Abstract:
The invention relates to apparatuses for a reversible pet spiral staircase. Embodiments of the invention comprise: a “bottom tread storage platform member”; a plurality of “tread platform members”, elevated above the bottom storage platform member; a “center leg support member”, and a plurality of “outer leg support members”, which support the tread platform members; and a helical “skirt board railing member” that supports the tread platform members and traverses the perimeter of the apparatus. Embodiments of the invention are capable of being configured in either the “left-hand spiral configuration”, or the “right-hand spiral configuration. Embodiments of the invention allow the apparatus to be self-supporting; reversible; space-saving; compactable for storage; safe for pet elevation; easily assembled; reconfigurable; and environmentally safe.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIMS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Application No. 61/308,356, dated Feb. 26, 2010 entitled “Reversible Pet Spiral Staircase,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention is relates to pet staircases. More specifically, the invention relates to a reversible pet spiral staircase, specifically adaptable to allow household pets to traverse vertical elevations. Embodiments of the invention allow the apparatus to be self-supporting; reversible; space-saving; compactable for storage; safe for pet elevation; easily assembled; reconfigurable; and environmentally safe. 
         [0003]    Pet owners often consider their pets as family members. It may be desirable for pets to elevate onto household furniture or even onto a bed. The trend in the bedding industry involves raising the altitude of its products, to satisfy customer preferences for thicker mattresses. As mattresses get thicker, the vertical distance between the floor and the top of the mattress increases. Pets struggle to reach these increased heights. Conventional straight pet steps or pet ramps have attempted to solve the problem of increased elevation. See for example: U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,236; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2004/0079297, 2004/0244724, 2007/0089690, 2007/0289556, and 2008/0302312. However, these references suffer from a number of disadvantages, including: the requirement of a large amount of floor space to traverse the vertical distance; the lack of an ability to reconfigure the vertical distance; the lack of removable inserts; the lack of the ability to be vertically reconfigured; and the lack of special adaptability. 
         [0004]    Staircases traversing around a central or fixed point, often allow some space to be saved in escalating the stairway. Several types of such staircase exist, such as winding staircases and spiral staircases. Winding staircase revolve in a helical fashion around a central point. However, the interior edge of each step is offset a distance from the central radius. Attempts have been made to provide winding staircases for traversing vertical elevations. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,347,774, and 5,309,687. However, these designs suffer from a number of disadvantages, including: the lack of ability to be self-supporting; the requirement of a large amount of floor space to traverse the vertical distance; the lack of an ability to reconfigure the vertical distance; the lack of removable inserts; the lack of special adaptability; permanent attachment to a fixed structure; and the lack of ability of ease of assembly and storage. Spiral staircases also revolve in a helical fashion around a central point. The interior edge of each step is not offset from the central point. Therefore, spiral staircases can be more space efficient, and could prevent a tripping hazard. 
         [0005]    As the furniture and bed height are often not uniform, it is desirable for the staircase to be easily reconfigured to adapt to various vertical elevations. It may also be desirable for the central support element of a spiral staircase to be vertically adaptable. Due to space limitations, the shape of the spiral need may be different. It may also be desirable for the direction of the spiral to be changed. Further, it is desirable for a staircase to be self-supporting and not rely on a fixed structure for support. 
         [0006]    Pet safety presents another concern. A gap or space between steps could present a problem to a small animal. The animal may get one of its legs caught in the space between the steps. Additionally, a pet could be confused with an open spiral staircase, and not traverse the spiral. Accordingly, it may be desirable to enclose the outer circumference of the staircase and space between steps. 
         [0007]    Pet steps and ramps are often made of hard plastic, pressed cover board, fabric, and carpet covered surfaces. This construction does not satisfy pet owners&#39; needs for safety and aesthetics. Fabric and carpet are difficult to remove, and are often the host of fleas and bacteria, which accumulate over time. Additionally, the overall look may clash with the décor of the home. Therefore, it may desirable for a staircase to provide a clean and easily maintainable surface, and present an aesthetically pleasing design. 
