (not shown) may then extend from the generally arc shaped contact172to the power supply52(shown in FIG.1).

The moving contact assembly comprising the generally arc shaped contact172and the spring contacts174provides an electrical contact between the generally arc shaped contact172and the spring contacts174as the swing handle60is rotated relative to the handle support structure110. The arc length of the generally arc shaped contact172determines the rotational range over which electrical contact is maintained between the generally arc shaped contact172and the spring contacts174, and thus the range over which power is supplied to the electronic devices162. Because the electrical devices162may need to operate only over a limited rotational range of the handle60, limiting the arc length of the generally arc shaped contact172is possible, and the limited size of the generally arc shaped contact172may beneficially reduce its cost. The electrical devices162may need to operate only over a rotational range where the swing handle60rotates over a certain angle forward and rearward of the entertain position, for example. In one embodiment, the position and arc length of the generally arc shaped contact172is configured so that the electrical devices162work at the lift position and at ±60 degrees from the lift position, where +60 degrees includes the entertain position.

As an alternative, the swing handle60itself may contain a battery support structure for containing batteries and providing power to the electronic devices162on the swing handle60. In this case, the swing handle60need not include wiring to the power supply52within the housing50.

The preferred embodiments have been set forth herein for the purpose of illustration. This description, however, should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the invention. Various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the claimed inventive concept. The true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.