U.S. patent application number 12/381633 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for modular wall systems with integrated growth medium.
Invention is credited to Michael Allen Wilkman.
Application Number | 20090238648 12/381633 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41089098 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090238648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilkman; Michael Allen |
September 24, 2009 |
Modular wall systems with integrated growth medium
Abstract
A geometrical structure includes a superstructure capable of
maintaining its structural integrity when in contact with a similar
structure, an integrated growth medium, and flora within said
growth medium to grow out of the superstructure. The purpose of
said geometrical structure is to facilitate the rapid assembly of
walls, partitions and coverings when like geometrical structures
are joined together either by placement adjacent to or by a
fastening means or integrated interlocks. A combination of a
plurality of such geometrical structure forms a modular
construction system for walls, partitions and coverings that will
grow the intended flora when water is introduced. The modular
system is considered a replacement for conventional wood fences,
block walls, poured concrete walls, steel partitions and erosion
control systems. Further, the modular system can be easily
manufactured using recycled materials from landfills and waste
products.
Inventors: |
Wilkman; Michael Allen;
(Alamo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael Allen Wilkman
P.O. Box 546
Alamo
CA
94507
US
|
Family ID: |
41089098 |
Appl. No.: |
12/381633 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61069492 |
Mar 15, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/284 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 29/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/284 |
International
Class: |
E02D 5/00 20060101
E02D005/00 |
Claims
1. A structure ready for assembly containing: a growth medium
capable of sustaining plant life; a flora species; a structure
capable of allowing flora to grow out from the medium: The
structure being of a geometry compatible with stacking or aligning
a plurality of like units to facilitate either horizontal or
vertical integration in partitioning, covering or stabilization
2. The structure of claim 1 wherein at least one face on said
exterior surface may be removed, attached or hinged to enable entry
into the interior of the structure.
3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the structure includes at
least one interlock and receiver to strengthen stability during and
after assembly.
4. The structure of claim 1, wherein the structure includes a
plurality of interlocks and receivers to strengthen stability of
the intended assembly.
5. The structure of claim 1, wherein the structure has the
capability of being attached to an additional faceplate or
attachment means to facilitate attachment to alternative structures
and partitions.
6. The structure of claim 1, wherein the interlocks and receivers
are positioned substantially parallel to each other of said surface
of the structure.
7. The structure of claim 1, wherein the interlocks and receivers
are positioned in opposite corners of said surface of the
structure.
8. The structure of claim 1, wherein the interlock and receiver are
positioned in the center of the exterior surface of the
structure.
9. The structure of claim 2, wherein the structure includes at
least one interlock and receiver to strengthen stability during and
after assembly.
10. The structure of claim 2, wherein the structure includes a
plurality of interlocks and receivers to strengthen stability of
the intended assembly.
11. The structure of claim 2, wherein the structure has the
capability of being attached to an additional faceplate or
attachment means to facilitate attachment to alternative structures
and partitions.
12. The structure of claim 2, wherein the interlocks and receivers
are positioned substantially parallel to each other of said surface
of the structure.
13. The structure of claim 2, wherein the interlocks and receivers
are positioned in opposite corners of said surface of the
structure.
14. The structure of claim 2, wherein the interlock and receiver
are positioned in the center of the exterior surface of the
structure.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] This application relates to and claims priority from
Provisional Application No. 61/069,492 filed Mar. 15, 2008, which
is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to stabilized earth
wall systems and in particular to systems and methods for providing
modular components in the construction of walls for mechanically
stabilized earth walls, sound walls, erosion control, decorative
landscaping and partitioning. The present invention is designed to
be easily assembled, have interlocking components, provide
protective structure, and include optional variable face components
including: integrated growth medium to grow flora as specified,
electrical lights and natural/cultured stone among other
accessories.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various types of composite materials are employed within the
construction and landscape professions to provide wall structures,
partitions and coverings. An example is the use of recycled plastic
composite materials to make decks surrounding houses or provide
walkways. Generally, composite materials are designed by the
manufacturers to mimic organic structures (Ex. redwood) which they
replace on the surfaces or structure for which they are being
applied. If the structure design incorporates flora or planted
species, they must be planted, adhered or otherwise attached to the
structure after assembly. An example includes tiered block
structures which after assembly are filled with soil and the
desired plant species. Garbage landfills and waste management
systems are overwhelmed with "green waste" and discarded items that
could be utilized in construction projects if there was a
simplified methodology and component structure that could
effectively incorporate them. Clearly, the environment would
benefit from the recycling of said garbage and homeowners,
landowner and municipalities would benefit from a rational way to
reuse said waste in their construction projects and landscape
designs.
[0006] The present invention provides methods, systems and
processes not available in the prior art to enable rapid assembly
and growth of walls, partitions and coverings that include living
plant materials. Further, with the increasing popularity in the use
of composite materials made from recycled waste, the present
invention provides an alternative manufacturing process whereby the
final product provided to industry requires less "virgin" or new
materials in the overall manufacturing process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In general, the present invention involves an innovative
approach to improving methods, systems and processes in the
manufacture and assembly of walls, partitions and coverings for
construction and landscape projects. The inventor anticipates that
numerous materials may be used to enhance rapid manufacture of the
final product and lower the environmental impact associated with
the manufacturing process.
[0008] Basic applications of the present invention identified by
the inventor and used by example for the landscape contractor
include: [0009] 1. Light weight structure ready for assembly (ex.
recycled plastic). [0010] 2. Variable interlocking component
designs horizontal, vertical. [0011] 3. Integrated growth medium
which is highly absorbent (ex. cellulose or green waste). [0012] 4.
Growth medium hydro-seeded with desired flora/plant structure.
[0013] 5. Removable grid structure to enable replacing growth
medium/plants. [0014] 6. Optional integrated irrigation system for
simplified watering of plant structures. [0015] 7. Optional plant
plugs to variegate the flora or replace dead plant life. [0016] 8.
Optional structural reinforcement components (ex. steel rods).
[0017] 9. Flexible design to allow incorporation of other materials
including, stone, metal wood, plastics, glass, etc. for desired
variations. [0018] 10. Optional backsplash or non permeable barrier
so that the system can be placed against structures (Ex. buildings)
preventing water from migrating to adjacent structure. [0019] 11.
Computer software either on a PC, online or Mobile device to assist
in design, ordering and purchasing of the system and component
features.
[0020] The present invention considers the use of wood, plastic,
metal, concrete, stone and other manmade or natural materials to
manufacture the components of the invention. However, although not
required by the primary art of this patent, the present invention
also considers the efficient reuse of garbage and recycled
materials to produce the invention components and help reduce
landfill waste. The inventor perceives no limitation in the use of
catalysts, polymers or chemicals and in any combination thereof to
enhance production of the present invention's components.
Additionally, the inventor perceives no limitation in the
geometrical design (Ex. block, oval, trapezoid, inverted, etc.) for
each component of the invention or the style of interlocking tabs,
adhesive components or structural stabilizers to insure the final
structure maintains strength and stability and the method of
attachment to the face structure of stabilizer components such as a
counterfort,/deadman, hooks or locators. The inventor perceives no
limitation in the design of the irrigation system to supply needed
water and nutrients for the plant structures contained within the
present invention. Further, current systems and methods,
anticipated through the prior art, do not provide the capability as
set forth in the present invention.
[0021] Contractors and homeowners are in critical need of a system
to quickly and efficiently assemble walls, partitions and coverings
which incorporate living plants to enhance landscape
beautification, reduce and abate sounds and noises, provide
insulation characteristics and increase the financial value of
their construction projects. The present invention considers a
plurality of systems, methods and processes to facilitate
manufacturing and assembly of the desired components and
structures.
[0022] One aspect of the invention involves a geometrical structure
formed to encapsulate or retain a growth medium capable of holding
nutrients and water to facilitate the growth of specified flora
integrated within the growth medium. Said geometrical structure
would be designed to enhance fit and alignment with a secondary
structure to form a wall, lattice, vertical or horizontal matrix of
like components. Additionally, this aspect would enable the
attachment of a holding means like a "ZipTie.RTM.", to individual
component to stabilize the overall structure from unintended
movement.
[0023] Another aspect involves a geometrical structure formed to
encapsulate or retain a growth medium capable of holding nutrients
and water to facilitate the growth of specified flora integrated
within the growth medium. Said geometrical structure would be
designed to enhance fit and alignment with a secondary structure to
form a wall, lattice, vertical or horizontal matrix of like
components. Additionally, this aspect would incorporate a removable
component (door/lid) so as to enable access or maintenance to the
internal growth medium/flora.
[0024] Another aspect involves a geometrical structure formed to
encapsulate or retain a growth medium capable of holding nutrients
and water to facilitate the growth of specified flora integrated
within the growth medium. Said geometrical structure would be
designed to enhance fit and alignment with a secondary structure to
form a wall, lattice, vertical or horizontal matrix of like
components. Additionally, this aspect would incorporate a locking
means via tab, retainers or interlocks for the attachment to
another individual component to stabilize the overall structure
from unintended movement.
[0025] A further aspect involves a geometrical structure formed to
encapsulate or retain a growth medium capable of holding nutrients
and water to facilitate the growth of specified flora integrated
within the growth medium. Said geometrical structure would be
designed to enhance fit and alignment with a secondary structure to
form a wall, lattice, vertical or horizontal matrix of like
components. Additionally, this aspect would incorporate multiple
(both vertical and horizontal) locking means via tab, retainers or
interlocks for the attachment to another individual component to
stabilize the overall structure from unintended movement.
[0026] Another aspect involves a geometrical structure formed to
encapsulate or retain a growth medium capable of holding nutrients
and water to facilitate the growth of specified flora integrated
within the growth medium. Said geometrical structure would be
designed to enhance fit and alignment with a secondary structure to
form a wall, lattice, vertical or horizontal matrix of like
components. Additionally, this aspect would incorporate a faceplate
or stabilization means to enable attachment to a secondary or
preexisting structure
[0027] A still further aspect involves a geometrical structure
formed to encapsulate or retain a growth medium capable of holding
nutrients and water to facilitate the growth of specified flora
integrated within the growth medium. Said geometrical structure
would be designed to enhance fit and alignment with a secondary
structure to form a wall, lattice, vertical or horizontal matrix of
like components. Additionally, this aspect would incorporate an
attachment means for stabilization of the structure to an
alternative earth wall system. (Example: Geometrical structure
attached to stabilizing counterfort which is attached to geogrid
placed under compacted soil.)
[0028] Another aspect involves a geometrical structure formed to
encapsulate or retain a growth medium capable of holding nutrients
and water to facilitate the growth of specified flora integrated
within the growth medium. Said geometrical structure would be
designed to enhance fit and alignment with a secondary structure to
form a wall, lattice, vertical or horizontal matrix of like
components. Additionally, this aspect would incorporate a removable
faceplate with attachment means to enable rapid assembly and
maintenance of the formed structure (Example: Poured in place
concrete wall or attachment to a preexisting vertical wall.
[0029] A further aspect involves a geometrical structure formed to
encapsulate or retain a growth medium capable of holding nutrients
and water to facilitate the growth of specified flora integrated
within the growth medium. Said geometrical structure would be
designed to enhance fit and alignment with a secondary structure to
form a wall, lattice, vertical or horizontal matrix of like
components. Additionally, this aspect would incorporate a locking
means via tab, retainers or interlocks for the attachment to
another individual component to stabilize the overall structure
from unintended movement
[0030] A geometrical structure in accordance with certain
embodiments significantly reduces manufacturing costs, installation
costs and environmental costs associated with landfill reduction.
Although not required by the art, the inventor understands that the
effective use of recycled materials from landfill including,
plastics, metals, glass and green waste would enhance the
production cost and lower the environmental damage associated with
other competing systems including wood or concrete wall and
partitioning/stabilization structures.
[0031] Any structure assembled in accordance with the invention
would have the advantage of faster assembly, have a significantly
lower carbon footprint, deliver superior seismic stability, provide
a superior means for soil erosion control and subsequently grow the
intended flora to blend into the surrounding landscape.
[0032] For summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,
and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to
be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be
achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the
invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a
manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught
herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be
taught or suggested herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The present invention is described in more detail below in
connection with the attached drawings, which are meant to
illustrate and not limit the invention, and in which:
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrate a front view of a structure 20 that has a
growth medium filling 40 and a means to attach a secondary
stabilizer fastener
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of FIG. 1 depicting a
structure 20 that has a growth medium filling 40.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of structure 20 that has a
growth medium filling 40 and means to service the growth medium via
an operable door or lid 80.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a side of FIG. 3 depicting a structure 20
that has a growth medium filling 40 and means to service the growth
medium via an operable door or lid 80.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a structure 20 that has a
growth medium filling 40 and an interlock tab 70.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of FIG. 5 depicting a
structure 20 that has a growth medium filling 40 and an interlock
tab 70.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view depicting a structure 20
that has a growth medium filling 40 and multiple interlocking tabs
70.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of FIG. 7 depicting a
structure 20 that has a growth medium filling 40 and multiple
interlocking tabs 70.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an alternative
geometry of the structure depicted in FIG. 1.
[0043] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of one embodiment
whereby several block structures 40 are assembled together and
plant flora 110 is growing.
[0044] FIG. 11 a side perspective view of one embodiment whereby
growth medium 40 has been placed within the structure 20, attached
to faceplate 60 and one aspect of attachment anchor 90.
[0045] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of one embodiment depicted
in FIG. 11 whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within the
structure 20, attached to faceplate 60 and one aspect of an
attachment anchor.
[0046] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment
depicted in FIG. 1 whereby the one aspect of a faceplate 60 and one
aspect of an attachment anchor 90.
[0047] FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of one embodiment
depicted in FIG. 1 whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within
the structure 20, attached to faceplate 60 and one aspect of
attachment anchor 90 and a stabilization anchor 80.
[0048] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of one embodiment depicted
in FIG. 1 whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within the
structure 20, attached to faceplate 60 and one aspect of attachment
anchor 90 and a stabilization anchor 80.
[0049] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of one embodiment
depicted in FIG. 11 whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within
the structure 20, attached to faceplate 60 and one aspect of
attachment anchor 90 and stabilization mechanism 80. Further three
individual modules are stacked within stresses soil 100 to
demonstrate their mechanism of assembly and the downward forces of
stabilization
[0050] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of another embodiment
whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within the structure 20,
attached to faceplate 60, one aspect of stabilization anchor 120
and an alternative locator 10 for faceplate to growth medium.
[0051] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the embodiment depicted
in FIG. 17 whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within the
structure 20, attached to faceplate 60, one aspect of stabilization
anchor 120 and an alternative locator 10 for faceplate to growth
medium.
[0052] FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 17 whereby faceplate 60, one aspect of
stabilization anchor 120 and an alternative locator 10 for
faceplate to growth medium.
[0053] FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of
the invention whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within a
skewed rectangle 20.
[0054] FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of
the invention whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within a
octagonal structure 20.
[0055] FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of
the invention whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within a
triangular structure 20.
[0056] FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of another embodiment
whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within the structure 20,
attached to faceplate 60, one aspect of multiple stabilization
anchors 120 and an alternative locator 10 for faceplate to growth
medium.
[0057] FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of multiple components
depicted in FIG. 23 embedded into a vertical concrete wall 140 to
display one embodiment of application.
[0058] FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of another embodiment
whereby growth medium 40 has been placed within the structure 20,
attached to faceplate 60, one aspect of attachment anchor 90, one
aspect of multiple stabilization anchors 120 and an alternative
locator 10 for faceplate to growth medium.
[0059] FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of multiple components
depicted in FIG. 25 attached to vertical rail 160 to display one
embodiment of application
[0060] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of multiple components
depicted in FIG. 25 attached to vertical rail 160 to display one
embodiment of application.
[0061] FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of alternative structure
20 with integrated growth medium 40 alternative male interlocks 60
and female receivers for said interlocks 130.
[0062] FIG. 29 is a is a top perspective view of structure 20 with
integrated growth medium 40 alternative male interlocks 60 and
female receivers for said interlocks 130 with additional angular
footing 180.
[0063] FIG. 30 is a is a side perspective view of FIG. 29 with
structure 20 with integrated growth medium 40 alternative male
interlocks 60 and additional angular footing 180.
[0064] FIG. 31 is a is a side perspective 3D view of FIG. 5 with
structure 20 with integrated growth medium 40 alternative male
interlocks 60 and female interlocks 130 footing 180.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0065] In order to facilitate a complete understanding of various
embodiments of the invention, the remainder of the detailed
description describes exemplary embodiments with reference to the
drawings, wherein like elements are referenced with like numerals
throughout.
[0066] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate one example of a geometrical structure
20 that has contained within its substructure a growth medium 40
which is pre-seeded with a desired plant structure (flora) and a
means by which a tie or fastener can group together a plurality of
similar structures to rapidly assemble wall structures, partitions
and coverings of the like in accordance with a first aspect of the
present invention. The structure 20 is preferably formed from a
material, such as plastic, metal, wood or composite material to
rapidly form the superstructure to the desired geometrical
configuration and has holes or openings to allow the flora to grow
outward from the growth medium. High speed forming/molding of
plastic, metal, wood or composite is well known in the art. It is
important that the structural material be sufficiently strong to
maintain the individual unit geometry and integrity as well as the
combined structure of a plurality of units. In the present
embodiment, the growth medium 40 includes the ability to absorb and
retain nutrients and water as well as grow and stabilize the
intended flora. Any geometrical configuration may be employed for
the desired structural units including but not limited to
rectangles, trapezoids, triangles, spheres, pyramids, etc. Those in
the art will understand that any of several well known
manufacturing methods can be employed to achieve the purposes of
this invention.
[0067] FIGS. 3-4 depicts an alternative embodiment of an
advantageous geometrical structure 20 whereby a removable or hinged
door/lid 50 may be employed in the overall design to facilitate
maintenance or service of the growth medium 40. As depicted in FIG.
4, the structure 20 can be easily opened from the exterior to
replace the growth medium or flora 40. This embodiment is
particularly useful where there has been failure or contamination
of the growth medium or there has been the need to replace the
flora for a new landscape effect or potential die off of the flora
species.
[0068] Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in
FIG. 5. As explained above, the advantage of having the ability to
securely attach each structure 40 to a plurality of similar
structures is necessary for rapid assembly. FIG. 5 depicts one
example of a horizontal tab 60 and receiver to facilitate assembly
and stabilization. Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 5, in order to
allow for increased stabilization during and after assembly, the
tab 60 and interlock receiver may be of any geometry and may be
placed on any portion of the exterior structure 20 to facilitate
stabilization and structural strength wipe 22 optionally includes a
dry notch 48. FIGS. 7 and 8 depict alternative embodiments of FIG.
5 whereby both vertical and horizontal interlocks 70 are employed
on the structure 20 to increase stabilization of a plurality of
units assembled into a desired structure.
[0069] FIG. 9 displays an alternative geometry whereby the
structure is spherical and the interlock protrudes from the
interior of the spherical structure to enable stabilization of a
plurality of structures 20.
[0070] FIG. 10 illustrates a plurality of structures assembled with
growth medium 40 and flora 80 growing out from the wall. Those
skilled in the art will understand the convenience simplified
assembly of a vertical wall structure that provides instant privacy
and security all while immediately growing a flora/landscape
system.
[0071] FIGS. 11-13 depict an alternative embodiment whereby the
structure 20 and growth medium 40 may be attached to a faceplate 60
to enable two stage assembly to new or pre-existing construction.
This embodiment enables pre-assembly of the wall or partition
structure and then customizing the final flora/growth medium when
desired. For example to change the flora out, repair or customize
without altering the initial wall/partition's structural
stability.
[0072] FIGS. 14-15 illustrates another alternative embodiment of
the present invention. Mechanically stabilized walls have become
increasing popular. Modifying the faceplate 60 of the structure 20
to allow the attachment of a stabilizing structure 80 (Ex.
counterfort) which could be placed below a compacted surface or
attached to a geogrid enables the present invention to provide new
methodology in stabilized walls structures.
[0073] FIG. 16 illustrates a plurality of the embodiments depicted
in FIGS. 14 and 15 stacked vertically within a mechanically
stabilized wall structure.
[0074] FIGS. 17-19 illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention whereby the faceplate 60 has a locator 10 to ease
attachment to structure 40 and an alternative attachment
anchor.
[0075] FIGS. 20-22 illustrate alternative geometries for the
structure 20 to encapsulate the growth medium 40. Those skilled in
the art will recognize that a variety of geometries may be easily
employed to deliver the characteristics of the invention. The
inventor sees no limitation as to the geometrical configuration of
the structure 20.
[0076] FIG. 23 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present
invention whereby the structure 20 can be easily attached to a
poured in place wall structure 140 via the faceplate 60 and
attachment anchors 120. FIG. 24 depicts the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 23 attached to a poured in place composite structure 140. The
poured in place structure may be composed of any compound for
example concrete or plastic polymer.
[0077] FIGS. 25-27 depict an alternative embodiment of the present
invention whereby the structure 20 can be easily attached to a
poured in place wall structure 140 via the faceplate 60 and
attachment anchors 120. FIGS. 26-27 depicts the embodiment depicted
in FIG. 23 attached to a vertical rail 160 enabling attachment of
the structure 20 to any pre-existing surface.
[0078] FIG. 29 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present
invention whereby the structure 20 can be free standing with an
integrated footing 180 and an alternative male interlock 60 with
alternative female receiver 130 for said interlock.
[0079] FIG. 30 depicts a side vie of FIG. 29 of the present
invention whereby the structure 20 can be free standing with an
integrated footing 180 and an alternative male interlock 60.
[0080] FIG. 31 is a is a side perspective 3D view of FIG. 5 with
structure 20 with integrated growth medium 40 alternative male
interlocks 60 and female interlocks 130 footing 180.
[0081] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of
materials may be used to manufacture the intended invention. Based
on comprehensive investigation, the inventor believes that recycled
materials including plastics, glass, metals and green waste present
a logical alternative for manufacturing with the by products being
reduction in material costs, reduction in labor costs, reduction in
landfill, reduction in environmental impact and a lower overall
carbon footprint from the manufacturing process for the intended
invention.
[0082] For summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,
and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to
be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be
achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the
invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a
manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught
herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be
taught or suggested herein.
[0083] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends
beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention. Thus, it is intended that
the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be
limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above,
but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that
follow.
* * * * *