Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a motor vehicle of a saddle riding type having a reverse lock for preventing a shift change of the transmission into reverse while the motor vehicle is traveling forward, and a lock release mechanism for releasing this reverse lock. 
   RELATED ART 
   Among motor vehicles of a saddle riding type, a motor vehicle has been in practical use which comprises a reverse lock for preventing a shift change from being made into reverse while the motor vehicle is traveling in the forward direction. With regard to motor vehicles of a saddle riding type in practical use, it suffices in terms of practical use if the motor vehicles are provided with an operation unit for switching between a forward motion mode and a reverse motion mode, and if the operation unit is designed not to switch to a reverse motion mode while the motor vehicle is traveling forward. 
   In such motor vehicles of a saddle riding type, a motor vehicle has been known which is provided with a lever (an operation unit) for switching between a forward motion mode and a reverse motion mode, the lever being positioned on the right in the vehicle width direction and almost in the middle of the motor vehicle in the vehicle length direction (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-open Official Gazette No. Hei. 7-80426 (page 5, FIG. 2). 
     FIG. 9  is a diagram explaining a basic conventional structure. A motor vehicle  200  of a saddle ridding type is a motor vehicle in which a vehicle frame  201  is mounted with an engine  202 , the rotation of this engine  202  is shifted by a transmission  203 , and the output from this transmission  203  is conveyed to rear wheels  204  and  204 . A lever-shaped operation unit  205  for switching the transmission  203  between a forward motion mode and a backward (or reverse) motion mode is provided almost in the middle of the motor vehicle. In the figure, reference numerals  206  and  206  denote front wheels which are mounted to the vehicle frame in a way that the front wheels are rotatable;  207 , a front fender covering the front wheels  206  and  206 ; and  208 , a rear fender covering rear wheels  204  and  204 . 
   With regard to the motor vehicle  200  of a saddle riding type, its operability is excellent, since the lever-shaped operation unit  205  for switching between a forward motion mode and a backward motion mode is provided almost in the middle of the motor vehicle. However, in a case where the operation unit  205  is large in size, it brings about a problem in that the aesthetic appearance of the motor vehicle is marred. 
   In addition, since the motor vehicle  200  of a saddle riding type is a motor vehicle to be driven over rough terrain, mud and the like are splashed onto, and adhered to, the operation unit  205  easily. 
   In other words, a motor vehicle of a saddle riding type has been awaited which comprises an operation unit, which enables an aesthetic appearance to be improved, and which enables the splashing of water, mud and the like onto it to be prevented. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle of a saddle ridding type whose design can be improved by solving the problem of marring the aesthetic appearance of the motor vehicle, as described above. In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle of a saddle riding type which can prevent mud and the like from adhering to an operation unit by solving the problem of water, mud and the like being splashed onto the operation unit. 
   A locking assembly for a motor vehicle of a saddle riding type, in accordance with the instant invention includes, a reverse lock disposed in a transmission of the vehicle for preventing a shift change of the transmission into reverse when the vehicle is traveling forwards, a lock release mechanism having an actuator, the lock release mechanism being disposed in an opening in a front fender of the vehicle, such that the actuator projects above the opening, a cable operatively connecting the lock release mechanism with the reverse lock, such that actuation of the actuator causes the reverse lock to be released a main body of the lock release mechanism housed beneath the opening on an underside of the fender for covering the lock release mechanism, and a cover body disposed on the fender, such that sides of the actuator and the opening are covered. 
   For example, if the lock release mechanism can be installed in the front fender in a compact form, it is preferable in terms of improving the aesthetic appearance (design) of the motor vehicle. If splashing of water, mud and the like onto the operation unit (actuator) can be prevented, it is preferable since it allows the motor vehicle to be freely driven over rough terrain. 
   With this taken into consideration, the opening is provided to the front fender for the purpose of accepting the lock release mechanism therein and the main body of the lock release mechanism is housed underneath the opening. Concurrently, the actuator (or operation unit) of the lock release mechanism is caused to extend upwardly by from the opening, and the sides of the actuator and the opening are covered by the cover body. 
   In other words, the opening is provided in the front fender for the purpose of accepting the lock release mechanism in the front fender, and the main body of the lock release mechanism is housed underneath the opening on the underside of the fender, and concurrently the actuator of the lock release mechanism is caused to extend upwardly from the opening, thereby installing the lock release mechanism in the front fender in a compact form. 
   In addition, the sides of the actuator and the opening are covered with the cover body, thereby preventing the splashing of water, mud and the like on the actuator. 
   Further, the front fender is interposed between the cover body and the main body, and the lock release mechanism is disposed in the front fender by fastening the main body to the cover body. 
   The front fender is interposed between the cover body and the main body, and the lock release mechanism is disposed in the front fender by fastening the main body to the cover body, thereby enabling a bracket and a stay for exclusive use to be eliminated, for example when the lock release mechanism is installed thereto. 
   Further, the lock release mechanism is provided in a position on the right fender which allows a driver to operate the lock release mechanism with his right hand. 
   In general, a clutch is operated with the left hand. For this reason, the lock release mechanism is provided in a position which allows a driver to operate the lock release mechanism with his right hand, thereby making it easy to perform an operation of switching between a forward motion mode and a reverse motion mode. 
   Additionally, the main body is covered with a mud cover for preventing the splashing of water, mud and the like onto the main body. 
   The main body is covered with a mud cover for preventing the splashing of water, mud and the like onto the main body, and thereby reducing unevenness on the underside of the front fender. 
   An opening is provided in the front fender for the purpose of accepting the lock release mechanism in the front fender, the main body of the lock release mechanism is housed underneath the opening, and the actuator of the lock release mechanism extends upwardly from the opening, thereby enabling the lock release mechanism to be installed in the front fender in a compact form. As a result, this brings about advantages that the space efficiency concerning the front fender can be improved, and that the aesthetic appearance (design) of the motor vehicle can also be improved. 
   In addition, the sides of the actuator are covered with the cover body, thereby preventing mud and the like from splashing onto the actuator. As a result, it brings about an advantage that the motor vehicle can be freely driven over rough terrain. 
   Also, the front fender is interposed between the cover body and the main body, and the lock release mechanism is installed in the front fender by fastening the main body to the cover body, thereby enabling a bracket and a stay for exclusive use to be eliminated, for example when the lock release mechanism is installed in the fender. As a result, this brings about an advantage that the number of parts can be reduced. 
   Further, in general, the clutch is operated with the left hand in many cases, and the lock release mechanism is provided in a position which allows a user to operate the lock release mechanism with the right hand, thereby enabling an operation of switching between a forward motion mode and a reverse motion mode to be performed with ease. As a result, this brings about an advantage that the operability in the operation of switching between a forward motion mode and a reverse motion mode can be improved. 
   Additionally, the main body is covered with the mud cover for preventing water, mud and the like from splashing onto the main body, and thereby enabling unevenness on the underside of the front fender to be reduced. As a result, this brings about an advantage that the amount of mud adhered to the front fender can be reduced. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a right side view of a motor vehicle of a saddle riding type according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the motor vehicle of a saddle riding type according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing an actuator of a lock release mechanism of the motor vehicle of a saddle riding type according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a main body of the lock release mechanism of the motor vehicle of a saddle riding type according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is an explanatory view of the lock release mechanism and reverse lock of the motor vehicle of a saddle riding type according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded, perspective view of main components related to the lock release mechanism of the motor vehicle of a saddle riding type according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along the  7 - 7  line in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of the reverse lock of the motor vehicle of a saddle riding type according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 9  is a plan view illustrating a basic conventional structure of a saddle riding type motor vehicle. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   A description will be provided below for preferred embodiments to carry out the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. Incidentally, each drawing has to be looked at in the direction in which reference numerals have been written. 
     FIG. 1  is a right side view of a motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention. The motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type is a vehicle for being driven over rough terrain. In the motor vehicle  10 , a handle bar post  12  is installed to the front section of the vehicle frame  11 , and a handle bar  13  is installed onto the handle bar post  12  in a way that the handle bar  13  can be rotated. Front wheels  14  and  15  as right and left wheels (only the front wheel  15  on this side is illustrated) are installed on the lower end of the front section of the vehicle frame  11  in a way that the wheels  14  and  15  can rotate. Right and left rear wheels  16  and  17  (only the rear wheel  17  on this side is illustrated) are installed to the lower end of the rear section of the vehicle frame  11  in a way that the right and left rear wheels  16  and  17  can rotate. A power unit  21  constituting of an engine  18  and a transmission  19  is installed to the middle of the vehicle frame  11  in order to drive front wheels  14  and  15  as well as rear wheels  16  and  17 . 
   In other words, the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type is a four-wheel-drive buggy, and is classified as an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle). Since the body of the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type is light in weight and compact in size, and since the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type is a motor vehicle capable of hard cornering and with easy operability, the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type is an off-road vehicle suitable for transportation in agriculture, livestock farming, hunting, safety surveillance and the like, as well as for leisure activities. 
   In addition, the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type is a motor vehicle including a: reverse lock (or locking means)  110  which is provided on the side of the transmission  19  for the purpose of preventing a shift change of transmission  19  into reverse (backward running) while the motor vehicle  10  is traveling forward, and a lock release mechanism  50  which is provided on the side of the front fender  22  for the purpose of releasing the reverse lock  110  through a cable  58 . 
   In the figure, reference numeral  23  denotes a front guard for protecting the front section of the vehicle body;  24 , an exhaust pipe connected to the front portion of the engine  18 ;  26 , a silencer (muffler) connected to the exhaust pipe;  28 , a side cover;  31 , a rear fender;  32 , a seat rail extended from the right and left of the vehicle body frame  11  to the rear;  33 , a seat; and  36 , a fuel tank cap. 
     FIG. 2  is a plan view of the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention. Reference numeral  27  denotes a handle bar cover;  34  and  34 , step bars;  35  and  35 , floor steps;  41 , a clutch lever;  42 , a brake lever for braking the front wheels  14  and  15 ;  43 , an accelerator provided to the handle bar  13 ;  44 , a shift change pedal for choosing between a forward motion mode and a reverse motion mode of the transmission  19 , and for selecting a transmission gear ratio thereof; and  45 , a brake pedal for braking the rear wheels  16  and  17 . 
   With the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type, the clutch (not illustrated) is disconnected by grasping the clutch lever  41  with the left hand, and a transmission gear ratio of the transmission  19  is selected by operating the shift change pedal  44  with the left foot, thereby enabling the motor vehicle  10  to be driven forward. In addition, the front wheels  14  and  15  are braked by grasping the brake lever  42  with the right hand, and the rear wheels  16  and  17  are braked by stepping on the brake pedal  45  with the right foot, thereby enabling the motor vehicle  10  to be stopped. Furthermore, the clutch lever  41  is grasped with the left hand in a state that the motor vehicle  10  is stopped for a period, and an actuator knob  51  of the actuator of the lock release mechanism  50  is turned to the right by a quarter rotation with the right hand, and the transmission  19  is set to reverse by operating the shift change pedal  44  with the left foot, and the accelerator  43  is operated with the right hand, thereby enabling the motor vehicle  10  to be driven backward. 
   It can be said that the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type is a motor vehicle in which the lock release mechanism  50  is provided in a position which allows a driver to operate the lock release mechanism  50  with the right hand, or on the right side of the front fender  22 . 
   In general, in this type of vehicle, the clutch is operated with the left hand. For this reason, the lock release mechanism  50  is provided in a position which allows a driver to operate the lock release mechanism  50  with the right hand, thereby enabling an operation of switching between a forward motion mode and a reverse motion mode to be performed with ease (in a simple manner). As a result, the operability in the operation of switching between a forward motion mode and a reverse motion mode can be improved. 
     FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing an actuator  51  of the lock release mechanism  50  of the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a main body  52  of the lock release mechanism  50  of the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention. 
   The motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type is a motor vehicle in which an opening  73  is provided, (shown in  FIG. 4 ), through which to install the lock release mechanism  50  in the front fender  22 , and the main body  52  of the lock release mechanism  50  is housed underneath this opening  73 , and an actuator knob (actuator)  51 , shown in  FIG. 3 , of the lock release mechanism  50  is caused to extend upwardly from the opening  73 , thereby installing the lock release mechanism  50  in a front fender  22  in a compact form. In addition, the sides of the actuator knob (actuator)  51  are covered with a cover body  49  shown in  FIG. 3 , thereby preventing the splashing of water, mud and the like onto the actuator knob  51 . Furthermore, a cable  58  is extended out from the main body  52  to a transmission  19  shown in  FIG. 1 , and the transmission  19  is at the extremity of the cable  58 , thereby remotely controlling the reverse lock  110 . 
     FIG. 5  is an explanatory diagram of the lock release mechanism  50  and the reverse lock  110  of the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention. 
   The lock release mechanism  50  is constituted of the actuator knob (actuator)  51  which is caused to extend upwardly from the front fender  22  and the main body  52  housed underneath the front fender  22 . 
   The main body  52  includes, a housing  53  to be installed to the front fender  22 , a revolving spool (revolving drum)  54  housed in this housing  53  in a way that the revolving spool (revolving drum) can revolve, a restoring spring  55  interposed between revolving spool  54  and housing  53 , a dust seal  56  with which the interstices between the actuator knob  51  and the housing  53  are sealed, and a bracket  59  which is installed to the housing  53  with an o-ring  57  interposed between the bracket  59  and the housing  53 , and which supports the cable  58  extended from the revolving spool  54 . Incidentally, a rotation angle of the actuator knob  51  is set in a range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees by adjusting the play of the cable  58 . In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the rotation angle is set at 65 degrees. 
   In the figure, reference numeral  61  denotes an inner wire of the cable  58 ;  62 , an outer tube of the cable  58 ;  63 , a screw with which the operation knob  51  is fastened to the revolving spool  54 ; and  64 , a fitting screw with which the bracket  59  is fastened to the housing  53 . 
   In other words, the lock release mechanism  50  is a mechanism in which the revolving spool  54  is installed to the actuator knob  51 , the cable  58  is coiled around the revolving spool  54 , this cable  58  is extended from the housing  53 , and the extremity of the cable  58  is connected to an operation lever  113  of the reverse lock  110  which is provided to the side of the transmission  19 . The reverse lock  110  is released by rotating the actuator knob  51  in the direction shown by an arrow A, and by rotating the operation lever  113  in the direction shown by an arrow B, thereby allowing a shift change to be made into reserve (backward traveling). 
   By releasing the actuator knob  51 , the restoring function (elastic or biasing function) of the restoring spring  55  interposed between the housing  53  and the revolving spool  54  can return the lock release mechanism  50  and the reverse lock  110  to the initial condition, in which the reverse lock is in a locked position in which reverse gear cannot be engaged. 
     FIG. 6  is an exploded, perspective view of main components related to the lock release mechanism  50  of the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention. 
   Cover body  49 , includes a through hole through which the actuator knob  51  is caused to penetrate, a covering portion  67  for covering the sides (outer periphery) of the operation knob  51 , an edge portion  68  which is caused to contact the front fender  22 , and screw fitting bosses  69 , . . . ( . . . means a plurality) through which the main body  52  and the front fender  22  are fastened jointly. 
   The front fender includes a concave portion  71  which has the same shape as the edge portion  68  of the covering body  49 , a receiving portion  72  for receiving the housing  53 , the receiving portion  72  being formed in a way that it extends out from this concave portion  71 , an opening  73  which is made in the receiving portion  72 , and which, thereby, the actuator knob  51  is caused to penetrate through, and insertion holes  74 , . . . which are made in the receiving portion  72 , and which, thereby, the screw fitting bosses  69 , . . . are inserted into. 
   In other words, the concave portion  71  which has the same shape as the edge portion  68  of the cover body  49  are provided to the front fender  22 , thereby enabling the edge portion  68  of the cover body  49  to be positioned in this concave portion  71 . As a result, conditions in which the lock release mechanism  50  and the cover body  49  are fastened thereto is improved, and the convenience with which the lock release mechanism  50  and the cover body  49  are fastened thereto is enhanced. 
   Actuator knob  51 , includes, a tab  76  which is held with a thumb and a forefinger, an extended portion  77  which is extended from this tab  76 , and which is formed as a portion separate from the extended portion  76 , a spool fitting portion  78  which is formed at the extremity of the extended portion  77  in a way such that the spool fitting portion  78  is shaped like an oval when viewed cross-sectionally, and which, thereby, is caused to fit into the revolving spool  54 ; and a stop hole  79  (see  FIG. 5 ) which is made in the lower surface of the spool fitting portion  78 , and which, thereby, a stop screw  63  is fastened to the spool fitting portion  78 . 
   Housing  53 , includes boss portions  81 , which are fastened jointly to the front fender  22  and the covering body  49  with fitting screws, a seal fitting portion  82  in which the dust seal  56  is fitted, a support cylinder  83  for supporting the operation knob  51  in a way that the operation knob  51  can rotate, and a one-end holding portion  84  (see  FIG. 5 ) for holding one end of the restoring spring  55 . 
   The revolving spool  54  includes, an outer cylinder portion  87  which is installed to the housing  53  in a way that the outer cylinder portion  87  can rotate, an inner cylinder portion  88  for supporting the restoring spring  55 , a fitting hole  89  (see  FIG. 5 ) to which the operation knob  51  is fitted, and which is shaped like an oval when viewed cross-sectionally, a the-other-end holding portion  91  for holding the other end of the restoring spring  55 , and a cable coiling portion  92  around which the cable  58  is coiled. 
   The bracket  59  includes, holes  94 , through which fitting screws  93 , are caused to penetrate, the fitting screws  93  with which the bracket  59 , the housing  53 , the front fender  22  and the covering body  49  are fastened jointly; and a cable support portion  95  for supporting the cable  58  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
   A mud cover  97  is also a member which prevents the splashing of water, mud and the like onto the housing  53  and the bracket  59 , and which also reduces unevenness on the underside of the front fender  22 . 
     FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view taken along the  7 - 7  line in  FIG. 2 , and shows the side cross-section of the lock release mechanism  50 . 
   The motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type (see  FIG. 1 ) includes the reverse lock  110  (see  FIG. 1 ) which is provided on the side of the transmission  19  for the purpose of preventing a shift change into reverse while the motor vehicle  10  is traveling forward, and the lock release mechanism  50  which is provided on the side of the front fender  22  for the purpose of releasing the reverse lock  110  through the cable  58 . In the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type, the opening  73  is provided in the front fender  22  for the purpose of accepting the lock release mechanism  50  in the front fender  22 , the main body  52  of the lock release mechanism  50  is housed underneath this opening  73 , the actuator knob (actuator)  51  is caused to extend upwardly from the opening  73 , and the sides of this operation knob  51  and the opening  73  (around the actuator knob  51 ) are covered with the covering body  49 . 
   For example, if the lock release mechanism  50  can be installed to the front fender  22  in a compact form, it is preferable in terms of improving the aesthetic appearance (design) of the motor vehicle  10 . If the splashing of water, mud the like onto actuator  51  can be prevented, it is preferable since the motor vehicle  10  can be freely driven over rough terrain. 
   In other words, the opening  73  is provided in the front fender  22  for the purpose of accepting the lock release mechanism  50 , the main body  52  of the lock release mechanism  50  is housed underneath this opening  73 , and the actuator knob (actuator)  51  is caused to extend upwardly from the opening  73 , thereby enabling the lock release mechanism  50  to be installed in the front fender  22  in a compact form. As a result, the space efficiency concerning the front fender  22  can be improved, and the aesthetic appearance (design) of the motor vehicle  10  can also be improved. 
   In addition, the sides of the actuator knob (actuator)  51  and the opening  73  are covered with the covering body  49 , thereby enabling the splashing of water, mud and the like onto actuator  51  to be prevented. As results, the motor vehicle can be driven over rough terrain. 
   It can be said that, in the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type (see  FIG. 1 ), the front fender  22  is interposed between the cover body  49  and the main body  52 , and that the lock release mechanism  50  is installed on the front fender  22  by fastening the main body  52  to the cover body  49 . 
   The front fender  22  is interposed between the cover body  49  and the main body  52 , and the lock release mechanism  50  is installed on the front fender  22  by fastening the main body  52  to the cover body  49 , thereby, for example, enabling the bracket and the stay for exclusive use to be eliminated when the lock release mechanism  50  is installed. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced. 
   It can be said that, in the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type (see  FIG. 1 ), the main body  52  is covered with the mud cover  97  for preventing the splashing of water, mud and the like onto the main body. 
   The main body  52  is covered with the mud cover  97  for preventing the splashing of water, mud and the like onto the main body  52 , thereby enabling the splashing of water, mud and the like onto the main body to be prevented, and thereby enabling unevenness on the underside side of the front fender to be reduced. As result, the amount of mud adhering to the front fender  22  can be reduced. 
     FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of the reverse lock  110  of the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention. The reverse lock  110  includes, a rotating shaft  112  which is installed in a transmission case  111  in a way that the rotating shaft can rotate, an operation lever  113  which is connected with the extremity of the cable  58  by installing the operation lever  113  to one end of this rotating shaft  112 , a stopper arm  115  for restricting a rotation of the drum  114  for displacing a transmission gear (not illustrated) to a predetermined position by installing the stopper arm  115  to the other end of the rotating shaft  112 ; a torsion spring  116  for energizing the rotating shaft  112  in a predetermined direction by causing the torsion spring  116  to be interposed between this stopper arm  115  and the transmission case  111 ; and a detection switch  117  for detecting the rotation of the rotating shaft  112 , and for detecting the condition of the stopper arm  115 . The reverse lock  110  is to prevent a shift change from being made into reverse by restricting the rotation of the drum  114 . 
   Incidentally, the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention is a four-wheeled vehicle, as shown in  FIG. 2 . However, the motor vehicle is not limited to this. The motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type may be a three-wheeled vehicle. 
   With regard to the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention, the operation unit is the actuator knob  51 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . However, the actuator is not limited to this. The actuator may be what is shaped, for example, like a lever. 
   With regard to the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention, the tab  76 , and the extended portion  77 , of the actuator knob  51  are formed as separated bodies, as shown in  FIG. 7 . However, the tab  76  and the extended portion  77  are not limited to this. The tab  76 , and the extended portion  77 , of the operation knob  51  may be formed integrally. 
   With regard to the motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention, the rotation angle of the actuator knob  51  is set at 65 degrees. However, the rotation angle of the actuator knob  51  is not limited to this. The rotation angle of the actuator knob  51  may be an arbitrary angle by which the actuator knob  51  rotates. 
   The motor vehicle  10  of a saddle riding type according to the present invention is suitable as an all-terrain vehicle for enjoying sport driving. 
   Although a specific form of embodiment of the instant invention has been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in order to be more clearly understood, the above description is made by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the instant invention. It is contemplated that various modifications apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art could be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is to be determined by the following claims.

Technology Category: 4