Abstract:
A clip-like device applicable to foods which are generally eaten by hand while grasping an extension therefrom is presented. The food clip includes first and second arms and a hinge. The first and second arms are generally planar and elongated elements forming a handle region and a grasping region. The hinge is disposed between and attached to the first and second arms. The hinge is comprised of a compressible and/or deformable yet resilient block-shaped element. The sides of the hinge are shaped so that the grasping region is normally closed and open when a force is applied to the handle region so as to deform the hinge. The grasping region presses against, nearly surrounds, and supports the extension from a food item when the first and second arms are closed. Food items could include, but are not limited to, meats, fish, foul, vegetables, prepared items, such as french fries and hotdogs, and other consumables eaten using a hand or a utensil.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention generally relates to a clip-like device applicable to foods which are generally eaten by hand while grasping an extension therefrom, examples including, but not limited to, spare ribs, chicken wings, and chicken legs. Specifically, the invention includes a pair of arms disposed about and attached to a compressible and/or deformable, yet resilient block-like hinge mechanism. The arms further include a handle region and a grasping region, the latter having extensions which surround, support, and secure the extension to the food clip device. 
     2. Background 
     Several holding utensils are provided in the related arts for use with food items typically eaten by hand. 
     Carolina, U.S. Pat. No. 7,287,791, and Durant, U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,517, describe holders for spare ribs, chicken wings, and other food items including a pair of elongated and substantially planar-shaped arms connected by a flexible joint at one end and having jaws at the other end. The arms and jaws are biased in the open position and closed to grasp a food item. The jaws do not support all sides of a food item and the flexible joint is bendable. 
     In another example, Romero, U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,423, describes a holder for chicken drumsticks and other food items. The holder includes a pair of jaws which are shaped and dimensioned to accommodate the fingers and thumb of a user enabling it to be manually closed. The utensil has a springy, hinge which acts to open the jaws upon release of finger pressure therefrom. The jaws have pairs of opposing rows of teeth, and the rows are outwardly curved to form a gap therebetween to accommodate the shape of the food and provide more secure gripping thereof. The jaws do not support all sides of a food item and the flexible joint is bendable. 
     In yet another example, Burns, U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,704, describes a spare rib holder including two oppositely disposed members pivotally joined at one end to simulate retractable jaws, the members being spring biased with respect to each other so as to normally be in open position, the free ends of both members being provided with oppositely disposed teeth for grasping a spare rib therebetween, the lower member having a ramp projecting forwardly therefrom for leading a spare rib to the jaws. Extension of the ramp beyond the jaws minimizes the length of a spare rib disposed within the jaws, thereby frustrating support along all sides of the rib section by the jaws. Furthermore, functionality of the joint is via a coiled spring which is difficult to clean after use. 
     In one other example, Foster et al., U.S. Pat. No. D423,305, describes a rib holder including two planar-shaped arms pivotally joined along their length by a spring joint biased in the closed position. The arms include teeth to grasp a spare rib. The arms and teeth do not support all sides of a spare rib and functionality of the joint is via a coiled spring which is difficult to clean after use. 
     Adequate support of a food item within a holder utensil is particularly problematic for food items which include meat covered bones. 
     For example, the removal of meat from a bone requires both biting and pulling actions along an infinite number of vectors. The pulling action in particular exerts a force which could move or dislodge the food item from the holder when along a direction without proper support. 
     Also, the clamping force exerted by a normally-closed, spring-based jaw must balance the holding capability of the device with usability, namely, the ability to be opened by the force applied by a user&#39;s hand. 
     Further, the clamping force exerted by a user&#39;s hand onto a normally open device with bendable hinges is limited by the strength and endurance of the user. 
     Accordingly, the related arts do not include a device that allows a user to securely grasp and hold a food item so as to prevent movement of the item with respect to the device as meat is torn or ripped from a bone. 
     Therefore, what is required is a food holder utensil which securely grasps and holds a food item so as to minimize movement of the item with respect to the device as the item is consumed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a food holder utensil which securely grasps and holds a food item so as to minimize movement of the item with respect to the device as the item is consumed. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the food clip includes first and second arms and a hinge. The first and second arms are generally planar and elongated elements forming a handle region and a grasping region. The hinge is disposed between and attached to the first and second arms along the handle region. The hinge is a compressible and/or deformable, yet resilient block-like element. The side walls of the hinge are shaped so that the grasping region is normally closed and open when an inward force is applied onto the handle region so as to compress or otherwise deform the hinge. The grasping region presses against and nearly surrounds a bone or other extension from a food item when the first and second arms are closed. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the hinge could be polygonal shaped and disposed in a tapered arrangement with at least one cavity or slot therein. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the hinge could have a perimeter that is partially or completely arcuate. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the first arm could have a first upper extension extending substantially perpendicular from the top edge along the grasping region and the second arm could have a second upper extension extending substantially perpendicular from the top edge and a lower extension extending substantially perpendicular from the bottom edge along the grasping region. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the lower extension could function as a scoop-like spatula. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, at least one edge along first and second arms within the grasping region and/or the lower extension could be serrated for use in cutting food and/or separating bones. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the hinge could be comprised of a polymer, elastomer, rubber, or foam. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the hinge could be attached to the first and second arms via fasteners which are either removable or fixed to the hinge. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, each fastener could include at least one tab and each tab resides within a pair of aligned slots through the first arm and the hinge or the second arm and the hinge. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the first and said second arms could be bonded to the hinge. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the hinge could include at least two tabs and each tab resides within slots aligned and through the first arm and the hinge and slots aligned and through the second arm and the hinge. 
     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the tabs could be mechanically secured to the slots. 
     Several benefits are noteworthy. The invention adequately supports the sides of a bone or other extension from a food item so as to ensure proper alignment with respect to the holder regardless of the magnitude and direction of forces applied by the teeth and mouth of a user. The invention is composed of food grade, dishwasher safe, and cleanable materials, thus minimizing the growth of bacteria, molds, and other contaminants on and between the elements comprising the food clip. The invention allows a user to separate a spare rib from a rack of ribs and consume the rib with one hand without direct contact between the food item and the user&#39;s hand. The invention reduces the need for napkins by avoiding contact with the food item, thus promoting the conservation of nature resources and reducing waste products destined for landfills. The solid-state construction of the hinge avoids the accumulation of food particles common to spring-based devices. The invention could be manufactured in a sterile, hands-free environment. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1  
                 Food clip 
               
