CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 63/156,567, filed March 4, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to picture frames, and more particularly to a picture frame system that facilitates framing and leveling, and frame mounting methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In general, a typical picture frame includes a rectangular shape having four sections secured to one another by nails or screws. Once assembled, hanging picture frames typically requires multiple tools, pencils, bubble levels, leveling strings, chalk strings, and so forth to level and often, properly space the distance between more than one frame or photo so that it does not appear crooked or with varying distances of space between frames. In addition, it is typically preferred that picture frames be secured into a stud of a wall for secure hanging. When picture frames are not secured to the stud frames and initially leveled, they can become out of level over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The embodiments of the present invention provide a picture frame system for pictures, art, documents, etc. and picture frame components thereof.

[0005] Provided herein is a picture frame system comprising a first picture frame and a second picture frame, each picture frame including a wall-mountable inner portion configured to secure a picture therein and having mounting means; and an outer portion configured to removably secure to the inner portion. Each inner portion comprises an upper horizontal section; a lower horizontal section; a first vertical section extending between the upper and lower horizontal sections; and a second vertical section extending between the upper and lower horizontal sections. Opposite ends of each of the upper and lower horizontal sections are connected to opposite ends of the first and second vertical sections, forming four corners of the inner portion. At least one of the upper horizontal section and lower horizontal section includes a first level therein, and at least one of the first vertical section and second vertical section include a second level therein. The upper and lower horizontal sections and the first and second vertical sections include equally spaced apart openings. The mounting means include a plurality of interlocking fins extending outwardly from each of the upper and lower horizontal sections and first and second vertical sections, each adjacent pair of interlocking fins defining complimentary-shaped spaces therebetween, wherein the interlocking fins of a first picture frame inner portion connect to the complimentary-shaped spaces of a second picture frame inner portion to secure the first picture frame inner portion to the second picture frame inner portion.

[0006] Further provided herein is a picture frame comprising a wall-mountable inner portion configured to secure a picture therein; and an outer portion configured to removably secure to the inner portion. The inner portion comprises an upper horizontal section; a lower horizontal section; a first vertical section extending between the upper and lower horizontal sections; and a second vertical section extending between the upper and lower horizontal sections. Opposite ends of each of the upper and lower horizontal sections are connected to opposite ends of the first and second vertical sections, forming four corners of the inner portion. At least one of the upper horizontal section and lower horizontal section includes a first level therein, and at least one of the first vertical section and second vertical section include a second level therein. The upper and lower horizontal sections and the first and second vertical sections includes equally spaced apart openings. The picture frame of further comprises means for removably affixing a picture or matting to the inner portion. The picture frame further comprises means for removably securing the outer portion to the inner portion.

[0007] Other implementations are also described and recited herein, including a method for mounting frames on a wall using the framing system disclosed herein.

[0008] These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of aspects as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For the purpose of illustration, certain embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings described below. Like numerals in the drawings indicate like elements throughout. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements, dimensions, and instruments shown. In the drawings:

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a picture frame system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the system of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a component of the system of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 shows a partial view of the system component of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows another partial view of the system component of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 6 shows the component of the system of FIG. 3, in use with a picture and a matting.

[0016] FIG. 7 shows a picture frame system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 8 shows one picture frame of the system of FIG. 7.

[0018] FIG. 8A shows a component of the system of FIG. 7.

[0019] FIG. 9 shows another component of the system of FIG. 7.

[0020] FIG. 10 shows a detail of the system component of FIG. 9.

[0021] FIG. 11 shows the system component of FIG. 9.

[0022] FIG. 12 shows the system component of FIG. 9.

[0023] FIG. 12A shows a detail of the system component of FIG. 12 defined by circle A.

[0024] FIG. 13 shows two of the system components of FIG. 9, in an interconnected configuration.

[0025] FIG. 14 shows two of the system components of FIG. 9, in a separated configuration (post interconnection).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] It is to be appreciated that certain aspects, modes, embodiments, variations and features of the invention are described below in various levels of detail in order to provide a substantial understanding of the present invention. DEFINITIONS

[0027] For convenience, the meaning of some terms and phrases used in the specification, examples, and appended claims, are provided below. Unless stated otherwise, or implicit from context, the following terms and phrases include the meanings provided below.

The definitions are provided to aid in describing particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention, because the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. If there is an apparent discrepancy between the usage of a term in the art and its definition provided herein, the definition provided within the specification shall prevail.

[0028] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a,"

"an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to "a portion" includes a combination of two or more portions, and the like. [0029] As used herein, the term "approximately" or "about" in reference to a value or parameter are generally taken to include numbers that fall within a range of 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% in either direction (greater than or less than) of the number unless otherwise stated or otherwise evident from the context (except where such number would be less than 0% or exceed 100% of a possible value). As used herein, reference to "approximately" or "about" a value or parameter includes (and describes) embodiments that are directed to that value or parameter. For example, description referring to "about X" includes description of "X".

[0030] As used herein, the term “or” means “and/or.” The term "and/or" as used in a phrase such as "A and/or B" herein is intended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Likewise, the term "and/or" as used in a phrase such as "A, B, and/or C" is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C;

A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[0031] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that other elements can also be present in addition to the defined elements presented. The use of "comprising" indicates inclusion rather than limitation.

[0032] The term "consisting of" refers to compositions, methods, and respective components thereof as described herein, which are exclusive of any element not recited in that description of the embodiment.

[0033] The subject innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the present invention.

[0034] An exemplary framing and leveling picture frame system (“system”) 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. The system 10 includes one or more picture frame 16 and the components thereof. A picture 12 mounted on a picture matting 14 is shown positioned in the picture frame 16. It is understood that the picture 12 may be used in the picture frame 16 without a matting 14. It is also understood that the picture frame 16 is not limited to use with photographs, but may also used to frame two- dimensional art, documents and other frameable items.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the picture frame 16 includes a removable outer portion 20, also referred to as a top frame, and an inner portion 22, also referred to as a base frame. Both outer portion 20 and inner portion 22 are constructed of, for example, one or more plastic materials. In various embodiments, non-limiting examples of plastic materials include acrylic (PMMA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and/or any new plastic materials. In other embodiments, the outer portion 20 and inner portion 22 are constructed of wood or other materials. In various embodiments, non-limiting examples of such materials include metallic materials such as steel or aluminum.

[0036] In various embodiments, the outer portion 20 and inner portion 22 are formed by

3D-printing, also known as additive manufacturing.

[0037] In use, the picture 12 is mounted on the picture matting 14, which is in turn removably secured to the inner portion 22, as further explained below. Once the picture 12 and its picture matting 14 are removably secured to the inner portion 22, the removable outer portion 20 is secured to the inner portion 22 resulting in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. In various embodiments, the removable outer portion 20 is secured to the inner portion 22, e.g., by magnets disposed on the inner portion 22 and/or the outer portion 20 or other attachment means, as further discussed below.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the dimensions of the removable outer portion 20 are such to enable it to be removably secured to and cover over the inner portion 22. In various embodiments, the outer portion 20 is slightly larger than the inner portion 22, and is magnetized (i.e. , contains at least one metallic/magnetic element disposed therein). The inner portion 22 includes contains at least one magnet disposed therein that corresponds to the metallic/magnetic element(s) in the outer portion 20. The magnetitic components are further discussed below. Other embodiments may include other means for removably securing the outer portion 20 to the inner portion 22, including any mechanical connectors such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners and others known to those skilled in the art.

[0039] Because the outer portion 20 is removable from the inner portion 22, any picture, image, photograph, poster, or artwork can be changed from the front of the picture frame system 10 without ever having to remove both the outer portion 20 and the inner portion 22 from a wall on which the system 10 is mounted. In other words, the inner portion 22 stays attached to the wall when the outer portion 20 is removed to allow pictures, etc. to be changed out.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner portion 22 includes opposed upper and lower (i.e., first and second) horizontal sections 30, 32 and opposed first and second vertical sections 34, 36. The upper horizontal section 30 includes an upper horizontal section bubble level 38 (i.e., contained within a compartment formed in the upper horizontal section 30) and the first vertical section 34 includes a first vertical section bubble level 40 (i.e., contained within a compartment formed in the first vertical section 34). The upper horizontal section bubble level 38 and the first vertical section bubble level 40 enable a user to position and secure the inner portion 22 to a wall or other vertical structure such that it is level and not crooked (i.e., straight). In alternate embodiments, a horizontal bubble level may be housed within the lower horizontal section 32 and/or a vertical section bubble level may be housed within the second vertical section 36.

Other combinations of the bubble level placement are possible in various embodiments of the system 10.

[0041] In addition, the upper and lower horizontal sections 30, 32 and the first and second vertical sections 34, 36 each include equally spaced-apart openings 42. The equally spaced-apart openings 42 enable the inner portion 22 to be secured, if necessary, to framing members (e.g., 2 x 4’s or other studs) after the inner portion 22 is placed against the wall and leveled using the upper horizontal section bubble level 38 and the first vertical section bubble level 40. These openings 42 are also illustrated in FIG. 4 and are dimensioned to receive fixators (i.e., nails, screws, etc.) therethrough.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 6, at least one of the upper and lower horizontal sections 30, 32 of the inner portion 22 include a first finger slot 44 formed therein. The finger slot 44 enables a user to better engage a picture or matting within the inner portion 22 to remove the picture or matting therefrom. Similarly, at least one of the first and second vertical sections 34, 36 of the inner portion 22 include a second finger slot 46 formed therein, for the same purpose as the first finger slot 44. Finger slots 44, 46 have a semi-circular “D” shape as shown. In other embodiments, the finger slots 44, 46 may have different shapes and/or configurations.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, opposing ends of each of the upper and lower horizontal sections 30, 32 are joined to opposing ends of the first and second vertical sections 34, 36 of the inner portion 22 to form four corners 48. Each corner 48 includes a respective recess 49 formed therein (see FIGS. 5 and 6). At least one of the recesses 49 contains a clip 50. At least one of upper and lower horizontal sections 30, 32 and/or first and second vertical sections 34, 36 have a recess 51 formed therein proximate the corner 48 that contains a catch 52. The clip 50 and catch 52 constitute securing means that cooperate to enable fixation of the matting 14 (or picture 12 in other embodiments without the matting 14) removably to/within the inner portion 22. Other embodiments may include other securing means for removably affixing the matting 14 or picture 12 to the inner portion 22, including any fastening systems known to those skilled in the art.

[0044] In FIG. 6, the matting 14 is illustrated within the inner portion 22, as secured by clips 50 and catches 52 at all four corners 48 of the inner portion 22. In other embodiments, the clip 50 and catch 52 are located in one, two or three of the corners 48.

[0045] In various embodiments, the inner portion 22 includes one magnet in at least one of the corners 48, and the outer portion 20 includes one corresponding metallic/magnetic element, such that when the outer portion 20 is placed onto the inner portion 22, the outer portion 20 is removably secured to the inner portion 22 via magnetic attraction.

[0046] Each inner portion 22 includes a plurality of interlocking protrusions, or fins, 56 that extend outwardly from each of the upper and lower horizontal sections 30, 32 and first and second vertical sections 34, 36. Each adjacent pair of interlocking fins 56 along the horizontal and vertical sections define complimentary-shaped spaces 58 therebetween. The interlocking fins 56 and spaces 58 together define an interlocking feature that works to removably secure two inner portions 22 of two frames 16 together via an interdigitated press-fit or sliding press-fit, as explained below.

[0047] The interlocking fins 56 and spaces 58 of the interlocking feature constitute mounting means that are employed by a user to removably secure two inner portions 22 of two frames 16 for measurement and frame placement purposes when attaching the frames 16 to a wall. A user mounts the first inner portion 22 of the first frame 16 on the wall, and then interlocks the second inner portion 22 of the second frame 16 to the first inner portion 16 via the interlocking fins 56 and spaces 58 of the interlocking feature of the inner portions 22. [0048] The user is then able to count by the equally spaced-apart openings 42 to attach the second inner portion 22 to a stud in the wall (e.g., each opening 42 is spaced one inch (1”) apart from the adjacent openings 42) counting 16 of the openings 42, which is 16 inches, the standard length measurement between adjacent studs in a wall. The user marks the location of the openings 42 of the second inner portion 22 (i.e. , with a pencil or pen) and then moves the second inner portion 22 over a desired distance that it (and the second frame 16) is to be placed from first inner portion 22 and first frame 16. This method can be duplicated horizontally and vertically to mount any number of the frames 16 on the wall to be perfectly spaced from each other.

[0049] Another embodiment of the system 100 of the present invention is illustrated in

FIGS. 7-14. Unless indicated otherwise below, the system 100 includes has a generally similar structure and operation as the system 10 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, the system 110 may include two picture frames 116 for containing a corresponding number of pictures 112 (or documents, art, etc.), identified as 116a,

116b and 112a. 112b, respectively. FIG. 8 shows one picture frame 116 and the picture 112 framed therein. An outer-facing (i.e., facing away from a wall W) outer portion 120 of the picture frame 116 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0051] A rear (i.e., wall-facing) surface 121 of the outer portion 120 is shown in FIG. 8A.

In various embodiments, the outer portion 120 is slightly larger than the inner portion 122, and is magnetized (i.e., contains at least one metallic/magnetic element disposed therein). As shown in FIG. 8A, the rear surface 121 of the outer portion 120 includes four magnets 147 disposed at respective corners thereof. The inner portion 122 includes contains at least one magnet disposed therein that corresponds to the metallic/magnetic element(s) (i.e., magnets 147) of the outer portion 120, as further discussed below.

[0052] The picture frame 116 further includes an inner portion 122, as shown in FIGS. 9-

12A. As with the inner portion 22 of the embodiment discussed above and shown in FIGS. 2-6, the inner portion 122 includes opposed upper and lower (i.e., first and second) horizontal sections 130, 132 and opposed first and second vertical sections 134, 136. In various embodiments, the lower horizontal section 132 includes a lower horizontal section bubble level 139 (i.e., contained within a compartment formed in the lower horizontal section 132) and the first vertical section 134 includes a first vertical section bubble level 140 (i.e., contained within a compartment formed in the first vertical section 134). The lower horizontal section bubble level 139 and the first vertical section bubble level 140 enable a user to position and secure the inner portion 122 to a wall W or other vertical structure such that it is level and not crooked (i.e., straight). In alternate embodiments, a horizontal bubble level may be housed within the upper horizontal section 130 and/or a vertical section bubble level may be housed within the second vertical section 136. Other combinations of the bubble level placement are possible in various embodiments of the system 110.

[0053] With continued reference to FIGS. 9-12A, the upper and lower horizontal sections 130, 132 and the first and second vertical sections 134, 136 each include equally spaced-apart openings 142. The equally spaced-apart openings 142 enable the inner portion 122 to be secured, if necessary, to framing members (e.g., 2 x 4’s or other studs) within the wall W after the inner portion 122 is placed against the wall W and leveled using the lower horizontal section bubble level 139 and the first vertical section bubble level 140. The openings 142 are dimensioned to receive fixators (i.e. , nails, screws, etc.) therethrough, and may, for example, be screw holes.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, at least one of the upper and lower horizontal sections 130, 132 of the inner portion 122 include a first finger slot 144 formed therein. The finger slot 144 enables a user to better engage a picture or matting within the inner portion 122 to remove the picture or matting therefrom. Similarly, at least one of the first and second vertical sections 134, 136 of the inner portion 122 include a second finger slot 146 formed therein, for the same purpose as the first finger slot 144. Finger slots 144, 146 have a semi circular “D” shape as shown. In other embodiments, the finger slots 144, 146 may have different shapes and/or configurations.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 9-12, opposing ends of each of the upper and lower horizontal sections 130, 132 are joined to opposing ends of the first and second vertical sections 134, 136 of the inner portion 122 to form four corners 148. Each corner 148 includes a respective recess 149 formed therein. At least one of the recesses 149 contains a clip 150. At least one of upper and lower horizontal sections 130, 132 and/or first and second vertical sections 134, 136 have a recess 151 formed therein proximate the corner 148. Each recess 149 may contain one clip 150, while each recess 151 may contain one catch 152. The clip 150 and catch 152 constitute securing means that cooperate to enable fixation of the picture 112 (or matting in other embodiments) removably to/within the inner portion 122. Alternate embodiments may include other securing means for removably affixing the pictures 122 (or matting) to the inner portion 122, including any fastening systems known to those skilled in the art.

[0056] In FIGS. 9 and 11, the picture 112 is illustrated as being positioned within the inner portion 122, as secured by a clip 150 in one corner 148 and four catches 152 proximate the respective four corners 148. In other embodiments, a clip 150 and/or catch 152 is located in one, two or three of the corners 148.

[0057] In various embodiments, the inner portion 122 includes one magnet 154 within at least one of the corners 148 (i.e. , in one of the recesses 149), which corresponds to the magnet(s) 147 (or metallic/magnetic element) of outer portion 120 (see FIG. 8A), such that when the outer portion 120 is placed onto the inner portion 122, the magnet(s) 147 of the outer portion 120 are removably secured to the magnet(s) 154 of the inner portion 122 via magnetic attraction.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 9-14, each inner portion 122 includes a plurality of interlocking protrusions, or fins, 156 that extend outwardly from each of the upper and lower horizontal sections 130, 132 and first and second vertical sections 134, 136. Each adjacent pair of interlocking fins 156 along the horizontal and vertical sections define complimentary-shaped spaces 158 therebetween. The interlocking fins 156 and spaces 158 together define an interlocking feature that works to removably secure two inner portions 122 (i.e.., 122a, 122b) of two frames 116 (i.e., 116a and 116b) together via an interdigitated press-fit, as shown in FIG.

13, as further explained below.

[0059] The interlocking fins 156 and spaces 158 of the interlocking feature constitute mounting means that are employed by a user to removably secure together the two inner portions 122a, 122b of the frames 116a, 116b for measurement and frame placement purposes when mounting the frames 116a, 116b to a wall W. A user mounts the first inner portion 122a of the first frame 116a on the wall W, and then interlocks the second inner portion 122b of the second frame 116b to the first inner portion 116a via the interlocking fins 156 and spaces 158 of the interlocking feature of the inner portions 122a, 122b.

[0060] The user is then able to count by the equally spaced-apart openings 142 to attach the second inner portion 122b to a stud in the wall W (e.g., each opening 142 is spaced one inch (1”) apart from the adjacent openings 142) counting 16 of the openings 42, which is 16 inches, the standard length measurement between adjacent studs in a wall W. The user marks the location of the openings 42 of the second inner portion 122b (i.e., with a pencil or pen) and then moves the second inner portion 122b over a desired distance that it (and the second frame 116b) is to be placed from first inner portion 122a and first frame 116a. This method can be duplicated horizontally and vertically to mount any number of the frames 116 on the wall W to be perfectly spaced from each other (for example, as shown in FIG. 7).

[0061] The systems of the present disclosure may be employed with frames of any size and/or dimension. Non-limiting examples of frame sizes include 2” x 3”, 4” x 6”, 5” x 7”, 8” x 10”, 8.5” x 11”, 12” x 18” and any square configuration. The system should not be construed as being limited by any frame dimensions shown in the figures (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A).

[0062] In summary, the framing and leveling picture frame systems disclosed herein are designed and manufactured with mechanisms to assist in attaching, properly spacing multiple frames with equal space between them, identifying studs for secure hanging, and with a built in bubble level to assist with hanging frames in such a way, when attached to a wall, they are secure, level, even, and do not appear crooked and will not move, coming out of level. Additional functionality has been built in with a removable top cover allowing an image, photograph, poster, or artwork to be changed from the front without ever having to remove the entire frame. With the framing, measuring, and leveling picture frame, attaching, properly spacing multiple frames, and leveling and changing photos, is all done from the front of the frame providing visibility and an easier experience for the user with better results. The front of a picture frame can also be changed by custom front frame accessories allowing decor to change as desired.

[0063] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present application shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, examples, etc., described herein and as such can vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

[0064] Other terms are defined herein within the description of the various aspects of the invention.

[0065] The description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while method steps or functions are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform functions in a different order, or functions may be performed substantially concurrently. The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other procedures or methods as appropriate. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the compositions, functions and concepts of the above references and application to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure. These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the detailed description. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0066] Specific elements of any of the foregoing embodiments can be combined or substituted for elements in other embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0067] The foregoing written specification is considered to be sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present aspects and embodiments. The present aspects and embodiments are not to be limited in scope by examples provided, since the examples are intended as a single illustration of one aspect and other functionally equivalent embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. Various modifications in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and fall within the scope of the appended claims. The advantages and objects described herein are not necessarily encompassed by each embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

[0068] All patents and other publications; including literature references, issued patents, published patent applications, and co-pending patent applications; cited throughout this application are expressly incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the technology described herein. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.