         [0008]    Pet spiral staircases are desirable in areas and situations with limited space or where other objects in a room present a logistical challenge. Some examples may include: small bedrooms, studio apartments; areas where other furniture are present; and door openings. Attempts have been made to provide a spiral staircase capable of space saving. See for example: U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,774,582, 3,513,547, 5,515,657, 6,523,310, 7,377,080. However, each of these references suffer from a number of disadvantages, including: the lack of ability to be self-supporting; the requirement of a large amount of floor space to traverse the vertical distance; the lack of an ability to reconfigure the vertical distance; the lack of removable inserts; the lack of special adaptability; permanent attachment to a fixed structure; the lack of ability of ease of assembly and storage; the lack of special adaptability of individual components; and inclusion of designs incorporating open railings and stair members. Therefore, there exists a need for a device that is self-supporting; reversible; space-saving; compactable for storage; safe for pet elevation; easily assembled; reconfigurable; and environmentally safe in assisting pets to traverse vertical elevations. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed to an apparatus that satisfies the need for a device that is self-supporting; reversible; space-saving; compactable for storage; safe for pet elevation; easily assembled; reconfigurable; and environmentally safe in assisting pets to traverse vertical elevations. The device comprises: a “bottom tread storage platform member”; a plurality of “tread platform members”, elevated above the bottom storage platform member; a “center leg support member”, and a plurality of “outer leg support members”, which support the tread platform members; and a helical “skirt board railing member” that supports the tread platform members and traverses the perimeter of the apparatus. 
         [0010]    It is an object of the current invention to provide a self-supporting and space-efficient reversible pet spiral staircase, which safely allows pets to travel vertical elevations. 
         [0011]    It is another object of the current invention to provide a self-supporting, reversible pet spiral staircase, which is capable of being easily reconfigured to adapt to differing space and elevation configurations. 
         [0012]    It is another object of the current invention to provide a self-supporting, reversible pet spiral staircase, which is capable of easy assembly for storage. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the current invention to provide a self-supporting, reversible pet spiral staircase, in which the vertical height of the central support member can be easily changed. 
         [0014]    It is another object of the current invention to provide a self-supporting, reversible pet spiral staircase, which allows a clean and easily maintainable surface, which present an aesthetically pleasing design. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of embodiments of the current invention in the “left-hand spiral configuration” and “right-hand spiral configuration”; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the invention in the “right-hand spiral configuration”; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  schematically shows the assembly of the “foot support members”, “bottom tread storage platform member”, and “tread platform members” of an embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  schematically shows the assembly of the “risers”, tread platform members, “center leg support member”, and “outer leg support members” of an embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3C  schematically shows further assembly of the risers, tread platform members, center leg support member, outer leg support members, and “skirt board railing member” of an embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3D  shows the lower surface of the tread platform members in accordance with an embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3E  shows the upper surface of the tread platform members in accordance with an embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3F  shows an individual riser and “riser tab”, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3G  shows the bottom tread storage platform member, “recess members”, and “dado slots” in the right-hand spiral configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3H  shows the bottom tread storage platform member, recess members, and dado slots in the left-hand-spiral configuration in accordance with embodiments of the current invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4A  shows the possible positioning of an embodiment the device at the side of a bed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4B  shows the possible positioning of the device at the footboard of a bed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  shows a top view of the possible positioning of the device at the footboard of a bed, and illustrates the space saved in comparison with a straight pet staircase in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  shows an isometric view of the possible positioning of the device at the footboard of a bed, and illustrates the space saved in comparison with a straight pet staircase in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  shows a front perspective view of a pet traversing the steps of an embodiment of the current invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Overview 
       [0031]    As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, a reversible pet spiral staircase according to embodiments of the current invention comprises: a “bottom tread storage platform member”  110 ; a plurality of “tread platform members”  140 , elevated above the bottom tread storage platform member  110 ; a “center leg support member”  120 , and a plurality of “outer leg support members”  130 ,  200 , which support the tread platform members,  140 ; and a helical “skirt board railing member”  180 , that supports the tread platform members  140 . The device may have a plurality of “foot support members”  100 , located below the bottom tread storage platform member  110 . 
       Detailed Description of the Elements 
       [0032]    As may be appreciated by the drawings, and in accordance with embodiments of the current invention, the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , provides a base of stability for the entire device. The bottom tread storage platform member is flat and planar, of definite shape, and made of solid resilient material, and may contain decorative features. 
         [0033]    The bottom tread storage platform member includes a number of “through holes”  105 , for attachment of the center leg support member  120 , and outer leg support members  130 ,  200 . The bottom tread storage platform member  110 , may contain a number of “recess members”  101 . Recess members are concave recessed portions located on the surface of the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , or tread platform members  140 . The purpose of the recess members  101 , is to allow a chosen surface such as carpet, tile, or decorative wood to be inserted into the recess members without the chosen surface slipping when being stepped on. As shown in  FIG. 3C , optional “carpet tile members”  170 , are inserted into the recess members. The carpet tile members are flat pieces of decorative carpet, and approximately the same dimensions as the recess members. 
         [0034]    The center leg support member  120 , and outer leg support members  130 ,  200 , extend longitudinally perpendicular from the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , and provide support for the tread platform members  140 . The center leg support member  120 , and outer leg support members  130 ,  200  are made of a solid, resilient material, and may contain decorative features. 
         [0035]    The tread platform members  140 , serve as the horizontal stepping surface of the device. The tread platform members are flat and planar, of definite shape, and made of solid resilient material. The tread platform members are arranged so that they are vertically parallel in relation to the bottom tread storage platform member  110 . As shown in  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3B , and  FIG. 3C , each tread platform member is staggered both vertically and horizontally in relation to the bottom tread storage platform member such that the path ascending the individual tread platform members is upwardly helical, with the center leg support member  120 , being the central axis point of the spiral. 
         [0036]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3G , the arrangement of the tread platform members  140 , in relation to the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , may be configured in either the “left-hand spiral configuration” or the “right-hand spiral configuration. In the “left-hand-spiral-configuration”, the directional path of ascension is upwardly helical, and rotating left. Conversely, the directional path of ascension in the “right-hand configuration” is upwardly helical, and rotating right. 
         [0037]    Each tread platform member  140 , has an upper surface and a lower surface. As shown in  FIG. 3D , the lower surface of each tread platform member includes a number of “dado slots”  102 . Dado slots are recessed portions of the tread platform members  140 , and the bottom tread storage platform member  110 . The dado slots are recessed such that each dado slot will receive an individual “riser”  160 . The upper surface of each tread platform member  140 , includes a recess member  101 . The upper surface of each tread platform member  140 , also includes a number of dado slots  102 . 
         [0038]    The tread platform members  140 , are supported by a number of risers  160 . Risers are flat and planar, and made of resilient material. Risers are configured such that they provide vertical support for the tread platform members  140 . The risers are arranged such that they are perpendicular to both the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , and the tread platform members  140 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , each riser is inserted into dado slots  102 , in such a configuration as to allow each tread platform member  140 , to be supported by a corresponding riser  160 . Each riser will be staggered vertically and horizontally, similar to that of its corresponding tread platform member  140 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3F , risers  160 , may include “riser tabs”  161 . Riser tabs are portions of the riser surface which have been augmented to fit into the dado slots. The purpose of the riser tabs  161 , is to allow the risers to be inserted into the dado slots  102  to allow a snug, perfect fit. 
         [0039]    The foot support members  100 , may be located under the bottom tread storage platform member  110 . The foot support members extend longitudinally perpendicular in relation to the bottom tread storage platform member  110 . The foot support members  100 , extend in the opposite direction of the center leg support member  120 , and outer leg support members  130 ,  200 . The purpose of the foot support members is to raise the bottom tread storage platform member from the ground surface in a manner that provides balance and stability. The foot support members are made of solid, resilient material, and may contain decorative features. 
         [0040]    The skirt board railing member  180 , traverses the perimeter of the spiral and provides support for the tread platform members  140 . The skirt board railing member is constructed of bendable and pliable solid material, and is of definite shape. As shown in  FIG. 3C , the skirt board railing member is attached at various points to the edges of the tread platform members  140 , in such a manner that the skirt board railing member  180 , spirals in an upwardly helical configuration, and is perpendicular to the upper surface of the tread platform members  140 . The skirt board railing member may contain decorative features. 
         [0041]    How the Invention is Used 
         [0042]    The previously described version of the present invention has many advantages including a safe efficient, and easily storable design. The device can be assembled in either the “left-hand spiral configuration” or the “right-hand spiral configuration”. The device is versatile and maximizes available space in a room by conforming to the shape and arrangement of existing furniture. The device may also be configured in a number of different heights by changing the number of components. When storage is necessary, the device can be disassembled with ease. 
         [0043]    The device also provides a biologically safe environment. Certain pet steps and ramps are often covered with fabrics or carpet. With time, these surfaces begin to collect fleas and bacteria. The current invention allows for easy placement and removal of an aesthetic piece such as carpet tile to be inserted. Pet owners may choose the surface to match their individual tastes and room décor. 
       SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS AND EXAMPLES 
       [0044]    An example of an embodiment of the current invention is described in  FIG. 1  and is further described as the preferred design and best mode for carrying out the invention. The bottom tread storage platform member  110 , is constructed of maple wood, is substantially flat and planar, and is shaped as a “circular sector”, as shown in  FIG. 3G . The bottom tread storage platform member contains four through holes  105 . One through hole is placed near the center of the circular sector. The remaining three holes are spaced evenly, and placed near the perimeter of the “circular sector arc”, as shown in  FIG. 3G . The circular sector is further divided into four geometric “circular sector quadrants”, each having the same radius as the circular sector, with a central angle that is approximately one-fourth (¼) that of the larger circular sector. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3G  illustrates the “right-hand spiral configuration”. The recess members  101 , are shaped approximately the same as the four circular sector quadrants. In the “right-hand spiral configuration”, an individual recess member  101 , is located near the left side of the circular sector, as shown in  FIG. 3G . Dado slots  102 , are further recessed into the individual recess members. The dado slots are linear slots, located near the perimeter of the recess members, and parallel with the radius of the circular sector quadrant. 
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B , the center leg support member  120 , is an elongated cylinder attached to the upper surface of the bottom tread storage platform member  110 . The center leg support member is attached to the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , by inserting threaded screw type  104 , through a through hole  105 , in the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , and into a through hole  106 , in the center leg support member. As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the center leg support member  120 , is divided into four “segments”. Each segment is the approximate height of each of the risers  160 . Each segment has an additional through hole in the upper portion, as shown in  FIG. 3B . The center leg storage member is made of maple wood and is etched in a decorative manner. 
         [0047]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B , an outer leg support member  130 , and another outer leg support member  200 , are attached to the upper surface of the bottom tread storage platform member  110 . Each of the outer leg support members is an elongated cylinder with through holes  106 , in the upper and lower portions. The height of one outer leg support member  130 , is approximately twice the height of an individual riser  160 . The height of the remaining outer leg support member  200 , is approximately four times the height of an individual riser  160 . Each outer leg support member is attached to the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , by inserting threaded screw type  104 , into respective through holes  105 , in the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , and into the through holes  106 , in each outer leg support member. 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , this embodiment contains four tread platform members  140 , and four risers  160 . Each tread platform member is flat, and shaped similar to the circular sector quadrants. As illustrated in  FIG. 3D , each of the tread platform members  140 , contain four through holes  105 . One of the through holes  105 , located near the center of the circular sector quadrant, and the remaining three through holes  105 , are located along the perimeter of the “circular sector quadrant arc”, as shown in  FIG. 3D  and  FIG. 3E . As shown in  FIG. 3E , the lower surface of each tread platform member  140 , contains two dado slots  102 , located near the perimeter and parallel to the radius of the circular sector quadrant. The upper surface of each tread platform member  140  further contains a recess member,  101 . Each of the recess members are of similar shape to, but slightly smaller than its corresponding tread platform member  140 . Dado slots  102 , are further recessed into the individual recess member. The dado slots are linear slots, located near the perimeter of the recess members, and parallel with the radius of the circular sector quadrant. The tread platform members are made of maple wood. 
         [0049]    The risers  160 , are flat, and shaped like a simple concave polygon, as illustrated in  FIG. 3F . To render the shape of the riser, a flat piece of oil tempered hardboard is cut into the shape of a rectangle. The length of each respective rectangle is approximately the length of an individual tread platform member,  140 . Four slots are cut near the corners of the rectangle to create an extended surface, as illustrated in  FIG. 3F . The length of the extended surface is approximately the length of an individual dado slot,  102 . The width of each riser is approximately the width of an individual dado slot. The extended surface serves as a riser tab  161 . 
         [0050]    Construction of the device is illustrated in  FIG. 3B . A riser  160 , is inserted into a dado slot  102 , located on the upper surface of the bottom tread storage platform member  110 . One of the four center leg support member segments  120 , is attached to the bottom tread storage platform member  110 . The outer leg support members  130 ,  140 , are attached to the bottom tread storage platform member. The upper portion of the riser is inserted into a dado slot on the lower surface of an individual tread platform member  140 . An additional center leg support member segment  120 , is attached to the upper surface of the tread platform member,  140 . Another riser  160 , is inserted in the dado slot  102 , in the upper surface of the tread platform member  140 . The riser is inserted into a dado slot located on the bottom surface of an additional tread platform member  140 . The additional tread platform is attached to the top of the center leg support member segment  120 . Additionally, the tread platform member  140 , is attached to the center leg support member  200 , by passing a threaded fastener  103 , into a through hole  105 , on the upper surface of the tread platform member  140 , and into the through hole  106 , in the top of the center leg support member  106 . 
         [0051]    The process of adding additional risers  160 , tread platform members  140 , and center leg support member segments  120 , is repeated until the remaining two risers and tread platform members are securely attached. The last remaining tread platform member  140 , is attached to the outer leg support member  130 , by passing a threaded fastener  103 , into a through hole  105 , on the upper surface of the tread platform member  140 , and into the through hole  106 , in the top of the outer leg support member  106 ,  130 . 
         [0052]    The skirt board railing member  180 , is a flat piece of oil tempered hardboard, approximately one-fourth of an inch (¼″) thick. The skirt board railing member is shaped similar to a helical quadrilateral, as shown in  FIG. 3C . The width of the skirt board railing member  180 , is slightly larger than the arc length of one of the tread platform members  140 . The skirt board railing member is designed to be pliable and able to conform to the spiral shape of the device. The skirt board railing member contains decorative etching, as illustrated in  FIG. 3C . 
         [0053]    The bottom tread storage platform member  110 , and each of the tread platform members  140 , may be connected to the skirt board railing member  180 , using a threaded fastener  103 , and threaded fastener cover  107 , as shown in  FIG. 3C . The threaded fastener  103 , can be a standard screw type with a head or headless, which receives a nut. The threaded fastener cover  107 , may be any of the following: a standard washer type with a hole in center and hinged snap cover; a press on cover; or a threaded cover. Although  FIG. 3C  shows an embodiment with the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , and tread platform members  140 , being attached to the skirt board railing member  180 , with a threaded fastener  103 , and threaded fastener cover  107 , any latching mechanism is within the scope of this invention. 
         [0054]    The bottom tread storage platform member  110 , and each of the tread platform members  140 , may be connected to the center leg support member  120 , and outer leg support members  130 , and  200 , by inserting threaded screw type  104 , into respective through holes,  105 ,  106 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B . Although  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  shows an embodiment using a threaded fastener  104 , any latching mechanism that is capable of securing the center leg support member  120 , and outer leg support members  130 ,  200 , to the upper surface of the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , tread platform members  140 , is within the scope of this invention. 
         [0055]    Four foot support members  100 , are attached to the lower surface of the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . The foot support members are solid, roughly cylindrical, and elevate the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , from the surface of the ground. The foot support members are constructed of maple wood, and contain decorative features, as illustrated in  FIG. 3C . The foot support members are attached to the bottom tread storage platform member by inserting a threaded screw type  104 , into respective through holes  105 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B . Although  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  shows an embodiment using a threaded fastener  104 , any latching mechanism that is capable of securing the foot support members  100 , to the lower surface of the bottom tread storage platform member  110 , is within the scope of this invention. 
         [0056]    A finial member  150 , is attached to the upper surface of a tread platform member  140 , as shown in  FIG. 3C . The finial member is solid, cylindrical in shape, constructed of maple wood, and contains decorative features. The finial member is attached to the upper surface of a tread platform member by inserting a threaded screw type  104 , into respective through holes  105 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B . Although  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  shows an embodiment using a threaded fastener  104 , any latching mechanism that is capable of securing the finial member  150 , to upper surface of a tread platform member  140 , is within the scope of this invention. 
         [0057]    Alternatives 
         [0058]    Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show an embodiment with four risers and four tread platform members. However, an apparatus according to the present invention may include more or less risers and tread platform members. Additionally, an embodiment of the present invention may include a different number of outer leg support members and foot support members. The vertical height of the individual risers, center leg support members, and outer leg support members may also be increased or decreased. One embodiment may also not include the risers, such that the entire device has an open staircase look. 
         [0059]    As previously stated, the device can be configured in either the “left-hand spiral configuration” or the “right-hand spiral configuration”. The configuration is changed by the placement and directional relationship between the individual elements. As illustrated in  FIG. 3G  and  FIG. 3H , the placement of the recess member in the bottom tread platform member may determine the configuration. One embodiment contemplated by the present invention is to have a recess member on the upper and lower surface of the bottom tread platform member. Therefore, the configuration of the device could be changed by turning the bottom tread storage member upside down and attaching the corresponding elements. 
         [0060]    Another embodiment of the current invention contemplated is to include storage compartments. The storage compartments may be located behind the risers or below the tread platform members. An embodiment contemplated is the use of a removable or hinged lid under the carpet, or a pull-out drawer type, where the riser is located. The pull out drawer may pivot on the center leg support element, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0061]    Although a carpet tile member is mentioned, other aesthetic material may be inserted into the recess members. Plush decorative pillows are also an alternative to a carpet tile member as well as tile and wood. Although  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  show an embodiment of current invention used with a bed, the apparatus according to the current invention can be configured for other furniture or locations. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the descriptions of the preferred versions herein. 
         [0062]    Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6.