GB2417928A

GB2417928A - A movable storage device for supporting sheet like elements

Info

Publication number: GB2417928A
Application number: GB0419222A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Stephen Harrold
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-28
Filing date: 2004-08-28
Publication date: 2006-03-15
Also published as: GB0419222D0

Abstract

A storage device 10 for storing/carrying plate like elements, specifically mountboards for picture framing, where the plates are supported in at least one U-shaped channel 14 at the base of the device (see also figure 9). A frame 18,20,24 extends upwards from the U-shaped channel so as to support the plates in a substantially upright manner, and a pair of wheels 16 are provided so that the device may be moved in the manner of a trolley. The wheels are located to one side of the device so that the U- shaped channel is as close to the ground as possible, allowing the device, when not being moved, to rest slightly tilted to one side without tipping over. The device is for use beneath a work bench (252, figure 12), where the underside of the bench may be provided with guide elements (256) defining the movement of the trolley when it is withdrawn from beneath the bench.

Description

MOUNTBOARD STORAGE DEVICE

The present invention relates to a mountboard storage device.

Mountboard, which is also known as matboard in the United States of America and passepartout in Europe, has two main functions. It protects artwork from contact with, and condensation from, the glass in a frame, and provides an inner frame which enhances the appearance of the artwork. Since mountboard is often used with precious artwork, mountboard is often made of a high quality material so that on the one hand it does not react with and cause the artwork to stain or damage and on the other hand, the mountboard itself should maintain a good appearance.

Professional picture framers use mountboard on a daily basis. Mountboard is available in sheets of several sizes and is often supplied in large sheets, typically 44" (1117.6 mm) x 32" (812.8 mm) and sometimes up to 48" (1219.2 mm) x 32" (812.8 mm). Since even the smaller of these two dimensions is large, mountboard occupies a relatively large area when it is stored. Space and storage facilities within a framing workshop are often very limited and cramped. Typically, mountboard is stored under a workbench and is retained approximately vertically by spaced fixed vertical dividers. The space is filled with full packs, single sheets and off-cuts. Very soon, the pieces of mountboard are jammed into the limited space, making it very difficult to control stock levels or find a desired shade or type. Wastage is high and much time is wasted. Moreover, the delicate surface papers of the mountboard which move with respect to the floor are easily marked and damaged in storage. Also, the depth of a workbench (up to 48" (1219 mm)) means it is difficult for framers to access part sheets of mountboard under the workbench. Some picture framers alternatively store mountboard in stationary horizontal racks. Framers typically have a choice of more than 800 types of mountboard of different grades of quality, colours and shades from suppliers and are constantly offered new shades and types. The poor storage discourages them from stocking new boards.

An aim of the invention is to provide improved storage for mountboard.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a movable mountboard storage device.

Preferably, the movable mountboard storage device comprises a support for storing mountboard, and a frame by which a user can guide movement of the support, and at least one wheel on which the movable mountboard storage device is moved. The movable mountboard storage device preferably comprises a plurality of wheels, optimally only two wheels, and each of the plurality of wheels is preferably arranged one behind the other substantially in line. The top of the wheels are preferably arranged to overlap with the support so that the support can lie closer to the ground. The support and the wheels preferably cooperate to keep the movable mountboard storage device in an upright position when the movable mountboard storage device is unattended. The frame is preferably arranged at one side of the support and the wheels are at least partially stowed in the plane of the frame. Most preferably, the wheels are substantially completely stowed in the plane of the frame. The wheel diameter is optimally greater than 50 mm. A first end of the support preferably has an abutment extending transversely to it to stop mountboard stowed in the storage device from moving beyond it. Most preferably, a first end of the support has an abutment extending transversely to it to stop mountboard movement beyond it and a second end of the support, at an opposite end to the first end, has no such abutment. The support preferably comprises a first side support means arranged on one side of the frame between the first and second ends of the frame, and a second side support means arranged on an opposite side of the frame, both of which extend upwardly from the support and between which mountboard can be stored. The first side support may comprises at least one elongate member to lO confine the mountboard. Preferably, the first side support comprises a plurality of spaced apart elongate members. The second side support may comprise at least one U-shaped elongate member to confine the mountboard. The second side support preferably comprises a plurality of spaced apart U-shaped elongate members.

