Patent Publication Number: US-8979329-B1

Title: Method and apparatus for a curved wall reflector assembly

Description:
RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/476,600, filed Apr. 18, 2011, and titled “Method and Apparatus for a Curved Wall Square Reflector Assembly,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to recessed luminaires, and more particularly, to maintaining the integrity and shape of a multi-member reflector for a recessed luminaire. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A luminaire is a system for producing, controlling, and/or distributing light for illumination. For example, a luminaire can include a system that outputs or distributes light into an environment, thereby allowing certain items in that environment to be visible. Luminaires are sometimes referred to as “light fixtures.” 
     A recessed lighting fixture is a light fixture that is installed in a hollow opening in a ceiling or other surface. A typical recessed lighting fixture includes a platform that is attached to the ceiling or wall structure. A reflector is mounted to the platform, and a lamp socket is coupled to the reflector. The lamp socket can be mounted directly to the reflector and/or platform. Alternatively, the lamp socket can be mounted to an upper reflector, which can be mounted to the reflector and/or platform. The lamp socket is configured to receive a light-emitting element, such as a incandescent, fluorescent, HID, halogen, or metal halide lamp, light-emitting diode (LED) (whether in the form of an LED lamp, LED bulb, LED linear strip, LED array, discrete LEDs, or LED chip on board, organic light emitting diode (OLED), or other type of light-emitting bulb. For simplicity, the term “light source” is used herein to refer to any light-emitting element. 
     The reflector can include a single member or multiple members that are joined together at one or more joints. Generally, the joints between the reflector members can be riveted or spot welded together. However, riveting, spot welding, and other traditional methods of joining members of a multi-member reflector are unsatisfactory because they typically result in poor structural integrity of the reflector. For example, traditional multi-member reflectors include gaps at the joints between members. These gaps can allow light to leak between the members, decreasing the efficiency and aesthetic value of the lighting fixture. In addition, the gaps can compromise the geometry of the reflectors and the quality of the resulting light output. For example, large gaps can cause a “square”-shaped reflector to have a non-square geometry, thereby changing the intended effect of the reflector on the light from the light-emitting element. Moreover, spot welding may cause deformation or degradation of the reflector surface. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides novel devices, systems, and methods for providing a curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly that reduces light leak without deforming or damaging the reflector walls and maintains the proper positioning of the reflector walls. The disclosed curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly protects the reflector walls. For one aspect of the present invention, the reflector assembly can include multiple enclosure sections. Each enclosure section can include an enclosure surface that has a first and second longitudinal edge. Each enclosure section can also include multiple attachment flanges. Each attachment flange can extend from one of the longitudinal edges of the enclosure section in a direction away from a light pathway. The reflector assembly can also include multiple reflector sections that are each releasably coupled to a respective enclosure section. In the reflector assembly, pairs of adjacent enclosure sections can be coupled together along the attachment flanges to form the joints of the reflector assembly. 
     For another aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling a reflector assembly can include the step of aligning multiple enclosure members in a predetermined geometric form. Each of the enclosure members can include at least two longitudinal edges and an attachment flange that extends from each of the longitudinal edges. The method can also include the step of removably coupling one of multiple reflective members to each respective enclosure member. Each reflective member can have a reflective surface that is disposed adjacent to the enclosure member. The method can also include the step of coupling each pair of adjacent enclosure members together with the adjacent attachment flanges. 
     These and other aspects, features, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode for carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a section view of the curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an enclosure section of the curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a reflector section of the curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly and light figure in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly and light fixture in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to systems and devices for a curved wall square-shaped reflector assembly and methods of assembling the same.  FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective and section views respectively of the exemplary curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly  100 .  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary enclosure wall section  110  of the curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary reflector section  105  for the curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , the exemplary reflector assembly  100  includes reflector walls  105  that make up the interior surface of the reflector assembly  100  and outer enclosure wall sections  110  that make up the outer surface of the reflector assembly  100 . The exemplary embodiment does not use any mechanical method to join the edges of the reflector walls  105  together. Instead, the reflector walls  105  are enclosed by the outer enclosure wall sections  110  and the enclosure wall sections  110  are held together by rivets  115 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the rivets are located down a spine formed at the edge of the outer enclosure wall sections  110 . As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the spine includes a flange  120  extending in an angled directed from the surface of the outer enclosure wall sections  110 . The inner reflector walls  105  are not affected by this assembly method and thus have a more pleasing appearance. In certain exemplary embodiments, the spine also provides flat surfaces for keeping the assembly  100  square instead of parallelogram shaped. The exemplary assembly  100  includes four outer enclosure walls  110 . While the exemplary embodiment teaches four outer enclosure wall sections  110  for a square-shaped assembly  100 , the number of outer enclosure wall sections  110  could be less or more depending on the desired shape of the reflector assembly  100  and the performance requirements of the specific luminaire. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, such as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the assembly  100  also includes a collar  130 . The exemplary collar  130  has a circular or substantially circular-shaped vertical section  135  and a horizontal or substantially horizontally-shaped attachment base  140 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the attachment base  140  is positioned along the top side of the top reflector flange  435  (see  FIG. 4 ) and coupled to the enclosure wall sections  110  and the reflector wall sections  105  with rivets disposed through the attachment base  140 , the top reflector flange  435 , and the top support flange  340 . In alternative embodiments, other attachment means known to those of skill in the art including, but not limited to welding, adhesives, and screws can be used to attach the attachment base  140  to the enclosure wall sections  110  and reflector wall sections  105 . Further, in alternative embodiments, the attachment base  140  can be attached either to the enclosure wall sections  110  or the reflector wall sections  105  and not necessarily to both of them. The circular-shaped vertical section  135  includes one or more holes  145  for attaching the circular-shaped vertical section  135  to a luminaire or light engine of a light fixture. In certain exemplary embodiments, the collar  130  is made of metal or plastic and preferably of aluminum. In certain exemplary embodiments, all or portions of the collar  130  are painted or coated to have a black or dark color in order to absorb any light that may reach the collar  130  to prevent light leakage and/or undesirable light reflection within the assembly  100 . 
     Depicted in  FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of an exemplary assembly  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the assembly  100  directs the path of light from the top aperture  205  in the direction toward the bottom aperture  210  along arrow  215 . In one exemplary embodiment, light travels along the path of light  215  from a light source located proximate the top aperture  205  to the exterior environment proximate the bottom aperture  210 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the number and shape of the reflector walls  105  and outer enclosure wall sections  110  determine the shape of the bottom aperture  210 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the lower portion of the reflector walls  105  and outer enclosure walls  110  define the perimeter of the bottom aperture  210 . In one exemplary embodiment, the assembly  100  includes four enclosure wall sections  110 , coupled together as described below, to create a substantially rectangular or square bottom aperture  210 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the shape of the bottom aperture  210  is defined by the bottom edge  315  of the enclosure wall sections  110  and/or the bottom edge  415  of the reflector wall sections  105 . However, in alternative embodiments, fewer or greater numbers of enclosure wall sections  110  and/or reflector wall sections  105  are coupled together to create various shaped apertures. For example, a luminaire having a pentagon shape would include five reflector wall sections  105  and five enclosure wall sections  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each enclosure wall section  110  has a wall surface  305  having a top edge  310 , a bottom edge  315 , and a pair of angled side edges  320 . The enclosure wall  115  is typically made of metal or plastic. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the enclosure wall  110  is made of steel. Wall surface  305  includes an inner face (not shown) and an outer face  325 , with the outer face  325  being opposite the inner face. The exemplary wall surface  305  has an arcuate shape extending from the bottom edge  315  to the top edge  310 . In one exemplary embodiment, the arcuate shape is a spline that is generally concave with respect to the path of light  215  through the assembly  100 . In alternative embodiments, the shape of the wall surface  305  is straight or semi-circular. In other alternative embodiments, the wall surface has other shapes based on the designed light output characteristics and the light source characteristics chosen by a designer. When coupled to other enclosure wall sections  110 , as described below, the inner face of the wall surface  305  faces the area of illumination through which light travels from the light source to the exterior environment. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner face of the wall surface  305  is painted or coated to have a black or dark color in order to absorb any light that may reach it to prevent light leakage and/or undesirable light reflection within the assembly  100 . Alternatively, the inner face of the wall surface  305  can have any other color or reflective surface. In certain exemplary embodiments, the outer face  325  of one or more of the enclosure wall sections  110  includes a tab or mounting device  330  extending outward from the wall surface  305 . The tab  330  is shaped to hold or receive therein or thereon a conventional torsion spring  125  (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). In certain exemplary embodiments, the torsion spring  125  holds the assembly  100  in place within a support structure, such as a ceiling, or within a luminaire mounting assembly, such as a recessed can housing, disposed within the support structure. 
     As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , each side edge  320  includes a flange  120  that extends in an angled direction from the wall surface  305 . In one exemplary embodiment, the angle of the flange  120  with respect to the wall surface  305  is about forty-five degrees. In alternative embodiments, the angle of the flange  120  with respect to the wall surface  305  can be anywhere between 5 and 175 degrees. The exemplary flange  120  includes one or more apertures therethrough for receiving a rivet  115  or other coupling device. When two enclosure walls  110  are positioned adjacent to one another and displaced about 90 degrees from one another, for the square-shaped assembly of presented in the exemplary embodiment, the flanges  120  included on the adjacent side edges  320  of the enclosure walls  110  are aligned or disposed next to one-another. A rivet  115  or other coupling device is positioned through the aligned apertures included in each of the two flanges  120 , thereby coupling the two enclosure walls  110  together along the mated side edge  320 . Alternatively, the apertures are eliminated and the adjacent flanges  120  are spot-welded together. The adjacent side edges  320  may also be joined together using other forms of chemical or mechanical bonding, such as, for example, chemical adhesives and mechanical fasteners. 
     According to the exemplary enclosure wall section  110  depicted in  FIG. 3 , the bottom edge  315  is substantially straight and includes one or more tabs  335  extending downward along the same plane as the enclosure wall surface  305 . In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom edge  315  includes three tabs  335 , although fewer or greater numbers of tabs  335  can be used and the change in the number of tabs is within the scope and spirit of this invention. Each tab  335  is, for example, made from the same material as the enclosure wall section  110 . Alternatively, each tab  335  is made from a material different from the material of the enclosure wall section  110 . In certain exemplary embodiments, each tab  335  has a flat or substantially flat horizontal surface that extends downward from the bottom edge  315  along the same plane as the enclosure wall surface  305  and provides a substantially even force against a corresponding flat flange surface  430  of a reflector wall section  105 . Alternatively, the tab  335  mates with an opening or indention in a corresponding bottom support flange  430  (illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) surface of a reflector wall section  105 . In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom edge  315  and/or the inner face of the wall surface  305  is joined to the bottom support flange  430  and/or the outer face  425  of the reflector wall  105  section using other forms of chemical or mechanical bonding, such as, for example, chemical adhesives and mechanical fasteners. In one exemplary embodiment, a foam-backed adhesive tape is located between the reflector wall  105  section and a an enclosure wall section  110  on the same corresponding side of the reflector assembly. As the two sections are joined together, the foam backed tape is compressed and existing gaps between the two sections are filled. The foam backed tape may be adhered to either or both of the reflector wall  105  section and the enclosure wall section  110 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the top edge  310  is substantially straight and horizontal. A top support flange  340  is coupled to top edge  310  and extends orthogonally, substantially orthogonally, and/or substantially horizontally away from the top edge  310  in a direction opposite the direction faced by the inner face of the enclosure wall surface  305 . In one exemplary embodiment, the top support flange  340  is integral with the top edge  310  and the wall surface  305 . Alternatively, the top support flange  340  is created separately and coupled to the top edge  310  by, for example, welding. The top support flange  340  includes alignment features  345  disposed along the upper surface of the top support flange  335 . The alignment features  345  align with the top reflector flange  435  of a corresponding reflector wall  105  as described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, each reflector wall section  105  is slidably coupled or mated with an enclosure wall section  115  along the inside face of the wall surface  305 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , an exemplary reflector wall  105  section includes a wall surface  405  having a top edge  410 , a bottom edge  415 , and angled side edges  420 . 
     The reflector wall  105  is typically made of metal or plastic. In one exemplary embodiment, the reflector wall  105  is made of aluminum. In certain exemplary embodiments, the reflector wall  105  and the enclosure wall section  110  are constructed from different materials to accommodate for varying material properties and response when the assembly  100 , in whole or in part, is exposed to light, heat, and force (compression, tension, bending, torsion, or shear). The reflector wall surface  405  includes an inner face (not shown) and an outer face  425 , with the outer face  425  being opposite the inner face. The exemplary wall surface  405  has an arcuate shape extending from the bottom edge  415  to the top edge  410 . In one exemplary embodiment, the shape of the curvature is a spline that is generally concave with respect to the path of light  215  through the assembly  100 , however, other shapes can be used based on the light output characteristics and the light source characteristics chosen by a designer and the shape of the reflector walls  105 . For example, a rectangular shaped reflector wall may be selected for a light source with a long lamp length, such as condensed florescent light bulb. When coupled to its enclosure wall section  110 , as described below, the inner face of the reflector wall  105  faces the area of path of light  215  through the assembly  100 , and the outer face  425 , opposite the inner face, is disposed adjacent the inner face of the enclosure wall section  110 . In one exemplary embodiment, the inner face of the reflector wall  105  is painted or coated to have a white or light, highly reflective, finish in order to reflect as much light as may come in contact with it. In an alternate embodiment, the inner face of the reflector wall  105  has a highly polished, reflective, metallic surface. In yet another alternative embodiment, the inner face of the reflector wall  105  can have any other color, metallic, or reflective surface. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , each side edge  420  has a curved shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the side edge  320  of the enclosure wall section  110 . When each reflector wall section  105  is mated with its enclosure wall section  110  on the same corresponding side of the reflector assembly, and the enclosure wall sections  110  are coupled to one-another, each side edge  420  abuts the side edge  420  of another reflector wall segment  105  and substantially prevents light from passing between the two adjacent side edges  420 . In certain exemplary embodiments, a filler material is located between adjacent side edges  420  and/or the enclosure wall section  110  and the reflector wall  105  to prevent light from passing between the adjoining reflector wall sections  105 . In other exemplary embodiments, a blocking material is placed over the seam created where the adjoining reflector wall sections  105  mate to prevent light from passing between the side edges  420 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, four reflector wall sections  105  are positioned together as described above to create a substantially rectangular or square bottom aperture  210 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the shape of the bottom aperture  201  is defined by the bottom edges  415  of the reflector wall sections  105 . However, in alternative embodiments, fewer or greater numbers of reflector wall sections  105  are positioned together to create other shaped apertures. 
     The exemplary bottom edge  415  is disposed at an angle about three degrees from upward from the horizontal. In alternative embodiments, the bottom edge  415  is substantially straight and horizontal. In other alternative embodiments, the bottom edge  415  can be disposed anywhere between ten degrees down from the horizontal to ten degrees up from the horizontal. Providing a bottom edge  415  at an angle upward or downward from the horizontal, for example, a bottom edge  415  positioned at an angle three degree up from horizontal, improves the fit of the assembly  100  with the ceiling opening at the bottom side of the ceiling surface. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the reflector wall  105  includes a bottom support flange  430  coupled to the bottom edge  415  and extending orthogonally, substantially orthogonally, and/or substantially horizontally away from the bottom edge  415  in a direction opposite that which is faced by the inner face of the reflector wall section  105 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the top surface of the bottom support flange  430  is substantially flat and receives pressure from the one or more tabs  335  on the enclosure wall section  110 . Alternatively, the top surface of the bottom support flange  435  includes corresponding, holes, slots or indentations  440  for receiving the tabs  335  and assisting in aligning the enclosure wall section  110  with the reflector wall section  105 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the top edge  410  is substantially straight and horizontal. The reflector wall  105  includes a top reflector flange  435  coupled to top edge  410  and extending orthogonally, substantially orthogonally, and/or substantially horizontally away from the top edge  410  in a direction opposite that which is faced by the inner face of the reflector wall section  105 . The exemplary top reflector flange  435  includes indentations, holes, or slots  435  disposed therethrough or partially therethrough to receive the alignment features  345  disposed on the top side of the top support flange  340  to assist in aligning a reflector wall section  105  with its corresponding enclosure wall section  110 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the assembly  100  also includes one or more pieces of padding or filler material positioned between each enclosure wall  305  and each reflector wall  405 . The padding can be coupled to either the enclosure wall  305 , the reflector wall  405  or both. The padding provides increased stability and shaping characteristics between the enclosure wall  305  and the reflector wall  405 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the padding is foam padding, however, other known elastic and inelastic padding materials can be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
     To assemble the assembly  100 , each reflector wall section  105  is releasably coupled to a enclosure wall section  110  by placing the top reflector flange  435  above the top support flange  340  and aligning the alignment features  345  with the holes  440  on the reflector wall section  105 . The bottom flange  430  of the reflector wall section  105  is then positioned below the tabs  335  of the enclosure wall section  110 . The tabs  335  provide a consistent tension along the wall surface  405  of the reflector wall section  105 , keeping the reflector wall  105  snug against the wall surface  305  of the enclosure wall section  110 , and also prevents the wall surface  405  of the reflector wall  105  from collapsing inward toward the path of light  215  through the assembly  100 . In an alternative embodiment, adhesive or mechanical fasteners are used to couple each reflector wall section  105  with its enclosure wall section  110 . 
