Charging appraratus for portable electronic device

BACKGROUND

00011. Technical Field

0002The present disclosure relates to charging apparatuses, and more particularly to a charging apparatus for supporting a portable electronic device.

00032. Description of Related Art

0004Commonly, a charging apparatus is specially designed for supporting and supplying power to portable electronic devices, such as tablet personal computers, cellular telephones, and other portable electronic devices. The charging apparatus typically defines a receiving groove to receive and to match with the portable electronic devices. An angle between the portable electronic device and the charging apparatus cannot be changed when the portable electronic device is being charged. Thus, it will be inconvenient that different portable electronic devices are charged by different special charging apparatuses.

0005Therefore, a need exists in the industry to overcome the described limitations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0006Many aspects of the present embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present embodiments. Moreover, in the drawings, all the views are schematic, and like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a charging apparatus when charging an electronic device in accordance with the present disclosure.

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the charging apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> without a bottom cover.

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a disassembled perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the charging apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a holding cover of the charging apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a rotating portion of the charging apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the charging apparatus when charging in accordance with the present disclosure.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a supporting seat of the charging apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the supporting seat of the charging apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0015The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

0016Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, a charging apparatus <b>100</b> is used to support and charge an electronic device <b>90</b>, such as a tablet personal computer, cellular telephone and other portable electronic devices. The charging apparatus <b>100</b> comprises a holding portion <b>10</b>, a rotating portion <b>20</b>, an adjusting portion <b>30</b>, a circuit board portion <b>40</b>, and a power input terminal <b>70</b>. The rotating portion <b>20</b> pivots on the holding portion <b>10</b> to receive and support the electronic device <b>90</b>. The adjusting portion <b>30</b> is securely fixed on the holding portion <b>10</b> and engages with the rotating portion <b>20</b> to drive the rotating portion <b>20</b> rotate relative to the holding portion <b>10</b>. The circuit board portion <b>40</b> is securely fixed in the holding portion <b>10</b> and electrically connected with the adjusting portion <b>30</b> and the power input terminal <b>70</b>.

0017Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the holding portion <b>10</b> comprises a holding cover <b>11</b>, a bottom cover <b>12</b>, a power button <b>13</b>, and an adjusting button <b>14</b>. The holding cover <b>11</b> accommodates the rotating portion <b>20</b>, and the bottom cover <b>12</b> is securely fixed on the holding cover <b>11</b> to be opposite to the rotating portion <b>20</b>. The power button <b>13</b> and the adjusting button <b>14</b> both pass through the holding cover <b>11</b> and electrically connect with the circuit board portion <b>40</b>.

0018The holding cover <b>11</b> comprises a panel <b>111</b> and a plurality of first side walls <b>110</b> extending from edges of the panel <b>111</b> in a same direction. The panel <b>111</b> and the plurality of first side walls <b>110</b> cooperatively define a receiving space <b>112</b> to receive the adjusting portion <b>30</b> and the circuit board portion <b>40</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, a cross section of the panel <b>111</b> is substantially U-shaped, and the receiving space <b>112</b> is substantially bowl-shaped.

0019Also referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, one of the plurality of first side walls <b>110</b> defines a through hole <b>1104</b> and an electrical wire <b>71</b> passes through the through hole <b>1104</b> to electrically connect the power input terminal <b>70</b> with the circuit board portion <b>40</b>.

0020The panel <b>111</b> comprises a first surface <b>1110</b> and a second surface <b>1112</b> opposite to the first surface <b>1110</b>. The first surface <b>1110</b> is formed on an inner surface of the holding cover <b>11</b> and the second surface <b>1112</b> is formed on an outer surface of the holding cover <b>11</b>. The panel <b>111</b> defines a first receiving hole <b>1113</b> and a second receiving hole <b>1114</b> through the first surface <b>1110</b> and the second surface <b>1112</b>. The power button <b>13</b> is inserted into the first receiving hole <b>1113</b> to electrically connect with the circuit board portion <b>40</b>, and partially protrudes outwardly from the second surface <b>1112</b> for convenient operation. The adjusting button <b>14</b> is inserted into the second receiving hole <b>1114</b> to electrically connect with the circuit board portion <b>40</b>, and partially protrudes outwardly from the second surface <b>1112</b> for convenient controlling and adjusting an angle between the electronic device <b>90</b> and the rotating portion <b>20</b>.

0021The holding cover <b>11</b> further comprises a pair of second side walls <b>114</b> and a pair of third side walls <b>115</b> perpendicularly connecting with the pair of second side walls <b>114</b>. The pair of second side walls <b>114</b> and the pair of third side walls <b>115</b> are respectively in parallel with the plurality of first side walls <b>110</b> and collectively define a receiving groove <b>116</b> extending from the first surface <b>1110</b> to the second surface <b>1112</b> to receive the rotating portion <b>20</b>. Each of the pair of second side walls <b>114</b> not only perpendicularly extends from the first surface <b>1110</b> towards the receiving space <b>112</b>, but also perpendicularly extends from the second surface <b>1112</b> away from the panel <b>111</b> and is substantially formed as a semicircle. Each of the pair of third side walls <b>115</b> perpendicularly extends from the first surface <b>1110</b> towards the receiving space <b>112</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the pair of third side walls <b>115</b> is slightly higher than the corresponding second side walls <b>114</b> away from the first surface <b>1110</b> to conveniently mount the rotating portion <b>20</b>.

0022The panel <b>111</b> comprises a plurality of protruding columns <b>1115</b> protruding from the first surface <b>1110</b> towards the receiving space <b>112</b>. Each of the plurality of protruding columns <b>1115</b> defines a first fixing hole <b>1116</b> to securely fix the circuit board portion <b>40</b> and the bottom cover <b>12</b> on the holding cover <b>11</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of protruding columns <b>1115</b> is configured between the first side walls <b>110</b> and the third side walls <b>115</b> to mount the circuit board portion <b>40</b> between the first side walls <b>110</b> and the third side walls <b>115</b>.

0023The bottom cover <b>12</b> covers the receiving space <b>112</b> and defines a plurality of second fixing holes <b>124</b>. The bottom cover <b>12</b> is securely fixed on the holding cover <b>11</b> by a plurality of first screws <b>128</b> passing through the corresponding second fixing holes <b>124</b> and screwed in the corresponding first fixing holes <b>1116</b>.

0024The holding cover <b>11</b> further comprises a fixing portion <b>117</b> protruding from the first surface <b>1110</b> and configured between one of the pair of second side walls <b>114</b> and the corresponding first side wall <b>110</b> so as to securely mount the adjusting portion <b>30</b>. The fixing portion <b>117</b> comprises a plurality of strengthening walls <b>1172</b> to mechanically link the fixing portion <b>117</b> with the second side wall <b>114</b> and the corresponding first side wall <b>110</b> to strengthen the stability of the fixing portion <b>117</b>.

0025In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality first side walls <b>110</b>, the pair of second side walls <b>114</b>, the pair of third side walls <b>115</b>, the plurality of protruding columns <b>1115</b> and the fixing portion <b>117</b> are integrally formed with the panel <b>111</b>.

0026Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the rotating portion <b>20</b> is received in the receiving groove <b>116</b> of the holding portion <b>10</b>, and comprises a rotating body <b>24</b> and a pair of side portions <b>22</b> on two sides of the rotating body <b>24</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating body <b>24</b> is substantially formed as a half hollow cylinder, and each of the pair of side portions <b>22</b> is substantially formed as a semicircle. The rotating body <b>24</b> and the pair of side portions <b>22</b> are cooperatively formed a receiving cavity <b>23</b> opening to the same direction with the receiving space <b>112</b>. Each of the pair of second side walls <b>114</b> defines a latching groove <b>1145</b> to engage with the rotating portion <b>20</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the latching grooves <b>1145</b> is substantially formed as a semicircle. The rotating portion <b>20</b> further comprises a pair of first rotating shafts <b>26</b> protruding outwardly from the corresponding side portions <b>22</b> to engage with the latching grooves <b>1145</b>. The pair of first rotating shafts <b>26</b> engages with the corresponding latching grooves <b>1145</b> to rotatably mount the rotating portion <b>20</b> on the holding cover <b>11</b> with the rotating body <b>24</b> arching relative to the second surface <b>1112</b>.

0027The rotating body <b>24</b> defines a holding groove <b>25</b> in the middle thereof. A bottom side <b>251</b> formed in the holding groove <b>25</b> separates the holding groove <b>25</b> from the receiving cavity <b>23</b>. The holding groove <b>25</b> is used to receive the electronic device <b>90</b>, that is, the electronic device <b>90</b> is inserted in the holding groove <b>25</b> and electrically connected with the holding portion <b>10</b> to be charged. The rotating portion <b>20</b> comprises a pair of positioning columns <b>259</b> protruding from the bottom side <b>251</b> towards the holding groove <b>25</b> and an electrical connector <b>50</b>A configured between the pair of positioning columns <b>259</b>. The pair of positioning columns <b>259</b> engages with the fixing holes <b>95</b> of the electronic device <b>90</b> (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) so as to stably and securely mount the electronic device <b>90</b> in the holding groove <b>25</b> of the rotating portion <b>20</b>. Therefore, when the rotating portion <b>20</b> is rotated, the electronic device <b>90</b> can rotate with the rotating portion <b>20</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector <b>50</b>A is an output port of the charging apparatus <b>100</b> to electrically connect with the electronic device <b>90</b>.

0028Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the adjusting portion <b>30</b> is fixed in the receiving space <b>112</b> to drive the rotating portion <b>20</b> rotate relative to the holding portion <b>10</b>. The adjusting portion <b>30</b> comprises a motor <b>32</b> and a gear portion <b>34</b>. The motor <b>32</b> is securely mounted on the fixing portion <b>117</b> of the holding cover <b>11</b> via a securing seat <b>324</b>, and electrically connects with the circuit board portion <b>40</b> via electrical wires <b>36</b>. The motor <b>32</b> comprises a second rotating shaft <b>322</b> protruding outwardly from one side thereof to engage with the gear portion <b>34</b>. In assembly, the second rotating shaft <b>322</b> faces to the second side wall <b>114</b> and is contiguous with the corresponding latching groove <b>1145</b>. The gear portion <b>34</b> comprises a master gear <b>342</b> and a slave gear <b>344</b> engaging with the master gear <b>342</b>. The master gear <b>342</b> is coiled around the second rotating shaft <b>322</b> to rotatably connect with the motor <b>32</b>, and the slave gear <b>344</b> is coiled around the first rotating shaft <b>26</b> to rotatably connect with the rotating portion <b>20</b>. In use, the motor <b>32</b> drives the master gear <b>342</b> rotate, and subsequently drives the slave gear <b>344</b> rotate, thus, the rotating portion <b>20</b> rotate relatively to the holding portion <b>10</b> by engagement between the master gear <b>342</b> and the slave gear <b>344</b> and the electronic device <b>90</b> rotates with the rotating portion <b>20</b>, so as to adjust the angle between the electronic device <b>90</b> and the holding portion <b>10</b> when charging.

0029The circuit board portion <b>40</b> is securely mounted in the receiving space <b>112</b> of the holding cover <b>11</b>, and comprises a first printed circuit board <b>42</b>, a second printed circuit board <b>44</b> and a third printed circuit board <b>48</b>. The first printed circuit board <b>42</b> defines a plurality of third fixing holes <b>420</b> and is securely fixed on one side of the holding cover <b>11</b>. The first printed circuit board <b>42</b> is fixed between the first side wall <b>110</b> and the third side wall <b>115</b> by a plurality of second screws <b>424</b> passing through the corresponding third fixing holes <b>420</b> and screwed in the corresponding first fixing holes <b>1116</b>. The second printed circuit board <b>44</b> defines a plurality of fourth fixing holes <b>440</b> and is securely fixed on the other side of the holding cover <b>11</b> opposite to the first printed circuit board <b>42</b>. The second printed circuit board <b>44</b> is fixed between the first side wall <b>110</b> and the third side wall <b>115</b> by a plurality of third screws <b>445</b> passing through the corresponding fourth fixing holes <b>440</b> and screwed in the corresponding first fixing holes <b>1116</b>. The third printed circuit board <b>48</b> is securely mounted on the bottom side <b>251</b> opposite to the pair of positioning column <b>259</b> to electrically connect with the electrical connector <b>50</b>A.

0030The power input terminal <b>70</b> electrically connects with the second printed circuit board <b>44</b> to supply power to the charging apparatus <b>100</b>. The motor <b>32</b> is electrically connects with the second printed circuit board <b>44</b> via the electrical wire <b>36</b> so as to drive the rotating portion <b>20</b>. The first printed circuit board <b>42</b> electrically connects with the second printed circuit board <b>44</b> via a flat cable <b>46</b>. The power button <b>13</b> and the adjusting button <b>14</b> electrically connect with the second printed circuit board <b>44</b>, respectively. The third printed circuit board <b>48</b> electrically connects with the first printed circuit board <b>42</b>, and an input interface <b>92</b> of the electronic device <b>90</b> (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) connects with the electrical connector <b>50</b>A to charge for the electronic device <b>90</b>.

0031An exemplary installation process of the charging apparatus <b>100</b> will be described as below.

0032Firstly, the rotating portion <b>20</b> is received in the receiving groove <b>116</b> to be mounted in the holding portion <b>10</b> and the pair of first rotating shafts <b>26</b> engages with the corresponding latching grooves <b>1145</b>, and the motor <b>32</b> is securely fixed on the fixing portion <b>117</b> via the securing seat <b>324</b> with the second rotating shaft <b>322</b> opposite to one of the pair of first rotating shafts <b>26</b>. The master gear <b>342</b> sleeves on the second rotating shaft <b>322</b> to engage with the motor <b>32</b> and the slave gear <b>344</b> sleeves on the first rotating shaft <b>26</b> to engage with the rotating portion <b>20</b>, and the master gear <b>342</b> engage with the slave gear <b>344</b> to mechanically connect the rotating portion <b>20</b> with the motor <b>32</b>. Then, the first printed circuit board <b>42</b> is securely fixed in the receiving space <b>112</b> and electrically connects with the power button <b>13</b>, the adjusting button <b>14</b>, the electrical connector <b>50</b>A and the third printed circuit board <b>48</b> secured on bottom side <b>251</b> opposite to receiving groove <b>25</b>, and the second printed circuit board <b>44</b> is securely fixed in the receiving space <b>112</b> and electrically connects with the first printed circuit board <b>42</b> via flat cable <b>46</b>, with the motor <b>32</b> via the electrical wire <b>36</b>, and with the power input terminal <b>70</b>. Finally, the bottom cover <b>12</b> covers on the open of the receiving space <b>112</b> and is secured on the holding cover <b>11</b> by a plurality of first screws <b>128</b> passing through the corresponding second fixing holes <b>124</b> and screwed in the corresponding first fixing holes <b>1116</b>.

0033In use, the electronic device <b>90</b> is received in the holding groove <b>25</b> and the pair of positioning columns <b>259</b> engages with the fixing holes <b>95</b> to connect the input interface <b>92</b> with the electrical connector <b>50</b>A. The electronic device <b>90</b> is charged by connecting the power input terminal <b>70</b> to the power supply and turning on the power button <b>13</b>. The motor <b>32</b> is controlled by pressing the adjusting button <b>14</b> and drives the master gear <b>342</b> to rotate, and subsequently drives the slave gear <b>344</b> to rotate, thus the rotating portion <b>20</b> rotate relatively to the holding portion <b>10</b> by engagement between the master gear <b>342</b> and the slave gear <b>344</b>. The electronic device <b>90</b> rotates with the rotating portion <b>20</b> to gain different angles when charging.

0034Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, if the size of the electronic device <b>90</b> is too big to be received in the holding groove <b>25</b> of the charging apparatus <b>100</b>, a supporting seat <b>60</b> is provided to support the electronic device <b>90</b>.

0035The difference between the charging apparatus <b>100</b> of the second exemplary embodiment and that of the first exemplary embodiment is that the charging apparatus <b>100</b> further comprises the supporting seat <b>60</b> to support the electronic device <b>90</b> in the second exemplary embodiment.

0036Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the supporting seat <b>60</b> is securely fixed in the holding groove <b>25</b> to rotate with the rotating portion <b>20</b>, and comprises a depositing portion <b>62</b>, a cupule portion <b>64</b> and a handle portion <b>66</b>. The depositing portion <b>62</b> is used to hold the electronic device <b>90</b>, and comprises a base portion <b>620</b>, a leaning board <b>624</b> extending from the base portion <b>620</b>, and a pair of fixing columns <b>622</b> protruding outwardly from the base portion <b>620</b> opposite to the leaning board <b>624</b>. The rotating portion <b>20</b> defines a pair of positioning holes <b>253</b> (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) on the bottom side <b>251</b> to engage with the corresponding fixing columns <b>622</b> so as to receive the base portion <b>620</b> in the holding groove <b>25</b> and to stably mount the depositing portion <b>62</b> in the rotating portion <b>20</b>. Therefore, the supporting seat <b>60</b> is securely mounted in and rotates with the rotating portion <b>20</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion <b>620</b> is integrally formed with the leaning board <b>624</b>.

0037In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion <b>620</b> and the leaning board <b>624</b> are substantially L-shaped to hold the electronic device <b>90</b>. The leaning board <b>624</b> defines a guiding hole <b>625</b> engaging with the cupule portion <b>64</b> and comprises a latching protrusion <b>626</b> protruding outwardly from the leaning board <b>624</b>. The latching protrusion <b>626</b> and the base portion <b>620</b> are respectively configured on two opposite sides of the leaning board <b>624</b>. The latching protrusion <b>626</b> defines a long groove <b>627</b> communicating with the guiding hole <b>625</b>. The electronic device <b>90</b> is deposited on the base portion <b>620</b> and leaned against the leaning board <b>624</b> by the cupule portion <b>64</b> moving in the guiding hole <b>625</b> and absorbing the electronic device <b>90</b>, so that the electronic device <b>90</b> is securely supported by the supporting seat <b>60</b>.

0038Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the cupule portion <b>64</b> is removably mounted on the depositing portion <b>62</b>, and comprises a cupule body <b>640</b>, a latching column <b>643</b> and a spring <b>646</b> configured on the latching column <b>643</b>. The cupule body <b>640</b> engages with the guiding hole <b>625</b> to touch and absorb the electronic device <b>90</b>. The latching column <b>643</b> protrudes outwardly from the cupule body <b>640</b> to securely mount with the handle portion <b>66</b>. The leaning board <b>624</b> comprises a stopper portion <b>629</b> configured on a joint between the guiding hole <b>625</b> and the long groove <b>627</b> in the latching protrusion <b>626</b>. The spring <b>646</b> is coiled around the latching column <b>643</b> and resists between the cupule body <b>640</b> and the stopper portion <b>629</b>. The latching column <b>643</b> with the spring <b>646</b> is cooperatively inserted through the guiding groove <b>625</b> into the long groove <b>627</b>, and the handle portion <b>66</b> is mounted on the latching column <b>643</b> by a pin <b>68</b> to move in the long groove <b>627</b>. Therefore, the cupule portion <b>64</b> is movably mounted on the depositing portion <b>62</b>. In use, the spring <b>646</b> is elastically mounted between the cupule body <b>640</b> and depositing portion <b>62</b> to urge the cupule portion <b>64</b> elastically moving in the long groove <b>627</b>. The cupule body <b>640</b> touches and absorbs the electronic device <b>90</b> by pulling the handle portion <b>66</b> and compressing the spring <b>646</b> to move the latching column <b>643</b> in the long groove <b>627</b> away from the leaning board <b>624</b>, and the cupule body <b>640</b> disengages from the electronic device <b>90</b> by pushing the handle portion <b>66</b> and stretching the spring <b>646</b> to move the latching column <b>643</b> in the long groove <b>627</b> towards the leaning board <b>624</b>.

0039To a big size electronic device <b>90</b> which cannot be received in the holding groove <b>25</b>, it is necessary to provide the supporting seat <b>60</b> to hold the electronic device <b>90</b> on the holding portion <b>10</b> and to provide a wired electrical connection between the electronic device <b>90</b> and the charging apparatus <b>100</b>. The holding cover <b>11</b> defines a plurality of receiving openings <b>1108</b> on the first side walls <b>11</b> to receive electrical connectors <b>50</b>B electrically connect with the second printed circuit board <b>44</b> (as show in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) in the holding portion <b>10</b>. One of the electrical connectors <b>50</b>B electrically connects with the input interface <b>92</b> by an external wire to electrically connect the electronic device <b>90</b> with the charging apparatus <b>100</b>, so that the electronic device <b>90</b> is in charging and the angle between the electronic device <b>90</b> and the holding portion <b>10</b> can be adjusted by operating the adjusting button <b>14</b>.

0040In use, the electronic device <b>90</b> is deposited on the base portion <b>620</b> and is stably resisted on the leaning board <b>624</b> when the electronic device <b>90</b> is absorbed by the cupule body <b>640</b> by pulling the handle portion <b>66</b>. Then, the electronic device <b>90</b> is electrically connected with the charging apparatus <b>100</b> by the wire connecting the electrical connector <b>50</b>B with the input interface <b>92</b>.

0041To be similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the electronic device <b>90</b> is charging by connecting the power input terminal <b>70</b> to the power supply and turning on the power button <b>13</b>. The motor <b>32</b> is controlled by pressing the adjusting button <b>14</b> and drives the master gear <b>342</b> to rotate, and subsequently drives the slave gear <b>344</b> to rotate so as to urge the rotating portion <b>20</b> to rotate relatively to the holding portion <b>10</b>. The electronic device <b>90</b> rotates with the supporting seat <b>60</b> securely fixed on the rotating portion <b>20</b> and gains different angles when charging.

0042The supporting seat <b>60</b> is designed for different models of electronic device <b>90</b> and is used to adjust the angle between the electronic device <b>90</b> and the holding portion <b>10</b> according to users' favor when charging.

0043Although the features and elements of the present disclosure are described as embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone or in other various combinations within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.