A system for attaching mesh to a frame and applying tension to the mesh is described. The system includes a locking strip slot in a movable frame member that permits mesh and an attached locking strip to be inserted into the slot from the top. The locking strip may be asymmetric. The system further includes a rigid frame that can hold the movable frame member under tension. The system also includes gripping the movable frame member at the locking strip slot to apply tension to the mesh. A simple hand tool may be used for engaging the locking strip slot and leveraging against the rigid portion of the frame to apply the tension. A simple hand tool may be used for separating the movable frame member from the rigid frame to remove the mesh.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Application

The present application relates generally to a silkscreen apparatus, and more particularly to a frame for supporting a screen-printing mesh.

2. Description of Related Art

Silkscreen printing has been used for centuries. The terms “screen,” “mesh,” “screen-printing mesh,” and “silkscreen” are generally used interchangeably. Historically, silk was used as a screen-printing mesh. Presently, materials for screen-printing mesh include polyester, nylon, or stainless steel, plastics, fabric, metals, paper, animal, plant products, synthetic threads, and a laminated combination of these materials and/or various emulsions.

Generally, tensioning systems for mounting screen-printing mesh on frames are capable of handling mesh across the wide range of weight and texture. One method for tensioning and using mesh is to glue mesh to a frame while the mesh is held under tension. Unfortunately, the glues can degrade due to exposure to chemicals during printing. Moreover, stretched frames take up space during storage. Removing mesh for reuse of the frame destroys the mesh and typically involves the use of environmentally hazardous solvents. Some of these glues and solvents are presently being outlawed in various jurisdictions and may someday become unavailable for use anywhere.

Reusable frames are also used for tensioning mesh. One type of reusable frame includes a roller that has a longitudinal groove in the shape of an inverted “T” to hold the mesh. A locking strip is used to secure the fabric into the groove. The fabric is pushed into the groove from the top. The locking strip is inserted into the groove from an end of the groove and pushed or pulled to slide it lengthwise through the groove to secure the fabric. Removing mesh for reuse of the frame involves extracting the locking strip from the groove by sliding it the lengthwise out of an end of the groove to release the fabric. Unfortunately, it is difficult to load the fabric evenly and work the locking strip along the length of the groove because the locking strip catches on the fabric during insertion and removal.

Another type of reusable frame has a rigid frame with grooves in the top surface and a movable piece that has complimentary grooves in the bottom surface. The grooves in the rigid frame hold the movable piece under tension. The movable piece also has two inverted “T” grooves in the top surface. One inverted “T” groove is attached to mesh and the other is attached to an apparatus for stretching the mesh. Unfortunately, the stretching apparatus is complex, expensive, bulky, heavy, and slow, and is generally mounted to a table or fixed surface. Attaching the second inverted “T” groove to the stretching apparatus, stretching the mesh, and then releasing the second “T” groove are cumbersome operations that take substantial time and complicated manipulations. The resulting stretched frame is heavy.

SUMMARY

The above problem of attaching mesh to a frame under tension may be solved by an asymmetric locking strip slot in a movable frame member that permits the mesh and locking strip to be inserted into the slot from the top, and a rigid frame that can hold the movable frame member under tension. The above problem of stretching a screen on a frame may be solved by gripping the locking strip slot of a movable frame member into which mesh and locking strip have been inserted, and pulling on the movable frame member using the locking strip slot to apply tension to the mesh.

A simple hand tool for stretching the mesh on the frame includes a griping portion, a bearing portion, and an optional hinge between the gripping portion and the bearing portion. The gripping portion may be used for gripping the locking strip slot and pulling on the movable frame member to stretch the mesh. The bearing portion may be used for leveraging against the rigid frame to pull on the gripping portion. The hinge may be used to maintain a angle between the gripping portion and the locking strip slot during translation of the movable frame member. An offset of the mesh from the gripping surface can reduce or avoid tearing of the mesh by the gripping portion.

A simple hand tool for removing the mesh from the frame includes a gripping portion and a wedge. The gripping portion of the removal tool may be used for gripping the locking strip slot and pulling to release the movable frame member from the frame under tension. The wedge may be inserted between angled surfaces of the movable frame member and the frame while pulling to separate and release the movable frame member from the frame. An optional catch may be used for preventing the released movable frame member from launching under tension of the mesh on the movable frame member. The mesh may be removed from the movable frame member once tension on the mesh is released.

The present disclosure includes a frame for stretching screen fabric. The frame comprises a rigid frame including a step and a side groove on an external side of the step and a movable frame member including an asymmetric locking strip slot and a projection configured to engage the side groove. The frame further comprises a ridge on the rigid frame between the step and the center of the frame. The ridge is configured to support the stretched screen fabric. In some embodiments, the rigid frame further includes a second step, and the movable frame member configured to suspend the screen fabric above the ridge when it is placed on the second step. The movable frame member may include an offset ridge that is configured to separate the screen fabric from an engagement surface of the locking strip slot. The rigid frame may include a tool bearing surface including a longitudinal groove on an external surface of the rigid frame. The longitudinal groove may be lower than the step. A tool may be used for griping the engagement surface and may levered against the tool bearing surface.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes system for tensioning a screen-printing panel on a frame. The system comprises a movable frame member that includes an asymmetric locking strip slot. The locking strip slot is configured to receive a locking strip from the top of the slot and hold the screen-printing panel using the locking strip. The system further includes a rigid frame that is configured to hold the movable frame member in a loading position while receiving the locking strip. The rigid frame is also configured to hold the movable frame member at a stretched position while the screen printing panel is under tension. The system may include a stretching tool for urging the movable frame member from the loading position to the stretched position. The stretching tool includes a gripping surface configured to engage a tool engagement surface in the locking strip slot. The stretching tool also includes a bearing surface configured to engage an external surface of the rigid frame for leveraging force to be applied to the gripping surface.

In some embodiments, method for tensioning a screen fabric on a frame includes inserting a locking strip attached to the screen fabric into a locking strip slot that is a part of a movable frame member and applying a force to the locking strip slot for stretching the screen fabric and translating the movable frame member from an insertion position to a stretched position. The method further includes holding the movable frame member at the stretched position using a rigid frame. The applied force may vertically translate the movable frame member from the insertion position on a first step to the stretched position on a second step.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame100for screen tensioning and printing, in accordance with aspects of the invention.FIGS. 2A and 2Bare a top plan view and a side elevation, respectively, of the frame100ofFIG. 1. The frame100includes a rigid frame102and movable frame members104. The frame100may be characterized as having an internal region or internal side and an external region or side. The internal region is bounded by the frame and includes the plane and center of the frame100. The rigid frame102includes a ridge106. The ridge illustrated inFIG. 1is continuous around a periphery of the rigid frame102along an inner side and may separate the internal side of the frame100from the external side. The rigid frame further includes a tool bearing surface108comprising a groove disposed longitudinally along the external side of the rigid frame and substantially continuous around the periphery the rigid frame102. Mesh110is suspended on the frame100, generally in the internal region. The movable frame members104ofFIG. 1are on the external side of the ridge106.

FIG. 3is a perspective, exploded view of the frame100ofFIG. 1illustrating the rigid frame102and the movable frame members104. The mesh110is omitted fromFIG. 3for clarity. The movable frame members104are typically placed on the rigid frame102from the top. Generally, a panel of the mesh110is loaded onto the frame100and secured to the movable frame members104while they are in place on the rigid frame102.

FIGS. 4A-4Care, respectively, a perspective view, a top plan view, and a bottom plan view of the rigid frame102ofFIG. 3.FIG. 5Ais a cross section taken along line b-b of the rigid frame102ofFIG. 4A.FIG. 5Bis an enlarged, detailed view of a portion of the cross section ofFIG. 5Aindicated by the circle. The rigid frame102may be constructed using hollow extrusions that are mitered and joined at the corners. In various embodiments, the corners are joined using welding, brazing, glue, inserts, and/or the like. Materials for fabricating the rigid frame102and/or the movable frame members104include metal, plastic, carbon fiber, and/or the like.

Referring toFIG. 5B, the rigid frame102may be leak tested using a test hole532tapped in a surface to pressurize an interior region530(seeFIG. 5B). A leak may be indicated using a pressure gage. Soapy water may be applied externally to the rigid frame102while under pressure to detect a location of a leak. Upon completing the leak tests, the test hole532may be sealed, e.g., using silicone, latex, glue, a weld, a braze, a plug, and/or the like.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, the ridge106as illustrated therein is substantially continuous around the inside periphery of the rigid frame102. The ridge106provides a bearing surface for supporting the mesh. The bearing surface generally defines a plane for the panel. The ridge further provides a taping surface. A continuous ridge is capable of retaining printing ink inside the printing region of the frame100. The rigid frame102may be powder coated for reducing friction and ease in cleaning.

Referring toFIG. 5B, the ridge106comprises a vertical holding surface506and a groove disposed at the base of the external side of the ridge, namely the first side groove510. The holding surface506is configured for holding the movable frame member104while loading a locking strip. The rigid frame102ofFIG. 5Bfurther comprises a first step520and a second step522. The first step520is separated from the second step by a second side groove512. The exterior side of the rigid frame102includes a third side groove514a lower separation surface508and the tool bearing surface108. The side grooves510-514are useful for holding the movable frame member104to the rigid frame102, either during loading of the mesh110or under tension. The first step520may be vertically offset above the second step522. While, portions of the second step522may be at about the same level or higher than the first step520, the second step522is generally lower than the first step520. Substantially any point on the second step522is lower than a corresponding point on the first step520. Thus, the mesh110may be loaded into the movable frame member104at a higher level on the first step520and held under tension on the second step522at a lower level, as will be discussed in additional detail below.

FIG. 6Ais an enlarged perspective view of a movable frame member104ofFIG. 3.FIG. 6Bis an enlarged cross section taken along line c-c of the movable frame member104ofFIG. 6A. The movable frame members104may be fabricated as extrusions. The movable frame member104may powder coated to reduce friction and for ease of cleaning and maintenance.

The movable frame member104ofFIG. 6Bincludes a locking strip slot600. The locking strip slot600is bounded by a knob602, a vertex616, a base620, a sidewall618, and an upper surface614. The upper surface614includes a tool engagement surface610and offset ridge612. A side chamber may be defined by the sidewall618, the base620and a region below the upper surface614, the offset ridge612, and the tool engagement surface610. The locking strip slot600ofFIG. 6Bis asymmetric in that a distance between the knob602and a corner622formed by the sidewall618and the base620is greater than a distance between the vertex616and the offset ridge612. However, the locking strip slot may be symmetric, e.g., an inverted “T” slot.

FIGS. 7A-7Cillustrate insertion of a locking strip700into the locking strip slot600of the movable frame member104ofFIG. 6B. The locking strip700may be inserted from the top of the locking strip slot600toward the corner622and rotated past the knob602and into place against the vertex616. The locking strip700may be stitched to the mesh110(See, e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/821,154, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/409,522).FIG. 7Aillustrates a leading edge704of a locking strip700being inserted toward the locking strip slot600. Referring toFIG. 7B, the leading edge704is pivoted near the corner622such that a trailing edge702of the locking strip700rotates into the locking strip slot600past the knob602. InFIG. 7C, the trailing edge702is pivoted at the vertex616to rotate the leading edge704up against the upper surface614and/or teh offset ridge612. Thus, there is no need to slide the locking strip700into the locking strip slot600from an end.

Walls of the vertex616may guide the trailing edge702toward a point of the vertex. Tension (T) on the mesh110tends to urge the trailing edge702to slide along the walls of the vertex616into the point of the vertex616. Thus, the vertex616functions to automatically position the trailing edge702, i.e., provides a self centering function for the locking strip700. The tension further urges the locking strip700to rotate up against the offset ridge612near leading edge704. The tension on the mesh110then holds the trailing edge702against the vertex616and the leading edge704against upper surface614and/or the offset ridge612. The offset ridge612may provide an offset between the mesh110and the tool engagement surface610.

Referring toFIG. 6B, the movable frame member104further includes a first projection604, a second projection606, and an upper separation surface608. The first projection604is configured to engage the first side groove510and the second side groove512as described elsewhere herein. The second projection606is configured to engage the second side groove512and the third side groove514as described elsewhere herein.

FIG. 8Ais a cross section of the frame100taken along line a-a ofFIG. 2A.FIG. 8Billustrates the frame100ofFIG. 8Aconfigured for applying tension to the mesh110.FIG. 8Adiffers fromFIG. 8Bin that the movable frame member104inFIG. 8Bis in a stretched position on the rigid frame102, whereas the movable frame member104inFIG. 8Ais in a load position on the rigid frame102. In the load position ofFIG. 8A, the mesh110and locking strip700may be inserted into the locking strip slot600as illustrated inFIGS. 7A-7C. InFIG. 8A, first projection604is engaged in the first side groove510and the second projection606is engaged in the second side groove512. This engagement allows for insertion of the mesh110and locking strip700, and application of a loose tension to the mesh110without causing rotation of the movable frame member104.

A force may be applied to the movable frame member104(see, e.g.FIGS. 12A-12B) to translate the movable frame member104from the load position on the first step520to the stretched position on the second step522, thus, stretching the mesh110. In some embodiments, the force is applied laterally and substantially symmetrically about a center of the movable frame member104, as viewed from a top plan view. The movable frame member104is higher while disposed on the first step520than on the second step522. On the first step520, the knob602is above the top surface of the ridge106. Under little or no tension, the knob602may suspend the mesh110above the ridge106to reduce dragging and friction between the mesh110and the ridge106during stretching. The radius of the knob602may also contribute to reducing tearing of the mesh110during stretching.

During translation, the movable frame member104moves to a lower position on the second step522. The step down brings the first projection604into engagement with the second side groove512and brings the second projection into engagement with the third side groove514. The two point engagement prevents rotation of the movable frame member104relative the rigid frame102. The step down also brings the mesh110into contact with the top surface of the ridge106for support. The translation increases tension (T) on the mesh110. Increased tension on the mesh110seats the trailing edge702of the locking strip700into the vertex616and induces a rotation of the leading edge704against the offset ridge612and/or the upper surface614. The rotation of the locking strip700is resisted by the two point engagement. A pinching of the mesh110between the trailing edge702and the vertex616serves to secure the mesh110in the locking strip slot600. Likewise, pinching of the mesh between the leading edge704and the offset ridge612and/or the upper surface614further serves to secure the mesh110.

The configuration of the movable frame member104disposed at the second step522enhances mounting of the frame100in printing equipment. On the second step522, the top of knob602ofFIG. 8Bis coplanar with the top of the ridge106and the top surface624. This coplanar relationship presents a flat surface that enhances clamping of the frame100for mounting in screen-printing equipment (not illustrated). The bottom surface524may be parallel to a plane defined by the top of the ridge106, the top of the knob602, and the top surface624. This parallel relationship further enhances clamping of the frame100for mounting in screen-printing equipment.

FIG. 9Ais a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool900for stretching and removing mesh from the frame100ofFIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the invention. The tool900includes a gripping section902, a bearing section904, and a handle906.FIG. 9Bis a perspective view of the gripping section902of the tool ofFIG. 9A.FIG. 9Cis a perspective view of a bearing section904of the tool ofFIG. 9A.FIG. 9Dis a side elevation of a handle906of the tool900FIG. 9A. The tool900ofFIG. 9A-9Dis configured for both stretching the mesh110on the frame100and for removing the movable frame member104from the rigid frame102. However, these functions may be embodied in separate tools.

The gripping section902, the bearing section904and/or the handle906may be fabricated using technologies such as extrusion, casting, injection molding, machining, and/or the like. In various embodiments, the gripping section902, the bearing section904and/or the handle906are fabricated using materials such as metal, plastic, carbon fiber, and/or the like. Each of the components of the tool900may be powder coated for reducing friction and protecting the tool900from the environment. The bearing section904, for example, includes a hanger aperture912for suspending the bearing section during powder coating. The bearing section includes an aperture910configured to receive the handle906. In some embodiments, the aperture910is threaded and the handle906includes threads916configured to engage the threaded aperture910. In various embodiments, the handle is secured to the aperture910using a set screw, a pin, a press fit, adhesive, welding, and/or brazing. The gripping section includes a notch908configured to accommodate the handle. The handle906and the notch908may form a cooperative interference to constrain the gripping section902from sliding longitudinally along the bearing section904.

FIG. 10is an enlarged cross section of the tool900ofFIG. 9Ataken along line d-d, illustrating further details of the tool900.FIG. 11is an exploded view of the cross section of the tool900ofFIG. 10. The gripping section902includes an installation grip932configured for engaging the engagement surface610of the movable frame member104. The griping section902and the bearing section904may be coupled using a hinge. The hinge may serve to maintain an engagement angle between the installation grip932and the engagement surface610during translation of the movable frame member104. The hinge illustrated for the tool900is a ball and socket hinge configured for manufacturability and reducing parts count. The ball and socket hinge of the tool900comprises a ball940, hinge channel942, and a hinge insert924. The hinge insert924is configured to rotate about the ball940within the hinge channel942. The ball and socket hinge illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11is manufacturable using extrusions. The tool900also comprises a frame bearing922configured to engage the tool bearing surface108as illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 12B. The installation grip932, hinge channel942, hinge insert924, ball940, frame bearing922, and handle906cooperate for applying force to the movable frame member104for stretching the mesh110on the frame100as illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 12B.

The tool900further includes a removal grip938, wedge936, an optional anti-kickback catch934, an optional tapping groove946, and one or more optional knobs944. The removal grip is configured to apply force to the movable frame member104at the tool engagement surface610while the wedge separates the movable frame member104from the rigid frame102, as illustrated inFIGS. 13A-13B. The anti-kickback catch934is configured to prevent the movable frame member104from launching under force of tension from the mesh110. The tapping groove946simplifies positioning the center of the aperture910. The knobs944provide tactile indicia for indicating orientation of the tool900, e.g., indicating orientation for either installation or removal of the mesh110.

FIGS. 12A-12Bare cross sections illustrating use of the tool900ofFIG. 9Ato stretch mesh110. Referring toFIG. 12A, the installation grip932engages the tool engagement surface610. The offset ridge612holds the mesh110away from the tool engagement surface610to reduce tearing of the mesh by the tool900. The handle906may be gripped by hand (not part of the invention) and a torque T1applied in the direction of the arrow to rotate the handle906about the frame bearing922, which in turn applies a force F1into the tool bearing surface108. A force F2which is about equal and opposite to F1is applied to the tool engagement surface610through the installation grip932and the ball and socket hinge (ball940, hinge insert924, and hinge channel942). While a ball and socket hinge is illustrated inFIGS. 12A-13Band described herein, other forms of hinge may be used in place of the ball and socket hinge. The ball and socket hinge serves to maintain the force F2about horizontal and slightly downward. The force F2serves to translate the movable frame member104to the right and apply tension the mesh110. The first projection604slides across the first step520and the second projection606slides across the second step522. The force F1may include a vertical component and the tool bearing surface108provides a vertically constraint to the frame bearing922to prevent it from sliding up the rigid frame102.

Referring toFIG. 12B, as the handle is further rotated, the first projection604drops off the edge of the first step520and onto the second step522and becomes about aligned with the second side groove512. About simultaneously, the second projection606drops off the edge of the second step522and becomes about aligned with the third side groove514. Torque T2may then be eased as a force F3urges the first projection604to enter the second side groove512and the second projection606to enter the third side groove514. The tool900may then be used to stretch another side of the frame100until all of the sides have been stretched. The force F2and/or F3may be applied through about the center and about normal to the longitudinal axis of the movable frame member104. The force F2and/or F3may be applied substantially symmetrically about the center of the locking strip slot600. The tool bearing surface108is illustrated as a longitudinal groove along an external side of the rigid frame102and having a substantially semi circular cross section. However, a “V” groove having a cross section of two sides (either of which being straight or curved) may form the tool bearing surface108. Similarly, a groove having a cross section comprising three, four, five, six, or more sides, any of which being straight or curved may form the tool bearing surface108.

FIG. 13A-13Bare cross sections illustrating use of the tool900ofFIG. 9Ato remove mesh110. Referring toFIG. 13A, the tool900may be oriented with the knobs944up to indicate tactilely and/or visually that the tool900is configured for removal of the mesh. The removal grip938engages the tool engagement surface610and the wedge936may be placed between the upper separation surface608and the lower separation surface508. A torque T2may be applied to the handle906. The torque T2results in a force F21on the wedge936. The force F21may be divided between the upper separation surface608and the lower separation surface508. Another force F22is applied to the movable frame member104. The force F22urges the first projection604out of the second side groove512and the second projection606out of the third side groove514. At the same time, the divided force F21from the wedge936lifts the upper separation surface608away from the lower separation surface508.

Referring toFIG. 13B, tension from the mesh110applies a force F23which may be greater than F22from the tool900. When both the first projection604and the second projection606are clear of the second side groove512and the third side groove514, respectively, the force F23pulls the movable frame member104up and away from the rigid frame102. The wedge936lifts the movable frame member104clear of the second step522, thus, the movable frame member104is released from the rigid frame102. Without the side grooves to hold the projections, the tension from the mesh110may suddenly exert the force F23, which may be much greater than the force F22exerted by the tool900. The anti-kickback catch934is configured to prevent the tool900and/or the movable frame member104from launching across the room by grabbing the top edge of the tool bearing surface108as the tool900rapidly accelerates upward. In a similar manner, the tool900may be used to release another movable frame member104from the rigid frame102all or enough of the movable frame members104have been released such that the mesh110can be removed. The force F22may be applied through about the center and/or substantially symmetrically about the center of the locking strip slot600, and about normal to the longitudinal axis of the movable frame member104.

FIGS. 14A-14Dare, respectively, a front elevation, a rear elevation, a top plan view, and a bottom plan view of the movable frame member104ofFIG. 6A. The movable frame member104includes an optional aperture1400for hanging the movable frame member104during finishing, e.g., using paint, powder coat, anodizing, and/or other surface treatment.

FIG. 15illustrates an alternative method for loading mesh110and the locking strip700into the movable frame member104.FIG. 15differs fromFIG. 7AandFIG. 8in that the movable frame member104is rotated. The movable frame member104may be rotated to an angle of about 40-90 degrees counter clockwise from the illustration ofFIG. 8Afor placement on the rigid frame102and insertion of the locking strip700and mesh110. Upon completing insertion of the locking strip700, the movable frame member104may be rotated clockwise to the orientation ofFIG. 8A. The knob602is configured for facilitating the clockwise rotation of the movable frame member104against holding surface506. The holding surface506is configured for holding the movable frame member104during such loading and rotation. The holding surface506is further configured for providing a bearing surface for the knob602to facilitate manipulation of the movable frame member104such as clockwise rotation by hand about the longitudinal axis of the movable frame member104. The radius of the knob602may reduce friction between the holding surface506and the knob620under moderate tension from the mesh110.

In some embodiments, the movable frame members104may be hollow frame members made from a light weight, non-corrosive material such as aluminum, steel, plastic, and/or the like. The rigid frame102may be made from a lightweight non-corrosive material such as aluminum, steel, plastic, and/or the like. In various embodiments, the frame100is fabricated using materials such as aluminum, steel, plastic, and/or the like.

Several embodiments are specifically illustrated and/or described herein. However, it will be appreciated that modifications and variations are covered by the above teachings and within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope thereof. For example, the rigid frame102is described as having side grooves and the movable frame member104is described as having projections. However, the rigid frame102may have projections and the movable frame member may have grooves. For example, the frame100may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, eight, twelve, or more movable frame members104. For example, the locking strip700is illustrated as having a rectangular cross section, however various embodiments of the locking strip700include a cross section that is triangular, triangular with a process, five sided, six sided, seven sided, eight sided, complex curves, and/or the like. (See e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/821,154 and 61/312,671) For example, an inverted “T” slot may be disposed in the movable frame member104and various configurations of a triangular locking strip may be sized for use in the inverted “T” slot. (See e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/821,154 and 61/312,671) In various embodiments, the cross section of the locking strip700includes simple and/or complex curves.

The embodiments discussed herein are illustrative. As these embodiments are described with reference to illustrations, various modifications or adaptations of the methods and/or specific structures described may become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. All such modifications, adaptations, or variations that rely upon the teachings of the embodiments, and through which these teachings have advanced the art, are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present application. Hence, these descriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense, as it is understood that the present application is in no way limited to only the embodiments illustrated.