Patent Publication Number: US-2004049998-A1

Title: Cable support apparatus and method of installation

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001] 1. Technical Field  
       [0002] The present disclosure relates to raised floor systems and, more particularly, to a cable support assembly for use in connection with a raised floor system.  
       [0003] 2. Background of Related Art  
       [0004] Raised floor systems have been developed to provide the additional utility space needed in various different conduit or cable intensive environments where the original construction did not provide adequate means of accommodating the vast amount of conduit or cable. For example, probably the most common environment requiring vast amounts of additional protected space is for large computing systems. Such installations were typically made in facilities which simply were not designed to accommodate the vast amount of cable runs required to operate the typical large computer system. Other applications where additional utility space is required include mechanical systems, e.g., heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.  
       [0005] A common problem experienced in utilizing raised floor systems is maintaining organization of the various cables, conduits, pipes, etc. which are routed beneath the floor system. One solution to this problem is to provide a cable tray system beneath the floor panels of the raised floor to contain and direct cables along their respective pathways. An example of such a cable tray system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,095 which issued on Jun. 24, 1986 to Chalfant (the “&#39;095 Chalfant Patent”). The &#39;095 Chalfant Patent features a modular cable tray assembly which is formed from modular sections which include a number of different components all of which must be separately assembled to form the cable tray. For example, the cable tray includes separate straight sections, horizontal bend sections, horizontal tee sections, horizontal cross-intersection sections, as well as splice plates to connect the various components to each other as well as supporting the assembled cable tray above the building floor. Such a cable tray assembly is, therefore, independent of the raised floor system.  
       [0006] One drawback of such a raised floor and cable support system is the additional labor required to assemble the various components of the separate raised floor and cable support systems. In geographic regions with particularly high labor rates, the cost of erecting such a labor intensive dual system could prove to be cost prohibitive.  
       [0007] Another drawback of such a system is that the amount of space required by the structural supporting components of the two separate systems leaves less space available for carrying and organizing larger numbers of cable runs.  
       [0008] Yet another drawback of installing independent raised floor and cable support systems is the cost of procuring the materials required for two separate support structures. These additional labor and material costs can significantly increase the overall cost of installing a complete system.  
       [0009] An alternative solution to supporting cable runs below a raised floor assembly is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,932 which issued on Aug. 27, 1996 to Mead (the “&#39;932 Mead Patent”). The &#39;932 Mead Patent features a height adjustable cable tray support system which includes a number of separate components which must be assembled to form the cable support system. Plates which support the cable tray are secured by welding or other methods to the pedestals of the existing raised floor system featured in the &#39;932 Mead Patent. Additionally, support rods are required in the &#39;932 Mead Patent cable tray support system, which support the cable tray on the support plates.  
       [0010] One disadvantage of such a system is the labor intensive nature of the installation. In particular, each support plate must be separately secured to the floor system pedestals and the support rods and cable tray sections must be installed. This combined with the cost of the material components required for such a system can add significant cost to the installation of the complete system.  
       [0011] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improved raised floor and cable management systems which require a fewer number of components. A need also exists for raised floor and cable management systems which are easier to install than existing systems and which provide increased storage capacity and accessibility.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0012] The present disclosure provides a raised floor system which overcomes the above-noted and other disadvantages of existing raised floor and cable management systems. Additionally, the present disclosure provides a raised floor system which requires many fewer components to assemble thereby resulting in greatly reduced material and labor costs to install a complete raised floor and cable management system or to upgrade an existing raised floor system with the presently disclosed cable support assembly.  
       [0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure a raised floor system is provided which includes at least one cable support apparatus. The cable support apparatus including first and second stringer elements and a channel section suspended from the first and second stringer elements. Each of the stringer elements is preferably adapted for removable engagement with at least one of the support pedestals of the raised floor system. The channel section preferably includes at least one engagement member extending longitudinally therefrom. The engagement member is configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system. Preferably, the channel section includes a plurality of transverse support members extending from the first stringer element to the second stringer element.  
       [0014] In one aspect of the disclosure, each engagement member is a down turned hook member. Preferably, each down turned hook member extends longitudinally from an end-most transverse support member.  
       [0015] Preferably, at least one end of each of the first and second stringer elements is bifurcated to thereby define a notch therein. The notch is configured and dimensioned to surround a portion of a respective support pedestal. Preferably, each support pedestal includes a support plate operatively coupled to a stanchion via a threaded stud. Each notch is configured and dimensioned to surround the threaded stud and to rest atop the stanchion.  
       [0016] Preferably, the channel section includes a plurality of longitudinal members disposed across the plurality of transverse support members. It is contemplated that the engagement members are integrally formed with the longitudinal members and extend from an end thereof. Preferably, the channel section is formed from wire stock.  
       [0017] It is contemplated that at least one stringer element includes a locking mechanism adapted to secure the cable support apparatus to at least one of the plurality of support pedestals. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a cross-bar extending across the width of the notch. A first end of the cross-bar is pivotally coupled to one side of the bifurcated stringer and a second end of the cross-bar is configured and adapted to engage another side of the bifurcated stringer via a snap-fit type engagement.  
       [0018] In an alternative embodiment, the ends of each stringer include a leg extending longitudinally from a side thereof and an L-shaped locking bracket having a first leg pivotally coupled to another side of the end of each stringer and a second transverse leg configured and adapted to engage the leg extending from the stringer via a snap-fit type engagement.  
       [0019] It is further contemplated that each stringer is provided with a series of apertures formed along the length thereof. Each aperture is configured and dimensioned to engage a support pedestal. Preferably, each pedestal engages a selected aperture in a bayonet type coupling. It is contemplated that each aperture extends into a side portion of the stingers and terminate in a substantially circular opening. Accordingly, the cable support apparatus can depend from the plurality of support pedestals.  
       [0020] In another aspect of the disclosure, one end of the cable support apparatus is configured and dimensioned to be supported on at least one support pedestal and the other end of the cable support apparatus is supported, via the engagement member, by an adjacent cable support apparatus. Preferably, at least one end of each of the first and the second stringer elements is bifurcated defining a notch therein. Each notch is configured and dimensioned to surround a portion of a respective support pedestal.  
       [0021] In another aspect of the present disclosure a cable support apparatus is provided for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals and floor panels. The raised floor system includes a plurality of cable support apparatus each of which includes first and second stringer elements with each of the stringer elements being adapted for removable engagement with at least one of the support pedestals of the raised floor system. The cable support apparatus further includes a channel section suspended from the first and second stringer elements and at least one engagement member extending longitudinally from one end thereof. The engagement member is configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system. Preferably, the channel section includes a plurality of transverse support members extending from the first stringer element to the second stringer element.  
       [0022] Preferably, at least one end of each of the first and second stringer elements is bifurcated to define a notch configured and dimensioned to engage a respective support pedestal.  
       [0023] It is further contemplated that at least one end of the first and second stringer elements includes a locking mechanism configured and dimensioned to secure the respective stringer to the support pedestal. Preferably, the locking mechanism is a snap-fit type locking mechanism.  
       [0024] The present disclosure also provides for a method of installing a cable support assembly in an existing raised floor system which includes a plurality of pedestals. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of cable support apparatus. Each of the plurality of cable support apparatus includes first and second stringer elements, each stringer element being configured and adapted to be suspended on at least one pedestal of the plurality of pedestals, and a channel section depending from the first and second stringer elements. The channel section includes at least one engagement member extending longitudinally therefrom. The at least one engagement member is configured and adapted to engage at least an end support member of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system.  
       [0025] The method further includes the steps of suspending a first cable support apparatus on a plurality of pedestals and suspending a second cable support apparatus on a plurality of pedestals, adjacent the first cable support apparatus, such that the first and second elements are each supported by at least one pedestal and the at least one engagement member of the second cable support apparatus engages at least an end support member of the first cable support apparatus. The method also includes the step of locking a locking mechanism provided on at least one of the first and second stringer elements to secure the cable support apparatus to the pedestal.  
       [0026] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0027] Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed raised floor system and cable support assembly are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:  
     [0028]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a raised floor system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;  
     [0029]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a cable basket in accordance with the present disclosure;  
     [0030]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a raised floor system illustrating the mounting of the cable basket, as shown in FIG. 2, thereto;  
     [0031]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, partially cut away, illustrating the relationship of one cable basket to an adjacent cable basket in a raised floor system, as in FIG. 1;  
     [0032]FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a distal end of a stringer element of the cable basket as indicated by area “A” of FIG. 2;  
     [0033]FIG. 5A is a top plan view, partially broken away, illustrating the installation of an embodiment of the cable basket onto one of a pair of stanchions;  
     [0034]FIG. 5B is a side elevational view, partially broken away, illustrating a sequence of the installation of FIG. 5A;  
     [0035]FIG. 5C is a top plan view, partially broken away, illustrating the installation of the cable basket of FIG. 5A onto another of the pair of stanchions;  
     [0036]FIG. 5D is a side elevational view, partially broken away, illustrating the installation shown in FIG. 5C;  
     [0037]FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a locking mechanism provided at an end of the stringer element of the cable basket, as shown in FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;  
     [0038]FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a locking mechanism provided at an end of the stringer element of the cable basket, as shown in FIG. 2, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure; and  
     [0039]FIG. 8 is a top plan view, partially cut away, of a stringer element in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;  
     [0040]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a cable basket in accordance with the present disclosure;  
     [0041]FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a raised floor system illustrating the installation of a series of cable baskets, as shown in FIG. 9, thereto; and  
     [0042]FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the raised floor system illustrating the completed installation of the series of cable baskets of FIG. 9. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0043] Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIG. 1, one illustrative embodiment of a raised floor system, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, is shown generally as raised floor system  10 .  
     [0044] Generally, raised floor system  10  includes a series of support pedestals, such as stanchions  12 , which are disposed in a predetermined array on a base such as floor  13 . A cable support assembly is provided in raised floor system  10  and includes a series of cable support apparatus, such as cable baskets  14 , which are disposed relative one another to form a predetermined pathway for carrying cables or the like thereon. Preferably, cable baskets  14  form an integral part of floor system  10 . Stanchions  12  are interconnected by a plurality of stringer members  16  (see FIGS. 3 and 4) so as to define a lattice work which receives individual floor panels  18  therein to form the completed raised floor system  10 .  
     [0045] Although not illustrated herein, in certain installations it may be desirable or necessary to install the cable support assembly as a stand alone modular assembly. It is within the scope of the present disclosure, that in such an installation, cable baskets  14  will be supported a predetermined distance above the building floor  13  by independent stanchions  12  or other suitable supports which are not also used to support raised floor system  10 .  
     [0046] Referring now to FIG. 2, cable basket  14  includes first and second elongated stringer elements  20 ,  22 , respectively, having a channel section suspended therebetween so as to form a portion or segment of a passageway for supporting cable runs thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel section is formed of an open ended wire stock basket having longitudinal sections  26  disposed across transverse sections  24 . Preferably, longitudinal sections  26  are disposed atop transverse sections  24 . Transverse sections  24  include up turned riser portions or legs  28  which are preferably attached to the underside of stringers  20 ,  22 . Alternatively, legs  28  can be attached to an upper surface, a side surface or penetrate through stringers  20 ,  22 . Stringers  20 ,  22  are preferably planar, however, it is envisioned that stingers  20 ,  22  can take on any number of configurations, including, for example, an inverted “U-shape” or an “L-shape” configuration in order to increase the rigidity of stringers  20 ,  22 .  
     [0047] Each longitudinal section  26  includes an engaging element such as a down turned hook portion  30  extending longitudinally from an end of the channel section beyond the first or last transverse section  24 . Preferably, all hook portions  30  extend from the same side of cable basket  14 . As seen in FIG. 2, each hook portion  30  is preferably integral with a respective longitudinal section  26 . If desired, less than all of longitudinal sections  26  may terminate in hook portions  26 .  
     [0048] Alternatively, it is further envisioned that hook portions  30  can be separate discrete elements laterally offset from longitudinal sections  26  and fixedly mounted to cable baskets  14  or that hook portions  30  can extend at an angle from the end of the channel section. Preferably, when hook portions  30  of a first cable basket  14  engage transverse sections  24  of an adjacent cable basket  14 , they are not interfered with by longitudinal sections  26  of adjacent cable baskets  14 .  
     [0049] Preferably, as seen in FIG. 2, and in greater detail in FIG. 4, first and second stringers  20 ,  22  each include bifurcated proximal and distal ends defining a notch  32 . In an alternative embodiment, as seen in FIGS.  5 A- 5 D, proximal notch  32   a  has a length which is greater than a length of distal notch  32   b . As such, when installing cable basket  14  onto stanchions  12 , as seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, proximal notches  32   a  are slipped onto a corresponding proximal stanchion  12   a  and advanced in a proximal direction (as indicated by arrow “X”) along the length of notch  32   a  until the distal most end of stringers  20 ,  22  clear a distal stanchion  12   b . After the distal most end of stringers  20 ,  22  have cleared distal stanchion  12   b , the distal end of cable basket  14  is lowered (as indicated by arrow “Y” in FIGS. 5A and 5B) until distal notch  32   b  is aligned with distal stanchion  12   b . Cable basket  14  is then moved distally (in a direction opposite to arrow “X”) until distal notch  32   b  is positioned about distal stanchion  12   b , as seen in FIGS.  5 C- 5 D. As will be described in greater detail below, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the proximal most end of stringers  20 ,  22  can be provided with a locking mechanism  60 ,  72  for securing cable basket  14  to stanchions  12   a.    
     [0050] Although the illustrated channel sections are formed of wire stock material, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to use other materials as well. For example, the channel section may be formed of solid or woven fabrications of various metals, fabrics or any other material suitable for supporting cable runs thereon. Additionally, the channel section may be rigid or flexible depending upon the application needs.  
     [0051] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the integration of cable baskets  14  into raised floor system  10  will now be described in detail. Preferably, each cable basket  14  is supported by four stanchions  12 , as shown in FIG. 1. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that cable baskets  14  may be modified so as to be supported by more or less than four stanchions  12 .  
     [0052] As is common in conventional raised floor systems  10 , and as seen in FIG. 4, floor system  10  is preferably provided with a height adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of a support plate  42  of stanchion  12  in order to accommodate slight variances in floor  13 . Support plate  42  is typically configured and adapted to support stringer members  16  thereon. The height adjustment capability may be facilitated by, for example, a threaded stud  48  being received in a threaded bore  50  formed in support plate  42  at one end and in a threaded opening of stanchion  12 . A nut  52  is threaded onto stud  48  and positioned adjacent the top of stanchion  12  to facilitate vertical adjustment and positioning of support plate  42 .  
     [0053] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, cable baskets  14  are supported by stanchions  12  such that the longitudinal and transverse elements  26 ,  24 , respectively, are spaced a predetermined distance from permanent floor  13 . When installed, cable baskets  14  do not interfere with the placement or fit of floor panels  18 . Rather, cable baskets  14  are designed to be incorporated into existing raised floor systems without departing from the factory design specifications of the floor system.  
     [0054] Preferably, cable baskets  14  are supported on stanchions  12  by positioning notch  32 , of first and second stringers  20 ,  22 , about studs  48  of respective stanchions  12  such that stringers  20 ,  22  rest atop nut  52 . It is envisioned that a second nut (not shown) can be provided around stud  48  and above nut  52 , on which stringers  20 ,  22  rest, in order to adjust the height of the proximal and distal ends of cable basket  14 . Notches  32  are preferably dimensioned to be larger than studs  48 , in order to be positioned around studs  48 , and dimensioned smaller than nuts  52 , in order to permit the ends of stringers  20 ,  22  to rest on nuts  52 .  
     [0055] Alternatively, it is envisioned that if cable baskets  14  include inverted “U-shaped” stringers  20  and  22  (not shown), it is preferred that a top wall portion of stringers  20 ,  22  is dimensioned to be wider than the width of nuts  52  such that stringers  20 ,  22  will fit over nuts  52  and that a pair of side walls of stringers  20 ,  22  depend down the sides of stanchions  12 .  
     [0056] As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, hook portions  30  of cable baskets  14  are preferably dimensioned to extend longitudinally a distance beyond stanchions  12 . More preferably, as will be described in greater detail below, hook portions  30  are dimensioned to engage an end most transverse element  24  of an adjacent cable basket  14 . It is contemplated that, hook portions  30  can extend sufficiently to engage a transverse element  24  more centrally located within cable basket  14 . While down turned hook portions  14  are disclosed, it is envisioned that hook portions  30  can be replaced by other support elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, including and not limited to, linear elements, laterally bent elements, a single “U-shaped” element extending across the entire width of the channel section or a plurality of “U-shaped” elements extending across the entire width of the channel section, an undulating down turned support element configured to engage each longitudinal element, at least one hook portion extending longitudinally from legs  28 , or any combination thereof.  
     [0057] In use, as seen in FIG. 4, a first cable basket  14   a  is positioned on stanchion  12  such that stringers  20 ,  22  rest atop nuts  52 . A second cable basket  14   b , oriented such that hooks  30  are directed toward first cable basket  14   a , is then positioned on stanchions  12  such that stringers  20 ,  22  of second cable basket  14   b  preferably rest atop stringers  20 ,  22  of first cable basket  14   a  and such that hooks  30  of second cable basket  14   b  rest on at least the end most transverse section  24  of first cable basket  14   a . Additional cable baskets  14  can be installed in the same manner, in succession, as needed. Accordingly, hooks  30  provide additional support and stability between adjacent cable baskets  14  in raised floor system  10 .  
     [0058] Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, cable basket locking mechanisms will be described in detail. While a single locking mechanism can be provided on an end of either first or second stringer elements  20 ,  22 , it is envisioned that a locking mechanism may be provided on both ends of each stringer element  20 ,  22 . In FIG. 6, the locking mechanism includes a cross-bar  60  extending across the width of each notch  32 , which cross-bar  60  inhibits threaded stud  48  from coming out of notch  32  when cable basket  14  is mounted on stanchions  12 . In particular, as seen in FIG. 6, notch  32  is defined by a pair of longitudinally extending legs  34   a ,  34   b . Accordingly, cross-bar  60  includes a first end pivotally connected to leg  34   a  by a pin  62 , or other coupling element, and a second end including a bump  64  formed thereon. Bump  64  is configured and adapted to engage a hole, recess or dimple  66  formed in leg  34   b . Bump  64  and recess  66  define a snap-fit type coupling, however, other coupling arrangements are envisioned, including and not limited to, pins, screws, etc. In use, after notch  32  is positioned about stud  48 , cross-bar  60  is pivoted about pin  62  until bump  64  engages recess  66  thus locking stringer  20  or  22  to stanchion  12 . It is envisioned that notch  32  is dimensioned to have a depth sufficient to permit stud  48  to be received therewithin and to permit cross-bar  60  to engage leg  34   b.    
     [0059] As seen in FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism is shown. In this embodiment, the proximal and distal ends of each stringer  20 ,  22  terminate in a single leg  70  extending longitudinally from a lateral side thereof. The locking mechanism includes an “L-shape” bracket  72  having a first leg portion  74  having a first end pivotally coupled to the end of a respective stringer  20 ,  22  by a pin  76  and a second leg portion  78  orthogonally extending from a second end of first leg portion  74 . Preferably, first leg portion  74  is spaced a distance from single leg  70  when first leg portion  74  is parallel to single leg  70 . Accordingly, when first leg portion  74  is oriented to be parallel with single leg  70 , a distal end of second leg portion  78  engages the distal end of single leg  70 . Preferably, the distal end of second leg portion  78  includes a bump  80  configured and adapted to engage a hole, recess or dimple  82  formed in the distal end of single leg  70 . Bump  80  and recess  82  define a snap-fit type coupling. When “L-shape” bracket  72  is in a closed position, i.e., bump  80  of second leg portion  78  engaging recess  82  of single leg  70 , an opening  84  is defined, which opening  84  is configured and dimensioned to receive stud  48  of stanchion  12  therein.  
     [0060] Turning now to FIG. 8, in an alternative embodiment, each stringer  20 ,  22  may be provided with a series of slotted apertures  90  formed along the length thereof. Apertures  90  permit stanchions  12  to be placed anywhere along the length of stringers  20 ,  22  in order to provide additional support. In the alternative, apertures  90  enable the construction of longer cable baskets  14 , which cable baskets  14  can span longer distances and be supported not only at their proximal and distal ends, but along their entire length by the existing stanchions  12  making up raised floor system  10 . In particular, the width of each stringer  20 ,  22  is such that stringer  20 ,  22  will span across and beyond stanchions  12 . Each aperture  90  formed in stringers  20 ,  22  includes a generally rectangular slit  92  which angularly extends into a side portion of stringers  20 ,  22  and opens into a generally circular space  94 . Rectangular slit  92  and circular space  94  are dimensioned to receive studs  48  of stanchions  12  in a bayonet type engagement therein, such that cable basket(s)  14  can be supported thereon.  
     [0061] It is contemplated that each aperture  90  can be provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) similar to the locking mechanisms described above in order to prevent or inhibit stringers  20 ,  22  from coming free of stanchions  12 , or in the alternative, stanchions  20 ,  22  can be provided with a single cross-bar (not shown) which extends across all apertures  90  simultaneously. As such, cable baskets  14  are kept from inadvertently slipping off of or coming free of stanchions  12 .  
     [0062] Referring now to FIGS.  9 - 11 , an alternative embodiment of a cable basket, in accordance with the present disclosure, is shown generally as  114 . As seen in FIG. 9, cable basket  114  is similar to cable basket  14  in every respect except that each stringer  20 ,  22  includes a bifurcated distal end defining a notch  132  and a squared off proximal end  133  which terminates substantially at a proximal most transverse section  124   a . Similar to cable basket  14 , cable basket  114  includes at least one engaging element such as down turned hook portion  130  extending longitudinally from an end of the channel section beyond proximal most transverse section  124   a , on a side opposite notches  132 .  
     [0063] Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, installation of a series of cable baskets  114  in an existing or a new raised floor system  10  is shown and described. As seen in FIG. 10, cable baskets  114  are installed into raised floor system  10  by first orienting cable basket  114  in such as way as to slide notches  132  of stringers  20 ,  22  around studs  48  of a distal pair of stanchions  12   a  (in the direction indicated by arrow “X”). Next, proximal end  133  of stringers  20 ,  22  is lowered or approximated (in the direction indicated by arrow “Y”) toward a proximal most stanchion  12   b  until down turned hook portion  130  engages at least a distal end most transverse section  124  of an adjacent or a previously installed cable basket  114 . In this manner, as seen in FIG. 11, the distal ends of cable baskets  114  are suspended on stanchions  12  while the proximal end of cable baskets  114  are supported, via hook portion  130 , by the distal end most transverse section  124 .  
     [0064] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.