Bicycle rim brake

A bicycle rim brake basically has a first brake arm, a second brake arm and a link. The first brake arm has a first coupling portion configured to pivot about a first pivot axis and a first mounting portion. The second brake arm has a second coupling portion configured to pivot about the first pivot axis and a second mounting portion. The second mounting portion is configured to mount a second friction member. The link is pivotally coupled to the second brake arm about a second pivot axis that is offset from the first pivot axis. The link has a coupling structure configured to be coupled with a movable member and a contact portion contacting the first brake arm. The coupling structure is spaced from the second pivot axis. The contact portion pivots the first and second brake arms about the first pivot axis as the link pivots about the second pivot axis.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle rim brake. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle rim brake having a pair of brake arms pivotally mounted to a bicycle.

2. Background Information

Bicycles are typically provided with at least one brake device for stopping. Currently, a wide variety of bicycle brake devices are available. One of the most popular types of bicycle brake devices is a rim brake. Rim brakes are configured to apply a braking force to the wheel of a bicycle by pinching the rim of the wheel with a pair of brake shoes attached to a pair of brake arms. One well-known example of a bicycle rim brake assembly is the caliper brake. Caliper brakes are also available in several configurations. For example, caliper brakes include a side pull type, a center pull type and a dual-pivot, side pull type. One example of a caliper brake is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,880.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a bicycle rim brake. In one feature, a bicycle rim brake is provided with a link to improve the braking performance.

In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle rim brake is provided that basically comprises a first brake arm, a second brake arm and a link. The first brake arm has a first coupling portion configured to pivot about a first pivot axis and a first mounting portion. The first mounting portion is configured to mount a first friction member and extend from the first coupling portion. The second brake arm has a second coupling portion that is configured to pivot about the first pivot axis and a second mounting portion. The second mounting portion is configured to mount a second friction member and extending from the second coupling portion. The link is pivotally coupled to the second brake arm about a second pivot axis that is offset from the first pivot axis. The link includes a coupling structure configured to be coupled with a movable member and a contact portion contacting the first brake arm. The coupling structure is arranged to be spaced from the second pivot axis, the contact portion is arranged to pivot the first and second brake arms about the first pivot axis as the link pivots about the second pivot axis.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the first aspect is configured so that the contact portion of the link is located closer to the second pivot axis than the coupling structure of the link.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the first aspect is configured so that the contact portion of the link is a contact projection having a free end contacting the first brake arm.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the third aspect is configured so that the first brake arm has a projecting part contacting the contact projection of the link.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the first aspect is configured so that the first brake arm has a projecting part contacting the contact portion of the link.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the first aspect further comprises a mounting member pivotally connecting the first and second coupling portions together and defining the first pivot axis.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the first aspect is configured so that the movable member is connected between the second brake arm and the coupling structure of the link, the movable member is movably coupled to the second brake arm to change a distance between the second brake arm and the coupling structure of the link.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the seventh aspect is configured so that the second brake arm includes a hydraulic cylinder having a piston slidably disposed in the hydraulic cylinder, and the movable member connects the coupling structure of the link to the piston.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the hydraulic cylinder is an integral part of the second brake arm.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the coupling structure of the link has a threaded hole and the movable member is screwed into the threaded hole such that rotation of the movable member adjusts a position of the link relative to the second brake arm.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the seventh aspect is configured so that the second brake arm includes a cable holder, and the movable member is an inner cable that extends from the cable holder and that is coupled to the coupling structure of the link.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle rim brake according to the eleventh aspect is configured so that the cable holder is a cable barrel adjuster that is screwed into the second brake arm.

Also other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle rim brake will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses illustrative embodiments of the bicycle rim brake.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially toFIG. 1, a portion of a bicycle1having a front fork2is illustrated that is equipped with a bicycle rim brake12in accordance with a first embodiment. The bicycle rim brake12is installed on the front fork2such that the bicycle rim brake12straddles a bicycle rim R of a front wheel W. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from this disclosure that the bicycle rim brake12can be used in conjunction with a rear bicycle wheel. The bicycle rim brake12basically comprises a first brake arm14, a second brake arm16and a link18. The bicycle rim brake12further comprises a mounting member20that pivotally connects the first and second brake arms14and16together about a first pivot axis A1. The mounting member20also mounts the first and second brake arms14and16to the front fork2. The link18is pivotally coupled to the second brake arm16about a second pivot axis A2that is offset from the first pivot axis A1. The mounting member20is preferably located on a center longitudinal plane P of the bicycle1.

In the first embodiment, the bicycle rim brake12is hydraulically actuated by a conventional hydraulic actuating device (e.g., a brake lever), which is not shown. Basically, as seen inFIGS. 3 and 4, the link18is moved by a movable member22that is operated by the brake lever (not shown) so as to pivot about the second pivot axis A2. This movement of the link18causes the first and second brake arms14and16to pivot about the first pivot axis A1to apply a braking force to a bicycle wheel W by pinching a bicycle rim R of the bicycle wheel W as seen inFIG. 4.

Now, the first brake arm14will be discussed in more detail. The first brake arm14is a rigid member made of a suitable rigid material that is typically used for bicycle brake arms. For example, the first brake arm14can be a cold-forged aluminum arm or a carbon fiber reinforced arm. As seen from the view inFIGS. 1 and 3to5, the first brake arm14pivots about the first pivot axis A1in a counterclockwise direction to contact the bicycle rim R, and the first brake arm14pivots about the first pivot axis A1in a clockwise direction to move away from the bicycle rim R.

Basically, the first brake arm14has a first coupling portion14aand a first mounting portion14b. The first brake arm14further includes a projecting part14cfor contacting the link18. The first coupling portion14ais configured to pivot about the first pivot axis A1. The first coupling portion14ais pivotally coupled to the mounting member20, which pivotally mounts the first brake arm14with respect to the front fork2. The first mounting portion14bextends from the first coupling portion14a. The first mounting portion14bis configured to mount a first friction member24. In the illustrated embodiment, as seen inFIG. 2, the first mounting portion14bincludes a slot (elongated opening) for adjustably attaching the first friction member24.

In the first embodiment, the first friction member24is a conventional brake shoe that is detachably attached to the first mounting portion14bin a conventional manner. Basically, the first friction member24includes a brake pad holder24aand a brake pad24b. The brake pad holder24asupports the brake pad24band is attached in the slot formed in the first mounting portion14bby a mounting bolt24c. The brake pad24bof the first friction member24contacts one side of the bicycle rim R during a braking operation as seen inFIG. 4.

Now, the second brake arm16will be discussed in more detail. The second brake arm16is a rigid member made of a suitable rigid material such as the material that is used for the bicycle brake arms. For example, the second brake arm16can be a cold-forged aluminum arm or a carbon fiber reinforced arm. As seen from the view inFIGS. 1 and 3to5, the second brake arm16pivots about the first pivot axis A1in a clockwise direction to contact the bicycle rim R and pivots about the first pivot axis A1in a counterclockwise direction to move away from the bicycle rim R.

Basically, the second brake arm16has a second coupling portion16aand a second mounting portion16b. The second coupling portion16ais configured to pivot about the first pivot axis A1. The second coupling portion16ais pivotally coupled to the mounting member20, which pivotally mounts the second brake arm16with respect to the front fork2. Thus, as seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting member20pivotally connects the first and second coupling portions14aand16atogether and defines the first pivot axis A1. In other words, the first and second coupling portions14aand16aare pivotally coupled around the first pivot axis A1with respect to each other. The second mounting portion16bextends from the second coupling portion16a. The second mounting portion16bis configured to mount a second friction member26. Similar to the first mounting portion14b, the second mounting portion16bincludes a slot (elongated opening) for adjustably attaching the second friction member26.

In the first embodiment, the second friction member26is a conventional brake shoe that is detachably attached to the second mounting portion16bin a conventional manner. Basically, the second friction member26includes a brake pad holder26aand a brake pad26b. The brake pad holder26asupports the brake pad26band is attached in a slot formed in the second mounting portion16bby a mounting bolt26c. The brake pad26bof the second friction members26contacts the other side of the bicycle rim R during a braking operation as seen inFIG. 4.

In the first embodiment, as seen inFIGS. 3 and 4, the second brake arm16includes a hydraulic cylinder28having a piston30slidably disposed in the hydraulic cylinder28. Preferably, the hydraulic cylinder28is an integral part of the second brake arm16. The piston30is connected to the movable member22such that movement of the piston30within the hydraulic cylinder28moves the movable member22which in turn pivots the link18about the second pivot axis A2. This pivotal movement of the link18pivots the first and second brake arms14and16about the first pivot axis A1to apply a braking force to the bicycle rim R as seen inFIG. 4.

As seen inFIG. 2, a hydraulic hose32has a first end fixedly connected to the second brake arm16. The hydraulic cylinder28is in fluid communication with the hydraulic hose32. The hydraulic hose32further has a second end (not shown) connected to the hydraulic actuating device (not shown). During a braking operation, hydraulic fluid is forced into the hydraulic cylinder28causing the piston30to slide within the hydraulic cylinder28. As a result of the sliding movement of the piston30, the movable member22is pushed by the piston30to pivot the link18about the second pivot axis A2. As a result of the pivotal movement of the link18, the first and second brake arms14and16are pivoted about the first pivot axis A1by the link18from a non-braking position or resting position (FIG. 3) to a braking position (FIG. 4). In this way, the forces acting on each of the first and second brake arms14and16are similar, allowing the first and second brake arms14and16to gradually pivot in the braking direction simultaneously in a symmetrical fashion. The brake pads24band26bthen contact the bicycle rim R with a strength corresponding to the operating force exerted on the hydraulic actuating device (not shown).

As seen inFIG. 2of the first embodiment, preferably, the bicycle rim brake12further includes a biasing member34. In this embodiment, the biasing member34is a torsion spring. The biasing member34has a coiled portion disposed around the mounting member20and a pair of free ends engaging the first and second brake arms14and16, respectively. The first and second brake arms14and16are biased to the non-braking position or resting position (FIG. 3). Thus, the first and second brake pads24band26bare held in a preloaded open state by the biasing member34.

The link18will now be discussed in more detail. The link18is a rigid member made of a suitable rigid material such as the material that is used for the first and second brake arms14and16. For example, the link18can be formed of an aluminum alloy or a carbon fiber reinforced material. The link18serves as a connecting structure between the first and second brake arms14and16and the movable member22. As seen inFIGS. 1 to 5of the first embodiment, the link18has an attachment structure18a. The link18is pivotally coupled to the second brake arm16by the attachment structure18aabout the second pivot axis A2that is offset from the first pivot axis A1. As seen from the view inFIGS. 1 and 3to5, the link18pivots about the second pivot axis A2in a counterclockwise direction to move the first and second brake arms14and16into contact the bicycle rim R and pivots about the second pivot axis A2in a clockwise direction to move the first and second brake arms14and16away from the bicycle rim R.

Here, the attachment structure18ahas a fork shape (a pair of flanges separated by a gap) that straddles the second brake arm16. Each flange of the attachment structure18ahas a hole that receives a pivot pin40, which is a part of the attachment structure18aand defines the second pivot axis A2. The ends of the pivot pin40are press fitted in the holes of the attachment structure18a, respectively. Thus, the link18is pivotally mounted to the second brake arm16by the pivot pin40.

As seen inFIGS. 3 and 4, the link18further has a coupling structure18b. The coupling structure18bis configured to be coupled with the movable member22. Here, the coupling structure18bhas a fork shape (a pair of flanges separated by a gap) that straddles a first coupling end22aof the movable member22. Each flange of the coupling structure18bhas a hole that receives a connecting pin42, which is a part of the coupling structure18b. The ends of the connecting pin42freely pivot within the holes of the coupling structure18b, respectively. Thus, the connecting pin42forms a trunnion with respect to the link18. The connecting pin42has a threaded hole42afor adjustably coupling the movable member22to the link18, as discussed below. The coupling structure18bis arranged to be spaced from the second pivot axis A2. In the first embodiment, the attachment structure18aand the coupling structure18bare formed at opposite ends of the link18.

As seen inFIGS. 3 and 4, the link18further includes a contact portion18c. The contact portion18ccontacts the first brake arm14as explained below. In the first embodiment, the contact portion18cis disposed between the attachment structure18aand the coupling structure18b. The contact portion18cof the link18is located closer to the second pivot axis A2than the coupling structure18bof the link18. The contact portion18cis arranged to pivot the first and second brake arms14and16about the first pivot axis A1as the link18pivots about the second pivot axis A2. The projecting part14cof the first brake arm14contacts the contact portion18cof the link18. In particular, the contact portion18cof the link18is a contact projection having a free end18dfor contacting the first brake arm14. Thus, the projecting part14cof the first brake arm14contacts the free end18dof the contact projection (i.e., the contact portion18c) of the link18. In this way, the contact portion18cof the link18directly contacts the first brake arm14.

Now, the movable member22will be discussed in more detail. In the first embodiment, as seen inFIGS. 3 to 5, the movable member22is a piston rod, and the movable member22connects the coupling structure18bof the link18to the piston30. The movable member22includes a first coupling end22aand a second coupling end22b. The first coupling end22aof the movable member22is threaded and is screwed into the threaded hole42aof the connecting pin42of the coupling structure18b. In other words, the first coupling end22ahas an external thread that engages an internal thread of the threaded hole42athe connecting pin42of the coupling structure18b.

The first coupling end22afurther includes a tool engagement structure22c(e.g., a hex recess) for adjusting an effective length of the movable member22. In other words, the movable member22is movably coupled to the second brake arm16to change a distance between the second brake arm16and the coupling structure18bof the link18. In this way, the movable member22is a connecting member that is screwed into the threaded hole42asuch that rotation of the movable member22adjusts a position of the link18relative to the second brake arm16. That is, the position of the link18can be adjusted to accommodate one or more rest positions of the first and second brake arms14and16depending on the effective length of the movable member22. In other words, a change in the position of the connecting pin42on the movable member22will correspond to a change in the position of the rest positions of the first and second brake arms14and16. For example, inFIG. 3, the first and second brake arms14and16are each at a first rest position with the movable member22having a first effective length L1. At the user's discretion, the effective length of the movable member22can be adjusted to a second effective length L2as seen inFIG. 5. At the second effective length L2, the first and second brake arms14and16are held at a second rest position as seen inFIG. 5, which is different than the first rest position as seen inFIG. 3. Since a screw connection is utilized to adjust the effective length of the movable member22, an infinite number of rest positions of the first and second brake arms14and16are possible. This allows the user to finely adjust the gap between the bicycle rim R and each of the brake pads24band26b.

The arrangement of the hydraulic cylinder28and the piston30will now be discussed in greater detail. As mentioned above, the second brake arm16includes the hydraulic cylinder28. Preferably, the hydraulic cylinder28is an integral part of the second brake arm16. In other words, the second brake arm16and the hydraulic cylinder28are formed together as a one-piece, unitary member. Thus, the second brake arm16defines the hydraulic cylinder28. The hydraulic cylinder28basically defines a blind bore having an open end28aand a closed end28b. The second brake arm16has a filler port44that is in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder28for introducing hydraulic fluid F from the hydraulic actuating device (not shown) via the hydraulic hose32. A biasing member46is disposed in the hydraulic cylinder28for biasing the piston30away from the open end28aand towards the closed end28b. Here, the biasing member46is a compression spring with the movable member22passing axially through the coils of the biasing member46. A ring-shaped member48is fixed to the open end28afor stopping one end of the biasing member46. The other end of the biasing member46contacts one end surface of the piston30to bias the piston30towards the closed end28b(i.e., the bottom end) of the hydraulic cylinder28. Here, the ring-shaped member48has an external thread that screws into an internal thread at the open end28aof the hydraulic cylinder28. When the bicycle rim brake12is in the non-braking position as seen inFIGS. 3 and 5, the biasing member46is in a preloaded state. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field that the biasing member46can be omitted since the biasing member34is in a preloaded state to hold the first and second brake arms14and16in their rest positions, and thus, also biases the piston30towards the closed end28bof the hydraulic cylinder28.

The second coupling end22bof the movable member22is operatively coupled to the piston30. The second coupling end22bhas a partially spherical shape that is received in a partially spherical depression30aof the piston30. The second coupling end22bis retained in the spherical depression30aof the piston30. For example, a stopper plate50is fixed to the end surface of the piston30for retaining the second coupling end22bof the movable member22to the piston30. With this arrangement, a ball joint is formed between the second coupling end22bof the movable member22and the piston30so that the movable member22can pivot relative to the piston30.

The piston30includes at least one ring-shaped groove52on the outer perimeter surface on which a sealing member54is mounted. In the first embodiment, the piston30slides within the hydraulic cylinder28in order to pivot the first and second brake arms14and16about the first pivot axis A1in response to operation of the hydraulic actuating device (not shown).

In response to operation of the hydraulic actuating device, the piston30moves the movable member22, which pivots the link18which in turn pivots the first and second brake arms14and16. In particular, in performing a braking operation, the hydraulic fluid F will be forced from the hydraulic hose32into the hydraulic cylinder28. The hydraulic fluid F will cause the piston30to slide in the hydraulic cylinder28against the biasing force of the biasing members34and46. In turn, the movable member22is pushed generally in an axial direction of the movable member22to pivot the link18about the second pivot axis A2. In the braking operation, the link18will pivot in a counterclockwise direction around the second pivot axis A2as viewed inFIGS. 1 and 3to5. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact portion18cof the link18pushes against the projecting part14cof the first brake arm14such that the first and second brake arms14and16simultaneously pivot about the first pivot axis A1in opposite directions. The pivotal movement of the first and second brake arms14and16cause the brake pads24band26bto pinch the bicycle rim R as seen inFIG. 4.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 7, a bicycle rim brake112in accordance with the second embodiment will now be discussed. In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the bicycle rim brake112will only be briefly discussed for the sake of brevity. Moreover, the parts of the second embodiment, which are identical or identical in function to the corresponding parts of the first embodiment, will be given the same reference numbers as in the first embodiment but increased by one hundred.

The bicycle rim brake112basically comprises a first brake arm114, a second brake arm116and a link118. The bicycle rim brake112further comprises a mounting member120that pivotally connects the first and second brake arms114and116together about the first pivot axis A1. Similar to the first embodiment, the link118is pivotally coupled to the second brake arm116about the second pivot axis A2. Here, the first brake arm114and the mounting member120are identical to the first brake arm14and the mounting member20of the first embodiment, respectively. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second brake arm116and the link118are configured to be coupled to a movable member121that is in the form of an inner cable of a control cable (i.e., a Bowden cable). The control cable (Bowden cable) includes the movable member121(i.e., the inner cable) and the outer casing123. The movable member121(the inner cable) is slidably covered by the outer casing123. In other words, the movable member121of the second brake arm116serves a similar function as the movable member22, except the movable member121is an inner cable of a Bowden cable rather than the piston rod.

In the second embodiment, the second brake arm116is provided with an extension arm125having a supporting structure125awith a fork shape (a pair of flanges separated by a gap). Each flange of the supporting structure125ahas a hole that receives a connecting pin127, which is a part of the supporting structure125a. The second brake arm116includes a cable holder129that is movably supported by the supporting structure125aof the second brake arm116. In particular, the ends of the connecting pin127are freely pivotally supported within the holes of the supporting structure125a, respectively. Thus, the connecting pin127forms a trunnion with respect to the second brake arm116. The connecting pin127has a threaded hole127a. In the second embodiment, the cable holder129is a cable barrel adjuster (i.e., a cable adjuster bolt) that is screwed into the second brake arm116to adjust tension of the movable member121(the inner cable). In particular, the cable holder129has an outer casing support part129aand a hollow threaded shaft part129b. The hollow threaded shaft part129bis screwed into the threaded hole127afor adjustably attaching the cable holder129to the second brake arm116to adjust tension of the movable member121. The second brake arm116of the second embodiment is identical to the second brake arm16in the first embodiment, except the second brake arm116is provided with the extension arm125and does not include a hydraulic cylinder.

The link118includes an attachment structure118a, a coupling structure118band a contact portion118c. The attachment structure118aand the contact portion118cof the link118are identical to the attachment structure18aand the contact portion18cof the link18. On the other hand, the coupling structure118bdiffers from the coupling structure18bof the link18. In particular, the coupling structure118bis an inner cable clamp that has a clamp nut119aand a clamp bolt119b. The movable member121(the inner cable) is clamped between the clamp nut119aand a head portion of the clamp bolt119b. Such the inner cable clamp is a conventional structure that is commonly used to attach an inner cable to a brake arm. Thus, the coupling structure118bwill not be discussed and/or illustrated in detail herein. The movable member121is an inner cable, as mentioned above, that extends from the cable holder129and that is coupled to the coupling structure118bof the link118.

In the second embodiment, alternatively, the clamp bolt119bcan form trunnion with respect to the link118similar to the connecting pins42and127above. In this case, the coupling structure118bhas a fork shape (a pair of flanges separated by a gap). Each flange of the coupling structure118bhas a hole that receives the clamp bolt119b, which is a part of the coupling structure118b. The clamp nut119aand the clamp bolt119bare freely pivotally supported by the link118, respectively. In this case, the connecting pin127would be fixedly provided on the second brake arm116.

In response to operation of a cable actuating device, e.g., a cable operating brake lever (not shown), the movable member121(i.e., the inner cable) pulls the coupling structure118bof the link118towards supporting structure125aof the second brake arm116. In particular, the link118will pivot about the second pivot axis A2in the counterclockwise direction as viewed inFIGS. 6 and 7. The contact portion118cof the link118contacts the first brake arm114so that the first and second brake arms114and116simultaneously pivot in opposite directions about the first pivot axis A1. The simultaneous movement of the first and second brake arms114and116causes the brake pads of the first and second brake arms114and116to pinch the bicycle rim R as seen inFIG. 7.

The effects of the present invention at least include:1. synchronization (synchronized movements) between the first and second brake arms14,16or114,116can be easily obtained by using the link18or118as compare with a configuration in which the movable member22or121is directly connected to the first brake arm14or114without using the link18or118; and2. the hydraulic cylinder28can be relatively small because the movement/pivot amount of the first and second brake arms14,16or114,116with respect to the movement amount of movable member22or121becomes large by using the link18or118as compare with a configuration in which the movable member22or121is directly connected to the first brake arm14or114without using the link18or118.

As used herein, the following directional terms “frame facing side”, “non-frame facing side”, “forward”, “rearward”, “front”, “rear”, “up”, “down”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “perpendicular” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in an upright, riding position and equipped with the bicycle rim brake12. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle rim brake12should be interpreted relative to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and that is equipped with the bicycle rim brake. The terms “left” and “right” are used to indicate the “right” when referencing from the right side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and the “left” when referencing from the left side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

Also it will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various components these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second component and vice-a-versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The term “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element is essentially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”, “mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.