Patent Application
20110101716
The invention relates to hand-held, extendible lineman's poles for attaching tools to a distal end relative to the user. The lineman's poles are useful for servicing power circuits at elevations (or depths) that are difficult to reach. In particular, the invention relates to the buttons that are used to lock extendible, telescoping lineman poles in place at selectable fixed lengths for improved safety and accuracy in using tools attached to the poles.
Working on a utility circuit requires highly specialized skill, training, and equipment. As would be expected, utility workers go to great lengths to ensure that utility circuits are handled safely. The market has accommodated the need for specialized safety equipment by providing utility workers with clothing (e.g. rubber and plastic garments for shock-proof attire), accessories (e.g., gloves, belts, and boots), eyewear, headwear, and hand tools that meet the needs of the profession. There are also particular machines, such as “cherry pickers,” that allow workers to access above-ground circuits. All of these developments in the utilities sector give the workers access to the circuits, allowing the public to maintain power for everyday life.
Regardless of the machines, lifts, elevators, ladders, and extension devices that are available to the utility worker for use in service applications, a power circuit is still a very dangerous installation. This danger is particularly acute during power outages when storms or accidents lead to damaged equipment that requires particular care. This is compounded by the fact that service may be necessary in the dark of night when conditions are at their worst. In many situations, the utility worker benefits from having access to good tools and the simultaneous ability to use the tools remotely (i.e., without touching the circuit or power line himself). For purposes of this disclosure, and without limiting the invention, individuals who work on utility circuits and power lines are referred to as “linemen” for reasons that the name suggests. The terms “lineman” and “linemen” are in no way limiting of either the individuals who find usefulness in the tools described in this disclosure or applications of the invention described herein.
One tool of particular interest is the lineman's pole, which gives linemen extra options in servicing installations that would be difficult or extremely dangerous to repair at arm's length. The lineman's pole is also referred to in the industry as a “telescopic pole” or a “telescopic stick” or a “telescopic hot stick”—each of which refers to the same portable, nonconductive extendible pole having a fitting for a tool at a distal end when the line worker holds the proximal end. For purposes of the disclosure herein, the term used to describe the invention is “lineman's pole.” Also, the terms “proximal and distal” are used in their ordinary meaning, and the holder/user of the pole is the reference point for each.
One particularly useful lineman's pole is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,917 (Wood 2005), which is commonly assigned with the invention disclosed herein. The Wood '917 patent discloses the environment in which these lineman's poles are most often used. Wood states (col. 1, lines 12-34) that the “accessibility of electrical power distribution lines varies substantially because the lines are installed both above ground at various elevations and below ground in underground electric power distribution systems . . . . [A]n above ground electrical power distribution line may be 10 feet or more from the maintenance person thus requiring a pole of at least 10 feet in length to reach the line. On the other hand, a below ground electrical power distribution line may be only 5 feet or less from the maintenance person, thus requiring a much shorter pole than would be required for the above ground scenario.” The Wood patent goes on to explain that a lineman faces the choice of whether to use a variety of sticks of different fixed lengths or telescoping poles that allow for varying the length of the poles.
The Wood '917 patent discloses a portable utility power lineman's pole that includes telescoping sections that allow for varying the length of the pole for each particular use. The Wood '917 pole also includes a fitting at one end for attaching the lineman's tools that are useful in working on the circuits at issue here. Wood claims a portable utility power line pole with an alignment indicator in the form of a visible line on the outer surface of the body of the pole. The alignment line provides the user a continuous ability to visualize the orientation of each section of the pole and to predict the ultimate location and orientation of the tool at the distal end.
An early version of the lineman's pole is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,514,063 (Hubbard 1950). Hubbard refers to the device as a folding clamp stick and describes it as adapted for folding along its length for easy storage. The Hubbard '063 patent is adapted for receiving tools and other fittings at one end so that the clamp stick can be locked in its longest position and used to reach distant sockets.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,047,821 (Hoke 1977) shows a further development in the area of lineman's poles. Hoke discloses an elongated, lightweight, telescoping tool especially adapted for work in utility circuits. Spring loaded buttons provide releasably secure mechanisms to hold the telescoping sections together. The buttons are made of a resilient material that is resistant to shear forces and can withstand the stress of repeated engagement and disengagement from the telescoping sections.
Other telescoping implements that have also been known in the prior art for some time, include a telescoping pole and cleaning tool shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,672 (Varga 2001). The Varga tool is notable as having a self-aligning tube that fits within an outer tube equipped with a guide slot. The tubes are held together with a snap button that must be aligned with respective holes in the tubes so that the telescoping tubes stay in place. Even with so many telescopic poles available in the prior art, individuals continue to consider ways of improving their uses and versatility. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040189028 (Newman 2004)(disclosing a telescoping implement with a fitting at the far end for changing light bulbs).
In the utility sector, prior art telescopic line sticks include not only the Wood '917 device noted above, but also devices from other companies, such as Hastings Inc. and Hubbell Power Systems, Inc. These companies, along with Utilities Solutions, Inc., sell lineman's poles that are useful in performing utility work from ground level. Typically, these devices are fiberglass telescoping sections that lock together with button assemblies. As shown in more detail in the drawings denoted herein as prior art, a universal spline end allows the linemen to attach tools for engaging switches, opening enclosures, installing hardware, and performing tasks that are necessary to maintain utility service.
Hastings Fiber Glass Products, Inc. is, at present, the assignee of U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,196 (Baum 1997) disclosing a telescoping hot stick, or pole, for manipulating a tool from a distance. The hot stick includes a tubular first section having a female end and a noncircular cross sectional shape. The second telescopic section fits within the first, but the noncircular cross section prevents displacement at the perimeter and requires no maneuvering for proper alignment among the sections. A lock button holds the telescoping sections together. The second section may be held in the extended position but still connected to the first section even when sliding the telescoping sections back and forth. The sections can be removed from one another by depressing the lock button and sliding sections out.
Telescoping poles used in numerous applications have been known for quite some time. As noted above, these devices are often held together by a button assembly. The sections are equipped with proper openings that allow the button assembly to pop into place and hold the telescoping sections together at the holes. A recurring problem in these telescoping lineman's poles is that the button assemblies face significant wear and tear due to repetitive engagement and disengagement with the holes of the sections. Another problem is that the button assemblies are difficult to replace without disassembling the whole unit. As the sections of the unit slide within one another, the button assembly within the most distal section can be accessed only by removing the telescoping sections that are closer to the user.
The prior art does not address the accessibility of the buttons for installation or replacement. The button assemblies have been the subject of developments, however. U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,865 (Stoddart 1998) shows a telescoping assembly pole with an outer tube, an inner tube slidably received within the outer tube, and a slide button that moves parallel to the longitudinal axes of the inner and outer tubes. The button assembly includes a locking mechanism with a biased slide button and a locking pin for retaining the tubes in an adjusted (most likely extended) position.
Continuing with developments in the button assemblies for telescoping sections, U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,531 (Wilcox 2000) discloses a locking device for multi-section telescoping tubes and includes a mechanism for locking the telescoping tubes in any extended position. A push rod releases a pin or ball that clamps the internal surface of an outer section to the surface of an inner section. The pin or ball prevents the inner leg from sliding within the outer leg.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,686 (Heathcock 2005) discloses a twist lock assembly having sections of telescoping legs connected by rotational assembly. The rotational movement interlocks two pairs of axially spaced apart tabs and recesses. The assembly may also include a grip section, a pole section, and an accessory attachment. Heathcock, therefore, attempts an improvement on the latching mechanisms of telescoping pole sections by twisting the sections and moving a tab to a corresponding recess in the overlying assembly. Still, however, any repairs to the tab require full disassembly of the unit from the outside section inward.
The button and locking assemblies used to attach telescopic pole sections have also been the subject of international efforts. International Patent Application No. WO 2002051562 (Haas 2002) discloses a lock for securing first and second telescoped pole sections connected by a collar there between. The collar is adapted to be radially constricted by a lever accessible from the surface of the outer telescopic section.
International Patent Application WO 20090398578 (Wright 2009) shows an internal locking device for a telescopic extendible pole of the type comprising an inner and outer telescoping section and a stop on the outer section to prevent separation upon maximum extension of the sections. The Wright '578 device includes a mechanical locking means on the interior of the outer telescopic section. As noted in prior devices, this interior arrangement is difficult to repair upon failure, as it requires entire disassembly of the entire unit.
Another telescoping lineman's pole of the prior art is shown schematically in
One problem that arises in prior art lineman's poles is that the button assembly (13) connected to the last telescopic section (i.e., the section connected to the universal spline end (12)) eventually breaks over time due to repetitive use. Unfortunately, to access the final telescopic section and its locking button (13), the entire telescopic pole (10) assembly must be disassembled, usually from the most proximal end relative to the user (i.e., the user slides each section out from the largest diameter bottom section). This is a highly inefficient system of repair, and often the whole pole is replaced instead of the single button being repaired. In that case, a simple button assembly malfunction leads to the cost of an entirely new lineman's pole.
The cross sectional drawing of
The prior art, therefore, shows telescoping pole assemblies, and other efforts have attempted to improve the button and locking assemblies that hold the sections together in a releasable way that allows for the pole sections to slide and adjust the length of the pole. None of these earlier developments, however, has shown a button assembly that can be easily accessed for replacement upon failure. Accordingly, the invention herein addresses this need in the art.
A portable utility lineman's pole has at least one inner section and at least one outer section fitting together in a telescoping configuration, wherein the sections define respective inner section surface openings and outer section surface openings along the length of the pole. The pole includes a push button engaging at least one of the sections through at least one surface opening in the section, and the push button includes a connector for adjusting the position of the push button from an end of the lineman's pole. The connector may be a gripping mechanism for removing the push button from one end of the pole, for controlling the push button while sliding the push button into an end of the pole, and for rotating the push button within the pole. The connector may be a threading that attaches to an associated tool for holding the push button while installing, removing, or positioning the push button in the device. The connector may also be a ring, a loop, a groove, a tab, or any other kind of connector that allows the user to manipulate the push button outside the pole and inside the pole.
In one embodiment, the invention is a portable utility lineman's pole having telescoping sections connected by a push button assembly for temporarily fixing the length of the pole by holding sections together in the telescoping configuration. The push button assembly is accessible from the distal end of the pole section that it holds in place. The push button assembly can be adjusted for installation and removal by gripping, engaging, or attaching to a connection element that is part of the push button assembly. In one embodiment, the connection element is a threading within the push button assembly. The threading may be integral to an adapter that holds the push button in place within the lineman's pole. In this embodiment, the user reaches the threaded adapter with a threaded tool that engages the adapter threads, allowing the user to attach the push button assembly to a threaded tool for installing the push button assembly into one end of the pole, or, in the alternative, the user connects to the threading to pull the button assembly out of the telescoping pole. The threads within a bore in the adapter provide a grip for accessing and removing the button assembly. A different button assembly can be attached to the threaded tool to assist in sliding a new push button assembly down into the end of the pole. The connection element, therefore, assists in removing and installing push buttons from one end of the device without taking the whole lineman's pole apart. In other embodiments, the connection element used to manipulate the push button assembly can be a tab, a ring, a loop, or any connecter that is amenable to gripping the push button assembly. A corresponding tool (e.g., a tool with a clamp, jaws, pliers, or hook) attaches to the push button assembly via the above described connection element for installing the push button assembly down into the pole or for pulling a broken push button assembly out of the pole.
The push button assembly disclosed herein connects and releases cylindrical sections of the telescoping lineman's pole via openings in the surface of the telescoping sections. In one embodiment, the push button assembly is held together by an adapter defining a connection element for manipulating the push button assembly from one end of the pole. The connection element may be a threaded hole or bore in the adapter and is accessible through an end of a first cylindrical section of the telescoping lineman's pole. Otherwise, the connection element can be the tab, ring, loop or similar engagement point as discussed above. The connector may be any engagement point that is useful for controlling movement and position of the push button through an end of the pole, including recesses and grooves that attach to a tool fitting within the lineman's pole.
In one exemplary use, a push button extends through an adapter and through corresponding openings in at least one section of the telescoping lineman's pole. As the pole telescopes to varying lengths, the push button may engage more than one section of the pole through surface openings along the length of each section. The push button and the push button assembly, therefore, hold the sections together. By depressing the push button through the corresponding openings in two mated telescoping sections, the push button compresses a spring and allows the sections to slide over each other. The spring biases the push button to resiliently allow the push button to move back into place through the openings in the sections when the user decides to extend the telescoping assembly.
The telescoping lineman's poles having the aforementioned push button and push button assembly are more conveniently maintained when used in combination with a tool that reaches into an open end of a telescoping lineman's pole, engages the push button and/or the push button assembly, and with the push button depressed to its most interior position within the inner diameter of the innermost telescoping section, allows for pulling an entire push button assembly out of the pole. Similarly, the push button assembly may be installed into a telescoping lineman's pole with the same tool. In an exemplary embodiment, the push button assembly includes a threaded bore. By threading the push button assembly onto the tool, the user pushes the entire push button assembly into the lineman's pole such that the push button is secured within corresponding openings in the pole sections. With the push button assembly in a locked position, the threaded tool is detached from the push button assembly. The same threading may be used to remove the push button and the push button assembly from an end of the lineman's pole without disassembling the entire device.
The lineman's pole, described in more detail below, can be viewed from the perspective of the lineman using the pole. From this perspective, the lineman's pole has a “proximal” end closest to the lineman and a “distal” end farthest from the lineman. The distal end, therefore, is typically the end that a lineman ultimately manipulates remotely to adjust an overhead or underground circuit that cannot be reached by hand. The proximal end is often the end having the telescoping section of the greatest diameter and allows the lineman to grip the pole with a steadier force than a thinner diameter would allow. One goal, of course, is to provide a pole that can be used with precision on a circuit element that is a significant distance from the user. After all, the most distal point on a lineman's pole will be used to replace the dexterity of a human hand in working on a circuit element.
The lineman's pole (35) shown in the figures consists of sections (37A-37E) that telescope together to form a “stick” with a varying length. For purposes herein, two adjacent sections that are in a direct telescoping relationship may be referred to as an “inner section” (e.g., 37A) and an “outer section” (e.g., 37B) to convey a description of the way one section of the lineman's pole slides into a next larger section of the lineman's pole. The number of sections in a lineman's pole may vary depending on the user's preferences, and any two adjacent sections may be designated as inner and outer sections without changing the nature of the parts of the lineman's pole described herein. Typically, one section slides into an immediately adjacent section of larger diameter. The sections stay together to form an extendible pole. One way to connect the sections is by using locking mechanisms (75) that engage the distal end of a larger diameter, outer section and the proximal end of a smaller diameter, inner section. The distal end of each section in a pole may form a respective rim (39) that essentially plugs the distal end of the larger section onto a locking mechanism (75) that also attaches to the proximal end of the next inner section.
This disclosure refers to a push button as a part of a push button assembly (60). The drawings show non-limiting examples of the push button (65) as a separable, discrete part within the overall push button assembly (60). It is entirely within the scope of this disclosure, however, for the push button assembly to be integrally formed with the push button so that the entire assembly essentially makes up an overall “push button” with no removable, separable parts. Accordingly, the terms push button and push button assembly may be used interchangeably in certain contexts.
The lineman's pole (35) set forth herein includes a new push button assembly (60) that allows for the push button assembly to be installed into a lineman's pole from one end, maneuvered within the pole from that same end, and removed and replaced from that end of the lineman's pole as well. For purposes herein, there is a distinction between the push button assembly (60) of this invention (e.g.,
For ease of reference only, and without limiting the invention disclosed herein, push buttons used along the remaining length of the lineman's pole, other than the tip lock end, are referred to as “locking mechanisms (75A-75E).” See
The push button assembly (60) used in a portable telescopic lineman's pole (35) according to this invention allows for the telescopic pole (35) to be locked in more than one configuration. Referring to
The telescoping sections (37) of
When used by a lineman, the pole (35) can be described as having a proximal telescoping section (e.g. 37F) closest to the lineman using the pole and a distal section (e.g., 37A) at the opposite end. As shown in the prior art drawings (
The most distal section, referred to as an inner section (37A), also includes a second mechanism referred to herein as a push button (65), possibly included within a push button assembly (60), that allows for a tip lock position among adjacent pole sections. The tip lock position is generally described as a way of reinforcing the stability and strength of the section (37A) holding the universal spline end (44). To accomplish this added stability, the most distal section (37A) of the lineman's pole (35) slides into the next lower section (37B) which is of a sufficient diameter to overlie the most distal section (37A), shortening the overall length of the pole, but ensuring that the tool attached to the end of the pole has the reinforced strength of two telescoping sections making the end of the pole stiffer for the lineman to use.
In the tip lock position, the lock button (78) of the most distal section slides into the next lower section. The locking mechanism (75) of the most distal section is depressed and slides into the next lower section without engaging a surface opening. The base ring (76) around the lower perimeter of each locking mechanism (75A-75E), slides down into the next larger diameter, more proximal section. The push button assembly (60) included within the most distal section engages the surface opening (50A) at the far end of the most distal section (i.e., the end closest to the universal spline end and the associated lineman tool). In this position, the push button is accessible to move up and down as necessary to allow the most distal telescoping section to slide within the next lower section. As noted in the above mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,917, the lineman's pole has a visible line (53) indicating the position that the sections must be aligned to for the surface openings to match.
In the tip lock position, the push button assembly (60) engages the surface opening (50C) in the next lower section (37B) from the universal spline end (44). This position holds the lineman's pole in a configuration that adds strength and rigidity to the end of the lineman's pole where the tool is attached. Accordingly, the lineman has more control over the tool during utility circuit repair.
When extending the lineman's pole out of the tip lock position to its greatest length, the push button assembly (60) is released by depressing the push button (65) and pulling the most distal section (37A) outward. The locking mechanism (75A) and its associated lock button (78A) engage a more proximal surface opening (50B) on the most distal section (37A). In this position, the base ring (76) on the locking mechanism (75) engages a rim (39A) integral with each open end of the pole sections. The base ring (76) and rim (39) engagement plugs the open sections and prevents the sections from detaching upon extension.
As the tip lock position has proven to be more and more useful in circuit repair, the push button assembly (60) is likely to face repetitive use in many linemen's poles. The push button assembly (60), therefore, is prone to break or otherwise require repair due to extreme use. The push button assembly (60) is also subject to destructive forces during normal use. As the lineman uses the tool attached to the lineman's pole, the end of the pole pushes the pole body against the push button assembly. This force is likely to eventually break the push button assembly and require repair.
Repairing the push button assembly, however, is difficult. As noted above, the lineman's poles of the prior art utilize push button assemblies that are not accessible for replacement. The invention herein addresses that problem by making the push button assembly removable from the tip of the lineman's pole that holds the universal spline end (44). The push button assembly (60) is also adapted for inserting into one end of the lineman's pole. Finally, the push button and the push button assembly can be manipulated to numerous positions within the pole by gripping the push button (65) and/or the push button assembly (60) with a tool (e.g.,
As noted above, the push button assembly (60) temporarily fixes the length of the pole (35) by holding sections together in the telescoping configuration. A single push button assembly (60), therefore, holds an inner section (37A) of the pole to an outer section (37B) of the pole. The terms inner and outer refer to respective positions of pole sections in an immediate telescoping relationship (i.e., the inner section slides into the outer section). In one embodiment, the push button assembly includes a push button (65) for extending through a surface opening (50A) in the inner section (37A) of the pole and releasably engaging a different surface opening (50C) in the outer section (37B) of the pole. An adapter (70) holds the push button (65) within the inner section surface opening (50A) and allows the push button (65) to be aligned with an outer section surface opening (50C).
In one embodiment, shown by example in the associated drawings, the push button assembly (60) includes an adapter (70) that has a connector (80) either attached thereto or integrally formed in the adapter (70). The connector (80) allows for the push button (65) to be gripped or temporarily attached to a tool (42) for (i) insertion into an open end of one section of the pole, (ii) extraction of a push button assembly that needs to be replaced in the pole, or (iii) positional movement of the push button within the pole. The connector (80) can be any physical or mechanical feature that allows the push button (65) to be gripped by another tool that aids in affixing the push button inside the pole. The connector may be a ring, a tab, a loop, a groove, a slit, a threading, or any other feature that assists in attaching the push button to a tool. One goal of the invention, therefore, is that the connector includes a gripping mechanism, such as threading (80), on the push button (65) and push button assembly (60) to (i) remove the push button from an end of the pole, (ii) control the push button while sliding the push button into an end of the pole, and (iii) rotating the push button into a desired position within the pole. The connector releasably engages a tool for gripping the connector and adjusts the position of the push button into, out of, and within the pole. The connector, therefore, allows the user to manipulate the push button into a fixed position within at least one surface opening in the pole.
One embodiment of the push button (65) and push button assembly (60) includes an adapter (70) defining a threaded hole (80) accessible through an end of the pole (35). The threading (80) serves as the above-described connector for adjusting the push button position. The threading on the adapter matches a corresponding threaded tool (42) that fits down within the end of the lineman's pole and engages the threading in the adapter (70). By attaching the tool to the adapter via the connector, the push button can be placed in a variety of positions within the pole (i.e., to replace a broken push button). For instance, the tool (42) can be used to slide the push button down into one end of the pole. Once the tool is in the pole, the tool and connector are available for rotating the push button (65) until it matches a desired surface opening (50) for use. If a used push button (65) needs to be replaced, by attaching the tool to the adapter (70) and pushing the button inwardly toward the push button assembly (60), the user can pull the entire push button assembly (60) through an end of the lineman's pole. This prevents dismantling every section to replace the push button because the push button is accessible from the closest end.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a portable utility line pole (35) has inner and outer sections (37A, 37B) made of respective inner and outer hollow members of differently sized cross sections that allow for the inner section to slide within the outer section. The pole sections may be of any convenient shape and size, but are often hollow cylinders that are open at each end. In this embodiment, the adapter (70) of the push button assembly (60) is also a cylindrically-shaped body defining a connector, as described above. The connector may include a threaded recess (80) along at least a portion of the major axis of the adapter (70) body. The above-noted adapter (70) is so dimensioned as to fit within the inner section of the pole such that the major axis of the inner section (37A) and the major axis of the adapter (70) are substantially aligned. The adapter (70) defines an outer bore (74) in which the push button (65) rests for aligning the push button with the appropriate inner section surface opening (50A). The pole is adapted for respectively rotating the inner and outer sections such that the push-button protrudes through the outer bore (74) of the adapter (70), through the inner section opening (50A), and through an outer section opening (50C) to temporarily set the combined length of the inner section (37A) and the outer section (37B) of the pole.
In one embodiment, the push button assembly (60) for setting and releasing a tip lock position of the pole utilizes a spring (63) that fits within the push button (65). The spring biases against the inner section (37A) wall, and the push button (65) incorporates a side opening into which the spring (63) fits. In operation, the spring (63) fits within the push button (65) such that the respective longitudinal axes of the spring (63) and the push button (65) are substantially parallel. The push button and spring slide into a corresponding opening, or outer bore (74), of an adapter (70) having a threading, or threaded recess (80), at one end. The spring (63) may be a separate piece or attached to the adapter (70). As noted above, the threaded opening (80) is one form of a connector used to control the position of the push button. By connecting the adapter (70) to a corresponding threaded tool (42, 43), the push button assembly slides into a distal end of the lineman's pole section farthest from the user. By aligning the push button with an opening (50A) in the most distal section (37A) of the lineman's pole, the spring (63) biases against an inner portion of the distal section (37A) and pushes the push button (65) out of the surface opening (50A) in that distal section (37A). The push button is positioned in a way that allows the user to push the button inwardly against the spring (63) such that the push button surface is flush with the associated surface opening (37A) but will stay engaged with that section for use.
To set up the above-noted “tip lock” position, the user pushes in the second push button (78A) that is part of the usual locking mechanism (75A) as shown in
In the details above, the adapter (70) is part of a push button assembly (60) but the invention also encompasses embodiments in which the push button (65) and the components in the push button assembly (60) are included in a one-piece construction. The connector on the push button allows for greater flexibility in installing, repairing, and maneuvering the push button into an appropriate surface opening. The connector is adapted to attach to an associated tool. The tool and the connector may take many forms. For example, the connector could be a hook, ring or loop, and the tool would include pliers, pinchers, hooks, and the like for engaging the connector. Although the threading on the tool and adapter are shown in the drawings, the threaded embodiment is just one possibility for engaging the tool and the push button assembly. Also, as shown in the drawings, the push button assembly may be held in place via a pin (71) that fits through an associated pin hole (72) in the pole section.
In the specification and drawings, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and, although specific terms have been employed, they have been used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Different kinds of materials and elements may be substituted for the parts disclosed herein, and any method steps can be adjusted yet still fall within the ambit of the invention. The invention is further set forth in the claims below.
