CORNHOLE PLAYING COURT

Abstract

A cornhole court including a floor and spaced-apart board registration features printed and/or connected to the floor for providing spacing and alignment (and optionally removable engagement of cornhole boards to the floor) at a preconfigured spacing. In some examples, the spacing between front ends of the boards is about 27 feet. In example embodiments, a plurality of indicia may be provided on the floor of the cornhole court, for example, which can be for advertising, branding, promotional, sponsorship or other business opportunities. Other embodiments include a board-mounted module for communicating with a board-mounted module of an opposing board, and for example, for communicating with at least one electronic device.

Claims

1. A cornhole court comprising: a rectangular floor comprising an outer edge; a first set of spaced-apart board registration features printed on a first side of the rectangular floor and a second set of board registration features printed on a second side of the rectangular floor, the first and second set of board registration features being spaced apart so as to define a length of between about 21-27 feet therebetween.

2. The cornhole court of claim 1, further comprising a pair of boards for alignment and placement against the registration features.

3. The cornhole court of claim 1, further comprising indicia printed on at least a portion of the floor.

4. The cornhole court of claim 1, further comprising lines printed on the floor, the lines outwardly extending from each outer end of each of the board registration features towards the outer edge.

5. The cornhole court of claim 1, wherein the floor weighs about 13 oz/yd.sup.2 and comprises a polyester scrim layer and an outer PVC layer.

6. The cornhole court of claim 1, wherein the floor comprises a vinyl UV printed sheet material.

7. The cornhole court of claim 1, wherein an outermost registration feature of the sets of board registration features defines a distance of about 27 feet therebetween.

8. The cornhole court of claim 1, wherein a middle registration feature of the sets of board registration features defines a distance of about 24 feet therebetween.

9. The cornhole court of claim 1, wherein an innermost registration feature of the sets of board registration features defines a distance of about 21 feet therebetween.

10. The cornhole court of claim 1, wherein the floor is generally rectangular in shape and defines a length of between about 30-60 feet and a width of between about 3-14 feet.

11. The cornhole court of claim 1, wherein the floor is generally rectangular in shape and defines a length of between about 36 feet and a width of between about 6 feet.

12. The cornhole court of claim 1, wherein the floor is generally rectangular in shape and defines a length of between about 40 feet and a width of between about 8 feet.

13. The cornhole court of claim 2, wherein a front end portion of each board is configured for removable engagement with the spaced-apart board registration features so as to easily provide a desired spacing between the boards, and wherein removable engagement of the front end portion of each board with the board registration features prevents displacement of the board relative to the floor.

14. An automatic measuring device for spacing opposing cornhole boards comprising: a floor defining a length of at least about 27 feet and a width of at least about 4 feet; a first pair of board registration members mounted to the floor and configured for removable engagement with the cornhole boards so as to define a length of 27 feet between front ends of the opposing cornhole boards; a second pair of board registration members mounted to the floor and configured for removable engagement with the cornhole boards so as to define a length of 24 feet between front ends of the opposing cornhole boards; and a third pair of board registration members mounted to the floor and configured for removable engagement with the cornhole boards so as to define a length of 21 feet between front ends of the opposing cornhole boards.

15. An automatic measuring device for spacing opposing cornhole boards comprising a board-mounted module mounted to each board, the board-mounted module comprising a housing component comprising an electronic control system comprising hardware, software, a processor and memory and a power supply, wherein the electronic control system of each module can connect and communicate with each other and at least one electronic device, wherein the board-mounted modules are capable of obtaining a distance defined therebetween such that any displacement of the boards provides an alert to the electronic device.

16. The automatic measuring device of claim 15, further comprising obtaining data regarding the impact force and location of impact of at least one tossed bag that lands or otherwise at least partially contacts at least a portion of the board.

17. The automatic measuring device of claim 15, wherein the power supply is rechargeable.

18. The automatic measuring device of claim 15, further comprising a sensor for sensing the passing of at least one bag through an opening formed in the board, wherein the sensor provides feedback regarding the passing and count of the number of bags that pass therethrough.

19. The automatic measuring device of claim 15, wherein data from the sensor can be processed and received by the electronic device such that the score can be kept automatically.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a cornhole playing court according to an example embodiment of the present invention, and shows a pair of playing boards being positioned towards each other at their outermost respective playing board registration feature.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the cornhole playing court of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the cornhole playing court of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the cornhole playing court of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an end view of the cornhole playing court of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective detailed view of a portion of the court of FIG. 1, showing a detailed close-up view of a grommet.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the court and grommet connected therewith taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a cornhole playing court according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

[0023] Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from about or approximately one particular value and/or to about or approximately another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

[0024] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-7 show a playing field or court 10 for facilitating the playing of a game, for example, for playing at least one cornhole game. According to example embodiments, the court 10 comprises a generally rectangular ground surface or floor 20 and one or more spaced-apart board registration features 40. According to example embodiments, an outer border or edge 26 is depicted and can be provided, which extends around the entirety of the perimeter of the floor 20, for example, which is about 3 inches in width and extends uniformly around the entirety of the court. According to some example embodiments, a wall, barrier, projection, inflatable bladder, or other component(s) or object(s) can be provided for attachment or integration with the outer periphery of the court 10. In some example embodiments, the wall or projection can be raised above the floor 20 by between about 2-72 inches, for example about 4-36 inches according to some example embodiments, for example about 6 inches according to one example embodiment. In example embodiments, the court defines four corners 24 where the outer edges 22 intersect. According to example embodiments, the component(s) or object(s) to act as an outer barrier or wall are preferably lightweight and flexible and/or deformable (or easily expandable and collapsible).

[0025] In example embodiments, the court 10 comprises sides 12, 14 defining a length L1 of between about 30 feet to about 60 feet, for example, about 36 feet according to one embodiment and about 40 feet according to the depicted example embodiment. The court 10 also comprises ends 16, 18 defining a width W1 of between about 4 feet to about 40 feet, for example, about 6 feet according to one example embodiment and about 8 feet according to the depicted example embodiment.

[0026] According to one example embodiment, the floor 20 comprises a 13 oz/yd2 COOLFLEX Cooley Group sheet material. According to one embodiment, the floor 20 comprises a 13 oz/yd2 sheet material comprising a polyester scrim layer (10001000 denier) and an outer PVC coating or layer. According to another example embodiment, the floor 20 comprises a 13 oz/yd2 vinyl material comprising a polyester scrim layer (10001000 denier) and an outer PVC coating or layer. According to some example embodiments, the scrim layer is woven to comprise about 1-30 threads per square inch (e.g., creating a square matrix-like pattern), which is then coated with polyvinylchloride (PVC) to provide a durable and printable sheet material. According to other example embodiments, the weight of the floor 20 can vary between about 7 oz/yd2 to about 16 oz/yd2. According to some example embodiments, the thickness T1 of the floor 20 (see FIG. 7) is generally between about 1/64 inch- inch. In other example embodiments, the thickness T1 can be chosen as desired.

[0027] According to some example embodiments, at least some indentions or patterned projections are provided in the outer surface of the floor 20, for example, which are caused by the inner woven scrim layer and are preferably beneficial so as to provide sufficient frictional engagement when slippery so as to not cause hazard to a user or player. Thus, the scrim layer and the outer PVC layer provide an excellent non-slip walking and playing surface. Furthermore, the combination of the polyester scrim layer and outer PVC layer preferably provide enhanced protection against damaging the bags during play. According to example embodiments, the frictional engagement between the fabric of the bag and the floor 20 (e.g., outer PVC layer of the floor 20) is such that the fabric (and stitching thereof) wears less and does not become damaged as quickly as bags typically do that get tossed on various other unfavorable surfaces where the cornhole game is usually played (e.g., without a court as described herein and when played on concrete, gravel, dirt, grass, wood decking, carpet, etc.).

