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Title:
SEAMLESS CLADDING OF A THREE-SIDED BUILDING MEMBER AND METHOD THEREFOR
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/006538
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An improved modular system for providing trim finishes to a construction element includes base elements, facing elements, and bridge elements configured to be assembled into a finished assembly to enclose elements and structures such as openings in walls and ends of walls, the tops of low walls, posts, and the like. The arrangement is characterized in that the base elements are fixed to opposed sides of the structure to be enclosed, such that an end face of each base element is proximal an adjacent side of the structure to be enclosed, and the bridge element extends along the adjacent side such that bridge element ends are situated proximal to outer faces of the base elements, the arrangement being characterized in that the facing blocks are adapted to engage both the base elements and the bridge element ends.

Inventors:
WILLIAMS TERRY (CA)
GOODHEART SHELDON (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2018/050100
Publication Date:
January 10, 2019
Filing Date:
January 29, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
WILLIAMS TERRY (CA)
GOODHEART SHELDON (CA)
International Classes:
E04F19/02
Foreign References:
CN202493133U2012-10-17
US4014146A1977-03-29
US6148883A2000-11-21
US8484913B22013-07-16
US6178717B12001-01-30
US3570202A1971-03-16
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FURMAN IP LAW & STRATEGY PC (CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. A modular trim system configured to cover multiple faces of a construction

element having two substantially planar and parallel opposing side faces joined by at least one substantially planar bridging face extending perpendicular between the opposing faces, said system comprising: a. a first base element configured to substantially cover a first opposing face of the construction element, having an inner surface and an outer surface with two side edges extending therebetween; b. a second base element configured to substantially cover a second opposing face of the construction element, having an inner surface and an outer surface with two side edges extending therebetween;

c. a bridge element corresponding to each bridging face of the construction element, each bridge element comprising:

i. a substantially planar inner surface configured to cover the related bridging face; ii. an outer surface; and

iii. a first side surface and a second side surface;

d. a first facing element, configured to attachably engage the first base

element and a first side surface of each bridge element;

e. a second facing element, configured to attachably engage the second base element and a second side surface of each bridge element;

wherein the bridge element is sized so the first and second side surfaces thereof will be in proximity to the outer surfaces of the first and second base element when attached to the bridging face in proximity thereto; and wherein on attachment of the first and second base elements to the opposing faces of the construction element and attachment of the bridge elements corresponding to each of the at least one bridging face, the first and second facing elements can be attached to the base elements and the at least one bridge element so the base elements are substantially concealed by the facing elements, and the at least one bridge face of the construction element is substantially concealed.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first base element further comprises a base clip which can grip a side clip of the first facing element to hold said first facing element in position in relation to the construction member.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the base clip of the first base element comprises one of the side edges of the first base element extending inwards from the outer surface to the inner surface, and the side clip of the first facing element comprises an extension of the first facing element with a mirrored shape to that of the base clip of the first base element which will snugly engage the first base element when the first facing element is clipped in position in attachment thereto.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second base element further comprises a base clip which can grip a side clip of the second facing element to hold said second facing element in position in relation to the construction member.

5. The system of Claim 4 wherein the base clip of the second base element

comprises one of the side edges of the second base element extending inwards from the outer surface to the inner surface, and the side clip of the second facing element comprises an extension of the second facing element with a mirrored shape to that of the base clip of the second base element which will snugly engage the second base element when the second facing element is clipped in position and attachment thereto.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein: a. the at least one bridge element further comprises first and second bridge clips in proximity to the distal ends of the inner surface thereof, extending past the ends of the bridge element; b. the first bridge clip comprises a structure configured to engage a

complimentary base clip of the first facing element;

c. the second bridge clip comprises a structure configured to engage a

complimentary base clip of the second facing element;

d. wherein the first bridge clip and the second bridge clip, in coordination with the side clips of the base elements, will hold the facing elements in position in finished proximity to the bridge element when attached.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second base elements are secured to the opposing faces of the construction member, using at least one of a fastener and an adhesive.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the construction member has a single bridge face and the number of bridge elements is one, resulting in three sides of the construction member being covered by the attached system.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the construction member has two bridge faces and the number of bridge elements is two, resulting in four sides of the construction member being covered by the attached system.

