Abstract:
The invention concerns an amphibious transformer vehicle (ATV) having flexible pontoon-skegs and a flexible frame allowing the ATV which carries passenger or cargo to smoothly transition between varying types of terrain and handle waves and uneven terrain. This vehicle is designed to move over water, snow, ice, ground, sand and other loose surfaces, as well as paved and other hard services as well as grass and light vegetation. It can make transitions between all the surfaces without need to stop or perform any modifications to the vehicle to transition between surfaces. This vehicle has advantages over other hovercraft and airboats that are designed with rigid frames and hulls. Based on a design using a flexible frame and structures that lean on flexible pontoon-skegs it can handle waves and obstacles without being damaged and it is not upset by a wide range of variations in terrain.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The invention is in the field of amphibious vehicles. 
       Background Art 
       [0002]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,131 by Young discloses an inflatable boat where the floor of the boat is above the water line of the boat. The boat has a motor that is below the water line of the boat as the sole means of propulsion. This inflatable craft in incapable of travel across land or ice and does not have skirts such that it can ride on an air cushion of its own production. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,494 by Caserta et al. discloses an amphibious vehicle with wheels that may be retractable as well as pontoons or multiple hulls that may be retractable. The vehicle uses one engine for both land propulsion through its wheels and water propulsion using a propeller in the water. There is no mention of flexibility. A rigid vehicle will have disadvantages when going over waves as it will not absorb any of the wave&#39;s force but rather will be buffeted by the wave. Furthermore the vehicle must pause after entering water and before leaving water in order to retract or deploy the wheels. This has a disadvantage in not allowing for quick and smooth transitions between land and water. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,812 by Haney discloses a snow mobile with a floating hull so that it can float on water. The snow mobile has an endless belt with a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart integral lugs as its means of propulsion on snow, ice, and water. Such a belt suffers significant wear to its lugs when driven on dry land or paved surfaces as compared to a vehicle riding on a cushion of air. Furthermore while the skis for the snow mobile have suspension components to deal with rough terrain the entire vehicle is not constructed to flex and absorb contours in terrain or lessen the impact of waves while on the water. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    An amphibious transformer vehicle (ATV) having front left and right skirts, rear left and right loop bags, and inflatable side and middle pontoon-skegs along a longitude of the vehicle. This vehicle is designed to move over water, snow, ice, ground, sand and other loose surfaces, as well as paved and other hard services as well as grass and light vegetation. It can make transitions between all the surfaces without need to stop or perform any modifications to the vehicle to transition between surfaces. This vehicle has advantages over other hovercraft and airboats that are designed with rigid frames and hulls. Based on a design using a flexible frame and structures that lean on flexible pontoon-skegs it can handle waves and obstacles without being damaged and it is not upset by a wide range of variations in terrain. 
         [0006]    Like in a sidewall type hovercraft, flexible pontoon-skegs are working as side walls keeping the air volume and pressure underneath that is controlled by lifting fans. 
         [0007]    Middle pontoon-skeg divides air chamber into two parts—left and right subchambers. 
         [0008]    This efficiently replaces side hovercraft skirts, providing unprecedented stability at all modes of operating as well as steady air discharge that is working like grease between skegs, front skirts, rear loop bags and the surface. Air discharge is lifting a vehicle from the surface on a height (tip) of 1-2 inches, and making it fly above the surface like a hovercraft. A combination of flexible inflatable pontoons-skegs, a flexible front skirts and rear loop bags, a flexible tubing lower frame, flexible powertrain, and cabin independent modules acting as the vehicles suspension when traveling over the previously listed surfaces and to provide for a smooth ride. Depending on vehicle payload and operational conditions pressure inside pontoon-skegs is increased or decreased by automatic inflation system controlled by pilot from dashboard. Over flat terrain for higher speeds and better fuel economy pressure in the pontoon-skegs must be set at a high pressure between 1.5 and 3.0 pounds per square inch (psi). Over high waves and rough terrain for reducing air leakage from underneath chambers and improving flexibility that helps to pass obstacles, the pressure in the pontoon-skegs must be decreased down to between 0.5 and 1.5 psi. From wear and tear inflatable pontoon-skegs are protected by easily replaceable polyethylene shells, that are attached to the inflatable pontoon-skegs by lacing. 
         [0009]    Amphibious transformer vehicle consists of three major independent modules—lower flexible tubing frame, flexible powertrain, and flexible cabin. Each of the modules could be customized for certain needs without any modifications required to be done to other modules. 
         [0010]    A lower frame designed as a construction scaffold or tubing cross mesh The frame is built primarily of longitudinal stringers and cross stringers. The stringers are joined. The stringers can be joined by welding, clamping, fastening or other joining means. 
         [0011]    In a preferred embodiment the stringers are joined by special crimp clamps machined from solid aluminum bars. A powertrain module and a cabin module are attached to the lower frame by crimp clamps as well. The lower frame clamps have openings for the longitudinal stringers and cross stringers at tow end of the clamp. The openings can be pass through openings such that the stringers pass through the clamps. In a preferred embodiment the openings are positioned such that the clamped stringers would be held in right angles (90 degrees) to each other. The outside edge of the frame clamps have a small gap and a perpendicular bolt hole. When a bolt is placed in the bolt hole and tightened it closed the small gap and acts to increase frictional forcers between the lower frame clamps and the lower frame stringers The clamps have a single pass through opening to allow it to fit on a lower frame stringers with a small gap in the opening and a perpendicular bolt hole. The powertrain and cabin clamps uses predrilled bolt holes so that a powertrain and cabin may be attached to the lower frame, exactly at the certain points. 
         [0012]    In this preferred embodiment by clamping rather than screwing into the lower frame stringers this avoids placing additional point stresses on the lower frame stringers which may lead to cracks and lose resistance to the loads in the lower frame stringers. 
         [0013]    The brackets have openings for the longitudinal members and cross members at two ends of the bracket. 
         [0014]    In an alternative embodiment the brackets have a fixing means such as a screw or bolt to further secure the brackets to the frame members. 
         [0015]    At least three inflatable pontoons are underneath the frame and are all parallel to one another. At least two longitudinal members are connected to each of the pontoons. In a preferred embodiment the longitudinal members pass through loops along the length of the pontoon. The loops have gaps such that a frame bracket connects to the longitudinal frame members and are attachable to the cross frame members. 
         [0016]    The frame is constructed so that it is flexible and has the ability to conform and absorb changes in the surface on which the craft is on. This allows the craft to crest waves, ride on uneven ice and other uneven surfaces, and to transition between surfaces such as land and water, ice and water, dry land and snow, water and snow covered land, etc. smoothly. 
         [0017]    In a preferred embodiment the frame members are tubular. In a further embodiment the tubular frame members are made of an aluminum alloy chosen for its flexibility and lightness while still providing strong though flexible frame. A further advantage of aluminum is it maintains flexibility and suffers little or no mechanical deformation in many conditions and in many different operating temperatures. 
         [0018]    Between each pair of adjacent inflatable pontoons there is an inflatable skirt. In a craft with three inflatable pontoons there will be two inflatable skirts, for each additional inflatable pontoon there would be an additional inflatable skirt. The inflatable pontoons are sealed so that they are air tight. The inflatable pontoons have valves for inflation and deflation. These valves are either manually or automatically controlled. The inflatable skirts are not air tight. The inflatable skirts are designed such that air escapes only from the bottom of the skirt so that the craft rides on a cushion of air like a hovercraft. The combination of inflatable pontoons and inflatable skirts work such that the craft is supported on land and floats on water whether or not the inflatable skirts are inflated. 
         [0019]    The inflatable pontoons and inflatable skirts are preferably made out a polyurethane coated fabric. 
         [0020]    The inflatable nature of the pontoons and skirts means the frame and inflatable sections are easier to store or ship. 
         [0021]    A section of the frame toward rear of the craft has an additional support frame. The support frame bears the additional load of at least one engine or motor, at least one fuel cell, at least two skirt inflating fans, and at least one main propulsion fan with rudders. The engine or motor may be electric or internal combustion. 
         [0022]    The support frame and components mounted to it are detachable for easier and greater shipping and storage density. 
         [0023]    In a preferred embodiment the craft has an internal combustion engine. 
         [0024]    In a preferred embodiment the engine is connected at both ends of its drive shaft. To the front facing end there is a mechanical linkage connecting the engine to the at least two skirt inflating fans. The skirt inflating fans are variable in speed so that the amount of air cushion beneath the craft is controllable. To the rear facing end there is another mechanical linkage connecting the drive shaft of the motor to the main propulsion fan. 
         [0025]    The mechanical linkage is preferably a belt or chain driven linkage with gears or pulleys connecting the driveshaft of the engine to the main propulsion fan. In another embodiment there is a driveshaft extension linkage from the engine to the drive main propulsion fan. In a different embodiment the engine is connected to a transmission and the transmission is then mechanically linked to the main propulsion fan. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment the at least two skirt inflating fans and at least one main propulsion fan are driven by electric motors and the fuel cell is a hydrogen fuel cell, battery, or some other means to store electrical energy. In this embodiment there may or may not be an additional engine acting as generator to recharge the batter or other electrical storage means. 
         [0027]    In any embodiment the one of or all of the engine or motor, fuel cell, and supporting parts such as control units, fluid tanks, radiators, and so on are individually or together covered by hoods for additional protection. 
         [0028]    Each of the skirt inflating fans and the at least one main propulsion fan have an intake side and an exhaust side. The intake side of each fan has a protective mesh to catch objects and prevent them from passing through the fans in order to protect the fan blades from harm. 
         [0029]    Towards the front end of the craft there is a control console. The console controls the speed of the skirt inflating fans and the at least one main propulsion fan. The console also controls the rudders on the at least one main propulsion fan thereby controlling the direction of the craft. The console is linked to control mechanisms for the skirt inflating fans, main propulsion, engine or motor, and rudders by mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic means. 
         [0030]    Also the front of the craft can be configured in multiple configurations. In one embodiment the from of the craft has a platform with seats for passengers. In another embodiment the front of the platform is configured to haul cargo. In either embodiment the front of the craft may have additional framework to support a shelter for the passenger or cargo area. With or without a shelter the craft may be equipped with a windshield. The windshield may additionally have a windshield wiper. 
         [0031]    In a preferred embodiment the craft is equipped with headlights. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment the ATV has at least two inflatable pontoon-skegs being parallel and adjacent with a space between the at least two inflatable pontoon-skegs running a longitude of the ATV. Two of the at least two inflatable pontoon-skegs that are parallel and adjacent with the space between forms a pontoon-skeg pair. Each inflatable pontoon-skeg is only a component in up to two pontoon-skeg pairs. The ATV has at least one pontoon-skeg pair. In the space between the at least two inflatable pontoon-skegs in the at least one pontoon-skeg pair there is a front skirt and a rear loop bag. An air chamber cell is formed by the pontoon-skegs of a pontoon-skeg pair as a pair of sidewalls the front skirt and the rear loop bag. The air chamber cell maintains an air pressure and volume controlled by a lifting fan. Connected to and on top of the at least one pontoon-skeg pair there is a flexible frame. Connected to the flexible frame there are modules including a powertrain module, a pilot dashboard, and a cargo module or cabin module. The modules are connected to the flexible frame by a plurality of module clamps. The lifting fan is part of the powertrain module. The ATV being capable of traveling over varied terrain including water, snow, ice, ground, sand and other loose surfaces, paved and other hard services, grass, and light vegetation. 
         [0033]    The specific embodiments described herein are intended to further explain the best mode known for practicing the disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the present disclosure. The specific techniques, conditions, materials, and proportions set forth to illustrate the principles and practice of the invention are exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]    The present invention will now be discussed in further detail below with reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
           [0035]      FIG. 1  shows the amphibious transformer vehicle (ATV) from a side view; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  shows the ATV from a side view; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  shows the ATV from a top view; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  shows the ATV from a rear view; 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  shows the ATV from a front view; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  shows the ATV from a bottom view; 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  shows the ATV from a front top perspective view; 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  shows the ATV from a rear top perspective view; 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  shows the ATV from a front bottom perspective view; 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  shows the ATV&#39;s flexible frame from a front top perspective view; 
           [0045]      FIG. 11  shows the ATV&#39;s flexible frame and pontoon-skegs from a rear top perspective view; 
           [0046]      FIG. 12  shows the ATV&#39;s flexible frame and pontoon-skegs from a front bottom perspective view; 
           [0047]      FIG. 13  shows the ATV&#39;s powertrain module from a front top perspective view; 
           [0048]      FIG. 14  shows the ATV&#39;s powertrain module from a front bottom perspective view; 
           [0049]      FIG. 15  shows the ATV&#39;s powertrain module mounted to the flexible frame from a rear top perspective view; 
           [0050]      FIG. 16  shows the ATV&#39;s pontoon-skegs, air chamber cell, and lifting fans in a cross sectional front top perspective view; 
           [0051]      FIG. 17  shows the ATV&#39;s pontoon-skegs, air chamber cell, and lifting fans in a cross sectional rear bottom perspective view; 
           [0052]      FIG. 18  shows the ATV&#39;s pilot dashboard and chair on a cargo module with a canopy frame in a rear top perspective view; 
           [0053]      FIG. 19  shows the ATV&#39;s pilot dashboard and chair on a passenger module with a canopy frame in a rear top perspective view; 
           [0054]      FIG. 20  shows the ATV&#39;s frame members and crimp clamps; 
           [0055]      FIG. 21  shows the ATV&#39;s crimp clamps; 
           [0056]      FIG. 22  shows the ATV&#39;s module clamps. 
           [0057]      FIG. 23  demonstrates the flexibility of the ATV&#39;s frame pieces. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0058]    Reference is being made to  FIGS. 1-22 . An amphibious transformer vehicle (ATV)  000  with pontoon-skegs  101  on the bottom. Mounted on top of the pontoon-skegs  101  are longitudinal stringers  201  and connected to those are cross stringers  203 . In a preferred embodiment the longitudinal stringers  201  and cross stringers  203  are connected by frame crimp clamps  205 . 
         [0059]    The longitudinal stringers  201  and cross stringers  203  together form a flexible frame  200  on which are connected to all other modules by module crimp clamps  207 . 
         [0060]    The longitudinal stringers  201  are connected to the pontoon-skegs  101  by passing through pontoon-skeg loops  103 . Between each pair of pontoon-skegs  101  there is an air chamber formed by the pair of pontoon-skegs  101  the front skirt  109 , a rear skirt  113  and a rear loop bag  111 . The top of the air chamber is defined by air chamber top  107 . The amount of air pressure in the air chamber is managed by adjusting a lifting fan  701  which pass through air chamber top  107 . Each pair of pontoon-skegs  101  with air chamber has one lift fan  701 . In a three pontoon-skeg  101  embodiment as shown there are two parallel air chambers. The pontoon-skegs  101  are also inflatable with pontoon-skeg air chamber  105  as a hollow space for air. The pontoon-skegs  101  are air tight, though in alternative embodiments they may have their internal pressure adjusted by a pontoon-skeg valve and pontoon-skeg compressor (not shown). 
         [0061]    The pontoon-skegs  101 , front skirt  109 , rear skirt  113 , air chamber top  107 , and rear loop bag  111  are all flexible. The pontoon-skegs  101 , front skirt  109 , rear skirt  113 , air chamber top  107 , and rear loop bag  111 I along with the lift fans  701  act to keep an air volume and pressure underneath the ATV  000  like a hovercraft. The pontoon-skegs  101 , front skirt  109 , rear skirt  113 , air chamber top  107 , rear loop bag  11  land the flexible frame  200  allow the ATV  000  to transition smoothly between many different types of terrain including land and water, ice and water, dry land and snow, water and snow covered land, etc. smoothly. 
         [0062]    The inflatable skirts defined by pontoon-skegs  101 , front skirt  109 , rear skirt  113 , air chamber top  107 , and rear loop bag  111  are not air tight. The inflatable skirts are designed such that air escapes only from the bottom of the skirt so that the ATV  000  rides on a cushion of air like a hovercraft. The combination of inflatable pontoon-skegs  101  and inflatable skirts work such that the ATV  000  is supported on land and floats on water whether or not the inflatable skirts are inflated. 
         [0063]    The inflatable pontoon-skegs  101  and inflatable skirts are preferably made out a polyurethane coated fabric. The inflatable nature of the pontoon-skegs  101  and skirts means the frame and inflatable sections are easier to store or ship. 
         [0064]    Depending on vehicle payload and operational conditions pressure inside pontoon-skegs  101  is increased or decreased by automatic inflation system controlled by pilot from pilot dashboard  301 . Over flat terrain for higher speeds and better fuel economy pressure in the pontoon-skegs  101  must be set at a high pressure between 2.5 and 3.0 pounds per square inch (psi). Over high waves and rough terrain for reducing air leakage from underneath chambers and improving flexibility that helps to pass obstacles, the pressure in the pontoon-skegs must be decreased down to between 0.1 and 0.15 psi. From wear and tear inflatable pontoon-skegs are protected by easily replaceable polyethylene shells (outer surface of pontoon-skegs  101  as shown), which are attached to the inflatable pontoon-skegs by lacing (not shown). 
         [0065]    Amphibious transformer vehicle consists of three major independent modules—flexible frame  200 , flexible powertrain  600 , and either flexible passenger cabin  400  or flexible cargo platform  500 . Each of the modules could be customized for certain needs without any modifications required to be done to other modules. 
         [0066]    A lower frame designed as a construction scaffold or tubing cross mesh The frame is built primarily of longitudinal stringers  201  and cross stringers  203 . The stringers are joined. The stringers can be joined by welding, clamping, fastening or other joining means. The flexible frame and design of the ATV allow for the ATV to traverse at least three foot drops when traveling in a forward direction. In a preferred embodiment the ATV  000  and flexible frame  200  are built to function for at least 10,000 duty hours without structural failure. 
         [0067]    In a preferred embodiment the stringers are joined by special frame crimp clamps  205 . The frame crimp clamps  205  are preferably machined from solid aluminum blocks. The flexible powertrain module  600  and flexible passenger cabin module  400  or flexible cargo platform  500  are attached to the flexible frame  200  by module crimp clamps  207 . 
         [0068]    The frame crimp clamps  205  have openings  205 B for the longitudinal stringers  201  and cross stringers  203  at the end of the frame crimp clamp body  205 A. The openings  205 B can be pass through openings such that the stringers pass through the clamps. In a preferred embodiment the frame crimp clamps  205  and the module crimp clamps  207  are machined from solid aluminum bars for increased structural rigidity and to decrease the likelihood of structurally compromising defects. 
         [0069]    In a preferred embodiment the openings are positioned such that the clamped stringers would be held in right angles (90 degrees) to each other  205  as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . The outside edge of the frame crimp clamp body  205 A has a small gap and a perpendicular bolt hole with frame crimp clamp nut and bolt  205 C passing through. When the frame crimp clamp nut and bolt  205 C is placed in the bolt hole and tightened it closed the small gap and acts to increase frictional forcers between the frame crimp clamps the frame stringers  201  and  203 . The module crimp clamps  207  have an opening  207 B. The module crimp clamp body  207 A has an upper and lower part. The two parts of the module crimp clamp body  207 A are connected by module crimp clamp nuts and bolts  207 C. When the module crimp clamp nuts and bolts  207 C is placed in the bolt hole and tightened it closes the gap between the two parts of the module crimp clamp body  207 A and acts to increase frictional forcers between the module crimp clamps  207  the cross stringers  203 . The module crimp clamp body  207 A has a module stud  207 D that protrudes from the module crimp clamp  207  and is what the flexible modules  600 ,  500  or  400  are bolted onto. 
         [0070]    At least three inflatable pontoon-skegs  101  are underneath the flexible frame  200  and are all parallel to one another. At least two longitudinal stringers  201  are connected to each of the pontoon-skegs  101 . In a preferred embodiment the longitudinal stringers  201  pass through pontoon-skeg loops  103  along the length of the pontoon-skeg  101 . The pontoon-skeg loops  103  have gaps such that a frame crimp clamp  205  are attached to the longitudinal stringers  201  and are attachable to the cross stringers  203 . 
         [0071]    In a preferred embodiment the longitudinal stringers  201  and cross stringers  203  are tubular. In a further embodiment the flexible frame stringers  201  and  203  are made of an aluminum alloy chosen for its flexibility and lightness while still providing strong though flexible frame. A further advantage of aluminum is it maintains flexibility and suffers little or no mechanical deformation in many conditions and in many different operating temperatures. 
         [0072]      FIG. 23  shows the flexibility of the longitudinal stringers  201  and flexible frame  200 . The longitudinal stringers  201  and flexible frame  200  can curve up to 20 degrees which corresponds to length A. In a preferred embodiment the longitudinal stringers  201  have a length B of 6 meters. In this preferred embodiment the 20 degrees of flexibility in either direction, up or down, mean length A is equal to 1 meter. 
         [0073]    Flexible powertrain module  600  includes powertrain frame  221  which connects to flexible frame  200  by module crimp clamps  207 . A propulsion fan support  223  is connected to powertrain frame  221  and braced by propulsion fan support braces  225 . The powertrain frame  221  is also connected to engine and lift fan support frame  227 . 
         [0074]    The engine and lift fan support frame  227  houses power transfer gear between the lift fan power shafts  607  which connect the engine to the lift fans  701 . The engine is covered by engine cover  621 . 
         [0075]    When the engine used is an internal combustion engine  601  there is a propulsion fan transfer case  603  which may be a transmission, torque converter, reduction gear, or flywheel. The propulsion fan transfer case  603  is connected to propulsion fan drive shaft  605  which passes through propulsion fan support  223 . Propulsion fan drive shaft  605  is connected to propulsion fan pulley  707  by propulsion fan pulley belt  705 . Propulsion fan  703  is mounted to propulsion fan pulley  707  which is also mounted to the propulsion fan support  223 . Propulsion fan  703  is surrounded by propulsion fan housing  711  which is mounted to propulsion fan support  223 . Steering rudders  721  are mounted to the propulsion fan housing  711 . 
         [0076]    Internal combustion engine  601  has air intake  611 , radiator  615 , and exhaust  613 . The radiator  615  is mounted to the propulsion fan support  223  in a preferred embodiment for better cooling efficiency and means the propulsion fan  703  acts as a radiator fan. 
         [0077]    In a preferred embodiment a rotating beacon light  801  is mounted on top of the propulsion fan support  223  for increased visibility of the ATV  000 . 
         [0078]    Flexible passenger cabin  400  and flexible cargo platform  500  have flexible module frame  211 . Flexible module frame  211  and flexible module platform  209  connect to flexible frame  200  by module crimp clamps  207 . At the front of the flexible passenger cabin  400  or flexible cargo platform  500  is windshield  251  which is mounted to flexible module frame  211 . A canopy  231  may also be mounted to flexible module frame  211  providing cover to pilot and passengers or cargo. Behind the windshield  251  are a pilot dashboard  301  with controls for the ATV  000  and a pilot&#39;s seat  303 . The pilot dashboard  301  and pilot&#39;s seat  303  are mounted to flexible module platform  209 . The pilot dashboard  301  is connected to the flexible powertrain module  600  electronically so that a pilot controls the lift fans  701 , propulsion fan  703 , and steering rudders  721 . 
         [0079]    Behind pilot&#39;s seat  303  is either empty space for cargo or passenger seats  401 . 
         [0080]    In a preferred embodiment headlights  803  are mounted to flexible module frame  211  at the front of the ATV  000 . 
         [0081]    The specific embodiments described herein are intended to further explain the best mode known for practicing the disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the present disclosure. The specific techniques, conditions, materials, and proportions set forth to illustrate the principles and practice of the invention are exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
         [0082]    It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.