Abstract:
An apparatus for use in a motor vehicle having a roof system, the motor vehicle further having a body with a passenger compartment and a trunk space, the apparatus comprising a roof system comprising any one of a rigid panel hardtop, a retractable hardtop moveable from an extended position disposed above the passenger compartment to a retracted position, or a soft convertible top movable from an extended position disposed above the passenger compartment to a retracted position, wherein any one of the rigid panel hardtop, retractable hardtop or convertible soft top includes an attachment bracket. A transverse support beam having a first end and a second end is included, the support beam carrying any one of the rigid panel top, the retractable hardtop or the soft convertible top, wherein the first end and said second end include universal adapter brackets. The universal adapter brackets are connected to the attachment brackets and to the vehicle body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/433,132, filed Dec. 13, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention is directed at roof systems for motor vehicles wherein the use of a universal adapter structure allows the option of installing a rigid hardtop roof, a retractable hardtop roof or a fabric soft top convertible roof configuration into a single motor vehicle platform as part of an on-line assembly process. In addition, a transverse support beam is provided which may serve as a sub-component build-up structure, a handling and dunnage support and as a connecting means to the universal adapter structure to accurately and reliably locate any of the vehicle roof systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    While rigid hardtops comprise the roof system for most motor vehicles, there is a continuing demand for retractable tops, both soft and hard, for sportier “convertible” versions. Generally, the annual volume requirements for convertibles are low and the structural requirements are different enough from the standard rigid hardtop model that a special off-line or modular production facility is employed for build-up and assembly of convertible options. Different attachment points for the various types of roofs are usually required as well as hinging mechanisms for folding the convertible top. A portion of the trunk of the vehicle is usually employed to store the retracted top in its collapsed form. 
         [0004]    Roof systems for most vehicles are rigid metal sections, which are welded in place and provide a portion of the structural integrity of the vehicle. It is also common in the automobile industry to employ fabric soft top convertible roofs or retractable hardtop convertible roofs, which are movable from an extended position above a passenger compartment to a retracted position near the vehicle trunk. The traditional retractable hardtop roof system employs a plurality of rigid roof panels, which can slide or be hinged and retracted for storage into the rear passenger compartment or trunk of the vehicle. A more popular convertible roof system comprises a fabric-covered frame, which can fold and retract in a like manner taking up much less space in the vehicle. 
         [0005]    However, to accommodate both rigid hardtop as well convertible soft top or retractable hardtop versions on a vehicle platform, separate coupe and convertible (open roof) bodies must be provided to the assembly plant. Each of these roof systems has its own attachment points, structural requirements and assembly details which does not allow the use of a single vehicle platform body-in-white to accommodate all three options. 
         [0006]    In order to reduce the cost of off-line assembly of these lower volume options, it is desirable to provide a single vehicle platform body-in-white which can accept any of the three roof system options and allow installation of that option as part of a just-in-time or sequenced part delivery demand system on a moving vehicle assembly line. 
         [0007]    In this manner, as a customer order for a vehicle is received at the assembly plant and programmed into the daily schedule, the desired roof system can be scheduled to arrive at the installation station to mate up with the vehicle body as part of a sequenced delivery process. Since only a single vehicle platform body-in-white is required, a uniform production rate and normal assembly procedure can be employed regardless of which roof system is to be installed. 
         [0008]    There are numerous patents which address convertible soft tops and retractable hardtops for vehicles, however, in each case a body which is specially designed to accommodate only that style of top is required, rather than a universal body adapter structure which would allow a vehicle body to accommodate any of three distinctly different types of roof system as provided by the present invention. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,390,532 B1 and 6,422,637 B1 are directed at retractable hardtops for motor vehicles and are assigned to the assignee of the present invention and are included herein by reference. 
         [0009]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a universal adapter structure that allows the installation of a rigid hardtop roof, a retractable hardtop roof or a soft fabric retractable convertible roof into a single vehicle platform body-in-white on a moving assembly line. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a system of accurate and repeatable location and attachment points for all three of the roof systems using a spider gage. 
