CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This applications claims priority from United States Patent Application No.

12/653557, filed December 16, 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to cleansing exfoliation, and scrubbing devices, and methods of their use and manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a body cleansing device for personal hygiene and methods for their manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of cleansing, exfoliation, and scrubbing devices are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,835, titled "Scouring Ball" discloses a scouring pad in the shape of a ball comprises a plurality of radially slit, regular-shaped, planar segments of conformable, lofty, low-density nonwoven abrasive product fastened together under compression at their centers with fastening means. The segments are slit from the outer edge toward the center to provide radially disposed, equally spaced slits which define radially aligned lobes, the total array of which defines the ball shape.

U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2002/0152571, titled "Bath Ball Structure with Flower Pattern," discloses a bath ball structure with flower pattern, including a bathing body and a string. The bathing body is made of plastic membrane and has an elongated length and a certain width. A number of through holes are evenly distributed over the surface of the plastic membrane with one face having a projection, while the other face having a corresponding recess, whereby the surface of the bathing body serves as a cleaning face with good cleaning effect. Two long sides of the bathing body are equally inward folded to overlap a substantially middle portion and then thermally fused with the middle portion to form two thermal fusion seams definitely therein a hollow section. The bathing body is small section repeatedly folded back and forth to form a semiproduct of the bath ball having multiple crimps. The string is tied and fixed at the center of the semiproduct, after released from hand, the semiproduct automatically resiliently stretches outward to form the bath ball with flower pattern.

U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2007/0039116, titled "Body Scrubbing Device," discloses a body scrubbing device having a plurality of scrubbing elements joined together to form a predetermined shape, preferably a ball-shape. The scrubbing elements are preferably a mesh and cloth. A rope may be secured to the body scrubbing device so as to easily permit a user to hang the device for drying and storage purposes after use. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is a body scrubbing device having a plurality of scrubbing elements joined in the form of a mitt or glove.

One example of a prior art bath pouf was handed out to users at a trade show more than one year prior to the filing date of this patent application. This prior art bath pouf was handed out at the Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing trade show during January 2008 located in Destin, Florida by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minnesota. This prior art bath pouf included a nylon mesh bath pouf with an additional minor strip of material tied around the middle of the pouf. The strip of material was made from polyurethane foam. The minor strip of polyurethane foam was previously cut to form individual segments extending from opposite sides of the strip, with an uncut middle portion there between. The segments were cut to directly align the segments with one another on opposite sides of the strip. The segments in this prior art pouf are not offset from one another. Instead, they are directly extending opposite each other. In other words, the cut surfaces of a first segment directly align with the cut surfaces of the segment directly opposite the first segment. Unfortunately with this design, the foam segments have a tendency to rip from the middle portion holding the segments together because of the material nature of the foam and the direct alignment of the segments opposite each other. In addition, the segments are very narrow in width and thickness, as compared to the very significant length of the segments, which makes them more prone to ripping. In order to help avoid the disengagement of the segments, the uncut middle portion is significantly wide enough to provide strength to the overall strip and to present the segments away from the cinched middle portion, thus reducing the possible length of the segments significantly. Additionally, the minor strip of material was provided as an add-on accessory, provided for ornamental appearance and to potentially provide additional lathering ability. The major functionality of the bath pouf is the nylon mesh pouf itself. Inside the nylon pouf, portions of thin films of soap were inserted, where the thin film was flat and the portion was individually heart-shaped. It was intended that the prior art bath pouf could be used one-time use without the need for additional bar soap or liquid soap. After the thin films soap portions were consumed, a user would need to add their own liquid soap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides a body cleansing device. In this embodiment, the body cleansing device comprises: a strip of a material, wherein the strip includes cuts through the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, wherein the cuts are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip; and a fastener for gathering the middle portion of the strip.

