TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a modular multi-storey building and a method for the construction thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a modular multi-storey building in which individual levels of the building and/or individual dwellings within a level of the building may be removed and replaced without disturbing other levels and/or dwellings of the building.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Multi-storey buildings have been in existence for many centuries. However, conventional multi-storey buildings are typically built in situ as a single integral structure, with individual dwellings created within the space created by a fully serviced structural building shell. While the internal configuration of these buildings may be changed, the external configuration - beyond merely cosmetic changes - is unable to be altered.

[0003] This traditional construction of buildings means that, if the owner of a unit or apartment within a multi-storey building wishes to move (whether temporarily or permanently) they must purchase or rent a dwelling in the new location, as individual units or apartments cannot be removed from conventional building structures . Not only is this inconvenient, costly and time-consuming, but it is often difficult to find a new dwelling that closely matches the size and configuration of the old dwelling.

[0004] While moving single storey dwellings between locations has been done for many years, the movement of an individual dwelling to a new location from within a conventional multistorey building is simply not possible due to the construction of multi-storey buildings as single integral structures.

[0005] Some attempts have been made to overcome this problem. For instance, multistorey buildings made from individual units (such as shipping containers stacked on top of one another) have been developed. However, these suffer from a significant drawback in that, if it is desired to remove a single shipping container from the stack, all the shipping containers above the container to be removed must also be moved. Thus, typically, once structures of this kind are constructed, they are rarely, if ever, pulled apart. Further, shipping containers do not make for ideal housing accommodation.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0006] Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a multi-storey building in which individual levels of the building (or portions thereof) may be removed or replaced independently of other levels of the building.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a modular multi-storey building and a method for the construction thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention resides broadly in a first aspect in a modular building comprising: a building frame including a plurality of vertical frame members and a plurality of horizontal support members, the horizontal support members being spaced apart vertically such that a void defining one storey of the modular building is formed by the vertical frame members and adjacent horizontal support members; and one or more building modules configured to be received in the void, the one or more building modules configured to form one or more dwellings, the one or more building modules being supported on at least one of the horizontal support members, and wherein the modular building comprises two or more storeys, and wherein each of the one or more building modules comprises a portion of a dwelling, and an outer wall of at least one of the one or more building modules comprises an outer wall of the modular building.

[0010] The building frame may comprise any suitable number of vertical frame members. Preferably, however, the building frame may comprise one vertical frame member at each corner of the building. In some embodiments, the building may comprise at least four vertical frame members where the building is square or rectangular. It will be understood, however, that additional vertical frame members may be provided at any suitable location on or within the building frame.

[0011 ] The vertical frame members may be of a unitary structure. Alternatively, the vertical frame members may comprise two or more frame portions configured for fixed or removable

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) connection to one another to form the vertical frame member.

[0012] In some embodiments of the invention, the vertical frame members may comprise, or include, one or more piles, pillars, columns, beams or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. The vertical frame members may be fabricated from metal (and in particular steel), wood, concrete or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0013] In these embodiments of the invention, the vertical frame members may provide a framework (or skeleton) into which the one or more building modules may be positioned. It is envisaged that, in these embodiments, an outer wall of at least one of the one or more building modules may comprise an outer wall of the modular building. In some embodiments, an outer wall of each of the one or more building modules may comprise an outer wall of the modular building.

[0014] In other embodiments of the building, a removable fagade may be provided on at least one side of the building. The removable fagade may be configured to form an outer wall of the dwelling and to cover the building modules located therewithin. It is envisaged that the removable fagade may be decorated to provide any suitable architectural or visual effect.

[0015] Alternatively, the vertical frame members may be used to support walls constructed using conventional building materials, such as bricks, concrete masonry units and the like. In this embodiment, the building materials may form at least a portion of the outer walls of the modular building, and the one or more building modules may be located within the outer walls.

[0016] In other embodiments of the invention, the vertical fame members may comprise panel members. The panel members may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel members may comprise concrete panels. The concrete panels may be prefabricated concrete panels, or may be formed in situ (for instance, using concrete poured into formwork). In this embodiment, the concrete panels may form at least a portion of the outer walls of the modular building, and the one or more building modules may be located within the outer walls.

[0017] The building frame may comprise any suitable number of horizontal support members. However, it will be understood that the building frame may comprise sufficient horizontal support members spaced apart from one another so as to form at least a two storey building.

