| Claim 1 The device of Multi-panel consists of Panel Frame (A) with 4 Joining Sections (E1) and Panel Connectors (F), whereas a Panel Frame is in the shape of a rectangle or a square consisting of 2 vertical and 2 horizontal tubular sections or bars (with cylindrical, rectangular or similar cross-sections) made out of rubberized PVC or soft wood or metal based pipes or bars and the two vertical and horizontal tubular (or cylindrical) sides of the Panel Frames are connected to each other and the corners of the panel are extended to 4 Joining-Sections while the panel walls are made of netted fabric or similar material connected to the afore-said tubular (or cylindrical) sides of the panel whereas several such Multi -panels can be connected to each other at varying angles by Panel Connectors (F) to form an enclosure such as a playpen of the required shape further which the aforementioned Joining- Sections which are made out of hollow rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal has a vertical tubular section named as Joint- Socket, which is so designed to be hollow tubular section and contains preferably 10 or more divisions or groves on the inner wall along the circumference while the inner diameter of the tubular part next to the Joint-socket may decrease in size to accommodate the Panel -Connect or ends which can slide in and tighten inside the hollow end of the Joining- Sect ion, when connected. Panel -Connect or referred to above is also made out of rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal and consists of two cylindrical shaped sections joined as one unit at one end (connector base) while both the cylindrical sections contain same number of groves at predetermined intervals on their outer walls, along the circumference of each cylindrical section while the length of the groves or similar divisions in each of the cylindrical section extends from the connector base to the end of the cylindrical section and such Panel-Connectors are designed as top and bottom connectors of which the connector base of the bottom connectors may contain a different type of surface, whereas the cylindrical section of Panel- connectors containing divisions or groves may extend to the end of the cylindrical section or leaves a small area from the end of the cylindrical section, whereas the number of divisions on the inner circumference of Joint-socket corresponds to the number of divisions on the outer circumference of the above-said cylindrical sections of Panel -connect or. Furthermore, the Panel Frame (A) of Multi-panel may be strengthened by adding vertical and/ or horizontal sections in variety of ways as shown in Drawing 23, whereas the aforesaid vertical and horizontal sections are tubular sections or bars (with cylindrical or rectangular or similar cross-sections) made out of rubberized PVCor soft wood or metal based material. Claim 2 As described in claim 1 above a Panel frame consisting of 2 vertical and 2 horizontal tubular or cylindrical sections made out of hollow or solid rubberized PVC, soft wood, or metal based pipes, whereas the panel walls are made of netted fabric or equivalent or the same material which the cylindrical sections are made of. These 4 Joint -sockets are either just a continuation of the 2 vertical and horizontal sections of the panel frame, or are attached, as parts, to the 2 vertical and 2 horizontal tubular sections of the panel frame, which are made out of hollow rubberized PVCor similar PVC, soft wood or metal. Alternatively, the entire Multi- panel is made of single material in one block. Claim 3 As described in claim 1 and 2 above the said Joint-socket consist of 3 tubular sections named as the "verticals section", the "horizontal section" and the "joining section" whereas the joining section contains divisions or groves on the inner wall along the circumference and the inner diameter of the Joining-section can slightly decrease gradually towards the center of the vertical section, whereas a Panel connector consists of two cylindrical shaped sections joined as one unit at one end (connector base), whereas both the cylindrical sections of each Panel- connector contain 10 or more divisions or groves which are placed at equal intervals, and are corresponding to the divisions and the shape of the inner walls along the circumference and the inner diameter of the Joining-section and they may slightly taper towards the unconnected tip of cylindrical section, corresponding to the divisions in the inner walls of the joint -socket, whereas as the top and bottom panel connectors may have different designs for the connector bases. Claim 4 The products, which are stand-alone and equivalent modules for play-pens are designed to contain one or more newly designed components which enable the products, such as baby-cot, toy-chest, baby-tent, play-house, child-table and baby-cupboard to be foldable or collapsible and flexible, (as shown in Drawing 11 to 22), while the said components are usable in the newly-designed modules and products in variety of ways as shown i n t he Drawings 11 to 21, whereas the innovations in the design of components enable further changes or modifications to designs of modules and products, some of such alternative designs of end-products are shown in the same Drawings. Claim 5 As described in Claim 4 above, one of the new components, namely Q- Joint contains two hollow tubular sections at 90 degrees to each other, one of which is open at both ends and the other has a closed end, whereas the open ended tubular section is connected at the circumference of the closed tubular section, while the said component is made out of rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal based, whereas Z- Joint i s si mi I ar to aforesaid Q- Joint, except that the hollow tubular section is connected at 90 degrees at the periphery of the closed tubular section, (as shown in Drawing 1 & 2), Claim 6 As described in Claim 6 above, one of the designed components, namely B-Joint contains a hollow tubular section bent at 90 degrees to each end, both of which ends are similar and hollow to enable them to be connected to tubes or tubular parts, whereas the center of the B- Joint contains the circular hole at 90 degrees to the flat sides of B-Joint to enable it to be connected to the third pipe at 90 degrees, (as shown in Drawing 3) while B-Joint is made out of rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal based. Claim 7 As described in Claim 4 above, one of the designed components, namely C-Clip consistsof a narrow semi-circular section with small project ions towards the nucleus of the circular section to enable the projections to be clicked shut into two holes made on the circumference of a tube or a tubular section of another component, (as shown in Drawing 6) whereas the said component is made out of rubberized PVC or metal based. Claim 8 As described in Claim 4 above, the design of 'L-Joint' which is an alternative to Joint-Socket' enables L-Joint automatically and firmly fixed to a Multi-panel or any other frame of an aforesaid product, making it more steadily attached to the frame than a Joint-Sbcket, whereas this modification introduced to existing component, namely Joint -Socket is a small cleaved projection or projections on the inside of the tubular section of the Joint- Socket, which projection can get automatically inserted into a hole made on the a tubular section of a joining part of a Multi-panel or any other similar part containing hollow tubular section or sections to enable them to be connected, (as shown in Drawing 9) whereas the said component is made out of rubberized PVCor metal based and the modified Joint- Socket is now named 'L-Joint'. Similarly, the small cleaved projections in G-Hinge, which projections are similar to those in L-Joint, enables G-Hinge to be firmly fixed to a tubular section of one of aforesaid products, whereas, the small cleaved projections are on the inside one of the tubular sections of the G-Hinge, which projection can click-fix the component to a tubular section of a joining part of a panel or any other similar part containing a hollow tubular section or sections to enable them to be connected, (as shown in Drawing 8), whereas P-Connector is a component design modified from Panel -Connect or by increasing the distance between the two connecting cylindrical shaped sections containing groves (as shown in Drawing 10. This modification is aimed at improving the safety of a baby using the product, for which reason the said component is also made out of rubberized PVCor metal based. The modified Frame Connector will be named as P- Connector. Claim 9 As described in Claim 4 above, the cylindrical ends of WD-Connector slide in and tighten inside the hollow joining section in 2 adjoining Joint -Sockets or L-Joint s, when connected, (in the same way as Frame-Connector as introduced in Patented No 13948 does). Smilarly, the cylindrical end of WS-Connector slides and tightens inside the hollow of the head section in a Joint Socket or L-Joint, and all parts of the component are also made out of rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal, whereas WD-Connector consists of two cylindrical shaped sections joined as one unit at one end namely, WD-Connector base which holds 2 wheels, whereas WS Connect or consists of one cylindrical -shaped section at the base which holds one wheel. Both t he cyl i ndri cal sect i ons i n WD Connect or and t he cyl i ndri cal sect i on i n WS- Connector contain groves at predetermined intervals on their outer walls, along the circumference of each cylindrical section while the length of the groves in each of the cylindrical section extends from the connector base almost to the end of the cylindrical section, optionally, leaving an area of approximately an inch from the end of each cylindrical section without such groves, whereas the cylindrical sections of such connectors contain a number of groves which correspond to the number of groves inside the head section of the L-Sbcket, (as shown in Drawing 4 and 5). Claim 10 As described in Claim 4, 5, 6,7 and 8 above, one of the designed products, namely the baby-cot or baby-couch module consists of frames, containing several Q-Joints and B-Joints in addition to Joint-Socket, or L-Joint, whereas the frame consists of several tubes made out of hollow rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal based pipes holding panel walls made of netted fabric are connected to tubes and covering the cot frame further which the aforementioned components and Joints are made out of rubberized material, plastics, soft wood or metal, whereas the end-product, namely the Cot takes the shape of box when unfolded and remains flat when folded. Furthermore, the single cot facility can be replicated as several connected boxes known as Mult i -cots, for accommodating several babies as a result of the unique design of the components used, thus making the designs for Double-cot, Triple-cot, Quadruple-cots possible, (as shown in Drawing 16 Band 16 B). Claim 11 As described in Claim 4, 5, 6,7, 8 and 9 above, the said components are used in the newly-designed modules and products in such ways that the end-products are (a) firmly fixed when installed for use, and (b) foldable when not in use. The components themselves, namely: L-Joints, B-Joints, Q-Joints, Z-Joint, G-Hinge, D- Clasp, P-Connector, F-Connector, C-fastener, WSConnector and WD- Connect or are used in variety of end-products and some examples of such products and requirement for different components are listed in the following table. Claim 12 As described in Claim 2, 3, 4 and 5, an assortment of the new components, which are repeatedly usable and includes Q-Joints Z- Joint , B-Joint, C-clip, M-Joint, L- Joint, WSConnector, WD-Connector with a set of standard lengths of specially designed tubes and standard sizes of fabric covers will form a set of 'Lego-like' but much bigger partsfor constructing model structures, such as, a play-house, play- tent, baby-gym, baby-trolley and net -structures. Claim 13 The Door-module is an example of an optional module designed to be connected to Mult i- Panels, (as shown in Drawing 11 A). It is in the shape of 2 rectangular frames, each with 2 vertical and 2 horizontal sections of cylindrical or similar shaped frames made out of rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal based pipes. One of the vertical sides of one frame is connected to one side of the other frame by way of 2 specifically-designed G- Hinges or Door- Hinge. The other vertical side of the frame carries 2 specifically designed Door-clasps and Door-locks to fasten the two frames one of which is designed to be a door and the other is a door frame, whereas panel section of the door is made of netted fabric and is connected to the four sides of afore-said door which is made out of hollow or solid rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal. The two vertical sides of the open frame carries 2 Door-connectors needed to connect Door-panel to Multi -panels. Claim 14 The optional module of Draw-board is designed in the shape of a rectangular frame, with 2 vertical and 2 horizontal sections of cylindrical or similar shaped frames made out of rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal based pipes and the panel section of the frame is made of netted fabric and is connected to the four sides of the Draw-board panel frame, housing a white board of a size similar to that of the panel. Each vertical side of the frame carries a Door-connector which can be connected to a Multi-pane, (as shown in drawing 14). Claim 15 The Toy-chest module (or toy-box) is an optional module designed to be connected between 2 Multi -panels. This optional module takes the shape of a cubical box when fixed to Multi-panels. Toy-chest module consists of 2 vertical frames each with 4 cylindrical sides made out of hollow or solid rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal based pipes and the two vertical frames are connected to afore-said vertical frames by 4 rectangular pieces of fabric which can hold similar sizes of hard board or similar material, if necessary, to make the sides of the toy-chest firm and steady when in use, whereas Toy-chest module can be collapsed to a few inches of thickness by removing the aforesaid boards and collapsing the frames, which may be done for easy transportation and storage. The front side of Toy-chest has an opening similar to a window for enabling a child to remove toys from, or replace toys to Toy-chest, (as shown in drawing 20) Claim 16 The Play-house module is a module designed to be connected between 2 Multi- panels or to be used independently. This optional module takes the shape of a miniature room with a roof or a tall cubical box when fixed to Multi-panels. Playhouse module consists of 4 vertical frames representing walls of a house and one slanting frame representing the roof, each with 4 cylindrical sides made out of hollow or solid rubberized PVC, soft wood or metal based pipes and each frame is draped with a rectangular piece of fabric fastened to sides of each frame. This module can be collapsed to a few inches of thickness by first disconnecting it from the 2 standard Multi-panels of the enclosure and then by folding the frames together, thereby making it convenient for transportation and storage. The front and sides of Play-house module has openings similar to those of a door and 2 windows. Claim 17 Mattress- Hexagonal is a module designed to be used with or without six panel Playpens. It consists of 7 pieces of rubber sheets or similar material connected together along one edge, in such a way that the mattress can be folded for easy transportation of storage. Out of the 7 pieces, one is of hexagonal shape and the other 6 are of trapeziums and all 7 pieces are of the same height. The loose edges are designed to be juxtaposed, when in use. |
There is an innumerable variety of baby furniture and playthings for babies, toddlers and older children in every country in the world. Among them, there are various types of playpens, playhouses, cots, toy-chests, cupboards and so on. Traditionally, they are stand-alone units made out of timber, plastic or metal and come in variety of sizes without the ability to connect different panels and modules together to form a custom designed baby enclosure, as and when required. Most of them are neither foldable nor collapsible. In addition, playpens, cots, baby cupboards and play-houses are heavy and come in fixed shapes. Asa result, they take sizable storage space; also pose many other disadvantages to the consumer, with regards to transportation and storage. Further, asa result of these traditional units having a fixed shape, the consumer will also face difficulties in situations when there is a limited amount of space or floor area available. b. New Devices
The new devices consist of components and end-products. These end-products are specially designed modules and panels which can be combined, according to an individual's plan, to form Play-enclosures, such as playpens or protective fencing. The specially designed panels are " Mult i -panels" (SL Patent application No 15784) and some of the end-products can be used either as modules of such enclosures or used as independent stand-alone units. The modules include Baby-cot, Draw- board, Toy-chest, Play-house, Play- Tent, Desk/table, Door/ gate and several other combined units. They are all made out of a flexible and light material and have the ability to be folded or collapsed if and when required thus making storage and transportability of the invented products easier for the consumer. The invented devices also consist of numerous features that ensure the safety of infants and toddlers and help creation of an atmosphere suitable for early learning of an infant or child.
2. ENTITLEMENT TO PATENT i. Novelty
These devices introduce modularity, namely the possibility of making variety of alternative designs of enclosures and the possibility of expanding or upgrading them when required with the use of optional add-ons and/ or additional "Multi- panels" . The new invention is primarily aimed at introducing an evolution from a basic enclosure, for instance, a 4-panel playpen, gradually to a larger activity center or a safe play-area with play-houses, doors, tables and draw-boards for several toddlers and children or to alternate uses, such as safety fencing. It also introduces flexibility in shape and size with verity of optional modules and panels. This flexibility is a novelty in the design of enclosures for children compared to conventional forms, such as wooden playpens which come in a standard shape.
The novel feature of modularity in the new invention enables the playpen to combine any different modules and/ or panels to form an enclosure corresponding to individual needs, such as avail able space, baby' sage and the size of budget. The novelty is also claimed in respect of the units described as 'mult i -panels', 'modules' and 'components'. Skid components are the devices needed to fabricate and connect panels and modules to achieve the required shape and purpose of panels and modules. Novelty is also claimed for "connecting methodology", being the methodology enabling adjoining panels or modules to be connected and tightened together at varied angles with series of equal divisions of sockets and of connecting pins. Since Multi -panel has been designed in such a way that the existing enclosures can be up-graded subsequently by adding more optional modules each of which is especially-designed for a specific purpose, it can be done any time during child's progressive years and as convenient for the baby-sitter. Thiswill be done simply by fixing a module to, or in place of, a panel or panels of the playpen. In other words, an enclosure consisting of Multi -panels can 'grow' with the baby, meeting his changing needs. This novelty feature will increase the usefulness of, for instance, a playpen by enabling the child to experience many different activities in different sections or modules of the playpen such as a play-house, a draw-board or a toy-box etc.
The material used such as light weight frames consisting of hollow tubular sections and flexible Panel -connectors and other devices, which add to the overall utility of the invention by enhancing the novel attributes of 'adjustability' and expandability. Because of it flexibility in size, an enclosure made of multi -panels can be made to easily accommodate a supervising adult inside the playpen for ease of baby-sitting.
In brief, the novelty of the modules consists primarily of (a) the unique designs of components, multi-panels and optional modules, (b) their ability to be connected together or to be used independently and (c) their flexibility to be collapsed or folded.
The novelty is also claimed in respect of the components and devises described as "Q-Joint, Z-Joint, B- Joint, WD-Connector, WSConnector, C-clip and M-Joint" being the devices used to assemble many different modules in different ways to achieve the required effect and ability to connect with other modules.
Furthermore, the components (new devices) have been designed for flexible use with Multi-panels and specially designed modules to make enclosures, while being able to be used in the construction of an independent product, such as carry-cot and Toy-trolley. This novelty feature will also increase the usefulness of the designed products by enabling the child to experience many different activities.
The novelty is also claimed for the modifications and improvements done for already patented devise known as " L-Socket" (SL Patent No 13948), now, after modification, known as " L-Joint" .
The invention also achieves the attribute of portability and easy storage when folded or collapsed. The dimensions are purposefully planned for fitting easily in standard family vehicles. However, the dimensions are variable within limits.
Further the material used for light weight frames consisting of hollow tubes and flexible components adds to the overall utility of the invention. ii. Inventive Step
The first Inventive step is the development of ' Mult i -panel' and new modules as attachments or as newly designed products by the use of newly designed
components. The second inventive step incorporated into the invention is the new design of Panel connectors and L-Jointsthat are used to join and assemble several panels and modules together also aimed at the safety of baby. Third inventive step incorporated into the invention is the design of different components, known asQ- Joint, Z-Joint, B-Joint, WD-Connector, WS-Connector, C-Clip, M-Joint, L-Joint and G-Hinge, which contain novel features described in the claims. These components are used in several modules or stand-alone products together to achieve the required effect of the module or stand-alone products. iii Industrial Applicability
The principal feature to be considered under the preview of Industrial applicability is the flexibility of multi-panel, modules, components and baby- en closures. Such baby enclosures can be adjusted or altered to assume different shapes and sizes required, coupled with the other attributes of portability, lightness in weight and, importantly, the possibility of connecting modules (attachments) together. The invention has the significant attributes of novelty due to 'connective' panels and the flexible components to make other modules, which are the main features that render the invention industrially applicable. The other important feature that can be considered under the preview of Industrial applicability the flexibility in the use of the components which can be used for assembling different products, as named in this application. All these are significant features that render the invention industrially applicable.
3. ADVANTAGES OVER THE PREVIOUS SYSTEMS
There are no previous systems of independent panels, similar to Multi-panel that can be connected together at any desired angle and with other different modules or add-ons for assembling enclosures of different designs for children. Traditionally, there are many types of playpens and other enclosures for children. Few of them consist of number of panels of identical design, often made out of timber, plastic or metal and often come in fixed shapes such as square. And as a result of the material by which they are constructed the previous designs are rather heavy thus causing many problems with regards to transportation and storage. Further, the shape and size of a traditional playpen cannot be altered to suit the space available or any other reason. Some products made using prior art would also pose risks or injury to the child due to the hard materials such as timber or metal used for the construction. Furthermore, traditional playpen does not have the ability to change the original shape, by subsequently adding different modules and add-ons. With the new invention, however, a playpen with Multi- panels can change the original shape and design, for instance, to a 'safety enclosure with a door' or 'playhouse with a desk and draw-board. Another important and unique feature of a playpen made out of new 'multi-panel' is that it has been designed also to make the enclosure big enough to easily accommodate an adult within the playpen together with the child for ease of baby-sitting. The new invention with optional modules can provide many opportunities for parents to plan and supervise a child's or children's learning in their early age. For this reason, each optional module is designed for a specific purpose via-a-vis early physical and mental development of the child, safety and convenience of baby-sitters as planned for, in the following examples:
• A Gate or Door Module is meant to facilitate easy access by an adult to the enclosure.
• A Draw-board panel is to encourage child's early learning to draw.
• An Emergency Cot, Carry Cot or a Couch Module is meant to help babysitting.
• A Cupboard module or a Shelf module provides easy access to baby clothes.
• A Desk or Table module creates early writing and drawing habits of a toddler.
• A Play-tent and Baby-outdoor box will be useful during family picnics.
• A Toy-chest will help the child learn the habit of orderliness and neetness.
• A set of Padding for Frames is meant to provide extra protection.
• A 'Net frame' attachment will protect baby from insects, while being inside the enclosure.
• A 'Play-house' module will provide an opportunity for child's natural desire to imitate adults and learn planning skills.
The enclosures incorporating the invention consists of panels and other modules which are made of hollow or solid PVCor soft wood while the walls or the sides of the panels are made up of netting, fabric, soft plastic or similar material providing the child or infant in the Playpen adequate safety. The invention also facilitates transportation and storage as it is very light and has the ability to be dismantled and folded easily and conveniently.
This invention provides flexible uses apart from enclosures, as any number of panels and or modules can be assembled with the use of connectors to take a shape of, for instance, a protective barrier opposite a staircase, doorway. The PI ay- yards can also be expanded by adding more panels or other modules or addons to create a large enclosed area suitable to accommodate several children or baby-sitters in a care-center. It also provides ample space for children's activities which are essential for their learning in Care-centers.
Since the invention can be converted or expanded to other uses by connecting optional modules and add-ons, thereby making the enclosure more than just a playpen, it becomes usable beyond the period, during which a child usually would need a conventional type of playpen.
The designs of components give flexibility to the product designs. The products can be assembled with the use of the components to take many different shapes or sizes of structures depending on the end-use. The components namely Q-Joint, Z- Joint, B-Joint, WD-Connector, WSConnector C-Clip and M-Joint are new designs, while L-Joint and G-Hinge are modifications of components registered under Patent application No: 13948. The products made using some of these modified components as well as other aforesaid newly designed componentscan be used as modules attachable to playpens or as independent products such as baby-cots, carry-cots, multi-cots, baby-couch, draw-boards, toy-chests, baby-desk modules and baby-cupboards. The prior art designs of baby furniture and playpens are entirely different in their construction. Also, the cots, tables and draw-boards that are currently available in the market are often made out of timber, plastic or metal and tend to be rather heavy thus causing many problems with regardsto transportation and storage. They would also pose risks or inj ury to t he child due to t he hard materials such as ti mer or metal used for t he construction.
6. LEGEND OF DRAWINGS
A - Multi -panels
B - Vertical Tubular (or cyli ndrical) section
C - Horizontal Tubular (or cyli ndrical) section
D - Panel in a Module (ot her t han Multi-panel)
E - Joint -Socket
E1 - Joining- Sect ion
F - Panel -Connector
F1 - Panel -Connector Head
F2 - Panel -Connector Connecting- end
G - Door-connector
H1 - Door-clasp
H2 - Door-lock
H3 Door-stopper
LJ - L-Joint (alternatively, Joint-Socket)
BJ - B- Joint
DC - D-Clasp (alternatively, Door-Clasp)
DH - D- Hinge
GC - G-Clasp
GL - G-Lock
GH - G- Hi nge (alternatively, D- Hinge)
QJ - Q- Joi nt
FC - F-Connector (alternatively, Door- Connect or)
PC - P-Connector (alternatively, Panel Connector)
gt - Gate
dr Door
dt Desk-top
sp Sde panel
wb White-board
oc Outer Cover
sh Shelf
tc Toy- chest
rf Roof
cs Canvas sides
Id Lid
op - Opening
fs Foldi ng sides
cd Cord
DRAWINGS
1. Q- Joi nt
2. Z- Joint
3 B- Joint
4 WD- Connector
5 WS- Connect or
6 C-Clip
7. M- Joint
8. G- Hinge
9. L-Joint (alternative to Joi nt-socket)
10. L-Joint wit h P-Connector.
A1. An Example of Evol ution of Multi-panel enclosure
A2 Multi-panel f rame consisti ng of tubular sections and Joint -sockets,
A3. Joi nt -sockets and panel Connectors- Alternative,
A4. Panel -connector, A5. Bottom Panel -connect or & Door-connector,
A6. Door-clasp & Door-lock,
A7. Play-house Module
A8. Toy-chest Module
A9. Door- Draw-board Panel
A10 Net -frame
A1 1 Mattress - Hexagonal
1 1 Gate-A Module / Gate-B Module
12 Table A, Table B
13 Table C, Table D
14 Draw-board (Sngle)
15 Draw-board & Door
16 a .Emergency Cot , Carry Cot, Couch Module
16 b Other Cots,
17 Cupboard & Door
18 Desk 1 , Desk 2,
19 Ray-tent, Baby-outdoor box,
20 Toy- chest
21 Baby Cupboard, Baby Shelf
22 Paddi ng for Frames
23 Mult i -panel Design Variations.
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