Abstract:
An attachment apparatus for securing a portable multimedia device to an infant stroller or perambulator that is fully adjustable. The apparatus is connected to the stroller&#39;s side support arms by frame clamp mechanisms. An adjustable support arm structure, comprised of a telescopic second arm assembly pivotally attached thereto a telescopic first arm assembly, is attached to the frame clamp mechanisms. A tray assembly removably affixed to a latitudinal adjustment plate is releasably attached to an upper portion of said adjustable support arm structure supports and secures the portable multimedia device. A tilting mechanism at the releasable attachment point adjusts the viewing angle, and latitudinal adjustment is accomplished by manually adjusting the tray assembly in an axial direction with respect to the latitudinal adjustment plate via an adjustment knob and guide. When not in use, the entire apparatus can be detached and stowed to the tray assembly via stowing clips.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/783,666 filed on Mar. 20, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a unique system and method for viewing a digital video playback or similar multi-media entertainment device, while riding in a stroller, wheelchair, or similar apparatus and, more particularly, to an adjustable platform receiver and holder for a laptop computer with integral screen, a portable digital video device (DVD), and a compact disc player (CD) or other multimedia playback unit that attaches to the stroller, wheelchair, or similar riding apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Computer generated, video (DVD) and audio (CD) portable entertainment systems for motor vehicles have become popular optional features for motor vehicles, especially for family mini-vans and sport utility vehicles. Family mini-vans and sport utility vehicles commonly have both audio and video playback units for entertainment and education while traveling. Likewise, an ever-increasing number of people are traveling on public transportation such as trains, buses and airplanes with laptop computers and devices like an iPod® with pre-recorded material for their personal entertainment. Playing videos and recordings relieves the tedium of extended rides while being confined to a passenger seat. 
     Pre-recorded media recordings are available in selectable age-appropriate content entertainment and educational materials. People of all ages in most of the industrialized world have become accustomed to the concept of on-demand, transportable entertainment selections when traveling. The capability of having on-demand, audio-video playback has even extended to normal daily activities such as walking, jogging, working in an office, while around the home, and for relaxation. 
     Attempts have been made to temporarily attach some portable audio-visual playback units to infant strollers, wheelchairs, and similar riding conveyances. While portable laptop computers as well as portable all-in-one DVD and CD players exist for personal use, they have been not been adapted for temporary use with strollers or wheelchairs. 
     Safety is another prime consideration, especially when attaching a portable audio-visual device to entertain young children or individuals confined to wheel chairs. Concerns for safety extend beyond bodily injury caused by either the attachment apparatus or the playback device, to vision impairment that can be caused by viewing a video too closely and with excessive vibration. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to provide a stroller that incorporates an attachable entertainment device for children, notably U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,061, issued in the name of Kenner, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,377, issued in the name of Bretschger et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,764,133, issued in the name of Osato, U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,044, issued in the name of Lagace, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,445 issued in the name of Agee, Sr., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,156 issued in the name of Leal et al. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes a fully adjustable and secure attachment means for a multimedia device to a stroller or similar apparatus. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which audio and/or video entertainment material can be presented to anyone riding in a chair-like apparatus. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for the safe, temporary attachment of portable audio-visual devices onto strollers, wheelchairs, and the like for the entertainment and education of the occupants. 
     The apparatus described herein and method of use disclosed, solves the problem described above by means of an adjustable attachment arm structure and support tray that will securely support a portable audio-video playback device to a stroller, wheelchair, or the like. 
     Attachment and detachment of a portable audio-visual playback device is safe, secure, and requires minimal physical effort. The apparatus is capable of adjustably clamping to a side support member on almost any type of stroller. Releasable clamps, adaptable members, and flexible extension arms connect the receiving platform to the stroller or wheelchair. When properly installed, a visual playback unit will be at eye level to the riding occupant at a sufficiently safe distance. There is no height consideration for compact disc music playbacks. 
     Another object of the present invention provides for a pair of frame clamp mechanisms that provide a radial adjustment for said adjustable support arm structure thereto a cylindrical frame location. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for said support arm structure to further comprise a first support arm attachable to the frame of said stroller, wheelchair, or the like and to a latitudinal plate device, and a second support arm pivotally supported thereto said first support arm. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide both said first and second support arms to be telescopically adjustable and secured at a desired position with a slide lock means. 
