Abstract:
A decking system and method comprising a set of components that may be used for constructing and repairing structures, particularly the connection between fascia boards. The components may be shaped such that they fit together to form a connection between fascia boards at any angle while providing protective cover from the elements and a polished look. The components may be composed of a variety of materials and may be extruded. A decorative pattern, engraving, or embossing, or any of the above may be applied to the components as desired.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation in part application which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/959,379, filed on Aug. 22, 2013, entitled “Deck post attachment system,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/959,380, filed on Aug. 22, 2013, entitled “Fascia expansion cover connector,” and U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/121,351, filed on Aug. 21, 2014, entitled “Enhanced deck assembly facilitation method and systems,” and which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates generally to the field of methods and systems for securing the ends of fascia boards in the construction of gazebos or other standalone decking systems, decks adjoining a house, or other primary structure, or other such structures for walkways or human occupancy. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Wooden boards are a common material for constructing homes and other buildings. The wooden boards are cut to the desired size and shape and attached to each other to form walls, roofs, ceilings, floors, and other building surfaces. The fascia of a structure is the outermost part of the cornice of the structure. The fascia of a structure is often composed of fascia boards or horizontal trim that cover the joists. Fascia boards have an aesthetic function in that they create a smooth surface along the edge. Fascia boards are exposed to the weather and are often the first places on a house to be damaged from the elements. The weather also causes the fascia boards to expand and contract. 
         [0004]    The ends of fascia boards are often nailed or screwed together during construction of the fascia of a building. The joint where two fascia boards meet is a common place for the fascia boards to rot, split, and bend. Over time these joints, fastened together by nails or screws, push away from each other, creating a crack between them. This causes an unsightly appearance but also can keep the fascia board from doing its job keeping the elements from penetrating the home&#39;s exterior. With enough movement of the boards and fascia, the heads of the nails and screws may break off. If not repaired the condition will continue to deteriorate until the nails or screws protrude completely out of the boards. Eventually the two fascia boards separate from each other, the wood of the fascia board gets dry rot, and the boards twist out of shape, putting stress on the adjacent board joints. 
         [0005]    One solution is to replace the fascia boards, which can be expensive. However, when it is only the ends of the board that need replacing, another solution is to re-nail the boards together. This is only a temporary solution because nails alone are not adequate to contain the separation process between the fascia boards. In addition, each time the boards are nailed together the end of the board loses structural integrity due to the multiple nail holes. 
         [0006]    For the forgoing reasons, there is a need for a fascia connection system that is easy to construct, protects the fascia board ends, allows for expansion and contraction of the fascia, and retains a long lasting look and finish. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, a fascia hinge connection system is disclosed, which includes a fascia hinge connector system for securing the ends of two fascia boards, wherein the fascia hinge connector system secures the ends of fascia boards regardless of age or weather. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present invention relates to a system and method for constructing and repairing structures, particularly the connection between fascia boards. The system comprises three components—one center component and two of the same component (z-component)—that fit together to form a connection between fascia boards. The system also comprises a method which utilizes the system components to allow for ease of use and flexibility while providing for long lasting protection and a polished look. 
         [0009]    The following embodiments and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the System for Fascia Connections. Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the drawings included herein are considered by the applicant to be informal. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is an exterior view of the fascia hinge connections at various angles. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of the components of the fascia hinge connector system. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a top view diagram of the fascia hinge connection at a 90° inside angle. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top view diagram of the fascia hinge connection at a 90° outside angle. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top view diagram of the fascia hinge connection at a 45° inside angle. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a top view diagram of the fascia hinge connection at a 45° outside angle. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a top view diagram of the fascia hinge connection at a straight (or) 180° angle. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of the method to install the fascia hinge connector system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is an embodiment of a template for marking the cutoff point for fascia boards. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    all arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
         [0022]    The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, among others, are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components. 
         [0023]    Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility). 
         [0024]    The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)—(a second number),” this means a range whose limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm and upper limit is 100 mm. 
         [0025]    Concave: Having an outline or surface that curves inward like the interior of a circle or sphere. 
         [0026]    Convex: Having an outline or surface that curves like the exterior of a circle or sphere. 
         [0027]    Extrusion: A process used to create objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile, where a material is pushed through a die of the desired cross-section. 
         [0028]    Fascia Board: An architectural term for a horizontal band forming the outer surface of a cornice visible to an observer. 
         [0029]    Fastener: A hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. 
         [0030]    Hinge Connector: The middle piece of the fascia hinge connection system described herein, which is the piece of the system that has a curved shape and is sandwiched between two z-component pieces. 
         [0031]    Main Deck Board: The deck boards that make up the edge of the walking surface of the deck 
         [0032]    Obtuse Angle: An angle between a 90° angle and a 180° angle. 
         [0033]    Reflex Angle: An angle larger than a 180° angle. 
         [0034]    Z-Component: The “z” shaped components of the fascia hinge connection system described herein, which are the pieces of the system that are shaped like a “z” and sandwiches the hinge connector on either side. 
         [0035]    The present disclosure is generally drawn, inter alia, to systems and methods therein relating to fascia hinge connections. In the preferred embodiments, a hinge connector is sandwiched between two z-components that secure the end of a fascia board on either side. The preferred embodiment has the pattern of fascia board, z-component, hinge connector, z-component, and then fascia board. 
         [0036]    For example, in some embodiments, a first z-shaped component is fastened to a first main deck board and a second z-shaped component is fastened to a second main deck board, wherein the first and second main deck boards are connected together in some fashion at any angle, including 45° angle, 90° angle, 180° angle, and 270° angle. In between the first and second z-shaped components is a hinge connector that is held in place by the pressure from a first side by a first z-shaped component and a second side by a second z-shaped component. In the pocket formed between the first main deck board and the first z-component, a first fascia board is installed, and the pocket formed between the second main deck board and the second z-component, a second fascia board is installed. The pockets where the fascia board is installed allows for the z-components to cover the fascia board ends, functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. The hinge connector also covers the connection between the main deck boards functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. In addition, the unique shape and composition of the z-components sandwiching the hinge connector accommodates the varying pressure forced upon the hinge complex and the fascia boards caused by expansion and contraction of the raw deck material due to the sun, weather, and elements. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the main deck boards, fascia boards, fasteners, z-components, and hinge connectors may be composed of material comprising wood, metal, plastic, or composites. Further, the main deck boards, fascia boards, fasteners, z-components, and hinge connectors may be made of differing materials. The components may be produced by an extrusion process. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, a decorative pattern may be applied to the hinge connectors and z-shaped components. A pattern, shape, or lettering may be carved into the outer surface of the hinge connectors and z-shaped components. In some embodiments, an engraving may be applied to the hinge connectors and z-components. Additionally, in some embodiments, an embossing may be applied to the hinge connectors and z-components. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is an exterior view of the fascia hinge connections at various angles, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 1  includes an angle  101 , an angle  102 , and an angle  103 . In  FIG. 1 , various angles of a deck are shown wherein the main deck boards are the longitudinal boards facing upwards or towards the top of the figure, the fascia boards are the outermost longitudinal boards facing the sides, the z-components and hinge connector are intersecting the fascia board to fascia board connections, and the deck trim are the parts intersecting the main deck boards and the fascia boards. At angle  101 , the angle of the deck is at a 90° inside angle and also shown in  FIG. 3 . In angle  101 , the hinge connector is laid in a fashion where the concave side faces the exterior of the deck. At angle  102 , the angle of the deck is at a 90° outside angle and also shown in  FIG. 4 . In angle  102 , the hinge connector is laid in a fashion where the concave side faces the deck. At angle  103 , the angle of the deck is at a 180° angle and also shown in  FIG. 7 . In angle  103 , the hinge connector is laid in a fashion where the concave side faces the deck. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of the components of the fascia hinge connector system, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2  includes a z-component  201 , a hinge connector  202 , a convex  210  side of hinge connector  202 , and a concave  211  side of hinge connector  202 . Z-component  201  is fashioned in a z-shape to create a pocket to accommodate a fascia board on one side, the left side as shown in the left z-component  201  of this figure, and to create a pocket to accommodate a hinge connector on the other side, the right side as shown in the left z-component  201  of this figure. To create the z-component, hinge connector, z-component sandwich, z-component  201  as shown in the left side of the figure would be on one side of the sandwich and z-component  201  rotated 180° about the vertical axis would be on the other side of the sandwich, as shown on the right side of the figure. Hinge connector  202  is symmetrical about the vertical axis. Hinge connector  202  may be rotated about the horizontal axis for installation in various angles. For example, the concave side  211  may face the exterior for 45° inside angle and 90° inside angles. Additionally, the convex side  210  may face the exterior for 45° outside angles, 90° outside angles, and straight or 180° angles. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  is a top view diagram of the fascia hinge connection at a 90° inside angle, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3  includes a Main Deck Board  301 , a Fastener  302 , a Fascia Board  303 , a Z-Component  201 , and a Hinge Connector  202 . 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 3 , a top view diagram for a 90° inside angle is shown. This diagram is a close-up example of how the decking parts interconnect and the flexibility and ease of use of the decking parts. In this 90° inside angle diagram, there are two Main Deck Board  301 s that are installed at a 90° inside angle. A first Z-Component  201  is fastened to a first Main Deck Board  301  with a first Fastener  302 , and a second Z-Component  201  is fastened to a second Main Deck Board  301  with a second Fastener  302 . In between the two Z-Component  201 s is one Hinge Connector  202 , which is held in place by the pressure exerted on either side by the two z-components. In the pocket formed between the first Main Deck Board  301  and the first Z-Component  201 , a first Fascia Board  303  is installed, and in the pocket formed between the second Main Deck Board  301  and the second Z-Component  201 , a second Fascia Board  303  is installed. The pockets where the fascia boards are installed allows for the z-components to cover the fascia board ends, functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. The hinge connector also covers the connection between the main deck boards functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. In addition, the unique shape and composition of the z-components sandwiching the hinge connector accommodates the varying pressure forced upon the hinge complex and the fascia boards caused by expansion and contraction of the raw deck material due to the sun, weather, and elements. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a top view diagram of the fascia hinge connection at a 90° outside angle, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 4  includes a Main Deck Board  301 , a Fastener  302 , a Fascia Board  303 , a Z-Component  201 , and a Hinge Connector  202 . 
         [0044]    In  FIG. 4 , a top view diagram for a 90° outside angle is shown. This diagram is a close-up example of how the decking parts interconnect and the flexibility and ease of use of the decking parts. In this 90° outside angle diagram, there are two Main Deck Board  301 s that are installed at a 90° outside angle. A first Z-Component  201  is fastened to a first Main Deck Board  301  with a first Fastener  302 , and a second Z-Component  201  is fastened to a second Main Deck Board  301  with a second Fastener  302 . In between the two Z-Component  201 s is one Hinge Connector  202 , which is held in place by the pressure exerted on either side by the two z-components. In the pocket formed between the first Main Deck Board  301  and the first Z-Component  201 , a first Fascia Board  303  is installed, and in the pocket formed between the second Main Deck Board  301  and the second Z-Component  201 , a second Fascia Board  303  is installed. The pockets where the fascia boards are installed allows for the z-components to cover the fascia board ends, functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. The hinge connector also covers the connection between the main deck boards functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. In addition, the unique shape and composition of the z-components sandwiching the hinge connector accommodates the varying pressure forced upon the hinge complex and the fascia boards caused by expansion and contraction of the raw deck material due to the sun, weather, and elements. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is a top view diagram of the fascia hinge connection at a 45° inside angle, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5  includes a Main Deck Board  301 , a Fastener  302 , a Fascia Board  303 , a Z-Component  201 , and a Hinge Connector  202 . 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 5 , a top view diagram for a 45° inside angle is shown. This diagram is a close-up example of how the decking parts interconnect and the flexibility and ease of use of the decking parts. In this 45° inside angle diagram, there are two Main Deck Board  301 s that are installed at a 45° inside angle. A first Z-Component  201  is fastened to a first Main Deck Board  301  with a first Fastener  302 , and a second Z-Component  201  is fastened to a second Main Deck Board  301  with a second Fastener  302 . In between the two Z-Component  201 s is one Hinge Connector  202 , which is held in place by the pressure exerted on either side by the two z-components. In the pocket formed between the first Main Deck Board  301  and the first Z-Component  201 , a first Fascia Board  303  is installed, and in the pocket formed between the second Main Deck Board  301  and the second Z-Component  201 , a second Fascia Board  303  is installed. The pockets where the fascia boards are installed allows for the z-components to cover the fascia board ends, functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. The hinge connector also covers the connection between the main deck boards functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. In addition, the unique shape and composition of the z-components sandwiching the hinge connector accommodates the varying pressure forced upon the hinge complex and the fascia boards caused by expansion and contraction of the raw deck material due to the sun, weather, and elements. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  is a top view diagram of the fascia hinge connection at a 45° outside angle, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5  includes a Main Deck Board  301 , a Fastener  302 , a Fascia Board  303 , a Z-Component  201 , and a Hinge Connector  202 . 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 6 , a top view diagram for a 45° outside angle is shown. This diagram is a close-up example of how the decking parts interconnect and the flexibility and ease of use of the decking parts. In this 45° outside angle diagram, there are two Main Deck Board  301 s that are installed at a 45° outside angle. A first Z-Component  201  is fastened to a first Main Deck Board  301  with a first Fastener  302 , and a second Z-Component  201  is fastened to a second Main Deck Board  301  with a second Fastener  302 . In between the two Z-Component  201 s is one Hinge Connector  202 , which is held in place by the pressure exerted on either side by the two z-components. In the pocket formed between the first Main Deck Board  301  and the first Z-Component  201 , a first Fascia Board  303  is installed, and in the pocket formed between the second Main Deck Board  301  and the second Z-Component  201 , a second Fascia Board  303  is installed. The pockets where the fascia boards are installed allows for the z-components to cover the fascia board ends, functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. The hinge connector also covers the connection between the main deck boards functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. In addition, the unique shape and composition of the z-components sandwiching the hinge connector accommodates the varying pressure forced upon the hinge complex and the fascia boards caused by expansion and contraction of the raw deck material due to the sun, weather, and elements. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  is a top view diagram of the fascia hinge connection at a straight or 180° angle, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 7  includes a Main Deck Board  301 , a Fastener  302 , a Fascia Board  303 , a Z-Component  201 , and a Hinge Connector  202 . 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 7 , a top view diagram for a straight or 180° angle is shown. This diagram is a close-up example of how the decking parts interconnect and the flexibility and ease of use of the decking parts. In this straight or 180° angle diagram, Main Deck Board  301  may be a single main deck board or two main deck boards installed at a straight or 180° angle. A first Z-Component  201  is fastened to a first Main Deck Board  301  with a first Fastener  302 , and a second Z-Component  201  is fastened to the same Main Deck Board  301  or a second Main Deck Board  301  with a second Fastener  302 . In between the two Z-Component  201 s is one Hinge Connector  202 , which is held in place by the pressure exerted on either side by the two z-components. In the pocket formed between the first Main Deck Board  301  and the first Z-Component  201 , a first Fascia Board  303  is installed, and in the pocket formed between the same Main Deck Board  301  or the second Main Deck Board  301  and the second Z-Component  201 , a second Fascia Board  303  is installed. The pockets where the fascia boards are installed allows for the z-components to cover the fascia board ends, functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. The hinge connector also covers the connection between the main deck boards functioning as a protective cover from the elements, and a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. In addition, the unique shape and composition of the z-components sandwiching the hinge connector accommodates the varying pressure forced upon the hinge complex and the fascia boards caused by expansion and contraction of the raw deck material due to the sun, weather, and elements. 
         [0051]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of the method to install the fascia hinge connector system.  FIG. 8  includes a step  801 , a step  802 , a step  803 , a step  804 , and a step  805 . 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 8 , a flow diagram outlining the method steps to install the fascia hinge connector system is shown. In step  801 , the cutoff point of a fascia board is marked with a plastic or cardboard template, shown in  FIG. 9 . Without a template, an installer would simply measure off the equal distance from each corner; the distance may vary slightly depending on the inside and outside corners and degree of angle. Step  801  is done for the fascia boards to be installed on the left and the right of hinge connector system. In step  802 , the installer would cut the fascia boards where marked. Regardless of the angle the hinge connector system is to be installed, the installer may disregard the angle at which to cut because the end of the fascia board is hidden and fastened by z-component  201  and there is sufficient space in the pocket where the fascia board fits in the z-component to expand and contract. 
         [0053]    In step  803 , the fascia boards that have been measured and cut are fastened to a main deck board with a screw, nail, or braid as per typical spacing except at the end where the hinge connector system will be attached. The ends of the fascia boards would not be fastened down as the hinge connector system, more specifically the z-components, will provide the function of fastening down the end of the fascia board. 
         [0054]    In step  804 , z-component  201  is fastened to the main deck board. Z-component  201  is arranged in a fashion where the overhang on z-component  201  fastens down on top of the end of the fascia board. Step  804  is done for both fascia boards that will be connected with the hinge connector system. In step  805 , hinge connector  202  is installed by popping or hammering into position hinge connector  202  in the space between the two z-components. Hinge connector  202  conceals the fasteners on the z-components installed in step  804 . Depending on how tight the hinge connection is, no fastener may be needed to keep hinge connector  202  in position. While a hidden fastener is preferred, hinge connector  202  may be fastened through the front with screws, nails, or braids as there is very little structural stress on the connector itself. Because there is little or no stress on hinge connector  202 , all three pieces of the hinge connector system may be completely attached using braids or screws, eliminating the need to hammer the hinge connector  202  into place. 
         [0055]    For replacing parts, the hinge connector system in most cases may be left installed because it is designed to allow the fascia boards to easily expand and contract behind the overlapping edge of the z-components. Hinge connector  202  may be removed in a reversal of the installation process outlined and detailed in  FIG. 8 . Fasteners, such as nailing and braids would make removal a bit more problematic but would still in most instances be removable via a pry bar. More than likely, hinge connector  202  would be reusable but also could be replaced with a new hinge connector  202 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  is an embodiment of a template for marking the cutoff point for fascia boards.  FIG. 9  includes an alignment card  901 , an angle guide  902 , an angle guide  903 , a distance setting  904 , an alignment point  905 , a cutoff point  906 , a cutoff point  907 , a cutoff point  908 , a cutoff point  909 , and a bend line  910 . 
         [0057]    In  FIG. 9 , an embodiment of a template for marking the cutoff point for fascia boards is shown. The template or alignment card  901  may be made of material such as plastic or cardboard. Along the left perimeter of alignment card  901  is angle guide  902 , which labels and shows an example inside (IS) 90° angle, inline or 180° angle, and outside (OS) 90° angle. Along the right perimeter of alignment card  901  is angle guide  903 , which labels and shows an example inside (IS) 45° angle and outside (OS) 45° angle. Alignment point  905  shows an example on IS 90° angle where alignment card  901  would be positioned for hinge connection system installment. Bend line  910  would be placed on the building structure as shown at alignment point  905  to mark cutoff points on fascia boards at cutoff points  906 . Distance setting  904  sets the distance between the z-component end and fascia at one and five eighths (1⅝) inches. Similarly, bend line  910  placed on a building structure for an inside 45° angle would mark cutoff points on fascia boards at cutoff points  907 . Similarly, bend line  910  placed on a building structure for an inline or 180° angle would mark cutoff points on fascia boards at cutoff points  908 . Similarly, bend line  910  placed on a building structure for an outside 45° angle or an outside 90° angle would mark cutoff points on fascia boards at cutoff points  909 . 
         [0058]    While preferred and alternate embodiments have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the System for Fascia Connections. Accordingly, the scope of the System for Fascia Connections is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the scope of the System for Fascia Connections should be determined entirely by reference to the claims. Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings (if any) disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and Applicant hereby reserves the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions. 
         [0059]    The reader&#39;s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0060]    All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0061]    Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35. U.S.C. §112 ¶6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of U.S.C. §112 ¶916.