Abstract:
A portable and self stabilizing stand which can display a wide array of objects and which can be expanded or contracted by the user to accommodate a large array of object types and sizes. The stand is easily assembled and disassembled without requiring specialized or generic tools or fasteners.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/331,636, filed on May 4, 2016, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention deals broadly with the field of portable display stands. More specifically, the disclosed device relates to a stable, portable platform for hanging or resting displayed items such as targets, which is easily assembled and disassembled without the aid of specialized or generic tools, and which is configured in an assembled mode to withstand lateral impact forces without falling. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    An array of currently available portable stands have been designed to accommodate a wide array of support purposes. Easels are used to display planar art, signs or notices. Sawhorses are additionally employed by many machine shops and construction sites to raise manufacturing and building components off the ground to ease fabrication. Shelving stands create a multi-leveled display which can accommodate one or an array of items. Finally, target holders are used to hang or display marksman targets during training and competition in areas which may be secluded to allow for stray shots to safely land without danger to surrounding residences or businesses. 
         [0004]    Although many such stands employ embedded collapsible hinges or joints for increased portability, such hinged and jointed stands when configured for larger and heavier display items can be cumbersome and heavy to carry as a single unit. Further, such embedded joints and hinges are subject to failure over time especially after being moved multiple times. In the case of shooting stands, such hinges and mechanical pivots can become inoperable or destroyed by the impact of a high velocity projectile from a firearm. 
         [0005]    Although conventional stands which may be disassembled allow for the display of objects of greater size and weight, many such devices require additional clamps or fasteners to maintain stability and rigidity and have on-board connections required for use. As such, these stands can become inoperable if the tools required to clamp or tighten the members of the device are missing or unavailable. Additionally, since many conventional stand devices are designed to accommodate only display items within a specific size range, they are not adaptable for alternative uses or modes. 
         [0006]    The stand herein disclosed and described provides a collapsible and portable stand which can be assembled and disassembled without the need for specialized or generic hardware or tools. So assembled the device herein can accommodate a wide array of display items and sized objects. Further, the stand herein is formed of a durable materials which include the capability for expanded shelving, hanging and resting components. 
         [0007]    The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a stable, rigid, portable stable stand which can accommodate a large array of differently sized and configured display items. 
         [0009]    It is an additional object of this invention to easily assemble and disassemble without the need of specialized or generic tools or fasteners. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a durable stand which can expand or contract to display objects of varying size. 
         [0011]    Yet another object of this stand is to provide a structure which, once assembled, is configured to employ the gravity imparted force of the assembled structure components, to form a stable stand which resists toppling when impacted by high velocity projectiles such as when used for target practice where ballistic projectiles impart significant force lateral to the stand. 
         [0012]    A still further object of the invention herein is the provision of a stand assembled and collapsed from engaged components which employs no pivoting or connecting hardware which would become inoperable if struck by a bullet or projectile during use but which will remain sturdy and standing when so struck. 
         [0013]    These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements described in this specification and hereinafter described in the following detailed description which fully discloses the invention, but should not be considered as placing limitations thereon. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    In accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a collapsible and easily transportable display or target-supporting stand, formed of easily engaged components, which does not require any tools to assemble. Further, the device assembles from components which have no pivoting connectors or other mechanically engageable mating connector components, which limit collapsibility, and which can become inoperable when struck by a bullet or other projectile from a firearm during use. 
         [0015]    The device is composed of a base requiring no tools nor screws or pins or hinges or the like to configure or assemble, which acts as a foundation for the projecting stand. This base is configured to move from an upright assembly position to a tilted engaged position where it will employ the force of the weight of the stand and base components from gravity, to form and maintain the stand highly resistant to toppling during use. 
         [0016]    The assembled base of the stand employs at least two horizontal crossmembers which operatively engaged through adjustable crossbar brackets. The crossbar brackets engage the one or both crossmembers to each of two or more vertical beams projecting above the horizontal crossmembers. From the projecting vertically disposed beams, the user can choose to employ one or several pairs of adjustable angled brackets or adjustable shelf brackets, depending on their current intended use of the device. A top shelf bracket can be additionally implemented to place or hang display items from atop the device. 
         [0017]    Structurally key to this novel assembly of a base which is highly resistant to toppling, is the configuration of the trapezoidal or triangularly shaped base, which is configured for operative engagement to an upper crossbar support as well as to two lower crossbar supports. In one preferred mode of the device, the height of an upper crossbar support is within a range of 1.1 to 1.75 times the height of the horizontal crossmembers above the underlying support surface. 
         [0018]    In this favored configuration, a highly secure structure which is resistant to toppling under lateral force is formed without the use of hinges or removably engageable connectors using screws or the like which would become damaged during use. Instead, the highly stable structure is achieved using the weight of the portion of the stand supported by the base to cause the trapezoidal base to splay with both trapezoidal bases angling from the support surface or ground toward each other. 
         [0019]    This configuration imparts the downward force from the weight of the above-positioned stand, and the weight of the two cross members, onto the crossmembers in opposing directions once assembled and during use. Such yields a highly stable foundation which is not easily toppled without using hinges, pivots, or engaged connector halves on the components which will become damaged. The stand additionally becomes more stable with the addition of more weight to one or both cross members communicated from the vertical supports which increase force stabilizing the stand from the increased force of gravity acting thereon. 
         [0020]    Additionally, the width of the upper and lower crossbar support is formed slightly larger than the width of the horizontal crossmembers. This allows for easy device assembly but rigidity when assembled. 
         [0021]    The adjustable crossbar bracket is composed of a first member or first tube and an adjacent perpendicular second member or second tube. Each has a length and width configured to accommodate a horizontal crossmember and a vertical beam respectively. 
         [0022]    A clamping fastener attached to the outer faces of the first, and optionally, second tubes of the adjustable crossbar bracket can be preferably included. The clamping fasteners provide a compressive engagement to further secure the horizontal crossmember and a vertical beam respectively. 
         [0023]    The adjustable angled bracket is mainly composed of a length of a hollow member such as a tube. An axial cavity running therethrough, is sized to slidably accommodate a vertical beam therethrough. It may also optionally utilize a clamping fastener to form a compressive engagement to a vertical beam when operatively engaged through the axial cavity. 
         [0024]    Each adjustable angled bracket preferably additionally includes an angled shelf which can be used to mount planar display items or alternatively hang or exhibit additional displayed items. Each adjustable shelf bracket is also formed of a length of a hollow member or tube having an axial passage which is sized to accommodate a vertical beam running therethrough. Each shelf bracket may also include a clamping fastener to form a compressive engagement against the vertical beam running through the shelf bracket. 
         [0025]    A shelf extending outwards from the front face of the adjustable shelf bracket should be sized to accommodate a shelf beam therebetween. Alternatively, the brackets are configured to allow for hanging displayed items therefrom such as targets or signs or the like. 
         [0026]    A top or second shelf bracket is additionally formed from the length of a hollow member or tube which includes an axial passage sized to accommodate the positioning of a vertical beam therein. The second or top shelf bracket is preferably capped at one end to seal the axial passage and thereby contact and cover the distal end of a vertical beam. A clamping fastener on the outer face of the top shelf bracket can preferably be employed to form a compressive engagement in a securement to the portion of the vertical beam within the axial passage. This top shelf bracket can also contain an upper shelf beam that accommodates a shelf beam or optionally allows the user to hang additional displayed items. 
         [0027]    Employing the device herein, the user will position each of a pair of base members to an assembly position substantially upright and then insert one horizontal crossmember into the first passage, and then insert a horizontal crossmember into one or both lower crossbar ledges formed in the base, which formed by the two trapezoidal shaped base components. No tools are required for this assembly. 
         [0028]    With the horizontal first crossbar engaged, and the second crossbar engaged with both trapezoidal bases, they are then tilted inwards, towards the center of the device to the engaged position, such that the outer lower and inner upper edges of the upper supports, within the trapezoidal base member, contact a horizontal crossmember. Preferably, a maximum separation distance between the bases should be formed to provide greater stability. 
         [0029]    After securing a first axial passage of one or both adjustable crossbar brackets to one or both of the horizontal crossmembers, the user then inserts one of the two vertical beams into the second axial passage running through each slidably adjustable crossbar bracket and optionally secures the clamping fasteners if present. 
         [0030]    The sets of adjustable crossbar brackets and vertical support beams can be installed as far or as close together as required by the user. 
         [0031]    The user can choose to install, and optionally employ a clamping fastener to affix one or a pair of first shelf brackets and one or several pairs of adjustable angled brackets, adjustable shelf brackets or second shelf beams depending on their current intended use of the device. 
         [0032]    Finally, the user can employ one or more of the angled brackets as well as one or more shelf beams to mount planar display items or alternatively hang or exhibit additional displayed items. 
         [0033]    The two trapezoid shaped base components and the angled and other shelf brackets should be preferably formed from a rigid and durable material from a group of such materials, including one or a combination of aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, plastic, carbon fiber or resin. When employed, the clamping fastener used for forming compressive removable engagements, can be one or a combination of any currently available durable securement means including but not limited to a group of fasteners such as thumb screws, wing nuts, clasps, clamps, bands or bolts. 
         [0034]    A currently preferred length of the horizontal crossmembers, vertical beams and shelf beams should be between 30 and 90 inches and sized as shown and described herein. Such has shown to form a stable device, but disassemble to fit in a trunk or rear of a vehicle easily. Additionally, the cross section of the horizontal crossmembers, vertical beams, and shelf beams is preferably rectangular with a width of substantially 2 inches and a height of substantially 4 inches respectively. By substantially is meant plus or minus 50 percent of the stated width or length. However, the crossmembers and vertical beams may be of substantially equal height and width, or may, alternatively, exhibit a circular or geometric cross area with smaller or larger dimensions to display larger items, if the base and other components are configured for to engage such cross sectional configurations. 
         [0035]    The crossmembers, vertical beams, and shelf beams can be composed of any durable material including but not limited to: wood, fiberglass, plastic, epoxy or metal. 
         [0036]    With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The device herein described and disclosed in the various modes and combinations is also capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Any such alternative configuration as would occur to those skilled in the art is considered within the scope of this patent. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0037]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other portable, collapsible stands for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0038]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification illustrate some, but not the only nor exclusive examples of, embodiments and/or features of the disclosed device. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting in any fashion. 
           [0000]    In the drawings: 
           [0039]      FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of the assembled device herein formed from preferred components and showing the structural stability provided by the pair of trapezoidal base components in the assembly in engaged positions tilted toward each other and a central area of a horizontal crossmember. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  displays an isometric view of each base member component of the device in an assembly position ready for engagement of crossmembers prior to movement to the assembled position of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  shows an isometric view of the adjustable crossbar bracket of the device. 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  depicts an isometric view of the adjustable angled bracket of the device. 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  shows an isometric view of the adjustable shelf bracket of the device. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  depicts an isometric view of the top shelf bracket of the device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0045]    Now referring to drawings in  FIGS. 1-6 , wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in  FIG. 1 , the device  10 , displayed in an assembled configuration. As shown the device  10  includes all of the preferred components required for operation of the device  10  in any of its preferred modes such as supporting targets used for target practice with firearms or bows and arrows. The device  10  is especially resistant to toppling from side impacts from high velocity projectiles, without the use of hinges or cooperative connectors engaged with screws or pins and the like, which could become easily damaged by such projectiles. 
         [0046]    The device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , includes first and second base members  12  which form a stable foundation for the assembled device  10  when situated on a support surface such as soil or a floor. Each base member  12  includes a first ledge or passage  13  sized to slidably engage with and constrain a first horizontal cross member  14  at a position adjacent the opposing ends thereof. This first passage  13  has in a sorter dimension thereof, a width just slightly larger than a width of the first horizontal crossmember  14 . This allows for a sliding engagement of the first horizontal crossmember  14  into the first passage  13 , but prevents twisting while engaged in the first passage  13 . By slightly larger is meant between 2-20 percent larger than the width of the first horizontal cross member  14 . 
         [0047]    A distance of the height of the first passage  13 , exceeds a distance of the height of the first crossmember  14 . To that end, the distance of the height of the first passage  13  should be between 1.1 to 1.75 times the height of the first horizontal crossmembers  14 , to allow the first and second base members  12  to tilt toward each other and angle toward a center section of the first cross member  14  in-between the engaged first and second base members  12  when operatively engaged. 
         [0048]    The angling toward the center section during use forces one edge of a perimeter edge or an edge of the first passage  13  or a similarly situated edge, of each of the pair of base members  12 , to form a compressive contact at respective contact points upon the exterior surface of the first crossmember  14 . The force of these compressive contacts by each of the pair of base members  12  increases as the weight supported by the engaged first crossmember  14  increases. 
         [0049]    Adjustable crossbar brackets  16  connect one or both crossmembers  14  to two vertical beams  18 . Each crossbar bracket  16  has a first axial passage having a perimeter edge sized just slightly larger than the first horizontal cross member  14  such that it will slidably engage around the perimeter edge of the first horizontal cross member  14 . Each crossbar bracket also has a second axial passage having an axis running substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first axial passage. This second axial passage has an interior circumference sized to slidably engage upon the surface of the exterior circumference of a vertical beam  18 . The unique trapezoidal shape of each of the base members  12  positions a first side  17  upon the soil or support surface during use for increased stability. A narrower second side  19  of each base member  12  focuses the force of contact upon the top surface of the first horizontal support member  14 . While a rectangular and square version of the base member  12  was tried during experimentation on the device  10 , the trapezoid shape herein was found unexpectedly to yield a significantly sturdier formed structure of the device  10  such as in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0050]    The user can choose to employ one or several pairs of adjustable angled brackets  30  or adjustable shelf brackets  22  depending on their current intended use of the device  10 . A top shelf bracket  24  can be additionally implemented to place or hang display items  26  from atop the device  10 . 
         [0051]    Shown in  FIG. 2 , the trapezoidal or triangularly shaped base members  12  include the first passage  13  providing the noted support for the first crossbar  14 . Also included are at least one and preferably two ledges  21  which provide for slidable engagement with and support of a second member or second crossbar  15 . As noted, the height of the upper crossbar support  12   a  should be substantially 1.1 to 1.75 times the height of the first horizontal crossmembers  14 . This allows both of the base members  12  to tilt toward each other and a central portion of the first crossmember  14  during use, such that the weight of the device  10  causes the base members  12  to splay at an angle relative to the support surface which is sufficient to create a stable foundation. As noted, the force from the load generated by gravity on the weight, which imparted by the angled base members  12  on the upper surface of the first crossmember  14 , fixes their engagement to their respective contact positions with the crossmembers  12 . Further, the force of this weight is communicated to the first side  17  of the base members  12  fixing their respective positions on the support surface they contact. 
         [0052]    Additionally, the width of the lower positioned ledges  21  which are proximate to the first side  17 , is slightly larger than the width of the second horizontal crossmembers  15  such as 1.1 times the width of the second horizontal crossmember  15 . This close contact allows for a sliding engagement of one end of the second crossmember  15  through the formed ledge  21 , but prevents twisting under load which helps stabilize the formed device  10 . 
         [0053]    The formed ledges  21  have an open side forming them more like a slot. This is intentional in that it prevents any contact with the top surface of the second horizontal cross member  15  during use. This allows all of the force of the load to communicate from the edge of the second side  19  of the base member  12 , or the formed passage  13  adjacent thereto, to the upper surface of the engaged first horizontal member  14 , which, during experimenting, was found to yield enhanced stability. 
         [0054]    The adjustable crossbar bracket  16 , shown in  FIG. 3 , includes the first axial passage  21  and an adjacent and perpendicular second axial passage  23 . The dimensions length and width of the first axial passage  21  are configured for a sliding and close contact engagement with the exterior circumference of the first horizontal member  14 . The circumference of the first axial passage  23  should mirror that of the first horizontal crossmember  14 , but should be between 1-10% larger to insure a sliding fit that does not rotate or twist excessively under load. 
         [0055]    The circumference of the second axial passage  25  should mirror in shape the circumference of the vertically disposed first support beam  18  and second support beam  27 . The circumference of the second axial passage  25  should also be between 1-10% larger than the circumference of the first support beam  18  and second support beam  27  to provide an easy sliding engagement therethrough, which is stable and avoids twisting and movement under load. 
         [0056]    As shown, preferably a clamping fastener  26  is operatively engaged through the wall defining the first axial passage  23 , and can be optionally engaged through the wall surface defining the second axial passage  25 . In operation, this clamping fastener  26  such as the shown thumbscrew, can be employed to compressibly engage against the exterior surface of either the first support beam  18  or the second support beam  27  during use, to elevate the proximal ends  29  of the support beams  18  and  27 , slightly above the support surface  11 . Such will cause the weight and thus, the force from the load to increase upon the contact points of the base members  12  when tilting and forming such contacts on the surface of the first horizontal crossmember  14 . A clamping fastener  26  can also be operatively engaged through the wall forming the second axial passage  23 , and employed in a compressive engagement with the first horizontal crossmember  14 . 
         [0057]    Depicted in  FIG. 4  the adjustable angled bracket  30  has an axial passageway sized in circumference to mirror the circumference of the first support beam  18  and second support beam  27  to allow a sliding engagement thereon. A clamping fastener  26  engaged through the wall forming the axial passage  31  can be included to allow for a compressive engagement. 
         [0058]    The angled bracket  30  may include a support shelf  33  which preferably angles upward to a distal end from the first end extending from the sidewall adjacent the support beam  18  when engaged thereto. The support shelf  33  on brackets  30  operatively connect to either of the first support beam  18  and second support beam  27 , and engaged thereto, are employable to support or as a mount for planar display items  28  such as a target, or alternatively to hang or exhibit additional displayed items  32 . 
         [0059]    An adjustable shelf bracket  34 , as seen in  FIG. 5  and shown operatively engaged in  FIG. 1 , is also formed of a sidewall defining axial opening  36  running therethrough. The axial opening  36  has a circumference mirroring that of the first vertical beam  18  and second vertical beam  27 , but is as with the other components, slightly larger in size to allow a sliding engagement that does not twist under load. A clamping fastener  26  may also be provided for a compressive engagement upon either the first support beam  18  or second support beam  27 . 
         [0060]    The support member  35  extending outwards from the sidewall defining the axial opening  36  of the adjustable shelf bracket  34  should be sized to accommodate and hold elevated a shelf beam  30 . Optionally a user may hang or support additional displayed items  32 . 
         [0061]    Shown in  FIG. 6 , a top or second shelf bracket  36  also formed of a sidewall defining conduit  38  communicating through the sidewall from an open end  39 . The conduit  38  has an interior circumference which mirrors and is slightly larger than the exterior circumference of the first support beam  18  and second support beam  27  at distal ends  41  of each. By slightly larger is meant for this conduit and other axial passages and passageways, is meant from 1-10% larger in circumferential size than the respective support beam it surrounds. A cap  43  is engaged at a second end opposite the open end  39 . This cap  43  contacts the distal end  41  of the vertical beam on which the second shelf bracket  36  is engaged. A clamping fastener  26  communicates through the sidewall of the second shelf bracket  24  and can preferably be employed for securement to the vertical support beams  18  or  27 . 
         [0062]    The second shelf bracket  36  has a secondary support  37  which is employable to support a shelf beam  40  or optionally allow the user to hang additional displayed items  32 . 
         [0063]    Employing the device  10 , herein, the user would insert the first horizontal crossmember  14  into the respective first passage  13 , and then insert the second horizontal crossmembers  15  into one or both ledges  21  supporting the second horizontal cross member  15  to the base member  12 . 
         [0064]    The base member  12  is then tilted on the supported wider end  17  inwards, toward a central area of the first cross member  14  between both respective support members  12 , such that at least the second edge  19  of the base member  12 , and preferably a lower edge of the wall defining the passage  13 , contact the horizontal crossmember  14 . Preferably, a maximum separation distance between the two bases  12  employed should be formed to provide greater stability. 
         [0065]    After securing a respective first axial passage  23  of an adjustable crossbar bracket  16  to one or both of the horizontal crossmembers  14 , the user then inserts the first support beam  18  into the second axial passage  25  of each adjustable crossbar bracket  16  and optionally secures the clamping fasteners  26  if present. The sets of adjustable crossbar brackets  16  and vertically disposed support beams  18  can be installed as far or as close together as required by the user. 
         [0066]    The user can choose to install, and optionally employ a clamping fastener  26  to affix one, or a pair of angled brackets  30  and one or several pairs of adjustable angled brackets  30 , adjustable shelf brackets  34 , or shelf beams  40  depending on their current intended use of the device  10 . 
         [0067]    Finally, the user can employ one or more of the angled or shelf brackets  30  as well as one or more shelf beams  40  to mount planar display items  28  or alternatively hang or exhibit additional displayed items  32 . 
         [0068]    The base  12  and the brackets  30 ,  34 ,  36 , should be preferably formed from a rigid and durable material including but not limited to: aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, plastic, carbon fiber or resin. 
         [0069]    The clamping fastener  26  can be one or a combination of any currently available, durable securement means including but not limited to: thumb screws, wing nuts, clasps, clamps, bands or bolts. 
         [0070]    The preferred length of the horizontal crossmembers  14 , vertical beams  18 , and shelf beams  40  should be between 30 and 90 inches, 30 and 90 inches, and 10 to 50 inches respectively. Additionally, the cross section of the horizontal crossmembers  14 , vertical beams  18 , and shelf beams  30  is preferably rectangular with a width and height of substantially 2 inches and 4 inches respectively, but may alternatively exhibit a circular or geometric cross area with smaller or larger dimensions to display larger items. 
         [0071]    The crossmembers  14 , vertical beams  18 , and shelf beams  40  can be composed of any durable material including but not limited to: wood, fiberglass, plastic, epoxy or metal. 
         [0072]    As noted, any of the different configurations and components can be employed with any other configuration or component shown and described herein. Additionally, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in the method of production, a latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, it will be appreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, or steps in formation of the invention could be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the following appended claims. 
         [0073]    Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.