Enteral Feeding System

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

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REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of medical or veterinary science including devices for administering nutrition, more speci fically, an accessory for a feeding tube for therapeutic purposes .

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The enteral feeding system is configured for use with the equipment associated with an enteral catheter . The equipment associated with an enteral catheter mounts on the enteral feeding system . The enteral feeding system comprises a stanchion structure , a carabiner structure , a clamp structure , and a pedestal structure . The carabiner structure , the clamp structure , and the pedestal structure attach to the stanchion structure . The stanchion structure extends the reach between the pedestal structure and the carabiner structure . The pedestal structure forms a platform that elevates the equipment associated with the enteral catheter . The carabiner structure secures the enteral catheter to the stanchion structure . The clamp structure anchors the enteral feeding system to an anchor point .

These together with additional obj ects , features and advantages of the enteral catheter mounts will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative , embodiments when taken in conj unction with the accompanying drawings .

In this respect , before explaining the current embodiments of the enteral catheter mounts in detail , it is to be understood that the enteral catheter mounts is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utili zed as a basis for the design of other structures , methods , and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the enteral catheter mounts .

It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the enteral catheter mounts . It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings , which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this speci fication, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention . They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims .

Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure .

Figure 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of the disclosure .

Figure 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure .

Figure 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments . As used herein, the word "exemplary" or " illustrative" means " serving as an example , instance , or illustration . " Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or " illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations . All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims . Furthermore , there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description .

Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure , which are illustrated in Figures 1 through 4 .

The enteral feeding system 100 (hereinafter invention) is configured for use with the equipment associated with an enteral catheter . The equipment associated with an enteral catheter mounts on the invention 100 . The invention 100 comprises a stanchion structure 101 , a carabiner structure 102 , a clamp structure 103 , and a pedestal structure 104 . The carabiner structure 102 , the clamp structure 103 , and the pedestal structure 104 attach to the stanchion structure 101 . The stanchion structure 101 extends the reach between the pedestal structure 104 and the carabiner structure 102 . The pedestal structure 104 forms a platform that elevates the equipment associated with the enteral catheter . The carabiner structure

102 secures the enteral catheter to the stanchion structure 101 . The clamp structure 103 anchors the invention 100 to an anchor point .

The stanchion structure 101 is a roughly prism shaped structure . The stanchion structure 101 has a composite prism structure . The carabiner structure 102 attaches to the stanchion structure 101 . The clamp structure 103 attaches to the stanchion structure 101 . The pedestal structure 104 attaches to the stanchion structure 101 . The stanchion structure 101 is an extension apparatus . The stanchion structure 101 extends the reach between the carabiner structure 102 and the pedestal structure 104 . The center axis of the stanchion structure 101 runs parallel to the sagittal direction of the invention 100 . The stanchion structure 101 is a telescopic structure . The telescopic structure of the stanchion structure 101 allows for the adj ustment of the span of the length of the stanchion structure 101 in the sagittal direction such that the reach between the carabiner structure 102 and the pedestal structure 104 is adj ustable . The stanchion structure 101 comprises a base structure 111 and a plurality of telescopic structures 112 .

The base structure 111 is a roughly prism shaped structure . The base structure 111 has a composite prism structure . The carabiner structure 102 attaches to the superior congruent end

121 of the base structure 111 . The clamp structure 103 attaches to the posterior lateral face 174 of the base structure 111 .

The pedestal structure 104 attaches to the inferior congruent end 122 of the base structure 111 . The base structure 111 forms the extension apparatus of the stanchion structure 101 . The base structure 111 extends the reach between the carabiner structure 102 and the pedestal structure 104 . The base structure 111 is a telescopic structure . The telescopic structure of the base structure 111 allows for the adj ustment of the span of the length of the base structure 111 in the sagittal direction such that the reach between the carabiner structure 102 and the pedestal structure 104 is adj ustable . The base structure 111 comprises a superior congruent end 121 , an inferior congruent end 122 , and a plurality of lateral faces 123 .

The superior congruent end 121 is the congruent end of the base structure 111 that is distal from the pedestal structure 104 . The inferior congruent end 122 is the congruent end of the base structure 111 that is distal from the superior congruent end 121 .

