Abstract:
An improved hot-cold inlet pipe structure includes an external-threaded pipe and an internal pipe forming an integrated piping structure. The internal pipe extends outwardly a wrapping section that covers a plurality of threaded openings of the external pipe. The internal pipe is composed of non-toxic materials that include plastic materials that are high resistance to pressure and climate change. The internal pipe also reduces the use of metallic materials and does not release of toxic chemical to water stream. A depressed section of the interior of a top of end of the inlet pipe includes a receiving chamber, the receiving chamber includes an opening that includes numerous slots. The slots receive a control valve unit such that the slots mesh with the control valve unit. This design is also beneficial in the manufacturing of the inlet pipe.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an improvement on hot-cold water inlet pipe structure. This design uses an external-threaded pipe and an inner pipe to form an integrated inlet pipe. This design further improves strength of raw materials, as well as lowers usage of metallic raw materials. The inner pipe also includes a receiving groove and a corresponding inlet ring to prevent leakage. At the same time, aspects of the invention decrease the complicated process of assembly, which also improve the application of the invention. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     According to previous technology, such as a hot-cold water inlet pipe  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the pipe  10  includes a metallic inlet pipe  11  with a control valve  13  and a valve base  12 . The inlet pipe  11  includes an internally threaded section  111  on one side. At a distal end of the threaded section  111 , a stopping end  112  is threaded. Also, the valve base  12  includes a stopping ring  121  with a diameter that is larger than a diameter of a secondary pipe  122 . The secondary pipe  122  is fitted with a seepage ring  123 . During assembly, the secondary pipe  122  of the valve base  12  is inserted into the inlet pipe  11  such that the threaded section  111  meshes with that of the secondary pipe  122  and the seepage ring  123 . In addition, as the secondary pipe  122  and the inlet pipe  11  is tightened, the stopping end  112  is biased against the stopping ring  121  of the valve base  12  to further generate the bonding between the two pipes. 
     However, based on the above design of the prior technology, there are a few shortcomings. For example, (1) in order for the inlet pipe  11  and the valve base  12  to be tightened through the meshing of the secondary pipe  122 , the seepage ring  123 , and the threaded section  111  to prevent seepage or leakage, external forces are needed to wind the pipes along the threads to prevent water seepage or leakage. This is a labor intensive work and is time consuming. (2) The inlet pipe  11  is subjected to water pressure over an extended period of time and, in order to extend the life of the inlet pipe  11 , the overall thickness of the pipe wall of the inlet pipe  11  may be increased. As such, metallic materials are used, which further increase the cost of manufacturing. (3) Also, the inlet pipe  11  and the valve base  12  are separate and independent pieces 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects of the invention overcome shortcomings of prior technologies by introducing an external-threaded pipe with an internal pipe forming an integrated design of a hot-cold water inlet pipe. This design of the inner pipe provides the overall water pressure resistance of the inlet pipe as well as decreases the cost of metallic materials in the raw material. 
     Embodiments of the invention also use this design to eliminate the intricate structures of the pipes in prior technologies. The integrated design of the invention further eliminates the need to exert external forces for the purpose of tightening the connections of different piping and for the purpose of preventing leakage or seepage. This configuration is advantageous to installing of embodiments of the invention. Additional advantageous to embodiments of the invention is to reduce the manufacturing cost associated therewith. Further advantages include the use of non-toxic materials, including high-pressure resistance and sever-climate resistance plastic materials, for the internal or inner pipe. This configuration reduces the exposure of the water in the pipe to the metallic external-threaded pipe, which prevents water pollution of the water due to metallic elements of lead, zinc, copper, arsenic, etc. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an external pipe according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a magnified view of a part of the external pipe of  FIG. 2  according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an external pipe according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an inlet pipe according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective cross-section view of an inlet pipe according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-section view of the inlet pipe according to  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective cross-sectional view of an inlet pipe according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the inlet pipe according to  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective cross-section view of an inlet pipe according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the inlet pipe of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective exploding view of the inlet pipe in an assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an assembled faucet including the inlet pipe of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective exploding view of the inlet pipe in an assembly according to second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an assembled faucet including the inlet pipe of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective exploding view of the inlet pipe in an assembly according to third embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an assembled faucet including the inlet pipe of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective exploding view of the inlet pipe in an assembly according to fourth embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an assembled faucet including the inlet pipe of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective exploding view of the inlet pipe in an assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-section view of a part of an assembled faucet including the inlet pipe of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the assembled faucet including the inlet pipe of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective exploding view of the inlet pipe in an assembly according to a second further embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-section view of a part of an assembled faucet including the inlet pipe of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the assembled faucet including the inlet pipe of  FIG. 22 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following list shows reference characters used through  FIGS. 1-24 :
           20  and  20 ′—an inlet pipe;     21 —an external-threaded pipe;     211 —a locking ring;     2111  and  2111 ′—a slit;     2112 —a ring groove;     212 —an inner wall;     213  and  213 ′—an internal pipe;     2131  and  2131 ′—a corner;     2132  and  2132 ′—a protruding ring;     2133  and  2133 ′—a strengthen band;     214  and  214 ′—a connecting section;     215 —a receiving chamber;     2151 —a first stopping ring;     2152 —a second stopping ring;     215 ′—a cap;     215 ″—a water-receiving area;     2151 ′—a stopping ring;     2152 ′—a connecting base;     2153 ′—a first limiting slit;     216  and  216 ′—a pipe section;     2161 —a second limiting slit;     2161 ′—a first strengthening rib;     2162 —a second strengthening rib;     217 —an external thread section;     218 —a water-entry ring base;     2181 —a stopping ring;     219 —a locking slit;     30  and  30 ′—a control valve;     31 ′—a rotating axle;     40 —an outlet pipe;     41 —a connecting pipe;     411 —a sealing ring;     42 —a joining pipe;     50 —a faucet outlet;     51 —a protruding strengthening rib;     52 —a limiting slit;     60 —a first face plate;     61 —a first handle;     62 —a screw opening;     63 —a locking unit;     40 ′—an outlet pipe;     41 ′—a lock connecting section;     42 ′—a connecting pipe;     43 ′—a fourth limiting slit;     44 ′—an outlet end;     50 ′—a faucet outlet;     60 ′—a second face plate;     61 ′—a limiting piece;     62 ′—a second handle;     40 ″—an outlet pipe;     41 ″—a ring thread;     411 ″—a sealing ring;     42 ″—an opening;     421 ′—a sealing ring;     422 ′—a strengthening rib;     43 ″—an internal threaded section;     50 ″—a faucet outlet;     51 ″—a cap;     60 ″—a third face plate;     70  and  70 ′—an outlet connecting pipe;     71  and  71 ′—a connecting pipe;     711  and  711 ′—a sealing ring;     712 ′—a fifth strengthening rib;     72 —a pipe section;     72 ′—a receiving chamber;     721 ′—a pre-set opening;     73 —a receiving chamber;     731 —a stopping ring;     74 —an external threaded section;     75 —a connecting section;     80 —an outlet pipe;     81 —a strengthening rib;     811 —a limiting slit;     90  and  90 ′—a face plate;     901 —a limiting piece;     901 ′—a limiting rib;     91 —a handle;     92 —a locking cover;     93 ′—an outlet.       

     Aspects of the invention may be practiced based on one or more embodiments, including preferred embodiments, below. For example,  FIG. 2  through  FIG. 6  describe aspects of the invention. For example, an inlet pipe  20  includes an external-threaded pipe  21 . The pipe  21  is composed of a metallic material. A locking ring  211  is disposed at a distal end on an external surface of the external-threaded pipe  21 . The locking ring  211  has a smaller diameter than that of the external-threaded pipe  21 . One or more slits  2111  are formed on the locking ring  211  at the distal end of the external-threaded pipe  21 . In one embodiment, the locking ring  211  is in the shape of a “reverse L”. In another embodiment, the locking ring  211  includes one or more slits  2111 ′ that are enclosed in the wall of the locking ring  211 . The external-threaded pipe  21  includes an inner surface, and a ring groove  2112  is disposed at the inner surface near the opening end of the external-threaded pipe  21 . The ring groove  2112  and an inner wall  212  of the external-threaded pipe  21  form a strengthening band  2133  to further assist the strength of an internal pipe  213 . In one embodiment, the strengthening band  2133  may be a set of three or more. The internal pipe  213  includes a connecting section  214  disposed at a distal vertical end, and the connection section  214  has a larger diameter than that of the inner pipe  213 . The connecting section  214  connects with the slit  2111  or  2111 ′ such that the slit  2111  or  2111 ′ is enclosed inside the connecting section  214  to form one integrated body. The internal pipe  213  includes a protruding ring  2132  that correspond to a ring groove  2112  that receives the protruding ring  2132  such that the protruding ring  2132  is fitted in the ring groove  2112  to further create resistance against pulling or pushing forces exerted on the inlet pipe  20 . The internal pipe  213  is composed of non-toxic, climate resilient, and pressure resilient plastic material. A distal end, the opposite end to the protruding ring  2132 , of the internal pipe  213  includes a corner  2131  at a slanted angle. The internal pipe  213  includes a receiving chamber  215  at the other distal end. The receiving chamber  215  includes a first stopping ring  2151  and a second stopping ring  2152  spaced apart at an outer surface thereof. A pipe section  216  is disposed between the first stopping ring  2151  and the second stopping ring  2152 , and the pipe section  216  is connected with the receiving chamber  215 . An opening of the pipe section  216  includes one or more second limiting slits with corresponding one or more second strengthening ribs to further strengthen the pipe section  216 . An external groove section  217  is disposed above the second stopping ring  2152 . A water-entry ring base  218  is disposed at an end of the receiving chamber  215  such that the receiving chamber  215  is connected with the internal pipe  213 . At the other end opposite to that of the water-entry ring base  218  of the receiving chamber  215 , one or more locking slits  219  connect with a control valve. As such, the slits  2111  or  2111 ′ and the locking ring  211  enclose the connecting section  214  from all sides to form the integrated inlet pipe  20 . This configuration reduces assembly of the inlet pipe  20  and increases production efficiency. In addition, the internal pipe  213  includes overall strength of the inlet pipe  20  and reduces the use of metallic material. Also, the water or fluid flowing in the pipe will not come in contact with the external-threaded pipe  21 , which is of metallic material. This prevents water or fluid to include metallic elements, such as lead, zinc, copper, arsenic, etc., which reduces water quality. 
     Also, as depicted in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , the water-entry ring base  218  may be disposed at an off-centered position and include a stopping ring  2181  at its distal end. The stopping ring  2181  is protruding and has a smaller diameter than that of the water-entry ring base  218 . 
     According to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of the invention is also described (please also consult  FIG. 10 ). The external-threaded pipe  21  includes an inner surface, and a ring groove  2112  is disposed at the inner surface near the opening end of the external-threaded pipe  21 . The ring groove  2112  and an inner wall  212  of the external-threaded pipe  21  form a strengthening band  2133 ′ to further assist the strength of an internal pipe  213 ′. In one embodiment, the strengthening band  2133 ′ may be a set of three or more. For example, the description below is based on the strengthening band  2133 ′ in a set of three. The internal pipe  213 ′ includes a protruding ring  2132 ′ that corresponds to or matches with the ring groove  2112 . The protruding ring  2132 ′ is locked or hooked within the ring groove  2112  in order to strengthen pulling or pushing forces exerted on the internal pipe  213 ′. The slit  2111 ′ of the internal pipe  213 ′ is set to be enclosed by a connecting section  214 ′, and the connecting section  214 ′ has a larger diameter than that of the inlet pipe  20 ′ such that the slit  2111 ′ and the connecting section  214 ′ are formed as one unit. The internal pipe  213 ′ is composed of a plastic material that is non-toxic with characteristics of pressure resistant and climate resistant. The distal end of the internal pipe  213 ′ is designed to have a corner  2131 ′ at a slanted angle. Extending upward vertically, a cap  215 ′may have a diameter that is larger than that of the inlet pipe  20 ′ and forms a water-receiving area  215 ″. The cap  215 ′ includes a stopping ring  2151 ′ on the exterior thereof and a connecting base  2152 ′ that has a larger diameter than that of the cap  215 ′. In this embodiment, the cap  215 ′ also includes a pipe section  216 ′, and the pipe section  216 ′ and the water-receiving area  215 ″ and the internal pipe  213 ′ are interconnected. The pipe section  216 ′ includes a first strengthening rib  2161 ′ disposed at an exterior surface of the pipe section  216 ′ near its opening to help or assist the strengthen integrity of the pipe section  216 ′. In addition, the connecting base  2152 ′ includes one or more first limiting slits on the edge of the connecting base  2152 ′. As such, the connecting section  214 ′ may be completed surrounded and fixed at its position by the slit  2111  and the locking ring  211  such that the inlet pipe  20 ′ is formed in one integrated piece such that the inlet pipe  20 ′ reduces the need for complicated assembly and the cost of using metallic materials. 
     In one example,  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  depict the assembly of the one embodiment of the invention. The inlet pipe  20  is connected with a control valve  30 , an outlet pipe  40  of a faucet outlet  50  and a first face plate  60  of a first handle for form a faucet assembly. This assembly is characterized by connecting a set of connecting pipes  41  of the outlet pipe  40  to the pipe section  216  of the inlet pipe  20  so as to provide a hot-cold water output. For example, one of the connecting pipes  41  is connected to the inlet pipe  20  that is connected to a hot water source, while the other connecting pipe  41  is connected to another inlet pipe  20  that is connected to a cold water source. The outlet pipe  40  includes a joining pipe  42  which is slightly angled on a plane/axis relative to a line established by the connecting pipes  41 . The joining pipe  42  is connected to the faucet outlet  50 . The faucet outlet  50  includes a number of protruding strengthening ribs  51  disposed at an outer surface of the faucet outlet  50 . In addition, the faucet outlet  50  also includes an “M” shaped limiting slit  52  on each side of the faucet outlet  50 . The outlet pipe  40  includes one or more sealing rings  411  on the openings of each of the connecting pipes  41  to achieve the optimal water leakage or water seepage prevention effect. The first face plate  60  is connected to the outlet pipe  20  by engaging an external threaded section  217  of the outlet pipe  20 , as well as the outlet pipe  40  to form a faucet. The first face plate  60  includes two screw openings  62  and the limiting slits  52  of the faucet outlet  50  are fastened to the screw openings  62  using locking units  63 . The locking units  63  stabilize the first face plate  60  to the faucet outlet  50  and to strengthen resistance from water pressure as water exits the faucet outlet  50 . This assembly, with the configuration of the inlet pipe  20 , provides a fast assembly and is not time-consuming and avoids prior assembly approaches of faucets, valves and inlet pipes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , this embodiment&#39;s outlet pipe  40 ′ includes a lock connection section  41 ′ at the top of the outlet pipe  40 . At each end of a set of connecting pipes  42 ′, this embodiment includes one or more sealing rings  421 ′. The connecting pipes  42 ′ are connected with the pipe section  216  of the inlet pipe  20 . On the perpendicular side relative to the connecting pipes  42 ′, this embodiment includes a set of “M” shaped limiting slits  43 ′, which is set to receive a correspondingly positioned limiting pieces  61 ′ of the face plate  60 ′. The external threaded section  217  of the inlet pipe  20  is fastened to the lock connecting section  41 ′ of the outlet pipe  40 ′. In addition, a handle  62 ′ and a faucet outlet  50 ′ are connected with the above to form a faucet, which reinforces the faceplate  60 ′ and the inlet pipe  20  in the final assembly to resist water pressure as water exits the faucet outlet  50 ′. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16 , a set of connecting pipes  42 ′ of an outlet pipe  40 ′ may fit into a face plate  60 ′ of varying sizes, such as extending the length of the connecting pipes  42 ′ to be connected with the pipe section  216  of the inlet pipe  20  to form an assembly of a final product. In addition, the connecting pipes  42 ′ include one or more horizontal and/or circular/ring-shaped strengthening ribs to increase an overall strength and stability thereof. In addition, the outlet pipe  40 ′ includes an outlet end  44 ′ at a distal end of the outlet pipe  40 ′ to connect additional outlets, such as a hose or a spraying gun. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 18 , this embodiment&#39;s outlet pipe  40 ″ includes about two sealing rings  411 ″ at a distal end of the outlet pipe  40 ″. The outlet pipe  40 ″ also includes a ring groove  41 ″ and the outlet pipe  40 ″ includes an internal threaded section  43 ″ on the inner wall of the outlet pipe  40 ″. The ring threaded  41 ″ includes an opening  42 ″. A third face plate  60 ″ includes a cap  51 ″ which has a faucet outlet  50 ″. The cap  51 ″ and the faucet outlet  50 ″ are engaged with the ring threaded  41 ″ and the opening  42 ″ such that the sealing rings  411 ″ of the ring threaded  41 ″ come in close contact or closely biased against the inner wall of the faucet outlet  50 ″ and the cap  51 ″ as well as fastened to the outlet pipe  40 ″ through the internal threaded section  43 ″. This configuration can achieve assembly and water-leakage or water-seepage prevention purposes. At the same time, the opening  42 ″ and the faucet outlet  50 ″ are interconnected so that the water can exit from the faucet outlet  50 ″. 
     According to  FIGS. 19 through 21 , the inlet pipe  21 ′, an outlet connecting pipe  70 , an outlet pipe  80 , a handle  91 , a locking cover  92 , and a face plate  90  form an assembly. The outlet connecting pipe  70  includes a set of connecting pipes  71 , which are connected to the pipe section  216 ′ of the inlet pipe  20 ′ to transport hot water and cold water. The connecting pipes  71  include a set of sealing rings  711  at appropriate locations on the connecting pipes  71 . The outlet connecting pipe  70  also includes a pipe section  72  extending in a vertical direction and a receiving chamber  73 . The receiving chamber  73  is configured to have a diameter that is larger than that of the pipe section  72 . The receiving chamber  73  also provides a housing for a control valve  31 ′. The receiving chamber  73  includes a stopping ring  731 , and the stopping ring  731  includes an externally threaded section  74 . The receiving chamber  73  also disposed at the bottom end a connecting section  75  in a shape of “V” to be joined with the outlet pipe  80 . The outlet pipe  80 &#39;s surface includes a set of strengthening ribs  81  that is in the shape of capitalized alphabet “F” with the long edge of the ribs fixed on the outlet pipe  80  in a parallel plane. The limiting slits  811  created by ribs  81  through the “F” shape further increase the strength integrity of the outlet pipe  80 . During assembly, the lock cover  92  and the handle of the face plate  90  are connected with and tightened to the external threaded section  74  of the receiving chamber  73  and a rotating axle  31 ′ of the control valve  30 ′. The face plate  90  may include one or more limiting pieces  901  to be biased against the first limiting slits  2153 ′ of the inlet pipe  20 ′ and the limiting slits  811  of the outlet pipe  80 . By doing so, theses pieces are locked in place or limited in its movements to form an assembly for hot-water-cold-water faucet. 
     According to  FIGS. 22 to 24 , an outlet connecting pipe  70 ′ includes a set of connecting pipes  71 ′ in order to fit or accommodate a face plate  90 ′ of different lengths and sizes before connecting to the pipe section  216 ′ of the inlet pipe  20 ′. Also, the connecting pipes  71 ′ include one or more fifth strengthening ribs  712 ′ that may be in a ring/disc shape or in lines or a combination thereof. The connecting pipes  71  further include sealing rings  711 ′. The strengthening ribs  712 ′ and the sealing rings  711 ′ further improve the overall strength and leak-proof capability of the connecting pipes  71 ′. The outlet connecting pipe  70 ′ also includes a receiving chamber  72 ′ at the top thereof to house a control valve  30 ′. The receiving chamber  72 ′ includes a pre-set opening  721 ′ and the opening  721 ′ corresponds to an outlet  93 ′ of the face plate  90 ′ to enable exiting of water. In addition, the face plate  90 ′ includes one or more limiting ribs  901 ′ at the bottom surface thereof. These ribs  901 ′ are fitted to the first limiting slit  2153 ′ of the inlet pipe  20 ′ to achieve limiting the movements of the face plate  90 ′. 
     In practice, one embodiment of the invention includes an improved hot-cold water inlet pipe that includes an inlet pipe, said inlet pipe including a metallic threaded external pipe, said metallic threaded external pipe setting a locking ring with one or more slits, said ring having a smaller diameter than that of the external pipe. The embodiment also includes an internal pipe for engaging with an interior of the metallic threaded external pipe for strengthening said metallic threaded external pipe, said internal pipe being composed of a non-toxic plastic material with weather-resistant and pressure-resistant properties. The embodiment also includes a connecting section extending the interior of the metallic threaded external pipe for enclosing the one or more slits in one unit, and a receiving chamber, being disposed at a distal end of the internal pipe, includes external threads thereon, said receiving chamber including a top opening and a bottom opening, said bottom opening having a diameter smaller than that of the internal pipe and connecting to the internal pipe, said top opening of the receiving chamber including one or more locking slits to cooperatively fit with a control valve, wherein the connection section completely encloses the receiving chamber. 
     In another embodiment, an improved hot-cold water inlet pipe includes an inlet pipe, and the inlet pipe includes a metallic threaded external pipe. The metallic threaded external pipe sets a locking ring with one or more slits, said ring having a smaller diameter than that of the external pipe. An internal pipe for engaging with an interior of the metallic threaded external pipe for strengthening said metallic threaded external pipe, said internal pipe being composed of a non-toxic plastic material with weather-resistant and pressure-resistant properties. A connecting section extending the interior of the metallic threaded external pipe for enclosing the one or more slits in one unit, said connecting section including a cap having a diameter that is larger than that of the inlet pipe and forms a water-receiving area. A stopping ring on an exterior of the cap, said stopping ring having a larger diameter than that of the cap. A pipe section including a first strengthening rib disposed at an exterior surface of the pipe section near an opening thereof to assist the strengthen integrity of the pipe section and prevent water from contact the metallic threaded external pipe. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its various embodiment(s) as mentioned above, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claim or claims will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the invention. 
     Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. 
     When introducing elements of the embodiments(s) of the present invention, the articles “a”, “an”, the and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. 
     As various changes could be made in the above constructions or products without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawing(s) shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.