Abstract:
A vehicle supported lift system in which a generally horizontal lift beam is supported at each end by supports. A hand operated lift mechanism is mounted on the beam and operates a vertically movable member extending downwardly from the beam for connection with the vehicle motor. A cast aluminum handle is preferably used to operate the lift mechanism and is manually operated. The hooks are mounted parallel and in close proximity to the horizontal beam and a chain with an attachment means on the end and extend downwardly from the beam. The legs are disposed adjacent the two ends of the beam, and are relatively short to permit the motor lift to be readily and conveniently mounted on the vehicle above the engine or in the cab of van type vehicles.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims benefit of provisional patent application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/063,888 filed Oct. 31, 1997 and is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/182,365 filed Oct. 29, 1998 (now abandoned), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention pertains to a vehicle supported lift system for installing and removing motor vehicle parts. More specifically the present invention relates to a vehicle supported lift system which is adjustable to fit in the engine compartment of a vehicle. The system has at both ends a telescopic extension section and a main beam in between. Supports are connected by compound swivels to the ends of the extension sections to support the lift system at the edges of an engine compartment of the vehicle body. Lifting hooks and chains are individually displaceable on the main beam because of a hanger having an n-shaped channel. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art 
     In servicing and repairing automobile, van, and truck engines, transmissions and other parts, it is often necessary or desirable to lift these vehicle parts a few inches to permit access to the part or location where the work is to be performed. For example, in replacing the motor mounts, the engine must be raised to give sufficient clearance between the bottom of the engine and the vehicle frame to release and replace the worn mounts. Lifting the engine is also necessary in some vehicles in removing the oil pan. In the past, overhead hoists supported by a beam above the vehicle, or a jack placed beneath the vehicle have been used to raise the engine or other part sufficiently to perform the service or repairs. Often times an old 2′ by 4′ wooden board propped up by shop manuals on the vehicle body is used as a lift. These prior practices have been unsatisfactory, inconvenient and/or hazardous, and in many instances could not be used because of interference encountered from other vehicle parts such as the hood, cab or frame members. 
     The below-referenced U.S. patents disclose embodiments that were at least in-part satisfactory for the purposes for which they were intended. The disclosures of all the below-referenced prior United States patents, and applications, in their entireties are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application for purposes including, but not limited to, indicating the background of the present invention and illustrating the state of the art. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,371 to Klann shows a vehicle-mounted lifting bridge with telescopic support beams which are mounted to A-frame like feet that are pivotally mounted to the support beam. Klann does not disclose a hood support or generally n-shaped hangers mounted on the support beam for supporting an engine. Nor does Klann disclose a rounded, polymer coated support stand connected to the beam by a compound swivel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,386 to Goodwin shows a cross beam and various attachments for supporting a vehicle motor. Goodwin does not disclose a hood support, a compound swivel for pivoting, a rounded, polymer coated support stand to the cross beam, or mounting n-shaped hangers on the cross beam. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to have a vehicle supported lift system that solves the aforementioned problems. 
     SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a vehicle supported lift system that overcomes the aforementioned problems, and can be adjusted to fit into the engine compartment of any vehicle, even today&#39;s aerodynamically-shaped vehicles. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the vehicle supported lift system provides a lift device for raising vehicle parts a few inches to permit service and repair operations to be conveniently performed, which does not depend upon nor require a support external of the vehicle. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the vehicle supported lift system provides a vehicle engine motor lift which can readily be adjusted to handle engines, transmissions, or other parts located under the hood in automobiles or those in or under the cab of trucks and vans, and which is easily mounted and operated on or in the vehicle in position where the engine, transmission, or other part can be most effectively lifted to provide the desired working clearance for the service or repair work being performed. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle supported lift system with greater stability, strength, durability and versatility than prior art lift systems in order to better fit today&#39;s world-wide market of automobiles. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a vehicle supported lift system that is covered with a protective coating so that it will not slip, and it does not scratch the finish of the vehicle. 
     A further object is to provide a vehicle motor lift device of the aforesaid type which is convenient and safe to use, and which is simple in construction and operation and can be easily stored when not in use, and readily carried or otherwise moved into operating position on the vehicle on which the service or repairs are to be made. 
     These, and other, aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the lift system of a first embodiment of the present invention supported by vehicle in the engine compartment; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of lift system of the present invention of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 shows a magnified isometric view of the end portion of the lift system of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of yet another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is an isometric view of yet another second embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 8 a  is an exploded isometric view of one portion of the invention including the compound swivel shown in FIG. 8; and 
     FIG. 9 is an isometric view of still another embodiment of the invention including an adaptor bar. 
    
    
     In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description. 
     FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a vehicle supported lift system  5  according to the present invention. The present invention is a lift system  5  which can be placed in the engine compartment  8  of nearly any vehicle  10  to aid a mechanic in lifting various parts out of the vehicle  10 . The system  5  can also be used to hold parts which need to be moved by the mechanic while the mechanic gains access to other areas within the engine compartment  8 . For example, the lift system  5  is useful when working on motor mounts, transmissions, clutches, and oil pans. 
     The vehicle supported lift system  5  includes a generally horizontal lift beam  15  which in the preferred embodiment includes three components: a main beam  20 , a left extension section  22 , and a right extension section  24 . The extension section  22 ,  24  allow the system  5  to adjust to fit nearly any size vehicle. The lift beam  15  has a left (L) end  17  and a right (R) end  18  as it is viewed from the front (F) of the vehicle  10 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2, the main beam  20  has a top  28 , a bottom  29  opposite the top, at least five holes  26  in the top  28  which are aligned with one hole  26  each in the bottom The holes  26  are arranged to allow extension section  22  to adjust in ¼ inch increments during use. The main beam  20  has a left end and right end that are relative to the left end  17  and right end  18  of the lift beam  15 . The right end  18  is adjacent to the top  28 , as is the right end  18  which is opposite the left end  17 . 
     The main beam  20  and the extension sections  22 ,  24  are made of square tubular steel, although many other geometries and materials are just as feasible. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the main beam  20  is slightly larger than the diameter of the extension sections  22 ,  24  so that the extension sections  22 ,  24  can be slidably received in the main beam  20  with a relatively tight fit. Of course, the main beam  20  diameter may be slightly smaller than that of the extension sections  22 ,  24  so that the main beam  20  may be received by both sections  22 ,  24 . 
     The main beam  20  and the extension sections  22 ,  24  have a plurality of holes  26  drilled through them. These holes  26  allow the lift beam  15  to be extended in increments between 1 inch and ¼ of inch. In the preferred embodiment, the right end  18  of the lift beam  15  can be extended in increments of ¼ inches or more if desired. The lift beam  15  may be adjusted in length by moving the left section  22  or right section  24  as desired between about 49 inches and 73 inches. 
     Prior art lift systems generally cannot be adjusted from either side of the vehicle This causes problems because the mechanic must then waste valuable time walking around the vehicle, often several times, in order to properly adjust the lift system. With the lift system  5  of present invention, there is no need to for the mechanic leave the side of the vehicle on which the mechanic is standing to make the necessary adjustments. After adjustments are made, the lift system  5  then properly fits into the engine compartment  8 . Further, most prior art systems cannot be adjusted in such fine increments. Thus, these systems often do not fit into the engine compartment very well. The ability to more accurately adjust the inventive lift system gives it an advantage over the prior art. 
     A quick release pin  72  is received in the holes  26  in the main beam  20  and are also received in the holes  27  for the extension sections  22 ,  24  and pass out the opposite side they entered locking the section into place along the main beam  20 . The quick release pin  72  can be easily released when one desires to adjust the lift beam  15  or when the lift beam is collapsed for ease of storage. The quick release pins  72  offer the mechanic an advantage over most conventional systems. For example, such conventional systems often require wrenches to make an adjustment and offer no way at all to lock main beam  20 . Therefore, the quick release pins  72  generally save the mechanic valuable time, and offer more safety and security. 
     In the preferred embodiment, a pair of beam supports  34  are connected to the lift beam extension sections  22 ,  24  located at the left end  17  and the right end  18  of the lift beam  15 . In one preferred embodiment, the beam supports  34  are first connected to a compound swivel  70  before they connect to the respective right and left extension sections  21 , 22 . 
     The compound swivel  70  pivotally rotatably connects the beam supports  34  to the left end  17  and the right end  18  of the beam  15 , as best shown in FIG.  2 . The singular, compound swivel  70  allows a sole technician to move the supports horizontally (H) and vertically (V) as illustrated in FIG.  3 . This is an important feature of the compound swivel  70  because there is a move in the automobile market toward more rounded, aerodynamic vehicle body shapes, such as those present on today&#39;s mini-vans. With the aid of the compound swivel  70 , the lift system  5  of the present invention can be adjusted to fit nearly any vehicle body shape or design without sacrificing safety and stability. 
     The beam supports  34  in one preferred embodiment are stands  77  which may have two legs  79  and two feet  80  each to ensure ease of placement on the vehicle fender  32  and to maximize stability of the lift system  5 , as best shown in FIG.  1 . The individual feet further provide a hook or engaging point for the stand to latch to bolts connected to the vehicle&#39;s fender. This feature is important when the vehicle being worked on has a sloping hood. As best shown in FIG. 2, these supports  34 , or stands  77  in this case, are preferably formed or cut from a single plate of material, such as sheet steel and have a generally rounded upper portion  78  for added strength over the triangular shaped stands in the prior art. This can be important when the stand is performing heavy lifting. The legs  79  and feet  80  are integral with the generally rounded upper portion  78 . Both the legs  79  and feet  80  are coated with a protective polymer  82 . 
     The protective polymer coating  82  provides a non-slip surface for the feet  80  and legs  79  of the lift system  5 . Also, the protective polymer coating  82  helps to prevent the feet  80  and legs  79  of the stand  77  from scratching the vehicle  10 , especially the finished surfaces of the vehicle. As best shown in FIG. 2 by the cross-hatching, the protective coating  82  may extend beyond merely the feet and the legs toward the upper generally rounded portion for added protection. The protective polymer  82  may be actually applied to the stand  77  by dipping the stand in the polymer. This dipping process better bonds the polymer coating to the stand and enhances the durability of the polymer coating. 
     In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the beam supports are steel members  83 ,  84 ,  86 ,  93 , and  94 . This embodiment is particularly advantageous for use with, for example, Chevrolet® Lumina® or APV® mini-vans. The generally aerodynamic body and fender shape of these vehicles makes it difficult to use the stand beam supports. Therefore, this embodiment may rest on the left end  17  on a bolt that protrudes from a vehicle&#39;s shock tower and on the right end  18  on a core support arm that extends from a fender to a radiator, as best shown in FIG.  7 . At the left end  17  resting on the shock tower, the beam support may include an adapter sleeve  93  and a mounting toe  94 . The adapter sleeve  93  is slidably received by the beam  15  and may be locked into place when properly adjusted by a quick release pin  72  that is inserted through hole in the sleeve  93  and holes in the lift beam  15 . The sleeve  93  may be made of square tubular steel having a diameter slightly larger than the lift beam  15 . The toe  94  is constructed and arranged so that it fits over the bolt which protrudes upwardly from the ground through the top of the shock tower. The toe  94  is preferably made of a round metal tube and is sufficiently long to properly stabilize the lift beam  15  on top of the shock tower. 
     On the opposite end of the lift beam  15  (in this embodiment, the right end  18 ), the beam support includes a safety coupler  86 , an adapter leg  84 , and an adapter foot  83 . The adapter leg  84  is made of square tubular steel. The adapter foot  83  is made from plate or sheet steel and is bent down slightly to better fit over the core support arm. As shown generally in the drawing, the sleeve  93  and mounting toe  94  and the adapter leg  84 , the foot  83  and coupler  86  are interchangeable depending on the desired application of the lift system. Additionally, a standard stand  77  may be attached to the lift beam in lieu of either the toe  94  or leg  84  and foot  83 . 
     As best shown in FIG. 6, in the preferred embodiment, at least one hanger  40 , is slidably received by the lift beam  15 . [The hanger  40  includes a tube  41  having a side wall  42  (hereafter wall  42 ), a top portion  43  (hereinafter top  43 ) above the wall  42 , and a bottom portion  45  (hereinafter bottom  45 ) below the wall  42 , and a generally n-shaped channel  47 .] The hanger channel  47  is preferably formed from a single piece of sheet metal bent generally into the shape of an “n”. The tube  41  is attached to the channel preferably by welding. The tube is made of metal or a material of sufficient strength and rigidity. A washer  49  is attached, again preferably by welding, to the top of the tube. 
     The n-shape of the channel  47  provides a versatility that allows for controlled and balanced support of the lift system members, such as the hanger  40 . The n-shape also allows ease of movement and very quick disassembly which is extremely important in a mechanics&#39; garage where time and effort add up to additional dollars needed to do a job. 
     An adjustable lifting device  50 , for example a hook  60 , is attached to the hanger  40 . The hook  60  is preferably inserted into the hole in the tube and the washer, as shown in FIG. 7. A bearing  44  preferably sits on top of the washer  49  and also receives the hook  60  through a hole. A handle  74  attaches to the lifting device  50  or hook  60 . The handle may be made from cast aluminum to improve its durability and resistance to dust and corrosion in the garage environment. The hook  60  is generally threaded to receive the cast aluminum handle. The handle  74  may have a threaded steel insert  76  to receive the threads of the lifting device  50 . The insert  76  is made of steel to prevent the wear and stripping of the threads. Multiple hangers  40  and lifting devices  50  are desirable for many applications. 
     The lift system  5  may further comprise an auxiliary beam  85  adjustably connected to the lift beam  15 , as shown in FIG.  4 . As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the use of multiple auxiliary beams  85  connected to the lift beam  15  is desirable. The use of an auxiliary beam  85  allows added stability because the beam rests on the structural elements of the front end of the vehicle  10 . The auxiliary beam  85  also allows the lift system  5  to extend its reach toward the front (F) end of the vehicle  10 . For example, additional hangers  40  may be hung from the auxiliary beam  85  to provide more lifting options to the mechanic if needed. Again, with so many different makes and models of vehicles in the market this added feature expands the usefulness and capabilities of the lift system of the present invention. 
     A safety coupler  86   a  connects the auxiliary beam  85  to the main beam  20 . The safety coupler may be attached to the auxiliary beam by at least one quick release pin  72  received by the holes in the sides of the coupler  86   a  and the side holes in the auxiliary beam. Thus, the quick release pin  72  acts to lock the auxiliary beam into place. A tubular section of the safety coupler  86   a  fits around the main beam  20  and allows for slidable adjustment of the safety coupler and auxiliary beam  85  along the main beam  20 . 
     An auxiliary support post  87   b  is connected to the auxiliary beam  85  by a coupler post  86   b  and an auxiliary support leg  88  is in turn connected to the auxiliary support post  87   b.  The auxiliary support post  87   b  rests on the leg  88 . A post with foot  87   a  may also be used. The auxiliary support leg  88  rests on a adjustable, swiveling support foot  90  slidably connected to the auxiliary support leg  88 . The foot  90  may be connected to the post or independently connected to the leg  88 . The swiveling support foot  90  may be coated with a protective polymer coating  82  to protect the vehicle  10 , as shown in FIG. 5 by the cross-hatching. 
     The system  5  may further comprise a hood support  54  slidably connected to the beam  15  which supports the vehicle hood (not shown) and prevents the hood from crashing down on the mechanic working in the engine compartment  8 . As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the hood support  54  includes a generally n-shaped channel  55 , a hood support brace  56 , and a hand  58 . The channel  55  is formed from a single sheet of metal and bent in two places to generally form an “n”. The channel  55  is connected by preferably welding to the support brace  56 . The support hand  58  is pivotally connected to the brace  56  so that it is capable of pivoting to follow the contour and upward angle of the hood. In this case, a bolt  35  and nut  38  fit through holes in the hand  58  and brace  56  to form a hinge on which the hand  58  may pivot. 
     A chain  62  or strap may also be attached to the lifting device  50  for ease of use. For example, the chain or strap can be used by the mechanic or technician to secure a part while work is performed. 
     In another embodiment, best shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A, beam supports  34   a,    34   b  take the form of stands  77   a,    77   b.  As best shown in FIG. 8A, the stands  77   a,    77   b  have two legs  79   a,    79   b  and two feet  80   a,    80   b  . The legs  79   a    79   b  in this embodiment are shorter than those shown in FIG.  3 . This modification lowers the center of gravity of the stands  77   a  and  77   b.  These stands  77   a,    77   b  are also preferably sheet steel ({fraction (3/16)} of an inch thick) and have a generally rounded corners  78   c  and  78   d  on upper portion  78   a.  This shape is different from that of the stand shown in FIG. 3 in that it has added material for added mass and additional added strength. These features are particularly important when the stand is configured to upwardly lift particularly heavy loads. As in the preferred embodiment, the legs  79   a,    79   b  and feet  80   a,    80   b  are preferably integral with the upper portion  78   a  and are coated with a protective coating  82   a.    
     Also shown in FIG. 8A is an alternative compound swivel  70   a.  Like the compound swivel  70  of FIG. 3, the compound swivel  70   a  is singular multi-directional joint. As such, the compound swivel  70   a  allows the stands  77   a,    77   b  to move horizontally (H) and vertically (V). This is particularly important when working on aerodynamic vehicles, such as mini-vans, which have downwardly sloping hoods that hinder stabilization of conventional lift systems. In use, the compound swivel  70   b  allows a lone operator to adjust the center of gravity by slightly vertically rotating the main beam or main beam extension  22   a,    22   b  along the stands  77   a,    77   b  around the axis “A” created by attaching bolt  35   a  as best shown in FIG.  8 . 
     In one preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, raised nipples  78   d,    78   e,  which are punched or welded to the stand  77   a,  act as safety stops and prevent the beam  22   a  from rotating 360°. 
     The compound swivel  70   a  in this embodiment is a block of steel or aluminum which is dimensioned to fit inside extension beam  22   a,    22   b  and still be capable of substantial horizontal movement when bolted into place. The block  70   a  includes a side hole  70   b  which enters one side of the block and stops within. The side hole  70   b  is preferably threaded for receiving a bolt  35   a.  Preferably, the block has a top hole  70   c  which enters the top of the block and exists out the bottom. A bolt  35   b  extends through a washer  36   e,  a hole  27   a  of beam extension  22   a,  and a shim washer  36   c,  top hole  70   c  of block  70   a,  a shim washer  36   d,  a hole  27   b  on the bottom of the beam  22   a,  through a washer  36   f,  and is secured by nut  38   a.  This arrangement allows the stand to horizontally rotate around axis b created by bolt  35   b  as best shown in FIG.  8 . 
     Preferably, the bolt  35   a  is a special bolt in that it has an enlarged (e.g. {fraction (7/16)} diameter) head shaft portion which has a greater diameter than that of the main shaft diameter. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, a washer  36   a  having a {fraction (7/16)} diameter hole fits around the head shaft portion of  35   a.  The bolt  35   a  then passes through hole  78   a  in the stand  77   a  and then through a washer  36   b  before entering a tapped side hole  70   b  in the block  70   a  to be secured. The block design is well-suited for heavier applications, and the swivel  70  and is somewhat more economical and relatively easier to manufacture than the corresponding structure of the first embodiment. No other conventional lift has a singular joint member which allows rotation in both a horizontal and a vertical direction. 
     FIG. 8 also shows an alternate coupler embodiment for the auxiliary beam  85 . Coupler  95  includes a sleeve  95   a  having two transversely protruding connecting plates  96   a,    96   b.  A first quick release pin  97   a  penetrates through a first hole in the first plate  96   a  and then enters a hole in top the auxiliary beam  85 . The first pin  97   a  exits out another hole on the bottom of the beam  85  and goes through a hole in plate  96   b.  A second pin  97   b  secures the coupler  95  in place along main beam  20  by penetrating holes in the coupler sleeve  95   a  and in the main beam  20 . This configuration gives the beam  85  the ability to horizontally swing around the axis c created by first pin  97   a.  This swivel capability is particularly useful for certain applications such as the Northstar® engine used in Cadillacs®. 
     FIG. 9 shows a lift attachment adapter bar member  100  that is particularly useful for vehicles which have plastic capped engines such as the  1996--1998  Ford® Windstar® and Mercury® Villager® 3.8 liter engines. Preferably, the member  100  includes a tubular portion  101  and a plurality of engine holders  102   a,    102   b,    102   c.  The engine holders  102   a,    102   b,    102   c  have chains  106  attached thereto, by preferably grade A bolts  104  secured by nuts  105 . Disks  103   a  and  103   b  are attached at the outermost ends of the tubular potion  101 . The chains  106  are attached to the plastic engine caps (not shown) by bolts  107  threaded through washers  108 . The washers  108  are large enough so they will not pass through the hole in the chain  106  during the lifting operation. The member  100  is operably attached to the lift system  5  (NOT SHOWN) by j-hooks  50   a,    50   b.    
     The lift system  5  of the present invention is designed to be universal in application so that is can fit nearly any make or model of automobile, pickup truck or van. This is very economical as a repair shop need only buy one tool instead of several different specialized tools. 
     After the transmission or other part has been safely removed or replaced using the lift system  5 , the lift system  5  can be easily lifted from the vehicle  10  and disassembled and/or broken down by a sole technician. In its compact, broken down or disassembled state, the lift system  5  can be stored without occupying any substantial usable space in a garage or service station. Its lightweight construction makes it readily transported in a vehicle from one location to another. 
     Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. 
     For example, the individual components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials. Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Further, although the lift system parts described herein may be shown as physically separate modules, it will be manifest that some may be physically integrated. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive. 
     It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended subclaims.