Patent Publication Number: US-2023160602-A1

Title: Vent cover assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present non-provisional utility patent application claims the benefit of provisional utility patent application U.S. Ser. No. 63,281,715, entitled VENT COVER ASSEMBLY, filed Nov. 11, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to vent cover devices and more particularly pertains to a new vent cover device for covering a crawl space vent to insulate the crawl space during cold weather and/or hot weather to control temperature and/or moisture content of the crawl space. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vent covers have been used to cover crawl space vents for years. Usually, such vent covers are used to cover crawl space vents primarily in the winter, to avoid freezing temperatures that would affect plumbing, cause leaking or breakage of water pipes, and cause increased energy costs. However, in some wet environments and hot environments, vent covers are used periodically year around, to control or prevent moisture and moist air in crawl spaces which could encourage the growth of mold, mildew, and other substances. 
     Many crawl space vent covers extend beyond an outer perimeter edge of a vent, and over a portion of an outer surface of an outer wall of the building or home. These vent covers are often unattractive and affect the curb appeal of a home or commercial building. Other vent covers are formed from Styrofoam, and break apart, crumble away, or are so light weight that they are blown off of the vent during wind and/or rain. Further, most vent covers must interlock to a portion of the vent, at a number of areas of the vent, such as by hooks, screws, adhesive, and the like, making them difficult to both apply and remove. What is needed is a long lasting vent cover assembly that covers only the vent, is held against the vent easily at one area of the vent cover and the vent and which is easy to apply to cover the vent and equally easy to remove from the vent. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a vent cover assembly adapted to cover a crawl space vent, the vent cover assembly comprising a vent cover having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a perimeter edge that extends around the vent cover. The vent cover includes a slit positioned in and extending through the vent cover between the outer surface and the inner surface. The slit is positioned in a median position of the vent cover. The vent cover assembly also includes a planar clip having a ring portion and a first leg and a second leg extending from the ring portion. The first leg and the second leg are both configured to be slidably inserted through the slit of the vent cover. Only a portion of the ring portion is configured to extend into the slit. When the vent cover assembly is positioned in front of a vent and the clip is inserted into the slit, a portion of the ring portion extends into the slit and is held in a fixed position within a perimeter of the slit, while another portion of the ring portion is configured to extend away from the slit and the outer surface of the vent cover. The first leg and the second leg are configured to extend through the slit and a distance away from the inner surface of the vent cover. The first leg and the second leg of the clip are positioned to receive a portion of a vertically positioned central wall of the vent between the first leg and the second leg. When the vent cover is moved in alignment with an outer perimeter of the vent, the first leg and second leg of the clip are pushed against the center wall, such that at least a portion of the first leg and at least a portion of the second leg frictionally grip firmly but releasably the portion of the central wall positioned between the first leg and the second leg. The inner surface of the vent cover is simultaneously positioned against an outer peripheral edge of the vent to cover the vent. The clip holds the vent cover in a closed position over the vent. The vent cover is configured to extend over but not substantially beyond the outer perimeter of the vent. 
     In an aspect of the one embodiment of the invention, the perimeter of the vent cover includes a first elongated edge and a second elongated edge positioned parallel relative to each other, and a first end edge and a second end edge positioned parallel relative to each other. The slit is positioned parallel to the first elongated edge and the second elongated edge. 
     And in an aspect of the one embodiment of the invention, the clip is positioned in the slit such that the ring portion extends a distance from the outer surface of the vent cover and the ring portion is positioned parallel to the first elongated edge and the second elongated edge of the vent cover. 
     Further, in an aspect of the one embodiment of the invention, the portion of the first leg is a straight portion and the portion of the second leg is sinusoidally shaped and formed to include at least one v-shaped portion, and wherein the ring portion urges the first leg and the second leg toward each other. 
     addition, in an aspect of the one embodiment of the invention, the straight portion of the first leg and the at least one v-shaped portion of the second leg frictionally grip the central wall of the vent when the central wall is positioned between the straight portion and the at least one v-shaped portion. 
     Also, in an aspect of the one embodiment of the invention, no portion of the clip interlocks with a portion of the vent. 
     Moreover, in an aspect of the one embodiment of the invention, the first leg and the second leg includes a first end and a second end, respectively, and at least one end of the first end and the second end is spaced away from the other to receive the central wall between the first end and the second end. 
     And in an aspect of the one embodiment of the invention, the vent cover is formed from an environmentally friendly material certified by at least one certification authority, and the vent cover is formed from a solid and non-metallic material. 
     Also, in an aspect of the one embodiment of the invention, the vent cover assembly includes at least one vent filler. 
