Abstract:
Albums having variable width spines and the components thereof are described. An example spine element for use in a variable width album, the spine element includes a first side comprising a plurality of extensions extending therefrom, each of the plurality of extensions comprising an end and an elongated portion, the end having a larger width than the elongated portion. The spine element also includes a second side comprising a plurality of openings positioned substantially opposite the plurality of extensions, each of the openings comprising a first portion sized to receive an end of respective extensions of an adjacent spine element and a second portion sized to receive an elongated portion of the respective extensions of the adjacent spine element when the extensions of the adjacent spine element are received by the openings of the spine element and the adjacent spine element is longitudinally moved relative to the spine element to couple the spine elements together.

Description:
[0001]    This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/334,938 filed May 14, 2010, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    This patent relates generally to albums and, more specifically, to albums having variable width spines and the components thereof. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Known albums are available having variable content, in which album sheets can be inserted or removed. Some known albums are able to increase their size as additional album sheets are inserted into the album. Specifically, some known albums (e.g., post albums) are provided with extendable screws and variable-length bushing inserts onto which perforated album sheets may be affixed or hung. Different length extendable screws and/or bushings are utilized depending on the number of additional album sheets that are to be added. Thus, the width of the album spine can grow as pages are inserted. However, depending on the number of album sheets that are added once the additional extendable screw(s) and/or bushing(s) is/are added to these known albums, the album sheets may be loose within the album. Additionally, known albums must telescopically grow to enable the album to properly close once a certain number of additional album sheets have been added and, thus, lateral edges of known album spines may be slightly inverted relative to the album. 
         [0004]    Other known albums are provided with adjustable string-on straps arranged on and extending across the album spine or the album cover. Generally, these string-on straps telescopically extend as content or pages are added to the album. These string-on straps may not be esthetically pleasing and, thus, adjustable covering devices are typically added. Additionally, the album sheets must be removed from the strap to rearrange the order of the album sheets within the album. Specifically, to remove, rearrange and/or insert album sheets within the string-on strap album and/or the post album, all of the album sheets have to be individually removed from the strap or the extendable screws and/or bushings to insert an album sheet in a particular location within either of these albums. Thus, the holes of the album sheets have a tendency to tear. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIGS. 1 and 2  depict different views of an example album including a plurality of spine elements. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  depicts example album covers separated from the plurality of spine elements. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  depicts an example first spine element separated from an example second spine element, the second spine element having an example retaining bar attached thereto. 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  depicts the first spine element, the second spine element and the retaining bar removed from the second spine element. 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  depicts a detailed view of one of the pegs of the second spine element of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  depicts a detailed view of an example rib and groove of the example first spine element of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 8  depicts a detailed view of an example rib and groove of the example second spine element of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 9  depicts a detailed view of a groove defined by the first spine element of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 10  depicts a detailed view of an extension of the second spine element of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 11  depicts an end of the first spine element of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 12  depicts an end of the second spine element of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 13  depicts ends of the first and second spine elements of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 14  depicts ends of the first and second spine elements of  FIG. 5  coupled together. 
           [0018]      FIG. 15  depicts an example spine including a plurality of example spine elements. 
           [0019]      FIG. 16  depicts an example interior of the example spine of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 17  depicts a side of the example spine elements and sheets. 
           [0021]      FIG. 18  depicts a cross-sectional view along R-R of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 19  depicts a first side of an example spine element. 
           [0023]      FIG. 20  depicts a second side of the example spine element of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 21  depicts a different view of the first side of the example spine element of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 22  depicts a cross-sectional view along A-A of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 23  depicts a cross-sectional view along B-B of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 24  depicts a cross-sectional view along C-C of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 25  depicts a first end of the example spine element of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 26  depicts a second end of the example spine element of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 27  depicts a different view of the second side of the example spine element of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 28  depicts a cross-sectional view along D-D of  FIG. 27 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 29  depicts a top view of the example spine element of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 30  depicts an exploded view of the example spine element of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0034]      FIGS. 31 and 32  depict different views of an example first portion. 
           [0035]      FIG. 33  depicts a different view of the first portion of the example spine element. 
           [0036]      FIG. 34  depicts a cross-sectional view along G-G of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 35  depicts a cross-sectional view along H-H of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 36  depicts a cross-sectional view along I-I of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 37  depicts a cross-sectional view along J-J of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0040]      FIGS. 38-41  depict different views of example pegs. 
           [0041]      FIG. 42  depicts a view of the first side of an example second portion. 
           [0042]      FIG. 43  depicts a detailed view of a portion of  FIG. 42 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 44  depicts a view of the second side of the example second portion. 
           [0044]      FIG. 45  depicts a detailed view of a portion of  FIG. 44 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 46  depicts a view of the first side of the example second portion. 
           [0046]      FIG. 47  depicts a cross-sectional view along K-K of  FIG. 46 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 48  depicts a cross-sectional view along L-L of  FIG. 46 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 49  depicts a cross-sectional view along M-M of  FIG. 46 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 50  depicts a cross-sectional view along N-N of  FIG. 46 . 
           [0050]      FIGS. 51-54  depict various views of two of the example spine element in the process of being coupled together. 
           [0051]      FIGS. 55-58  depict various views of two of the example spine elements in the process of being coupled together. 
           [0052]      FIGS. 59-62  depict various views of two of the example spine elements coupled together. 
           [0053]      FIG. 63  depicts an example retaining bar. 
           [0054]      FIG. 64  depicts a partial view of one of the example spine elements. 
