Arrow Clip and Case

Abstract

In some embodiments, an arrow clip comprises a body comprising a back and a front defining a cavity arranged to receive an arrow. A door is moveable with respect to the cavity. The door comprises a spacer arranged to extend into the cavity. The spacer comprises a peak.

Claims

1. An arrow clip comprising: a body comprising a back and a front defining a cavity arranged to receive an arrow, a door moveable with respect to the cavity, the door comprising a spacer arranged to extend into the cavity, the spacer comprising a peak.

2. The arrow clip of claim 1, the body comprising a floor of the cavity.

3. The arrow clip of claim 1, the cavity comprising an open top, the door comprising a lid arranged to close the open top.

4. The arrow clip of claim 3, the lid moveable with respect to the door.

5. The arrow clip of claim 4, comprising a magnet arranged to attract the lid to the back.

6. The arrow clip of claim 1, comprising a magnet arranged to attract the door to the back.

7. The arrow clip of claim 1, the door comprising a first outer surface and a second outer surface oriented at an angle to the first outer surface, the angle being greater than 90 degrees.

8. The arrow clip of claim 1, the door comprising a first stop arranged to contact the front.

9. The arrow clip of claim 8, the door comprising a second stop arranged to contact the back.

10. The arrow clip of claim 1, the front comprising a first arm and a second arm defining the cavity, the door positionable between the first arm and the second arm.

11. The arrow clip of claim 10, the door comprising a first stop arranged to contact the first arm.

12. The arrow clip of claim 1, the spacer comprising a first spacer, the arrow clip comprising a second spacer attached to the back.

13. The arrow clip of claim 12, the second spacer comprising a constant thickness.

14. The arrow clip of claim 1, positionable upon a horizontal supporting surface, the body and the door contacting the supporting surface, wherein a central plane of the cavity is arranged at a non-vertical orientation.

15. An arrow case comprising: a structural tray comprising an elongate central portion, a first flared end and a second flared end, the structural tray defining a cavity arranged to receive an arrow; and a cover arranged to surround the structural tray, the cover comprising an elongate central portion, a first flared end and a second flared end, the cover comprising a flexible fabric.

16. The arrow case of claim 15, the cover comprising a zipper.

17. The arrow case of claim 15, comprising a webbing of material attached to an outer surface.

18. The arrow case of claim 15, comprising a bracing material oriented between the structural tray and the cover.

19. The arrow case of claim 18, the structural tray comprising a first height, the bracing material comprising a second height greater than the first height.

20. The arrow case of claim 15, the cavity comprising a first flange and a second flange defining a subcavity, the subcavity arranged to receive an arrow clip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an arrow clip engaging arrows.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the arrow clip of FIG. 1 in another orientation.

[0026] FIGS. 3 and 4 show views of an embodiment of an arrow clip in a closed configuration.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an arrow clip in an open configuration.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an arrow clip in another configuration.

[0029] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of an arrow clip in another configuration.

[0030] FIGS. 8 and 9 show an embodiment of an arrow clip in a display orientation.

[0031] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an arrow case.

[0032] FIG. 11 shows another view of an embodiment of an arrow case.

[0033] FIG. 12 shows another view of an embodiment of an arrow case.

[0034] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of an arrow case.

[0035] FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.

[0037] For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an arrow clip 10 arranged to engage a plurality of arrows 8. In some embodiments, the arrow clip 10 can be arranged in a first orientation, which comprises a closed orientation. In some embodiments, the arrow clip 10 is arranged to surround the plurality of arrows 8 in the first orientation. In some embodiments, the arrow clip 10 is arranged to engage and retain each arrow 8 in the first orientation. In some embodiments, the arrows 8 are not removable from the arrow clip 10 in the first orientation.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows the arrow clip 10 of FIG. 1 in a second orientation. In some embodiments, the second orientation comprises an open orientation, wherein the arrows 8 are removable from the arrow clip 10.