     The apparatus, along with the playback unit, can be quickly installed and removed without the use of tools. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for said latitudinal adjustment plate to be releasably attached to said adjustment support arm structure via a release mechanism. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention provides for a tray assembly that is removably attachable and adjustable in an axial direction thereto said latitudinal adjustment plate. 
     Another object of the present invention provides for said tray assembly to have a retaining lip and a plurality of straps on an upper surface for retaining and securing a multimedia device thereon. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for a method for stowing said apparatus in an unused state via stowing clips located on a bottom surface of said tray assembly for removably attaching said adjustable support arm structure thereto when in a released state from said latitudinal adjustment plate. 
     The apparatus can be moved safety out of the way whenever the occupant needs to be attended or whenever the occupant needs to be seated into or removed from the stroller, wheelchair, or other similar conveyance. 
     While initially envisioned for an infant stroller and secondarily to wheelchairs, the apparatus could be utilized with other child care products such as high chair and carriers. The use of this invention and method of use provides the ability to safely entertain children in a stroller or individuals in wheelchairs with a portable DVD player, laptop computer, CD player, or other multi-media playback unit in a safe and efficient manner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of an attachment means for a portable multimedia device  10  attached thereto a baby stroller  80 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 2   a  is a side perspective view of the attachment means for a portable multimedia device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 2   b  is a close-up view of the strap  42  portion of the attachment means for a portable multimedia device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom-looking perspective view of the attachment means for a portable multimedia device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4   a  is a close-up perspective view of the release mechanism  50  portion of the attachment means for a portable multimedia device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a section view of the release mechanism  50  portion of the attachment means for a portable multimedia device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and; 
         FIG. 5  is close-up perspective view of the support arm  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6   a  is an exploded view of a frame clamp mechanism  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6   b  is an assembly view of a frame clamp mechanism  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7 , a perspective view of the stowed configuration of the attachment means for a portable multimedia device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  attachment means for a portable multimedia device 
               20  first support arm 
               21  second support arm 
               22  slide lock 
               23  second outer shaft 
               24  second inner shaft 
               25  pivot clamp 
               26  first outer shaft 
               27  first inner shaft 
               28  tilt adjustment 
               29  tilt knob 
               30  frame clamp mechanism 
               31  clamp block 
               32  clamp liners 
               33  clamp cap 
               34  clamp knob 
               35  arm connector 
               40  tray assembly 
               41  tray lip 
               42  strap 
               43  tray slots 
               44  tray 
               50  release mechanism 
               51  release spring 
               52  release button 
               53  release post 
               60  latitudinal adjustment plate 
               61  latitudinal adjustment groove 
               62  knob 
               70  multimedia device 
               80  baby stroller 
               81  side support member 
               90  stowing clamps 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method for attaching a portable multimedia device  70  thereon a baby stroller  80 . The attachment means for a portable multimedia device (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  provides a means to mount various multimedia devices  70  in a secure and stabile means for normal viewing by the baby stroller  80  occupant. Furthermore, the apparatus  10  provides a fully adjustable and a removably attachable mounting structure to enable easy stowing during child loading/unloading as well as adjustability of the viewing angles and positions of the multimedia device  70 . The apparatus  10  comprises a tray assembly  40 , a latitudinal adjustment plate  60 , a tray tilt mechanism  28 , an adjustable support arm structure  20 ,  21 , a frame clamp mechanism  30 , and a release mechanism  50  to remove the tray assembly  40  from the attachment structure. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be fabricated of durable and lightweight materials, to support the weight of various multimedia devices  70  and to also provide a safe environment for the baby stroller occupant. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Illustrated here is the apparatus  10  installed and specifically configured for a typical baby stroller  80 . The apparatus  10  provides a means of attachment to the side support members  81  by two (2) frame clamp mechanisms  30  which will be discussed in detail below (see  FIG. 6   a ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a side perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises an attachment system which further comprises a removably attachable first support arm  20 , and a removably attachable second support arm  21 . The apparatus  10  also comprises a tray assembly  40  which further comprises a tray  44 , tray straps  42 , tray slots  43 , and a tray lip  41 . The apparatus  10  also comprises a release mechanism  50  which further comprises a release spring  51 , a release button  52 , and a release post  53 . The release mechanism  50  will be discussed in greater detail below (see  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b ). The apparatus  10  also comprises a tilt adjustment  28 , a tilt knob  29 , a latitudinal adjustment plate  60 , a latitudinal adjustment groove  61 , and a knob  62 . The first support arm  20  comprises a secure and adjustable mechanical connection between the baby stroller and the release mechanism  50  (see  FIG. 5 ). The second support arm  21  comprises a secure and adjustable mechanical connection between the baby stroller  80  and the first support arm  20  (see  FIG. 5 ). The tray  44  is envisioned to be approximately 9″×13″ and provides a flat surface comprising a tray lip  41  located around, and molded into, the entire perimeter of the top surface of the tray  40  providing secure retention of the multimedia device. The tray  44  is envisioned to be manufactured using durable and light weight materials such as, but not limited to, hard plastic, aluminum, or the like. The tray straps  42 , provide a means of secure attachment of the multimedia device  70  to the tray  40  and are envisioned to be made of materials such as, but are not limited to, a hook-and-loop assembly, elastic strapping, non-elastic strapping, fabric straps with buckles, or the like. The tray slots  43  are envisioned to provide a means to hook to or thread the said straps  42  through the tray  40 . The tilt adjustment  28  provides radial adjustment of the multimedia device  70  viewing angle. The tilt adjustment  28  comprises a tilt knob  29 . The tilt knob  29  is envisioned to be a common knob with integral threaded stud and is commercially available. The tilt adjustment  28  is envisioned to be constructed of a circular locking device providing a corresponding and interlocking surface with the release post  53 . The said circular locking device provides positive radial positioning of the tray assembly  40  and uses features such as, but not limited to, a ball-detent, radial grooves, knurled surfaces, toothed perimeter, or the like. The latitudinal adjustment plate  60  provides a means to adjust the position of the tray assembly  40  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   b , a close-up view of the strap  42  portion of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The tray straps  42 , provide a means of secure attachment of the multimedia device  70  to the tray  40  and are envisioned to be made of materials such as, but are not limited to, a hook-and-loop assembly, elastic strapping, non-elastic strapping, fabric straps with buckles, or the like. The tray slots  43  are envisioned to provide a means to hook to or thread the said straps  42  through the tray  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a bottom-looking perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. This view helps to illustrate the latitudinal adjustment plate  60 , and the stowing clamps  90 . The latitudinal adjustment plate  60  provides adjustment of the tray assembly  40  in a latitudinal direction thereby changing the multimedia device  70  viewing angle. The latitudinal adjustment plate  60  is envisioned to be attached to the tray assembly  40  via a knob  62  and is guided axially in a latitudinal direction by a latitudinal adjustment groove  61  which is envisioned to be molded or formed integrally into the latitudinal adjustment plate  60 . The knob  62  is envisioned to be a common knob with an integral threaded stud and is commercially available. The knob  62  is envisioned as being screwed into a threaded insert which is molded integrally into the bottom of the tray  44 . The stowing clamps  90  provide a means for stowing the support arms  20 ,  21 . The stowing clamps  90  comprise an interfering and locking fit between said locking grooves and the outside diameter of the outer shafts  23 ,  26  of the support arms  20 ,  21 . The stowing clamps  90  are envisioned to be molded and form an integral part of the tray  44 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , a close-up perspective view of the release mechanism  50  element of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a release mechanism  50 , a first support arm  20 , a tray  44 , a latitudinal adjustment plate  60 , a tray tilt mechanism  28 , and a knob  29 . The release mechanism  50  further comprises a release button  52 , a release post  53 , and a release spring  51 . The release button  52  provides a means to quickly release and remove the tray assembly  40  from the apparatus  10 . The release post  53  comprises a circular locking device providing a corresponding and interlocking surface thereto the tilt adjustment  28 . The said circular locking device provides positive radial positioning of the tray assembly  40  and uses features such as, but not limited to, a ball-detent device, radial grooves, knurled surfaces, a circular toothed device, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   b , a section view of the release mechanism  50  portion of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The release button  52  comprises a finger-actuated type which slides in a linear direction in a square hole formed in the latitudinal adjustment plate  60 . The release button  52  further comprises a keyhole shaped opening which enables insertion and locking of the release post  53 . The release spring  51  provides a static force to the release mechanism  50  thereby maintaining the locked condition during normal use of the apparatus  10 . The release mechanism  50  is envisioned to be made of durable and lightweight materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, aluminum, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a close-up of the support arm  20 ,  21  portion of the apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The support arm portion  20 ,  21  of the apparatus  10  comprises a first support arm assembly  20  and a second support arm assembly  21  thereby providing a secure connection at two (2) locations on the baby stroller  80 . 
