Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HUBS AND RECONFIGURABLE FRAMES
This application claims priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 60/867,792,
entitled HUBS AND RECONFIGURABLE FRAMES, filed on November 29, 2006, as
well as claims priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 60/929,914, entitled
HUBS
AND RECONFIGURABLE FRAMES, filed on July 17, 2007, the entireties each of
which are hereby incorporated by reference. The entireties of U.S. Patent
Application
No. 10/372,237, entitled DISPLAY PANELS, filed on February 25, 2003 (now U.S.
patent No. 7,191,555, issued March 20, 2007), and U.S. Patent Application No.
11/285,015, entitled FABRIC DISPLAY PANELS AND METHODS OF MAKING
SAME, filed on November 23, 2005, are additionally incorporated in their
entirety by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to hubs alone or combined with elongated frame
members which are interconnectable to other hubs and/or to the elongated frame
members to form frames configurable for a multitude of uses including (but not
limited to) for combination with display panels for use as marketing,
informational,
event, and/or educational displays. In some non-limiting, example,
embodiments, this
invention relates to unique hub structures configurable with elongated frame
members
(e.g., rod-type members) to form frames, which are of simplified, easier to
assemble
configurations and/or which enable the frames to be stacked and/or connected
in a
variety of structural forms and/or which allow display panels to be connected
to the
frames employing an assortment of preferably exchangeable and/or location
tailorable
panel connector types.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Visual display devices, such as trade show displays, have been known and
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utilized for a multitude of applications for many years. Such visual display
devices
can be constructed in a variety of manners with one known and relatively
popular
configuration being constructed from hub and rod based frame structures which
include or carry graphical signs or panels.
Although known display devices and/or frame types successfully serve
various uses in a number of commercial applications, certain improvements in
frame
components (e.g., hubs), frames and/or display devices are desired. By way of
non-
limiting example, it would be desirable to have frame components, such as
hubs,
which are of less complex configuration than prior art hubs and/or which are
easier to
assemble/disassemble to frame rods and/or which provide increased frame
stability
and/or strength and/or which provide increased and/or improved tailorability
in frame
configuration. In certain non-limiting embodiments, it would be desirable to
have a
frame structure or frame components which are configurable and/or re-
configurable
into numerous two and/or three-dimensional configurations. Such varieties of
configurations could serve numerous uses including such as for allowing the
creation
of advertising and/or informative display structures.
An additional desirable (but optional) characteristic would be if hubs, frames
and/or display structures were so configured such that when assembled as
frames or
display structures, they are sufficiently strong or stable such that such
frames or
display structures could be used as weight bearing structures (such as
furniture or
architectural structures) e.g., while still, in some embodiments,
accomplishing other
improvements described herein. In this regard, it would be additionally
desirable to
have frames assembled or constructed of components having particular
configurations
such that such components allow such frames to be easily assembled and/or,
disassembled as well as, or, alternatively, permit independently assembled
frame
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structures to be securely and stably connected to one another.
Still furthermore, it would be desirable to have frame structures having re-
locatable and/or reconfigurable connector mechanisms (e.g., of varying types)
for
permitting the connection of one or a variety of graphical display panel types
(e.g.,
rigid panels, stretch fabric panels) as well as for permitting such graphical
display
panels to be connected to the hubs and/or frames in a variety of locations
and/or
angular or spatial orientations.
In view of the above, it is apparent that there exists a need in the art for
hubs
and/or frames and/or hub-frame member combinations which address, overcome,
mitigate, or solve one or more of the above problems and/or drawbacks and/or
inefficiencies in the art. It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill this
and/or other
needs in the art which will become more apparent to the skilled artisan once
given the
following disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, this invention addresses the above-described needs in the
art by providing, in one aspect of the invention, unique hub configurations.
In another
aspect of the invention, unique frames, employing hub structures as described
herein,
are provided.
