Patent Publication Number: US-8985058-B2

Title: Collapsible wire crate and method of assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for containing animals, and in particular to a collapsible wire crate for containing an animal. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The use of animal cages is well known in the prior art. Many conventional cages have been developed over the years for housing animals of different sizes, and through the development of these cages flexibility and portability have become points of emphasis. Some conventional cages, for example, have been designed to collapse to a compact position for portability. Others have been designed of light weight and from durable materials. Conventional cages have been designed for ease of transporting an animal. 
     Most conventional cages include at least one door for providing access to the interior of the cage. An animal can enter or exit the cage through the opening when the door is opened, and the animal can be safely contained in the cage when the door is closed. Many conventional cages include a door that is attached to the cage via a hinge. This allows the door to be swung open and closed. A spring activated latch or the like have been incorporated into the design of the door to allow a user to open or lock the door. 
     Many of these conventional designs have limitations, however. For instance, the door that is hingedly attached to the cage can be swung open or closed too quickly and scratch or damage another object such as a wall or furniture. In addition, due to the hinged connection, the door cannot be partially opened, i.e., the door is either open or closed. 
     Other conventional cages have a limited volume. For example, a large conventional cage is ideally suited for a larger animal, whereas a smaller cage is ideally suited for a smaller animal. However, many conventional cages with a larger capacity may not be suitable for a smaller animal. Further, it is not possible to change or reduce the size of a larger cage to meet the needs of a smaller animal. In some instances, it may be desirable to use a single cage for housing two or more animals, and many conventional cages are not designed to separate the animals from one another. 
     Therefore, a need exists for an improved animal crate that can be collapsible, portable, and overcomes some of the above-mentioned limitations in the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a wire crate is provided for housing an animal. The crate can include a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of side panels oppositely disposed from one another. A front opening can be defined in the front panel. The front opening is configured to provide access to the interior of the crate. The crate can also include a pair of tracks coupled to each side of the front opening such that a door can be slidably coupled to the pair of tracks. The door can slide along the pair of tracks between an open position and a closed position. The door can include a latch for assisting with opening and closing the door. 
     In one aspect of this embodiment, the crate can include a side opening defined in one of the pair of side panels. The side opening is configured to provide access to the interior of the crate. In this aspect, the crate can also include a second pair of tracks coupled to each side of the side opening. A second door can be slidably coupled to the second pair of tracks such that the second door slides along the second pair of tracks between an open position and a closed position. In addition, the second door can be disposed substantially parallel to the pair of side panels in the closed position and substantially perpendicular to the pair of side panels in the open position. In another aspect, the front door is disposed substantially parallel to the front panel and back panel in the closed position and substantially perpendicular to the front panel and back panel in the open position. 
     In another embodiment, a collapsible wire crate includes a front panel, a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A front opening is defined in the front panel and a side opening is defined in the first side. The front opening and side opening can be configured to provide access to the interior of the crate. A front door can selectively cover the front opening such that the front door is slidably coupled to the front panel. In addition, a side door can selectively cover the side opening such that the side door slidably couples to the first side panel. The front door is disposed substantially parallel to the front panel in a closed position and disposed substantially parallel to the top panel in an open position. Also, the side door is disposed substantially parallel to the first side panel in the closed position and disposed substantially parallel to the top panel in the open position. 
     In one form of this embodiment, a reinforcement layer is disposed along a portion of one of the front panel, back panel, first side panel, or second side panel. In another form thereof, a divider panel is provided for at least partially dividing the interior of the wire crate into a first portion and a second portion. The divider panel is coupled to one of the top panel, bottom panel, first side panel, or second side panel. The crate can also include a handle coupled to the front door or side door. In addition, the crate can include a latch for opening and closing the front door or side door. In one embodiment, the latch is pivotally coupled to the front door or side door. In a different embodiment, the crate can include a first pair of tracks coupled to the front panel and a second pair of tracks coupled to the first side panel, the front door sliding along the first pair of tracks between the open position and closed position and the side door sliding along the second pair of tracks between the open position and closed position. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a wire crate from its collapsed position. The crate can include a front panel, a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, the front panel defining a front opening and the first side panel defining a side opening, the crate further including a front door slidably coupled to the front panel and a side door slidably coupled to the first side panel. The method can include pivoting the front panel and top panel away from the collapsed bottom panel, first side panel, second side panel, and bottom panel. The top panel can be pulled away from the front panel to form the top, front, and back portions of the crate. The first side panel can be pivoted from its collapsed position to its upright position such that the first side panel is substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom panels in the upright position. The first side panel can be secured to the top panel. 
     The method can further include pivoting the second side panel from its collapsed position to its upright position such that the second side panel is substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom panels in its upright position. The second side panel can be secured to the top panel. 
     In one form of this embodiment, the securing the first side panel to the top panel can include pulling the top edge of the first side panel away from the top panel and pushing the top panel toward the bottom panel. A hook disposed along the top edge of the first side panel can be coupled to the top panel. In a different form of this embodiment, the securing the second side panel can include pulling the top edge of the second side panel away from the top panel and pushing the top panel toward the bottom panel. A hook disposed along the top edge of the second side panel can be coupled to the top panel. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the method can include lifting the side door from its closed position and sliding the side door along tracks coupled to the first side panel. The side door can be pivoted toward the top panel when the bottom edge of the side door clears the side opening and placed in contact with the top panel. In another aspect, the method can include sliding a pan through a bottom opening defined in the first side panel. 
     In a different aspect, the method can include pivoting the side door away from the top panel and sliding the side door along the tracks so that the side door at least partially covers the side opening. The safety latch can be lifted to enable the side door to slide to its closed position. In addition, the method can include inserting a divider panel into the interior of the crate and coupling a hook at the top of the divider panel to the top panel of the crate. A clip can be coupled to the divider panel and first and second side panels. 
     An advantage associated with the various embodiments of the present invention is the front door and side door of the crate can be opened in a garage door-like manner. In other words, either or both doors can be slid and pivoted to rest in contact with the top panel, thereby creating easy access to the interior of the crate. In most conventional crates, the door is hingedly attached along one of its edges and swings open. The door can still be in the way of cleaning the interior of the crate, for example, and often is a hassle when trying to access the interior of the crate. In addition, care must be used when opening and closing the hingedly attached door so that other objects, e.g., walls, furniture, etc., are not scratched or damaged by the swinging door. Embodiments of the present invention avoid this inconvenience because the doors can be placed on top of the top panel and do not swing back and forth when opening and closing. 
     Another advantage associated with the various embodiments is the convenience of being able to separate two or more animals from one another by using a divider panel. It can also be advantageous to reduce the amount of space a younger animal may have inside the crate, and it can be easily accomplished by installing the divider panel. The divider panel can be easily installed and removed, and therefore allows for a larger crate to be used for housing one or more animals at the same time. 
     The manner in which the front door and side door close is also advantageous over conventional animal crates. A latch provided on both doors includes a catch or stopper portion that contacts wires when lowering the door to its closed position. The latch prevents the door from quickly shutting and possibly pinching or injuring an animal or the user. The latch is maneuvered to allow the door to completely shut. In addition, if the user wants to leave the door partially opened, the latch can be used to achieve a desired opening. 
     The crate can also be easily collapsed to a compact position to enable safe and easy travel. Likewise, the crate can also be easily assembled from the collapsed position. Other advantages will become known to one skilled in the art based on the drawings and described embodiments provided below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned aspects of the present invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wire crate; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a wire crate having a front door in its open position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a wire crate having a side door in its open position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a wire crate having a divider panel assembled thereto; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the wire crate of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is an enhanced perspective view of a door latch; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a wire crate in a collapsed position; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of a front door of a wire crate; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a bottom pan partially removed from the interior of a wire crate. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention. 
     The present invention relates to a collapsible wire crate. The wire crate can be used for multiple purposes, one of which is to contain animals. The crate can be made of any size for accommodating an object of any size. In addition; the crate can be made of different materials including aluminium, plastic, and steel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a crate  100  is shown. The crate  100  is formed of substantially horizontal and vertical wires to define an interior portion. The crate  100  can include a top panel  102 , a bottom panel  104 , a front panel  106 , and a back panel  108 . The crate  100  can further include a first side panel  110  and a second side panel  112 , where the first side panel  110  is oppositely disposed from the second side panel  112 . The dimensions of each panel can vary to accommodate the size of any animal, for example. 
     The front panel  106 , back panel  108 , top panel  102 , and bottom panel  104  can form a continuous structure. In other words, these panels can be fixedly attached to one another. Alternatively, each panel can be removably coupled to one another. 
     As shown, each of the top panel  102 , bottom panel  104 , front panel  106 , back panel  108 , first side panel  110 , and second side panel  112  can be formed with substantially horizontal and vertical wires. The spacing between each wire can vary. If a smaller animal is being contained in the crate  100 , the spacing may be desirably smaller than if a larger animal is being contained. 
     The front panel  106  of the crate  100  can include a front door  114 . The front door  114  can also be made of substantially horizontal and vertical wires as shown in  FIG. 1 . Further, the front door  114  can be moved between an open position and closed position. In the open position, a front opening  200  ( FIG. 2 ) defined in the front panel  106  provides access to the interior of the crate  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the front door  114  can move between the closed position ( FIG. 1 ) and the open position ( FIG. 2 ) by sliding along a pair of tracks  126 . In the illustrated embodiments, the edges of the door  114  that slides along the pair of tracks  126  do not include rollers, but in other embodiments rollers may be included to assist with opening and closing the door  114 . As shown, the front door  114  includes a handle  118  and a latch  120 . The handle  118  can include an outer layer or grip made of rubber or plastic that is ergonomically-friendly. The crate  100  can be easily carried by lifting the handle. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 7 , the front door  114  includes a bottom portion  702  and a top portion  704 . Both the bottom portion  702  and top portion  704  move as the front door  114  moves between the open and closed positions. However, when the front door  114  is moved from the closed position to the open position, the top portion  704  of the door can pivot and rest on the top panel  102  of the crate  100 . Thus, the door  114  can open and close in a manner similar to that of a garage door. The bottom portion  702 , however, does not pivot and instead remains disposed substantially parallel with the front panel  106  (see  FIG. 2 ). As shown in detail in  FIG. 7 , the top portion  704  is pivotally coupled to the bottom portion  702  via a plurality of hooks  700 . Other types of fasteners can be used to facilitate the pivotal movement of the top portion  704  of the door  114 . In the illustrated embodiment, however, the hooks  700  can be crimped so that the top portion  704  pivots toward the top panel  102  when opening the front door  114 . In some embodiments, the top portion  704  is only able to pivot toward the top panel (only when opening the door), whereas in other embodiments the top portion  704  may freely pivot toward or away from the top panel when opening the door. 
     The crate  100  can also include a side door  116  for providing access to the interior of the crate  100 . The side door  116  can be provided on either the first side panel  110  or second side panel  112 , or in some embodiments, both the first side panel  110  and second side panel  112  can include a side door  116 . Similar to the front door  114 , the side door  116  can also include a handle  118  and a latch  120 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the side door  116  can be moved between an open position and closed position by sliding the door  116  along a pair of tracks  128 . The pair of tracks  128  can be coupled to the first side panel  110  as shown. As the side door  116  slides from the closed position of  FIG. 1  to the open position of  FIG. 3 , the door  116  travels along the pair of tracks  128  until it can rest on the top panel  102 . As described above with respect to the front door  114 , the side door  116  can also include a top portion pivotally coupled to a bottom portion. As such, the top portion can be pivoted to rest on the top panel  102  in a manner similar to a garage door opening. This, of course, allows the side door  116  to be opened in such a way that the door  116  is out of the way and does not interfere with accessing the interior of the crate. In addition, the side door  116  does not swing open and risk scratching, denting, or damaging nearby objects such as walls, furniture, etc. When the side door  116  is opened, a side opening  300  is defined in the first side panel  110  to allow for access to the interior of the crate. 