Each lateral face selected from the plurality of lateral faces 123 is a lateral face of the prism structure of the base structure 111 . The plurality of lateral faces 123 further comprises a right side lateral face 171 , a left side lateral face 172 , an anterior lateral face 173 , and a posterior lateral face 174 .

The posterior lateral face 174 is the lateral face of the composite prism structure of the base structure 111 on which the clamp structure 103 attaches . The anterior lateral face 173 is the lateral face of the composite prism structure of the base structure 111 that is distal from the posterior lateral face 174 . The right side lateral face 171 is the lateral face of the composite prism structure of the base structure 111 that is on the right side of the base structure 111 . The left side lateral face 172 is the lateral face of the composite prism structure of the base structure 111 that is on the left side of the base structure 111 .

The plurality of telescopic structures 112 is a telescopic structure . The plurality of telescopic structures 112 forms a vertically oriented containment structure . The plurality of telescopic structures 112 contains the equipment associated with the enteral catheter within the boundaries of the invention 100 . Each telescopic structure selected from the plurality of telescopic structures 112 is an adj ustable telescopic structure . The span of the length of the center axis of each telescopic structure selected from the plurality of telescopic structures 112 is adj ustable . The span of the length of the center axis of each telescopic structure selected from the plurality of telescopic structures 112 is adj usted to adj ust the space used to contain the equipment associated with the enteral catheter . Each telescopic structure selected from the plurality of telescopic structures 112 attaches to a lateral face of the base structure 111 selected from the group consisting of the right side lateral face 171 and the left side lateral face 172 .

The plurality of telescopic structures 112 comprises a right side superior telescopic structure 131 , a right side inferior telescopic structure 141 , a left side superior telescopic structure 151 , and a left side inferior telescopic structure 161 .

The right side superior telescopic structure 131 is a composite prism structure . The right side superior telescopic structure 131 attaches to the right side lateral face 171 of the base structure 111 . The right side superior telescopic structure 131 attaches to the base structure 111 such that the right side superior telescopic structure 131 proj ects perpendicularly away from the right side lateral face 171 of the base structure 111 . The right side superior telescopic structure 131 attaches to the base structure 111 in the manner of a cantilever . The right side superior telescopic structure 131 further comprises a right side superior containment j ib 132 and a right side superior of fset spring 133 . The right side superior containment j ib 132 is a ib . The right side superior containment j ib 132 attaches to the anterior side of the lateral face of the composite prism structure of the right side superior telescopic structure 131 . The right side superior containment j ib 132 attaches to the right side superior telescopic structure 131 such that the right side superior containment j ib 132 proj ects perpendicularly away from the right side superior telescopic structure 131 in the direction away from the clamp structure 103 . The right side superior containment j ib 132 attaches to the free end of the cantilever structure of the right side superior telescopic structure 131 . The right side superior containment j ib 132 attaches to the right side superior telescopic structure 131 such that the right side superior containment j ib 132 slides relative to the right side superior telescopic structure 131 in a direction parallel to the center axis of the right side superior telescopic structure 131 .

The right side superior of fset spring 133 is a compression spring . The right side superior of fset spring 133 attaches the right side superior containment j ib 132 to the free end of the right side superior telescopic structure 131 such that the sliding the towards the right side superior telescopic structure 131 deforms the right side superior of fset spring 133 such that the right side superior of fset spring 133 generates a counterforce that returns the right side superior containment j ib 132 towards the fixed end of the right side superior telescopic structure 131 . The right side superior of fset spring 133 presses the right side superior containment ib 132 against the equipment associated with the enteral catheter .

The right side inferior telescopic structure 141 is a composite prism structure . The right side inferior telescopic structure 141 attaches to the right side lateral face 171 of the base structure 111 . The right side inferior telescopic structure 141 mounts in an inferior position relative to the right side superior telescopic structure 131 . The right side inferior telescopic structure 141 attaches to the base structure 111 such that the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 proj ects perpendicularly away from the right side lateral face 171 of the base structure 111 . The right side inferior telescopic structure 141 attaches to the base structure 111 in the manner of a cantilever . The right side inferior telescopic structure 141 further comprises a right side inferior containment j ib 142 and a right side inferior of fset spring 143 .

