MULTI-PURPOSE PORTABLE FAN

Abstract

A Multi-Purpose Portable Fan, which may include a hand-held-style fan to enhance the atmosphere at an event while having a mobile device application, which may be able to summon aid when needed. The hand-held style fan may have located in a handle and/or otherwise lights, or a fan array with LED lights. The handle may be configured with a multi-position switch, a global positioning system-enabled location transmitter and/or receiver, at least one universal serial bus port, at least one solar panel, a battery status display, a wiring interface for LED lights and/or other included electronic devices, and a mobile device application interface. The mobile device application may include at least one interface such as a sign-in interface, a color-select interface, and a situation interface.

Claims

1. A Multi-Purpose Portable Fan, comprising: a portable fan; at least one custom proprietary software application running on at least one computer and/or smart device;

2. The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan of claim 1, wherein the said fan is at least one of: foldable; wherein the said fan is foldable and in a folded stage is sized small enough to fit in a standard size pocket; wherein said battery compartment assembly further comprising battery recharging devise; said fan is additionally comprising a solar powered USB that is able to charge phones and/or other items; wherein said fan additionally comprises at least one transmitter and/or receiver; wherein said portable fan additionally comprises at least one battery compartment; wherein said lights and/or lighting system comprises LED lights; wherein said fan contains circuitry for GPS locating.

3. The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan of claim 1, wherein said portable fan is a hand-held fan; Or said portable fan is a hand-held fan and wherein said portable fan has a handle.

4. The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan of claim 1, wherein said portable fan additional is comprised of at least one of the following: at least one light; at least one LED light; an array of lights; a lighting system or device; Or said portable fan additional is comprised of at least one of the following: at least one light; at least one LED light; an array of lights; a lighting system or device and wherein any of the following if present said at least one light and/or at least one LED light and/or an array of lights and/or a lighting system or device are controlled by either an on-off activation switch, or an at least 3 position switch, or a multi-selection and/or activation switch and/or remotely controlled, or controlled by a wireless remote control and/or switch; or said portable fan additional is comprised of at least one of the following: at least one light; at least one LED light; an array of lights; a lighting system or device and wherein any of the following if present said at least one light and/or at least one LED light and/or an array of lights and/or a lighting system or device are controlled by either an on-off activation switch, or an at least 3 position switch, or a multi-selection and/or activation switch and/or remotely controlled, or controlled by a wireless remote control and/or switch, and wherein the remotely controlled element, if present, is controlled by at least one custom proprietary software application running in at least one computer, server, and/or smart device and/or wherein said lights and/or lighting system if present includes synchronization of the lights from internal circuitry and/or custom proprietary software or a remote source; or said portable fan additional is comprised of an array with LED lights configured to be a plurality of nestable blades and the plurality of nestable blades may be configured to spread into a half-circle formation for use, and to retract into a stack for storage; or said portable fan additional is comprised of an array with LED lights configured to be a plurality of nestable blades and the plurality of nestable blades may be configured to spread into a half-circle formation for use, and to retract into a stack for storage and wherein said plurality of nestable blades has a plurality of LED lights, wiring, and a wiring connector that may be able to couple with the wiring interface; or said portable fan additional is comprised of an array with LED light if present is configured to be a plurality of nestable blades and the plurality of nestable blades may be configured to spread into a half-circle formation for use, and to retract into a stack for storage; or said portable fan additional is comprised of an array with LED lights if present is configured to be a plurality of nestable blades and the plurality of nestable blades may be configured to spread into a half-circle formation for use, and to retract into a stack for storage has a plurality of LED lights, wiring, and a wiring connector that may be able to couple with the wiring interface in the handle.

5. The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan of claim 3, wherein said handle if present additionally comprises at least one of the following: at least one switch; at least one multiple selection, activation or mode switch; at least one three-position switch; a global positioning system-enabled location transmitter; at least one universal serial bus port; at least one a solar panel; at least one battery status display; at least one of the following; a) at least one light; b) at least one light that is controlled by either an on-off activation switch, or an at least 3 position switch, or a multi-selection and/or activation or mode switch and/or remotely controlled, or controlled by wireless remote control; c) at least one LED light or at least one array of lights; at least one wiring interface for LED lights; and at least one mobile device application interface.

6. The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan of claim 5, wherein said at least three-position switch, if present may have an off position, an LED light position, and an aid request position and/or said portable fan allows for at least one of user to cool themselves off; wherein the said fan and associated app allows for the crowds to network with each other and for the fan user to meet new people; wherein the effect of having many of the said fans in the event allows for the ability to have them synchronized so as to illuminate and light up the entire festival with an app that will be able to control the LED color of the fan.

