Foldable Box and Activity Mat

Abstract

A foldable box convertible between an erect, assembled configuration and an open, flattened configuration is provided. The foldable box includes a base panel having at least four edges, a plurality of side panels, a plurality of connector panels, and a plurality of releasable fastener mechanisms to securely fasten adjacent side panels together. Each of the side panels has a proximal edge, a distal edge, and a pair of opposite side edges between the proximal and distal edges. The proximal edge of each side panel is hingedly connected to a respective one of the edges of the base panel. Each of the connector panels is configured to couple adjacent side panels. In particular, each of the connector panels is configured to inwardly bias to fold toward an interior of the foldable box in response to the foldable box being converted from the open, flattened configuration toward the erect, assembled configuration.

Claims

1. A foldable box convertible between an erect, assembled configuration and an open, flattened configuration, comprising: a base panel having at least four edges; a plurality of side panels, each of the side panels having a proximal edge, a distal edge, and a pair of opposite side edges between the proximal and distal edges, the proximal edge of each side panel being hingedly connected to a respective one of the edges of the base panel, enabling each of the side panels to fold inwardly towards the base panel and outwardly away from the base panel; a plurality of connector panels, each of the connector panels being configured to couple adjacent side panels, wherein each of the connector panels is inwardly biased to fold toward an interior of the foldable box in response to the foldable box being converted from the open, flattened configuration toward the erect, assembled configuration; and a plurality of releasable fastener mechanisms, each of the fastener mechanisms having a first fastener component and a second fastener component, the first and second fastener components are arranged on and depend from opposite side edges of each of the side panels, the first and second fasteners are capable of detachably mating with each other to securely fasten adjacent side panels together in the erect, assembled configuration.

2. The foldable box of claim 1, wherein the plurality of side panels comprises four side panels; and wherein the plurality of connector panels comprises four corner panels, each of the corner panels having a first side edge, a second side edge, a distal edge, and a perpendicular bisector fold line that divides each of the corner panels into first and second congruent right triangle panels, the first triangle panel being hingedly connected along the first side edge to an adjacent first one of the four side panels, the second triangle panel being hingedly connected along the second side edge to an adjacent second one of the four side panels, the first triangle panel being hingedly connected to the second triangle panel along the fold line, and the first and second triangle panels being configured to inwardly bias to fold toward an interior of the foldable box when one or both of the adjacent first one and adjacent second one of the four side panels are folded inwardly towards the base panel.

3. The foldable box of claim 1, wherein each of the base panel, the side panels, and the connector panels comprises a semi-rigid base material.

4. The foldable box of claim 1, wherein the fastener mechanism comprises a hook-and-loop fastener mechanism.

5. The foldable box of claim 4, wherein the fastener mechanism further comprises a first magnetic portion and a second magnetic portion, wherein the first magnetic portion is disposed on one side panel and magnetically mates with a second magnetic portion disposed on an adjacent side panel.

6. The foldable box of claim 1, wherein the fastener mechanism comprises a first magnetic portion and a second magnetic portion, wherein the first magnetic portion is disposed on one side panel and magnetically mates with a second magnetic portion disposed on an adjacent side panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying figures illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes that the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a foldable box in a retracted or closed, erect box configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the foldable box shown in FIG. 1, in an open or expanded configuration as an activity or play mat.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a top view of the foldable box shown in FIG. 1, in the open configuration shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] FIG. 4 is an enlarged and detailed view of one corner of the foldable box shown in FIG. 1 in the closed box configuration, with the addition of a user's hand.

[0029] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the foldable box as shown in FIG. 1, but further including magnetic fasteners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. The disclosed embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

[0031] The figures illustrate, according to one or more embodiments, a foldable box 10 that is configured to convert or transform from an erect storage box in a first configuration or folded state (see FIGS. 1 and 5) to an open and flattened, octagon-shaped activity mat in a second configuration or unfolded state (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In its folded state, box 10 has an interior cavity 80 (see FIG. 1), which can be used to store toys 100 or other objects for later use (see FIG. 2).

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, and in accordance with an embodiment, box 10 is depicted in its folded state, having a square base or bottom panel 11, four rectangular side or wall panels (13a-13d) in their erect or upright position, four folded inwardly biasing connector or corner panels (see brackets 24a-24d in connection with the description of FIG. 3 below), and a plurality of releasable fasteners or latching mechanisms for securing adjoining panels (e.g., panels 13a and 13d) in their upright position. FIG. 1 also depicts a detail circle that encloses an upper corner of box 10. The contents of this detail circle are magnified and presented in FIG. 4 to provide a clearer view of the enclosed features.