Another aspect of the present invention provides another embodiment of a body cleansing device. In this embodiment, the body cleansing device comprises: a ball formed of a plurality of projecting segments of a material, wherein each segment includes a distal end having a surface; and a fastener for gathering the segments of material.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of forming a body cleansing device. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: providing a strip of a material and a fastener; cutting the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, wherein the cuts are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip; and gathering the middle portion; fastening the middle portion of the strip; and arranging the segments to form a ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further explained with reference to the appended

Figures, wherein like structure is referred to by like numerals throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a strip of material which is useful for making the body cleansing device of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a strip of material which is useful for making the body cleansing device of the present invention; Figure 3 is a top view of an yet another alternative embodiment of a strip of material which is useful for making the body cleansing device of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a top view of one embodiment of a fastener and the strip of material of Figure 1 , illustrating the process of forming one embodiment of the body cleansing device of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the body cleansing device of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a top view of a fastener and multiple strips of material, illustrating the process of forming one embodiment of the body cleansing device of the present invention; and

Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the body cleansing device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is a need to provide a body cleansing device which lathers up well with both bar soap and liquid soap or shower gels, and simultaneously provides exfoliation of the skin.

Prior art bath poufs are typically made of a mesh material, such as nylon. The open mesh design assists shower gels to foam up or lather quickly when combined with water. However, the design could also be deceptive, in that the liquid disappears into the bath pouf rather quickly and a user typically will not realize how much shower gel is required to obtain the lather. Hence, bath poufs tend to help users consume shower gel more quickly, which is most likely why most shower gel companies sell them. In contrast, it is typically more difficult to use a bath pouf with a bar of soap to obtain foam or lather quickly. Rather, the bar of soap squirms around on the bath pouf and does not remove much soap from the bar. The cleansing device of the present invention provides spaces for receiving shower gel, but allows the user to see the amount applied and to meter its use. This assists the user in reducing the amount of shower gel consumed. In addition, the cleansing device assists in removing soap from the soap bar and provides a means for foaming the soap by squeezing the cleansing device. The mesh materials of prior art bath poufs typically do not provide exfoliation of the skin. Instead, the mesh pouf balls tend to squirm around and roll over the skin, instead of scrubbing the skin. By using the term "exfoliation," including the claims, it is meant removing skin cells from the skin. Examples of prior art exfoliation devices include exfoliation mats made from rough cloth and loofa, natural loofa, Buf-Puf™ sponges, sand paper, burlap wash clothes, and the like, all which provide an excellent means of exfoliating the skin, but do not lather up well with soap. The body cleansing device of the present invention provides a device that lathers up well with soap, while providing excellent exfoliation of the skin at the same time. In addition, the cleansing device of the present invention eliminates the need for separate devices, one for cleansing and one for exfoliation, and thus saves time for the user. Lastly, the design of the segments of the body cleansing device of the present invention also provide more exfoliation surfaces, compared to other prior art exfoliation devices.

Overall, the cleansing device of the present invention provides a friendly, spa-like cleansing device, typically in a pouf-ball shape, that works equally well with both bar soap and liquid soap or shower gel, allowing both to foam up or lather quickly, while simultaneously providing exfoliation action to remove skin cells and clean the skin, all while allowing the user to save time and reduce the amount of shower gel consumed.

Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a strip 10 of material, which is useful for making the body cleansing device of the present invention. The strip 10 is illustrated as being made of a nonwoven material. However, the strip 10 of material may be made from a variety of materials. For example, strip 10 may be made of sponge materials, such as a cellulose sponge, a hydrophilic foam sponge, coiled web, woven materials, nonwoven materials, or laminates or combinations of any of these materials. Preferably, the segment material includes some rigidity, and stiffness to provide segments that are self-supporting.

A nonwoven material exhibits the characteristics of lofty strands of material that are crimpled and form bonds at points where they intersect and contact each other. One example of a suitable nonwoven material is commercially available from 3M Company located in St. Paul, Minnesota under the trade designation "Buf-Puf." Buf-Puf™ nonwoven sponges are commercially available in a variety of hardness, to provide different levels of exfoliation to the skin. Another example of a suitable nonwoven material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,022, "Cleansing Pad," by Chang et. al, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Other examples of suitable woven materials include jute, sisal, hemp, flax, or linen.

The strip of material 10 includes a variety of segments 12. When using the term "strip" herein, including the claims, it is meant that the form of material has a certain length, width and thickness. The strip 10 is illustrated as a longer, narrow piece of material having a uniform width; however, this configuration is not necessary. For example, the strip may be cut from material in any length, width and thickness desired. Cuts 26 are made through the thickness of the strip 10 to form the segments 12 in desired configuration. Figure 1 illustrates one preferred configuration. In strip 10, the segments 12 are on opposing sides, forming a first plurality of segments 12a and a second plurality of segments 12b, which extend in opposite directions. Between the opposing pluralities of segments 12a, 12b is an uncut middle portion 28 of the strip 10. The middle portion 28 connects the segments 12 together. Cuts 26a form segments 12a and cuts 26b form segments 12b.

Each segment includes a variety of surfaces or sides. For example, segment 12a includes a first major surface 14a opposite a second major surface 22a. Segment 12a includes a first cut surface 16a opposite a second cut surface 18a. Each segment 12a also includes a distal end 20a having a distal end surface 24a. The distal end 20a is located opposite the middle portion 28. Likewise, segment 12b includes a first major surface 14b opposite a second major surface 22b. Segment 12b includes a first cut surface 16b opposite a second cut surface 18b. Each segment 12b also includes a distal end 20b having a distal end surface 24b. The distal end 20b is located opposite the middle portion 28. Edges are provided where two adjacent surfaces 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 meet. The multiple surfaces and edges are convenient for providing exfoliation of the skin, when the body cleansing device is rubbed against the skin.

In one embodiment, the first and second plurality of segments 12a, 12b are configured similarly. In another embodiment, the first and second plurality of segments 12a, 12b all include the same dimensions of length, width, and thickness. However, in alterative embodiments, one plurality of segments 12a may be configured differently than the other plurality of segments 12b. The segments 12 may be all uniform, in that they are configured to be the same size and shape. Uniformly-shaped segments are convenient for continuous cutting of equal sized segments, and are useful for ease of manufacture.

However, it is not necessary that the segments 12 be uniform. For example, segments 12a, 12b adjacent one another could be sized differently, depending on what is desired.

In one embodiment, the cuts are configured to provide segments 12 that are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip 10. For example, first cut surface 16a and second cut surface 18a of segment 12a is offset from first cut surface 16b and second cut surface 18b of segment 12b. In other words, the cut surfaces of segments 12a and 12b are not aligned with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the cut surface 18a of segment 12a is parallel to cut surface 18b of segment 12b, but cut surface 18a is approximately aligned with the middle of segment 12b. The cuts provide more space for the bath soap to interact with, and thus to provides more lathering ability. Also, the cuts allow space for a user to meter the shower gel consumed. In addition, the cuts provide more surfaces for exfoliation of the body. In addition, the offset cuts 26 forming the offset segments 12 provide a configuration where the individual segments may be provided with a maximum length that extends into the middle portion. This configuration allows lengthy segments 12, while still maintaining segments in one strip of material 10. With the offset nature of the segments 12, this allows the user to gather the plurality of segments easily in the middle portion in one convenient strip, instead of having a plurality of individual rods or segments that are each separated from one another and trying to gather them as a group into a ball. The configuration of the cut segments 12 and the middle portion 28 provide an easy means for gathering the middle portion 28 and compressing or cinching it, without fearing that that segments 12 could be ripped from the middle portion 28 during the process. In addition, in the embodiment of a nonwoven material strip 10, the nonwoven nature of the fibers being interconnected and bonded to one another randomly helps provide strength between segments 12a, segments 12b opposite segments 12a, and the middle portion 28 there between, making the segments 12 less prone to tearing from the middle portion 28.

