Patent Publication Number: US-2022214099-A1

Title: Barrier layer for insulated structures

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/399,269 filed Apr. 30, 2019, entitled BARRIER LAYER FOR INSULATED STRUCTURES, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to vacuum insulated structures, and more specifically, to a barrier layer for an insulated structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an insulating structure for an appliance includes a trim breaker, a wrapper coupled to the trim breaker, and a liner coupled to the trim breaker. The liner and the wrapper at least partially define a structural cabinet. The insulating structure also includes a barrier positioned between the liner and the wrapper. The barrier is also coupled to the trim breaker. An inner gasket is proximate the liner and coupled to the barrier. An outer gasket is proximate the wrapper and coupled to the barrier. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an insulating structure includes a trim breaker, a first panel coupled to the trim breaker, and a second panel coupled to the trim breaker and proximate the first panel. The insulating structure also includes a barrier positioned between the first and the second panels. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a trim breaker, a first panel coupled to the trim breaker, and a second panel coupled to the trim breaker and proximate the first panel. The appliance also includes a barrier of a glass-type material positioned between the first and second panels. The barrier is coupled to the trim breaker. The appliance also includes a gasket assembly having an inner portion and an outer portion. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an appliance incorporating the insulating structure of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded top perspective view of the insulating structure of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the insulating structure of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the insulating structure of  FIG. 3  taken along line IV-IV of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of a trim breaker and a barrier structure of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the insulating structure of  FIG. 4  taken at area VI of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the barrier structure of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary barrier structure taken along the line VIII-VIII of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary barrier structure of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary barrier structure of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary barrier structure of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary barrier structure of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in apparatus components related to an insulating structure. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such article or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the article or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-12 , reference numeral  10  generally designates an appliance having an insulating structure  12 . The insulating structure  12  may include a trim breaker  14 , a wrapper  16  coupled to the trim breaker  14 , and a liner  18  coupled to the trim breaker  14 . The liner  18  and the wrapper  16  may at least partially define a structural cabinet  20 . The insulating structure  12  typically includes a barrier  22  positioned within an insulating cavity  24  between the liner  18  and the wrapper  16 . The barrier  22  may also be coupled to the trim breaker  14 . An inner compressible gasket  26  is proximate the liner  18  and may be coupled to the barrier  22 . Additionally, an outer compressible gasket  28  is positioned proximate the wrapper  16  and also may be coupled to the barrier  22 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-12 , it is contemplated that the insulating structure  12  may be in the form of a vacuum insulated structural cabinet or a vacuum insulated panel that may be used as an insulation member for the appliance  10 . According to various examples, the insulating structure  12  includes the wrapper  16  and the liner  18 , which may alternatively be referred to as a first panel and a second panel, respectively. The wrapper  16 , the liner  18 , and the barrier  22 , coupled to the trim breaker  14 , define the insulating cavity  24  in which one or more insulation materials  32  may be disposed. The insulation materials  32  may be a carbon-based powder and/or silicon oxide based materials; however, it is generally contemplated that other standard insulation materials  32  may be used as known in the art; such materials are described more fully below. The one or more insulation materials  32  substantially fill the insulating cavity  24  forming a substantially continuous layer between the liner  18  and the wrapper  16 . An at least partial vacuum  34  is defined within the insulating cavity  24 , where the at least partial vacuum  34  defines a pressure differential  36  between an exterior  38  of the insulating structure  12  and the insulating cavity  24 . This pressure differential  36  serves to define an inward compressive force  40  that is exerted upon both the wrapper  16  and the liner  18  and tends to bias the wrapper  16  and the liner  18  toward the insulating cavity  24  of the insulating structure  12 . The at least partial vacuum  34  within the insulating cavity  24  also tends to cause gas to infiltrate into the insulating cavity  24  from an area exterior to the appliance  10 . This infiltration of gas is sometimes referred to as gas permeation. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2-4 , as depicted in the form of the structural cabinet  20 , the wrapper  16  has a three-dimensional shape such that a plurality of panels  50  define a central cavity  52 . Correspondingly and as depicted, the liner  18  has a plurality of surfaces  54  defining an inner cavity  56 . It is generally contemplated that the liner  18  may be received within the central cavity  52  of the wrapper  16 , thus partially defining the insulating cavity  24 . Additionally, the wrapper  16  and the liner  18  include interior surfaces  58  and exterior surfaces  60  and may be made from a material capable of at least partially resisting bending, biasing, or otherwise being formed in response to the inward compressive force  40 . These materials for the liner  18  and the wrapper  16  may include, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, polymers, metal alloys, combinations thereof, and other similar substantially rigid materials that can be used for vacuum insulated structures within appliances  10 . It is contemplated that the liner  18  and the wrapper  16  may also be used to form the vacuum insulated panel. In such constructions, the wrapper  16  may be referred to as the first panel, and the liner  18  may be referred to as the second panel, as stated above. 
     It is contemplated that an inner groove  62 , an outer groove  64 , and a central groove  66  are defined by the trim breaker  14 . The inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64  may be configured to receive the liner  18  and the wrapper  16 , respectively, to define the insulating structure  12 . Additionally, the outer groove  64  may be alternatively referred to as the first groove, and the inner groove  62  may alternatively be referred to as the second groove. The inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64  may be filled with an adhesive  68  configured to couple the wrapper  16  and the liner  18  to the trim breaker  14 . Additionally, the central groove  66 , defined by the trim breaker  14 , may be filled with the adhesive  68  configured to couple the barrier  22  with the trim breaker  14 . As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the central groove  66  may be shallower, as indicated by the dashed line, than the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64  such that a lesser amount of the adhesive  68  may be used to couple the barrier  22  to the trim breaker  14 . 
     Alternatively, the adhesive  68  may be disposed directly on a receiving surface  84  of the trim breaker  14  between the liner  18  and the wrapper  16  such that the barrier  22  may be coupled directly with the trim breaker  14 . Where the adhesive  68  is disposed directly on the trim breaker  14 , it is generally contemplated that the central groove  66  may not be needed for coupling the barrier  22 . Furthermore, the insulating structure  12  may be assembled by dispensing the adhesive  68  into the inner, outer, and central grooves  62 ,  64 ,  66  and placing the liner  18  into the inner groove  62 . Additionally, the barrier  22 , with the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28 , is placed over at least the central groove  66  while the wrapper  16  is positioned in the outer groove  64 . The assembly as described may then be cured and additional adhesive  68  may be applied to the locations where the wrapper  16  and the liner  18  abut the trim breaker  14 . 
     A gasket assembly  72  includes at least one gasket  74 , which may be coupled to the barrier  22 , forming a barrier structure  76 , to protect the barrier  22  from interactions with the liner  18  and the wrapper  16 . Additionally or alternatively, the barrier  22  can include the gasket assembly  72 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the inner compressible gasket  26 , or inner gasket, is adjacent the liner  18  and the outer compressible gasket  28 , or outer gasket, is adjacent the wrapper  16 . When expressing gas from the insulating cavity  24  the liner  18  and the wrapper  16  tend to bias towards one another such that the insulating cavity  24  may be decreased. As a result of such biasing, the liner  18  and the wrapper  16  may exert the inward compressive force  40  upon the barrier structure  76 . The gasket assembly  72  may protect the barrier  22  from the inward compressive force  40  and from abrasive contact with the liner  18  and the wrapper  16 . Specifically, when the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  are utilized, the inner gasket  26  may protect the barrier  22  from rough contact with the liner  18 , and the outer gasket  28  may protect the barrier  22  from rough contact with the wrapper  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , the trim breaker  14  may be formed from a plastic material, but it will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that other materials may be used to form the trim breaker  14 . As depicted, the trim breaker  14  has a generally rectangular shape; however, it is contemplated that other geometric shapes known in the art may be used. A plurality of edges  78  form a border  80  of the insulating structure  12  and define an opening  82 . Said another way, the border  80  of the insulating structure  12  is defined by the plurality of edges  78  of the trim breaker  14 . The plurality of edges  78  may further define the inner cavity  56  defined by the liner  18  by providing the border  80  outlining the inner cavity  56 . Additionally, the plurality of edges  78  of the trim breaker  14  may have a receiving surface  84  and a solid surface  86 , where the receiving surface  84  may include the inner, central, and outer grooves  62 ,  66 ,  64 , such that the liner  18 , the barrier  22 , and the wrapper  16  may be received, respectively. 
     Moreover, the inner, outer, and central grooves  62 ,  64 ,  66  include interior portions  88  that contact with and receive the adhesive  68  to secure the liner  18 , the barrier  22 , and the wrapper  16 . As indicated by the dashed line (shown in  FIG. 6 ), the central groove  66  may have a shallower depth than the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64  such that a lesser amount of the adhesive  68  may be used to fill the central groove  66 . In certain embodiments, the adhesive  68  may overflow from the central groove  66 . In such an embodiment, the barrier  22  may be adhered at the central groove  66  and at the receiving surface  84 . Alternatively, the trim breaker  14  may not include the central groove  66  such that the barrier  22  may be coupled directly to the receiving surface  84  of the trim breaker  14 . In a further alternative construction, the barrier structure  76  may be disposed upon the trim breaker  14  in such a way that there is no overlap of the barrier structure  76  with the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64 , whereas, as depicted, the barrier structure  76  slightly overhangs the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the barrier structure  76  is typically centrally disposed along the trim breaker  14 . Being centrally disposed the liner  18  and the wrapper  16  may surround the barrier structure  76  such that the barrier structure  76  is disposed between the liner  18  and the wrapper  16 . As described above, the barrier structure  76  includes the gasket assembly  72  that includes the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  to buffer the liner  18  and the wrapper  16  from directly contacting the barrier  22 . By way of example, and not limitation, the inner gasket  26  contacts the interior portion  88  of the inner groove  62  and the interior surface  58  of the liner  18 ; the outer gasket  28  contacts the interior portion  88  of the outer groove  64  and the interior surface  58  of the wrapper  16 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 , the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  may each include a first lip  90  and a second lip  92  connected by a bracing portion  94  such that the bracing portions  94  of the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  may contact with the interior surfaces  58  of the liner  18  and the wrapper  16 . The second lips  92  of the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  may contact the interior portions  88  of the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64 , where the second lips  92  may further contact and couple with the adhesive  68  in the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64 . In such aspect, the barrier  22  partially extends over the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64  such that the second lips  92  wrap around an adhering surface  96  of the barrier  22  to contact the interior portions  88  of the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64 . Additionally in such aspect, the first lips  90  wrap around an insulation surface  98  of the barrier  22  and the second lips  92  wrap around the adhering surface  96  of the barrier  22 , such that the first lips  90 , bracing portions  94 , and the second lips  92  form a C-shape around edge portions  100  of the barrier  22 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the barrier structure  76  may be a generally rectangular shape to follow the border  80  of the insulating structure  12 . As such, the barrier  22  may be one continuous piece of material. It is generally contemplated that the barrier  22  may be constructed from glass, ceramic, or a glass-ceramic compound. Where one of these materials is used to form the barrier, it is contemplated that the gas permeation rates between the trim breaker  14  and the insulating cavity  24  are favorably diminished. For example, a glass barrier may have a lower gas permeation rate when compared with a plastic barrier. As such, the use of a glass barrier may maintain the at least partial vacuum  34  longer than a plastic barrier. The use of the glass barrier, in combination with the metallic liner  18  and wrapper  16  can further diminish the rate of gas permeation into the insulating structure  12 . Thus, the integrity of the insulating structure  12 , whether the vacuum insulated structural cabinet or panel, may be maintained, ultimately increasing the useful life of the insulating structure  12 . 
     In further reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the barrier  22  may be surrounded or partially surrounded by a film  102 , which may be a single film  104  or include a first film  106  and a second film  108 . The film  102  may be a resin or laminate; however, it will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that other film materials may be used. The first film  106  may be adhered to the insulation surface  98  of the barrier  22 , and the second film  108  may be adhered to the adhering surface  96  of the barrier  22 . Once installed, the insulating structure  12  may be subject to shifting, rough movement, and general wear-and-tear that accompanies the transport and use of the appliance  10 . As such, there is potential for damage to the barrier  22  throughout the useful life of the barrier  22 . The film  102  may provide added protection by enveloping the barrier  22 . 
     By way of example, not limitation, where the barrier  22  is made of glass it may fracture over time, such as during manufacture, delivery, or use of the appliance  10 . If fracturing should occur, the film  102  helps to prevent glass from spreading throughout the insulating structure  12 . Additionally, if fracturing were to occur, the film  102  may help maintain the at least partial vacuum  34  within the insulating structure  12  until the insulating structure  12  can be repaired. Thus, in combination with the gasket assembly  72  and the barrier structure  76 , the film  102  may extend the useful life of the insulating structure  12 . 
     Additionally as illustrated, the barrier  22  is surrounded by the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28 , which provide further protection from the liner  18  and wrapper  16 . Where glass is used to form the barrier  22 , the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  may prevent excess force that may otherwise damage the barrier  22 . Said another way, the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  are elastic and compressible such that when the inward compressive force  40  is exerted upon the insulating cavity  24 , the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  are configured to absorb the inward compressive force  40 . Accordingly, the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  may minimize the effect of the inward compressive force  40  upon the barrier  22 . It is generally contemplated that the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  may be made from continuous pieces of elastomeric material (e.g., rubber) such that the inner gasket  26  may be one single piece and the outer gasket  28  may be one single piece; however, one having skill in the art would understand that other compressible materials may be used to form the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28 . 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 9-12 , the at least one gasket  74  may extend across the insulation surface  98  of the barrier such that the first lips  90  extend into a cover portion  110  that extends between the first lips  90  and the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28 . Additionally, the at least one gasket  74  may extend partially along the edge portions  100  of the barrier  22 . Alternatively, the at least one gasket  74  may have the second lips  92  such that the cover portion  110 , the bracing portion  94 , and the second lips  92  may form a generally C-shape. It is also contemplated that the cover portion  110  may be intermittently disposed along the barrier structure  76 . Alternatively, the cover portion  110  may extend along the barrier  22  such that the insulation surface  98  of the barrier  22  is covered by the cover portion  110 . The at least one gasket  74  may provide buffer protection for the barrier  22  with respect to the wrapper  16  and the liner  18 . 
     Alternatively referring to  FIG. 10 , the gasket assembly  72  includes the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  along the edge portions  100  of the barrier  22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  have a straight or generally planar construction. In such example, the gasket assembly  72  includes only the bracing portions  94  that can include a first extension  112  and a second extension  114 . The first extension  112  may contact with the insulation materials  32 , and the second extension  114  may contact with the receiving surface  84  of the trim breaker  14 . It is generally contemplated that the bracing portion  94  contacts with the interior surfaces  58  of the wrapper  16  and the liner  18 . The barrier structure  76  depicted in  FIG. 10  may overhang the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64  such that the barrier  22  contacts the adhesive  68  in the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64 . Alternatively, it is completed that the barrier  22  is centrally aligned on the trim breaker  14  such that overhang of the barrier  22  relative the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64  does not substantially occur. In such a configuration, the second extension  114  of the barrier structure  76  contacts with both the interior surfaces  58  of the liner  18  and the wrapper  16 , respectively, as well as the interior portions  88  of the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64 , respectively. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the gasket assembly  72  includes the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  having an extruded configuration. It is contemplated that when the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  are in the extruded configuration, either hollow or solid, the bracing portions  94  encompass the entirety of the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28 . For example, the bracing portions  94  contact the adhesive  68  in the inner and outer grooves  62 ,  64 , interior surfaces  58  of the liner  18  and the wrapper  16 , and the insulation materials  32 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the barrier  22  includes recesses  116  configured to receive and locate the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28 , respectively, within the edge portions  100  of the barrier  22 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the inner and outer gaskets  26 ,  28  can be disposed adjacent the edge portions  100  of the barrier  22  such that the barrier  22  does not include the recesses  116 . 
     According to the various examples, the insulating structure  12  can be used in various appliances  10  that can include, but are not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, coolers, ovens, dishwashers, laundry appliances, water heaters, and other similar appliances and fixtures within household and commercial settings. Additionally, the insulation materials  32  can be a free-flowing material that can be poured, blown, compacted or otherwise disposed within the insulating cavity  24 . This free-flowing material can be in the form of various silica-based materials, such as fumed silica, precipitated silica, nano-sized and/or micro-sided aerogel powder, rice husk ash powder, perlite, glass spheres, hollow glass spheres, cenospheres, diatomaceous earth, combinations thereof, and other similar insulating particulate material. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an insulating structure for an appliance includes a trim breaker, a wrapper coupled to the trim breaker, a liner coupled to the trim breaker, wherein the liner and the wrapper at least partially define a structural cabinet, a barrier positioned between the liner and the wrapper, the barrier coupled to the trim breaker, an inner gasket proximate the liner and coupled to the barrier, and an outer gasket proximate the wrapper and coupled to the barrier. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the barrier is a material selected from the group consisting of glass, ceramic, and glass-ceramic. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the trim breaker further defines an inner groove, a central groove, and an outer groove. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the barrier is coupled to the trim breaker by adhesive disposed within the central groove. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, insulation materials are disposed within a cavity defined by the liner and the wrapper. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the wrapper is positioned within the outer groove and the liner is positioned within the inner groove. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the barrier includes a first film and a second film. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an insulating structure includes a trim breaker, a first panel coupled to the trim breaker, a second panel coupled to the trim breaker and proximate the first panel, and a barrier positioned between the first and the second panels. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the barrier is a material selected from the group consisting of glass, ceramic, and glass-ceramic compound. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first film and a second film, the first and second films coupled to the barrier. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the trim breaker defines a first groove, a second groove, and a central groove. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an adhesive is disposed within the central groove and couples the barrier with the trim breaker. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first panel is positioned within the first groove and the second panel is positioned within the second groove. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one gasket includes an inner gasket and an outer gasket, wherein the outer gasket is proximate the first panel and the inner gasket is proximate the second panel. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the at least one gasket is a compressible material. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a trim breaker, a first panel coupled to the trim breaker, a second panel coupled to the trim breaker and proximate the first panel, a barrier of a glass-type material positioned between the first and the second panels, and the barrier coupled to the trim breaker. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second panels define a cavity. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, insulation materials disposed within the cavity defined by the first and second panels. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the barrier includes a gasket assembly. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the barrier includes a film that is adhered to the barrier. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.