           [0055]      FIG. 65  depicts a partial view of one of the example spine elements. 
           [0056]      FIG. 66  depicts one of the example spine elements. 
           [0057]      FIG. 67  depicts a cross-sectional view along S-S of  FIG. 66 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 68  depicts two of the example spine elements in the process of being coupled together. 
           [0059]      FIG. 69  depicts an example spine element. 
           [0060]      FIGS. 70-73  depict different views of an example peg. 
           [0061]      FIG. 74  depicts a partial view of an example second portion. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0062]    Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. In describing these examples, like or identical reference numbers are used to identify common or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and/or conciseness. Additionally, several examples have been described throughout this specification. Any features from any example may be included with, a replacement for, or otherwise combined with other features from other examples. 
         [0063]    The examples described herein relate to binders or albums that can be used in work related activities, recreational activities, etc., to conveniently store items or materials. The example albums described herein include a spine whose width can be customized and/or varied to suit a particular application or use. The spine may include a plurality of spine elements that may be detachably coupled to one another. Adding spine elements to the spine increases the width of the spine and enables additional content to be contained within the album. Removing spine elements from the spine decreases the width of the spine and enables less content to be contained within the album. In some examples, the order in which the spine elements are positioned within the spine may be rearranged to change the order in which content contained in the album is presented. 
         [0064]      FIG. 1  depicts an example album or binder  100  that can be used for storing similar or different items or materials. In some examples, the items or materials may include documents, inserts, sleeves, photos, etc. In some examples, the items or materials may be of similar or different size, shape, thickness, etc. 
         [0065]    The album  100  includes a first cover  102 , a second cover  104  and a spine  106 . In some examples, the spine  106  includes first and second partial spine elements  108  and  110  and a plurality of spine elements  112 . The partial spine elements  108  and  110  may be different from one another and may be coupled to the respective cover  102  or  104  using fasteners  114  and/or adhesive, for example. However, in some examples, the partial spine elements  108  or  110  may be integral to the respective cover  102  or  104 . The plurality of spine elements  112  may be substantially similar to one another. 
         [0066]    In some examples, the partial spine elements  108  and  110  may be detachably or removably coupled to one of the plurality of spine elements  112  adjacent thereto. In some examples, the partial spine elements  108  and  110  may be detachably or removably coupled to one another such that the spine  106  is relatively small. The spine elements  112  may be detachably or removably coupled to one of the spine elements  112  adjacent thereto or, depending on the position of the respective spine element  112 , to the first and/or second partial spine elements  108  or  110 . 
         [0067]    The size of the spine  106  may be changed to accommodate additional or less items or materials by changing the number of the spine elements  112  (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) included in the spine  106 . In some examples, the first partial spine element  108  may be detached from the spine element  112  adjacent thereto and then one or more of the spine elements  112  may be added to or removed from the plurality of spine elements  112 . The first partial spine element  108  may then be reattached to the adjacent spine element  112  or, if no spine elements  112  are provided, to the second partial spine element  110 . In some examples, the second partial spine element  110  may be detached from the spine element  112  adjacent thereto and then one or more of the spine elements  112  may be added to or removed from the plurality of spine elements  112 . The second partial spine element  110  may then be reattached to the adjacent spine element  112  or, if no spine elements  112  are provided, to the first partial spine element  108 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 2  depicts the album  100  having the covers  102  and  104  open illustrating an interior  202  of the spine  106 . At least some of the spine elements  108 ,  110  and/or  112  include posts, extensions, pins or pegs  204 . In some examples, the pegs  204  at least partially facilitate coupling with the adjacent spine element  112  and/or the partial spine element  108  and/or  110 . In some examples, the pegs  204  facilitate the retaining of items and/or materials within the album  100 . The items and/or materials may be positioned within a gap  206  that is defined between each of the spine elements  112  and/or the partial spine elements  108  and/or  110 . The items or materials may be secured within the respective gap  206  via the pegs  204 . In some examples, a retaining bar or compressor bar  208  is positioned within the gap  206 . The retaining bar  208  may urge the items or materials within the gap  206  against one of the respective spine elements  112  and/or the partial spine elements  108  and/or  110 . Thus, the items or materials may be substantially prevented from being loose within the gap  206  and the album  100 . In some examples, the retaining bar  208  may be made of metal, plastic, etc. The retaining bar  208  may include a curvature that may slightly deform (e.g., elastically deform) when positioned in the gap  206 . The deformation of the retaining bar  208  may bias the items or materials within the gap  206 , for example. 
         [0069]      FIG. 3  depicts the album  100  in which the partial spine elements  108  and  110  and, thus, the covers  102  and  104  are detached from the spine elements  112 . In some examples, the first partial element  108  defines recesses or openings  302  that interact with the pegs  204  to at least partially facilitate coupling with the adjacent spine element  112  and/or the second partial spine element  110 . 
         [0070]    The spine elements  112  may define the openings  302  substantially opposite or adjacent to the pegs  204  of the same spine element  112 . The openings  302  of the spine elements  112  interact with the pegs  204  of another spine element  112  and/or the second partial spine element  110  to at least partially facilitate coupling with the adjacent spine element  112  and/or the second partial spine element  110 , for example. In some examples, the second partial spine element  110  includes the pegs  204  that interact with the openings  302  of the adjacent spine element  112  and/or the first partial spine element  108  to at least partially facilitate coupling therewith. 
         [0071]      FIG. 4  depicts first and second spine elements  402  and  404  that are detached from one another. A first side  406  of the first spine element  402  is depicted and a second side  408  of the second spine element  404  is depicted. In some examples, the first spine element  402  may have a second side opposite the first side  406  that is similar to the second side  408  of the second spine element  404 . In some examples, the second spine element  404  may have a first side opposite the second side  408  that is similar to the first side  406  of the first spine element  402 . Thus, the first and second spine elements  402  and  404  may be substantially similar to one another. The first side  406  may be substantially similar to the first partial spine element  108  and the second side  408  may be substantially similar to the second partial spine element  110 , for example. 
         [0072]    In some examples, the first spine element  402  and/or the second spine element  404  may include a first portion  410  made of a plastic material and a second portion  412  made of a metal material. The first portion  410  may be coupled to the second portion  412  using fasteners  414  and/or by pre-tensioning the second portion  412  prior to coupling with the first portion  410 , for example. The first portion  410  may be coupled to the second portion  412  by providing the second portion  412  with tabs  416  that interact with the first portion  410  and/or by providing the first portion  410  with tabs  418  that interact with openings  420  defined by the second portion  412 , for example. 
         [0073]    As described in more detail below, the spine elements and/or the partial spine elements may include one or more features that enable coupling with and/or stability relative to the adjacent spine element and/or partial spine element(s). In some examples, the first side  406  includes the openings  302  that interact with the pegs  204  of the second side  408  to at least partially facilitate coupling with and/or stability relative to the second spine element  404 . In some examples, the first side  406  includes a groove and rib  422  that interacts with a corresponding groove and rib  424  of the second side  408  to at least partially facilitate coupling with and/or stability relative to the second spine element  404 . In some examples, the first side  406  defines a groove  426  that interacts with an extension  428  of the second side  408  to at least partially facilitate coupling with and/or stability relative to the second spine element  404 . In some examples, ends  430  and  432  of the first side  406  interact with respective ends  434  and  436  of the second side  408  to at least partially facilitate coupling with and/or stability relative to the second spine element  404 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 5  depicts the first and second spine elements  402  and  404  with the retaining bar  208  removed from the second spine element  404 . The retaining bar  208  defines openings or apertures  502  that interact with the pegs  204  to secure the retaining bar  208  relative to the second spine element  404 . In some examples, the apertures  502  may include a first portion  504  and a second portion  506  that is a different size and/or shape than the first portion  504 . The first portion  504  enables the respective peg  204  to be positioned through the aperture  502 . After the retaining bar  208  is moved relative to the pegs  204 , a surface  508  adjacent the second portion  506  interacts with the respective peg  204  to secure the retaining bar  208  relative to the second spine element  404 , for example. 
         [0075]    In some examples, the openings  302  may include a first portion  510  and a second portion  512  that is a different size and/or shape than the first portion  510 . The first portion  510  enables the respective peg  204  to be positioned through the opening  302 . After the spine elements  402  and  404  are moved relative to one another, an interior surface or lip  514  adjacent the second portion  512  interacts with the respective peg  204  to at least partially facilitate coupling with and/or stability relative to the second spine element  404 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 6  depicts a detailed view of one of the pegs  204  on the second side  408  of the second spine element  404 . The peg  204  may include a head  602  and a central portion  604  coupled to and/or integral with the second side  408 . 
         [0077]    In some examples, the head  602  may have a substantially flat top surface  606  and/or may include a tapered surface  608  that substantially surrounds a perimeter of the head  602 . The head  602  may be sized to be positioned through the first portion  510  ( FIG. 5 ) of the opening  302  ( FIG. 5 ) and/or the first portion  504  ( FIG. 5 ) of the aperture  502  ( FIG. 5 ). In some examples, the head  602  may include a substantially flat bottom surface  610  opposite the top surface  606 . Once positioned in the second portion  514 , the bottom surface  610  may interact with the interior surface  514  ( FIG. 5 ) to at least partially facilitate coupling with and/or stability relative to the first spine element  402  ( FIG. 5 ). 
         [0078]    The central portion  604  may be sized to be positioned substantially within the second portion  512  ( FIG. 5 ) of the opening  302  ( FIG. 5 ) and/or the second portion  506  ( FIG. 5 ) of the aperture  502  ( FIG. 5 ). In some examples, the central portion  604  may include a substantially rectangular portion  612  having an end coupled to the head  602  and a tapered portion  614  coupled between the rectangular portion  612  and the second side  408 , for example. 
         [0079]    In practice, the heads  602  of the pegs  204  may be inserted into the first portion  510  ( FIG. 5 ) of the respective openings  302  ( FIG. 5 ) until the bottom surface  610  is beneath the interior surface  514  ( FIG. 5 ). The spine elements  402  and  404  ( FIG. 5 ) may then be longitudinally moved relative to one another, thereby positioning the central portion  604  substantially within the second portion  512  ( FIG. 5 ) and the bottom surface  610  adjacent to and/or engaging the interior surface  514  ( FIG. 5 ). The interaction between the bottom surface  610  and the interior surface  514  ( FIG. 5 ) substantially prevents the pegs  204  from being removed from the respective openings  302  ( FIG. 5 ). 
         [0080]      FIG. 7  depicts a detailed view of the groove and rib  422  of the first spine element  402 . In some examples, the groove and rib  422  includes a groove  702  defined by the first portion  410  and/or the second portion  412 . The portion of the groove  702  defined by the first portion  410  may be slightly curved or arch shaped; however, any other suitable shape may be used instead. In some examples, the groove and rib  422  includes a rib  704  of the second portion  412  that may slightly extend past an edge  706  of the first portion  410 . The rib  704  may at least partially define the groove  702 . In some examples, the second portion  412  may intermittently extend past the edge  706  and provide the rib  704 . Thus, some sections  708  of the groove  702  may not be defined by the second portion  412 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 8  depicts a detailed view of the groove and rib  424  of the second spine element  404 . In some examples, the groove and rib  424  includes a groove  802  defined by the first portion  410 . In some examples, the groove and rib  424  includes a rib  804  that at least partially defines the groove  802 . 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in practice, the rib  704  is to be at least partially positioned within the groove  802  and the rib  804  is to be at least partially positioned in the groove  702 . The interaction between the grooves and ribs  422  and  424  at least partially enables the spine elements  402  and  404  to be coupled together and/or relatively stable relative to one another, for example. 
         [0083]      FIG. 9  depicts a detailed view of the groove  426  of the first spine element  402 . In some examples, the groove  426  may be defined by the first portion  410 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 10  depicts a detailed view of the extension  428  of the second spine element  404 . In some examples, the extension  428  may extend from the first portion  410 . Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , in practice, the extension  428  is to be at least partially positioned in the groove  426 . The interaction between the extension  428  and the groove  426  at least partially enables the spine elements  402  and  404  to be relatively stable relative to one another, for example. 
         [0085]      FIG. 11  depicts a detailed view of the end  430  of the first spine element  402 . The end  430  includes a biasing or locking element or mechanism  1102 . The locking element  1102  may be part of the first portion  410 . In some examples, the locking element  1102  may be biased by a tab (not shown) formed from the second portion  412  and positioned beneath the locking element  1102 . The interaction between the tab and the locking element  1102  may urge the locking element  1102  toward an edge  1104  of the second portion  412 , for example. In some examples, the locking element  1102  includes a tapered surface  1106  and a step  1108  that may facilitate coupling with and/or stability relative to the second spine element  404 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 12  depicts a detailed view of the end  434  of the second spine element  404 . The end  434  includes an extension or step  1202  having a first edge  1204 , a second edge  1206  and a surface  1208 . In some examples, the first edge  1204  may be adjacent to a tapered surface (not shown) that corresponds to the tapered surface  1106  of the locking element  1102 . Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , in practice, as the locking element  1102  is moved toward the step  1202 , the tapered surface  1106  may engage the first edge  1204 , which compresses the locking element  1102 . The second spine element  404  may be further moved relative to the first spine element  402  until the step  1108  of the locking element  1102  is positioned adjacent to the second edge  1206 . Once past the second edge  1206 , the locking element  1102  may extend such that a surface  1110  of the locking element  1102  is positioned adjacent to the surface  1208 . The interaction between the locking element  1102  and the step  1202  at least partially enables the spine elements  402  and  404  to be coupled and/or relatively stable relative to one another, for example. 
         [0087]      FIG. 13  depicts the ends  432  and  436  of the spine elements  402  and  404 . The end  432  includes a step  1302  that corresponds to a notch  1304  defined by the end  436 . In some examples, the step  1302  includes first thru fourth surfaces  1306 - 1312  that correspond to first thru fourth surfaces  1314 - 1320  of the notch  1304 . 
         [0088]    In practice, when the locking element  110  is secured relative to the step  1202 , the step  1302  and the notch  1304  engage. The interaction between the step  1302  and the notch  1304  at least partially enables the spine elements  402  and  404  to be coupled and/or relatively stable relative to one another, for example. 
         [0089]      FIG. 14  depicts the ends  430  and  434  of the first and second spine elements  402  and  404  coupled together. The locking element  1102  is positioned adjacent to the surface  1208  of the step  1202  to at least partially couple the first spine element  402  and the second spine element  404 . In some examples, a tab or biasing element  1402  is positioned adjacent the locking element  1102  to urge the locking element  1102  into engagement with the surface  1208 . In some examples, the portion of the groove  702  defined by the first spine element  402  may be a curved surface. 
         [0090]      FIG. 15  depicts an example spine  1500  including a plurality of example spine elements  1502  that may be used for storing similar or different sheets  1504 , for example. The spine elements  1502  may be detachably or removably coupled to one of the spine elements  1502  adjacent thereto, for example. As discussed above, the size of the spine  1500  may be changed to accommodate additional or less items or materials by changing the number of the spine elements  1502  (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). While not shown, covers may be detachably or removably coupled to the spine elements  1502  as described above. 
         [0091]      FIG. 16  depicts an interior  1602  of the spine  1500  having the sheets  1504  extending therefrom. At least some of the spine elements  1502  include posts, extensions, pins or pegs  1604 . In some examples, the pegs  1604  at least partially facilitate coupling with the spine elements  1502 . In some examples, the pegs  1604  facilitate the retaining of the sheets  1504  relative to the spine elements  1502 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 17  depicts a side view of the spine elements  1502  and the sheets  1504 . In some examples, the sheet  1504  defines a plurality of apertures  1704  that may be similarly or differently sized. The apertures  1704  are sized to enable one of the pegs  1604  to extend through the respective aperture  1704 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 18  depicts a cross-sectional view along R-R of  FIG. 17 . In some examples, the spine elements  1502  may include a first portion  1802  made of a plastic material and a second portion  1804  made of a metal material. The first portion  1802  may be coupled to the second portion  1804  in any suitable way. While the spine elements  1502  are depicted as including two portions, the spine elements  1502  may include any number of portions (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) made of any number of materials (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.). 