For comparison sake, if, the cuts 26a, 26b were aligned directly across from each other, the segments 12 would be more prone to ripping from the middle portion 28. For example, if the segments 12 were made from foam, such an a polyurethane foam for instance, and the segments 12a and 12b were directly aligned opposite from each other, as the prior art 3M bath pouf ball is described in the Background Section, then the foam segments would have a tendency to rip from the middle portion 28. As the polyurethane foam segments in ball form are rubbed against the skin, stress would be placed on the cinched middle portion, causing the segments to rip from the middle portion.

Alternatively, in order to avoid the disengagement of the segments, the middle portion would need to be significantly wide enough to provide strength to the overall strip and to present the segments away from the cinched middle portion, thus reducing the possible length of the segments 12 significantly. If instead, the segments 12 were made from woven or nonwoven materials and the segments were provided in the offset configuration of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1, the segments 12 have a tendency to remain intact when the body cleansing device is used against the skin, both because of the internal strength of the materials and because of the offset design.

In the illustrated embodiment in Figure 1, one half of the top right segment 12a is protruding along the top right portion of the strip 10 and another half of the bottom left segment 12b is protruding along the bottom left portion of the material strip 10. This configuration is convenient for aligning the fastener in the middle portion 28 of the strip, with the corners between the outermost two segments 12a, 12b serving as an anchor for the fastener (shown in Figure 4). However, to provide a more rectangular strip of material, those half segments may be cut off to provide a material strip 10 with flush ends.

In an alternative embodiment, the cut surfaces 16 and 18 of the same segment 12 may be cut at different angles relative to each other and not be parallel. In another alternative embodiment, the cut surface 16 of one segment 12 and the cut surface 18 of an adjacent segment 12 may be cut at different angles relative to each other and not be parallel.

Figures 2 and 3 provide alternative strips of material 10', 10" that are also useful for making the body cleansing device of the present invention. The segments 12 in

Figures 2 are configured the same as the segments in Figure 1 , except that the distal ends 20 are cut to provide different shaped distal end surfaces 18. The distal surfaces 24 are cut to provide a zigzag arrangement, and provide a variety of alternating sharp points and valleys. In Figures 2 and 3, the cut surfaces 16 are not the same sized surfaces, but rather alternate between a shorter and longer surface. Similarly, cut surfaces 18 alternate between a shorter and longer surface. In Figure 3, the distal ends 20 are cut to provide a sinusoidal arrangement, and provide a variety of alternating softer hills and valleys. Also in Figure 3, the cut surfaces 16, 18 are cut to provide a sinusoidal arrangement.

The distal ends 20 may be arranged in any shape desired. For example, the distal end 20 may be in the shape of a rectangle, square, trapezoid, triangle, wave, or oval. The shape of the distal end 20 may be chosen by one skilled in the art to provide either a more spherical shape or a less spherical shape to the ball. The distal end 20 may include an exfoliating surface, which may be the same texture or different from the other surfaces of the segment 12.

In one particular embodiment of cleansing device of the present invention, where the cleansing device is made from a nonwoven material, it is possible to use multiple hardness nonwovens as a way to provide different levels of exfoliation of the skin. For example, a suitable nonwoven material is commercially available under the trade designation Buf-Puf from 3M Company, based in St. Paul, Minnesota and provides different hardness of materials ranging from extra gentle, to gentle, to regular exfoliation levels.

Segments 12 may be formed to optimize the fullness of the ball 32 ultimately formed, as illustrated in Figure 5. For example, the volume of the ball may be half to four times the volume of the strip. (Volume ratios in the range of 0.5 : 1 to 4: 1.) One example of a strip 10 that provides this ratio is a nonwoven strip having dimensions of 8.0 inches length (20.32 cm.) by 4.5 inches width (11.43 cm.) by 1 inch thick (2.54 cm.), which includes 16 segments. A nonwoven web cut to these dimension provides a flat unfolded volume of 36.00 cubic inches (589.93 cm ³ ). When the strip or web 10 is cinched at the midpoint along the middle portion 28, it creates a spherical ball 32 of 5 inches in diameter.

The volume of this ball 32 (4/3 x π x radius-^) is 65.45 cubic inches (1072.53 cm ³ ). The volume of the ball to the strip has been increased by a factor of 1.92. The 1" thick strip or web 10 fills the volume of the ball 32 sufficiently to provide a pleasant appearance.

Another example of a strip 10 that provides the preferred ratio of ball volume to strip volume is a nonwoven strip having dimensions of 8.0 inches length (20.32 cm.) by 4.5 inches width (11.43 cm.) by 2 inches thick (5.08 cm), which includes 16 segments. A nonwoven web cut to these dimension provides a flat unfolded volume of 72 cubic inches (1 179.87 cm ³ ). When the strip or web 10 is cinched at the midpoint along the middle portion 28, it creates a spherical ball 32 of 5 inches in diameter. The volume of this ball

32 (4/3 x i x radius^) is 65.45 cubic inches. (1072.53 cm ³ ). The volume of the ball to the strip has been changed by a factor of 0.91. In this embodiment, the ball becomes fuller and tighter, but is still functional.

Yet another example of a strip 10 that provides the preferred ratio of ball volume to strip volume is a nonwoven strip having dimensions of 8.0 inches length (20.32 cm.) by 4.5 inches width (11.43 cm.) by 3 inches thick (7.2 cm.), which includes 16 segments. A nonwoven web cut to these dimension provides a flat unfolded volume of 108 cubic inches (1769.80 cm ³ ). When the strip or web 10 is cinched at the midpoint along the middle portion 28, it creates a spherical ball 32 of 5 inches (12.7 cm.) in diameter. The volume of this ball 32 (4/3 x π x radius^) is 65.45 cubic inches (1072.53 cm ³ ). The volume of the ball to the strip has been changed by a factor of 0.61. In this embodiment, the segments of the ball becomes closer together, providing a more full and tight ball with less space between the segments.

In another optimized embodiment, the segments 12 each include a thickness, width and length and are generally in a form of a parallel piped. In one particular embodiment, the ratio of length to width to thickness is 8 to 4 to 1. In another optimized embodiment, the ratio of length to width to thickness is 8 to 4.5 to 1. Depending on what is desired, the segments may be sized to provide a more segmented or leggy ball, where the segments are spaced apart, or the segments may be sized to provide a denser, tighter ball, where the segments have less space between adjacent segments.

Figures 4 and 5 are convenient for illustrating the method of forming the body cleansing device of the present invention. A strip of material 10 is provided and a fastener 30. The strip of material is cut or formed to provide a plurality of segments 12 and a middle portion 28, as described above relative to Figure 1. The fastener 30 is used to gather the middle portion 28 of the strip 10 to cinch, clench, constrict or secure the middle portion 28 together. In doing so, the segments 12 are then arranged to extend outwardly from the clinched middle portion 28 and fastener 30 to form a ball or spherical shaped body cleansing device 32, as illustrated in Figure 5. In the ball form, the distal ends 20 are extending outwardly opposite the center of the ball 32, which is the middle portion tied together. In this configuration, the distal end surfaces 24 are convenient for contacting the skin, as a user rubs the ball 32 against their body while cleansing. Preferably the distal end surfaces 24 provide individual exfoliation surfaces to exfoliate the skin. The individual exfoliation surfaces 24 form together an exfoliation surface of the ball 32. The exfoliation surfaces 24 may be made of a nonwoven material, a foam sponge, or cellulose sponge or laminates thereof. The exfoliation surface 24 may be made of the same material or of a different material as the rest of the segment 12. For example, separate exfoliations surfaces 24 may be attached to the distal end 20 of the segments 12. Example ways for providing attachment include spraying the distal ends 20 with a binder and abrasive mixtures of talc or natural abrasive particles, such as ground up walnuts shells or olive pits.

In another embodiment of the method of forming the body cleansing device, the strip 10 may be first folded in half lengthwise, before the fastener 30 gathers the middle portion 28. This extra step assists in aligning the segments prior to cinching the middle portion 28. Also, this extra step assists in holding additional materials, such as a cellulose sponge segment 34 illustrated in Figure 6.

