Abstract:
The inventive assembly incorporates a lanyard assembly that may, in some embodiments, be attachable to badge connector to present a single, unitary connector with a stylized appearance. The ends of the lanyard ribbons are engaged in a manner that creates free space between the edges of the ribbon immediately upon exiting the connector assembly so as to impart resistance to unwanted twisting of the object held by the lanyard assembly and/or the ribbon forming part of it. The object or badge connector associated with the assembly comprises a clip, j-hook, or key ring assembly for easy attachment of a card or card holder.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to, and all benefits from, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/365,790 filed on Jul. 22, 2016 and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/480,742 filed on Apr. 3, 2017. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an assembly for holding and displaying name badges and, more specifically, to a spin and/or twist resistant assembly incorporating a clip and lanyard-style connector assembly. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Lanyards with attached badges having identifying information are well known and in widespread use in an array of entertainment, meetings, and employment settings. Such identification means are convenient owing to the ease with which the ribbon of the lanyard may be slipped over and removed from the user&#39;s neck without the need to manipulate a pin or clasp. In turn, a badge holder receives or attaches to a card containing printed indicia. 
         [0004]    A variety of known lanyard-style badge holders  10  are shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1C . A single ribbon  20  is attached at both ends to a connector  30 . The optional connector  30  attaches to a clip  32  to engage card  40  via preformed slots  42  or, as seen in  FIG. 1D , the clip  32  itself may include an aperture to serve as a connection point to ribbon  20 . In some embodiments, ferrule  34  is required to gather the ribbon ends into a single entity prior to attaching to the connector  30 . 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,027,477 and 6,711,785 depict lanyards attachable to a badge, wherein the ribbon ends are held at a single point in the connector. United States Patent Publication 2014/0173858 shows a similar type of multi-purpose fastener. 
         [0006]    One drawback to these prior art and patented designs relying on a single connector and clip is that the ribbon tends to become twisted and/or spun around itself easily, especially in situations where the wearer may be leaning forward (or otherwise in a body position) that allows the badge and lanyard to dangle freely. In turn, this may lead to the badge holder flipping over entirely, so as to obscure the printed indicia and defeat the purpose of the assembly as an identification means. Another drawback is the ferrules, like freely spinning eyelets provided in some connectors to combat spinning and twisting, tend to add complexity and cost to manufacturing operations. 
         [0007]    In addition, also as seen in  FIG. 1D , a pair of clips  32  (with an optional connector, not shown) may separately engage slots  42 . While this arrangement is more effective at maintaining the outward orientation of card  40 , it effectively doubles the materials, and costs in comparison to the other prior art embodiments. Further, users may find the requirement to attach the card at two separate points to be time consuming and, aesthetically, users may find the two separate attachment points to be less attractive than a single, unitary connector. 
         [0008]    Another drawback to all of the foregoing designs is that they require attachments or mechanisms to hold the badge at the distal end of the lanyard connector assembly body. Users may find such downward projecting appendages undesirably long and/or unsightly. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    In view of these shortcomings, a system and method that resists flipping and twisting would be welcome. A combination lanyard connector and badge holder that conceals the attachment mechanism for the badge holder and/or that possesses an attractive outward facing for the lanyard connection is also needed. 
         [0010]    The inventive assembly incorporates a lanyard assembly that may, in some embodiments, be attached and concealed on an inner facing to badge or object connector. The combination presents a single, unitary connector with a stylized appearance, preferably trapezoidal in shape. In some embodiments, the overall assembly has a snap-fit body which captures opposite ends of a lanyard ribbon in a manner that creates an angle and free space between the edges of the ribbon immediately upon exiting the connector assembly. The badge or object connection may be formed integrally with the lanyard connector or attached so as to be concealed (either partially or completely) behind the outward facing side. The badge or object connector itself may be a clip, j-hook, or key ring assembly for easy attachment of a card or other object. 
         [0011]    In one aspect, the invention may comprise any combination of the following features:
       a first half shell member having a pair of tapering sidewalls terminating in a pair of shoulders defining a lanyard opening across a top edge of the first half shell member;   a second half shell member having a pair of engagement posts defining a lanyard opening across a top edge of the second half shell member;   wherein the first and second half shell members engage in a snap-fitted connection to form a lanyard assembly in which the engagement posts are captured by at least one of the sidewalls to form an angled guide slots for opposing ends of a lanyard ribbon;   wherein gripping cones formed on at least one of the first half shell member and the second half shell member capture the lanyard ribbon when the first and second half shell members are engaged;   wherein opposing ends of the lanyard ribbon extend out of the lanyard opening in a non-overlapping, angled relationship;   wherein the angled guide slots are defined by inner facings of the shoulders and engagement posts on opposing sides of the lanyard opening;   wherein the non-overlapping, angle formed by the opposing ends of the lanyard ribbon is at least 5 degrees;   wherein the angle is 20 degrees;   at least one transverse support wall disposed across a middle portion on either the first half shell member and the second half shell member and at least one corresponding groove to receive the transverse support wall formed on the other of the first half shell and the second half shell;   wherein at least one transverse support wall is parallel to the top edge of the first half shell member and/or the second half shell member;   wherein at least one transverse support wall adjoins the sidewalls to define an upper chamber and a lower chamber of the lanyard assembly, wherein the lanyard ribbon is retained within the upper chamber;   wherein the transverse support wall is formed on the first half shell member and the corresponding groove is formed on the second half shell member;   an object connector mechanism connected with at least one of the first and second half shell members;   wherein the object connector mechanism is selected from a bulldog clip, a j-hook clip, a D-ring, a pin, and a key ring;   wherein the object connector protrudes at least partially through an aperture formed on a rear of the lanyard assembly; and   wherein the object connector is formed completely on an exterior, rear facing side of the lanyard assembly.       
 
         [0028]    Another embodiment may comprise any combination of the following:
       a substantially flat, central body having a major front-facing surface and an opposing rear-facing surface;   a pair of engagement mechanisms positioned immediately adjacent one another at a single point along a top edge of the flat central body;   a connector mechanism attached to either the front- or rear-facing surface;   a badge assembly attached to the connector mechanism at a single point;   wherein the adjacent engagement mechanisms each attach to separate ends of a lanyard ribbon so that the ends are spaced apart and the respective ribbon sections immediately adjacent to where each end is attached are not parallel;   wherein the single point comprises a slot formed in the badge assembly;   wherein the respective ribbon sections immediately adjacent to where each end is attached form an angle greater than 5°;   wherein the angle is 20°;   wherein the engagement mechanisms are a pair of apertures sharing an common divider;   wherein the apertures are formed as slots;   wherein the apertures include a curvilinear interior edge;   wherein the engagement mechanisms are a pair of arm extensions formed in a Y-shape; and   wherein at least one of the arm extensions forms a crimped connection with the lanyard ribbon.       
 
         [0042]    Specific reference is made to the appended claims, drawings, and description below, all of which disclose elements of the invention. While specific embodiments are identified, it will be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with those from a separately identified aspect. In the same manner, a person of ordinary skill will have the requisite understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompass and disclose such common aspects even if they are not expressly identified herein. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0043]    Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification, and any written information in the drawings should be treated as part of this disclosure. In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein. 
           [0044]    In the drawings: 
           [0045]      FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C  are front plan sectional views of prior art lanyard attachments that are prone to twisting and flipping. 
           [0046]      FIG. 1D  is a front plan sectional view of a prior art lanyard attachment relying on two clips engaging the card to provide resistance to twisting and flipping. 
           [0047]      FIGS. 2A through 2L  are front plan, sectional views of various embodiments of the connector assembly in combination with a bulldog lanyard attachment. 
           [0048]      FIGS. 3A through 3F  are front plan, sectional views of various embodiments of lanyard-badge connector assemblies with bulldog lanyard attachments. 
           [0049]      FIGS. 4A through 4C  are three dimensional views, rotated at various angles, of the connector according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2E . 
           [0050]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  a front plan, sectional views of a crimped arm embodiment of the lanyard-badge connector assemblies. 
           [0051]      FIGS. 5C and 5D  are perspective sectional views of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , respectively speaking. 
           [0052]      FIGS. 6A through 6D  are front and back perspective views of trapezoidal lanyard and badge/item connectors. 
           [0053]      FIG. 7A  is a, exploded, perspective view of the multi-piece, trapezoidal lanyard assembly. 
           [0054]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a clam-shell, trapezoidal lanyard assembly. 
           [0055]      FIG. 7C  are perspective views of the rear facing side of a trapezoidal lanyard assembly having different card or object connector mechanisms according to certain embodiments, while  FIG. 7D  is a similar perspective view but with the bulldog connector shown in a partially exploded manner to illustrate embodiments in which the connector mechanism protrudes through an opening in the body of the assembly. 
           [0056]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are perspective views of cooperating half shell members according to certain aspects of the trapezoidal lanyard assembly. 
           [0057]      FIG. 9A  is a cross sectional view taken along the top edge of the trapezoidal lanyard assembly, with  FIG. 9B  serving as a sectional view of area C defined in  FIG. 9A . 
           [0058]      FIG. 10A  is a cross sectional view taken along the side wall edge of the trapezoidal lanyard assembly, with  FIG. 10B  serving as a sectional view of area D defined in  FIG. 10A . 
           [0059]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the rear facing of the trapezoidal lanyard assembly including a bulldog clip that is engaged with a card. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0060]    Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0061]    As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise. Unless expressly stated or clearly indicated from the context herein, references to a badge and/or badge holder may encompass any number of items commonly attached to or held by lanyards, including but not limited to identification and/or key cards, event tickets and/or credentials, key rings, and the like. 
         [0062]    With references to  FIGS. 2A through 4C , various embodiments of the lanyard assembly  100  are shown. Generally speaking, assembly  100  includes a looped attachment  130  comprising a pair of integrally formed apertures  132 ,  134 . A lanyard ribbon  120  (not shown in any of  FIGS. 2A through 2L ) engages the assembly by having separate ends threaded through the apertures  132 ,  134 . Optional ferrules  136  can be used to gather and manage the width of the ribbon. 
         [0063]    The ends are threaded through apertures  132 ,  134  and the then tied or secured back on to the ribbon  120  by way of adhesive, ferrules, or other fasteners. In other embodiments, the ribbon  120  may be threaded through both apertures  132 ,  34  and then separate secured (e.g., tied or fastened). 
         [0064]    This arrangement ensures that separation is created between the ends, as well as the embodiments in  FIGS. 5A through 5D  where both angle and separation are provided between ends  122 ,  124 . In all embodiments, the separate ends of ribbon  120  immediately extending upward and outward from the connector (be it attachment mechanism  130 , body  200 , or body  300 ) create an angle relative to one another. In addition, these ends do not overlap and, instead, spacing exists between the end  122  and the end  124 . The angle between the ends is at least 50, more preferably 20°, and could be as much as 90° or even 120°. Additional whole integers falling between these maximum and minimum are also contemplated and expressly disclosed herein (e.g., 10°, 15°, 25°, etc.). 
         [0065]    Additionally or alternatively, the angle associated with the invention can be measured individually at each ribbon end relative to the horizontal axis, which is parallel to the top edge of a card  140  held in the assembly in its natural, upright position. In this instance, the angles are preferably mirror-images, although they could be different. Thus, the angle in created between the ribbon end and the horizon may be as little as 5° and as great as 87.5°, with preferred embodiments having 45° and 80° orientations. As before, any whole integer between these upper and lower limits is contemplated and expressly disclosed, and it will be appreciated that the ends attach at separate but non-parallel points so as to leave spacing between the ribbon ends as it extends away from the assembly. 
         [0066]    One or both apertures  132 ,  134  may be formed as linear slots, thereby defining yet another angle that is effectively inversely proportional to that made by the ribbon ends themselves. If the apertures  132 ,  134  are curved and/or or present a curvilinear edge along the top where the ribbon is engaged, a tangent may be drawn across the midpoint of the curve in order to define the angles described above. The lines or tangents converge to define an acute angle that is no greater than 175°, more preferably 160°, and could be as small as 90°, 45°, or even 5°. 
         [0067]    Notably, the apertures  132 ,  134  may share a common boundary or divider so as to allow engagement of the lanyard ribbon at a single, central location while still maintaining the requisite non-overlap/spacing between the ribbon ends. More specifically, this arrangement enables use of a badge connector that allows for the quick and easy attachment and alteration of the badge at a single point. It should also be noted that all embodiments require the ribbon ends to be physically spaced apart from one another as they exit and extend upward away from the connector body. 
         [0068]    Without wishing to be confined by any theory of operation, it is believed that the combination of spacing the ribbon  120  and providing the aforementioned angles imparts sufficient rigidity to the overall assembly  100  so as to make it difficult to twist the ribbon ends  122 ,  124  around themselves. Similarly, the badge  140  is secured via a bulldog clip  150  or other attachment means (described below) so as to prevent spinning, rotation, or twisting at the connection between the assembly  100  and the badge  140  itself. Further, the profile of the assembly, in combination with gravity, urges the generally flat surface of the assembly against the user&#39;s body, both for comfort and to further facilitate the resistance to twisting, flipping, and rotation. 
         [0069]    A bulldog clip  150  is integrated with connector mechanism  130  and, in other embodiments, may be similar formed from or attached to the lanyard connector, the central body, or other components. In some embodiments, clip  150  may be affixed by adhesive, fasteners, or a snap fit. The clip  150  includes first and second jaws  152 ,  154 . A flange  156  may extend in a generally orthogonal direction from one or both jaws  152 ,  154  to engage and/or extend through a slot  142  formed in the badge  140 . One or more biasing members, such as a torsion spring, are positioned between or integrated with jaws  152 ,  154  so as to keep the badge securely affixed. A cooperating slot  140  in a badge or badge holder should be sufficiently elongated so as to avoid its rotation or spin relative to the connector  130 . 
         [0070]    The clip  150  may be positioned at any point on the connector  130 , the body  200 , or the half shell members (described below), thereby allowing for it to be concealed when positioned in the upper portion of the assembly or partially exposed when positioned on lower portion extremities. Preferably, one of the jaws  152 ,  154  is integrally formed as part of the body  200 . In any event, the bulldog clip affixed in a central portion of the body  200  so as to allow the spring to depressed and rotate in a direction that is orthogonal to the general direction of the ribbon and the planar surface of the body  200  itself. 
         [0071]    In  FIGS. 5A through 5D , connection with the lanyard ribbon  120  is made by way of arms  202 . Arms  202  extend upward from a central body  200  and engage ribbon ends  122 ,  124 . The arms  202  are spaced apart and provided relative to one another so as to incorporate the various angles described above. Crimping flanges  204  are integrated along the edges of each arm  202 . When the ribbon  120  is positioned, the flanges  204  are bent to secure the ribbon  120 . Adhesive or other fasteners (e.g., rivets, screws, etc.) can also be incorporated in this and other embodiments to further secure the ribbon  120 . 
         [0072]    With respect to  FIGS. 6A-6D  (with each figure individually showing perspective front and back views), another embodiment of the inventive landyard-badge assembly is shown. Here, trapezoidal body  300  includes a front facing side  302  and a rear facing side  304  that includes any number of connection mechanisms integrated with or mated to the body  300  in order to attach a badge or other item. These mechanisms may include a bulldog clip ( FIG. 6A ), a universal, hidden clip ( FIG. 6B ), a key ring connector ( FIG. 6C ), and j-hook ( FIG. 6D ). In each instance, ribbon (not shown) is received within a slot  310  formed along the top (i.e., the widest part of the trapezoid). Side  302  is generally flat so as to accommodate artwork or other ornamental design elements. Side  304  may include a recessed portion so that the profile of the connection mechanism against the user&#39;s body is as flat and comfortable as possible. 
         [0073]    The trapezoidal shape of body  300  lends itself to a two piece arrangement as shown in  FIGS. 7A through 7D . Generally speaking, body  300  is formed from two separate “half shell” members  320 ,  340 . Members  320 ,  340  are formed to create a snap-fit connection, although the additional or alternative use of adhesives or conventional fasteners is possible. An optional hinge  314 , as shown in  FIG. 7B , may establish a connection between pieces  320 ,  340 , thereby forming a “clam shell” style unitary member. A further friction or conesed insert (not shown) could be provided in a cavity  316  at or near slot  310  on one or both of the pieces  320 ,  340  to further facilitate engagement of the ribbon. 
         [0074]    In any of these arrangements, the multi-piece construction of body  300  allows for the opposing ends of a lanyard ribbon (not shown) to be placed into the connector body  300  to form the no-twist lanyard assembly. Here, the angle of the side walls  322 ,  342  of the half shells  320 ,  340  serve as edge guides to establish the proper spacing and angle of the lanyard ends noted above. Thus, in addition to providing an aesthetic, the trapezoidal shape of body  300  allows for the easy alignment of the lanyard ribbon ends in a manner that imparts twist resistant functionality. A separate cavity or void  318  created when pieces  320 ,  340  are fitted together may spatially accommodate any of the various card or object connectors. These connectors may include bulldog clip  351 , a pin (or removable dowel)  352 , D-ring (or complete keyring/O-ring)  353 , j-hook  354 , as described elsewhere herein.  FIG. 7C  illustrates embodiments in which such connectors protrude partially out of the rear facing  304 , including some embodiments where an access slot  358  is formed on a portion of one or both members  320 ,  340  for the bulldog clip  351  embodiment shown in partially exploded view of  FIG. 7D . Further, protrusions  359  may help to secure these connectors within the body  300 . 
         [0075]    Ribbon-engaging cones  324 ,  344  (and/or other friction-enhancing surfaces) may be formed on the inner facings of the members  320 ,  340 . Cones  322 ,  342  grip and engage the ribbon inserted into the body  300 . As noted above, these cones or surfaces may be integrally formed as part of the member  320 ,  340 , or they can be separately inserted, adhered or fastened to, or otherwise captured within the body  300  when pieces  320 ,  340  are attached together. 
         [0076]    Attachment of members  320 ,  340  may be accomplished by way of cooperating shoulders  346  and posts  328 , as seen in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . The shoulders  346  may be formed on, in, or proximate to the sidewalls  342  of one half shell  340 , with posts  328  formed on the adjacent body  320 . In the alternative, posts  328  could be formed on member  340 , with shoulders  346  on member  320 . In some embodiments, posts  328  and shoulders  346  define opposing ends of the slot  310 . Posts  328  and shoulders  346  can also define the angle at which the lanyard ribbon is received and positioned within the body  300 . While only a pair of posts  328  and shoulders  346  are illustrated, any appropriate number may be used at any appropriate point on members  320 ,  340 . 
         [0077]    An additional transverse wall or divider  348  (relative to the orientation of the top slot  310  and bottom edge  323 ) may bisect member  340  to provide structural support and/or to better define the cavity for engaging the lanyard ribbon from the cavity devoted to the connector mechanisms  351 ,  352 ,  353 ,  354 , etc., while a similar or replacement divider could be formed on member  320 . A plurality of dividers or support walls could be provided, and they may nest in corresponding grooves on the opposing half shell member to facilitate connection of the pieces. An optional top edge or lip  311  may also be provided on one or both members  320 ,  340  along the top edge to better define the slot  310  when the members  320 ,  340  are fitted together. 
         [0078]    Also, as seen in the combination of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , it may be possible to rely only one member  320 ,  340  to fully form the necessary sidewalls for the body  300  (i.e., in  FIG. 8A , sidewalls  322  have been omitted in favor of sidewalls  342  formed on the cooperating half shell  340  of  FIG. 8B ). To provide structure support, aesthetic continuity, and the like, bottom walls  323 ,  343  may connect the sidewalls on one or both members  320 ,  340 . Alternatively, a slot may permit a card or badge holder to be inserted along the bottom edge, with protrusions  359  (e.g., rubberized fins or teeth) engaging the surface thereof to prevent rotation or slippage. Additional protrusions  359  (e.g., half cones or bumps) may be formed in the lower cavity to engage or attach to the clip or card/object connector mechanism. 
         [0079]    As best seen in the cross sectional views in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the cones  324 ,  344  are offset on each of the half shells  320 ,  340 . In the same manner, posts  328  may include a cooperating flange  329  that secures around an indent  347  on the corresponding shoulder  346 . Similarly,  FIGS. 10A and 10B  show similar views, except that images of the cones have been omitted for the sake of clarity. Also, in  FIG. 10A , the bottom or lower portion of the body  300  is flattened so as to allow for incorporation of a connector mechanism on the exterior rear facing  304  of the body  300 . 
         [0080]    As previously noted and further illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the sides of trapezoidal lanyard assembly  300  are angled, each preferably at about 45°, 90°, 100°, or 120° relative to the top and/or bottom edges (which should be roughly parallel to one another), with the interior edges effectively guiding the ribbon ends  122 ,  124  as described above. Thus, the ribbon ends exiting the connector body will be spaced apart by distance A, so that the lanyard ribbon cannot become inadvertently tangled upon itself or twisted about itself, also as described above. Further, the exterior facing of the body itself may be textured (e.g., knurled, indented, etc.), embossed, polished (e.g., matte or gloss finish), and/or patterned (e.g., wavy, lined, cross-hatched, etc.). Owing to the concealment of ends  122 ,  124 , generally presents a more attractive finish to the assembly  300 . Any number of designs, emblems, logos, or printed indicia may appear on one or both of the major exterior surfaces of the body  300 , while one or more the cards  140  (or badge holders or other object affixed by way of connector mechanism) may be freely attached and replaced to the assembly. 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, the connection mechanism may also be by way of appropriate tabs and receiving apertures to create a snap fitting. Fasteners, adhesives, and the like may also be employed. A cooperating mechanism is provided to any of the card engagement mechanisms described herein. 
         [0082]    As noted above, the connector mechanisms for body  300  may be substantially similar to those for body  100  or  200 , including bulldog clips, key rings, D-rings, pins, j-hooks and the like. These mechanisms may exert biasing force against a card or other object inserted therein. 
         [0083]    The connectors, including the connector body and card engagement mechanisms may be made of any appropriate material or combination of materials. In some instances, metals (including but not limited to steel, aluminum, and the like) provide both durability and aesthetics. Polymeric materials and plastics allow for low cost materials and manufacturing advantages (e.g., molding techniques) that may not be feasible with metals. 
         [0084]    Badge or identification card  140  may be attached directly to the assembly as described above. In some embodiments, a sleeve or holder may be integrated with the assembly. 
         [0085]    The foregoing embodiments provide a lanyard and badge connector that is easy to use and cost effective to manufacture. The use of angled, laterally spaced points of attachment for the ribbon provide resistance to twisting of the lanyard and flipping of the card. While separate embodiments are described above, it will be understood that certain features from one may be applied to the other embodiments. 
         [0086]    Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, and numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are also contemplated. The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, but further modifications and alterations encompass the preceding detailed description. These modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.