10. A method of installing a modular trim cover on multiple faces of a construction element having two substantially planar and parallel opposing side faces joined by at least one substantially planar bridging face extending perpendicular between the opposing faces, the method comprising:

a. attaching a first base element having an inner surface and an outer surface with two side edges extending therebetween to substantially cover a first opposing face of the construction element; b. attaching a second base element having an inner surface and an outer surface with two side edges extending therebetween to substantially cover a second opposing face of the construction element;

c. attaching a bridge element to substantially cover each bridging face of the construction element, said bridge element comprising a substantially planar inner surface configured to cover the related bridging face, an outer surface; and a first side surface and a second side surface;

d. attaching a first facing element to the first base element and a first side surface of each bridge element using clips thereon; and

e. attaching a second facing element to the second base element and a second side surface of each bridge element using clips thereon;

wherein the bridge element is sized so the first and second side surfaces thereof will be in proximity to the outer surfaces of the first and second base element when attached to the bridging face in proximity thereto; and wherein on attachment of the first and second base elements to the opposing faces of the construction element and attachment of the bridge elements corresponding to each of the at least one bridging face, the first and second facing elements can be attached to the base elements and the at least one bridge element so the base elements are substantially concealed by the facing elements, and the at least one bridge face of the construction element is substantially concealed.

11. The method of Claim 10, wherein the first base element further comprises a base clip which can grip a side clip of the first facing element to hold said first facing element in position in relation to the construction member.

12. The method of Claim 11, wherein the base clip of the first base element comprises one of the side edges of the first base element extending inwards from the outer surface to the inner surface, and the side clip of the first facing element comprises an extension of the first facing element with a mirrored shape to that of the base clip of the first base element which will snugly engage the first base element when the first facing element is clipped in position in attachment thereto.

13. The method of Claim 10, wherein the second base element further comprises a base clip which can grip a side clip of the second facing element to hold said second facing element in position in relation to the construction member.

14. The method of Claim 13 wherein the base clip of the second base element

comprises one of the side edges of the second base element extending inwards from the outer surface to the inner surface, and the side clip of the second facing element comprises an extension of the second facing element with a mirrored shape to that of the base clip of the second base element which will snugly engage the second base element when the second facing element is clipped in position and attachment thereto.

15. The method of Claim 10 wherein: a. the at least one bridge element further comprises first and second bridge clips in proximity to the distal ends of the inner surface thereof, extending past the ends of the bridge element; b. the first bridge clip comprises a structure configured to engage a

complimentary base clip of the first facing element; c. the second bridge clip comprises a structure configured to engage a complimentary base clip of the second facing element;

d. wherein the first bridge clip and the second bridge clip, in coordination with the side clips of the base elements, will hold the facing elements in position in finished proximity to the bridge element when attached.

16. The method of Claim 10, wherein the first and second base elements are secured to the opposing faces of the construction member, using at least one of a fastener and an adhesive.

17. The method of Claim 10 wherein the construction member has a single bridge face and the number of bridge elements is one, resulting in three sides of the construction member being covered by the attached system.

18. The method of Claim 10 wherein the construction member has two bridge faces and the number of bridge elements is two, resulting in four sides of the construction member being covered by the attached system.

Description:
SEAMLESS CLADDING OF A THREE-SIDED BUILDING MEMBER AND

METHOD THEREFOR

Field of Invention The present invention is in the field of building products, and in particular, systems and methods of installing finishing trims such as door jambs, railings, and the like.

Background

10

Finishing trim products are widely used in the construction industry. These products are designed so imperfections in the fit of building components can be covered to produce a more aesthetically pleasing finished product. Trims provide an advantage in that rather than having to have all components of a building (e.g., drywall, window frames, door

15 frames, etc.) fit perfectly, these components can be roughly finished, saving time in

construction and the cost of the finished building.

In the past, most prior art finishing elements such as baseboards, window casings and the like have been secured to a building by simple fastening methods such as nai ls, screws 20 tacks, glues and other fastening. The disadvantage of these prior art products is that the fasteners mar the inner surface of the trim piece, requiring that they be filled, and or/painted to make the fastener less obvious to the eye. A further disadvantage is that over time the fill and/or paint can degrade, so the fastener is now seen again, requiring ongoing maintenance to keep up the look of the finishing trim piece. In simple trim systems, where the trim piece is glued to a surface, there is an additional disadvantage in that as the glue degrades over time, the trim piece may come loose, there being nothing else to keep it in place, and the finishing trim can simply fall away from the inner surface to which it was originally installed.

Another disadvantage of prior art systems is that simply nailing a piece of trim to a wall or window casing, for example, does not guarantee a quality fit. In order to save time and costs, builder frequently pay little attention to details of finishing and as a result, baseboards and window casings, and other finishing elements, may not be particularly carefully installed, so that the overall appearance of the construction is diminished. Such free hand installation systems suffer from the inability to easily align the trim piece for optimal look and fit. Many solutions have been attempted to improve the art of finishing trims. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,463,539 (Simon) describes a channel adapted to receive a molding piece. U.S. Patent No. 5,179,811 (Walker) describes a system to install crown moldings at the junction between a wall and ceiling in a room. Similarly, U.S. Patent No.

5,233,804 (Miller) describes a corner protector device that comprises a clip attached to the corner of a wall, and an overlying protector that engages the clip.

U.S. Patent No. 6,148,584 (Wilson) describes a plastic attachment strip onto in which a spline engages part of the trim piece. However, this solution is awkward to use as it requires the trim to be applied in two separate pieces onto the attachment system, increasing the difficulty of installation and likelihood that parts will not be well-aligned in the finished product. A modified version of the installation system described in the '584 patent uses two attachment clips, for example, one on the facing trim, and a second on the door jamb portion, as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,560,944 (Wilson). This solution is more complicated than the earlier system described in the '584 patent as it now requires two attachment clips to be installed.

U.S. Patent No. 7,748,179 (Schiedeggar et al.) describes a decorative molding that fits over a mantelpiece mounted on a structure. However, this system requires multiple components, including end covers, to complete the finished appearance.

Door jambs and other structures such as pony walls, deck pillars present a more complex problem in trim finishes, as the finish must effectively wrap around most, or all, of the structure. For example, in finishing a doorway, not only is it usually desirable to have a trim on either side of the opening, but the door jamb into which the door seats must bridge the gap between the trim pieces.

Because of the limitations in the prior art approaches to finishing trims, what is need is a simple system that permits the snapping into place of a finished trim piece so the trim piece is not marred by fasteners, and which is readily adaptable to a range of installation locations such as baseboards, doorways, railings and the like. Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a finishing trim system that improves on prior art designs. In the present invention, the combination of traditional fasteners such as screws or nails is used to install a base element to the location where trim is desired. A pre-finished molding facing element is installed onto the molding base. The facing element is secure both by adhesive, and by complementary surfaces, such as tongue and groove, or cove and bead combinations that maintain the position of the facing element on the base element. The present design avoids the need for fasteners that might otherwise mar the appearance of the finished face.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises base elements that can be placed, for example, on either side of a wall at a location such as the opening for a doorway, or on either side of a partial wall, such as a pony wall. Trim pieces engage each of the base elements by complementary shapes on each of the base and facing elements. A bridge element spans the gap between the facing elements to finish the structure.

Sometimes it may be useful to consider the trim system in terms of a cap, that enclose an end of a wall like structure, for example as would occur where an opening is formed in a wall for a doorway, or a wall that does not fully extend from the floor to the ceiling in a room. Sometimes, the system can surround and finish construction elements such as unfinished pillars. In one embodiment the invention comprises a modular trim system configured to cover multiple faces of a construction element having two substantially planar and opposing side faces joined by at least one substantially planar bridging face extending

perpendicular between the opposing faces. The system comprises a first base element configured to substantially cover a first opposing face of the construction element, said base element first base element having an inner surface and an outer surface with two side edges extending therebetween. There is also a second base element configured to substantially cover a second opposing face of the construction element which also has an inner surface and an outer surface with two side edges. A bridge element corresponds to each bridging face of the construction element. Each bridge element comprises a substantially planar inner surface configured to cover the related bridging face, an outer surface, and first and second side surface. The system includes a first facing element configured to attachably engage the first base element and a first side surface of each bridge element, and a second facing element configured to attachably engage the second base element and the second side surface of each bridge element. In attachment and operation of the system, the bridge element is sized so the first and second side surfaces of thereof will be in proximity to the outer surfaces of the first and second base elements when attached to the bridging facing proximity thereto, and wherein an attachment of the first and the second base elements to the opposing faces of the construction element, and attachment of the bridge elements corresponding to each of the at least one bridging face, the first and second facing elements can be attached to the base elements and the at least one bridge element so the base elements are substantially concealed by the facing elements, and the at least one bridge face of the construction element is also substantially concealed.

Many approaches can be taken to the overall system of the present invention including a system in which the first base element further comprises a base clip which can grip a side clip of the first facing element to hold the first facing element in position in relation to the construction member. The base clip could comprise one of the side edges of the first base element, extending inwards from the outer surface to the inner surface, and the side clip of the first facing element could comprise an extension of the first facing element with a mirrored shaped to that of the base clip of the first base element, which will snuggly engage the first base element when the first facing element is clipped in position and attachment thereto.

Similarly, the second base element could also comprise a base clip capable of gripping a side clip of the facing element to hold the second facing element in position in relation to the construction member - the base clip of the second base element could comprise one of the side edges of the second base element extending inwards from the outer surface to the inner surface, and the side clip of the second facing element could comprise an extension of the second facing element with a mirrored shape to that of the base clip of the second base element which would snuggly engage the second base element when the second facing element is clipped in position and attachment thereto. In either of these two systems, where the base clip of the first or second base element comprises a side edge of the base element, the biasing of the facing element and the side clip thereof against it in relation to the base clip of the base elements is the method of engagement or attachment which would hold the facing element in position.

In certain embodiments of the system the present invention, the at least one bridge element further comprises first and second bridge clips in proximity to the distal ends of the inner surface thereof, extending past the ends of the bridge element, and the first bridge clip comprises a structure configured to engage a complimentary base clip of the first facing element. Similarly, the second bridge clip comprises a structure configured to engage a complimentary base clip of the second facing element, and when the first and second bridge clips, in coordination with the side clips of the base elements, are attached or biased in position they will hold the facing elements in position in finished proximity to the bridge element when attached.

While the system is intended to potentially be attached with no destructive fasteners, the first and second base elements could be secured to the opposing faces of a construction member using at least one of a fastener or an adhesive.

If the construction member has a single bridge face, such as a door frame or the like, and the number of bridge elements is one this would cause three sides of the construction member being covered by the attached system. Where the construction member has two or more bridge faces and a corresponding number of bridge elements, this would cause four or more sides of the construction member being covered by the attached system. Besides the system itself, there is also disclosed a method of installing a modular trim cover on multiple faces of a construction element having two substantially planar and parallel opposing side faces joined by at least one substantially planar bridge face extending perpendicular between the opposing faces. The first step in the method comprises attaching a first base element having a first inner surface and an outer surface with two side edges extending there between to substantially cover a first opposing face of the construction element. The second base element has an inner surface and an outer surface with two side edges extending there between to substantially cover a second opposing face of the construction element and the second base element is in the second step of the method attached thereto.

The next step in the method comprises attaching a bridge element to substantially cover each bridging face of the construction element. The bridge element for each bridging face comprises a substantially planar inner surface configured to cover the related bridging face, an outer surface and a first side surface on the second side surface.

