CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The subject application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/539,667, filed on August 1, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a tool tray.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Tools including handheld tools, fasteners, etc. are often used during set up and/or while performing maintenance on machinery. A tool tray is typically used to hold the tools during set up and/or service of a machine. With certain machines, the tool tray is often positioned outside of the machine, such as adjacent an exterior surface of the machine. In some instances, the tool tray may even be spaced from the exterior surface of the machine. During set up or maintenance of the machine, an operator would have to reach around or walk away from the machine to retrieve a tool from the tray and/or place a tool on the tray. This can be time consuming, as well as cumbersome or inconvenient for the operator. The present disclosure is aimed at solving the problem(s) identified above.

SUMMARY

[0004] A tool tray for holding at least one tool is disclosed. The tool tray comprises a body having a upper surface for holding the at least one tool, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, a first side defining a first axis, and a second side adjacent the first side with the second side defining a second axis transverse to and intersecting the first axis. The tool tray further comprises a first bracket attached to and extending from the lower surface of the body and the first bracket having a first bracket length parallel to the first axis with the first bracket adapted to couple to an underlying support, and a second bracket attached to and extending from the lower surface of the body and the second bracket having a second bracket length parallel to the second axis transverse to and intersecting the first axis with the second bracket adapted to couple to the underlying support.

[0005] Also disclosed is a system comprising an apparatus having a plurality of working components and a support positioned adjacent the plurality of working components with the support having a first support limb and a second support limb transverse to the first support limb with each of the first and second support limbs having a top surface. The system further comprises a tool tray for holding at least one tool with the tool tray removably coupled to the support. The tool tray has a body having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, an first side defining a first axis, and a second side adjacent the first side with the second side defining a second axis transverse to and intersecting the first axis. The tool tray further has a first bracket attached to and extending from the lower surface of the body and the first bracket having a bracket length parallel to the first axis with the first bracket removably coupled to the first support limb of the apparatus, and a second bracket attached to and extending from the lower surface of the body and the second bracket having a second bracket length parallel to the second axis transverse to and intersecting the first axis with the second bracket removably coupled to the second support limb of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be appreciated that the drawings are merely illustrative and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Additionally, one or more features of the tool tray and the apparatus may be schematically or generically illustrated in the figures.

[0007] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a tool tray according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is another top perspective view of the tool tray of Figure 1.

[0009] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the tool tray of Figure 1.

[0010] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the tool tray of Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the tool tray of Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 7 is a semi-schematic perspective view of an apparatus for receiving the tool tray. The apparatus has doors shown in a closed position.

[0014] Figure 8 is a semi-schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 7 including the doors shown in a partially open position.

[0015] Figure 9 is an exploded view of a portion of the apparatus including a support and the tool tray coupled to the support.

[0016] Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the apparatus and the tool tray coupled to the support of the apparatus.

[0017] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the tool tray coupled to the support of the apparatus taken along line 11-11 in Figure 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Referring now to the figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, embodiments of a tool tray 30 are described in detail below. As best shown in Figure 10, the tool tray 30 is adapted to hold and/or support at least one tool 10. Non-limiting examples of tools 10 include screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, drills, drill bits, fasteners (such as screws and bolts), nuts, washers, knives, brushes, etc. It should be appreciated that the tool tray 30 can hold and/or support any article, not limited to tools. For example, the tool tray 30 could hold and/or support food, beverages, writing supplies, paper, notebooks, writing pads, books (such as maintenance or instruction manuals), clothing (such as gloves and hats), glasses (such as eye glasses, goggles, or other protective eye wear), etc.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the tool tray 30 is adapted to hold and/or support at least one tool 10 for setting up and/or performing maintenance on an apparatus 12, such as a machine. In an embodiment, the machine is a commercially-sized cutting machine, which is semi- schematically illustrated in Figures 7-11. The tool tray 30 is also adapted to be coupled to and/or supported by the apparatus 12. In one non-limiting example, the tool tray 30 is adapted to be coupled to and/or supported by a PHOENIX ^® II 600HC, a commercially-sized cutting machine manufactured by Gleason Corporation (Rochester, New York). It should be appreciated, however, that that the tool tray 30 can be, or can be modified to be coupled to and/or supported by any type of machine, not limited to cutting machines.

[0020] Details of the tool tray 30 are described below at least with reference to Figures 1-6.

The tool tray 30 includes a body 32. The body 32 may be formed from any suitable material such as, but not limited to, plastics, woods, plywood, fiberglass, metals, metal alloys, and/or the like, and/or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the body 32 is formed from plywood. In another embodiment, the body 32 is formed from plastic, such as a molded plastic.

[0021] The body 32 has an upper surface 34 for holding the at least one tool 10. The upper surface 34 may have any suitable configuration. In one embodiment, the upper surface 34 is flat and has a smooth surface or texture. In an alternative embodiment, the upper surface 34 could have a roughened surface or texture for increasing friction between the tool tray 30 and the tool(s) 10 placed on the tool tray 30. In another alternative embodiment, the upper surface 34 could be painted or coated with a finish or other suitable coating, or could have a protective covering.

[0022] The body 32 has a lower surface 36 opposite the upper surface 34. The body 32 further has a first side 38 defining a first axis Ai. The first side 38 has a first side length Lsi extending along the first axis Ai. The body 32 further has a second side 40 adjacent the first side 38 with the second side 40 defining a second axis A ₂ . The second axis A ₂ is transverse to and intersects the first axis Ai. The second side 40 has a second side length Ls ₂ extending along the second axis A ₂ . The lengths Lsi and Ls ₂ can be the same or different.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 32 further has third 42, fourth 44, and fifth 46 sides. In this embodiment, the body 32 has a substantially home-plate configuration. The third side 42 is adjacent the second side 40 and defines a third axis A ₃ transverse to the second axis

A ₂ . The fourth side 44 is adjacent the third side 42 and defines a fourth axis A ₄ transverse to the third axis A ₃ . The fifth side 46 is adjacent the first 38 and fourth 44 sides and defines a fifth axis

A ₅ transverse to both of the first Ai and fourth A ₄ axes. Additionally, the third side 42 is opposite the first side 38 such that the first Ai and third A ₃ axes are parallel, and the fifth side 46 is opposite the second side 40 such that the second A ₂ and fifth A ₅ axes are parallel.

[0024] Each of the first 38, second 40, third 42, fourth 44, and fifth 46 sides is flat or has a flat configuration. However, one or more of the first 38, second 40, third 42, fourth 44, and fifth

46 sides could have any configuration, such as a rounded configuration, a wavy configuration, etc. The third 42 and fifth 46 sides are both shorter in length than the fourth side 44, and the lengths of the third 42 and fifth 46 sides may be the same or different. Additionally, each intersection between adjacent sides (such as the intersection formed between the first 38 and second 40 sides, the intersection formed between the second 40 and third 42 sides, etc.) could form sharp or rounded corners of the tool tray 30.

[0025] It should be appreciated that the tool tray 30 could have less than five total sides. However, the tool tray 30 must have at least three total sides. For example, the tool tray 30 could have three total sides, where the third side 42 would be adjacent to both the first 38 and second 40 sides and the third axis A ₃ would be transverse to and intersect both the first Ai and second A ₂ axes. With three total sides, the tool tray 30 would have a triangular configuration. The tool tray 30 could otherwise have four total sides, where the third side 42 would be adjacent the second side 40 and the fourth side 44 would be adjacent the first 38 and third 42 sides. The first Ai and third A ₃ axes would be parallel to one another, and the second A ₂ and fourth A ₄ axes would be parallel to one another. Additionally, each of the first Ai and third A ₃ axes would be transverse to and intersect each of the second A ₂ and fourth A ₄ axes. With four total sides, the tool tray 30 would have a quadrilateral configuration, such as a square-shaped configuration, a diamond-shaped configuration, etc. It should further be appreciated that the tool tray 30 could have more than five total sides, and the tool tray 30 could have any desired shape or configuration.

[0026] The tool tray 30 further includes a least one coupling element 48 attached to the upper surface 34 of the body 32 for coupling the at least one tool 10 to the upper surface 34 of the body

32. In an embodiment, the coupling element 48 is further defined as at least one magnet 48 extending at least partially across the upper surface 34. As shown, the tool tray 30 includes two magnets 48 attached to the upper surface 34 of the body 32. In alternative embodiments, the tool tray 30 can have any number of magnets 48 attached to the upper surface 34 of the body 32. The magnets 48 serve to magnetically couple the at least one tool 10 (such as a tool including at least one metal component) to the upper surface 34 of the body 32. In this way, the tool(s) 10 is magnetically coupled to the tool tray 30 such that the tool(s) 10 cannot fall, roll, or be undesirably moved off or around the upper surface 34 of the tool tray 30.

[0027] The magnets 48 may have any suitable configuration (including shape, side, and/or thickness), and the magnets 48 may be arranged in any suitable fashion on the upper surface 34 of the body 32. In the illustrated embodiment, each magnet 48 is rod-shaped, and the magnets 48 are arranged in parallel. Alternatively, the magnets 48 can be square-shaped, round-shaped, triangularly-shaped, etc. Additionally, the configuration of the magnets 48 can also be the same or different. For example, one of the magnets 48 could be rod-shaped, and the other one of the magnets 48 could be square-shaped. In another alternative embodiment, the magnets 24 could be arranged transverse to one another.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1-3, each of the magnets 48 partially extend across the upper surface 34 of the body 32 and, as mentioned above, the magnets 48 are arranged in parallel. Alternatively, each of the magnets 48 could extend across the upper surface 34 of the body 32 from one end of the upper surface 34 to the other. In another alternative embodiment, the tool tray 30 could have a single magnet 48 that at least partially covers the upper surface 34 of the body 32. In yet another alternative embodiment, the tool tray 30 could have a single magnet 48 that covers the entire upper surface 34 of the body 32.

[0029] While the magnets 48 of the tool tray 30 are shown to be attached to the upper surface

34 of the body 32, it is possible that the magnets 48 could be attached to the lower surface 36 of the body 32. In another alternative embodiment, the magnets 48 could be disposed within the body 32, such as between the upper 34 and lower 36 surfaces. In these alternative embodiments, it would be necessary for the magnets 48 to have enough magnetic strength or force to enable magnetic coupling of the tool(s) 10 to the upper surface 34 of the tool tray 30 through the material of the body 32.

[0030] The coupling member(s) 48 may be attached to the upper surface 34 of the body 32 by any suitable means. For example, the coupling member(s) 48 may be mechanically attached to the upper surface 34, such as with fasteners 35. In another example, the coupling member(s) 48 may be adhesively attached to the upper surface 34, such as with at least one suitable adhesive. Other ways of attaching the coupling member(s) 48 to the upper surface 34 not are also contemplated.

[0031] In an embodiment, the body 32 of the tool tray 30 is formed from a magnetic material. In this embodiment, individual coupling member(s) 48 attached to the body 32 would not be required.

[0032] The tool tray 30 may also include at least one receptacle 50 attached to the upper surface 34 of the body 32 for receiving the at least one tool 10. In the embodiment shown, the tool tray 30 includes two receptacles 50. It should be appreciated, however, that the tool tray 30 can include any number of receptacles 50. The receptacle(s) 50 may be used, for example, for holding small tools, such as tool bits, screws, nuts, washers, etc. The receptacle(s) 50 is attached to the upper surface 34 of the body 32 by any suitable means, such as mechanically attached utilizing at least one fastener 51. In another embodiment, the receptacle(s) 50 may be attached to the upper surface 34 utilizing at least one adhesive. Other ways of attaching the receptacle(s) 50 to the upper surface 34 are also contemplated.