[0018] The horizontal support members may be of any suitable form. For instance, the horizontal support members may comprise one or more beams extending between the vertical

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) frame members and/or other horizontal support members. Alternatively, the horizontal support members may comprise one or more platforms extending across at least a portion of the area of the void. In some embodiments, the one or more platform members may extend across substantially the entire area of the void. The platform members may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, wood, metal (and in particular steel), fibre cement and the like.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the platform members may comprise a slab. In particular, the platform members may comprise a concrete slab, and specifically a suspended concrete slab. In this embodiment of the invention, the building modules may be placed on, and supported by, the platform members. In a particular embodiment, the platform members may comprise flat plate suspend slabs supported on a series of concrete columns and load bearing walls.

[0020] In some embodiments of the invention, a platform member may be configured to support one or more building modules on an upper surface of the platform member, while the lower surface of the platform member may also form a roof structure for one of more other building modules on a lower level of the building. Alternatively, a pair of platform members may be provided. In this embodiment, the pair of platform members may be spaced apart vertically from one another such that an upper platform member may be configured to support one or more building modules forming an upper storey thereon, while a lower platform member may be configured to form a roof structure for one or more building modules forming a lower storey. The pair of platform members may be spaced apart vertically by any suitable distance, although it is preferred that the upper and lower platform members may be spaced apart from one another such that a void is formed therebetween. It is envisaged that the void may be of sufficient height to allow the installation of service apparatus (such as water pipes (including outlet pipes), waste traps, electrical and data cables, gas pipes, heating or cooling ducts and the like) therein.

[0021 ] It is envisaged that the service apparatus may be connected to a service source, such as a water main, main power or data cable, main gas line and so on. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more service sources may be associated with the vertical frame members. For instance, the service sources may be provided on a surface (either external or internal) of the vertical frame members and extend along at least a portion of the height of the vertical frame members. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the service sources may be at least partially embedded within the vertical frame members, or within a cavity formed within the vertical frame members. The services sources may be provided in one or more service cores. The service cores may be incorporated into the frame of the building. The service cores may be used to provide space for services such as lifts, fire stairs, service risers and rubbish

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) chute shafts.

[0022] It is envisaged that one or more connection points may be provided for the services sources on each storey of the building to allow for the connection of services to each storey and, more preferably, to each dwelling within each storey. In a preferred embodiment, one or more access panels may be provided on each storey of the building to allow access to the service sources.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the platform members may be substantially waterproof. The platform members may be waterproofed using any suitable technique. Preferably, the platform members may be fabricated from reinforced concrete in order to provide relatively high structural and fire resistance efficiency.

[0024] Adjacent horizontal support members may be spaced apart from one another by any suitable vertical distance. Preferably, however, the horizontal support members are spaced apart from one another by a sufficient distance to form one storey of the modular building. It will be understood that the height of one storey of a building may vary depending on local laws and regulations. However, it is envisaged that the vertical spacing of the horizontal support members will at least comply with local requirements regarding the minimum height of buildings.

[0025] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the frame of the building may be constructed from reinforced concrete or core filed masonry. Construction of this type may be used in order to provide relatively high structural efficiency and/or fire resistance.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each storey of the building frame may be substantially identical to the other storeys of the building frame. Preferably, the frame of the building may be provided with a concrete roof, and in particular a flat concrete roof. It will be understood that the frame of the building is a permanent structure, and is not configured to be moved, either as a whole or in part for reconfiguration of the layout of each storey.

[0027] As previously stated, the modular building of the present invention is at least two storeys in height. It is envisaged that the modular building may be at least two storeys in height above ground level. In some embodiments, one or more storeys of the building may be located below ground level (for instance, to form cellars, storage areas, car parking, plant and utility rooms and so on). It is envisaged that the one or more building modules may only be provided in the two or more storeys of the building located above ground level.

[0028] The one or more building modules may be of any suitable form. In some embodiments of the invention, a building module may comprise an entire dwelling. In this

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) embodiment, the building module may fill substantially the entire area of the void, such that a single dwelling is provided on one storey. Alternatively, a plurality of dwellings may be located on one storey. In this embodiment, a plurality of building modules may be provided on one storey of the building.

[0029] More preferably, however, a building module may comprise a portion of a dwelling. In embodiments in which a building module comprises a portion of a dwelling, the building module may comprise any suitable portion thereof, such as one or more rooms of the dwelling. In a particular embodiment of the invention, a building module may comprise one room of a dwelling.

[0030] In some embodiments of the invention, each of the one or more building modules may comprise one or more walls. More preferably, each of the one or more building modules may comprise one or more walls and a floor. Still more preferably, each of the one or more building modules may comprise one or more walls, a floor and a ceiling. The walls of the one or more building modules may be load bearing, non-load bearing, or a combination of the two.

[0031] In some embodiments of the invention, the ceiling of one or more building modules may also include a roof portion. Preferably, the roof portion may be substantially waterproof.

[0032] In embodiments of the invention in which the building modules comprise a room of the dwelling, it is envisaged that the building modules may comprise, for instance, bedroom modules, kitchen modules, bathroom modules, living room modules, dining room modules, laundry modules, office modules and the like. Different combinations of building modules may be used to form a dwelling. For instance, different dwellings may comprise different numbers of bedroom modules and/or bathroom modules, while other dwellings may comprise larger living room modules, larger kitchen modules and the like. It is envisaged that any suitable number and combination of modules may be provided within a dwelling. While any suitable number and combination of building modules may be provided, it will be understood that the total floor area of the building modules cannot exceed the floor space designated for the dwelling within the void.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the building modules may be secured to the vertical frame members and/or the horizontal support members when located in the void. In this way, movement of the building modules relative to the frame may be reduced or eliminated. In embodiments of the invention in which a plurality of building modules are provided in a single storey of the building, the building modules may be connected to at least one adjacent building module. Thus, movement of the building modules relative to one another may be reduced or eliminated. The building modules may be connected to the vertical frame members, the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) horizontal support members and/or adjacent building modules using any suitable technique. For instance, the building modules may be connected to the vertical frame members, the horizontal support members and/or adjacent building modules using one or more mechanical fasteners, adhesives (including cement, grout or the like), by welding and similar joining techniques and so on, or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, the building modules may be connected to adjacent building modules to provide building fabric continuity. Building modules may not be connected to the frame, or may only be nominally connected to the frame.

[0034] In some embodiments of the invention, the building modules may comprise one or more walls, a floor and a ceiling. In these embodiments, decorating and/or fitting out of a building module may be performed following the installation of the building module in the dwelling. Alternatively, the building modules may be at least partially fitted out and/or decorated prior to installation. For instance, the building modules may be painted, may be provided with floor coverings (such as carpet, tiles, linoleum, floorboards, planking or the like), may have appliances and fittings installed and so on. In this way, once the building modules are installed and services connected, the dwelling may be substantially ready for occupation.

[0035] In some embodiments of the invention, a base portion of the building modules may be provided in the form of a chassis frame. In some embodiments of the invention, the chassis frame may include one or more upper members (the one or more upper members forming the floor of the building module) and one or more lower members (the one or more lower members located in abutments with the horizontal support members in use). It is envisaged that the walls and ceiling/roof of the building modules may be a composite system. Preferably, the composite system may be independent of the frame of the building. In this way, the re-assembly of the dwelling in an alternative location may be facilitated.

[0036] Preferably, the one or more upper members and the one or more lower members may be spaced apart from one another such that a void or cavity may be formed in the chassis frame. The upper members and lower members may be spaced apart from one another using any suitable technique. For instance, one or more upright members may be provided to interconnect the upper members and the lower members, the upright members being elongate so as to space the lower members apart from the upper members. In some embodiments the lower members may comprise one or more foot members. In this embodiment, the upright members may extend generally upwardly from the one or more foot members. The upper members may comprise panels, bars, rods or the like. In some embodiments services (such as waste water pipes) may be located in the void or cavity within the chassis frame.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0037] In embodiments of the invention in which the base portion of the building modules is in the form of a chassis frame, the dimensions (and particularly the height) of the building modules may be determined by internal ceiling heights, the height of the void or cavity within the chassis frame, and/or a services space above the ceiling of the building modules for the reticulation of services.

[0038] The building modules may be contained entirely within the void in each storey. Alternatively, one or more external building modules may extend outwardly from the vertical frame members and/or horizontal support members. The external building members may be of any suitable form, although it is envisaged that the external building modules may comprise a deck, balcony or the like. It is envisaged that the external building modules may be configured for connection to at least one of the vertical frame members and/or the horizontal support members and may extend outwardly therefrom.

[0039] In some embodiments of the invention, the external building modules may extend partway about the periphery of the building. In other embodiments of the invention, the external building modules may extend substantially entirely about the periphery of the building. In some embodiments, the external building modules may comprise common areas, such as walkways leading to stairs, common rooms, utility rooms, lift banks and the like.

[0040] In some embodiments of the invention, the building frame may include one or more additional features. The one or more additional features may be formed integrally with the building frame, or may be fabricated separately to the building frame and configured for fixed or removable connection thereto.

[0041 ] The additional features may be of any suitable form. However, in some embodiment of the invention, the additional features may comprise one or more sets of stairs (such as fire stairs). In other embodiments of the invention, the additional features may include one or more lifts (elevators). In further embodiments of the invention, the one or more additional features may include one or more garbage chutes or the like.

[0042] Preferably, the building modules in each storey may be installed and removed without disturbing the building modules in other storeys of the building. More preferably, the building modules of a dwelling within a storey of the building may be installed and removed without disturbing the building modules in other storeys or in other dwellings in the same storey of the building.

[0043] The building modules may be received in the void using any suitable technique. For instance, the building modules may be lowered into the void from above using lifting apparatus,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) such as a crane. More preferably, however, the building modules may be brought substantially level with the storey in which they are to be installed and then moved substantially laterally into the void. The building modules may be suspended substantially level with the storey in which they are to be installed (for instance, via a lifting apparatus, such as a crane, located on the ground or on the roof of the building) and may be moved laterally from there. Alternatively, an installation platform may be connected to the building frame and may extend outwardly therefrom, and the building modules may be located on the installation platform prior to being moved laterally into the void. The lateral movement of the building modules may be achieved using any suitable technique. For instance, the building modules may be provided with movement members (wheels, casters, tracks or the like) configured to allow the building modules to move relative to the surface on which they are located. More preferably, the building modules may be placed onto a movement apparatus, such as a trolley, dolly, skate (including air skates) and the like, or any suitable combination thereof, and the movement apparatus may move relative to the installation platform to move the building modules laterally into the void.

[0044] The opposite of the installation procedure may be used for removing building modules from the building. In this embodiment of the invention, the building modules may be moved out of the void into the installation platform, and the lifting apparatus may then lift the building modules down to the ground level (or onto a truck or the like).

[0045] During removal of the building modules from the building, it is envisaged that any external building modules (such as balconies and the like) may be removed, at least from the storey from which the building modules are being removed. This will allow for the connection of the installation platform to the building frame. In addition, the removable fagade (if present) may be removed to allow access to the building modules located within the void. Further, any services connected to the building modules to be removed may be disconnected. Finally, it is envisaged that the building modules may be disconnected from other building modules within the dwelling and/or void in order to allow individual building modules to be removed from the void.

[0046] It is envisaged that building modules may be removed if, for instance, the owner or occupier of the dwelling wishes to move to a different location. Alternatively, building modules may be removed if an owner or occupier wishes to change the internal floorplan of the dwelling by adding or removing certain building modules.

[0047] In a second aspect, the invention resides broadly in a method for constructing a modular building, the method comprising the steps of:

Providing a building frame including a plurality of vertical frame members and a plurality

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) of horizontal support members, the horizontal support members being spaced apart vertically such that a void defining one storey of the modular building is formed by the vertical frame members and adjacent horizontal support members;

Bringing one or more building modules substantially level with the void, and moving the one or more building modules substantially laterally into the void, the one or more building modules configured to form one or more dwellings, the one or more building modules being supported within the void on at least one of the horizontal support members; and wherein the modular building comprises two or more storeys, and wherein each of the one or more building modules comprises a portion of a dwelling, and an outer wall of at least one of the one or more building modules comprises an outer wall of the modular building.

[0048] The term “dwelling” as used throughout the specification in intended to refer to constructions used for any purpose. Thus, the term “dwelling” is intended to encompass residential dwellings, commercial dwellings (offices, shops, medical facilities, laboratories and the like), educational dwellings (schools, universities, pre-schools and the like), industrial dwellings (workshops, warehouses and the like) and so on.

[0049] The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. For instance, the present invention allows for the installation and removal of individual dwellings within any storey of a multi-storey building without disturbing any other dwelling within the building. In addition, the present invention allows for fast and easy changes to the floorplan of an existing dwelling.

[0050] These advantages allow the owners of dwellings within the building to move to their dwelling to a new location without having to sell their existing dwelling and buy a new one, thus making moving house faster, easier and cheaper. In addition, the ability to change floor plans within an existing dwelling allows for owners or occupiers to make their dwelling more suitable as changes occur during their lives (such as reducing the number of bedrooms when children move out of home). Again, this allows owners or occupiers to alter the dwelling to suit their changing needs throughout their lives, rather than having to buy and sell property.

[0051] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0052] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates a building frame of a modular building according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 illustrates a modular building and a method for constructing a modular building according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates building modules according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates a building frame 10 of a modular building 1 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The building frame 10 comprises a plurality of vertical frame members 12 and a plurality of horizontal support members 13. The horizontal support members 13 are spaced apart from one another vertically such that voids 14 are formed within the frame 11 between adjacent horizontal support members 13. Each void 14 forms one storey of the building 1 1 .

[0058] The building 1 1 illustrated in Figure 1 includes three storeys 14 located above ground level 15. A basement 16 is formed below ground level 15. The building frame 1 1 is provided with a flat concrete roof 17.

[0059] The basement 16 is formed in a conventional manner and is not designed to be modular (i.e., building modules are not inserted into, or removed from, the basement 16). The basement 16 may be used for any suitable purpose, such as car parking, storage, plant or utilities rooms and so on.

[0060] The vertical frame members 12 are formed from steel reinforced concrete, while the horizontal support members 13 are suspended concrete slabs.

[0061 ] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 , each storey of the building is divided into spaces 18a, 18b for two dwellings into which one or more building modules (not

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) shown in this Figure) are installed in order to form the dwellings. Each dwelling is provided with an external building module that forms a balcony 19.

[0062] In Figure 1 it may be seen that the horizontal support members 13 comprise an upper member 20a and a lower member 20b. The upper member 20a and the lower member 20b are spaced apart from one another vertically such that a void 21 is formed between the upper member 20a and the lower member 20b. Services (such as water, electricity, gas, data and the like) may be located in the void 21 for connection to the dwellings. It is envisaged that, in use, the one or more building modules (not shown in this Figure) will be supported on the upper member 20a.

[0063] When building modules (not shown in this Figure) are inserted into (or removed from) the voids 14 they pass between the vertical frame members 12 and a pair of adjacent horizontal support members 13 to enter the voids 14. The building modules may be inserted through any suitable part of the building frame 10, although the building modules will be inserted directly into the space 18a, 18b allotted to the dwelling being formed. In this way, an existing dwelling located in one of the spaces 18a, 18b will not be disturbed when building modules are being inserted into (or removed from) a space 18a, 18b on the same storey of the building 1 1 or on another storey of the building 11.

[0064] Figure 2 illustrates a modular building 1 1 and a method for constructing a modular building 1 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, a crane 22 is positioned on the roof 17 of the building 11 . An installation platform 23 is connected to an exterior of the building 11 and, more specifically, a balcony 19 of the building 11 . The crane 22 then places a building module 24 onto the installation platform 23, either by lifting the building module 24 from the ground 15 directly onto the installation platform 23, or by first lifting the building module 24 onto the roof 17 of the building 1 1 and the lowering the building module 24 onto the installation platform 23.

[0065] A clearance zone 25 is maintained on each side of the building 11 . The clearance zone 25 may be of any suitable size, although it is preferred that the clearance zone 25 may extend approximately 5 metres from the side of the building 11. By maintaining a clearance zone 25 about the building 11 , building modules 24 may be inserted into, or removed from, the building 1 1 at any time without having to clear a space about the building 11 .

[0066] The building module 24 is inserted into the building 11 between adjacent horizontal support members 13 and into the space 18b provided for the dwelling. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, the building module 24 is placed on air skates (not shown) and then pushed or pulled from the installation platform 23 and into the space 18b. Other modules are

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) also located in the space 18b, and all of the modules are arranged within the space 18b to form the desired floorplan of the dwelling. Each building module represents a single room of the dwelling.

[0067] It may be clearly seen in Figure 2 that the installation, or removal, of the dwelling located in space 18b occurs without disturbing a dwelling located in space 18a on the same storey of the building 11 , or dwellings located on the storeys above and below the space 18b.

[0068] Figure 3 illustrates building modules 24 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each building module 24 comprises one room such that, when assembled, the building modules 24 form a dwelling 26.

[0069] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 3, the modules include a first bedroom module 24a, a bathroom/ensuite module 24b, a living room and/or dining room module 24c, a kitchen module 24d, a walk in robe and walk in pantry module 25e, a second bedroom module 25f, a third bedroom module 25g, a bathroom module 25h and a study/laundry module 25i.

[0070] In use, the modules 24 are arrange into the desired floorplan for the dwelling 26 (or at least the floorplan designed for the floor space of the dwelling 26). The walls of adjacent building modules 24 are connected to one another using mechanical fasteners (not shown) to provide building fabric continuity. When it is desired to remove the dwelling 26 from the building (not shown in this Figure), the modules 24 are disconnected from one another, and individual modules are removed from the void within the building frame onto the installation platform (not shown in this Figure) from where they are lowered by crane to the ground, or onto a vehicle (such as the bed or tray of a truck).

[0071 ] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0072] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0073] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)