     The crate  100  can also be provided with a reinforcement or threshold layer  122 . The reinforcement layer  122  can be made of sheet metal, for example. Alternatively, the reinforcement layer can be made of aluminium, plastic, resin, or other known material. The reinforcement layer  122  can be coupled to the coupled to or integrally formed with the bottom panel  104  to form a bowl-like configuration as shown in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the reinforcement layer  122  can be coupled to the front panel  106  or back panel  108 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a reinforcement layer could also be coupled to the second side panel  116  since there is no side door coupled thereto. In other words, it may be desirable to only have a crate  100  with a single door and provide reinforcement layers  122  coupled to those panels in which the door is not coupled thereto. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , another embodiment of a crate  100  is illustrated with a divider panel  400  coupled thereto. One of the advantages of this embodiment is the ability to separate objects being contained in the crate  100 . As shown, the divider panel  400  is formed of substantially horizontal and vertical wires similar to the rest of the crate  100 , although this may not be required. For purposes of better understanding the divider panel  400  and how it couples to the crate  100 , the front and side doors have been removed from the crate. As such, the divider panel  400  can include a plurality of hooks  402  disposed near a top edge of the panel  400 . The plurality of hooks  402  can be coupled to wires of the top panel  102 . Since the top panel  102  includes a plurality of substantially horizontal and vertical wires, the divider panel  400  can be coupled to the top panel  102  along any of these wires to adjust the desired space on each side of the divider panel  400 . This enhances the flexibility of the crate  100  and its ability to contain one or more animals in separate areas therein. 
     The divider panel  400  can further be coupled to the crate  100  by using one or more clips  404 . The clip  404  can couple a side edge of the divider panel  400  to the front panel  106  and/or back panel  108 . Other fasteners or clamps can be used for coupling the divider panel  400  to the front or back panels. Alternatively, the divider panel may be coupled to the bottom panel  104 . 
     As described above, the front door  114  and side door  116  can each include a latch  120 . The latch  120  can be pivotally coupled to a wire  504  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The latch  120  can include a tab portion  500  and a stopper portion  502 . For opening the front or side door, the handle  118  or latch  120  can be used for raising the door from the closed position. When closing the front or side door, however, the stopper portion  502  of the latch can prevent the door from closing too quickly. The stopper portion  502  extends toward the interior of the cage, and when closing the front or side door, the stopper portion  502  engages a substantially horizontal wire which prevents the door from sliding further downward along the corresponding tracks. The horizontal wire can be part of the top portion of the door or the front or side panel. 
     To completely close the door, the tab portion  500  of the latch  120  can be pivoted outward to release the stopper portion  502  from engaging the horizontal wire. One of the advantages of the latch  120  is the ability to prevent the door from slamming shut. Another advantage is being able to partially open and close the door by engaging the stopper portion  502  with the horizontal wire. In some embodiments, the door, front panel, or side panel can include a plurality of horizontal wires which engage with the stopper portion  502  of the latch  120  to allow the door to be partially opened at different intervals. For example, the front door  114  in  FIG. 1  can be partially opened by engaging the stopper portion  502  of the latch  120  with one of several horizontal wires disposed along the length of the front door  114  or front panel  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the crate  100  can be easily collapsed into a compact position. This can enable the crate  100  to be portable, for example, in a vehicle or airplane. 
     In addition, referring to  FIG. 8 , the crate  100  can include a bottom pan  800  that rests on the bottom panel  104 . The pan  800  can have a similar length and width as the bottom panel  104 , and the pan  800  makes cleaning the interior of the crate  100  easier. The pan  800  can have a raised periphery so that food, water, and other items do not easily spill out of the pan  800 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the pan  800  can be inserted into the crate  100  through an opening  802  defined in the first side panel  110 . The side door  116  includes a pan stop  124  near the bottom side thereof. The pan stop  124  can include a single wire that extends downward toward the bottom panel  104  and can prevent the pan  800  from exiting through opening  802  when assembled. 
     In other embodiments, the pan  800  could be inserted through openings defined in the back panel  108 , second side panel  112 , or the front panel  106 . The opening  802  is appropriately sized for the bottom pan  800  to be easily installed and removed as desired. Although not shown, a pad, bedding, cloth, or other object can be either placed on the pan  800  or inserted through the opening  802  instead of the pan  800 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a crate  100 . The crate  100  can be in the collapsed position as shown in  FIG. 6 . As described above, the crate  100  can include a top panel  102 , a bottom panel  104 , a front panel  106 , a back panel  108 , and a first side panel  110  and second side panel  112  oppositely disposed from the first side panel  110 . A front door  114  can be coupled to the front panel  106  and a side door  116  can be coupled to the first side panel  110 . Both the front door  114  and side door  116  can include a handle  118  and latch  120  as described in the previous embodiment. In addition, when opening and closing, the front door  114  can slide along a pair of tracks  126  and the side door  116  can slide along a second pair of tracks  128 . 
     In the collapsed position (see  FIG. 6 ), the crate  100  can be easily stored in a box, carton, travelling bag, or other storage means. Once the crate  100  is removed therefrom, it can be assembled by first placing the bottom panel  104  on a flat surface. In this position, the front panel  106  is on top with the top panel  102  directly beneath the front panel  106 . The back panel  108  can be positioned beneath the top panel  102 , and the front and back panels can be hingedly or pivotally coupled to the top and bottom panels. In one embodiment, the front and back panels can be removably coupled to the top and bottom panels. In an alternative embodiment, the front and back panels can be fixedly coupled to the top and bottom panels. When coupled, the front, back, top and bottom panels can form a continuous main body. 
     Also in the collapsed position, the first side panel  110  and second side panel  112  can be folded inwardly on top of the bottom panel  104 . In this configuration, the front panel  106 , top panel  102 , and back panel  108  are collapsed on top of the first side panel  110  and second side panel  112 . The first side panel  110  and second side panel  112  can be hingedly or pivotally coupled to the bottom panel  104 . These panels can be removably coupled or fixedly coupled to the bottom panel  104 . As such, in another embodiment, it can be possible for the top panel  102 , front panel  106 , and back panel  108  to first collapse on top of the bottom panel  104  and then for the first side panel  110  and second side panel  112  to fold on top thereof, with either the first side panel  110  or second side panel  112  resting on top of the other. 
     To assemble the crate from the collapsed position, the crate may have to be unlatched to do so. To unlatch the crate, the tab portion  500  of the latch  120  on the front door  114  is lifted to disengage the stopper portion  502 . Once unlatched, the handle  118  on the front door  114  can be lifted to pull the front panel  106  from the collapsed position. As the front panel  106  pivots away from its collapsed position, the top panel  102  follows and remains substantially parallel to the front panel  106 . 
     The top panel  102  can then be lifted away from the front panel  106  to a position in which the top panel  102  is substantially parallel and directly above the bottom panel  104 . In this position, the front panel  106  and back panel  108  are substantially upright and parallel to one another. 
     Once the top panel  102 , front panel  106 , and back panel  108  are arranged, the first side panel  110  and second side panel  112  can be assembled. In one exemplary embodiment, the first side panel  110  can be latched to the second side panel  112 , and to assemble, the tab portion  500  of the latch  120  on the side door  116  can be lifted to unlatch the two panels. The first side panel  110  can then be raised to an upright position. The first side panel  110  can be coupled to the top panel  102  in a plurality of ways. One such way is by aligning hooks which extend outward from the first side panel  110  with an end wire on the top panel  102 . Clips or other fasteners may also be used for coupling the first side panel  110  to the top panel  102  and/or the front panel  106  and back panel  108 . 
     Similarly, the second side panel  112  can be lifted from its collapsed position to an upright position. In its upright position, the second side panel  112  can be coupled to the top panel  102  by aligning hooks near the top edge of the panel with an end wire of the top panel  102 . Clips or other fasteners may be used to further couple the second side panel  112  to the top panel  102  and/or front panel  106  and back panel  108 . The panels may be coupled in other ways known to the skilled artisan. For instance, in another embodiment, the top panel  102  can include hooks that engage the first side panel  110  and second panel  112 . 
     Once the side panels are assembled, the basic structure of the crate  100  is assembled. A bottom pan  800  and divider panel  400  can also be assembled. As described above, the first or second side panels can define an opening  802  adjacent the bottom panel  104  such that the bottom pan  800  can be inserted therethrough. A blanket, pad, cloth, or other object may be placed on the pan for comfort and warmth to an animal being contained in the crate  100 . 
     If more than one animal, for example, is being contained in the crate  100 , a divider panel  400  can be installed for separating at least two animals. In some crates, the size may be such that more than one divider panel  400  is installed for separating a plurality of animals. In any event, once the basic structure of the crate  100  has been assembled, the front door  114  and/or side door  116  can be opened for assembling the divider panel  400 . To do so, the latch  118  on the door(s) is disengaged by lifting the tab portion  500  and sliding the door along the pair of tracks. For example, the front door  114  is lifted along the first pair of tracks  126  and the side door  116  is lifted along the second pair of tracks  128 . By lifting the tab portion  500  of the latch, the stopper portion  502  of the latch is disengaged and releases the door for movement. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , once the front door  114  is released from a latched position, the door  114  can slide along the first pair of tracks  126  and then be pivoted toward the back panel  108  and placed in contact with the top panel  102 . In this embodiment, the front opening  200  is accessible for assembling the divider panel  400 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , if the side door  116  is released from its latched position, the side door  116  can slide along the second pair of tracks  128  and then be pivoted toward the second side panel  112  and placed in contact with the top panel  102  (or front door  114  if both doors are opened). It may also be possible to open the side door  116  and then open the front door  114  such that the side door  116  is placed on top of the top panel  102  and the front door  114  is placed on top of the side door  116 . Once either door is opened, the divider panel  400  can be assembled. 
     In one aspect, the divider panel  400  can include hooks along its top edge. For assembly purposes, the hooks can be coupled to a wire of the top panel  102  that runs longitudinally from the front panel  106  to the back panel  108 . Removable clips or other fasteners may be used to couple the divider panel  400  to the front door  114  and back panel  108  when the front door  114  is in its closed position. 
     In another aspect, the divider panel  400  can have an adjustable or fixed width such that the panel  400  can be coupled to the front panel  106 , back panel  108 , first side panel  110 , and/or second side panel  112 . The divider panel  400  can also be coupled to the top panel  102  by coupling hooks disposed near a top edge of the divider panel  400  to a wire that runs from the first side panel  110  to the second side panel  112 . This allows for additional flexibility to the crate  100 . 
     In a different aspect, the divider panel  400  can have hooks along its side edges such that the hooks couple to vertically-oriented wires of the front panel  106 , back panel  108 , first side panel  110 , or second side panel  112 . Removable clips or other fasteners can couple the top edge of the divider panel to the top panel  102 . Other possible aspects for coupling the divider panel  400  to the top panel  102 , bottom panel  104 , front panel  106 , back panel  108 , first side panel  110 , and second side panel  112  may be understood by one skilled in the art. 
     While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present invention have been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.