TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present invention relates to a footbed and a system for placement of footbed accessories to assist and guide users to place footbed accessories that provide support and comfort in the correct location on the footbed.

BACKGROUND

[2] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[3] Footbed, insole and orthotic accessories are widely and commonly used to help alleviate pain and conditions that arise from foot, ankle and lower extremity irregularities, abnormalities and disorders. Footbed, insole and orthotic accessories are also used to address irregularities in gait to prevent or alleviate issues that arise from such an irregular gait, such as damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments which can lead to arch pain and heel pain, as well as overuse injuries and other foot pathologies.

[4] While the provision of such accessories is common, it can be difficult for a wearer to know how to accurately and appropriately locate the accessory such that the accessory can properly address the problem at hand while also being comfortable for the wearer but also so the accessory is not incorrectly placed which can lead to the development of new issues or exacerbate the current problems the accessory was prescribed to address.

[5] Often, the user relies on specific instructions from the podiatrist or other appropriate health professional which results in a custom or prescribed orthotic being issued. A wearer may find this orthotic uncomfortable and is thus dissuaded from using the orthotic. In addition, irrespective of the wearer’s comfort when using the orthotic, the professional must charge the wearer for the orthotic as it has been dispensed and further costs are then incurred to adjust the orthotic to make it comfortable for the wearer. Overall, this makes the process time intensive and expensive without necessarily providing the wearer with the ideal support and comfort they are seeking.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[6] In an aspect, the invention provides a footbed for guiding a user to place footbed accessories, the footbed comprising a flexible elongate body configured to support an underside of a foot, the body having: an upper surface configured to support the underside of the foot; and a lower surface opposed to the upper surface, wherein the lower surface comprises a footbed accessory region providing a visual indication for placement of a footbed accessory within the footbed accessory region.

[7] In another aspect, the invention provides a system for placement of footbed accessories, the system comprising: a footbed (as described above) having a footbed accessory region providing a visual indication for placement of a footbed accessory within the footbed accessory region; a footbed accessory for placement and/or attachment on an underside or lower surface of the footbed within the footbed accessory region.

[8] Preferably, the footbed accessory region is located on the underside (lower surface) of the footbed.

[9] Preferably, the footbed accessory comprises an arch cookie. Alternatively, the footbed accessory comprises a metatarsal dome or forefoot support device.

[10] In some embodiments, the system for placement of footbed accessories comprises a first footbed accessory and a second footbed accessory. Preferably, each of the first footbed accessory and the second footbed accessory is removably attachable or connectable to the lower surface of the footbed.

[11] Preferably, the first footbed accessory comprises an arch cookie and the second footbed accessory comprises a metatarsal dome or forefoot support device.

[12] Preferably, a side of the arch cookie is shaped to substantially conform to a curve or shape of the midfoot region on the medial side of the footbed where the lower surface of the footbed meets the continuous side wall. Preferably, the arch cookie has a Shore hardness level of between approximately 40 ± 3 on a type C hardness scale. Preferably, the arch cookie comprises compression-moulded polyurethane foam. Preferably, the arch cookie has a maximum height or thickness between approximately 4mm to 7mm. Preferably, the arch cookie has a maximum height of 6mm.

[13] Preferably, the metatarsal dome has a Shore hardness level of between approximately 40 ± 3 on a type C hardness scale. Preferably, the metatarsal dome comprises compression-moulded polyurethane foam. Preferably, the metatarsal dome has a maximum height or thickness between approximately 4.5mm to 5.5mm. Preferably, the metatarsal dome has a maximum height of 4mm.

[14] Preferably, the footbed accessory region is defined by a recessed portion surrounding the footbed accessory region. Preferably, the recessed portion at least partially surrounds the footbed accessory region. Alternatively, the recessed portion completely surrounds the footbed accessory region. Preferably, the footbed accessory region is not recessed. Preferably, a surface of the footbed accessory region is level with the lower surface of the footbed surround the footbed accessory region (i.e. the surface of the footbed accessory region is not recessed within the footbed).

[15] Preferably the footbed accessory region is defined by a line or plurality of lines. Preferably, the line or plurality of lines partially surrounds or completely surrounds the footbed accessory region. Preferably, the footbed accessory region is defined by a colour or textured portion distinct from the lower surface of the footbed.

[16] Preferably, the footbed accessory region is a first footbed accessory region and the lower surface of the footbed comprises a second footbed accessory region providing a visual indication for placement of a second footbed accessory within the second footbed accessory region.

[17] Preferably, the first footbed accessory region and the second footbed accessory region are contiguous and/or overlap.

[18] Preferably, the first footbed accessory region is located along a medial side of the footbed. Preferably, the first footbed accessory region is located along a midfoot region of the footbed on the medial side of the footbed. Preferably, the first footbed accessory region extends from an arch support region of the footbed to at least halfway across the lower surface of the footbed. Preferably, the first footbed accessory region extends from an arch support region to greater than halfway across the lower surface of the footbed toward a lateral side of the footbed. [19] Preferably, the second footbed accessory region is located on a forefoot portion of the footbed. Preferably, the second footbed accessory region extends from approximately the midfoot region of the footbed to the forefoot region of the footbed.

[20] Preferably, the footbed comprises multiple resilient layers. Preferably, a first resilient layer comprises latex. Preferably, the first resilient layer comprises a 3mm latex layer having a first Shore hardness level of between approximately 17 to 19 on a type C hardness scale. Preferably, the upper surface of the footbed is comprised of the first resilient layer.

[21] Preferably, the second resilient layer has a second Shore hardness level of between approximately 35 ± 2 on a type C hardness scale. Preferably, the second resilient layer comprises moulded polyurethane. Preferably, the second resilient layer is located beneath the first resilient layer between the upper surface and the lower surface.

[22] Preferably, the third resilient layer comprises an arch support located in the arch support region of the midfoot region of the footbed. Preferably, the arch support at least partially defines the footbed accessory region. Preferably, the arch support is removably attached or connected to the footbed. Preferably, the arch support has a third Shore hardness level of between approximately 25 to 40 on a type C hardness scale. Preferably, the arch support comprises either ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PU). Preferably, the arch support has a height or thickness between approximately 1.5mm to 2mm. Preferably the second resilient layer is substantially located between the third resilient layer and the first resilient layer.

[23] Preferably, the arch support extends from an arch support region of the footbed to greater than halfway across the lower surface of the footbed toward a lateral side of the footbed. Preferably, the arch support is located in the midfoot region of the footbed. Preferably, the arch support extends from a rear midfoot region of the footbed (adjacent the heel region) to the midfoot region. Preferably, the arch support extends along the continuous side wall portion between the upper surface and the lower surface of the footbed. Preferably, the arch support extends at least halfway along the continuous side wall portion between the upper surface and the lower surface of the footbed. Preferably, the arch support is received within a recess formed within the second resilient layer (i.e. the PU layer). Preferably, the footbed comprises a second arch support. Preferably, the first arch support has a first hardness and the second arch support has a second hardness. Preferably, the first hardness of the first arch support is greater than the second hardness of the second arch support.

[24] Preferably, the footbed is configured (sized and shaped) to be removably placed within a shoe or item of footwear.

[25] Preferably, the footbed is a full length footbed or a half length footbed. Preferably, the full length footbed is contoured.

[26] Preferably, the half length footbed only includes the first accessory region.

[27] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for placing a footbed accessory on a footbed, the method comprising: providing a footbed (as described above) having a footbed accessory region located on a lower surface (or underside) providing a visual indication for placement of a footbed accessory within the footbed accessory region; providing a footbed accessory for placement and/or attachment on the underside of the footbed within the footbed accessory region; attaching the footbed accessory to the underside of the footbed, wherein at least a portion of the footbed accessory is located within the footbed accessory region.

[28] Preferably, the system additionally comprises an item of footwear. Preferably, in use, the footbed is placed within the item of footwear.

[29] Preferably, the arch support is substantially triangular. Preferably, the arch support is substantially fin-shaped.

[30] In another aspect, the invention provides a footbed having a footbed accessory region providing a visual indication for placement of a footbed accessory within the footbed accessory region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[31] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 illustrates an adjustable footbed having a removable arch support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate longitudinal and lateral cross-sections, respectively, of the footbed of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 illustrates the underside of the footbed showing the removable arch support attached to the underside of the footbed;

Figure 5 shows the removable arch support detached from the footbed;

Figures 6 and 7 show the removable arch support;

Figures 8 to 11 show two types of footbed accessories placed on the underside of the footbed;

Figures 12 to 14 show the arch cookie attached to the footbed in a side view and in isolation in a top down view;

Figure 15 shows an adjustable footbed system including a footbed and a range of footbed accessories to be used with the footbed; and

Figure 16 illustrates the underside of a half length footbed showing the removable arch support attached to the underside of the footbed and the placement regions for accessories.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[32] Embodiments of the invention provide a footbed and footbed system to allow wearers to adjust and customise the amount of support and comfort provided by their footwear through the use of footbed accessories. The invention allows wearers to adjust and customise the level of cushioning, comfort and support provided by the accessories without mitigating the medical benefits of the accessories that can be caused by incorrect placement of the accessories on the footbed.

[33] A footbed 10, shown in Figures 1 to 5, takes the form of a flexible, resilient, integrally formed body 100 configured to receive and support an underside of a foot. The body 100 of the footbed 10 includes an upper surface 104 configured to support the underside of the foot, and a lower surface 106 opposed to the upper surface 104 located on an underside 108 of the footbed 10. The lower surface 106 is connected to the upper surface 104 by a continuous side wall portion 110.

[34] The footbed 10 includes multiple resilient layers for providing support and comfort to a user. While footbed 10 is a full length footbed, it will be appreciated that the footbed can also take the form of a half length footbed.

[35] Turning to Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that the illustrated embodiment includes three resilient layers. The Inventor has found that three different layers, having distinct densities provides improved support that is also comfortable.

[36] The provision of the footbed accessories enables the wearer to customise the feel and support of the shoe to optimise comfort on an individual and personal basis.

[37] A first resilient layer 112 of the footbed 10 is a latex layer having a thickness or height of approximately 3mm and a Shore hardness level of between approximately 17 to 19 on a type C hardness scale. The latex layer, combined with a thin, leather cover 114, forms the upper surface 104 of the footbed 10.

[38] The second resilient layer 116 is made of polyurethane (but could also be made from EVA) and has a Shore hardness level of between approximately 35 ± 2 on a type C hardness scale. The second resilient layer 116 is located beneath the first resilient layer 112 such that it is between the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 106.

[39] The third resilient layer comprises an arch support 150 located in the arch support region of the midfoot region 124 of the footbed 10 and provides additional arch support in the midfoot region 124. It should be noted that in some embodiments the arch support may be omitted entirely. The arch support 150 only covers a portion of the lower surface 106 of the footbed 10, and at least partially defines the footbed accessory region.

[40] In general, the footbed accessories for placement within the footbed accessory region or regions, in use, abuts the lower surface 106 of the footbed 10

[41] In the illustrated embodiment, the arch support is fixed to the underside of the footbed. However, in some alternative embodiments, the arch support may be removably attached or connected to the footbed 10. In some further alternative embodiments, the arch support is removably engaged with or abuts the footbed 10 without being attached thereto.

[42] The arch support 150 has a third Shore hardness level of between approximately 25 to 40 on a type C hardness scale and is made from either ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PU). The arch support 150 has a height or thickness between approximately 1 ,5mm to 2mm.

[43] It should be appreciated that the arch support can be provided in a wide range of hardness levels depending on the requirements of the wearer.

[44] The arch support 150 extends from a medial side 126 of the footbed 10 to greater than halfway across the width of the lower surface 106 of the footbed 10 toward a lateral side 127 of the footbed 10. As illustrated in Figure 4, the arch support 150 extends across an axis 128 of the footbed 10 extending from the centre point of the toe region 130 to the centre point of the heel region 132.

[45] In addition, the arch support 150 extends from a rear of the midfoot region 124 of the footbed 10 (adjacent the heel region 132) to the centre or front of the midfoot region 124.

[46] To provide additional arch support, the arch support 150 extends at least halfway between the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 106 on the continuous side wall portion 110 connecting the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 104 of the footbed 10.

[47] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the arch support 150 is received within a complementary recess 134 formed within the second resilient layer 116 (i.e. the PU layer).

[48] The removable nature of the removable arch support 150 allows for a greater range of support and comfort to be provided to individual wearers. For example, if a first removable arch support with a first hardness is provided that is too rigid and hard, and the wearer desires a softer removable arch support, then the first removable arch support can be easily removed and substituted with a second removable arch support with a second hardness that is less than that of the first removable arch support originally provided. This allows the arch support 150 to provide a readily customisable level of support directly underneath the arch of a wearer without adding additional height or thickness to the footbed 10 overall, and without the need to replace the entire footbed.

[49] Turning to Figures 6 and 7, the arch support 150 is shown. The arch support 150 is substantially triangular or fin-shaped. The arch support 150 includes an underside support portion 160 connected to a side support portion 170.

[50] The underside support portion 160 extends parallel to a plane of the underside 108 of the footbed 10 and substantially perpendicular to the continuous side wall portion 110 and is substantially triangular in shape. The underside support portion 160 includes a curved, convex edge 162 connected to a concave edge 164.

[51] The side support portion 170 is defined by a convex edge 172 that extends between the curved, convex edge 162 and the concave edge 164 of the underside support portion 160. The side support portion extends 170 substantially parallel to the continuous side wall portion 110 of the footbed 10 and substantially perpendicular to a plane of the underside 108 of the footbed 10.

[52] In the present embodiment, the underside support portion 160 of the removable arch support 150 has a uniform thickness comprising a first thickness and the side support portion 170 of the removable arch support 150 has a varying thickness where the thickness of the side support portion 170 tapers away from an end of the side support portion 170 connected to the underside support portion 160.

[53] In some alternative embodiments, the removable arch support 150 has a uniform thickness across both the underside support portion 160 and the side support portion 170.

[54] In some further embodiments, the underside support portion 160 of the removable arch support 150 has a uniform thickness comprising the first thickness and the side support portion 170 of the removable arch support 170 has a uniform thickness comprising a second thickness, which may be the same as the first thickness or different (either greater than or less than) to the first thickness.

[55] In use, the increased support provided by the arch support 150, particularly in the side wall portion 110, prevents a wearer’s arch from flattening, collapsing and/or overpronating, thereby supporting the arch of the wearer and reducing or eliminating problematic gait tendencies and the associated health issues that can arise from them while also ensuring that the footbed remains comfortable for the wearer. In the Inventor’s experience, even if a footbed provides the necessary support to the wearer’s arch, if the footbed is not comfortable then the wearer is unlikely to continue using the footbed. Thus, the footbed described herein allows the wearer to obtain the necessary support while also having a comfortable fit.

[56] Usefully, a wearer who does not desire or require additional arch support can omit the arch support 150 entirely without compromising arch health, support or comfort. Thus, a wearer can quickly and easily adjust the level of support and feeling of the footbed. [57] The lower surface 106 includes two footbed accessory regions (a first footbed accessory region 180 and a second footbed accessory region 185) providing visual indications for placement of footbed accessories within the footbed accessory regions.

[58] As can be seen in the figures, the footbed accessory regions are defined, or at least partially defined, by recessed portions 181 , 186 formed in the underside 108 of the footbed 10. It is to be noted that the footbed accessory regions themselves are not recessed. That is, a surface of the footbed accessory regions which receives at least a portion of the footbed accessories is level or even with the lower surface 106 of the footbed 10. Any recessing of the footbed accessory regions would adversely and/or detrimentally impact the efficacy of the footbed accessories.

[59] While the footbed accessory regions illustrated are defined by recessed portions in the footbed, in some embodiments, the footbed accessory regions are defined by a line or plurality of lines which partially surround or completely surround the footbed accessory regions. In some further embodiments, the surface of the footbed accessory region is coloured distinctly from the lower surface of the footbed. Alternatively, the surface of the footbed accessory region may be textured.

[60] As shown in the illustrations, the first footbed accessory region 180 and the second footbed accessory region 185 are contiguous and overlap but may be noncontiguous in some embodiments.

[61] The first footbed accessory region 180 takes the form of an arch cookie region and is located along a medial side 126 in the midfoot region 124 of the footbed 10. The first footbed accessory region 180 extends from an edge of the arch support region 150 (where the lower surface 106 meets the continuous side wall portion 110) and extends greater than halfway across the lower surface 106 of the footbed 10 toward a lateral side 127 of the footbed 10.

[62] The first footbed accessory region 180 defines a placement region where an arch cookie can be placed anywhere within the placement region such that the arch cookie will perform its intended function. As can be seen, the first footbed accessory region 180 includes a first placement limit 182a and a second placement limit 182b where the arch cookie can be placed anywhere between these two placement limits and still function optimally and providing comfort to the wearer.

[63] The first footbed accessory region 180 has two complementary portions 183a, 183b that are complementary to or corresponding to the shape of the end 192a of the arch cookie 190 (see Figures 14). These complementary portions 183a, 183b provide a readily identifiable placement guide for the wearer and allows the wearer to easily identify which way to orient the arch cookie 190 for placement on and/or attachment to the footbed 10.

[64] The second footbed accessory region 185 is located on a forefoot portion 136 of the footbed 10 and extends from approximately the midfoot region 124 of the footbed 10 to the forefoot region 136 of the footbed 10.

[65] In some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a system for placement of footbed accessories including the footbed 10 as described above and one or more footbed accessories for placement within one of the footbed accessory regions.

[66] The footbed accessories take the form of an arch cookie 190 for placement in the first footbed accessory region 180 and/or a metatarsal dome 195 (or other forefoot support device) for placement in the second footbed accessory region 185. Each of the first footbed accessory and the second footbed accessory is removably attachable to the surface of the footbed 10 within the corresponding footbed accessory region.

[67] The arch cookie 190 is shaped to partially confirm to and align with an edge of the lower surface 106 of the footbed 10 on the medial side 126. That is, a side of the arch cookie 190 is shaped to substantially conform to a curve or shape of the midfoot region 124 on the medial side 126 of the footbed 10 where the lower surface 106 of the footbed 10 meets the continuous side wall portion 110. In this way, the edge of the lower surface 106 partially defines the first footbed accessory region 180 in combination with the recessed region 134.

[68] The arch cookie 190 has a Shore hardness level of between approximately 40 ± 3 on a type C hardness scale and is made from compression-moulded polyurethane foam.

[69] The arch cookie 190 is designed to have a low profile and gradient with a maximum height or thickness between approximately 4mm to 7mm. In a preferred embodiment, the arch cookie 190 has a maximum height of 6mm. The height profile of the arch cookie 190 is intended to be less thick and thus less directly impacting on the arch of the wearer which provides a safer arch cookie for the wearer to use.

[70] The metatarsal dome 195 has a Shore hardness level of between approximately 40 ± 3 on a type C hardness scale and is made from a compression- moulded polyurethane foam. Similar to the arch cookie 190, the metatarsal dome 195 is designed to have a low profile and gradient with a maximum height or thickness between approximately 4.5mm to 5.5mm and, preferably, a maximum height of 4mm. The maximum height profile of the metatarsal dome 195 is intended to be less thick and thus less directly impacting on the forefoot of the wearer which provides a safer metatarsal dome for the wearer to use.

[71] In use, aspects of the invention provide a way to correctly place a footbed accessory on a footbed so that the footbed accessory provides appropriate support and pain relief without causing additional damage or problems. In particular, a footbed 10, as described above, is provided. The footbed 10 includes at least one footbed accessory region (either the first footbed accessory region 180 or the second footbed accessory region 185) located on a lower surface 106 (or underside 108) providing a visual indication for placement of a footbed accessory within the footbed accessory region. Also provided, is at least one footbed accessory (either the arch cookie 190 or the metatarsal dome 195) for placement and/or attachment on the underside 108 of the footbed 10 within the appropriate footbed accessory region. A wearer then attaches the desired footbed accessory to the underside 108 of the footbed 10 so that at least a portion of the footbed accessory is located within the footbed accessory region. Examples of the placement and attachment of two types of footbed accessory (the arch cookie 190 and the metatarsal dome 195) are shown in Figures 8 to 11 .

[72] In embodiments where the arch cookie 190 is placed on the underside 106 of the footbed 10, the arch cookie 190 provides a cushioned and supportive profile that substantially aligns with the contours of the arch of a wearer. With reference to Figures 12 to 14, which show the arch cookie 190 attached to the footbed 10 from the side and in isolation, it can be seen that the arch cookie 190 does not have a uniform thickness. Rather, the arch cookie 190 has a varying thickness where the thickness of the arch cookie 190 tapers gradually inwardly from a minimum thickness on a convex edge 191 and the ends 192a, 192b towards a peak 193 (where the thickness of the arch cookie 190 is at its maximum or greatest) located on a concave edge 194 opposite the convex edge 191 . The ends 192a, 192b connect the concave edge 194 and the convex edge 191 . [73] The peak 193 is intended to sit approximately beneath the navicular bone, the highest area of the arch of a person and is located approximately halfway along the concave edge 194 of the arch cookie 190.

[74] In another particular example, the wearer can remove the arch support 150 from the footbed 10 and also not place the arch cookie 190 or metatarsal dome 195, thereby only utilising the arch support inherent in the footbed 10.

[75] In some embodiments, shown in Figure 15, an adjustable footbed system 20 is provided having the footbed 10, an arch cookie 190, a second arch cookie 190a, a metatarsal dome 195 and a second metatarsal dome 195a.

[76] The second arch cookie 190a has a greater maximum height compared to the arch cookie 190.

[77] The second metatarsal dome 195a is larger (in both length and width) than the metatarsal dome 195.

[78] The provision of different footbed accessories allows a wearer to trial and adjust the support underneath the arch and/or forefoot to achieve desired support and comfort.

[79] Turning to Figure 16, there is shown a half length footbed 10a. Half length footbed 10a is the same as the embodiments of full length footbed 10 described herein except that it is half length instead of full length.

[80] The lower surface 106a of the half length footbed 10a includes a first footbed accessory region 180a for providing visual indications for placement of footbed accessories within the footbed accessory region.

[81] Similar to the first footbed accessor region 180, the first footbed accessory region 180a takes the form of an arch cookie region and is located along a medial side 126a in the midfoot region 124a of the footbed 10a. The first footbed accessory region 180a extends from an edge of the arch support region 150a (where the lower surface 106a meets the continuous side wall portion 110a) and extends greater than halfway across the lower surface 106a of the footbed 10a toward a lateral side 127a of the footbed 10a.

[82] The first footbed accessory region 180a defines a placement region where an arch cookie can be placed anywhere within the placement region such that the arch cookie will perform its intended function. As can be seen, the first footbed accessory region 180 includes a first placement limit 182aa and a second placement limit 182bb where the arch cookie can be placed anywhere between these two placement limits and still function optimally and providing comfort to the wearer.

[83] The first footbed accessory region 180a has two complementary portions 183aa, 183bb that are complementary to or corresponding to the shape of the end 192aa of the arch cookie 190 (see Figure 14). These complementary portions 183aa, 183bb provide a readily identifiable placement guide for the wearer and allows the wearer to easily identify which way to orient the arch cookie 190 for placement on and/or attachment to the footbed 10a.

[84] Embodiments of the invention provide an adjustable and readily customisable level of comfort and support based on their own personal needs while also ensuring the required footbed accessory is not misused and thereby preventing undesired side effects, injuries or pain associated with such misuse. The invention provides wearers with the ability to vary arch comfort and support between left and right feet but also on a situational basis or based on the activity being undertaken. For example, in a first activity (such as running or a sport requiring agile movements), a wearer may elect to omit a removable arch support entirely from the footbed. In a second activity (such as walking), the wearer may desire greater support and attaches both the removable arch support and the arch cookie.

[85] The term “footbed” as used herein is to be understood to refer interchangeably and analogously to footbeds, insoles, orthotics, and the like.

[86] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[87] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[88] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.