Abstract:
A transformable, aerodynamic cover assembly for pickup trucks which is user switchable between a closed aerodynamic configuration and a fully deployed truck cap configuration. The aerodynamic configuration reduces vehicle wind resistance and drag, thus increasing fuel efficiency. The cover assembly, constructed of rigid materials, comprises a fiberglass shell mounted within the truck bed supporting a rigid, fiberglass cover. Flexible fabric windows suspended from the cover are supported between sidewall hangers and pivoted sleeve tubes. A flexible rear hatch is supported by a transverse hanger. Internal stanchions pivoted to the cover underside foldably switch between deployed, cover-elevating positions an stowage positions. The cover sidewalls and hatch provide a space for human habitation and increased cargo hauling capacity. The cover is detachable from the body of the assembly for hauling oversized cargo.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This utility patent application is based upon, and claims the priority filing date of my previously-filed, U.S. Provisional patent application entitled “Aerodynamic Transformable Truck Cap Assembly,” filed Oct. 1, 2007, Ser. No. 60/997,085. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to truck caps and cover assemblies for pickup trucks. More particularly, this invention relates to an aerodynamic cover assembly for pickup truck beds that is user-transformable between selected configurations. Known prior art relevant to this invention can be found in U.S. Patent Class 296, subclasses 100 and 165. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0005]    For several years, cover assemblies of various forms have been mounted on the beds of pickup trucks. The modern truck cap is a popular pickup truck accessory, providing a variety of functional and aesthetic advantages. Prior art cover assemblies provide a covered space for human habitation and a weatherproof storage space for cargo. A variety of colored and styled bed cover assemblies for popular pickup truck models exist. 
         [0006]    Typical truck caps are made of rigid material, and they often are shaped somewhat “squarish,” i.e., generally in the form of a rectangle. Typical prior art truck caps comprise a front wall, opposed side walls, and a rear hatch, with all four sides containing safety glass for lateral and rearward visibility. The roof portion of most truck caps either extends above or is flush with the top of the cab. Such accessories often increase aerodynamic drag, and reduced fuel economy is unfortunately typical. 
         [0007]    However, for purposes of streamlining, an aerodynamic truck cap has a roof, which begins flush in height with the roof of the truck cab and then slopes rearwardly to a height approximate to that of the tailgate of the pickup truck bed. This sloping fastback roof of the aerodynamic truck cap provides much less wind resistance than a truck cap with a roof that is flush with the truck cab roof. The greatest benefit of an aerodynamic truck cap is in increasing the fuel efficiency of the host pickup truck. The main drawback of the aerodynamic truck cap is that, with its slope, there is a substantial loss of interior volume over that provided by a truck cap with a roof flush with the cab of the pickup. This diminishes the space for human habitation and cargo stowage in the aerodynamic truck cap over that space provided by a standard truck cap. 
         [0008]    Both U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,184 to Byrd (1985) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,960 to Benignu (1994) show aerodynamic truck caps. Both of these patents show the ability to change configuration. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,184 to Byrd provides a truck cap which can be stored in a relatively small space and minimizes wind resistance. The Byrd patent collapses from an aerodynamic configuration to a smaller stored configuration. In the aerodynamic configuration, the Byrd patent only allows cargo to be loaded through the open tailgate space. There is no hinging of the sloped roof, which, if allowed to open and shut would provide a more utilitarian design for cargo loading and unloading. Cargo size is reduced to the square footage of the tailgate opening. The small entrance through the tailgate opening does not facilitate easy access for human habitation. There is no ventilation provided for human or domestic animal occupancy. The truck cap in the Byrd patent is made of vinyl fabric that is more apt to flutter when acted upon by aerodynamic forces experienced at sustained freeway speeds. Valuable cargo is also more vulnerable to theft when the host vehicle is left unattended. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,960 to Benignu provides a tent-like arrangement with an aerodynamic contour. That configuration purports to create less air drag. With a growing global demand for fossil fuels, fuel prices are increasing annually. Such a global dynamic pleads for decreasing fuel consumption. When the truck bed is used for hauling, the tonneau top is removed. If cargo is to be transported, a large portion of the assembly must be removed. The fully deployed configuration of Benignu&#39;s design can only be assumed when the host vehicle is static. Additionally, the tailgate must be lowered to complete the interior expansion of the design. Benignu&#39;s structure, except for the support frame, is made from fabric. The design is not meant to be in the expanded configuration while the host vehicle is being operated on the road in motion. 
         [0011]    In my prior patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,095 entitled “Transformable truck bed cover assembly”, issued Sep. 14, 1999, I provided transformable cover assembly for pickup trucks that was user-switchable between a low profile configuration covering the rear truck bed, and a fully deployed, camper configuration. The apparatus unfolds from a planar orientation into a pair of cooperating, stacked, generally wedge-shaped segments. The complementary segments form an inhabitable enclosure in the general form of a parallelepiped when erected. A planar deck that is foldably deployed comprises a top that ultimately covers the upper segment, and a shroud that unfolds to form a border between the adjacent, deployed segments. A foldable framework comprising a plurality of cooperating members enables foldable transformation. As the assembly deploys, it unfurls pliable, generally triangular walls at the segment sides. However, the overall configuration did not exhibit the desired reduction in wind drag necessary in today&#39;s world to maximize fuel economy. 
         [0012]    In conclusion, I am aware of no easily removable, aerodynamic truck cap designed to reduce wind drag in one mode, to user-deploy into a convenient camping or storage mode, and which protectively enshrouds truck bed contents in either mode. Ideally, a truck cap should be made from rigid material with a hinged roof to enable easy deployment. It must provide the user with maximum space for enhanced cargo capacity, and for comfortable human habitation. An acceptable truck cap must also be weatherproof. I am aware of no such truck cap combining the attributes of reduced fuel consumption and wind drag in its compact, aerodynamic mode, while at the same time maximizing fuel economy. Furthermore, I am aware of no such analogous wind drag reducing structure that is quickly foldably transformable to an erected camping mode. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The invention, an improved aerodynamic truck cap assembly, is user transformable between a streamlined, aerodynamic position and an elevated position increasing cargo space. The aerodynamic configuration reduces vehicle wind resistance and drag, and increases fuel efficiency. 
         [0014]    The assembly preferably comprises a rigid fiberglass shell mounted within the truck bed that supports a rigid, removable fiberglass cover. The roof-like cover can be opened from the aerodynamic configuration and elevated to a position level with the roof of the cab. 
         [0015]    The cover includes a pair of sidewall hangers for suspending fabric or rigid sidewalls, that are tensioned at their bottoms by elongated sleeve tubes pivoted to the cover front at its underside. A fabric or rigid rear hatch deployed at the cover rear is supported by a transverse hanger glassed into the cover underside. Internal stanchions pivoted to the cover underside foldably switch between deployed, cover-elevating positions and out-of-the-way stowage positions. The cover, its sidewalls and hatch combine to provide an enclosed space for human habitation or cargo stowage. The cover is detachable from the shell for hauling oversized cargo. 
         [0016]    The user can deploy the sidewalls and hatch from the underneath of the roof to fully enclose the truck bed. Thus my new aerodynamic truck cap is readily adaptable for hauling, or it can provide a space for human habitation. In the elevated and enclosed configuration, the user can operate the host vehicle at sustained freeway speeds. 
         [0017]    Accordingly a fundamental object of the invention is to provide an improved aerodynamic truck cap to lower wind resistance and enhance the fuel efficiency of the host pickup truck. 
         [0018]    Another basic object is to provide a truck cap assembly with a removable cover that quickly and conveniently mounts to or dismounts from the apparatus shell. 
         [0019]    Another basic object is to provide greater space for human habitation and the transportation of cargo. 