[0033] The receptacle(s) 50 may be formed from any suitable material. In one embodiment, the receptacle(s) 50 is formed from a magnetic material, and small tools 10 including metal (such as tool bits, nuts, washers, etc.) magnetically couple to the receptacle(s) 50 when the tools are placed within the receptacle(s) 50. In another embodiment, the receptacle(s) 50 is formed from other metals, metal alloys, plastic, wood, and/or the like, and/or combinations thereof.

[0034] In addition, the receptacle(s) 50 may have any suitable configuration, and may be positioned anywhere on the upper surface 34 of the body 32 of the tool tray 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool tray 30 has two receptacles 50, and each receptacle 50 has a rounded configuration. Alternatively, one or more of the receptacles 50 can have an oval configuration, a square configuration, a rectangular configuration, a triangular configuration, etc. Additionally, each of the receptacles 50 may have any size. While the receptacles 50 shown in Figures 1-3 have substantially the same configuration (at least in terms of shape and size), it should be appreciated that the receptacles 50 can have different configurations.

[0035] The receptacles 50 are positioned adjacent yet spaced from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacles 50 are also positioned adjacent the third 42 and fourth 44 sides. It should be appreciated that the receptacles 50 can be positioned anywhere on the body 32, such as adjacent the first 38, second 40, third 42, fourth 44, and/or fifth 46 sides, or even towards the middle of the body 32.

[0036] The tool tray 30 further includes at least one handle 52 attached to the upper surface

34 of the body 32. The handle(s) 52 is mechanically attached to the upper surface 34, such as with one or more fasteners 53. As shown, the tool tray 30 has three handles 52, with one handle

52 proximate the first side 38 of the body 32, another handle 52 proximate the second side 40 of the body 32, and another handle 52 proximate the third side 42. Alternatively, the handle(s) 52 can be located anywhere on the upper surface 34 of the body 32. The handle(s) 52 may be used by an operator for lifting and/or carrying the tool tray 30. [0037] As best shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the tool tray 30 further includes a first bracket 54 attached to and extending from the lower surface 36 of the body 32. The first bracket 54 has a first bracket length LBI parallel to the first axis Ai with the first bracket 54 adapted to couple to an underlying support 14. The first bracket 54 extends partially along the first side length Lsi of the first side 38. The first bracket 54 has first 56 and second 58 ends with the first end 54 of the first bracket 54 facing the second side 40 of the body 32, and the first end 56 of the first bracket 54 is spaced from the second side 40 of the body 32. The second end 58 of the first bracket 54 faces the fifth side 46 of the body 32, and the second end 58 of the bracket 54 is spaced from the fifth side 46 of the body 32.

[0038] The first bracket 54 has a base 60 and first 62 and second 64 legs extending from the base 60. In an embodiment, each of the first 62 and second 64 legs are spaced from one another. Additionally, each of the first 62 and second legs are perpendicular to the base 60, such that the base 60, the first leg 62, and the second leg 64 collectively define a U-shaped configuration of the first bracket 54 in cross-section. This is shown, for example, in Figure 6. The first bracket 54 is secured to body 32 such that the first leg 62 of the first bracket 54 is coextensive with the first side 38 of the body 32. Additionally, the first leg 62 extends from the base 60 a distance and then curves inwardly toward the second leg 64 and then upwardly toward the base 60 to form a first side edge 66 and a first hook 68, both extending along the first bracket length LBI . The second leg 64 extends from the base 60 a distance and then curves inwardly toward the first leg 62 and then upwardly toward the base 60 to form a second side edge 70 and a second hook 72, both extending along the first bracket length LBI .

[0039] The base 60 of the first bracket 54 is attached to the lower surface 36 of the body 32 as mentioned above. The first bracket 54 may be attached to the lower surface 36 of the body 32 by attaching the base 60 of the first bracket 54 directly to the lower surface 36 of the body 32. In an embodiment, the base 60 of the first bracket 54 is mechanically attached to the lower surface 36, such as with one or more fasteners 73.

