Patent Publication Number: US-2019183264-A1

Title: Frame mount and system for securing frames at different orientations

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/598,995, filed Dec. 14, 2017, for all subject matter common to both applications. The disclosure of said provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a frame mounting system suitable for holding a frame in a plurality of orientations with a friction fit. In particular, the present invention relates to a frame mount configured to hold a polygonal frame at different orientations, including receiving a generally straight side, and/or receiving a corner, of the polygonal frame, and frictionally mounting the frame in place without requiring additional fastening components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Generally, framing elements, such as picture frames, are designed as decorative and/or functional edging around an object for display. Picture frames and similar framing elements are designed to enhance the object included therein, make it easier to display the object, and/or protect the object. Picture frames are traditionally designed to be hung on a wall and/or stand on a surface with a kickstand type of support. However, these types of hanging/support structures can be limiting in their aesthetic appeal, and sometimes unreliable. In particular, these types of arrangements can cause the framed object to fall or tip over and often restrict a user to one or two orientations for displaying their objects. Additionally, traditional frames do not provide stacking capabilities. 
     SUMMARY 
     There is a need for improvements for framing and displaying objects. The present invention is directed toward further solutions to address this need, in addition to having other desirable characteristics. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a frame mount and corresponding system that is configured to securely hold an object on a flat surface in a plurality of frame orientations and configurations. Additionally, the frame mount of the present invention enables multiple frames to be securely stacked together in different stacking configurations. 
     In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a frame mount is provided. The frame mount includes a base having a top end, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end and the bottom end. The frame mount also includes a channel groove centrally disposed in an orientation that traverses completely across an upper half of the base and through the perimeter wall at each end of the channel groove, the channel groove comprising a channel groove floor at a predetermined depth from the top end of the base, a first channel groove wall extending from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor, and a second channel groove wall opposite the first channel groove wall and extending from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor. The frame further includes a notch recess disposed down through the channel groove floor and extending toward the bottom end of the base. The first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall are spaced apart a distance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of a frame in such a way that when the frame is placed into the channel groove, the channel groove is configured to receive the frame and frictionally hold the frame therebetween. When a straight side of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the straight side of the frame is arranged generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channel groove wall, and the frame mount frictionally holds the frame in place without requiring additional fastening components. When a corner of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the corner is received into and abuts the notch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groove floor toward the bottom end of the base, and the frame mount frictionally holds the frame in place without requiring additional fastening components. 
     In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the notch recess is generally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess being perpendicular to the first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall. The v-shaped notch recess can receive the corner of the frame in such a way that either side of the frame forming the corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess. The perimeter wall can be circular in shape. 
     In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, frame and mount system is provided. The frame and mount system includes a frame having two generally straight sides and at least one corner. The frame and mount system also includes a frame mount. The frame mount includes a base having a top end, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end and the bottom end. The frame mount also includes a channel groove centrally disposed and traversing completely across an upper half of the base and through the perimeter wall at each end of the channel groove, the channel groove comprising a channel groove floor at a predetermined depth from the top end of the base, a first channel groove wall extending perpendicularly from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor, and a second channel groove wall opposite the first channel groove wall and extending perpendicularly from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor. The frame mount further includes a notch recess disposed down through the channel groove floor and extending toward the bottom end of the base. The first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall are spaced apart a distance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of the frame in such a way that when the frame is placed into the channel groove, the channel groove is configured to receive the frame and frictionally hold the frame therebetween. When one of the two generally straight sides of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the one of the two generally straight sides is generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channel groove wall. When the at least one corner of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the at least one corner is received into and abuts the notch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groove floor toward the bottom end of the base. 
     In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the notch recess is generally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess being perpendicular to the first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall. The V-shaped notch recess can receive the at least one corner of the frame in such a way that either side of the frame forming the at least one corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess. The frame can further include two layers of suspension film configured to suspend objects therebetween. 
     In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the frame and mount system can also include a generally H-shaped stacking connector. The stacking connector can include a first channel and a second channel. The first channel and the second channel can be sized and dimensioned to receive one of the two generally straight sides of the frame in such a way that when the frame is placed into one of the first channel or the second channel the frame is received and is frictionally held therebetween. The frame can be one of a rectangular or polygonal shape. 
     In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a frame and mount kit is provided. The frame and mount kit includes a frame having two generally straight sides and at least one corner. The frame and mount kit also includes a frame mount including a base having a top end, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end and the bottom end. The frame mount also includes a channel groove centrally disposed and traversing completely across an upper half of the base and through the perimeter wall at each end of the channel groove, the channel groove comprising a channel groove floor at a predetermined depth from the top end of the base, a first channel groove wall extending perpendicularly from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor, and a second channel groove wall opposite the first channel groove wall and extending perpendicularly from the top end of the base to the channel groove floor. The frame mount further includes a notch recess disposed down through the channel groove floor and extending toward the bottom end of the base. The first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall are spaced apart a distance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of the frame in such a way that when the frame is placed into the channel groove, the channel groove is configured to receive the frame and frictionally hold the frame therebetween. When one of the two generally straight sides of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the one of the two generally straight sides is generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channel groove wall. When the at least one corner of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the at least one corner is received into and abuts the notch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groove floor toward the bottom end of the base. 
     In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the notch recess is generally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess being perpendicular to the first channel groove wall and the second channel groove wall. The V-shaped notch recess can receive the at least one corner of the frame in such a way that either side of the frame forming the at least one corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess. The frame can include two layers of suspension film configured to suspend objects therebetween. 
     In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the kit can include a generally H-shaped stacking connector. The stacking connector can include a first channel and a second channel. The first channel and the second channel are sized and dimensioned to receive one of the two generally straight sides of the frame in such a way that when the frame is placed into one of the first channel or the second channel the frame is received and is frictionally held therebetween. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       These and other characteristics of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative isometric view of a frame mount in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the frame mount; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are side plan views of the frame mount; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side section view of the frame mount; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustrative isometric view of a stacking connector in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side plan view of a stacking connector in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustrative isometric view of a male half of the stacking connector; 
         FIG. 8  is perspective internal plan view of the male half of the stacking connector; 
         FIG. 9  is a side plan view of the male half of the stacking connector; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustrative isometric view of a female half of the stacking connector in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is internal plan view of the female half of the stacking connector in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a side plan view of the female half of the stacking connector; 
         FIG. 13  is an external plan view of male and/or female halves of the stacking connector, which are substantially similar to each other in this view; and 
         FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C  are illustrative views of frames held by the frame mount and/or the stacking connector. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a frame mount that is configured to securely hold an object on a flat surface, such as a table or a wall. The frame mount enables a user to display the frame/framed object in a plurality of orientations and configurations. Additionally, the frame mount of the present invention enables multiple objects to be securely stacked vertically on one another. 
       FIGS. 1 through 14C , wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, illustrate an example embodiment or embodiments of improved operation for a frame mount and a frame and mount system, according to the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the example embodiment or embodiments illustrated in the figures, it should be understood that many alternative forms can embody the present invention. One of skill in the art will additionally appreciate different ways to alter the parameters of the embodiment(s) disclosed, such as the size, shape, or type of elements or materials, in a manner still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is a frame mount system  100  configured for holding a frame  200  in a plurality of configurations. The frame mount system  100  includes a frame mount having a base  102 .  FIG. 1  is an illustrative isometric view of a frame mount base  102  in accordance with the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 1  depicts a frame mount base  102 . The base  102 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 , is generally cylindrical in shape, although as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the shape of the base  102  can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the base  102  can be rectangular in shape. Regardless of shape, the base  102  includes a top end  104 , a bottom end  106 , and a perimeter wall  108  spanning between the top end  104  and the bottom end  106 . The bottom end  106  of the base  102  is flat such that the base  102  can rest level on a flat surface while holding the frame  200 , either resting on a horizontal surface, or mounted to an inclined or vertically oriented surface, such as a wall to which the base  102  is affixed. Additionally, the perimeter wall  108  follows the shape of the base  102  itself. For example, the perimeter wall  108  depicted in  FIG. 1  is circular in shape, matching the cylindrical shape of the overall base  102 . 
     In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the base  102  also includes a channel groove  110  centrally disposed and oriented such that it traverses completely across an upper half of the base  102  and through the perimeter wall  108  at each end of the channel groove. The channel groove  110  is designed to receive and hold a frame  200  securely in a vertical position with a side of the frame  200  resting substantially flush with the channel groove  110 , as depicted in  FIG. 14C . The channel groove  110  includes a channel groove floor  112  at a predetermined depth from the top end  104  of the base  102 , a first channel groove wall  114  extending from the top end  104  of the base  102  to the channel groove floor  112 , and a second channel groove wall  116  opposite the first channel groove wall  114  and extending from the top end  104  of the base  102  to the channel groove floor  112 . The first channel groove wall  114  and the second channel groove wall  116  can be generally perpendicular to the channel groove floor  112  for most implementations; however, one of skill in the art will appreciate that minor variations of angle away from perpendicular may also be sufficient to create the friction fit with a frame  200  as described herein. The first channel groove wall  114  and the second channel groove wall  116  are spaced apart a distance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of a frame  200  in such a way that when the frame  200  is placed into the channel groove  110 , the channel groove  110  is configured to receive the frame  200  and frictionally hold the frame  200  therebetween with a friction or interference fit, and without requiring any other mechanical fastening means. For example, when a straight side of the frame  200  is placed in the channel groove  110 , the straight side of the frame  200  is arranged generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor  112 , the first channel groove wall  114  and the second channel groove wall  116 . 
     In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the channel groove  110  of the base  102  includes a notch recess  118  disposed down through the channel groove floor  112  and extending toward the bottom end  106  of the base  102 . In accordance with one example embodiment, the notch recess  118  is generally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess being generally perpendicular to the first channel groove wall  114  and the second channel groove wall  116 . The notch recess  118  is designed to receive a corner of the frame  200  and is sufficiently deep such that the frame  200  will be supported vertically when placed within the channel groove  110 , as depicted in  FIG. 14B . In particular, when a generally 90° corner of the frame  200  is placed in the channel groove  110 , the corner is received into and abuts the notch recess  118  in such a way that either side of the frame  200  forming the corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess  118  and extends downward through the channel groove floor  112  toward the bottom end  106  of the base  102 . Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the interior angle of the V-shaped notch recess  118  for a right angle frame is generally 90°, but that the interior angle of the V-shaped notch recess can vary to be wider or narrower, so long as the frame  200  desired to be mounted has a corner of the same or substantially similar angular measurement, such that it can be received and supported by the V-shaped notch recess  118 . 
       FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the frame mount base  102 . In particular,  FIG. 2  depicts how the channel groove  110  extends through the center of the base  102  while dividing the perimeter wall  108  to create the first channel groove wall  114  and the second channel groove wall  116 . Additionally,  FIG. 2  depicts the placement of the notch recess  118  at a central location of the channel groove  110  and oriented between the first channel groove wall  114  and the second channel groove wall  116 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are side plan views of the frame mount base  102 . In particular,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict how the central channel groove  110  extends through the center of the base  102  at a predetermined depth.  FIG. 3A  depicts one side view of the base  102  (e.g., 3 o&#39;clock or 9 o&#39;clock positions as it relates to  FIG. 2 ) showing the location of the channel groove floor  112  as it relates to the top end  104 , bottom end  106 , and the perimeter wall  108  of the base  102 .  FIG. 3B  depicts another side view of the base  102  (e.g., 12 o&#39;clock or 6 o&#39;clock positions as it relates to  FIG. 2 ) with the channel groove  110  dividing the perimeter wall  108 .  FIG. 3B  also shows the location of the channel groove floor  112  as it relates to the top end  104 , bottom end  106 , and the perimeter wall  108  of the base  102 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side plan view of the frame mount base  102 . In particular,  FIG. 4  depicts how the channel groove  110  and the notch recess  118  relate to the top end  104 , bottom end  106 , and the perimeter wall  108  of the base  102 .  FIG. 4  also depicts how the profile of the frame  200  fits into the notch recess  118  in an orientation as depicted in  FIG. 14B . 
     In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the frame mount system  100  includes one or more stacking connectors  120 .  FIG. 5  depicts an illustrative isometric view of a stacking connector  120  in accordance with the present invention. The stacking connector  120 , as depicted in  FIG. 5 , is a generally H-shaped stacking part including a first channel  122  and a second channel  124 . The first channel  122  and the second channel  124  are each sized and dimensioned to receive one of the two generally straight sides of the frame  200  in such a way that when the frame  200  is placed into one of the first channel  122  or the second channel  124 , the frame  200  is received and is frictionally held therebetween. In one example, the width and the depth of the first channel  122  and the second channel  124  are substantially similar in dimensions to the width and depth of the channel groove  110  of the base  102  (e.g., width being the distance between the first channel groove wall  114  and the second channel groove wall  116  and the depth being the distance from the top end  104  to the channel groove floor  112 ). The width and depth of the channel groove  110 , the first channel  122 , and the second channel  124  are the dimensions responsible for providing the friction or interference fit for holding a frame  200  therebetween, and without requiring additional fastening means. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the stacking connector  120  can be formed from a single part of a combination of parts coupled together. 
     In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the H-shaped stacking connector  120  is formed by two U-shaped parts (with substantially flat bottom surfaces) coupled together. In particular, the bottom surfaces of the two U-shaped parts are coupled together to form the H-shaped stacking connector  120 . Each of the U-shaped parts include a channel for receiving the frame  200 , such that when two U-shaped parts are coupled together they form the H-shaped stacking connector  120  with the first channel  122  and the second channel  124 . More specifically, each U-shaped part includes a channel groove floor  126  and two channel walls  128  perpendicular to the channel groove floor  126  to form the channels. The depth of the channels  122 ,  124  is defined by respective channel groove floors  126  and channel walls  128 .  FIG. 6  is a side plan view of the stacking connector  120 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the two U-shaped parts are substantially symmetrical to one another and couple together in a mirror image configuration to form the H-shaped stacking connector  120 . 
     In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the two U-shaped parts forming the stacking connector  120  include a male half  120   a  and a female half  120   b .  FIG. 7  is an illustrative isometric view of a male half  120   a  of the stacking connector  120 . The male half  120   a  includes a plurality of teeth or tabs  130  extending from one side of the male half  120   a . The plurality of teeth or tabs  130  are designed to insert and frictionally lock with slots  132  of the female half  120   b . As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any combination of conventional mechanical fasteners (e.g., teeth  130  and slots  132 ) can be utilized to couple the male and female halves  120   a ,  120   b  together.  FIG. 8  is a perspective internal plan view of the male half  120   a  of a stacking connector  120 . In particular,  FIG. 8  depicts a view of the plurality of teeth or tabs  130  extending from one side of the male half  120   a  from above/underneath the male half  120   a .  FIG. 9  is a side plan view of the male half  120   a  of the stacking connector  120 . 
       FIG. 10  is an illustrative isometric view of a female half  120   b  of the stacking connector  120  in accordance with the present invention. The female half  120   a  includes a plurality of slots  132  extending into one side of the female half  120   b  that are designed to receive and frictionally lock with the plurality of teeth or tabs  130  of the male half  120   b .  FIG. 11  is an internal plan view of the female half  120   b  of the stacking connector  120  in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 12  is a side plan view of the female half  120   b  of the stacking connector  120 . As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, although the male half  120   a  and the female half  120   b  are depicted as a U-shape and upside-down U-shape, respectively, in  FIGS. 7, 9, 10, and 12 , however, the parts are not limited to this orientation. The U-shaped parts  120   a ,  120   b  are able to be coupled together in either orientation. 
     In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, one or more uncoupled male halves  120   a  or female halves  120   b  are capable of acting as a frame mount  100  by resting on a flat surface and capable of holding the frame  200  vertically, as depicted in  FIG. 14A . As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the number of male halves  120   a , female halves  120   b , and/or bases  102  needed to hold a frame can vary based on a size and weight of the frame  200 . 
       FIG. 13  is an external plan view of either a male  120   a  or female  120   b  halves of the stacking connector  120 , which are substantially similar to each other in this view. 
     In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the base  102 , stacking connector  120  (as separate parts or coupled parts), the male halves  120   a , the female halves  120   b , and the frames  200  can be included within a single mounting kit. The frame mount system  100  includes any combination of parts that are utilized for mounting the frame  200 . More specifically, the mounting parts (e.g., the base  102 , stacking connector  120 , the male halves  120   a , and the female halves  120   b ) are the parts of the kit configured to hold one or more frames  200  vertically from a horizontal surface. 
     The frame(s)  200  can include any combination of frame dimension, shape, and material with any combination of pane materials. For example, the frame is one of a rectangular or polygonal shape with two layers of suspension film  134  configured to suspend objects  140  therebetween. For utilization with the base  102  and enabling the two orientations provided by the base  102  (e.g., placed flat within the channel groove  110  or placed with a corner flush within the notch recess  118 ) the frame shape should include at least two generally straight sides and at least one corner (to be placed within the notch recess  118 ). The frame  200 , with at least one corner, and the base  102  enable multiple frame orientations not available to conventional mounting systems. For example, when one of the two generally straight sides of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the one of the two generally straight sides is generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channel groove wall. Alternatively, when the at least one corner of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the at least one corner is received into and abuts the notch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groove floor toward the bottom end of the base. 
     In operation, some combination of the bases  102 , stacking connectors  120 , the male halves  120   a , and the female halves  120   b  can all be utilized in some combination to hold one or more frames  200 .  FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C  are illustrative views of the frames  200  held by the frame mount base  102  and/or the stacking connectors  120  (e.g., the frame mount kit).  FIG. 14A  depicts two frames  200  held vertically in place. The left frame  200  is held in place by a pair of male halves  120   a  and the second frame  200  is held in place by a pair of female halves  120   b . Additionally, each of the frames  200  in  FIG. 14A  show an object  140  held in suspension between two layers of suspension film  134 . In  FIG. 14A  the orientation of the frames  200  are horizontal with one side making contact with the channel groove floors  126  of the respective male halves  120   a  and female halves  120   b . As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the pair of male halves  120   a  or female halves  120   b  could be replaced by one or more bases  102  and/or stacking connector  120  to produce the same result. In these situations the frame  200  would be horizontal with one side making contact with the channel groove  110  of the base(s)  102  the channel groove floors  126  of stacking connector  120 , respectively. 
       FIG. 14B  depicts two frames  200 , with an object  140  held in suspension between two layers of suspension film  134 , held vertically in place at different orientations using the base  102 . The multiple orientations of the frames  200  provided in  FIG. 14B  are provided by the unique shape and structure of the base  102 , specifically the channel groove  110  and the notch recess  118  within the channel groove  110  of the base  102 . In the first frame  200  orientation (e.g., diamond orientation) a corner of the frame  200  is placed within and in substantial contact with the surface of the notch recess  118  at a sufficient depth to hold the frame  200  in a vertical orientation. In the second frame  200  orientation (e.g., rectangular orientation) a side of the frame  200  is placed within and in substantial contact with the surface of the channel groove  110  at a sufficient depth to hold the frame  200  in a vertical orientation. This unique multi-orientation functionality enables the single base  102  to hold a frame in a first orientation representative of a diamond shape or a second orientation representative of a rectangular shape. 
     In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the stacking connectors  120  can be combined with mounting parts (e.g., base  102 , stacking connector  120 , uncoupled male or female half  102   a ,  120   b , etc.) to create a combined frame object  300  including multiple frames  200 .  FIG. 14C  depicts a combined frame object  300  including three frames  200  combined together in a vertical orientation utilizing a combination of frame mount  100  parts and stacking connectors  120 . In particular,  FIG. 14C  depicts two bases  102  holding a first frame  200  vertically in a rectangular orientation (bottom frame  200 ).  FIG. 14C  also depicts two stacking connectors  120  on top of the first frame  200  which are holding a second frame  200  on top of the first frame  200 . Similarly, the second frame  200  includes one stacking connector  120  holding a third frame on top of the second frame  200 . The resulting combination of frames  200 , bases  102 , and stacking connectors  120  results in a tiered frame structure  300  of three frames  200  held in a vertical structure only via friction fits. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the number of frames  200 , combination of frames  200  and frame orientations are not limited to the examples provided herein and a user can utilize any combination of frame mounts  100  and stacking connectors  120  to create unique frame  200  structures not explicitly discussed herein. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are intended to be construed as being inclusive, not exclusive. As utilized herein, the terms “exemplary”, “example”, and “illustrative”, are intended to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration” and should not be construed as indicating, or not indicating, a preferred or advantageous configuration relative to other configurations. As utilized herein, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” are intended to cover variations that may existing in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of subjective or objective values, such as variations in properties, parameters, sizes, and dimensions. In one non-limiting example, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” mean at, or plus 10 percent or less, or minus 10 percent or less. In one non-limiting example, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” mean sufficiently close to be deemed by one of skill in the art in the relevant field to be included. As utilized herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extend or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. For example, an object that is “substantially” circular would mean that the object is either completely a circle to mathematically determinable limits, or nearly a circle as would be recognized or understood by one of skill in the art. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some instances depend on the specific context. However, in general, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were achieved or obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when utilized in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. 
     Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure may vary substantially without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. It is intended that the present invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.