         [0020]    It is also an object to allow operation of the host pickup truck while in motion with the aerodynamic truck cap disposed in either an elevated or enclosed configuration. Further, an important object is to provide a truck cap of the character described with durable structure to endure aerodynamic forces experienced at sustained high rates of speed. 
         [0021]    Another object is to provide a truck bed cover assembly of the character described that can be quickly transformed between configurations. 
         [0022]    Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary perspective view showing my transformable truck cap disposed in a closed, aerodynamic position. mounted over a conventional pickup truck bed in accordance with the best mode of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a fragmentary right side elevation view of the transformable truck cap disposed in a closed, aerodynamic position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 1 , but illustrating the truck cap in an open roof position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary, right side elevation view similar to  FIG. 2 , with the transformable truck cap in an open roof position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 3 , with the transformable truck cap shown fully deployed in a transformed position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary, right side elevation view similar to  FIG. 4 , with the transformable truck cap fully deployed, disposed in a transformed position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a partially exploded, fragmentary perspective view showing the truck cap removed from the truck bed; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a fragmentary perspective view with cutaway sections showing how the framework appears and showing interrelationships of frame members with the transformable truck cap roof; and, 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of portions of the supporting framework, with portions omitted for brevity or shown in section for clarity. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    With initial reference directed to  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the appended drawings, a conventional pickup truck having a cab  11  includes a conventional, rear truck bed  12  behind the cab  11 , over and upon which my new truck cap is to be installed. The conventional truck bed  12  is defined by upstanding front panel  13  opposite cab  11 , side panels  14 , and a tailgate  15 . My new transformable truck cap cover assembly, constructed in accordance with the best mode of the invention, has been generally designated by the reference numeral  16 . Assembly  16  preferably comprises an aerodynamically configured, removably mounted cover  17  operationally associated with a preferably fiberglass shell  18  that is fitted to the truck bed rear peripherally about the bed. During use, shell  18  remains on the truck bed, but cover  17  may be removed completely. 
         [0034]    When installed, the substantially rigid, preferably fiberglass cover  17  is disposed upon shell  18  over bed  12 , between truck side panels  14 . The cover  17  may be deployed in the closed, aerodynamic position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it may be fully deployed in the transformed position of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , or it may be completely removed as in  FIG. 7 . During the deployment procedure between mounted configurations, cover  17  assumes an open position of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Cover  17  is semi-permanently pivoted to the truck cap shell  18 , and it can be quickly detached or reattached as desired by the user, as explained hereinafter. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the cover assembly  16  with the cover  17  disposed in the closed, aerodynamic position for fuel efficient travel. Cover  17  may be disposed over the truck bed, behind the cab  11 , secured in part by shell  18 . When installed in the aerodynamic position, cover  17  assumes an inclined orientation, with its rear disposed proximate truck tailgate  15 , and its front coupled to the transverse front of assembly shell  18  proximate the cab  11  by hinge  33  ( FIG. 3 ). The triangular sidewalls of shell  18  gradually taper in height towards tailgate  15  (i.e.,  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0036]    Preferably cover  17  comprises a translucent, rear window  19  for rearward visibility. The triangular sides of shell  18  are aligned vertically, projecting upwardly from the tops of the truck bed side panels  14  to contact and support cover  17 . The shell sides preferably comprise side windows  20  that enhance visibility and provide ventilation. In the best mode, cover  17  comprises an accessory brake light  21  adapted to be operationally positioned proximate conventional tailgate  15 . Light  21  is electrically interconnected with the standard truck wiring according to conventional techniques. A pair of spaced apart locks  24 , preferably mounted at the rear of cover  17 , secure valuable cargo within bed area beneath cover assembly cover  17 . 
         [0037]    In  FIGS. 3 and 4  the cover assembly cover  17  is disposed in the “open roof” position. To lift cover  17 , locks  24  are first opened, and the cover  17  is raised from the truck shell  18 . Cover  17  is pivotally attached to shell  18  by two-piece hinges  33  disposed at the assembly front ( FIG. 3 ) on the transverse front portion of shell  18 . The two piece hinges  33  include a portion permanently attached to and glassed into cover  17 , and complementary portions permanently attached to the shell  18 . Pins  34  releasably, pivotally couple the hinge portions together. Cover  17  thus is pivotal upwardly at its front end about hinges  33  adjacent the cab. The rear portion of cover  17  can deflect upwardly relative to the tailgate  15  as relative rotation of cover  18  occurs. Cover  17  can be raised to a position such that it is generally coplanar with the roof of the truck cab  11 . Preferably, a pair of hydraulic struts  23  stabilizes deflection of cover  17  and enhances and braces the assembly  16 . Fabric sidewalls  22  and a fabric rear hatch  25  shown in the stowed position in  FIGS. 3 and 4  are secured beneath cap cover  17  and may be deployed as hereinafter explained when the assembly  16  is to assume the “fully transformed” position of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0038]    The cover assembly  16  is illustrated in a fully transformed position in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The preferably flexible, bi-folded fabric sidewalls  22  are lowered along with the unfurled fabric rear hatch  25  and secured. Preferably rear hatch  25  comprises a clear vinyl, flexible rear window  40  for enhanced visibility. The rearward ends of the fabric sidewalls  22  are secured into place by a plurality of spaced-apart snap caps  26  with the fabric rear hatch  25  being releasably attached to the fabric sidewalls  22  by conventional zippers  39 . The structures to which snap caps  26  are affixed, and other preferred internal framework of the cover assembly  16 , are explained in conjunction with the discussion of  FIGS. 8 and 9  appearing below. While it is preferred that sidewalls  22  and rear hatch  25  be fabric, they may be made from rigid materials, providing they are hinged or pivotally coupled to the cover  17  to enable them to be flexibly switched between deployed and stowage orientations. 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 7  cover  17  is shown in a “removed position” wherein it is completely disconnected and separated from the shell  18  and framework of assembly  16 . Cap cover  17  is selectively user detached from the shell  18  by first disconnecting the lower ends of the hydraulic stabilizer struts  23  (i.e.,  FIGS. 3 ,  7 ) from ball studs  42  associated with the interior side edges of the shell  18  ( FIG. 7 ). The upper ends of struts  23 , are detachably connectable to upper ball studs attached to fabric sidewall hangers  30  which support the cover sidewalls  22 . 
         [0040]    Next, hinges  33  ( FIG. 8 ) at the front of cover  17  are disassociated by removing quick release pins  34  from the two piece hinge structure that includes halves permanently secured to the truck cap shell  18  and to the underside of cover  17 . Shell  18  remains attached to truck bed  12 , affixed by clamps  38  secured to the upper edges lip portions of the truck bed side panels  18  (i.e.,  FIG. 7 ). Shell  18  has a safety glass window  37  ( FIG. 7 ) is present for rearward visibility. As best seen in  FIG. 7 , the rear hatch  25  and the sidewalls  22  attached beneath opposite sides of cap cover  17 , can remain in a compact stowed position upon removal of cover  17 . 
         [0041]    In  FIGS. 8 and 9  the preferred framework that operationally mounts the cover assembly  16  within the truck bed is detailed. An elongated hatch hanger  27  is permanently transversely attached beneath the rear surface of cover  17 , and it is preferably glassed into the cover undersurface. Hanger  27  mounts and/or stows the flexible rear hatch  25  beneath the rear of cover  17 . If a rigid rear hatch is substituted for fabric, the rigid hatch can be hinged to hanger  27 . 
         [0042]    A pair of elevating stanchions  28  ( FIG. 8 ) are permanently, pivotally coupled to the rear underside of cover  17 . Stanchions  28  can be deployed vertically to support cover  17  in the elevated configuration, or they can be folded to a substantially horizontal, out-of-the way positions when the cover  17  is either removed completely as in  FIG. 7  or secured in the aerodynamic position seen in  FIG. 1 . In  FIGS. 5 and 8 , for example, stanchions  28  have been rotatably manipulated to assume a substantially vertical orientation generally parallel with the edges of tailgate  15  for supporting cover  17 . Each stanchion  28  pivotally terminates in an upper bracket  29  which is permanently attached to the cover  17 , being glassed into the undersurface thereof. Brackets  29  ( FIG. 8 ) provide vertical support for the cover  17  when it is deployed in the elevated position of  FIGS. 5 and 8 . The stanchions  28  can pivot relative to brackets  29  to facilitate installation and deployment or removal of cover  17 . 
         [0043]    Preferably the lower ends of stanchions  28  are permanently pivoted to tube stubs  36  that coaxially fit into the rear ends of sleeve tubes  31  ( FIGS. 8 ,  9 ). Downward displacement of the cover  17  and stanchions  28  is limited by a pair of supporting keeper brackets  41  ( FIGS. 8 ,  9 ), which are attached to inside portions of the triangular sides of shell  18  ( FIG. 9 ). The enhanced adjustability provided by the assembly  16  allows the host pickup truck to transport cargo greater in height than the roof of the truck cab  11 . 
         [0044]    The deployable sidewalls  22  at either side of over  17  are supported by a pair of rigid, extruded sidewall hangers  30  attached to the rear underside of the cover  17 . These lightweight, preferably aluminum hangers  30  are preferably glassed into the underside of cover  17 . A pair of lower sidewall sleeve tubes  31  tension and captivate the sidewalls  22  for proper fit and positioning when the cover  17  is elevated. Sleeve tubes  31  penetrate an elongated loop formed in the fabric bottom of the sidewalls  22  to facilitate sidewall control. Sleeve tubes  31  are attached at their fronts to the underside of removable cover  17  by U-shaped brackets  32  ( FIG. 8 ) that are preferably permanently attached to the underside of cover  17  and are permanently glassed in. Preferably the tops of the sides of shell  18  have an elongated cradle  51  formed in them in which the sleeve tubes  31  can nest when the cover  17  is mounted to the shell  18  ( FIG. 9 ). 
         [0045]    When cover  17  is deployed in the aerodynamic position, sidewall hangers  30  and lower sleeve tubes  31 , and cover  17  all extend at an inclination proximate the triangular sides of the shell  18  ( FIG. 8 ). Since sleeve tubes  31  are pivotally attached at their fronts to pivotal mounting brackets  32  secured beneath the front of cover  17  ( FIG. 8 ), they both may be quickly manipulated during cover transformation to ease installation. When the cover  17  is raised, flexible sidewalls  22  are secured at their bottoms by the sleeve tubes  31  that penetrate elongated, lower loops in the sidewall fabric. Thus when sidewalls  22  are deployed, they extend between hangers  30  and sleeve tubes  31  occupying a substantially vertically oriented plane. Sleeve tubes  31  thus tension and hold sidewalls  22  down when the cover  17  is elevated. As cover  17  is raised or lowered, the sleeve tubes  31  pivot relative to cover  17  because of the brackets  32 . 
         [0046]    The rear end of each sleeve tube  31  ( FIG. 9 ) can be removably secured to the shell rear by telescoped, rotatable, keeper stubs  36  which are pivotally attached to the lower ends of stanchions  28  ( FIG. 9 ). The outer diameter of the rotational stubs  36  is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the open end of the sleeve tubes  31 , allowing adjustable coupling. Stanchions  28  are permanently pivoted to the underside of cover  17 . The lower ends of stanchions  28  are then positioned upon the lower keeper brackets  41  ( FIG. 9 ) which support the assembly. Quick release pins  34  removably couple stanchions  28  to keeper brackets  41 . Suitable lower orifices in the stanchions  28  register with holes in the keeper brackets  41  to allow correct positioning and securement of the pins  34 . In this manner the cover  17  is removably yet securely attached to the shell  18  when elevated. Snap cap buttons  35  are affixed to stanchions  28  to secure the rearward ends of the sidewalls  22  which contain snap caps  26 . 
       Operation 
       [0047]    To raise the cover  17  from the closed aerodynamic position of  FIGS. 1 and 2  and deploy it as in the transformed position of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the cover will first assume the intermediate raised, opened roof position of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . First, the user unfastens locks  24  (i.e.,  FIG. 3 ). With the subsequent manual application of upward pressure to the rear of cover  17  adjacent tailgate  15 , lifting follows against slight resistance from stabilizer struts  23 . Cover  17  rotates about hinges  33  ( FIG. 8 ) and can thus be moved to a height the approximate level of the roof of the truck cab  11  (i.e.,  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ). (When the cover  17  is disposed in its aerodynamic position, or if it is completely removed from the assembly as in  FIG. 7 , the rear hatch  25  and the sidewalls  22  can remain in the unfurled stowed position beneath cover  17 .) 
         [0048]    Next, the user foldably deploys the nested or retracted stanchions  28  from their previous stowed positions beneath cover  17 . Stanchions  28  unfold beneath cover  17  and drop into a substantially vertical position where they can be placed atop brackets  41 . The user should interconnect the sleeve tubes  31 , nested within cradles  51 , to the stanchions  28  by inserting keeper stubs  36  coaxially into the open rear ends of the lower sleeve tubes  31  ( FIG. 9 ). Stubs  36  are permanently pivoted to the bottoms of stanchions  28 . The stanchions  28  can then be secured upon and releasably attached to brackets  41  ( FIG. 9 ) by pins  34  ( FIG. 9 ) that are inserted through correctly aligned orifices. Keeper brackets  41  are permanently secured to the rear inside edges of the shell walls towards the rear of the truck (i.e.,  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0049]    After cover  17  is raised, the sidewalls  22  and hatch  25  can be conveniently lowered from their prior stowed position and unfurled for deployment. Ends of both of the fabric sidewalls  22  are wrapped around the stanchions  28  and secured with snap caps  26 , which are attached to snap cap buttons  35 . For example, when the cover  17  is positioned as in  FIG. 8 , hatch  25  and sidewalls  22  can be dropped into a position for fastening. After snap caps  26  discussed above are snapped to the stanchions  28  to secure the rear of sidewalls  22 , zippers  39  are closed to secure the deployed hatch  25  to the sidewall ends (i.e.,  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0050]    The cover assembly  16  has now undergone the full process to be positioned in the fully transformed configuration of  FIG. 8 . The user is able to operate the host pickup truck at sustained freeway speeds. To return to the closed Aerodynamic position of  FIG. 1 , the process is reversed. After detaching the hatch, the sidewalls and rear pins  34  and positioning them out-of-the way, the cover is manually pushed gently downwardly against moderate resistance from struts  23 . Locks  24  can then be activated. 
         [0051]    The user can optionally remove cover  17  from the truck cap shell  18  to facilitate the transportation of oversized cargo that, for example, might be higher than the roof of cab  11 . First, the user opens the cover  17  as described above, from a closed aerodynamic position to a partially raised roof open position. Once the truck cap cover  17  is in the raised position with the fabric sidewalls  22  and the fabric rear hatch  25  still in the stowed positions underneath the truck cap cover  17 , stabilizer struts  23  are disconnected from ball studs  42 . The user then removes the front quick release pins  34  from the hinges  33  ( FIG. 8 ), freeing the cover  17 , with the sidewalls  22 , sleeves tubes  31 , hanger  27 , stanchions  28 , and the rear hatch  25  remaining attached to cover  17 . The truck cap shell  18  remains fastened to the truck bed  12 . 
         [0052]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
         [0053]    It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
         [0054]    As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.