阅读说明：本技术 具有改进的接合设计的钳子 (Pliers with improved joint design ) 是由 富志宏 仲军维 陈-勋·周 朱锋平 于 2018-09-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种手动工具(100)包括：头部部分(102),其包括顶部钳口(106)和底部钳口(108)；手柄部分(104),其包括顶部手柄(112)和底部手柄(114)；以及接合组件,其将头部部分(102)联接到手柄部分(104)。顶部钳口(106)通过第一过渡部分联接到底部手柄(114),并且底部钳口(108)通过第二过渡部分可操作地联接到顶部手柄(112)。第一和第二过渡部分通过枢轴销(140)可枢转地彼此联接。第一过渡部分设置在手动工具(100)的纵向中心线的第一侧上,并且第二过渡部分的至少大部分设置在纵向中心线的第二侧上,使得第一过渡部分的宽度小于第二过渡部分的宽度。(A hand tool (100) comprising: a head portion (102) comprising a top jaw (106) and a bottom jaw (108); a handle portion (104) comprising a top handle (112) and a bottom handle (114); and an engagement assembly coupling the head portion (102) to the handle portion (104). Top jaw (106) is coupled to bottom handle (114) by a first transition portion, and bottom jaw (108) is operably coupled to top handle (112) by a second transition portion. The first and second transition portions are pivotably coupled to each other by a pivot pin (140). The first transition portion is disposed on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of the hand tool (100) and at least a majority of the second transition portion is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal centerline such that a width of the first transition portion is less than a width of the second transition portion.)

1. A hand tool comprising:

a head portion comprising a top jaw and a bottom jaw;

a handle portion comprising a top handle and a bottom handle; and

an engagement assembly operably coupling the head portion to the handle portion,

wherein the top jaw is operably coupled to the bottom handle through a first transition portion of the engagement assembly and the bottom jaw is operably coupled to the top handle through a second transition portion of the engagement assembly, the first and second transition portions being pivotably coupled to each other through a pivot pin, and

wherein the first transition portion is disposed on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of the hand tool and at least a majority of the second transition portion is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal centerline such that a width of the first transition portion in a direction of a pivot axis of the pivot pin is less than a width of the second transition portion.

2. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein a top cutter is provided adjacent said top jaw and a bottom cutter is provided adjacent said bottom jaw, and

wherein the top cutter and the bottom cutter are each disposed on the first side of a longitudinal centerline of the hand tool.

3. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein a width of said first transition portion is about 30% to about 90% of a width of said second transition portion.

4. The hand tool according to claim 3, wherein a width of said first transition portion is about 50% of a width of said second transition portion.

5. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein said pivot pin comprises a rivet.

6. The hand tool according to claim 5, wherein a head of said rivet and a tail of said rivet each sink into respective outer surfaces of said first transition portion and said second transition portion.

7. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein said pivot pin comprises a weld pin welded to one of said first transition portion or said second transition portion.

8. The hand tool according to claim 7, wherein a head of said welding pin is sunk into an outer surface of one of said first transition or said second transition.

9. The hand tool according to claim 7, wherein said weld pin comprises a shaft having a head at a first end of said shaft and a fixed end at a second end of said shaft, and

wherein the fixed end is welded to one of the first transition portion or the second transition portion.

10. The hand tool according to claim 7, wherein said weld pin comprises a shaft having a head at a first end of said shaft and a fixed end at a second end of said shaft, and

wherein the head portion and the fixed end are each flush with a corresponding outer surface of the first transition portion and the second transition portion.

11. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein said hand tool comprises solid joint pliers.

12. A hand tool comprising:

a head portion comprising a top jaw and a bottom jaw;

a handle portion comprising a top handle and a bottom handle; and

an engagement assembly operably coupling the head portion to the handle portion,

wherein the top jaw is operably coupled to the bottom handle through a first transition portion of the engagement assembly and the bottom jaw is operably coupled to the top handle through a second transition portion of the engagement assembly, the first and second transition portions being pivotably coupled to each other through a pivot pin,

wherein the first transition portion is disposed on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of the hand tool and at least a majority of the second transition portion is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal centerline, an

Wherein the pivot pin comprises a weld pin welded to one of the first transition portion or the second transition portion.

13. The hand tool according to claim 12, wherein a head of said welding pin is recessed into an outer surface of one of said first transition or said second transition.

14. The hand tool according to claim 12, wherein said weld pin comprises a shaft having a head at a first end of said shaft and a fixed end at a second end of said shaft, and

wherein the fixed end is welded to one of the first transition portion or the second transition portion.

15. The hand tool according to claim 12, wherein said weld pin comprises a shaft having a head at a first end of said shaft and a fixed end at a second end of said shaft, and

wherein the head portion and the fixed end are each flush with a corresponding outer surface of the first transition portion and the second transition portion.

16. The hand tool according to claim 12, wherein a width of said first transition portion in a direction of a pivot axis of said pivot pin is smaller than a width of said second transition portion.

17. The hand tool according to claim 16, wherein a width of said first transition portion is about 30% to about 90% of a width of said second transition portion.

18. The hand tool according to claim 17, wherein a width of said first transition portion is about 50% of a width of said second transition portion.

19. The hand tool according to claim 12, wherein a top cutter is provided adjacent said top jaw and a bottom cutter is provided adjacent said bottom jaw, and

wherein the top cutter and the bottom cutter are each disposed on the first side of a longitudinal centerline of the hand tool.

20. The hand tool according to claim 12, wherein said hand tool comprises solid joint pliers.

Technical Field

Example embodiments relate generally to a hand tool, and more particularly to a solid joint pliers with improved joint.

Background

Hand tools are commonly used in all aspects of industry as well as in consumer homes. Hand tools are used in a variety of applications including, for example, fastening, component engagement, and/or the like. For some part joining applications, solid joining pliers (e.g., pliers without sliding joints, tongue and groove, channel locks, or other adjustable joints) may be preferred.

Solid jointing pliers typically have serrated jaws that align with each other to grasp an object placed therebetween when handles to which the jaws are attached are compressed toward each other. When held so that the jaws and handles are aligned with each other in a vertical plane, the bottom jaw is typically attached to the top handle and the top jaw is attached to the bottom handle. The transition between the handle and the respective jaw (and between the respective top and bottom positions) occurs at the engagement portion of the forceps where the opposing right and left halves of the engagement portion engage and overlap each other. The right and left halves also pivot relative to each other about a joint pin that forms an axis of rotation about which the handle (and jaws) pivot during compression and release of the handle.

In a typical solid jointing forceps, the vertical plane may extend through the longitudinal centerlines of the handle and the jaws and may precisely pass through or define the interface between the surfaces of the right and left halves of the jointing portion. Further, the left and right halves may be identical to each other in width. The dowel pin is then typically formed using a rivet joint. This design is relatively simple and easy to implement. However, the rivet joint may wear out over time, or even be damaged.

Accordingly, it may be desirable to develop an improved joint design for solid joint pliers.

Disclosure of Invention

In an exemplary embodiment, a hand tool may be provided. The hand tool may include: a head portion comprising a top jaw and a bottom jaw; a handle portion comprising a top handle and a bottom handle; and an engagement assembly operably coupling the head portion to the handle portion. The top jaw is operably coupled to the bottom handle through a first transition portion of the engagement assembly, and the bottom jaw is operably coupled to the top handle through a second transition portion of the engagement assembly. The first and second transition portions may be pivotably coupled to each other by a pivot pin. The first transition portion may be disposed on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of the hand tool and at least a majority of the second transition portion is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal centerline such that a width of the first transition portion in the direction of the pivot axis of the pivot pin is less than a width of the second transition portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, a hand tool may be provided. The hand tool may include: a head portion comprising a top jaw and a bottom jaw; a handle portion comprising a top handle and a bottom handle; and an engagement assembly operably coupling the head portion to the handle portion. The top jaw may be operably coupled to the bottom handle through a first transition portion of the engagement assembly, and the bottom jaw may be operably coupled to the top handle through a second transition portion of the engagement assembly. The first and second transition portions may be pivotably coupled to each other by a pivot pin. The first transition portion may be disposed on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of the hand tool, and at least a majority of the second transition portion may be disposed on a second side of the longitudinal centerline. The pivot pin may include a weld pin welded to one of the first transition portion or the second transition portion.

Drawings

Having thus described some exemplary embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a solid joint forceps with an improved joint assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the hand tool of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the hand tool of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of a left transition portion of a hand tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is another isolated perspective view of a left transition portion of a hand tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an isolated perspective view of a right transition portion of a hand tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is another isolated perspective view of a right transition portion in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rivet that may be used to define a pivot pin for an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a weld pin that may be used to define a pivot pin of another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a beveled edge of an axial aperture formed in an outer surface of one of the transition portions of the hand tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a weld joint formed at an outer surface of one of the transition portions of the hand tool according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Some exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all exemplary embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Further, as used herein, the term "or" should be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operably coupled should be understood to refer to a direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components operably coupled to one another.

As described above, some exemplary embodiments may be directed to providing solid joint forceps that employ an improved joint design. Fig. 1-7 illustrate various views or portions of one such exemplary embodiment. In this regard, fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hand tool 100 (e.g., solid joint pliers) having an example embodiment 110. Fig. 2 is a top view of the hand tool 100 of fig. 1, and fig. 3 is a bottom view of the hand tool of fig. 1. Fig. 4 and 5 are, respectively, isolated perspective views of the left transition section 120 of the hand tool 100 of fig. 1, and fig. 6 and 7 are, respectively, isolated perspective views of the right transition section 130 of the hand tool 100 of fig. 1.

Notably, the hand tool 100 of fig. 1 should be understood to be positioned such that it can be bisected by a vertically oriented plane passing through the longitudinal centerline of the hand tool 100. Thus, the terms "top," "bottom," "right," and "left" should be understood as relative terms applied to that particular orientation. Where the terms "front" and "rear" are also used, the front of the hand tool 100 should be understood as its working end (i.e., the end at which the jaws are located), and the rear of the hand tool 100 is the end opposite the working end (i.e., the end at which the handles are located).

Referring now to fig. 1-7, a hand tool 100 may include a head portion 102 and a handle portion 104. Head portion 102 may include a top jaw 106 and a bottom jaw 108. Head portion 102 may be separated from handle portion 104 by an engagement assembly 110. The handle portion 104 may include a top handle 112 and a bottom handle 114. Top jaw 106 and bottom handle 114 may be formed from a rigid metallic material (e.g., iron or steel, such as induction hardened steel), and bottom jaw 108 and top handle 112 may similarly be formed from a rigid metallic material (e.g., the same material used to form top jaw 106 and bottom handle 114). In an exemplary embodiment, at least some of the metal portions of the hand tool 100 may be covered with a corrosion resistant finish (e.g., a black oxide finish). The lengths of top jaw 106 and bottom handle 114 and the lengths of bottom jaw 108 and top handle 112 may be selected to provide any desired length for hand tool 100.

1-7, for example, top jaw 106 and bottom handle 114 may be formed as a unitary piece of metallic material that is operatively connected to bottom jaw 108 and top handle 112 at joint assembly 110. Bottom jaw 108 and top handle 112 may also be formed from a single unitary piece of metallic material. The single unitary piece comprising top jaw 106 and bottom handle 114 may transition at a transition between top jaw 106 and bottom handle 114 that is located generally to the right of the above-described vertically oriented plane, and thus may be referred to as right transition 130 of manual tool 100, and is shown in fig. 4 and 5. The single unitary piece comprising bottom jaw 108 and top handle 112 may transition at a transition between bottom jaw 108 and top handle 114 that is generally to the left of the above-described vertically oriented plane, and thus may be referred to as a left transition 120 of hand tool 100, and is shown in fig. 6 and 7.

It is noted that the left transition portion 120 of a conventional forceps may be referred to as the left half, while the right transition portion 130 of a conventional forceps may be referred to as the right half. In such a case, the widths of the left and right halves are generally equal, and thus the term "half" may accurately represent the proportion of the total width of the forceps that each transition portion actually represents at its engagement assembly. Also, as will be explained in more detail below, some exemplary embodiments may employ transition portions that are not equal in width, and thus the more conventional term "portion" will be employed rather than the term "half. However, some exemplary embodiments described herein may also employ right and left transition portions 130, 120 having equal widths. Thus, when no specific width description is provided for these embodiments, the term "transition portion" should be understood to include embodiments having equal widths and embodiments having different widths.

Separating top handle 112 from bottom handle 114 (i.e., by moving them in the direction indicated by arrow 116) may pivot right transition portion 130 relative to left transition portion 120 and correspondingly pivot top jaw 106 away from bottom jaw 108, as indicated by arrow 118. Pressing top handle 112 toward bottom handle 114 (i.e., by moving them in a direction opposite to that shown by arrow 116) may cause right transition portion 130 to pivot relative to left transition portion 120 and correspondingly pivot top jaw 106 toward bottom jaw 108 (i.e., in a direction opposite to that shown by arrow 118). The right and left transition portions 130, 120 may pivot relative to each other about a pivot pin 140, and the pivot pin 140 may form a pivot axis 142 (which extends through an axial centerline of the rivet 140). The pivot pin 140 may pass through an axial aperture formed in each of the left and right transition portions 120, 130. The axial apertures of the left and right transition portions 120, 130 may be aligned (coaxial with the pivot axis 142) before the pivot pin 140 passes therethrough.

As shown in fig. 1, top jaw 106 and bottom jaw 108 can be formed to include a cutting portion disposed between a distal end of a respective one of top jaw 106 and bottom jaw 108 and engagement assembly 110, respectively. Thus, for example, bottom cutter 122 may be formed between left transition portion 120 and bottom jaw 108, and top cutter 132 may be formed between right transition portion 130 and top jaw 106. Top cutter 132 and bottom cutter 122 may be arranged to contact each other at their respective sharpened edges to provide a cutting or clamping action through the contact of the sharpened edges when top jaw 106 and bottom jaw 108 are clamped together. Notably, the top cutter 132 and the bottom cutter 122 of the exemplary embodiment are disposed entirely to the right of the vertical plane described above. Thus, top cutter 132 is disposed entirely on the same side of the vertical plane as right transition section 130. However, the basecutter 122 is actually disposed on the opposite side of the vertical plane as compared to the side of the vertical plane on which most of the left transition portion 120 is disposed.

In an exemplary embodiment, top jaw 106 and bottom jaw 108 may each have the same width (Wj), and top handle 112 and bottom handle 114 may also have the same width (Wh). Further, in some cases, the width of the handle and the jaws may also be substantially equal (i.e., Wj — Wh). However, in the example shown, the width of the jaws (Wj) may be slightly greater than the width of the handle (Wh). The engagement assembly 110 may also have an overall width (Wja) that is the same as the width of the jaws (i.e., Wja ═ Wj). However, according to some exemplary embodiments, the width (Wja) of the joint assembly 110 may be defined by having the left and right transition portions 120, 130 have unequal widths. In an exemplary embodiment, the Width (WL) of the left transition portion 120 may be greater than the Width (WR) of the right transition portion 130. The width difference defined between the Width (WL) of the left transition portion 120 and the Width (WR) of the right transition portion 130 may be important to maintain the operational integrity and useful life of the hand tool 100. In particular, by using different widths for the Width (WL) of the left transition portion 120 and the Width (WR) of the right transition portion 130, the stress placed on the pivot pin 140 may be reduced, and wear and damage on the pivot pin 140 may be reduced.

In this regard, when the hand tool 100 is used to cut an object placed between the top cutter 132 and the bottom cutter 122, various forces are applied to the pivot pin 140 to test the strength of the pivot pin 140. For example, the pivot pin 140 is subjected to bending forces as well as forces that test the tensile and shear strength of the pivot pin 140. Because the top cutter 132 is disposed entirely on one side of the same vertical plane as the right transition portion 130, while the bottom cutter 122 is disposed on the opposite side of the vertical plane relative to the left transition portion 120, the tensile stress is not affected by any change in the Width (WL) of the left transition portion 120 and the Width (WR) of the right transition portion 130. However, with respect to bending forces on pivot pin 140 and shear forces on pivot pin 140, the Width (WR) of right transition portion 130 (i.e., the width of the transition portion on the same side as the cutter) defines the length of the lever arm used to calculate the magnitude of the respective forces. Thus, by reducing the Width (WR) of the right transition portion 130 relative to the Width (WL) of the left transition portion 120, bending and shear forces experienced by the pivot pin 140 may be reduced. Thus, when the cutter is positioned on one side of the longitudinal centerline of the hand tool 100, the width of the transition portion on the same side as the cutter may be reduced relative to the width of the transition portion on the opposite side of the cutter (relative to the longitudinal centerline) to reduce bending and shear stresses and extend the life of the pivot pin 140, and thus the life of the hand tool 100. In an exemplary embodiment, it may be desirable to make the smaller width (e.g., the Width (WR) of the right transition portion 130) about 30% to about 90% of the larger width (e.g., the Width (WL) of the left transition portion 120).

Moreover, to maintain the width of hand tool 100 substantially uniform along its length, it may be desirable to ensure that pivot pin 140 does not extend at all or at least does not extend too far beyond the outer surfaces of left transition portion 120 and right transition portion 130. The pivot pin 140 may thus be sunk into each of the left and right transition portions 120, 130 such that the ends of the pivot pin 140 are substantially flush with the outer surfaces of the left and right transition portions 120, 130. The pivot pin 140 may be embodied in a variety of different ways. To achieve the consistent width described above, it may be desirable to form pivot pin 140 using rivets. However, welded structures may also be used to define the pivot pin 140, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rivet 200 that may be used to define the pivot pin 140 of the exemplary embodiment. Meanwhile, FIG. 9 illustrates a weld pin 210 that may be used to define a pivot pin 140 of another exemplary embodiment; fig. 10 illustrates a beveled edge 220 of an axial aperture 230 formed in an exterior surface of one of the transition portions of the hand tool 100, and fig. 11 illustrates a weld joint 240 formed at the exterior surface of one of the transition portions of the hand tool 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in fig. 8, the rivet 200 may include a substantially cylindrical base 202 (or shaft) and a head 204 at one end thereof. The head 204 may have a larger diameter than the base 202, and the head 204 may have a flat outer surface (which may lie in the same plane as the outer surface of the corresponding transition portion when the rivet 200 is installed). The head 204 may also have a gradual transition to its widest diameter, and this gradual transition may match the shape of the beveled edge 220 of the axial aperture 230. In some cases, the tail 206 may be mounted into the end of the base 202 opposite the head 204 to effectively define a head on each end of the base 202. The tail 206 may be otherwise shaped similar to the head 204 and may fit into the axial bore of the opposing transition portion and may also engage a corresponding beveled edge disposed in the opposing transition portion at the axial bore of the opposing transition portion to define the rivet 200 as a "flush rivet" or a "counter rivet". The rivet 200 may allow both the left transition portion 120 and the right transition portion 130 to move or pivot relative to the rivet 200.

As an alternative to using rivets 200, some exemplary embodiments may employ weld pins 210 as shown in FIG. 9. The weld pin 210 may also include a shaft 212 and a head 214 similar to the base 202 and head 204, respectively, described above. However, the solder pin 210 may not require the tail portion 206. Conversely, a fixed end 216 of the shaft 212 opposite the head 214 may be fixed to a respective transition portion proximate the fixed end 216. In particular, a weld joint 240 may be defined around a perimeter of the fixed end 216 to weld the fixed end 216 to a corresponding transition portion (i.e., at an intersection of an inner perimeter of the axial aperture and an exposed outer surface of the transition portion). The weld joint 240 may be formed by laser welding. However, other types of welding may be employed in other exemplary embodiments.

Unlike the rivet 200, which allows the two transition portions to move, when the weld pin 210 is used, the transition portion near the fixed end 216 does not pivot relative to the weld pin 210, while the other transition portion pivots relative to the weld pin 210. It is noted that although the weld pin 210 may be used in conjunction with the left and right transition portions 120, 130 described above, wherein each individual transition portion has a different width, in some cases the transition portions may have the same width. Further, the fixed end 216 may be disposed at any one of the transition portions regardless of the width of the transition portions.

As can be appreciated from the examples of fig. 1-11, the exemplary embodiments can define a hand tool with an improved engagement assembly. For example, the hand tool may include: a head portion having a top jaw and a bottom jaw; a handle portion comprising a top handle and a bottom handle; and an engagement assembly operably coupling the head portion to the handle portion. The top jaw may be operably coupled to the bottom handle through a first transition portion of the engagement assembly, and the bottom jaw may be operably coupled to the top handle through a second transition portion of the engagement assembly. The first and second transition portions may be pivotably coupled to each other by a pivot pin. The first transition portion may be disposed on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of the hand tool and at least a majority of the second transition portion is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal centerline. In some cases, a width of the first transition portion in a direction of the pivot axis of the pivot pin is less than a width of the second transition portion. Alternatively or additionally, the pivot pin may comprise a weld pin welded to one of the first transition portion or the second transition portion.

The hand tool and/or components thereof may include various modifications, additions, or alternative additions, some of which are described herein. For example, a top cutter may be disposed proximate the top jaw and a bottom cutter may be disposed proximate the bottom jaw. The top and bottom cutters may each be disposed on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of the hand tool. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the first transition portion is about 30% to about 90% of the width of the second transition portion. In some cases, the width of the first transition portion is about 50% of the width of the second transition portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot pin may include a rivet. The head of the rivet and the tail of the rivet may each be sunk into the respective outer surfaces of the first and second transition portions. When the pivot pin includes a weld pin, a head of the weld pin is recessed into an outer surface of one of the first transition portion or the second transition portion. Alternatively or additionally, the weld pin may comprise a shaft having a head at a first end of the shaft and a fixed end at a second end of the shaft. In this case, the fixed end may be welded to one of the first transition portion or the second transition portion. In some cases, the head and the fixed end may each be flush with corresponding outer surfaces of the first transition portion and the second transition portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the hand tool may comprise solid engagement pliers.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that these advantages, benefits, and/or solutions may apply to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, required, or essential to all embodiments or embodiments claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.