阅读说明：本技术 牙科装置 (Dental device ) 是由 冈井隆英 约翰·加策迈尔 于 2019-09-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种牙托可包括：面部壁,其与佩戴者的面部牙弓相贴合并且具有第一端和第二端；第一夹子元件,其联接到第一端并且从第一端延伸,且构造成在佩戴者的第一牙齿插入第一夹子中时在佩戴者的第一牙齿上施加第一侧向压力；以及第二夹子元件,其联接到第二端并且从第二端延伸,且构造成在佩戴者的第二牙齿插入第二夹子中时在佩戴者的第二牙齿上施加第二侧向压力；其中前壁由具有第一硬度的第一材料形成,并且每个夹子元件由具有第二硬度的第二材料形成,第二硬度大于第一硬度。(A dental tray may comprise: a facial wall conforming to a wearer's facial arch and having a first end and a second end; a first clip element coupled to and extending from the first end and configured to exert a first lateral pressure on a wearer's first tooth when inserted into the first clip; and a second clip element coupled to and extending from the second end and configured to exert a second lateral pressure on a wearer's second tooth when inserted into the second clip; wherein the front wall is formed of a first material having a first durometer and each clip element is formed of a second material having a second durometer that is greater than the first durometer.)

1. A dental apparatus, comprising:

a facial wall configured to conform to a wearer's facial arch, the facial wall having a first end and a second end;

a first clip element coupled to and extending from the first end, the first clip element configured to exert a first lateral pressure on a first tooth of the wearer when the first tooth is inserted into the first clip; and

a second clip element coupled to and extending from the second end, the second clip element configured to exert a second lateral pressure on a second tooth of the wearer when a second tooth is inserted into the second clip;

wherein the front wall is formed of a first material having a first durometer and each clip element is formed of a second material having a second durometer that is greater than the first durometer.

2. The dental device of claim 1, wherein each clip element includes a first sidewall opposite a second sidewall and a bottom wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the first and second sidewalls apply lateral pressure.

3. The dental device of one of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first sidewall of each clip element is coupled to and extends from the face wall, and the second sidewall of each clip element includes a first wall portion coupled to and extending away from the bottom wall at an acute angle toward the first sidewall and a second wall portion coupled to and extending away from the first wall.

4. The dental device of claim 3, wherein the second wall portion of each clip element extends away from the first wall portion at an obtuse angle.

5. The dental device of one of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first sidewall of each clip element is coupled to and extends from the face wall, and the second sidewall of each clip element forms an arcuate wall coupled to and extending away from the bottom wall such that a radius of the arcuate wall extends away from the first sidewall.

6. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an occlusal surface wall coupled to and extending laterally inward from a bottom edge of the face wall.

7. The dental device of claim 6, wherein the bite surface wall is formed of the second material.

8. The dental device of claim 7, wherein the occlusal surface wall comprises a plurality of notches on an inward side of the occlusal surface wall.

9. The dental device of claim 6, wherein the face wall and the bite surface wall are coupled together at a junction, wherein the junction is formed from the second material and the bite surface wall is formed from the first material.

10. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a spring wire extending between the clip elements, the spring wire having an arcuate shape.

11. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first material is an elastomeric material and the second material is a plastic material.

12. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first material and the second material form a chemical bond with each other during an injection molding process.

13. A dental apparatus, comprising:

an arcuate tray member configured to conform to a wearer's dental arch, the arcuate tray member having a first lateral side and a second lateral side;

a first clip element fitted into the first lateral side, the first clip element configured to exert a first lateral pressure on a first tooth of the wearer when the first tooth is inserted into the first clip;

a second clip element fitted into the second lateral side, the second clip element configured to exert a second lateral pressure on a second tooth of the wearer when the second tooth is inserted into the second clip;

wherein the arcuate tray member is at least partially formed of a first material having a first durometer and each clip element is formed of a second material having a second durometer that is greater than the first durometer.

14. The dental device of claim 13, wherein:

the first lateral side has a first end to which the first clip member is coupled and from which extends; and is

The second lateral side has a second end to which the second clip member is coupled and extends therefrom.

15. The dental device of claim 13, wherein:

the first clip member forms a first intermediate portion of the first lateral side; and is

The second clip member forms a second intermediate portion of the second lateral side.

16. The dental device of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein each clip element comprises a first sidewall opposite a second sidewall and a bottom wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the first and second sidewalls apply lateral pressure.

17. The dental device of claim 16, wherein the first and bottom walls of each clip element are coupled to and extend from the arcuate tray member, and the second side wall of each clip element includes a first wall portion coupled to and extending away from the bottom wall at an acute angle toward the first side wall and a second wall portion coupled to and extending away from the first wall portion.

18. The dental device of claim 17, wherein the second wall portion of each clip element extends away from the first wall portion at an obtuse angle.

19. The dental device of claim 16, wherein the first and bottom walls of each clip element are coupled to and extend from the arcuate tray member, and the second side wall of each clip element forms an arcuate wall coupled to and extending away from the bottom wall such that a radius of the arcuate wall extends away from the first side wall.

20. The dental device of any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the arcuate tray member comprises a face wall and a bite surface wall, wherein the face wall is formed from the first material and the bite surface wall is formed from the second material.

21. The dental device of claim 20, wherein the occlusal surface wall comprises a plurality of notches on an inward side of the occlusal surface wall.

22. The dental device of any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the arcuate tray member comprises a face wall and a bite surface wall coupled together at a junction, wherein the face wall and the bottom wall are formed of the first material and the junction is formed of the second material.

23. The dental device of any one of claims 13 to 19, further comprising a spring wire extending between the clip elements, the spring wire having an arcuate shape.

24. The dental device of any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the first material is an elastomeric material and the second material is a plastic material.

25. The dental device of any of claims 13 to 24, wherein the first material and the second material form a chemical bond with each other during an injection molding process.

Background

With the spread of tooth whitening, methods of whitening teeth are increasingly spread in the home. A common whitening method involves the use of a tray that is customized to an individual's teeth in order to make the tray comfortable to wear, making the teeth whitening process an even more desirable choice at home. A disadvantage of some types of custom dental trays is that they can be expensive for the consumer. Other types of custom trays require an individual to boil in water to soften the material of the tray and then bite into the tray to leave an impression of the individual's teeth. The latter custom tray type may be difficult for some people to use.

While non-custom trays may be less expensive and may provide less trouble for the user before the actual whitening procedure, they are not without difficulty of use. Non-custom trays are generally not adaptable to all people, they may be less comfortable, and they generally do not rest entirely on the teeth as custom trays do. Accordingly, there is a need for a dental device that improves upon existing off-the-shelf dental trays.

Disclosure of Invention

Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure are directed to off-the-shelf dental devices, which in certain embodiments are in the form of dental trays, and advantageously utilize materials of different hardness to provide ease of use and comfort to the wearer during use, such as during a tooth whitening procedure. Softer materials may be advantageously used to reduce and/or eliminate irritation of the gums and provide a snug fit. Harder materials may be strategically used to maintain the position of the dental device in the mouth and enable the dental device to have a wider range of fits so that a single configuration may fit a larger number of users. Off-the-shelf dental devices can have a variety of uses, including for applying gels or other compounds for tooth whitening, treating tooth sensitivity, and applying fluoride treatments.

In one aspect, the invention can be a dental device comprising: a facial wall configured to conform to a wearer's facial arch, the facial wall having a first end and a second end; a first clip element coupled to and extending from the first end, the first clip element configured to apply a first lateral pressure to a first tooth of a wearer when the first tooth is inserted into the first clip; and a second clip element coupled to and extending from the second end, the second clip element configured to apply a second lateral pressure to a second tooth of the wearer when the second tooth is inserted into the second clip; wherein the front wall is formed of a first material having a first durometer and each clip element is formed of a second material having a second durometer that is greater than the first durometer.

In another aspect, the invention can be a dental device comprising: an arcuate tray member configured to conform to a wearer's dental arch, the arcuate tray member having a first lateral side and a second lateral side; a first clip element disposed into the first lateral side, the first clip element configured to exert a first lateral pressure on a wearer's first tooth when the first tooth is inserted into the first clip; a second clip element disposed into the second lateral side, the second clip element configured to exert a second lateral pressure on a second tooth of the wearer when the second tooth is inserted into the second clip; wherein the arcuate tray member is at least partially formed of a first material having a first durometer and each clip element is formed of a second material having a second durometer that is greater than the first durometer.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the following drawings:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a dental device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a rear elevational view of the dental apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a top plan view of the dental device of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI of the dental device of fig. 1.

Fig. 5A-B illustrate a tooth inserted into a clip element provided in a dental device.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a dental device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a rear elevational view of the dental apparatus of fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a dental device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows a rear elevational view of the dental apparatus of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a dental device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 shows a back elevational view of the dental device of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a dental device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of the exemplary embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended merely for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "left," "right," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless specifically stated otherwise. Unless expressly stated otherwise, terms such as "attached," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and the like refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or stationary attachments or relationships. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the present invention are described with reference to preferred embodiments. Thus, the invention should obviously not be limited to such preferred embodiments showing some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may be present alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Referring to fig. 1-4, a dental apparatus 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The dental device 101 comprises an L-shaped arcuate tray member 103 with a clip element 105 extending from an end 115 thereof. In certain embodiments, the walls of the clip elements 105 have the same thickness as the walls of the L-shaped arcuate tray members 103 from which they extend. Arcuate tray member 103 includes a face wall 111 and an occlusal surface wall 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the face wall 111 extends substantially in alignment with the axis a and the bite surface wall 113 is formed substantially in the plane of the axis B, in at least a majority of the arc. As can be seen in fig. 3, the facial wall 111 is formed to fit the facial arch (upper or lower) of the wearer's teeth 131 when the dental device 101 is worn, with the interior surface 117 of the facial wall 111 positioned adjacent the teeth 131 and the occlusal surface wall 113 positioned adjacent the occlusal surface of the teeth 131. In some embodiments, the occlusal surface wall 113 lies substantially in a plane. In certain other embodiments, the occlusal surface wall 113 may be non-planar.

The dental device 101 also includes a spring wire 119 embedded within the occlusal surface wall 113. The spring wire 119 may help maintain the overall shape of the arcuate tray member 103 when the dental device 101 is worn. To this end, the spring wire 119 acts as a resilient spring element to allow the arc of the arcuate tray member 103 to expand and contract, and also to return the arc of the arcuate tray member 103 to its original shape when no longer worn. The expansion or contraction of the arcuate tray member 103 may better adapt the dental device 101 to the dental arches of a wider user population as an off-the-shelf device. In certain embodiments, the spring wire 119 may be made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the spring wire 119 may be located below the occlusal surface wall 113 with the ends of the spring wire 119 extending into or held in place by suitable receiving features of each of the clip elements 105. Although the embodiment of the dental device 101 shown in fig. 1 is illustrated with spring wire 119, the dental device 101 may be fabricated without spring wire 119.

In the embodiment of the dental device 101 shown in fig. 1, the arcuate tray member 103 is formed of a first material having a first hardness and the clip element 105 is formed of a second material having a second hardness, wherein the second hardness is greater than the first hardness. In some embodiments, the arcuate tray member 103 may be formed of a suitable elastomeric material and the clip element 105 may be formed of a suitable hard plastic material. In certain other embodiments, the clip element 105 may be partially or completely covered by a layer of the first material in order to reduce the impact of the harder second material on the user's teeth and gums.

Suitable elastomeric materials for forming the arcuate tray members 103 may include Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS). Suitable plastics for forming clip element 105 include polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene (PP), polyamide, polyester, cellulose, SAN, acrylics, ABS, BR, or any other type of hard plastic suitable for oral use. As used herein, the term "plastic" may include blends or copolymers of different plastics. Other materials may be used for one or both of the arcuate tray member 103 and the clip element 105. In certain embodiments, the elastomeric material may have a durometer hardness in the range of a11 to a15 shore hardness. Of course, materials outside this hardness range may also be used. In certain embodiments, the hard plastic material may have a durometer hardness in the shore hardness range of about a30 or greater.

In certain embodiments, the elastomeric material and the hard plastic material are selected so as to be chemically compatible with each other such that a chemical bond is formed between the elastomeric material and the hard plastic material during the co-injection molding process. In one such embodiment, the elastomeric material may be TPU and the hard plastic material may PP. In other embodiments, the dental device 101 may be formed using a two-shot injection process, where a first shot is for a hard plastic material and a second shot is for an elastomeric material. In certain embodiments, one or both of the elastomeric material and the hard plastic material may be substantially colorless and transparent. In certain embodiments, one or both of the elastomeric material and the hard plastic material may include coloring, and such coloring may be used as an indicator for the size, hardness/softness, and/or application of the dental device 101 as desired by the manufacturer.

Each of the clip elements 105 is formed to retain the dental device 101 in the mouth by clipping onto at least one tooth of the wearer. The plastic forming the clip elements 105 helps to enable at least one tooth to be secured in each clip element 105. As shown in fig. 2, each clip element 105 includes a first side wall 121 and a second side wall 123, with a bottom wall 125 extending between the first side wall 121 and the second side wall 123. As shown, the first sidewall 121 is coupled to and extends from the face wall 111, and the bottom wall 125 is coupled to and extends from the occlusal surface wall 113. In certain embodiments, each clip element 105 and arcuate tray member 103 may be integrally formed as a single-piece structure. One suitable method of forming such a unitary structure is injection molding. Of course, in certain other embodiments, other forming techniques may be utilized. In other embodiments, each clip element 105 may be coupled to the arcuate tray member 103 after each individual portion is manufactured.

The first side wall 121 of each clip element 105 serves as a continuation of the face wall 11l and is thus positioned on the face side of the tooth 131 when the dental device 101 is worn. Similarly, the bottom wall 125 of each clip element 105 serves as a continuation of the occlusal surface wall 113 and is therefore positioned adjacent to the occlusal surface of the tooth 131 when the dental device 101 is worn. The second side wall 123 includes a first wall portion 127 and a second wall portion 129. The first wall portion 127 is coupled to and away from the bottom wall 125 at an acute angle 1, extending toward the first side wall 121. The second wall portion 129 is coupled to the first wall portion 127 at an obtuse angle 2 and extends away from the first wall portion, away from the first side wall 121.

The function of the clip element 105 is illustrated in fig. 5A-B. The second side wall 123 is resilient and biased towards the position shown in fig. 5A. During use, as a tooth is inserted into the clip element 105, the second side wall 123 deflects towards the position shown in fig. 5B. A second wall portion 129 angled away from the first side wall 121 serves to provide an opening for the clip element 105 to receive the tooth 133. When the tooth 133 is received, the tooth 133 abuts the second wall portion 129 and pushes the second side wall 123 in a direction away from the first side wall 121, thereby bending the first wall portion 127, at which point the tooth 133 can be inserted into the clip element 105, as shown in fig. 5B. When the tooth 133 is inserted into the clip element, the first wall portion 127 remains bent such that lateral pressure LP is applied against the tooth 133 by both the first sidewall 121 and the second sidewall 123.

The off-the-shelf dental device 101 of fig. 1 may have a variety of uses, including for applying gels or other compounds for tooth whitening, treating tooth sensitivity, and applying fluoride treatments. In certain embodiments, the dental device 101 may be pre-loaded with a treatment gel, compound, or chemical.

Referring now to fig. 6-7, a dental apparatus 151 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The dental device 151 includes an L-shaped arcuate tray member 153 with clip elements 155 extending from ends thereof. The arcuate tray member 153 includes a face wall 161 and an engaging surface wall 163. The clip element 155 may be formed in the same manner as shown in connection with the dental device 101 of fig. 1. Of course, the clip element 155 can have any other configuration consistent with the disclosure herein without limitation, unless specifically recited in the claims.

In the illustrated embodiment of dental device 151, facial wall 161 is formed of a first material having a first hardness, and occlusal surface wall 163 and clip element 155 are formed of a second material having a second hardness, wherein the second hardness is greater than the first hardness. In certain embodiments, the face wall 161 may be formed of a suitable elastomeric material, and the snap surface wall 163 and clip element 155 may be formed of a suitable plastic. In certain other embodiments, the bite surface wall 163 and the clip element 155 can be formed of different materials, both of which have a hardness greater than the hardness of the material forming the face wall 161.

The plastic material of the bite surface wall 163 helps to maintain the overall shape of the dental device 151 when the dental device is worn, and it helps the dental device 151 to better fit the wearer. The occlusal surface wall 163 acts as a spring element to allow the arc of the dental device 151 to expand and contract, and also to return the arc of the dental device 151 to its original shape when no longer worn. The biting surface wall 163 also includes a plurality of notches 167 that enable the arcuate shape of the biting surface wall 163 to expand and contract without causing significant deformation. The expansion or contraction of the arcuate tray members 153 enables the off-the-shelf dental device 151 to better fit the dental arches of a wider user population. In the embodiment of fig. 6, the occlusal surface walls include seven indentations 167 which provide substantial flexibility to the arcuate tray member 153 when the arcuate shape expands or contracts. Of course, more or fewer notches 167 may be included in the bite surface wall 163.

Referring now to fig. 8-9, a dental device 181 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The dental device 181 includes an L-shaped arcuate tray member 183 with a clip element 185 extending from an end thereof. Arcuate tray member 183 includes a face wall 191 and an occlusal surface wall 193 that are coupled together at a junction 199 formed at an angle of the "L" shape. The clip element 185 may be formed in the same manner as shown in connection with the dental device 101 of fig. 1. Of course, the clip element 185 may have any other configuration consistent with the disclosure herein without limitation, unless specifically recited in the claims.

In the illustrated embodiment of the dental device 181, the face wall 191 and the bite surface wall 193 are formed of a first material having a first hardness, and the joint 199 and the clip element 185 are formed of a second material having a second hardness, wherein the second hardness is greater than the first hardness. In some embodiments, the face wall 191 and the occlusal surface wall 193 may be formed of a suitable elastomeric material, and the joint 199 and the clip element 185 may be formed of a suitable hard plastic. In certain other embodiments, the joint 199 and clip element 185 can be formed of different materials, wherein the hardness of both is greater than the hardness of the materials forming the face wall 193 and the occlusal surface wall 195.

The hard plastic of the joint 199 helps maintain the overall shape of the dental device 181 when worn, and it helps the dental device 181 to better fit the wearer. The joints 199 act as spring elements to allow the arc of the dental device 181 to expand and contract, and also return the arc of the dental device 181 to its original shape when no longer worn. The occlusal surface wall 193 also includes a plurality of notches 197 that enable the arcuate shape of the occlusal surface wall 193 to expand and contract without causing significant deformation. The expansion or contraction of the arcuate tray member 183 enables the off-the-shelf dental device 181 to better fit the dental arches of a wider group of potential users.

Referring now to fig. 10-11, a dental apparatus 211 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The dental device 211 includes an L-shaped arcuate tray member 213 with a clip element 215 extending from an end thereof. The arcuate tray member 213 includes a face wall 221 and an occlusal surface wall 223. The clip element 215 may be formed in the same manner as shown in connection with the dental device 101 of fig. 1. Of course, the clip element 215 may have any other configuration consistent with the disclosure herein without limitation, unless explicitly recited in the claims.

In the illustrated embodiment of the dental device 211, the face wall 221 and the bite surface wall 223 are formed of a first material having a first hardness, and the clip element 185 is formed of a second material having a second hardness, wherein the second hardness is greater than the first hardness. In some embodiments, the face wall 221 and the bite surface wall 223 may be formed of a suitable elastomeric material, and the clip element 215 may be formed of a suitable hard plastic.

As shown in fig. 2, each clip element 215 comprises a first side wall 231 and a second side wall 233, wherein a bottom wall 235 extends between the first side wall 231 and the second side wall 233. As shown, the first sidewall 231 is coupled to and extends from the face wall 221, and the bottom wall 235 is coupled to and extends from the occlusal surface wall 223. In some embodiments, each clip element 215 and arcuate tray member 213 may be an integrally formed, single-piece structure. In other embodiments, each clip element 215 may be coupled to the arcuate tray member 213 after each individual portion is manufactured.

The first side wall 231 of each clip element 105 serves as a continuation of the facial wall 221 and is thus positioned on the facial side of the tooth when the dental device 211 is worn. Similarly, the bottom wall 235 of each clip element 215 serves as a continuation of the occlusal surface wall 223 and is therefore positioned adjacent to the occlusal surface of the teeth when the dental device 211 is worn. The second side wall 233 is formed as an arcuate wall that curves in an arc first toward and then away from the first side wall 231 as it extends away from the bottom wall 235. Thus, the radius of the second sidewall 233 extends away from the first sidewall 231. This clip element is capable of receiving a tooth in a manner similar to that described above and shown in fig. 5A-B.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a dental device 251 is shown in FIG. 12. The dental device 251 includes an L-shaped arcuate tray member 253 with clip elements 255 positioned within the arch of the arcuate tray member 253. The arcuate tray member 253 includes first and second facial wall sections 261A, 261B, and first and second bite surface wall sections 263A, 263B. The clip element 255 is positioned between the first face wall section 261A and the first occlusal surface wall section 263A on one side and between the second face wall section 261B and the second occlusal surface wall section 263A on the other side. The clip element 255 may be formed in the same manner as shown in connection with the dental device 101 of fig. 1. Of course, the clip element 255 may have any other configuration consistent with the disclosure herein without limitation, unless specifically recited in the claims.

In the illustrated embodiment of the dental device 251, the arcuate tray member 253 is formed of a first material having a first hardness, and the clip element 255 is formed of a second material having a second hardness, wherein the second hardness is greater than the first hardness. In some embodiments, the arcuate tray member 253 can be formed of a suitable elastomeric material, and the clip element 255 can be formed of a suitable hard plastic.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.