     Further, in an aspect of the one embodiment of the invention, the vent cover assembly is removable from the vent when the ring portion of the clip is pulled away from the vent, which moves the first leg and the second leg away from the vertical central wall to release the frictional grip thereon, and simultaneously moves the vent cover away from the vent. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a method of applying a vent cover assembly to a crawl space vent, comprises providing a vent cover assembly which includes a vent cover having an outer surface, an inner surface and a perimeter edge extending around the vent cover. The vent cover includes a slit positioned in a median area and the slit extends through the vent cover between the outer surface and the inner surface. The vent cover assembly also including a planar clip having a ring portion and a first leg and a second leg. A first portion of the ring portion and the first leg and the second leg are both configured to be slidably inserted through the slit. The method also includes positioning the vent cover in front of a crawl space vent having a center vertical wall. The method further includes inserting the clip into the slit. The first portion of the ring portion configured to extend into the slit and is held in a fixed position. A second portion of the ring portion is configured to extend away from the slit and the outer surface of the vent cover. The first leg and second leg extend through and a distance away from the slit and the inner surface of the vent cover. In addition, the method includes contacting a front edge of a vertical center wall of the vent with the first leg and the second leg. Moreover, the method includes aligning the vent cover with an outer perimeter of the vent. And the method includes pushing the clip and the vent cover toward the vent simultaneously, such that the central wall is received between the first leg and the second leg. The first leg and the second leg are urged by the ring portion toward each other such that the first leg and the second leg frictionally grip the center wall. The inner surface of the vent cover is moved against the outer peripheral edge of the vent to cover the vent, and the vent cover is configured to not extend substantially beyond the vent. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment of the invention, in the step of providing a vent cover assembly, the outer perimeter of the vent cover further includes a first elongated edge, and a second elongated edge positioned parallel relative to each other, and a first end edge and a second end edge positioned parallel relative to each other. The slit is formed in a median area of the vent cover, and the slit is parallel relative to the first elongated edge and the second elongated edge. 
     And in an aspect if the other embodiment of the invention, the clip is positioned in the slit such that the ring portion is positioned parallel to the first elongated edge and the second elongated edge of the vent cover. 
     In addition, in an aspect if the other embodiment of the invention, a portion of the first leg is a straight portion and a portion of the second leg is sinusoidally shaped and formed to include at least one v-shaped portion. 
     Further, in an aspect if the other embodiment of the invention, the straight portion of the first leg and the at least one v-shaped portion of the second leg frictionally grip the center wall of the vent when the center wall is positioned therebetween. 
     Moreover, in an aspect if the other embodiment of the invention, no portion of the clip interlocks with a portion of the vent. 
     In addition, in an aspect if the other embodiment of the invention, the first leg and the second leg include a first end and a second end, respectively, and at least one end of the first end and the second end is spaced away relative to the other to receive the central wall between the first and the second end. 
     And in an aspect if the other embodiment of the invention, the vent cover is formed from an environmentally friendly material certified by at least one certification authority, and the vent cover is formed from a solid and non-metallic material. 
     Further, in an aspect if the other embodiment of the invention, the vent cover assembly includes at least one vent filler. 
     Moreover, in an aspect if the other embodiment of the invention, the method further includes the step of removing the vent cover assembly from the vent by pulling the ring portion of the clip positioned on the outer surface of the vent cover away from the vent, and slidably moving the first leg and the second leg away from the central wall to release the frictional grip thereon, such that moving the clip results in simultaneously moving the vent cover away from the vent. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be better understood and features set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a top perspective view of a crawl space vent cover assembly according to the present invention, illustrating a portion of a crawl space vent and the vent cover assembly including a vent cover and a clip; 
         FIG.  2    is a side elevational view of the vent cover assembly of  FIG.  1    with the clip connected to the crawl space vent; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the clip of  FIG.  1   , illustrating the planar configuration thereof; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a crawl space vent, showing a center vertical wall therein; 
         FIG.  5    is perspective view of crawl space vent similar to that of  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  4   , illustrating the center vertical wall therein; 
         FIG.  6    is an upper perspective view of the vent cover, the clip, and the crawl space vent, the clip connected to the vent cover and the clip contacting the center wall; 
         FIG.  7    is another upper perspective view similar to  FIG.  6   , but showing an opposite side of the clip contacting the center wall; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic sectional view of the vent cover connected to a crawl space vent of  FIG.  2   , but illustrating the position of a portion of the vent cover and the clip relative to the center vertical wall of the crawl space vent, and showing the frictional grip of the clip relative to the center vertical wall of the crawl space vent when the vent is closed by the vent cover assembly. 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  are schematic perspective views of a pair of vent fillers in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic perspective view of the vent fillers of  FIG.  9    inserted into the vent of  FIG.  4    showing that the pair of vent fillers do not extend beyond an outer perimeter of the vent. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     In general, and with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the present subject matter is directed to a new vent cover assembly  10  for a crawl space vent  11 . The vent cover assembly  10  includes a vent cover  12  and a clip  14 . 
     The vent cover  10  includes an outer surface  16 , an inner surface  18 , and a perimeter edge  20 . The outer surface  16  and the inner surface  18  are planar and parallel relative to each other. The perimeter edge  20  may include two elongated edges which are spaced-apart and parallel to each other, namely, first and second elongated edges  22 ,  23 . The perimeter edge  20  also includes two spaced-apart first and second end edges  24 ,  26 , that are also parallel to each other, so that the vent cover is preferably, but not by way of limitation, a rectangular shape. The vent cover desirable has a thickness in a range of one eighth (⅛) inch to one and one-half (1.5) inches. Alternatively, the thickness may be in a range of one eighth (⅛) inch to one (1) inch. In yet another alternative, the thickness may be in a range of one eighth (⅛) inch to ⅝ inch. 
     An aperture forming an elongated slit  32  is desirably positioned in a median section  28  of the vent cover  12 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . The elongated slit  32  is may be horizontally aligned with the first and second elongated edges  22 ,  23 . The slit  32  extends through the outer and inner surfaces  16 ,  18  of the vent cover  12 . 
     The vent cover  12  is formed from a durable material that is eco-friendly. The vent cover  12  is made from post-consumer products that are recyclable at the end of their useful life. Each vent cover  12  has high durability and resistance to most damage, dents, scratches and will never rust. The vent cover is also resistant to insects, graffiti, mold and bacteria. The material for the vent cover is a polymer material, manufactured and/or sold by, for example, King Plastic Corporation, Florida. 
     The vent cover  12  is environmentally stabilized to withstand the harshest weather conditions, and will not warp, rot, and delamination resistant when exposed to humidity or water. The vent cover  12  is formed from a material that will not break down under exposure to sunlight or extremes of heating or freezing. 
     There are no harmful emissions produced during the production of the vent cover  12  or during its use by a consumer. The material of the vent cover  12  does not leak toxic chemicals into the soil or water. Manufacturing of each vent cover  12  requires only a fraction of the energy required to produce steel from iron ore, further contributing to its classification of being eco-friendly. The vent cover  12  is made entirely from FDA and USDA approved material and it does not contain phthalates, heavy metals or allergens. The vent cover  12  has a working temperature of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     The vent cover  12  is made from a tough, strong material that is used in a wide variety of applications, for example, but not by way of limitation, to store water, to store food (the material meets all US FDA requirements) to be used in commercial applications, and the like. The material of the vent cover has a GREENGUARD™ Gold Certification. GREENGUARD™ Gold Certification (formerly known as GREENGUARD™ Children &amp; Schools Certification) offers stricter certification criteria, considers safety factors to account for sensitive individuals (such as children and the elderly), and ensures that a product is acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities. it is referenced by both The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (HEED) Building Rating System. 
     The clip  14  of the vent cover assembly  10 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  3  and  6 - 8   , may be made from metal and it is substantially planar. The clip includes an opened ring or other shaped portion  34  having a straight first leg  36  and a sinusoidal second leg  38 , both legs  36 ,  38  extending away from the ring portion  34  of the clip  14 . The ring portion  34  is configured to act as a spring relative to urging the straight first leg  36  and the sinusoidal second leg  38  together in a position touching each other. The straight first leg  36  and the sinusoidal second leg  38  each have ends  40 ,  42 , respectively. The end  42  of the sinusoidal second leg  38  is positioned away from the end  40  of the straight first leg  38 . It will be appreciated that the straight first leg  38  may also have curved areas and the like, and the present embodiment is meant as an example, and not a limitation thereof. The sinusoidal second leg  38  desirably includes at least one v-shaped portion, and in the present embodiment, for example, but not by way of limitation, two v-shaped portions  44 ,  46  are illustrated in the sinusoidal curvature of the clip  14  that are positioned frictionally against the straight first leg  38 . The position of the ends  40 ,  42  of the straight first leg and the sinusoidal second leg permits an object to be introduced between the ends,  40 ,  42  so that such an object will be frictionally gripped as it is moved between the straight first leg  36  and the sinusoidal second leg  38 . The clip  14  may be formed from metal, plastic, or combinations thereof. It will be understood that the ring portion  34  does not necessarily need to be a ring, and may be any shape or combination of shapes so long as it functions as shown and described herein like the ring portion  34 . It will be appreciated that any material may be used for the clip so long as the clip functions as shown and/or described herein. Clips  14  are available from Zoro Tools, Inc., Illinois. 
     The vent cover assembly  10  is formed to cover a specific type of crawl space vent  11 , illustrated, but not by way of limitation, in  FIGS.  4  and  5   . The vent  11  includes a perimeter wall  52  and a median-located vertical central wall  54 , which forms two separate openings  55 ,  56  into the vent  11  which form a pair of enclosures  57 ,  58  within the vent  11  (shown in  FIG.  10   ). The vent  11  also has a pair of rearwardly-located screened areas  60 ,  62  which provide some closure of openings  55 ,  56  to rodents and large insects from entering the crawl space. The vent  11  also includes stops  64 ,  66  positioned within each opening  55 ,  56  of the vent  11  which are movable into various positions, including a closed position, an opened position, or a partially opened/closed position, as shown in  FIGS.  4 - 5   . 
     The present vent cover assembly  10  is configured to cover a vent  11  having the configuration shown and described herein. It will be understood that the vent  11  has a specific length  68  and a specific width  70 . The vent  11  also has a perimeter edge  72  which is usually positioned in a somewhat indented position with respect to an outer surface  75  of a wall  74  of a building  76  (as shown in  FIG.  2   ). However, it will be understood that crawl space vents may vary in shape and size, and that any size vent cover  12  that at least covers an opening in a crawl space vent may be utilized. Therefore, the outer perimeter of the vent cover  12  may include different lengths and widths, as well as different sizes and configurations, and may, if desired by a customer, extend over a small portion of an outer surface  75  of a wall  74 . 
     Similarly, the vent cover  12  is formed to cover the specific outer length and width of the crawl space vents shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   . As illustrated in the crawl space vent shown in  FIG.  5   , the vent cover  12  will desirably include a substantially similar length and width of the crawl space cover  11  to substantially cover an perimeter edge  72  of the vent  11 , as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . However, the present vent cover  12 , unlike other vent covers, is not configured to extend over the outer surface  75  of the wall  74  of the building  76 . This permits the vent cover  12  to commonly have, but not by way of limitation: a) a flush position relative to an outer surface  75  of a wall  74  of a building  76  when the vent cover  12  is positioned over the vent  11 , b) a slightly indented position when the perimeter edge  72  of the vent  11  is more indented into the outer surface  75  of the wall  74 , or c) a slightly raised position if the perimeter edge  72  of the vent is slightly raised relative to the outer surface  75  of the wall  74 . In this manner, the visually cover  12  blends with the outer surface  73  of the wall  74  of a building  76  to make the building  76  more attractive, and to have more curb appeal. 
     To use the vent cover assembly  10 , the clip  14  is inserted into the slit  32 . The slit  32  is configured such that only a portion of the ring portion  34  of the clip  14  enters the slit, as illustrated in  FIG.  8   . The slit  32  of the vent cover  12  is positioned in a horizontal position relative to the first and second elongated edges  22 ,  23 , and the position of the slit  32  in a median section  28  of the vent cover and the configuration of the slit  32  desirably holds the clip in a defined position, such that a portion of the ring portion extends into the slit and is held in a fixed position within a perimeter of the slit, while another portion of the ring portion is configured to extend away from the slit and the outer surface of the vent cover. In the present embodiment, but not by way of limitation in a most desirable method of use, the clip  12  may be positioned in the slit  32  such that the straight leg  36  is positioned on a left side of the slit  32  (illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  6   ). The straight first leg  36  and the sinusoidal second leg  36 ,  38 , respectively, extend beyond the slit  32  and the inner surface  18  of the vent cover  12 . The first and second legs extend side-by-side toward the center vertical wall  54  in order to permit at least a portion of the center vertical wall  54  to move between the straight first leg  36  and the sinusoidal second leg  38 . With the clip  14  in this position, the vent cover  12  is moved in front of the vent  11  and the center vertical wall  54 . The clip  14  is moved such that the end  40  of the straight first leg  36  and the end  42  of the sinusoidal second leg  38 , respectively, are each positioned on one side of the vertical center wall  54 , to hold the vertical center wall  54 . The clip  14  is pushed forward while simultaneously the vent cover  12  is positioned over the perimeter edge  72  of the vent  11  to cover the perimeter edge while the vertical center wall  54  is held in a frictional grip between the straight first leg  36  and the sinusoidal second leg  38 , respectively. 
     It will be appreciated that the present vent cover assembly  10  of the vent  11  uses merely a frictional grip by the clip  14  with the vertical center wall  54  of the vent  11 . Such a frictional grip is equivalent to holding, gripping, or clasping an object between a finger and a thumb. The clip  14  has no mechanical parts overlapping, interlocking, engaging together, and the like, with the center wall or any components of the vent  11  or the vent cover assembly. In addition, because the vent cover  12  includes a desired low profile when positioned against the perimeter edge  72  of the vent  11 , only a frictional grip by the clip  14  onto the vertical center wall  54  of the vent  11  is needed to securely but easily hold the vent cover assembly in the desired position. Therefore, the vent cover  12  is frictionally gripped into the vent  12  at only one area via the clip  14 . 
     Similarly, to remove the vent cover assembly  10  from the vent  11 , a user only pulls the ring portion  34  of the clip  14  to pull the clip  14  (and straight leg  36  and sinusoidal second leg  38  thereof) which also moves the away from the vertical center wall  54  of the vent  11 . The vent cover  12  and the clip  14  easily move away from the vent  11  due to the use of only a frictional grip by the clip  14  to the vertical center wall  54  of the vent  11 . 
     A vent filler may also be used with the vent cover assembly  10  in order to further insulate the crawl space in cold or hot weather. The vent filler may or may not be attached to vent cover assembly  10  in any practical manner (glue or otherwise). As schematically illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , a pair of vent fillers are illustrated. Each vent filler  80 ,  82  includes a front surface  84 , a rear surface  86  (shown in phantom lines), opposing side surfaces  88  (one illustrated in phantom lines), a top surface  90  and a bottom surface  92  (illustrated in phantom lines). Ideally, each vent filler  80 ,  82  substantially conforms to each enclosure  57 ,  58  of the vent  11  ( FIG.  10   ), and does not extend outward from the vent beyond the perimeter or front edge  72  of the vent  11 . In one embodiment, for example but not by way of limitation, the vent fillers  80 ,  82  each have a height of 7¼ inches, a length of 7.9 inches (per  FIG.  4   : 15⅞ inches less 1/16 inches (the width of the vertical center wall  54 ) divided by 2, and a depth between ⅝ inches and 4¾ inches (the depth of each enclosure  57  and  58 . 
     The pair of vent fillers  80 ,  82  may be any thickness. That is, a thickness of the vent filler may be sufficient to fill the vent  11 , or the vent fillers  80 ,  82  may be thinner to provide extra protection against moisture, such as rain, from gaining access to the vent  11  from the surrounding outer surface  75  of the building  76 . The vent fillers  80 ,  82  may be made from polystyrene, rubber, plastics, Styrofoam or any material or combination of materials that permits the vent fillers to perform as shown and described herein.  FIG.  10    illustrates schematically the vent fillers  80 ,  82  positioned inside of each enclosure  57 ,  58  of the vent  11  shown previously in  FIG.  4   . 
     As used herein, the term “median” means situated in or relating to the middle of an object). 
     As used herein, the terms “engage”, or “couple”, or “connect”, or “interlock” mean to interweave or interlace, one part with another part. 
     As used herein, the term “frictional grip” means to grasp or sere firmly, such as by gripping an object between a finger and thumb; the term does not mean to engage, to couple, to connect, or to interlock, as those terms are defined herein. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” relative to the vent fillers  80 ,  82  described herein, means that at least one vent filler may fill at least one enclosure  57 ,  58 , of the pair of enclosures  57 ,  58 , by at least  80  percent (within a range of plus or minus  5  percent of the  80  percent) without extending outward beyond an outer perimeter  72  of the vent  11 . More desirably, at least one vent filler  80 ,  82  may fill at least one enclosure  57 ,  58  of the pair of enclosures  57 ,  58 , by at least 90 percent (within a range of plus or minus 5 percent of the 90 percent) without extending outward beyond an outer perimeter  72  thereof. 
     As used herein, the phrase “the vent cover configured to extend over but not substantially beyond the outer perimeter of the vent” means that the vent cover does not extend more than 5 percent beyond the outer perimeter of the vent. Similarly, as used herein, the phrase “the vent cover  12  will desirably include a substantially similar length and width of the crawl space cover  11  to substantially cover an perimeter edge  72  of the vent  11 ” also means that the vent cover does not extend more than  5  percent beyond the outer perimeter of the vent. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. 
     While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure. 
     The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).