DEVICES AND USER DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system for ensuring safety of a user and, more particularly, to a method and a system for ensuring safety of the user by enabling communication among dynamically updated help devices and user device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In societies across various geographies, criminal activities are quite frequently occurring and in fact have an increasing trend. In particular, safety of women is emerging as a big issue. This is true regardless of the community where one lives. Police agencies have been unable to protect everyone. Today, many innocent people find themselves victims of crime. The nature of the crime varies from minor misdemeanors, such as theft, to violent assault, such as rape or murder. Typically, the victim of a crime is physically unable to prevent or deter an attack.

[0003] Application of the personal attack alarm is aimed at persons at risk of being attacked outside their home for instance when individuals for one reason or another are out on the streets at night or live in insecure neighborhoods are suddenly attacked. These people may be the elderly, teenagers or women at risk of being attacked. Living in and around our large metropolitan cities requires that individuals, whether alone or with others, take precautionary measures to protect themselves against personal assaults. Various personal safety devices are available, including firearms, stun guns, chemical sprays, audible alarms and wireless security services.

[0004] Personal protection devices such as chemical sprays, for example, pepper sprays, audible personal security alarms, and stun guns, when used properly, all have a deterrent effect on an aggressor without the consequences associated with a firearm. These devices, however, have limitations and can prove to be ineffective depending upon the circumstances. Chemical sprays and audible alarms have their advantages and disadvantages. Chemical sprays generally offer a user the advantage of deterring an assailant at a distance of as much as 10 to 15 feet, as well as giving notice to the assailant that the user is not totally defenseless. However, a chemical spray is of no use when the assailant covers his eyes with eyeglasses. Audible alarms on the other hand when used as a standalone device have lost their usefulness, since most people in the metropolitan city areas no longer pay attention to such sound generated devices. Moreover, as such, many people have resorted to carrying lethal weapons, such as hand guns. However, in certain jurisdictions, a person is forbidden by law to possess or use a lethal weapon.

[0005] Mobile and wireless technology have touched our lives in a multitude of ways ranging from communicating with near and dear ones to managing different aspects of our personal and business functions. Mobile technology is now also making a foray into personal safety management given the broad range of features and functions it possesses to facilitate things like capturing evidence at the scene of a crime in terms of both sound or visual evidence. It can also help with transmitting various signals for assistance.

[0006] The drawback with handheld devices is that users need to visually look at the phone in order to use it. It is very hard to try to use the mobile device in a concealed or hidden way. If the mobile device is in a person's pocket, bag or purse, it makes it that much more difficult to try to access it, look at the device and use it for a particular purpose. And one cannot figure out the current state of the device or operate any of the functions without actually looking at it.

[0007] In circumstances where an individual (victim) is being attacked, chances are unlikely that the victim will be able to access their mobile device and reach out for help as the attacker (perpetrator) may seize any known and identifiable deterrents such as the mobile device and escalate the attack leaving the victim with not many options to reach out for help. Having a single mechanism that can be adapted and added to different wearable ornaments to activate the mobile device in a concealed way will make all the difference in the victim's ability at making contact with people who may be able to provide help and assistance. There are some applications currently available that may send out a text message to certain contacts when activated but even to access that functionality, the victim will need to access the mobile device and look at it to activate the application. In essence, such solutions do not really help solve the problem. [0008] Also, there have been technologies, for example one described in US patent application publication number 20150065082, in which a wearable device is used for determining emergency and then communicating with handheld device to get the aid by spreading words via the handheld device. However, the aid is restricted to a predefined list of users and is not dependent on location of the user. In addition, when the user is kidnapped then the location of the user changes and hence, helping of the user using the technologies described in US 20150065082 becomes difficult.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a method and a system for ensuring safety of a user by enabling communication among dynamically updated help devices and user device.

SUMMARY

[0010] Various methods, apparatuses and computer readable mediums for ensuring safety of a user of a user device by enabling communication with dynamically updated help devices is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting one or more taps on a first user device present with the user; determining an emergency situation in response to the one or more taps; creating a data set indicating the emergency situation, and comprising an audio or a video of a scene near the user and location of the first user device; sending the data set, by a server, to a plurality of help devices based on proximity of the plurality of help devices to the location of the first user device; receiving help indication from at least two help devices from among the plurality of help devices that will participate in help operation of the user; communicating the help indication to the first user device; enabling communication among the plurality of help devices; detecting a change in the location of the user; and dynamically updating a list of the plurality of help devices based on the changed location of the user.

