Universal ski and snowboard portable tuning system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6585248
  • Patent Number
    6,585,248
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, August 29, 2002
    21 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, July 1, 2003
    20 years ago
  • Inventors
  • Examiners
    • Wilson; Lee D.
    Agents
    • Barlow, Josephs & Holmes, Ltd.
Abstract
The present invention provides a new and improved portable ski and snowboard tuning table that can be employed with skis or snowboards of any length, width or binding style including downhill, telemark or cross-country. In addition, the device allows the skis or snowboards to be installed in either a horizontal or side mounted fashion depending on the user's preference. The device is integrated to include storage for all of the tools required to tune the skis as well as being completely portable in a compact package. The lower surface of the work surface has four legs that are pivotally connected and can be selectable rotated to either a retracted position beneath the work surface or an extended position for use of the table. The ski supports only support the skis from the lower surface and do not wrap around the edges of the ski providing an obstruction to the optimal full stroke tuning method. In cooperation with the end supports, a binding insert is used to retain the ski on the tuning bench while providing the user full access to three sides of the ski.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates to a portable device for supporting skis and snowboards during the tuning process thereof. More specifically, this invention relates to a collapsible device that allows a user to tune a pair of skis or a snowboard in any location using the portable ski and snowboard tuning table of the present invention.




Currently, the use of ski tuning and clamping devices is well known in the prior art. A number of prior art ski tuning devices have been devised and utilized for the purpose of tuning skis and are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless specific objectives and requirements.




Nearly all of these devices include a central component for clamping the ski in place and two end support components for holding and stabilizing the front and rear ends of the ski while the edges are filed and the bottom is waxed. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,887, issued to Weissenborn et al., discloses a ski holding device that is mounted to a table, if one is available, that includes two end supports that also must be mounted to the table to keep the ski tip and tail from flexing during the tuning process. U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,356, issued to Thomas, discloses an automatic ski-tuning device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,220, issued to Yurick, Jr., discloses a ski edge tuning tool. U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,030, issued to Gaston et al., discloses a multipurpose apparatus and method for tuning and grooving a ski. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,250, issued to Fonas, discloses a method and apparatus for tuning a pair of skis.




The difficulty with all of the cited the prior art devices is that while they all fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, none of them describe a portable ski and snowboard tuning table for allowing a user to tune a pair of skis or a snowboard in any location. A major drawback to all of these devices is that they must generally be mounted to an additionally required workbench. This is particularly inconvenient because skis are occasionally tuned at the top of an alpine run on a mountain side in the snow. Generally, benches are not readily available at the top of a ski slope and bringing them to the required location requires a great deal of effort and advanced planning. In addition, while U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,373 issued to Wasylynko discloses a portable table for tuning skis, the clamping devices are inefficient in that they wrap over the edges and bottom of the ski to hold the ski in place during tuning thus interfering with the ability of the tuner to have full, unimpeded access to the components of the ski being tuned. Also, vices cannot be used with the new trapezoidal or cap style skis where the top of the ski is not flat. In this manner, it prevents the individual who is tuning the ski to apply full smooth strokes to both the edges and bottom of the ski when filing the edges or applying wax. Another drawback to the Wasylynko device is that the device is not self-contained, when broken down the device has several individual components that all must be handled separately, thus interfering with true portability.




Finally, none of the prior art devices allow a user to employ the device with equal effectiveness to alpine skis as well as the wide variety of short powder skis, telemarking skis and snowboards. This is a large drawback to the prior art devices given the increased popularity related to the traditional alpine ski alternatives such as snowboards.




Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved portable ski and snowboard tuning table which is self contained, easily portable and can be used for allowing a user to tune a pair of skis or a snowboard in any location. In addition, there is a need for a portable ski tuning table that firmly holds the ski or snowboard in place while allowing the user unobstructed access to the bottom surface and edges. Further there is a need for a ski tuning bench that is light, simple to use and compact enough to be fully portable.




BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




In this regard, the present invention provides a new and improved portable ski and snowboard tuning table, which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. The present invention provides an integrated system that can be employed with skis or snowboards of any length, width or binding style including downhill, telemark or cross-country. In addition, the device allows the skis or snowboards to be installed in either a horizontal or side mounted fashion depending on the user's preference. The device is integrated to include storage for all of the tools required to tune the skis as well as being completely portable in a compact package.




The present invention essentially comprises a horizontal work surface, the upper surface of which has access holes to storage compartments, a central opening through which a clamping device is inserted and end sections onto which end supports are mounted. The supports on the end sections of the bench pivot inwardly and outwardly and can be placed in several locations along the work surface of the bench to accommodate varying length skis and to allow the bench to have a smaller profile when collapsed for transport. Further, the supports only support the skis from the lower surface and do not wrap around the edges of the ski providing an obstruction to the optimal full stroke tuning method. In cooperation with the end supports, a binding insert is used to retain the ski on the tuning bench while providing the user full access to three sides of the ski. In addition, this insert allows the user to adjust the tension of the ski in the tuning bench to provide a slight camber if desired and to accommodate skis having various thicknesses and different binding riser plates from a single centrally controlled location.




The lower surface of the work surface has four legs that are pivotally connected and can be selectable rotated to either a retracted position beneath the work surface or an extended position for use of the table. The legs also are reversible having rubber tips on one end for indoor use and pointed tips on the opposite end for outdoor use on icy conditions. The storage compartments are located on the interior of the work surface and are designed to contain all of the clamping components and required tuning tools when they are not in use, allowing the present invention to be both conveniently portable and self-contained. Covers are installed over the compartment openings to retain the components stored within during transport and storage and provide a level working surface when the device is in use. Additionally, a tool pouch is provided to contain the tools in a readily accessible location beneath the device when in operation.




Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is the provision of completely self-contained and portable ski tuning bench that provides integrated storage for all of the components necessary for tuning skis. Another object of the present invention is the provision of a tuning bench that can be used with equal efficacy with any type of ski or snowboard. Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a tuning bench that can firmly retain the ski or snowboard being tuned while providing unobstructed access to both edges and the bottom surface without requiring the supports to be moved. A further object of the present invention is the provision of a universal ski tuning system that is completely portable that includes integral tool storage in addition to allowing the user to mount the ski or snowboard in either a vertical or horizontal position.




Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of the portable ski-tuning bench of the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a perspective view thereof with a downhill ski mounted horizontally therein;





FIG. 3

is a perspective view thereof with a downhill ski mounted vertically therein;





FIG. 4

is a perspective view from the adjustable binding insert of the present invention;





FIG. 5

is a perspective view of the storage compartments of the ski-tuning bench of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 6

is a perspective view thereof in a folded position ready for transport;





FIG. 7

is a perspective view of the end of the ski-tuning bench of

FIG. 1

with the end supports pivoted in an inward position;





FIG. 8

is a perspective view of the end of the ski-tuning bench of

FIG. 1

with the snowboard end supports installed;





FIG. 9

is a perspective view of the ski tuning bench of

FIG. 1

with a snow board mounted horizontally therein; and





FIG. 10

is a perspective view of the ski-tuning bench of

FIG. 1

with a snowboard mounted vertically therein.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




Referring now to the drawings, the universal ski tuning system of the present invention is generally shown in

FIGS. 1-3

.

FIGS. 4-8

generally show operational details of the present invention. Finally,

FIGS. 9 and 10

show the present invention in use with a snowboard. The universal tuning bench is generally indicated at


10


. As will hereinafter be more fully described, the tuning bench


10


generally includes a storage box


12


with a work surface


14


installed on the top thereof. Retractable legs


16


are connected to the sides of the storage box


12


to allow the bench


10


to be set-up at a comfortable working height for the user. A universal support and clamping system, as will be more fully described below, is provided on the top of the work surface


14


that provides support for the front and tail ends of the skis or snowboards but also provides tensioning to retain the equipment in the bench


10


for the tuning process. Further, the support and clamping system is fully adjustable to accommodate a wide range of ski and snowboard shapes and sizes as well as binding configurations. In operation, the bench


10


is universal in application to all types of alpine equipment while also being completely collapsible, making it easily portable thereby creating a convenient and economical self-contained ski tuning bench


10


that has not been previously available in the prior art.




Turning to

FIG. 1

, the universal tuning bench


10


is shown with a conventional down hill alpine ski installed in a horizontal position for tuning. The bench


10


consists of a storage box


12


with a work surface installed


14


on the top of the box


12


. The storage box


12


is provided to contain any tuning tools required in the ski tuning process such as files, screwdrivers, scrapers, waxes and heaters in a convenient location integral to the ski-tuning bench


10


. In this manner, all of the tools and any of the optional, removable components of the bench


10


, as are indicated below, can be placed in the storage box


12


and retained in one package for portability. This feature is an important improvement over the prior art where all of the accessories and tools had to be transported separately.




The support legs


16


of the ski-tuning bench


10


are pivotally connected to the sides of the storage box


12


using a threaded fastener and a thumbscrew


18


. The legs


16


are a tubular material and can be placed in either an extended position depending downwardly from the bench


10


allowing the bench to be set up in any location for use. In addition, the legs


16


can be pivoted upwardly under the edge of the work surface


14


in a compact storage position for transport. The thumbscrews


18


are tightened against the legs


16


to retain them in grooves in the sides of the storage box


12


in the desired position making the tuning bench


10


a stable work platform. It can be seen in

FIG. 2

that the edges of the work surface


14


extend beyond the edges of the storage box


12


. Since the legs


16


are mounted against the sides of the storage box


12


, this overhanging feature provides protection for the thumbscrews


18


and the legs


16


thereby preventing any falling debris or wax from building up on these surfaces. The support legs


16


are also reversible, having rubber feet


20


on one end thereof to provide for use of the ski tuning bench


10


of the present invention on finished floor surfaces without scratching or marring them. On the opposite end of the legs


16


, spikes (not shown) are provided so that the ski-tuning bench


10


can be set up and used on the icy conditions usually encountered on the mountainside ski slopes while keeping the bench


10


firmly in place and manintaining its stability.




Two universal end supports


22


are provided on each end of the work surface. The end supports


22


are pivotally mounted onto the work surface


14


and fastened in the desired location using thumbscrews


24


. The ability to pivot the end supports


22


serves several purposes. First, they can be pivoted inwardly for storage and portability. Further, by allowing the end supports


22


to pivot inwardly by a full 180° the supports


22


have a closer spacing so that the bench


10


can support shorter skis such as children's skis or the shorter, wider powder skis that are currently popular. Finally, by slightly pivoting the end supports


22


the skis can be tensioned and retained on the bench


10


when installed in the vertical position as will be more fully described below.




The bottom support surface


26


of the end supports


22


is slightly elevated from the work surface


14


to allow them to freely rotate over the work surface


14


even if there is a build up of wax on the surface


14


. The universal end supports


22


also include several features that facilitate their use with a variety of different equipment and binding configurations. Turning to

FIGS. 1 and 2

the ski bench


10


can be seen in use with a conventional high performance downhill alpine type ski. Posts


28


are provided on the end supports


22


upon which the tip and tail of the ski rests. The posts


28


are narrower than the overall width of the ski so as not to obstruct full and unimpeded access to the edges of the ski. The clamping assembly


30


cooperates with the end supports


22


to firmly retain the ski in position. In

FIG. 2

, the clamping assembly


30


is shown engaged, slightly flexing the ski causing the tip and tail of the ski to exert downward pressure on the posts


28


of the end supports


22


. In this manner, it can be seen that the ski is retained in in such a way as to allow access to all of the side and bottom surfaces of the ski so that a person tuning the ski can use continuous smooth strokes to sharpen the edges of the ski and to apply wax to the bottom of the ski.




Turning to

FIG. 3

, the present invention


10


is shown with a conventional downhill ski installed in a vertical position as may be the preference of the user. In this fashion, the center of the ski is rigidly maintained in position by the clamping assembly


30


and the end supports


20


are slightly pivoted to exert outward pressure against the tip and tail of the ski. Again, as can be seen the posts


28


on the end supports


22


are lower than the edge of the ski allowing uninterrupted access to the edge of the ski. Further, on either side of the support post


28


the end supports


22


have shoulders


32


provided where both skis in the pair can be placed after the edges have been tuned so that wax can be evenly applied to the bottom surface of the skis. This feature allows both skis to be waxed simultaneously thereby saving time for the user of the table


10


.




Turning now to

FIG. 4

, a close up view of the clamping assembly


30


is shown with a boot dummy


34


insert for use with traditional alpine style ski bindings. The clamping assembly


30


has two components. The first component is a boot dummy


34


. The boot dummy


34


engages the binding of the ski in the same manner that a ski boot engages the binding. The boot dummy


34


has a toe portion


36


with a lip that is latched under the toe of the ski binding and a heel portion


38


with a corresponding lip to engage the spring-loaded rear portion of the binding. The heel


38


and toe


36


portions of the boot dummy


34


are interconnected using a central section


40


that is slidable to allow the user to freely adjust the length of the boot dummy


34


to accommodate the length and preset dimensions of the binding on any ski being tuned. In operation, the boot dummy


34


is set to the size of the binding snapped into place as a ski boot would be snapped into place. Alternatively, the binding of the ski can be latched in the closed position. The latching mechanism


42


on the central section


40


of the boot dummy


34


is loosened allowing the heel


38


and toe


36


to slide freely relative to one another. The boot dummy


34


is placed into the binding, the toe


36


and heel


38


portions are slid apart to firmly engage the binding, and the latching mechanism


42


is tightened. In this manner, the boot dummy


34


is firmly engaged with the ski to be tuned. The second component of the clamping mechanism


30


is the clamping bar


44


. The clamping bar


44


has a slot


46


on one end to receive the central portion


40


of the boot dummy


34


. The bar


44


can be attached to the ski perpendicular or parallel to the bottom surface of the ski allowing the ski to be mounted onto the bench


10


in either a vertical or horizontal position as described above. The other end of the clamping bar


44


extends through a hole


48


in the top center of the work surface


14


where it is frictionally engaged by a threaded thumbscrew


50


. The ski is placed onto the ski bench


10


as shown in

FIGS. 2

or


3


and the clamping bar


44


is placed into the opening


48


in the work surface


14


. Once the desired tension is placed on the ski, the thumbscrew


50


is tightened locking the clamping assembly


30


in place. It can be further seen that a stop mechanism


52


is provided on the clamping bar


44


to prevent it from dropping complete through the opening


48


in the work surface


14


or pinching the hands of the user should the clamping bar


44


be unintentionally released from the boot dummy


34


. Vertical adjustment of the clamping bar


44


allows a centrally located single control for adjusting the bench


10


to the required dimension for various ski and riser thicknesses.





FIG. 5

illustrates the storage compartments


54


provided in the ski-tuning bench


10


of the present invention. The storage compartments


54


are located on the interior of the storage box


12


. Access to the storage compartments


54


is provided through openings in the top of the work surface


14


. Covers


56


are provided to keep debris from the tuning process out of the storage compartments


54


. Further, the covers


56


are provided to retain any tools required for the tuning of the alpine equipment in addition to the components of the clamping assembly


30


and the additional components for the end supports


22


. Once these components are placed into the storage compartment


54


, the covers


56


are installed so that all of the parts remain in the storage compartment


54


during transport and handling of the ski-tuning bench


10


.




Turning now to

FIG. 6

, the ski-tuning bench


10


of the present invention is shown in a completely collapsed and folded position ready for transport. As can be seen, the clamping assembly


30


has been removed and placed in the storage compartment


54


. The storage compartment


54


covers


56


are installed. The end supports


22


are rotated inwardly and secured in a flat position and the legs


16


are folded up under the work surface


14


. In this manner, the ski-tuning bench


10


is completely collapsed and ready for transport. This is an important feature of the present invention because often this type device needs to be transportable by plane, train or automobile and useable in a minimal amount of space. For this reason a compact, portable, self-contained device is necessary to allow convenience of transport and ease of set up and use.





FIGS. 7 and 8

are close up views of the end supports


22


of the present invention


10


. In

FIG. 7

the end supports


22


are shown clearly illustrating slots


58


into which a ski or snowboard can be installed in a vertical position. Once the equipment is placed into the slot


58


, the end supports


22


can be rotated as earlier described to place tension onto the equipment and firmly retain it within the device


10


. This feature allows the device of the present invention


10


to be employed with alpine equipment that does not include the traditional downhill alpine ski binding. For example, since cross-country and telemark skis have a different binding, a modified boot dummy


34


can be inserted, they can be tuned on the universal tuning bench


10


of the present invention in this manner.

FIG. 8

shows a wide end cap


60


installed onto the end support


22


. The wide end cap


60


is used when the user desires to tune a snowboard in the horizontal position.




The universal tuning bench


10


of the present invention is shown in

FIGS. 9 and 10

with a snowboard installed thereon. In

FIG. 9

, the snowboard is shown in a horizontal position. As described above, the wide end caps


60


are installed onto the end supports


22


and the snowboard is in turn placed onto the end caps


60


. Retaining straps


62


are provided with end hooks


64


to latch over the ends of the snowboard and retain the snowboard in place during the tuning operation.

FIG. 10

shows the snowboard installed vertically using the slots


58


described above to retain and support the snowboard for the tuning process. Additional tensioning screws


66


are provided to retain the snowboard in the slot


58


is desired.




It can be seen that an important aspect of the present invention is that it firmly retains skis or snowboards without obstructing access to the edges or bottom surface. This is an advantage that allows the edges to be sharpened and the bottom waxed in a smooth and uninterrupted motion without having to reposition the ski or snowboard in the device


10


. In addition, the present invention


10


is entirely self-contained allowing any required components to be stored as an integral component of the present invention thus allowing complete portability.




It can therefore be seen that the present invention provides a unique and novel universal alpine equipment tuning bench


10


that is completely self-contained and portable unlike the devices in the prior art. Further, the present invention can be used with equal efficiency for the tuning of any type of ski or snowboard and in any location. For these reasons, the instant invention is believed to represent a significant advancement in the art, which has substantial commercial merit.




While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.



Claims
  • 1. A portable ski and snowboard tuning device for allowing a user to tune alpine equipment in any location comprising, in combination:a storage box having a top edge; a horizontal work platform having a top surface, a first end and a second end, said work platform mounted on said top edge of said storage box; a first pair of legs, each of said legs having an upper portion pivotally secured proximal to said first end of said storage box, said legs having a first support position depending downwardly from said storage box and a second transport position alongside said storage box; a second pair of legs, each of said legs having an upper portion pivotally secured proximal to said second end of said storage box, said legs having a first support position depending downwardly from said storage box and a second transport position alongside said storage box; a pair of end supports pivotally mounted to said top surface of said work platform proximal to said first and second ends thereof; a clamping bar extending through a hole in said horizontal work platform, said clamping bar capable of vertical adjustment, said clamping bar having a terminal end; a clamping mechanism in said hole in said horizontal work platform capable of retaining said clamping bar: and an adjustable ski boot dummy, said ski boot dummy having a front part, a rear part, an intermediate part interconnecting said front part and a means for removably securing said ski boot dummy to said terminal end of said clamping bar, wherein said ski boot dummy is inserted into the binding of said alpine eguipment correspondingly as a ski boot.
  • 2. The portable ski and snowboard tuning table of claim 1, wherein said storage box further includes openings in said horizontal work platform to allow access into the interior of said storage box and covers that are securable over said openings.
  • 3. The portable ski and snowboard tuning table of claim 1, wherein said work platform is larger than said storage box and overhangs the sides of said storage box, preventing accumulation of debris from said adjustment and tuning of alpine equipment on said first and second pairs of legs.
  • 4. The portable ski and snowboard tuning table of claim 1, wherein said alpine equipment includes downhill alpine skis, telemarking skis, cross country skis, parabolic skis, powder skis and snowboards.
  • 5. The portable ski and snowboard tuning table of claim 1, said clamping bar further comprising:means for attaching said ski boot dummy to said clamping bar permitting attachment of the dummy in a first position, in which the bottom side of the alpine equipment is turned upwards, and second and third positions, in which either of the side edges of the alpine equipment are turned upwards.
  • 6. A portable ski and snowboard tuning device for allowing a user to tune alpine equipment in any location comprising, in combination:a storage box having an interior compartment, sides, a first end, a second end and a top edge; a horizontal work platform having a top surface, a first end and a second end, said work platform mounted on said top edge of said storage box, said work platform having openings therein to access said interior compartment of said storage box; a first pair of legs, each of said legs having an upper portion and a lower portion, each upper portion pivotally secured proximal to said first end of said storage box using a threaded fastener, said legs and said fasteners cooperating to maintain said legs in a first support position depending downwardly from said storage box and a second transport position alongside said storage box; a second pair of legs, each of said legs having an upper portion and a lower portion, each upper portion pivotally secured proximal to said second end of said storage box using a threaded fastener, said legs and said fasteners cooperating to maintain said legs in a first support position depending downwardly from said storage box and a second transport position alongside said storage box; a pair of end supports pivotally mounted to said top surface of said work platform proximal to said first and second ends thereof; a clamping mechanism, said clamping mechanism cooperating with said end supports to receive and maintain alpine equipment securely in either a vertical or horizontal position for the adjustment and tuning thereof.
  • 7. The portable ski and snowboard tuning table of claim 6, wherein said storage box further comprises covers that are securable over the openings provided for access thereto.
  • 8. The portable ski and snowboard tuning table of claim 6, wherein said work platform is larger than said storage box and overhangs the sides of said storage box, preventing accumulation of debris from said adjustment and tuning of alpine equipment on said first and second pairs of legs.
  • 9. The portable ski and snowboard tuning table of claim 6, wherein said alpine equipment includes downhill alpine skis, telemarking skis, cross country skis, parabolic skis, powder skis and snowboards.
  • 10. The portable ski and snowboard tuning table of claim 6, said central vise assembly comprising:a clamping bar extending through a hole in said horizontal work platform, said clamping bar having a terminal end; and a clamping mechanism in said hole in said horizontal work platform capable of retaining said clamping bar; and an adjustable ski boot dummy, said ski boot dummy having a front part corresponding to the toe portion of a ski boot, a rear part corresponding to the heel portion of a ski boot, an intermediate part interconnecting said front part with said rear part, and a means for removably securing said ski boot dummy to said terminal end of said clamping bar, said ski boot dummy to be inserted into the binding of said alpine equipment correspondingly as a ski boot and secured in a first position, in which the bottom side of the alpine equipment is turned upwards, and second and third positions, in which either of the side edges of the alpine equipment are turned upwards, wherein at least one of said front and rear parts can be displaced along said intermediate part and can be secured thereto in positions corresponding to the desired binding size.
  • 11. A portable ski and snowboard tuning device for allowing a user to tune alpine equipment in any location comprising:a storage box having a top edge, a first end and a second end; a horizontal work platform having a first end and a second end, said work platform mounted on said top edge of said storage box; a first pair of legs, pivotally secured proximal to said first end of said storage box; a second pair of legs, pivotally secured proximal to said second end of said storage box; a pair of end supports pivotally mounted to said top surface of said work platform proximal to said first and second ends thereof; a clamping bar extending through a hole in said horizontal work platform, said clamping bar having a terminal end an adjustable ski boot dummy removably secured to said terminal end of said clamping bar, said ski boot dummy to be inserted into the binding of said alpine equipment correspondingly as ski boot; and a clamping mechanism in said hole in said horizontal work platform capable of maintaining said clamping bar at a vertically adjustable height, said pair of end supports, said ski boot dummy, said clamping bar and said clamping mechanism cooperating to retain said alpine equipment in a rigid position leaving unobstructed access to the bottom surface and edges thereof.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application No. 60/316,084, filed Aug. 30, 2001.

US Referenced Citations (4)
Number Name Date Kind
3963234 Bejtlich Jun 1976 A
4335765 Murphy Jun 1982 A
5829501 DeVito Nov 1998 A
5848783 Weissenborn Dec 1998 A
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60/316084 Aug 2001 US