Abstract:
A bicycle chain replacement part holder. In an embodiment, the part holder is a generally parallelepiped shaped resilient urethane rubber block with slight notches at the corner suitable for releasably securing the part holder in an interference snap-in fit pattern with the interior perimeter walls of a part holder aperture in a chain linking tool. Alternately, the part holder may be provided for separate use in a stand alone fashion. In an embodiment, a thru hole aperture is provided in the parts holder for use with a securing device, such as a key chain, so that the parts holder can be reliably secured to a known location, especially in the event that the parts holder is not secured to and within a chain linking tool.

Description:
RELATED INVENTIONS 
       [0001]    This invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/23555, entitled Chain Hooker/Linx Set tool, filed on Jan. 25, 2008, and from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/027,897, entitled Chain Hooker/Linx Set tool, filed on Feb. 12, 2008, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The patent owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    This application relates to devices for storing and transporting small repair parts for mechanical equipment, and more particularly, to devices for storing and carrying small repair parts for bicycles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Bicycles have long been popular. Since their invention, bicycles have been used for an increasing number of activities, ranging from recreation, to commuting, to competition. Over time, millions of bicycles and millions of bicycle users have ultimately resulted in the development and use of a myriad of specialized bicycle tools and accessories, as appropriate to fill particular needs and maintenance requirements. Since most bicycles use chains to transmit energy from the rider to the driven wheel (normally the rear wheel), a occasionally arises for the repair of a chain. While chain repairs can be accomplished while on the road by an experienced cyclist, it is necessary to have at hand both the necessary tools and the necessary parts. All too often, when a cyclist experiences a chain failure, and then looks for a chain repair link, pin, or other part, the search is fruitless, as the repair parts are either hidden in or lost from the bicyclist&#39;s equipment. Thus, there remains an as yet unmet need for a device that can safely and reliably hold needed replacement parts, such as chain repair links and chain repair pins. Additionally, there remains a yet unmet need for an improved chain linking tool that will securely hold two ends of a broken chain closely together so that repairs can be made, once the required parts have been located. Of course, it would be especially helpful of the parts holder and the chain linking tools were complementary, so that all required tools and parts could be quickly located. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    I have now developed a bicycle chain replacement part holder. In an embodiment, the part holder may be provided in the form of a small somewhat parallelepiped or box shaped device using a resilient molded compound, such as urethane rubber or plastic, having suitably sized and shaped recesses therein, as receptacles for securely but releasably affixing therein chain replacement parts, including repair links and repair pins. In an embodiment, a chain repair link portion can be affixed securely either an obverse side or a reverse side of the part holder, or more preferably, chain repair link portions are provided to both sides. In an embodiment, a repair pin, or pins can be releasably secured to the part holder. In an embodiment, additional apertures are provided for attachment of the parts holder to a securing device such as a key chain, so that the parts holder may be securely affixed at a known location in the bicyclist&#39;s gear, so that it may be easily located whenever needed. 
         [0006]    In yet a further embodiment, I have developed a chain linking tool that provides an improved structure for use in making chain repairs. In an embodiment, the linking tool may include wrenches, such as a 6 mm wrench, an 8 mm wrench, and a 10 mm wrenches. In an embodiment, the linking tool may include one or more spoke wrenches, such as a 14 gauge spoke wrench and a 5 gauge spoke wrench. In an embodiment, the linking tool may additionally include a flat head screwdriver. In an embodiment, two straight chain engaging prongs are provided, each prong also having an inner curved surface sized and shaped to snugly match a multi-link chain roller in close fitting engaugement. In an embodiment, each of the two straight prongs are sized and shaped to be inserted in the chain, by poking in-between the chain link plates and hook the inner chain roller. The two straight chain engaging prongs supply a temporary fixed link that holds a chain, near the each of the ends at a break, closely together in tension, and thus creating a slack loop or loose ends for removal or installation of damaged or broken chain components. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, a parts holder is provided with locating notches or detents that enable a resilient parts holder to be releasably affixed to and carried by a chain linking tool. In an embodiment, shallow notches are provided along two upper corners and along two lower corners of a resilient parts holder, for resisting movement into and out of a locking position in relation to the chain linking tool. Finally, for fun and convenience, in an embodiment a chain linking tool may be provide with an artistic design, such as a silhouette of a woman therein, or a useful tool, such as a bottle opener. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0008]    The present invention will be described by way of exemplary embodiments, using for illustration the accompanying drawing in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment for a bicycle chain replacement part holder. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment for a bicycle chain replacement part holder, showing the device being held between the thumb and forefinger of a user, and also showing a bicycle chain repair pin therein. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view from above the side of an exemplary embodiment for a bicycle chain replacement part holder, showing the device being held between the thumb and forefinger of a user, and also showing a bicycle chain repair pin releasably secured therein. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view from above the side of an exemplary embodiment for a bicycle chain replacement part holder, showing the device being held between the thumb and forefinger of a user, and also showing a chain repair link and a pair of bicycle chain repair pins releasably secured therein. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment for a bicycle chain replacement part holder, showing the bicycle chain repair link receiving apertures, one of the bicycle chain repair pin receiving apertures, and an aperature through the part holder for use with a securing device such as the key chain as illustrated. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the exemplary embodiment for a bicycle chain replacement part holder, showing the repair pin receiving apertures, as well as the slight notches at first and second top ends to enable the part holder to be releasably secured to a chain linking tool. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a side end view of the exemplary embodiment for a bicycle chain replacement part holder as just set forth in  FIGS. 5 and 6  above, showing from a different perspective the slight notches that enable the part holder to be releasably secured to a chain linking tool. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8A  is a front side view of another embodiment for an exemplary bicycle chain replacement part holder, here configured to secure a pin on either end of the part holder. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8B  is a back side view of the embodiment for an exemplary bicycle chain replacement part holder just illustrated in  FIG. 8A . 
           [0018]      FIG. 8C  is a top view of the embodiment for an exemplary bicycle chain replacement part holder as just shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , now further illustrating the configuration that allows a replacement pin to be secured on either end of the part holder. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8D  is a side end view of the embodiment for an exemplary bicycle chain replacement part holder, as just shown in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  8 C, 
           [0020]      FIG. 9A  is a front side view of another embodiment for an exemplary bicycle chain replacement part holder, here configured to secure a master link connection. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9B  is a back side view of the embodiment for an exemplary bicycle chain replacement part holder just illustrated in  FIG. 9A , here configured to secure a master link connection. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9A  is a front side view of another embodiment for an exemplary bicycle chain replacement part holder, here configured to secure a master link connection to the part holder. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9B  is a back side view of the embodiment for an exemplary bicycle chain replacement part holder just illustrated in  FIG. 9A , here configured to secure a master link connection to the part holder. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10A  is a front side view of another embodiment for an exemplary bicycle chain replacement part holder, here configured to secure four chain repair pins (two on the front, and two on the back) as well as a power link repair portion on the front and on the back. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10B  is a back side view of the embodiment for an exemplary bicycle chain replacement part holder just illustrated in  FIG. 10A , here configured to secure four chain repair pins (two on the front, and two on the back) as well as a power link repair portion on the front and on the back. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment for a chain linking tool, and also shows how a parts holder may be inserted to an inner retaining aperature with edge wall portions sized and shaped for interfitting releasable engaugement with a parts holder as described herein. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment for a chain linking tool, and also shows a parts holder inserted within and secured to the edge wall portions of an inner retaining aperature. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  illustrates a replacement chain pin that may be secured in the parts holder described herein. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  illustrates the structure of a typical bicycle chain, showing inner link plates, inner link plates, rollers, and pin locations. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  illustrates opposing portions of one type of bicycle chain repair link that is suitable for being securely and releasibly secured in a bicycle repair part holder as described and claimed herein. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a chain linking tool in use, holding tension in a chain near each end of the broken chain, as allows for easy manipulation of the chain for repair. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a chain linking tool in use, holding tension in a chain near each end of the broken chain, as allows for easy manipulation of the chain for repair. 
       
    
    
       [0033]    The foregoing figures, being merely exemplary, contain various elements that may be present or omitted from actual designs or methods that may be implemented. Other chain repair part holders may use slightly different designs, but achieve a similar result using substantially the same structures and functional components, as may be slightly modified from those embodiments as is described herein and depicted in the drawing figures provided. An attempt has been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant for an understanding of the various designs and methods taught herein. However, various other designs may be utilized in order to provide a versatile bicycle chain replacement parts holder. And, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art and to which this specification is directed that certain of the embodiments described herein may be practiced utilizing only some of the described aspects. Likewise, certain of embodiments described herein may be practiced without use of all specific details set forth. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    Attention is directed to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , where an exemplary design for a bicycle chain replacement small parts holder  20  is provided. This small parts holder  20  is designed for releasably securing replacement bicycle chain parts such as chain pins  22  (see  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 ) or chain repair links  24  (see  FIG. 4 ). The small parts holder  20  may, in an embodiment, be provided having a resilient, generally parallelepiped shaped body  26 . In an embodiment, the resilient body may be provided made of urethane rubber. In an embodiment the bicycle chain repair parts holder  20  may be injection molded using a 70-durometer-urethane material. Alternately, other resilient materials, such as suitable plastics, may be utilized, and the parts holder  20  may be machined or molded in other ways with suitable materials. The body  26  extends between front  28  and back  29  sides. The body  26  has upper  30  and lower  32  sides, and first  34  and second  38  ends. The body  26  has therein one or more workpiece receiving apertures  40  for receiving pin portions  42  of workpiece chain repair links  24 . Also, one or more holds  44  are provided sized and shaped for detachably and securely receiving a chain pin  22 . 
         [0035]    In an embodiment as better seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the small parts holder  20  further includes a plurality of slight notches  50  adjacent each of the first  34  and second  38  ends. In an embodiment such slight notches  50  are provided on both the upper  30  and lower  32  sides of body  26 . The notches  50  are sized and shaped for providing an interference snap-in attachment to a workpiece chain linking tool  100 , as further described below. 
         [0036]    Attention is further directed to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , where it can be seen that the small parts holder  20  is provided wherein body  26  has a first workpiece receiving recess  52  in the front  28  side. Also, the body  26  has a second workpiece receiving recess  54  in the back side  29 . Each of the workpiece receiving recesses  52  and  54  are sized and shaped to accommodate a plate portion  58  of a workpiece bicycle chain repair link  24 , as noted in  FIG. 4 . As further seen in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , and later figures discussed herein below, in an embodiment, the small parts holder  20  includes in the front side  28  a pair of workpiece receiving apertures  40  for receiving pin portions  42  (or  245  as noted below) of workpiece chain repair links  24 . In an embodiment, the small parts holder  20  includes, in back side  29 , a pair of workpiece receiving apertures  40 ′ for receiving pin portions  42  of workpiece chain repair links  24 . In an embodiment as seen in  FIG. 2 , apertures  40  and  40 ′ may meet via extending entirely through body  26 . 
         [0037]    Returning now to  FIG. 1 , it can be seen that body  26  may include one or more, or in this embodiment, at least two holds  60  that are sized and shaped for detachably and securely receiving a chain pin  22  (see  FIG. 2 ). As easily appreciated from  FIG. 1 , the holds  60  may be provided as generally C-shaped resilient partial tubular members extending from the upper  30  to the lower  32  sized (top to bottom) of the body  26 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the body  26  may further include one or more key chain receiving apertures  62  defined by a through wall portion  64  extending through the body  26  from the front side  28  to the back side  29 . 
         [0039]    As those or ordinary skill in the art and to whom this specification is directed in a bicycle, the chain has constant tension applied by the rear derailleur. Thus, when removing or installing certain parts, such as when chain repairs must be made, the tension of the chain must to be eliminated.  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  16 , and  17  shows a novel chain linking tool  100 , provided as noted herein as a multi function bicycle tool. On a first end portion  101  of the chain linking tool  100  there is a flat head screwdriver  103 , a 14-gauge spoke wrench  105 , a 15-gauge spoke wrench  110 , and a 6 mm wrench  115 . On the other or second end portion  104  is an 8 mm wrench  120 , and a 10 mm wrench  125 . An upper portion  126  is provided as part of body of tool  100 . On the lower portion  127  is a “bottle opener”  130  and also spaced apart first  135  and second  136  downwardly projecting prongs. First prong  135  has a rearwardly projecting face  140  with an inner radius that is sized and shaped for complementary mating engagement with a roller of a multi-link chain  180 . Second prong  136  has a forwardly projecting face  141  with an inner radius that is sized and shaped for complementary mating engagement with a roller  180  (see  FIG. 14 ) of a multi-link chain  18 . Prongs  135  and  136  provide an external link that holds the chain in tension while removing or installing a “Power Link” type connection  170  or a chain pin type connection  165  within the upper or lower chain run. The two prongs  135  and  136  poke in-between the outer chain link plates  185  (see  FIG. 14 ). The prongs  135  and  136  are spaced apart a suitable distance, for example, about the same distance the length of five outer chain links  185 . The chain linking tool  100  can be machined, forged or laser cut from any suitable materials. The chain linking tool may have different sized spoke wrenches, with wrenches with open or closed-ended. 
         [0040]    When increasing the number of hooked rollers  180  between prongs  135  and  136 , more slack in the chain is created, and thus there is a larger hanging bow in the chain, as can be appreciated by reference to  FIG. 16 . By approximately equalizing the equal number of hooked rollers  180  between the middle of prongs  136  and  136 , a center link that is to be worked on will tend to stay in center between the two prongs (see  FIG. 16 ). The chain linking tool  100  prongs  135  and  136  work with nearly all types and sizes of commonly encountered bicycle chains such as 7, 8, 9 or 10-speed bicycle chains. 
         [0041]    In an embodiment, the chain linking tool  100  may be provided shaped and sized to hold therein as an insert the chain parts holder  20  or  200  as otherwise described herein. As can be seen by reference to  FIG. 11 , a tool kit can be provided, having a replacement parts holder  20  and a chain linking tool  100 . In such an embodiment, the parts holder  20  will can be provided with a notches  50  that provide an interference snap-in fit between downwardly projecting upper securing lips  146  and upwardly projecting securing lips as noted in  FIG. 11 . In such case, the chain linking tool  100  holes the spare parts holder  20  or  200 , which in turn will provide releasably secure storage for parts, for example, spare “Power Link” type connections  170  and spare chain pins  165 , or the other parts as noted above. or as seen in  FIGS. 13 and 15 . Also, in an embodiment, there is a hole  240  in the bicycle chain repair parts holder  200  and a hole  155  in the chain linking tool  100  that are used as an attachment point for a ball chain or split key ring, to securely affix the tool kit and/or the parts holder to a known location for retrieval when needed. In an embodiment, an artistic design, such as a silhouette of a woman  150 , can be provided. Such a design may be implemented as defined by a cutout portion in body of tool  100  adjacent the artistic design. 
         [0042]    Attention is directed to  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  17 , which show the chain linking tool  100  set up for using the prongs  135  and  136  to install or remove a “Power Link” type connection  170  from the chain. The chain linking tool prongs  135  and  136  can be hooked to a chain and used in any selected gearing selection or gearing combinations. To use the device, the user pokes one end of the chain linking tool  100  prong  135  in-between the first outer chain link plates  185  just behind or next to the “Power Link” type connection  170  and the other prong  135  in-between the outer chain link plates  185  forward of the “Power Link” type connection  170 . At this point you have a slack loop of chain that hangs down without any chain tension. The chain linking tool prongs  140  conform to the inner “Chain Roller”  180 . The prongs are held in place from the tension of the rear derailleur. This allows the hooker inner roller  180  and its link plates  190  hold a stabile and stiff position  160  when removing or installing a “Power Link” type connection  170  from the chain. To remove the “Power Link” type connection  170  from the chain while using the chain linking tool prongs  135 , a user can just slightly pinch the “Power Link”  170  together and push one half of the “Power Link”  170  rearward or towards the hooked inner roller  180  (see  FIG. 14 ) or the inner link plates  190  while the other half of the “Power Link”  170  stays in a stable position, which is the case while removing or installing the “Power Link”, which parts easily. When installing the “Power Link” type connection  170  with the chain linking tool  100  a user can first poke one half of the “Power Link”  170  shaft  245  into the front outside portion  250  of the chain and the other half of the “Power link”  170  shaft  245  into the rear inside portion of the chain  255  and then slip them together. The chain linking tool prongs  135  and  136  can also be used to properly size a chain to the selected gearing combinations and derailleur type. This is done by properly inserting and hooking the chain linking tool prongs  135  to the desired chain length and removing the necessary chain links in-between the chain linking tool prongs  135  and  136  while the chain is in the largest gearing combinations. 
         [0043]    Attention is directed to  FIG. 16 , which shows the chain linking tool  100  while installing or removing a chain pin  165  with the chain linking tool prongs  135 . The chain linking tool prongs  135  and  136  can be used in any gearing combinations. You simply poke one end of the chain linking tool  100  prong  135  in-between the outside chain link plates  185  behind the chain pin connection  195 A. You than grab and pull the front portion of the chain until you can put the chain linking tool prong  136  in-between the outside chain link plates  185  forward of the chain pin connection  195 B, and then let go. You can increase or decrease the hooked spacing to create a smaller or larger slack chain loop that hangs down to work on the desired chain link. The chain linking tool prongs  140  conform to the inner “Chain Roller”  180  and are held in place from the tension of the rear derailleur. At this point there is a slack loop of chain that hangs down without any chain tension, with the chain pin  165  in the center of the slack loop of chain that hangs down and allows for the easy removal or installation of the chain pin  165  while using a “Chain Pin Repair Tool”  270 . 
         [0044]    Returning now to  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 , these show the front, side, and top view for an embodiment of a bicycle chain repair parts holder  200 . The parts holder is made to hold all types and sizes of the “Power Link” type connections  170  such as a 7, 8, 9 or 10-speed from well known manufacturers such as Sram, Wipperman, KMC, IRD, and Campagnolo. Other more generic names for this “Power Link” type connection  170  are called a super link, snap link, connex link, missing link or a quick release link connection. The bicycle chain repair parts holder  20  or  200  also holds spare Shimano 7, 8, 9 or 10-speed “Chain Pins”  165  or two Campagnolo chain pins for the HD 10-speed chain link kit. Other possibilities and uses abound. The bicycle chain repair parts holder  20  or  200  may also hold a BMX “Master Link” (see  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B) 
         [0045]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  show another embodiment for a bicycle chain repair parts holder. This design is configured to hold spare Shimano 7,8,9, or 10-speed replaceable chain pins  165  or two Campagnolo brand chain pins” for the HD 10-speed chain Link Kit. Each side of the bicycle chain repair parts holder  200  will hold one chain pin  165  in the crossway slot  220  that is slightly smaller than the chain pin  165 . One half of a “Power Link” type connection  170  shaft  245  inserts into the pinhole  225  that slightly smaller then the “Power Link” type connection  170  shaft  245 , within a recessed area  215 . On all four corners of the top and bottom side face, with the bicycle chain repair parts holder name  235  are four undercut corner slots  230 . The four undercut corner slots  230  are used for the bicycle chain repair parts holder to slide and snaps into the chain linking tool tool opening  145 . There is also a hole  240  that is provided in the bicycle chain repair parts holder for a “Split Key Ring” or “Ball Chain” attachment point. The bicycle chain repair parts holder may also be used separately from the chain linking tool tool as a “Key Chain” while holding your spare chain parts. 
         [0046]    When installing or removing a Shimano brand or Campagnolo brand chain pins  165  from the bicycle chain repair parts holder you simply push them in or push and pull them out of the crossway slots  220 . You may also pull one end of the chain pin  165  straight up and out of the crossway slots  220 . 
         [0047]    When installing or removing the “Power Link” type connection  170  shaft  245  from the bicycle chain repair parts holder you simply push them in or pull them out of the securing hole  225 , with the receiving holes being slightly smaller then the  245  shaft. Another way to remove the “Power Link” is lightly pick up the lose end of the “Power Link” connection  170  and rotate it outwards to pull it out. 
         [0048]    The bicycle chain repair parts holder  20  or  200  can also be made to hold a BMX “Master Link” connection. The BMX “Master Link” has two “Pin Shafts” that are connected to a “Link Plate” and used with a separate single “Link Plate” and “Snap Clip” which allows for connecting the “Master Link” together during use. The “Master Link” could then poke into one side of the bicycle chain repair parts holder with the receiving holes slightly smaller and having the same spacing as the “Master Link” shafts. The separate “Link Plate” and “Snap Clip” are then held in the other side of the bicycle chain repair parts holder under a flap or flaps, groove, pocket or even under the “Master Link” as it pokes into the bicycle chain repair parts holder. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 8A ,  8 B,  8 C, and  8 D show yet another alternative embodiment for a thinner bicycle chain repair parts holder which holds one “Power Link” type connection and two “Chain Pins” connections. Another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  is a bicycle chain repair parts holder that holds one “Master Link” type connection. The “Master Link” pokes into the receiving holes that are slightly smaller and having the same spacing as the “Master Link” shafts. The backside is where the separate “Link Plate” and “Snap Clip” are held. They can be held under a flap or flaps, in a groove, pockets, undercuts or secured under the “Master Link” once it pokes into the bicycle chain repair parts holder, however there are other possibilities. 
         [0050]    The bicycle chain repair parts holder can have multiple  240  holes that are used as attachment points for a “Split Key Rings” or “Ball Chain”. 
         [0051]    Thus, as explained herein, the bicycle chain repair parts holder can hold a variety of types and sizes of chain repair parts with multiple storage holds. The chain bicycle chain repair parts holder  20  Or  200  is an excellent way to hold extra chain repair parts for yourself, or for a friend in the need. The spare parts holder will eliminate the need to dig through baggage to look for spare chain parts. 
         [0052]    In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed exemplary embodiments for the design of a novel bicycle chain replacement part holder, and for a chain linking tool. However, certain of the described details may not be required in order to provide useful embodiments, or to practice a selected or other disclosed embodiments. Further, for descriptive purposes, various relative terms may be used. Terms that are relative only to a point of reference are not meant to be interpreted as absolute limitations, but are instead included in the foregoing description to facilitate understanding of the various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. And, various actions or activities in a method described herein may have been described as multiple discrete activities, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that such parts or activities are necessarily order dependent. And, in different embodiments, one or more features may be provided alone or simultaneously, while other elements may be may be added. Also, the reader will note that the phrase “in an embodiment” or “in one embodiment” has been used repeatedly. This phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment; however, it may. Finally, the terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” should be considered synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise. 
         [0053]    Importantly, the aspects and embodiments described and claimed herein may be modified from those shown without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided by this invention, and may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive or limiting. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, the protection afforded to this invention should be limited only by the claims set forth herein, and the legal equivalents thereof.