         [0011]    It is further object of this invention to provide a cross-car structure for assembly, transporting and installation of the vehicle roof system into the vehicle body. This structure may also provide a location for the power unit which drives the activation of the convertible top. 
         [0012]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a rear deck lid capable of being hinged at both the front and the rear such that the convertible top may be easily stored, in addition to allowing normal access to the trunk from the rear of the vehicle. 
         [0013]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a vehicle body-in-white which is designed to accept the worst case structural stress and strain caused by any one of the convertible roof system options. 
         [0014]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a roof header structure that permits latching of either the hardtop or soft top convertible roof system as well as permanent fastening of the rigid hard top roof system. 
         [0015]    These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which, for purposes of illustration only, show several embodiments in accordance with the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    In a first embodiment, the present invention is directed at an apparatus for use in a motor vehicle having a roof system, said motor vehicle further having a body with a passenger compartment and a trunk space, said apparatus comprising a roof system comprising any one of a rigid panel hardtop, a retractable hardtop moveable from an extended position disposed above said passenger compartment to a retracted position, or a soft convertible top movable from an extended position disposed above said passenger compartment to a retracted position, wherein any one of said rigid panel hardtop, retractable hardtop or convertible soft top includes an attachment bracket. A transverse support beam is supplied having a first end and a second end, said support beam carrying any one of said rigid panel top, said retractable hardtop or said soft convertible top, wherein said first end and said second end include universal adapter brackets. The universal adapter brackets are connected to said attachment brackets and to the vehicle body. 
         [0017]    In a second embodiment, the present invention is directed at an apparatus for use in a motor vehicle having a roof system, said motor vehicle further having a body with a passenger compartment and a trunk space, said apparatus comprising a roof system comprising any one of a rigid panel hardtop, a retractable hardtop moveable from an extended position disposed above said passenger compartment to a retracted position, or a soft convertible top movable from an extended position disposed above said passenger compartment to a retracted position, wherein any one of said rigid panel hardtop, retractable hardtop or convertible soft top includes an attachment bracket. A transverse support beam is supplied having a first end and a second end, said support beam carrying any one of said rigid panel top, said retractable hardtop or said soft convertible top, wherein said first end and said second end include universal adapter brackets, and wherein said universal adapter brackets are connected to said attachment brackets. 
         [0018]    In a third embodiment the present invention is directed at a motor vehicle having a roof system, said motor vehicle further having a passenger compartment and a trunk space, said motor vehicle comprising a single body capable of accepting a roof system comprising any one of a rigid panel hardtop, a retractable hardtop or a soft convertible top, and a universal adapter brackets attached to said body to locate and attach said any one of said rigid panel hardtop, said retractable hardtop or said soft convertible top roof system. 
         [0019]    In a fourth embodiment, the present invention is directed at a motor vehicle roof system for use in an automotive vehicle having a passenger compartment and a storage compartment, said roof system comprising a transverse support beam structure having a first end and a second end, one of (i) a rigid panel roof structure fastened to said vehicle or (ii) a retractable hardtop structure said retractable hardtop structure comprising a series of hingedly or slidably engaged panels, said retractable hardtop being movable between an extended position covering the passenger compartment and a retracted position for storage in said storage compartment, or (iii) a soft convertible top structure comprising a fabric covering and folding mechanism, said soft convertible top being movable between an extended position covering said passenger compartment and a retracted position for storage in said storage compartment, wherein said transverse beam structure connects to one of said rigid panel roof, retractable hardtop or soft convertible top to provide for assembly of one of said rigid panel roof, retractable hardtop or soft convertible top upon said beam. The transverse support structure provides a handling and transport aid for said roof system, and said transverse support provides attachment at said first end and said second end within said vehicle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0020]    To better understand and appreciate the invention, refer to the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a body-in-white vehicle into which any of the roof systems of the present invention may be installed. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the vehicle body of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a fabric soft top convertible roof system according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a retractable hardtop roof system according to the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a rigid hardtop roof system according to the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the adapter bracket, which is used as an attachment point for any of the three roof systems of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of the adapter bracket and spider gage for installing the bracket of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the spider-gage, which locates and positions the bracket of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9  are side views of the rear deck hinging mechanism, which allows storage of either the retractable or convertible top. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 10-12  are perspective views of a rigid roof system being installed into a common vehicle body. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 13-15  are perspective views of a retractable hard top being installed into a common vehicle body. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    In the appended drawings, common elements use the same numeric character but are distinguished by the addition of a letter to identify a common element between embodiments (for instance  10 ,  10 A,  10 B, etc.). 
       DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    In accordance with the present invention there is provided a novel and improved universal adapter structure that allows the installation of any one of a rigid roof system, a retractable hardtop roof system or a soft top convertible roof system into a single vehicle platform body-in-white. The universal adapter structure comprises a set of metal brackets, which can be positioned by a spider gage which is located by dimensional registration points in the body-in-white structure. The spider gage locates, positions, orients and attaches the universal adapter brackets to the body structure in the vicinity of the vehicle rear wheelwells to coincide with the attachment brackets of the roof system that is targeted for installation into the specific body being assembled. The attachment brackets for each roof system may have unique features that match features in the universal adapter brackets. 
         [0034]    To further ensure an accurate fit of the roof system to the body-in-white, the spider gage or an accompanying robot may preferably mill slots and drill holes in the brackets or body structure to ensure that each fit is dimensionally accurate. 
         [0035]    The present invention further provides a transverse support structure, which may preferably carry the particular roof system to be installed which has at each end unique attachment brackets and which attaches to the aforementioned adapter structure. The transverse beam structure has the advantage of acting as an assembly base for building up components and sub-components of the roof system, including the power drive unit, that make up the particular roof system to be installed. Later in the process flow, the support may also serve as a handling and transport (dunnage) aid for installation into the vehicle. 
         [0036]    In addition, the present invention provides a rear deck lid capable of pivoting around both front and rear edges to allow storage of the retractable or convertible top as well as to allow for normal usage of the trunk area of the vehicle. Further, the present invention provides for latching of the convertible or retractable top as well as fastening of the rigid roof to the roof header structure at the windshield. 
         [0037]    The present invention preferably comprises a single common motor vehicle body and, optionally, any one of three roof systems which can be installed according to the schedule on an assembly line by using a universal adapter bracket system and a spider gage. The roof system may be carried on a transverse support, which attaches to the brackets of the universal adapter system and becomes part of the vehicle structure in the area of the rear seat or package tray. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a vehicle body-in-white ready to have a roof system installed according to the present invention. This is the common body construction as provided by the present invention which would be designed and built structurally to accommodate any of a rigid roof system, a retractable hardtop system or a soft convertible top system. 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a soft fabric convertible top roof system  11  that may be installed on the body  10  of  FIG. 1  according to the present invention. The convertible top is comprised of a foldable fabric covering  12 , and a pivot and linkage system  16  which allows the flexible top to fold upon itself and retract into a space behind the rear seat or in the trunk of the vehicle. A fastening system  17  is provided at the front end of the roof system to attach to the windshield header structure ( 15  in  FIG. 1 ) of the body  10  for securing the roof system  11  in an expanded state which then covers the passenger portion of the vehicle interior. An attachment bracket system  14  is shown which mates to a universal adapter bracket installed into the vehicle body  10  in the proximity of the rear wheel wells (see  FIG. 5 ) to secure the rear of the convertible top to the vehicle body. Typically, the rear attachment brackets  14  on the roof system are connected to the universal adapter brackets by bolts or rivets. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  illustrates a second vehicle roof system, a retractable hardtop roof system  21  which may be optionally installed into the body  10  of  FIG. 1 . The retractable hardtop comprises a rear window  22  and a rigid panel rearward portion  19  hingedly connected at  20  to a rigid panel forward portion  18 . In an extended condition, the top  21  is connected to the body windshield header ( 15  in  FIG. 1 ) at the front, and at the rear through bracket  24  to the universal adapter bracket of the present invention when installed into the body  10  of the vehicle in the vicinity of the rear wheel wells (see  FIG. 5 ). As shown in  FIG. 8 and 9 , the retractable hard top can fold around hinge point  20  ( FIG. 3 ) and retract into the trunk of the vehicle by hinging the rear deck lid near its rear edge. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrates the third roof system which may be optionally installed in body  10  of  FIG. 1 , in this case a rigid roof system  31 . The rigid roof system  31  comprises a rigid panel  30  and a rear window  32  which are fastened, usually by welding, at the front edge to the windshield header structure ( 15  in  FIG. 1 ). The rear of the rigid top is fastened at attachment bracket  34  to a universal adapter bracket installed in the rear wheel well area of the body  10 . Optionally, the top may also be welded to the vehicle body along its rear edge  33 . 
         [0042]    Turning to  FIG. 1A , a prospective view of the interior of the vehicle body  10  in  FIG. 1  is shown. Here, the windshield header structure is more clearly seen at  15 . The proximity for installation of the rear attachment bracket  14 ,  24  and  34  of  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  for each of the roof system options is shown at  40 . As will next be described, a spider gage is preferably employed to accurately locate the universal adapter brackets in the vicinity of  40  on each side of the body  10 . This gage engages with body registration points on the windshield header structure  15 , on the sides of the body in the proximity of  40  and at the rear of the vehicle in the proximity of  42 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a close-up of the body  10  in the area of the rear wheel well  40  and illustrates a universal adapter bracket  50  for installation in the vehicle. The bracket  50  contains a pattern of holes  53 , or optionally other features, some of which match up to each of the aforementioned bracket systems ( 14 ,  24 ,  34  of  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  respectively). The adapter bracket  50  is shown mounted on a dimensionally accurate rigid metal spider gage  52  which may position, orient, locate and attach the bracket to the vehicle body at  54  by welding, bolting or otherwise securely fastening. For the three different roof systems of the present invention, the spider gage may install the adapter bracket  50  in any of a number of orientations to accommodate the specific roof system indicated for the specific body number that is being assembled. In that case, fewer locating holes are required since the orientation of the adapter bracket  50  defines which roof system will align with the holes or features in the roof system attachment brackets. 
         [0044]    In an optional embodiment, the adapter bracket  50  may contain a larger number of holes and be installed in a single orientation. The bolt holes or features in the respective roof system bracket ( 14 ,  24  and  34 ) would then align with corresponding hole  52 , or feature in the adapter bracket  50  for the roof option selected, upon installation of the roof system ( 11 ,  21  or  31  of  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 ) into the vehicle body  10 . 
         [0045]    A further option is for the spider gage to locate the brackets and a separate robot or person to install the brackets by riveting, bolting or welding to the vehicle body. 
         [0046]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of the vehicle body  10  illustrating the position of the universal adapter bracket  50  held by the spider gage  52  before installation of the adapter bracket into the vehicle at  54 . Also illustrated here are locating features on the spider gage  52  at  60 ,  62 ,  64  and  66  for registering the spider gage  52  with the body  10  to assure that the adapter bracket  50  is accurately positioned in the body at  54 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  illustrates the same gage but in a perspective view. Here the structure and rigidity built into the spider gage to ensure accurate placement of the bracket is evident. To accurately locate the bracket  50  in the body  10 , a forward corner  61  of the spider gage  52  is engaged with a hole  70  in the windshield header structure  15  to provide fore-aft and cross-car location. The other front corner  60  of the spider gage  52  is engaged with a cross-car slot  72  at the opposite corner of the windshield header  15  which allows the gage to pivot slightly around hole  70  to accommodate some variation in vehicle build. Additional features at  62 ,  64  and  66  on the gage pick up body registration points to further locate the adapter bracket  50  in the up-down plane. 
         [0048]    The process to install the adapter brackets  50  on both sides of the vehicle in the area of the rear wheelwells involves the adapter brackets  50  being loaded onto each side of the spider gage  52  using pins ( 63  in  FIG. 5A ) which engage with holes in the adapter bracket  50 . The spider gage is then robotically engaged with the aforementioned registration features in the vehicle body when the body arrives at the bracket installation station. The spider gage is lowered into position and locates and installs the bracket  50  to the body of the vehicle at  54  either by welding or bolting the bracket in its correct position and orientation for the roof system intended for that specific vehicle body at the demand of the sequenced part delivery system for that assembly line. The spider gage is equipped with hydraulic side action ( 57  in  FIG. 3 ) that forces the bracket into contact with the vehicle body. Separate welding or bolting robots, or manual assembly may be used to secure the bracket in position to the body. The spider gage then retracts the pins holding the adapter brackets via hydraulic side action and is robotically removed from the body of the vehicle to be used for installation of brackets on the next vehicle. 
         [0049]    In an alternate embodiment, the spider gage may locate the adapter bracket and while in that position a robot or other device may mill slots or drill holes in both the body and the bracket to locate the adapter bracket. Alternatively, the spider gage or another robot may be used to weld or bolt the adapter bracket in place while it is being held by the gage. 
         [0050]    Turning to  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , the provision for storing either the hard or soft top convertible roof system in the trunk of the vehicle is illustrated. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  with the side panels removed and a retractable hardtop roof system  21 A installed according to the present invention. The roof system  21 A comprises a forward hard panel portion  18 A which is hingedly connected at  20 A to a rear hard panel portion  19 A and rear window  22 A. The roof system attachment bracket  24 A attaches to the universal adapter bracket (not shown) on the vehicle body. Also shown in  FIG. 7  are the vehicle rear deck (trunk) lid  80 , the trunk lid latch mechanism  82  and two hinging mechanisms  84  and  86  to allow the trunk to hinge or pivot at the front of the lid for normal trunk access or for the lid to hinge or pivot at the rear to allow the convertible hard or soft top to be retracted and stored in the trunk of the vehicle. 
         [0052]      FIG. 8  illustrates how normal use of the vehicle trunk area is achieved, as the rear deck lid is unlatched at  82  and allowed to swing open from the rear of the vehicle by hinging or pivoting around a mechanism  86  located near the front of the rear deck lid  80 . The rear deck lid is held open by a gas cylinder or tension spring mechanism  88 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 9  illustrates hinging of the rear deck lid around a rearward point to allow the retractable hard top to be folded and stored in the trunk space. In  FIG. 9 , the rear deck lid  80  opens from its front edge due to the action of an extension mechanism  92  and gas cylinder  94  which force the rear deck lid upward. The latch mechanism  82  retains the rear edge of the rear deck lid and the rear deck lid is hinged around its lower rearmost point at  96  to allow the rear deck lid  80  to raise, allowing space for the retractable top to fold, hinge or slide into the trunk of the vehicle.  FIG. 9  illustrates this feature as window  22 A and rear hard panel portion  19 A can be seen folded under front hard panel portion  18 A when they are in a collapsed storage position in the vehicle trunk space. The storage of the retractable top can be actuated by the driver electronically once the front latching mechanisms are unlatched. 
         [0054]    In an alternate embodiment, the present invention comprises a transverse support in the shape of a beam member which may be used to attach the selected roof system to the vehicle body. The transverse support may be attached to the aforementioned adapter brackets before or after they have been located and installed to the vehicle body, thus providing additional structure to the vehicle body in an area just rearward of the rear seats of the vehicle. Subsequently, the selected roof system may be attached to the transverse support. In an alternate embodiment, the roof system may be first assembled to the transverse support, including pivot linkage, power drive unit, etc., and then the transverse support may act as an assembly fixture as well as transport means, subsequently functioning to connect the roof system to the car body through the adapter brackets.  FIG. 10-15  illustrates these embodiments. 
         [0055]    In  FIG. 10 , the rear half of a vehicle body  10 A is shown sectioned cross-car at about the midpoint of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the adapter brackets  50 A are integrated into a transverse support structure  150 . The adapter brackets  50 A are oriented essentially horizontally and mount to the body in the area of the wheelwells  40 A of the vehicle body  10 A. Also shown in  FIG. 10  is a rigid hard roof system  31 A which may subsequently be attached to the adapter brackets  50 A on the transverse support  150  in the vehicle body  10 A. 
         [0056]      FIG. 11  is an additional view showing the installation of the rigid hard roof system  31 A into the vehicle body  10 A wherein the adapter brackets  50 A are now located and attached to the vehicle body  10 A in the area of the rear wheelwell  40 A and subsequently the rigid roof system  31 A is attached through attachment brackets  34 A to the adapter brackets  50 A. 
         [0057]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of this area of attachment, viewed from underneath the rigid roof system. In this view, adapter bracket  50 A is located on and attached to sheet metal body  10 A using bolts  98 . In underlying relationship, the attachment brackets  34 A are then attached using the same bolts  98 . Alternatively, attachment of the respective bracketry may be by welding, adhesive or other means known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment, the transverse support  150  is shown attached to the vehicle body  10 A in an area rearward of the rear seat back  99  to provide additional structural support to the vehicle body. Subsequently, the rigid hard roof system may be attached at the roof header (not shown) and other area in the vehicle body to meet vehicle structural and safety requirements.  FIG. 13-15  illustrate a similar process for installing a convertible top roof system of the present invention into the same vehicle body, in this case the roof system is a retractable hard top. In  FIG. 13  a transverse support  150 A includes adapter brackets  50 B which conform to an area of the vehicle body  10 B in the area of the rear wheelwells. The adapter brackets  50 B may contain unique features such as slots, recesses or a hole pattern that distinguish one roof system from another such any of the aforementioned roof systems may be accurately installed in the vehicle body. A retractable hardtop roof system  21 B is shown in a position above the vehicle body  10 B and adapter brackets  50 B, ready to be installed.  FIG. 14  is a view showing the transverse beam  150 A including adapter brackets  50 B after installation and attachment using a spider gage (not shown) into rear wheelwells of the vehicle body  10 B. In this view, the retractable hardtop roof system  21 B is in a collapsed condition, ready for storage in the trunk area of the vehicle body  10 B and comprises a forward hard panel portion  18 B, a rear hard panel portion  19 B and a rear window (not visible). Attachment bracketry  24 B and pivot and linkage mechanism  25  for expanding the roof system to cover the passenger area of the vehicle body  10 B is also shown. 
         [0058]      FIG. 15  is a view showing the convertible top, in this case a retractable hardtop  21 B, stored in the trunk area of the vehicle behind the rear wheelwell area  40 B and installed in overlying relationship to the adapter brackets  50 B and transverse support  150 A using attachment brackets  24 B. 
         [0059]    Thus, it can be appreciated that the present invention provides an apparatus and method for installing any one of a number of types of roof systems into a common vehicle body through the use of a universal adapter structure which is preferably located quite accurately in a vehicle body using a spider gage. An alternate embodiment includes a transverse support member which may be used to join the adapter brackets and provide additional structure to the vehicle body and roof system. The advantage of this invention over the prior methods of assembling convertible roof systems become clear when the detailed description is taken in combination with the appended drawings. In addition, it is noted that the various features in all of the illustrations may be properly exchanged between each embodiment as may be appropriate in the context of the present invention. 
         [0060]    The description and drawings illustratively set forth the presently preferred invention embodiment. We intend the description and drawings to describe this embodiment and not to limit the scope of the invention. Obviously, it is possible to modify these embodiments while remaining within the scope of the following claims. Therefore, within the scope of the claims, one may practice the invention otherwise than as the description and drawings specifically show and describe.