Liquid infusion device

A liquid infusion device includes a container, a container collar, a lid assembly, and a filter basket. The container has an open top, a closed sidewall, and a closed bottom. The container collar has a collar opening and is configured to couple to a rim of the open top. The lid assembly is configured to cover at least a portion of the collar opening. The filter basket is configured to hold infusion material and to be suspended from the lid assembly and into an interior of the container. The filter basket includes an open top, a bottom, and a sidewall having an opening. The infusion device can include a motor configured to impart motion to the filter basket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/669,142, which was filed on Oct. 30, 2019, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/702,727, which was filed on Sep. 12, 2017, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fluids that are infused with a substance to add flavor or other attributes, and in particular to a device for infusing the substance into the fluid, having an filter basket that rotates or otherwise agitates during the infusion process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different fluids are commonly infused with other substances in order to add a particular attribute to the fluid. As a common example, several types of beverages, such as coffee, tea, and herbal drinks, are brewed by infusing or steeping ground or shredded beverage material in water or other liquid, which can be hot or cold. Fruits can also be submerged in water, still or effervescent, to impart the fruit flavor and nutrition to the water. Herbs can be used in more concentrated form to produce a tonic or tincture. Other substances such as peppermint leaves, ginger, or bergamot can be used as a flavoring agent for a beverage, or to provide a health benefit, such as to aid digestion. Spirits can also be infused with substances to provide flavor or other attributes. For example, fruit can be infused in vodka to provide a flavored base alcohol for drinking, and ginseng root can be infused in grain alcohol to provide a health tonic. Additives can be infused beneficially in other fluids such as oils, to be used in salad dressings or other purposes such as massage or aromatherapy treatment.

In general, one or more additives, such as fruit and/or herbs, are submerged in a fluid, such as water, alcohol, or oil, which acts as a solvent to draw out attributes of the additive and infuse those attributes into the fluid. The fluid is then imbued with the attributes of the additive. The attributes can include a flavor, a nutritional aspect, and/or a digestive benefit. Of course, well-known drinks such as tea and coffee are infusions, and like any infusion can be made using either hot or cold water or other liquid.

For quick of certain beverages, such as coffee, tea, and herbal drinks, brewed by infusing or steeping ground or shredded infusion material in water, hot water is typically used. However, steeping of the infusion material in cold or room-temperature water rather than in hot water is sometimes preferred. For example, some coffee drinkers prefer the flavor provided by cold infusion, and bitterness and acidity can be avoided when infusion certain teas by steeping in unheated water rather than hot water. Such cold infusion is accomplished by submerging a portion of infusion material in unheated water for a period of time to allow the infusion material to infuse the water. Likewise, infusion of fruit essence and other substances is often preferred in unheated water so as not to alter the character of the infusion by heating. Further, most oils have heating points above which the oil becomes rancid, and therefore infusion at room temperature is preferable. While the unheated steeping process may provide a desired result, the time required for cold infusion is longer than that required for steeping in hot water.

Conventional unheated infusions require a user to submerge an amount of infusion material into the steep liquid. A measured container for a drop-in portion of infusion material would be convenient, particularly for use in an infuser that simplifies removal of the infusion material and clean-up of the device. A device that can be used for both heated and unheated infusion would provide flexibility, and it would be advantageous if the device would be configured to speed the unheated infusion process. The ability for the device to be adaptable to use loose beverage infusion material or pre-packaged infusion material in a capsule or other container, as an alternative to the infusion container, would make such a device universally useful.

It would also be advantageous to provide a feature by which the infusion time is reduced for unheated infusion. Adding an agitation or rotation feature to the device can reduce the unheated infusion time. Another manner of speeding the process would be to increase the flow of infusion liquid through the infusion material. It is possible to use a gravity feed to draw water through the infusion material using a percolator-type action, which would speed infusion time somewhat. However, if such a system were to have a motorized system outside the infusion container to provide the gravity action, the resulting device would have a large footprint that would take up considerable counter space. Also, the complexity of such a system would make it difficult to clean properly and would expose users to potential build-up of bacteria and other contaminants that could affect the taste of the beverage and the health of the user. A system could use a separate container to store and provide the water to be used in the infusion process, but this would add size and complexity to the device.

Therefore, a reliable, rapid infusion device that uses a moving filter basket to increase the fluid flow would provide an overall improved infusion experience. It would also be advantageous if such a device could be configured as a compact unit, preferably a unit that could be portable. Flexibility would be provided if the infusion system can also be used to hot-brew a beverage. Such a system that uses the infusion and serving vessel as the source of the fluid used in the infusion process would make the unit more compact and simple to use and clean.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a liquid infusion device includes a container, a container collar, a lid assembly, and a filter basket. The container has an open top, a closed sidewall, and a closed bottom. The container collar has a collar opening and is configured to couple to a rim of the open top. The lid assembly is configured to cover at least a portion of the collar opening. The filter basket is configured to hold infusion material and to be suspended from the lid assembly and into an interior of the container. The filter basket includes an open top, a bottom, and a sidewall having an opening.

The lid assembly can be, for example, a pouring lid assembly, which can include a pouring lid and a filter basket connector. The pouring lid can be configured to cover at least a portion of the collar opening. The filter basket connector can be coupled to the pouring lid and configured to couple to the open top of the filter basket. The filter basket can include first cooperative elements, and the filter basket connector can include second cooperative elements configured to align and engage the first cooperative elements to mechanically couple the filter basket connector to the filter basket. For example, the first cooperative elements can include projections, and the second cooperative elements can include corresponding spaced bars configured to align and engage the projections to mechanically couple the filter basket connector to the filter basket. The projections can be, for example, generally triangular in shape. The pouring lid assembly can also include a handle coupled to the pouring lid opposite the filter basket connector. The pouring lid can have a central through-opening, configured such that the open top of the filter basket opens into the collar opening through the central through-opening when the filter basket connector is coupled to the open top of the filter basket. The filter basket can include basket clips arranged on an outside surface of the filter basket sidewall and configured to removably couple to the filter basket connector.

Alternatively, the lid assembly can be an agitator lid assembly, which can include a chassis assembly and a filter coupler. The chassis assembly can have a through-hole and can be configured to cover at least a portion of the collar opening. The filter coupler can be arranged at an opening in the through-hole of the chassis assembly and configured to couple to the open top of the filter basket. The agitator lid assembly can also include a motor assembly mounted on the chassis assembly. The motor assembly can include a drive element, and a motor configured to selectively impart motion to the drive element. The agitator lid assembly can also include a motor coupler, coupled to the drive element and to the filter coupler, configured to transfer motion of the drive element to the filter coupler. For example, the motor can be configured to rotate the drive element such that the filter coupler rotates. The agitator lid assembly can also include a motor cover, configured to be movably coupled to the chassis assembly to selectively cover and uncover the motor. The filter basket can include first cooperative elements, and the filter coupler can include second cooperative elements configured to align and engage the first cooperative elements to mechanically couple the filter coupler to the filter basket. For example, the first cooperative elements can include projections, and the second cooperative elements can include corresponding spaced bars configured to align and engage the projections to mechanically couple the filter coupler to the filter basket. The projections can be, for example, generally triangular in shape. The filter basket can include basket clips arranged on an outside surface of the filter basket sidewall and configured to removably couple to the filter coupler.

The container collar can include a handle.

The bottom of the filter basket can have a closed surface. Alternatively, the bottom of the filter basket can have a surface including an aperture. The bottom of the filter basket can be a bottom cap configured to be removably coupled to a bottom of the sidewall of the filter basket.

The filter basket sidewall can have a circular cross-section and can include a frame having longitudinal members and connecting circumferential members defining the sidewall opening and a plurality of additional sidewall openings. The filter basket can include a blade projecting inward from an inner surface of the sidewall within an interior of the filter basket. The filter basket can also include a mesh element covering the opening in the sidewall of the filter basket.

According to another aspect of the invention, a liquid infusion device includes container means for holding liquid, having an open top, a closed sidewall, and a closed bottom; collar means having a collar opening, for coupling to a rim of the open top of the container means; covering means for covering at least a portion of the collar opening; and filter basket means for holding infusion material and for being suspended from the covering means and into an interior of the container means. The filter basket means includes an open top, a bottom, and a sidewall having an opening.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS.1Aand B, a liquid infusion device1includes a container2, a container collar3, and a filter basket4.

As shown inFIGS.2Aand B, the container2has an open top, a closed sidewall, and a closed bottom, so that it can hold the liquid that will be infused with essence of infusion material held in the filter basket4. The container2is preferably transparent to allow viewing the liquid in the container2as infusion progresses, but can be opaque or translucent in its entirety or in sections. As shown inFIG.3, a base5, such as a ring made of silicone or other material, can be removably attached at the closed bottom to support the container2when placed on a surface such as a counter or table. The container2, near the open top, can have threads or other surface structure to assist in coupling to the container collar3. A gasket6can also be placed at the top edge of the container2to provide a secure seal with the container collar3, as shown inFIG.4. The exemplary container2shown in the drawings is generally cylindrical in shape, but the cross-section of the container2can be any regular or irregular shape, and can have a decorative exterior.

The container collar3has a collar opening to accommodate insertion of the filter basket4and is configured to couple to the rim of the open top of the container2, as shown inFIG.5. As shown inFIGS.6Aand B, the container collar3preferably has a pour spout7and a handle8. The container collar3can also have internal threads corresponding to the threads at the top portion of the container2, configured to couple the container collar3to the container2. Other mating components can be used instead of threaded coupling components, such as snap-fit or friction fit elements, or any other mating scheme apparent to those of skill in the art.

Referring toFIGS.7Aand B, the filter basket4is configured to hold infusion material and to be suspended into an interior of the container2. For example, the filter basket4can hold fruit or other infusion material that will be suspended in liquid within the container2(FIG.7D), allowing liquid to pass through the infusion material in order to infuse the material into the liquid. As shown, the filter basket4includes an open top, a bottom, and a sidewall having at least one opening, and preferably several openings9.

The bottom10of the filter basket4can have a closed surface or, as shown, the bottom10of the filter basket4can have a surface including an aperture or a number of holes to allow liquid to pass through during the infusion process, or can have an opening that is covered in a mesh material. The filter basket4can be formed as an integrated unit, from a single piece of plastic, metal, or other suitable material. Alternatively, as shown inFIG.7C, the bottom10of the filter basket4can be a bottom cap configured to be removably coupled to a bottom of the sidewall of the filter basket4. The bottom cap can screw onto threads on the sidewall, or can snap-fit, friction-fit, or otherwise mate with the bottom end of the sidewall. The circumferential edge of the bottom cap can have a texture, such as raised ribs, to assist in gripping the bottom cap for placement or removal.

The filter basket sidewall can be a solid surface, with one or more openings9cut from the solid sidewall. Alternatively, for example, the sidewall can be a frame made of frame elements that connect and leave openings9between the elements. To further influence movement of the liquid and infusion material within the filter basket4during the infusion process, the filter basket4can include implements within and on the outside of the sidewall to direct fluid flow and/or to increase turbulence.

As shown, the filter basket4sidewall can have a circular cross-section and can include a frame having longitudinal members and connecting circumferential members, forming a lattice or grid structure, but any configuration that is sturdy and also includes one or more open areas9to allow liquid to pass through is suitable for use as the frame. The open areas9should be large enough to allow liquid to pass through freely, but small enough to retain the intended infusion material within the filter basket4. Regardless of the shape or arrangement of the structural pieces of the sidewall, the structure defines the sidewall openings9through which liquid will pass.

As shown inFIG.7E, the filter basket4can include one or more blades11or paddles projecting inward from an inner surface of the sidewall within the interior of the filter basket4. These blades11can help increase turbulence of the liquid in the filter basket4when the filter basket is rotated or otherwise agitated. Increased turbulence of the liquid can help speed the infusion process. The blades11shown in the drawing are just examples of blades that can be used in the filter basket4, and blades of other sizes and shapes, protruding from the sidewall at other angles, can be utilized advantageously according to the invention.

Other features can be included to provide further agitation or turbulence as the filter basket4rotates. For example, fins can be integrally formed on or attached to the bottom of the filter basket4, extending downward and/or outward to provide mixing to the water in the container2as infusion progresses. Similar fins can be included elsewhere on the outside of the filter basket4instead of or in addition to the bottom fins. Blades such as those described above can also be added to the exterior of the filter basket4sidewall.

The filter basket4shown can be used when the infusion material is fruit or other material that is too large to pass through the openings9in the sidewall. However, for example, in order to infuse an herbal drink or tonic, or to cold-brew coffee or tea, more finely ground or crushed infusion material might be used. In these cases, a mesh material12can be used to cover the openings in the sidewall, or a mesh insert13can be placed in the filter basket4to cover the openings. SeeFIG.7F.

An optional mesh element can cover each opening9in the sidewall of the filter basket4. The number, locations, and sizes of the openings9can be selected for advantageous flow of infusion liquid through the sidewall and therefore through the infusion material held in the filter basket4. A single mesh-covered opening can be used, or several strategically-placed mesh-covered openings can be present to direct liquid flow through and within the filter basket4. The sizes of the openings9can be uniform or varied, as can the material and mesh size of the mesh elements. Alternatively, a single mesh tube13can be inserted into the filter basket4and attached to the inner surface of the filter basket4, of a size large enough to cover the opening or all the multiple openings9, or the mesh tube13can wrap the outside surface of the filter basket4. Regardless of the form of the one or more mesh elements, each can be constructed from any material that can withstand the fluid dynamics of the liquid infusion device1in operation.

If the mesh insert13is used, it can be inserted and removed as necessary, depending on the infusion material used. Examples of suitable mesh materials are fine nylon mesh (for example nylon mesh of 75 micron opening or other suitable size), metal mesh material, and paper mesh material or filter paper. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other mesh material of suitable size and material may be used, and any such other mesh material is contemplated for use within the scope of the invention.

In order to facilitate suspension of the filter basket4in the container2, the liquid infusion device1can also include a lid assembly, configured to cover at least a portion of the collar3opening and providing a mechanism for coupling the filter basket4. For example, the lid assembly can be a pouring lid assembly14, which can include a pouring lid15and a filter basket connector16, as shown inFIGS.8Aand B. The pouring lid15can be configured to cover at least a portion of the collar3opening when placed on the container collar3. The filter basket connector16can be coupled or attached to the pouring lid15and configured to couple to the open top of the filter basket4, as shown inFIG.8C, so that the filter basket4can be suspended from the pouring lid assembly14into the container2, as shown inFIGS.8D-F.

To mechanically couple the filter basket connector16to the filter basket4, the filter basket4can include first cooperative elements17, and the filter basket connector16can include second cooperative elements18configured to align and engage the first cooperative elements17. For example, the first cooperative elements17can include projections, and the second cooperative elements18can include corresponding spaced bars configured to align and engage the projections to mechanically couple the filter basket connector16to the filter basket4. The projections can be, for example, generally triangular in shape, although the projections can take any shape. The filter basket4can include basket clips19arranged on an outside surface of the filter basket4sidewall and configured to removably couple to the filter basket connector16.

The pouring lid assembly14can also include a handle20coupled to the pouring lid15opposite the filter basket connector16, to facilitate placement and removal of the pouring lid assembly14. The pouring lid15can also have a central through-opening, configured such that the open top of the filter basket4opens into the collar opening through the central through-opening when the filter basket connector16is coupled to the open top of the filter basket4. This central through-opening allows placement of the infusion material in the filter basket4after the filter basket4has been suspended in the liquid in the container2, if desired. That is, hot or cold liquid can be added to the container2before putting the filter basket4in place in the container collar3, or the filter basket4can be put in place first, and then hot or cold liquid can be poured into the filter basket4and over the infusion material, filling the container2through the openings9in the filter basket4.

Alternatively, the lid assembly can be an agitator lid assembly21, which, in addition to providing suspension of the filter basket4in the container2, can also provide agitation or other motion to the filter basket4, helping to speed the infusion process. As shown inFIGS.9Aand B, the agitator lid assembly21can include a chassis assembly22and a filter coupler23. The chassis assembly22has a through-hole24and is configured to cover at least a portion of the collar opening, similarly to the pouring lid assembly14. The filter coupler23is arranged at an opening in the through-hole24of the chassis assembly22and is configured to couple to the open top of the filter basket4so that the filter basket4can be suspended from the agitator lid assembly21into the container2. Similarly to the pouring lid assembly14, the filter coupler23can include second cooperative elements25configured to align and engage the first cooperative elements17of the filter basket4, to provide mechanical coupling.

The agitator lid assembly21can also include a motor assembly26mounted on the chassis assembly22, as shown inFIGS.10Aand B. The motor assembly26can include a drive element27, and a motor28configured to move the drive element27when actuated. Referring toFIG.10C, the agitator lid assembly21can also include a motor coupler30, coupled to the drive element27(for example via a roll pin29) and to the filter coupler23. As arranged, actuation of the motor28causes transfer of the motion of the drive element27to the filter coupler23. For example, the motor28can be configured to rotate the drive element27such that the filter coupler23rotates when the filter basket4is coupled to the filter coupler23as shown inFIG.10D.

In general, the motor assembly26can be used to rotate the filter basket4, or provide another mode of motion, in order to provide agitation that can speed an infusion process. The drive element27and/or motor coupler30can be offset or cammed to provide erratic motion and turbulence. The motor28is preferably an electric motor and can be powered by one or more batteries, a hand crank, a solar device, AC power, a spring force, or any other source of energy. Any type of motor providing movement to drive the filter basket4can be used, and the motion can be transferred by a belt drive or any other mechanism, which can include reduction gears or other gearing. Of course, a hand crank can be provided in place of the motor assembly26to enable agitated infusion without the need for electrical power.

Preferably, the speed and direction of the motion provided by the motor assembly26can be adjusted to suit the infusion application. For example, the motor assembly26can provide continuous rotation in one direction only, at a constant or varying speed, such as between about 30 and 90 cycles per minute, or the rotational motion can be a reversing oscillation, such as between 90 degrees and 270 degrees. Preferably, the speed, direction, and range are selectable by a user.

As shown inFIGS.11Aand B, various other components of the liquid infusion device1can be mounted on the chassis assembly22. For example, a power supply assembly31, including such components as a PC board, transformer, discrete electrical components (such as a varistor, capacitors, etc.), and an AC socket32(configured to accept an AC power cord) can be mounted on the chassis assembly22, as well as a knob assembly33, control circuitry, micro rotary switches, LEDs, and any other electrical components necessary to provide operational and control functions, in addition to a brew button and PCB cover. Suitable control circuitry can enable programmable agitation motion to vary the speed and direction automatically according to pre-set parameters. Bluetooth® or other wireless technology can be enabled to allow remote control from a mobile smart device.

Controls for the motor can be made available to the user via a panel or individual buttons or knobs on the top assembly. These controls can include an actuation control to turn the motor28on and off, or actuation can be controlled automatically, for example, by pivoting the agitator lid assembly21into place above the filter basket4and completing an interlock connection. The motor28can be simple in function, causing rotation in one direction at a single speed, or the speed can be controllable by the user, in steps or continuously variable. The motor assembly26can be configured to rotate the filter basket4in either direction, or in both directions in a sequential pattern, such that the filter basket4oscillates back and forth. The speed of rotation should be great enough to agitate the infusion material in the liquid within the filter basket4, so as to speed the infusion process, but not so great as to induce centrifugal force that would push and hold the infusion material against the inner sidewall of the filter basket4.

Further, the motor assembly26need not cause the filter basket4to rotate about a static axis. The motor assembly26can be coupled to the filter basket4on a movable spindle connected to a cam, for example, such that the rotational axis moves within the container2, laterally and/or at an angle, affecting the fluid dynamics of the infusion process. Alternatively, the motor assembly26can be configured to make the filter basket4jitter or otherwise move erratically, or to simply move back and forth, laterally or in the motion of a pendulum, or in an eccentric pattern. Any coupling between the motor assembly26and filter basket4that can be used to achieve the desired motion of the filter basket4is contemplated for use with the liquid infusion device1of the invention. Likewise, the inner lip of the filter coupler23, and the upper edge of the filter basket4, can be shaped to assist in providing the desired motion, such as by being curved radially or circumferentially to provide support for the motion. One or more bearings or other elements can be arranged at the interface between the container collar3and the filter basket4in order to reduce friction and wear.

Referring toFIG.11C, the agitator lid assembly21can also include a motor cover35, configured to be movably coupled to the chassis assembly22to selectively cover and uncover the motor. For example, the motor cover35can be completely detachable from the chassis assembly22and therefore removable, or it can be connected to the chassis assembly22by a hinged connection. The motor cover35has openings as necessary for the operation of the liquid infusion device1, to allow any brew knobs or buttons and switches to be accessible, and any LEDs or displays to be viewable, while the motor cover35is in place on the chassis assembly22.

After infusion has taken place to a sufficient degree, the agitator lid assembly21can be replaced by the pouring lid assembly14, either with or without the filter basket4attached to the filter basket connector16. Attaching the filter basket4to the pouring lid assembly14allows further infusion to take place while the infused liquid is stored in the container2.

Thus, the liquid infusion device1of the invention can be used to provide an infused liquid such as fruit-infused water, herb-infused oil, coffee, tea, or an herbal tonic, from infusion material such as fruit, ground coffee beans, shredded tea leaves, ground or shredded herbs, root shavings, or any other infusion material from which a liquid can draw flavor, nutrition, or other essence.

When used to prepare an infused liquid, the container2is filled with hot or cold liquid, in order to hot- or cold-infuse the liquid. Infusion material is placed in the filter basket4, in an amount desired for the intended infusion strength. The filter basket4is suspended in the liquid in the container2, supported at an upper end by the container collar3, and in time the liquid is infused by contact with the infusion material. If rotation or other motion is desired in order to speed the infusion process, a motor assembly26can be arranged to couple with the filter basket4. When the motor assembly26is actuated, the filter basket4is rotated or otherwise agitated by the motor assembly26, increasing the flow and/or turbulence of the liquid infusion in order to speed the infusion process. Once the process is finished, the motor assembly26can be uncoupled from the filter basket4and removed, and the filter basket4can be lifted out of the container2, drained, and removed. The pouring lid assembly14can then be coupled to the container collar3in place of the motor assembly26.

In general, the liquid infusion device includes a container, a container collar, a filter basket, and a lid assembly. The container, which serves as the vessel in which the liquid is infused as well as the vessel in which the infused liquid is stored and served, has an open top, a closed sidewall, and a closed bottom. Infusing the liquid in the same container used for storage and serving simplifies the process, cuts down on the counter space needed for infusion, and makes clean-up easier. The container can be made, for example, from a transparent material, such as glass or plastic, so that a strength of the infusion can be observed easily. Lines and markings can be applied to the container or to the filter basket to indicate, for example, volume levels of liquid in the container. Suitable materials can be chosen for the container and other elements of the liquid infusion device to allow for hot or cold infusion, if desired.

The container collar is configured to cover the rim of the open top, providing a surface on which to place either lid assembly, and preferably providing a spout to facilitate pouring of the liquid after infusion, as well as a handle by which to carry the infuser. As shown and described, it provides a stable outer surface and an inner opening through which the filter basket can be lowered into the container and infused liquid can be poured out of the container.

The filter basket is configured to hold infusion material and to be suspended from the lid assembly and into an interior of the container. The filter basket includes a sidewall having one or more openings, an open top, and a bottom. The sidewall can have any cross-sectional shape that allows for rotation or other motion of the filter basket about a point or axis. For example, the cross-section of the sidewall can be circular or polygonal, or can be polygonal for the most part, gradually rounding out toward a circular top. The internal shape of the sidewall can be selected to produce the most advantageous fluid motion within the filter basket, based on the rotational movement, direction, and speed of the holder provided by the motor assembly.

Thus, the liquid infusion device of the invention includes container means for holding liquid, collar means for coupling to a rim of the open top of the container means, covering means for covering at least a portion of the collar opening, and filter basket means for holding infusion material and for being suspended from the covering means and into an interior of the container means. The liquid infusion device as contemplated by the inventor is not limited to any particular disclosed means, and instead encompasses any such means known or unknown to those of skill in the art, as arranged and configured in this disclosure.

The present invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiments. However, the present invention as contemplated by the inventor is not strictly limited to the particularly disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, various modifications, as well as similar arrangements, are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the appended claims, therefore, should be accorded the broadest reasonable interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.