               
                 2  
                 First arm 
               
               
                 3  
                 Second arm 
               
               
                 4  
                 Hinge 
               
               
                 5  
                 Fastener 
               
               
                 6  
                 Grip 
               
               
                 7  
                 Handle region 
               
               
                 8  
                 Grasping region 
               
               
                 9  
                 Upper extension 
               
               
                 10 
                 Lower extension 
               
               
                 11  
                 Front edge 
               
               
                 12  
                 Top edge 
               
               
                 13  
                 Side edge 
               
               
                 14  
                 Cavity 
               
               
                 15  
                 Side wall 
               
               
                 16  
                 Back wall 
               
               
                 17  
                 Front wall 
               
               
                 18  
                 Slot 
               
               
                 19  
                 Base 
               
               
                 20  
                 Tab 
               
               
                 21  
                 Recess 
               
               
                 22  
                 Slot 
               
               
                 23  
                 Angle 
               
               
                 24  
                 Tab 
               
               
                 25  
                 Slot 
               
               
                 26  
                 Teeth 
               
               
                 27  
                 Hand 
               
               
                 28  
                 Inward force 
               
               
                 29  
                 Spare rib 
               
               
                 30  
                 End 
               
               
                 31  
                 Bottom edge 
               
               
                 32  
                 Interior surface 
               
               
                 33  
                 Front end 
               
               
                 34  
                 Exterior surface 
               
               
                 35  
                 Plate 
               
               
                 36  
                 Compressive force 
               
               
                 37  
                 Side 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be understood and will become more readily apparent when the invention is considered in the light of the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view illustrating arrangement of first and second arms, a hinge, and fasteners for a food clip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view illustrating the handle and grasping regions along the food clip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged front view illustrating the food clip in the closed position and arrangement of the first arm with an upper extension and the second arm with upper and lower extensions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is top view illustrating the first and second arms of the food clip attached to the hinge and angled so that the upper extensions contact or nearly contact in the closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view illustrating the overlap of the lower extension along the second arm with the first arm in the closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6   a  is a top view illustrating the hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6   b  is a side view illustrating slots along the side walls of the hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view illustrating arrangement of the base and tabs of a fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating slots and recess allowing attachment of the first and second arms to the hinge via the fasteners in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a top section view illustrating a hinge and fasteners molded onto and between a pair of arms as a single element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10   a  is a top view illustrating a hinge with an optional cavity and tabs extending from the side walls thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10   b  is a top view illustrating a hinge with two optional cavities in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10   c  is a top view illustrating a hinge with an optional cavity and a slot along the back wall in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10   d  is a top view illustrating a hinge with an optional cavity and curved front and back walls in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10   e  is a top view illustrating a hinge with an optional cavity and curved front and back walls with a slot along the front wall in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10   f  is a top view illustrating another hinge with an optional cavity and curved front and back walls and side walls