In certain example (non-limiting) embodiments, therein is provided a hub
which is so configured such that only a single mechanical member (e.g., a
screw) is
needed to connect each elongated frame member (e.g., a rod-type member) to the
hub.
In other example embodiments, a hub structural design is provided which is so
configured such that when it is employed (e.g., in plurality) in a frame
(e.g., in
combination with a plurality of elongated frame members), the resulting frame
exhibits improved stability and/or strength and/or weight bearing
capabilities. In still
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other example embodiments, a hub configuration is provided which permits a
plurality of connector types to be user assembled/disassembled to the hub for,
for
example, attaching display panels (e.g., of either a fabric or hard panel
type) to the
hub.
By way of additional, non-limiting example, a hub is provided comprising: a
generally hexahedral body formed as a combination of first, second, third,
fourth,
fifth, and sixth polygonal portions; the first polygonal portion comprising a
first
surface area surrounding and contiguous with a generally central aperture; the
first
surface area connecting to and contiguous with the second, third, fourth, and
fifth
polygonal portions; the sixth polygonal portion being located generally
opposite the
first polygonal portion and connected to and contiguous with the second,
third, fourth,
and fifth polygonal portions; the second polygonal portion being located
generally
opposite the fourth polygonal portion; the third polygonal portion being
located
generally opposite the fifth polygonal portion; the generally hexahedral body
further
including a first recess cutout formed and extending between the second and
the sixth
polygonal portions; a second recess cutout formed and extending between the
third
and the sixth polygonal portions; a third recess cutout formed and extending
between
the fourth and the sixth polygonal portions; a fourth recess cutout formed and
extending between the fifth and the sixth polygonal portions; first, second,
third, and
fourth pivot connecting structures located in the first, second, third, and
fourth recess
cutouts, respectively, each pivot connecting structure being capable of
pivotally
connecting a frame rod therein; the generally central aperture comprising a
first
connecting structure capable of retaining a connector device. In certain
embodiments,
at least one frame rod is pivotally interconnected to the hub at one of the
first, second,
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third, or fourth pivot connecting structures. In other embodiments, additional
frame
rods are interconnected at one or more (or all) of the other pivot connecting
structures.
The terms "polygon" or "polygonal" in this embodiment, and as otherwise
used in describing other embodiments, and as used throughout the specification
and
claims, should not be construed narrowly but instead refer generally to a side
or
portion of a figure or body regardless of whether such side lies in a plane,
has straight
or curved boundaries, or otherwise entirely "encloses" an area.
In another non-limiting, example embodiment, a hub is provided comprising:
a substantially unibody, multisided figure comprising: a top side comprising a
first surface area surrounding and contiguous with a first generally central
aperture; a
bottom side located generally opposite the top side; at least a first, second,
and third
recess cutout, each recess cutout formed in at least a first, second, and
third side of the
multisided figure, respectively; and at least a first, second, and third pivot
connecting
structure each located in said first, second, and third recess cutout,
respectively;
each said pivot connecting structure being capable of pivotally connecting a
frame rod to the hub employing a single mechanical fastener for each frame rod-
hub
connection.
In alternative embodiments, hubs have more or less than four recess cutouts
(e.g., preferably with corresponding numbers of pivot connecting structures).
As non-
limiting examples, triangularly or pentagonally shaped hubs with preferably
equally
spaced recess cutouts and pivot connecting structures are contemplated among
such
embodiments.
In certain non-limiting embodiments, at least one convex or spherical-type
surface is employed in the hub(s). For example, in one example (non-limiting)
embodiment in which the hubs are assembled in a frame, a structure is provided
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comprising a plurality of hubs, each hub of the plurality of hubs comprising:
a
generally hexahedral body formed as a combination of first, second, third,
fourth,
fifth, and sixth polygonal portions; the first polygonal portion comprising a
convexly
rounded major surface surrounding and contiguous with a generally centered,
planar
minor surface; the convexly rounded major surface connecting to and contiguous
with
the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; the sixth polygonal
portion
being located generally opposite the first polygonal portion and connected to
and
contiguous with the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; the
second
polygonal portion being located generally opposite the fourth polygonal
portion; the
third polygonal portion being located generally opposite the fifth polygonal
portion;
the generally hexahedral body further including a first recess cutout formed
and
extending between the second and the sixth polygonal portions; a second recess
cutout
formed and extending between the third and the sixth polygonal portions; a
third
recess cutout formed and extending between the fourth and the sixth polygonal
portions; a fourth recess cutout formed and extending between the fifth and
the sixth
polygonal portions; first, second, third, and fourth pivot connecting
structures located
in the first, second, third, and fourth recess cutouts, respectively, each
pivot
connecting structure being capable of pivotally connecting a rod therein; a
first
connecting structure located in the first polygonal portion capable of
retaining a
connector device; and a second connecting structure located in the sixth
polygonal
portion (e.g., capable of retaining a rod therein); and
a plurality of rods interconnected to the plurality of hubs thereby forming a
frame which is configurable into a variety of two-dimensional and/or three-
dimensional configurations.
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In certain additional example embodiments, there is provided a frame, such as
described above, which further includes a plurality of display panel connector
devices
connected to the first connecting structures located in the first polygonal
portions of
the plurality of hubs. In certain non-limiting variations of such embodiments,
one or
more display panels are combined with such frames, such display panel(s)
comprising, at least in part, a layer of stretch fabric. In other embodiments,
the display
panel(s) include(s) a plurality of apertures for connecting to the plurality
of display
panel connector devices, the plurality of apertures being located spaced apart
from
one another proximal a perimeter of the display panel. In other embodiments,
the
display panel(s) is/are connected to the frame via connections of the
plurality of
apertures to the plurality of display panel connector devices thereby to form
a visual
display device.
In still further example (i.e., non-limiting) embodiments, there is provided a
frame or visual display device according to any one of the foregoing
descriptions of
frames or visual displays, in the alternative or in combination, wherein the
connector
devices are selected from the group consisting of: hooks, buttons, knobs,
screws,
protrusions, and rivets.
In yet further preferred but still non-limiting embodiments, hub structures
are
provided which can pivotally attach to a frame rod structure using a single
screw or
similar (or other single) mechanical fastener. In certain other or related
example
embodiments, the hub structures include one or more threaded apertures for
pivotally
and/or threadably connecting to rod-type members for forming a frame
structure. In
certain additional example embodiments, the hub structures include one or more
apertures for threadably (or otherwise such as by press fit) connecting or
retaining
connector devices such as hooks, rivets, buttons, etc. useful for connecting
display
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panels (e.g., hard panels or stretchable fabric display panels) to the hub
structures. In
certain preferred, example embodiments, the hub structures include at least
one
generally planar surface which is useful so that the hub structure can be
stacked on
other hub structures in stable fashion or may be used in conjunction with its
other
functions as a foot or leg for resting on a floor or table type surface.
It certain frame embodiments, it is a non-limiting object of the invention to
provide a reconfigurable frame structure comprised of a combination of unique
hub
structures interconnected to a plurality of rod structures. In certain such
example
embodiments, the frame can be configured into two-dimensional and/or three-
dimensional configurations. In further example embodiments, such frames can be
stacked upon one another and/or connected to one another either vertically or
horizontally (or both) thereby to form complex combination frame
configurations
(e.g., with or without display panels connected thereto).
The herein described hubs and frames are useful, for example, as, or in
combination with, visual displays including sales, marketing, informational,
event,
and/or educational displays (e.g., trade show displays). Moreover, the hubs
and/or
frames can be used to create, or as part of, structures (e.g., visual
displays) which are
sufficiently strong and/or stable in their construction to act as tables or
other furniture
or other weight supporting structures. Additional, alternative, uses for such
hubs
and/or frames are, for example, components of tents or decontamination
structures
and/or architectural type structures. Notwithstanding the specific examples
set forth
herein, further uses, not listed herein, are, of course, contemplated.