[0028] In other example embodiments, the floor 20 can be formed from any desirable material or combinations thereof including vinyl, PVC, polyester, polymers, plastics, vinyls, laminates, carpets, tufted and/or loop piles of any height, natural materials, synthetic materials, composites, paper, wood, etc. According to yet other example embodiments, the floor 20 can be formed from a plurality of materials (singly and/or combinations thereof) including carpet (cut and/or loop pile), turf-like material and/or flooring, tufted backing material, synthetic or natural sheet materials, rip-stop, composites, polyesters, natural materials, synthetic materials, one or more fabrics, vinyl sheet materials, or other materials or flooring as desired. According to some example embodiments, the floor 20 is generally formed from a single large piece of material, for example, which can be folded to a compact collapsed configuration for transport or storage. According to another example embodiment, the floor 20 is formed from a single piece of material and is both folded and rolled so as to obtain a compact package for storage and/or transport. According to yet another example embodiment, the floor 20 (e.g., and court 10 thereof) is rolled up similar to rolling up a rug, for example, to obtain a rolled-up cylindrical package. Optionally, the package can be at least folded once and optionally rolled as desired, for example, wherein only folding, or for example, folding and rolling, can provide a compact or collapsed package.

[0029] In example embodiments, boards 30 are spaced a distance from each other, for example, generally between about 12 feet to about 35 feet, for example, between about 21 feet to about 27 feet according to one example embodiment. In one example embodiment, the board 30 is generally configured so as to meet the standard guidelines and rules of the American Cornhole Association (see https://www.playcornhole.org/pages/rules), for example, wherein each board 30 is about 47.5 to 48 inch by 23.5 to 24 inch rectangle made of plywood that is at least a 0.5 inch thick. ACA sanctioned cornhole tournaments should only be played with wooden boards, as there is significant variance in play between wooden, plastic, and other surfaces. The hole in the board is 6 inches in diameter. Its center is 9 inches from the top and 12 inches from each side of the board edges. The front of the board is 3-4 inches from bottom to top. The back of the board is approximately 12 inches from ground to the highest point of the deck. The board finish can be sanded to a very smooth texture, and there is generally not any blemishes in the wood surface that might disrupt or distort play. The board can be painted with a semi-gloss exterior latex paint resulting in a surface that allows bags to slide, but is not so slippery that it allows the bags to slide back down the board. The cornhole bags are generally made from two fabric squares 6.25 square inches with a 0.25 inch stitched seam on all four sides. Bags are generally made from durable fabric (cotton, canvas, polyester, other combinations, etc.). Each bag is generally filled with approximately 2 cups of feed corn and finished bags should be roughly 6 square inches and weigh 14-16 ounces. ACA will allow the use of plastic pellets (All Weather Cornhole Bags) in lieu of feed corn. ACA offers both Corn-Filled and All Weather cornhole bags.

[0030] According to example embodiments, board registration identifiers or features 40 are provided on the floor 20 of the court 10, for example, which are generally positioned so as to allow for placement or registering of the front ends or edges of the boards 30 so as to easily provide a desired spacing therebetween. In example embodiments, the front end portions of the boards 30 can be merely placed for alignment with the desired registration feature. For example, according to one example embodiment, the registration features 40 are printed markings, and thus, do not project or otherwise comprise any surface features that may permit engagement with the boards 30. In other example embodiments, the registration features may comprise a desired projection, for example, something small and subtle that can be used for maintaining board alignment and spacing, but that does not interfere with playing cornhole.

[0031] According to one example embodiment, for example as depicted in FIG. 8, a court 100 comprises registration features 148, for example, which each comprise a first engagement member 149 that is configured for removable engagement with a second engagement member 137 of a board securing device 136 of the board 130. According to example embodiments, the second engagement member 137 is connected to a front portion of the board 130, and thus, is configured for removable engagement with any of the first engagement members 149. As such, when placed on the floor and the second engagement member 137 connected with the first engagement member 149, the board 130 remains securely attached to the court 100 until it is desired to reposition/remove the board 130 therefrom.

[0032] According to one example embodiment, the first and second engagement members 149, 137 comprise loop and hook material, respectively. In other example embodiments, the boards 30, 130 can preferably be removably connected to the board registration features 40, 148 as desired, for example, by one or more clips, connectors, clasps, buckles, straps, engagement features, magnets, male and female compatible connectors, suction cups, adhesives, enhanced-friction materials and/or other desired connectors, couplings and/or materials as desired. According to another example embodiment, a pair of spaced-apart magnets are embedded or otherwise secured at each of the board registration features 40. With a similar spacing, magnets or ferrous-magnetic materials are secured or embedded with one or more portions of the boards 30, 130, for example, such that the boards 30, 130 magnetically secure themselves to the floor of the court 10, 100.

[0033] According to example embodiments, three board registration features 40 are provided on the floor 20 near each end thereof, for example, wherein outermost features 42 define a distance L2 of about 27 feet therebetween, middle or central features 44 define a distance L3 of about 24 feet therebetween, and wherein innermost features 46 define a distance L4 of about 21 feet therebetween (see FIG. 2). According to example embodiments where the registration features 40 project from the floor and are not merely printed markings, the registration features 40 are generally formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material and are generally permanently connected to the floor 20, for example, by adhesives, fasteners, thread or sewing, bonding or welding, or other connectors or couplings as desired. In other example embodiments, the registration features 40 can be removably mounted to the floor 20. In example embodiments, the front end or edge of the board is intended to be generally registered and nest itself within at least a portion of the registration feature. In some example embodiments, one or more mechanical fasteners, for example, male and female components, hooks and/or loops, overhanging coupling features, sliding clasps and/or connectors, and/or other connecting means can be provided so as to at least removably secure the board with the desired registration feature. According to other example embodiments, the registration feature can be removably mountable to either of the three positions, and thus, only one registration feature is provided for each set of registration features.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 6-7, the border 26 of the outer perimeter is applied on the floor 20 by a printer, for example, which can be a similar color and done simultaneously when applying the board registration features 40 and/or any desired indicia 70 applied to other areas of the court 10. Furthermore, other printing applications can be provided (simultaneously with the application of the border and the registration features 40 or can be separate) to include 1) rectangular outlines of the boards extending from the registration features 42 (see FIG. 1), 2) one or more foul lines extending outwardly from one or more outward ends of the registration features 40, 3) and/or any other desired indicia that may be applicable to the court's 10 brand and/or other business opportunities including licensing, promotional, marketing, collegiate licensing (or other licensing opportunities with other leagues and/or associations), sponsorships, tournaments, cornhole leagues, other events, etc. According to one example embodiment, an ultra-violet (UV) printer is used for the application of the desired border 26, the registration features 42, 44, 46, a desired logo or other marketing or promotional graphics 70, or for example, any other desired indicia or graphics, foul lines, logos, etc. as desired. Optionally, other printers can be used to apply the desired indicia and features thereon. In other example embodiments, the indicia to be applied to the floor can be printed thereon, sprayed, painted, adhered, or for example, a separate indicia piece can be removably or permanently connected to the floor 20. Preferably, the indicia and/or other graphics, etc. can be any desired color.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 3, the floor's 20 inwardly-folded edge or hemmed edge 28, is shown and is positioned inwardly from the outer edge 22 by a width W2 of about 3 inches (see FIGS. 6-7). According to example embodiments, about 2 inches of the innermost portion of the 3 inch hem is connected together by a weld or other desired bond, head application, adhesive, heat press, etc. so as to ensure the hemmed edge 28 remains engaged with the bottom surface of the court's floor 20.

[0036] According to example embodiments, the welding of the hemmed edge (or hemmed portion) preferably provides that the outer edge 22 comprises a loop and remains free from sharp edges. Furthermore, the loop preferably provides assistance to supporting and remaining engaged with a plurality of grommets 50 that are placed in a spaced-apart arrangement around the entirety of the court (see FIG. 6). According to one example embodiment, the court 10 comprises between about 4-30 grommets secured thereto along the border thereof. According to the depicted embodiment, about 14 grommets are evenly spaced along the sides 12, 14 of the court 10, and for example, a single grommet is secured near the midpoint of each end 16, 18. Optionally, other spacings and arrangements can be provided as desired. Optionally, other couplings, clasps, attachments members, rings, etc. can be provided as desired, and for example, positioned as desired such that the court 10 can be tensioned or otherwise maintained in an expanded configuration.

[0037] In example embodiments and shown in FIG. 7, the grommets 50 are generally spaced about 1 inch inwardly from the outer edge 22 (see L5). In example embodiments, the grommets comprise an outer diameter OD of between about 0.5-3 inches, for example, about 1 inch according to the depicted embodiment. The grommet 50 further comprises an inner diameter ID of between about 0.25-2.5 inches, for example, about 0.5 inches according to the depicted example embodiment. According to example embodiments, the grommets 50 are attached to the floor in a spaced-apart configuration, for example, such that the grommets 50 are generally positioned inwardly from the outer edge 22 but outwardly of the hemmed edge 28, for example, so as to engage the floor 20 where two layers are present.

[0038] According to example embodiments, the material of the floor 20 is a sheet material and is resilient and foldable to form a compact package when in the collapsed configuration, and for example, can be unfolded to form a rectangular court comprising minor, if any, creases where the folds occurred to obtain the folded compact package. According to example embodiments, one or more attachments, straps, couplings, rings, clips, clasps, engagement members or straps, cables, zippers, etc. can be provided so as to provide for maintaining the court 10 in the folded compact package during transport or storage.

[0039] According to one example embodiment, one or more straps (e.g., shoulder straps) can be provided such that the court 10 in the folded compact package can be easily carried. According to one example embodiment, the court in the collapsed configuration weighs between about 16-30 lbs depending on the particular floor material, straps, etc. that are incorporated with the court. For example, according to some example embodiments, the court comprises one or more pockets (zippered or otherwise accessible via zipper or other strap or closure) such that other components can be kept close by. According to some example embodiments, at least one pocket/closure can be provided for containing the bags, or for example, stakes or other desired rope, clips, etc. for temporary attachment to the grommets 50, for example, to maintain the court in the expanded configuration. According to example embodiments, the court 10 is preferably easily reconfigurable between an expanded configuration (during use/play) and a collapsed configuration (during transport/storage), for example, so as to permit easily transporting (in a vehicle and carrying) or storing the court when not in use.

[0040] According to one example embodiment, the court 10 weighs between about 10-16 lbs and comprises dimensions of about 6 feet36 feet, and comprises a lighter weight sheet material, and comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of vinyl, PCV, polyester and/or two-layer substrates comprising an inner scrim layer and an outer layer substantially covering the scrim layer. According to another example embodiment, the court 10 weighs between about 15-27 lbs and comprises dimensions of about 8 feet40 feet, and comprises a lighter weight sheet material comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of vinyl, PCV, polyester and/or two-layer substrates comprising an inner scrim layer and an outer layer substantially covering the scrim layer. According to another example embodiment, the court 10 weighs between about 18-30 lbs and comprises dimensions of about 8 feet40 feet, and comprises a lighter weight sheet material comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of vinyl, PCV, polyester and/or two-layer substrates comprising an inner scrim layer and an outer layer substantially covering the scrim layer.

[0041] According to some example embodiments, one or more components can be provided so as to provide stability to the floor 20. According to one example embodiment, the floor of the court 10 comprises one or more corrugated panels, for example, which can be housed in one or more liners or other components of the floor 20. In example embodiments, the corrugated panels can be sized and positioned so as to allow for easily collapsing and expanding the court 10. According to some example embodiments, the floor 20 comprises one or more corrugated resin panels that reside in the underside of the floor 20.

[0042] According to another example embodiment, a wall is defined along an outer periphery/perimeter of the floor 20 (at the edge 22) and generally surrounds the entirety thereof, for example, wherein the wall generally extends vertically at least about 6 inches from the floor 20 and defines corners 24. In example embodiments, the wall is formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material, for example, so as to at least comprise enough rigidity so as to maintain a vertically-extending position, for example, to prevent one or more portions thereof from collapsing or falling over. In example embodiments, the wall can be formed from one or more plastics, composites, metals, natural materials, synthetic materials, fabrics, and/or other materials/components as desired. In some example embodiments, the wall is preferably capable of collapsing and expanding, for example, to permit the court 10 to be collapsed for transportation, and for example, to permit the expansion thereof for use. According to some example embodiments, one or more supports can be provided so as to support on or more portions of the wall, for example, to support it so as to maintain an upright vertical projection. According to some example embodiments, the wall can be inflatable. According to some example embodiments, the inflatable wall comprises a generally round cross-sectional shape. In other example embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the inflatable wall can be chosen as desired.

[0043] According to example embodiments, the wall and the floor 20 can be preferably be attached to each other as desired, for example, by removable engagement or permanent engagement so long as the court is capable of expanding for use and collapsing for transport or storage. According to one example embodiment, the wall can be at least partially attached to the floor 20 by a zipper or other removable interengagement feature(s). In other example embodiments, the wall can be a separate piece and at least partially removably connectable to the floor 20 in the expanded configuration. According to some example embodiments, the wall is generally disconnected and individually collapsed when it is desired to collapse and configure the court 10 for transportation or storage. According to some example embodiments, the wall can be wrapped around one or more portions of one or more boards 30 for transport and/or storage. According to some example embodiments, to assist in transporting the court 10, a two or four wheel dolly, hand truck, or other wheeled transportation device can be provided.

[0044] According to some example embodiments, the wall can comprise one or more structural components for example, for supporting a rail system, or for example, a track for supporting one or more remote-controlled cameras for obtaining close-up views of the cornhole game. According to some example embodiments, the wall with structural components can be configured for use in televised events, for example, wherein a production or video team can operate the cameras for recording the game and with the cameras being able to move along the track and rotate so as to capture close-up views otherwise unobtainable. According to other example embodiments, one or more LED screens or other digital display(s) can be provided so as to display graphics, video, or other indicia on the external or internal sides of the wall thereof.

[0045] According to some example embodiments, the present invention relates to an automatic measuring device for providing real-time proper spacing for opposing cornhole boards. According to example embodiments, the device comprises a board-mounted module that is mounted to each board. In one example embodiment, the module is mounted to the front edge of each board. In other example embodiments, the module can be mounted to any desired portion of the board as desired. In example embodiments, the board-mounted module comprises a housing component comprising an electronic control system comprising hardware, software, a processor and memory and a power supply. Preferably, the power supply is rechargeable. Optionally, one or more non-reusable batteries can be used. In example embodiments, the electronic control system of each module can connect and communicate with each other and at least one electronic device or smart phone or tablet (and/or application downloaded on the device). According to one example embodiment, rather than requiring manual measurement of the spacing between boards 30, the board-mounted modules are capable of obtaining a distance defined therebetween for example so as to provide feedback to the user when a desired distance or spacing is defined between the boards 30. In one example, when the boards are displaced, an alert can be to the electronic device to notify the user. According to some example embodiments the board-mounted modules and at least one electronic device can communicate by a Bluetooth signal. Optionally, other forms of wireless communication can be provided as desired.

[0046] According to some example embodiments the board-mounted modules and at least one electronic device can obtain data regarding the impact force and location of impact of at least one tossed bag that lands or otherwise at least partially contacts at least a portion of the board. According to some example embodiments, the module comprises a sensor for sensing the passing of at least one bag through an opening formed in the board, wherein the sensor provides feedback regarding the passing and count of the number of bags that pass therethrough. In example embodiments, data from the sensor can be processed and received by the electronic control system or electronic device such that the score can be kept automatically.

[0047] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.