Patent Publication Number: US-2011057433-A1

Title: Notebook apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/240,800, filed Sep. 9, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates in general to books, such as notebooks, and sheets or pages therefor, and in particular to wirebound or ring-bound books, such as wirebound or ring-bound notebooks, and sheets or pages therefor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a notebook in a closed configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment, the notebook including a wire binding and sheets of paper coupled thereto. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the notebook of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of one of the sheets of paper of the notebook of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 4 , but further depicts a portion of the wire biding of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  is a sectional view of the sheet of paper and the portion of the wire binding taken along line  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 5A , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the respective portions of the sheet of paper and the wire binding of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  as the sheet is pivoted relative to the binding, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the notebook of  FIGS. 1 and 2  as the sheet of paper of  FIGS. 3-6  is decoupled from the wire binding, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the notebook of  FIGS. 1 and 2  and depicts the sheet of paper of  FIGS. 3-6  prior to its recoupling to the wire binding, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of portion of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIGS. 8C and 8D  are views similar to that of  FIG. 8A , but depict the recoupling of the sheet of paper of  FIGS. 3-6  to the wire binding, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a notebook is generally referred to by the reference numeral  10  and includes a binding  12 , a front cover  14 , a back cover  16 , a spine  17 , and sheets of material, such as sheets of paper  18 . The covers  14  and  16 , the spine  17 , and the sheets of paper  18 , are coupled to the binding  12 . The spine  17  extends between the covers  14  and  16 . The notebook  10  may be placed in a closed or open configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. When the notebook  10  is in the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the sheets of paper  18  are disposed between the covers  14  and  16 . In an exemplary embodiment, instead of, or in addition to sheets of paper  18 , sheets of other types of material are coupled to the binding  12  such as, for example, sheets of plastic and/or cardboard. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the binding  12  includes a plurality of axially-spaced, circumferentially-extending binding elements  19 , each of which defines a diameter (shown in  FIG. 5B ). In an exemplary embodiment, each of the binding elements  19  includes one or more wire loops, which are coupled to one another via axially-extending segments (not shown) of the wire used to form the wire loops. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the binding elements  19  includes two wire loops, the binding  12  is a “double loop wire binding” or a “twin loop wire binding,” and the notebook  10  is a wirebound notebook. In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or in addition to wire loops, the circumferentially-extending binding elements  19  of the binding  12  include respective axially-spaced rings, which are coupled to the spine  17 . In an exemplary embodiment, the binding elements  19  include respective rings, and the notebook  10  is a ring-bound notebook. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 3  with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each of the sheets of paper  18  includes a left edge  20 , a right edge  22 , a top edge  24 , and a bottom edge  26 . Openings  28  are formed through the sheet of paper  18 , and are spaced from each other in a direction parallel to the left edge  20 , with each of the respective spacings defining a dimension  30 . Cuts  31  are formed through the sheet of paper  18 . Each of the cuts  31  extends from the left edge  20  to a respective one of the openings  28 . The cuts  31  are spaced in a parallel relation by the dimension  30 . A perforated line  32  is formed in the sheet of paper  18 , and is spaced in a parallel relation from the left edge  20  so that the openings  28  are disposed between the left edge  20  and the perforated line  32 . A reinforcing medium  34  is coupled to the sheet of paper  18 , and extends along the left edge  20 . The openings  28  extend through the reinforcing medium  34 . In an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing medium  34  is, or at least includes, a plastic segment, a cardboard segment, paper having a heavier weight than the rest of the sheet of paper  18 , and/or any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing medium  34  is, or includes, a urethane reinforcing medium, and/or one or more polymeric materials. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 4  with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , each of the openings  28  has a shape that defines parallel-spaced edges  36  and  38  of the sheet of paper  18 . Each of the edges  36  and  38  is generally perpendicular to the left edge  20 , is generally straight, and defines a dimension  40 . The shape of each of the openings  28  further defines a generally rounded edge  42 , which extends from the left end (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ) of the edge  36  to the left end (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ) of the edge  38 . The rounded edge  42  defines a radius  44 , and is disposed between the left edge  20  and the respective left ends (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ) of the edges  36  and  38 . A dimension  46  is defined by the extension of each of the edges  36  and  38 , and the extension of the rounded edge  42 . The dimension  46  is generally equal to the sum of the dimension  40  and the radius  44 . The shape of each of the openings  28  further defines a generally straight edge  48 , which extends from the right end (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ) of the edge  36  to the right end (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ) of the edge  38 . The edge  48  is generally parallel to the left edge  20 , and is generally perpendicular to each of the edges  36  and  38 . The edge  48  defines a dimension  50 , which is generally equal to twice the radius  44 . A corner  52  is defined by the intersection of the edge  48  with the right end (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ) of the edge  36 . A corner  54  is defined by the intersection of the edge  48  with the right end (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ) of the edge  38 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , each of the cuts  31  extends from the left edge  20  to the rounded edge  42 , is generally perpendicular to the left edge  20 , is disposed generally midway between the respective left ends (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ) of the edges  36  and  38 , and defines a dimension  56 . An upper tab portion  58   a  of the sheet of paper  18  is defined by the cut  31  and the portion of the rounded edge  42  that extends between the cut  31  and the edge  36 . A lower tab portion  58   b  of the sheet of paper  18  is defined by the cut  31  and the portion of the rounded edge  42  that extends between the cut  31  and the edge  38 . In an exemplary embodiment, the dimension  30  (i.e., the spacing between the cuts  31  shown in  FIG. 3 ) is about 1 inch. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the dimension  40  is about 2.75 mm, the radius  44  is about 3 mm, the dimension  46  is about 5.75 mm, the dimension  50  is about 6 mm, and the dimension  56  is about 4 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the dimension  40  is about 2 mm, the radius  44  is about 2.75 mm, the dimension  46  is about 4.75 mm, the dimension  50  is about 5.5 mm, and the dimension  56  is about 3 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the dimension  40  ranges from about 2 mm to about 2.75 mm, the radius  44  ranges from about 2.75 mm to about 3 mm, the dimension  46  ranges from about 4.75 mm to about 5.75 mm, the dimension  50  ranges from about 5.5 mm to about 6 mm, and the dimension  56  ranges from about 3 mm to about 4 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of each of the edges  20  and  22  is about 9¼ inches or about 235 mm, and the length (or width) of each of the edges  24  and  26  is about 7¼ inches or about 184 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the dimension  56  to the sum of the dimension  56 , the radius  44  and the dimension  40  ranges from about 0.39 to about 0.41, the ratio of the radius  44  to the sum of the dimension  56 , the radius  44  and the dimension  40  ranges from about 0.31 to about 0.35, and the ratio of the dimension  40  to the sum of the dimension  56 , the radius  44  and the dimension  40  ranges from about 0.26 to about 0.28. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , each of the binding elements  19  extends through a respective one of the openings  28  so that the sheet of paper  18  is coupled to the binding element  19 . Each of the binding elements includes wire loops  19   a  and  19   b , which are coupled to one another via axially-extending segments (not shown) of the wire used to form the wire loops. Each of the binding elements  19  defines a diameter  60  ( FIG. 5B ). The wire loops  19   a  and  19   b  extend through the opening  28  so that a portion of the binding element  19  is disposed between the rounded edge  42  and the edge  48  in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the left edge  20  of the sheet of paper  18 . Moreover, respective portions of the left edge  20  and the rounded edge  42  are disposed between opposing tangential points of each of the wire loops  19   a  and  19   b  of the binding element  19 , as indicated in  FIGS. 2 ,  5 A and  5 B. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter  60  is about 1 inch, the dimension  40  is about 2.75 mm, the radius  44  is about 3 mm, the dimension  46  is about 5.75 mm, the dimension  50  is about 6 mm, and the dimension  56  is about 4 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter  60  is about ½ inch, the dimension  40  is about 2 mm, the radius  44  is about 2.75 mm, the dimension  46  is about 4.75 mm, the dimension  50  is about 5.5 mm, and the dimension  56  is about 3 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter  60  ranges from about ½ inch to about 1 inch, the dimension  40  ranges from about 2 mm to about 2.75 mm, the radius  44  ranges from about 2.75 mm to about 3 mm, the dimension  46  ranges from about 4.75 mm to about 5.75 mm, the dimension  50  ranges from about 5.5 mm to about 6 mm, and the dimension  56  ranges from about 3 mm to about 4 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter  60  ranges from about ½ inch to about 1 inch, the ratio of the dimension  56  to the sum of the dimension  56 , the radius  44  and the dimension  40  ranges from about 0.39 to about 0.41, the ratio of the radius  44  to the sum of the dimension  56 , the radius  44  and the dimension  40  ranges from about 0.31 to about 0.35, and the ratio of the dimension  40  to the sum of the dimension  56 , the radius  44  and the dimension  40  ranges from about 0.26 to about 0.28. 
     In operation, in an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 6  with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-5B , each of the sheets of paper  18  is permitted to pivot, relative to each of the binding elements  19 , about an axis  62 , which is generally perpendicular to the respective planes in which the binding elements  19  circumferentially extend. A user of the notebook  10  can thus turn the sheets of paper  18 , with the sheets of paper  18  pivoting about the axis  62  during the turning. In an exemplary embodiment, the respective rounded shapes of the rounded edges  42  avoid, or at least resist, any tearing or damage to the sheet of paper  18  that may occur as a result of the sheet of paper  18  rubbing against or otherwise contacting the corresponding binding elements  19  during the pivoting of the sheet of paper  18 , relative to the binding elements  19 . In an exemplary embodiment, the absence of any right-angle or sharp corners along each of the rounded edges  42  and its interaction with each of the corresponding edges  36  and  38  avoids, or at least resists, any tearing or damage to the sheet of paper  18  that may occur as a result of the sheet of paper  18  rubbing against or otherwise contacting the binding elements  19  during the pivoting of the sheet of paper  18 , relative to the binding elements  19 . In an exemplary embodiment, the respective pairs of corners  52  and  54  facilitate the pivoting of the sheet of paper  18 , relative to the binding elements  19 , about the axis  62 . In an exemplary embodiment, the respective pairs of corners  52  and  54  facilitate the pivoting of the sheet of paper  18 , relative to the binding elements  19  and about the axis  62 , by improving relative mobility between the sheet of paper  18  and the binding elements  19 . In an exemplary embodiment, the respective pairs of corners  52  and  54  facilitate the pivoting of the sheet of paper  18 , relative to the binding elements  19  and about the axis  62 , by increasing or at least providing nominal respective clearances between each of the binding elements  19  and the corresponding edges  36 ,  38  and  48 . In an exemplary embodiment, the presence of the corners  52  and  54  prevent or at least limit any “squeezing” of the wire loops  19   a  and  19   b , or contact against the wire loops  19   a  and  19   b , by the sheet of paper  18  during its pivoting about the axis  62 . 
     During operation, in an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7  with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , one or more of the sheets of paper  18  may be decoupled from the binding  12  and thus removed from the notebook  10 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , one of the sheets of paper  18  is decoupled from the binding elements  19  and thus from the binding  12  by, for example, pulling the sheet of paper  18  away from the binding  12 . The cuts  31  formed in the sheet of paper  18  permit relative movement between the sheet of paper  18  and the binding elements  19  to thereby permit the decoupling of the sheet of paper  18 . More particularly, the binding elements  19  pass through the respective cuts  31  as the sheet of paper  18  is decoupled from the binding  12 . In several exemplary embodiments, the binding elements  19  pass through the respective cuts  31  in a direction that is parallel to the direction of extension of the cuts  31 , a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cuts  31 , and/or any combination thereof. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as the binding elements  19  pass through the respective cuts  31 , each of the respective pairs of tab portions  58   a  and  58   b  of the sheet of paper  18  bend against or otherwise contact the respective wire loops  19   a  and/or  19   b . The respective rounded shapes of the rounded edges  42  resist any tearing or damage to the sheet of paper  18  during the decoupling of the sheet of paper  18  from each of the binding elements  19 , reducing instances of tearing or curling and facilitating any reinsertion, refilling or coupling of the sheet of paper  18  to the binding  12  subsequent to the decoupling (discussed in further detail below). 
     During operation, in an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8D  with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , the sheet of paper  18  that has been decoupled from the binding  12  is refilled or reinserted into the notebook  10 , that is, recoupled to the binding  12 . The decoupled sheet of paper  18  may be recoupled to the binding  12  at its original position or it may be repositioned within the notebook  10  before being recoupled to the binding  12 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 8A , the sheet of paper  18  that has been decoupled from the binding  12  (as described above and shown in  FIG. 7 ) is repositioned at the back of the notebook  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8B ,  8 C and  8 D, each of the cuts  31  permits relative movement between the decoupled sheet of paper  18  and the corresponding binding element  19  to thereby permit, subsequent to the decoupling, the coupling of the sheet of paper  18  to the binding elements  19  (and thus the binding  12 ) by, for example, pushing the respective pairs of tab portions  58   a  and  58   b  against the respective binding elements  19 . More particularly, the binding elements  19  pass through the respective cuts  31  as the sheet of paper  18  is recoupled to the binding  12 . In several exemplary embodiments, the binding elements  19  pass through the respective cuts  31  in a direction that is the parallel to the direction of extension of the cuts  31 , a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cuts  31 , and/or any combination thereof. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as the binding elements  19  pass through the respective cuts  31 , each of the respective pairs of tab portions  58   a  and  58   b  of the sheet of paper  18  bend against or otherwise contact the respective wire loops  19   a  and/or  19   b . The respective rounded shapes of the rounded edges  42  resist any tearing or damage to the sheet of paper  18  during the recoupling of the sheet of paper  18  to each of the binding elements  19 . In an exemplary embodiment, since the respective rounded shapes of the rounded edges  42  avoided or at least resisted any tearing of, or damage to, the decoupled sheet of paper  18  and especially the respective pairs of tab portions  58   a  and  58   b  thereof, the decoupled sheet of paper  18  is capable of being recoupled to the binding  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 8B-8D . 
     In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or in addition to removing and reinserting one or more of the sheets of paper  18 , one or more additional sheets of paper, which include cuts and openings that are identical to the cuts  31  and the openings  28 , respectively, of the sheets of paper  18 , may be coupled to the binding  12 , in accordance with the foregoing. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, the notebook  10  is a notebook or a planner, and sheets of material having openings that are identical to the openings  28  and cuts that are identical to the cuts  31  may be coupled to the binding  12  and/or interchanged with the notebook  10 , regardless of the length, width, etc. of the sheets of material. 
     In view of the foregoing, in several exemplary embodiments, it is clear that the openings  28  and the cuts  31  permit the sheets of paper  18  of the notebook  10  to be removed, repositioned and refilled with ease, and that additional sheets of paper  18  may be inserted into the notebook  10  as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, the shape of each of the openings  28  provides the combination of strength of the sheet of paper  18  in the vicinity of the opening  28  and adequate slack or play in the relative movement between the sheet of paper  18  and the binding elements  19 , allowing for both stability of the sheet of paper  18  in the vicinity of the binding  12  and mobility to turn the sheet of paper  18  without tearing or the unintentional or unwanted removal of the sheet of paper  18  from the binding  12  during the turning. 
     An apparatus has been described that includes a first sheet of material, the first sheet including a generally straight first edge; and a first opening formed through the first sheet, the first opening having a shape, the shape of the first opening defining: generally straight second and third edges of the first sheet, wherein the second and third edges are spaced in a generally parallel relation, wherein the second and third edges are generally perpendicular to the first edge, wherein each of the second and third edges has opposing first and second ends, and wherein each of the second and third edges defines a first dimension; a generally rounded fourth edge of the first sheet, wherein the fourth edge extends from the first end of the second edge to first end of the third edge, wherein the fourth edge is disposed between the first edge and the respective first ends of the second and third edges, wherein the fourth edge defines a radius, and wherein the extension of each of the second and third edges, and the extension of the fourth edge between the respective first ends of the second and third edges, define a second dimension that is generally equal to the sum of the first dimension and the radius; and a generally straight fifth edge of the first sheet, wherein the fifth edge extends from second end of the second edge to the second end of the third edge, wherein the fifth edge is generally parallel to the first edge and generally perpendicular to each of the second and third edges, and wherein the fifth edge defines a third dimension that is generally equal to twice the radius. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a circumferentially-extending binding element, the binding element extending through the first opening so that: the first sheet is coupled to the binding element, and the first sheet is permitted to pivot, relative to the binding element, about an axis that is generally perpendicular to a plane in which the binding element circumferentially extends; wherein at least a portion of the binding element is disposed between the fourth edge and the fifth edge in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the first edge; wherein the rounded shape of the fourth edge resists any tearing or damage to the first sheet by the binding element during any pivoting of the first sheet relative to the binding element; wherein the intersection of the fifth edge with the second end of the second edge defines a first corner; wherein the intersection of the fifth edge with the second end of the third edge defines a second corner; and wherein the first and second corners facilitate any pivoting of the first sheet relative to the binding element. In an exemplary embodiment, the binding element defines a diameter; wherein at least respective portions of the first edge and the fourth edge are disposed between opposing tangential points of the binding element; wherein a cut is formed through the first sheet; wherein the cut extends from the first edge to the fourth edge, is generally perpendicular to the first edge, and is disposed generally midway between the respective first ends of the second and third edges; wherein the cut defines a fourth dimension; wherein the cut permits relative movement between the first sheet and the binding element to thereby permit: decoupling of the first sheet from the binding element, and coupling of the first sheet to the binding element subsequent to the decoupling; and wherein the rounded shape of the fourth edge resists any tearing or damage to the first sheet during: the decoupling of the first sheet from the binding element, and the coupling of the first sheet to the binding element subsequent to the decoupling. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter is about 1 inch, the first dimension is about 2.75 mm, the radius is about 3 mm, the second dimension is about 5.75 mm, the third dimension is about 6 mm, and the fourth dimension is about 4 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter ranges from about ½ inch to about 1 inch, the first dimension is about 2 mm, the radius is about 2.75 mm, the second dimension is about 4.75 mm, the third dimension is about 5.5 mm, and the fourth dimension is about 3 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter ranges from about ½ inch to about 1 inch, the first dimension ranges from about 2 mm to about 2.75 mm, the radius ranges from about 2.75 mm to about 3 mm, the second dimension ranges from about 4.75 mm to about 5.75 mm, the third dimension ranges from about 5.5 mm to about 6 mm, and the fourth dimension ranges from about 3 mm to about 4 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a cut formed through the first sheet; wherein the cut extends from the first edge to the fourth edge; and wherein the cut is generally perpendicular to the first edge. In an exemplary embodiment, the cut is disposed generally midway between the respective first ends of the second and third edges; and wherein the cut defines a fourth dimension. In an exemplary embodiment, the first dimension is about 2.75 mm, the radius is about 3 mm, the second dimension is about 5.75 mm, the third dimension is about 6 mm, and the fourth dimension is about 4 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the first dimension is about 2 mm, the radius is about 2.75 mm, the second dimension is about 4.75 mm, the third dimension is about 5.5 mm, and the fourth dimension is about 3 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the first dimension ranges from about 2 mm to about 2.75 mm, the radius ranges from about 2.75 mm to about 3 mm, the second dimension ranges from about 4.75 mm to about 5.75 mm, the third dimension ranges from about 5.5 mm to about 6 mm, and the fourth dimension ranges from about 3 mm to about 4 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the fourth dimension to the sum of the fourth dimension, the radius and the first dimension ranges from about 0.39 to about 0.41, the ratio of the radius to the sum of the fourth dimension, the radius and the first dimension ranges from about 0.31 to about 0.35, and the ratio of the first dimension to the sum of the fourth dimension, the radius and the first dimension ranges from about 0.26 to about 0.28. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sheet further includes a second opening formed through the first sheet, the second opening having a shape that is identical to the shape of the first opening and thus defining corresponding second, third, fourth and fifth edges of the first sheet, the second opening being spaced from the first opening in a direction parallel to the first edge; wherein the respective fifth edges defined by the first and second openings are generally aligned; and wherein respective tangential points of the respective fourth edges defined by the first and second openings are generally aligned. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a circumferentially-extending first binding element, the first binding element extending through the first opening; a circumferentially-extending second binding element coupled to the first binding element, the second binding element extending through the second opening; a second sheet of material; and third and fourth openings formed through the second sheet, the third and fourth openings having shapes that are identical to the first and second openings, respectively; wherein the first and second binding elements further extend through the third and fourth openings, respectively, of the second sheet so that the second sheet is coupled to the first sheet. In an exemplary embodiment, the material is paper. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a perforated line formed in the first sheet; wherein the perforated line is spaced in a parallel relation from the first edge so that the first opening is disposed between the first edge and the perforated line. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a reinforcing medium coupled to the first sheet, the reinforcing medium extending along the first edge; wherein the first opening extends through the reinforcing medium. 
     A method has been described that includes providing a sheet of material, the sheet including a generally straight first edge; and forming an opening through the sheet, the opening having a shape, the shape of the opening defining: generally straight second and third edges of the sheet, wherein the second and third edges are spaced in a generally parallel relation, wherein the second and third edges are generally perpendicular to the first edge, wherein each of the second and third edges has opposing first and second ends, and wherein each of the second and third edges defines a first dimension; a generally rounded fourth edge of the sheet, wherein the fourth edge extends from the first end of the second edge to first end of the third edge, wherein the fourth edge is disposed between the first edge and the respective first ends of the second and third edges, wherein the fourth edge defines a radius, and wherein the extension of each of the second and third edges, and the extension of the fourth edge between the respective first ends of the second and third edges, define a second dimension that is generally equal to the sum of the first dimension and the radius; and a generally straight fifth edge of the sheet, wherein the fifth edge extends from second end of the second edge to the second end of the third edge, wherein the fifth edge is generally parallel to the first edge and generally perpendicular to each of the second and third edges, and wherein the fifth edge defines a third dimension that is generally equal to twice the radius. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes forming a cut through the sheet; wherein the cut extends from the first edge to the fourth edge; and wherein the cut is generally perpendicular to the first edge. In an exemplary embodiment, the cut is disposed generally midway between the respective first ends of the second and third edges; and wherein the cut defines a fourth dimension. In an exemplary embodiment, the first dimension ranges from about 2 mm to about 2.75 mm, the radius ranges from about 2.75 mm to about 3 mm, the second dimension ranges from about 4.75 mm to about 5.75 mm, the third dimension ranges from about 5.5 mm to about 6 mm, and the fourth dimension ranges from about 3 mm to about 4 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the fourth dimension to the sum of the fourth dimension, the radius and the first dimension ranges from about 0.39 to about 0.41, the ratio of the radius to the sum of the fourth dimension, the radius and the first dimension ranges from about 0.31 to about 0.35, and the ratio of the first dimension to the sum of the fourth dimension, the radius and the first dimension ranges from about 0.26 to about 0.28. 
     It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments. 
     Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “left,” “right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously or sequentially. In several exemplary embodiments, the steps, processes or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes or procedures. In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments or variations. 
     Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes or substitutions are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.