Patent Document

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to personal care items. More particularly, the invention relates to a tissue advancement device for facial tissue boxes. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention relates to a device that keeps tissues pushed up toward the retrieval point of a tissue box. When a tissue box is full accessing the tissue is easy, as a tissue typically sticks out through the top of the box. As one tissue is pulled out it automatically causes the next tissue in line to take its place. This process works well with a new or fairly full tissue box. However, when the tissue box is not full yet still has some tissues in it, as the protruding tissue is pulled out of the box the next tissue does not always take its place. This is because the frictional cling between the top tissue and its immediate follower is not enough to ensure that the following tissue extends the distance between the tissues in the box and the opening of the box to be exposed through the opening of the box. Instead, the other tissues often fall back to the bottom of the box. When this happens a user must reach into the box to retrieve a tissue for use. As the contents of the tissue box become less, this retrieval process occurs more and more until the box is fully depleted. 
         [0006]    There are many problems with reaching into a tissue box to retrieve a tissue. For example, when a user needs a tissue in a hurry and must reach into the tissue box, the user usually extracts multiple tissues, which is wasteful. Also, since the user must reach into the box, the user may not retrieve a tissue as quickly as they need it. Also, reaching in through the top of the box causes the slit at the top of the box to become wider and bigger, which means the box cannot grip tissue very well and only exacerbates the problem of the tissue falling to the bottom of the box. In addition, reaching in for tissue is not convenient and can be time consuming, wasteful and difficult for anyone with grip, mobility or dexterity problems such as a person with arthritis of the hands or carpel tunnel. Furthermore, reaching into the tissue box can dirty and possibly contaminate the remaining tissues, as any germs or nasal discharge that may be on the hands gets transported into the tissue box where these germs can collect and even multiply. 
         [0007]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for generally ensuring that tissues in a tissue box remain near the opening of the box. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0009]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D illustrate an exemplary tissue advancement device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of the device in a closed position.  FIG. 1B  is a front perspective view of the device in an open position.  FIG. 1C  is a top perspective view of the device, and  FIG. 1D  is a bottom perspective view of the device; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of exemplary finger tabs on a tissue advancement device in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an exemplary tissue advancement device in use in a columnar tissue box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3A  is a side perspective view of the device being inserted into the tissue box, and  FIG. 3B  is a partially transparent side perspective view of the device in use in the tissue box; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a partially transparent front perspective view of an exemplary tissue advancement device in use in a long rectangular tissue box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a partially transparent front perspective view of an exemplary tissue advancement device in use in a refillable baby wipe container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0014]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a variety of tissue advancement devices for tissue boxes are described. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment an apparatus comprises means being configured for supporting a quantity of tissues within a tissue dispenser box, means being configured for resting on a bottom portion of the tissue dispenser box, means being configured for urging the supporting means in an upward direction, the urging means being further configured to be positioned between the supporting means and the resting means, means being configured for joining the urging means to the supporting means and the resting means, means for securing the supporting means to the resting means for storing the apparatus, and means for grasping the supporting means and the resting means to release the securing means. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment an apparatus comprises a first plate being configured for supporting a quantity of tissues within a tissue dispenser box. A second plate is configured for resting on a bottom portion of the tissue dispenser box. A resilient structure is configured for urging the first plate in an upward direction. The resilient structure is further configured to be positioned between the first plate and the second plate. Attachment mechanisms are joined to a bottom portion of the first plate and a top portion of the second plate. The attachment mechanisms are configured for joining the resilient structure to the first plate and the second plate. Another embodiment further comprises a locking mechanism for securing the first plate to the second plate to form a box for storing the apparatus. In yet another embodiment the locking mechanism comprises studs and opposing apertures. Still another embodiment further comprises finger tabs joined to the first plate and the second plate for grasping to release the locking mechanism. In another embodiment the resilient structure comprises a spring. In yet another embodiment the spring is coiled. In still another embodiment the attachment mechanisms comprise sleeves for removable joining to the spring. In another embodiment the bottom portion of the first plate and the top portion of the second plate are concave. In yet another embodiment the top plate and the bottom plate each further comprises a rounded perimeter to form a radius edge about the secured plates. In still another embodiment the resilient structure is operable to maintain a top of the quantity of tissues proximate an opening for dispensing the tissues of the tissue dispenser box. In another embodiment the quantity of tissues comprises wet wipes. In yet another embodiment the tissue dispenser box is refillable. In still another embodiment the finger tabs project outward horizontally from perimeters of the first plate and the second plate. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment an apparatus comprises a first plate comprising a concave bottom portion and a rounded perimeter. The first plate is configured for supporting a quantity of tissues within a tissue dispenser box. A second plate comprises a concave top portion and a rounded perimeter. The second plate is configured for resting on a bottom portion of the tissue dispenser box. A spring mechanism is positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The spring mechanism is configured for urging the first plate in an upward direction and is operable to maintain a top of the quantity of tissues proximate an opening for dispensing the tissues of the tissue dispenser box. Sleeve mechanisms are joined to a bottom portion of the first plate and a top portion of the second plate. The sleeve mechanisms are configured for removable joining of the spring mechanism to the first plate and the second plate. A locking mechanism secures the first plate to the second plate to form a box with a radius edge for storing the apparatus. Finger tabs are joined to the first plate and the second plate to project outward horizontally from perimeters of the first plate and the second plate. The finger tabs are configured for grasping to release the locking mechanism. In another embodiment the locking mechanism comprises studs and opposing apertures. In yet another embodiment the spring mechanism is coiled. In still another embodiment the quantity of tissues comprises wet wipes. In another embodiment the tissue dispenser box is refillable. In yet another embodiment the apparatus is configured to be inserted into a bottom of the tissue dispenser box through a slot. 
