Abstract:
Disclosed are embodiments of an apparatus to store and protect paintbrushes. The apparatus comprises a first outer shell flexibly coupled to a second outer shell in an arrangement suitable for the storage of a paintbrush in the interior space described by first and second outer shells. A brush shaping flap, which is flexibly coupled to an outer shell, maintains the shape of brush bristles while a brush is stored in the apparatus. One or more magnetic elements are used to hold the brush in place in the apparatus. The magnetic elements are positioned to engage the ferromagnetic ferrule of a paintbrush. An attachment means may be coupled to the apparatus thus allowing for convenient attachment to a persons belt. A plurality of ventilation holes may be provided on the apparatus. A spring means may be provided for urging the bristle shaping flap against the brush bristles.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to the field of paintbrushes and associated tools and accessories. A paintbrush in the hands of a skilled tradesman is capable of producing a very fine quality finish. The condition of a paintbrush, quality of a paintbrush, and the skill of the tradesman all contribute to the quality of the finish produced by the tradesman. A high quality finish, which increases the value of the tradesman&#39;s work, requires a brush that is in good condition. Also, a job may be most speedily completed using a high quality brush that is in good condition. Clearly, the value of the tradesman&#39;s work and the speed with which that work can be completed have a direct economic impact on the tradesman. In addition, a high quality brush may be expected to cost the tradesman more than a low quality brush. If the condition of the paintbrush is maintained then it will provide a longer working life. A longer working life for a paintbrush also has a direct economic impact on the tradesman. In consideration of the foregoing points it is clear that preserving the condition of a paintbrush confers a number of advantages and is therefor highly desirable. 
     Anyone engaged on a job with a paintbrush quickly discovers the need to put that paintbrush down in order to use one or both hands for another task. The typical options for putting a paintbrush down include: resting the paintbrush on the edge of a paint can, resting the paintbrush on a ladder, placing the paintbrush on a tarp or other surface. These and other typical options expose the paintbrush to the possibilities of: soiling the bristles of the paintbrush, unwanted transference of paint from the paintbrush bristles to other surfaces or objects, falling of the paintbrush from an elevated resting place resulting in unwanted transference of paint from the paintbrush bristles to other surfaces or objects, and even temporary inability to find the paintbrush again when it is needed. It is therefor highly desirable to have a safe and easily remembered place to put a paintbrush when it is not needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to apparatus for storing and protecting a paint brush. An embodiment of an apparatus according to this disclosure comprises: a first outer shell comprising: a back panel having a first side and a second side; a first lateral panel coupled to said first side of said back panel; a second lateral panel coupled to said first side of said back panel, wherein a portion of said first lateral panel and a portion of said second lateral panel are substantially parallel; a top panel coupled to said first side of said back panel and coupled to said first lateral panel and coupled to said second lateral panel, wherein said top panel has a recess portion, and wherein said top panel is substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of said first lateral panel; a first magnet means coupled to said back panel of said first outer shell wherein said first magnet means is substantially parallel to said top panel of said first outer shell; a bristle shaping flap having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of said bristle shaping flap is sized to movably fit between said first lateral panel and said second lateral panel; a first flexible coupling connecting said first outer shell to said proximal end of said bristle shaping flap, wherein said first flexible coupling allows movement of said bristle shaping flap with respect to said first outer shell to a closed position in which at least a portion of said bristle shaping flap is disposed between at least a portion of said first lateral panel and at least a portion of said second lateral panel, and, wherein said first flexible coupling allows movement of said bristle shaping flap with respect to said first outer shell to an open position in which no portion of said bristle shaping flap is disposed between said first lateral panel and said second lateral panel; a second outer shell having a first side, a second side, a proximal end, and a distal end; a second flexible coupling connecting said first lateral panel of said first outer shell to said proximal end of said second outer shell, wherein said second flexible coupling allows movement of said first outer shell with respect to said second outer shell to a closed position in which said second outer shell urges said bristle shaping flap to its closed position, and, wherein said second flexible coupling allows movement of said first outer shell with respect to said second outer shell to an open position in which said second outer shell is disposed to allow said bristle shaping flap to move between its open and closed positions; and, a fastener comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion of said fastener is coupled to said first outer shell and wherein said second portion of said fastener is coupled to said distal end of said second outer shell, and wherein said first portion and said second portion of said fastener are disposed to fasten to each other when said second flexible coupling is in said closed position. 
     In a related embodiment, the apparatus may additionally comprise: a second magnet means coupled to said bristle shaping flap, wherein said second magnet means is located towards said distal end of said bristle shaping flap, and, wherein said second magnet means is positioned substantially parallel to said first magnet means when said bristle shaping flap is in said closed position. 
     In a related embodiment, the apparatus may additionally comprise: spring means coupled to the second outer shell, wherein said bristle shaping flap is urged to its closed position by said spring means when the second outer shell is in its closed position. 
     In a related embodiment of the apparatus at least one element from the group consisting of: first outer shell, second outer shell, and bristle shaping flap, has a plurality of ventilation holes. 
     In a related embodiment of the apparatus the bristle shaping flap has a first edge and a second edge, and the apparatus may further comprise: a first bristle retention skirt coupled to said bristle shaping flap and coextensive with at least a portion of said first edge of said bristle shaping flap, and a second bristle retention skirt coupled to said bristle shaping flap and coextensive with at least a portion of said second edge of said bristle shaping flap, wherein said first bristle retention skirt is sized to movably fit against said first lateral panel when said bristle shaping flap is in its closed position, and, wherein said second bristle retention skirt is sized to movably fit against said second lateral panel when said bristle shaping flap is in its closed position. 
     In a related embodiment, the apparatus may additionally comprise: an attachment means coupled to said second side of said back panel of said first outer shell, wherein said attachment means is positioned to align a portion of said first lateral panel substantially parallel with a portion of a leg of a person when the apparatus is attached to a belt worn by said person. 
     In a related embodiment a portion of the bristle shaping flap extends above said top panel of said first outer shell when said bristle shaping flap is in its closed position. 
     In a related embodiment of the apparatus the first magnet means is an elongate planar magnetic strip. 
     In a related embodiment of the apparatus the second magnet means is an elongate planar magnetic strip. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a system for storing and protecting a paintbrush wherein the system comprises a paintbrush and an apparatus for storing and protecting the paintbrush. The paintbrush comprises a handle, a ferromagnetic ferrule, and bristles. The apparatus for storing and protecting the paintbrush is an apparatus constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary paintbrush fitted into an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure with a paintbrush received into the apparatus and the bristle shaping flap positioned between its open and closed positions. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure with a paintbrush received into the apparatus and the bristle shaping flap positioned at its closed position and the second outer shell positioned at its open position. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure with a paintbrush received into the apparatus and the bristle shaping flap positioned at its closed position and the second outer shell positioned at its closed position. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which a second magnet means is used. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which a spring means is attached to the second outer shell and works to urge the bristle shaping flap to its closed position. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which ventilation holes are present in both first outer shell and bristle shaping flap. 
         FIG. 9A  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which bristle retention skirts are used to movably seal the bristle shaping flap against lateral panels of the first outer shell. 
         FIG. 9B  shows an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 9   a  in which bristle retention skirt is shown sealingly engaged with a lateral panel of the first outer shell. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the back of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which an attachment means is coupled to the second side of the first outer shell. 
     
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS APPEARING IN THE FIGURES 
     
         
         
           
               2 —Magnetic brush protector and storage apparatus. 
               10 —Paintbrush. 
               12 —Paintbrush handle. 
               14 —Paintbrush ferrule. 
               16 —Paintbrush bristles. 
               20 —First outer shell. 
               22 —Back panel. 
               22   s   1 —Back panel first side. 
               22   s   2 —Back panel second side. 
               24 —First lateral panel. 
               26 —Second lateral panel. 
               28 —Top panel. 
               29 —Top panel recess portion. 
               30 —First flexible coupling. (Hinge) 
               32 —Second flexible coupling. (Hinge) 
               40 —First magnet means. 
               42 —Second magnet means. 
               50 —Second outer shell. 
               50   s   1 —Second outer shell first side. 
               50   s   2 —Second outer shell second side. 
               50   p —Second outer shell proximal end. 
               50   d —Second outer shell distal end. 
               58 —Spring means. 
               60   a —First fastener portion. 
               60   b —Second fastener portion. 
               70 —Bristle shaping flap. 
               70   p —Bristle shaping flap proximal end. 
               70   d —Bristle shaping flap distal end. 
               70   e   1 —Bristle shaping flap first edge. 
               70   e   2 —Bristle shaping flap second edge. 
               78   a —First bristle retention skirt. 
               78   b —Second bristle retention skirt. 
               80 ,  80   a ,  80   b —Ventilation holes. 
               82 —Attachment means. 