7. The invention of claim 1 wherein said at least one custom proprietary software application AKA the mobile device application, is a mobile device application that enables the device to enhance the atmosphere at an event and to have the ability to summon aid request service personnel when needed includes at least one of the following: a sign-in interface, a color-select interface, and an aid request interface; Or said at least one custom proprietary software application AKA the mobile device application, is a mobile device application that enables the device to enhance the atmosphere at an event and to have the ability to summon aid request service personnel when needed includes at least one of the following: a sign-in interface, a color-select interface, and an aid request interface and wherein said sign-in interface if present includes text input interfaces for a user name and password and/or the color-select interface if present can allow a user to select colors and patterns for the fan array with LED lights to display when illuminated.

8. The invention of claim 4, wherein said synchronization of the lights and/or lighting system can control the light patterns so as to create at least one of: letters, numbers, images, phrases, text, content, words, sentences, icons, emoji's, photographs, video, content, characters, 2-D images, 3-D images, animation.

9. The invention of claim 5 wherein when the said switch is placed in the LED light position, the fan array with LED lights may illuminate and a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application or wherein when the switch is placed in the aid request position, a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application, and may simultaneously change color of the fan array with LED lights to a red color.

10. The invention of claim 6 wherein when the switch is placed in the LED light position, the fan array with LED lights may illuminate and a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application or wherein when the switch is placed in the aid request position, a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application, and may simultaneously change color of the fan array with LED lights to a red color.

11. The invention of claim 7 wherein said color-select interface if present further includes selections for a plurality of colors, and alternately at least one flashing pattern for the LED lights to display or wherein said color-select interface if present further includes selections for a plurality of colors, and alternately at least one flashing pattern for the LED lights to display and wherein said plurality of colors for the color-select interface if present excludes the color red.

12. The invention of claim 7 wherein said aid request interface if present includes a text input box for a user to input a personal identification number and a selection interface to activate the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter, which may transmit a signal to notify aid request service providers that a person may be in distress and said selection interface if present will activate the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter may also change the color of the LED lights on the user's fan array, as well as event fan assemblies proximate to the user, to a red color to provide a visual reference for aid request service providers

13. The invention of claim 2 wherein the universal serial bus port may have an interface to the female connector receiver of a mobile device and may further be configured to transfer energy from the solar panel if present to charge the battery of the mobile device. The battery status display if present may be configured to show the battery power available of the mobile device when connected to the universal serial bus port.

14. The invention of claim 2, wherein said transmitter and/or receiver, if either is present, is involved in the said GPS locating process or wherein said transmitter and/or receiver, if either is present, is involved in the said GPS locating process and wherein said fan has a button that activates said fan to perform at least one of the following: send out a message, signal or alert; vibrate; light-up, audio respond; have the GPS track the time and last location; notify of the last location; send an alert.

15. The invention of claim 14, wherein the GPS locating features are utilized in finding the user in aid request and/or other situations.

16. The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan of claim 1, additionally including a music system, speakers and accompanying circuitry, audio component, or music/audio apparatus.

17. The invention of claim 16, wherein said music system or apparatus is synchronized with the said lights and/or lighting system.

18. The invention of claim 14, wherein the button has an S.O.S feature whereby once the button is pushed, it will alert all the fans in the event area within a thirty-foot radius and change to a specified color and will send a signal to alert the proper authorities and show the area of where the person is in need of assistance and allows for the user or person(s) in need to receive the necessary assistance as fast as possible by using GPS location detection.

19. The invention of claim 7, wherein said mobile application registers the fan owners in a database and allows all fan owners to meet and greet each other virtually and if, for instance, a fan owner would like to meet someone or a group they can FAN IN for Like or FAN OUT for Dislike the person and during meeting approach of each other when in close proximity, both fans would light up and the lights would start dancing until they connect as the GPS is used to identify the location of the fans.