         [0094]    The pegs  1604  may interact with openings  1806  defined by an adjacent spine element  1502  to enable the spine elements  1502  to be coupled and/or relatively stable relative to one another. The pegs  1604  may include an extension or body  1808  and a lip, tab or head  1810 , for example. In some examples, the extension  1808  may extend substantially perpendicularly from a surface  1812  of the spine element  1502 . In some examples, the lip  1810  may be coupled to an end of the extension  1808 . The lip  1810  may include a surface  1814  that interacts with an interior surface  1816  of the spine element  1502  adjacent thereto once the peg  1604  is positioned in the opening  1806 . The interaction between the peg  1604  and the interior surface  1816  substantially prevents the pegs  1604  from being removed from the respective opening  1806 , for example. 
         [0095]    The sheets  1504  may be positioned within one or more gaps  1818  defined between each of the spine elements  1502 . The sheets  1504  may be secured within the respective gap  1818  via the pegs  1604 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 19  depicts a first side  1900  of an example spine element  1902 . The first side  1900  of the spine element  1902  may include one or more features that enable coupling with and/or stability relative to an adjacent spine element  1502 . In some examples, the first side  1900  includes a plurality of pegs  1904  and/or a plurality of groove(s) or slot(s)  1906 . In some examples, the first side  1900  includes a notch  1908 , a locking fixture  1910  and/or a groove and rib  1912 . The pegs  1904 , the groove  1906 , the notch  1908 , the locking fixture  1910  and/or the groove and rib  1912  of the first side  1900  may interact with corresponding surfaces or structures of an opposing side of an adjacent spine element, for example. 
         [0097]    In some examples, a structure or block  1914  adjacent the groove  1906  may provide additional reinforcement and additional stability for an adjacent spine element  1902  coupled thereto. In some examples, the structure  1914  defines an opening  1916  of the groove  1906  to enable a rib or lug of an adjacent spine element to enter and/or be positioned within the groove  1906 . In some examples, the structure  1914  includes a surface  1918  that may be engaged by a rib or lug of an adjacent spine element once positioned within the groove  1906 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 20  depicts a second side  2000  of the example spine element  1902 . The second side  2000  of the spine element  1902  may include one or more features that enable coupling with and/or stability relative to an adjacent spine element  1502 . In some examples, the second side  2000  includes a plurality of first openings  2002  and/or a plurality of second openings  2004 . In some examples, the second side  2000  includes an extension  2005 , a biasing or locking element  2006  and/or a groove and rib  2008 . The openings  2002 , the openings  2004 , the extension  2005 , the locking element  2006  and/or the groove and rib  2008  of the second side  2000  may interact with corresponding surfaces or structures of an opposing side of an adjacent spine element, for example. 
         [0099]      FIG. 21  depicts a different view of the first side  1900  of the spine element  1902 . In some examples, a portion of the locking element  2006  of the second side  2000  may be adjacent to the first side  1900 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 22  depicts a cross-sectional view along A-A of  FIG. 21  that illustrates a detailed view of the locking element  2006  and the locking fixture  1910 . The locking element  2006  and the locking fixture  1910  may be made of similar or different materials. In some examples, the locking element  2006  and the locking fixture  1910  may be part of the first portion  1802  and may be made of a plastic material. 
         [0101]    The locking element  2006  may be positioned between opposing surfaces  2202  and  2204  of the second portion  1804 . In some examples, the second portion  1804 , via the surface  2202 , may bias the locking element  2006  in a direction generally indicated by arrow  2206 . In some examples, the locking element  2006  may be elastic and/or elastically deformable. 
         [0102]    The locking element  2006  may include a tapered surface  2208  and a step  2210  that may interact with corresponding surfaces of an opposing side of an adjacent spine element. 
         [0103]    The locking fixture  1910  includes a ramp or tapered surface  2212  and a locking surface  2214  that may interact with corresponding surfaces of an opposing side of an adjacent spine element. 
         [0104]    In practice, as opposing sides (e.g., the first side, the second side) of two adjacent substantially similar spine elements  1902  are moved relative to one another, the tapered surface  2208  of the locking element  2006  of one of the spine elements  1902  may engage the tapered surface  2212  of the locking fixture  1910  of the other one of the spine elements  1902  compressing the locking element  2006  (e.g., moves the locking element in a direction substantially opposite the direction generally indicated by arrow  2206 ). The spine elements  1502  may be further moved relative to one another until an edge  2216  of the locking element  2006  is past an edge  2218  of the locking fixture  1910 . Once past the edge  2218 , the locking element  2006  may extend such that the step  2210  is positioned adjacent to the locking surface  2114 . The interaction between the locking element  2006  and the locking fixture  1910  at least partially enables the spine elements  1502  to be coupled and/or relatively stable relative to one another, for example. 
         [0105]      FIG. 23  depicts a cross-sectional view along B-B of  FIG. 21  that illustrates a detailed view of the groove and rib  1912  of the first side  1900  and the groove and rib  2008  of the second side  2000 . 
         [0106]    In some examples, the groove and rib  1912  includes a groove or channel  2302  defined by the first portion  1802 . In some examples, the groove and rib  1912  includes a rib  2304  that at least partially defines the groove  2302 . The rib  2304  may include a corner  2306  and a curved surface  2308 . 
