Abstract:
An openable ring that is arranged to be worn about a portion of a body of a person. The ring includes first and second arcuate sections that are pivotally interconnected at one end of the ring for permitting pivotal movement of the arcuate sections between opened and closed positions. At the end opposite the pivotal interconnection, each arcuate section includes a pair of locking extensions, the locking extensions being transversely aligned with one another. Each locking extension has a locking surface which comprises a sum of more than two alternating hill and valley portions. The hill and valley portions of each respective locking surface cooperate with each other to releasably retain the arcuate sections in a closed position to define a closed ring having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines an interior passage for receiving a portion of the person&#39;s body, e.g., a finger.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   This invention relates generally to ring-like objects designed to be worn as jewelry, and more particularly to rings which are enabled to be releasably opened for fitting about a portion of the wearer&#39;s body, e.g., finger, which are resistant to accidental opening, and which are easily opened when desired. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
   Conventional finger rings or other jewelry arranged to be worn about a portion of the body must have a sufficient diameter to slide over the knuckle or other bony protuberance adjacent the point at which the ring is to be worn. Normally, such action does not present any problem since the difference in diameter between the bony protuberance, e.g., knuckle, and the portion on which the ring is worn is sufficiently small so that a properly fitting ring is comfortable to wear, to put on and to remove. However, there are numerous individuals who, for a variety of reasons, such as bone fractures, arthritis, etc., have enlarged knuckles or other protuberances, which prevent their wearing of conventional jewelry. 
   The prior art includes adjustable, expandable and openable jewelry rings. For example, some of the prior art discloses rings which are adjustable in size through a specific range. Such rings are limited to a fixed expansion and are adapted to permanently remain in one particular size. They are also generally constructed so that the can expand only to a limited degree, thus limiting the size of a knuckle or other protuberance over which they may be fit. 
   The prior art also discloses openable rings having exposed latching members that easily can be opened by a person&#39;s finger, to thereby permit repeated opening of the ring. Because these rings have exposed latching members that are designed to be opened by the modest downward force imparted by a person&#39;s finger, they inherently lack the desired durability and safety against self-opening. 
   There are a variety of other openable ring constructions which have been disclosed in the prior art. A number of the ring constructions employ, as part of the locking or latching system, a separate spring member. The use of a separate spring can increase the fabrication and material costs of the ring, since the spring element is made separate from the ring, and then needs to be affixed to the remainder of the ring structure. In addition, resilient spring members often tend to lose their resiliency, and in prior art constructions employing such spring members, a loss of resiliency may adversely affect the locking capabilities of the construction. 
   In a variety of prior art structures the latching mechanisms are quite bulky and unsightly, and therefore are not readily adaptable for use on high quality jewelry made of precious metals, such as gold and platinum. Still other latching assemblies constitute a point of weakness which is readily susceptible to being deformed under bending stresses of the type which normally are encountered by the wearer of the ring. Still other prior art structures are somewhat difficult to use, requiring substantial manual dexterity in order to properly close the ring, and, when desired, to open the ring. 