20. A method of using an Multi-Purpose Portable Fan include placing the three-position switch in the LED light position to illuminate the fan array with LED lights, sending a wireless signal to the user's mobile device, and activating an associated mobile device application where the user may be able select the color, and alternately the flashing pattern, of the LED lights. Placing the three-position switch in the aid request position may send a wireless signal to the user's mobile device, which may activate the associated mobile device application and the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter to signal aid request service providers that a person is in distress. Concurrently, the user's fan array with LED lights may change to display a red color and fan assemblies proximate to the user's fan array with LED lights may also switch to display a red color.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, at least one current embodiment of a Multi-Purpose Portable Fan, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Multi-Purpose Portable Fan during a ready-to-use condition showing a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a Multi-Purpose Portable Fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a Multi-Purpose Portable Fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a top front-side view of the Multi-Purpose Portable Fan handle device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating the Multi-Purpose Portable Fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view of the Multi-Purpose Portable Fan device showing the place to enter color and S.O.S. information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a front view of the Multi-Purpose Portable Fan device showing the place to enter username and password according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a front view of the Multi-Purpose Portable Fan device showing the Dial Pad and the place to send the S.O.S. signal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present invention is directed to a Multi-Purpose Portable Fan. The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan may comprises fan assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, the Multi-Purpose Portable Fan assembly may comprise a hand-held style of a fan and a mobile device application to enhance the atmosphere at an event while having a mobile device application which may be able to summon aid request service personnel when needed. The hand-held style fan may have a handle and a fan array with LED lights.

[0025] The handle may in at least one embodiment be configured with a three-position switch, a global positioning system-enabled location transmitter, a universal serial bus port, a solar panel, a battery status display, a wiring interface for LED lights, and a mobile device application interface. The three-position switch may have an off position, an LED light position, and an aid request position.

[0026] In at least one embodiment when placed in the LED light position, the fan array with LED lights may illuminate and a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application. When placed in the aid request position, a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application, and may simultaneously change color of the fan array with LED lights to a red color.

[0027] In at least one embodiment the universal serial bus port may have an interface to the female connector receiver of a mobile device and may further be configured to transfer energy from the solar panel to charge the battery of the mobile device. The battery status display may be configured to show the battery power available of the mobile device when connected to the universal serial bus port.

[0028] Referring now to the hand-held style of fan, the fan array if present with LED lights may be configured to be a plurality of nestable blades. The plurality of nestable blades may be configured to spread into a half-circle formation for use, and to retract into a stack for storage. The plurality of nestable blades may also have a plurality of LED lights, wiring, and a wiring connector that may be able to couple with the wiring interface in the handle.

[0029] Now referring to the mobile device application, the mobile device application may include a sign-in interface, a color-select interface, and an aid request interface. The sign-in interface may include text input interfaces for a user name and password. The color-select interface may allow a user to select colors and patterns for the fan array with LED lights to display when illuminated.

[0030] The color-select interface may further include selections for a plurality of colors, and alternately at least one flashing pattern for the LED lights to display. The plurality of colors for the color-select interface may exclude the color red. In referring now to the aid request interface, the aid request interface may include a text input box for a user to input a personal identification number and a selection interface to activate the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter, which may transmit a signal to notify aid request service providers that a person may be in distress. Additionally, the selection interface to activate the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter may also change the color of the LED lights on the user's fan array, as well as event fan assemblies proximate to the user, to a red color to provide a visual reference for aid request service providers.

[0031] A method of using a Multi-Purpose Portable Fan assembly in at least one embodiment may include placing the three-position switch in the LED light position to illuminate the fan array with LED lights, sending a wireless signal to the user's mobile device, and activating an associated mobile device application where the user may be able select the color, and alternately the flashing pattern, of the LED lights. Placing the three- position switch in the aid request position may send a wireless signal to the user's mobile device, which may activate the associated mobile device application and the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter to signal aid request service providers that a person is in distress. Concurrently, the user's fan array with LED lights may change to display a red color and fan assemblies proximate to the user's fan array with LED lights may also change to display a red color.

[0032] Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a Multi-Purpose Portable Fan during a ready-to-use condition. The hand-held style fan may have a fan array with LED lights and a handle. The fan array with LED lights may be configured to include a plurality of nestable blades. The plurality of nestable blades may be configured to spread into a half-circle formation for use, and to retract into a stack for storage. The plurality of nestable blades may retain a plurality of LED lights, wiring, and a wiring connector that may be able to couple with the wiring interface in the handle. Further, the plurality of nestable blades may be substantially made of resilient, translucent materials.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2 showing a top view of a hand-held style fan. In particular, the handle may be configured with a three-position switch, a global positioning system-enabled location transmitter, a universal serial bus port, a solar panel, a mobile device application interface, a battery status display, and a wiring interface for the LED lights in the fan array. The three-position switch may have an off position, an LED light position, and an aid request position. When placed in the LED light position, the fan array with LED lights may illuminate and a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application. When placed in the aid request position, a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may also activate the associated mobile device application.

[0034] The universal serial bus port may have an interface to the female connector receiver of a mobile device and may further be configured to transfer energy from the solar panel to charge the battery of the mobile device, and alternately to power the plurality of LED lights. The battery status display may be configured to show the battery power available of the mobile device when connected to the universal serial bus port.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3 showing a perspective view of the hand-held style fan showing in particular the plurality of nestable blades in a stored condition, the three-position switch, the solar panel, and the universal serial bus port.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4 showing a front view of the sign-in interface for the mobile device application. The sign-in interface may include text input interfaces for a user name and password. An option to add and display profile picture may be included in the sign-in interface.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5 showing a front view of the color-select interface for the mobile device application. The color-select interface may be activated by a user selecting the LED light position on the three-position switch on the handle of the hand-held style fan. The color-select interface may allow a user to select from a plurality of colors and flashing patterns for the fan array with LED lights to display when powered on. The color-select interface may exclude the color red from the selection of the plurality of colors. In addition, the color interface may have a selector to activate the aid request interface of the mobile device application, if desired.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6 showing a front view of the aid request interface for the mobile device application. The aid request interface may be activated by a user selecting the aid request position on the three-position switch on the handle of the hand-held style fan. The aid request interface may include a text input box for a user to input a personal identification number and a selection button to activate the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter, which may signal aid request service providers that a person may be in distress. The personal identification number may be required to be correctly input to activate the aid request notification.

[0039] Activation of the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter may simultaneously change the color of the LED lights on the user's fan array to a red color. Further, activation of the signal for aid request service providers may also change the color of the LED lights to a red color on event fan assemblies proximate to the user to provide a visual signal to aid request service providers.

[0040] The exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of the Multi-Purpose Portable Fan system may vary upon manufacturing.

[0041] 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 present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment(s) were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

DETAILED SUMMARY

[0042] In at least one embodiment the present invention is a Multi-Purpose Portable Fan, comprising: a portable fan; [0043] at least one custom proprietary software application; [0044] at least one computer and/or smart device.

[0045] The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan can be foldable. If fan is a foldable fan in a folded stage it can be sized small enough to fit in a standard size pocket.

[0046] The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan can also be a hand-held fan.

[0047] The fan may additional be comprised of at least one of the following: at least one light; at least one LED light; an array of lights; a lighting system or device.

[0048] The fan can have a handle.

[0049] The handle if present can additionally be comprised of at least one of the following: at least one switch, at least one multi selection, activation or mode switch, at least three-position switch, a global positioning system-enabled location transmitter, a universal serial bus port, a solar panel, a battery status display, at least one light or at least one LED light or an array of lights, a wiring interface for LED lights, and a mobile device application interface.

[0050] If present the at least three-position switch if present may have an off position, an LED light position, and an aid request position.

[0051] The at least one custom proprietary software application AKA the mobile device application, may be a mobile device application that enables the device to enhance the atmosphere at an event and to have the ability to summon aid request service personnel when needed includes at least one of the following: a sign-in interface, a color-select interface, and an aid request interface.

[0052] The sign-in interface if present may include text input interfaces for a user name and password and/or the color-select interface if present can allow a user to select colors and patterns for the fan array with LED lights to display when illuminated.

[0053] The fan in at least one embodiment additionally comprises at least one battery compartment.

[0054] The said at least one light; at least one LED light; an array of lights; a lighting system or device are controlled by either an on-off activation switch, or an at least 3 position switch, or a multi-selection and/or activation switch and/or remotely controlled, or controlled by a wireless remote control and/or switch.

[0055] The handle at least one light is controlled by either an on-off activation switch, or an at least 3 position switch, or a multi-selection and/or activation or mode switch and/or remotely controlled, or controlled by wireless remote control.

[0056] LED lights if present is configured to be a plurality of nestable blades. The plurality of nestable blades may be configured to spread into a half-circle formation for use, and to retract into a stack for storage.

[0057] The plurality of nestable blades if present may have a plurality of LED lights, wiring, and a wiring connector that may be able to couple with the wiring interface. The array with LED lights if present can be configured to be a plurality of nestable blades. The plurality of nestable blades may be configured to spread into a half-circle formation for use, and to retract into a stack for storage.

[0058] The plurality of nestable blades if present may have a plurality of LED lights, wiring, and a wiring connector that may be able to couple with the wiring interface in the handle.

[0059] The remotely controlled element, if present, can be controlled by at least one custom proprietary software application running in at least one computer, server, and/or smart device.

[0060] The said lights and/or lighting system can be comprised of LED lights.

[0061] The said lights and/or lighting system can include synchronization of the lights from internal circuitry and/or custom proprietary software or a remote source.

[0062] The said synchronization of the lights and/or lighting system can control the light patterns so as to create at least one of: letters, numbers, images, phrases, text, content, words, sentences, icons, emoji's, characters, images, photographs, content, media, logo's, icons, brands, animation, 2-D and 3-D characters.

[0063] The said switch if present can be placed in the LED light position, the fan array with LED lights may illuminate and a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application.

[0064] The switch if present can be placed in the aid request position, a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application, and may simultaneously change color of the fan array with LED lights to a red color.

[0065] The switch if present can be placed in the LED light position, the fan array with LED lights may illuminate and a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application.

[0066] The switch if present can be placed in the aid request position, a wireless signal may be sent to the user's mobile device which may activate the associated mobile device application, and may simultaneously change color of the fan array with LED lights to a red color.

[0067] The color-select interface if present further includes selections for plural lights to display.

[0068] The color-select interface if present can exclude the color red. Or any color.

[0069] The aid request interface if present includes may include a text input box for a user to input a personal identification number and a selection interface to activate the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter, which may transmit a signal to notify aid request service providers that a person may be in distress and said selection interface if present will activate the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter may also change the color of the LED lights on the user's fan array, as well as event fan assemblies proximate to the user, to a red color to reference for aid request service providers

[0070] The said battery compartment assembly if present may further be comprised of a battery recharging device.

[0071] The universal serial bus port may have an interface to the female connector receiver of a mobile device and may further be configured to transfer energy from the solar panel if present to charge the battery of the mobile device. The battery status display if present may be configured to show the battery power available of the mobile device when connect to the universal serial bus port. The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan may additionally comprise of at least one transmitter and/or receiver.

[0072] the Multi-Purpose Portable Fan contains circuitry for GPS locating. The transmitter and/or receiver, if either is present, may be involved in the said GPS locating process. The GPS locating features if present are utilized in finding the user in aid request and/or other situations. The Multi-Purpose Portable Fan may additionally include a music system, speakers and accompanying circuitry, audio component, or music/audio apparatus. The music system or apparatus is synchronized with the said lights and/or lighting system. The at least one button if present activates said fan to perform at least one of the following: send out a message, signal or alert; vibrate; light-up, audio respond; have the GPS track the time and last location; notify of the last location; send an alert. The button if present could have an S.O.S feature whereby once the button is pushed, it will alert all the fans in the event area within a thirty-foot radius and change to a specified color and also will send a signal to alert the proper authorities and show the area of where the person is in need of assistance and allows for the user or person(s) in need to receive the necessary assistance as fast as possible by using GPS location detection. In at least one embodiment the mobile application registers the fan owners in a database and allows all fan owners to meet and greet each other virtually and if, for instance, a fan owner would like to meet someone or a group they can FAN IN (Like) or FAN OUT (Dislike) the person and during meeting approach of each other when in close proximity, both fans would light up and the lights would start dancing until they connect as the GPS is used to identify the location of the fans. In at least one embodiment the fan allows for user to cool themselves off. The said fan and associated app allows for the crowds to network with each other and meet new people.

[0073] The invention in at least one embodiment is additionally comprised of a solar powered USB that is able to charge phones and/or other items. The invention in at least one embodiment allows for the effect of having many of the said fans in the event allows for the ability to have them synchronized so as to illuminate and light up the entire festival with an app that will be able to control the LED color of the fan.

[0074] A method of using the present invention in at least one embodiment includes placing the three-position switch in the LED light position to illuminate the fan array with LED lights, sending a wireless signal to the user's mobile device, and activating an associated mobile device application where the user may be able select the color, and alternately the flashing pattern, of the LED lights. Placing the three-position switch in the aid request position may send a wireless signal to the user's mobile device, which may activate the associated mobile device application and the global positioning system-enabled location transmitter to signal aid request service providers that a person is in distress. Concurrently, the user's fan array with LED lights may change to display a red color and fan assemblies proximate to the user's fan array with LED lights may also switch to display a red color.

[0075] While the instant invention has been shown and described in accordance with preferred and practical embodiments thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the true scope of the invention should not be limited since other modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a study of the claims, drawings, descriptions, explanations, and specifications herein. It is understood that various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures and methods for carrying out several purposes of the present invention. It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As opposed to the claims, the abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the instant application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.