Abstract:
A system or kit of wood and plastic component materials is provided which can readily be assembled to form a structure. The components are precut so that measurement and cutting of the component materials is eliminated. The components are readily assembled using conventional fasteners. Components have precut notches in order to facilitate the assembly of the components without the requirement for measurements. This assures that the components will be assembled correctly and eliminates the opportunity for inaccurate measurements. The roof is formed from plastic panels secured to wooden trusses. The floor is formed from plastic panels secured to the wood framing of the walls. The plastic roof panels and plastic floor panels are designed to be secured to each other and to the wood frames to assure heavy duty interlocking construction of the components.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to enclosures, such as utility or garden sheds, constructed of wood and plastic materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to an enclosure including walls having wood framing and wood siding, a roof having wood rafters and plastic panel roofing, and a floor made from plastic panels. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Utility sheds are a necessity for lawn and garden maintenance, as well as general all-around home storage space. Typically, items such as garden tractors, lawn mowers, garden tillers, snow blowers, ATVs, motorcycles and the like consume a great deal of floor space in a garage. This results in the homeowner parking his/her vehicles outside of the garage. 
     The prior art has proposed a number of different storage buildings or utility sheds assembled from a kit which includes a plurality of blow molded or extruded plastic panels and connectors. These kits are readily assembled by a homeowner to form storage structures or utility sheds of various sizes. These structures are generally suitable for the storage of hand tools and smaller lawn equipment. Typically, these kits require extruded metal or plastic connector members having a specific cross-sectional geometry which facilitates an engagement between the connector members and one or more of the blow molded plastic panels having a complimentary edge configuration. Due to the nature of the manufacturing process, blow molded plastic components cannot be formed with the intricate shapes and/or sharp corners required for integrated connectors. In addition, blow molded plastic components are hollow and cannot be formed with the integral strengthening ribs and gussets that injection molded panels can be formed with. 
     A particularly common structure for the connector members is the I-beam cross section. The I-beam defines free edge portions of the connector member which fit within approximately dimensioned and located slots in the panel members. U.S. Pat. No. D-371,208 teaches a corner extrusion for a building sidewall that is representative of the state of the art I-beam connector members. The I-beam sides of the connector engage with the peripheral edge channels of a respective wall panel, and thereby serve to join such panels together at right angles. Straight or in-line versions of the connector members are also included in the kits to join panels in a coplanar relationship to create walls of varying length. 
     Extruded components generally require hollow longitudinal conduits for strength. Due to the nature of the manufacturing process, the conduits are difficult to extrude in long sections for structural panels. Thus, the panels require connectors to achieve adequate height for utility shed walls. A common structure for connecting extruded members has a center I-beam with upper and lower protrusions for engaging the conduits. However, wall panels utilizing connectors are vulnerable to buckling under loads and may have an aesthetically unpleasing appearance. Moreover, roof loads from snow and the like may cause such walls to bow outwardly due to the clearances required between the connectors and the internal bores of the conduits. U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,022 discloses an extendable shed utilizing side wall connector members representing the state of the art. The connectors have a center strip with hollow protrusions extending from its upper and lower surfaces along its length. The protrusions are situated to slidably engage the conduits located in the side panel sections to create the height required for utility shed walls. 
     The aforementioned systems can also incorporate roof and floor panels to form a freestanding enclosed structure such as a utility shed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,866,381; 5,036,634; and 4,557,091 disclose various systems having inter-fitting panel and connector components. Such prior art systems, while working well, have not met all of the needs of consumers to provide the structural integrity required to construct larger sized structures. Larger structures must perform differently than smaller structures. Larger structures require constant ventilation in order to control moisture within the structure. Large structures must also withstand larger wind and snow loads compared to smaller structures. Paramount to achieving these needs is a panel system which eliminates the need for extruded connectors to create enclosure walls which resist panel separation, buckling, racking, and a roof system which allows ventilation while preventing weather infiltration. A further problem is that the walls formed by the panels must tie into the roof and floor in such a way as to unify the entire structure. Also, from a structural standpoint, the structure should include components capable of withstanding the increased wind, snow and storage loads required by larger structures. From a convenience standpoint, a door must be present which can be readily installed after assembly of the wall and roof components. The door must also be comparable with the sidewalls and provide ready access to the interior of the structure. Also, from a convenience standpoint, the structure should permit natural as well as artificial lighting. The structure should be aesthetically pleasing in appearance to blend in with the surrounding structures. 
     There are also commercial considerations that must be satisfied by any viable structure assembly system or kit; considerations which are not entirely satisfied by the state of the art products. The structure must be formed from relatively few components which are inexpensive to manufacture by conventional techniques. The enclosure must also be capable of being packaged and shipped in a knock-down state. In addition, the system or kit must be modular and facilitate the creation of a family of enclosures that vary in size but which share common, interchangeable components. 
     Finally, there are ergonomic needs that an enclosure system must satisfy in order to achieve acceptance by the end user. The system must be easily and quickly assembled using integrally formed connectors requiring minimal hardware and tools. Further, the system must not require excessive strength to assemble or include heavy component parts. Moreover, the system must assemble together in such a way so as not to detract from the internal storage volume of the resulting enclosure, or otherwise detract from the internal storage volume of the resulting enclosure, or otherwise negatively affect the utility of the structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a system or kit of wood and plastic component materials which can readily be assembled to form a structure. The components are precut so that measurement and cutting of the component materials is eliminated. The components are readily assembled using conventional fasteners. Components have precut notches in order to facilitate the assembly of the components without the requirement for measurements. This assures that the components will be assembled correctly and eliminates the opportunity for inaccurate measurements. The roof is formed from plastic panels secured to wooden trusses. The floor is formed from plastic panels secured to the wood framing of the walls. The plastic roof panels and plastic floor panels are designed to be secured to each other and to the wood frames to assure heavy duty interlocking construction of the components. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a utility enclosure system which utilizes precut wood and plastic components for creating structures of varying dimensions by using common components. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a utility enclosure which can be readily assembled using conventional fasteners. 
     It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a utility enclosure including precut components having notches which enable assembly of the components without measurements of the components. 
     It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide an enclosure which allows for the rapid assembly of a roof by utilizing roof panels secured to trusses. 
     It is still another further objective of the present invention to provide an enclosure which utilizes a floor formed of plastic panels and fasteners which securely connect wood framed walls to the plastic floor panels. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the enclosure of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the frame structure of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the floor panels of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cut away view of the connection between the floor panels and a base; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the left wall assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the right wall assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the front wall assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the rear wall assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is a view of the front and rear wall assembly frames in relation to the entire enclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a view of the left and right wall assembly frames in relation to the entire enclosure; 
         FIG. 11A  is a view of the siding being installed on the rear wall; 
         FIG. 11B  is a view of the relationship between the siding members; 
         FIG. 11C  is a view of the rear wall with siding in relation to the entire enclosure; 
         FIG. 12A  is a view of the roof trusses; 
         FIG. 12B  is a view of the roof trusses in relation to the entire enclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a view of the framing of the front and rear gables; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view in part of a roof panel being secured to the roof trusses; 
         FIG. 15A  is a view of the front gable siding; 
         FIG. 15B  is a view of the front gable siding in relation to the entire enclosure; 
         FIG. 15C  is a partial view of the end of a gable siding member in relation to the gable frame; 
         FIG. 16A  is a view of a gable vent; 
         FIG. 16B  is a view of the gable vents in relation to the entire enclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear view of the gable vent and screen; 
         FIG. 18A  is a view of the corner trim; 
         FIG. 18B  is a view of an enlarged section of  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIG. 19  is a view of the gable trim members; 
         FIG. 20  is a view of the fascia boards; 
         FIG. 21  is a view of the roof panels; 
         FIG. 22  is another view of the roof panels; 
         FIG. 23  is a view of the underside of a roof panel; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross section view of the connection between two adjacent roof panels; 
         FIG. 25  is a view of the right door; 
         FIG. 26  is a view of the right door in relation to the entire enclosure; 
         FIG. 27  is a view of a door hinge; 
         FIG. 28  is a view of the left door; 
         FIG. 29  is a view of the left door in relation to the entire enclosure; 
         FIG. 30  is a view of the upper door latching members; 
         FIG. 31  is a view of one of the upper door latching members; 
         FIG. 32  is a view of another of the upper door latching members; 
         FIG. 33  is a view of the upper door latching member in relation to the door assembly; 
         FIG. 34  is a view of a lower portion of the door latch bar; 
         FIG. 35  is a view of an upper portion of the door latch bar; 
         FIG. 36  is a view of the door latch bar in relation to the door assembly; 
         FIG. 37  is a view of the door latch bar operating mechanism; 
         FIG. 38  is a view of a portion of the door latch operating mechanism; and 
         FIG. 39  is a view of the windows and shutters installed in the side walls. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
       FIGS. 1-43  which are now referenced, show isometric and exploded views of a utility enclosure or shed, generally referenced as  10 , constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The utility enclosure or shed includes a floor assembly  100 , a left wall assembly  200 , a right wall assembly  300 , a front wall assembly  400 , a rear wall assembly  500 , and a roof assembly  600 . In a preferred embodiment the front wall assembly  400  includes a door assembly  800 . In a preferred embodiment the floor assembly is made from a plurality of panels. The panels are formed of but not limited to, a suitable plastic such as polystyrene, polypropylene or polyethylene. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1-4 , the enclosure includes a floor made from one or more panels  102 . Each of the floor panels further contains a front side  106  and a rear side  110  positioned opposite to and being substantially parallel to the front side  106 . The panel  102  has a front side edge  108 , a rear side edge  112 , a right side edge  114 , and a left side edge  118 . The edges  108 ,  112 ,  116  and  118  define the perimeter of the floor panel. 
     The floor panels  102  are provided with tabs  122  and corresponding recesses  124 . The tabs  122  and recesses  124  cooperate to operative hold two floor panels  102  together. Each of the tabs  122  on one of the floor panels engages a corresponding groove  124  on an adjacent floor panel in an interlocking relationship. This relationship prevents the floor panels from separating from each other during assembly of the enclosure and afterwards. The tabs  122  and recesses  124  also allow the panels to be connected to each other without the use of additional fasteners. Floor panels  102  also include a plurality of apertures  126  spaced around the perimeter of the panel. The apertures are adapted to receive fasteners  128  therein. The fasteners  128  are secured to a structure  129  beneath the floor panels. The structure can be a concrete slab, a wooden structure, a plastic structure, a composite stricture, etc. In an illustrated embodiment, in  FIG. 4 , an L bolt is illustrated as the fastener  128 . The L bolt is secure to the structure  129  with a speed nut  130 . The L bolt then passes through aperture  126  and is secured to the panel  102  with a nut  132 . In addition to L bolts, other fasteners such as bolts, screws nails, etc. can be employed to secure the floor panels to an underlying support structure. 
     Left wall assembly  200  is assembled prior to being secured to floor panels  102 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a plurality of vertical members  208  are secured onto the bottom plate  202  in the precut slots  204  with fasteners (not shown). A top plate  210  is secured to the top of the vertical members  208 . Top plate  210  includes a plurality of precut slots (not shown) into which vertical members are placed and secured thereto. Another plate  212  is secured to the upper surface of plate  210 . Plate  212  also includes precut slots  214 . Window frame header members  216  are secured between two vertical members  208 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . A window side piece  218  is secured between the window frame header members  216  and it can also be secured to one of the vertical members  208 . After the left wall assembly is assembled, it is secured to the floor panels  102  utilizing fasteners similar to  128  which pass through apertures  206  in bottom plate  202 . 
     The right wall assembly  300  is similar to the left wall assembly  200 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , right wall assembly  300  is assembled prior to being secured to floor panels  102 . A plurality of vertical members  308  are secured onto the bottom plate  302  in the precut slots  304  with fasteners (not shown). A top plate  310  is secured to the top of the vertical members  308 . Top plate  310  includes a plurality of precut slots (not shown) into which vertical members are placed and secured thereto. Another plate  312  is secured to the upper surface of plate  310 . Plate  312  also includes precut slots  314 . Window frame header members  316  are secured between two vertical members  308 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . A window side piece  318  is secured between the window frame header members  316  and it can also be secured to one of the vertical members  308 . After the right wall assembly is assembled, it is secured to the floor panels  102  utilizing fasteners similar to  128  which pass through apertures  306  in bottom plate  302 . 
     The front wall assembly  400  is also assembled prior to being secured to the floor panels. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the front wall assembly includes a plurality of bottom plates  402 . Each of the bottom plates includes a plurality of precut slots  404 . The bottom plates also include at least one aperture  406 . A plurality of vertical members  410  are secured to each of the bottom plates  402 . The lower portion of each vertical member is placed in a slot  404  and then secured to the plate  402  utilizing fasteners (not shown). Two vertical members  410  are secured together on each side of the door opening. A top plate  412  is secured between the vertical members  410  adjacent the door opening. Top plate  412  includes a precut slot  414 . Another top plate  416  is secured to the upper surface of top plate  412  and the tops of end vertical members  410 . After the front wall assembly is assembled, it is secured to the floor panels  102  utilizing fasteners similar to  128  which pass through apertures  406  in bottom plates  402 . 
     Rear wall assembly  500 ,  FIG. 8 , is assembled prior to being secured to the floor panels  102 . The rear wall assembly includes a bottom plate  502 . Plate  502  includes a plurality of precut slots  504  and apertures  506 . Assembly  500  also includes a plurality of vertical members  508  secured to the bottom plate  502  in the precut slots  504 . The vertical members are secured to the bottom plate  502  utilizing fasteners (not shown). A top plate  510  is secured to the tops of vertical members  508 . Precut slots (not shown) are on top plate  510  to permit the correct spacing and attachment of vertical members  508 . Plate  510  and members  508  are secured together with fasteners (not shown). After the rear wall assembly is assembled, it is secured to the floor panels  102  utilizing fasteners similar to  128  which pass through apertures  506  in bottom plate  502 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11A-C , siding members  702  are secured to the exterior of the front, right, left and rear walls. The siding members are secured to the vertical members of the front, right, left and rear walls utilizing nails or similar fasteners, as illustrated in  FIG. 11A . As illustrated in  FIG. 11B  the bottom of the siding members is provided with a groove  704 . The top of the siding member is reduced in thickness to a relative thin portion  706 . The width or thickness of portion  706  is substantially the same as the width or thickness of groove  704 . This relationship enables portion  706  to be placed into groove  704  thereby interconnecting two siding members together and preventing the passage of fluids, such as water or wind, through the siding members. 
     Roof assembly  600  includes a plurality of roof trusses or rafters  602  secured to top plates  212  and  312  at precut slots  214  and  314  respectively. The roof trusses are secured to the plates  212  and  312  utilizing nails or other conventional fasteners. Each roof truss  602  comprises two truss members  604  secured to each other at ends  606 . A gusset  608  is secured to one side of the two truss members  604  adjacent the connection of the two truss members. This gusset helps to secure the two truss members to each other. 
     Two roof lathes  610  and  612  extend along the length of the roof at the peak,  FIGS. 13 ,  14 . Additional roof lathes  614  and  616  extend the length of the roof at approximately the midpoint of the length of each roof truss. The roof lathes  610 - 616  connect the roof trusses to each other and thereby form the roof. The roof lathes are preferably secured to the roof trusses using screws and predrilled holes in the lathes and roof trusses. This assures a correct and accurate positioning of the roof members without the need for measurements. 
     On the end roof trusses, gable braces  618  and  620  are secured between truss members  602  and  604  on the inside thereof. The gable braces are secured to the truss members at approximately the point where the roof lathes are secured to the truss members, as seen in  FIG. 13 . Gable bracing members  622  and  624  are secured between gable brace  620  and the top plates  414 ,  416  of the front wall assembly. This provides structural support and rigidity for the front gable. The rear gable is constructed in a similar manner. Gable bracing members  626  and  628  are secured between gable brace  618  and the top plate  510  of the rear wall assembly. 
     Siding members  703  are secured to the front and rear gables. The siding members  703  which are secured to the gables are precut to specific sizes. These precut sizes correspond to the taper or slope of the roof. This enables the siding members  703  to be installed on the gables, in line with the roof line, without cutting the ends of the siding members. The siding members are secured to the roof trusses using conventional fasteners. The siding members  703  on the gables are also provided with grooves similar to  704  and they have a relative thin top portion similar to  706 , on siding members  702 . This enables the siding members to be assembled in an overlapping relationship which prevents the passage of wind and rain through the siding members and into the enclosure. 
     At the peak of each gable is a vent  750 . Preferably there are two vents  750 , one at the peak of each gable in the front and rear of the enclosure,  FIGS. 16A and 16B . This enables air to flow through the enclosure.  FIG. 17  is an enlarged view of each of the gable vents  750 . The front of each vent includes a frame  752 . The frame comprises three outer frame members  754  which are secured together in a triangular configuration to form the outer perimeter of the gable vent. A plurality of slats or horizontal members  756  are secured between the frame members  754 . The slats are preferably mounted in an overlapping relation to each other to permit wind to pass through the vent, but stop water or rain from passing through the vent. The slats  756  are also mounted in an angled relationship to the vertical. A plurality of hooks  758  are secured to the vent. These hooks engage the top portions  706  of the siding members  702  to help secure the vents to the enclosure. Additionally, fasteners  760  which pass through apertures in the vents secure the vents to the roof trusses  602 ,  604 ,  FIG. 16A . A screen  762  is secured to the rear of each of the vents  750 . Screen  762  prevents the incursion of insects and other undesirable elements into the enclosure. 
       FIGS. 18A and 18B  illustrate the corner trim members  772  and  774 . These trim members are secured to each of the corners of the enclosure and cover the ends of the siding members  702 . This ensures an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the corners of the enclosure. The length of corner trim member  774  is slightly shorter than trim member  772  since it abuts the gable trim member  776 ,  FIG. 18B . Gable trim members  776  and  778 ,  FIG. 19 , are secured to truss members  602 ,  604  and gable siding member  703 . Gable trim members  776  and  778  are secured to the front and rear gables. Fascia member  780 ,  FIG. 20 , is secured to the upper portion of each of the left and right wall assemblies  300  and  200 . 
     The roof is covered by a plurality of panels  630 ,  632 ,  634  and  636 . The panels are preferably plastic, but could be formed from any other material that would repel rain and other elements of the weather. As illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the roof panels  630  and  632  are installed on the roof trusses first. The underside of each of the roof panels is provided with a plurality of positioning and fastening members  638  and  640 ,  FIG. 23 . Positioning and fastening members  638  abut the fascia board  780  and provide a structural point at which the roof panel can be secured to the fascia board with conventional fasteners, such as screws. Positioning and fastening members  640  are located at the midpoint of the length of the roof panels. These positioning and fastening members provide a structural support at which the roof panel can be secured to the roof lathes  614 ,  616 . The top portion of the roof panels are also secured to the roof lathes  610 ,  612  utilizing fasteners.  FIG. 14  illustrates the manner in which the roof panels are secured. Roof panel  632  is installed first on the roof trusses and fastened to the roof lathes by fastener screws  639  along the upper fastening member  638  and lower fastening member  638  to top plate  310 . Center placed roof lathe  614  is further secured by fastener  641 . Roof panel  630  can then be installed. 
     The panels  630  and  632  are provided with an interlocking connection, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 . This interlocking connection prevents the passage of water and other elements of the weather between the roof panels. There is also the same interlocking connection between panels  634  and  636 . Roof panels  634  and  636  are provided with a ridge cap  642  and  644  respectively. These ridge caps extend over the top ends of roof panels  630  and  632 . They prevent the passage of water and other elements of the weather through the junction of the top portions of all of the roof panels. 
     The enclosure is provided with a door assembly  800  on the front wall. The door assembly preferably includes two doors; a left door  802  and a right door  804 ,  FIG. 1 . The doors are secured to the door frame by four hinges  806  per door in a preferred embodiment.  FIGS. 25-27  illustrate the manner in which the right door  804  is secured to the enclosure.  FIGS. 28 and 29  illustrate the manner in which the left door  802  is secured to the enclosure.  FIGS. 30-33  illustrate a portion of the door latching mechanisms which are employed to maintain the doors in a closed and secure position. Latch member  808  is secured to one of the doors. In the preferred embodiment it is secured to the left door. The latch member  808  secures the door to the upper frame member, as illustrated in  FIG. 33 . The latch member  808  can only be operated from inside of the enclosure. A latch bar guide member  810  is secured to the upper portion of the right door  804  with fasteners, as illustrated in  FIGS. 30 and 31 . The latch bar guide member is employed with the latch bar, which will be described hereinafter. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 33 and 36 , illustrated is the inner surface of the doors having a latch bar includes two bar members  812  and  814 . Member  812  is an upper latch bar member and element  814  is a lower latch bar member.  FIGS. 34 and 35  illustrate the manner in which the latch bar members  812  and  814  pass through and are guided by the latch bar guide member  810 . In  FIGS. 34 and 35  the latch bar members  812  and  814  are illustrated in their open position by the solid lines and in the closed position by the dashed lines. In the closed position, the latch bar members  812  and  814  engage the latch bar guide members and the door frame,  FIGS. 34-36 . This prevents the door from opening. Each door includes window openings  801  along an upper edge of each door assembly. 
       FIGS. 38 and 39  illustrate the latch bar operating mechanism  816 . Each of the ends of the latch bar members  812  and  814  is secured to the latch bar operating mechanism. The operating mechanism includes a rotating member  818  to which the latch bars are secured. The rotating member  818  is rotated or operated by a handle  820  located on the outside of the door. Rotation of the handle  820  rotates the member  818 , which in turn raises or lowers the latch bars  812  and  814 . The latch bars then engage or disengage the door frame enabling the door to be secured in the closed position or opened. Another handle  822  is positioned on door  804 . This handle is used to pull open door  802 . The rotating member  818  can optionally be placed on handle  822  and the latch bars mounted on door  802 . 
       FIG. 43  illustrates a window  910  and shutters  912  which are secured in both the left and right wall assemblies. The window  910  is functional and can be opened and closed. The window permits the entry of natural light. The window also permits the entry of air to provide ventilation to the interior of the enclosure. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.