   Examples of prior art adjustable or openable ring-like jewelry are found in Netherlands Patent No. 87,327 (Goldbach); French Patent No. 75 07499 (Algier); and the following U.S. Pat. No. 145,788 (Cottle); U.S. Pat. No. 804,137 (Kent); U.S. Pat. No. 1,003,696 (Briggs); U.S. Pat. No. 1,296,435 (Schmidt); U.S. Pat. No. 2,045,282 (Metcalf); U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,426 (Armstrong); U.S. Pat. No. 3,221,514 (Newman); U.S. Pat. No. 3,465,543 (Baker); U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,770 (Kelrick), U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,883 (Bruner), U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,858 (Bruner) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,914 (Bruner). 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,858, (Bruner), which is hereinafter referred to as the &#39;858 patent and of which I am the sole inventor, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, there is disclosed and claimed an openable ring which overcomes many of the drawbacks of the prior art openable rings. The &#39;858 openable ring has many advantages over the prior art, including, but not limited to: (1) protection against inadvertent opening; (2) no reliance on external spring elements to provide a locking function; (3) use of the inherent spring tension of the material of the ring to assist in maintaining the ring in a closed, or latched condition; and (4) despite openability, it is aesthetically pleasing, without any unsightly bulging and/or projecting elements. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,914 (Bruner), which is hereinafter referred to as the &#39;914 patent and of which I am the sole inventor, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses and claims an openable ring. The &#39;914 patent discloses an alternative design of the locking extensions described in the &#39;858 patent which enable users of rings having greater thicknesses and widths to close the rings with less force. A ring according to the &#39;914 patent thus possesses the advantages of a ring according to the &#39;858 patent, with the added benefit that it allows rings having greater thicknesses and widths to close and lock with greater ease. 
   The &#39;858 and &#39;914 patents were, without a doubt, innovations in the jewelry arts. The openable ring disclosed in the &#39;858 patent has been on the market for well over a decade and has enjoyed much success. Over this period of time, I, as inventor of the &#39;858 and &#39;914 patents have received feedback from customers and jewelers regarding my rings. From this feedback as well as my own experience, I have determined that there are certain needs that should be addressed by a new openable ring. In particular, there is a need for an openable ring comprising a locking mechanism that more effectively distributes stress and has greater durability—one that will prevent wear and tear and thus better stand the test of time. A new ring design is needed to address the problem of skin pinching, which some ring users have experienced. There is a need for a stronger interlock between the locking extensions that is more reliable, and which will give the user greater peace of mind that the ring will not open inadvertently. Additionally, an audible indication of locking is needed which provides the user with greater confidence that the ring is securely locked. Also, an openable ring which opens in a more controlled, gradual fashion is needed to ensure maximum safety against accidental opening. Furthermore, there is a need for an openable ring which is easier to manufacture. It would be optimal if the new openable ring could have such advantages without requiring additional components. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention addresses the needs discussed above. In accordance with the present invention, an openable ring that is arranged to be worn about a portion of a body of a person is disclosed. The ring includes first and second arcuate sections that are pivotally interconnected at one end of the ring for permitting pivotal movement of the arcuate sections between opened and closed positions. At the end opposite of the pivotal interconnection, each arcuate section includes a pair of locking extensions. The locking extensions cooperate with each other to releasably retain the arcuate sections in a closed position to define a closed ring having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines an interior passage for receiving a portion of the person&#39;s body, e.g., a finger. Each locking extension on the first arcuate section is transversely aligned with a respective locking extension on the second arcuate section. The locking extension on the first arcuate section has a locking surface, which is opposite the inner surface. The locking surface has a sum of more than two alternating hill and valley portions. The locking extension on the second arcuate section also has a locking surface, which is opposite the outer surface. This locking surface also has a sum of more than two alternating hill and valley portions. When the ring is in its closed position, the hill and valley portions of the locking surfaces meet in a locking engagement. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the ring of this invention in its closed position; 
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line  2 — 2  showing the arrangement of the openable ring having unique cooperating hill and valley portions of the invention in the closed position; 
       FIG. 3  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 2 , but showing the arrangement of the openable ring having unique cooperating hill and valley portions after the latch mechanism has been depressed to open the arcuate sections; and, 
       FIG. 4  is a fragmentary, exploded isometric view showing details of the latch mechanism having unique cooperating hill and valley portions of this invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a fragmentary, exploded isometric view showing the ring in its partially disengaged, “resting position.” 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the various figures wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, an openable ring with a latch mechanism is generally shown at  10  in  FIG. 1 . The device  10  basically comprises a pair of arcuate sections  12  and  14  pivotally interconnected through a hinge connection  16  adjacent one of their contiguous ends, and including a latch mechanism  60  adjacent their opposite contiguous ends. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the hinge connection  16  includes a hinge pin  18  extending through aligned openings in yolk  20  of section  12  and tang  22  of section  14 . At this point it should be noted that the ring sections  12  and  14  are preferably made of a precious metal, e.g., gold, silver or platinum, and are formed from wax impressions of the ring sections in a conventional investment casting operation. Yoke  20  also includes leg sections  40 . The details of the construction and operation of the hinge connection are set forth in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,858, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
   It should be noted that, in the preferred use of the ring  10 , the arcuate section  14  constitutes the upper section of the ring, and the arcuate section  12  constitutes the bottom section of the ring. Thus, the hinge connection  16  and the latch mechanism  60  are located in a plane which generally passes through the wearer&#39;s fingers (e.g., in a plane substantially perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the wearer&#39;s hand). 
   In the preferred embodiment of the invention the pivot pin  18  is riveted to the arcuate sections  12  and  14 , by employing riveting rolls of the type manufactured by the Grant Manufacturing and Machine Company of Bridgeport, Conn. The use of these riveting rolls provides a non-obtrusive appearing, rigid connection which is particularly important in the formation of high quality rings made from gold and/or other precious metals. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2–5 , the latch mechanism  60  includes a safety latch  62  which is automatically moved into a locked position as the ring is moved into a closed position. The safety latch  62  also functions as a release mechanism for assisting in the opening of the ring, when it is desired to remove the ring from a person&#39;s finger. 
   As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the latch mechanism  60  employs a joint arrangement to maximize resistance against bending stresses, without the use of separate spring members. The latch mechanism  60  of this invention relies for its operation on the inherent spring tension within each of the arcuate sections  12  and  14 ; not upon the use of separate spring members which may fail in operation and which can add additional fabrication and material costs to the ring. 
   As can be seen best in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the latch mechanism  60  includes an elongate tongue  64  located centrally between sidewalls  66  of the arcuate ring section  14 . The tongue  64  extends distally beyond end walls  68  of locking extensions  70  that straddle the tongue  64 . 
   Still referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the tongue  64  has a raised shoulder  72  adjacent a proximal end thereof. The inner surface  74  of the tongue has substantially the same radius of curvature as inner surface  32  of the ring section  14 , to thereby provide a substantially continuous smooth extension of said inner surface  32 . Since the tongue  64  is not as thick as the main body of the ring section  14 , its outer surface  78  is spaced inwardly of the outer surface  28  of the main body of said ring section. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a transition surface  80 , constituting the proximal end of the outer surface  78  of the tongue, actually meets with the outer surface  28  of the main body portion of the ring section  14 . A proximally facing surface  82  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) of the shoulder  72  cooperates with the transition surface  80  to provide a recessed region  84  into which an inwardly directed nib  86  at the distal end of the safety latch  62  seats, when the ring is in a closed and locked condition ( FIG. 2 ). 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the distal end of the ring section  12 , includes a generally U-shaped recess  90  located centrally between outer side surfaces  92 , to thereby provide transversely spaced-apart locking extensions  94 . These locking extensions are aligned to cooperate with the locking extensions  70  provided on a contiguous end of the arcuate ring section  14  in a manner to be described below in accordance with the present invention. 
   Still referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , each of the locking extensions  94  of arcuate section  12  includes outwardly facing hill portions  102   a  and  102   b  and valley portions  96   a  and  96   b . Likewise, each of the locking extensions  70  of arcuate section  14  includes inwardly facing valley portions  100   a  and  100   b  and hill portions  98   a  and  98   b . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , when the ring is in its fully closed and locked position, hill portion  102   a  engages with valley portion  100   b , hill portion  98   b  engages with valley portion  96   a , hill portion  102   b  engages with valley portion  100   a , and hill portion  98   a  engages with valley portion  96   b . The hill and valley configuration of the locking extensions  70  and  94  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) provides a strong interlock, giving the user greater assurance that the ring  10  will not inadvertently disengage. Additionally, the unique configuration of the locking extensions  70  and  94  distributes stress over a greater area, rendering the locking extensions  70  and  94  more durable. Thus, over time, the locking extensions  70  and  94  of the present invention will experience significantly less wear and tear than the prior art locking extensions. 