Fastener 30 may be any fastener known to those skilled in the art. For example, fastener 30 may be string, rope, cord, or a zip tie.

Figure 6 illustrate another embodiment of the material strip 10 and body cleansing device of the present invention. The body cleansing device 32a of Figure 6 is just like the body cleansing device 32 of Figure 5, except that instead of providing a single web or strip 10, it includes two separate strips 10a and 10b, and also a third strip of material 34 located between strip 10a and 10b. Strips 10a and 10b both include a plurality of segments 12, as described above. However, strips 10a and 10b may be made from different materials. For example, strip 10a could be made from an extra gentle nonwoven exfoliation material and strip 10b could be made from a regular nonwoven exfoliation material.

The body cleansing device 32a may also include an optional second strip of material 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the strip of material 34 is formed from a cellulose sponge material. This embodiment is convenient for providing water retention to the body cleansing device 32. As illustrated, the material strip 34 includes two distal ends that extend beyond the distal ends of the strips 10a and 10b. However, the material strip 34 may include distal ends that align with the distal ends of the strips 10a and 10b. The material strip 34 is illustrated as a parallel piped, however, it may be configured to be any shape useful for creating the body cleansing device.

The body cleansing device of the present invention provides the advantage of being able to select multiple types of cleaning materials 10 and/or other optional material strips 34 to provide a customized body cleansing device.

The body cleansing device of the present invention also provides spaces between adjacent segments 12 to allow a user to meter the dose of shower gel consumed.

Figure 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of the body cleansing device 32a of the present invention. The strips 10a, 10b, strip 34, and fastener 30 of Figure 6 are used to make the body cleansing device 32a of Figure 7, as described above. Segments 12 in this embodiment are made from a combination of a nonwoven material 40 and a sponge material 42. The two materials may be laminated together or formed together by nonwater soluble laminating adhesives. The two materials may be formed together so that the distal ends of material layer 40 and material layer 42 are continuous. Alternatively, the distal ends of the respective material layers 40, 42 may be separated, as illustrated in Figure 7. For example, the segments 12 may include either horizontal or vertical cuts through the distal ends through a portion of the segment For instance, for the segment 12 could include a horizontal cut through half or a third of the length of the segment. This embodiment would provide additional exfoliation surfaces.

The invention will be further explained with the following illustrative examples.

The particular materials and amounts thereof recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this invention. A description of the strip of material utilized in these examples is described in U.S. Pat. 3,910,284, "Body Cleansing Device," Orentreich, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Example 1

A series of parallel, offset cuts were made in a section of web 4.5 inches wide by 8 inches long by 1 inch thick. The cuts extended approximately 2.25 inches into the web and were spaced approximately 1 inch apart which. A series of 1 inch square thick segments were formed, extending outwardly from the middle portion of the web. After cutting, the web was folded upon itself longitudinally and cinched in the middle portion, (with a fastener made of commercially available cotton cord), forming a ball

approximately 5 inches in diameter. The ratio of strip volume to ball volume is approximately 36:65 or 1 : 1.8. In this configuration, the volume of the web is

approximately 55% of the ball volume.

Example 2

A strip of material was prepared as in Example 1 , but a second, 1 inch thick by 1 inch width by 4.5 inch cellulose cleansing device segment was enveloped within the web during the folding process. The segments were then bound in the middle portion as before. This process allows for multiple-composition cleansing devices.

Different sized strips of material may be utilized to produce different variations on the inventive cleansing device. For example, a wider strip may produce a ball with longer, more flexible segments. In this case, the ratio of strip volume to ball volume may be less than 50%. A narrow strip of material with shorter segments may have a volume greater than 50% of the ball volume. It is also envisioned that the depth of the cuts can also be adjusted to affect the appearance and cleansing ability, and exfoliation ability of the device. Modifications are easily made to allow for a variety of cleansing devices with different exfoliating abilities.

The present invention has now been described with reference to several embodiments thereof. The foregoing detailed description and examples have been given for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. All patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the exact details and structures described herein, but rather by the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures.