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Title:
ATTACHMENT MECHANISM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2009/097674
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An attachment mechanism for attaching a first body to a second body is provided which includes an internal ring attached to the first body, a hub attached to the second body, a locking ring disposed around the hub, and a retention mechanism for retaining the engagement between the internal ring and the locking ring. The internal ring includes a first annular mating surface and an outer surface. The hub includes a second annular mating surface for engaging the first annular mating surface when the first and second bodies are attached, and a first engagement means provided circumferentially around the hub. The locking ring includes a second engagement means provided circumferentially around the locking ring and adapted to engage the first engagement means during attachment of the first and second bodies, and an outer surface. The engagement of the first and second engagement means prevents rotation of the locking ring with respect to the hub. The retention mechanism includes a radially extending flange extending from the outer surface of one of the internal ring and the locking ring, and a locking arm extending from the outer surface of the other of the internal ring and the locking arm and operable to receive the radially extending flange. The radially extending flange and the locking arm are correspondingly shaped and sized such that their engagement enables a drawing together of the first and second mating surfaces in response to a rotation of the locking ring with respect to the internal ring.

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Inventors:
MOSKUN PETER (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2008/000255
Publication Date:
August 13, 2009
Filing Date:
February 07, 2008
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ANSUL CANADA LTD (CA)
MOSKUN PETER (CA)
International Classes:
F04B53/22; A62C31/00; F16B7/00; F16B21/02; F16L37/10; F16L37/16
Foreign References:
CA2325173A12001-05-03
US6398521B12002-06-04
US7287460B22007-10-30
US4892430A1990-01-09
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ROBIC (1001 Victoria Square-Bloc E-8th FloorMontréal, Quebec H2Z 2B7, CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:

Claims:

1. An attachment mechanism for attaching a first body to a second body, the attachment mechanism comprising:

a) an internal ring attached to the first body, the internal ring comprising:

i) a first annular mating surface; and

ii) an outer surface;

b) a hub attached to the second body, the hub comprising:

i) a second annular mating surface for engaging the first annular mating surface when the first and second bodies are attached; and

ii) a first engagement means provided circumferentially around the hub;

c) a locking ring disposed around the hub, the locking ring comprising:

i) a second engagement means provided circumferentially around the locking ring and adapted to engage the first engagement means during attachment of the first and second bodies, the engagement of the first and second engagement means preventing rotation of the locking ring with respect to the hub; and

ii) an outer surface;

d) a retention mechanism for retaining the engagement between the internal ring and the locking ring, the retention mechanism comprising:

i) a radially extending flange extending from the outer surface of one of the internal ring and the locking ring; and

ii) a locking arm extending from the outer surface of the other of the internal ring and the locking arm and operable to receive the radially extending flange;

wherein the radially extending flange and the locking arm are correspondingly shaped and sized such that their engagement enables a drawing together of the first and second mating surfaces in response to a rotation of the locking ring with respect to the internal ring.

2. The attachment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the first body is a pump end and the second body is an engine, wherein the engine comprises a power output for driving the pump end and the pump comprises a receiving means for receiving the power output when the pump end and the engine are attached, and wherein the internal ring surrounds the receiving means and hub surrounds the power output.

3. The attachment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the retention mechanism further comprises at least one additional extending flange and at least one additional locking arm, the radially extending flange and the at least one additional radially extending flange being distributed evenly about the outer surface of the one of the internal ring and the locking ring, the locking arm and the at least one additional locking arm being distributed evenly about the outer surface of the other of the internal ring and locking ring.

4. The attachment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein one of the first and second pluralities of engagement means comprises a plurality of tabs and the other of the first and second pluralities of engagement means comprises a plurality of corresponding notches.

5. The attachment mechanism of claim 4, wherein the tabs and corresponding notches are semi-circular.

6. The attachment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the radially extending flange comprises a stopper for limiting movement of the locking arm with respect thereto as the locking ring is rotated with respect to the internal ring.

7. The attachment mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a releasable locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the locking ring with respect to the internal ring.

8. The attachment mechanism of claim 7, wherein the releasable locking mechanism comprises a draw latch mounted to the locking arm and engagable with the radially extending flange.

9. The attachment mechanism of claim 7, wherein the releasable locking mechanism comprises a pin operable to traverse the locking ring and the internal ring.

10. A kit for attaching a first body to a second body, the kit comprising:

a) an internal ring for attachment to the first body, the internal ring comprising:

i) a first annular mating surface; and

ii) an outer surface;

b) a hub for attachment to the second body, the hub comprising:

i) a second annular mating surface for engaging the first annular mating surface when the first and second bodies are attached; and

ii) a first engagement means provided circumferentially around the hub;

c) a locking ring disposed around the hub, the locking ring comprising:

i) a second engagement means provided circumferentially around the locking ring and adapted to engage the first engagement means during attachment of the first and second bodies, the engagement of the first and second engagement means preventing rotation of the locking ring with respect to the hub; and

ii) an outer surface;

d) a retention mechanism for retaining the engagement between the internal ring and the locking ring, the retention mechanism comprising:

i) a radially extending flange extending from the outer surface of one of the internal ring and the locking ring; and

ii) a locking arm extending from the outer surface of the other of the internal ring and the locking ring and operable to receive the radially extending flange;

wherein the radially extending flange and the locking arm are correspondingly shaped and sized such that their engagement enables a drawing together of the first and second mating surfaces in response to a rotation of the locking ring with respect to the internal ring.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the first body is a pump end and the second body is an engine, wherein the engine comprises a power output for driving the pump end and the pump comprises a receiving means for receiving the power output when the pump end and the engine are attached, and wherein the internal ring is operable to surround the receiving means and hub is operable to surround the power output.

12. A method of attaching a first body to a second body, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an internal ring attached to the first body, the internal ring comprising:

i) a first annular mating surface; and

ii) an outer surface;

b) providing a hub attached to the second body, the hub comprising:

i) a second annular mating surface operable to engage the first annular mating surface; and

ii) a first engagement means provided circumferentially around the hub;

c) providing a locking ring disposed around the hub, the locking ring comprising:

i) a second engagement means provided circumferentially around the locking ring and adapted to engage the first engagement means during attachment of the first and second bodies; and

ii) an outer surface;

d) providing a retention mechanism for retaining the engagement between the internal ring and the locking ring, the retention mechanism comprising:

i) a radially extending flange extending from the outer surface of one of the internal ring and the locking ring; and

ii) a locking arm extending from the outer surface of the other of the internal ring, the radially extending flange and the locking arm being correspondingly shaped and sized;

e) mating the first and second mating surfaces;

f) engaging the pluralities of first and second engagement means, thereby preventing rotation of the locking ring with respect to the hub; and

g) rotating the first body and the internal ring with respect to the second body and the locking ring such that the radially extending flange is received by the locking arm, thereby drawing together of the first and second mating surfaces.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first body is a pump end and the second body is an engine, wherein the engine comprises a power output for driving the pump end and the pump comprises a receiving means for receiving the power output when the pump end and the engine are attached, and wherein the internal ring surrounds the receiving means and hub surrounds the power output.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step g) comprises a rotation of approximately 90°.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of attaching the pump ring to the pump.

16. The use of a quick coupling-type attachment mechanism for attaching a pump end to an engine.

17. A pump end operable to be coupled to an engine by a quick coupling-type attachment mechanism.

Description:

ATTACHMENT MECHANISM

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to an attachment mechanism, and more particularly, and in its preferred intended use, the present invention relates to an attachment mechanism for attaching a first body to a second body.

Background of the invention:

In the forestry industry, when fire is present, it is especially important that fire- fighting equipment be set-up quickly and efficiently. Equipment must be designed in such a way that any setting-up of equipment can be done quickly and with little effort while at the same time removing the possibility of breakage which can cause the equipment to be un-usable.

Pumps and the like are known in the art. More particularly, pumps for use in fire fighting are a staple piece of equipment used in the forestry industry. It is not uncommon for conventional pumps to leak due to a seal failure, or for internal components such as bearings to become damaged due to the entry of foreign material. When such damage occurs, the pump is rendered useless and must be replaced. It is therefore desirable that the pump be easily and reliably attached and removed.

In the past, conventional pump clamps were used to secure the pump to the engine. However, if a pump clamp breaks due to over-tightening or misuse, there will be no means of keeping the pump end and engine together. A more robust concept and quicker means of attachment is desired.

It is also known to provide a quick coupling-type connection, such as a quarter turn connection, for connecting hoses which comprise a cam and ramp system. Such conventional quarter turn attachment systems are so called due to the 90° turn

required to couple the two halves of the system. However, it is often necessary to first align the two bodies such that their respective cams and ramps line up prior to the 90° turn which couples the system. This alignment requires one of the two halves to be turned with respect to the other. As will be appreciated, this alignment is easily accomplished when attaching flexible hoses, however it can be problematic when attaching two rigid elements such as a pump and an engine. Moreover, a rigid element such as a pump likely has a desired orientation according to the arrangement of any hoses connected thereto. Having to bring a pump to a specific position with respect to the pump prior to attachment can negatively effect its use and operation.

Summary of the invention:

It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide an attachment mechanism means for attaching a first body to a second body which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related devices known in the prior art. It is also an aspect of the present invention to provide a kit and method for attaching a first body to a second body which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related kits and methods known in the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, the above aspect is achieved, as will be easily understood, with an attachment mechanism, kit and method such as the ones briefly described herein and such as the ones exemplified in the accompanying drawings.

More specifically, there is provided an attachment mechanism for attaching a first body to a second body in which the attachment mechanism includes an internal ring attached to the first body, a hub attached to the second body, a locking ring disposed around the hub, and a retention mechanism for retaining the engagement between the internal ring and the locking ring. The internal ring

includes a first annular mating surface and an outer surface. The hub includes a second annular mating surface for engaging the first annular mating surface when the first and second bodies are attached, and a first engagement means provided circumferentially around the hub. The locking ring includes a second engagement means provided circumferentially around the locking ring and adapted to engage the first engagement means during attachment of the first and second bodies, and an outer surface. The engagement of the first and second engagement means prevents rotation of the locking ring with respect to the hub. The retention mechanism includes a radially extending flange extending from the outer surface of one of the internal ring and the locking ring, and a locking arm extending from the outer surface of the other of the internal ring and the locking arm and operable to receive the radially extending flange. The radially extending flange and the locking arm are correspondingly shaped and sized such that their engagement enables a drawing together of the first and second mating surfaces in response to a rotation of the locking ring with respect to the internal ring.

Preferably, the first body is a pump end and the second body is an engine. The engine includes a power output for driving the pump end and the pump includes a receiving means for receiving the power output when the pump end and the engine are attached. The internal ring surrounds the receiving means and hub surrounds the power output.

Preferably, the retention mechanism further comprises at least one additional extending flange and at least one additional locking arm. The radially extending flange and the at least one additional radially extending flange are distributed evenly about the outer surface of the one of the internal ring and the locking ring. The locking arm and the at least one additional locking arm are distributed evenly about the outer surface of the other of the internal ring and locking ring.

More preferably, one of the first and second pluralities of engagement means includes a plurality of tabs and the other of the first and second pluralities of engagement means includes a plurality of corresponding notches

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit for attaching a first body to a second body in which the kit includes an internal ring for attachment to the first body, a hub for attachment to the second body, a locking ring disposed around the hub, and a retention mechanism for retaining the engagement between the internal ring and the locking ring. The internal ring includes a first annular mating surface, and an outer surface. The hub includes a second annular mating surface for engaging the first annular mating surface when the first and second bodies are attached, and a first engagement means provided circumferentially around the hub. The locking ring includes a second engagement means provided circumferentially around the locking ring and adapted to engage the first engagement means during attachment of the first and second bodies, and an outer surface. The engagement of the first and second engagement means prevents rotation of the locking ring with respect to the hub. The retention mechanism includes a radially extending flange extending from the outer surface of one of the internal ring and the locking ring, and a locking arm extending from the outer surface of the other of the internal ring and the locking ring and which is operable to receive the radially extending flange. The radially extending flange and the locking arm are correspondingly shaped and sized such that their engagement enables a drawing together of the first and second mating surfaces in response to a rotation of the locking ring with respect to the internal ring.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of attaching a first body to a second body, the method including the steps of: a) providing an internal ring attached to the first body, the internal ring including: i) a first annular mating surface; and ii) an outer surface; b) providing a hub attached to the second body, the hub including: i) a second annular mating surface operable to engage the first annular mating surface; and

ii) a first engagement means provided circumferentially around the hub; c) providing a locking ring disposed around the hub, the locking ring including: i) a second engagement means provided circumferentially around the locking ring and adapted to engage the first engagement means during attachment of the first and second bodies; and ii) an outer surface; d) providing a retention mechanism for retaining the engagement between the internal ring and the locking ring, the retention mechanism including: i) a radially extending flange extending from the outer surface of one of the internal ring and the locking ring; and ii) a locking arm extending from the outer surface of the other of the internal ring, the radially extending flange and the locking arm being correspondingly shaped and sized; e) mating the first and second mating surfaces; f) engaging the pluralities of first and second engagement means, thereby preventing rotation of the locking ring with respect to the hub; and g) rotating the first body and the internal ring with respect to the second body and the locking ring such that the radially extending flange is received by the locking arm, thereby drawing together of the first and second mating surfaces.

As will be appreciated, an attachment mechanism, kit or method according to the present invention can advantageously be used to attach a first body, such as a pump end, and a second body, such as an engine, quickly, easily and reliably. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that an attachment mechanism, kit or method according to the present invention can be used to couple a pump and a hose, a pair of hoses, or indeed in any industry which derives benefit from the quicker, easier and more reliable attachment of a first body to a second body.

The invention and its advantages will be better understood by reading the following non-restrictive description of the preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings:

The invention will be better understood upon reading the following non-restrictive description of the preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top exploded view of an attachment mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the attachment mechanism of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the attachment mechanism of the previous Figures.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an internal ring in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 5a and 5b are exploded views of an attachment mechanism incorporating the internal ring of Figure 4 and two different locking mechanisms.

While the invention will be described in conjunction with example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments shown in the figures are preferred and for exemplification purposes only.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to one skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations therebetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used in accordance with the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, an attachment mechanism 10 is illustrated comprising an internal ring 12, a hub 14 and a locking ring 16. The internal ring 12 is fixed to a first body 18 around a receiving means 20. The hub 14 is fixed to a second body (not shown) around a power output (also not shown) which extends therefrom. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the first body 18 is a pump end and the second body is an engine. As such, for clarity, the internal ring 12 and hub 14 will hereinafter be referred to as pump ring 12 and pump hub 14.

In use, the pump end 18 is attached to the engine such that the power output is received by the receiving means 20 and the pump end 18 is operable to pump a fluid. The locking ring 16 is positioned around the pump hub 14 and engages the pump ring 12 during use via a retention mechanism 22.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the power output and receiving means 20 may provided in a variety of complementary shapes, such as male and female splines or a key and keyway, or driveshaft, which is able to transmit power from the engine to the pump end 18. Preferably, and as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the power output is a power takeoff (PTO). It will be further understood by one skilled in the art that the expression "engine" is used herein to designate any engine, motor, generator or other driving means operable to provide mechanical power for the operation of the pump end 18, and that the engine may

be portable, for example on a backpack, mobile, for example as part of a truck, or even immobile, for example as part of a fixed station.

The pump ring 12 comprises a first annular mating surface 24 which faces away from the pump end 18. The pump hub 14 comprises a second annular surface 26 which engages the first mating surface 24 when the engine and pump end 18 are attached. Preferably, the second annular surface 26 comprises a male interface

40, such as a lip, which extends away from the pump hub 14 and is operable to be received within the pump ring 12 in a corresponding female interface 60, thereby centering the pump hub 14 and the receiving means 20 with respect to one another.

The pump hub 14 comprises a first engagement means 28 and the locking ring 16 comprises a corresponding second engagement means 30. The first and second engagement means 28 and 30 are adapted to engage during attachment of the engine and pump end 18 and prevent rotation of the locking ring 16 with respect to the pump hub 14. When the first and second engagement means are not engaged, the locking ring 16 is free to rotate around the pump hub 14. The first and second engagement means 28 and 30 correspond such that the locking ring 16 may engage the pump hub 14 in any one of several possible positions thereabout.

As illustrated, the first engagement means 28 preferably comprises a plurality of rectangular tabs positioned along a shoulder 50, while the second engagement means 30 preferably comprises a plurality corresponding circular notches along an outer edge 52. It will be apparent that various other equivalent engagement means, which similarly prevent the pump hub 14 and the locking ring 16 from rotating with respect to one another, are within the scope of the present invention. For example, pluralities of tabs 28 and notches 30 may instead be provided on the locking ring 16 and pump hub 14, respectively. Alternatively, a single tab 28 or notch 30 may be provided which is engagable with any of a plurality of

corresponding notches 30 or tabs 28, respectively. In addition, the complementary notches and tabs 28 and 30 may semi-circular or otherwise sized and shaped.

When the tabs 28 and notches 30 are fully engaged, the outer edge 52 abuts the shoulder 50. Preferably, the locking ring 16 and the pump hub 14 comprise corresponding inner and outer surfaces 56 and 58, respectively. The locking ring 16 and pump hub 14 are shaped and sized such that when the tabs 28 and notches 30 are engaged the inner surface 56 of the locking ring 16 rests against the outer surface 58 of the pump hub 14.

The retention mechanism 22 comprises elements of the locking ring 16 and the pump ring 12 which are sized and shaped to draw together the pump hub 14 and pump ring 12, thereby joining the first and second annular mating surfaces 24 and 26. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, two opposed radially extending flanges 32 extend from the outer surface 34 of the pump ring 12 and two opposed locking arms 36 extend form the outer surface 38 of the locking ring 16. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that equivalent arrangements are well within the scope of the invention. For example, two radially extending flanges 32 could be provided extending from the outer surface 38 of the locking ring 16 while two locking arms 36 extend from the outer surface 34 of the pump ring 12. In addition, more or less extending flanges 32 and locking arms 36 could be provided in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, the locking flanges 32 and arms 36 are evenly distributed about the outer surfaces 34 and 38.

The locking arms 36 have a hook-shape and each comprise an inner surface 42 which faces away from the pump end 18 and back towards the engine. The radially extending flange 32 comprises a tapering surface 44 which faces opposite the first mating surface 24 and towards the pump end 18. This tapering surface 44 has the effect of expanding away from the first mating surface 24. Preferably, the inner surface 42 has a corresponding angle to that of the tapering surface 44.

During attachment of the pump end 18 to the engine, the engine is generally stationary. The pump end 18 is brought towards the pump hub 14 and the locking arms 36 are roughly aligned with the spaces between the radially extending flanges 32. This pre-attachment alignment may be accomplished without rotating the pump end 18 and altering the alignment of the output of the pump end 18 because the locking ring 16 is free to rotate about the pump hub 14. With the first and second mating surfaces 24 and 26 in contact (i.e. mating), the arms 36 are placed beyond the flanges 32. In this position, the tabs 28 and notches 30 are engaged. The pump end 18 is then rotated with respect to the locking ring 16 and the pump hub 14 such that the inner surface 42 of each arm 36 engages the tapering surface 44 of a corresponding flange 32. Due to the tapering of the surface 44, the pump hub 14 and the pump ring 12 are drawn together as the pump ring 12 (which is fixed to the pump end) is rotated and the locking arms 36 travel up respective tapered surfaces 42. Preferably, a quarter turn is sufficient to lock, and subsequently unlock, the pump end 18 from the engine. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that quick coupling-type connections may be provided which require something other than a quarter turn as the amount of rotation required to attach the pump end 18 can be varied by changing the angle of the tapering surface 44. It will be further appreciated that such an alternate embodiment of the attachment mechanism 10, for example requiring only a 15° to 20° rotation, is well within the scope of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump end 18 is a centrifugal pump having an impeller (not shown) therein for accelerating fluid from an input to an output. The impeller rotates within the pump end 18 about a pump shaft. A drive collar 64 is attached to an extremity of the pump shaft. During operation, the PTO drives the impeller via a coupling buffer 68, as is known in the art, and the two rotate clockwise when viewed as in Figures 2 and 3. As a result, there will be a continued clockwise force on the pump hub 14 keeping the pump end 18 properly installed and acting against any force which might rotate pump end 18 counter-clockwise and thereby loosen the attachment mechanism 10.

A grease fitting 66 is provided on the outside of the pump end 18 proximate the pump ring 12 for supplying grease to the bearing therewithin.

It is to be understood that the pump ring 12 can either be an integral part of the pump end 18, for example cast or molded into the pump end 18 or otherwise incorporated during manufacture of the pump end 18, or attached after manufacture as part of a kit for enabling use of the attachment mechanism 10.

With specific reference to Figure 2, the pump ring 12 is attached to the pump end 18 via a set of holes 46 which are aligned with a corresponding set of attachment points 48 in the pump end 18. The pump hub 14 is attached to the engine via attachment points 54.

With reference to Figure 4, an alternate embodiment of the pump ring 12 is illustrated. As with the previously illustrated embodiment, two radial flanges 32 extend from the outer surface 34 of the pump ring 12 and each comprise a tapering surface 44 for engaging the inner surface 42 of a corresponding locking arm 36. The pump ring 12 is mounted to the pump end 18 via holes 46.

In addition, a stopper 62 is provided at the thicker extremity of each flange 32. The stopper 62 is operable to limit the movement of the corresponding locking arm 36 once the radial flanges 32 have fully engaged the locking arms 36 and the pump ring 12 is fully drawn towards the pump hub 14. In this way, the stopper 62 prevents over-rotation of the pump end 18 with respect to the pump hub 14.

The pump ring 12 further comprises a locking mechanism 70 for releasably locking the pump ring 12 and the locking ring 16 and preventing rotation of one with respect to the other. In Figure 5a, the locking mechanism comprises a draw latch 72 which is mounted to the outside edge of one of the locking arms 36 and is operable to hook onto a lip 74 of the stopper 62 once the pump end 18 is fully attached to the pump hub 14.

In Figure 5b, the locking mechanism 70 comprises a push pin 76 which is inserted through a radial aperture in one of the locking arms 36 when the pump end 18 is attached to the pump hub 14. In this position, the push pin 76 engages a groove 78 in the corresponding flange 32, thereby preventing rotation of the pump ring 12 with respect to the locking ring 16.

Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as apparent to one skilled in the art.