         [0107]    In some examples, the groove and rib  2008  includes a groove  2310  defined by the first portion  1802  and the second portion  1804 . The portion of the groove  2310  defined by the first portion  1802  includes a curved surface  2312 ; however, any other suitable shape may be used instead. In some examples, the groove and rib  422  includes a rib or lug  2314  of the second portion  1804  that may slightly extend past an edge  2316  of the first portion  1802 . The rib  2314  may at least partially define the groove  2310 . 
         [0108]    In practice, as opposing sides of two adjacent substantially similar spine elements  1902  are interacting with to one another, the rib  2314  may be at least partially positioned within the groove  2302  and the rib  2304  is to be at least partially within the groove  2310 . In some examples, the corner  2306  of the rib  2304  facilitates the initial positioning of the rib  2304  relative to the groove  2310 . In some examples, the curved surface  2308  of the rib  2304  corresponds to the curved surface  2312  of the groove  2310 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 24  depicts a cross-sectional view along C-C of  FIG. 21  that illustrates a detailed view of the groove  1906  of the first side  1900  and the groove and rib  2008  of the second side  2000 . 
         [0110]    In some examples, the groove  1906  is defined by the first portion  1802 . In some examples, a rib  2402  of the first portion  1802  at least partially defines the groove  1906 . The rib  2402  may include a corner  2404  and a curved surface  2406 . 
         [0111]    In some examples, the rib  2314  of the groove and rib  2008  may be part of the second portion  1804 . In some examples, a groove  2408  is positioned adjacent to the rib  2314 . The groove  2408  may be defined by a curved surface  2410  of the first portion  1802  and the rib  2314 . 
         [0112]    In practice, as opposing sides of two adjacent substantially similar spine elements  1902  are interacting with one another and/or moved to a final locking position, the rib  2314  may be at least partially positioned within the groove  1906  and the rib  2402  is to be at least partially within the groove  2408 . In some examples, the corner  2404  of the rib  2402  is to be positioned adjacent to a corner  2411  defined by the curved surface  2410  and the rib  2314 . In some examples, the curved surface  2406  of the rib  2402  corresponds to the curved surface  2410  of the groove  2408 . 
         [0113]      FIG. 25  depicts a first end  2500  of the spine element  1902  having the notch  908 .  FIG. 26  depicts a second end  2600  of the spine element  1902  having the locking element  2006 . 
         [0114]      FIG. 27  depicts a different view of the second side  2000  of the spine element  1902 . In some examples, locking elements  2700  may be positioned in an interior of the second portion  1804  adjacent the openings  2002 . The locking elements  2700  may be pins that are welded or riveted within the respective openings  2002 , for example. In such examples, when the pegs  1904  are positioned in the openings  2002 , the interaction between the pegs  1904  and the locking elements  2700  may additionally secure and/or position the pegs  1904  within the opening  2002 , for example. 
         [0115]    In some examples, tabs or snapper ramps  2702  of the first portion  1802  may interact with openings  2704  of second portion  1804  to secure and/or couple the portions  1802  and  1804  together. The interaction between the tabs  2702  and the respective opening  2704  may enable the portions  1802  and  1804  to be secured relative to one another without the use of fasteners, for example. 
         [0116]      FIG. 28  depicts a cross-sectional view along D-D of  FIG. 27  that illustrates a detailed view of one of the openings  2704  of the second portion  1804  and one of the tabs  2702  of the first portion  1802 . The second portion  1804  may at least partially have a U-shaped profile. In some examples, the tab  2702  includes a tapered or inclined surface  2802  and a step  2804 . In practice, the portions  1802  and  1804  may be moved relative to one another such that an end  2806  of the second portion  1804  engages the tapered surface  2802 . This engagement may elastically deform the second portion  1804  until a surface or edge  2808  of the opening  2704  is past the tapered surface  2802 . The end  2806  may then be positioned adjacent to the step  2804  at least partially securing the portions  1802  and  1804  together. 
         [0117]      FIG. 29  depicts a top view of the spine element  1902 . 
         [0118]      FIG. 30  depicts an exploded view of the spine element  1902 . The first portion  1802  is separated from the second portion  1804 . The pegs  1904  are separated from the second portion  1804 . In some examples, the second portion  1804  may define a plurality of apertures  3000  to facilitate coupling with the pegs  1904 . The apertures  3000  may be semi-circular in shape or any other shape such as a circle, oval, square, rectangle, etc. A portion of the pegs  1904  may correspond to the shape of the apertures  3000  and at least partially extend into the aperture  3000  to facilitate coupling. 
         [0119]    In some examples, an edge and/or profile  3002  of the second portion  1804  corresponds to a surface and/or profile  3004  of the first portion  1802  to facilitate coupling therewith. 
         [0120]      FIGS. 31 and 32  depict different views of the first portion  1802 . 
         [0121]      FIG. 33  depicts a different view of the first portion  1802 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 34  depicts a cross-sectional view along G-G of  FIG. 33  that illustrates a detailed view of the locking element  2006  and the locking fixture  1910 . 
         [0123]      FIG. 35  depicts a cross-sectional view along H-H of  FIG. 33  that illustrates a detailed view of one of the tabs  2702  of the first portion  1802 . 
         [0124]      FIG. 36  depicts a cross-sectional view along I-I of  FIG. 33  that illustrates a detailed view of the groove  1906  and the tab  2702 . 
         [0125]      FIG. 37  depicts a cross-sectional view along J-J of  FIG. 33  that illustrates a detailed view of the groove and rib  1912  and the groove  2310 . 