A first facing element is attached to the first base element at a first side surface of each bridge element using clips thereon, and a second facing element is attached to the second base element on a second side surface of each bridging element using clips thereon. When the system is attached, the bridge element is sized so the first and second side surfaces thereof will be in proximity to the outer surfaces of the first and second base element when attached to the bridging face and proximity thereto, and wherein on attachment of the first and second base elements to the opposing faces of the construction element and attached to the bridge elements corresponding to each of the at least one bridging face, the second and first facing elements can be attached to the base elements and the at least one bridge elements so the base elements are substantially concealed by the facing elements and the at least one bridge face of the construction element is substantially concealed.

As outlined with the system outlined above, the method could be practiced where there were three or four faces of the construction element to be covered. The first base element could further comprise a base clip which can grip a side clip of the first facing element to hold the first facing element in position in relation to the construction member and similarly, in other embodiments, the second base element could comprise a base clip capable of gripping a side clip of the second facing element to hold the second facing element in position in relation to the construction member. The base clip of the first base element might comprise one of the side edges of the first base element extending inwards from the outer surface to the inner surface, and the side clip of the first facing element could comprise an extension of the first facing element with a mirrored shape to that of the base clip of the first base element which would snuggly engage the first base element when the first facing element is clipped in position and attached thereto. The material of manufacturer of the facing element could be pliable or capable of biasing to the extent necessary to snap in position over the base clip element of the first base element. The second base element could be constructed the same way in relation to the second facing element. In the method of the present invention, the at least one bridge element could further comprise first and second bridge clips in proximity to the distal ends of the inner surface thereof extending past the ends of the bridge element, with the first bridge clip comprising a structure configured to engage a complimentary base clip of the first facing element and the second base clip comprising a structure configured to engage a complimentary base clip of the second facing element. The first and second bridge clips in coordination with corresponding side clips of the base elements would hold the facing elements in position in finished proximity to the bridge element when attached. The second and first base elements would be secured to the opposing faces of the construction member using at least one of a fastener or an adhesive.

In certain embodiments of the method, the construction member might have a single bridge face the number of bridge elements would be one, resulting in three sides of the construction member being covered by the attached system when completed. In other cases the construction member could have two or more bridge faces each with a corresponding bridge element, resulting in four or more sides of a construction member being covered by the attached system.

Brief Description of the Figures While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood with the diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numerals, and where:

Fig. 1 depicts a top down cross-sectional exploded view of an embodiment of a finishing system of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 depicts a top down cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a finishing system of the present disclosure once assembled.

Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the finishing system of the present disclosure, with a cutaway to show a base element underlying a facing element.

Fig 4. depicts a top down cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a finishing system of the present disclosure, where the system encircles a structural component such as a pillar.

Detailed Description of Invention This discussion provides examples of embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the described

embodiment are examples of possible configurations of the invention, and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention. The drawings and descriptions contained herein are to be regarded as illustrative of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims. The present invention provides a pre-fabricated trim system and methods for installing pre-finished trim moldings. The moldings described can be used in many instances in building construction. These include, for example, but are not limited to surrounds for windows and doors, baseboards, crown moldings, or anywhere that finishing moldings are used to provide an aesthetically pleasing finished look. For example, the trim system of the present disclosure is especially well-adapted for finishing location such as where walls end, doorway, and as a cladding around pillars.

With a wall, the wall will generally have two sides. Typically each side of a wall forms a generally planar surface, and these surfaces are oriented substantially parallel to each other. The two surfaces of the wall, often formed by attaching drywall to an underlying framing system will be separated by a gap, the width of the gap dictated by the dimensions of the framing elements used to construct the wall. At open ends of a wall, such as occurs at the opening where a window or door is to be installed, the wall will end in a cripple or other such similar structure. Since the crippled is formed of unfinished framing materials, and is of a different material than the inner surface of the wall, it is desirable to finish the wall end to improve its aesthetic appearance, and with openings of doors and windows, to provide additional functional capability for the installation and operation of the doors and windows.

A similar situation occurs when a low wall is constructed, a low wall being one that extends part way only from a floor to a ceiling or other overhead structure. Here, the top of the wall also comprises a framing member to which the sides of the wall are secured. Again, it is desirable to finish these surfaces not only for aesthetics but for reasons of safety as well, as the unfinished surface may injure persons contacting the unfinished surface.

Therefore, the present invention provides a trim system to finish construction elements such as those described above. In some embodiments, the trim system comprises a pair of base elements 30, a pair of facing elements 20, and a bridge element 10, as depicted in Fig. 1. In the simplest configuration, each facing element engages a complementary base element, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2. Each trim and base element comprises engagement structures 21, 31 that maintain engagement of these components once the trim finishing system is assembled. Conveniently, the system can also include an additional trim engagement structure 14, having a tab 15 that fits a complimentary slot 16 formed on a facing element. As appreciated from the figures, shapes 21, 31 and 15, 16 cooperate to prevent the facing elements from separating from the base element, and as well hold the bridge element flush up against the ends of the base elements. This provides a relatively tight fit of the components once assembled.

Fig. 2 depicts one type of application for the finishing system as described herein. In this particular case, the finishing system is configured to provide a finishing trim for an opening in a wall such as for a doorway and as well to provide a pre-shaped door jamb, suitably constructed to receive a door. In this case, base elements 30 are mounted on drywall or other wall surface 40 using fasteners 50. The drywall will typically be mounted on framing structure 60, typically wooden or metal framing studs. The bridge element 10 can be aligned and mounted onto the ends of the respective bases, again using fasteners 45 that engage tabs 15 mounted to the back of the bridge element. The facing elements 20 can then be attached to the bases, so a completed structure surrounds the previously unfinished opening in the wall that forms the opening for the doorway. Using the disclosed finishing system, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that it can be used to surround three or four sides of an unfinished construction element.

The present system is well adapted for many finishing scenarios, including doorways, window openings, low walls, railings and the like. For example, and as depicted in Fig. 3, a low wail might be finished using the present system. In this case, it might also be desirable that the bridge element be shaped to form a handrail or other structure suitable for gripping. As can also be seen, the system is adaptable to finish both the horizontal and vertical portions of a partial wall. As shown, the system comprises a 3-sided trim that forms a cap both on the top of the wall, and the vertical end portion that would extend down to a floor.

Yet another embodiment provides a finishing trim system for use in completely enclosing a construction member on all sides. For example, and as show in Fig. 4, a pillar 200 can be enclosed by trim and bridge elements that cooperatively form a box-like trim that surrounds the pillar or similar structure. In the depicted embodiment, because there are two bridge elements diametrically opposed to each other, securing the facing element onto the underlying base element can be accomplished by the tabs 15 engaging slots 16 in the facing elements, similar to other embodiments as described herein. As before, fasteners can secure the underlying base elements 30 to the pillar. Conveniently, finishing nails are a suitable fasteners for all embodiments of the present disclosure.

In assembly, in general it will be most convenient to position and secure the base elements where the finishing trim is to be installed. The base elements can be installed using fasteners, as shown in Fig. 2, and may also be further secured using adhesives. Next can either come the facing elements or the bridge element, depending on the preference of the installer. Where the bridge element is installed next, the bridge with underlying tabs will be mounted to the base elements. Again, fasteners and/or adhesives will provide suitable support. Once in place the facing elements can then finally be mounted to completed the finished trim structure. Sometimes, it may be possible to slide the facing element over the tab and complementary structure much like fitting a rail. In other embodiments, it may be possible to fashion the facing elements from a material that is sufficiently flexible such that it can be pressed over the base element. Pressure will cause the facing element to deform sufficiently for the edges to pass over the edges of the base element to which it is being attached, after which the facing element will snap into place and be retained in position by the inherent rigidity of the facing element. At corners, one way in which to match perpendicular trim finishes would be by mitering the ends, as is commonly done when abutting other types of finishing products at corners, for example wooden or plastic moldings.

The specific materials used in constructing the components of the system described herein, are not considered limiting to the scope of the invention. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize and be able to select materials and components that will accomplish the objectives of the invention.

It should also be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. In interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. The terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly referenced.