The right side inferior containment j ib 142 is a j ib . The right side inferior containment j ib 142 attaches to the anterior side of the lateral face of the composite prism structure of the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 . The right side inferior containment j ib 142 attaches to the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 such that the right side inferior containment j ib 142 proj ects perpendicularly away from the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 in the direction away from the clamp structure 103 . The right side inferior containment j ib 142 attaches to the free end of the cantilever structure of the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 . The right side inferior containment j ib 142 attaches to the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 such that the right side inferior containment j ib 142 slides relative to the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 in a direction parallel to the center axis of the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 .

The right side inferior of fset spring 143 is a compression spring . The right side inferior of fset spring 143 attaches the right side inferior containment j ib 142 to the free end of the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 such that the sliding the towards the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 deforms the right side inferior of fset spring 143 such that the right side inferior of fset spring 143 generates a counterforce that returns the right side inferior containment j ib 142 towards the fixed end of the right side inferior telescopic structure 141 . The right side inferior of fset spring 143 presses the right side inferior containment j ib 142 against the equipment associated with the enteral catheter . The left side superior telescopic structure 151 is a composite prism structure . The left side superior telescopic structure 151 attaches to the left side lateral face 172 of the base structure 111 . The left side superior telescopic structure 151 attaches to the base structure 111 such that the left side superior telescopic structure 151 proj ects perpendicularly away from the left side lateral face 172 of the base structure 111 . The left side superior telescopic structure 151 attaches to the base structure 111 in the manner of a cantilever . The left side superior telescopic structure 151 further comprises a left side superior containment ib 152 and a left side superior of fset spring 153 .

The left side superior containment j ib 152 is a j ib . The left side superior containment j ib 152 attaches to the anterior side of the lateral face of the composite prism structure of the left side superior telescopic structure 151 . The left side superior containment j ib 152 attaches to the left side superior telescopic structure 151 such that the left side superior containment j ib 152 proj ects perpendicularly away from the left side superior telescopic structure 151 in the direction away from the clamp structure 103 . The left side superior containment j ib 152 attaches to the free end of the cantilever structure of the left side superior telescopic structure 151 . The left side superior containment j ib 152 attaches to the left side superior telescopic structure 151 such that the left side superior containment j ib 152 slides relative to the left side superior telescopic structure 151 in a direction parallel to the center axis of the left side superior telescopic structure 151 .

The left side superior of fset spring 153 is a compression spring . The left side superior of fset spring 153 attaches the left side superior containment ib 152 to the free end of the left side superior telescopic structure 151 such that the sliding the towards the left side superior telescopic structure

151 deforms the left side superior of fset spring 153 such that the left side superior of fset spring 153 generates a counterforce that returns the left side superior containment j ib

152 towards the fixed end of the left side superior telescopic structure 151 . The left side superior of fset spring 153 presses the left side superior containment j ib 152 against the equipment associated with the enteral catheter .

The left side inferior telescopic structure 161 is a composite prism structure . The left side inferior telescopic structure 161 attaches to the left side lateral face 172 of the base structure 111 . The left side inferior telescopic structure 161 mounts in an inferior position relative to the left side superior telescopic structure 151 . The left side inferior telescopic structure 161 attaches to the base structure 111 such that the left side inferior telescopic structure 161 proj ects perpendicularly away from the left side lateral face 172 of the base structure 111 . The left side inferior telescopic structure 161 attaches to the base structure 111 in the manner of a cantilever . The left side inferior telescopic structure 161 further comprises a left side inferior containment j ib 162 and a left side inferior of fset spring 163 .

The left side inferior containment ib 162 is a j ib . The left side inferior containment j ib 162 attaches to the anterior side of the lateral face of the composite prism structure of the left side inferior telescopic structure 161 . The left side inferior containment j ib 162 attaches to the left side inferior telescopic structure 161 such that the left side inferior containment j ib 162 proj ects perpendicularly away from the left side inferior telescopic structure 161 in the direction away from the clamp structure 103 . The left side inferior containment j ib 162 attaches to the free end of the cantilever structure of the left side inferior telescopic structure 161 . The left side inferior containment j ib 162 attaches to the left side inferior telescopic structure 161 such that the left side inferior containment j ib 162 slides relative to the left side inferior telescopic structure 161 in a direction parallel to the center axis of the left side inferior telescopic structure 161 .

The left side inferior of fset spring 163 is a compression spring . The left side inferior of fset spring 163 attaches the left side inferior containment j ib 162 to the free end of the left side inferior telescopic structure 161 such that the sliding the towards the left side inferior telescopic structure

161 deforms the left side inferior of fset spring 163 such that the left side inferior of fset spring 163 generates a counterforce that returns the left side inferior containment ib

162 towards the fixed end of the left side inferior telescopic structure 161 . The left side inferior of fset spring 163 presses the left side inferior containment j ib 162 against the equipment associated with the enteral catheter .

The carabiner structure 102 is a carabiner . The carabiner structure 102 attaches to the superior congruent end 121 of the base structure 111 . The carabiner structure 102 secures the enteral catheter to the stanchion structure 101 . The carabiner structure 102 loops around the enteral catheter .

The clamp structure 103 is a fastening device . The clamp structure 103 attaches to the posterior lateral face 174 of the composite prism structure of the stanchion structure 101 . The clamp structure 103 removably attaches the stanchion structure 101 to a hori zontally oriented structure such as a shel f or a tabletop .

The pedestal structure 104 is a disk shaped structure . The pedestal structure 104 forms the inferior structure of the invention 100 . The pedestal structure 104 is a load bearing structure. The pedestal structure 104 forms a platform on which the equipment associated with the enteral catheter rests.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure:

Align: As used in this disclosure, align refers to an arrangement of objects that are: 1) arranged in a straight plane or line; 2) arranged to give a directional sense of a plurality of parallel planes or lines; or, 3) a first line or curve is congruent to and overlaid on a second line or curve.

Anchor: As used in this disclosure, anchor means to hold an object firmly or securely.

Anchor Point: As used in this disclosure, an anchor point is a location to which a first object can be securely attached to a second object.

Anterior: As used in this disclosure, anterior is a term that is used to refer to the front side or direction of a structure. When comparing two objects, the anterior object is the object that is closer to the front of the structure.

Cant: As used in this disclosure, a cant is an angular deviation from one or more reference lines (or planes) such as a vertical line (or plane) or a horizontal line (or plane) .

Carabiner: As used in this disclosure, a carabiner is coupling link that is usually formed as an oblong metal ring with one spring hinged side that is used to open and close the ring. Synonyms for carabiner include D-Link. A carabiner that has the ability to lock the spring hinged side into a closed position is called a locking carabiner.

Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification.

Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or a prism. The center axis of a prism is the line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset. Clamp: As used in this disclosure, a clamp refers to a structure that temporarily fastens to the one or more faces of one or more prism structures. The clamp is used: a) to attach an externally provisioned object to the lateral face of a prism structure; or, b) to press a first face of a first prism to a second face of a second prism.

Composite Prism: As used in this disclosure, a composite prism refers to a structure that is formed from a plurality of structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure. The plurality of selected structures may or may not be truncated. The plurality of prism structures are joined together such that the center axes of each of the plurality of structures are aligned. The congruent ends of any two structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure need not be geometrically similar.

Compression Spring: As used in this disclosure, a compression spring is a spring that resists forces attempting to compress the spring in the direction of the center axis of the spring. The compression spring will return to its relaxed shape when the compressive force is removed.

Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when: 1) they are geometrically similar; and, 2) the first object can superimpose over the second object such that the first object aligns, within manufacturing tolerances, with the second object.

Coronal Direction: As used in this disclosure, the coronal direction (or axis) is a direction defined by the axis of an object that is perpendicular in the transverse (posterior to anterior) direction and the sagittal (superior to inferior) direction. The coronal direction is the direction that moves from a first lateral side of the object to the second lateral side of the object (Stated less formally: the direction from the left to the right) .

Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond is used as a comparison between two or more objects wherein one or more properties shared by the two or more objects match, agree, or align within acceptable manufacturing tolerances .

Disk: As used in this disclosure, a disk is a prism-shaped object that is flat in appearance. The disk is formed from two congruent ends that are attached by a lateral face. The sum of the surface areas of two congruent ends of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk is greater than the surface area of the lateral face of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk.

In this disclosure, the congruent ends of the prism-shaped structure that forms the disk are referred to as the faces of the disk.

Distal: As used in this disclosure, distal refers to a directional sense or location of an object. Specifically, distal refers to a first object, or a side of a first object, that is distal from the medial axis, or more proximal to the side of the object, relative to a second object, or side of a second object.

Elevation: As used in this disclosure, elevation refers to the span of the distance in the superior direction between a specified horizontal surface and a reference horizontal surface. Unless the context of the disclosure suggest otherwise, the specified horizontal surface is the supporting surface the potential embodiment of the disclosure rests on. The infinitive form of elevation is to elevate.

Extension Apparatus: As used in this disclosure, an extension apparatus is a mechanical structure that is used to extend or bridge the reach between any two objects.

Extension Structure: As used in this disclosure, an extension structure is an inert physical structure that is used to extend or bridge the reach between any two objects.

Exterior: As used in this disclosure, the exterior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is not contained within the boundary of a structure or a space. Force of Gravity: As used in this disclosure, the force of gravity refers to a vector that indicates the direction of the pull of gravity on an object at or near the surface of the earth .

Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object.

Gastric Catheter: As used in this disclosure, a gastric catheter refers to what is commonly called a feeding tube that is inserted into the esophagus for the purpose of providing nutrition to a patient. An enteral catheter is a general term for a feeding tube that carries no specific connotations regarding the entry point of the nutrition into the gastrointestinal tract.

Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal. The term geometrically identical refers to a situation where the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides equals 1. Hook: As used in this disclosure, a hook is an object that is curved or bent at an angle such that items can be hung on or caught by the object.

Horizontal: As used in this disclosure, horizontal is a directional term that refers to a direction that is either: 1) parallel to the horizon; 2) perpendicular to the local force of gravity, or, 3) parallel to a supporting surface. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the horizontal direction is always perpendicular to the vertical direction .

Inferior: As used in this disclosure, the term inferior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the same direction as the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.

Interior: As used in this disclosure, the interior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.

Jib: As used in this disclosure, a jib is a beam structure that: 1) is mounted with a free end in the manner of a cantilever; and, 2) suspends a load at the free end of the jib. In multicomponent beam structures, such as with a crane, the jib is the sub-structure that physically suspends the load. Lateral : As used in this disclosure , the term lateral refers to an axis of an obj ect that is perpendicular in the transverse (posterior to anterior ) direction and the sagittal ( superior to inferior ) direction . The distal surfaces of an obj ect that intersect the lateral axis are often informally referred to as the " sides" of the obj ect . The lateral axis is usually perpendicular to the primary sense of direction of the obj ect . A lateral face refers to the surfaces of a prism structure that run between the congruent ends of the prism . Movement in a lateral direction is often called " sideways" movement .

Left and Right : As used in this disclosure , the terms left and right are directional references associated with an obj ect . The obj ect is further defined with an anterior surface and a posterior surface . The terms left and right are standardi zed naming conventions for the lateral directions of the obj ect . The terms left and right use the human body for the initial definition of the orientation . Speci fically, when a human body is viewed from posterior side towards the anterior side , the left side of the human body is the lateral side of the human body that contains the heart . The right side of the human body is the lateral side of the body that contains the bulk of the liver . The left and right sides of the human body remain unchanged by changes to the direction from which the human body is viewed. The left side of any object is the same side as the left side of the human body when the object is viewed is viewed from posterior side towards the anterior side. The right side of any object is the same side as the right side of the human body when the object is viewed is viewed from posterior side towards the anterior side. The left and right sides of the object remain unchanged by changes to the direction from which the object is viewed.

Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure.

Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth.

Medial: As used in this disclosure, medial refers to a directional sense or location of an object. Specifically, medial refers to a first object or a side of a first object that is closer to the medial axis or more distal from the side of the object relative to a second object or side of a second object. Medial Axis: As used in this disclosure, the medial axis is the center line of an object that is parallel to the sagittal direction. When two objects are compared relative to the medial axis, the object closer to the medial axis is referred to as the medial object and the object distal from the medial axis is referred to as the lateral object.

Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an ob j ect . each of two or more data sets are mathematically adjusted to make the two or more data sets directly comparable.

Not Significantly Different: As used in this disclosure, the term not significantly different compares a specified property of a first object to the corresponding property of a reference object (reference property) . The specified property is considered to be not significantly different from the reference property when the absolute value of the difference between the specified property and the reference property is less than 10.0% of the reference property value. A negligible difference is considered to be not significantly different.

Roughly: As used in this disclosure, roughly refers to a comparison between two objects. Roughly means that the difference between one or more parameters of the two compared objects are not significantly different.

One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set to the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction .

Pan: As used in this disclosure, a pan is a hollow and prism-shaped containment structure. The pan has a single open face. The open face of the pan is often, but not always, the superior face of the pan. The open face is a surface selected from the group consisting of: a) a congruent end of the prism structure that forms the pan; and, b) a lateral face of the prism structure that forms the pan. A semi-enclosed pan refers to a pan wherein the closed end of prism structure of the pan and/or a portion of the closed lateral faces of the pan are open .

Pedestal: As used in this disclosure, a pedestal is an intermediary load bearing structure that forms a load path between a supporting surface and an object, structure, or other load path. Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bounds an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference.

Platform: As used in this disclosure, a platform is a raised horizontal surface that forms a load path to support objects placed on the superior surface of the platform.

Posterior: As used in this disclosure, posterior is a term that is used to refer to the side of an object that is distal or in the opposite direction of the anterior side. When comparing two items, the posterior item is the item that is distal from the anterior of the object.

Prism: As used in this disclosure, a prism is a three- dimensional geometric structure wherein: 1) the form factor of two faces of the prism are congruent; and, 2) the two congruent faces are parallel to each other. The two congruent faces are also commonly referred to as the ends of the prism. The surfaces that connect the two congruent faces are called the lateral faces. In this disclosure, when further description is required a prism will be named for the geometric or descriptive name of the form factor of the two congruent faces. If the form factor of the two corresponding faces has no clearly established or well-known geometric or descriptive name, the term irregular prism will be used. The center axis of a prism is defined as a line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a prism is otherwise analogous to the center axis of a cylinder. A prism wherein the ends are circles is commonly referred to as a cylinder .

Reach: As used in this disclosure, reach refers to a span of distance between any two objects.

Roughly: As used in this disclosure, roughly refers to a comparison between two objects. Roughly means that the difference between one or more parameters of the two compared objects are not significantly different.

Sagittal Direction: As used in this disclosure, the sagittal direction runs from the superior surface to the inferior surface of an object and is perpendicular to the coronal direction and the transverse direction.

Superior: As used in this disclosure, the term superior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the opposite direction of the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.

Spring: As used in this disclosure, a spring is a device that is used to store mechanical energy. This mechanical energy will often be stored by: 1) deforming an elastomeric material that is used to make the device; 2) the application of a torque to a semi-rigid structure; or 3) a combination of the previous two items.

Stanchion: As used in this disclosure, a stanchion refers to a vertically oriented prism-shaped pole, post, or support.

Supporting Surface: As used in this disclosure, a supporting surface is a horizontal surface upon which an object is placed and to which the load of the object is transferred. This disclosure assumes that an object placed on the supporting surface is in an orientation that is appropriate for the normal or anticipated use of the object.

Suspend: As used in this disclosure, to suspend an object means to support an object such that the inferior end of the object does not form a significant portion of the load path of the object.

Telescopic: As used in this disclosure, telescopic is an adjective that describes a composite prism structure made of hollow prism-shaped sections that fit or slide into each other such that the composite prism structure can be made longer or shorter by adjusting the relative positions of the hollow prismshaped sections.

Transverse Direction: As used in this disclosure, the transverse direction runs from the anterior surface to the posterior surface of an object and is perpendicular to the coronal direction and the sagittal direction Tube: As used in this disclosure, a tube is a hollow prism-shaped device formed with two open congruent ends. The tube is used for transporting liquids (including bulk solids) and gases. The line that connects the center of the first congruent face of the prism to the center of the second congruent face of the prism is referred to as the center axis of the tube or the centerline of the tube. When two tubes share the same centerline they are said to be aligned. When the centerlines of two tubes are perpendicular to each other, the tubes are said to be perpendicular to each other. In this disclosure, the terms inner dimensions of a tube and outer dimensions of a tube are used as they would be used by those skilled in the plumbing arts.

Vertical: As used in this disclosure, vertical refers to a direction that is either: 1) perpendicular to the horizontal direction; 2) parallel to the local force of gravity; or, 3) when referring to an individual object the direction from the designated top of the individual object to the designated bottom of the individual object. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the vertical direction is always perpendicular to the horizontal direction. With respect to the above description, it is to be reali zed that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in Figures 1 through 4 include variations in si ze , materials , shape , form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use , are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art , and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the speci fication are intended to be encompassed by the invention .

It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recogni ze numerous adaptations and modi fications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims . Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents .