U.S. patent application number 14/275878 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for self-expanding, load-bearing mechanism for display units.
This patent application is currently assigned to KFR Enterprises, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is KFR Enterprises, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert Fischer, Fredrik Karlehag.
Application Number | 20140265778 14/275878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51455024 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140265778 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer; Robert ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
SELF-EXPANDING, LOAD-BEARING MECHANISM FOR DISPLAY UNITS
Abstract
In accordance with some embodiments, a self-expanding,
collapsible mechanism (e.g., for expanding an outer substrate or
substrates of a display unit) and a display unit comprising at
least one self-expanding, collapsible mechanism are disclosed. In
one or more embodiments, a self-expanding mechanism is
load-bearing. In one embodiment, a display unit may be configured
to have at least one load-bearing surface (e.g., supported by one
or more load-bearing inserts).
Inventors: |
Fischer; Robert; (Danbury,
CT) ; Karlehag; Fredrik; (Norwalk, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KFR Enterprises, LLC |
Danbury |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KFR Enterprises, LLC
Danbury
CT
|
Family ID: |
51455024 |
Appl. No.: |
14/275878 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14215454 |
Mar 17, 2014 |
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14275878 |
|
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61798002 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/259 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 43/02 20130101;
A47B 43/00 20130101; G09F 1/065 20130101; A47F 5/112 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/259 |
International
Class: |
A47B 43/02 20060101
A47B043/02 |
Claims
1. A self-expanding mechanism comprising: a first side connected to
a second side at a first corner; the first side and the second side
further being connected by a first contracting element; a third
side connected to a fourth side at a second corner opposite the
first corner; the third side further being connected to the fourth
side by a second contracting element, the first side further being
connected to the third side at a third corner, and the second side
further being connected to the fourth side at a fourth corner; and
the first contracting element acting on the first side and the
second side to pull the first side and the second side toward each
other, and the second contracting element acting on the third side
and the fourth side to pull the third side and the fourth side
toward each other, wherein the first contracting element acting on
the first side and the second side, and the second contracting
element acting on the third side and the second side, cause the
first corner and the second corner to move away from each
other.
2. The self-expanding mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first
contracting element acting on the first side and the second side to
pull the first side and the second side toward each other is
simultaneous with the second contracting element acting on the
third side and the fourth side to pull the third side and the
fourth side toward each other.
3. The self-expanding mechanism of claim 1, further comprising at
least one connector for connecting the self-expanding mechanism to
an interior of a display unit.
4. The self-expanding mechanism of claim 4-2, wherein the first
contracting element acting on the first side and the second side to
pull the first side and the second side toward each other
simultaneous with the second contracting element acting on the
third side and the fourth side to pull the third side and the
fourth side toward each other causes the self-expanding mechanism
to expand symmetrically.
5. The self-expanding mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first
contracting element and the second contracting element are flexibly
expandable, allowing for the self-expanding mechanism to be
collapsed.
6. The self-expanding mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first
contracting element comprises a rubber band.
7. The self-expanding mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first side
comprises a hook for attaching the first contracting element to the
first side.
8. The self-expanding mechanism of claim 1, wherein at least the
first side and the third side are included in a single
component.
9. The self-expanding mechanism of claim 8, wherein the single
component comprises a cardboard substrate.
10. The self-expanding mechanism of claim 8, wherein the single
component comprises a fold defining the third corner flexibly
joining the first side and the third side.
11. The self-expanding mechanism of claim 8, wherein the single
component comprises at least one opening for receiving a respective
flap to assemble the self-expanding mechanism.
12. A display unit comprising: an outer substrate comprising a
first side of the outer substrate connected along a first edge to a
second side of the outer substrate opposite the first side of the
outer substrate, the first side of the outer substrate further
being connected along a second edge to the second side of the outer
substrate; and a self-expanding mechanism, affixed to an interior
of the outer substrate by a first connection to the first edge and
by a second connection to the second edge, the self-expanding
mechanism comprising: a first mechanism side connected to a second
mechanism side at a first corner; the first mechanism side and the
second mechanism side further being connected by a first
contracting element; a third mechanism side connected to a fourth
mechanism side at a second corner opposite the first corner; the
third mechanism side further being connected to the fourth
mechanism side by a second contracting element, the first mechanism
side further being connected to the third mechanism side at a third
corner, and the second mechanism side further being connected to
the fourth mechanism side at a fourth corner; and the first
contracting element acting on the first mechanism side and the
second mechanism side to push the first corner outward against the
first side of the outer substrate, and the second contracting
element acting on the third mechanism side and the fourth mechanism
side to push the second corner outward against the second side of
the outer substrate, thereby causing the first corner and the
second corner to move away from each other.
13. The display unit of claim 12, wherein the self-expanding
mechanism is a load-bearing insert.
14. The display unit of claim 12, further comprising: a second
self-expanding mechanism affixed to the interior of the outer
substrate by a third connection to the first edge and by a fourth
connection to the second edge.
15. The display unit of claim 12, wherein the first contracting
element acting on the first mechanism side and the second mechanism
side to push the first corner outward against the first side of the
outer substrate is simultaneous with the second contracting element
acting on the third mechanism side and the fourth mechanism side to
push the second corner outward against the second side of the outer
substrate.
16. The display unit of claim 12, wherein the first contracting
element acting on the first mechanism side and the second mechanism
side to push the first corner outward against the first side of the
outer substrate is symmetrical with respect to the second
contracting element acting on the third mechanism side and the
fourth mechanism side to push the second corner outward against the
second side of the outer substrate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/215,454 filed Mar. 17, 2014, entitled
"Self-expanding, Load-bearing Mechanism for Display Units"; which
claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/798,002 filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled
"Self-expanding, Load-bearing Mechanism for Display Units". Each of
the applications identified above is incorporated by reference in
the present application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] An understanding of embodiments described in this disclosure
and many of the attendant advantages may be readily obtained by
reference to the following detailed description when considered
with the accompanying drawings, of which:
[0003] FIG. 1A is a plan view of a display unit and mechanism
according to some embodiments;
[0004] FIG. 1B is a plan view of a display unit and mechanism
according to some embodiments;
[0005] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a display unit and
mechanism according to some embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a display unit and
mechanism according to some embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a display unit and mechanism
according to some embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a mechanism according to some
embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mechanism according to
some embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mechanism according to
some embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a mechanism component according to
some embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating assembly of a
mechanism from two mechanism components according to some
embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mechanism assembled from
two mechanism components according to some embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a substrate component for
a display unit with collapsed mechanisms according to some
embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a substrate component for
a display unit with expanded mechanisms according to some
embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting an example
configuration of load-bearing mechanisms for a display unit
according to some embodiments; and
[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view depicting an example
configuration of load-bearing mechanisms for a display unit
according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A. Introduction
[0018] Some embodiments discussed in this disclosure are
descriptive of apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for
making, assembling, and utilizing self-expanding mechanisms for
display units.
[0019] Applicants have recognized that, in accordance with some
embodiments described in this disclosure, some types of retailers,
advertisers, consumers, sellers of information display units and
other types of users may find it beneficial to have a collapsible
and expandable display unit configured with one or more collapsible
and expandable, load-bearing mechanisms for bearing, by way of
example and without limitation, products, gifts, and/or other types
of items.
[0020] Some embodiments discussed in this disclosure are
descriptive of apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for
making, assembling, and utilizing load-bearing inserts for display
units. Some embodiments discussed in this disclosure are
descriptive of display units configured to have a load-bearing
surface (e.g., supported by one or more load-bearing inserts).
[0021] Some embodiments discussed in this disclosure are
descriptive of apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for
display units utilizing one or more self-expanding and/or
load-bearing mechanisms.
[0022] As used in this disclosure, the term "mechanism" may refer
to an article of manufacture or apparatus that when assembled, is
configured to be collapsible and self-expanding. The term "insert"
may refer to such a mechanism when used, for example, in a display
unit (e.g., to expand an outer substrate or substrates of the
display unit). In some embodiments, mechanism may be used without
an outer substrate for displaying formation (e.g., may be used as a
free-standing support for a load-bearing surface).
[0023] Applicants have recognized that, in accordance with some
embodiments described in this disclosure, some types of retailers,
advertisers, consumers, sellers of information display units and
other types of users may find it beneficial to have a display unit
that expands utilizing at least one insert configured to expand and
push symmetrically on opposing sides of the display unit.
[0024] Some embodiments discussed in this disclosure are
descriptive of symmetrically-expanding inserts for display units.
In one example, an insert for a display unit expands symmetrically
and pushes simultaneously outward on two opposing display portions
(e.g., opposite sides) of a display unit (e.g., to expand the
display unit to a free-standing display state). In another example,
two points where an expanding or expanded insert symmetrically
pushes the display portions outward are directly opposite one
another (e.g., across the interior of the display unit).
[0025] Applicants have recognized that, in accordance with some
embodiments described in this disclosure, it would be beneficial to
provide for a collapsible and expandable display unit having one or
more of the following features:
can support a load (e.g., products, other items placed for display
on a surface) without additional support can open smoothly,
quickly, and/or consistently, with little effort by the user an
expanding mechanism that pushes outward from the center of the
display unit (e.g., against one or more sides of the display
utilizes a minimal number (e.g., one or two) mechanisms to retain
expanded, free standing shape an active mechanism that actively
pushes one or more opposing sides of the display unit outward does
not require an expanding mechanism to be immovably fixed or locked
in place to the corners or edges of the display unit the mechanism
may be flexibly connected to or suspended by the edges of the unit
(e.g., to prevent the mechanism from falling down through the unit)
so it may effectively "float" inside the unit, pushing outward on
opposing sides of the unit, without having to pull or push on the
edges to maintain the display shape
[0026] A mechanism according to some embodiments described in this
disclosure comprises at least one component (e.g., a piece of
cardboard or other material) having at least one flap and at least
one hook for affixing at least one contracting element (e.g., a
rubber band).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] FIG. 1A depicts a top-down or plan view of a
partially-opened display unit 2 comprising an outer portion 4
(e.g., a display surface or substrate) and an expanding mechanism
6. Connectors 8 and 10 connect the mechanism 6 at points 18 and 20
to the display unit edges 9 and 11, respectively. In some
embodiments, the mechanism comprises connectors 8 and/or 10; in
other embodiments, it does not.
[0028] The mechanism 6 further comprises sides 12a, 12b, 12c, and
12d (e.g., of cardboard or other rigid material). The mechanism 6
also comprises contracting elements 14a and 14b (which also may be
referred to as pushing elements). Element 14a, which may comprise a
rubber band, acts to pull inward on sides 12a and 12d at points 15a
and 15b, respectively, causing the edge 16a (e.g., a corner fold)
of mechanism 6 to push outward on one side of the outer portion 4.
Similarly, element 14b acts to pull inward on sides 12b and 12c,
causing the edge 16b of mechanism 6 to push outward on the opposite
side of the outer portion 4. The contracting elements 14a and 14b
edges, for example, cause the edges 16a and 16b to move away from
each other (e.g., symmetrically). The dashed arrows in FIG. 1A
represent the outward, pushing movement of points 16a and 16b and
the corresponding movement sides of the outer portion 4.
[0029] FIG. 1B depicts a top-down or plan view of the display unit
2 of FIG. 1B is a fully opened or expanded configuration or state,
as demonstrated by the final elliptical shape of the outer portion
4 that is wider through the middle than its shape in FIG. 1A.
Contracting element 14a has pulled the two corresponding sides of
the mechanism 6 further inward, effectuating the pushing out of the
sides of the outer portion by the adjacent corners of the mechanism
6. The dashed arrows in FIG. 1B represent the travel of points 16a
and 16b of FIG. 1A to their final position when the display unit 2
is fully expanded.
[0030] FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of an example display
unit 24, comprising substrate portions 25 and 26, in a partially
open configuration. The substrate portions may, for example, be
printed with advertising or other information. Folds 38a and 38b of
substrate portions 26 and 25, respectively, may be used to connect
the substrate portions together on the one side, and like folds may
be used to connect the substrate portions together at the other
edge of the display unit. As depicted in FIG. 2A, connecting flaps
40 and 42 may be folded back from sides 36a and 36d, respectively,
and used to connect the mechanism 28 to one or more of the
substrate portions 25 and 26 (e.g., by fixing, movably or
immovably, the flaps between the folds 38a and 38b). The tension of
the rubber band 30 may, in some embodiments, hold the leading edge
of the flap 32 in place.
[0031] The display unit 24 further comprises a mechanism 28 as
described with respect to one or more embodiments in this
disclosure (e.g., an active insert, a symmetrically pushing and/or
expanding insert). As depicted in FIG. 2A, the mechanism 28
comprises two separate components (e.g., two identical components)
that have been assembled for use (e.g., using rubber bands) in the
display unit 24. The mechanism 28 comprises a rubber band 30
attached at one end to a hook 34 on side 36a, and on the other end
to a flap 33 (that is part of the same component as side 36a). In
one example, the rubber band 30 may be wrapped around and held in
place by notches (not shown) on flap 33. In the example, flap 33 is
over and, due to the contracting tension of the rubber band, pushes
and is flat against flap 32, which is part of the same component as
side 36d. Flap 33 is inserted through the visible opening in side
36d in assembling the components, as discussed in further detail in
this disclosure. The contracting tension of the rubber band 30
pulls sides 36a and 36d inward, effectively pushing out the corner
37 of mechanism 28 against the substrate portion 25. In some
embodiments, a rubber band in the opposite corner may be pulling
sides 36b and 36c inward, effectively pushing out the opposite
corner of the mechanism 28 against substrate portion 26; in some
embodiments, only one rubber band 30 (e.g., of sufficient tension
to act alone) may be used in the mechanism 28, as the action of
pulling in sides 36a and 36d would necessarily also push out the
opposite corner against substrate portion 26.
[0032] FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of the example display
unit 24 in a fully opened configuration. As depicted, the mechanism
28 has expanded and locked fully in its final diamond or square
shape.
[0033] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior
view of an example display unit in a collapsed or flat state. The
fully flattened mechanism 28 is flush against the inside of the
substrate portion 25. An opposite substrate portion, which may be
attached at the edges to the substrate portion 25 to create the
outer shell of a display unit in accordance with some embodiments,
is not shown. FIG. 3 therefore also depicts one potential
intermediate stage of assembly of a display unit, prior to adding a
second substrate portion. As depicted in FIG. 3, and in accordance
with some embodiments, the connecting flaps of the mechanism 28
extend from one edge of the substrate portion 25 to the other
edge.
[0034] FIG. 4 depicts a single mechanism component 50 from which a
mechanism may be assembled. The component 50 may comprise cardboard
or other rigid substrate configured with folds, flaps, and tabs for
assembly into a mechanism allowing for self-expansion of the
mechanism into a desired shape (e.g., a diamond, a square, a
triangle). When used as an insert (e.g., in a display unit), the
mechanism may push one or more sides of an outer portion of the
display unit into a desired shape (e.g., an elliptical shape) so
the display may be free standing. The mechanism component 50
comprises flaps 52a and 52b. In one embodiment, the flaps 52a and
52b preferably have one or more notches 54 for accepting and
holding a rubber band or other connecting element (e.g., to connect
the assembled mechanism to an outer portion of a display unit). The
single component 50 further comprises folds 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d, 57,
and 59, hooks 56a and 56b, and flaps 58 and 60. As depicted,
notches may be cut out at the corners of folds 57 and 59 (e.g., for
use in attaching rubber bands).
[0035] As depicted in FIG. 5, assembly of a mechanism 62 from
single mechanism component 50 may comprise folding at all the folds
53a, 53b, 53c, 53d so that flap 60 may be inserted through the
opening created by folding back fold 58. FIG. 6 is an alternative,
rear view of the assembled mechanism 62. As depicted in FIG. 5 and
FIG. 6, a rubber band 64 may hold flap 60 and flap 58 (e.g.,
underneath flap 60) in place by hooking the rubber band around hook
56a at one end, and, at the other end, around the notches formed at
the corners of folds 57 and 59 when flaps 58 and 60, respectively,
are folded back. Flaps 52a and 52b may be used to attach the
mechanism 62 to an inside of the outer portion of a display
unit.
[0036] FIG. 7 depicts a mechanism component 70, comprising some
features similar to those described with respect to single
component 50. However, component 70 is designed, in accordance with
some embodiments, for use in assembling a mechanism from two like
components. FIG. 8 depicts an intermediate stage of assembling a
mechanism using a first mechanism component 70 and a second
mechanism component 70. The overlap of the two components is
depicted at portion 72, where the shorter flap from one component
is folded through the opening created by folding back the larger
flap in the other component. FIG. 9 depicts an assembled mechanism
90, in which both sets of flaps have been joined using respective
rubber bands.
[0037] FIG. 10A depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior
view of an example display unit 100a in a collapsed or flat state.
As illustrated, the display unit 100a comprises two mechanisms 102a
and 102b (e.g., mechanisms configured to push symmetrically on
opposite sides of the display unit). The portion of the display
unit further comprises folds 104a, 104b, and 104c, which may be
used for folding the display unit 100a conveniently for storage
and/or portability.
[0038] FIG. 10B depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior
view of an example display unit 100b in an expanded or display
state. As depicted, the mechanisms 102a and 102b are fully
expanded, creating a shape for the outer portion of the display
that will allow it to stand freely.
[0039] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior
view of an example display unit 110. The display unit 110 comprises
two load-bearing mechanisms 112a and 112b. Mechanism 112a is
supported by mechanism 112b at edge 114. Mechanism 112b may be
supported, for example, by a floor at edge 116. A surface 118
(e.g., a shelf) is resting on the top edge (not shown) of mechanism
112a, allowing both mechanisms to support the load of the surface
and of any items that may be placed on it. As depicted in FIG. 11,
according to some embodiments, the surface may be held in place by
one or more notches, such as notch 120a on the depicted outer
portion of the display unit 110. In some embodiments, the surface
may rest on the uppermost mechanism (e.g., mechanism 112a) without
any notches to secure it. In one embodiment, a second notch 120b
may be used, for example, to hold another surface or shelf. When
fully assembled (with an opposite substrate portion), the display
unit 110 comprises a stand with a load-bearing surface. An opening
122 in at least one portion of the display unit 110 may be used to
access items held on the surface 118, and/or to access items if a
unit is employed as a gravity fee dispenser.
[0040] FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a portion or interior
view of an example display unit 120 having a top surface 128
supported by a first mechanism 122a supported along an edge 124 by
a second mechanism 122b supported on a floor or surface along edge
126.
Additional Embodiments
[0041] According to one embodiment, a two-piece mechanism comprises
folds, flaps, and hooks that when assembled with two rubber bands
allows for an automatic locking shape (e.g., diamond, square,
triangle, or other shape) when expanded. Alternatively or in
addition, the two pieces may be glued on one edge, which may
require the use of only one rubber band to provide for expansion of
the mechanism. For example, the rubber bands allow the mechanism to
go from a flat or collapsed position into an expanded or locking
shape (e.g., allowing a display unit to stand and/or providing load
bearing support for a surface).
[0042] According to some embodiments, as discussed in this
disclosure, when the mechanism is assembled with at least one piece
of rigid substrate (e.g. paperboard) to create a front and a back
for a display unit, the mechanism pushes the front and the back
sides of the substrate outward, creating an elliptical or square
display.
[0043] According to some embodiments, a collapsible and expandable
display unit may be used as a greeting or occasion card (e.g., as a
birthday card, holiday card, etc.), novelty display item, for
in-store advertising and/or product delivery system, ballot boxes,
take one display, table, etc.
[0044] Although reference may be made in this disclosure to
particular types of information and/or uses of display units, it
will be readily understood in light of this disclosure that any
type of information may be displayed on a display unit (e.g., by
printing on at least one outer substrate or surface of a display
unit).
[0045] In one embodiment, a display unit having a load-bearing
surface (e.g., supported by one or more load-bearing inserts) may
be used for holding or presenting a gift, product, or other
item(s).
[0046] According to some embodiments, a display unit is collapsible
and expandable in an accordion-like manner (e.g., a display or
occasion card that accordion folds up and down).
[0047] According to some embodiments, a display unit comprising one
or more self-expanding mechanisms in accordance with this
disclosure, may be expanded and/or opened, for example, by a user
holding a top edge of the folded/collapsed display unit and
dropping or lifting the remainder of the display (e.g., allowing
gravity to unfold it) so the display unit will open and take shape
automatically.
[0048] According to some embodiments, depending on the height of
the display unit, fewer mechanisms may be required than may be
utilized by other types of display units of similar height. The
tension aggression (e.g., the contracting force of a rubber band or
other contracting element) of one or more mechanisms may be
increased to require fewer mechanisms overall to achieve a stable,
free standing display unit without the tension causing crimping in
the sides of the display unit because the tension of the mechanism
is used to push the sides outward, rather than inward. In some
embodiments, the symmetrical expansion of the mechanism may allow
for greater tension than may be accommodated by expansion elements
that expand asymmetrically, pull inward on the edges of a display,
and/or do not push outward at opposing points of the sides of a
display unit (e.g., the middle of opposing sides).
[0049] According to some embodiments, a mechanism is always the
same width of the display when the display is flat or collapsed. In
some embodiments, the width of the mechanism may stay the same as
the width of the display as the mechanism is expanding,
contracting, and/or fully expanded.
[0050] In some embodiments, a mechanism inserted in a display unit
may expand the display unit by pushing out on the sides of the
display, and not by pulling in from the edges or corners of the
display.
[0051] According to some embodiments, a display unit comprising one
or more mechanisms described in this disclosure may be folded or
collapsed by pushing the center of the two sides of the display
together to make a panel of the display flat (e.g., counteracting
the expansive force of a corner of a mechanism pushing outward on
the middles of the sides of the display). In one embodiment, once
the display is flattened as above, if the display includes two or
more panels (e.g., separated by fold lines) a user may accordion
fold all the panels back down (e.g., for portability and/or
storage).
[0052] According to some embodiments, by placing two or more
mechanisms on top of one another, within a display, the display may
carry a load or weight. The load is supported by the diamond shape,
for example, edge to edge.
[0053] According to some embodiments, a unit comprising at least
one mechanism disclosed in this disclosure may be utilized as a
gravity feed dispenser (e.g., for allowing customers or other users
to access and remove products or other items stored inside the unit
through an opening in a surface of the unit).
[0054] Although various references are made in this disclosure to a
display unit for use in displaying information and/or products, it
will be readily understood that an apparatus comprising one or more
of the mechanisms disclosed in this disclosure need not necessarily
display information or have information printed, for example, on an
outer surface of such a unit. For example, this disclosure
contemplates a collapsible and expandable apparatus comprising one
or more self-expanding and/or load-bearing inserts.
[0055] According to some embodiments, the mechanism may be flexibly
connected to or suspended by the edges of the unit (e.g., using
rubber bands, string, etc.) to prevent the mechanism from falling
down through the unit. For example, the mechanism effectively may
"float" inside the unit, while pushing outward on opposing sides of
the unit.
[0056] The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in
the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or
inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be
claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed
in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of
priority of the present application.
* * * * *