in a tapered arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10   g  is a top view illustrating another hinge with an optional cavity and curved front and back walls and side walls in a non-tapered arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10   h  is a top view illustrating yet another hinge with an optional cavity and curved front and back walls in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10   i  is a top view illustrating a circular-shaped hinge with optional cavity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged bottom view illustrating a lower extension with a serrated edge in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged side view illustrating an arm with serrated top and front edges in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13   a  is a top view illustrating compression and deformation of a hinge by a hand so that the first and second arms are in the open position allowing insertion of one end along a spare rib onto a lower extension and into the grasping region of the food clip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13   b  is a top view illustrating contact between the spare rib and the food clip shown in  FIG. 12   a  after insertion of the one end into the grasping region and removal of the inward force thereby allowing the first and second arms to close about the meat and bone. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several preferred embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. The drawings are not to precise scale. While various features are separately described herein, it is understood that two or more such features could be combined into a single embodiment. Components are preferred to be composed of food grade materials and manufactured via techniques understood in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the food clip  1  in its simplest form includes a first arm  2  and a second arm  3  disposed about a hinge  4 . The first and second arms  2 ,  3  are generally planar, elongated elements which are either rigid or semi-rigid. The first and second arms  2 ,  3  could be comprised of one or more polymers, examples including, but not limited to, formulations of polyethylene or polypropylene. The hinge  4  is a block-shaped element comprised of one or more compressible and/or deformable, yet resilient materials which could be either injection molded or otherwise formed to the desired shape via techniques understood in the art. Exemplary materials food grade could include polymers, rubbers, elastomers, and foams. In preferred embodiments, the hinge  4  is nearly as wide as the first and second arms  2 ,  3 . The first and second arms  2 ,  3  could be attached and fixed to the hinge  4  via an adhesive or mechanically attached thereto via a pair of fasteners  5 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the food clip  1  is shown including a handle region  7  and a grasping region  8 . The handle region  7  allows a user to grasp, hold, and operate the food clip  1  with one hand. As such, it is preferred for the handle region  7  to be ergonomically designed to complement the shape of a user&#39;s hand. The grasping region  8  is generally defined to include the length of the food clip  1  which extends beyond the handle region  7  and the hinge  4 . The grasping region  8  could include various design elements which holds and supports a food item, one example being a plurality of grips  6  which extend from the interior surface  32  of the first and second arms  2 ,  3 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Grips  6  could include notches, knurls, or other surface features which enhance contact between the first and second arms  2 ,  3  and a food item. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , the first and second arms  2 ,  3  are attached to the hinge  4  so as to be in the normally closed position so that the first and second arms  2 ,  3  contact or nearly contact each other. The hinge  4  is shaped so that contact with the first and second arms  2 ,  3  prefers an inward angular arrangement along the grasping region  8 . 
     The first and second arms  2 ,  3  each have an upper extension  9  attached to the top edge  12  and extending therefrom in a substantially perpendicular and inward arrangement. The upper extensions  9  are generally planar elements which are arcuate shaped along one side so as to allow for contact or near contact along a portion of the two structures within the grasping region  8  when in the closed position. 
     The second arm  3  further includes a lower extension  10  attached to and extending from the bottom edge  31  thereof in a substantially perpendicular arrangement. The lower extension  10  is a generally rectangular, planar element which extends towards and, preferably, at least partially beyond the first arm  2 , as represented in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The front end  33  of the lower extension  10  could slightly extend beyond the front edge  11  of the first and second arms  2 ,  3  so as to form a scoop-like spatula structure. In some embodiments, the front end  33  could be tapered to facilitate placement of the lower extension  10  between the end of a food item and a support surface. 