[0033] When box 10 is in its folded state, adjacent side panels form right angles with each other. In particular, a right angle is formed between side panels 13a and 13b, between side panels 13a and 13d, between side panels 13b and 13c, and between side panels 13c and 13d. This relationship is most clearly depicted in FIGS. 1 and 5 in the upper left corner as between side panels 13b and 13c. It is further evident from FIGS. 2 and 3 that the proximal edges (20a-20d) of side panels (13a-13d) form right angles with each other.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, and in accordance with an embodiment, box 10 is depicted in its unfolded, octagon-shaped state, including base panel 11, the four rectangular side or wall panels (13a-13d), and four connector panels (24a-24d). Each of the side panels (13a-13d) has a respective top surface (or inside surface) (14a-14d) and a respective bottom surface (or outside surface) (15a-15d). The terms inside surface and outside surface refer to the surfaces of side panels (13a-13d) when box 10 is folded and upright. Thus, the inside surfaces are the sides facing inner cavity 80 while the outside surfaces are the sides facing outward of box 10. (Although the figures only depict outside surfaces 15a and 15d, the locations of outside surfaces 15b and 15c are readily inferable. For instance, in FIG. 1, it is readily inferable that outside surface 15b is on the opposite side of inside surface 14b of side panel 13b. Similarly, it is readily inferable that outside surface 15c is on the opposite side of inside surface 14c of side panel 13c.) The connector panels (24a-24d) are half-square triangle (HST) corner panels, which may be referred to as corner panels (24a-24d). Base panel 11 is arranged at the center of the octagon. Corner panels (24a-24d) are arranged at the bottom-right (24a), bottom-left (24b), top-left (24c) and top-right (24d) corners of the octagon depicted in FIG. 3.

[0035] Each one of the four side panels (13a-13d) may be referred to as being adjacent with two other side panels. The word adjacent can refer to two elements that touch each other. Each side panel is adjacent or touching two neighboring side panels when box 10 is in its folded state. Reference will also be made to adjacent side panels even when discussing the illustration shown in FIGS. 2-3, in which the side panels are spaced apart when box 10 is unfolded. Thus, for instance, it should be understood that side panel 13a is adjacent to each of side panel 13b and side panel 13d.

[0036] When referring to side panels (13a-13d) or corner panels (24a-24d) it should be understood that elements of each panel follows a similar numbering convention. For example, a feature of side panel 13a would have a number ending with the suffix a (e.g., having a distal edge 16a) while the same feature in side panel 13b would end in the suffix b (e.g., having a distal edge 16b).

[0037] Base panel 11 has four edgesi.e., edges 52, 54, 56 and 58. Each one of side panels (13a-13d) has a respective distal edge (16a-16d), a respective left-side edge (18a-18d), a respective proximal edge (20a-20d), and a respective right-side edge (22a-22d). Distal edges (16a-16d) and proximal edges (20a-20d) are named according to their proximity to base panel 11.

[0038] Each of the corner panels (24a-24d) has a perpendicular bisector fold line that divides the triangle into two congruent isosceles right triangle (IRT) panels: one left-hand panel (a respective one of panels 30a-30d) and one right-hand panel (a respective one of panels 40a-40d). Each of the left-hand IRT panels (30a-30d) has a distal edge 32, a left-side (or hypotenuse) edge 34, and a right-side edge 36. Right-side edge 36 forms a right angle with distal edge 32 opposite the left-side (or hypotenuse) edge 34. Distal edge 32 is named according to its proximity to base panel 11. Each one of right-hand IRT panels (40a-40d) has a distal edge 42, a left-side edge 44, and a right-side (or hypotenuse) edge 46. Left-side edge 44 forms a right angle with distal edge 42 opposite right-side (or hypotenuse) edge 46. Distal edge 42 is named according to its proximity to base panel 11.

[0039] The right-side edge 36 of a left-hand IRT panel (30a-30d) and the left-side edge 44 of a right-hand IRT panel (40a-40d) may be referred to as inner edges, as they form the perpendicular bisector fold line that divides corner panels (24a-24d) into its two congruent right triangle (IRT) panels (30a-30d and 40a-40d). The left-side edge 34 of a left-hand IRT panel (30a-30d) and the right-side edge 46 of right-hand IRT panel (40a-40d) may be referred to as outer edges of the corner panels (24a-24d). The combination of all distal edgesi.e., all of 16a-16d, all four distal edges 32, and all four distal edges 42forms the outer perimeter of box 10 in its unfolded state. Each of the corner panels (24a-24d) has a vertex (i.e., right angle) where outer edge 34 and outer edge 46 meet. Opposite the vertex are the distal edges 32 and 42.

[0040] The outer perimeter of box 10 in its folded state can be defined by the combination of side/wall panels 13a through 13d or distal edges 16a through 16d. The combination of distal edges 16a through 16d forms the upper edge of box 10 in its folded state.

[0041] Base panel 11 and side panels (13a-13d) are hingedly connected to each other to facilitate folding and unfolding of box 10. In particular, each one of the edges (52, 54, 56, 58) of base panel 11 is hingedly connected with a proximal edge (e.g., 20a) of a respective side panel (e.g., 13a). (All four of side panels 13a-13d are identical with the exception of their relative orientation and placement in box 10.) The hinged connection of each pair of adjoining edgesi.e., (i) edge 52 with edge 20b, (ii) edge 54 with edge 20a, (iii) edge 56 with edge 20d, and (iv) edge 58 with edge 20cmay be referred to as a fold or pivot line. (Fold line and pivot line are used herein interchangeably, and may also be referred to as folding line or pivoting line.)

[0042] As described above, each corner of the octagon includes a corner panel (e.g., 24a) comprising a left-hand IRT panel (e.g., 30a) and a right-hand IRT panel (e.g., 40a) in the space between each pair of side panels (e.g., between side panel 13a and 13d), such that, when base panel 11, all four side panels (13a-13d), and all four corner panels (24a-24d) are combined/connected, activity mat 10 forms a continuous surface having an octagon shape. Continuing with the same example, right-side edge 22a of side panel 13a is hingedly connected with a left-side edge 34 of adjoining left-hand IRT panel 30a. Proceeding counterclockwise, a right-side edge 36 of IRT panel 30a is hingedly connected to a left-side edge 44 an adjoining IRT panel 40a. Continuing counterclockwise, a right-side edge 46 of IRT panel 40a is hingedly connected to left side edge 18d of adjoining side panel 13d. The hinged connection of each pair of adjoining edgesi.e., (i) edge 22a with edge 34, (ii) edge 36 with edge 44, and (iii) edge 46 with edge 18dmay be referred to as a respective fold or pivot line.

[0043] Each of the aforementioned hinged connections or folding linesi.e., the connection (i) between each one of the side panels (13a-13d) and base panel 11, (ii) between each one of side panels (13a-13d) and two IRT panels (i.e., a left-hand IRT panel (30a-30d) and a right-hand IRT panel (40a-40d)), and (iii) between adjoining IRT panels (30a-30d and 40a-40d)assists box 10 in folding and unfolding as desired. Furthermore, adjoining IRT panels (30a-30d and 40a-40d) are situated such that when two adjacent side panels (e.g., 13a and 13d) are lifted, both IRT panels (e.g., 30a and 40a) are biased to fold toward the inside of box 10. (See folded state in FIGS. 1 and 5.) Using the example of side panels 13a and 13d, between which is corner panel 24a, lifting side panel 13a adjoining left-hand IRT panel 30a causes folding along edge 34, while lifting side panel 13d adjoining right-hand IRT panel 40a causes folding along edge 46. The simultaneous folding along both outer edges 34 and 46 of corner panel 24a causes folding in the centerfold line where edge 36 of IRT panel 30a and edge 44 of IRT panel 40a meet.

[0044] In one embodiment, the aforementioned configuration of fold lines between IRT panels (e.g., 30a and 40a), and between each IRT panel (e.g., 30a) and its adjoining side panel (e.g., 13a), may facilitate lowering or raising of one side panel (e.g., 13a) independently of an adjacent side panel (e.g., 13d). Using the example of side panels 13a and 13d, between which is corner panel 24a, the lowering of side panel 13a causes at least some pivoting or unfolding of IRT panel 30a along edge 34. If side panel 13d remains upright, IRT panel 30a will (at least partially) pivot along edge 36 without causing IRT panel 40a to pivot, or to cause IRT panel 40a to pivot sufficiently minimally as not to cause side panel 13d to unfold.

[0045] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, both the left-hand IRT panels (30a-30d) and right-hand IRT panels (40a-40d) are isosceles. As a result, two adjoining triangles (30a-30d and 40a-40d) will fold and overlap neatly as box 10 is transitioned to its folded state. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, corner panels 24c and 24d are inwardly folded and extend from opposite corners of box 10 substantially parallel to side panel 13c toward a common midpoint along the width of side panel 13c. In the same example, though not prominently shown, corner panels 24a and 24b are inwardly folded and extend from opposite corners of box 10 substantially parallel to side panel 13a toward a common midpoint along the width of side panel 13a.

[0046] In one embodiment, corner panels (24a-24d) are configured such that corner panels 24a and 24d will fold inwardly and extend from opposite directions substantially parallel to side panel 13d toward a common midpoint along the width of side panel 13d. Similarly, in this embodiment, corner panels 24b and 24c will fold inwardly and extend from opposite directions substantially parallel to side panel 13b toward a common midpoint along the width of side panel 13b.

[0047] In one embodiment, when the corner panels (24a-24d) fold inwardly, each folded corner panel (24a-24d) extends to a common midpoint across the upper surface of base panel 11. Each corner panel (24a-24d) has two faces, with each face forming an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the inside surface (i.e., a respective one of inside surfaces 14a-14d) adjoining side panel (i.e., a respective one of side panels 13a-13d). Taking a folded corner panel 24a for example, one face is the visible side of left-hand IRT panel 30a and the other face is the visible side of right-hand IRT panel 40a. In this embodiment, when corner panel 24a is fully folded, the inside face corresponding to IRT panel 30a forms an angle approximately 45 degrees with inside surface 14a of adjoining side panel 13a and the face corresponding to IRT panel 40a forms an angle approximately 45 degrees with inside surface 14d of adjoining side panel 13d.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, and in accordance with an embodiment, a partial detailed view of a corner of box 10 in its folded state is shown, with an enlargement of the releasable fastener mechanism(s). In particular, the fastener mechanism as shown (see also FIGS. 1 and 5) is a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro), including a loop 70 disposed on one side panel (e.g., side panel 13a) and a hook 72 situated on the attachment end of a strap fixed to, and depending from, an adjacent side panel (e.g., side panel 13b). Each of the side panels (13a-13d) includes one loop 70 and one hook 72, which are arranged on opposite ends of the side panel. (Additional loops 70 and hooks 72 may be incorporated.) In this illustration, the hook 72 portion of the strap (attached to side panel 13b) has been released from loop 70. Each one of loops 70 is sewn or otherwise attached (e.g., with an adhesive) to a side panel (13a-13d). Similarly, each one of hooks 72 has a portion that is sewn or otherwise attached (e.g., with an adhesive) to a side panel (13a-13d).

[0049] FIG. 5 depicts box 10 including a plurality of magnetic fasteners 90 (or magnets), but otherwise identical to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, each side panel (13a-13d) is equipped with at least two magnets 90, one along the first side edge (e.g., 18a) and the other along the second side edge (e.g., 22a). When box 10 is in its folded state, adjacent side panels (e.g., 13a and 13d) are detachably, magnetically coupled. In particular, a magnet 90 disposed along the second side edge 22a of side panel 13a magnetically couples to a magnet 90 disposed along the first side edge 18d of side panel 13d. Magnets 90 are shown disposed approximately at the mid-height of each side panel (13a-13d), extending symmetrically above and below at about the halfway point along the height of the panel. However, magnets 90 may be arranged closer to the proximal edge (16a-16d) or distal edge (20a-20d) as desired. Additional magnets 90 may also be incorporated into side panels (13a-13d).

[0050] In one embodiment, magnetic fasteners 90 are magnetic snap fasteners. In this embodiment, the magnet fastener 90 includes two mating magnetically attracting elements. The first element includes a central opening having a magnet or ferromagnetic disk recessed in the opening, creating a recess for engagement with an opposing magnet protruding from the second element. The first element is disposed on one side panel, similar to loop 70 (described above). The second element is situated on the attachment end of a strap, similar to hook 72 (described above). In another embodiment, each pair of cooperating (flattened) magnets forms a magnetic latch mechanism, similar to the hook-and-loop fastener depicted on FIG. 4.

[0051] In the embodiments shown in the figures, at least one hook 72 is attached to the right side of each side panel (13a-13d) proximate to a respective one of distal edges (16a-16d). Similarly shown, at least one loop 70 is attached to the left side of each side panel (13a-13d) proximate to a respective one of distal edges (16a-16d).

[0052] In other embodiments, the fastener mechanism may be adhesive (e.g., a pair of cooperating and reusable adhesive strips or shapes) or mechanical in nature (e.g., a snap fastener, zipper or other mechanism). The alternative fastener mechanisms may be adopted in place of, or in addition to, one or both of the aforementioned loop 70 and hook 72 and cooperating magnetic strips 90 and 92 mechanisms.

[0053] The above-described releasable fastener mechanisms are used to secure the perpendicular side panels (13a-13d) in the folded right-angle configuration. This allows side panels (13a-13d) to be easily folded and unfolded as needed, providing a simple reversible attachment or fastening system.

[0054] Box 10 has been illustrated, in the second configuration or unfolded state, as a flattened activity mat having the geometric shape of an octagon. In other embodiments, the geometric shape can be any polygonal shape (e.g., a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, a trapezoid, a triangle, etc.), any curvilinear shape (e.g., a circle, an ellipse, a reuleaux triangle, etc.), or another shape.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the aforementioned base panel 11, all four (or individual) side panels 13a-13d, all four (or individual) IRT panels 30, and all four (or individual) IRT panels 40 are formed of cardboard or similar semi-rigid base material(s) and encased in an outer lining. The lining may be a single layer covering one or both sides of individual panels. In other embodiments, fusible interfacing may be used for the panels (with or without additional lining). In one embodiment, (all or individual of) IRT panels 30 and 40 are made of thin and pliable material(s).

[0056] In one or more embodiments, box 10 optionally includes patterned fabric or other material(s) on one side or both sides of each panel. The lining may include design elements as relating to particular games or themes suitable for children. The lining may also feature raised or recessed elements, or a combination thereof, so as to separate the activity mat into different sections, each with a different function or theme. The lining may be integrally formed with any one or more of the aforementioned panels, or combinations thereof. The lining may be detachable from the panels, such as in the form of a sleeve. One or more attachment mechanism may be utilized for detachably or permanently securing such lining(s) to box 10.

[0057] In one embodiment, each of side panels (13a-13d) has the same dimensions. Thus, all four side panels are either rectangular or square or having another shape. In this embodiment, the overall shape of box 10 when unfolded is a regular (symmetrical) octagon.

[0058] In another embodiment, individual side panels may have different dimensions from other side panels. For instance, side panels 13a and 13c have the same dimensions, which is a first set of dimensions. In this example, side panels 13b and 13d have the same dimensions, which is a second set of dimensions. The first and second sets of dimensions are different. Either of the first or second set of dimensions have longer side-panels, such that the overall shape of box 10 when unfolded is an irregular (asymmetrical) octagon.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-5, each of side panels (13a-13d) has an upper section 33a and lower section 33b. In these embodiments, the fastener mechanism is disposed on at least the upper section 33a. Although not depicted, additional or alternative fastener mechanisms, of the same or different types, may be disposed on lower section 33a.

[0060] In the above description of embodiments, unless otherwise noted, when referring to elements collectively using the designations (13a-13d), (14a-14d), (15a-15d), etc., the collective reference is either to a respective one of the elements or to the elements collectively, as the context makes clear. This is because the elements sharing such a collective designation are identical in structure and function (unless otherwise noted), and the description of a feature or aspect applicable to one of the elements is equally applicable to the others. Furthermore, when the context makes clear that the reference is to a respective one of a first element (such as one element selected from IRT panels 30-30d) and a respective one of a second element (such as one element selected from IRT panels 40-40d), it should be understood that the selection of the first element (e.g., 30a) dictates the selection of the second element (e.g., 40a), as would be understood from their relationship as described above.

[0061] The following is a list of reference numerals and associated parts as used in this specification and drawings:

TABLE-US-00001 Reference Part numeral Foldable box 10 Base or bottom panel 11 Upper surface [of Base 11] 12 Side or wall panel(s) 13a-13d Top/Inside face/surface [of Side panels 13a-13d] 14a-14d Bottom/Outside face/surface [of Side panels 13a-13d] 15a-15d Distal edge [of Side panel(s) 13a-13d] 16a-16d First side edge [of Side panel(s) 13a-13d] 18a-18d Proximal edge [of Side panel(s) 13a-13d] 20a-20d Second side edge [of Side panel(s) 13a-13d] 22a-22d Connector panel(s) or Half-square triangle (HST) corner 24a-24d panel(s) Isosceles right triangle (IRT) panel(s) 30 Distal edge [of IRT panels 30] 32 Upper section [of Side panel(s) 13a-13d] 33a Lower section [of Side panel(s) 13a-13d] 33b Left-side edge [of IRT panels 30] 34 Right-side edge [of IRT panels 30] 36 Isosceles right triangle (IRT) panel(s) 40 Distal edge [of IRT panels 40] 42 Left-side edge [of IRT panels 40] 44 Right-side edge [of IRT panels 40] 46 Edge(s) [of Base panel 11] 52, 54, 56, 58 Loop 70 Hook 72 Inner cavity 80 Magnetic fastener(s) 90 Toy(s) 100

[0062] Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventionssuch as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so onmay be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Parameters identified as approximate or about a specified value are intended to include both the specified value and values within 10% of the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims, as currently written or as amended or added in the future. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.