[0011] An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

[0012] Other aspects and example embodiments are provided in the drawings and the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] For a more complete understanding of example embodiments of the present technology, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example representation of an environment, where various embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a first user device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a method for ensuring safety of a user by enabling communication among dynamically updated help devices and the first user device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates dynamic updating of a list of help devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates message displayed on a help device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates sample chat messages between two help devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates examples of the first user device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a server using which various embodiments described herein can be achieved.

[0022] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, apparatuses and methods are shown in block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. [0024] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0025] Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure . Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows an example representation of an environment 100, where one or more embodiments of the present invention can be implemented. The environment 100 includes a user 104 having a first user device 102. The first user device 102 can be in form of jewelry, stone or in any other form that can be worn by the user 104 or held by the user 104. The first user device 102 has been described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. The first user device 102 is electronically coupled to a second user device 106 using various communication means 114 such as Bluetooth. Examples of the second user device 106 includes a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet device or any other device having an application to communicate with the first user device 102 including receiving and sending communication to the first user device 102. The second user device 106 is capable of capturing audio and video of the surroundings. In one embodiment, the first user device 102 is coupled to a network 108 directly. In another embodiment, the second user device 106 is coupled to the network 108 and the first user device 102 is coupled to the network 108 via the second user device 106. The environment 100 also includes one or more help devices of other users. The help devices, for example a help device 110A, a help device HOB, and a help device 1 IOC (hereinafter referred collectively as 'help devices 110') are associated with a user 112A, a user 112B and a user 112C respectively (hereinafter referred collectively as 'users 112'). The help devices 110 include an application for receiving and sending communication to the network 108. The help devices 110 are coupled to the network 108. The environment 100 also includes a server 116 that powers the application running on the various help devices 110, the second user device 106 and, in some embodiments, also the first user device 102.

[0027] The user 104 may come across an emergency scenario, such as robbery, theft, murder, rape, kidnaping, or when the user 104 is surrounded by a group of unwanted people or any other emergency. In such an emergency scenario, the user 104 desires for some help. The user 104 calls for help by tapping on the first user device 102.

[0028] In one embodiment, the tapping on the first user device 102, for example one tap or two taps or three or more taps as programmed, triggers sending an emergency alert to the second user device 106. The emergency alert indicates the emergency situation to the second user device 106. The second user device 106 has the application powered by the server 116 running in the second user device 106. The application communicates the emergency situation to the server 116 along with a data set. The data set includes location of the user 104, an audio or a video recording of the user 104 or of an area around the first user device 102 or around the second user device 106. The data set can be created by the first user device 102 or the second user device 106 or a combination thereof. The server 116 processes the data set and determines the users 112 that are in proximity to the user 104. The proximity includes any predefined distance or a threshold distance as per configuration of the server 116. The server 116 then invokes the applications at the respective help devices 110 and sends the data set to each of the help devices 110. The users 112 of the help devices 110 goes through the data set and may choose to help the user 104. In one embodiment, at least two users from among the users 112 agree to help the user 104 and the two users indicate to the server 116 of their intention to help via their respective help devices 110. The server 116 indicates to the second user device 106 or the first user device 102 and makes the first user device 102 vibrate. The vibration of the first user device 102 confirms to the user 104 that the help is on its way.

[0029] In another embodiment, the first user device 102 may have processing capabilities of the second user device 106 and may perform the functionalities of the second user device 106. [0030] In various embodiments, the user 104 may be on a move and the location of the user 104 may change over a period of time. In such scenarios, the location of the user 104 is tracked at the server 116. The first user device 102 or the second user device 106 continuously or at pre-defined intervals sends its location information to the server 116. The server 116 checks for new help devices such as the help devices 110 available in proximity to the location of the user 104. The server 116 invokes the application on the new help devices 110 and performs the same process as for the previous help devices 110 that were in proximity to the user 104 since the emergency situation was indicated. The new help devices 110 that respond positively, i.e. ready to help the user 104, are added to the list of help devices 110, and communication between the new help devices 110 and previous help devices 110 or communication between the new help devices 110 and the second user device 106 or the first user device 102 or both is enabled. Hence, the help devices 110 are dynamically added based on the change in the location of the user 104. In an example embodiment, once the user 104 sends the emergency alert to a help device for example, the help device 110 via the server 116, the help device 110 can track the location of the user 104 on a continuous basis. For instance, the location of the user 104 is continuously displayed on the help device 110. In an embodiment, tracking of the user 104 on the help device 100 will stop only after the user 104 clicks on an Ί am Safe' tab on the second user device 106 or presses a pre-defined button on the first user device 102.

[0031] In various embodiments, other options based on number of taps can also be explored. For example, one tap can cause at least one of the first user device 102 and the second user device 106 to generate loud sound. Two taps can cause sending of the data set to pre-defined contacts of the user 104. It should be understood to those skilled in the art that any pre-defined functions can be set to be performed by the first user device 102 and/or the second user device 106 with or without conjunction with the server 116, in response to a pattern of taps or a particular number of taps, or a combination thereof. In some additional or alternate embodiments, the assigned functions in response of the number of taps and/or tapping patterns can also be altered dynamically while use by the user either by accessing graphical user interface (GUI) of the second user device 106, by voice based inputs or with help of other forms of data inputs. Additionally or alternatively, even the assigned functions can be changed dynamically from a remote location, for example, through an electronic device accessing the application installed on the second user device 106 over the Internet or over other communication medium, with or without coordination with the server 116.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates the first user device 102. The first user device 102 includes a touch sensor 202 for sensing one or more taps of the user 104. The touch sensor 202 is electronically coupled to a circuitry 204 for determining an emergency situation in response to the one or more taps. In some embodiments, the touch sensor 202 can be a part of the circuitry 204. The circuitry 204 runs on an operating system. Example of the circuitry 204 includes a printed circuit board. The first user device 102 also includes a Bluetooth module, electronically coupled to the circuitry 204, for communicating the emergency situation to the second user device 106 or the server 116. In some embodiments, the Bluetooth module can be a part of the circuitry 204. The first user device 102 also includes an antenna (not shown) for enabling the communication with the second user device 106. The first user device 102 includes a battery 212 for powering the touch sensor 202, the circuitry 204 and the Bluetooth module. The battery 212 is housed in a housing module 214. The first user device 102 also includes a threading 216, an outer ring 210 and an outer casing 208 among other parts. In some embodiments, the circuitry 204 is present behind a jewel or the touch sensor 202. The jewel and other components all together form part of the first user device 102, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the components may be part of any other wearable device or device that can be held by the user 104.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for ensuring safety of a user, for example the user 104, by enabling communication between dynamically updated help devices, for example the help devices 110, and the user device, for example the first user device 102 or the second user device 106.

[0034] The method starts at step 302 and proceeds to step 304.

[0035] At step 304, one or more taps on a first user device present with the user is received.

[0036] At step 306, an emergency situation is determined in response to the one or more taps. The emergency situation can be determined at either the first user device or a second user device or a combination. The information regarding the tap is sent to the second user device by the first user device using a communication channel, such as Bluetooth. [0037] At step 308, a data set is created. The data set indicates information of the emergency situation, and includes an audio or a video of a scene near the user and location of the first user device. The data set can be created by the first user device or the second user device or a combination of both first and the second user devices and sent to a server (such as the server 116 explained with reference to FIG. 1).

[0038] At step 310, the data set is sent by the server to a plurality of help devices ((such as the help devices 110 explained with reference to FIG. 1) based on proximity of the plurality of help devices to the location of the first user device. The server maintains a data repository indicating location of different help devices in real time. This is done using the application running on the help devices and also, on the second user device or the first user device. In an embodiment, sending the data set includes determining the plurality of help devices in proximity to the first user device based on applications installed on respective help devices. Further, sending the data set also includes automatically invoking the applications on the respective help devices.

[0039] At step 312, help indication from at least two help devices that will participate in a help operation of the user is received. It is possible that users of all help devices to whom the request is sent are not available for help. Hence, receipt of the help indication helps the server in determining the number of users who are ready to help. If at least one user is ready to help then, at step 314, the help indication to the first user device is communicated. The communication can be indicated to the user of the first user device, in any form such as vibration of the first user device. The communication may be first sent to the second user device which then sends it to the first user device.

[0040] In some embodiments, if no indication from any help device is received within a predefined threshold time then a call to police or any other emergency helpline number is dialled.

[0041] At step 316, communication is enabled among the plurality of help devices. The application present on the help devices is powered by a messenger which facilitates instant communication among the users.

[0042] At step 318, change in the location of the user is detected. The location of the user is sent continuously or at predefined intervals to the server. The server detects the new location of the user of the first user device.

[0043] At step 320, a list of the plurality of help devices is dynamically updated based on the changed location of the user. The help devices that are in proximity to the new location of the user are included or added in the list of help devices. Steps 310 to 316 are repeated for the new help devices. The method terminates at step 322.

[0044] In various embodiments, the number of taps is mapped to different actions. For example, one tap indicates a large sound. Two taps indicate a call to be made to emergency numbers. Three taps indicate seeking help from server to get help from help devices as described herein. Four taps may indicate seeking help only from family members etc. In some examples, a single tap may also initiate one or more of the above described actions, and/or other actions.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates dynamic updating of a list of help devices 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Initially, the user 104 is at "Location 1" along with the first user device 102 and the second user device 106. The user 104 taps on the first user device 102 to seek help. The server 116 receives the emergency indication along with the data set and determines the help devices 110 based on "Location 1" (see, 402). In illustrated example, the help devices 110A, HOB and HOC are available in proximity to the "Location 1". The server 116 sends the data set along with "Location 1" of the user 104 to the help devices 110A, HOB and HOC.

[0046] In illustrated embodiment, it happens that the user 104 is on a move, such as in case of kidnapping. The location of the user 104 then changes to a "Location 2" (see, 404). Any change in location of the user 104 is detected by the first user device 102 or the second user device 106 or the server 116 or a combination thereof. The location data is exchanged among the first user device 102, the second used device 106 and the server 116. The server 116 then dynamically updates the list of the help devices 110 to include additional devices that are in proximity to the "Location 2". The server 116 determines that the help device HOD is at "Location 2" and the server 116 sends the data set to the help device HOD. Chat history is also sent to the help device HOD.

[0047] In one embodiment, the new help device HOD is only added to the list. In another embodiment, it is determined that the help device 11 OA is not in proximity to "Location 2" and hence, the help device 11 OA is excluded from the list of help devices 110 and the new help device HOD is added to the list of help devices 110. Therefore, the dynamically updated list of the help devices for "Location 2" includes the help devices HOB, HOC and HOD (see, 404). [0048] FIG. 5 illustrates message displayed on the help device 110A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server 116 sends the data set to the help device 11 OA (associated with the user 112A as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4). An application 502 gets invoked on the help device 110A as a result of a user input or automatically due to the sending of the data set. The data set can be sent in any form, such as push message. Alternatively, the data set can be sent after the application 502 is invoked.

[0049] The application 502 then displays the information present in the data set to the user 112A via the help device 110A. The user interface of the application displays information 506 about the user 104 that needs help. In addition, the location of the user is also indicated as 'Location Γ . An audio or video of the user 104 is also accessible via a button 504 shown as 'Play' . The user 112A may choose to play the audio or the video by pressing the button 504. In some embodiments, the audio or video may be played automatically, i.e. without requiring any user input.

[0050] The application 502 also displays a button 508 shown as 'Ready to Help' through which the user 112A can indicate if the user 112A is willing to help. When the user 112A presses the button 508 then an indication of willingness of the user 112A to participate in helping of the user 104 is sent to the server 116.

[0051] The user 112A can also access chat messages exchanging between other helping users in the proximity of the location of the user 104. The chat messages can be accessed via a button 510. In some embodiments, the chat messages can be displayed automatically. The chat messages can be displayed before or after the user 112A indicates willingness to help. It is understood that the user interface of the application 502 on the help device 11 OA as shown in FIG. 5 is of example purposes only, and it can be customized and presented in many different ways.

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates sample chat messages 510 between two help devices possessed by the user 112A and the user 112B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In a non-limiting illustrated example of FIG. 6, both the user 112A and the user 112B chose to help the user 104. The user 112A and the user 112B, after confirming to help, enter into chatting via the application 502. An example chat including chat messages 510 is shown in FIG. 6, which includes messages 602 and 606 from the user 112A and also, messages 604 and 608 from the user 112B, respectively. The user 112A may click the button 510 for accessing chat messages from other helping users who are in the proximity of the location of the user 104. In such a scenario, the user 112A may find that the user 112B is also in the application 502 (by clicking the button 510 on his/her application in the help device HOB). The user 112A may initiate a chat with the user 112B by informing the user 112B, for example, by typing Ί am at location X. I can see her' (See, 602). Note that 'her' here refer to the user in distress, i.e., in this case the user 104. Accordingly, the user 112B may respond to the user 112A, by typing Ί can see her. I am opposite to the user 112A' (See, 604). Thereby, after obtaining the response from the user 112B, the user 112A may initiate an action by informing the user 112B by typing 'Let us approach on count of three' (See, 606). Accordingly, the user 112B may agree to the action request sent by the user by replying 'Okay' (See, (508) to approach the user 104 for providing the needed help. The chatting helps in fixing a strategy for helping the user 104. Also, all helping users can communicate with each other to plan the rescue.

[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates examples of the first user device 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the first user device 102 is in form of a jewelry including a stone or pendant (See, 702). Such stone or pendant type jewelry can be worn on hand (See, 704) or as a necklace (See, 706).

[0054] It will be appreciated that the first user device 102 can be in any form and may not be limited only stone or a pendant type jewelry as shown in FIG. 7. Moreover, the first user device 102 can be worn or held by the user 104 in any manner.

[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram 800 that illustrates the server 116, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the server 116 includes a memory 802, a communication interface 804 and at least one processor 806 for processing information.

[0056] The memory 802 is a storage device embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and/or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices, for storing micro- contents information and instructions. The memory 802 may be embodied as magnetic storage devices (such as hard disk drives, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc.), optical magnetic storage devices (e.g., magneto -optical disks), CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), CD-R (compact disc recordable), CD-R W (compact disc rewritable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc), and semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0057] The communication interface 804 may enable the server 116 to communicate with one or more users through the network 108.

[0058] Optionally, the server 116 is also shown to take an input from an input device 810, which is directly coupled to the server 116 or via the network 108. The server 116 further shows an output display 812, such as but not limited to a cathode ray tube (CRT), a LCD screen, a mobile device screen and a laptop screen for displaying information to the user. The communication interface 804 is capable of communicating with the network 108, example of which may include but are not limited to, wired, wireless cell phone networks, Wi-Fi networks, terrestrial microwave network, or any form of Internet. While only one input device 810 and one output display 812 is depicted in FIG. 8 for illustrative purposes, and it would be apparent that any number of input devices and output devices can be coupled with the server 116 through the network 108.

[0059] The processor 806 is communicably coupled with the memory 802 and the communication interface 804. The processor 806 is capable of executing the stored machine executable instructions in the memory 802 or within the processor 806 or any storage location accessible to the processor 806. The processor 806 may be embodied in a number of different ways. In an embodiment, the processor 806 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special - purpose computer chip, or the like.

[0060] The processor 806 performs various functionalities of the server 116 as described herein.

[0061] The present disclosure is described above with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of method and device embodying the present disclosure. It will be understood that various block of the block diagram and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, may be implemented by a set of computer program instructions. These set of instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a device, such that the set of instructions when executed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. Although other means for implementing the functions including various combinations of hardware, firmware and software as described herein may also be employed.

[0062] Various embodiments described above may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. The software, application logic and/or hardware may reside on at least one memory, at least one processor, an apparatus or, a non-transitory computer program product. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any non-transitory media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer, with one example of a system described and depicted in FIG. 8. A computer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage medium that may be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

[0063] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure.