Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an adjustable tongue assembly for a trailer including an elongate substantially enclosed housing with a lengthwise slot disposed horizontally at the front of the trailer bed. A guide carriage is movably seated in the housing, and the guide carriage is attached to a bracket attached exteriorly of the housing through the lengthwise slot. The guide carriage is journalled to a positioning screw that is rotatably seated lengthwise inside the housing. The positioning screw is coupled to a motor which drives the guide carriage laterally along the internal chamber. A trailer tongue is attached to the external bracket. Selective actuation of the drive motor causes the positioning screw to rotate, thereby moving the roller guide carriage laterally left or right, and thus carrying the bracket and trailer tongue therewith. Lateral adjustment of the device eliminates the need for the lateral element of precision during hook-up, leaving the operator responsible only for the more easily addressed forward and rearward positioning of the vehicle to achieve proper alignment of the trailer and hitch. Further, the invention simplifies backing up with the vehicle/trailer in tandem, and it improves forward maneuverability as the device can be used to cause the trailer to track in the same arc as the turning tow vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present application derives priority from U.S. provisional application No: 60/278,031; Filed: Mar. 21, 2001, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/005,476, filed Dec. 4, 2001, which in turn derives priority from U.S. provisional applications 60/251,187 filed Dec. 4, 2000, and 60/262,348 filed Jan. 18, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to trailer hitches, and, more particularly, to a trailer hitch which incorporates a remote control mechanism to facilitate the lateral movement of a linkage assembly. Control over the trailer when backing-up is greatly enhanced by the operator&#39;s ability to laterally move the linkage assembly from within the cab of the tow vehicle. Further, the lateral movement compensates for misalignment of the tow vehicle and trailer during hook-up, and improves maneuverability of the vehicle/trailer tandem during forward motion.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Background  
           [0005]    There has been a sharp increase in driver preference for sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks over the past decade, and the increase in demand for more powerful towing capabilities has been commensurate. Tow vehicles are commonly encountered pulling trailers for boats, cars, water-craft, landscaping and lawn-care machinery, livestock, as well as campers, moving trailers, and general purpose trailers. However, the increasing use of trailer hitches by consumers has sensitized them to the hardships which arise from the use of a traditional fixed trailer hitches.  
           [0006]    More particularly, great difficulty is sometimes encountered when hooking a trailer to a tow vehicle equipped with a fixed tow hitch. Making the connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer is a difficult procedure because the two units must be precisely aligned to make the proper connection. The difficulty is exacerbated by the fact that the view of the trailer hitch and trailer tongue are usually obscured from view by the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, hook-up is often a two-person operation, carried out with the first person operating the vehicle and the second person, positioned outside of the vehicle with a clear view of the hitch and the trailer, shouting or signaling directional commands to the vehicle operator. The two-person system, however, is prone to error as inevitably the amount of leftward or rightward movement which accompanies the concurrent rearward movement of the vehicle toward the trailer is inadequate for proper alignment of the hitch and tongue. Consequently, the operator is often forced to pull forward and begin the alignment process anew. On an incline, such as a boat ramp, this procedure can be time consuming and hazardous.  
           [0007]    Even after they are connected the vehicle/trailer tandem is difficult to maneuver, particularly when backing the trailer. The operator must turn the steering wheel of the tow vehicle in the direction opposite the desired direction of the trailer. Trying to make a tight turn in reverse can result in a “jack-knife”, wherein the tongue of the trailer ends up parallel to the bumper of the tow vehicle, making further backward movement impossible. Even backwards travel in a straight line can be difficult, as for example, when backing a trailer down a narrow boat ramp. In forward travel, tight turns are also difficult to negotiate, because the trailer wheels track inside of the arc taken by the wheels of the tow vehicle. In other words, the tow vehicle makes a “wider” turn than the trailer or conversely the trailer makes a “tighter” turn than the tow vehicle. Maneuverability hardships are exacerbated in small areas where the movements of the towing vehicle are restricted and the handling capabilities are diminished.  
           [0008]    There have been efforts as far back as the turn of the century to improve trailer hitches by incorporating lateral movement capabilities into their design. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,162,949 to Olson shows a primitive example of a trailer hitch comprising a screw-shaft connected to a bevel gear assembly which enables the operator to laterally adjust the hitch from the operator&#39;s seat of the tow vehicle or tractor.  
           [0009]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,221,086 to Olson discloses a further refinement to the laterally adjustable trailer hitch, wherein a steering mechanism connected to the front axle of the tow vehicle enables the operator to steer the trailer for improved maneuverability.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,235,082 to Von Brethorst, U.S. Pat. No. 1,450,526 to Timmis, and U.S. Pat. No.  2 , 917 , 323  to Mandekic further show simple mechanically activated mechanisms employing a horizontally disposed screw-shaft to achieve lateral movement of the trailer hitch.  
           [0011]    An improvement to the mechanical devices referenced above is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,178,203 to Elliott. Shown is a trailer steering mechanism for the improved steering of a trailer accomplished by incorporating a threaded shaft into the attachment mechanism between the tow vehicle and trailer. In addition, Elliott &#39;203 teaches the use of an electric motor to power the threaded shaft. Operation of the motor is controlled from the cab of the truck by an electrical circuit.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,552 to Slaton shows a trailer hitch mounted to a trailer. The hitch comprises a tongue to connect the trailer to a conventional towing ball of a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch includes a winch at one end of the tongue and a winch cable extending from the tongue to the frame of the trailer.  
           [0013]    Lacking in the prior art, however, is a towing-hitch assembly powered by an electric motor coupled to a positioning screw via an assembly of ratio gears and powered by a wireless remote control device from the cab of the vehicle. Further, none of the references cited incorporate the screw shaft and its attendant components in an enclosed, protective housing which increases the useful life of the towing-hitch assembly and offers a compact, clean design to satisfy appearance conscious consumers. In light of the foregoing, it would be of great advantage to create an improved adjustable towing-hitch assembly which incorporates these and other advanced features, and which enables the operator of the tow vehicle to laterally adjust the position of the linkage assembly to simplify hook-up and to enhance maneuverability.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to laterally adjust the linkage assembly of a towing device by connecting said linkage assembly to a motor driven positioning screw.  
           [0015]    It is another object to enclose the positioning screw, electric motor, remote sensing unit, and all other internal operating components (to be fully described below) in a sealed housing to protect said components from wear caused by exposure, and to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the device.  
           [0016]    It is yet another object of the present invention to control the lateral movement of the linkage assembly by a wireless remote control unit.  
           [0017]    A still further object of the invention is to mount the towing-hitch device to the rear of a towing vehicle by means of mounting brackets adaptable for use on a range of different tow vehicles.  
           [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable towing-hitch device which can be connected to the support component of a standard class “A” trailer hitch of the type shown as prior art in U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,447 to Blaser.  
           [0019]    A still further object is to mount the towing-hitch device to the frame of a trailer.  
           [0020]    According to the present invention, the above-described and other objects are accomplished by providing an adjustable tongue assembly for a trailer (a substantially conventional trailer having a two- or four-wheeled trailer bed). The adjustable tongue assembly includes an elongate substantially enclosed housing disposed horizontally at the front of the trailer bed. The housing defines an internal chamber and is interrupted by a lengthwise slot. A guide carriage is movably seated in the chamber of the housing, and the guide carriage is journalled to a positioning screw that is rotatably seated lengthwise inside the chamber. The positioning screw laterally drives the guide carriage along the internal chamber. A drive motor turns the positioning screw, and this moves the guide carriage. A bracket is attached to the guide carriage externally of the enclosed housing (entering the housing through the lengthwise slot). A trailer tongue is attached to the external bracket. Selective actuation of the drive motor causes the positioning screw to rotate, thereby moving the roller guide carriage laterally left or right, and thus carrying the bracket and trailer tongue therewith.  
           [0021]    Lateral adjustment of the device eliminates the need for the lateral element of precision during hook-up, leaving the operator responsible only for the more easily addressed forward and rearward positioning of the vehicle to achieve proper alignment of the trailer and hitch. Further, the invention simplifies backing the vehicle/trailer tandem because the remote control device enables the operator to make fine tuning adjustments to the position of the linkage assembly from within the cab of the tow vehicle. Finally, in forward travel, the invention improves maneuverability as lateral adjustment of the device while the vehicle/trailer tandem is in motion can be used to cause the trailer to track in the same arc as the turning tow vehicle. For example, when making a tight right turn, a rightward movement of linkage assembly (as viewed from behind) causes the trailer to track out a wider arc through the turn than if no adjustment were made.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a remote control laterally adjustable towing-hitch assembly  2  according to the present invention in which the towing-hitch assembly  2  is mounted to the frame of a trailer.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the towing hitch assembly  2  of FIG. 1 showing the trailer tongue  220 .  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is a partial isometric view of the telescopically adjustable tongue  220  of the towing-hitch device as shown in FIGS.  1 - 2 .  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fully assembled towing hitch assembly  2  of FIGS.  1 - 3 .  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the roller guide  14 .  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the fully assembled towing-hitch assembly  2  showing the rearward placement of the center positioning lock assembly  16 .  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the drive/motor end-cap  8  as shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the drive/motor end-cap  8  wherein the motor  50  engages the positioning screw  10  at a ninety degree angle.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft/bearing end cap  6  as shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 10 is a partial isometric view of an exemplary modification of trailer frame reinforced to accommodate the towing-hitch device  2  of the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 11 is a partial isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the towing-hitch device  2  mounted to the modified trailer frame reinforced to accommodate the towing-hitch device  2  of the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the modified trailer frame and towing-hitch device  2  shown in FIG. 10. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]    Co-pending application Ser. No. 10/005,476, filed Dec. 4, 2001, discloses an adjustable trailer hitch which provides an operator of a vehicle with improved remote control of the lateral position of the trailer hitch, thereby simplifying the procedure of hooking a trailer to a tow vehicle. The trailer hitch disclosed therein includes a hitch assembly (such as a ball receptacle) attached to a roller carriage which moves from side-to-side along a bumper-like housing mounted on the rear of the tow vehicle. Lateral motion of the ball receptacle assembly is controlled via a wireless remote control unit. During hook-up, lateral movement of the hitch enables the operator to connect the trailer and the tow vehicle from a greater range of positions, and eliminates the need for absolute accuracy of alignment between the tongue of the trailer and the hitch of the tow vehicle as required by traditional fixed hitches.  
         [0036]    The present invention accomplishes the very same purposes but modifies the mechanism by moving the operative components onto the trailer rather than the vehicle.  
         [0037]    More particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, the towing-hitch assembly  2  according to the present invention comprises an elongate housing structure divided into a central chamber  4  flanked by end-caps  6 ,  8  all mounted to the frame of an otherwise conventional trailer. The end cap  6  forms a sealed housing for a bushing (or bearings) which seats the distal ends of an elongate positioning screw  10  (enclosed inside chamber  4 , see FIG. 4). Opposite end cap  8  forms a sealed housing for an electric motor which drives the positioning screw  10 . Positioning screw  10  lies horizontally within central chamber  4  between the bushing and the drive motor. Positioning screw  10  drives a roller guide  14  (also enclosed inside chamber  4 , see FIG. 4) which in turn drives a linkage bracket  12   b  laterally along the outside of central chamber  4 .  
         [0038]    Central chamber  4  comprises a slotted opening  92  along one face, as seen in FIG. 1. A dust cover  94  comprising a plurality of bristles is installed along the edge of the slotted opening  92  to protect the components within central housing  4 .  
         [0039]    The linkage bracket  12   b  is connected directly to the roller guide  14  (see FIG. 4) situated within chamber  4 . The tongue  220  (see FIG. 2) of the trailer engages attachment bracket  12   b . The roller guide  14  and linkage bracket  12   b  articulate back-and-forth, thereby providing operator control over the lateral position and/or angle of the trailer hitch (obscured) with respect to the tow vehicle V 1 . Motion of the linkage bracket  12   b  is controlled by a wireless remote control unit  3 . This greatly simplifies the procedure of hooking the trailer to the tow vehicle V 1 . Specifically, during hook-up of the trailer, lateral movement of the hitch enables the operator to connect the trailer and the tow vehicle V 1  from a greater range of positions, thereby eliminating the need for absolute accuracy of alignment between the trailer and the tow vehicle V 1  as required by traditional fixed hitches. In addition, the towing-hitch  2  further improves the maneuverability of the vehicle/trailer tandem in transit. In forward motion, the ability to laterally adjust the position of the hitch from within the tow vehicle V 1  improves the maneuverability of the rig, as tighter turns may be negotiated by changing the position of the hitch with respect to the tow vehicle V 1 . Moreover, direct control over the precise lateral position of the trailer hitch enables the operator to accurately steer the trailer when traveling in reverse.  
         [0040]    As shown in FIG. 2, linkage bracket  12   b  comprises a pair of horizontally disposed parallel plates  213   a ,  213   b  extending from vertically disposed rear plate  215  away from central chamber  4 . Plates  213   a  and  213   b  are parallelograms having front, rear, and lateral margins, and each bears a centrally positioned and vertically aligned hole  217   a  and  217   b . Tongue  220  comprises telescoping shafts  220   a  ,  220   b , and  220   c , each comprising a leading end and a trailing end. Tongue  220  is generally rectangular having top, bottom and side faces. The leading end of shaft  220   a  carries a conventional hitch-ball receptacle  222 . The trailing end of shaft  220   c  carries pin  219  which engages bracket  12   b  by passing through central holes  217   a  and  217   b . Immediately forward of bracket  12   b , shaft  220   b  joins shaft  220   c  in a telescoping configuration. Shaft  220   c  extends rearwardly from shaft  220   b  enabling tongue  220  to increase or decrease in length to accommodate the range of dimensions necessitated by the lateral movement of bracket  12   b  along central chamber  4 .  
         [0041]    As shown in FIG. 3, the trailing end of shaft  220   a  telescopes inside the leading end of shaft  220   b . Eyelets  244   a  and  244   b  are carried on sides of shafts  220   a  and  220   b . When eyelets  244   a  and  244   b  are aligned, a conventional locking pin having a terminal securing clip or cotter pin is inserted there through to secure shaft  220   a  to shaft  220   b.    
         [0042]    Referring back to FIG. 2, the bottom face of shaft  220   a  carries teeth  224  engaged by sprocket  226 . Sprocket  226  and attached crank  227  are carried on the bottom face of shaft  220   b . After removing the securing clip and pin, manually winding crank  227  causes sprocket  226  to engage teeth  224  and telescopically extend or retract shaft  220   a . This enables the user to correct forward misalignment of tow vehicle V 1  and trailer during hook-up.  
         [0043]    FIG. 4  is a cross-section of central chamber  4  with roller guide  14  therein, and linkage bracket  12   b  attached to the roller guide  14 .  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective of the roller guide  14 . Roller guide  14  comprises a carbon steel position runner  48  having the shape of a three-dimensional cross, and carries a centrally disposed transverse channel  44 . Transverse channel  44  is threaded and engages positioning screw  10  as shown in FIG. 4. Roller guide  14  rides on positioning screw  10  as positioning screw  10  turns. Roller guide  14  further comprises pairs of stainless steel wheels  46  which are mounted at the comers of said position runner  48 . Four pairs of wheels  46  are thereby attached to the position runner  48 . Pins  47  centrally disposed within each steel wheel  46  function as axles for the wheel assemblies.  
         [0045]    Center position lock assembly  16  visible in FIG. 6 is mounted to the rear face of central chamber  4  and locks linkage bracket  12   b  (see FIG. 4) in the center position. The locking mechanism  16  prevents lateral movement of linkage bracket  12   b  during transport. Center position lock assembly  16  comprises a lock which is retracted using an electromagnet and a spring loaded pin  34  to lock when the electromagnet is not energized. In the center position, the electromagnet of the center position lock assembly  16  is de-energized which locks linkage bracket  12   b  thereby preventing lateral movement.  
         [0046]    End cap  8  as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 forms a sealed housing for drive motor  50  and a connection assembly which drive positioning screw  10 . As seen in FIG. 7, drive motor  50  lies on the same axis as positioning screw  10 . Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 8, drive motor  50  is offset ninety degrees relative to positioning screw  10 . A fractional horsepower parallel shaft electric motor provides adequate power for the unit. Alternatively, the motor is hydraulically powered with flexible hydraulic fluid lines linking a control panel within the cab to the drive motor. The connection assembly comprises carbon steel ratio gears  54  directly connected to drive motor  50  and positioning screw  10 . Shaft  52  extends from positioning screw  10  from central chamber  4  into end cap  8 . Shaft  52  is circumscribed by bronze screw bushing  56  at the junction of central chamber  4  and end cap  8 . Bronze thrust washer  58  and rubber screw seal  59  circumscribe positioning screw  10  at its juncture with shaft  52  inside central chamber  4 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 9 shows the contents of end cap  6 , which forms a seal around shaft  72  of positioning screw  10 . Shaft  72  extends into end cap  6  from central chamber  4 . Shaft  72  is circumscribed by screw bushing  76  of bronze at the junction of central chamber  4  and end cap  6 . Bronze thrust washer  78  and rubber screw seal  79  circumscribe positioning screw  10  at its juncture with shaft  72  inside central chamber  4 .  
         [0048]    Referring back to FIGS. 1, 4,  6 , and  7 , a wireless remote control device  3  enables the operator to actuate the drive motor  50 . For example, a conventional VHF or infrared Transmitter &amp; Receiver pair are suited to this purpose. The remote  3  may be operated from within the cab of the tow vehicle V 1  or from outside. The remote  3  comprises a setting to center linkage assembly  5  and right and left directional buttons. When a directional button is depressed, the locking pin  34  in center position lock assembly  16  is retracted and the motor  50  is energized. Activation of the drive motor  50  causes positioning screw  10  to rotate either clockwise or counter clockwise depending on the input from the operator at the remote control  3 . Rotation of positioning screw  10  moves roller guide  14  laterally along the internal track of central chamber  4 , thereby effecting lateral movement of linkage assembly  5 . The system is effective for simplifying the hook-up process between a tow vehicle V 1  and a trailer and can be used while moving at slow speeds to improve maneuverability of the vehicle/trailer tandem.  
         [0049]    The system as described herein is preferably powered by the existing automotive 12-volt electrical system. Alternatively, a hydraulic system could be used to achieve lateral movement of the linkage assembly  5 . Positioning screw  10  and roller guide  14  are of a stainless steel composition to prevent corrosion.  
         [0050]    With all parts assembled as shown in FIGS.  1 - 9 , towing-hitch device  2  is mounted on the frame of an otherwise conventional trailer. A trailer hitch tongue  220  bearing a hitch ball  222  extends from linkage bracket  12   b  forwardly toward the vehicle V 1  as shown. Roller guide  14  is capable of moving laterally inside central chamber  4  along track  15  incorporated therein. Accordingly, any movement of roller guide  14  is translated into movement of linkage bracket  12   b . If the hitch ball  222  of the trailer hitch tongue  220  is not attached to the vehicle V 1 , then movement of linkage bracket  12   b  is translated into movement of the ball hitch  222  at the end of trailer hitch tongue  220 . This greatly simplifies the procedure of hooking the trailer to the tow vehicle V 1 . If the hitch ball  222  of the trailer hitch tongue  220  is attached to the vehicle V 1 , then movement of linkage bracket  12   b  is translated into a change in the angle of tongue  220 . This ability to laterally adjust the position of the hitch from within the tow vehicle V 1  improves the maneuverability of the rig, as tighter turns may be negotiated by changing the position of the hitch with respect to the tow vehicle V 1 . Moreover, direct control over the precise lateral position of the trailer hitch enables the operator to accurately steer the trailer when traveling in reverse.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 10 is an exemplary modification of trailer frame  230  reinforced to accommodate towing-hitch device  2  of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the modified trailer frame and towing-hitch device  2  shown in FIG. 10.  
         [0052]    With reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, trailer frame  230  comprises opposing sides  230   a  and  230   b  having top, side, and bottom faces configured in a “U” shape. Opposing sides  230   a  and  230   b  meet at a point defining the front point of trailer frame  230  at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The top and bottom faces of opposing sides  230   a  and  230   b  meet at parallel plates  232   a  and  232   b  respectively. Plates  232   a  and  232   b  bear central holes  233   a  and  233   b , which receive pivot post  234 . Slot  240  is present at the front point of trailer frame  230 . Slot  240  is defined top and bottom by plates  232   a  and  232   b  and laterally by the terminal edges of the side faces of opposing sides  230   a  and  230   b . Disks  231   a  and  231   b  are positioned in slot  240 , and carry holes which align with central holes  233   a  and  233   b  on plates  232   a  and  232   b  respectively.  
         [0053]    A pair of braces  236  extends between opposing sides  230   a  and  230   b  rearward of plates  232   a  and  232   b . Braces  236  comprise opposing parallel shafts integrally attached flush with the top face and bottom face of opposing sides  230   a  and  230   b  and are evenly spaced apart. Braces  236  bear central holes  237  which receive securing pin  238 .  
         [0054]    Using the trailer frame as modified above, tongue  220  engages bracket  12   b  as described above. Tongue  220  extends forwardly from bracket  12   b  passing through the space defined by braces  236 , forward through slot  240 , and outwardly beyond trailer frame  230  to the rear of a tow vehicle V 1 . Pivot post  234  engages tongue  220  via channel  242  in shaft  220   b . Pivot post  234  serves as a fulcrum for tongue  220  as it pivots in response to the lateral movement of linkage assembly  5  (see FIGS.  1  or  4 ). Pivot post  234  further distributes the force, which had before been directed exclusively to bracket  12   b , along tongue  220 . Disks  231   a  and  231   b  support tongue  220 , and rotate around the axis of pivot post  234 .  
         [0055]    Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, each plate  213   a  and  213   b  (see FIG. 12) comprises central groove  211  beginning at the open front edge of the plate and joining at rear plate  215  (see FIG. 12). In this embodiment, plates  213   a  and  213   b  bear fork-like projections, with central groove  211  flanked on each side and defined by a pair of extensions  214  which project forwardly from rear plate  215 . Tongue  220  engages bracket  12   b  between plates  213   a  and  213   b  with pin  219  nestled within groove  211 . In this configuration, as bracket  12   b  moves laterally leftward or rightward, pin  219  moves forward and backward within central groove  211  thereby enabling tongue  220  to accommodate variable shaft lengths.  
         [0056]    Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims: