TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an aluminum alloy, and more particularly, to an
aluminum alloy of high strength, which is used as a material for appearance of an
electronic device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Generally, various types of electronic devices are provided with materials for appearance,
such as a cover case, a case frame and a bezel, in order to protect various kinds
of components mounted in the electronic devices. Such a material for appearance requires
a high strength in order to prevent damage of an electronic device from an impact.
[0003] As an electronic device has a complicated structure, a small size and a thin thickness,
there is a limitation in implementing a material for appearance by the conventional
press processing. Thus, an extruded material for appearance of an electronic device,
using an extrusion method for freely implementing a shape, is being developed variously.
Through the extruded material using the extrusion method, a product needs not be treated
because of a precise size of the prepared product, and because of many advantages
such as an excellent mechanical characteristic, a massive production, and a low production
cost.
[0004] When a material for appearance of an electronic device is prepared by the extrusion
method, an aluminum alloy is mainly used, and aluminum is categorized according to
an alloy type. More specifically, widely used is a method for classifying an aluminum
1000 alloy as pure aluminum containing 99.00wt% or more of aluminum, an aluminum 2000
alloy as an Al-Cu alloy, an aluminum 3000 alloy as an Al-Mn alloy, an aluminum 4000
alloy as an Al-Si alloy, an aluminum 5000 alloy as an Al-Mg alloy, an aluminum 6000
alloy as an Al-Mg-Si alloy, and an aluminum 7000 alloy as an Al-Zn-Mg alloy.
[0005] As the material for appearance, an aluminum 6000 alloy of high strength is mainly
used for high rigidity and easy preparation. More specifically, an aluminum 6000 alloy
of Al-Mg-Si has high strength by an age hardening effect through a control of a precipitate
phase of magnesium silicide (Mg2Si). However, an appearance implementation is difficult
if the amount of Mg and Si is increased for high strength, and the aluminum 6000 alloy
has a lower strength than an aluminum 7000 alloy. Accordingly, efforts to apply an
aluminum 7000 alloy of high strength, which is much used at an automobile and an airplane,
and used as a structural material such as a construction material, to electronic devices
are actively ongoing.
[0006] An aluminum 7000 alloy of AI-Zn-Mg-(Cu) has stains, streaking, black dots, or spots
on its surface after an anodizing process, by a large amount of added materials and
a shape of formed internal tissues. In order to obtain the strength of the aluminum
7000 alloy, copper (Cu) may be added to enhance the strength by generating an aluminum-copper
alloy (Al2Cu) phase. However, the aluminum 7000 alloy having copper added thereto
becomes yellowish after an anodizing process. Even if the aluminum 7000 alloy having
copper added thereto has a sufficient strength, the material for appearance of an
electronic device has a difficulty in implementing an aesthetic impression of high
quality, due to defects on its surface and a yellow color phenomenon. Therefore, the
present invention provides an aluminum alloy having a high strength and a high aesthetic
impression through a control of the aluminum 7000 alloy.
DISCLOSURE
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an aluminum alloy of high strength,
which is used as a material for appearance of an electronic device.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aluminum alloy used as a
material for appearance of an electronic device, capable of preventing from becoming
yellowish after an anodizing process.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aluminum alloy used as a
material for appearance of an electronic device, which does not have metallic streaking
and defects on its surface.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
[0010] According to an aspect to achieve the above purposes, the present invention provides
an aluminum alloy composed of, by weight: 0.2% or less of Si; 0.2% or less of Fe;
0.6% or less of Mn; 1.5 ∼ 2.1% of Mg; 5.5 ∼ 6.5% of Zn; 0.1% or less of Ti; 0.1% or
less of Cr; 0.1% or less of Zr; inevitable impurities; and the balance Al.
[0011] In an embodiment, the aluminum alloy may further comprise 0.1% or less of Cu.
[0012] In an embodiment, the alloy may be composed of equiaxed grains.
[0013] In an embodiment, an average aspect ratio of particles of the alloy may be 0.6 ∼
1.3.
[0014] In an embodiment, an average grain size of the particles of the alloy may be 30 ∼
500µm.
[0015] In an embodiment, b value may be -0.5 ∼ 0.5 on 3D coordinates of Lab color system.
[0016] In an embodiment, a ratio (Zn/Mg) of a weight amount of Zn with respect to a weight
amount of Mg may be 3 ∼ 4.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT
[0017] The aluminum alloy used as a material for appearance according to the present invention
may have its strength controlled by reducing the amount of copper (Cu), and by controlling
the amount of magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn). This may enhance the strength of the aluminum
alloy material for appearance.
[0018] Further, in the present invention, yellowing due to copper (C) after an anodizing
process may be prevented by reducing the amount of copper. Accordingly, a unique color
of a dye may be represented at the time of applying the dye on the aluminum alloy
material for appearance, thereby significantly enhancing an aesthetic impression of
the aluminum alloy.
[0019] Further, in the present invention, a metallic tissue may be controlled by controlling
the amount of the alloy. Accordingly, the aluminum alloy material for appearance may
be composed of equiaxed grains. As a result, the aluminum alloy material for appearance
does not have a shape of a metallic tissue on its surface, and does not have surface
defects such as stains and black dots. Accordingly, when a dye is painted on the aluminum
alloy material for appearance, the dye may be uniformly painted without influence
of surface defects. This may significantly enhance an aesthetic impression of the
aluminum alloy material for appearance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020]
FIG. 1 is an embodiment of an electronic device using an aluminum alloy material for
appearance according to the present invention;
FIGS. 2A and 2B are images of tissue shapes according to comparative example 1 and
preferred example 1 each having a composition ratio shown in table 1;
FIG. 3 shows images of specimens after an anodizing process, according to comparative
example 2 and preferred example 2 each having a composition ratio shown in table 3;
and
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for preparing an aluminum alloy material for appearance of an
electronic device according to the present invention.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed
herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description
with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided
with the same or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.
In the present disclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the
relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying
drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should
be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying
drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations,
equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in
the accompanying drawings.
[0022] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein
to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.
These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0023] A singular representation may include a plural representation unless it represents
a definitely different meaning from the context.
[0024] Terms such as "include" or "has" are used herein and should be understood that they
are intended to indicate an existence of several components, functions or steps, disclosed
in the specification, and it is also understood that greater or fewer components,
functions, or steps may likewise be utilized.
[0025] FIG. 1 is an embodiment of an electronic device using an aluminum alloy material
for appearance according to the present invention.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a mobile terminal using an aluminum alloy material
for appearance according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aluminum alloy
material for appearance may protect inner components at an outermost region of an
electronic device, such as a cover case 100 or a bezel 200 of the mobile terminal.
[0027] The cover case 100 and the bezel 200 should have the strength high enough to protect
inner components of an electronic device. In this aspect, copper has been much utilized
as a component of an alloy material for appearance, because it increases the strength
of the alloy material for appearance. However, if copper is added to the alloy material
for appearance, the alloy material for appearance may become yellowish.
[0028] More specifically, an alloy material for appearance, used at the cover case 100 and
the bezel 200, should serve to represent a unique color of a dye at the time of applying
the dye. If the alloy material for appearance becomes yellowish, a unique color of
a dye is lowered at the time of applying the dye. Thus, if an alloy material for appearance,
which does not become yellowish, is used at the cover case 100 and the bezel 200,
a unique color of a dye is represented at the time of applying the dye, resulting
in enhancing an aesthetic impression.
[0029] The aesthetic impression of metallic tissues of the cover case 100 and the bezel
200 may be lowered due to surface defections such as streaking, stains and black dots.
More specifically, particles of the metallic tissues may be seen on the surface, due
to an external pressure, etc., at the time of preparing an alloy material for appearance,
thereby forming stains and black dots. If the particles of the metallic tissues are
seen on the surface of the alloy material for appearance, the alloy material for appearance
may have a lowered aesthetic impression at the time of applying a dye. Here, the stains
and the black dots may also cause the alloy material for appearance to have a lowered
aesthetic impression.
[0030] If the metallic tissues are composed of equiaxed grains (isometric crystals), the
particles of the metallic tissues may be prevented from being seen on the surface
of the alloy material for appearance, and occurrence of stains and streaking may be
prevented.
[0031] The present invention provides an alloy material for appearance which does not become
yellowish, which can prevent particles of metallic tissues from being seen on the
surface of the alloy material for appearance, and which has the strength high enough
to protect inner components of a mobile terminal.
[0032] For this, the alloy material for appearance according to an embodiment of the present
invention may be an aluminum alloy composed of, by weight, 0.2% or less of Si, 0.2%
or less of Fe, 0.6% or less of Mn, 1.5 ∼ 2.1% of Mg, 5.5 ∼ 6.5% of Zn, 0.1% or less
of Ti, 0.1% or less of Cr, 0.1% or less of Zr, inevitable impurities, and the balance
Al.
[0033] Hereinafter, each composition will be explained in more detail. As for Si and Fe,
0.2% or less of Si, and 0.2% or less of Fe may be used by wt per 100%. If each of
Si and Fe exceeds 0.2% by wt per 100%, an intermetallic compound is formed to degrade
high-temperature moldability. Therefore, it is preferable that the amount of each
of Si and Fe does not exceed 0.2% by wt per 100%.
[0034] As for Mn, 0.6% or less of Mn may be used by wt per 100%. Mn forms various dispersed
particles by combining with Al. As a result, grain refining is implemented, and a
dispersion effect of micro precipitates is generated. Through the dispersion effect
of micro precipitates, the strength of the alloy may be increased. If the amount of
Mn exceeds 0.6% by wt per 100%, recrystallization of the alloy is restricted, and
the strength of the alloy may be lowered. Therefore, it is preferable that the amount
of Mn does not exceed 0.6% by wt per 100%.
[0035] The amount of Mg may be 1.5% ∼ 2.1% by wt per 100%. Mg is an element added for hardening
of a solid solution. If Mg is added with an amount less than 1.5%, an age hardening
effect is drastically lowered to reduce the strength of the alloy. On the other hand,
if Mg is added with an amount more than 2.1%, a coarse precipitate phase is generated
to increase a pressure at the time of an extrusion, thereby lowering compression moldability.
Therefore, it is preferable that the amount of Mg is 1.5% ∼ 2.1% by wt per 100%.
[0036] The amount of Zn may be 5.5% ∼ 6.5% by wt per 100%. Zn is an element added for enhancing
the strength without the loss of a corrosion resistance. If Zn is added with an amount
less than 5.5%, the strength of the alloy may be reduced. On the other hand, if Zn
is added with an amount exceeding 6.5%, stress corrosion cracking may be degraded
and compression productivity may be also lowered. Therefore, it is preferable that
the amount of Zn is 5.5% ∼ 6.5% by wt per 100%.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, a ratio of a weight amount of Zn with
respect to a weight amount of Mg (Zn/Mg) may be within the range of 3 ∼ 4. More specifically,
when the ratio (Zn/Mg) is less than 3, the strength of the aluminum alloy may be lowered.
On the other hand, when the ratio (Zn/Mg) exceeds 4, stress corrosion cracking in
the alloy may be degraded. Further, in the aluminum alloy of the present invention,
even if the amount of Cu to be explained later is low, a desired strength of the alloy
may be obtained by controlling the ratio of the weight amount of Zn with respect to
the weight amount of Mg (Zn/Mg). That is, in the present invention, an extrusion molding
and a mechanical strength are significantly enhanced by controlling the amount of
Mg, Zn and Cu.
[0038] The amount of Ti may be 0.1% or less by wt per 100%. Ti is an element which causes
grain refining by reducing the size of a large intermetallic compound. Thus, the strength
of the aluminum alloy may be enhanced by addition of Ti. If the amount of Ti exceeds
0.1% by wt per 100%, compression moldability of the alloy is lowered, and a coarse
compound is generated to lower toughness. Therefore, it is preferable that the amount
of Ti does not exceed 0.1% by wt per 100%.
[0039] The amount of each of Cr and Zr may be 0.1% or less by wt per 100%. Cr and Zr are
elements added to prevent grain refining and a recrystallization layer, and to form
a fibrous crystal by preventing a recrystallization at the time of an extrusion. If
the amount of each of Cr and Zr exceeds 0.1% by wt per 100%, an unnecessary dispersed
phase may be precipitated in a grain boundary, resulting in lowering the strength.
Therefore, it is preferable that the amount of each of Cr and Zr does not exceed 0.1%
by wt per 100%.
[0040] The amount of Cu may be 0.1% or less by wt per 100%. Cu is an element to increase
the strength of the alloy by generating an Al2Cu phase in the aluminum alloy. However,
if the amount of Cu exceeds 0.1% by wt per 100%, the alloy becomes yellowish after
an anodizing process, thereby having a difficulty in being used as a material for
appearance of an electronic device. Therefore, it is preferable that the amount of
Cu does not exceed 0.1% by wt per 100%. Furthermore, the aluminum alloy according
to the present invention, which has the aforementioned compositions, may have an equiaxed
grain tissue having a yield strength of 350 ∼ 450 MPa.
[0041] In an embodiment, the aluminum alloy according to the present invention may be composed
of equiaxed grains. As a result, particles of metallic tissues are not seen on the
surface of the aluminum alloy according to the present invention, and surface defects
such as black dots do not occur.
[0042] In the specification, the statement which the aluminum alloy is composed of equiaxed
grains may define that an average aspect ratio of particles of the alloy is 0.6 ∼
1.3. Here, the aspect ratio of the particles of the alloy may be calculated by analyzing
an image obtained by capturing the sectional surface of the alloy, through a well-known
image analysis program.
[0043] An average grain size of the particles of the alloy may be 30 ∼ 500µm. If the average
grain size of the particles is less than 30µm, streaking may occur on the surface
of the alloy. On the other hand, if the average grain size of the particles exceeds
500µm, stains may occur on the surface of the alloy with a high probability.
[0044] The aluminum alloy according to the present invention may be prevented from becoming
yellowish after an anodizing process, by controlling the amount of Cu. More specifically,
the aluminum alloy according to the present invention does not become yellowish after
an anodizing process. As for the color of the alloy after an anodizing process, b
value may be -0.5 ∼ 0.5 on 3D coordinates of L*a*b* (Lab) color system. The L*a*b*
color system will be explained in more detail in descriptions of FIG. 3.
[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained. In order to
check characteristics of the aluminum alloy according to the present invention, prepared
were specimens each having composition ratios shown in the following table 1, within
the scope of the present invention.
[Table 1]
Weight % |
Si |
Fe |
Cu |
Mn |
Mg |
Zn |
Cr |
Ti |
Zr |
Al |
Comparative example 1 (Commercial 7041) |
0.03 |
0.06 |
0.74 |
0.04 |
1.94 |
5.87 |
0.13 |
0.03 |
0.11 |
Bal. |
Preferred example 1 |
0.05 |
0.1 |
0.02 |
0.12 |
1.16 |
5.95 |
<0.05 |
0.03 |
<0.1 |
Bal. |
[0046] In order to compare the characteristics of the comparative example 1 (commercial
7041) and the preferred example 1 each having composition ratios shown in the table
1, a tensile strength and a yield strength of each of the specimens were measured
by a Universal Testing Machine (specimen size: E8/E8M Standard Specimen). Then, result
values through the measurement were operated to calculate an elongation percentage.
And tissue shapes of the specimens were shown in the following table 2.
[Table 2]
|
Tensile strength [MPa] |
Yield strength [MPa] |
Elongation percentage [%] |
Tissue shape |
Comparative example1 (Commercial 7041) |
538 |
512 |
15 |
Surface coarse particles (Recrystallization), Internal fibrous phase |
538 |
512 |
15 |
529 |
504 |
14 |
530 |
503 |
16 |
507 |
485 |
15 |
494 |
476 |
15 |
524 |
499 |
16 |
481 |
464 |
16 |
483 |
466 |
16 |
Preferred example1 |
425 |
367 |
18 |
Equiaxed grain |
432 |
377 |
19 |
435 |
384 |
20 |
453 |
431 |
17 |
457 |
435 |
17 |
[0047] According to the table 2, it can be seen that the yield strength of the comparative
example 1(commercial 7041) is 450 ∼ 550 MPa, and the yield strength of the preferred
example 1 is 350 ∼ 450 MPa. That is, it can be seen that the yield strength of the
preferred example 1 is sufficiently satisfied, even if Cu, a major addition element
to increase the strength, was added with a smaller amount than in the comparative
example 1. Also, it can be seen that the preferred example 1 has a tissue shape of
equiaxed grains, whereas the comparative example 1 has surface coarse particles or
an internal fibrous phase. This will be explained in more detail with reference to
FIGS. 2A and 2B which will be described later.
[0048] FIGS. 2A and 2B are images of tissue shapes according to comparative example 1 and
preferred example 1 each having a composition ratio shown in the table 1.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 2A, the comparative example 1 has a tissue shape of surface coarse
particles or an internal fibrous phase. Thus, the material for appearance of an electronic
device, using the comparative example 1, shows streaking due to the tissue shape of
FIG. 2A, and has a difficulty in implementing an aesthetic impression of high quality
due to the streaking.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2B, the preferred example 1 has a tissue shape of equiaxed grains.
More specifically, an average grain size of particles which form equiaxed grains may
be 30 ∼ 500 µm. The tissue shape of equiaxed grains are more compact than that of
coarse particles or an internal fibrous phase. The preferred example 1 having the
aforementioned tissue shape of equiaxed grains does not have a particle shape of a
metallic tissue, and defects on its surface.
[0051] In another preferred embodiment, was prepared a specimen having a composition ratio
shown in the following table 3, within the scope of the present invention.
[Table 3]
Weight % |
Si |
Fe |
Cu |
Mn |
Mg |
Zn |
Cr |
Ti |
Zr |
Al |
Comparative example 2 |
0.6∼00.9 |
<0.15 |
0.5∼0.8 |
0.2∼0.5 |
0.9∼1.3 |
<0.1 |
<0.1 |
<0.1 |
- |
Bal. |
Preferred example 2 |
<0.2 |
<0.2 |
<0.1 |
<0.2 |
1.5∼2.1 |
5.5∼6.5 |
<0.1 |
<0.1 |
- |
Bal. |
[0052] In order to compare the characteristics of the comparative example 2 and the preferred
example 2 each having composition ratios shown in the table 3, a tensile strength
and a yield strength of each of the specimens according to the comparative example
2 and the preferred example 2 were measured by a universal testing machine. Then,
result values through the measurement were operated to calculate a mechanical characteristic
such as an elongation percentage. And the specimens underwent an anodizing process,
and a color and a surface state thereof were shown in the following table 4.
[Table 4]
Characteristics |
Comparative example 2 |
Preferred example 2 |
Mechanical characteristics |
Tensile strength [MPa] |
360 |
453 |
Yield strength [MPa] |
310 |
432 |
Elongation percentage [%] |
12.6 |
17.0 |
Anodizing quality (Appearance characteristics) |
Color |
L*=79.0b*=273 |
L*=87.7b*=-0.17 |
Streaking |
Existence |
Nonexistence |
[0053] According to the table 4, it can be seen that the yield strength of the preferred
example 2 is more excellent than that of the comparative example 2, even if Cu, a
major addition element to increase the strength, was added with a smaller amount than
in the comparative example 2. That is, in the preferred example 2, the mechanical
strengths were significantly increased as the amount of Mg and Zn was controlled.
Furthermore, it can be seen that the preferred example 2 has a more excellent appearance
characteristic having no streaking than the comparative example 2, and has not become
yellowish after an anodizing process. The characteristic related to 'yellowing' will
be explained in more detail in FIG. 3 which will be described later.
[0054] FIG. 3 shows images of specimens after an anodizing process, according to comparative
example 2 and preferred example 2 each having a composition ratio shown in the table
3.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, the colors of the specimens after an anodizing process according
to comparative example 2 and preferred example 2, can be compared to each other. More
specifically, the comparative example 2 becomes yellowish after an anodizing process,
thereby having a difficulty in implementing an aesthetic impression of high quality
when used as a material for appearance of an electronic device. On the other hand,
the preferred example 2 does not become yellowish after an anodizing process, thereby
representing a unique color of a dye at the time of applying the dye.
[0056] The degree of yellowing may be measured by L*a*b* color system. In the L*a*b* color
system, L* is used as an index to indicate a brightness. A black color scarcely having
a brightness may have the L* of 0, whereas a white color having a high brightness
may have the L* of 100. And a*b* indicates a chromaticity such as a color and a chroma,
a* is an index to indicate a red color, and -a* is an index to indicate a green color
according to a numerical value. Further, b* is an index to indicate the degree of
yellowing, and the degree of yellowing of specimens may be compared to each other
through the b* values. More specifically, b* indicates a yellow color, and - b* indicates
a blue color. That is, when the colors of the preferred example 2 and the comparative
example 2 shown in the table 4 are compared to each other, it can be seen that the
preferred example 2 scarcely has a yellow color.
[0057] As aforementioned, the aluminum alloy according to the present invention does not
become yellowish after an anodizing process. And the aluminum alloy according to the
present invention does not have a particle shape of a metallic tissue and defects,
on its surface. Thus, the aluminum alloy according to the present invention can represent
a unique color of a dye at the time of applying the dye, and can make a dye applied
uniformly. Accordingly, when the aluminum alloy according to the present invention
is utilized as a case of a mobile terminal, an aesthetic impression can be enhanced.
[0058] Further, since the aluminum alloy according to the present invention has the strength
high enough to protect inner components of a mobile terminal, it is suitable to be
utilized as a case of the mobile terminal.
[0059] Hereinafter, a method for preparing an alloy according to the present invention will
be explained in brief.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for preparing an aluminum alloy material for appearance of
an electronic device according to the present invention.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, the aluminum alloy according to the present invention, which
has the aforementioned composition ratio, is prepared as a billet through a well-known
continuous casting process. Then, the aluminum alloy is made as a product after undergoing
a uniform thermal process, an extrusion, a cooling process, a stretching process,
and a thermal process, so as to be processed as a material for appearance, such as
a cover case, a case frame and a bezel.
[0062] In an embodiment, a billet may be prepared by using the aluminum alloy having the
aforementioned composition ratio, and then an aluminum alloy material for appearance
may be prepared through an extrusion. The preparation of the aluminum alloy material
for appearance through an extrusion is a method for obtaining an extruded material
having the same shape as a metallic pattern, by injecting a metal into the metallic
pattern which has been mechanically processed precisely in correspondence to a required
shape. Thus, a material for appearance can be prepared freely without a restriction
of design.
[0063] Since an extruded shape through the extrusion has a precise dimension (size), time
taken to perform a subsequent treatment can be reduced, mechanical characteristics
are excellent, and a massive production can be performed. Further, since the production
cost is low, the present invention can be utilized in various fields such as a cover
case of an electronic device, a case frame, a bezel, a car component, an optical device,
and a measuring instrument. The above statements related to the casted shape are merely
exemplary, and thus the present invention is not limited to this.
[0064] In an embodiment, a billet formed of the aluminum alloy according to the present
invention is prepared. Then, a uniform thermal process is performed for 1 ∼ 12 hours
at a temperature of 440 ∼ 550 °C, and a hot compression process for the billet is
performed at a temperature of 300 ∼550 °C. After the hot compression process, the
billet is cooled to a room temperature by a water cooling process or an air cooling
process. Then, a thermal treatment is performed for 12 ∼ 100 hours at a temperature
of 80 ∼ 150 °C, thereby preparing the aluminum alloy for appearance of an electronic
device according to the present invention, as a product.
[0065] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof.
[0066] Also, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited
by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but
rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims,
Therefore, all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of
the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced
by the appended claims.