Abstract:
A tie-out that is attachable to a door and allows a user to secure an object or a pet to the door is disclosed. When used with pets, the tie-out allows the user to connect a pet&#39;s leash to either side of a door without having to remove and reconfigure the tie-out, and is also configured to hold a pet&#39;s leash securely to a door without coming loose or damaging the door. Typically the tie-out is mounted to the bottom edge of the door, but may be mounted on a side edge of the door depending upon the design. In addition, the tie-out is not confined to use with doors located on the inside of a building and can be connected to doors that lead to the outside of a building.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     a. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention is generally related to tie-outs that allow objects or animals to be secured to a door, and more particularly, to door-mounted pet tie-outs that allow a user to tie a pet on either side of a door.  
         [0003]     b. Background Art  
         [0004]     Occasionally, pet owners want to restrict their pet&#39;s range of movement in various locations, such as on the inside or outside of their homes. There are various devices available to the pet owner to achieve this goal. For example, pet owners sometimes crate their pets in order to restrict their pet&#39;s ability to move freely about the inside of the pet owner&#39;s home. Although crates are effective in restricting the pet&#39;s ability to roam about, some pets become distraught when placed in a crate even for short periods of time. For example, a dog that does not want to be crated may resort to relentlessly barking or scratching the side of the crate in order to attract the pet owner&#39;s attention.  
         [0005]     Other pet owners have resorted to using leashes to restrict a pet&#39;s range of movement inside their homes. Sometimes, pet owners secure one end of the leash to the pet and the other end to fixed or heavy object, such as a piece of furniture. For pets that do not react well to being crated, leashes may provide a good alternative for restricting a pet&#39;s movement. However, securing a pet with a leash to a piece of furniture has its drawbacks. For example, the leash can damage the furniture as the pet moves about the floor while dragging the leash. In addition, depending on the size of the pet and the piece of furniture to which it is secured, the pet may be able to drag the furniture across the floor or tip the furniture on its side. Some pet owners have also tried securing the pet&#39;s leash to a door handle. Again, depending on the size of the pet, the pet may be able to damage the door handle by pulling on the leash, as well as causing the door to open accidentally.  
         [0006]     In order to restrict a pet&#39;s range of movement outside the home, some pet owners tie their pets&#39; leashes to stakes placed in the ground. Typically, the stakes are located in a yard some distance away from the pet owner&#39;s house. Although a stake placed in the ground provides a secure object to which a pet&#39;s leash can be secured without easily coming loose, using a stake has some drawbacks. Sometimes a pet owner may have a need to restrain a pet when guests are visiting, but securing a dog to a stake in the middle of a yard can be a major inconvenience during periods of foul weather. This is because the pet owner usually has to escort the dog to where the stake is located in order to attach the leash. This can also prove inconvenient to a pet owner that is not properly attired to roam outside his or her household.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention provides a door-mounted tie-out that may be used in combination with, for example, a cable to secure an object, or a leash to secure a pet, to a door. The tie-out can act as a theft deterrent when it is used to secure an object to a door. When used to secure a pet, the tie-out not only acts as a theft deterrent, but also acts to confine a pet to a limited area adjacent to the door. The tie-out allows a user to secure a pet with a leash by connecting the leash to the tie-out and allows the user to connect a pet&#39;s leash to either side of the door. Because the tie-out can be relocated with ease, a user can move the tie-out from door to door inside a house with little difficulty. In one form of the invention, the pet owner may connect the pet&#39;s leash to either side of the door without having to remove and reconfigure the tie-out itself. The tie-out is also configured to hold a pet&#39;s leash securely to a door without coming loose or damaging the door. Typically the tie-out is mounted to the bottom of the door; however, the tie-out can also be mounted on the side of the door depending upon the design. In addition, the tie-out is not confined to use with doors located on the inside of a building and can be connected to doors that lead to the outside of a building.  
         [0008]     In one aspect of the present invention, a tie-out mountable to a door comprises a base defining a U-shape including a first side, a second side, and a third side. The first side and the second side are connected with the third side. The first side also includes a ring hook, and the second side includes a screw bolt aperture. A first ring is connected with the ring hook. The tie-out also includes a screw bolt defining a first region and a second region, wherein a press platform is connected with the first region and a second ring is connected with the second region. The screw bolt is also threadedly engaged with the screw bolt aperture.  
         [0009]     In another form, the present invention comprises a tie-out mountable to a door, the tie-out having a base including a first side, a second side, and a third side, wherein the third side interconnects the first side and the second side. A first ring is connected with the first side of the base, and a bolt is threadedly engaged with the second side of the base. A second ring and a press platform are connected with the bolt.  
         [0010]     In yet another form, a tie-out mountable to a door comprises a base, a pressing mechanism adjustably connected with the base, and at least one ring connected with one of the base and the pressing mechanism. The tie-out base can comprise a first side, a second side, and a third side, wherein the third side forms a bridge between the first side and the second side. The tie-out can also include a hook connected with the first side, and at least one ring connected with the hook. The pressing mechanism may comprise a screw bolt, wherein the screw bolt is threadedly engaged with the base, and a press platform connected with the screw bolt. A base pad may be connected with the first side, and a platform pad may be connected with the press platform. The screw bolt may also be threadedly engaged with a nut connected with the base.  
         [0011]     The features, utilities, and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a tie-out mounted to a door.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a left side view of a tie-out according to one embodiment of the present invention, shown in a fully-opened position.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a left side view of the tie-out of  FIG. 2 , shown in a fully-closed position.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is an exploded, isometric view of the tie-out of  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a base of the tie-out of  FIGS. 2-4 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the base of the tie-out of  FIGS. 2-5 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a right side view of the base of the tie-out of  FIGS. 2-6 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is an assembled, isometric view of a pressing mechanism of the tie-out of  FIGS. 2-4 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is an exploded, isometric view of the pressing mechanism of the tie-out depicted in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 10A  is an isometric view of an assembled press platform, screw bolt, and second ring of the tie-out depicted in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of an assembled press platform, screw bolt, and second ring of the tie-out depicted in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 11A  is an isometric view of a first alternative embodiment of a tie-out according to the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 11B  is a side view of the tie-out depicted in  FIG. 11A .  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is an exploded isometric view of a second alternative embodiment of a tie-out according to the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is a left side view of a third alternative embodiment of a tie-out according to the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 14  is an exploded isometric view of a fourth alternative embodiment of a tie-out according to the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 15  is an exploded isometric view of a fifth alternative embodiment of a tie-out according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]     The present invention is a door-mounted tie-out  10  that may be secured to interior or exterior doors  12 , including walk doors, overhead garage doors, swinging doors, and sliding doors. The tie-out  10  may be used in combination with, for example, a cable (not shown) to secure an object (e.g., a motorcycle, a bicycle, patio furniture, a cooler, or a trailer) or a leash  14  to secure a pet  16  to the door  12 . When used to secure an object, the tie-out acts as a theft deterrent. When used to secure a pet  16 , the tie-out acts as a theft deterrent and also gives the pet owner comfort that the pet cannot wander off.  
         [0030]      FIG. 1  shows a tie-out  10  according to the present invention secured to a door  12  and being used as a pet tie-out to confine a pet  16  to a limited area adjacent to the door  12 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a dog  16  is secured to the door  12  with a leash  14  that is connected to the tie-out  10 . Although a dog is depicted in  FIG. 1 , the present invention can function with other pets. In  FIG. 1 , the tie-out  10  is mounted to the bottom of the door; however, the tie-out  10  can also be mounted on the side of the door depending on the design utilized.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows a left side view of a tie-out  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention in a fully-opened position, and  FIG. 3  shows a left side view of the same tie-out  10  in a fully-closed position. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the tie-out  10  includes a tie-out base  18 , a pressing mechanism  20 , a first ring  22 , and a second ring  24 . As discussed in more detail below, the pressing mechanism  20  presses the tie-out base  18  against a door  12  in order to secure the tie-out  10  to the door  12 . Once the tie-out  10  is secured to the door  12 , the first ring  22  is located one side of door and the second ring  24  is located on the opposite side of the door. The first ring  22  or the second ring  24  is connected to the pet&#39;s leash  14 . Because the first ring  22  and the second ring  24  are located on opposite sides of the door, the tie-out  10  allows a user to secure his or her pet  16  to either side of the door without having to remove or reconfigure the tie-out  10 . Other embodiments of the tie-out are configured with only one ring.  
         [0032]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded, isometric view of the tie-out  10  depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIGS. 5-7  show a front view, a rear view, and a right side view of the tie-out base  18 , respectively. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , the tie-out base  18  is constructed from a single piece of material that is bent to define a U-shape including a first side  26 , a second side  28 , and a third side  30 . In alternative embodiments, the base  18  is constructed from separate pieces of material that are connected with each other by any suitable means, such as screws, welding, or adhesives. The tie-out base  18  is configured such that the first side  26  and the second side  28  connect with and are separated by the third side  30 . The first side  26  and the second side  28  are generally parallel to each other and both connect with the third side  30 . The tie-out base  18  is typically made from metal, such as aluminum or steel, but other materials may be also be used, such as plastic. When installed on a door  12 , an inner surface  32  of the first side  26  of the tie-out base  18  is drawn toward one side of the door  12 , and the inner surface  34  of the third side  30  is typically positioned adjacent to the bottom of the door  12  although it need not be in contact with the bottom of the door. Typically, the second side  28  is adjacent to, but not in contact with, the opposite side of the door. However, in an alternative embodiment, discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the second side  28 ′ is flush with the opposite side of the door.  
         [0033]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the tie-out  10  can also include a base pad  36  to protect the door  12  from damage such as scratches or dents. When the tie-out  10  is installed on the door  12 , the base pad  36  is positioned between the inner surface  32  of the first side  26  of the tie-out base  18  and the door  12 . The base pad  36  can be connected with the first side of the tie-out base  26  by any suitable means, such as screws, glue, or hook-and-loop fasteners. Typically, the base pad  36  is made from rubber, but other suitable materials can also be used, such as fabric, plastic, and the like.  
         [0034]     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the first ring  22  connects with the tie-out base  18  on a ring hook  38  located on the first side  26  of the tie-out base  18 . The second ring  24  connects with the pressing mechanism  20 . As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the first ring  22  and the second ring  24  define a D-shape including a base portion  40 , a first side portion  42 , a first arcuate portion  44 , a second side portion  46 , a second arcuate portion  48 , and a third side portion  50 . The base portion  40  is generally a straight cylindrical shape with one of its ends connected to the first side portion  42 , and the other of its ends connected to the second side portion  46 . The first side portion  42  and the second side portion  46  extend from the base portion  40  generally parallel to each other. The first arcuate portion  44  and second arcuate portion  48  extend from the first side portion  42  and the second side portion  46 , respectively. The first arcuate portion  44  and the second arcuate portion  48  curve toward each other until they intersect with the third side portion  50  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The D-shape allows the pet&#39;s leash  14  to more easily slide around the perimeter of the rings  22 ,  24  as the pet roams about while attached to the leash. The shape of the first ring  22  and second ring  24  should not be construed to be limited to that which is depicted herein. For example, other embodiments utilize circular or oval shaped rings.  
         [0035]     The first ring  22  and second ring  24  each can be constructed from a single piece of material with a circular cross-section that is bent into shape. In other embodiments (not shown), the first ring and the second ring are constructed of more than one connected piece. Because a pet&#39;s leash connects with the first ring or the second ring, the thickness and the material from which the first ring and second ring are constructed can be chosen based on the application to minimize the risk that the rings will break because of the forces exerted on it from the pet&#39;s leash. Typically, the rings are constructed from steel or aluminum. However, alternative materials can be used, such as plastic.  
         [0036]     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4  and  7 , the ring hook  38  is an arcuate-shaped piece of material protruding from an outer surface  52  of the first side  26  of the tie-out base  18 . The ring hook  38  protrudes far enough from the outer surface  52  of the first side  26  of the tie-out base  18  to create a gap  54  large enough to accept the base portion  40  of the first ring  22  as shown to good advantage in  FIGS. 2, 3 , and  7 . This configuration allows the first ring  22  to rotate about the base portion  40  when connected with the ring hook  38 . Other embodiments of the present invention do not require the first ring, because a user can connect a pet&#39;s leash directly to the ring hook  38 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is an assembled, isometric view of the pressing mechanism  20  that is also depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 , with the second ring  24  connected thereto.  FIG. 9  is an exploded, isometric view of the pressing mechanism  20  and the second ring  24 . The pressing mechanism  20  includes a screw bolt  56 , a nut  58 , and a press platform  60 . The screw bolt  56  is generally cylindrical in shape and is surrounded by threads  62 . A shank  64  is located toward a first end  66  of the screw bolt  56 . A ring hole  68  is located in the screw bolt  56  through the shank  64 . The ring hole  68  is large enough to accept the base portion  40  of the second ring  24 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . This configuration allows the second ring  24  to rotate about its base portion  40  when connected with the screw bolt  56 .  
         [0038]     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the screw bolt  56  is threadedly engaged with the nut  58 . Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the nut  58  is shaped like a hollow cylinder with threads  70  on the inside and having a first outer surface  72 , a second outer surface  74 , and a ring surface  76 . The diameter of the first outer surface  72  is larger than the diameter of the second outer surface  74 . The ring surface  76  is generally flat and extends perpendicularly between the first outer surface  72  and the second outer surface  74 . The nut  58  is connected with the tie-out base  18  by inserting the nut  58  through a screw bolt aperture  78  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 4 and 6 ) in the second side  28  of the tie-out base  18  until the ring surface  76  is flush with an outer surface  80  of the second side  28 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The diameter of the second outer surface  74  of the nut  58  is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw bolt aperture  78  so the nut  58  fits snuggly inside the screw bolt aperture  78 . The nut  58  is affixed to the tie-out base  18  utilizing welding, glue, screws, or other similar fastening techniques. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the nut is not required because the screw bolt aperture is itself threaded to accept the screw bolt directly. A locking or jamming nut  82 , as depicted in phantom in  FIG. 4 , can also be used for added security to help prevent the inadvertent loosening of the screw bolt  56 .  
         [0039]     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , the press platform  60  connects with a second end  84  of the screw bolt  56 . The press platform  60  is generally disk shaped with a tip aperture  86  located in its center. A concave surface  88  extends outwardly and forwardly from the tip aperture  86  of the press platform  60 . The concave surface  88  of the press platform  60  connects with a flat ring-shaped press surface  90 . The second end  84  of the screw bolt  56  fits through the tip aperture  86  in the center of the press platform  60  until a rearward side  92  of a convex surface  94  of the press platform  60  is adjacent to a shoulder surface  96  on the screw bolt  56 , as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . In  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the screw bolt  56 , the second ring  24 , and the press platform  60  have been broken away from the tie-out base  18  for clarity. Also, the nut  58  is not shown on the screw bolt  56 . With the second end  84  of the screw bolt  56 , through the tip aperture  86 , the second end  84  of the screw bolt  56  is then secured to the press platform  60  by deforming the second end  84  of the screw bolt  56  to form a pressed tip  98  and a neck  100 . The outer diameter of the pressed tip  98  is larger than the diameter of the tip aperture  86  so as to prevent the press platform  60  from separating from the screw bolt  56 . The neck  100  of the screw bolt  56  fits loosely inside the tip aperture  86  so that the press platform  60  is not required to turn with the screw bolt  56  as it is rotated to either mount the tie-out to, or remove the tie-out from, a door. In addition, the concave surface  88  is deep enough that the pressed tip  98  is located rearwardly of the press surface  90  as shown to good advantage in  FIG. 10B  (i.e., on the same side of the press surface  90  as the second ring  24 ).  
         [0040]     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the pressing mechanism  20  can include a platform pad  102  to protect the door  12  from damage such as scratches or dents. The platform pad  102  connects with the press platform  60 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the platform pad  102  is configured to be installed so that it envelopes the press surface  90  and the outer diameter of the press platform  60 , which also holds the platform pad  102  in position. In other embodiments, the platform pad  102  can be connected with the press platform  60  by any suitable means, such as screws, glue, or hook-and-loop fasteners. When the tie-out  10  is installed on a door  12 , the platform pad  102  is positioned between the press surface  90  and the door  12 . Typically, the platform pad  102  is made from rubber, but other suitable materials can also be used, such as fabric, plastic, and the like.  
         [0041]     When installing the tie-out  10  to a door  12 , a user unscrews the screw bolt  56  by turning the second ring  24  to expand the distance between the press platform  60  and the first side  26  of the tie-out base  18  far enough to accept the width of the door. This feature allows the invention to fit many different doors with varying thicknesses. The tie-out  10  is then positioned, for example, under the door so that the door fits between the press platform  60  and the first side  26  of the tie-out base  18 . The user then screws the screw bolt  56  in the opposite direction using the second ring  24 , which in turn causes the press platform  60  to move in the direction of arrows  104  ( FIG. 3 ) to press the door  12  against the first side  26  of the tie-out base  18  until it is tight enough so as not to easily come loose. As previously discussed, the inner surface  34  of the third side  30  is typically positioned adjacent to the bottom of the door although it need not be in contact with the bottom of the door. However, the inner surface  34  of the third side  30  should be located close enough to the bottom of the door so as to prevent an outer surface  106  of the third side  30  from dragging on the floor as the door is opened and closed. Once the tie-out  10  is in place on the door, the user can secure his pet to the first ring  22  or the second ring  24 .  
         [0042]     Other embodiments of the present invention utilize pressing mechanisms with other configurations for applying pressure to the door in order to hold the tie-out base in position.  
         [0043]     A first alternative embodiment of a tie-out  10 ′ is shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . The first side  26  of the tie-out base  18 ′ is the same as previously described with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 . Unlike the second side  28  described with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , a second side  28 ′ of the tie-out base  18 ′ shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  is a mirror image of the first side  26 . In order to secure the tie-out  10 ′ to a door  12 , a user places shim pads  108  between the tie-out base  18 ′ and the door  12  so that the tie-out base  18 ′ is held in position with friction. Shim pads  108  can be located between either the first side  26  or second side  28 ′ and the door  12 , or between both sides and the door. These shim pads  108  are similar to the base pad  36  depicted in, for example,  FIGS. 2-4 , but may be used alone or in multiples.  
         [0044]     A second alternative embodiment of a tie-out  10 ″ is shown in  FIG. 12 . The first side  26  and the second side  28 ′ of the second alternative embodiment of the tie-out  10 ″ are the same as previous described with reference to  FIGS. 11A and 11B . However, the tie-out base  18 ″ comprises a first piece  110  and a second piece  112 . A screw and nut arrangement  114  located under the tie-out base  18 ″ allows a user to adjust the tie-out width along the direction of arrow  116  when securing the tie-out  10 ″ to a door  12 . The first piece  110  also includes tabs  118  (one of which is shown in  FIG. 12 ) to hold the pieces  110 ,  112  in alignment when the pieces  110 ,  112  move relative to each other when adjusting the tie-out width in the direction of arrow  116 . Because the screw and nut arrangement  114  is located on the bottom side of the tie-out base  18 ″, additional clearance may be required under the door to prevent the tie-out  10 ″ from contacting the floor as the door is opened or closed.  
         [0045]     A third alternative embodiment of a tie-out  10 ′″ is shown in  FIG. 13 . Unlike the embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , the pressing mechanism  20 ′ shown in  FIG. 13  is not threadedly engaged with the second side  28  of the tie-out base  18 . The tie-out base  18  shown in  FIG. 13  includes a tube  120  extending outwardly from the second side  28 . A plurality of holes  122  are located along the length of the tube  120 . Instead of using the screw bolt  56  as previously described, the pressing mechanism  20 ′ shown in  FIG. 13  utilizes a shaft  124  that slides in and out of the tube  120 . The shaft  124  is held in a desired position by a depressible button  126  protruding from the exterior surface of the shaft  124  that is configured to fit in any one of the holes  122  located along the length of the tube  120 . To adjust the position of the shaft  124 , the user presses the button  126  into the shaft  124  until the button is free from engagement with the holes  122 , allowing the shaft  124  to slide in and out of the tube  120 . The depressible button  126  is biased by, for example, a spring  128  into engagement with one of the holes  122  through the tube  120 . Thus, when the shaft is slid to a position where the depressible button  126  and one of the plurality of holes  122  are in alignment, the spring  128  causes the button  126  to move outwardly from the shaft  124  and into one of the holes  122 , which locks the shaft  124  into position relative to the tie-out base  18 ″.  
         [0046]     A fourth alternative embodiment of a tie-out  10 ″″ is shown in  FIG. 14 . Unlike the embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 13 , the pressing mechanism  20 ″ utilizes a pin  130  to hold the pressing mechanism  20 ″ in a desired position. When installing the tie-out  10 ″″, the user applies force to the pressing mechanism  20 ″ until the press platform  60  is held firmly against the door  12 . The user then slides the pin  130  through one of a plurality of holes  132  located along the length of a shaft  134  such that the pin  130  abuts the inner-surface  136  of the second side  28  of the base  18 .  
         [0047]     A fifth alternative embodiment of a tie-out  10 ′″″ is shown in  FIG. 15 . The tie-out base  18 ′″ utilizes the first piece  110 ′ and a second piece  112 ′ similar to the embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 12 . However, the tabs  118 ′ (one of which is shown in  FIG. 15 ) on the first piece  110 ′ in  FIG. 15  also have width adjustment fixing tabs  138  extending therefrom, and a plurality of corresponding width adjustment fixing slots or indentations  140  are located in an inner top surface  142  of the second piece  112 ′. The pieces  110 ′,  112 ′ are held in a fixed position relative to each other by the width adjustment fixing tabs  138 , which are configured to fit snugly into any one of the plurality of corresponding width adjustment fixing slots  140 . The user can make larger tie-out width adjustments by changing the slots  140  in which the tabs  138  are engaged. The pressing mechanism  20  is the same configuration as described with reference to  FIG. 9 , and the user can make fine adjustments to the tie-out width by screwing the screw bolt  56  in or out of the nut  58 .  
         [0048]     In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the tie-out base does not include the second side and the third side. The tie-out base comprises only the first side  26  and the first ring  22  as previously described with reference to  FIGS. 1-11 . In this latter embodiment, the tie-out is mounted to the door by any suitable means, such as with adhesive, bolts, or screws.  
         [0049]     Although various embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments, and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.