     The first support arm  20  provides a removably attachable means of securing the apparatus  10  to the rear portion of the baby stroller  80 . The first support arm  20  furthera tilt adjustment  28 , a knob  29 , an inner shaft  27 , an outer shaft  26 , a pivot clamp  25 , a slide lock  22 , and an arm connector  35 . The first support arm  20  is envisioned to be made of durable and lightweight materials such as plastic, aluminum, or the like. The tilt adjustment  28  provides a means to adjust the viewing angle of the multimedia device  70 . The tilt adjustment  28  further comprises a tilt knob  29 . The tilt knob  29  is envisioned to be a common knob with an integral threaded stud and is commercially available. The tilt adjustment  28  is envisioned to be constructed of a circular locking device providing a corresponding and interlocking surface with the release post  53 . The said circular locking device provides positive radial positioning of the tray assembly  40  and uses features such as, but not limited to, a ball-detent device, radial grooves, knurled surfaces, a circular toothed device, or the like. The pivot clamp  25  provides a means of solid attachment and radial adjustment to the second support arm  21 . The inner shaft  27  and outer shaft  26  provide a means to position the apparatus  10  in a variety of configurations based upon the particular baby stroller  80  design. The inner shaft  27  is envisioned to slide within the outer shaft  26  in a telescoping manner and is held in relative position via a slide lock  22 . The slide lock  22  is constructed using a common tubular slide lock device found on many photographic tripods. The first outer shaft  26  provides a means of attachment to the frame clamp mechanism  30  via an arm connector  35 . The first outer shaft  26  is envisioned to be attached to the arm connector  35  using fastening devices such as, but not limited to screws, rivets, adhesives, or the like. The frame clamp mechanism  30  will be discussed in greater detail below (see  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b ). 
     The second support arm  21  provides a removably attachable means of securing the apparatus  10  to the lower portion of the baby stroller  80 . The second support arm  21  comprises an inner shaft  24 , an outer shaft  23 , a pivot clamp  25 , a slide lock  22 , and an arm connector  35 . The pivot clamp  25  provides a means of radial attachment to the first support arm  20 . The inner shaft  24  and outer shaft  23  provide a means to position the apparatus  10  in a variety of configurations based upon the particular baby stroller  80  design. The inner shaft  24  is envisioned to slide within the outer shaft  23  in a telescoping manner and is held in relative position via a slide lock  22 . The slide lock  22  is constructed using a common tubular slide lock device found on many photographic tripods. The second outer shaft  23  provides a means of attachment to the frame clamp mechanism  30  via an arm connector  35 . The second outer shaft  23  is envisioned to be attached to the arm connector  35  using fastening devices such as, but not limited to screws, rivets, adhesives, or the like. The frame clamp mechanism  30  will be discussed in greater detail below (see  FIGS. 7A and 7B ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6   a , an exploded view and  FIG. 6   b  an assembly view of a frame clamp mechanism  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The frame clamp mechanism  30  is envisioned to be removably attachable, and vertically and radially adjustable along the side support member  81  of the baby stroller  80 . The frame clamp mechanism  30  also provides a means of radial adjustment to the support arms  20 ,  21 . The frame clamp mechanism  30  comprises a clamp knob  34 , an arm connector  35 , a clamp block  31 , clamp liners  32 , and a clamp cap  33 . The clamp knob  34  provides a means to manually loosen and adjust the elements of the frame clamp mechanism  30 . The clamp knob  34  is envisioned to be a common knob with an integral threaded stud and is commercially available. The arm connector  35  provides an adjustable means to connect the support arms  20 ,  21  to the frame clamp mechanism  30 . The arm connector  35  is envisioned to be connected to the outer shafts  23 ,  26  using attachment means such as, but not limited to, bolts, rivets, screws, or the like. The arm connector  35  is envisioned to be constructed of a circular locking device providing corresponding and interlocking surfaces. The said circular locking device provides positive radial positioning of the support arms  20 ,  21  and uses features such as, but not limited to, a ball-detent device, radial grooves, knurled surfaces, a circular toothed device, or the like. The clamp block  31 , the clamp liners  32 , and the clamp cap  33  together provide an attachment means to the side support member  81  using a 4-part clamp assembly with interchangeable clamp liners  32 . The clamp liners  32  are envisioned to be provided as an accessory to the apparatus  10  comprising a variety of internal geometries that conform to various side support member  81  profiles. The clamp cap  33  is further envisioned to be attached to the clamp block  31  with fasteners such as bolts, screws, and the like. The frame clamp mechanism is envisioned to be made from durable and lightweight materials such as plastic, aluminum, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of the stowed configuration of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises stowing clamps  90 , Support arms  20 ,  21 , a tray  40 , a latitudinal adjustment plate  60 , and a release post  53 . The stowing clamps  90  comprise two (2) locking grooves providing a means for stowing the support arms  20 ,  21 . The stowing clamps  90  further comprise molded features that provide an interfering and locking fit between said locking grooves and the outside diameter of the outer shafts  23 ,  26 . The stowing clamps  90  are envisioned to be molded and formed integrally to the tray  44 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1   
     The method of utilizing the device may be achieved by performing the following steps: selecting two (2) side support members  81  to attach the apparatus  10  thereto; attaching the clamp block  31 , the clamp liners  32 , and the clamp cap  33  onto the side support member  81  using the fasteners provided with the apparatus  10 ; pre-assembling the two (2) support arms  20 ,  21  to the release post  53 ; attaching the pre-assembled support arms  20 ,  21  to the frame clamp mechanisms  30  via the arm connector  35  and the clamp knob  34 ; adjusting the position of the support arms  20 ,  21  into an approximate final location by manipulation of the frame clamp mechanisms  30 , the slide locks  22 , and the pivot clamp  25 ; tightening the frame clamp mechanisms  30 , and the slide locks  22  temporarily; pre-assembling the tray assembly  40  and the latitudinal adjustment plate  60 ; installing the tray assembly  40  and latitudinal adjustment plate  60  pre-assembly to the release post  53  via the release button  52 ; making final adjustments to the position of the apparatus  10  by further manipulation of said adjustment means; installing the multimedia device  70  and the straps  42  securely to the apparatus  10 ; activating and viewing the multimedia device  70  by the baby stroller  80  occupant. 
     The stowing of the apparatus  10  can be appreciated by performing the following steps: removing the tray assembly  40  portion of the apparatus  10  by depressing the release button  52  and lifting the said tray assembly  40  from the apparatus  10 . 
     A more complete stowage method for the apparatus  10  can be realized by performing the following steps; removing the support arms  20 ,  21  at the frame clamp mechanisms  30  via the clamp knobs  34 ; detaching the tray assembly  40  at the tilt adjustment  28  via the tilt knob  29 ; attaching the support arms  20 ,  21  to the underside of the tray assembly  40  via the stowing clamps  90 . 
     It will also be appreciated that the apparatus  10  may be installed, with little use of tools or modification, thereby minimizing the number of parts required and hence reducing manufacturing and distribution costs. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while this invention has been described with particular reference to attachment to a baby stroller  80 , the present invention is not limited thereto, as the tray assembly  40  of this invention can be equally well attached to a frame member of buggies, carriages, luggage, high chairs, and other movable or immovable devices. Although a side support member  81  of a round profile was envisioned for a frame clamp mechanism  30 , other profiles of a plurality of designs are envisioned permitting the affixing of the apparatus  10  onto a plurality of side support members  81  of different profiles and designs. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.