Patent Publication Number: US-7708513-B2

Title: Binding elements and plurality of binding elements particularly suited for automated processes

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of International Application Serial No. PCT/US2005/024620 filed Jul. 12, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/587,224 filed Jul. 12, 2004 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/643,009 filed Jan. 11, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to binding elements for holding a plurality of perforated sheets or the like, and more specifically the invention pertains to structure for coupling binding elements particularly useful in automated binding processes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Typically, mechanically bound books are created using either relatively small, inexpensive machines that require a significant amount of labor to create each book, or large, expensive machines that require much less labor per book. Use of small, inexpensive machines is widespread inasmuch as they are present in many offices. Such machines are adequate for creating relatively small quantities of books. As the number of books to be assembled increases, however, the manpower required is significant when utilizing such small, inexpensive machines. In practice, it is not uncommon for operators to spend an hour or more assembling twenty to fifty books. 
     Automated machines, on the other hand, are relatively uncommon in offices. Rather, they are most often found in dedicated print shops or binderies. While these machines may be capable of creating the twenty to fifty books in as little as two to five minutes, the size and cost of automated machines can be prohibitive to smaller or occasional users. Further, it is often time consuming for operators to set up such automated machines or to modify machines to change from one size or color of binding element to another. The specialized training required to operate and set-up automated binding machines further limits benefits available to general office users. 
     Various types of binding elements have been utilized to mechanically bind a stack of perforated sheets or the like, including metal spiral wire or plastic spiral, double loop wire, wire comb, or hanger-type designs, plastic comb, hot-knife or cold-knife strip (e.g., VeloBind® available from General Binding Corporation), and loose leaf binders (e.g., 3-ring binders). 
     Such binding elements are not generally adaptable to highly automated binding machines. Automated binding machines require a supply of binding elements be located in or proximal to the device. The greater number of binding elements that can be loaded into a binding element magazine, the longer the machine can run without operator intervention. While an element magazine of fifty to one hundred binding elements would seem ideal for general office use, the bulky nature of most currently available binding elements would generally make magazines required to accommodate such a large number of binding elements impractical. Loose-leaf binders, for example, are poor from this standpoint inasmuch as the integral covers and ring assemblies take up considerable space. 
     When previously-formed binding elements are utilized, not only must the element magazine contain a sufficient quantity of binding elements to minimize operator loading, it must support, align and present the binding elements in a form suitable for interaction with the binding machine. Thus, the binding elements must be presented such that the binding machine may remove an element from the magazine and position it in the binding mechanism for interaction with a stack of sheets and before finally finishing the book. The structure of virtually all loose binding elements makes them highly prone to tangling unless the elements are controlled by the magazine. As a result, if the packaging method does not control the elements, the binding machine must have sufficient mechanism to disentangle the elements. Such detangling mechanisms would presumably be prohibitively complex, as well as expensive and unreliable. 
     Thus, each of the binding elements currently known and available in the industry presents certain disadvantages, either in the packaging of the elements prior to binding, the automation of the binding process in connection with the elements, or in the qualities of a book bound by the elements. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to create binding elements and moderately priced, user-friendly, reliable mechanical binding machines that will be available other than exclusively to large volume binderies. 
     The invention provides a plurality of binding elements that are particularly suitable for usage in automated binding processes. The individual binding elements comprise a spine from which a plurality of fingers extend. The binding element lies flat and is preferably of a substantially uniform thickness such that it may be stamped from a sheet of material. The binding element includes an inner or rear surface and an outer or front surface. After being assembled into a stack of sheets, the fingers are looped over and coupled to the spine such that the inner or rear surface of the fingers is disposed against the inner or rear surface of the spine. While the fingers may be attached by any appropriate means, preferably a pressure activated adhesive portion is provided along the spine. In accordance with teachings of the invention, at least a portion of the outer surface of the binding element is resistant to a more permanent attachment to the adhesive. As a result, a plurality of the binding elements may be stacked together, and successively decoupled or removed for insertion into a stack of sheets. The resistance to a more permanent adhesion may be provided by any appropriate means, such as, for example, a release coating such as silicone. 
     The binding elements may be provided with score lines or bends along the fingers in order to provide a rounded closed loop structure. Gussets may be provided along the bends in order to inhibit straightening of the fingers. Further, the fingers preferably include variations in their cross-section along the length of the fingers such that the variations relieve certain stresses to inhibit the finger from bending at stress concentration locations. 
     The plurality binding elements further preferably provide structure for facilitating interaction with an automating binding process. For example, the binding elements may include structure such as openings, recesses, or notches for facilitating placement within a binding machine or the like, structure such as recesses or protrusions for facilitating separation of adjacent binding elements, and structure for facilitating the automated closure of the fingers, such as recesses or protrusions. 
     Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a binding element constructed according to teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of  FIG. 1  in a binding position in a stack of sheets. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the tip of a finger element of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary plan view of an exemplary finger element construction of an alternate embodiment of binding elements constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the binding element of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a fragmentary plan view of an exemplary finger element construction of another alternate embodiment of binding elements constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary plan view of an exemplary finger element construction of another alternate embodiment of binding elements constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are cross-sectional views of the binding element of  FIG. 1  showing exemplary bends in the binding element. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the binding element of  FIG. 9  in a closed position. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the binding element of  FIG. 1  showing alternate exemplary bends in the binding element. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the binding element of  FIG. 11  in a closed position. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a plurality of binding elements similar to those of  FIG. 1  constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of two adjacently disposed binding elements constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of a plurality of binding elements constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a fragmented, perspective view of a plurality of binding elements of  FIG. 16  partially cut away. 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a plurality of the binding elements of  FIG. 17  as engaged by a component of an automated binding machine. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the binding element of  FIG. 16  during an exemplary assembly process accordingly to teachings of the of the invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a plan view of adjacent ends of a pair of binding elements of  FIG. 14  according to one method of construction in accordance with teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a plan view of two stacks of a plurality of binding elements of  FIG. 14  in an nested arrangement according to teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  22 - 22  in  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a side elevational view of the binding element of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of the binding element of  FIGS. 23 and 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a binding element constructed according to teachings of the invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a rear perspective view of the binding element of  FIG. 26 , illustrating multiple areas of adhesive. 
         FIG. 28  is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of the binding element of  FIG. 26  through line  28 - 28  in  FIG. 27 , illustrating the component material layers of the binding element. 
         FIG. 29  is a top view of the binding element of  FIG. 26  aligned with multiple perforations in a letter-sized sheet of material. 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of the binding element of  FIG. 26  aligned with multiple perforations in an A4-sized sheet of material. 
         FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of a stack of binding elements of  FIG. 26 , illustrating an alignment member of an automated binding machine inserted through the stack of binding elements. 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the binding element of  FIG. 26 , illustrating multiple registration notches of the binding element being engaged by respective registration members of an automated binding machine. 
         FIG. 33  is a partial top view of a stack of perforated sheets having an alternative configuration of perforations than those shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 . 
         FIG. 34   a  is a partial top view of yet another embodiment of a binding element, illustrating an alignment aperture in a first orientation. 
         FIG. 34   b  is a partial top view of another embodiment of a binding element, illustrating an alignment aperture in a second orientation. 
         FIG. 35   a  is a front perspective view of the binding element of  FIG. 26 , illustrating one of the fingers of the binding element being welded to the spine of the binding element. 
         FIG. 35   b  is a front perspective view of the binding element of  FIG. 26 , illustrating one of the fingers of the binding element being fastened to the spine of the binding element. 
         FIG. 35   c  is a front perspective view of the binding element of  FIG. 26 , illustrating one of the fingers of the binding element being deformably coupled to the spine of the binding element. 
     
    
    
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a binding element  50  constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. The binding element  50  includes a spine  52  from which a plurality of fingers  54  extend along one edge  56 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in assembly into a stack of perforated sheets  62 , the distal ends  58  of the fingers  52  are inserted into the perforations  60 , and the distal ends  58  of the fingers  54  are coupled to the spine  52  to form a closed loop  64  through the stack of sheets  62 . The binding element  50  includes an inner face  66  and an outer face  68 . Significantly, in a currently preferred assembly of the binding element  50 , the inner face  66  of the distal ends  58  of the fingers  54  are disposed against the inner face  66  of the spine  52 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Consequently, the looped portion  64  for each finger  54  of the binding element  50  extends outward from one edge  56  of the spine  52 . As a result, the spine  52 , with the distal ends  58  of the fingers  54  attached thereto, may be disposed between two of the sheets of the stack  62 . Preferably, the spine  52  with the attached distal ends  58  is disposed between the back cover  70  and the final sheet  72  of the bound stack  62 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this way, the bound stack of sheets  62  and the closed binding element  50  provide an appealing presentation of a bound book. Moreover, because the edge of the bound book presents only a plurality of parallel fingers  54 , rather than a spine, the individual sheets of the book may be laid flat on a surface, or the consecutive sheets turned and disposed entirely against the back cover  70  as the consecutive sheets of the bound book are being viewed. 
     The distal ends  58  of the fingers  54  may be secured to the spine  52  by any appropriate means. In a currently preferred embodiment, an adhesive  80  is provided along at least a portion of the inner face  66  of the spine  52 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 1 . The adhesive  80  may be any appropriate adhesive that will provide adequate securement between the fingers  54  and spine  52 . An acrylic based pressure sensitive adhesive, specifically 3M 220 Stamark™ is currently a preferred adhesive, although any appropriate bonding adhesive[s] may be utilized, such as, for example, two-part adhesives, super PSA or PSA with release paper, water activated adhesives, hot melt adhesives, or ultraviolet curing adhesives. It will be appreciated that other coupling means may be additionally or alternately provided. By way of example, only, the distal ends of the fingers may be mechanically coupled to the spine by methods similar to those disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/488,193, which is assigned to the assignee of this application and is incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses. Alternately, for example, heat, welding, spin welding, flap locks, zip locks, integral snaps or rivets, lock tabs, Velcro®, stapling, staple-free stapling, rivets, rolling, or staking may be utilized. 
     The securement may be of a removable nature so that pages may be removed or added. Alternately, in order to provide a tamper-resistant binding, the securement may be of a more permanent nature, and/or the arrangement may be provided with a tamper-evident structure. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the distal tip  58  of the fingers  54  may be provided with weakened portion, such as may be provided, for example, by a series of cuts  74  or a thinned area. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that when such cuts  74  or a thinned area at the distal end  58  of the finger  54  are positioned over a more permanent adhesive securement  80 , the holding force of the securement will be greater than the strength of the thin pieces  76  of the binding element material formed between the cuts  74  or a thinned area. As a result, the thin pieces  76  or a thinned area will likely deform or break as one attempts to pry the distal end  58  of the finger  54  from the spine  52 , providing evidence of tampering. Notably, the cuts  74  are V-shaped, and directed such that they will not interfere with the advancement of the distal ends  58  of the fingers  54  as they are directed through the perforations  60  in the stack of sheets  62 . 
     According to an important feature of the invention, the closed loop  64  of the fingers  54  present a relatively smooth and uniformly arched finger  54  profile. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that such relatively thin, flexible finger elements as may be flexed and looped toward the spine  52 , will generally provide a concentration of forces at a given location along the length of the looped length of the finger  54 . This bending can result not only in an unappealing appearance to the binding element and bound book, but it can result in difficulty in turning of the successive sheets of a bound stack, particularly if concentrated bending results along the length of any of the fingers  54 . 
     In order to provide a relatively uniform, rounded closed loop to the fingers  54 , the fingers  54  are provided with a varied cross section along the length thereof such that the bending stresses are more uniformly distributed along the length of the looped finger  54 . This varied cross section may be accomplished by various structural arrangements. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the fingers may be provided with reliefs or cutouts  82  of varied sizes. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a larger cross section is desirable along that portion of the strip wherein the greatest bending stresses would be concentrated and a smaller cross section would be desirable along those portions where lesser stresses would be distributed in a looped finger  54 . Accordingly, the invention provides a smaller cutout  82   a  along the generally central portion of the binding element and a relatively larger cutout  82   b  along the portion(s) of finger  54  more proximal to the spine  52  and toward the distal end  58  of the fingers  54 . In this way, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the looped finger  54  provides a smooth transition throughout its looped length. 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, in accordance with the invention, alternate varied cross sectional arrangements will likewise provide the desired variation in the bending stresses along the length of a flexible binding element finger. For example, a single cutout  83  may be provided, such as the teardrop shape shown in  FIG. 16 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the fingers  84  may have a uniform width, and a varied thickness, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Alternately, rather than including reliefs or cutouts, the fingers  86 ,  88  may comprise a varied outer profile, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , respectively, or a series of segments may be cut in the outer surface or perimeter of the fingers. Thus, such stress relief may be provided, for example, by way of structural variations such as cut patterns, width or thickness changes, or segmenting, or any combination of these. 
     In order to further provide more appealing annular closed finger loops  64 , a plurality of bends may be provided in the binding element  50  to facilitate the formation of a generally circular finger loop profile. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a plurality of bends  90  may be provided at the proximal ends  92  of the fingers  54 , such as substantially at the point where the fingers  54  meet the spine  52 , to provide the general profile as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Alternately, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the fingers  54  may include a plurality of bends  94  spaced from their distal ends  58  such that the closed binding element  50  will have a general profile as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . It will be appreciated that the binding element  50  may include any number of alternate bending arrangements, such as, for example, a combination of bends  96 ,  98  at the proximal ends  92  and at the distal ends  58  of the fingers  54 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , yielding the general profile as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Such bends may be provided in the binding element as provided to the user, or the binding element may include appropriate score lines that encourage such bending. Alternately, such bends may be made at the binding machine itself. The bends may be provided by any appropriate method. For example, they may be fabricated or facilitated during an extruding or molding process, or they may be provided as a result of a subsequent process, such as a scoring or pounding of the binding element. It will be appreciated, for example, that score lines placed at the location of the bends may be used to facilitate bending by creating a greater freedom of movement at the bend location. 
     Conversely, bends  90 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  that are induced as a result of pounding a substantially flat element, for example, result in an alteration of the structure such that, over time, bends  90 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  may have a tendency to relax from their desired form (see  FIGS. 8-12 ). This may likewise be a problem in binding elements wherein the bends  90 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  are formed in the binding element during an extruding or molding process. This relaxation may be due to factors such as heat, the type of material used, etc. In some embodiments, this relaxation may be undesirable. 
     In order to minimize the effect of relaxation in the final binding element, such relaxation may be taken into account in the initial fabrication of the binding element. For example, the binding elements may be fabricated with bends  90 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  at an angle greater than the desired angle. Thus, over time the angle will eventually relax to the approximate desired angle. By way of example only, and not limitation, if the desired angled of the bend is approximately 90°, then creating an initial bend at approximately 110° would allow the bend to eventually relax at or near the desired angle as opposed to an angle much lower than desired. By way of comparison, if the angle were initially set at approximately the desired angle, then any relaxation could result in a bend angle below the desired angle within a relatively short timeframe. A greater than desired initial bend angle could be applied to any bend on the binding element. Furthermore, a greater than desired initial bend angle could be applied to the binding element either before or after insertion into the binding machine or stack of sheets to bound. 
     In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, the binding element may be provided with additional structure that facilitates resistance to the relaxation of bends. As shown in  FIGS. 23-25 , for example, a gusset  134 , or other similar bend reinforcement, may be created at the bend  90  to strengthen the bend and inhibit relaxation of the bend angle. While  FIG. 23  shows the use of two gussets  134  at bend  90  to strengthen the bend and maintain the desired bend angle, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the number of gussets  134  used may be one or more. Similarly, the location of the gusset  134  along the axis of the bend may be adjusted depending on design preference, finger  126  width, and the number of gussets  134  used. Moreover, the use of gussets  134  is not limited to bend  90  but is equally applicable to other bends in the binding element  110 , such as bends  94 ,  96 ,  98  (see  FIGS. 9-12 ) or any other bend on the binding element. The gusset  134  may be created by any appropriate method and may take place prior to or after insertion into the binding machine. It is further noted that a gusset  134  and a greater than desired initial bend angle could be utilized in combination to restrict relaxation to approximately the desired bend angle. 
     In accordance with another important feature of the invention, a plurality binding elements  50  may be provided as a single unit  100 , as shown, for example in  FIG. 13 . While  FIG. 13  shows the stacked binding elements  50  partially broken away for explanation purposes, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the single unit  100  of a plurality of binding elements  50  may be handled as a single unit without the need for a cartridge or the like. As a result, the single unit  100  may be readily placed in an automated binding machine, greatly simplifying the automated binding process. Preferably, the binding elements have a relatively thin, uniform thickness, such as is illustrated. In this way, a relatively large number of binding elements presents a very compact unit that may be readily packaged for shipment or storage, as well as retained in a magazine area of a binding machine for use in an automated binding process. Additionally, the illustrated structure presents further packaging advantages in that two such stacks of binding elements may be readily disposed in a single package with the stack of fingers from the binding elements of the respective stacks alternatingly disposed in a single plane, the stacks of spines of the binding elements of the respective stacks being disposed outboard the adjacently disposed fingers (see, e.g.,  FIG. 21 ). As a result, very little space is lost in the packaging of such binding elements. 
     In order to facilitate this efficient stacking of the binding elements  50 , at least a portion  102  of the outer face  68  of the binding elements  50  is provided with a surface that is resistant to the adhesive  80 , as shown, for example in  FIG. 13 . The portion  102  resists permanent coupling with the adhesive  80 , yet allows the binding elements  50  to be adjacently disposed for storage or delivery to an automated binding machine. During the stacking process, this portion  102  is disposed adjacent the adhesive  80  of the adjacent binding element, as shown in  FIG. 14 . In this way, the binding elements  50  may be temporarily coupled together in the stacked unit  100 , yet easily separated for insertion into a stack of sheets in the binding process. It will be appreciated that the adjacent stacking of the binding elements  50  eliminates the need for a backing strip adjacent the adhesive  80 , as well as the waste accompanying the same. 
     The portion that is resistant may be only a limited portion, e.g., only the portion that is disposed directly adjacent the adhesive of the adjacent binding element when the binding elements are stacked as a group, an elongated strip  102  of the binding element (as shown in  FIG. 13 ), or the entire outer face  68  of the binding element  50  may be resistant to the adhesive. For the purposes of this further explanation, the term “portion  102 ” will be utilized, but it will be understood that the term “portion  102 ” may thus include an entire side of the binding element, a relatively small portion of a side of a binding element, or any extent along the continuum. The provision of the entire outer face being resistant to the adhesive yields a more simplified fabrication process in that one entire side of a sheet of stock from which the binding elements are cut may be rendered unresponsive to permanent bonding with the adhesive. The portion  102  may be provided by any appropriate means that renders the surface of the material of the binding element  50  resistant to relatively permanent bonding with the particular adhesive utilized. By way of example only, the portion  102  may include a silicone or Teflon® coating, or the like. Alternately, the material from which the binding element is fabricated may include properties that allow a more permanent bond along the inner surface  66 , yet a less permanent bond on the opposite outer surface  68 , or surface treatments on either surface. The adhesive or release coat may be directly bonded to the material of the strip, or surface preparation may be utilized to promote the application of one and/or the other, including procedures such as abrading, corona treating, flame treating, etching, and applying an enhancing coat, such as a primer. 
     It will be appreciated that this same stacked, coupled arrangement may be provided, even if the binding elements  50  are provided with bends, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 15 . Just as the portion  102  may be attached to the surface of the material of the binding element  50  resistant to the relatively permanent bonding with the particular adhesive utilized, so too may a release coating be attached to the interior of the packaging in which the binding elements  50  are contained prior to usage. A release coating on the packaging interior prevents the binding element from undesirable attachment to the packaging and eliminates the need for a backing strip on the exposed adhesive of an outer binding element to avoid such attachment. It will be appreciated that the use of a release coating on the package interior saves time during binding loading because the loader need not remove a backing strip, prevents the possibility of loading error due to an operator neglecting to remove the backing strip, and eliminates the waste associated with such a backing strip. 
     In order to facilitate an automated binding process, the binding elements preferably include additional features specifically designed to accommodate mechanical interface with an automated binding machine. One such feature is locating structure for placement of the binding elements in an automated binding machine. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the binding elements  110  are provided with at least one engagement opening  112 , here, a series of engagement openings  112  that extend, for example, along the length of the binding elements  110 . A currently preferred form of the engagement openings  112  includes a generally square structure  113  with plurality of slots  114  extending from the corners of the square structure  113  (see  FIG. 17 ). In this way, one or more pins may be received in the stacked unit  116  of binding elements  110  to properly locate the same within the automated machine. While the locating structure has been illustrated with regard openings with in the individual binding elements  110 , it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the locating structure may alternately be alternately disposed, for example, as recesses or protrusions or the like in the outer perimeter of the binding elements. For example, if a stack of elements  110  identical to those illustrated in  FIG. 16  were provided, the aligned recesses  118  could be utilized in the placement of the binding element  110  stack in a binding machine. In this way, the binding may include locators that will consistently locate a stack of binding elements, regardless of the particular size of binding element utilized. 
     The binding element may further include structure that facilitates the separation of the adjacent binding elements  110  during the automated binding process. For example, the binding elements  110  may include protrusions or the recesses  118   a ,  118   b  in the outer perimeter of the binding element  110  ( FIGS. 17-18 ) may be staggered. Thus, during the binding process, a probe  120  from the binding machine may be inserted at one or more of the recesses  118   a  of the upper or lower most binding element  110 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . The probe  120  may be moved slightly upward or downward in the stack  116  during this process to facilitate this separation to the extent that the binding elements  110  themselves are pliant. The probe  120  may then be used to separate the adjacent binding elements  110  to the extent required by the automated binding machine. 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, however, that alternate mechanisms may be utilized to facilitate separation of adjacent binding elements during a binding process. For example, adjacent binding elements as illustrated in  FIG. 13 ,  15 ,  17  or  18  may be separated by a suctioning device or the like that exerts sufficient force against the binding element  110  to create separation of the adhesive  80  from the portion  102  of the adjacent binding element. 
     Further, the binding elements  110  may be provided with engaging structure that facilitates an automated process for physically closing the fingers of the binding elements  110 . As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 19 , for example, an opening  122  may be provided in the distal end  124  of the binding element fingers  126 . In assembly, a finger closing mechanism  130  may be provided that engages the opening  122  to lift the distal end  124  of the finger  126  and move it toward the spine  128  as progressively shown in  FIG. 19 . The closing mechanism  130  preferably then would then exert a closing force on the distal end  124  of the finger  126  to activate the adhesive  129  at the spine. While the form of the engaging structure  122  is illustrated as a “V-shape,” it will be appreciated that an alternate structure may be provided. For example, a simple slit or round opening may be provided, or protruding structure, such as protrusions from one or both of the side edges of the finger  126  may be provided. While the distal end  124  of the finger  126  is illustrated as being coupled to the spine  128  at an adhesive  129 , it will be appreciated, that in an imperfect practice of the invention, a distal portion of the finger may be coupled to a portion of the finger more proximal to the spine  128 , yet not on the spine itself. This practice of the invention, however, would likewise fall under the claims and teachings of the invention. 
     Binding elements according to the invention may be fabricated of any appropriate material. In a currently preferred embodiment, nylon is utilized inasmuch as nylon is a flexible, yet very strong polymer. It will be appreciated, however, that alternate materials may be utilized. In another currently preferred embodiment, an oriented polyester material is utilized. Some examples of commercially available oriented polyesters include Hostaphan® available from Mitsubishi Plastics Inc. of Tokyo, Japan, Mylar® available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, and Dural-Lar™ available from Grafix Plastics of Cleveland, Ohio. Oriented polyester offers the advantage that it does not absorb moisture and can be used with known off-the-shelf adhesives. Additionally, oriented-strand or oriented polyesters provide good stiffness and spring-back characteristics, lay flat in their initial state as binding elements with little or no warping, and form a loop in the bound state that is more rounded and stronger (e.g., less likely to be crushed when bound) than binding elements made from other materials. By way of example only, and not limitation, the binding element may be fabricated of one or more materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Binding elements may be fabricated by any appropriate method. For example, they may be molded, extruded, or vacuum formed, stamped, laser cut or die cut, progressively or otherwise, from sheets of material. 
     In accordance with another feature of the invention, a plurality of such binding elements may be fabricated with minimal waste when cut from a flat sheet of a material, such as nylon, Mylar-oriented polyester, or another appropriate plastic or other material. As explained with regard to the storage and shipment of the binding elements  50 , pairs of binding elements  110  may be stamped from a sheet of material with the fingers alternately disposed (see  FIGS. 21 and 22 ). Further, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the binding element  110  preferably comprises an odd number of fingers  126 , and the recesses  118  are disposed at the base of every other finger  126 . As a result, in stamping or otherwise fabricating a successive length of binding elements  110 , a portion  132  may be removed from a strip of continuous binding elements between pairs of fingers  126  to provide recesses  118  that are spaced at alternate distances from the end of the spine  128 , providing the varied spacing as illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26-32 , yet another embodiment of a binding element  202  is illustrated. The binding element  202  is generally flat and includes a front surface  206  and a rear surface  210 . Like the binding elements  50  shown in  FIGS. 1-13  and the binding elements  110  shown in  FIGS. 16-25 , the binding element  202  is cut from a generally flat sheet  204  of material (e.g., nylon, an oriented-polyester material, or other suitable materials) having an outer or front surface  206   a  and an inner or rear surface  210   a  (see  FIG. 28 ). As discussed in greater detail below, the sheet  204  of material may include any of a number of different coatings or layers on either side of the sheet  204  to impart certain properties or characteristics to the sheet  204  of material. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , the binding element  202  includes a spine  214  and a plurality of fingers  218  extending from the spine  214 . Like the fingers  126  in the binding element  50  of  FIGS. 16-25 , each of the fingers  218  includes a teardrop-shaped cutout  222  to allow the variation in bending stresses in the fingers  218  as discussed above. However, the fingers  218  in the binding element  202  of  FIGS. 26-32  do not include the opening  122  that is engaged by the finger closing mechanism  130  (see  FIG. 19 ). Rather, as discussed above, a suctioning device may be utilized to grasp one or more of the fingers  218  to initiate separation of a single binding element  202  from a stack  226  of binding elements  202  (see  FIG. 31 ). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , the spine  214  generally includes a first edge  230  from which the plurality of fingers  218  extend, a second edge  234  generally opposite the first edge  230 , a third edge  238 , and a fourth edge  242  generally opposite the third edge  238 . In the illustrated construction of the binding element  202 , the first edge  230  includes a plurality of scallops  246  and a plurality of shoulder portions  250  adjacent each of the plurality of fingers  218 . Specifically, adjacent fingers  218  define a gap distance G therebetween, such that within the gap distance G, the first edge  230  includes a single scallop  246  and a shoulder portion  250  on opposite ends of the scallop  246  (see  FIGS. 29 and 30 ). As shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , the shoulder portions  250  are generally parallel with the second edge  234  of the spine  214 . In an alternative construction of the binding element  202 , the scallop  246  may occupy substantially the entire length of the first edge  230  within the gap distance G between adjacent fingers  218 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26 ,  27 ,  29 , and  30 , the second edge  234  of the spine  214  includes a plurality of notches  254 ,  258  formed therein. In the illustrated construction of the binding element  202 , both V-shaped notches  254  and U-shaped notches  258  are formed in the second edge  234  of the spine  214 . In the illustrated construction of the binding element  202 , the two V-shaped notches  254  are positioned on opposite sides of the middle or central finger  218   a  and are aligned within the gap distance G on either side of the central finger  218   a . In alternate constructions of the binding element  202 , more or fewer than two V-shaped notches  254  may be formed in the second edge  234  of the spine  214 . 
     Each of the V-shaped notches  254  includes a distal end  262  inwardly spaced from the second edge  234  of the spine  214 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, when the binding elements  202  are cut from the sheet  204  of material, a controlled dimension D 1  is established between the distal ends  262  of the V-shaped notches  254  and a reference location on the binding element  202  (see  FIG. 29 ). In the illustrated construction of the binding element  202 , the controlled dimension D 1  is established between the distal ends  262  of the V-shaped notches  254  and the shoulder portions  250  on the first edge  230  of the spine  214 . The controlled dimension D 1  may be different, for example, from an uncontrolled dimension D 2  between the second edge  234  of the spine  214  and the shoulder portions  250  on the first edge  230  of the spine  214  in that the controlled dimension D 1  may be held to a substantially tighter tolerance value than the uncontrolled dimension D 2 . For example, the controlled dimension D 1  may be held to a tolerance of about 0.005″, while the uncontrolled dimension D 2  may be held to a tolerance of about 0.030″. In an alternative construction of the binding element  202 , the controlled dimension D 1  may be established between the distal ends  262  of the V-shaped notches  254  and other reference locations on the binding element  202 , such as respective distal ends  264  of the fingers  218 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26 ,  27 ,  29 , and  30 , the illustrated construction of the binding element  202  includes two pairs of U-shaped notches  258  positioned on opposite sides of the pair of V-shaped notches  254 . Specifically, two U-shaped notches  258  are positioned, respectively, on opposite sides of the finger  218   b , and are aligned within the gap distance G on either side of the finger  218   b , adjacent the finger  218  closest to the third edge  238  of the spine  214 . Additionally, two U-shaped notches  258  are positioned, respectively, on opposite sides of the finger  218   c , and are aligned within the gap distance G on either side of the finger  218   c , adjacent the finger  218  closest to the fourth edge  242  of the spine  214 . 
     Each of the U-shaped notches  258  includes a distal end  266  inwardly spaced from the second edge  234  of the spine  214 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, when the binding elements  202  are cut from the sheet  204  of material, a controlled dimension D 3  is established between the distal ends  266  of the U-shaped notches  258  and a reference location on the binding element  202  (see  FIG. 29 ). In the illustrated construction of the binding element  202 , the controlled dimension D 3  is established between the distal ends  266  of the U-shaped notches  258  and the shoulder portions  250  on the first edge  230  of the spine  214 . Like the controlled dimension D 1 , the controlled dimension D 3  may be held to a tolerance of about 0.005″. In an alternative construction of the binding element  202 , the controlled dimension D 3  may be established between the distal ends  266  of the U-shaped notches  258  and other reference locations on the binding element  202 , such as the distal ends  264  of the fingers  218 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26 ,  27 , and  29 - 32 , the spine  214  also includes an alignment aperture  270  formed therein. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the aperture  270  may be formed in any location on the spine  214  within the boundary defined by the first edge  230 , the second edge  234 , the third edge  238 , and the fourth edge  242  of the spine  214  (see the alternative location of aperture  270 ′ in  FIG. 30 ). In the illustrated construction of the binding element  202 , however, the aperture  270  is positioned between one of the U-shaped notches  258  and one of the V-shaped notches  254 , approximately equidistant from the first and second edges  230 ,  234  of the spine  214 . Rather than providing a circular alignment aperture  270 , the binding element  202  may include an alternatively-configured alignment aperture  272 , such as the triangular alignment aperture  272  illustrated in  FIG. 34   a . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the alignment aperture  272  may be configured in any of a number of different ways (e.g., different shapes, different sizes, different orientations such as the orientation of the alignment aperture  272 ′ in  FIG. 34   b ) to serve as a brand-specific identifier of the binding elements  202 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 28 , an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of the binding element  202  is shown to illustrate the component layers of the binding element  202 . As discussed above, a sheet  204  of nylon, Mylar-oriented polyester, or other suitable material is initially provided when manufacturing the binding elements  202 . In the illustrated construction of the binding element  202 , a layer of release coating  278  (e.g., silicone) is coupled to the front surface  206   a  of the sheet  204 , while adhesive  282  is coupled to the rear surface  210   a  of the sheet  204 . Rather than providing a single strip of adhesive across the spine  214 , multiple and discrete areas or spots of adhesive  282  may be coupled to the rear surface  210   a  of the sheet  204 , such that each of the plurality of fingers  218  is aligned with one of the multiple areas or spots of adhesive  282  on the spine  214  (see also  FIG. 27 ). This construction of the binding element  202  allows multiple binding elements  202  to be stacked upon one another such that the adhesive  282  on one binding element  202  releasably attaches to the front surface  206  of another binding element  202 . As discussed above, because the front surfaces  206  of the binding elements  202  include the layer of release coating  278 , adhesive  282  from an attached binding element  202  is not likely to substantially stick to the front surface  206  of a binding element  202  when an adjacent element  202  is peeled away or separated. 
     With reference to  FIG. 27 , the same adhesive  282  on the binding elements  202  is also utilized to secure the distal ends  264  of the fingers  218  to the spine  214  when the binding element  202  is attached to a stack  292  of perforated sheets to bind the stack  292  (see  FIGS. 29 and 30 ). Particularly, after the fingers  218  are bent and the gussets formed in the binding element  202 , as described above and shown in the binding element  50  of  FIGS. 23-25 , the fingers  218  are looped around the stack  292  of perforated sheets such that the fingers  218  are attached to the spine  214  at the rear surface  210  of the binding element  202 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 35   a , one of the fingers  218  of the binding element  202  is shown looped around and attached to the spine  214  at the rear surface  210  of the binding element  202 . Rather than providing the adhesive  282  to attach the fingers  218  to the spine  214  of the binding element  202 , a welding process (e.g., ultrasonic welding, RF-welding, friction welding, and so forth) may be utilized to secure the distal ends  264  of the fingers  218  to the spine  214  (see weld zone  354  in  FIG. 35   a ). Alternatively, a mechanical fastener  358  (e.g., a rivet) may be utilized to secure the distal ends  264  of the fingers  218  to the spine  214  (see  FIG. 35   b ). As yet another alternative, the distal ends  264  of the fingers  218  may be deformably coupled to the spine  214  (see  FIG. 35   c ). In other words, after the distal ends  264  of the fingers  218  and the spine  214  are brought into contact, a male and female die set may be utilized to permanently deform portions of the fingers  218  and portions of the spine  214 , resulting in a plurality of indentations  362  that secure the distal ends  264  of the respective fingers  218  to the spine  214 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 28 , the illustrated construction of the binding element  202  utilizes a layer of primer  294  beneath the adhesive  282 , and a layer of primer  298  beneath the layer of release coating  278 . As discussed above, the layers of primer  294 ,  298  may increase the adhesion of the adhesive  282  to the sheet  204  and the adhesion of the layer of release coating  278  to the sheet  204 , respectively. However, an alternative construction of the binding element  202  may utilize sufficiently tacky adhesive and release coating, such that the layers of primer  294 ,  298  on either side of the sheet  204  may be omitted. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 28 , the illustrated binding element  202  includes a layer of coloring agent  302  coupled to the sheet  204  between the layer of primer  298  and the layer of release coating  278 . The coloring agent (e.g., ink or dye) may be utilized to impart color to the sheet  204 , which otherwise may be substantially clear or a non-desired color. If a sufficiently tacky coloring agent is utilized, the layer of primer  298  may be omitted. In alternative constructions of the binding element  202 , the coloring agent may also be omitted to yield a substantially clear binding element  202  or a binding element  202  of the natural color of the sheet  204 . 
     In an alternative construction of the binding element  202 , the sheet  204  may be made from a material having natural release properties, such that the release coating  278  may be omitted. Such a material may include, among others, high-density polyethylene and polypropylene. In such a construction of the binding element  202 , if the layer of coloring agent  302  is not utilized, the layer of primer  298  on the front surface  206   a  of the sheet  204  and the layer of release coating  278  may be omitted, leaving the layer of primer  294  on the rear surface  210   a  of the sheet  204  as the only applied treatment or coating on the sheet  204 . Further, rather than providing the layer of primer  294  to increase the adhesion of the adhesive  282  to the sheet  204 , alternative processes (e.g., abrading, corona treating, flame treating, etching, and others) may be utilized to treat the rear surface  210   a  of the sheet  204  to increase the adhesion properties of the rear surface  210   a  to promote the adhesion of the adhesive  282  to the rear surface  210   a.    
     In manufacturing the binding elements  202 , the layers of primer  294 ,  298 , the layer of coloring agent  302 , and the layer of release coating  278  are consecutively applied to the rear surface  210   a  of the sheet  204  of substrate material. In addition, the layer of primer  294  is applied to the front surface  206   a  of the sheet  204  of substrate material. The layers of primer  294 ,  298  and coloring agent  302  may be omitted as discussed above. Then, the sheet  204  of substrate material may be slit or cut into multiple narrow lengths of substrate material, in which each length of substrate material is approximately wide enough to cut two binding elements  202  therefrom (see the binding elements  110  in  FIG. 21 ). Then, the individual binding elements  202  may be cut from the narrow lengths of substrate material using, for example, a progressive die-cutting or other suitable operation. The widths of the narrow lengths of substrate material need not be controlled to a relatively tight tolerance value because, as described above, the controlled dimensions D 1 , D 3  are cut into each binding element  202  using the progressive die or other suitable cutting operation. Therefore, because the widths of the narrow lengths of substrate material may vary, the uncontrolled dimension D 2  between the respective second edges  234  and the shoulder portions  250  of the respective binding elements  202  cut from the narrow lengths of substrate material may be substantially different from one binding element  202  to another. 
     After the individual binding elements  202  are cut, the adhesive  282  is applied to the rear surface  210  of the binding element  210 . Particularly, the multiple areas or spots of adhesive  282  are applied to the spine  214  of the binding element  202  in locations aligned with the respective fingers  218  extending from the spine  214 . In alternative constructions of the binding element  202 , the multiple areas or spots of adhesive  282  may be applied to the fingers  218  rather than the spine  214 . 
     After the adhesive  282  is applied to the binding elements  202 , the binding elements  202  may be stacked upon one another to form a stack  226  of binding elements  202  (see  FIG. 31 ), or a cartridge or cassette of binding elements  202  for placement in an automated binding machine, as described above with reference to the stacked binding elements  50  of  FIG. 13 . One or more of the notches  254 ,  258  and/or the aperture  270  in the spine  214  may be utilized to align the individual binding elements  202  to facilitate stacking of the binding elements  202  upon one another. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26 ,  27 , and  29 - 32 , the illustrated construction of the binding element  202  includes an odd number of fingers  218  such that an even number of fingers  218  is disposed on either side of the central finger  218   a . With reference to  FIGS. 29 and 30 , the central finger  218   a  is substantially aligned with a mid-line  306  between a first edge  310  and a second edge  314  of the stack  292  of perforated sheets, thereby providing symmetry and a balanced appearance to the bound stack  292  of perforated sheets. 
     Specifically, the illustrated binding element  202  includes nine fingers  218 , which are spaced from one another by a gap distance G of about 0.74″, such that the binding element  202  may be utilized to bind stacks  292  of letter-sized (i.e., 8.5″×11″) perforated sheets  318  or A4-sized perforated sheets  322 . Particularly, when using the binding element  202  to bind stacks  292  of either letter-sized perforated sheets  318  or A4-sized perforated sheets  322 , an edge distance S 1  between the first edge  310  of the stack  292  of perforated sheets and the finger  218  adjacent the fourth edge  242  of the spine  214  is less than or substantially equal to the gap distance G. Similarly, when using the binding element  202  to bind stacks  292  of either letter-sized perforated sheets  318  or A4-sized perforated sheets  322 , an edge distance S 2  between the second edge  314  of the stack  292  of perforated sheets and the finger  218  adjacent the third edge  238  of the spine  214  is less than or substantially equal to the gap distance G. Because the central finger  218   a  is aligned with the mid-line  306 , the edge distance S 1  is substantially equal to the edge distance S 2 . However, this need not be the case. Alternative constructions of the binding element  202  may include more or fewer than nine fingers  218 , so long as the gap distance G is greater than or substantially equal to the edge distances S 1 , S 2 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 31 , the stack  226  of binding elements  202  is shown being supported by a portion of a binding element feeder mechanism of an automated binding machine. Particularly, the feeder mechanism includes a plurality of substantially round projections or rods  326  to support the stack  226  of binding elements  202  and a back plate  330  movable relative to the support rods  326  for advancing the stack  226  of binding elements  202  as individual binding elements  202  are peeled away or separated from the stack  226 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , one or more scallops  246  in the binding elements  202  are in sliding contact with the support rods  326 , which have a radius smaller than the radius of the scallops  246 . As such, contact between the scallops  246  in the individual binding elements  202  and the support rods  326  occurs along only a small portion of the scallops  246 , at a location where the support rods  326  and the scallops  246  are substantially tangent to one another. Therefore, the support rods  326  may also at least partially laterally align the stack  226  of binding elements  202  with respect to the feeder mechanism. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 31 , the feeder mechanism may also include an alignment member or an alignment rod  334  extending through the respective apertures  270  of the individual binding elements  202  in the stack  226 . Like the support rods  326 , the alignment rod  334  may provide lateral or side-to-side alignment of the stack  226  of binding elements  202  in the feeder mechanism. However, the alignment rod  334  may also serve as a brand-specific identifier for the automated binding machine. In other words, one brand of automated binding machine may position the alignment rod  334  in the location shown in  FIG. 31  so that a particular brand or supply of binding elements  202 , which have apertures  270  in corresponding locations, must be utilized. Other brands or supplies of binding elements  202 , having apertures (e.g., apertures  270 ′ in  FIG. 30 ) in different locations other than that shown in  FIG. 31 , would not be usable in the feeder mechanism of  FIG. 31  because of the misalignment between the alignment rod  334  and the apertures  270 ′ in the binding elements  202 . Rather than relocating the alignment rod  334 , different configurations (e.g., different shapes, sizes, and orientations) of the alignment rod can be used to distinguish between different brands of binding elements  202  (e.g., a triangular cross-sectional shape to receive triangular aperture  272 , see  FIG. 34   a ), and/or the alignment rod may be re-oriented to receive brand-specific binding elements  202  (e.g., those binding elements  202  in  FIG. 34   b  having the differently-oriented triangular alignment aperture  272 ′). 
     With reference to  FIG. 32 , an individual binding element  202  is shown after being peeled away or separated from the stack  226  of binding elements  202  in  FIG. 31 . A portion of a clamping mechanism or a receiving member  336  of the automated binding machine is configured to receive the individual binding element  202  from the stack  226  and insert the fingers  218  through respective perforations  338  in the stack  292  of perforated sheets (see also  FIGS. 29 and 30 ). The stack  292  of perforated sheets is generated by a stacking mechanism (not shown), and the stack  292  of perforated sheets is supported in a tray (also not shown) below the clamping mechanism or receiving member  336 . To facilitate stacking of the perforated sheets and alignment of the perforations  338  in the individual sheets in the stack  292 , the perforations  338  may each include at least partially arcuate longitudinal edges  342  opposite one another (see  FIGS. 29 and 30 ) generally forming what can be referred to as a “double-D” shaped perforation  338 . As shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , substantially the entire length of the longitudinal edges  342  is arcuate.  FIG. 33  illustrates an alternative construction of the double-D shaped perforation  338   a , including longitudinal edges  342   a  having both arcuate portions  346  and substantially straight portions  350 . As illustrated in  FIG. 33 , the substantially straight portions  350  are located intermediate the arcuate portions  346  on each of the longitudinal edges  342   a . As a result of the double-D shape of the perforations  338 , individual sheets, as they are being stacked and aligned, are less likely to become caught or hung up in the perforations  338  of an underlying sheet. 
     With reference to  FIG. 32 , portions of the receiving member  336  are shown for engaging the notches  254 ,  258  in the spine  214  of the individual binding element  202 . Particularly, the receiving member  336  may include pins  346  configured to engage the respective V-shaped notches  254  to provide lateral or side-to-side alignment of the binding element  202  with respect to the perforations  338  in the stack  292  of perforated sheets. The receiving member  336  may also include other pins  346  configured to engage the respective U-shaped notches  258  to at least partially orient the fingers  218  for insertion through the perforations  338  in the stack  292  and to prevent pivoting of the binding element  202  about the pins  346  engaging the respective V-notches  254 . 
     As discussed above, the controlled dimensions D 1 , D 3  on the binding elements  202  allow individual binding elements  202  to be registered in the receiving member  336  by the pins  346  accurately and precisely. Further, knowing the thickness of the stack  292  of perforated sheets to be bound, the automated binding machine may accurately and precisely insert the fingers  218  of the binding element  202  through the perforations  338  to the required depth before looping the fingers  218  and securing the fingers  218  to the spine  214  via the adhesive  282  as described above and shown in  FIGS. 2 and 23 . 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the particular design of the binding elements themselves may be of an alternate configuration than those disclosed in the illustrations herein. While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferred embodiments, variations of the preferred embodiments can be used, and it is intended that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, various aspects of the invention may be practiced simultaneously. 
     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.