         [0126]      FIGS. 38-41  depict different views of the pegs  1904 . In some examples the peg  1904  includes a portion or semi-circular extension  3800  that may be positioned in the apertures  3000  to facilitate coupling therewith. In some examples, the peg  1904  includes a body  3802  and a head  3804 . While the body  3802  is depicted as having a semi-circular cross-section, the body  3802  may have any other shape and/or cross-section such as circular, rectangular, etc. 
         [0127]    The head  3804  may extend substantially perpendicularly from a surface  3806  of the body  3802 , for example. In some examples, the head  3804  includes a first surface  3808  and a second surface  3810 . The first surface  3808  may be substantially parallel to a lateral axis  3812  of the peg  1904 , for example. The second surface  3810  may be at a substantially non-parallel angle relative to the lateral axis  3812  of the peg  1904 . The angle of the second surface  3810  may facilitate relatively easy interaction and/or locking between the peg  1904  and the opening  2002 , for example. The angle of the second surface  3810  may facilitate relatively easy interaction and/or locking between the peg  1904  and the openings of a retaining bar, for example. While a particular angle of the second surface  3810  is depicted, the second surface  3810  may be at any other angle including a substantially parallel angle relative to the lateral axis  3812 , for example. 
         [0128]      FIG. 42  depicts a view of the first side  1900  of the second portion  1804  and  FIG. 43  depicts a detailed view of one of the apertures  3000 , which is circled on  FIG. 42  and identified by “E”. 
         [0129]      FIG. 44  depicts a view of the second side  2000  of the second portion  1804  and  FIG. 45  depicts a detailed view of one of the openings  2002 , which is circled on  FIG. 44  and identified by “F”. 
         [0130]      FIG. 46  depicts a view of the first side  1900  of the second portion  1804 .  FIG. 47  depicts a cross-sectional view of the second portion  1804  along K-K of  FIG. 46 .  FIG. 48  depicts a cross-sectional view of the second portion  1804  along L-L of  FIG. 46 .  FIG. 49  depicts a cross-sectional view of the second portion  1804  along M-M of  FIG. 46 .  FIG. 50  depicts a cross-sectional view of the second portion  1804  along N-N of  FIG. 46 . 
         [0131]      FIGS. 51-54  depict various views of two of the spine elements  1902  in the process (e.g., the initial or first stage) of being coupled together. To facilitate this coupling, some of the features of first side  1900  of one of the spine elements  1902  interact with some of the features of the second side  2000  of the other one of the spine elements  1902 . To initiate the coupling between the spine elements  1902 , the spine elements  1902  may at least initially be offset relative to one another and may be positioned at a non-parallel angle  5402  relative to one another (shown most clearly in  FIGS. 53 and 54 ). 
         [0132]    In some examples, at least when the spine elements  1902  are positioned at the non-parallel angle  5402  relative to one another, the structure  1914  of the first side  1900  may interact with the openings  2004  of the second side  2000 . In some examples, at least when the spine elements  1902  are positioned at the non-parallel angle  5402  relative to one another, the groove and rib  1912  of the first side  1900  may interact with the groove and rib  2008  of the second side  2000 . 
         [0133]      FIG. 53  clearly depicts the interaction between the structure  1914  and the opening  2004 .  FIG. 54  is a cross-sectional view along O-O of  FIG. 51  and clearly depicts the interaction between the rib  2304  and the groove  2408 , the interaction between the curved surfaces  2308  and  2410  and the interaction between the rib  2314  and the groove  2302 , for example. 
         [0134]      FIGS. 55-58  depict various views of two of the spine elements  1902  in the process (e.g., the next or second stage) of being coupled together. To move from the first stage depicted in  FIGS. 51-54 , to the second stage depicted in  FIGS. 55-58 , the spine elements  1902  may be pivoted relative to one another such that spine elements  1902  are substantially parallel to one another. As the spine elements  1902  are moved relative to one another, the pegs  1904  of one of the spine elements  1902  move toward the openings  2002  of the other one of the spine elements  1902 . In the position depicted in  FIGS. 55-58 , the spine elements  1902  may be laterally displaced and/or offset relative to one another, for example. 
         [0135]    Once the spine elements  1902  are substantially parallel, the head  3804  of the peg  1904  enters or is at least partially positioned within a first portion  5702  of the respective opening  2002 . The first portion  5702  may be sized to receive the head  3804  of the peg  1904 . As discussed above, the openings  2002  may have the first portion  5702  and a second portion  5704  different from the first portion  5702 . In some examples, once the spine elements  1902  are further moved relative to one another, as discussed below, an interior surface  5802  adjacent the second portion  5704  interacts with the head  3804  to substantially prevent the peg  1904  from being removed from the opening  2002 .  FIG. 58  is a cross-sectional view along P-P of  FIG. 55 . 
         [0136]      FIGS. 59-62  depict various views of two of the spine elements  1902  in the process (e.g., the next, third or last stage) of being and/or coupled together. To move from the second stage depicted in  FIGS. 55-58 , to the third stage depicted in  FIGS. 59-62 , the spine elements  1902  may be longitudinally moved relative to one another such that the spine elements  1902  are no longer offset relative to one another and/or respective ends  5902  and  5904  may be substantially flush with one another, for example. 
         [0137]    As the spine elements  1902  are moved relative to one another, the head  3804  moves to be substantially within the second portion  5704  of the opening  2002 , the locking element  2006  engages and/or is secured via the locking fixture  1910  and the extension  2005  engages the notch  1908 . In some examples, in the position depicted in  FIGS. 59-62 , the pegs  1904  interact with the openings  2002 , the ribs  2314  interact with the groove  1906 , the locking element  2006  interacts with the locking fixture  1910 , the notch  1908  interacts with the extension  2005  and/or the groove and rib  1912  interact with the groove and rib  2008 . All or some of these features enable the spine elements  1902  to be coupled and/or relatively stable relative to one another.  FIG. 62  depicts a cross-sectional view along Q-Q of  FIG. 59 . 
         [0138]      FIG. 63  depicts an example retaining bar  6300  that may be used in connection with the examples described herein. The retaining bar  6300  may be used to secure items or materials relative to the spine elements  1902 , for example. In some examples, the retaining bar  6300  may be made of metal, plastic, etc. In some examples, the retaining bar  6300  may be elastically deformable and/or made of an elastic material. 
         [0139]    The retaining bar  6300  may define a first aperture  6302 , a second aperture  6304  and a third aperture  6306 . The first and third apertures  6302  and  6306  may be substantially similar to one another. The second aperture  6304  may be different than the first and third apertures  6302  and  6306 . 
         [0140]    In some examples, the first and third apertures  6302  and  6306  may include a first portion  6308  and a second portion  6310 . The first portion  6308  may be sized to enable the peg  1904  to extend therethrough. The second portion  6310  may be sized such that a surface  6312  adjacent the second portion  6310  interacts with the respective peg  1904  to at least partially secure the retaining bar  6300  relative to the pegs  1904 , for example. 
         [0141]    In some examples, the second aperture  6304  includes a first portion  6314  and a second portion  6316 . A tab or extension  6318  may be positioned between the portions  6314  and  6316 , for example. The first portion  6314  may be sized to enable the peg  1904  to extend therethrough. The second portion  6316  may be sized such that a surface  6320  adjacent the second portion  6316  interacts with the respective peg  1904  to at least partially secure the retaining bar  6300  relative to the pegs  1904 . The tab  6318  may interact with the peg  1904  to substantially prevent the retaining bar from inadvertently moving between the portions  6314  and  6316 , for example. In practice, the pegs  1904  may be positioned such that they extend through the apertures  6302 - 6306 . The retaining bar  6300  may then be moved relative to the pegs  1904  to position the pegs  1904  in the respective second portions  6310 ,  6316 , for example. 
         [0142]      FIG. 64  depicts a partial view of one of the spine elements  1902 . The pegs  1904  are extending through one of the sheets  1504  and are positioned in the first portion  6308  and  6314  of the respective apertures  6302 ,  6306 . 
         [0143]      FIG. 65  depicts a partial view of one of the spine elements  1902 . The pegs  1904  are extending through one of the sheets  1504  and are positioned in the second portion  6310  and  6316  of the respective apertures  6302 ,  6304 . 
         [0144]      FIG. 66  depicts one of the spine elements  1902 . The pegs  1904  are extending through one of the sheets  1504  and are positioned in the second portion  6310  and  6316  of the respective apertures  6302 - 6306 . 
         [0145]      FIG. 67  depicts a cross-sectional view along S-S of  FIG. 66  that illustrates the interaction between the retaining bar  6300 , one of the pegs  1904 , the sheet  1504  and the spine element  1902 . 
         [0146]      FIG. 68  depicts two of the spine elements  1902  in the process (e.g., the initial or first stage) of being coupled together. The pegs  1904  are extending through one of the sheets  1504  and the respective apertures  6302 - 6306  of the retaining bar  6300 . Once the spine elements  1902  are coupled together, the sheet  1504  will be retained within a gap defined between the adjacent spine elements  1902  and the retaining bar  6300  will substantially prevent the sheet  1504  from being loose within the gap, for example. 
         [0147]      FIG. 69  depicts an example spine element  6900  having example posts, extensions, pins or pegs  6902 . 
         [0148]      FIGS. 70-73  depict different views of the pegs  6902 . In some examples, the peg  6902  includes a portion  7000  that may be positioned in apertures defined by the spine element  6900  to facilitate coupling therewith. In some examples, the peg  6902  may include a body  7002  and a head  7004 . The head  7004  may extend substantially perpendicularly from opposing surfaces  7006  and  7008  of the body  7002 , for example. 
         [0149]    In some examples, the head  7004  includes a first surface  7010  and a second surface  7012 . The first surface  7010  may be substantially parallel to a lateral axis  7014  of the peg  6902 , for example. The second surface  7012  may be at a substantially non-parallel angle relative to the lateral axis  7014 . The angle of the second surface  7012  may facilitate relatively easy interaction and/or locking between the peg  6902  and the opening  2002 , for example. The angle of the second surface  7012  may facilitate relatively easy interaction and/or locking between the peg  6902  and the openings of a retaining bar, for example. While a particular angle of the second surface  7012  is depicted, the second surface  7012  may be at any other angle including a substantially parallel angle relative to the lateral axis  7014 , for example. 
         [0150]      FIG. 74  depicts a partial view of an example second portion  7400  having an example pin  7402  formed from the second portion  7400  itself. In some examples, the pin  7402  includes a first portion  7404  and a second portion  7406 . The first portion  1704  may be substantially perpendicular to a surface  7408  and may be substantially perpendicular to the second portion  7406 . 
         [0151]    Furthermore, although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalent.