Abstract:
A fixturing apparatus that includes a housing defining an interior space and having a trapezoidal cross-section, a first end, and an opposing second end, and is formed to include an aperture extending therethrough from the first end to said second end.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Divisional of U.S. application having Ser. No. 12/741,821, filed on Sep. 30, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference and which claimed priority from an International Patent Application having a PCT Application No. PCT/US08/82685 filed on Nov. 6, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference and which claimed priority from a U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 60/985,881 filed Nov. 6, 2007 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a fixturing apparatus and to a method to form that fixturing apparatus. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to a fixturing apparatus for cables. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is known in the art to releaseably attached a first surface to a second surface by disposing a plurality of flexible loop-type fasteners on one of the surfaces and a plurality of flexible hook-type fasteners on the other surface. When mated, the plurality of flexible hook-type fasteners engage with the plurality of flexible loop-type fasteners to releaseably secure the first surface to the second surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference designators are used to designate like elements, and in which: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates Applicant&#39;s fixturing apparatus  100 ; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of Applicant&#39;s fixturing apparatus; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a subassembly used to form the fixturing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3B  illustrates two of the subassemblies of  FIG. 3A  being attached to one another to form the fixturing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view of the fixturing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3D  shows a first embodiment of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking tooth; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3E  shows a second embodiment of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking tooth; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3F  shows a third embodiment of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking tooth; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3G  shows a second perspective view of the rigid locking tooth of  FIG. 3F ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3H  shows a fourth embodiment of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking tooth; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth arranged in a first orientation; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4C  is a second top view of the plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth arranged in a second orientation; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a top view of four of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth arranged in the orientation of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5C  shows the angle formed by the intersection of the long axes of two adjacent rigid locking teeth in the same column, wherein those rigid locking teeth are arranged in the orientation of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5D  is a second top view of the plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6A  is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth arranged in a third orientation; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6B  is a second top view of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth arranged in a fourth orientation; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7B  is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth arranged in the orientation of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7C  is a second top view of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8A  is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth arranged in a fifth orientation; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8B  is a second top view of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9A  is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth arranged in a sixth orientation; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 9B  is a second top view of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 9A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    This invention is described in preferred embodiments in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0032]    The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are recited to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , fixturing apparatus  100  comprises a housing  200  and a planar member  210  attached to one side of the housing and extending outwardly therefrom. In certain embodiments, housing  200  comprises a subassembly  102 A and a subassembly  102 B, and is formed to include an aperture  106  extending therethrough. 
         [0034]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , housing  200  comprises a bottom  201  and an opposing top  203 . Opposing sides  205  and  207  are disposed between bottom  201  and top  203 . Bottom  201 , top  203 , and sides  205  and  207  define an aperture  106  extending through housing  200 . 
         [0035]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , a first plurality of rigid locking teeth  104 A are disposed on bottom  201  and extend outwardly into aperture  106  therefrom. A second plurality of rigid locking teeth  104 B are disposed on top  203  and extend outwardly into aperture  106  therefrom. 
         [0036]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a first plurality of rigid locking teeth  104 A are formed in subassembly  102 A and extend outwardly therefrom into aperture  106 , A second plurality of rigid locking teeth  104 B are formed in subassembly  102 B and extend outwardly therefrom into aperture  106 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C, each subassembly  102  comprises a U-shaped housing comprising a first lip  110 , an opposing second lip  140 . Each subassembly  110  further comprises a first side wall  120  interconnecting a first end of first lip  110  and a first end of second lip  140 , and a second side wall  130  interconnecting a second end of first lip  110  and a second end of second lip  140 . A bottom  150  interconnects from lip  110 , read lip  140 , first side  120 , and second side  130 . A plurality of locking teeth  104  extend outwardly from bottom  150 . 
         [0038]    Side wall  120  and side wall  130  each comprises a height  122  where side wall  120  and side wall  130  each connect to first lip  110 , and a height  124  where side wall  120  and side wall each connect to second lip  140 . In certain embodiments, height  122  is greater than height  124 . In these embodiments, side walls  120  and  130  comprise a trapezoidal shape. 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, side wall  120 , first lip  110 , side wall  130 , and second lip  140 , are integrally formed by, for example, injection molding. In certain embodiments, side wall  120 , first lip  110 , side wall  130 , second lip  140 , bottom  150 , and the plurality of locking teeth  104 , are integrally formed by, for example, injection molding. 
         [0040]    Each first lip and each second lip are formed to have a height  170 . Each of the plurality of locking teeth  104  are formed to have a height  160 . In certain embodiments, height  170  is greater than height  160 . In certain embodiments, height  160  is greater than height  170 . 
         [0041]    In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s plurality of rigid locking teeth are formed from one or more metals. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s plurality of rigid locking teeth are formed from one or more ceramic materials. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s plurality of rigid locking teeth are formed from a polymeric material selected from a group consisting of nylon, polyamide, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, fixturing subassembly  102  is formed as an integral unit from a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyimide, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and combinations thereof. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view of Applicant&#39;s fixturing apparatus  100 , and shows a first plurality of rigid locking teeth  220 ,  230 ,  240 , and  250 , disposed on bottom portion  150 A of first subassembly  102 A. Rigid locking tooth  220  is formed to include a sloping side portion  222 , and a gripping edge  224 . Similarly, rigid locking teeth  230 ,  240 , and  250 , are formed to include sloping side portions  232 ,  242 , and  252 , respectively. Rigid locking teeth  220 ,  230 ,  240 , and  250 , are further formed to include gripping edges  224 ,  234 ,  244 , and  254 , respectively. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3C  further shows a second plurality of rigid locking teeth  260 ,  270 ,  280 , and  290 , disposed on bottom portion  150 B of second subassembly  102 B. Rigid locking teeth  260 ,  270 ,  280 , and  290 , are formed to include sloping side portions  262 ,  272 ,  282 , and  292 , respectively. Rigid locking teeth  260 ,  270 ,  280 , and  290 , are further formed to include gripping edges  264 ,  274 ,  284 , and  294 , respectively. 
         [0044]    A fabric material, such as for example and without limitation strap  200 , will slide across rigid locking teeth  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  270 ,  280 , and  290  in the non-fixturing direction  380 , wherein that fabric moves across the sloping side portion of a rigid locking tooth before contacting the gripping edge of that rigid locking tooth. A fabric material will not, however, slide across rigid locking teeth  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  270 ,  280 , and  290 , in the opposite, or fixturing direction  390 . Rather when a force is applied to the fabric along the fixturing direction  390 , portions of the fabric will engage gripping edges  224 ,  234 ,  244 ,  254 ,  264 ,  274 ,  284 , and  294 , thereby preventing movement of the fabric along the fixturing direction. 
         [0045]    In embodiments wherein the fabric material comprises a plurality of flexible loop-type fasteners disposed on a surface in contact with locking teeth gripping edges  224 ,  234 ,  244 , and  254 , the gripping edges engage those flexible loop-type fasteners thereby preventing movement of the fabric in the fixturing direction. Similarly, in embodiments wherein the fabric material comprises a plurality of flexible loop-type fasteners disposed on a surface in contact with locking teeth gripping edges  264 ,  274 ,  284 , and  294 , the gripping edges engage those flexible loop-type fasteners thereby preventing movement of the fabric in the fixturing direction. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 3B , Applicant&#39;s fixturing apparatus  100  is formed by attaching a top of a side wall  120 A of a first fixturing subassembly  102 A to a top of a side wall  130 B of a second fixturing subassembly  102 B, and by attaching a top of a side wall  130 A of the first fixturing subassembly  102 A to a top of a side wall  120 B of the second fixturing subassembly  102 B. Height  122  of a first end of side walls  120  and  130  is greater than both height  160  of the plurality of locking teeth and height  170  of first and second lip  110  and  140 , respectively. In addition, height  124  of a second end of side walls  120  and  130  is greater than both height  160  of the plurality of locking teeth and height  170  of first and second lip  110  and  140 , respectively. As a result, when assembly  102  A is attached to assembly  102 B an aperture  106  ( FIG. 1 ) is formed and extends from a first end defined by first lip  110 A and  110 B through the fixturing apparatus  100  and to a second end defined by second lip  140 A and  140 B. 
         [0047]    In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s fixturing apparatus  100  comprises a trapezoidal cross-section, a first side, and an opposing second side, and is formed to include an aperture extending therethrough from the first side to said the side. In certain embodiments, the aperture is defined by four walls. 
         [0048]    An end of a flexible strap can be inserted into a first end  101  of the aperture  106 , and moved in a first direction through said aperture and outwardly therefrom through a second end  103  of the aperture. After insertion in and through the aperture in the first direction, the flexible strap cannot be moved-backwardly through the aperture in a second and 180 degree opposite direction. 
         [0049]    In certain embodiments, flexible strap  200  comprises a fabric. By “fabric,” Applicant means a flexible material formed by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural and/or synthetic fibers. In certain embodiments, strap  200  comprises a nylon fabric. In certain embodiments, strap  200  comprises a cotton or polyester fabric. 
         [0050]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , flexible strap  200  further comprises a plurality of flexible loop-type fasteners  108  disposed on surface  202 , such that the plurality of loop-type fasteners  108  are in contact with both the first plurality of locking teeth  104 A and the second plurality of locking teeth  104 B. 
         [0051]    In certain embodiments, first end  210  of flexible strap  200  can be inserted into first end  101  ( FIGS. 2B ,  2 C) of aperture  106  ( FIG. 1 ), and moved in direction  380  ( FIG. 3C ) through aperture  106  and outwardly through second end  103  ( FIGS. 2B ,  2 C) of aperture  106  ( FIG. 1 ). After insertion in and through aperture  106  ( FIG. 1 ) in first direction  380  ( FIG. 3C ), first end  210  cannot be moved-backwardly through aperture  106  in second direction  390  ( FIG. 3C ). 
         [0052]    In certain embodiments, second end  220  of flexible strap  210  can be inserted into the first end  101  ( FIGS. 2B ,  2 C) of aperture  106  ( FIG. 1 ), and moved in direction  380  ( FIG. 3C ) through aperture  106  and outwardly through second end  103  ( FIGS. 2B ,  2 C) of aperture  106  ( FIG. 1 ). After insertion in and through aperture  106  ( FIG. 1 ) in first direction  380  ( FIG. 3C ), flexible second end  220  cannot be moved-backwardly through aperture  106  in second direction  390  ( FIG. 3C ). 
         [0053]    Applicant has found that fixturing is extremely strong when the strap  200  is confined to an enclosed channel, such as aperture  106 , extending through fixturing apparatus  100 . 
         [0054]    In certain embodiments, one or more of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth comprises a rectangular base, a first rectangular surface attached to a first end of said rectangular base and extending outwardly therefrom, and a second rectangular surface attached to an opposing end of said rectangular base and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein a first rectangular surface distal end is attached to a said second rectangular surface distal end to form a gripping edge. For example and referring now to  FIG. 3D , in certain embodiments Applicant&#39;s fixturing apparatus comprises one or more looking teeth  300 . Rigid locking tooth  300  comprises a first embodiment of a five-sided structure. 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 3E , in certain embodiments Applicant&#39;s fixturing apparatus comprises one or more looking teeth  302 . Rigid locking tooth  302  comprises a second embodiment of a five-sided structure. 
         [0056]    Rigid locking teeth  300  and  302  comprise a rectangular base  310 , a first rectangular surface  320  attached to a first end  314  of rectangular base  310  and extending outwardly therefrom, a second rectangular surface  340  attached to a second end  318  of rectangular base  310  and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein a first rectangular surface distal end is attached to a said second rectangular surface distal end to form a gripping edge  324 . 
         [0057]    With respect to rigid locking tooth  300 , the first rectangular surface  320  in combination with rectangular base  310  define an internal dihedral angle of about 90 degrees. With respect to rigid locking tooth  302 , the first rectangular surface  320  in combination with rectangular base  310  define an internal dihedral angle Φ greater than 90 degrees. In certain embodiments, Φ is about 110 degrees. In certain embodiments, Φ is about 120 degrees. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 3F , in certain embodiments Applicant&#39;s fixturing apparatus comprises one or more rigid locking teeth  304 . Rigid locking tooth  304  comprises a first embodiment of a six-sided structure. Referring now to  FIG. 3H , in certain embodiments Applicant&#39;s fixturing apparatus comprises one or more looking teeth  306 . Rigid locking tooth  306  comprises a second embodiment of a six-sided structure. 
         [0059]    In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s fixturing apparatus comprises zero or more rigid locking teeth  300 , in combination with zero or more rigid locking teeth  302 , in combination with zero or more rigid locking teeth  304 , in combination with zero or more rigid locking teeth  306 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 3F  shows Applicant&#39;s rigid locking tooth  304 . The lengths, widths, heights, and axes, described with respect to rigid locking tooth  304  also apply to rigid locking teeth  300 ,  302 , and  306 . Base  310  comprises a rectangular shape defined by sides  312 ,  314 ,  316 , and  318 . Base  310  comprises a length  372  and a width  382 . In certain embodiments, length  372  is between about 0.0002 mm and about 5.0 mm. In certain embodiments, width  382  is between about 0.0001 mm and about 2.5 mm. 
         [0061]    Rectangular-shaped side  320 , defined by sides  314 ,  322 ,  324 , and  326 , is attached to edge  314  of base  310  and extends upwardly therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3A , side  320  and base  310  intersect to form a dihedral angle of about ninety degrees (90°). Side  320  comprises a height  375  and width  382 . 
         [0062]    In certain embodiments, height  375  is between about 0.0001 mm and about 5 mm. In certain embodiments, height  375  is about 0.0001 mm. In certain embodiments, height  375  is about 0.001 mm. In certain embodiments, height  375  is about 0.01 mm. In certain embodiments, height  375  is about 0.1 mm. In certain embodiments, height  375  is about 1 mm. 
         [0063]    Rectangular-shaped side  330 , defined by sides  318 ,  332 ,  334 , and  336 , is attached edge  318  of base  310 , and extends upwardly therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3F , side  330  and base  310  intersect to form a dihedral angle of about ninety degrees (90°). Side  330  comprises a height  385  and width  382 . In certain embodiments, height  385  is between about 0 mm and about 2.0 mm. 
         [0064]    As those skilled in the art will appreciate, where height  385  is 0 mm, rigid locking tooth  304  becomes rigid locking tooth  300 . Where height  385  is 0 mm, sides  336  and  318  are the same, and top portion  340  intersects with base portion  310 . The dimensions and axes described in  FIGS. 3A through 3B  are applicable to both rigid locking tooth  300  and rigid locking tooth  305 . 
         [0065]    Sides  320  and  330  have a facing relationship, wherein height  320  is greater than height  330 . In certain embodiments wherein height  385  is greater than 0, the ratio of height  375  to height  385  is between about 2:1 to about 6:1. 
         [0066]    Top  340  comprises a rectangular shape, and is defined by sides  324 ,  342 ,  336 , and  344 . Top  340  comprises width  382 . Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3D , side  350  comprises a quadrilateral shape with two parallel sides  326  and  334 , and is defined by sides  312 ,  326 ,  334 , and  344 . Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3E , side  360  comprises a quadrilateral shape with two parallel sides  322  and  332 , and is defined by sides  316 ,  322 ,  332 , and  342 . 
         [0067]    Referring now to  FIG. 3G , rigid locking tooth  300  comprises a long axis  390  comprising a first center line of base  210 , wherein that long axis  390  is parallel to long sides  312  and  316  and bisects short sides  314  and  318 . Rigid locking tooth  300  further comprises short axis  395  comprising a second center line of base  210 , wherein that short axis  395  is parallel to short sides  314  and  318  bisects long sides  312  and  316 . 
         [0068]      FIGS. 3E and 3H  illustrate Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth  302  and  306 . 
         [0069]    As a general matter, individual rigid locking teeth disposed in any given plurality of rigid locking teeth  104  are arranged in a pattern of columns and rows. In various embodiments of Applicant&#39;s invention, the orientations of individual rigid locking teeth disposed in such columns and rows differ. These various orientations are described herein with reference to the relationship of the long axes  390  ( FIG. 3G ) and short axes  395  ( FIG. 3G ) of adjacent rigid locking teeth in the same column, and the relationship of the long axes  390  and short axes  395  of adjacent rigid locking teeth in the same row. 
         [0070]    References herein to axes being “aligned” mean that those axes are coaxial and/or parallel, i.e. overlap one another. Axes described herein as not being aligned are not coaxial, i.e. do not overlap. In orientations  400  ( FIG. 4A) and 700  ( FIG. 7A ), the long axes of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are aligned. In orientations  500 ,  600 ,  800 , and  900 , the long axes of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are not aligned. In orientations  400 ,  500 ,  700 , and  800 , the long axes of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same row are parallel. In orientations  600  and  900 , the long axes of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same row are not parallel. 
         [0071]    In orientations  400 , the short axes of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same row are aligned. In orientations  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 , and  900 , the short axes of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same row are not aligned. 
         [0072]      FIG. 4A  shows a portion of plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth, such as plurality of rigid locking teeth  104 , wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprise orientation  400 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 4A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  300 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 4A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  302 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 4A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  304 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 4A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  306 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 4A  is selected from the group consisting of a rigid locking tooth  300 , a rigid locking tooth  302 , a rigid locking tooth  304 , and a rigid locking tooth  306 . 
         [0073]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 4A , the plurality of rigid locking teeth are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4, and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 4A , rigid locking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For the sake of clarity,  FIG. 4A  shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth. In actual implementation, Applicant&#39;s plurality of rigid locking teeth  104  comprises between about one hundred, and about ten thousand individual rigid locking teeth, per square inch. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 4B and 4C  comprise top views of orientation  400  shown in  FIG. 4A . Referring now to  FIG. 4B , the rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigid locking teeth comprising column 2 by a spacing  402 . In certain embodiments, spacing  402  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantially the same,” Applicant means within plus or minus ten percent (10%). In other embodiments, spacing  402  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  402  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0075]    Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing  404 , and column 3 and column 4 are separated by spacing  406 . In certain embodiments, spacing  404  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing  404  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  404  is greater than width  382 . In certain embodiments, spacing  406  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing  406  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  406  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0076]    In orientation  400  shown in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C, the long axes  390  of each rigid locking tooth disposed in a column are aligned, and the short axis  395  of each rigid locking tooth disposed in a row are aligned. For example, rigid locking teeth 1,1; 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4; are each disposed in column 1. Aggregate long axis  450  comprises the individual long axis  390  of each of rigid locking teeth 1,1; 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4. Similarly, aggregate long axes  460 ,  470 , and  480 , comprise the individual long axis  390  of each rigid lacking tooth disposed in columns 2, 3, and 4, respectively. 
         [0077]    Rigid locking teeth 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; and 4,1; are disposed in row 1. Aggregate short axis  410  comprises the individual short axis  395  of each of rigid locking teeth 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; and 4,1. Similarly, aggregate short axes  420 ,  430 , and  440 , comprise the individual short axis  395  of each tooth disposed in rows 2, 3, and 4, respectively. 
         [0078]      FIG. 5A  shows a portion of plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth, wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprise orientation  500 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 5A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  300 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 5A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  302 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 5A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  304 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 5A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  306 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 5A  is selected from the group consisting of a rigid locking tooth  300 , a rigid locking tooth  302 , a rigid locking tooth  304 , and a rigid locking tooth  306 . 
         [0079]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5A , the plurality of rigid locking teeth are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4, and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5A , rigid locking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For the sake of clarity,  FIG. 5A  shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth. 
         [0080]    The rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigid locking teeth comprising column 2 by a spacing  502 . In certain embodiments, spacing  502  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantially the same,” Applicant means within plus or minus ten percent (10%). In other embodiments, spacing  502  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  502  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0081]    Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing  504 , and column 3 and column 4 are separated by spacing  506 . In certain embodiments, spacing  504  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing  504  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  504  is greater than width  382 . In certain embodiments, spacing  506  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing  506  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  506  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 5B  comprise a top view of one column of rigid locking teeth disposed in orientation  500 . In orientation  500 , the individual long axes  390  of each rigid locking tooth disposed in a column are not aligned. For example, rigid locking tooth 1,1 comprises long axis  515 , and the adjacent rigid locking tooth in column 1, namely rigid locking tooth 1,2, comprises long axis  525 . As  FIGS. 5B and 5C  illustrate, long axes  515  and  525  are not aligned. Rather, long axis  525  is offset from long axis  515  by a first offset angle Φ1. In certain embodiments, first offset angle Φ1 is between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees. 
         [0083]    Similarly, long axis  535  is offset from long axis  525  by a second offset angle. In certain embodiments, second offset angle is between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees. Long axis  545  is offset from long axis  535  by a third offset angle. In certain embodiments, the third offset angle is between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees. 
         [0084]    As a general matter, in orientation  500  the long axis for the (i)th rigid locking tooth in (j)th column is offset from the long axis of the adjacent (i+1)th rigid locking tooth in that (j)th column by the (i)th offset angle. 
         [0085]    In orientation  500  illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5D , the long axes  390  of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are not aligned, however the long axes of the rigid locking teeth in the same row are parallel. Rigid locking teeth 1,4; 2,4; 3,4; and 4,4, are all disposed in row 4, and comprise long axes  510 ,  520 ,  530 , and  540 , respectively. As illustrated in  FIG. 5D , long axes  510 ,  520 ,  530 , and  540 , are parallel. 
         [0086]      FIG. 6A  shows a portion of Applicant&#39;s plurality of rigid locking teeth, wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprise orientation  600 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 6A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  300 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 6A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  302 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 6A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  304 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 6A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  306 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 6A  is selected from the group consisting of a rigid locking tooth  300 , a rigid locking tooth  302 , a rigid locking tooth  304 , and a rigid locking tooth  306 . 
         [0087]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 6A , the plurality of rigid locking teeth are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4, and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 6A , rigid locking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For the sake of clarity,  FIG. 6A  shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth. In actual implementation, Applicant&#39;s plurality of rigid locking teeth  104  comprises between about one hundred, and about ten thousand individual rigid locking teeth. 
         [0088]    The rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigid locking teeth comprising column 2 by a maximum spacing  602 . In certain embodiments, maximum spacing  602  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantially the same,” Applicant means within plus or minus twenty percent (20%). In other embodiments, maximum spacing  602  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, maximum spacing  602  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0089]    Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing maximum  604 , and column 3 and column 4 are separated by maximum spacing  606 . In certain embodiments, maximum spacing  604  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, maximum spacing  604  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, maximum spacing  604  is greater than width  382 . In certain embodiments, maximum spacing  606  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, maximum spacing  606  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, maximum spacing  606  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0090]    In orientation  600  illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the long axes  390  of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are not aligned. Moreover, the long axes of the rigid locking teeth in the same row are not parallel. Rigid locking teeth 1,4; 2,4; 3,4; and 4,4, are all disposed in row 4, and comprise long axes  610 ,  620 ,  630 , and  640 , respectively. As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , long axes  610  is not parallel to long axis  620 , which is not parallel to long axis  630 , which is not parallel to long axis  640 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 7A  shows a portion of Applicant&#39;s plurality of rigid locking teeth, wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprise orientation  700 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 7A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  300 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 7A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  302 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 7A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  304 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 7A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  306 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 7A  is selected from the group consisting of a rigid locking tooth  300 , a rigid locking tooth  302 , a rigid locking tooth  304 , and a rigid locking tooth  306 . 
         [0092]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7B , the plurality of rigid locking teeth comprising orientation  700  are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4, and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7B , rigid locking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For the sake of clarity,  FIG. 7B  shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth. 
         [0093]    The rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigid locking teeth comprising column 2 by a spacing  702 . In certain embodiments, spacing  702  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantially the same,” Applicant means within plus or minus ten percent (10%). In other embodiments, spacing  702  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  702  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0094]    Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing  704 , and column 3 and column 4 are separated by spacing  706 . In certain embodiments, spacing  704  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing  704  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  704  is greater than width  382 . In certain embodiments, spacing  706  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing  706  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  706  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0095]    In orientation  700  illustrated in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C, the long axes  390  of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are aligned. For example, aggregate long axis  710  comprises the individual long axes  390  of rigid locking teeth 1,1; 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4. Similarly, aggregate long axis  720  comprises the individual long axes  390  of rigid locking teeth 2,1; 2,2; 2,3; and 2,4. Similarly, aggregate long axis  730  comprises the individual long axes  390  of rigid locking teeth 3,1; 3,2; 3,3; and 3,4. Similarly, aggregate long axis  740  comprises the individual long axes  390  of rigid locking teeth 4,1; 2,4; 4,3; and 4,4. 
         [0096]    In orientation  700 , the short axes  395  of the rigid locking tooth disposed in the same row are not aligned. For example, rigid locking teeth 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; and 4,1, are disposed in row 1. Rigid locking tooth 1,4 comprises short axis  750 . Rigid locking tooth 2,4 comprises short axis  760 . Rigid locking tooth 3,4 comprises short axis  770 . Rigid locking tooth 4,4 comprises short axis  780 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7C , short axis  750  is not aligned with short axis  760 , which is not aligned with short axis  770 , which is not aligned with short axis  780 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 8A  shows a portion of plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth, wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprise orientation  800 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 8A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  300 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 8A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  302 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 8A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  304 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 8A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  306 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 8A  is selected from the group consisting of a rigid locking tooth  300 , a rigid locking tooth  302 , a rigid locking tooth  304 , and a rigid locking tooth  306 . 
         [0098]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 8A , the plurality of rigid locking teeth are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4, and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 8A , rigid locking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For the sake of clarity,  FIG. 8A  shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth. In actual implementation, Applicant&#39;s plurality of rigid locking teeth  104  comprises between about one hundred, and about ten thousand individual rigid locking teeth. 
         [0099]    The rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigid locking teeth comprising column 2 by a spacing  802 . In certain embodiments, spacing  802  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantially the same,” Applicant means within plus or minus ten percent (10%). In other embodiments, spacing  802  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  802  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0100]    Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing  804 , and column 3 and column 4 are separated by spacing  806 . In certain embodiments, spacing  804  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing  804  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  804  is greater than width  382 . In certain embodiments, spacing  806  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing  806  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, spacing  806  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0101]    In orientation  800  illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the long axes  390  of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are not aligned. For example, rigid locking teeth 1,1; 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4; comprise long axes  810 ,  820 ,  830 , and  840 , respectively. Long axis  810  is not aligned with long axis  820 , which is not aligned with long axis  830 , which is not aligned with long axis  840 . 
         [0102]    In orientation  800 , the long axes of the rigid locking teeth in the same row are parallel. Rigid locking teeth 1,4; 2,4; 3,4; and 4,4, are all disposed in row 4, and comprise long axes  840 ,  880 ,  890 , and  895 , respectively. As illustrated in  FIG. 8B , long axes  840 ,  880 ,  890 , and  895 , are parallel to one another. 
         [0103]    In orientation  800 , the short axes  395  of the rigid locking tooth disposed in the same row are not aligned. For example, the rigid locking teeth 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; and 4,1; comprise short axis  815 ,  850 ,  860 , and  870 , respectively, wherein axis  815  is not aligned with axis  850 , which is not aligned with axis  860 , which is not aligned with axis  870 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 9A  shows a portion of plurality of Applicant&#39;s rigid locking teeth, wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprises orientation  900 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 9A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  300 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 9A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  302 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 9A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  304 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 9A  comprises a rigid locking tooth  306 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in  FIG. 9A  is selected from the group consisting of a rigid locking tooth  300 , a rigid locking tooth  302 , a rigid locking tooth  304 , and a rigid locking tooth  306 . 
         [0105]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 9A , the plurality of rigid locking teeth are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4, and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 9A , rigid locking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For the sake of clarity,  FIG. 9A  shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth. In actual implementation, Applicant&#39;s plurality of rigid locking teeth  104  comprises between about one hundred, and about ten thousand individual rigid locking teeth. 
         [0106]    The rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigid locking teeth comprising column 2 by a maximum spacing  902 . In certain embodiments, maximum spacing  902  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantially the same,” Applicant means within plus or minus ten percent (10%). In other embodiments, maximum spacing  902  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, maximum spacing  902  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0107]    Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing maximum  904 , and column 3 and column 4 are separated by maximum spacing  906 . In certain embodiments, maximum spacing  904  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, maximum spacing  904  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, maximum spacing  904  is greater than width  382 . In certain embodiments, maximum spacing  906  is substantially the same as the width  382  ( FIG. 3F ) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, maximum spacing  906  is less than width  382 . In still other embodiments, maximum spacing  906  is greater than width  382 . 
         [0108]    In orientation  900  illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the long axes  390  of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are not aligned. For example, rigid locking teeth 1,1; 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4; comprise long axes  910 ,  920 ,  930 , and  940 , respectively. Long axis  910  is not aligned with long axis  920 , which is not aligned with long axis  930 , which is not aligned with long axis  940 . 
         [0109]    In orientation  900 , the long axes of the rigid locking teeth in the same row are not parallel. Rigid locking teeth 1,4; 2,4; 3,4; and 4,4, are all disposed in row 4, and comprise long axes  940 ,  980 ,  990 , and  995 , respectively. As illustrated in  FIG. 8B , long axis  940  is not parallel with long axis  980 , which is not parallel with long axis  990 , which is not parallel with long axis  995 . Alternate long axes, such as long axes  940  and  990  and long axes  980  and  995 , are parallel to one another. 
         [0110]    In orientation  900 , the short axes  395  of the rigid locking teeth disposed in the same row are not aligned. For example, the rigid locking teeth 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; and 4,1; comprise short axis  915 ,  950 ,  960 , and  970 , respectively, wherein axis  915  is not aligned with axis  950 , which is not aligned with axis  960 , which is not aligned with axis  970 . 
         [0111]    While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth herein.