   As an additional benefit, the hill and valley configuration of the locking extensions  70  and  94  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) is easier to manufacture than the configuration of the locking extensions disclosed in the &#39;858 and &#39;914 patents. The complementary surfaces of the locking extensions of the rings disclosed in the &#39;858 and &#39;914 patents are significantly smaller than are the surfaces of locking extensions  70  and  94  according to the present invention. It is difficult and time-consuming for a technician to machine the desired geometry into the small surfaces of the locking extensions of the &#39;858 and &#39;914 patents. Additionally, technicians spend much time calibrating the rings of the &#39;858 and &#39;914 patents, such that the locking extensions would mate properly. Since the surfaces of the locking extensions  70  and  94  of the present invention have a larger workable area, they may be manufactured using the much easier casting method, rather than having to be individually machined like the locking extensions of the &#39;858 and &#39;914 patents. Moreover, the larger surface areas of the locking extensions  70  and  94  of the present invention allow for an easier and less time-consuming calibration of the ring  10  in order for the locking extensions  70  and  94  to mate properly. 
   The hill and valley configuration of the locking extensions  70  and  94  provides the user with ease and control in closing the ring  10 . As best shown in  FIG. 2 , when the locking extensions  70  and  94  are in their completely closed and locked position, all hill portions  102   a ,  102   b ,  98   a  and  98   b  are engaged with respective valley portions  100   a ,  100   b ,  96   a , and  96   b , in the manner explained supra. On the other hand, the locking extensions  70  and  94  are considered to be fully disengaged when they are not at all in contact with one another (not shown). 
   As can be seen in  FIGS. 2–5 , hill portion  102   a  includes on its distal side both a slightly inclined ramp section  107  and a distal rounded edge  97 . As best shown in the figures, the ramp section  107  is substantially flat over its length and inclines gradually. The configuration of the hill portion  102   a  enables the ring  10  to close with minimal force. In particular, when the user compresses the arcuate sections  12  and  14  together, initial contact is made by the locking extensions thereof  70  and  94 . Upon initial contact, the distal end of hill portion  98   a  of arcuate section  14  gradually rides up the long linear distance of the inclined ramp section  107 . As the locking extensions  70  and  94  become further engaged, the respective peaks of hill portions  102   a  and  98   a  contact one another (not shown). Subsequently, hill portion  98   a  slides into engagement with valley portion  96   a , as shown in  FIG. 5 . This simultaneous transition causes an audible “snap.” In this configuration, the locking extensions  70  and  94  are in their partially engaged, resting position. 
   As arcuate sections  12  and  14  are compressed further together, the locking extensions  70  and  94  contact one another at respective peaks of hill portions  102   b  and  98   a , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Thereafter, as the locking extensions  70  and  94  are moved into their fully closed and locked position as shown in  FIG. 2 , the movement creates a second audible “snap.” Thus, when a user adjusts the ring  10  from the fully disengaged position to the completely closed position, engagement of the locking extensions  70  and  94  creates an audible “double snap,” making the user confident that the ring  10  is securely closed and locked. As shown in  FIGS. 2–5 , valley portion  100   b  includes a substantially flat and slightly sloping section  113 . This section  113  receives the inclined ramp section  107  of hill portion  102   a , when the locking extensions  70  and  94  are in their fully closed and locked position ( FIG. 2 ). 
   Alternative embodiments of the present invention (not shown) may include additional hill and valley portions on the locking extensions  70  and  94 . If, for example, the locking extensions  70  and  94  were to each have three hill portions and three valley portions, the closing and locking of the ring  10  would create an audible “triple snap.” 
   It should be noted that with the ring in a completely closed position, the confronting surfaces of the locking extensions  70  and  94  are in engagement with each other to provide smooth, aesthetically pleasing outer side surfaces of the ring  10  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In accordance with the present invention, the preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1  may be of any suitable inner diameter, e.g., between a ring size of 2.5 to any desired ring size; may be of any suitable thickness, e.g., between approximately 2.0 millimeters and 4.0 millimeters; and, may be of any suitable width, e.g., between 2.5 and 14 millimeters. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5 , a transversely extending bridge section  104  constitutes a part of the latch mechanism  60  and is unitarily formed between the locking extensions  94  of the arcuate section  12 . This bridge section adds rigidity to the system, by actually-providing a brace between the locking extensions. In addition, as can be seen best in  FIG. 2 , an upper surface  105  of the bridge section provides a support for the safety latch  62  when the safety latch is in a ring-locking position. 
   As can be seen best in  FIG. 2 , the bridge section  104  also includes a lower surface  106 . This lower surface, in conjunction with inner side surfaces of the recess  90  define a channel for receiving the elongate tongue  64  therein (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). In addition, it should be noted that the lower surface  106  of the bridge section ( FIG. 2 ) is spaced from the upper surface  78  of the elongate tongue  64  when the ring is in a closed position. The location of the bridge section  104  and tongue  64  to provide this spacing is required, to thereby permit relative radial movement to take place between the arcuate sections  12  and  14 , for permitting the valley portions  96   a  and  96   b  and hill portions  102   a  and  102   b  of locking extensions  94  to “double snap” into locking engagement with complementary shaped hill portions  98   a  and  98   b  and valley portions  100   a  and  100   b , respectively, of the locking extensions  70 . Since the space between the lower surface  106  of the bridge section and the upper surface  78  of the tongue  64  is located in the interior of the ring, it is not visible, and therefore does not detract from the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the ring construction. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5 , a pivot pin  110  of the safety latch  62  is located intermediate the inwardly directed nib  86  at the distal end of the latch, and an inwardly directed shoulder  112  of a nib located at the proximal end of the latch. The pivot pin  110  extends through an opening (not shown) provided through one of the locking extensions  94 , and into an aligned, blind opening  114   a  extending only partially through the other of said extensions, from the inner side surface  108  thereof ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Thus, an end surface of the pivot pin  110  is only visible from one side of the ring, and the base of the blind opening  114   a  provides a surface for properly locating the pin relative to the other components of the ring. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5 , the safety latch  62  includes an inwardly projecting section  116  adjacent the proximal end  112  thereof. This inwardly projecting section  116  includes a generally distally facing surface  117  that cooperates with distal end  119  of the tongue  64 , to automatically pivot the safety latch  62  in a clockwise direction, as viewed in  FIG. 2 , into the closed and locked position shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   Specifically, as the ring  10  is moved from its opened position, as is seen best in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , into the closed position shown in  FIG. 2 , the distal end  119  of the tongue  64  engages the surface  117  of inwardly projecting section  116 , causing the safety latch to rotate in a clockwise direction. Continuous movement of the ring sections into a closed position imposes a slight inwardly radial force on the tongue  64 , causing the inherent spring tension within the tongue to impose an opposite, outward radial force on the inwardly projecting section  116  of the safety latch  62 . In view of the fact that the inwardly projecting section  116  is located to the left of the pivot pin  110 , as is viewed in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , this outward, radial force maintains the safety latch  62  in its locked condition. When the safety latch  62  is in this locked condition, distal surface  118  of the safety latch  62  is biased into a position closely adjacent the transition surface  80  located proximal of the shoulder  72  of the tongue  64  (see  FIGS. 2–5 ). This provides a generally aesthetically pleasing outer surface appearance, and generally eliminates exposed edge surfaces to irritate the finger adjacent the ring finger. 
   In the closed position of the latch  62  (see  FIG. 2 ), distally-facing surface  120  of the bridge section  104  is contiguous to a distally-facing surface segment  121  of the raised shoulders  72  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). In fact, in the preferred construction, the spacing between these latter surfaces  120 ,  121  is on the order of 0.002 inches. It should be noted that the force biasing the safety latch into a closed position, resulting from the engagement of tongue  64  with the projecting section  116 , is continuously maintained during a portion of the counterclockwise rotational movement of the safety latch in the direction of arrow  134  ( FIG. 3 ). This arrangement precludes inadvertent opening of the safety latch  62 , in that any slight, inadvertent, counterclockwise movement of the safety latch, in the direction of arrow  134 , will not automatically open the safety latch. In fact, once the pressure or force is released, the normal spring tension imposed upon the projecting section  116 , by the tongue  64  will automatically snap the safety latch back into its locking position. In other words, the cam arrangement provided by the interaction of the tongue  64  with the projection  116  will trigger an opening action at a depth of counterclockwise rotation, which only can be reached by the use of a separate implement, such as a pen or pencil, as will be described hereinafter. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , when the safety latch  62  is in a closed condition a proximal-facing surface  124  of raised shoulder  72  of the tongue  64  is in radial overlapping relationship with a proximal-facing surface  126  of the inwardly directed nib  86  of the safety latch  62 . The inherent spring tension of tongue  64  biases the safety latch  62  into a position wherein the radially overlapping surfaces  124  and  126  are circumferentially spaced from each other. However, in the event that some of the “springiness” of the tongue  64  becomes degraded, thereby permitting some separation of the arcuate sections  12  and  14 , the overlapping surfaces  124  and  126  will engage each other, to thereby preclude the inadvertent opening of the ring sections. 
   Although the safety latch  62  provides an extremely reliable locking function, the safety latch is capable of automatically moving into an opened position, in the event that any excessively high, abrupt, pulling force or pressure is imposed upon the ring, to thereby prevent serious injury to the wearer&#39;s finger. In fact, the sudden surge of a pulling force or pressure will trigger an opening of the ring, like a safety fuse that explodes under a surge of excess energy. 
   Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , the proximal end  112  of the safety latch  62  includes a small diameter recess  130  provided in outer surface  132  thereof. This small diameter recess is adapted to receive a small instrument (e.g., the point of a pen or pencil) therein, to provide a counterclockwise latch opening force on the safety latch  62 , in the direction of arrow  134 , as viewed in  FIG. 3 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , it should be noted that the outer surface  132  of the safety latch  62  has a radius of curvature generally corresponding to the radius of curvature of the outer surfaces  44  and  28  of arcuate sections  12  and  14 , to thereby provide, in cooperation with the arcuate sections, a substantially continuous curved outer surface when the ring is closed. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , proximally facing surface  117  of the inwardly projecting section  116  engages the distal end  119  of tongue  64 , to thereby force the tongue in a direction to the right (as viewed in  FIG. 3 ) for partially disengaging the interconnection between locking extensions  70  and  94 . The partially disengaged, resting condition of locking extensions  70  and  94  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 , wherein valley portion  96   a  is engaged with hill portion  98   a . Thereafter, arcuate sections  12  and  14  can be easily gripped by the wearer of the ring  10  to complete the ring-opening operation. Thus, to open the ring  10 , the user must perform the following two deliberate actions: (1) depress the safety latch  62  to release the locking extensions  70  and  94  into their partially disengaged, resting position, as shown in  FIG. 5 ; and (2) manually pull arcuate sections  12  and  14  apart from the partially disengaged position of locking extensions  70  and  94 , to a fully disengaged position, at which point the user may remove the ring  10 . This novel design allows the user to open the ring  10  in a controlled fashion, which protects against accidental opening and skin pinching. Therefore, this novel design gives the user confidence that the ring will open only when the user wants it to open. 
   While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.