     The upper extensions  9  and lower extension  10  are attached or otherwise fixed to the edges of the first and second arms  2 ,  3 . For example, the upper and lower extensions  9 ,  10  could be molded onto the first and second arms  2 ,  3  during fabrication thereof. In another example, the upper and lower extensions  9 ,  10  could be mechanically or adhesively attached to the first and second arms  2 ,  3 . 
     The first and second arms  2 ,  3 , upper extensions  9 , and lower extension  10  form a substantially rectangular-shaped opening when in the closed position, as represented in  FIG. 3 . The opening could nearly approximate the dimensions of a representative food item supported within the grasping region  8 . In some embodiments, the front edge  11  of the first and second arms  2 ,  3  could include a slightly arcuate shape, as represented in  FIG. 3 , so as to approximate the curvature of food items. In yet other embodiments, the lower extension  10  could sufficiently extend beyond the first arm  2  so as to overlap the first arm  2  over at least a portion of the angular range of the first and second arms  2 ,  3  when in the open position. In still other embodiments, the upper extensions  9  could sufficiently overlap in the closed position and for at least a portion of the open range of motion. In still further embodiments, the maximum separation between the upper extensions  9  could minimize the possibility of a pinch hazard when the first and second arms  2 ,  3  are completely open. In preferred embodiments, the first and second arms  2 ,  3 , upper extensions  9 , and lower extension  10  should contact and support the sides of a food item within the grasping region  8 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , an exemplary hinge  4  is shown as a six-sided block with a four-sided, polygon-shaped profile; although, it is understand that other polygonal-shaped profiles are possible. In general terms, the hinge  4  is a block-like element with a pair of sides  37  disposed in either a parallel or non-parallel arrangement and separated so as to approximate the width of the first and second arms  2 ,  3 ; however, other thicknesses are possible. The compressibility and overall deformability of the hinge  4  is preferred to allow a user to open and close the grasping region  8  via a force applied with the fingers and thumb of one hand; however, the resiliency of the hinge  4  should be sufficient to apply a force onto a food item within the grasping region  8  so as to hold or otherwise clamp the item therein. In preferred embodiments, at least one optional cavity  14  could completely or partially traverse the thickness of the hinge  4  so as to reduce the force required to open the first and second arms  2 ,  3  along the grasping region  8 . 
     In preferred embodiments, the hinge  4  includes a pair of side walls  15 , a back wall  16 , and a front wall  17 . The side walls  15  are disposed in a tapered arrangement forming an acute angle  23  so that the first and second arms  2 ,  3  are biased in the normally closed position. This arrangement requires the back wall  16  to be longer than the front wall  17 . In preferred embodiments, the ratio of the lengths of the side walls  15  to the front and back walls  17 ,  16  could be approximately 1.3 and 1.6, respectively. It is also possible for the back wall  16  to be arcuate shaped so as to reduce the force required to open and close the first and second arms  2 ,  3  in response to compression and/or deformation of the hinge  4 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6   b ,  7 , and  8 , an exemplary hinge  4 , fastener  5 , and food clip  1  are shown, respectively, for an embodiment wherein the first and second arms  2 ,  3  are mechanically attached to the hinge  4 . Like-sized, rectangular-shaped slots  18 ,  22  extended through the side wall  15  and the second arm  3 , respectively, along the handle region  7  adjacent to the grasping region  8 . The slots  18 ,  22  are likewise spaced along the side wall  15  and second arm  3  so as to overlap and align when the second arm  3  is assembled onto the hinge  4 . The fastener  5  is shown including a substantially planar base  19  with rectangular-shaped tabs  20  extending therefrom in a substantially perpendicular arrangement; however, other designs are possible. The base  19  could include a button-like depression or other ergonomic feature facilitating contact with a finger or thumb. The tabs  20  are dimensioned and spaced so as to align with and pass through the paired arrangement of slots  18 ,  22  along the hinge  4  and second arm  3 . In some embodiments, the tabs  20  could include a flange or barb or be dimensioned so as to form an interference fit with the slots  18 ,  22 , thereby providing a mechanical interlock between the components and allowing the food clip  1  to be disassembled for cleaning purposes. In other embodiments, the tabs  20  could be slightly smaller than the slots  18 ,  22 , thus requiring application of an adhesive or other bonding material to properly fix and secure the tabs  20  within the slots  18 ,  22 . In yet other embodiments, it might be advantageous to include a recess  21  which approximates the shape of the base  19  along the exterior surface  34  of the second arm  3 , as represented in  FIG. 8 , so that the fastener  5  is flush or nearly flush along the exterior surface  34 . This feature minimizes interaction between the fastener  5  and a user&#39;s hand. In yet further embodiments, the hinge  4  and fasteners  5  could be directly insert molded or formed onto the first and second arms  2 ,  3  as a single, integral element, as represented in  FIG. 9 . The construction and assembly described herein for the second arm  3  is likewise applicable to the first arm  2 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10   a , the hinge  4  with an optional cavity  14  is shown including tabs  24 , like those described herein, extending substantially perpendicular from the side walls  15  thereof. In this embodiment, the tabs  24  are dimensioned and aligned so as to pass through the slots  22  along the first and second arms  2 ,  3 . The tabs  24  could mechanically interlock with the slots  22  via an interference fit, flange, or barb or require an adhesive to fix and secure the tabs  24  within the slots  22 . This embodiment eliminates the fasteners  5  described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10   b - 10   i , several exemplary alternate embodiments are shown for the hinge  4  with an optional cavity  14  and a perimeter that is partially or completely arcuate shaped. In  FIG. 10   b , the hinge  4  is shown including a pair of optional cavities  14  which completely or partially traverse the thickness thereof. In  FIGS. 10   c  and  10   e , the hinge  4  is shown including a slot  25  which partially or completely traverses the back wall  16  and front wall  17 , respectively, so as to further reduce the applied force required to deform the hinge  4 . In  FIGS. 10   d  and  10   f - 10   h , the hinge  4  is shown with a back wall  16  and a front wall  17  which are disposed in complimentary and opposed arrangements. In  FIG. 10   i , the hinge  4  is shown having a completely arcuate shape so as to form a circle. It is understood that other shapes are possible including, but not limited to, ellipses, ovals, and other polygons with and without cavities. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , the lower extension  10  is shown having a plurality of optional teeth  26  along a side edge  13  thereof. Teeth  26  are spaced along the side edge  13  so as to form a serrated cutting edge which could be used to cut, score, and/or separate a spare rib individually from a rack of ribs. In this embodiment, the side edge  13  could extend from the second arm  3  beyond the first arm  2 , as represented in  FIG. 11 , so as to allow the lower extension  10  to completely or nearly completely penetrate the thickness of a rack of ribs without interference from the first arm  2 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the top edge  12  and front edge  11  of the second arm  3  are shown each including a plurality of optional teeth  26  so as to form serrated cutting edges which could be used to cut, score, and/or separate ribs from a rack. In preferred embodiments, the serration length could be sufficient so as to allow the second arm  3  to penetration the thickness of a rack of ribs without undue interference from the upper and/or lower extensions  9 ,  10 . It is also preferred that the teeth  26  be placed along the first arm  2  so that the cutting action is applicable to both sides about a bone for a rib along a rack. This cutting action might require the user to apply a compression force onto the handle region  7  so as to separate the first and second arms  2 ,  3  and open the grasping region  8 . Teeth  26  could be molded onto or cut into the respective elements via techniques understood in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b , an exemplary food clip  1  is shown for demonstration purposes with application to a spare rib  29 ; although, it is understood that the food clip  1  is applicable to other food items. The user grasps the handle region  7  with her hand  27  so that her index finger and thumb are disposed about the first and second arms  2 ,  3  immediately adjacent to the hinge  4  and contacting the fasteners  5 . Her remaining fingers and palm surround and support the handle region  7 . The fingers and thumb mutually apply an inward force  28  which compresses and/or deforms at least a portion of the hinge  4  so as to separate or open the first and second arms  2 ,  3  within the grasping region  8 . After the grasping region  8  is in the open position, the user places the lower extension  10  against the surface of a plate  35  or the like and then slides it towards the spare rib  29  so as to direct one end  30  onto the lower extension  10  and into the grasping region  8 . In this example, the end  30  is a meat covered bone; however, it could also be only meat or a bone. Further, the ability to grasp both meat and/or bone allows the user to grasp either end of the food item  1 . When a sufficiently length of the end  30  is within the grasping region  8 , the user removes the inward force  28 , while maintaining a grip along the handle region  7 . The hinge  4  then returns to nearly its original shape, thus applying a compressive force  36  onto the end  30 . The first and second arms  2 ,  3 , upper extensions  9 , and lower extension  10  completely or partially contact the end  30  so as to communicate the compressive force  36  about the end  30  and to support the end  30  during use to resist twisting or turning of the spare rib  29  as it is consumed. The spare rib  29  is removed from the food clip  1  by reversing the process described herein. 
     The description above indicates that a great degree of flexibility is offered in terms of the invention. Although various embodiments have been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.