Abstract:
A fence assembly including a post and interconnecting rails. The post includes an interior chamber structure defined by numerous compartments, an exterior wall structure and a plurality of inwardly projecting rail-receiving channels. The rail-receiving channels at least partially define the geometry of the interior chamber structure. The assembly may be made of extruded plastic material such that the post, rails and additional components, such as channel inserts, are generally hollow along their respective elongate dimensions. Each of the components within the assembly may be cut to user-defined lengths. The purpose of the abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure, and is not to be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLCATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/366,382 filed Mar. 21, 2002, and No. 60/398,062 filed Jul. 24, 2002. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to fence structures, and more particularly to extruded plastic fence rails and posts that can form connections with one another that improve the ease with which fence assemblies can be fabricated.  
           [0003]    Fences have traditionally been constructed of wood, stone or metal. The use of plastic componentry in fence structures, which typically include posts, rails, pickets and related parts, has been in its ascendancy in recent years due to the ability to manufacture inexpensive, environmentally durable systems. Contributing to the desirability of using plastic fence assemblies is that once installed, they require comparatively little maintenance, such as painting, rust and vermin protection.  
           [0004]    Despite these advantages, plastic fence assemblies continue to suffer from various shortcomings. For example, many of the constructions are overly complex, requiring multiple pieces or hybrid metal/plastic structures, as well as detailed steps to piece together the myriad components. In addition, if all or portions of the fence need to be disassembled for access, maintenance or replacement of damaged parts, the cumbersome process has to be repeated. Moreover, accommodations are often required at the time of fence installation for various contingencies, such as topography of the land and natural or artificial structures that could get in the way of the installation. In such cases, the installer may have to make minor adjustments to the dimensions of the post, rails and inserts. For example, an installer, especially if working alone, is faced with the difficult, if not impossible task of establishing a neat, secure assembly unless there are features built into the rails or posts to secure the two while determining placement of other components, such as subsequent posts. This task is exacerbated when additional component reinforcement, in the form of metal structure surrounded by plastic sleeves or covering, is used, as the additional weight makes the maneuvering of long parts (such as rails) even more unwieldy. Furthermore, once installed, the fence posts can be subject to rotational movements about its vertical axis unless they are adequately secured into the ground.  
           [0005]    The present inventors have recognized a need for extruded plastic fence assemblies that are made up of components that are inexpensive to manufacture. They have further recognized a need for features within the components of the fence assembly that facilitate the rapid, secure anchoring of the components to one another, as well as to a mounting surface, such as the ground.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    According to an aspect of the present invention, a post defined by a generally hollow construction along its elongate axis is disclosed. The post includes an interior chamber structure, an exterior wall structure and a plurality of inwardly projecting elongate rail-receiving channels formed into the exterior wall structure. Each of the channels include an interior surface which at least partially defines the interior chamber structure. The interior chamber structure is defined by numerous elongate compartments at least one of which defines a pole-receiving compartment that can engage a rigid support pole along a pole-engaging axis. This pole-engaging axis is offset relative to and substantially parallel with a post centerline defined along the elongate axis. In the present context, the term “substantially” refers to an arrangement of elements or features that, while in theory would be expected to exhibit exact correspondence or behavior, may, in practice embody something slightly less than exact. As such, the term denotes the degree by which a quantitative value, measurement or other related representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.  
           [0007]    Optionally, the pole-receiving compartment includes projections that facilitate secure connection between the pole and the pole-receiving compartment. As another option, each of the channels defines a locking mechanism, thus allowing a complementary-shaped rail to cooperate therewith to substantially prohibit movement and subsequent disengagement of the rail and channel along the rail&#39;s longitudinal dimension. In the present context, the term “movement” of a solid body includes both rotational and translational range of motion. Thus, for example, the limitation on translational movement does not necessarily imply limitation on rotational movement. The locking mechanism can further be defined by a narrowed throat in the form of opposing projections that extend from the or outward opening of the channel. Thus, the cross sectional area within any plane in the channel parallel to and inward of the opposing detents is greater than that between the opening throat defined by the detents. Preferably, the post is of unitary construction and is made of plastic. More preferably, the post defines an extrudable cross sectional profile. In another option, a channel insert can be selectively disposable in one of the rail-receiving channels, thus forming a flush surface with the exterior wall structure. In yet another option, a removable channel cover is integrally formed across at least one of the rail-receiving channels to form a substantially flush surface with the exterior wall structure, the channel cover substantially circumscribed by one or more lines of weakness to facilitate ease of removal, where the line (or lines) of weakness preferably comprise a score line such that a user can easily remove the panels (using, for example, a utility knife), thereby exposing the channels.  
           [0008]    According to another aspect of the invention, a reinforced post is disclosed. The post includes an interior chamber structure, exterior wall structure and plurality of inwardly projecting elongate rail-receiving channels as previously described, plus a rigid support pole engaged with the previously-discussed pole-receiving compartment. The rigid support pole can be anchored to a mounting surface such that the rigid support pole defines a reinforcing axis substantially parallel to the elongate axis. When the pole is coupled to the mounting surface and the pole-receiving compartment, the post has an increased resistance to rotation about its elongate axis.  
           [0009]    Optionally, the pole-receiving compartment can include a plurality of projections similar to that of the previous aspect. In another option, the rigid support pole defines a non-axisymmetric cross section to facilitate an interlocking fit with the projections. In one form, the interlocking fit is only possible over a substantially singular angular orientation about the reinforcing axis between the rigid support pole and the plurality of projections, thus precluding a relative loose fit between the pole and projections. As such, the pole receiving compartment and the surface of the pole are configured such that a degree of rotation permitted prior to engagement of the pole surfaces with the compartment is insubstantial. In one form, the non-axisymmetric cross section defines at least one detent extending radially from the surface of the pole normal to the pole&#39;s longitudinal dimension, where a more particular configuration defines a substantially T-shaped cross section. The length of the rigid support pole is such that its longitudinal dimension preferably extends along a substantial length of the fence post plus a distance below the post that is sufficient to ensure secure anchoring into a mounting surface. In one form, the projections are substantially triangle-shaped, while in another the pole-receiving compartment defines a substantially trapezoidal-shaped chamber. Preferably, the projections form a unitary structure with the interior chamber structure, and more particularly at least a portion of the projections are disposed against an outer wall of the post. Moreover, the pole-receiving compartment is at least partially defined by the exterior wall surface. In another option, at least one removable channel cover is integrally formed across at least one of the channels to form a substantially flush surface with the exterior wall structure. Furthermore, the non-axisymmetric cross section of the rigid support pole defines a plurality of anti-rotational engagement surfaces that are configured to engage at least a portion of the pole-receiving compartment upon rotation of the post in a first direction, and at least a portion of the pole-receiving compartment is configured to engage one of the anti-rotational engagement surfaces upon rotation of the post in a second direction opposite the first direction. In addition, the non-axisymmetric cross section of the rigid support pole further defines a plurality of anti-translational engagement surfaces, where at least a portion of the pole receiving compartment is configured to engage one of the anti-translational engagement surfaces upon translation of the post in a first translational direction perpendicular to the pole-engaging axis, and at least a portion of the pole receiving compartment is configured to engage one of the anti-translational engagement surfaces upon translation of the post in a second direction perpendicular to the first translational direction and the pole-engaging axis.  
           [0010]    According to another aspect of the invention, a post is disclosed. The post includes an interior chamber structure defined by a plurality of elongate compartments at least one of which defines a pole-receiving compartment, an exterior wall structure, a plurality of inwardly projecting elongate rail-receiving channels formed into the exterior wall structure, and at least one removable channel cover integrally formed across at least one of the channels to form a substantially flush surface with the exterior wall structure. The channel cover is substantially circumscribed by at least one line of weakness to facilitate ease of removal of the cover from the post. The pole-receiving compartment optionally includes a plurality of projections disposed therein to engage a rigid support pole along a pole-engaging axis.  
           [0011]    According to another aspect of the invention, a reinforced post is disclosed. The post includes an interior chamber structure defined by a plurality of elongate compartments at least one of which is offset relative to and substantially parallel with a post centerline defined along the elongate axis and defines a pole-receiving compartment, an exterior wall structure with a plurality of inwardly projecting elongate rail-receiving channels formed therein, a rigid support pole defined by a non-axisymmetric cross section, and at least one removable channel cover integrally formed across at least one of the channels to form a substantially flush surface with the exterior wall structure. The rigid support pole is configured to be anchored to a mounting surface such that the pole defines a reinforcing axis substantially parallel to the post&#39;s elongate axis.  
           [0012]    According to another aspect of the invention, a fence assembly is disclosed. The fence assembly includes a reinforced post as previously discussed, a plurality of rails, each of which includes ends configured to be received within one of the rail-receiving channels; and a channel insert configured to be selectively disposed within one of the rail-receiving channels. As an option, the cross-sectional shape of the rail-receiving channels defines a narrowed throat. In another option, each of the rails include one or more pins disposed in its end such that the pin (or pins) effect a locking relationship between the rail and its corresponding channel. This pin (which could be a bolt, screw, nail, rivet or the like) is sized such that it sticks out wider than the channel throat to help the rail avoid slipping out of the channel during fence assembly fabrication and subsequent use. The pins can extend all the way through both opposing lateral rail surfaces, or can be made up of a pair of smaller pins, each protruding through one of the surfaces. In yet another option, a plurality of the channel inserts can be used within each channel and stacked within the channel relative to the rails such that a preferred height and spacing of the rails is affected. As with the previous embodiments, the post defines an extrudable cross sectional profile, as can the rail. In another option, an outer surface of the channel insert is shaped to form a flush surface with the exterior wall structure. Furthermore, a removable channel cover can be integrally formed across at least one of the rail-receiving channels similar to that previously discussed. The assembly may further include a cap releasably connected to a top of the post. As with the previous embodiments, the rigid support pole may define different cross-sectional shapes, including cylindrical, elliptical or variations on a T-bar shape, the latter of which can engage with a complementary surface of the pole-receiving compartment in the interior chamber structure in such a way as to resist rotation of the post about the elongate axis. The rails may be configured such that they can include or accept one or more exaggerated surfaces near their channel-engaging end to affect a locking relationship with the channel. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a fence assembly according to an aspect of the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a fence post and two channel insert variants;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a section of fence using the fence assembly of FIG. 1;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 illustrates the positioning of the rails, channel inserts, a rigid support pole and end cap relative to the fence post shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an alternate fence post configuration, showing the addition of a rigid support pole inserted therein;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of another alternate fence post configuration;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 illustrates the fence post of FIG. 6, including a rail, channel inserts and a rigid support pole offset-mounted along the post&#39;s elongate axis; and  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 8A through 8C show the various channel inserts that can be used with the fence post of FIG. 6. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]    Referring first to FIG. 5, a top view of a post  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Post  10  may be formed into a single, unitary construction from a plastic material (such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) by known methods (such as extrusion) and as such, defines an extrudable cross sectional profile. In the present context, a structural member defines an extrudable cross sectional profile if respective cross sections of the member, taken along a length or width-wise axis of the member, each define substantially identical dimensions. In such case, the member defining the extrudable profile may be produced by an extrusion process where a semi-soft plastic is forced through the orifice of an extrusion die to produce a continuously formed piece having a cross-sectional shape defined by the orifice or other shaping members downstream of the orifice. It is contemplated that a structural member having an extrudable cross-sectional profile may also include portions along its axis that are subject to post extrusion cutting, drilling, bending, deforming or related operations. Post  10  includes an interior chamber structure  15  made up of numerous hollow, elongate compartments  80 ,  82 ,  84  and  86  the last three of which are offset from and substantially parallel with a post centerline defined along a longitudinal (elongate) axis. By having the pole-receiving compartment  86  offset from the post centerline and at least partially against outer wall  12 , it is easier for an installer to place the post  10  directly on a property line and without recourse to visual estimation, as the post side adjacent the pole/compartment combination can be placed closest to such property line. The post  10  is also made up of an exterior wall structure  12  and numerous inwardly projecting elongate rail-receiving channels  20  formed into exterior wall structure  12 . Interior wall structure  14  defines the boundary between the rail-receiving channels  20  and the various compartments  80 ,  82 ,  84  and  86 . This commonality allows each of the channels  20  to partially define the interior chamber structure  15 . An interface in the form of a locking mechanism  60  is defined between the channel  20  and the exterior wall structure  12  such that channel  20  can engage a complementary end surface of a rail (as shown and described below) to substantially prohibit translation of the rail along its longitudinal dimension once the rail and channel are engaged. In the configuration shown, locking mechanism  60  includes a pair of lateral detents that form a throat in channel  20  to provide a narrowed contact region.  
         [0023]    At least one compartment  86  is made up of a plurality of projections  45  that can engage a rigid support pole  50 . Together, the projections and rigid support pole  50  define a pole-engaging axis that is parallel to the longitudinal, or elongate, axis of post  10 , but radially offset relative to the post centerline. By coupling the pole  50  to the post  10  and having both secured to a mounting surface, such as the ground (not shown), a reinforced post is formed that exhibits increased resistance to torsional forces acting on it, thereby maintaining proper post orientation. Resistance to rotation is important to maintaining the integrity of a fence assembled with posts  10 , as forces due to weather or animal, human or related contact otherwise would have a tendency to cause the rails and posts to shift relative to one another, causing the assembly to come apart. The rigid support pole  50  is shaped to include non-axisymmetric features to improve the tightness of the fit between rigid support pole  50  and the projections  45  that are formed in the offset compartment  86 . In the configuration shown, rigid support pole  50  is substantially T-shaped, such that its various radial detents  51 ,  52 ,  53  and  54  fit in narrowly-defined spaces  40  formed by substantially triangular-shaped projections  45 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the projections  45  are shown as being triangular-shaped, the invention is not so limited, as other shapes configured to securely engage the rigid support pole  50  would also suffice. The projections  45  can be integrally formed with the remainder of post  10  through the aforementioned extrusion process. Moreover, the T-shape of the rigid support pole  50  is such that the interlocking fit between the detents  51 ,  52 ,  53  and  54  is only possible over a substantially singular angular orientation about the reinforcing axis. This sort of “keyed” connection ensures that the post  10  and rigid support pole  50  are placed in proper angular orientation to one another, subject only to the tolerance in the space  40  between the rigid support pole  50  and the projections  45 . The longitudinal dimension of the rigid support pole  50  extends along a substantial length of the post  10 , plus an additional distance beyond the lowermost portion of post  10  to ensure secure anchoring into the ground or other mounting surface.  
         [0024]    Referring next to FIGS. 2 and 3, details of connection between the post  10  and rails  30  and channel inserts  70 A,  70 B are shown. In the present figure, the post  10  is structurally similar to that shown in FIG. 5, except for the lack of pole-engaging features in compartment  86 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that either variant can be employed, depending on individual user needs, such as how much torsional resistance is required. Referring with particularity to FIG. 2, two variants  70 A,  70 B of the inserts, as well as how they fit into channel  20  of post  10 , are depicted. The first variant  70 A, with its conventional box shape, emphasizes simplicity of structure and manufacture, while the second  70 B, with its additional faceted surfaces to produce a step structure complementary with that of the throat in channel  20  (as shown in FIG. 1 and discussed below), is used to provide a smooth, flush finish with outer wall structure  12 . Referring with particularity to FIG. 3, in addition to providing an aesthetically-pleasing finished surface to post  10 , the inserts  70 A,  70 B (only the latter presently shown) maintain vertical spacing between rails  30 , providing both a neat finished product and additional resistance to rail  30  movement. The construction of post  10  is such that it can function equally well as an end post, corner post or intermediate post, the last two being shown in the figure. As with the post  10 , the inserts  70 A,  70 B are extrudable, and in situations where made of plastic, can be easily cut to any desired length. Similarly, rails  30  can be made from plastic such that they can be cut to desired lengths, and extrudable such that they can be produced economically in large quantities. As with the fit between the channel  20  and rails  30  described above, locking mechanism  60  may also be used to engage a complementary surface on the inserts  70 A,  70 B.  
         [0025]    Referring next to FIG. 1, a top view showing connection details of a fence assembly constructed using the post  10 , rails  30  and channel insert  70 B of FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown. Two of channels  20  of post  10  are shown engaged to rails  30 , while a third has a channel insert  70 B disposed therein. In the present figure, the post  10  is used as a corner post, such that inserts  70 B provide flush surface finish features for channel  20  not being used. The faceted surfaces of insert  70 B complement those the locking mechanism  60  formed at the throat of channel  20  such that the insert  70 B cannot be removed other than by sliding it out along the elongate axis of post  10 . The gaps shown between inner wall  14  and insert  70 B are shown exaggerated for clarity; it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that tolerances can be made much tighter to ensure a secure, relatively smooth surface finish. Each of the rails  30  show a different protrusion extending laterally from the ends of the rails  30 . In the present context, the “end” of the rail  30  includes not just the remote edge, but all portions of rail  30  that are designed to fit into the channel  20 . These protrusions are sized to allow a locking interconnection between the rails  30  and the locking mechanism  60  of channels  20 . In one variation, the rail  30  includes a pair of pins  37  that are axially aligned with one another so that the lateral dimension of rail  30  is greater than throat produced between locking mechanisms  60 . Thus, once the rail  30  is disposed in channel  20  (such as by aligning the rail end with channel  20  and dropping the rail  30  down into the channel along the elongate axis of post  10 ), the interference fit between pins  37  and locking mechanism  60  prohibits movement between them, save the movement equal to the relatively small gap G, which, like the gap earlier described between the between channel  20  and insert  70 B, is shown exaggerated for clarity. In another variation, the rail  30  includes a pair of flaps  33  integrally formed in the opposing lateral walls. Flaps  33  are shown as rectangular members defined by cut-outs on three sides such that when the rail is ready to be placed in channel  20 , the flaps can be bent away from the rails  30  to provide an interference fit similar to that described for the pins  37  above. In addition to the protrusions in the form of flaps  33  and pins  37  to allow a locking interconnection between the rails  30  and the locking mechanism  60 , rail  30  can include a securing pin  95  placed vertically through apertures  35  in the end of the rails  30 . Details of the securing pin will be discussed in conjunction with FIG. 4 below.  
         [0026]    Referring next to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the details of the fence assembly of FIG. 3 is shown. The assembly highlights how the inserts  70 B act not only top establish a smooth surface finish along the exterior wall structure of post  10 , but also vertical spacing between rails  30 . In addition to the post  10 , rails  30  and channel inserts  70 B, the above-mentioned securing pin  95  is shown. The hollow nature of the inserts  70 B along the longitudinal dimension of securing pin  95  improves the ease of pin placement through apertures  35  in the ends of each rail  30 . The securing pin  95  can be configured to be long enough to extend through all of the inserts  70 B and the ends of rails  30  stacked with the inserts, and can, like the rigid support pole  50  (shown in FIG. 5), extend into a mounting surface, such as the ground. The fence assembly also includes a cap  90  releasably connected to the top of post  10 . Not only does this improve post aesthetics, it prevents debris and moisture from accumulating in the interior chamber structure of post  10 .  
         [0027]    Referring next to FIGS. 6 and 7, a top view of an alternate embodiment of the post and a reinforced fence assembly, respectively, are shown. As with the previous embodiment, numerous hollow, elongate compartments  180 - 190  define an interior chamber structure, including a trapezoidal-shaped pole-receiving compartment  186  with projections  145 . In addition, as shown with particularity in FIG. 6, post  110  includes a removable channel cover  113  integrally formed across at least one of the rail-receiving channels  120  to form a substantially flush surface with exterior wall structure  112 . One or more lines of weakness  115  are formed into exterior wall structure  112  such that cover  113  can be easily removed. In one form, the lines of weakness are made up of score lines. The cover  113  preserves the smooth appearance of the exterior wall structure  112  until such time as access to the channel  120  disposed below the cover  113  is required. The lines of weakness  115  permit a user to easily remove the cover  113  with a conventional utility knife or the like. In addition, insert securement  160  shows a variation of locking mechanism  60  shown in FIG. 5, where it now defines an interface between the exterior wall structure  112  and channel  120  that includes two pair of lateral detents such that not only does securement  160  define a throat in channel  120 , but also an additional slot  161  for receiving a complementary surface on inserts  170 A,  170 B and  170 C (shown and described below). Referring with particularity to FIG. 7, rigid support pole  150  (still possessive of a substantially T-shaped construction similar to the one shown in FIG. 5) can fit in a particular angular orientation relative to the projections  145  and pole-receiving compartment. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other rigid support pole  150  configurations are possible, including cylindrical and non-axisymmetric configurations. For example, a plurality of cylindrical poles (not shown) can be used, each disposed within each of the various semi-autonomous spaces formed by the projections  145 . An additional pole (not shown) could be placed within pole-receiving compartment  186  adjacent the exterior wall structure  112  such that the plurality of poles provide additional support. Also as with the previous embodiment, the pole-receiving compartment  186  is disposed offset relative to the centerline of post  110 , disposed against the exterior wall structure  112  so that the entire assembly can be accurately placed along the property line. Tabs (shown and described below) on the inserts  170 B promote a secure fit with securement  160 . Also as shown in FIG. 7, the stacking of rail  130  on top of insert  170 B in the same channel  120  is highlighted. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the present invention shows particular components depicted within two separate embodiments, it can embody any combination of the aforementioned interior chamber structure, pole-receiving compartment structure, securement configuration, and rail end and channel insert construction.  
         [0028]    Referring next to FIGS.  8 A- 8 C, details of various embodiments of channel inserts  170 A,  170 B and  170 C are shown. All three include tabs  172 A,  172 B and  172 C, respectively, that are disposed adjacent an outermost face of the inserts and used to engage the slot  161 . As such, the slot  161  and any one of tabs  172 A- 172 C together make up securement  160  (as shown previously in FIG. 7). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while what is referred to herein as securement  160  is made up of laterally-disposed slots  161  formed into the post  110  with corresponding tabs  172 A- 172 C that extend from the lateral ends of the inserts  170 A- 170 C, slot  161  could alternately be disposed in the inserts  170 A- 170 C, while the tabs  172 A- 172 C could be disposed on the throat  160 . The nature of securement  160  is to be broadly construed to include both variants. The tabs  172 A-C, in conjunction with the relatively thin depth-wise profile of the insert  170 A-C, allow manufacturing tolerances to be relaxed on the inserts. By having the depth-wise distance from the outermost face to the tabs  172 A-C kept to a minimum, precise dimensional tolerances for the securement  160 , the tabs  172 A-C and transition zones  171 A-C between the insert outermost faces and the tabs is not required. The three insert configurations shown highlight different transition zones along the outermost face, including a transition zone  171 A bevelled inward (FIG. 8A), right angle transition zone  171 B (FIG. 8B) and transition zone  171 C bevelled outward (FIG. 8C). The locking between the tabs  172 A-C and slots  161  (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) relieves the requirement of having large depth-wise insert dimensions to ensure adequate coupling between the insert and channel. Thus, unlike conventional inserts, where the relatively large depth-wise dimension necessitates manufacturing to a relatively tight tolerance to ensure a good fit between the insert and the channel, the present inserts  170 A-C are constructed to allow for some dimensional variation.  
         [0029]    Having described the invention in detail and by reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.