FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to bedding products and, more particularly, to an adjustable bed base having leg assemblies which may be collapsed for shipping.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional adjustable bed bases often have a rectangular frame to which leg assemblies must be secured. Such adjustable bed bases are typically manufactured and shipped to various retail outlets in pieces for offering to end consumers.
Accordingly, manufacturers attempt to package the adjustable bed bases in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This often requires that various components of the adjustable bed bases be packaged in an unassembled state such that subsequent assembly is required before the consumer may use the adjustable bed base. By way of example, the support legs may not come assembled to the adjustable bed base. As a result, the practice of shipping such components separately, in an unassembled state, involves considerable amounts of time and cost for both the manufacturer and end-user.
Conventional assembly of an adjustable bed base often requires hardware and tools, such as wrenches, screw drivers, etc. Accordingly, proper assembly relies on the retailer or consumer having the proper tools readily accessible. It can be frustrating when the person starts assembling the adjustable bed base but then learns that they lack the proper tools required to complete the assembly. Moreover, proper assembly of the adjustable bed base may be dependent on the skill set of the person performing the assembly. Thus, even with the correct tools, proper assembly of the adjustable bed base may not be achieved. The improper assembly of the adjustable bed base may frustrate the customer and result in negative product perception, phone calls or other communications from unsatisfied consumers, or product return and a demand for a refund.
In view of the above, there is an increasing need for manufacturers to provide bedding or furniture products that are easy to assemble and require a minimum number of tools.
It is therefore an objective of this invention to provide an adjustable bed base which may be shipped in a folded state with the leg assemblies pre-attached to the adjustable bed base and configured to be assembled in a tool-less manner.
It is further an objective of this invention to provide an adjustable bed base having leg assemblies, where each leg assembly is foldable between a folded position for shipping and storage and a locked lowered position for use.
It is therefore an objective of this invention to provide an adjustable bed base which may be shipped in a smaller package than previously known with the leg assemblies pre-attached to the adjustable bed base and configured to be shipped inside the frame of the adjustable bed base.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a foldable adjustable bed base comprises a generally rectangular foldable frame. In one embodiment the adjustable bed base is foldable in half. An articulated deck is secured to the generally rectangular foldable frame. The articulated deck comprises multiple deck pieces hinged together. In one embodiment, the articulated deck comprises four deck pieces. Linear actuators are secured to the generally rectangular foldable frame for moving the deck pieces. Mounting brackets are secured to the generally rectangular foldable frame. Each of the mounting brackets is generally U-shaped and has aligned openings for receiving a fastener. The fastener defines a pivot axis for the leg assembly which pivots about the pivot axis inside mounting bracket sides.
Leg assemblies are pivotally secured to the mounting brackets. Each of the leg assemblies has an adjustable length and is pivotal between a raised position for storage or shipment and a lowered position for use. Each of the leg assemblies comprises a hollow receiver pivotally secured to one of the mounting brackets. The hollow receiver has upper openings and aligned lower openings. A first push pin assembly is welded inside the hollow receiver. The first push pin assembly includes a first push pin and a generally C-shaped spring. The first push pin extends through one of the upper openings in the hollow receiver at all times. A hollow leg is sized to fit inside the hollow receiver. The hollow leg has an opening extending through a wall of the hollow leg. The leg assembly further comprises an end cap secured inside the hollow leg.
The leg assembly further comprises a second push pin assembly welded inside the hollow leg. The second push pin assembly includes a second push pin extending through the opening in the hollow leg and through one of the lower openings in the hollow receiver to fix the length of the leg assembly. The first push pin extends through an opening in the mounting bracket when the leg assembly is in its lowered position and fits inside another portion of the mounting bracket when the leg assembly is in its raised position.
In a second aspect, the foldable adjustable bed base comprises a frame foldable in half due to hinges in the frame. An articulated deck is secured to the frame. The articulated deck comprises multiple deck pieces hinged together. In one embodiment, the articulated deck comprises four deck pieces. Motorized linear actuators are secured to the frame for moving the deck pieces.
Mounting brackets are secured to the generally rectangular frame. Each of the mounting brackets is generally U-shaped and has aligned holes for receiving a fastener. The fastener defines a pivot axis for the leg assembly which pivots about the pivot axis inside mounting bracket sides.
A leg assembly is pivotally secured to each of the mounting brackets. Each of the leg assemblies has an adjustable length and is pivotal between a raised position for storage or shipment and a lowered position for use. Each of the leg assemblies comprises a hollow receiver pivotally secured to one of the mounting brackets. The hollow receiver has upper openings and a column of lower openings. The upper openings of the hollow receiver are aligned with the holes in the mounting bracket. A fastener extends through the aligned holes in the mounting bracket and upper openings in the hollow receiver. The fastener defines a pivot axis for the leg assembly relative to the stationary mounting bracket.
A first push pin assembly is welded inside the hollow receiver. The first push pin assembly includes a first push pin and a generally C-shaped spring. The first push pin extends through one of the upper openings in the hollow receiver. A hollow leg is sized to fit inside the hollow receiver. The hollow leg has an opening extending through a wall of the hollow leg. The leg assembly further comprises an end cap secured inside the hollow leg.
The leg assembly further comprises a second push pin assembly welded inside the hollow leg. The second push pin assembly includes a second push pin extending through the opening in the hollow leg and through one of the lower openings in the hollow receiver to fix the length of the leg assembly. The first push pin extends through an opening in the mounting bracket when the leg assembly is in its lowered position and fits inside another portion of the mounting bracket when the leg assembly is in its raised position.
In a third aspect, an adjustable bed base is foldable in half and comprises a foldable frame. An articulated deck is secured to the foldable frame. The articulated deck comprises multiple deck pieces hinged together. Linear actuators move the deck pieces relative to each other.
Mounting brackets are secured to the foldable frame. Each of the mounting brackets is generally U-shaped and has aligned openings for receiving a fastener and a lock opening. The fastener defines a pivot axis for the leg assembly which pivots about the pivot axis inside mounting bracket sides.
A leg assembly is pivotally secured to each of the mounting brackets. Each of the leg assemblies has an adjustable length and is pivotal between a raised position and a lowered position. Each of the leg assemblies comprises a tubular receiver pivotally secured to one of the mounting brackets. The tubular receiver has upper openings and a column of lower openings. The upper openings of the tubular receiver are aligned with the holes in the mounting bracket. A fastener extends through the aligned holes in the mounting bracket and upper openings in the tubular receiver. The fastener defines a pivot axis for the leg assembly relative to the stationary mounting bracket.
A first push pin assembly is welded inside the tubular receiver. The first push pin assembly includes a first push pin and a generally C-shaped spring. The first push pin extends through one of the upper openings in the tubular receiver. A tubular leg is sized to fit inside the tubular receiver. The tubular leg has an opening extending through a wall of the tubular leg. The leg assembly further comprises an end cap secured inside the tubular leg.
The leg assembly further comprises a second push pin assembly welded inside the tubular leg. The second push pin assembly includes a second push pin extending through the opening in the tubular leg and through one of the lower openings in the tubular receiver to fix the length of the leg assembly. The first push pin extends through an opening in the mounting bracket when the leg assembly is in its lowered position and fits inside another portion of the mounting bracket when the leg assembly is in its raised position.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the summary of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the drawings given below, explain the principles of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an adjustable bed base.
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1 showing a frame supported by six leg assemblies.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one of the leg assemblies secured in a lowered position.
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the leg assembly of FIG. 4A secured in a raised stored position.
FIG. 5A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1 showing one of the leg assemblies in a lowered position.
FIG. 5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the portion of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 5A showing the leg assembly secured in a raised position.
FIG. 6 is a partially disassembled view of one of the leg assemblies;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1 in a collapsed or folded position for shipment;
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of adjustable bed base in a ready to use position.
FIG. 9A is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 8 showing a frame supported by front and rear tubular support assemblies and two middle leg assemblies.
FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 9 showing the front and rear tubular supports and middle leg assemblies secured in a raised position inside the frame of the adjustable bed base.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 8 showing one of the tubular support assemblies in a down position.
FIG. 11A is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of adjustable bed base in a ready to use position.
FIG. 11B is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 11A showing the leg assemblies secured in a raised position inside the frame of the adjustable bed base.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the leg assemblies of the adjustable bed base of FIGS. 11A and 11B secured in a lowered position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1, an adjustable bed 10 has a head end 2 and a foot end 3. The adjustable bed 10 includes an adjustable bed base 12 for supporting a mattress 5. The adjustable bed base 12 of the present invention may be used with any type of mattress. The mattress is not intended to be limited by the drawings.
As best shown in FIG. 2, the adjustable bed base 12 comprises a generally rectangular metal frame 16 supported by six leg assemblies 18. Although one type of generally rectangular metal frame 16 is illustrated being part of the adjustable bed base 12, any other type of generally rectangular frame may be supported by any number of leg assemblies constructed in accordance with the present invention. The adjustable bed base is not intended to be limited by the drawings.
As best shown in FIG. 2, the generally rectangular foldable metal frame 16 comprises a head member 22, a foot member 20 and two side members 24, each side member 24 extending between the head and foot members 22, 20, respectively. As best shown in FIG. 2, each side member 24 of the generally rectangular metal frame 16 comprises a front side member 25 and a rear side member 26 hinged together with a hinge 27. The generally rectangular metal frame 16 is movable between an extended position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a folded or collapsed position shown in FIG. 7 for shipping or storage. The capability of the generally rectangular metal frame 16 to fold in half enables the adjustable bed base 12 to be shipped in a compact condition, resulting in a cost savings. As best shown in FIG. 2, the generally rectangular metal frame 16 further comprises a hollow cross member 28 extending between the front side members 25. Although each of the frame members 20, 22, 24, 25, 26 and 28 is illustrated as having a hollow interior, one or more frame members may have a filled interior or partially filled interior.
As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises an articulated deck 30 comprising a head deck board 32 hinged to a front seat deck board 34 with hinges 42. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front seat deck board 34 is secured to a cross member 11 of the generally rectangular frame 16 with fasteners 13 and does not move when the deck 30 is articulated. The front seat deck board 34 is spaced from a rear seat deck board 36 with gap 35, as best shown in FIG. 1. The gap 35 is aligned with a gap 54 in foam border 52 as described below and defines a pivot axis P of the adjustable bed base 12. The rear seat deck board 36 is secured to additional cross members 31 of the generally rectangular frame 16 with fasteners 13 and does not move when the deck 30 is articulated. A leg deck board 38 is hinged to the rear seat deck board 36 with hinges 44. Lastly, a foot deck board 40 is hinged to the leg deck board 38 with hinges 46.
As best shown in FIG. 1, a stop 50 is secured to the foot deck board 40 of the deck 30 and functions to prevent movement of the mattress 5 relative to the adjustable bed base 12 when the deck 30 is articulated.
The adjustable bed base 12 further comprises a foam border 52 extending around the perimeter of the deck 30 for preventing injury to users. The foam border 52 may comprise any number of foam pieces glued together. Regardless of how many pieces are glued together, each side of the foam border 52 has a gap 54 which facilitates the folding of the adjustable bed base 12 in half, as best shown in FIG. 7.
As best shown in FIG. 2, the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises two motorized linear actuators 60, 62. The first motorized linear actuator 60 located proximate the head end 2 of the adjustable bed 10 extends between a bracket 57 secured to the hollow cross member 28 of the frame 16 and a U-shaped metal brace 59 secured to the underside of the head deck board 32. The first motorized linear actuator 60 is used to include the head deck board 32. As best shown in FIG. 2, the second motorized linear actuator 62 extends between a bracket 63 secured to the hollow end member 20 of the frame 16 and a U-shaped brace 55 secured to the underside of the foot deck board 40. The second motorized linear actuator 62 is used to incline the leg deck board 38 and foot deck board 40.
As best shown in FIG. 2, the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises six mounting brackets 64. As best shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, two of the six mounting brackets 64 are welded to the head member 22 of the generally rectangular metal frame 16. As shown in FIG. 2, two other mounting brackets 64 are welded to the rear member 20 of the generally rectangular metal frame 16. The remaining two mounting brackets 64 are welded to the rear side members 26 of the generally rectangular metal frame 16. Each of the mounting brackets 64 remains stationary regardless of the position of the articulated deck 30 and regardless of the whether the adjustable bed base 12 is in its extended position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or folded position shown in FIG. 7.
As best shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 6, each mounting bracket 64 is a unitary metal member comprising a generally U-shaped main portion 66 welded to a generally U-shaped support portion 68. As best shown in FIG. 6, the generally U-shaped support portion 68 comprises two triangular side portions 70 extending outwardly from a generally planar rear portion 72. As best shown in FIG. 6, the generally U-shaped main portion 66 comprises two rectangular side portions 74 extending outwardly from a generally planar rear portion 76.
As best shown in FIG. 6, each of the triangular side portions 70 of the generally U-shaped support portion 68 has a lower edge 71 which contacts one of the frame members, such as the front frame member 22 as shown in FIG. 4A. Additionally, the portion of the generally planar rear portion 76 of the generally U-shaped main portion 66 of each mounting bracket 64 below the generally U-shaped support portion 68 contacts one of the frame members such as the front frame member 22 as shown in FIG. 4A.
As best shown in FIG. 6, the rectangular side portions 74 of generally U-shaped main portion 66 of each mounting bracket 64 have aligned openings or holes 78, one opening 78 per side portion 74. A fastener 80 in the form of a bolt extends through the openings 78 and is secured with a nut 82. Below each of the openings 78 is an opening 84 adapted to receive a first push pin 104 to lock the leg assembly 18 in a lowered position for use as described below.
As best shown in FIG. 2, each leg assembly 18 is illustrated being secured to one of the mounting brackets 64 using one of the fasteners 80. Such securement is typically accomplished using fasteners, but any known method may be used to secure the tubular receivers 86, as described below, to one or more pieces of the generally rectangular metal frame 16 such as mounting brackets 64.
As best shown in FIGS. 5A and 6, each leg assembly 18 has an adjustable length and is pivotal about an axis PP defined by the fastener 80. Each leg assembly 18 is pivotal between a lowered position shown in FIG. 5A and a raised position shown in FIG. 5B. As best shown in FIG. 6, each leg assembly 18 includes a tubular receiver 86 and a tubular leg 88. The tubular leg 18 is moveable relative to the tubular receiver 86 to fix the length of the leg assembly 18.
As best shown in FIG. 6, each leg assembly 18 comprises a tubular receiver 86 having an upper edge 90 and a lower edge 92. As best shown in FIG. 6, tubular receiver 86 comprises a wall 94 having an interior surface defining a hollow interior 96 therein and an exterior surface 98. As shown in FIG. 5A, tubular receiver 86 has an inner diameter D1 and an outer diameter D2. Thus, the tubular receiver 86 has a generally cylindrical shape.
As best shown in FIG. 6, receiver 86 has two aligned upper openings 100 through which the fastener 80 passes. The upper openings 100 of the receiver 86 are adapted to align with the holes 78 of the mounting bracket 64 so the fastener 80 may extend through the two upper openings 100 of the receiver 86 and the two holes 78 of the mounting bracket 64. Once the nut 82 is tightened on the threaded end of the fastener 80, the fastener 80 defines the pivot axis PP about which the leg assembly 18 may pivot relative to the stationary mounting bracket 64.
As best shown in FIG. 6, receiver 86 also has an opening 102 through which a first push pin 104 of a first push assembly 106. The first push assembly 106 includes a generally C-shaped spring 108 having a first push pin 104 welded or secured to one end of the generally C-shaped spring 108. As best shown in FIG. 6, the generally C-shaped spring 108 resides inside the hollow interior 96 of receiver 86, the push pin 104 of first push pin assembly 106 extending through the opening 102 in the receiver 86. When the leg assembly 18 is locked in its lowered position shown in FIG. 4A, the first push pin 104 of first push pin assembly 106 also extends through the opening 84 of mounting bracket 64.
As best shown in FIG. 6, receiver 86 also has seven lower openings 108 aligned in a column 110 extending parallel an axis A of the leg assembly 18. Each lower opening 108 extends through the wall 94 of the receiver 86. Although seven aligned openings 86 are illustrated, the receiver 86 may have any desired number of holes or openings of any desired shape.
Each leg assembly 18 further comprises a tubular leg 88 having an upper edge 110, as best shown in FIG. 6, and a lower edge 112. As best shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, tubular leg 88 comprises a wall 114 having an interior surface 115 defining a hollow interior 116 therein and an exterior surface 118. As shown in FIG. 5A, tubular leg 88 has an inner diameter D3 and an outer diameter D4. Thus, the tubular leg 88 has a generally cylindrical shape. The tubular leg 88 also has an opening 89 extending through the wall 114 of the tubular leg 88 proximate the upper edge 110 of the tubular leg 88.
As best shown in FIG. 6, each leg assembly 18 further comprises a second push pin assembly 120, including a generally C-shaped spring 122 having a second push pin 124 welded or secured to one end of the generally C-shaped spring 122. As best shown in FIG. 5A, the generally C-shaped spring 122 is secured, preferably via welding, inside the hollow interior 116 of tubular leg 88. The second push pin 124 of second push pin assembly 120 extends through the opening 89 in the tubular leg 88 and through one of the lower openings 108 in the receiver 86 to fix the length of the leg assembly 18. Because the second push pin 124 of second push pin assembly 120 extends through the opening 89 in the tubular leg 88 and though one of the lower openings 108 of tubular receiver 26, the tubular leg 88 is fixed relative to the tubular receiver 86.
As best shown in FIG. 5A, each leg assembly 18 further comprises an end cap 125. The end cap 125 rests inside the hollow interior 116 of the tubular leg 88 at the bottom thereof. Although one type of end cap 125 is shown, any other configuration of end cap 125 may be used.
FIGS. 4A and 5A illustrate one of the leg assemblies 18 locked in a lowered position with the first push pin 104 extending through one of the openings 84 of one of the mounting brackets 64. Depending upon the desired height of the articulated deck 30 of the adjustable bed base, the second push pin 124 extends through one of the lower openings 108 of one of the tubular receiver 86. Preferably, all leg assemblies 18 are adjusted to the same height for use, as shown in FIG. 3.
FIGS. 4B and 5B illustrate the leg assembly 18 locked in a raised position with the first push pin 104 located in a groove 101 of one of the mounting brackets 64. The grooves 101 are formed in the two rectangular side portions 74 of the generally U-shaped main portion 66 of mounting bracket 64, as best shown in FIG. 6. Although not shown, another opening may be formed in the mounting bracket to receive the first push pin 104 to lock the leg assembly 18 in a raised position for storage or shipment.
FIG. 7 shows the adjustable bed base 12 folded in half and enclosed in a box 103 for shipping. The box 103 is shown in dashed lines. The box 103 may be made of cardboard or any other desired known material.
FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another embodiment of adjustable bed base 12a utilizing the features of the present invention for use in an adjustable bed 10a. For simplicity, like parts are numbered the same. The adjustable bed base 12a has the same foldable frame 16 as described above and shown in adjustable bed base 12. The mounting brackets 64 and receivers 86 are identical as those described above and shown in adjustable bed base 12. However, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the middle leg assemblies 18 are folded inwardly towards each other and may be locked in the positions shown in FIG. 9B. The middle mounting brackets 64 are oriented differently than the middle mounting brackets shown in adjustable bed base 12, thereby enabling the middle two leg assemblies 18 to fold from one side towards the other side as shown in FIG. 9B and remain locked in such positions.
In adjustable bed base 12a, in place of tubular legs, a U-shaped support tube 126 is secured with second push pin assemblies 120 inside the corner receivers 86. Each U-shaped support tube 126 has two leg portions 128 and a middle portion 130 therebetween. Each of the leg portions 128 has a second push pin assembly 120 adapted to engage one of the lower openings of one of the corner receivers 86, as described above to fix the height of the U-shaped support tube 126. Each of the U-shaped support tubes 126 is locked in its raised position as shown in FIG. 9B using the same locking mechanism described above with mounting brackets 64 and tubular receivers 86. As best shown in FIG. 10, each of the leg portions 128 of each U-shaped support tube 126 is secured inside one of the tubular receivers 86 with one of the second push pin assemblies 120 as described above and shown herein.
FIGS. 11A-12 illustrate another embodiment of adjustable bed 10b utilizing the features of the present invention. For simplicity, like parts are numbered the same. The adjustable bed base 12b of adjustable bed 10b has a non-foldable frame 16b lacking the hinges 27 of foldable frame 16 described above and shown in adjustable beds 10 and 10a. The non-foldable frame 16b comprises a head member 22, a foot member 20 and two side members 24b, each side member 24b extending between the head and foot members 22, 20, respectively. The head and foot members 22, 20 are identical to those used in the foldable frame 16 described and shown herein. Although the drawings shown a non-foldable frame, this embodiment of adjustable bed base may have a foldable frame. Similarly, each of the adjustable bed bases shown and described herein having a foldable frame may be used with a non-foldable frame.
Adjustable bed base 12b has no mounting brackets. The leg assemblies 18b differ from leg assemblies 18 described above and shown herein. FIG. 11A shows in the four leg assemblies 18b locked in a lowered position. FIG. 11B shows in the four leg assemblies 18b locked in a raised position.
As best shown in FIG. 12, each leg assembly 18b comprises a receiver 130 pivotally secured to one of the side members 24b of the non-foldable frame 16b with a fastener 132 and a leg 144. The fastener 132 defines a pivot axis PPP about which the leg assembly 18b pivots relative to the side member 24b of the non-foldable frame 16b. The receiver 130 is generally U-shaped in cross section rather than tubular and comprises two side walls 134 and a connecting wall 136 defining an interior 137. The receiver 130 has an opening 131 extending through at least one of the side walls 134 of receiver 130. A push pin 133 of a push pin assembly as described and shown herein extends through the opening 131 of receiver 130 to fix the receiver in a lowered position for use as shown in FIG. 12. The push pin assembly and accompanying push pin 133 are secured in the side member 24b of the non-foldable frame 16b. When the push pin 133 is depressed, the receiver 130 may be pivoted about axis PPP to a raised position as shown by the arrow 150 shown in FIG. 12.
At least one of the side walls 134 of receiver 130 has a column of openings 138 adapted to receive a push pin 140 to fix the length of the leg assembly 18b, as shown by the arrow 142. The push pin 140 is part of a push pin assembly as described and shown herein, secured inside an interior 139 of the leg 144. When the push pin 140 is depressed, the leg 144 may be raised or lowered to the desired position relative to the receiver 130, as shown by the arrow 142 shown in FIG. 12. The push pin 140 is used to adjust the leg assembly 18b to a desired length. The legs 144 of the leg assemblies 18b may be removed for shipment or stored in their raised positions as shown in FIG. 11B.
The various embodiments of the invention shown and described are merely for illustrative purposes only, as the drawings and the description are not intended to restrict or limit in any way the scope of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various changes, modifications, and improvements which can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and representative apparatus and methods shown and described. Departures may therefore be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept. The invention resides in each individual feature described herein, alone, and in all combinations of any and all of those features. Accordingly, the scope of the invention shall be limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.
Patent Application
20230270259