           
         
       
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatus for safely and securely storing a paintbrush, preserving the bristles of a paintbrush, and doing so in a way that is convenient to the user of the paintbrush. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of magnetic brush protector and storage apparatus  2  according to the present disclosure is shown with a paintbrush received into the apparatus. Paintbrush  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  comprising handle  12 , ferrule  14 , and bristles  16 . Embodiments of the present disclosure take advantage of the common use of ferromagnetic materials in ferrule  14  by using one or more magnetic elements to exert an attractive force on a paintbrush ferrule in magnetic brush protector and storage apparatus  2 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of magnetic brush protector and storage apparatus  2  is shown. The embodiment of  FIG. 2  is shown comprising: a first outer shell  20 , a second outer shell  50 , a bristle shaping flap  70 , a first flexible coupling  30 , a second flexible coupling  32 , a first magnet means  40 , and a fastener comprising a first portion  60   a , and a second portion  60   b . First outer shell  20 , second outer shell  50 , and bristle shaping flap  70  may be constructed of rigid or semi rigid materials, wherein preferable materials are resistant to paints and the solvents typically found in paints. In a preferred embodiment, first flexible coupling  30  and second flexible coupling  32  may be constructed of the same materials as first outer shell  20 , second outer shell  50 , and bristle shaping flap  70 . 
     First outer shell  20  is shown comprising: a back panel  22  having a first side  22   s   1 , a first lateral panel  24 , a second lateral panel  26 , and a top panel  28 . Top panel  28  is shown as having a recess portion  29  wherein said recess portion is suitable to removably receive paintbrush handle  12 . Back panel  22 , first lateral panel  24 , second lateral panel  26 , and top panel  28  are shown as a generally planar members, each having a predetermined thickness. First outer shell  20  is shown as being created by coupling back panel  22  to first lateral panel  24 , to second lateral panel  26 , and to top panel  28 . First outer shell  20  is constructed to create a recess suitable for the placement within it of a portion of paintbrush handle  12 , the entirety of paintbrush ferrule  14 , and the entirety of paintbrush bristles  16 . First magnet means  40  is coupled to first outer shell and positioned so that the attractive force exerted by first magnet means  40  upon ferrule  14  urges the paintbrush to reside within the recess between first lateral panel  24  and second lateral panel  26 . In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus  2 , at least a portion of first lateral panel  24  is parallel to at least a portion of second lateral panel  26 . Top panel  28  has a recess portion  29  positioned to removably receive the paintbrush handle  12  when paintbrush  10  is residing within the first outer shell. Top panel  28  and recess portion  29  are positioned with respect to back panel  22 , first lateral panel  24 , and second lateral panel  26  so that when a brush is residing within the apparatus  2  a portion of handle  12  extends beyond the confines of the apparatus and extends in a manner that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of first lateral panel  24  or second lateral panel  26  or both first and second lateral panels. First outer shell  20  may be constructed of rigid or preferably semi rigid materials, wherein preferable materials are resistant to paints and the solvents typically found in paints. Rigidity and durability of first outer shell  20  may be enhanced by coupling top panel  28  to one or both of first lateral panel  24  and second lateral panel  26 . 
     A preferred embodiment of first magnet means  40  is an elongate planar magnetic strip coupled to back panel  22  such that the long axis of the elongate magnetic strip is disposed to be substantially parallel to top panel  28  and wherein first magnet means  40  is positioned to engage at least a portion of ferrule  14  when brush  10  resides within first outer shell  20 . When brush ferrule  14  is engaged by the force exerted by first magnet means  40  the brush may be held securely and is substantially prevented from sliding around within first outer shell. The prevention of sliding of the paintbrush within the first outer shell  20  further contributes to the protection and preservation of the paintbrush bristles  16 . 
     Continuing with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , first flexible coupling  30  couples first outer shell  20  to bristle shaping flap  70  so as to allow movement between an open position of the bristle shaping flap, which is shown in  FIG. 2 , and a closed position of the bristle shaping flap which is shown in  FIG. 4 . The open position of the bristle shaping flap allows a brush to be received into first outer shell  20 . In the closed position the bristle shaping flap urges bristles  16  of brush  10  received therein into a natural shape that may be generally wedge or triangular in shape. Urging bristles into natural shapes promotes and preserves the quality and long life of the bristles. Bristle shaping flap  70  is sized so that when the flap is in the closed position at least a portion of bristle shaping flap  70  fits between first lateral panel  24  and second lateral panel  26 . Bristle shaping flap  70  may be constructed of rigid or preferably semi rigid materials, wherein preferable materials are resistant to paints and the solvents typically found in paints. Bristle shaping flap  70  is shown having a proximal end  70   p  which is near first flexible coupling  30 , and a distal end  70   d  which is away from said first flexible coupling. Bristle shaping flap  70  and the attached first flexible coupling  30  allow the apparatus to secure and accommodate brushes of different thicknesses. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2  is second outer shell  50 , which is coupled to first outer shell  20  by means of second flexible coupling  32 . Second flexible coupling  32  couples first outer shell  20  to second outer shell  50  so as to allow movement between an open position of the second outer shell, which is shown in  FIG. 2 , and a closed position of the second outer shell, which is shown in  FIG. 5 . The open position of second outer shell  50  allows brush shaping flap  70  to be freely moved between its open and closed positions. In the closed position of second outer shell  50  the second outer shell urges brush shaping flap  70  to its closed position. Second outer shell is shown having a proximal end  50   p  which is near second flexible coupling  32 , and distal end  50   d  which is away from second flexible coupling  32 . Second outer shell  50  may be constructed of rigid or preferably semi rigid materials, wherein preferable materials are resistant to paints and the solvents typically found in paints. 
     Continuing with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , a first fastener portion  60   a  is shown coupled to second outer shell  50  in proximity to second outer shell distal end  50   d . A second fastener portion  60   b  is shown coupled to first outer shell  20  and positioned so that when second outer shell  50  is in its closed position first fastener portion  60   a  and second fastener portion  60   b  are disposed to fasten together. In a preferred embodiment first fastener portion  60   a  may be formed integral to second outer shell  50  and second fastener portion  60   b  may be formed integral to first outer shell  20  respectively. 
       FIG. 2  also shows an attachment means  82  that may be coupled to first outer shell  20  and works to facilitate attachment to a person&#39;s belt or other equivalent structures so as to permit the apparatus to be carried around by a person hands free and within easy reach. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , shown is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure wherein paintbrush  10  has been received into first outer shell  20  of magnetic brush protector and storage apparatus  2  and bristle shaping flap  70  is positioned between its open and closed positions. First magnet means  40  exerts an attractive force on ferrule  14  thereby urging brush  10  to stay within first outer shell  20 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , shown is a perspective view of the same preferred embodiment as that shown in  FIG. 3 , wherein  FIG. 4  shows an apparatus according to the present disclosure wherein paintbrush  10  has been received into first outer shell  20  of magnetic brush protector and storage apparatus  2  and bristle shaping flap  70  is positioned at its closed position and second outer shell  50  is positioned in its open position. Bristle shaping flap  70  is sized so that at least a portion of bristle shaping flap  70  fits between first and second lateral panels.  FIG. 4  also shows that when bristle shaping flap  70  is in a closed position, bristle shaping flap proximal end  70   p  is positioned to urge bristles  16  together in a wedge shaped natural form. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 4 , also shown is bristle shaping flap distal end  70   d  in which a portion of the flap extends above top panel  28  when bristle shaping flap  70  is in its closed position. The portion extending above top panel  28  may be easily engaged by a person&#39;s thumb to move the bristle shaping flap through its range of motion. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , shown is a perspective view of the same preferred embodiment as that shown in  FIG. 3 , wherein  FIG. 5  shows an apparatus according to the present disclosure wherein paintbrush  10  has been received into first outer shell  20  of magnetic brush protector and storage apparatus  2  and bristle shaping flap  70  is positioned at its closed position and second outer shell  50  is positioned in its closed position. As indicated by  FIG. 5 , when second outer shell  50  is positioned in its closed position first fastener portion  60   a  may engage with second fastener portion  60   b  to secure paintbrush  10  into the apparatus. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , shown is a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which a second magnet means  42  is used. Second magnet means  42  is coupled to bristle shaping flap  70  and is positioned such that when bristle shaping flap  70  is in its closed position second magnet means  42  is attracted to magnet means  40 . When brush  10  has been received into first outer shell  20  of the apparatus and bristle shaping flap  70  is in its closed position second magnet means may be attracted to ferrule  14  and thereby promote greater security in holding the brush in the apparatus. A preferred embodiment of second magnet means  42  is an elongate planar magnetic strip coupled to bristle shaping flap  70  such that the long axis of the elongate planar magnetic strip is disposed to be substantially parallel to top panel  28  and wherein second magnet means  42  is positioned to engage at least a portion of ferrule  14  when brush  10  has been received within first outer shell  20 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , shown is a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which a spring means  58  is coupled to second outer shell  50 . As indicated in  FIG. 7 , when second outer shell  50  is in its closed position and first fastener portion  60   a  is fastened to second fastener portion  60   b  spring means  58  provides a spring force for urging bristle shaping flap  70  to its closed position. Spring means  58  provides a way to make sure that bristle shaping flap  70  remains snug against brush  10 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , shown is a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which ventilation holes  80 ,  80   a , and  80   b  are present in both first outer shell  20  and bristle shaping flap  70 . After a brush has been cleaned it may be beneficial to allow the bristles to dry. For this purpose ventilation holes  80  may be included in any combination of the following elements according to this disclosure: first outer shell  20 , second outer shell  50 , and bristle shaping flap  70 . Allowing bristles to dry while a brush is secured in the apparatus gives the added benefit of drying the bristles while shaping the bristles which results in well formed bristles ready for the next time the brush is used. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9A , shown is a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which a first bristle retention skirt  78   a  and a second bristle retention skirt  78   b  are used to movably seal a portion of the bristle shaping flap  70  against first lateral panel  24  and second lateral panel  26  when bristle shaping flap  70  is in its closed position. First bristle retention skirt  78   a  is coupled to and coextensive with a portion of bristle shaping flap first edge  70   e   1  while second bristle retention skirt  78   b  is coupled to and coextensive with a portion of bristle shaping flap second edge  70   e   2 . Bristle retention skirts  78   a  and  78   b  may be constructed of a flexible material so as to facilitate a compliant wiping action along a portion of first and second lateral panels when bristle shaping flap  70  is moved from an open position to a closed position. The bristle retention skirts  78   a  and  78   b  may be useful in preventing bristles from becoming trapped between bristle shaping flap edges  70   e   1 ,  70   e   2  and lateral panels  24 ,  26  respectively.  FIG. 9B  shows an expanded view of a portion of  FIG. 9A  in which portions of brush shaping flap  70 , first bristle shaping flap edge  70   e   1 , first bristle retention skirt  78   a , and first lateral panel  24  are visible. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , shown is a perspective view of the back of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which an attachment means  82  is coupled to back panel second side  22   s   2  of first outer shell  20 . Attachment means  82  allows attachment of magnetic brush protector and storage apparatus  2  to other objects including but not limited to a pants pocket or a clothing belt. When the apparatus is attached at a persons waist, a portion of first lateral panel  24  will be substantially parallel to a portion of the person&#39;s leg while standing. This positioning facilitates quick access to the brush and allows easy one handed operation in storage and removal of the brush. Attachment means  82  may be formed out of the same materials as were used in forming first outer shell  20 , and moreover, attachment means  82  may be formed integrally with first outer shell  20 . 
     While the foregoing descriptions are intended to convey the structure and function of the elements comprising preferred embodiments of the invention, the disclosure now turns to the manner and method of using various embodiments of the invention. 
     In order to remove an already stored paintbrush from magnetic brush protector and storage apparatus  2  a person would first unfasten second outer shell  50  from its closed position and move said second outer shell to an open position. Next, the bristle shaping flap  70  may be moved from its closed position to an open position. Next, the brush  10  may be removed from the apparatus by grasping handle  12  and manipulating the brush until it is free of the apparatus. The bristle shaping flap may be moved back to its closed position after which the second outer shell may be moved back to its closed position. All of the actions needed to remove the brush from the apparatus may be performed using just one hand. One handed operation of the apparatus is particularly easy when the embodiment of the apparatus includes an attachment means and the apparatus is attached to a person&#39;s belt or pants pocket. 
     In order to store a paintbrush in a empty magnetic brush protector and storage apparatus  2  a person would first unfasten second outer shell  50  from its closed position and move said second outer shell to an open position. Next, the bristle shaping flap  70  may be moved from its closed position to an open position. Next, the brush may be placed in first outer shell  20  with brush handle  12  located in top panel recess portion  29  and with first magnet means  40  engaging ferrule  14  so that ferrule  14  and bristles  16  are contained between first lateral panel  24  and second lateral panel  26 . Next, bristle shaping flap  70  may be moved from an open position to a closed position. Next, second outer shell may be moved from an open position to a closed position in which first fastener portion  60   a  is fastened to second fastener portion  60   b  at which time the brush will be safe and secure in the apparatus. All of the actions needed to store the brush in the apparatus may be performed using just one hand. One handed operation of the apparatus is particularly easy when the embodiment of the apparatus includes an attachment means and the apparatus is attached to a person&#39;s belt or pants pocket. 
     Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefor, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. 
     Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6.