Certain examples of the invention are now below described with respect to
certain non-limiting embodiments thereof as illustrated in the following
drawings
wherein:
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. IA illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of one example
embodiment of a hub according to the subject invention.
FIG. lB illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of the embodiment of
the hub depicted in FIG. IA shown with a magnet press-fit in a central
aperture of the
hub.
FIG. 2A illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of one example
embodiment of a unique hub according to the subject invention (shown connected
to a
frame rod via a conventional fully threaded screw).
FIG. 2B illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of a second example
embodiment of a unique hub according to the subject invention (shown connected
to a
frame rod via a unique, partially threaded screw including a non-threaded
shoulder for
increasing stability of the rod/hub connection).
FIG. 2C illustrates a two-dimensional, partial x-ray view of the hub depicted
in FIG. 2B (shown with the frame rod disconnected from the hub and the
partially
threaded screw having a non-threaded shoulder portion).
FIG. 3 illustrates a two-dimensional, partial x-ray view of an embodiment of a
hub according to the invention shown with a planar headed ("button-like") bolt-
type
structure having a threaded male portion for attaching to a female threaded
portion of
the generally central portion of the hub.
FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of a plurality of
hubs
and rod members interconnected to one another to form exemplary frame
configurations shown employed as portions of trade show displays (e.g.,
combined
with stretch fabric display panels as well as rigid/hard surface display
panels) and
employed as forming a portion of a portable podium type structure.
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FIG. 5A illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of a plurality of
hubs
and rod members interconnected to one another to form a portable computer work
station.
FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative, three-dimensional, perspective view of the
embodiment of the portable computer work station depicted in FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6 illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of a plurality of
hubs
and rod members interconnected to one another to form a frame structure having
vertical and horizontal panels (of either a hard/rigid material or stretch
fabric type)
connected thereto.
FIG. 7 illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of a plurality of
hubs
and rod members interconnected to one another to form two separate but
connected
frame structures assembled to each other as a unitary structure having a
plurality of
vertical and horizontal panels (of either a hard/rigid material or stretch
fabric type)
connected thereto.
FIG. 8 illustrates a two-dimensional, plan view of a triangularly shaped hub
connected to three rod members as an example of an alternative embodiment of
the
subject invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a two-dimensional, plan view of a pentagonally shaped hub
connected to five rod members as an example of an alternative embodiment of
the
subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages
thereof, reference is now made to the following description of various
illustrative and
non-limiting embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which like reference numbers indicate like features.
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Referring initially to FIGS. IA, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3 therein is illustrated
a
non-limiting, exemplar embodiment of a hub contemplated as within the scope of
the
subject invention. Although hub 1, as illustrated, contains certain specific
features as
part of its configuration, such features should not, without more, be
considered as
limiting when determining the scope of the patent property right. Instead, the
scope of
such property right should be determined by the claims which follow this
section of
the specification.
Focusing still then on the above referenced figures, hub 1, as can be seen,
generally comprises a hub body (preferably, but not necessarily, of unibody-
type
construction) generally having six sides (i.e., thus being generally referred
to as a
hexahedral body) including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth
polygonal
portions or sides referred to by part numbers 5, 7, 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d
respectively. The
"top" of the hub or first side 5, in this regard, is a generally convex
surface or face 5b
which contiguously joins the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal
portions or
sides 9a-9d. Side 5 further includes a flattened or planar central portion or
surface 5a
(see FIG. 3) which surrounds an aperture 23 for use, for example, as a
connector
retaining device such as described in more detail below. Located generally
opposite
side 5 (on the "bottom" of the hub) is a flattened or planar surface or side 7
which is
similarly contiguous with each of sides 9a-9d.
Although hub 1 is generally illustrated as having a convex or spherical type
major surface, such configuration is employed, in part, to facilitate
efficient
manufacturing methods of the hub such as by molding when the hub is
constructed
from plastic(s) or similar type materials (e.g., so that the hub more easily
releases
from the mold). Regardless the convex-type configuration which is illustrated
is not
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necessary to achieve the various functional objects of the invention described
herein,
and thus, certainly, other configurations may be employed.
Permitting the attachment of frame members to hub 1, the hub includes a
plurality of cutouts (or recess cutouts) 11a-d, each cutout structure
including a
respective pivot connecting structure. Each pivot connecting structure, in
turn,
generally includes an outer aperture - for example, aperture 13a (located on
the outer
surface of the hub, on side 9b) - and an associated inner aperture - for
example,
aperture 15a (located on the inner surface of the recess or cutout 1la). As
non-
limiting examples of a pivot connecting structure, apertures 13a and 15a are
generally
aligned with one another and one or both will typically include a threaded
portion for
mating with a complementarily threaded mechanical fastener e.g. such as a
screw
(although non-threaded attachment mechanisms or methods are, of course
contemplated). For example, and referencing now FIG. 2A, a fully threaded
screw,
such as screw 17, can be employed to secure an elongated frame member e.g.,
frame
rod 31 to hub 1. Alternatively, in preferred (but still example) embodiments
such as
illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a partially threaded screw with an unthreaded
shoulder portion, e.g., screw 19 can be utilized. In certain embodiments, when
using
a screw with such a non-threaded shoulder such as illustrated, preferably the
shoulder
has an outer diameter which approximates, as near as possible, the inner
diameter of
outer aperture 13a (see FIG. 2C, e.g., so that transverse or side-to-side type
movement
of the screw within the aperture is minimized).
Importantly, it should be noted that unlike with prior art hubs, the herein
described example pivot connecting structure permits frame members or rods to
be
(preferably pivotally) connected to the hub with a single fastener (e.g.,
screws as
described). Nevertheless, this feature is optional and should not be imposed
on the
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claim scope unless such a feature is otherwise claimed. It is further noted
that
although the structure of cutout 11 a, and its associated pivot connecting
structure
located in side 9a, is repeated in each of polygonal portions or sides 9b, 9c,
and 9d,
such identically disclosed structures need not be employed to practice the
invention
(nor is their equal spacing required). Moreover, more than one structure type
may be
employed in a given hub for connecting an associated frame member (e.g., rod
31).
Still furthermore, although each figure, thus far described, illustrates four
recess
cutouts and associated pivot connecting structures, cutouts of fewer or
greater
numbers may be employed (such as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9). Similarly, the
overall configuration of hub 1 may be modified accordingly e.g., the inventive
hubs
need not be hexahedral (i.e., six-sided).
Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, examples of alternative embodiments of hubs
according to the invention are therein illustrated (shown with associated, but
non-
attached, frame rods 31). FIG. 8, in this regard, illustrates a triangularly
configured
hub 201 which contains only three cutouts and associated pivot connecting
structures
i.e., part numbers 21 la-c, 213a-c, and 215a-c, respectively (no mechanical
fasteners
such as screws being illustrated in the drawing). Fig. 9, in turn, illustrates
a hub 301
having a pentagon-shaped (five-sided) lower profile which employs five cutouts
and
associated pivot connecting structures i.e., part numbers 31 la-e, 313a-e, and
315a-e,
respectively (again, no mechanical fasteners being illustrated in the
drawing).
Certainly, alternative configurations employing as few as two cutouts or as
many as
six or more cutouts (including associated pivot connecting structures) are
contemplated as well.
Turning now specifically to FIG. 1B, it may be seen that in certain non-
limiting embodiments, a magnet 27 may be employed affixed or connected to
central
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aperture 25 (shown in FIG. IA without a magnet therein). In particular, in the
embodiments which employ optional magnet 27, the use of the magnet imparts
additional functionality to hub 1. As a non-limiting example, in frame
embodiments
having frame members (e.g., frame rods 31) with their own magnet(s) (e.g., at
a frame
rod end or ends), or simply ferrous ends or tips, a magnetic connection can be
made
between the magnet containing hub or hubs and frame members or rods connected
(e.g., magnetically or pivotally screw connected) to adjacent hubs. In this
manner,
frame members or rods can be quickly connected or added to the structure of a
frame
thereby imparting, for example, additional strength or stability to the frame
without
requiring the more time intensive step of securing the frame member (e.g.,
frame rod)
by screw or other mechanical means. Alternatively, or in combination with the
stability providing techniques described above, magnetic connections can be
employed simply to facilitate quick and/or easy erection of frames at a
display site,
for example. By way of non-limiting example, magnet 27 may be conventionally
press-fit or screw fit to aperture 25 (although threads are not illustrated in
aperture 25
in FIG. 1B, threads T are depicted in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.
2A)
or otherwise attached or connected to the aperture by other means (the
specific
attachment or connecting means not being necessarily limiting to the
invention).
Referring now to FIG. 3, a profile view of a hub 1 is depicted therein showing
one type of the many connector types which can be removably attached to the
central
aperture 23 of the hub (or, effectively permanently, such as by press fitting,
for
example). More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a threadable connector 301
having a
button-type head (or rivet type head) to which display panels can be
connected. In an
embodiment where a stretch fabric-type display panel is employed, for example,
the
connector 301 can be inserted through an aperture of the stretch fabric panel
thereby
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securely, albeit non-permanently, connecting it. Notwithstanding these
disclosed
examples, virtually any connector type can be employed with or connected to
hub 1
(e.g., hooks, buttons, knobs, screws, protrusions, rivets, etc.), and,
moreover, such
connectors can be employed to connect panels which are other than stretch
fabric
(e.g., hard panels), or may be used to connect anything at all (e.g., they can
be used to
connect to other hubs via a frame rod via threads or a magnetic connection or
via
connector "pins" threaded at each end).
Referencing now FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 6, and 7, a variety of structural
configurations which can be obtained employing hubs as described herein (or
variations thereof), in combination with frame members (e.g., frame rods 31)
to form
frames, are illustrated. Generally speaking, each of these figures illustrates
a non-
limiting frame configuration formed from a combination of a plurality of hubs
1
interconnected to a plurality of frame rods 31. Moreover, each of the
illustrated frame
configurations is foldable (due to the pivotable interconnection of the
plurality of hubs
to the frame rods) and, therefore, is capable of being stored in a compact
configuration for transport. Some of the figures, in this regard, illustrate
exemplar
display apparatus, such as trade show-type displays (employing stretch fabric
type
display panels), while others illustrate portable computer workstation type
structures.
Still other of the figures illustrate generic, three-dimensional structures
which can be
achieved by connecting rigid-type panels to unfolded i.e., erected frames.
FIG. 7, in
this regard, illustrates two unfolded or erected frame structures assembled
together to
achieve a larger structural configuration (e.g., with larger panels therefore
attached
thereto). Many other (e.g., more complex) structural configurations are
certainly
obtainable (e.g., such as architectural-type configurations) and additional
uses for
frames formed from combinations of hubs 1 and rods 31 are, of course,
contemplated.
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Once given the above disclosure, many other features, modifications, and
improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such features,
modifications, and improvements are therefore considered to be part of this
invention,
without limitation imposed by the example embodiments described herein.
Moreover,
any word, term, phrase, feature, example, embodiment, or part or combination
thereof, as used to describe or exemplify embodiments herein, unless
unequivocally
set forth as expressly uniquely defined or otherwise unequivocally set forth
as
limiting, is not intended to impart a narrowing scope to the invention in
contravention
of the ordinary meaning of the claim terms by which the scope of the patent
property
rights shall otherwise be determined:
