Gutter, gutter assemblies and components therefor

Abstract

A covered gutter system comprising a covered gutter, mounting bracket and fittings a providing an elongate channel in which to receive water from an overhead water feed (such as a roof), wherein the water may from time to time be carrying solid content, said covered gutter comprising: a) a channel formation comprising front and rear walls upstanding from a base region to define a channel, and b) a cover formation extending from the rear wall of the channel formation and over the channel, there being an undercut portion of the cover which, together with an upper edge of the front wall of the channel, defines an elongate mouth opening along the gutter, and wherein said cover formation is adapted to guide water from the water feed through the mouth opening and into the channel, while assisting to deflect solid content away from the mouth opening. A bracket where the inside profile of the bracket corresponds with the outside profile of the covered gutter.

Claims

1. A covered gutter assembly comprising a covered gutter and at least one bracket, said bracket adapted to be fixed to a building and to support the covered gutter once so fixed, said covered gutter providing an elongate channel in which to receive water from an overhead water feed wherein the water may be carrying solid content, said covered gutter comprising: a) a channel formation comprising front and rear walls upstanding from a base region to define a channel, and b) a cover formation extending from the rear wall of the channel formation and over the channel, there being an undercut portion of the cover which, together with an upper edge of the front wall of the channel, defines an elongate mouth opening along the gutter, and wherein said cover formation is adapted to guide water from the water feed through the mouth opening and into the channel, while assisting to deflect solid content away from the mouth opening, and wherein the bracket is contiguous about the exterior profile of the channel formation, so that when fixed, the bracket may support the gutter from beneath the base of the channel formation, and wherein the bracket has a rear flange which is adapted for fastening against a planar building surface and a lower member adapted to engage with the base of the channel formation, such that the covered gutter, when so engaged with the bracket, is constrained from movement relative to the building surface, and wherein said lower member has a detachable or hinged connection with the rest of the bracket so as to be able to assume an open condition wherein the gutter can be removed from the bracket.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the channel formation and cover are formed as an integral profile from a single sheet of material.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said gutter is adapted and configured such that, when mounted on a sidewall of a building, the mouth opening is positioned distal from the wall of the building on which the gutter is mounted.

4. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover of the covered gutter has a projecting profile feature for engagement with the bracket.

5. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein an inner profile of the bracket complements or corresponds to at least part of the outer profile of the covered gutter.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracket is adapted and configured to enable fastening to a building, so that, when fastened, the bracket may support the gutter from beneath the base of the channel formation.

7. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracket is contiguous about at least a part of the exterior profile of the cover formation.

8. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracket has a latch extending from an upper edge of the rear flange adapted to engage with a projection from the top of the cover formation.

9. A method of installing a covered gutter assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprising the steps of: a) fastening the rear flange of the bracket to the building surface, b) optionally, if said bracket presented in its closed condition, articulating the lower member of the bracket about the hinge point so that the bracket assumes the open condition, 1) disposing the gutter section horizontally and locating it to engage with the latch, and 2) engaging the lower member to close around the exterior profile of the channel formation such that the bracket assumes the closed condition.

10. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein a feature or features of the support bracket provide a prop to engage with one or both of the cover and the channel formation in order to retain the mouth opening at a constant width.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1: shows a cross sectional view of a covered gutter of the present invention,

(3) FIG. 2: shows a covered gutter mounted for use on a building surface, retained in a substantially horizontal disposition by a series of mounting brackets of the present invention,

(4) FIG. 3: shows an isometric view of a mounting bracket of the present invention,

(5) FIG. 4: shows a side on view of a mounting bracket in its closed condition, with dotted lines to show the positioning of a gutter section retained within the bracket,

(6) FIG. 5A: shows an end on view of an embodiment of a section terminator adapted to fit on the open end of a gutter section in order to perform a capping or sealing off function,

(7) FIG. 5B: shows an alternative view of the section terminator of FIG. 5A,

(8) FIG. 5C: shows an alternative view of the section terminator of FIG. 5B,

(9) FIG. 6A: shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a section terminator having a body portion and a lid portion, and being adapted to fit intermediate of two co-axially aligned gutter sections,

(10) FIG. 6B: shows an alternative view of the section terminator of FIG. 6A,

(11) FIG. 7: shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a section terminator adapted to connect two sections of gutter channel oriented at a 135 degree angular offset from one another, wherein the aperture runs around the outside of the corner defined by the point of intersection of the channel axes,

(12) FIG. 8: shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a section terminator adapted to connect two sections of gutter channel oriented at a 135 degree angular offset from one another, wherein the aperture runs around the inside of the corner defined by the point of intersection of the channel axes,

(13) FIG. 9: shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a section terminator adapted to connect two sections of gutter channel oriented at a 90 degree angular offset from one another, wherein the aperture runs around the inside of the corner defined by the point of intersection of the channel axes,

(14) FIG. 10: shows a preferred circular cap style closure for insertion into a port of a section terminator of the present invention,

(15) FIG. 11: shows a side view of an embodiment of a gutter assembly of the present invention comprising a gutter formed from two associable elements, and

(16) FIG. 12: shows an exploded of the gutter assembly of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(17) In one embodiment now described, there is a covered gutter 1 of elongate form and having a substantially constant cross sectional profile. The gutter 1 comprises a channel formation 2 which provides an interior channel 3 into which water can be received and a cover portion 4 which depends from the channel formation 2 and covers the interior channel 3. The channel formation 2 and cover portion 4 together enclose a gutter interior space 5, which is in communication with the outside of the gutter through an elongate aperture 6. The aperture 6 provides an entry point for water to enter into the interior channel 3.

(18) The aperture 6 is preferably narrow to prevent the entry of at least some birds and vermin. Preferably the aperture is less than 20 mm in height, and more preferably it is approximately 10 mm in height.

(19) Preferably the channel formation 2 and cover formation 4 are integrally connected so as to form a continuous cross sectional gutter profile of an open shape, the discontinuity in the profile being the water entry aperture 6, for example as shown in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment the entire covered gutter 1 can be formed from a single material sheet by roll forming along its elongate axis.

(20) Because, in preferred embodiments, the gutter interior space 5 is completely enclosed by the sidewalls 8 & 9, any emergency overflow of water will be through the aperture 6 at the front of the gutter 1, which is away from the building surface on which the gutter 1 is mounted. This prevents overflow water from running back into the eaves or soffits of the building and/or from entering the building framework.

(21) In some embodiments there may be other apertures of the gutter (for example shown as 51 in FIG. 1), such that in at least some regions along the gutter, when viewed in cross section, there are discontinuities in the peripheral profile.

(22) In some embodiments, the channel formation 2 comprises an elongate, substantially rectangular base flange 7 with side walls 8 & 9 adjoined to and upstanding from either of its majorly dimensioned sides. The base 7 and sidewalls 8 & 9 define the interior channel 3 with a channel axis 10 running longitudinally along the centre of the channel.

(23) The first sidewall 8, being that which will be mounted against or most proximate to the building surface when mounted for use, is preferably higher than the second sidewall 9, that which will be farthest from the building surface when mounted for use. Preferably the first sidewall 8 extends upwardly perpendicular to the base flange 7, while the second sidewall 9 may be parallel to the first or may optionally flare outwardly from the interior channel 3. Both of the first 8 and second 9 sidewalls have a lower end 11, being that end which is joined to the base flange 7, and an upper end 12, being that end which is distal from the base flange 7.

(24) In some embodiments the cover portion 4 comprises an elongate flange 13 which is connected at a fixed end 14 to the upper end 12 of the first sidewall 8, and extends from the sidewall 8 in the direction of the interior channel 3, terminating in a free edge 15. Preferably there is an undercut portion 50 of the cover 4 between the upper end 12 of the channel wall 8 and the free edge 15. The free edge 15 preferably terminates inside of a plane extending vertically upward from the upper end 12 of the second sidewall 9.

(25) Wherein a low velocity water feed onto the exterior of the cover 4 (such as that which might arise as rain water runs off a roof) at or near to its fixed end 14 may tend to adhere to that exterior surface through surface tension effects, the contour of the cover portion 4 is preferably such that the flowing water would be guided into the interior channel 3 of the gutter. Consequently it is preferred that the region of the cover flange 16 near to the fixed end 14 be substantially flat and extend more or less perpendicular to the first sidewall 8, although alternatively, and more preferably, it may extend with a slight downward slope from its fixed end 14 so as to bias the flow of water toward the free edge 15.

(26) Preferably there is also, or alternatively, a curved or arcuate region 17 of the undercut region 50 at or proximate to the free edge 15. Preferably the axis of curvature 18 of such an undercut, curved or arcuate region 50, 17 runs parallel to the fixed end 14 of the cover flange 13. Without being bound by any particular theory, the applicant believes that while water from a water feed onto the exterior of the cover 4 may tend to adhere to the surface of the undercut region 15 such that it will be guided into the interior channel 3 through the aperture 6, the momentum of leaves, debris or other solids carried in the water flow, in passing over the curved region 17, is likely to overcome any surface tension forces at this point. Consequently, leaves, debris and solids are likely to be deflected away from the aperture 6 and will not enter into the interior channel 3 so as to obstruct the flow of water therein.

(27) Preferably there is a further region 19 of the cover flange 13 between the curved or arcuate region 17 and the free edge 15 which extends back underneath the top of the cover portion 4 into the gutter interior space 5 to ensure that the water flow is guided far enough into the interior space 5 of the gutter to be caught be the channel 3. A drip flange 20 at the free edge 15 of the cover flange 13 may optionally be present to encourage the water to drop into the channel 3 as desired. There may similarly be a drip flange 20 at the upper end 12 of the second sidewall 9.

(28) The covered gutter 1 is to be mounted to building surfaces in use. Because the gutter channel 3 and interior space 5 ought remain largely free of debris, there is unlikely to be a need for the guttering 1 to be sloped towards downpipe or soakhole connections to ensure drainage of the channel 3. Sloped guttering is often not aesthetically pleasing because it can detract from the line of the building on which it is mounted. Therefore in a preferred embodiment the gutter 1 is to be mounted so that the base 7 of the channel formation 2 is horizontally level, or at least in an orientation which follows the line of the building on which it is mounted. Packing may be installed behind the bracket to assist in aligning the gutter 1.

(29) The gutter 1 is preferably mounted on a series of brackets 20 (for example a bracket as shown in FIG. 3) which can be fastened or otherwise attached to a building surface prior to fitting the gutter 1. As shown in FIG. 4, preferably the brackets 20 contact only the exterior of the gutter 1, and are adapted to contact and support both the channel formation 2 and the cover portion 4 of the gutter from its exterior. Preferably the gutter 1 is fully supported without the addition of any internal support means.

(30) In a preferred embodiment the brackets 20 are formed from a strip of plate material so that the interior surface of the bracket 20, being that surface which contacts the exterior of the gutter 1, corresponds substantially to the exterior profile of the gutter 1. In some embodiments the bracket 20 is made from or comprises either a plastics material or a metal material, however other materials may be used.

(31) In preferred embodiments the bracket 20 at least partially encloses the gutter 1 so as to engage with regions of the exterior surfaces of the gutter 1 about its peripheral profile as shown in FIG. 4. Preferably the bracket 20 engages with a plurality of regions of the exterior surfaces of the gutter 1 about its peripheral profile. This provides support for the gutter 1 and assists in resisting deformation or distortion of the gutter 1, especially in the cross sectional plane. For example, by engaging with the cover 4 so as to support it at the arcuate region 17, the bracket may act to reinforce the cover 4 against downwards deflection or sagging that may otherwise occur over time or under loading. The bracket 20 preferably has some degree of rigidity or stiffness so as to be able to perform the reinforcing function, but may also be resilient and/or deformable to some extent. In some embodiments certain regions of the bracket 20 may be adapted to be resilient and/or deformable, for example to the extent required to allow the bracket 20 to flex as the gutter 1 is fitted into it.

