Related Applications

[001] This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application no. 2016904896 filed on 29 November 2016.

Technical Field

[002] The invention relates to a stand for hats or clothing, and in particular such a stand that is height extendable and adapted to measure the height of a growing child.

Background

[003] Coat or hat stands are often located in a house for the storage of clothing, coats and hats. The measurement of child's height as they grow is important and often parents seek to keep a memory of the child's height over time. Accordingly, coat stands that include ability to measure the height of a child have been proposed.

[004] One such coat stand is disclosed in CN204500255U that includes base and an elongate body extending from the base. The side of the elongate body includes a fixed vertical measuring ruler to which a movable block is magnetically attached. The block has a telescopic rod that extends laterally from the block when extended to measure the height of the child.

[005] A problem with this coat stand is that the stand may be relatively tall in comparison to child or the child may outgrow the stand. Moreover, a relatively tall stand may be a safety hazard for a small child. Another problem with this stand relates to the recording to the growth information for the child. Yet another problem with this stand relates to its limited use for the hanging of articles only.

[006] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative. Summary

[007] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a stand for measuring the height of a person, the stand including a lower section that provides a self supporting base, and an upper section supported by the lower section so as to be moveable relative thereto between an initial retracted condition and extended condition, wherein the stand is fitted with a measuring arrangement including a tape coupled between the upper and lower sections such that the tape extends in the extended condition with the upper section relative to a datum point at the lower section thereby allowing at least one of recording and measuring of the height of the person with the tape.

[008] In an aspect, the tape includes a first end fixed to the lower section and an opposing second end, and wherein the upper section includes a guide arranged between the first and second ends about which the tape passes.

[009] In another aspect, the guide is provided in the form of a friction-reducing part located between the first and second ends of the tape and about which the tape passes.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the friction-reducing part is located toward a top of the upper section.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the friction-reducing part is located proximate a side wall of the upper section.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the friction-reducing part is a roller about which the tape passes.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the measuring arrangement includes a biasing means adapted to apply tension to the tape.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the biasing means is a counter weight connected to the second end of the tape. [0015] In yet another aspect, the biasing means includes a spring.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the tape is arranged to present in a substantially vertical orientation between the lower section and extend visibly substantially along an outer face of the upper section in the extended condition.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the upper section includes a substantially vertical track by which the tape is guided between the retracted and extended conditions.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the guide is arranged to feed the tape to the track.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the track is arranged to receive the tape such that a surface of the tape is substantially flush with an outer surface of the upper section.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the upper section includes one or more hangers adapted to hang an article of clothing.

[0021] In yet another aspect, sides of the upper section include one or more apertures arranged to releasably couple with the one or more hangers.

[0022] In yet another aspect, some of the one or more apertures are provided in the form of a further elongate vertical track extending along the upper section, the one or more hangers being adapted to be slidably supported by the further elongate vertical track.

[0023] In yet another aspect, the upper section includes a cap and some of the one or more hangers are supported so as to radially extend from the cap.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the lower section includes a lower vertically oriented measuring section and the upper section is adapted to guide the tape so as to vertically extend from the vertically oriented measuring section thereby providing continuity of measurement between the retracted and extended conditions. [0025] In yet another aspect, at least part of the outer surface of the upper section is adapted to be markable.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the tape is pre-marked with height indicia.

[0027] In yet another aspect, the tape is markable with a writing instrument.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the stand is adapted to at least one of hang and store an article of clothing.

[0029] In yet another aspect, the upper section includes hangers on which the article of clothing is able to be hung.

[0030] In yet another aspect, the lower section includes stabilising appendages so as to provide the base.

[0031] In yet another aspect, the stabilising appendages include legs and the stand includes a storage compartment between the legs and beneath the lower section.

[0032] In yet another aspect, the lower section includes a lower tubular section adapted to receive an upper tubular section of the upper section.

[0033] In yet another aspect, the upper and lower tubular sections are arranged to inhibit rotation relative to one another.

[0034] In yet another aspect, a bottom of the lower tubular section includes a further storage compartment.

[0035] In yet another aspect, the upper section is substantially hidden by the lower section in the retracted condition.

[0036] In yet another aspect, the stand further includes a retaining mechanism arranged to releasably secure the position of the upper section relative to the lower section. [0037] In yet another aspect, the stand includes at least one of a light or sound- producing device.

[0038] In yet another aspect, the stand includes a electronic height measuring device.

[0039] In yet another aspect, the electronic height-measuring device includes a laser and a screen to display a measured height.

[0040] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a stand for measuring the height of a person and hanging an article of clothing, the stand including a supporting lower section, and an upper section supported by the lower section so as to be moveable relative thereto between an initial retracted condition and extended condition as the person grows, the upper section including at least one hanger arranged to support the article of clothing, wherein the stand is fitted with a measuring arrangement including a tape coupled between the upper and lower sections such that the tape extends along the upper section in the extended condition thereby allowing at least one of recording and measuring of the height of the person with the tape.

[0041] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a stand for measuring the height of a person and supporting an article of clothing, the stand including a lower section that provides a self supporting base, and an upper section supported by the lower section so as to be moveable relative thereto between an initial retracted condition and extended condition as the person grows, at least one of the lower and upper sections being adapted to support the article of clothing, wherein the stand is fitted with a measuring arrangement including a tape coupled between the upper and lower sections such that the tape extends substantially along the upper section in extended condition relative to a datum point at the lower section thereby allowing at least one of recording and measuring of the height of the person with the tape.

[0042] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a method for measuring the height of a person using a stand, the method including: Supporting the stand on a surface with an upper section relatively above a lower section that provides a self supporting base, Extending the upper section upwardly relative to the lower section such that a tape coupled between a fixed datum at the lower section and the upper section is revealed in a vertical orientation along the upper section; Reading a measurement from indicia of the tape so as to measure the height of the person.

[0043] In an aspect, the method further includes: Releasing a retaining mechanism to allow movement between the upper and lower sections; and Engaging the retaining mechanism to lock the relative position of the upper and lower sections.

[0044] In yet another aspect, the method further includes: Marking at least one of the tape and surfaces of the upper section adjacent the tape with at least one of a name, date and height of the person.

[0045] In accordance with a fifth broad aspect there is provided, a method for measuring the height of a person using a stand and supporting an article of clothing, the method including: Supporting the stand on a surface with an upper section relatively above a lower section that provides a self supporting base, the upper section having at least one hanger on which the article of clothing able to be hung; Extending the upper section upwardly relative to the lower section such that a tape coupled between a fixed datum at the lower section and the upper section is revealed in a vertical orientation along the upper section; Taking a measurement from indicia of the tape so as to measure the height of the person.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0046] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first example of a stand assembly in a retracted or lowered condition;

[0048] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the first example of stand assembly in an extended or elevated lowered condition; [0049] Figure 3 is a front view illustrating the first example of the stand assembly in the lowered condition;

[0050] Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the first example of the stand assembly in the lowered condition;

[0051] Figure 5 is a front view illustrating the first example of the stand assembly in the extended condition;

[0052] Figure 6 is a side view illustrating the first example of the stand assembly in the extended condition;

[0053] Figure 7 is a perspective part exploded parts view illustrating a top section removed from a lower section of the stand assembly;

[0054] Figure 8 is a perspective part exploded parts view illustrating the bottom section removed from the upper section;

[0055] Figure 9 is a side sectional view of the first example of the stand assembly in the lowered condition;

[0056] Figure 10 is a detailed view illustrating part of a guide of a measuring arrangement of the stand assembly;

[0057] Figure 11 is a detailed view illustrating a counter weight a measuring arrangement of the stand assembly;

[0058] Figure 12 is a side sectional view illustrating the first example of the stand assembly in the elevated condition;

[0059] Figure 13 is a side sectional view illustrating the first example of the measuring arrangement in the elevated condition illustrating the guide and counter weight; [0060] Figure 14 is a top perspective view illustrating a second example of the stand assembly in the lowered condition;

[0061] Figure 15 is a front view illustrating the second example of the stand assembly in the lowered condition;

[0062] Figure 16 is a side view illustrating the second example of the stand assembly in the lowered condition;

[0063] Figure 17 is a side sectional view illustrating the second example of the stand assembly in the lowered condition;

[0064] Figure 18 is a front view illustrating the second example of the stand in the elevated condition;

[0065] Figure 19 is a side sectional view illustrating the second example of the stand in the elevated condition;

[0066] Figure 20 is a front view illustrating a third example of the stand assembly in the lowered condition;

[0067] Figure 21 is a side sectional view illustrating the third example of the stand assembly;

[0068] Figure 22 is a side sectional view illustrating a top section of the third example of the stand assembly showing a further example of the measurement arrangement in form a spring;

[0069] Figure 23 is a front sectional view illustrating the third example of the stand assembly in the extended condition;

[0070] Figure 24 is a side sectional view illustrating the third example of the stand assembly showing the further example of the measurement arrangement; and [0071] Figure 25 is a side sectional view illustrating a top section of the third example of the stand assembly showing the further example of the measurement arrangement.

Detailed Description

[0072] Referring to Figures 1 to 13 there is shown a first example of a stand or stand assembly 10 for hanging and storing an article (not shown) and for measuring the height of a person. The article may be one or more of apparel, clothing, hats, an umbrella, coats, bags and the like. The person being, preferably but not limited to, a child who is growing in height. The stand may be provided in a number of shapes and designs and is not limited to the form of the examples shown in the drawings herein.

[0073] The stand 10 includes an upper section 12 that is vertically extendable relative to a self-supporting lower section 14. At least one of the upper and lower sections including one or more hangers 16 adapted to hang the article. Preferably, in this example, the hangers 16 are provided on the upper section 12. The hangers 16 are removable and interchangeable to alter function and aesthetic appearance.

[0074] The upper section 12 is supported by the lower section 14 so as to be moveable between an initial retracted or lowered condition, as shown for example in Figure 1, and an extended or elevated condition as shown in Figure 2. Preferably, in use, the stand 10 is gradually extended over time to at least one of measure and mark the progress in the growth of the child, as will be further detailed below. The hangers 16 may also serve to provide handles 17 to assist a user to extend the upper section 12.

[0075] The stand 10 is fitted with a measuring arrangement 24 including a tape 26 coupled between the upper and lower sections 12, 14 such that the tape 26 extends in the extended condition within the upper section 12 relative to a datum point 28, shown in Figure 10, at the lower section 14 thereby allowing at least one of recording and measuring of the height of the person with the tape 26. The measuring arrangement 24 is best shown in Figures 9 to 11, and Figures 12 and 13. The tape 26 may include measurement markings or indicia 27, or the tape 26 may be a blank tape on which a user may provide or make markings such as writing a date and name next to a particular measurement. The tape 26 may be any suitable material such as cloth, paper, plastic or metal. However, in this example, the tape 26 is formed from reinforced vinyl.

[0076] In more detail, in this example, the lower section 14 and the upper section 12 are each generally hollow cylindrical tubes arranged to be telescopically extendable between the retracted condition, in which the upper section 12 is received by and substantially concealed by the lower section 14, and an extended condition in which the upper section 12 extends vertically from the lower section 14.

[0077] The fit between the lower section 14 and the upper section 12 may be a friction fit so as to be retainable in the extended condition. However, in this example, a retaining or locking mechanism 30 in the form of a toggle latch 32 is provided and a user may actuate the toggle latch 32 to release the upper and lower sections 12, 14 for movement between the retracted and extended conditions. Other examples may include a series of lugs or a twist lock arranged to secure the upper section 12 at various positions relative to the lower section 14.

[0078] The lower section 14 includes stabilising appendages 18 so as to provide a base 19. The stabilising appendages 18 may be in the form of three legs 21. The legs 21 may be attached to the lower section 14 via fasteners 23. A storage compartment 33 in the form of a basket 34 may be provided between the three legs 21 to provide storage below the lower section 14. The legs 21 may be coupled to the lower section 14 via leg hanger members 25 that may be used to hang articles proximate the legs 21.

[0079] The storage compartment 33 allows the storage articles (not shown), such as cloths or shoes that may be inserted for storage. In some examples, the storage compartment 33 may be provided as a platform or rack. Other variations are of course possible. Any hangers 16 not in use may be stowed in the storage compartment 33.

[0080] Referring to Figure 8, the lower section 14 includes a bottom portion 31 and an upper portion 35 arranged to receive the upper section 12. The bottom portion 31 is spaced apart from and elevated above the basket 34. The bottom portion 31 includes a further compartment 29 having an aperture 36 to allow small articles (not shown) to be stored within the bottom portion 35. In this example, the aperture 36 is closable with a closure 37 in the form of a zip 38. The bottom portion 35 may be formed from a fabric material and be coupled via a collar 39 so as to hang from the upper portion 35 of the lower section 14. In some examples, the compartment 29 may include or house a speaker or similar device (not shown) for the playing of sound such as music.

[0081] In this example, the upper portion 35 of the lower section 14 is provided in the form of a lower rigid member 43 arranged to slidably receive an upper rigid member 45 of the upper section 12. The profiles of the lower rigid member 43 and upper rigid member 45 are arranged to inhibit relative rotation, but allow selective vertical sliding to change the height of the stand 10. The lower rigid member 43 and the upper rigid member 45 may be formed from a plastic or metal extrusion. In this example, the lower rigid member 43 and the upper rigid member 45 may be formed as powder coated aluminium extrusions that allow the upper and lower sections 12, 14 to be markable with a writing instrument such as a pen.

[0082] In this example, the lower section 14 includes a battery operated light 47 fitted at a bottom end 49 of the lower section 14. An umbrella support 41 in the form of an eyelet 42 may be provided at or proximate the legs 21 to allow an umbrella (not shown) to be supported generally upright thereby.

[0083] As best shown in Figure 7, the upper section 12 includes or is fitted with a cap or lid 40. The stand 10 may in some examples, include a light fitted to or at the lid 40, operated by a battery and switch (not shown). In other examples, the lid 40 may be formed of a lightly coloured see-through plastic for light to shine through and the light may be fitted relatively below the lid 40 in the upper section. In this example, the hangers 16 are coupled to the lid 40.

[0084] Referring now more specifically to Figures 7 to 13, turning to the measuring arrangement 24 in more detail, the measuring arrangement 24 includes a guide 50 about which tape 26 passes. In this example, the guide 50 is provided in the form of a friction reducing part 52, more specifically, as a roller 54. However, other arrangements are envisaged. In this example, a first end 56 of the tape 26 is connected to the lower section 14 proximate and immediately an inside 59 of an interfacing collar 58 that seats atop the lower rigid member 43 of the lower section 14. However, the first end 56 of the tape 26 may be connected to the lower section 14 in various ways and at various locations. The fixture of the tape 26 of the tape provides the fixed datum point 28.

[0085] The lower section 14 includes a vertically arranged measuring section 60 that may include measurement markings or indicia 62. The lower section 14 also includes markable surfaces 55 at least on opposing sides of the measuring section 60. The markable surfaces 55 are markable with a writing instrument such as a pen. In this example, the surfaces of the lower section 14 are generally powder coated aluminium that is markable with commonly available marker pens.

[0086] The first end 56 of the tape 26 may be arranged to be located toward a top end 64 of the vertically arranged measuring section 60 so that when extended the tape 26 continues the measurement markings or indicia 62. However, in other examples, the first end 56 of the tape 26 may be secured toward a bottom end 66 of the vertically arranged measuring section 60 and extend therein. In either example, the tape 26 remains fixed relative to the vertically arranged measuring section 60.

[0087] It is noted that if the fixed datum point 28 is at the top end 64 of the vertically arranged measuring section 60, as in this example, the measurement markings or indicia of the tape 26 may carry on from the measurement markings or indicia of the vertically arranged measuring section 60. For example, if the vertically arranged measuring section 60 has markings from 75cm to 110cm, then the tape 26 may start at 110cm and measure to 150 cm to 200 cm etc. when the stand 10 is in the extended condition. Accordingly, the height of the stand 10 may be in the range of 75cm to 110cm when retracted and about 150 cm to 200 cm when extended.

[0088] It is noted that the vertically arranged measuring section 60 may stand slightly proud of an outer surface 61 the lower section 14 to provide clearance for the first end 56 of the tape 26. The measuring section 60 may be formed from a material such as plastic or clear material that allows the writing of text thereon using a marking device such as a pen. Other examples, may include slidable clips or markers (not shown) that are connected to the measuring section 60 to record a measured height of the person.

[0089] As best shown in Figures 9, 10, 12 and 13, the tape 26 extends upwardly from the fixed datum point 28 and turns back via the guide 50 to then extend in an opposing direction downwardly into the stand 10. In this example, the second end 68 of the tape 26 is movably retained within the stand 10 by a tensioning device or arrangement 69 that includes a biasing means 71. In this example, the tensioning device 69 is a counter weight 70 coupled to the second end 68. The counter weight 70 provides a bias to lightly tension the tape 26 against the fixed datum point 28. However, other forms of the tensioning device 69 and biasing means 71 are possible such as a wound spring as shown best in Figure 22 and as further detailed below.

[0090] The upper section 12, more specifically, the upper rigid member 45, thereof includes an elongate track 72, best shown in Figure 7, that is arranged to vertically extend there along. The elongate track 72 is aligned with and extends from the vertically arranged measuring section 60 in the extended condition. The tape 26 is received by and guided by the elongate track 72 when the stand 10 is being moved between the retracted and extended conditions. The guide 50 is arranged to feed the tape 26 into the elongate track 72.

[0091] Because the first end 56 is fixed to the datum 28, the tape 26 is presented within the elongate track 72 so as to provide true and acuate measurement markings or indicia 27. In this example, the guide 50 provided in the form of the roller 54 is arranged to rotate about a horizontal axis proximate an inner wall 73 of the upper section 12 and just below the lid 40 of the upper section 12. The arrangement of the roller 54 thereby positions the tape 26 within the elongate track 72 and proximate an outer face 74 of the upper section 12. In particular, a surface 76 of the roller 74 is generally aligned with a surface 78 of elongate track 72. The elongate track 72 has a width slightly greater than, but similar to, the tape 26 and a depth so that an exposed surface 88 of the tape 26 is generally flush with the outer surface 74 of the upper section 12.

[0092] The upper section 12 includes an internal vertical channel 80 in which the counter weight 70 is received. The vertical channel 80 is about the same length is the vertical travel length required when the stand 10 is moved between the retracted and extended condition and the length of the tape 26 is such that in the extended condition, the counter weight 70 is elevated toward and proximate the roller 54, as shown best in Figure 13. The counter weight 70 may be a block of metal or similar material.

[0093] As best shown in Figures 2 and 5, the upper section 12 includes further vertical tracks 82 on opposing sides 83 thereof. The further vertical tracks 82 are revealed and accessible when the upper section 12 is vertically extended when the stand 10 is moved to the extended condition. The further vertical tracks 82 are arranged to receive further hanging elements 86 in the form of pins 84 that are rotatably coupled to a lug (not shown) received by the vertical tracks 82. Multiples of the pins 84 set a different heights may be used. The pins 86 are coupled to the vertical tracks 82 and may be moved as the height of the stand 10 changes. The pins 84 may be used for the hanging of articles (not shown) such as apparel, coats and hats.

[0094] The upper section 12 includes markable surfaces 75 between the further vertical tracks 82 and the elongate vertical track 72. The markable surfaces 75 may be marked with a writing instrument (not shown) such as a pen. This allows a user to make markings and notes overtime as the upper section 12 is revealed when extended.

[0095] Turning to a method of use, the stand 10 is typically initially in the retracted condition and is placed on a supporting ground surface. The stand 10 may be used in the retracted condition to measure the height of a person using the measuring section 60 and markings may be made thereon to record the growth in height of the person. The stand 10 may also be used as a coat rack, storage or simply as a feature furniture piece in a room. The markable surfaces 55 of the lower section 14 may also be marked.

[0096] To move the stand 10 to the extending condition, the retaining mechanism 30 is released by actuating the toggle latch 32. The upper section 12 may then be pulled upwardly so as to extend relative to the lower section 14. During this motion, the tape 26 which is secured to the lower section 14 is drawn about the guide 50, in this example the roller 54, and fed into the vertical track 72 so that the tape 26 extends vertically upwardly from the measuring section 60 to provide substantially continuous measuring between the measuring section 60 and an exposed section 88 of the tape 26 within the track 72. The retaining mechanism 30 is then engaged to lock the upper section 12 at the desired height. A person may then be measured and may mark the tape 26 or markable surfaces 75 of the upper section 12. The stand 10 may be gradually increased in height overtime to "grow with the person" and at each extension, more tape 26 to draw and presented in the vertical track 72. The tape 26 may be marked with the persons name and date at the appropriate measurement.

[0097] Referring now to Figures 14 to 19, there is shown a second example of the stand 110 in which like numerals denote like or similar parts, and like or similar parts are not again described in any detail. In this example, the stand 110 includes a similarly configured upper section 112 and lower section 114. However, in this example, the measuring arrangement 124 includes an electronic measuring device 181 in the form of a laser 185 mounted toward or at the lid 140 of the upper section 112.

[0098] The electronic measuring device 181 includes a display 187 on which a measurement may be displayed. The laser 185 has a beam arranged to be downward angled and the electronic measuring device 181 includes calculate the height of the person based on flight time and angle of the beam. In this example, the tape 126 may be blank or may include indicia. In the example of a blank tape 126, the tape 126 may be adapted to be written upon or marked with a writing instrument such as a pen. The person may then write the height and date on the tape 126 or measuring section 160. Similarly to the first example, because of the arrangement of the tape 126 being fixed to the datum 128 and passing around the guide 150, the tape 126 remains true relative to the ground surface therefore providing an accurate record of height.

[0099] Referring finally to Figures 20 to 25, there is shown a third example of the stand 210 in which like numerals denote like or similar parts, and like or similar parts are not again described in any detail. In this example, the stand 210 is similar to the first example. However, measuring arrangement 224, more specifically, the way in which the tape 226 is tensioned includes a spring tensioning arrangement 290 that provides the biasing means 271. The spring tensioning arrangement 90 includes central spindle 293 secured to the second end 268 of the tape 226. The tape 226 is substantially wound around the central spindle 293 to form a roll 295 in the retracted condition. The tape 226 may be a spring steel tape.

[00100] Similarly to the first example, the first end 256 of the tape 226 is secured to the lower section 14 at the datum point 228. Accordingly, when the upper section 212 is elevated relative to the lower section 214, the tape 226 is drawn from the roll 293 that places the tape 226 under tension. When the stand 210 is moved to the lowed condition, the tape 226 is biased to recoil about the central spindle 293. The remaining form and function of the third example of the stand 210 is the same as the first example, and is not again described here.

[00101] Advantageously there have been described examples of a stand that allows the recording of the height of a child as they grow and the hanging of articles such as coast and hats. The stand is able to extend and grow with the child. The stand includes a storage compartment, removable hangers and a measuring arrangement that extends with the stand to provide true and accurate height measurement of the child. In particular, the measuring arrangement having a tape that is fixed to a datum and extends with the extension of the stand allows both accurate measurement and recording of height and date. The recording of height and related information on the tape is permanent and remains accurate even if the stand is retracted.

[00102] The tape may be able to be marked or the surfaces of the stand may be markable along side the tape to allow recording of heights, dates and names. The initially low height of the stand provides safety again toppling whilst the child is small as well as access to the storage compartment. The extended height of the stand, clips and hangers allow the stand to continue to be used as the child grows.

[00103] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[00104] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[00105] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[00106] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.