Abstract:
A spinner assembly for wheels for bicycles and other vehicles is provided, which moves independently of the wheel axle and which can easily be adapted to fit a variety of axle sizes. The spinner assembly that is comprised of a spinner and a hub lock, the hub lock adapted to fit between the wheel hub and the spinner. The spinner may be formed of one unitary wheel with a slit from its outer circumference to its inner opening, or it may be split into multiple parts. The hub lock is provided in multiple parts. The spinner assembly is provided in multiple parts so that it can be slipped through the spokes of the bicycle wheel and easily assembled over the hub.

Description:
FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a spinner assembly for wheels for bicycles, which moves independently of the wheel axle and which can easily be adapted to fit a variety of axle sizes.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0002]     An object of the present invention is to provide a spinner for bicycle wheels, which rotates independently of the wheel axle.  
         [0003]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a spinner assembly that can be added to the bike wheels of fully assembled bicycles by the purchaser of the bicycle.  
         [0004]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a spinner for bicycle wheels, which can easily be adapted to fit a variety of axle sizes.  
         [0005]     Still another object is to provide a spinner for bicycle wheels, which rotates as the vehicle moves forward, and continues to rotate even after the vehicle has stopped.  
         [0006]     Still another object is to provide a spinner, which is made in multiple parts so that it can be slipped through the spokes of the bicycle wheel and easily assembled over the hub.  
         [0007]     Another object is to provide a spinner for bicycle wheels, which is decorative, simple in construction and economical to manufacture.  
         [0008]     The scope and content of the present invention is not intended to be limited by or to the above mentioned objects.  
         [0009]     Briefly, the invention according to one embodiment is characterized in particular by the use of a spinner assembly that is comprised of a spinner and a hub, lock, the hub lock adapted to fit between the wheel hub and the spinner. The spinner may be formed of one unitary wheel with a slit from its outer circumference to its inner opening, or it may be split into multiple parts. The hub lock is provided in multiple parts. The spinner assembly is provided in multiple parts so that it can be slipped through the spokes of the bicycle wheel and easily assembled over the hub. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     For better understanding of the invention and additional objects and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing of a preferred embodiment, wherein  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a first embodiment of a spinner assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is an partial expanded view taken on a plane of the line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is an expanded perspective view showing the snap lock latch used in the spinner assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the snap lock latch in its closed position according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is an exploded top view of the spinner assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one side of a hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another side of the hub lock of  FIG. 6  according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the hub lock of  FIG. 6  according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the spinner according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the spinner assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11A  is a plan view of the bottom of the male hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 11B  is a side view of the male hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of the bottom of the male hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 11D  is a perspective view of the top of the male hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 11E  is a side view of the male hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 11F  is a plan view of the top of the female hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11G  is a side view of the female hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 11H  is a perspective view of the top of the female hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 11I  is a perspective view of the bottom of the female hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 11J  is a side view of the female hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 11K  is a plan view of a portion of the top of the assembled hub lock according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 11L  is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the assembled hub lock along the line B-B of  FIG. 11K  according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the assembled spinner according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of the spinner according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 14  is an illustration of a C-ring guide provided with the spinner according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 15  illustrates the placement of the C-rings used in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 16  illustrates the placement of the spinner according to the present invention during installation on the bicycle wheel;  
         [0038]      FIG. 17  illustrates the placement of the spinner according to the present invention after installation on the bicycle wheel;  
         [0039]      FIG. 18  is a close-up view of one of the hub locks according to the present invention after installation on the bicycle wheel;  
         [0040]      FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the spinner and hub locks during installation according to the embodiment of  FIGS. 13 and 14 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 20  is a close-up view of the hub locks and spacer clamps installed on the bicycle wheel hub according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0042]      FIG. 21  illustrates the spinner installed on a bicycle wheel according to the present invention;  
         [0043]      FIGS. 22A and 22B  illustrate the spacer clamp in an expanded position and a squeezed position, respectively, according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 23  illustrates the angles used in constructing one of the hub locks according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 24  is a side view of one of the hub locks according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 25  illustrates the angles used in constructing one of the hub locks according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 26  is a side, partial cross-sectional view of the hub lock taken along the line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0048]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the hub lock taken along the line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 24 ;  
         [0049]      FIGS. 28A and 28B  are perspective views of two of the hub locks according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0050]      FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of the hub lock taken along the line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 24 ;  
         [0051]      FIG. 30  is a detailed view of the portion of  FIG. 29  surrounded by a dashed line;  
         [0052]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a C-ring according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0053]      FIG. 32  is a top view of a spinner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0054]      FIG. 33  is a top view of a spinner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0055]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the spinner shown in  FIG. 33 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0056]     Referring now in detail to the drawings, in  FIGS. 1-4  there are shown a spinner assembly  1  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The spinner assembly includes a spinner  10  and a hub lock  20 . The hub lock  20  is sized to fit on the hub  30  of the bicycle wheel.  
         [0057]     According to the first embodiment, the spinner  10  is formed of at least two members  10 A and  10 B and the hub lock  20  is also formed of at least two members  20 A and  20 B. According to the first embodiment, each member forms half of the spinner and hub lock, respectively, and is in a semicircular configuration. It is contemplated within the skill of the ordinary artisan that the spinner and the hub lock may be divided in more than two parts, for example  3  or more sections could be used for each. As shown in  FIG. 2 , according to one embodiment, each member  10 A and  10 B has a cutout portion  11  in its inner portion, which is sized to receive a corresponding member  20 A or  20 B of the hub lock  20 . Each member  20 A and  20 B has a cutout portion  21  in its center inner edge portion, which is sized to fit around the hub  30  of the bicycle. The size of the cutout portion  21  may be varied to accommodate a plurality of different sized bicycle wheel hubs. The cutout portions are sized so that the hub lock  20  and spinner  10 , when assembled, are able to rotate independently of the rotation of the hub.  
         [0058]     The two members  10 A and  10 B and the two members  20 A,  20 B are connected together to form the spinner  10  and the hub lock  20 , respectively, through connectors. Likewise, the spinner  20  is connected to the hub lock  10  through connectors. According to one embodiment, the connectors are snap and lock latches  12 , which are formed by a tab  16  provided on one side and a dimple  14  formed in the other side into which the tab  16  is to be snapped. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that other connectors can be used to accomplish the securing of the two members of the spinner and hub lock to one another and the spinner to the hub lock.  
         [0059]      FIGS. 5-10  show a spinner assembly  1 ′ according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 11A-11L  show various views of the male and female hub lock members and the assembled hub lock according to this embodiment. The spinner assembly includes a spinner  10 ′ and two hub locks  20 ′. According to this embodiment, the spinner  10 ′ is formed of two members  10 A′ and  10 B′. As in the first embodiment, each member forms half of the spinner and is in a semicircular configuration. Each member  10 A′ and  10 B′ has a cutout portion  11 ′ in its center inner edge portion, which is sized to fit the hub  30  of the bicycle wheel.  
         [0060]     As in the first embodiment, the hub locks  20 ′ are sized to fit on the hub of the bicycle wheel. In this embodiment, the two hub locks  20 ′ are provided as four separate members. There are two male members  20 B′ and two female members  20 A′ that snap over the two spinner members  10 A′,  10 B′ at the part line securing them together. According to this embodiment, the two hub locks  20 ′ are also each formed of two semicircular members  20 A′ and  20 B′ respectively. As in the first embodiment, it is contemplated within the skill of the ordinary artisan that the spinner and the hub locks may be divided in more than two parts, for example 3 or more sections could be used for each.  
         [0061]     Each member  20 A′ and  20 B′ has a cutout portion  21 ′ in its inner portion, which is also sized to fit around the hub  30  of the bicycle. The size of the cutout portions  11 ′ and  21 ′ may be varied to accommodate a plurality of different sized bicycle wheel hubs. As in the first embodiment, the cutout portions are sized so that the hub locks  20 A′ and  20 B′ and the spinner  10 ′, when assembled, are able to rotate independently of the rotation of the hub.  
         [0062]     The two members  10 A′ and  10 B′ are connected to one another directly through connectors. According to the second embodiment, the connectors are snap and lock latches similar to that described with respect to the first embodiment (not shown).  
         [0063]     Alternatively, the members  10 A′,  10 B′ are connected to the hub member  20 A′,  20 B′, through holes  18  provided in the spinner  10 ′, thus effectively connecting the member  10 A′ to member  10 B′ and hub members  20 A′ and  20 B′ to one another, respectively. In this embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-11 , the spinner members  10 A′,  10 B′ are each provided with a thinner semicircular recessed portion  32 . The recessed portion  32  is surrounded on its outer circumference by a ridge  34 , such that the hub lock members  20 A′ and  20 B′ fit within the recessed portion  32  when the spinner assembly is attached to the wheel hub  30 . At least one through hole  18  (shown in this embodiment as two holes on each semicircular recessed portion  32 ) is drilled in the recessed portions  32 .  
         [0064]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 11 A-E, each member of the hub lock  20 A′ includes at least one (shown in this exemplary embodiment to be two) nut  34 . Holes  36  are drilled through the female hub lock  20 A′ members and the nuts  34 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-7  and  11 F-J, in corresponding positions on the male hub lock members  20 B′, pegs  22  protrude from one surface of the male hub lock members  20 B′. Nuts  28  are provided in corresponding positions on the opposite surface of the hub lock members  20 B′. According to this embodiment, the nuts  28  are molded as decorative features, and are not functional, as they have no threads.  
         [0065]     As seen, e.g., in  FIG. 6 , the pegs  22  include a flange  24  and a shaft  26  between the flange  24  and the surface of the male hub lock members  20 B′. According to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6, 8  and  11 B, the pegs  22  may be split in a center portion  23  thereof. As shown in  FIG. 11L , the holes  36  have a narrow portion  340  towards the entrance of the hole and a wide portion  360  to accommodate the flange  24  of the peg  22  at the end of the hole. When the spinner assembly is put together, the two members of the pegs  22  are squeezed together and inserted into the through holes  18  and into the holes  36  in the female hub lock  20 A′ members (see  FIG. 11L ).  
         [0066]     As an alternative embodiment, instead of the snap pins, conventional notes and bolts may be used to hold the hub locks in place. It is within the skill of the artisan to fashion other means for holding the hub locks in place on either side of the spinner.  
         [0067]     The hub lock halves  20 B′ rest in the recessed portions  32  of the spinner  10 ′. In this manner, the two hub locks  20 A′ and  20 B′ are held in place on either side of the spinner  10 ′.  FIG. 9  illustrates the spinner  10 ′ in its entirety, and  FIG. 10  illustrates the spinner  10 ′ and hub  20 ′ connected to the hub  30 , according to the second embodiment of the invention.  
         [0068]      FIGS. 12-14  illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment the spinner  50  includes a single large center disk  52  in one piece with a single slit  54  from outer edge to center  56 , two hub locks  60  and  70 , and at least one C-ring  80 ,  82 ,  84 , or  86  to fit over the bicycle hub (not shown). The single disk  52  can be easily spun through the bicycle spokes and onto the bicycle hub using the single slit  54 .  
         [0069]     The hub locks  60 ,  70  are each formed in two parts  62 ,  64  and  72 ,  74 , respectively, that snap together over the spinner disk  52  and bicycle hub to hold the large spinner disk  52  in place and rotate with the spinner  52  around the wheel hub  30 . Once the spinner disk  52  and the four hub lock parts  62 ,  64 ,  72 , and  74  are fitted over the hub, they are snapped together using holes  58  and  88  and pins  22 .  
         [0070]     Each hub lock part  62 ,  64  and  72 ,  74  includes an inner circumference consisting of three sections  68   a ,  68   b ,  68   c ,  69   a ,  69   b , and  69   c , and  78   a ,  78   b ,  78   c ,  79   a ,  79   b , and  79   c . Sections  68   b ,  69   b  and  78   b ,  79   b  define a center hole that will fit around the bicycle wheel hub  30 . Sections  68   a ,  69   a , and  68   c ,  69   c  of hub lock parts  62 ,  64 , and sections  78   a ,  79   a , and  78   c ,  79   c  of hub lock parts  72 ,  74 , come together, respectively, when the hub locks are put on the bicycle wheel hub  30  to provide a wider stance at the hub to reduce wobbling of the spinner  52 .  
         [0071]     Various sized C-rings  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86  may be used individually or in combination to fit over the wheel hub  30  dependent on the size of the hub. The C-rings may be formed of a single ring, with one slit (as shown in  FIG. 13 ) or in two parts (as shown in  FIG. 15 ). A C-ring clamp  81  is added on the end of the C-rings to make sure the spinner  52  stays centered on the wheel hub  30 .  
         [0072]     The method of installing the spinner assembly according to the present invention on a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 13-21 . All of the parts that are part of the spinner assembly  50  according to this embodiment of the present invention are shown in exploded view in  FIG. 13 . For easiest installation, the bicycle should be flipped over to allow easy access to the wheel. Prior to installation, the wheel hub  30  should be wiped with a soft rag to clean any debris.  
         [0073]     A C-ring guide  90  of the type shown in  FIG. 14  can be used to determine the required number of C-rings. A C-ring guide  90  is provided with the spinner assembly. If the C-ring guide  90  does not fit over the wheel hub  30 , no C-rings are required for proper assembly of the spinner assembly  50 .  
         [0074]     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the spinner  52  is rotated around the bicycle frame so it is up against the spokes  92 . The spinner  52  is then twisted slightly and inserted through the spokes  92  at the slit  54 . Next, the spinner  52  is rotated until it is completely inside the wheel  94 . The first piece, e.g.,  62  of the hub lock  60 , can then be inserted through the spokes  92 , into the designated holes  58  in the center of the spinner  52 . The hub lock  60  should be held in place, using tape, if necessary. The second hub lock  72  can then be inserted on the opposite side of the spinner  52 , lining up with the same holes  58  and snapped into place.  
         [0075]     To install the first half set of C-rings (the number having been determined using the C-ring guide  90  of  FIG. 14 ), one half set  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  of the C-rings (see  FIG. 15 ), are placed onto the axle  96 . The half set should be held in place, and the spinner  52  rotated around the C-rings  1 - 4  until it fits inside the hub locks  62 ,  72 . The spinner and C-rings should be held in place. The second half  5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8  of the C-rings should then be installed by placing them on the axle  96 . The spinner  52  should then be moved into place, lining up with the first half of the C-rings  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 , and the C-rings should be pressed together until they snap (see  FIG. 15  and  18 ).  
         [0076]     The third piece  64  of the hub lock  60  can then be inserted through the spokes  92 , to line up with designated holes  58  of the spinner  52 , and held in place, using tape if necessary. The fourth piece  74  of the hub lock should then be inserted on the opposite side, lining up with the same holes  58 , and snapped in place (see  FIG. 19 ). The hub locks  60 ,  70  should be snapped tightly together by pressing firmly from opposite sides.  
         [0077]     A piece of tape, such as a metallic tape, should be wrapped over the slit  54  to cover both sides of the spinner  52 . This will keep the edge of the slit  54  from catching on the spokes  92  (see  FIG. 21 ).  
         [0078]     The spacer clamps  81  (shown in  FIGS. 22A and 22B ) keep the spinner  52  centered on the wheel hub  30 . If C-rings ( 1 ,  5 ), ( 2 ,  6 ) or none were used, large clamps should be used. If C-rings ( 3 ,  7 ) or ( 4 ,  8 ), small clamps will be needed. As many clamps should be used on both sides of the spinner  52  as is necessary to keep the spinner  52  centered on the wheel hub  30 . The clamp spacing should be kept loose, to allow for free spinning (see  FIG. 20 ). To install space clamps  81 , the tip  812  of the clamp  81  should be pressed onto the axle  96 , forcing the jaw  810  open, then clamped shut by squeezing the clamp  81  back together with a click. The inside tip  814  will click along the teeth  816  as the clamp is squeezed, forming a tight (but not too tight) clamp on the axle  96 .  
         [0079]     After the hub locks  60 ,  70  and the spacer clamps  81  are snapped in place, the wheel  94  can be spun. The spinner  52  will spin independently of the wheel  94  as the bicycle moves during normal riding activities.  
         [0080]      FIGS. 23-30  illustrate the detailed construction of the hub locks  60 ,  70  according to one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 23  illustrates a top view of one half  74  of the hub lock  70 . The angles shown in  FIGS. 23-30  are designed so that the hub lock halves  62 ,  64  and  72 ,  74  are mirror images with respect to one another and fit together precisely. As seen in  FIG. 23 , an 85° angle is provided between the horizontal (dashed line A) and the center of the peg  22 . A 45° angle is provided between the dashed line A and a divider  620  provided in the center portion of the hub lock half  74  (see  FIG. 28B ).  
         [0081]      FIG. 24  illustrates a side view of the hub lock half  74  of  FIG. 23 .  FIG. 27  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hub lock half  74  taken along the line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 24 .  FIG. 29  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hub lock half  74  taken along the line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 24 .  
         [0082]      FIG. 25  illustrates a top view of the half  62  of the hub lock  60 .  FIG. 26  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 25 . Here again, there is an 85° angle between the horizontal dashed line A and the end pin  22 A. Pins  22 B and  22 C are provided for cosmetic reasons only. There is a 38° angle between the horizontal dashed line A and the second pin  22 B. Further, there is a 4° angle between the horizontal dashed line A and the third pin  22 C. There is a 51° angle between the dashed line A and the hole  88 . Finally, there is a 46° angle between the horizontal dashed line A and the end  620  of the portion  68   b  of the hub lock half  62 .  
         [0083]      FIGS. 28A and 28B  are perspective views of the hub lock halves  62  and  74 , respectively.  FIG. 30  is a detailed view of the portion of  FIG. 29  shown in a circular dashed line. The inner surface  742  of the hub lock half  74  is formed so as to have a  45 ° angle with respect to the horizontal dashed line B.  
         [0084]      FIG. 31  illustrated one embodiment of each half  800  of the C-rings, which can be used in accordance with the present invention. The C-ring halves  800  are semicircular, and have at each end one pin  802  and one hole  804 . The pins  802  and holes  804  are sized and positioned so as to be snapped together when two halves  800  are fitted around the wheel hub  30 . The halves  800  may be constructed with a V-shaped ridge  808  in the mid-section of the half. When two C-rings are place one on top of the other, the V-shaped ridges  808  mate with one another so that the C-rings remain fitted on top of one another.  
         [0085]      FIG. 32  is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a spinner  200  according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a slit  210  is provided to allow the spinner  200  to be inserted onto the wheel, as in the previous embodiments. Holes  258 A and  258 B are provided on opposite sides of the spinner  200 , each hole  258 A and  258 B being at a 22° angle with respect to the horizontal dashed line C.  
         [0086]      FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate a top and a perspective view of a spinner  300  according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The primary difference between this embodiment and the third and fourth embodiments is the shape of the designs on the spinner. It is within the skill of the ordinary artisan to design the spinner to have openings in any configuration.  
         [0087]     The single disk structure, providing a thin single face center, allows die cut manufacturing of the spinner assembly, which reduces development time and costs. Additionally, it allows more styles to be made for less money in a shorter time.  
         [0088]     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hub locks utilize nylon or other low friction plastics to reduce drag and increase the spin time during use. It is also possible according to another embodiment to use roller bearings for a longer smoother spin.  
         [0089]     According to one embodiment, the spinner disk or spinner portions are made from a plastic injection molded material and are chrome plated or painted. Alternatively, the spinner disk or spinner assembly components can be made of a metal, such as aluminum, titanium, or other lightweight materials suitable for use on a bicycle. A decorative design or visual pattern may be printed or otherwise included on the spinner. Alternatively, the spinner disk or spinner assembly components may be left in their original metallic color, or painted with another color, such as one which would match the bicycle to which is to be attached.  
         [0090]     The spinner assembly can be put on the bicycle hub either after the owner or retailer purchases the bicycle, or the manufacturer can do it during assembly of the bicycle. Further, though the embodiments shown here are illustrated for use on a bicycle, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the spinner assembly can be used on other vehicles as well, with changes to the size, and possibly the configuration, of the assembly.  
         [0091]     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without undue experimentation and without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The means, materials, and steps for carrying out various disclosed functions may take a variety of alternative forms without departing from the invention.  
         [0092]     Thus the expressions “means to . . . ” and “means for . . . ”, or any method step language, as may be found in the specification above and/or in the claims below, followed by a functional statement, are intended to define and cover whatever structural, physical, chemical or electrical element or structure, or whatever method step, which may now or in the future exist which carries out the recited function, whether or not precisely equivalent to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed in the specification above, i.e., other means or steps for carrying out the same functions can be used; and it is intended that such expressions be given their broadest interpretation.