The frame preferably comprises a member which is sized to function as a handle to effect movement of the mountboard storage device.

The height of the mountboard storage device is preferably greater than about 810 mm, preferably less than about 850 mm, most preferably greater than about 810 mm and less than about 850 mm, optimally about 825 mm.

The mountboard storage device is preferably manually portable.

The frame preferably comprises four elongate members which are detachable from one another. At least three of the four elongate members are preferably storable in the pocket.

The frame is preferably much taller than the pocket.

The frame preferably has an end retainer towards an upper part thereof. Alternatively, the frame preferably has two end retainers, one towards an upper part of each end of the frame. The end retainer or end retainers are preferably quickly removable from the 1 0 frame.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a mountboard storage assembly comprising a movable mountboard storage device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention or any of the consistory clauses relating thereto, a work bench top and guide means arranged on the underside of the work bench top to guide mountboard stored on the movable mountboard storage device.

The guide means preferably comprises a set of two skips of material arranged substantially parallel to one another.

The assembly may comprise a plurality of movable mountboard storage devices in accordance with the first aspect of the invention or any of the consistory clauses relating thereto, and a plurality of corresponding sets of two strips of material.

The strips may be made of wood or metal.

The work bench top preferably has a front edge, the movable mountboard storage devices being arranged to move at an angle other than perpendicular to the front edge so as to allow the work bench top depth to be reduced. Preferably the angle is in the range of 40-80 degrees.

A mountboard storage device in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mountboard storage device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the method of assembling the mountboard storage device, Figure 3 is a further exploded perspective view showing more of the method of assembling the mountboard storage device, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a mountboard storage device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a side view of the mountboard storage device of Figure 4, Figure 6 is a view of the mountboard storage device of Figures 4 and 5 from beneath, Figure 7 is an end view of a mountboard storage device similar in some respects to the mountboard storage device of Figures 4, 5 and 6, and in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, Figure 8 is a perspective view of part of the mountboard storage device of Figure 7, Figure 9 is a perspective view of a mountboard storage device in accordance with a fourth e'mbodiment of the invention, Figure 10 is a plan view of the mountboard storage device of Figure 9, Figure 11 is a view of the mountboard storage device of Figures 9 and 10 from beneath, Figure 12 is an end view of the mountboard storage device of Figures 9, 10 and 1 1, Figure 13 is a schematic detail view of a mountboard storage device similar in some respects to the mountboard storage device of Figures 9, 10 and 11, and in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention, Figure 14 is a schematic view showing an underside of a workbench and how the device can be arranged under the workbench in use.

Referring to Figure 1, a mountboard storage device 10 comprises a frame 12, a pocket 14 and two wheels 16.

The frame 12 comprises a first elongate member 18, a second elongate member 20, a third elongate member 22, and a fourth elongate member 24. The elongate members 18, 20, 22, 24 are all made of hollow steel tubing of square cross section. The elongate members 18, 20, 22, 24 are connected by fasteners to form an approximately rectangular frame. . In particular, referring to Figure 2, the first elongate member 18 is connected to the second elongate member 20 by a first releasable mechanical fastener arrangement 70. In particular, the first elongate member 18 has an L-shaped bracket 72 attached to it, an arm of the bracket lying against the longitudinal surface of the first elongate member and an arm of the bracket lying flush with the free end of the first elongate member.

The flush arm 72 defines two bracket apertures 74. The first elongate member 18 comprises, inbound of its free end, a flange 76 perpendicular to the free end and defining a flange aperture 78. Corresponding apertures are defined in the second elongate member 20. Bolts 80 are fastened through bracket apertures 74 and held with cap nuts 82. A further bolt 84 is fastened into flange aperture 78. The first elongate member 18 is connected to the fourth elongate member 24 in the same manner.

Referring to Figure 3, the second elongate member 20 is connected to the third elongate member 22 by a second releasable mechanical fastener arrangement 90. In particular, the third elongate member 22 comprises two L-shaped brackets 92, fitted to the member as brackets 72 are fitted to the member 18. The two brackets each define a bracket aperture 94. Corresponding apertures are defined in the second elongate member 20.

Bolts 96 are fed through the apertures in the second elongate member 20 and the bracket apertures 94 and fastened using nuts 98. The third and fourth members are connected in a similar manner thus giving an approximately rectangular frame 12. It should however be noted that the third elongate member 22 is connected to the second elongate member 20 and fourth elongate member 24 slightly inbound of the free ends of the second elongate member 20 and fourth elongate member 24, so that when the frame is arranged vertically, a space is defined below the third member. The fourth elongate member 24 is, like the other elongate members, approximately 20 mm wide and can function as a handle to allow operator movement of the mountboard storage device 10.

The frame 12 comprises first lateral support means in the form of a first lateral support member 26, a second lateral support member 28, and a third lateral support member 30.

The lateral support members 26, 28, 30 extend from the first elongate member 18 to the third elongate member 22, in a direction parallel to the second elongate member 20.

Referring briefly to Figure 5, it can bee seen that members 26, 28, 30 cooperate with members 20, 24 to separate frame 12 into four approximately equal regions.

Referring back to Figure 1, the pocket 14 is also made of steel. The pocket 14 has a rectangular base 32, and a first wall 34, a second wall 36 and a third wall 38 extending upwardly from three of the four sides of the periphery of the base. The base 32 runs from the second elongate member 20 to the fourth elongate member 24, parallel to the first elongate member 18, and is thin and flat. It will be noted that the first and third walls 34, 38 each extend along a long side of the periphery of the base 32. In contrast, the second wall extends along an end of the periphery of the base 32. Looking in the direction of Arrow I in Figure 1, the pocket 14 has a U-shaped cross section, closed at the end of the base 32 defined by the second wall 34, and open at the opposite end thereof. The base 32 is designed to hold mountboard, the closed end is designed to stop mountboard movement beyond it and out of the pocket 14 and the open end is designed to permit mountboard movement into the pocket 14.

Extending from the top of the first wall 34 of the pocket 14 is a second lateral support means in the form of three U-shaped elongate members 40. The three U-shaped elongate members 40 are made of steel and connected to the top of the first wall 34 by conventional means such as welding. The second lateral support means (i.e. the three U-shaped elongate members 40) cooperate with the first lateral support means (i.e. the first lateral support member 26, the second lateral support member 28, and the third lateral support member 30) to retain the mountboard in the pocket. The central U-shaped elongate member is adjacent the second lateral support member 28. The outer two U-shaped elongate members are arranged so that their inbound ends are adjacent the first lateral support member 26 and the third lateral support member 30 and the outer ends are arranged about halfway between those members 26, 30 and the nearest free end of the first member 18.

It should be noted that the lateral support members 26, 28, 30 define a hollow first lateral support means and the three U-shaped elongate members 40 define a hollow second lateral support means, allowing a smaller mass and more importantly allowing more ambient light on the mountboard to ease the process of separating, checking and selecting mountboard whilst it is in situ in the pocket 14.

The second elongate member 20 has an end support means towards its upper end. to stop the mountboard. The end support means takes the form of a Ushaped elongate member 42. The two free ends of the U-shaped elongate member 42 extend one above the other from the second elongate member 20 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the frame 12. The U-shaped elongate member 42 extends for the width of the pocket 14 as far as the junction of the first and second wall 34, 36, then turns through 90 degrees to extend along the first wall towards, and in approximately the same plane as, the three U-shaped elongate members 40.

Referring to Figure 1, each of the wheels 16 is arranged on an axle 50, which runs from an outside surface of the third wall 38 of the pocket 14 to a bracket 52, which depends from the third elongate member 22 of the frame 12. It will be noted that the two wheels 16 are arranged so that the axis of rotation of each of the wheels is spaced from and parallel to the axis of rotation of the other wheel. The two wheels 16 are arranged "in-line" with one another. The wheel diameter is about 60 mm so that rough ground can be covered. Referring to Figure 6, the wheels 16 are placed under the third elongate member 22 to minimise the width of the device 10.

Referring to Figure 5, importantly, the high point of the wheels 16 is arranged well above the upper surface of the base 32 of the pocket 14, indeed about two thirds of the periphery of the wheel is located above the support, thereby allowing the base 32 to lie closer to the ground, and reducing the overall height of the device 10.

The base 32 is arranged to cooperate with the wheels 16 to keep the movable mountboard storage device 10 in an upright position when unattended although it will tilt slightly. However, the pocket 14 is arranged so that when the wheels 16 are substantially vertical the base 32 and the rest of the device, is away from the ground.

The height of the mountboard storage device is about 825 mm. In this way, sheets of mountboard, measuring 44" (1117.6 mm) x 32" (812.8 mm), or up to 48" (1219.2 mm) x 32" (812.8 mm), referred to in the introduction can be arranged so that the longer dimension of the mountboard is arranged on the base 32 of the mountboard storage device 10.

Referring to Figure 4, in another embodiment of the invention, a mountboard storage device 100 has some parts in common with the mountboard filing drawer 10. Similar parts bear the same reference numerals. A first wall 102 of the pocket 14 of the mountboard storage device 100 comprises an upper end 104 which is rolled over so that it returns towards the base 32. A hollow rectangular section tube 106 is arranged in the corner defined by the base 32 and the first wall 102. The three U-shaped elongate members 40 pass through the rolled upper end 104 of the first wall 102, running parallel to the first wall, and locate in the hollow tube 106.

Referring to Figure 7, the U-shaped elongate members 40 pass through an upper part of the tube 106 into the tube and abut against an internal surface of a lower part of the tube, where they are attached to the tube so as to strengthen the U-shaped elongate members 40. The distance from the outside surface of the first wall 102 to the outside surface of the third wall 38 is about 109 mm. The distance from the inner most part of the rolled upper end 104 of the first wall 102 to the inside surface of the third wall 38 is about 100 mm. Figure 8 shows that the U-shaped elongate members 40 continue in a straight line beyond' the top of the pocket 16.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 9 to 12, a mountboard filing drawer 200 has some parts in common with the mountboard filing drawer 10 and similar parts bear the same reference numerals. The mountboard filing drawer 200 has a second pocket 202 similar in many respects to pocket 14. The pocket 202 has three U-shaped elongate members 40 extending therefrom. The two wheels 16 (shown in broken line) are mounted on an axle (not referenced) supported by the inner walls of the two pockets 14, 202, thereby obviating the need for a bracket 52.

Figures 10, 1 l and 12 show the wheels 16 between the pockets 14, 202. An end support means 242 comprises two U-shaped elongate members, which extend in opposite direction from a central bracket 204. Referring to Figure 13, the central bracket 204 comprises a pairs of apertures 206, each aperture 206 having a slot 208 of lesser radius extending upwardly therefrom. The second elongate member 20 has two fasteners 210, spaced apart a distance corresponding to the distance of the slots 208.

The heads of the fasteners 210 locate in the apertures 206 and the body of the fasteners 210 locates in the slots 208 to secure the central bracket 204, and therefore the end support means 242, on the second elongate member 20. The slots 208 can be curved so as to act like a friction lock on the end support means 242. A similar arrangement may be provided on the other end of the device, i.e., on the fourth elongate member 20.

Referring to Figure 14, a picture framer typically uses a work bench 250. A work bench top 252 has a fror4 edge 254 which lies adjacent the user in use. Guide means in the form of pairs of wood or metal strips of material 256 lie substantially parallel on the underside of the work bench top 252, spaced apart sufficiently to receive the first elongate member 18 of the frame of the device 10. The strips 256 can be of different depths, to cope with variations in the vertical height below the bench top. Figure 12 shows the work bench 250 and two L-shaped strips of material 256 fastened to the underside of the work bench. The strips 256 guide the frame 12 of the device 10, 200 sitting on the ground below.

In use, the mountboard storage device 10 can be moving from a retracted position, i.e. under a bench, to an open position, in which the mountboard storage device can be loaded or unloaded and then returned to a retracted position. The movable mountboard storage device 10 can be loaded with mountboard and wheeled under the bench under the guidance of the work bench top guides 256. A work bench 250 has a maximum useful height beyond which it is inconvenient for a picture framer to use it. The support 32 of the pocket 14 is as close as practical to the floor, thereby optimising the limited vertical height available under a workbench. This means that the mountboard, which typically comes in standard sizes, can be stored within the limited vertical height available and the workbench height need not be excessive.

As required, additional mountboard storage devices can be arranged under the work bench top.

Depending on the relative position of the wheels 16 with respect to the guide strips 256, the mountboard storage device 10 can be held upright by the guide strips.

The mountboard storage device 10 allows optimum use of the limited width available under a workbench. Since space is often at a premium in a framers workshop it is expected that a framer will install a row of the mountboard storage device units under a workbench. Maximising the useful width of the mountboard storage device and minimising its overall width are important to maximise use of the limited space.

As mentioned above, the longest dimension of mountboard is typically about 1117.6 mm. It may be that for example due to limited space in a workshop it is undesirable to have a bench table top of a depth "d" exceeding 1117.6 mm. Therefore, in one preferred embodiment of the invention which is shown in Figure 14, the movable mountboard storage device 10 is arranged to move at an angle other than perpendicular to the front edge 254 so as to allow the work bench top depth "d" to be reduced.

The mountboard storage device 10 resolves many of the problems of storing and accessing mountboard under a workbench. The mountboard storage device 10 rolls in and out on the floor and carries up to 50 sheets, in full packets, loose sheets or as off-cuts. A picture framer can holding the type of board he wants, roll out the mountboard storage device and easily flick through the sheets to find the exact sheet he needs. The large single in-line wheels are optimised to take the considerable weight of a loaded mountboard storage device, yet roll easily over the varying floor surfaces and debris often found in a framing workshop.

The mountboard storage device 10 has been efficiently designed to optimise the use of materials, to facilitate efficient and cost-effective manufacture. The strength in the mountboard storage device is where it is needed, with no wasted material. This also minimises transport costs.

The mountboard storage device 10 has been designed for simple installation in a variety of situations. The framer may modify or adapt his existing work bench to ensure adequate under-bench height. Typically, a baseboard is arranged to raise the mountboard slightly off the floor. The baseboard may simply be removed.

The mountboard storage device 10 can be used to store other sheet materials, for example, within the framing workshop environment, foam centred board. and customer artwork, prior or subsequent to framing. Outside the framing workshop, the mountboard storage device 10 can be used for other storage applications, for example in retail stores, for displays of panels of tiles, wallpaper or fabrics or similar. The mountboard storage device 10 can be used for storing printing plates and it might be adapted for storing signs and display materials.

In another embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the first elongate member 18 and the second elongate member 20 are connected by a fastener arrangement 70. The first elongate member 18 has an L-shaped bracket 72 at the free end adjacent the second elongate member 20. The bracket has two apertures 74. The free end of the first elongate member 18 is open and slightly inbound of the free end of the first elongate member 18 is a flange 76 defining a threaded aperture 78. The second elongate member has apertures corresponding to the two apertures 74 and the threaded aperture 78.

Fasteners 80 extend through apertures in second elongate member 2O, apertures 74 and cooperate with nut caps 82. Fasteners 84 extends through aperture in second elongate member 20 and cooperates with threaded aperture 78. The first elongate member 18 is connected to the fourth elongate member in similar manner.

Reterring to Figure 4, the second elongate member 20 is connected to the third elongate member 22 by a fastener arrangement 90. the third elongate member 22 has two L-shaped brackets 92, each having an aperture 94. The second elongate member 20 has corresponding apertures. Bolts 96 are fed through apertures in second elongate member and aperture 94 and held using self-locking nuts 98.

Claims

1. A movable mountboard storage device.

2. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 1, wherein the movable mountboard storage device comprises a support for supporting mountboard, and a frame by which a user can guide movement of the support, and at least one wheel on

-

which the movablemountboard storage device is moved.

3. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 2, wherein the movable mountboard storage device comprises a plurality of wheels.

4. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of wheels is arranged one behind the other substantially in line.

5. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the top of the wheels are arranged to overlap with the support so that the support can lie closer to the ground.

6. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the support and the wheels cooperate to keep the movable mountboard storage device in an upright position when the movable mountboard storage device is unattended.

7. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the frame is arranged at one side of the support and the wheels are at least partially stowed in the plane of the frame.

8. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 7, wherein the wheels are substantially completely stowed in the plane of the frame.

9. A movable mountboard storage device according to any of Claims 2 to 8, wherein the wheel diameter is greater than 50 mm.

l O. A movable mountboard storage device according to any of Claims 2 to 9, wherein a first end of the support has an abutment extending transversely to it to stop mountboard moving beyond it.

11. A movable mountboard storage device according to any of Claims 2 to 10, wherein a first end of the support has an abutment extending transversely to it to stop mountboard movement beyond it and a second end of the support, at an opposite end to the first end, has no such abutment.

12. A movable mountboard storage device according to any of Claims 2 to 11, wherein the support comprises a first side support means arranged on one side of the frame between the first and second ends of the frame, and a second side support means arranged on an opposite side of the frame, both of which extend upwardly from the support and between which mountboard can be stored.

13. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 12, wherein the first side support comprises at least one elongate member to confine the mountboard.

14. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the first side support comprises a plurality of spaced apart elongate members.

15. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 12, wherein the second side support comprises at least one U-shaped elongate member to confine the mountboard.

16. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 15, wherein the second side support comprises a plurality of spaced apart U-shaped elongate members.

17. A movable mountboard storage device according any of Claims 2 to 16, wherein the frame comprises a member which is sized to function as a handle to effect movement of the mountboard storage device.

18. A movable mountboard storage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the height of the mountboard storage device is greater than about 810 mm.

19. A movable mountboard storage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the height of the mountboard storage device is less than about 850 mm.

20. A movable mountboard storage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the height of the mountboard storage device is greater than about 810 mm and less than about 850 mm.

21. A movable mountboard storage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the height of the mountboard storage device is about 825 mm.

22. A movable mountboard storage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the mountboard storage device is manually portable.

23. A movable mountboard storage device according to any preceding claim when dependent on Claim 2, wherein the frame comprises four elongate members which are detachable from one another.

24. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 23, wherein at least three of the four elongate members are storable in the pocket.

25. A movable mountboard storage device according to any preceding claim when dependent on Claim 2, wherein the frame is much taller than the pocket.

26. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 24, wherein the frame has an end retainer towards an upper part thereof.

27. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 26, wherein the frame has two end retainers, one towards an upper part of each end of the frame.

28. A movable mountboard storage device according to Claim 26 or 27, wherein the end retainer or end retainers are quickly removable from the frame.

29. A movable mountboard storage device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures of the drawings.

30. A mountboard storage assembly comprising a movable mountboard storage device in accordance with any of Claims I to 29, a work bench top and guide means arranged on the underside of the work bench top to guide mountboard stored on the movable mountboard storage device.

31. A mountboard storage assembly according to Claim 30, wherein the guide means comprises a set of two strips of material arranged substantially parallel to one another.

32. A mountboard storage assembly according to Claim 31, wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of movable mountboard storage devices in accordance with any of Claims 1 to 29, and a plurality of corresponding sets of two strips of material.

33. A mountboard storage assembly according to Claim 31 or 32, wherein the strips are made of wood or metal.

34. A mountboard storage assembly according to Claim 30, 31, 32, or 33, wherein the work bench top has a front edge, the movable mountboard storage devices being arranged to move at an angle other than perpendicular to the front edge so as to allow the work bench top depth to be reduced.

35. A mountboard storage assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the figures of the drawings.