BALL COLLECTION APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to self-powered mechanical devices, and in particular a self-powered collection device configured to quickly and efficiently gather and collect golf balls, and other objects dispersed over a wide area.

BACKGROUND

With the widespread use of golf driving ranges and practice greens there has come a need for devices that can rapidly pick up golf balls lying on the ground over a large area. Absent some automated means, a course proprietor must collect up hundreds or thousands of golf balls several times a day, wash them, and package them for reuse. This ball collecting cost has been one of the main causes not only for inflating the cost of balls but also for increasing the prices users must pay. Further, due to the fact that rainy or cold weather indisposes workers to do the ball collecting work, it has been difficult to employ such workers. Similar difficulties can be applied to the collection of different sport balls being widely scattered in both indoor and outdoor facilities.

As such, there exists a long-felt need for a solution to the same. It is an object of this invention to provide a novel and efficient apparatus for picking up large numbers of golf, or other sport balls in one sweep of the area and which may be self-powered and maneuvered with ease. It is another object of this invention to provide an improved light-weight golf ball retriever that can be configured into a compact form for storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure describes apparatus and methods for a ball collection device, also sometimes referred to herein as the collection device, or device of the invention. In a preferred aspect, the collection device is configured to gather and collected dispersed objects, such as golf balls or other sport balls from a wide area and mechanically direct them into a collection receptable.

In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a self-powered ball collection device having a movable chassis securing a pair of collection arms extending approximately parallel to the ground and forming an angled collection zone. A collection assembly is positioned at the terminal end of the angled collection zone and configured to mechanically capture and transmit a ball, or similar object through a collection pathway to a guide positioned on the chassis.

In a preferred aspect, the collection assembly includes a front axle rotatably coupled to at least one wheel, and an impeller comprising a pair of rotatable disks positioned on either side of a collection pathway and securing at least one pair of crossbars positioned perpendicular to the pathway. In this aspect, the impeller is responsive to the front axle, such that forward rotation of the wheel(s) causes the impeller to rotate within the collection pathway. In a preferred aspect, a ball is guided via the collection arms to the collection pathway where it is captured by the crossbars of the impeller and transmitted through the pathway to a guide channel on the chassis where it is ultimately deposited into a collection receptacle.

In another aspect, the collection arms can be transitions from an extended position into a collapsed positioned for storage and transport. In this aspect, the extension arms are secured to the front portion of the movable chassis by a pivot arm coupled to a pivot joint. The extension arms can be disengaged from the pivot arm and medially rotated to be positioned approximately parallel with the body of the chassis and perpendicular to the ground and further retracted rearward via the action of the pivot arm. In this configuration, the collection arms can be positioned in a collapsed positioned for transport and storage.

Additional aspects of the disclosures will become apparent from the more detailed description and figures which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The collection device described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show preferred embodiments according to the device described herein. It will be noted that the device as disclosed in the accompanying drawings is illustrated by way of example only. The various elements and combinations of elements described below and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which are still within the spirit and scope of the device described herein.

FIG. 1: shows a front perspective view of a ball collection device having a chassis securing a pair of collection arms forming an angled collection zone in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 2: shows a side view of a ball collection device having a chassis securing a pair of collection arms rotated medially and positioned rearward towards the body of the chassis for storage or transport in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 3: shows a top view of a ball collection device having a chassis securing a pair of collection arms forming an angled collection zone and collection pathway in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 4: shows an detailed front perspective view of a movable chassis having a guide path responsive to a secured collection assembly in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 5: shows an detailed side view of a movable chassis securing a collection arm by a pivot arm in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 6: shows an detailed rear perspective view of a movable chassis having a support arm securing a rear axle in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 7: shows an detailed top view of a movable chassis having a guide path responsive to a collection assembly having an impeller assembly configured to transmit a ball through the collection pathway one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 8: shows a detailed perspective view of a receptacle secured to a support surface of the chassis in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 9: shows a detailed view of a plurality of golf balls positioned within the guide channel of the chassis and secured by a tractable restraint in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 10: shows is a detailed view of a collection assembly having a front axle rotatably secured to an impeller in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 11: shows is a detailed view of a collection assembly having a front axle securing an adaptor configured to be coupled with a front wheel in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 12: shows a detailed view of an adaptor slot positioned on the rear surface of an adapter positioned within an exemplary wheel in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 13: shows a detailed view of a front wheel secures to a front axle via an adaptor such that the forward or reverse motion of the wheel rotates the impeller assembly in one embodiment thereof; and

FIG. 14: shows a cross-sectional view of the collection assembly securing a front axle responsive to an impeller assembly in one embodiment thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.

The present disclosure describes a ball collection device (100) which may be specifically configured to collect golf balls (154) dispersed over a wide area. In a preferred embodiment, the ball collection device (100) includes a movable chassis (104). As shown in FIG. 4, the movable chassis (104) can include a chassis body supporting front and rear wheels (108). In one preferred embodiment, the movable chassis (104) secures a pair of rear wheels (108) via one or more support arms (136) rotatably secured by a rear axle (134) positioned perpendicular to the body of the chassis (104). In this configuration, the support arms (136) allow the terminal end of the chassis (104) to be positioned at an angle compared to the front portion of the chassis (104).

The chassis (104) can removably secure a receptable (106) configured to receive and collected golf balls (154) or other collectable objects from the guide channel (124) on the chassis (104) as detailed below. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the receptable (106) of the disclosure can include a wire or plastic backet secured to the chassis (104) via one or more catches (132) extending from the terminal portion of the chassis (104). As further shown in FIG. 8, the receptable (106) can be positioned adjacent to a support surface (138) extending outward from the terminal portion of the chassis (104), which can optionally be secured to the real axle (134). In this configuration, the body of the receptable (106) can rest against the support surface (138) to reinforce and support the receptable (106) as it collects a quantity of golf balls (154), or other similar collectable object such as one or more sports balls, such as a tennis ball, a soccer ball, a baseball, a rubber ball, or a volleyball. The support surface (138) of the disclosure further prevents the receptable (106) from contacting the real axle (104) or wheels (108) during operation.

The ball collection device (100) of the disclosure includes a handle (102) secured to the body of the chassis (104), preferably though a handle adaptor (166) configured to adjust the angle of the handle (102) relative to the chassis (104). The handle adaptor (166) can specifically be adjusted to position the handle (102) in the optimal height and position of a user to maneuver the chassis (104) during operation. The handle (102) allows a user to manually operate the collection device (100) over a surface, such as a golf green or fairway containing a plurality of dispersed objects. In alternative embodiments, the handle (102) can include a telescoping handle (not shown) configured to further adjust the length of the handle (104) extending from the chassis (104).

The ball collection device (100) of the disclosure includes a pair of collection arms (110) extending from the front of chassis (104). As shown in FIG. 1, the collection arm (110) of the disclosure includes a shaped bar, preferably a shaped metal or plastic bar extending initially parallel to the body of the chassis (104), and then extending outward from the body of the chassis (104) to form an extended collection zone (A). As further shown FIG. 3, the angled configuration of the collection arms (110) cause the collection zone to be tapered until it transitions into a collection pathway (B) initially formed by the straight portions of the collection arms (110) extending from the chassis (104).

As noted above, a user maneuvers the chassis (104) over the area continuing the dispersed golf balls (154) or other similar collectable objects. In this specific configuration, a golf ball (154) entering into the collection zone (154) will contact the interior surface of one of the collection arms (110) and be directed down the length of the arm towards a collection pathway (B), the forward momentum of the collection device (100) providing the force necessary to cause the movement of the golf ball (154) towards the collection pathway (B). In a preferred embodiment, the width of the collection pathway (B) corresponds to the approximate diameter of the object to be collected, such that only a single object can enter the pathway (B) at a time. As shown in the Figures, the collection pathway (B) in this embodiment corresponds to the approximate diameter of a golf ball (154).

Each of the collection arms (110) can be secured to the chassis (104) by a pivot arm (112). In a preferred embodiment a pivot arm (112) of the disclosure includes an arm slot (114) configured to allow a portion of the straight terminal end of a collection arm (110) to be inserted and rotatably secured. The pivot arm (112) includes one, and preferably two pin apertures (116) configured to engage with a pin (118) secured to the collection arm (110). As shown in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, a collection arm (110) can be secured in an outward extended position with the collections arms (110) being positioned approximately parallel to the ground to collect dispersed objected. In this embodiment, a pin (118) on the collection arm (110) is secured to the pin aperture (116) on the lateral side of the pivot arm (112). The collection arms (110) can be individually disengaged from the pivot arm (112) by compressing the pin (118) on the collection arm (110) causing it to disengage from the pin aperture (116) thereby allowing the collection arms (110) to be rotated or extracted. Notably, a variety of couplers can be used to secure a collection arm (110) to the pivot arm (112), such as, for example a slide coupler, a quick coupler, a twist coupler, or a fastener.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the collection arms (110) of the disclosure can be rotated and retracted for storage or transport. As shown in FIG. 2, each collection arm (110) can be rotated within the pivot arm (112) while the pin (116) is not secured by a pin aperture (116). In this configuration, a user can disengage the pin (118) on the collection arm (110) and rotate the collection arm (110) medially towards the centerline of the chassis (104). As shown in FIG. 4, the pin (118) on the collection arm (110) can be secured to a pin aperture (116) positioned on the top surface of the pivot arm (112) thereby securing the collection arm (110) medially relative to the chassis (104), and in an perpendicular positioned relative to the ground. Again, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the pivot arm (112) of the disclosure can be secured to a pivot joint (120), for example through a pivot fastener (122). In this configuration, each pivot arm (112) securing a collection arm (110) can be rotated via the pivot joint (120) rearward to be positioned approximately adjacent to the chassis for transport or storage of the device without the need to remove the collection arms (110).

The collection device (100) of the disclosure includes a collection assembly (140) configured to transport a golf ball (154), or similar object from the collection pathway to the chassis (104). In a preferred embodiment, a collection assembly (140) is positioned at the terminal position of the angled collection zone (B), the assembly including an impeller (156) rotatably coupled to a front axle (146) such that the forward movement of the chassis (104) as described above causes the impeller (156) to rotate within the collection pathway (B). As noted above, the forward movement of the chassis (104) causes a golf ball (154), or similar object within the collection zone (A) to be guided via the collection arms (110) to the collection pathway (B) where it is captured by an impeller (156) and transmitted through the collection pathway (B) to a guide channel (124) on the chassis (104).

In a preferred embodiment the chassis (104) includes a pair of support walls (142) positioned on either side of the collection pathway (B). A rotatable front axle (146) is secured through each support wall (142). One or more wheels (108) can be coupled to the end portions of the front axle (146) so as to be responsive to the rotational movement of the wheel(s) (108). Generally referring to FIGS. 10-11, the front axle (146) of the disclosure is secured to a front wheel (108) through an adaptor (150). In this preferred embodiment, a support pin (148) is secured perpendicularly in the front axle (146). The front axle (146) can be inserted through the adaptor (150) such that the support pin (148) is positioned within an adaptor slot (152) positioned on the rear surface of the adaptor (150) as shown in FIG. 12. A front wheel (108) can be positioned over, and rotatably coupled to the adaptor (150), for example through one or more adaptor arms (170), and further supported by one or more bearings (168) preferably secured within the body of the wheel (108). In this configuration, the front axle (146) is mechanically responsive with the movement of the front wheel (108) such that the forward or reverse motion of the wheel(s) (108) causes the front axle (146) to rotate which further causes the impeller (156), to which the front axle (146) is mechanically responsive to also rotate as detailed below.

The collection device (100) of the disclosure includes a collection assembly (140) including an impeller (156) configured to transport a golf ball (154), or similar object from the collection pathway to a guide channel (124) on the chassis (104). Generally referring to FIGS. 4 and 14, the impeller (156) can include a pair of rotatable disks (158) positioned on either side of the collection pathway (B). Each rotatable disk (158) is mechanically coupled with the front axle (146) such that rotational movement of the front axle (146) causes the rotatable disks (158) to also rotate. In a preferred embodiment, a disk pin (164) can be perpendicularly secured by the front axle (146) and further secured by a disk slot (162), which in a preferred embodiment is positioned on the interior surface of each rotatable disk (158).

The impeller (156) of the disclosure can include one or more crossbars (160) secured to each of the rotatable disks (158). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 14, in a preferred embodiment the crossbar (160) of the disclosure are formed by a pair of pins secured to the rotatable disks (158). In this configuration, as a golf ball (154), or other collectable object enters the collection pathway (B) the forward movement of the chassis (4) causes the wheel(s) (108) rotate which further drives the forward rotation of the impeller (156). As the impeller rotates (156), a golf ball (154) is captured by the crossbar(s) (160) and transported through the collection pathway (B) into a guide channel (124) on the chassis (104). While this preferred embodiment has two pairs of opposing pins secured by the rotatable disks (158), the size, shape and distribution of the crossbar (160) can be varied based on the size and diameter of the object to be collected.

As a golf ball (154) enters guide channel (124) it passes through a tractable restraint (126) which is configured to initially expand or flex to allow the golf ball (154) to enter the guide channel (124) and retract after the ball is deposited into the guide channel (124) preventing the ball from reentering the collection pathway (B). In this preferred embodiment, the tractable restraint (126) of the disclosures includes a spring positioned across the terminal end of the collection pathway (B) and is secured to the chassis (104) by a tractable restraint (126). As further shown in FIG. 8, each turn of the impeller (156) transports a single golf ball (154) into the guide channel (124). Each new ball that enters the guide channel (124) moves the adjacent ball forward up the guide channel (124) until the terminal ball is pushed into the receptacle (106).

The collection assembly (140) of the disclosure can further include a restriction bar (144). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a restriction bar (144) can be secured to the support walls (142) of the chassis (104) front of the impeller (146). In this configuration, the restriction bar (144) can be positioned at a height to restrict any object having a diameter larger than the object to be collected from entering the collection pathway (B). The guide channel (124) can further include an overhang (130) configured to be positioned along the top lateral surface of the channel to prevent the golf ball (154), or other object from being extracted or otherwise exiting the channel along its length.

Naturally, all embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of the inventive technology consistent with the broader inventive principles disclosed. As may be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present inventive technology may be embodied in a variety of ways. It generally involves systems, methods, techniques as well as devices to accomplish an ball collection apparatus. In this application, the methods and apparatus for the aforementioned systems are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the statements of invention. As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate system. In this application, the techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.

The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention may be described in some instances in method-oriented terminology, each element of the claims corresponds to a device and vice versa. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the invention and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting any claims. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a “support” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “supporting”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “supporting”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “supporting method and/or technique, and/or device” and even a “means for supporting.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent, such as in the specification or an IDS are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Finally, all references listed in the list of References To Be Incorporated By Reference In Accordance With The Patent Application or other information disclosure statement and the like filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the methods and/or apparatus for providing a ball collection device as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiii) all inventions described herein.

With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this, or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter Laws—including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.

Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. It should be understood that this application also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.

Any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon. The inventive subject matter is to include, but certainly not be limited as, a system substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the Figures and Description (including the following: for example, the process according to any claims and further comprising any of the steps as shown in any Figures, separately, in any combination or permutation).

Finally, Applicant reserves the right to seek additional design patent protections over the claimed invention; such that the drawings are fully enabled so as to allow one of ordinary skill in the art to know that the claimed design was in Applicant's possession at the time of filing.