[0040] The tool tray 30 further includes a second bracket 74 attached to and extending from the lower surface 36 of the body 32. The second bracket 74 has a second bracket length LB ₂ parallel to the second axis A ₂ transverse to and intersecting the first axis Ai with the second bracket 70 adapted to couple to the underlying support 14. The second bracket 74 extends partially along the second side length Ls ₂ of the second side 40. As best shown in Figures 1 , 4, and 5, the second bracket 74 has first 76 and second 78 ends with the first end 76 of the second bracket 74 facing the first side 38 of the body 32, and the first end 76 of the second bracket 74 is spaced from the first side 38 of the body 32. The second end 78 of the second bracket 74 faces the third side 40 of the body 32, and the second end 78 of the second bracket 74 is spaced from the third side 40 of the body 32. Additionally, the first end 76 of the second bracket 74 is adjacent the first end 56 of the first bracket 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 76 of the second bracket 74 is spaced from the first end 56 of the first bracket 54.

[0041] The second bracket 74 has a base 80 and first 82 and second 84 legs extending from the base 80. In an embodiment, each of the first 82 and second 84 legs are spaced from one another. Additionally, each of the first 82 and second 84 legs are perpendicular to the base 80, such that the base 80, the first leg 82, and the second leg 84 collectively define a U-shaped configuration of the second bracket 74 in cross-section. This is shown, for example, in Figure 4.

The second bracket 74 is secured to body 32 such that the first leg 82 of the second bracket 74 is coextensive with the second side 40 of the body 32. The first leg 82 extends from the base 80 a distance and then curves inwardly toward the second leg 84 and then upwardly toward the base 80 to form a first side edge 86 and a first hook 88, both extending along the second bracket length LB2. The second leg 84 extends from the base 80 a distance and then curves inwardly toward the first leg 82 and then upwardly toward the base 80 to form a second side edge 90 and a second hook 92, both extending along the second bracket length LB ₂ .

[0042] The base 80 of the second bracket 74 is attached to the lower surface 36 of the body 32 as mentioned above. The second bracket 74 may be attached to the lower surface 36 of the body 32 by attaching the base 80 of the second bracket 74 directly to the lower surface 36 of the body 32. In an embodiment, the base 80 of the first bracket 74 is mechanically attached to the lower surface 36, such as with one or more fasteners 93.

[0043] As previously mentioned, the tool tray 30 is adapted to be coupled to the apparatus 12. Turning now to Figures 7- 1 1 , a system includes the apparatus 12 has a plurality of working components 16 and the support 14. The working components 16 include any internal working components of the apparatus 12 that are responsible for at least one function or operation of the apparatus 12.

[0044] As best shown in Figures 8, 9, and 1 1 , the support 14 of the apparatus 12 has a first support limb 18 and a second support limb 20 transverse to the first support limb 18. Each of the first 18 and second 20 support limbs has an upper surface 22, 24. The support 14 may have any configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the first 18 and second 20 support limbs meet at a right angle. It should be appreciated that the tool tray 30 has the same, or at least partially the same configuration as the support 14. For example, where the first 18 and second 20 support limbs form a right angle, the first 38 and second 40 sides of the tool tray 30 also form a right angle. When positioned on the support 14, the first side 38 of the tool tray 30 aligns with first support limb 18, and the second side 40 of the tool tray aligns with the second support limb 20. It should be appreciated that the configuration of the tool tray 30 can be modified to fit the support 14 of any apparatus 12.

[0045] The support 14 occupies open and/or dead space within the apparatus 12, as best shown in Figure 8. Additionally, the support 14 is also located adjacent the working components 16 of the apparatus 12. Typically, the operator requires access to these working components 16 when setting up and/or servicing the apparatus 12. The tool tray 30 is adapted to be coupled to the support 14 (such as fit over and rest on the support 14) so that tool(s) 10 placed on the tool tray 30 are easily accessible by the operator while setting up and/or servicing the apparatus 12.

[0046] As best shown in Figures 7-9, the apparatus 12 further has a first rail 26 attached to the upper surface 22 of the first support limb 20, and a second rail 27 attached to the upper surface 24 of the second support limb 20. The apparatus 12 further has first 28 and second 29 doors. The first door 28 is coupled to and movable along the first rail 26 between a closed position (as illustrated in Figure 7) and an at least partially opened position (as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9). Similarly, the second door 29 is coupled to and movable along the second rail 27 between the closed position (again as illustrated in Figure 7) and the at least partially opened position (again as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9). The support 14 of the apparatus 12 is hidden when the doors 28, 29 are in the closed position, and is revealed when the doors 28, 29 are moved to the opened position.

[0047] The system further includes the tool tray 30 removably coupled to the support 14 of the apparatus 12. Details of the tool tray 30 are described above with reference to Figures 1-6.

[0048] With reference to Figures 9-11, in use, the operator utilizes at least one of the handles

52 to position the tool tray 30 over the support 14 of the apparatus 12. The operator then moves the tool tray 30 downwards such that the first bracket 54 engages the first support limb 18 and the second bracket 74 engages the second support limb 20. As mentioned above, the first 62 and second 64 legs of the first bracket 54 are spaced from one another, and the first 82 and second 84 legs of the second bracket 74 are spaced from one another. As best illustrated in Figure 11, the first 62 and second 64 legs of the first bracket 54 straddle the first support limb 18. Similarly, the first 82 and second 84 legs of the second bracket 74 straddle the second support limb 20.

[0049] In an embodiment, the tool tray 30 is coupled to the support 14 when the first bracket 54 engages the first rail 26 attached to the upper surface 22 of the first support limb 18 and the second bracket 74 engages the second rail 27 attached to the upper surface 24 of the second support limb 20. For example, the first bracket 54 fits over the first rail 26 and the first 68 and second 72 hooks of the first bracket 54 engage inner 15 and outer 17 surfaces of the first support limb 18, as best shown in Figure 11. Similarly, the second bracket 74 fits over the second rail 27 and the first 88 and second 92 hooks of the second bracket 74 engage inner 19 and outer 21 surfaces of the second support limb 20. It is to be appreciated that when the tool tray 30 is placed on the support 14, the brackets 54, 74 fit over the rails 26, 27, and the base 60, 80 of the brackets 54, 74 simply rests on the rails 26, 27 utilizing gravity. In an alternative embodiment, the brackets 54, 74 could be configured to attach to, such as snap onto, the respective rails 26, 27.

[0050] The operator can remove the tool tray 30 from the support 14 by grasping the handle(s) 52, and lifting the the tool tray 30 off of the support 14. The upwards movement of the tool tray 30 causes the first 54 and second 56 brackets to disengage from the first 18 and second 20 support limbs.

[0051] It should be appreciated that the embodiments of the tool tray 30 have been described above for use with an apparatus 12 having a specific configuration. It should further be appreciated that the tool tray 30 could be configured differently for use with an apparatus having a different configuration. For example, the tool tray 30 could have a different size and/or shape so that the tool tray 30 fits a support 14 of another apparatus that is smaller, larger, or has support limbs 18, 20 that meet at an angle other than a right angle. Additionally, the tool tray 30 could be configured differently so that the tool tray 30 fits a support 14 having a single support limb. In this alternative embodiment, the tool tray 30 could have at least one post extending from the body 32 and configured to rest against a designed support surface of the apparatus or against the floor.

[0052] Additionally, the tool tray 30 is configured to fit on the support 14 that occupies open or dead space within the apparatus 12. In this position, the operator can easily access the tools 10 positioned on the tool tray 30, such as magnetically coupled to the upper surface 34 of the body 32 by the coupling element(s) 48 during set up or service of the apparatus 12. In particular, the tool tray 30 when positioned on the support 14 allows the tools 10 to be accessible in front of the operator, which reduces turning, reaching, and/or walking around the apparatus 12 that the operator would otherwise do with a tool cart or box positioned outside of or spaced from the exterior surface of the apparatus 12. Reduced operator movements advantageously reduces overall set up or service time of the apparatus 12, and tends to make the operator's job much easier.

[0053] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. It is now apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.