         [0019]    Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0021]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0022]    It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0023]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0024]    From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
         [0025]    Although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
         [0026]    Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. 
         [0027]    References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
         [0028]    As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
         [0029]    It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. 
         [0030]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention and at least one variation thereof provide a tissue advancement device that generally ensures that facial tissue is conveniently accessible in an individual container even when the total contents of the container is low. In many preferred embodiments, the tissue advancement device comprises a spring-loaded platform that fits upon the interior floor of a facial tissue container and advances the tissues upward towards the retrieval aperture of the container. Some preferred embodiments also comprise a stud/aperture locking system that enables the device to be locked in a closed position when the device is not in active use to require less storage space. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D illustrate an exemplary tissue advancement device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of the device in a closed position.  FIG. 1B  is a front perspective view of the device in an open position.  FIG. 1C  is a top perspective view of the device, and  FIG. 1D  is a bottom perspective view of the device. In the present embodiment the device comprises two plates  101  and a spring  103  between plates  101 . Plates  101  are preferably made of a lightweight plastic material such as, but not limited to, polystyrene (PS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC); however, in alternate embodiments the plates may be made of various different materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, lightweight metal, fiberglass, etc. In some alternate embodiments, the plates can be made of recycled materials and may be recyclable itself. In the present embodiment, plates  101  measure approximately four inches in length by four inches in width by one-eighth of an inch in depth (4″×4″×⅛″). Plates  101  feature a concave design with a rounded perimeter that forms a radius edge about plates  101  when in the closed position. This creates a small hollow center area between plates  101  in the closed position to accommodate spring  103 . In alternate embodiments the plates may have various different sizes and shapes of applicability for use within a variety of facial tissue containers. For example, without limitation, some alternate embodiments may be implemented without a radius edge. Some alternate embodiments may be in made in sizes and shapes for specific application within particular tissue containers of specific sizes and shapes. In the present embodiment, the maximum height of the device is preferably a half inch (½″) or less. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 1C and 1D , in the present embodiment, spring  103  attaches to the interior planes of each plate  101  within hosting sleeves  105 , included upon and as direct portions of the structure of plates  101 . Spring  103  is situated into sleeves  105  in order to hold it in place. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable attachment means may be used to hold the spring in place in alternate embodiments including, without limitation, grooves in the plates, tightly wrapping the ends of the spring around cylindrical projections on the plates, snugly inserting the ends of the springs into round indentations in the plates, adhesives, etc. Spring  103  must be durable and must be able to be compressed enough to enable plates  101  to lock together. Additionally, when plates  101  are released, spring  103  must be strong enough to push the top plate  101  and tissue upward. In the present embodiment, spring  130  is preferably made of oil-tempered (OT) wire of an approximate one-eighth of an inch (⅛″) gauge; however, various different materials may be used in alternate embodiments including but not limited to steel wire, various alloys, different gauges of wire, plastic, etc. In the present embodiment, spring  103  is coiled to form an approximate four-inch (4″) diameter, and the maximum extending length of spring  103  is approximately six inches (6″). Spring  103  has a minimum height of three eighths of an inch (⅜″) when fully compressed. In alternate embodiments the spring can be produced in various maximum extending lengths and minimum heights to accommodate use in facial tissue containers of various unit quantities and heights. Furthermore, the spring can be produced in various different tension strengths. It is contemplated that various different types of springs may be used in tissue advancement devices in alternate embodiments. For example, without limitation, in one alternate embodiment, the spring may be conical with the top of the spring having a narrower circumference than the bottom to enable the spring to compress to a smaller height. Other types of springs that may be suitable for use in alternate embodiments include, without limitation, volute springs, flat springs, cantilever springs, etc. Some alternate embodiments may comprise multiple springs. In the present embodiment, the device is completely assembled when purchased by a user. However, replacement springs may be optionally made available if spring  103  needs to be replaced for example, without limitation, if spring  103  breaks or loses its resiliency. To replace spring  103 , the user removes spring  103  from sleeves  105  and then places the replacement spring into sleeves  105 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 1C and 1D , in the present embodiment, four extending studs  107  of an approximate quarter-inch (¼″) length are featured on the interior plane of one plate  101  which are in alignment with four apertures  109  featured on the interior plane of the second plate  101 . Two stud  107  and aperture  109  combinations are featured on one side of the device while the other set of two studs  107  and apertures  109  is featured on the opposite wall. In alternate embodiments the configuration of the stud and aperture combinations may vary. For example, without limitation, in one alternate embodiment one stud and aperture combination may be placed in each corner of the device. In other alternate embodiments, each plate may comprise both studs and apertures rather than placing all of the studs on one plate and all of the apertures on the other plate. In the present embodiment, studs  107  have a small bulb head to be securely held in apertures  109 ; however, in some alternate embodiments the studs may not comprise bulb heads. The male/female design of stud  107  and aperture  109  combinations acts as the locking mechanism of the device to keep plates  101  in the closed position, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 1A . When the device is in the closed position, spring  103  is entirely compressed and plates  101  contact one another so the device is compressed to its thinnest point. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that the two plates in alternate embodiments may be secured upon one another using means other than interlocking studs and apertures such as, but not limited to, clasp formats, spring-loaded tabs, hook and loop tabs, snaps, straps, clamps, latches, etc. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented without interlocking studs and apertures or any other locking means. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A through 1D , the same two sides of plates  101  hosting stud  107  and aperture  109  combinations feature finger tabs  111  which project approximately one quarter of one inch (¼″) perpendicularly from the plane of plates  101 . Tabs  111  are in pairs with one tab  111  projecting from the top plate  101  and the other tab  111  projecting from the bottom plate  101 . Tabs  111  provide the user with something to grip when releasing plates  101  from the closed position. Tabs  111  are situated near stud  107  and aperture  109  combinations so the user&#39;s force is focused near these locking means to easily disengage studs  107  from apertures  109 . Alternate embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without extending tabs on the plates. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of exemplary finger tabs  111  on a tissue advancement device in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, finger tabs  111  project outward horizontally from the edge of the device with one tab  111  projecting from a top plate  101  and another tab  111  projecting from a bottom plate  101 . Tabs  111  are positioned to lie immediately next to each other when plates  101  make contact. Tabs  111  enable a user to easily unlock the device with a small finger flip to enable the spring of the device to push the top plate  101  away from the bottom plate  101 . Tabs  111  slant back toward plates  101  at their exterior edges. This design makes tabs  111  strong and durable and requires less plastic to produce. However, tabs in alternate embodiments may have various different designs such as, but not limited to, rounded designs, rectangular designs, spherical designs, etc. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an exemplary tissue advancement device  301  in use in a columnar tissue box  303 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3A  is a side perspective view of device  301  being inserted into tissue box  303 , and  FIG. 3B  is a partially transparent side perspective view of device  301  in use in tissue box  303 . In typical use of the present embodiment, once the contents of tissue box  303  reduces in quantity to the point where tissues  305  are not near an aperture  307  of box  303 , a user may turn box  303  upside down and cut a slot  309  into the lower sidewall of box  303 . Slot  309  only needs to be big enough to accommodate device  301 . The user may then release a spring  311  of device  301  by separating its projecting tabs and releasing the studs from their hosting apertures, as described by way of example above in accordance with  FIGS. 1C and 1D . Then, while holding device  301  in its closed position, the user places device  301  into tissue box  303  through slot  309 . Alternatively, the user may insert device  301  into box  303  while device  301  is locked in the closed position then release the studs from their apertures while device  301  is in box  303 . The user may then return box  303  to an upright position. Spring  311  then extends upward to raise remaining tissues  305  directly to retrieval aperture  307  of box  303  to enable the user to easily access and remove remaining tissues  305  without the need to reach inside box  303 , without contaminating tissues  305 , and without unintentionally removing an undesired quantity of tissues  305 . When box  303  is empty, the user may remove device  301  and use it with another container or store device  301  in the locked position. Device  301  can be used in all types of tissue boxes and in other types of containers such as, but not limited to, refillable baby wipe containers, cleaning wipe containers, paper towel dispensers, bath tissue containers, note paper dispensers, etc. In some variations tissue advancement devices may be made for specific use with particular facial tissue containers that feature means to accommodate the application of the devices, such as but not limited to a pre-cut sidewall slot or a perforated floorboard or sidewall that can be opened for the insertion of a device. 
         [0037]    In the present embodiment, device  301  makes it faster and easier to access facial tissues  305  from box  303  by lifting tissues  305  to retrieval aperture  307  of box  303  and generally preventing tissues  305  from falling to the bottom of box  303 , which generally ensures that tissues  305  remain easily accessible directly from retrieval aperture  307  even when box  303  is near empty. Device  301  generally eliminates the need to retrieve tissues  305  by inserting a hand or fingers into box  303 . This helps preserve the cleanliness of facial tissues  305  within box  303  and generally eliminates the transfer of dirt and germs upon facial tissues  305  within box  303 , which protects the user from secondary contamination and/or infection, generally prevents tissues  305  in box  303  from becoming a breeding ground of germs and helps users maintain their goals regarding their health. The easy access of tissues  305  with the use of device  301  helps anyone with dexterity and grip issues such as, but not limited to elderly, arthritic or otherwise relevantly disabled persons. Furthermore, device  301  can reduce waste by enabling a user to retrieve only the amount of tissue  305  they desire rather than unintentionally removing multiple sheets of tissue  305  when the contents of box  303  are low. Additionally, tissues  305  can easily tear when being retrieved by hand, and this tearing can make them unusable as intended. Device  301  generally eliminates this waste as well. Less tissue waste means less landfill waste or less flushing of the toilet to dispose of the tissue. Device  301  can extend the length of use of facial tissues containers by controlling this unintentional waste, which can save money and can satisfy environmental concerns of users. 
         [0038]    Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that tissue advancement devices such as, but not limited to, device  301  may be used in a wide variety of environments. For example, without limitation, these devices can be beneficial for households, especially households that go through a lot of tissue such as, but not limited to, households with kids, elderly people, or those who suffer from allergies. Tissue advancement devices may also be used by the many public facilities that provide facial tissues within their environments such as, but not limited to, office buildings, hospitals, doctors&#39; offices, schools, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and many other facilities to help these facilities reduce waste, costs and liabilities and to help reduce the spread of germs. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a partially transparent front perspective view of an exemplary tissue advancement device  401  in use in a long rectangular tissue box  403 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, tissue advancement device  401  is used similarly to tissue advancement device  301 , shown by way of example in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The slot for device  401  to be inserted into is preferably cut into the back of box  403  rather than the side for aesthetic reasons. Device  401  works particularly well with this type of the longer, rectangular box due to the fold of the tissues in these boxes. In some alternate embodiments the plates of the tissue advancement device may be made long and rectangular to match the shape of this type of container. 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a partially transparent front perspective view of an exemplary tissue advancement device  501  in use in a refillable baby wipe container  503 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a user simply places device  501  into container  503  before container  503  is refilled with moist wipes  505 . Device  501  then helps to push wipes  505  through a dispensing aperture  507 . 
         [0041]    Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that alternate embodiments may be implemented with a multiplicity of additional features such as, but not limited to, means for releasing fragrance, odor absorbers, nightlights, antimicrobial coatings, rustproof springs, etc. One alternate embodiment may comprise means for indicating the approximate quantity of tissues remaining such as, but not limited to, a thin, flexible plastic strip attached to the top plate that varies in color from the top to the bottom, for example, without limitation, from white to pink to red. As the top plate advances upward, this strip extends with it. The user can look into the slot into which the device was inserted to see what portion of the strip is showing and, depending on the color that is visible, know how far the device is extended. Another alternate embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated directly into facial tissue containers. In this embodiment, the top plate may be produced of a lightweight paperboard material or a lightweight plastic, and the end of the spring opposite the top plate may be attached directly to the lower plane of the container. Such embodiments may also be implemented in various different types of containers such as, but not limited to baby wipe containers. In addition, alternate embodiments can be produced in various colors and may or may not include various images and/or logos, which may or may not be of registered trademark and/or copyright status. 
         [0042]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a tissue advancement device according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the plates may vary depending upon the particular type of advancement means used. The advancement means described in the foregoing were directed to spring implementations; however, similar techniques are to use advancement means other than springs such as, but not limited to, materials that are able to compress and expand repeatedly such as, but not limited to, foam or sponges, or pieces of material such as, but not limited to, plastic or rubber formed into compressible shapes such as, but not limited to, z-shapes, circular shapes, v-shapes, etc. Non-spring implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
         [0043]    Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

Technology Category: 1