     Once the four combined sections of reflector walls  105  and enclosure walls  110  are put together, the combined sections are positioned orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to one-another and coupled together along the adjacent flanges of each pair of combined sections with rivets or other attachment means. In one exemplary embodiment, the assembly  100  includes a collar  130  positioned above the coupled together sections and the attachment base  140  of the collar  130  is coupled to the top reflector flange  435  and the top support flange  340  using rivets or other attachment means. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a curved wall square-shaped reflector assembly  500  with detachable trim  505  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the exemplary assembly  500  includes a detachable trim element  505 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the trim element  505  conceals exposed portions of the assembly  500  when mounted in a support structure, such as a ceiling, or within a luminaire mounting assembly disposed within the support structure. The trim element  505  is typically made of metal or plastic. In certain exemplary embodiments, the trim element  505  attaches to the bottom support flange  430  of the reflector wall  105  and defines the perimeter and shape of the bottom aperture  510 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the trim element  505  provides certain decorative features as well as affects the quality and quantity of light emitted from the assembly  500 . 
     The trim element  505  is attached to the assembly  500  by aligning the trim element  505  with the support flange  430  of the reflector wall  105 , bottom edge  315  of the enclosure wall  110 , and/or bottom aperture  510  and pushing the trim element  505  upon the support flange  430 . As the trim element  505  moves toward the assembly  500  in the direction from the bottom aperture  510  towards the top aperture  515 , retention portions  520 ,  525  of the trim element  505  engage the outside edge  530  and the inside edge (not shown) of the bottom support flange  430 . In one exemplary embodiment, the retention portions  520 ,  525  provide a compressive force against portions of the bottom support flange  430  to hold the trim element  505  in place. In an alternate embodiment, the retention portions  520 ,  525  include extensions and/or recesses that mate with a portion of the outside edge  530  and the inside edge (not shown) of the bottom support flange  430 . In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the trim element  515  is attached to the assembly  500  by aligning the trim element  505  with the top support flange  340 , the top reflector flange  435 , and/or top aperture  515  and moving the trim element  505  in the direction from the top aperture  515  towards the bottom aperture  510 . As the trim element  505  moves towards the bottom aperture  510 , retention portions  520  engage the wall surface  535  of the enclosure wall  110 . It is contemplated that the trim element  505  can be installed on the assembly  500  before or after the assembly  500  being mounted in a support structure or within a luminaire mounting assembly. 
     The exemplary curved wall reflector assembly described herein can be incorporated into various styles of luminaires. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , the curved wall reflector assembly can be installed in a direct, recessed lighting fixture. In an alternative embodiment, the curved wall reflector assembly can be provided in direct or indirect lighting fixtures, including, for example, recessed, pendant, ceiling or wall mounted, eyeball, and wall-wash type fixtures. As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the reflector assembly  600  can be provided in a recessed, wall-wash type light fixture housing. An alternative embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , illustrates the reflector assembly  700  and a recessed down-light fixture housing  705 . The reflector assembly  700  is installed in the fixture housing  705  and mounted in/on a ceiling or other surface.  FIG. 8  provides a perspective view of an exemplary reflector assembly  800  installed in a recessed down-light fixture housing  805 . 
     Although the inventions are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope of the invention. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that an embodiment of the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exemplary embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments of the present invention will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited herein.