Abstract:
A brake system for a vehicle can include a brake actuator, an equalizer operably connected to the actuator, and two brake wires that are each connected to the equalizer and extend to first and second brake assemblies. The first and second brake wires can extend in a first direction extending from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. The first brake wire can cross over the second brake wire at least once and possibly twice, each time in a direction transverse to the first direction. Additionally, the first and second brake wires can each include a cover that protects a respective wire. The covers can be in contact with each other at the crossover point for the wires to minimize noise, friction and to improve operating ability and durability of the brake wires. The various features, such as the cross-over configuration, the contacting wires, and/or the covers, also make it possible to minimize the space requirements for the wires in the vehicle.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The disclosed subject matter relates to a brake system for vehicles and a method of use thereof. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to arrangements of brake wires and other vehicle components. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Vehicles typically include brake systems such as parking brake systems that prevent the vehicle from moving unintentionally when parked and which provide emergency braking, if necessary. The brake system typically includes a wire arrangement with right and left wires that are routed to brake assemblies associated with the right and left rear or front wheels. The wires are typically routed in a manner that avoids sharp bends which can negatively affect performance and/or durability of the wires. 
     Some conventional parking brake systems include right and left wires that run separately (and sometimes parallel) to one another before turning off toward the respective right and left rear wheel parking brake assemblies. However, packaging space for the parking brake wires is limited by space requirements for other vehicle components, such as, for example, the fuel tank, muffler, and interior passenger space requirements. Therefore, running separate paths for each of the vehicle parking brake wires has a disadvantage in that it consumes a great deal of space in the vehicle. 
     Some conventional parking brake systems, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,613, include a pair of parallel parking brake wires that cross over each other once before being routed outward toward respective rear wheels. However, U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,613 discloses a mechanism in which parking brake wires are slidably guided by and curved along a supporting bracket to form a large radius of curvature and extend toward respective rear wheel brakes in a crossing manner, but without the wires interfering with each other. Thanks to the large radius of curvature, the wires can operate at high operation efficiency and can have an improved durability to make an efficient transmission of force to the rear wheel brakes. However, the vertical spacing requirements for the supporting bracket structure may be undesirable in light of vertical packaging space limitations, and may result in additional abrasion and performance problems associated with the additional supporting bracket structure located in the vehicle. 
     It may be desirable to provide parking brake systems that maintain relatively large curvatures of the parking brake wires as they are routed to their respective wheels and/or minimize vertical space requirements. It may also be desirable that such systems minimize performance loss and/or maintain high durability of the wires while minimizing noise during vehicle operation and brake operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a parking brake system for a vehicle can include a parking brake actuator, an equalizer operably connected to the actuator, a first parking brake wire having a first end connected to the equalizer and a second end connected to a first rear brake assembly associated with a first rear wheel, and a second parking brake wire having a first end connected to the equalizer and a second end connected to a second rear brake assembly associated with a second rear wheel. The first and second parking brake wires can extend substantially parallel to one another in a first direction extending from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. The first parking brake wire can cross over the second parking brake wire twice in a second direction transverse to the first direction. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a parking brake system for a vehicle can include a parking brake actuator, an equalizer operably connected to the actuator, a first parking brake wire having a first end connected to the equalizer and a second end connected to a first rear brake assembly associated with a first rear wheel, and a second parking brake wire having a first end connected to the equalizer and a second end connected to a second rear brake assembly associated with a second rear wheel. The system can include a first cover located adjacent a portion of the first parking brake wire and a second cover located adjacent a portion of the second parking brake wire. The first and second parking brake wires can extend substantially parallel to one another in a first direction extending from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. The portion of the first parking brake wire with the first cover can cross over the portion of the second parking brake wire with the second cover in a second direction at an angle with the first direction. The first and second covers can be in contact with one another. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a packaging system for vehicle components can include a chassis floor panel, a heater duct extending from a first side of the chassis floor panel, a cover hingedly coupled to the heater duct, a parking brake actuator, and an equalizer operably connected to the actuator. A first parking brake wire can have a first end connected to the equalizer and a second end connected to a first rear brake assembly associated with a first rear wheel. A second parking brake wire can have a first end connected to the equalizer and a second end connected to a second rear brake assembly associated with a second rear wheel. The first and second parking brake wires can be located between the first side of the floor panel and the cover. 
     Still other features, characteristics and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed subject matter of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method, given only by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a brake system made in accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the exemplary brake system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a brake system made in accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the exemplary brake system of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 4  of an exemplary packaging system for vehicle components; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary packaging system for vehicle components including the exemplary brake system of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary packaging system for vehicle components including the exemplary brake system of  FIG. 3   
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of still another exemplary packaging system for vehicle components including the exemplary brake system of  FIG. 3   
         FIG. 9  is a top partial view of an exemplary wire for use with the brake system shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 10   a  is a cross-sectional view taken along line XA-XA of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 10   b  is a cross-sectional view taken along line XB-XB of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a peeled cutaway perspective view of the wire shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another exemplary cover for use in a brake system made in accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter; and 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of yet another exemplary cover for use in a brake system made in accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawing figures, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures. 
       FIG. 1  shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a brake system  110  made in accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter. The brake system  110  can include an actuator formed as a manually-operated brake lever  112  disposed at any location in a vehicle that is accessible by an occupant, for example, a driver, of the vehicle, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The brake lever  112  may be structured and arranged to be operated by hand or foot. Alternatively, the brake actuator can be automated such that it can be operated by solenoid, pneumatic devices, or the like that are controlled by a control unit. 
     The brake system  110  can further include an equalizer  114  that connects the brake lever  112  to two separate wires  122  and  124  and is configured to meter out and balance the force transmitted to each of the wires  122  and  124 . The specific structure, function, and operation of the equalizer are known by persons of ordinary skill in the art. The equalizer  114  can be connected, for example, via a wire  116 , to an end of the brake lever  112 . 
     A first brake wire  122  can extend rearward from the equalizer  114 , and can include a first end  132  connected to the equalizer  114  and a second end  142  connected to a first rear brake assembly  152  associated with a first rear wheel  162 . A second brake wire  124  can extend rearward from the equalizer  114  and can include a first end  134  connected to the equalizer  114  and a second end  144  connected to a second rear brake assembly  154  associated with a second rear wheel  164 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first and second brake wires  122 ,  124  can extend substantially parallel to one another along a portion of their length extending in a first direction from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the first brake wire  122  crosses over the second brake wire  124  at two locations along the length of the first and second brake wires  122 ,  124 . The first and second brake wires  122 ,  124  may or may not touch each other either of the two times that they cross over each other. The wires  122 ,  124  can extend along the first direction for a certain distance and then be configured to cross over each other at an oblique angle with respect to the first direction. The wires  122 ,  124  can then be redirected to cross back over each other again at an oblique angle with respect to each other and/or the first direction and then extend towards respective first and second rear brake assemblies  152 ,  154 . 
     It should be appreciated that the first rear wheel  162  may be the right rear wheel and the second rear wheel  164  may be the left rear wheel, or the first rear wheel  162  may be the left rear wheel and the second rear wheel  164  may be the right rear wheel. In either case, each brake wire  122 ,  124  extends from the equalizer  114  on a side of the vehicle corresponding to the respective rear brake assembly  152 ,  154  and rear wheel  162 ,  164  to which it is connected. It should further be appreciated that brake wire  124  may cross above or below brake wire  122 . The double crossover of the wires  122 ,  124  enables a large radius of curvature as the wires turn outward from a relative center of the vehicle toward the respective wheel  162 ,  164  while minimizing packaging space. 
     The first and second brake wires  122 ,  124  can be located between heat ducts  102  or other support structures such that the heater ducts and/or other support structures provide guidance to the wires  122 ,  124 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the brake wires  122 ,  124  may be disposed above a first surface of a substantially planar floor panel  204  and below housing cover  206 . The housing cover  206  may include, for example, carpet, plastic, metal, or any other material that can cover and/or protect the wires  122 ,  124 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a top view of another exemplary brake system  310  made in accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter. The brake system  310  can include an actuator formed as a brake lever  312  disposed at any location in a vehicle. If the brake lever is manually operable, it should be located at a position that is accessible by an occupant of the vehicle, for example, a driver, of the vehicle, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The brake lever  312  may be structured and arranged to be operated by hand or foot. Alternatively, the brake actuator can be automated such that it can be operated by solenoid, pneumatic devices, or the like that are controlled by a control unit. 
     The brake system  310  can further include an equalizer  314  that is connected, for example, via a wire  316 , to an end of the brake lever  312 . A first brake wire  322  can extend rearward from the equalizer  314 , and can have a first end  332  connected to the equalizer  314  and a second end  342  connected to a first rear brake assembly  352  associated with a first rear wheel  362 . The first brake wire  322  can include a cover  372  located over a crossover portion thereof. The cover  372  can be formed as a sleeve, partial covering, coating, etc. The wire  322  and cover  372  may be bonded to one another via an adhesive or coupled via an interference fit such that the cover  372  does not unintentionally move along a length of the wire  322 . The cover  372  may be made from various materials, including plastics, rubbers, metals, etc., and in particular, can be made from Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). 
     A second brake wire  324  can extend rearward from the equalizer  314  and can have a first end  334  connected to the equalizer  314  and a second end  344  connected to a second rear brake assembly  354  associated with a second rear wheel  364 . The second brake wire  324  can include a cover  374  located over a crossover portion thereof. The wire  324  and cover  374  may be bonded to one another via an adhesive or coupled via an interference fit such that the cover  374  does not unintentionally move along a length of the wire  324 . The cover  374  for the second wire  324  can be made from the same or similar materials as the cover  372  for the first wire  322 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first and second brake wires  322 ,  324  can extend substantially parallel to one another along a portion of their length extending in a first direction from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. The first brake wire  322  can cross over the second brake wire  324  at a crossover location along the length of the first and second brake wires  322 ,  324  corresponding to the covers  372 ,  374 . The covers  372 ,  374  of the first and second brake wires  322 ,  324  can be in constant or intermittent contact with each other at a location where they cross over. The covers  372 ,  374  can be configured as sleeves, guard portions, coatings, or other similar structures. 
     The first and second brake wires  322 ,  324  can be located between heater ducts  302  or other support structures such that the heater ducts and/or other support structures provide guidance to the wires  322 ,  324 . Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the brake wires  322 ,  324  can be disposed above a first surface of a substantially planar floor panel  404  and below housing cover  406 . The housing cover  406  can contact one of the covers  372 ,  374  that is furthest from the floor panel  404 , for example, at the crossover point for the wires  322 ,  324 . The housing cover  406  can be made from various structures and materials, such as carpet, plastic, metal, or any other structure that can cover and/or protect the wires  322 ,  324 . 
     It should be appreciated that the first rear wheel  362  may be the right rear wheel and the second rear wheel  364  may be the left rear wheel, or vice versa. In either case, each brake wire  322 ,  324  extends from the equalizer  314  on a side of the vehicle opposite to the respective rear brake assembly  352 ,  354  and rear wheel  362 ,  364  to which it is connected. It should further be appreciated that brake wire  324  may cross above or below brake wire  322 . The crossover of the wires  322 ,  324  enables a large radius of curvature as the wires turn outward from a relative center of the vehicle toward the respective wheel  362 ,  364  while minimizing packaging space. The contact between the wires  322 ,  324  and/or between the wire(s)  322 ,  324  and the housing cover  406  can minimize packaging space in the area above the floor panel  404 . 
     As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5  (section view A-A from  FIG. 4 ), a packaging system  500  for vehicle components can include a housing cover  506  that includes a portion that is hingedly connected to a heater duct  502  at, for example, hinge axis  503 . The housing cover  506  can include a molded plastic cover, for example, a plastic molded integrally with the heater duct  502 . The heater duct  502  can extend in substantially the same direction as the first and second wires  322 ,  324 , thus providing a substantially parallel support channel along at least a portion of the length of the wires  322 ,  324 . The hinge axis  503  permits an operator to move a door portion of the housing cover  506  away from the floor panel  404  to provide access to the brake wires  322 ,  324 . The housing cover  506  may be supported by one or more structures  508  such as, for example, floor stiffeners. The floor stiffeners may be made from plastic, metal, or another substantially rigid material. The housing cover  506  may be covered by a carpet  507  or other material. In addition, the housing cover  506  can be integrally molded and hinged to the heater duct while being supported by the floor stiffeners. 
     In the alternative, the brake system could include a self supporting housing cover which does not require supporting structures (e.g., floor stiffeners, ducts, etc.) for guiding the wires and/or providing support. The housing cover can be configured to be bolted or otherwise fastened to the floor or other supporting structures. 
     As with the embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first brake wire  322  can cross over, above or below, the second brake wire  324  at a location along the length of the first and second brake wires  322 ,  324  corresponding to the location of covers  372 ,  374 . The covers  372 ,  374  of the first and second brake wires  322 ,  324  can touch each other as they cross in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first and second brake wires  322 ,  324  may be located and guided between heater ducts  502  or other structures  508 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the brake wires  322 ,  324  can be disposed above a first surface of a substantially planar floor panel  404  and below the housing cover  506 . The housing cover  506  can contact at least one of the covers  372 ,  374  furthest from the floor panel  404  at the crossover location. The contact between the wires  322 ,  324  and/or between wire(s)  322 ,  324  and the housing cover  506  can minimize packaging space above the floor panel  404 . 
     In operation, the crossover and double crossover configuration for the brake wires as described above can permit a relatively large curvature of the respective wires. The large curvature can prevent deterioration of operating efficiency and/or lifespan of the brake wires. In addition, the covers provided on the wires can reduce the noise during operation and during travel of the vehicle. The covers can also further protect the wires from abrasion and permit smooth and consistent movement of the wires relative to each other and the housing. The contact between the covers can also prevent or dampen relative movement (and resulting noise) between parts. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary packaging system for the brake wire assembly. The housing cover  606  can include a duct  602  and a hinge  603 . A door portion of the housing can be hinged to the duct  602  and enclose wires  322 ,  324 . Covers  372 ,  374  can be provided on the wires  322 ,  324 , respectively, and the housing cover  606  can be separately formed such that it can be free to contact the floor portion  404  or be bolted, adhered, clipped, or otherwise fastened to the floor  404 . A carpet  507  can be laid over the housing cover  606  to finish the flooring portion of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary packaging system for the brake wire assembly. In this example, the housing cover  706  is formed as a channel shaped housing portion that can be left free to contact the floor  404  or can be bolted, clipped, adhered, or otherwise fastened to the floor  404 . The housing cover  706  encloses wires  322 ,  324  which can include covers  372 ,  374 . Again, carpet  507  can be laid over the housing cover  706  to finish the flooring portion of the vehicle. A connection structure  705  can be provided at a portion of the housing cover  706  that is located adjacent the floor  404  for providing a positive connection therebetween. The connection structure  705  can be a bolt, screw, clamp, locking device, rivet, adhesive, weld, other known connector(s), etc. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary packaging system for the brake wire assembly in which the housing cover  806  is modified for use with a sunken floor portion  804  of a vehicle. In this example, housing cover  806  is designed to span over an opening or channel built into the sunken floor portion  804 . A duct  802  can be included in the portion of the housing cover  806  that extends into the sunken floor portion  804 , if necessary. The wires  322 ,  324  crossover and are permitted to touch each other within the sunken floor portion  804  that is enclosed by the housing cover  806 . Carpet  507  or other finishing flooring surface can be provided over the housing cover  806 . A connection structure  805  can be provided at a portion of the housing cover  806  that is located adjacent the floor  804  for providing a positive connection therebetween. The connection structure  705  can be a bolt, screw, clamp, locking device, rivet, adhesive, weld, other known connector(s), etc. 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of an exemplary wire  322  with cover  372 .  FIGS. 10A  and B are cross-sectional views taken along lines XA-XA and XB-XB, respectively, of  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 11  is a peeled cutaway perspective view of the wire shown in  FIG. 9 . The wire  322  (also known as a wire assembly) can include an inner wire  320  that is sheathed in a nylon coating  325  that is bonded to the inner wire  320 . The inner wire  320  can be formed from a multi-strand steel cable, or from other suitable wire materials/structures. A liner  327 , if desired, can be sheathed over the nylon coating  325  such that the liner  327  is moveable with respect to the nylon coating  325 . A steel coil  328  can be placed over the liner  327 . An outer casing  329 , such as an overmolded casing, can be molded over the steel coil  328 . Cover  372  is then placed adjacent the outer casing  329 . 
     The inner wire  320  and nylon coating  325  can be configured such that they slide within an outer envelope that includes the liner  327 , steel coil  328 , outer casing  329 , and cover  372 . Thus, the inner wire  320  is ultimately attached to and transmits the force between the actuator and the brake assembly. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the wire  322  and cover  378 . In this example, the cover  378  integrates a cover for the first wire  322  and cover for the second wire  324  into one cover  378 . The cover  378  can be a one piece integral structure that includes two semi-tubular portions that cover a portion of and protect each of the respective wires. The cover  378  can be substantially cross shaped and can have a slit running along each of the semi-tubular portions such that each wire can be snapped into and locked in positional relationship with each other by the cover  378 . It is also contemplated that the cover  378  be formed from more than one structure and then attached or joined together at the crossing point. 
       FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of another cover  379  and its relationship to wires  322  and  324  and housing  304 . In this example, cover  379  can be attached to the housing cover  304  at a location at which the wires  322  and  324  cross over. Thus, the cover  379  protects the wires  322  and  324  from wear and tear, noise, and other associated problems. The cover  379  can be molded directly into the housing or can be attached to the housing using various known attachment structures. In addition, the cover  379  can be formed as a clip that allows one of the wires  322  or  324  to be snapped into the cover  379  during assembly. Alternatively, the cover  379  can include a separate cover portion for each of the wires  322  and  324 , and either one or both of the cover portions can be formed in or attached to the housing cover  304 . 
     While the disclosed subject matter has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is contemplated that various other structures, materials and methods can be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, while the wires  322 ,  324  are disclosed as having only portions that include covers  372 ,  374 , the wires could be entirely sheathed with covers  372 ,  374 , or could include other portions that include covers  372 ,  374  to prevent abrasion and noise. In addition, wires  322 ,  324 , and/or  122 ,  124  can be made from single strand wires or multi strand and bound wire/cables. The wires can be made from metal, plastic or even fabric strands. 
     With regard to the covers, it should be noted that covers are also known as protectors in the field of brake systems. The wires  122 ,  124  in the double crossover configuration as shown in  FIG. 1  can include covers similar to covers  372 ,  374  as described above. In addition, the wires in the single crossover configuration shown in  FIG. 3  do not necessarily require the covers  372 ,  374  for operation. The covers can be slid onto the wires and be slidable relative to the wires, or they can be secured to the wires after being slid on. Alternatively, the covers can be coated onto the wires, bonded to the wires via an adhesive, fixed to the wires via an external clamp, or interference fit onto the wires. The covers can also be integrated into the various structures that house the brake system, such as in the floor structure, the housing cover, the heater ducts, the floor stiffeners, etc. 
     The equalizer  114 ,  314  can be any type of mechanism that metes out and distributes the tension from an actuator, such as a brake lever  112 ,  312 , to the brake wires  122 ,  124  or  322 ,  324 . The equalizer need not be a separate component, but can be incorporated and integrated into the brake actuator itself, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In this case, a wire  316  is not required for connection between the actuator and the equalizer since the equalizer is an integral component of the actuator. In addition, although the brake wires are shown going to the rear brake assemblies of a vehicle, the brake wires can be directed to the front brake assemblies of a vehicle, to combinations of front and rear brake assemblies, and possibly to all brake assemblies of a vehicle. 
     Although the wires  122 ,  124  and  322 ,  324  are shown as being located between heater ducts  102 ,  302 ,  502 , or between heater ducts and other guiding structures  508 , it is contemplated that the wires extend along any structure that bounds them along their extending direction, such as floor stiffeners, body panels, frame members, etc. Of course, it is possible that the wires are not bound on either side by any guiding structure, if desired. In addition, the wires are described above as extending along a substantial or relative center portion of the vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the wires can extend along a right or left side portion of the vehicle and remain within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. The relative bend in the wire and crossover angles can be changed to allow the wires to run off of the center line of the vehicle. Similarly, the relative angle between the first and second wires with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle need not be the same at the crossover location of the wires. 
     The brake lever  112 ,  312  can be manually or automatically operated. For example, the brake lever can be configured as a typical foot pedal actuation mechanism or as a typical pull bar mechanism. However, it could also be configured as an automated electronically or pneumatically controlled device. The wire  116 ,  316  that extends from the brake lever  112 ,  312  can be configured as a single strand wire, a multiple strand braided wire, covered wire, etc., and can be made from various materials, including metals, plastics, and even fabrics. 
     The housing cover  206 ,  304 ,  406 ,  506 ,  606 ,  706 ,  806  can be formed as a hinged door mechanism to provide access to the brake wires. However, it is contemplated that the housing cover be configured as a slide door; punch out door; a separate piece that is attached to the housing body via screws, rivets, or the other attachment means; or the like. 
     In addition, the cover can be configured such that it does not rest upon any support structure (such as support structure  508 , or other floor stiffener) and simply rests upon the floor panel of the vehicle. The cover can also be provided with tabs that extend from the cover and rest upon a floor support structure to provide added rigidity or stability to the cover. It is also contemplated that the cover be formed as a hollow structure to provide additional rigidity and strength to the cover. Of course, the hollow portion of the cover could be adapted for use in various ways, such as for use as a heater duct, an electrical conduit, storage space, etc. 
     While the disclosed subject matter has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed subject matter. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.