Patent Publication Number: US-2022234153-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for positioning a safety strap

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/141,141, filed on Jan. 25, 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in positioning a strap around a structure, such as, for example, without limitation, a safety strap around a structure such as a pole or tree. The present invention further relates to a method of using such an apparatus for positioning a strap or similar item around a structure. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are several occasions where straps are needed to be placed around objects or structures. For example, safety straps positioned around vertical poles or similar structures are commonly used by utility workers. Similarly, hunters and/or other nature observers occupying elevated tree stands commonly use safety straps positioned around vertical or near vertical portions of the trunk or large branches near the trunk of the tree. Unlike utility poles which are of known/fixed diameters, the diameters of trees used by hunters/observers can vary greatly and can commonly be several feet. Typically such straps are installer by a person generally slinging one end of the strap around the structure/object and catching the end in the other hand. The type/size of the strap, height of the placement, diameter of the structure/object, effects of gravity, weather conditions, branches, etc. can all adversely affect attempts to successfully install such straps. Accordingly, there exists a need for solutions for placing/locating such straps in repeatable, predictable, and safe manners. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention address shortcomings of the art and provide a variety of benefits over existing solutions. As one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for positioning a strap around an object is provided. The apparatus comprises: a handle portion sized and configured to be grasped by a user of the apparatus; an arm portion having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being coupled to the handle portion; and a coupling mechanism coupled at or near the second end of the arm portion, the coupling mechanism being structured to selectively couple a portion of the strap to the second end of the arm portion, wherein, when the handle portion is grasped by the user of the apparatus adjacent a side of the object, the arm portion is sized and configured to be movable among: a first positioning wherein the arm portion extends outward from the handle and the user such that the second end of the arm portion extends a distance beyond a far side of the object, and a second positioning wherein the arm portion wraps at least partially around the object. 
     When in the second positioning the arm portion may wrap at least 180° around the element. 
     The arm portion may be movable among a third positioning wherein the arm portion is rolled back toward the handle portion in a spiral-like positioning adjacent the handle. 
     The object may be a portion of a tree, and the arm portion may be sized and configured to be disposed in the second positioning about the tree. 
     The arm portion may comprise a single integral member that extends from the first end to the opposite second end of the arm portion. The integral member may comprise a strip of bi-stable material. 
     The arm portion may comprise a plurality of segments pivotably coupled together in a series arrangement, wherein each segment is coupled to a preceding segment by a first pivotable coupling arranged about a first pivot axis, wherein each segment is coupled to a proceeding segment by a second pivotable coupling arranged about a second pivot axis, and wherein the first pivot axis and second pivot axis are spaced a distance from each other. The distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis of each segment of the plurality of segments may be the same. The distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis of at least two segments of the plurality of segments may be different. The apparatus may further comprise a retraction cord having a first end coupled at or about the second end of the arm portion and an opposite second end, wherein the retraction cord extends along, and interacts with the plurality of segments in a manner such that when the cord is tensioned by a user pulling on the second end of the cord, the arm portion is moved to a third positioning wherein the arm portion is rolled back toward the handle position in a spiral-like positioning adjacent the handle. The retraction cord may extend through the plurality of segments. The retraction cord may extend through a portion of the handle. The retraction cord may further comprises a securement arrangement that fixes the retraction cord with respect to the handle and thus fixes the arm portion in the third positioning. The second end of the retraction cord may comprises a loop sized and configured to fit around the wrist of a user of the apparatus. 
     The coupling mechanism may comprise a spring biased clamping arrangement. 
     The coupling mechanism may comprise a single u-shaped piece of flexible material. 
     As another aspect of the present invention, a method of positioning a strap around an object using an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprising: a handle portion sized and configured to be grasped by a user of the apparatus; an arm portion having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being coupled to the handle portion; and a coupling mechanism coupled at or near the second end of the arm portion, wherein, when the handle portion is grasped by the user of the apparatus adjacent a side of the object, the arm portion is sized and configured to be movable among: a first positioning wherein the arm portion extends outward from the handle and the user such that the second end of the arm portion extends a distance beyond a far side of the object, and a second positioning wherein the arm portion wraps at least partially around the object is provided. The method comprises: coupling a portion of the strap to the second end of the arm portion via the coupling mechanism; moving the arm portion to the first positioning if not already in such positioning prior to coupling the portion of the strap; positioning the arm portion adjacent the side of the object; moving the arm portion from the first positioning to the second positioning; and uncoupling the portion of the strap from the second end of the arm portion. 
     The arm portion may be movable among a third positioning wherein the arm portion is rolled back toward the handle portion in a spiral-like positioning adjacent the handle, and the method may further comprise: moving the arm member from the third positioning to the first positioning prior to coupling the portion of the strap to the second end of the arm portion via the coupling mechanism. The method may further comprise moving the arm member from the second positioning to the third positioning after uncoupling the portion of the strap from the second end of the arm portion. 
     The apparatus may further comprise a retraction cord having a first end coupled at or about the second end of the arm portion and an opposite second end, and moving the arm member from the second positioning to the third positioning after uncoupling the portion of the strap from the second end of the arm portion may comprise pulling the second end of the cord. 
     These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a schematic representation of an apparatus for use in positioning a strap in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention shown with an arm portion thereof positioned in a first, extended positioning; 
         FIG. 1B  is a top view of the schematic representation of the apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is another perspective view of the schematic representation of the apparatus of  FIG. 1A  shown with the arm portion thereof positioned in a second, retracted positioning in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of the schematic representation of the apparatus of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an arrangement including the schematic representation of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B  shown with the arm portion thereof positioned in the first, extended positioning adjacent a vertical element with the end of a strap secured to an end of the arm portion in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the arrangement of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an apparatus for use in positioning a strap in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention shown with an arm portion thereof positioned in a first, extended positioning; 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are detail views of the portions of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  indicated therein; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are detail views of the portions of the apparatus of  FIG. 7  indicated therein; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  are detail views of the portions of the apparatus of  FIG. 10  indicated therein; 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  cut along a mid-plane of the apparatus as indicated in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 14  is another side view of the apparatus of  FIGS. 4-13  shown with the arm portion thereof positioned in a second, retracted positioning in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14  cut along a mid-plane of the apparatus similar to  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  is another top view, similar to that of  FIG. 7 , of the apparatus of  FIG. 4 , except shown with some segments of the arm portion near the second end thereof shown exploded from each other; 
         FIG. 17  is a detail view of the portion of  FIG. 16  indicated therein; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the bottom of the exploded segments of the detail view of  FIG. 17 ; and 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the bottom of one of the segments of  FIGS. 16-18 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. 
     As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are coupled in direct contact with each other without any intermediary elements. 
     As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. 
     As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. 
     As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components. 
     As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). 
     Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein. 
     The present invention will now be described, for purposes of explanation, in connection with numerous specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject invention. It will be evident, however, that the disclosed concept can be practiced without these specific details or with various combinations thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of this innovation. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B , a schematic representation of an apparatus  10  for use in positioning a strap  24  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) around a structure/object  26  (also shown schematically in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention is shown. For example, apparatus  10  may be employed by a hunter in a tree stand to position a safety strap around a tree in which the stand is positioned. As another example, apparatus  10  may be employed by a utility worker to place a safety strap around a utility pole that is being serviced by the utility worker. It is to be generally appreciated that apparatus  10  may be employed to position any strap or similar item generally around any object without varying from the scope of the present invention. 
     Apparatus  10  includes a handle portion  12  that is sized and configured to be grasped in the hand of a user (not shown). Handle portion  12  may be formed from any suitable material or materials (e.g., wood, plastic, composite, etc.) and may include any suitable structures or formations for assisting a user in gripping thereof without varying from the scope of the present invention. Apparatus  10  further includes an arm portion  14  extending from handle portion  12 . Arm portion  14  includes a first end  16  coupled to handle portion  12  and an opposite second end  18 . A coupling mechanism  20  is coupled (e.g., via any suitable arrangement) at or about second end  18 . As shown schematically in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , coupling mechanism  20  is structured to engage with a portion  22  of strap  24  in a manner such that portion  22  is coupled to arm portion  14  at or about second end  18  thereof. In example embodiments of the present invention spring biased clamping mechanisms (e.g., similar to a clothespin or chip clip for closing a foil bag of potato chips) as well as clamping mechanisms formed from a single u-shaped piece of material (e.g., similar to a belt clip on a measuring tape). It is to be appreciated, however, that any suitable coupling mechanism/arrangement may be employed without varying from the scope of the present invention. 
     Arm portion  14  is sized and configured so as to be positioned in an elongated positioning, such as generally shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in which arm portion  14  extends away from handle portion  12  (e.g., in a linear or arc-like manner). Arm portion  14  is structured so as to be moveable in a predetermined manner or manners within a single plane, referred to hereinafter as the “movement plane MP”, and shown schematically in the figures. In the views of  FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3B  such movement plane corresponds+ to the plane of the page.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  show a more compact, retracted positioning of arm portion  14  within the aforementioned movement plane in which arm portion  14  may be positioned as an alternative to the extended positioning shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In such retracted positioning, arm portion  14  is rolled in a coiled/spiral-like manner adjacent first end  16  thereof and handle portion  12 . In some example embodiments, arm portion  14  is structured so as to be stable while in, and readily movable between, such extended and retracted positionings, and generally unstable when outside of such positionings. In other words, arm portion could generally be left in either of the positionings shown in either of  FIGS. 1A and 2A  and would remain in either of such positionings without the need of an outside force to remain in either of such positionings. Meanwhile, if moved from either of such positionings (e.g., via an outside force) arm member  14  would return to one or the other of such positionings (typically the retracted positioning) upon removal of the outside force. 
     In some example embodiments in accordance with the present invention, such as shown schematically in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B , arm portion  14  is formed as a single integral member that extends from first end  16  to second end  18 . In at least one of such examples, arm portion  14  is formed from a bi-stable strip of material, formed from metallic or composite materials (e.g., a bi-stable metallic or composite spring). Accordingly, in such example wherein a bi-stable spring material is employed for arm portion  14 ,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate wherein such material has been effectively “snapped” into a straightened position, and  FIGS. 2A and 2B  would illustrate wherein the material has been “snapped” out of the straightened position and thus rolls/coils back on itself. In some other example embodiments in accordance with the present invention, an example of which is discussed below, arm portion  14  may be formed from multiple members moveably coupled together so as to be movable in a predetermined manner with respect to each other that provides for similar functionality. 
     Having thus described the general components of apparatus  10  and positionability of arm portion  14  thereof, use of apparatus  10  in positioning strap  24  about an object  26 , e.g., without limitation, a tree trunk, utility pole, or other suitable structure or object, will now be described in conjunction with  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Referring first to  FIG. 3A , as an initial step, portion  22  (preferably at or near an end) of strap  24  is coupled to second end  18  of arm portion  14  via coupling mechanism  20  while the other end (not numbered) is coupled to a belt of the user, a tree stand, or any other appropriate/suitable location depending on the particular application. 
     Depending on the particular arrangement of coupling mechanism  20 , such coupling may be made when arm portion  14  is positioned in the retracted or extended positionings previously discussed. If the coupling with portion  22  of strap  24  is made when arm portion  14  is positioned in the extended positioning, such as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , apparatus  10  is next positioned with arm portion  14  along a side of object  26 , such as generally shown in  FIG. 3A , such that handle portion  12  is positioned generally near object  26  and second end  18  of arm portion  14  is positioned a distance d beyond a far side  30  of object  26  opposite a near side  32  of object  26  by which a user (not shown) would be positioned grasping handle portion  12 . Alternatively, if the coupling with portion  22  of strap  24  is made when arm portion  14  is positioned in the retracted positioning, similar to shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , arm portion  14  is moved to the extended positioning prior to apparatus  10  being positioned with arm portion  14  along the side of object  26 , such as generally shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     After being positioned as generally shown in  FIG. 3A , arm portion  14  is then caused to move within the movement plane from the elongated positioning along object  26 , such as shown in  FIG. 3A  to a further, wrapped positioning wherein arm portion  14  wraps at least partially around object  26 , such as shown in the top view of  FIG. 3B . Preferably, arm portion  14  wraps at least 180° around object  26 , thus positioning second end  18  of arm portion  14  along with portion  22  of strap  24  in ready reach of a user of apparatus  10  positioned adjacent near side  32  of object  26 . In an example embodiment of the present invention, such movement from the extended positioning to the wrapped positioning is accomplished by slapping the wider face of arm portion  14  on the adjacent side (not numbered) of object  26 . In other embodiments of the present invention one or more further elements may be provided that assist in moving arm portion  14  from the elongated positioning to the wrapped positioning and/or vice-versa. Once in such wrapped positioning, portion  22  of strap  24  is easily uncoupled from second end  18  of arm portion  14  and secured as appropriate for the particular application. Apparatus  10  may then be pulled from the wrapped positioning around object  26  and returned to the extended positioning, or more preferably the compact, retracted positioning of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  for easy transport/storage. 
     From such example it can readily be appreciated that the ability of arm portion  14  to effectively wrap at least 180° around a circular or generally circular object, arm portion  14  must have an overall length of at least one half diameter of the object multiplied by π(i.e., one half the circumference of the object). Accordingly, for example, without limitation, an arm portion  14  having an overall length of 3 feet (i.e., 36 inches) can sufficiently wrap around an object having a diameter of up to about 2 feet. Whereas an arm portion  14  having an overall length of about 4 feet (i.e., 48 inches) can sufficiently wrap around an object having a diameter of up to about 32 inches. It is thus also to be appreciated that the overall length of arm portion  14  may be varied without varying from the scope of the present invention in order to sufficiently handle particular applications. 
     Numerous views of another example apparatus  110  and portions thereof in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention are shown in  FIGS. 4-19 . Apparatus  110  generally functions and is used in a similar manner as apparatus  10  and as such includes several similar elements. Like apparatus  10 , previously discussed, apparatus  110  similarly includes a handle portion  112  that is sized and configured to be grasped in the hand of a user (not shown) and an arm portion  114  extending from handle portion  112 . Arm portion  114  includes a first end  116  coupled to handle portion  112  and an opposite second end  118  having a coupling mechanism  120  coupled there or about. In general, each of the aforementioned elements of apparatus  110  function in a similar manner as the corresponding elements of apparatus  10 . However, unlike arm portion  14  of apparatus  10  that was formed of a single member, arm portion  114  of apparatus  110  includes a plurality of links or segments  140  that are moveably coupled to each other. More particularly in such example embodiment segments  140  are pivotably coupled together in a series arrangement, wherein each segment  140  is coupled to a preceding segment  140  (i.e., the adjacent segment  140  closer to handle portion  112 ) by a first pivotable coupling  142  arranged about a first pivot axis  144  ( FIGS. 5, 9 and 18 ), wherein each segment  140  is coupled to a proceeding segment  140  (i.e., the adjacent segment  140  further from handle portion  112 ) by a second pivotable coupling arranged  146  about a second pivot axis  148  ( FIGS. 5, 9 and 18 ) that is spaced a distance ds ( FIGS. 5, 9 and 18 ) from first pivot axis  144 . It is to be appreciated that in such arrangement the first pivot axis  144  of a given segment  140  coincides with the second pivot axis  148  of the preceding segment  140  and the second pivot axis  148  of a given segment  140  coincides with the first pivot axis  144  of a proceeding segment  140 . It is to be appreciated that such arrangement of pivotable connections allows movement of segments  140 , and thus arm portion  114 , but only within the movement plane MP indicated in the Figures similar to arm portion  14  previously discussed. Accordingly, arm portion  114  is movable among an extended positioning, such as shown in  FIGS. 4-13 , wherein arm portion  114  is generally straight or arcuate in shape, and a retracted positioning wherein arm portion  114  is rolled back (e.g., in a spiral-like manner) adjacent handle portion  112 , such as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
     Segments  140  may be formed from any suitable material or materials (e.g., without limitation, plastic, composite, metal, etc.) without varying from the scope of the present invention. The sizing of segments  140  may be varied without varying from the scope of the present invention. In some example embodiments of the present invention, the distance ds between first and second pivot axis  144  and  148  of each segment  140  is the same for all of segments  140  in arm portion  114 . In one of such examples a distance ds of 1 inch was used. In other example embodiments of the present invention, arm portion  114  is formed from segments  144  having at least two different distances ds between first and second pivot axis  144  and  148 . In one of such examples, segments  140  having a distance ds of 2 inches between first and second pivot axis  144  and  148  were used in conjunction with other segments  140  having a distance ds of 1 inch between first and second pivot axis  144  and  148 , with the segments  140  having the longer distance ds being positioned is series near handle portion  112  and segments  140  having the shorter distance ds being positioned in series near second end  118  of arm portion  114 . Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that one or more of the material(s) used, size, and or quantity of segments  140  used to form arm portion  114  may be varied without varying from the scope of the present invention. 
     One or more of segments  140  may be constructed so as to interact with handle portion  112  and/or one or more other segment(s)  140  in a manner or manners that restrict movement of one or more segments  140  further within movement plane MP. For example, in the view of apparatus  110  shown in  FIG. 10  in which the movement plane MP coincides with the plane of the Figure, movement of second end  118  downward (relative to the orientation shown in  FIG. 10 ) relative to a fixed handle portion  112  (e.g., such as being firmly grasped by a user) may be limited due to interactions between segments  140  of arm portion  114  such that arm portion  114  is slightly arcuate in shape when positioned in the maximum extended position as shown (as opposed to being perfectly linear). In such arrangement, upward movement of second end  118  of arm portion  114  is not restricted, hence arm portion  114  can readily move to the retracted positioning such as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  and/or a wrapped positioning around an object similar to such for wrapped positioning shown for arm portion  14  in  FIG. 3B . 
     Instead of, or in addition to, having segments  140  interact in a manner that further limits/restricts movement of arm portion  114  within the movement plane MP, one or more additional elements may be provided that limit and or otherwise affect movement of arm portion  114 . For example, as shown in the sectional views of  FIGS. 13 and 15 , apparatus  110  includes a retraction cord  150  having a first end (not numbered) that is coupled at or about second end  118  of arm portion  114  and an opposite second end that, in the example embodiments shown, is in the form of a wrist loop  160  that is sized and configured to be looped around (i.e., encircle) the wrist of a user of apparatus  110 . As can be seen from such sectional views, retraction cord  150  extends along, and interacts with the plurality of segments  140  in a manner such that when retraction cord is tensioned by a user pulling on the second end thereof, arm portion  114  is caused to generally roll up on itself beginning from second end  118  and thus is moved from the extended positioning, such as shown in  FIG. 13 , to the spiral-shaped retracted positioning, such as shown in  FIG. 15 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 13 and 15 , retraction cord  150  extends generally through the plurality of segments  140 , however, it is to be appreciated that retraction cord may instead be positioned so as to generally interact with an outer surface of segments  140  without varying from the scope of the present invention. Once arm portion  114  is retracted using retraction cord  150 , retraction cord  150  may generally be locked/fixed in place to keep arm portion  114  in the retracted positioning. In the illustrated example, such locking/fixing of retraction cord  150  is accomplished with a spherical member  152  ( FIGS. 13-15 ) positioned on, and fixed with respect to, retraction cord  150  and a cooperatively sized portion  154  ( FIGS. 13-15 ) of handle portion  112 . Spherical member  152  can be selectively positioned in portion  154  to generally lock arm portion  114  in the retracted positioning, such as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , or removed therefrom to allow arm portion  114  to move to the extended positioning, such as shown in  FIG. 13 . It is to be appreciated that other arrangements for selectively fixing/locking retraction cord  150  with respect to handle portion  150  may be employed without varying from the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be appreciated that apparatus  110  is employed by a user in positioning a strap in generally the same manner as apparatus  10 , such as previously discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 3A and 3B , and thus a repeat of such discussion is not provided. A distinction from operation of apparatus  10  is that prior to, and after use of apparatus  110 , arm portion  114  would be unlocked and locked from the retracted positioning as previously described. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment. 
     In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.