(32) In some embodiments there may be other apertures 51 of the gutter 1 (in addition to the aperture 6), such that in at least some regions along the gutter 1, when viewed in cross section, there are discontinuities in the peripheral profile. Preferably the bracket 20 is shaped and configured to bridge the mouth opening 6 or any other gaps (if present) in the profile shape. The bridging regions of the bracket 20 may assist by providing resistance against tensile and/or compressive forces, such as may arise if the wall regions of the gutter 1 on either side of the aperture were to move relative to one another. For example, if the arcuate region 17 of the cover 4 were to be driven to move toward or away from the edge 12 of the channel 2 because of flexure of panel 13 under high wind force, the movement may be resisted by prop 23. Because the bracket extends about the periphery of the cross sectional profile of the gutter 1 and bridges any gaps in that profile, the cross sectional profile of the bracket and gutter assembly becomes a closed profile, rather than the open cross sectional profile of either one of the gutter 1 or bracket 20 in isolation. The closed profile of the assembly may give improved rigidity (when compared to rigidity of the gutter alone) and may assist in resisting distortion and/or deformation of the gutter, especially in the cross sectional plane.

(33) Preferably said bracket 20 defines a cross sectional shape that substantially corresponds with or compliments at least a region of the peripheral cross section of the gutter 1. In some embodiments there are a plurality of regions about the periphery of the profile of the gutter 1 where the bracket 20 runs contiguous with the exterior surface of the gutter 1. There may be a continuous contact and/or bearing between the surfaces of the bracket 20 and the gutter 1 along at least some parts of these regions, however at some regions the bracket may provide only point support. Preferably the bracket is contiguous with, or in contact with, a significant portion of the perimeter of the gutter 1 when viewed end on (for example, as can be seen in FIG. 4). In some embodiments the flat region 16 of the cover 4 may not be contacted by the bracket 20, but it is preferable that there be contact of the bracket 20 on at least some parts of the undercut region 50 of the cover 4.

(34) In a preferred embodiment, there is a spacer or prop which supports the cover 4. Preferably that part of the bracket 21 which contacts the undercut region 50 of the cover 4 is contiguous with the part of the bracket 22 that contacts the second sidewall 9 of the channel formation 2 by way of an extension piece, spacer or prop 23 which bridges the aperture 6. This has the effect of reinforcing the spacing between the cover 4 and channel formation 2. When the gutter 1 is retained within a series of brackets 20, the prop 23 promotes a uniform height of the aperture 6 along the length of the gutter 1.

(35) In a preferred embodiment the bracket 20 has upper 24 and lower 25 regions defined by a hinge point 26 about which said regions 24 & 25 are able to articulate relative to each other between an open condition and a closed condition. A preferred location for the hinge point 26 is within that region 27 of the hinge corresponding to the base profile 7 of the gutter section, for example as shown in FIG. 4. Location of the hinge 26 at this point allows the bracket 20 to be attached to the building surface at its upper region 24, and for the lower part 25 of the bracket to swing open in order to receive the gutter 1. When the gutter 1 is in place, the lower part 25 of the bracket 20 can be returned to its closed condition (that shown in FIG. 4), in which it is able to retain the gutter 1.

(36) In some embodiments, where the required load bearing capacity of the nose region is low, the lower part 25 of the bracket may be removed entirely, in which case no hinge point 26 is required. In this embodiment the cover formation 4 is supported only at its fixed end 14.

(37) As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in some embodiments the bracket may comprise two releasably associable elements. A first element 52 may be adapted for fixing to a building surface, and preferably presents a planar surface to abut against the building surface when so fixed. For example, a rear flange 55 of the first element 52 may have holes 54 adapted to receive fasteners so that it can be affixed. A second element 53 may be associated with the first element 52 so as to extend contiguous with at least a region of the base 7 of the channel formation 2 of the gutter 1. Preferably the second element 53 extends beneath the base 7 of the channel 2 and up the front wall 9, so as to provide support from beneath the base 7 of the channel 2 and about the exterior of the gutter 1 as previously described.

(38) It will be appreciated that a variety of means for associating the two elements 52,53 of the bracket 20 could be employed. For example, the association may be effected by way of a clip, fastener, hook, catch, receiver, latch, coupling or other form of attachment. Preferably elements 52 and 53 can be associated by directly engaging one with the other, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the elements may carry complimentary features of a clip arrangement 56. In a further alternative embodiment, each of the elements 52 and 53 may be adapted to associate via a hinged joint so that one can be pivoted relative to the other.

(39) In use, it is preferable that the two elements 52 and 53 are in an unassociated condition prior to commencing the installation of the gutter 1 on a building. A preferred method of installing a gutter and bracket assembly which comprises such a bracket 20 with two elements 52 and 53, is now described. The first element 52 of the bracket may be affixed to the building, and the gutter section 1 subsequently brought into proximity and aligned with the bracket element. There may be a feature of the bracket 20, for example a clip 29, which serves to initially locate and/or retain the gutter 1 relative to the bracket element 52. The second element 53 can then be associated with the first 52 so that the bracket 20 encloses at least a part of the peripheral profile of the gutter 1 including at least the base 7, and preferably the entire channel formation 2. In this configuration the gutter is supported relative to the building surface.

(40) It is possible to perform the installation process without having to lift the gutter section 1 above the upper edges 12 of the bracket 20. Thus, for example, the gutter assembly can be installed at a mounting zone which is close beneath an eave of a building (and therefore not accessible from above the eave because the mounting zone would be obscured by the roof) yet mounting of the assembly can be effected by instead accessing the mounting zone and positioning the gutter components from beneath the eve. The two-part bracket configuration may therefore allow for convenient installation of a covered gutter system to new and retrofit installations across a plurality of roof designs, materials and construction methods.

(41) In a preferred configuration for securely retaining the gutter 1, the gutter may have a projection 28 for engagement with the bracket 20. Preferably said projection 28 is a projecting cross sectional profile feature or upstand, and preferably this is one which extends upwardly from the cover portion 4 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Preferably it is located at or near the upper end 12 of the first sidewall 8 of the channel formation 2, so that when the lower end 11 of the sidewall is supported by the bracket 20, the upper end 12 of the sidewall 8 is prevented from rotating outwardly from the building surface. The lower part 25 of the bracket 20 can then be swung into position and secured to the gutter 1, for example by way of a fixture through the arcuate portion 17 of the cover portion 4, or optionally at alternative or further points on the channel formation 2. This configuration constrains the gutter 1 against vertical, horizontal and rotational motion (relative to its cross sectional plane).

(42) There may optionally be packing, preferably in the form of one or more packing plates, installed between the upper part 24 of the bracket and the fascia of the building to which the guttering is mounted in order to achieve the correct vertical alignment of the gutter channel and/or to sit the gutter section out from the fascia if required.

(43) The bracket 20 preferably engages with the projection 28 by means of a clip formation 29 which is capable of a small elastic deflection to permit insertion of the gutter 1. Preferably the clip formation 29 will have sufficient return bias to its undeformed condition to hold the gutter 1 in place, but may additionally be fastened to the gutter 1, preferably at a point on the projection feature 28.

(44) In another aspect the invention is a gutter system comprising sections of covered gutter 1 mounted to a building surface, or to a plurality of surfaces, so as to harvest water run-off from the building and channel it to a desired location, for example a drain or reservoir. Preferably the covered gutter system extends continuously around the exterior of the building, or significant portions thereof, and therefore preferably conforms to the peripheral shape of the building. For this reason the system additionally comprises section terminators 30 to be used to connect the open ends of adjacent linear gutter sections 1 (for example at corner or roof valley regions) or on the terminal ends of sections of gutter 1.

(45) There may be provided, in assembly with a covered gutter 1 of the present invention, or separately from it, a section terminator 30 adapted to terminate a section of the gutter 1. The section terminator 30 most preferably is of a cross sectional profile which corresponds to the cross sectional profile of the gutter 1, or at least provides one or more end regions 31 for association with the gutter 1 which correspond to the cross sectional profile of the gutter 1.

(46) In FIGS. 5A through to 9 there are shown three preferred section terminators 30 of the present invention. In a first embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, there is a substantially planar terminator 30 which serves as a cap or closure to the open end of a gutter section 1. In a second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the terminator is adapted to be fitted intermediate two co-axially aligned sections of gutter 1. In a third embodiment, of which there are a number of variations including those shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the terminator 30 is adapted to connect the end regions of two sections of gutter 1 which are angularly offset from one another.

(47) The section terminators are preferably of moulded plastic construction.

(48) Preferably the end region 31 of the section terminator has a lip 32 which extends in a direction normal to its cross sectional plane, the lip 32 defining a shape which, in cross sectional profile, matches the, or a substantial part of, the outer periphery of the profile of the gutter 1. It is preferable that the lip 32 achieves a push-fit engagement with the outer surface of the gutter 1 on insertion of the open end of the gutter section 1 into the end region of the section terminator 30. The lip 32 may also provide an internal step or edge 33 to butt against the open end of the section, as can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, which serves to restrict the amount of overlap that occurs when the gutter 1 and terminator 30 components are engaged.

(49) In a preferred embodiment the section terminator 30 has a port or opening 34. This can be used for inspection of and access to the interior of the terminator and/or the interior of the gutter for cleaning, flushing, mounting, assembly or repair. Preferably the port 34 is closeable, for example way of a hinged lid, screw in cap or press in plug. A preferred style of closure is the circular cap shown in FIG. 10. Alternatively the port 34 may instead be covered by a mesh or gauze.

(50) The port 34 is located according to the function of the terminator 30. For a terminator 30 which functions as an end cap (for example that shown in FIGS. 5a, 5B and 5C) the port 30 may be located on a plane normal to the direction of the gutter channel axis 10 and preferably on a flat face 35 of the terminator 30. For a terminator 30 which functions as a corner connector (for example those shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9), preferably the port 34 is located in an upper surface 36 of the terminator 30 such that a person looking down from above the gutter system when installed for use would be able to see into the interior of the terminator 30.

(51) In a preferred embodiment of a terminator 30 to be installed intermediate of two co-axially aligned gutter sections, for example as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is on an underneath surface 37 of the terminator and aperture 38 adapted for connection to the open end of a down pipe or drain. At least some portions of the interior surface(s) 39 of the terminator 30 surrounding the aperture 38 are preferably sloped toward the aperture 38 to encourage water flow through it.

(52) It is preferable that such a terminator 30 be made in two associable parts as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B wherein there is shown a body portion 40 and a lid or closure portion 41. The parts may preferably be fitted together with a sliding engagement, or may be otherwise associated. Alternatively there may be a snap-fit inter-engagement of the body portion 40 with the lid portion 41 by way of an upstand 46 of the lid portion 41 (corresponding to the upstand 28 of the gutter section profile) being received into a recess 47 on the body portion 40. It is preferred that the parts 40 and 41 be associated so as to accommodate some degree of relative movement between themselves and between the open end of the gutter section 1 which they terminate. In this manner the terminator 30 can also act as a slip joint to allow for the expansion and contraction of the metal gutter sections 1 in the guttering system.

(53) In a preferred embodiment of a section terminator 30 to be installed to connect two angularly offset gutter sections 1, there is a corner connector terminator 30 having a rigid body 42 with two open end regions 31 oriented relative to one another so as to open in offset planes. The end regions 31 may be oriented to receive and retain the gutter sections 1 at a 90 degree offset (as shown in FIG. 9), or a 135 degree offset (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 8).

(54) Preferably the corner connector terminator 30 has a longitudinal aperture 43 which corresponds to the aperture 6 of the gutter section 1 and functions in the same way to channel water into the interior of the terminator 30 while deflecting any solids in the water flow. The aperture 43 may be bridged by a reinforcing panel 44 at those regions 45 along the aperture 43 proximate to the point where the axes 10 of the two offset gutter channels 1 would intersect. As can be seen from FIGS. 7 to 9, the aperture may optionally run along the inside of the corner defined by the intersecting axes 10 or the outside of the corner so defined.

(55) The gutter system may comprise any number of section terminators 30 in any combination of the embodiments described above. In a preferred embodiment the guttering system comprises at least one of each of a covered gutter section 1, a mounting bracket 20 and a section terminator 30.

(56) Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

(57) Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.