[0040] FIGS. 3 and 4 show additional views of an embodiment of an arrow clip 10 in the first orientation. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an arrow clip 10 in the second orientation.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, desirably, the arrow clip 10 comprises a body 12 defining a cavity 14. In some embodiments, the body 12 comprises a back 16 and a front 18. In some embodiments, the back 16 comprises a back inner wall 46. In some embodiments, the front 16 comprises a front inner wall 48. In some embodiments, the back inner wall 46 and the front inner wall 48 at least partially define the cavity 14. In some embodiments, the back inner wall 46 and the front inner wall 48 define a slot arranged to receive arrows.

[0042] In some embodiments, the body 12 comprises a first portion 58 and a second portion 60, and the second portion 60 is moveable with respect to the first portion 58. In some embodiments, the second portion 60 is rotatable about an axis 32 with respect to the first portion 58. In some embodiments, the second portion 60 comprises a door 30.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first portion 58 of the body 12 generally defines at least a portion of the cavity 14. In some embodiments, the first portion 58 comprises the back inner wall 46 and the front inner wall 48. In some embodiments, the first portion 58 comprises a first arm 20 and a second arm 22. In some embodiments, the first arm 20 comprises the front inner wall 48. In some embodiments, the second arm 22 comprises the front inner wall 48. In some embodiments, the first portion 58 of the body 12 comprises a floor 19 of the cavity 14. In some embodiments, the first arm 20 comprises the floor 19. In some embodiments, the second arm 22 comprises the floor 19. In some embodiments, the first portion 58 of the body 12 defines an opening 17 into the cavity 14 (see FIG. 5), wherein arrows can be moved through the opening 17, for example moving into the cavity 14 or out of the cavity 14. In some embodiments, first portion 58 of the body 12 defines a cavity 14 arranged to partially surround arrow(s) oriented in the cavity 14.

[0044] In some embodiments, the body 12 comprises a first side opening 31 into the cavity 14. In some embodiments, the body 12 comprises a second side opening 33 into the cavity 14. In some embodiments, one or more arrows 8 positioned in the cavity 14 can extend through the first side opening 31 and the second side opening 33. In some embodiments, the first side opening 31 and/or the second side opening 33 remain open in all orientations of the body 12.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second portion 60 of the body 12 is moveable with respect to the first portion 58 between a plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the second portion 60 is positionable in a first position with respect to the first portion 58, for example as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In some embodiments, in the first position, the door 30 is closed. In some embodiments, the door 30 comprises a front wall 34. In some embodiments, when the door 30 is closed, the front wall 34 comprises the front inner wall 48 of the cavity 14. In some embodiments, when the door 30 is closed, the door 30 is positioned between the first arm 20 and the second arm 22. In some embodiments, the body 12 comprises a stop mechanism 38 arranged to limit travel of the door 30 toward the cavity 14. In some embodiments, the stop mechanism 38 comprises a flange 39 provided on the second portion 60 arranged to abut a surface of the first portion 58, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the door 30 comprises a stop mechanism 38 arranged to abut an arm 20, 22.

[0046] In some embodiments, the body 12 comprises a spacer 36 arranged to contact arrow(s) positioned in the cavity 14. In some embodiments, the second portion 60 comprises a spacer 36. In some embodiments, the door 30 comprises a spacer 36. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the front wall 34 comprises a spacer 36. In some embodiments, when the door 30 is closed, at least a portion of the spacer 36 extends into the cavity 14. In some embodiments, when the door 30 is open, the spacer 36 does not extend into the cavity 14. In some embodiments, the spacer 36 is arranged to frictionally engage arrow(s) positioned in the cavity 14 and prevent movement of the arrow(s) when the door 30 is closed. A spacer 36 can comprise any suitable material and have any suitable size and shape. In some embodiments, the door 30 is made from a first material and the spacer 36 is made from a second material different from the first material. In some embodiments, the second material is softer and/or more deformable than the first material. In some embodiments, the spacer 36 comprises a foam material arranged to deform around arrow(s) in the cavity 14. In some embodiments, the spacer 36 comprises rubber, an elastomeric polymer, etc. In some embodiments, a spacer 36 comprises a plurality of ridges and valleys, wherein an arrow can be positioned in a valley and a ridge is positioned between arrows. In some embodiments, the spacer 36 comprises a material having a Shore durometer ranging from 20-60. In some embodiments, the spacer 36 comprises a material having a Shore durometer of 35-45. In some embodiments, the spacer 36 comprises a material having a Shore durometer of approximately 40.

[0047] In some embodiments, a spacer 36 comprises at least one peak 63. In some embodiments, a peak 63 is arranged to extend between arrows positioned in the cavity 14. In some embodiments, a peak 63 is arranged to contact a first arrow and a second arrow. In some embodiments, a spacer 36 comprises a plurality of peaks 63. In some embodiments, a spacer comprises at least one valley 64. In some embodiments, a valley 64 is positioned between two adjacent peaks 63. In some embodiments, an arrow in the cavity 14 will be positioned in a valley 64 when the door 30 is closed.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first portion 58 of the body 12 comprises a first material and a second material different from the first material. In some embodiments, the second material is softer and/or more deformable than the first material. In some embodiments, the second material is arranged to contact arrow(s) positioned in the cavity 14. In some embodiments, a surface of the cavity 14 comprises the second material. In some embodiments, the back inner wall 46 comprises the second material. In some embodiments, the second material is similar to material of a spacer 36.

[0049] In some embodiments, the body 12 comprises a base 24 arranged to be supported by a supporting surface, such as a tabletop. In some embodiments, the base 24 comprises at least three contact points arranged on a reference plane. In some embodiments, the base 24 comprises at least one flat surface extending along a reference plane. In some embodiments, the base 24 comprises a first flat surface and a second flat surface extending along a reference plane. In some embodiments, the first flat surface and the second flat surface are positioned on opposite sides of the second portion 60 of the body 12. In some embodiments, the first portion 58 of the body 12 comprises the base 24. In some embodiments, an axis of the cavity 14 extends orthogonal to the base 24. For example, in some embodiments, when the base 24 is oriented horizontally, the cavity 14 comprises a slot that is oriented vertically.

[0050] In some embodiments, the body 12 comprises an engagement mechanism 28 arranged to retain the second portion 60 in a predetermined position with respect to the first portion 58. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism 28 is arranged to retain the door 30 in a closed position. Any suitable engagement mechanism can be used. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism 28 comprises a first portion 54 arranged to engage a second portion 55. In some embodiments, the first portion 58 of the body 12 comprises the first portion 54 of the engagement mechanism 28 and the second portion 60 of the body 12 comprises the second portion 55 of the engagement mechanism 28. In some embodiments, at least one of the portions 54, 55 of the engagement mechanism 28 comprises a magnet, and the other comprises a second magnet, a magnetically attractive material such as a ferrous material, etc.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second portion 60 of the body 12 comprises a door 30 and a lid 40. In some embodiments, the lid 40 is supported by the door 30. In some embodiments, the lid 40 is moveable with respect to the door 30. In some embodiments, the lid 40 is pivotable with respect to the door 30 about an axis 52. In some embodiments, the lid 40 comprises a portion of the engagement mechanism 28, such as the second portion 55.

[0052] In some embodiments, the lid 40 comprises a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the lid 40 is closed in the first position and open in the second position. In some embodiments, when the lid 40 is in the closed position, is it arranged to occlude the opening 17 into the cavity 14, for example as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0053] In some embodiments, the lid 40 comprises a tab 50 that can be used to move the lid 40 with respect to the first portion 58 of the body 12, and/or with respect to the door 30. In some embodiments, the tab 50 is positioned across the lid 40 from the movement axis 52. In some embodiments, the first portion 58 of the body 12 comprises a recess 62 located adjacent to the tab 50. In some embodiments, the recess 62 provides clearance for a finger to engage the tab 50.

[0054] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the arrow clip 10 in another orientation. In some embodiments, the body 12 is positionable with the door 30 in a closed position and the lid 40 in an open position. In this orientation, the lid 40 does not block the opening 17 into the cavity 14. In some embodiments, in this orientation, at least one arrow 8 can be removed from the cavity 14.

[0055] In some embodiments, the lid 40 comprises a spacer 37 arranged to contact an arrow 8 positioned in the cavity 14. In various embodiments, the spacer 37 of the lid comprises a material similar to the first spacer 36. In some embodiments, the spacer 37 of the lid comprises one or more features as described with respect to the first spacer 36. In some embodiments, the spacer 37 comprises a valley 64.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of an arrow clip 10 in another orientation. In some embodiments, the arrow clip 10 can be positioned upon a supporting surface with the door 30 in an open configuration, for example wherein the spacer 36 does not extend into the cavity 14. Thus, in this orientation, the arrow clip 10 is supported and arrows can be removed from the cavity 14 and/or inserted into the cavity 14. In some embodiments, the first portion 58 of the body 12 comprises a base 24 arranged to contact a supporting surface, and the second portion 60 of the body 12 comprises a secondary base 44 arranged to contact the supporting surface. In some embodiments, the secondary base 44 comprises a contact point. In some embodiments, the secondary base 44 comprises a flat surface. In some embodiments, the front wall 34 and/or an outer surface 66 of the door 30 extends at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the secondary base 44. In some embodiments, an angle between the front wall 34 or outer surface 66 and the secondary base 44 ranges from greater than 90 degrees to less than 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle ranges from greater than 100 degrees to less than 120 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the front wall 34 or outer surface 66 and the secondary base 44 is approximately 115 degrees. In some embodiments, the secondary base 44 functions as a stop that orients the door 30 with respect to the supporting surface.

[0057] In some embodiments, the arrow clip 10 comprises a spacer 41 attached to the body 12. In some embodiments, the spacer 41 is attached to the back wall 46. In some embodiments, the spacer 41 is located across the cavity 14 from a spacer 36 attached to the front wall 34. The spacer 41 can be made from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the spacer 41 comprises a material similar to the first spacer 36. In some embodiments, the spacer 41 comprises a foam material.

[0058] The spacer 41 can have any suitable thickness. In some embodiments, multiple spacers 41, 41b are provided having different thicknesses, and an appropriate thickness can be chosen according to the diameter of arrows that will be placed in the cavity 14.

[0059] FIGS. 8 and 9 show an embodiment of an arrow clip 10 in another orientation. In some embodiments, the arrow clip 10 comprises a display orientation wherein the second portion 60 of the body 12 comprises a display base 35 arranged to contact a supporting surface. In some embodiments, the second portion 60 is positionable behind the back 16 of the first portion 58 of the body 12. In various embodiments, any suitable portion of the second portion 60 can comprise the display base 35. In some embodiments, a portion of the door 30 comprises the display base 35. In some embodiments, a spacer 38 of the door 30 comprises the display base 35. In some embodiments, the lid 40 comprises the display base 35. In some embodiments, a spacer 37 of the lid 40 comprises the display base 35. In some embodiments, the lid 40 is positionable to have the tab 50 comprise the display base 35.

[0060] In some embodiments, in a display orientation, the first portion 58 of the body 12 is oriented at an incline. In some embodiments, the first portion 58 is oriented non-orthogonally with respect to the supporting surface. In some embodiments, a central plane 15 of the cavity 14 is oriented non-orthogonal to the supporting surface.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second portion 60 of the body 12 comprises a secondary stop 42 arranged to limit travel of the second portion 60 with respect to the first portion 58. In some embodiments, the secondary stop 42 contacts the back 16 of the first portion 58. In some embodiments, the second portion 60 is moveable with respect to the first portion 58 between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, in the first position, the stop 38 contacts a front surface of the first portion 58, for example as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, in the second position, the secondary stop 42 contacts a back surface of the first portion 58, for example as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In some embodiments, a range of motion between the first position and second position comprises a rotation of at least 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the range of motion comprises a rotation of at least 270 degrees. In some embodiments, the range of motion comprises a rotation of at least 290 degrees.

[0062] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an arrow case 70. In some embodiments, the arrow case 70 is arranged to receive a bundle of arrows 8 engaged by an arrow clip 10. Desirably, the arrow case 70 comprises a body 72 defining a cavity 74. In some embodiments, the body 72 comprises a first end portion 80, a central portion 82 and a second end portion 84. In some embodiments, the central portion 82 comprises a predetermined width. In some embodiments, the first end portion 80 comprises a greater width than the central portion 82. In some embodiments, the second end portion 84 comprises a greater width than the central portion 82. In some embodiments, the first end portion 80 and the second end portion 84 are sized to contain the fletching 9 of an arrow 8, and the width of the first end portion 80 and/or the second end portion 84 is greater than an outer width of the fletching 9, or greater than an outer diameter defined by the fletching 9. In some embodiments, the central portion 82 comprises a width that is less than the outer width of the fletching 9, or less than an outer diameter defined by the fletching 9.

[0063] In some embodiments, the cavity 74 of the arrow case 70 comprises a subcavity 76 arranged to receive an arrow clip 10. In some embodiments, the subcavity 76 is located in the central portion 82. In some embodiments, the subcavity 76 is generally centered along the length of the arrow case 70. In some embodiments, the subcavity 76 is defined by a flange 86 extending into the cavity 74. In some embodiments, the subcavity 76 is defined by a first flange 86 and a second flange 88. In some embodiments, the first flange 86 and the second flange 88 are located on opposite sides of the arrow clip 10 and prevent the arrow clip 10 from moving along the length of the cavity 70.

[0064] In some embodiments, the arrow case 70 comprises a bumper 78. In some embodiments, a bumper 78 is located in the first end portion 80. In some embodiments, a bumper 78 is arranged to extend around the ends of arrows oriented in the cavity 70. In some embodiments, the bumper 78 comprises a generally soft and/or flexible material arranged to protect the arrows 8, for example if the case 70 is deformed under external loads. In some embodiments, a bumper 78 comprises a foam material.

[0065] In some embodiments, the arrow case 70 comprises a first bumper 78 in the first end portion 80 and a second bumper 79 in the second end portion 84.

[0066] In some embodiments, a bumper 78, 79 comprises a cavity 90 arranged to receive an item such as an arrowhead. In some embodiments, a cavity 90 is shaped to receive a broadhead arrowhead, an expandable broadhead arrowhead, etc. In some embodiments, a bumper 78, 79 comprises a plurality of cavities 90. In some embodiments, an arrow clip 10 is arranged to engage a predetermined number of arrows 8, and the number of cavities 90 provided in the bumper(s) 78, 79 are equal to the predetermined number of arrows 8.

[0067] FIG. 11 shows a portion of the arrow case 70 of FIG. 10 in greater detail. In some embodiments, the cavity 74 is defined by a first sidewall 81 and an opposed second sidewall 83. In some embodiments, the subcavity 76 is defined by a first flange 86 and a second flange 88. In some embodiments, a first flange 86 extends into the cavity 74 from the first sidewall 81. In some embodiments, a first flange 86 extends into the cavity 74 from the second sidewall 83. In some embodiments, a first flange 86 extends into the cavity 74 from a floor 85 of the arrow case 70. In some embodiments, a second flange 88 extends into the cavity 74 from the first sidewall 81. In some embodiments, a second flange 88 extends into the cavity 74 from the second sidewall 83. In some embodiments, a second flange 88 extends into the cavity 74 from a floor 85 of the arrow case 70.

[0068] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of an arrow case 70 in a closed configuration. An arrow case 70 can comprise any suitable material in any suitable configuration. In some embodiments, the arrow case 70 comprises a hard plastic or polymeric material. In some embodiments, the arrow case 70 comprises an elastomeric material such as an elastomeric polymer. In some embodiments, the arrow case 70 comprises leather. In some embodiments, the arrow case 70 comprises a fabric material. In some embodiments, an arrow case 70 comprises a body portion 72 and a lid 73. In various embodiments, a lid 73 can engage the body 72 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the lid 73 is pivotable with respect to the body 72 and attached by a hinge. In some embodiments, the body 72 and lid 73 comprise mating surfaces arranged to engage one another. In some embodiments, an arrow case 70 comprises a zipper arranged to open and close the arrow case 70, for example when the case 70 comprises a flexible material.

[0069] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of an arrow case 70. FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13. In some embodiments, an arrow case 70 comprises a structural tray 92 surrounded by a cover 94. In some embodiments, the structural tray 92 comprises a floor and a sidewall defining a tub arranged to receive an arrow clip 10 and arrows 8. In some embodiments, the structural tray 92 comprises an elongated central portion 82 and flared end portions 80, 84 as described herein. The structural tray 92 can be made from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the structural tray 92 comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, the structural tray 92 comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). In some embodiments, the structural tray 92 comprises an EVA foam.

[0070] In some embodiments, the structural tray 92 is positioned within a cover 94. In some embodiments, the cover 94 is shaped according to the shape of the case 70 described herein, for example comprising an elongated central portion 82 and flared end portions 80, 84. A cover 94 can be made from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the cover 94 comprises a fabric. In some embodiments, the cover 94 comprises a woven synthetic fiber fabric such as Cordura fabric.

[0071] In some embodiments, the arrow case 70 comprises bracing 98 positioned between the structural tray 92 and the cover 94. In some embodiments, bracing 98 is provided in the end portions 80, 84 of the arrow case 70. In some embodiments, bracing 98 comprises one or more strips of structural material. In some embodiments, the bracing 98 is arranged to provide crush resistance and maintain the size of the end portions 80, 84, for example to protect the end portions of arrows 8, which may include arrowheads and/or fletching. Bracing 98 can be made from any suitable material and can comprise metal such as steel. In some embodiments, the structural tray 92 comprises a first height and the bracing 98 comprises a second height greater than the first height. In some embodiments, the bracing 98 comprises a first portion that contacts both the structural tray 92 and the cover 94, and a second portion that contacts the cover 94 but does not contact the structural tray 92.

[0072] In some embodiments, the arrow case 70 comprises a zipper 96 arranged to open and close the cavity 74. In some embodiments, the cover 94 comprises a zipper 96.

[0073] In some embodiments, the arrow case 70 comprises a webbing 89 material attached to an outer surface. In some embodiments, the webbing 89 is attached at multiple places to provide several adjacent segments of webbing 89 material arranged to engage another object. In some embodiments, the webbing 89 comprises a modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) strap.

[0074] As shown herein, an arrow clip 10 is arranged to engage six arrows, and the arrow case 70 is sized to hold the arrow clip 10 and six arrows. In other embodiments, the arrow clip 10 and the arrow case 70 can be sized to hold different numbers of arrows. For example, an arrow clip 10 can comprise the features as described herein but the cavity 14 can be made taller, allowing a greater number of arrows to be stacked in the arrow clip 10. In various embodiments, an arrow clip 10 can be configured to engage eight arrows, ten arrows, twelve arrows, eighteen arrows, twenty four arrows, etc. An arrow case 70 can also be made taller to receive any embodiment of an arrow clip 10 and the desired number of arrows.

[0075] The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term comprising means including, but not limited to. Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims.

[0076] Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below.

[0077] This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the eventual claims.