U.S. patent application number 10/034753 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for cable clamp.
This patent application is currently assigned to Preformed Line Products Company. Invention is credited to Pisczak, Philip J..
Application Number | 20030122040 10/034753 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21878373 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030122040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pisczak, Philip J. |
July 3, 2003 |
CABLE CLAMP
Abstract
A cable clamp (10) includes two interchangeable half-portions
(14, 16). Each half-portion (14, 16) includes an outer side, an
inner side including a cable receiving region (18, 20), a hinge
region (30, 32) arranged below the cable receiving region (18, 20),
and a suspending region (70) arranged above the cable receiving
region (18, 20). The suspending region (70) is adapted to receive
an associated support element (72). The two half-portions (14, 16)
are adapted to cooperatively form a unitary cable clamp body having
a cable channel (22) defined by the two cable receiving regions
(18, 20) and a hinge (36) including the two hinge regions (30, 32).
A tightener (54) is arranged above the cable channel (22) for
drawing the half-portions (14, 16) together about the hinge (36) to
clamp an associated cable (12) within the cable channel (22).
Inventors: |
Pisczak, Philip J.; (Chagrin
Falls, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael E. Hudzinski
FAY, SHARPE, FAGAN, MINNICH & McKEE, LLP
Seventh Floor
1100 Superior Avenue
Cleveland
OH
44114-2518
US
|
Assignee: |
Preformed Line Products
Company
|
Family ID: |
21878373 |
Appl. No.: |
10/034753 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/74.1 ;
248/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/483 20130101;
H02G 7/053 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/74.1 ;
248/63 |
International
Class: |
F16L 003/00 |
Claims
Having thus described the preferred embodiments, the invention is
now claimed to be:
1. A cable clamp comprising: two interchangeable half-portions,
each half-portion having: an outer side, an inner side defining a
cable receiving region, a hinge region arranged adjacent the cable
receiving region, and a suspending region arranged adjacent the
cable receiving region and opposite from the hinge region, the
suspending region adapted to receive an associated support element,
the two half-portions adapted to cooperatively form a unitary cable
clamp body having a cable channel defined by the cable receiving
regions of the interchangeable half-portions and a hinge defined by
the hinge regions of the interchangeable half-portions; and, a
tightener for drawing the half-portions together about the hinge to
clamp an associated cable within the cable channel.
2. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 1, further including: at
least one cushion arranged at an end of the cable channel for
cushioning the associated cable extending out of the clamp.
3. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 2, wherein the at least
one cushion includes: two half-cushions, each half-cushion arranged
within the cable receiving region of one of the half-portions.
4. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 3, wherein each
half-cushion includes: a hinge cushion portion compressively
received within the hinge.
5. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 2, wherein the at least
one cushion is formed of EPDM, neoprene, or silicone.
6. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hinge
further includes: a fastener that connects the hinge regions of the
two half-portions together to form the hinge.
7. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 6, wherein the hinge
further includes: a retaining element for retaining the fastener in
the hinge.
8. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 6, wherein the hinge
portions further include: molded extensions deformable to retain
the fastener in the hinge.
9. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 6, wherein the tightener
includes: a tightening fastener that draws the suspending regions
of the two half-portions together, the tightening fastener being
interchangeable with the fastener.
10. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hinge
further includes: at least two bolt-and-nut fasteners that
cooperate with oblong holes in the hinge regions to hingeably
connect the hinge regions.
11. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 10, wherein at least one
of the nut and the bolt is captive hardware.
12. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 10, wherein each oblong
hole includes: a recess adapted to receive at least one of the nut
and a head of the bolt in non-rotatable fashion.
13. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 12, wherein the recess is
deeper than the nut, and the edges of the recess are deformable
about the nut to retain the nut captive in the recess.
14. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 10, wherein the hinge
region further includes: stake pins arranged near the oblong hole
that are deformable to retain at least one of the nut and the bolt
in the hinge.
15. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 1, wherein a clamp force
is exerted against the associated cable at right angles to a
bending stress of the associated cable.
16. A piece comprising: an outer side; an inner side including a
cable receiving region; a hinge region arranged below the cable
receiving region; and, a suspending region arranged above the cable
receiving region, the suspending region adapted to receive an
associated support element; wherein, the piece is adapted to
cooperate with a substantially identical second piece to form a
unitary cable retaining body having a cable channel defined by
cooperating cable receiving regions, a hinge including cooperating
hinge regions and an associated hinge fastening element, and a
clamping element arranged to pivotally close the cooperating pieces
about the hinge.
17. A cable-retaining device comprising: a hinged pair of elements
adapted to receive an associated cable therebetween; and, a clamp
adapted to compress the hinged pair of elements together to fasten
about the associated cable.
18. The cable-retaining device as set forth in claim 17, wherein
the hanged pair of elements for receiving an associated cable
therebetween includes: a cable channel defined by the pair of
elements.
19. The cable-retaining device as set forth in claim 17, further
including: a cushion element selectively disposed within the cable
channel for cushioning at least a portion of the cable.
20. The cable-retaining device as set forth in claim 17, wherein
the clamp is adapted to act on each of the pair of elements to form
cooperating second-class levers that compressively fasten onto the
associated cable.
21. The cable-retaining device as set forth in claim 17, wherein
the pair of elements include a lifting hole to enable the device to
be lowered onto an associated suspended cable with the hinge in an
open position.
22. A cable clamp comprising: a first body member; a second body
member cooperatively associated with the first body member to
selectively form a unitary clamp body having a cable channel, a
hinge region arranged on a side of the cable channel, and a
compression region arranged on an opposite side of the cable
channel away from the hinge region; a hinge fastener hingeably
attaching the first and second body members in the hinge region;
and, a clamp adapted to draw the first and second body members
together in the compression region to compressively hold an
associated cable arranged within the cable channel.
23. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 22, wherein the hinge
fastener non-detachably attaches the first and second body members
in the hinge region.
24. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 22, further including: at
least one cushion arranged within the cable channel for cushioning
at least a portion of the associated cable clamped therein.
25. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 22, wherein the hinge
fastener compressively attaches the first and second body members
in the hinge region, the compressive attaching cooperating with the
clamp to compressively hold the associated cable arranged within
the cable channel.
26. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 22, wherein the
compressive hold of the associated cable includes compressive
forces directed in a horizontal plane transverse said cable
channel.
27. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 22, wherein the first and
second body members are substantially identical.
28. A cable clamp comprising: a first clamp member; a second clamp
member that together with the first clamp member defines a clamp
body; a hinge formed into a lower portion of the clamp body; a
tightening member disposed in an upper portion of the clamp body;
and a cable channel formed into the clamp body and arranged between
the hinge and the tightening member.
29. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 28, wherein the first
clamp member and the second clamp member are identically
formed.
30. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 29, wherein the
identically formed clamp members include cast aluminum members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the cable suspension arts.
It particularly relates to apparatus and methods for suspending
high tension cables mounted aerially using poles or other overhead
support structures, and will be described with particular reference
thereto. However, the invention also finds application in
conjunction with other uses where cables for the transmission of
power or communication signals are fastened, clamped, affixed, or
otherwise mechanically supported or constrained, such as in the
suspension of optical ground wires (OPGW's).
[0002] Power cables are frequently suspended aerially from poles or
other support structures. An aerial arrangement of such cables has
the advantages of relatively simple and flexible installation
having a limited ground footprint, and permits space substantially
below the cables to be used for other purposes. An aerial
arrangement also separates the cables from contact with people or
roaming ground animals. Spatial separation is particularly
important for high tension electrical power transmission cables for
safety reasons. Separation of any cable helps protect the cable
from damage caused either inadvertently or through malicious
vandalism.
[0003] Although aerial cables are relatively safe from ground-based
sources of damage, they are subject to environmental wear and
damage, principally due to winds. Well known in the art are
problems caused by aeolian vibration which is a high frequency, low
amplitude vibration caused by laminar winds passing across the
line, as well as galloping which is a low frequency, high amplitude
wind-induced cable motion. Aeolian vibration, galloping, and other
wind action can produce cable damage especially at the suspension
points where cable clamps and other supporting devices mechanically
stress the cable. Cable damage in the form of abrasion, wear, and
fatigue can occur especially at the clamping points.
[0004] The prior art includes a large number of cable clamp styles.
A type of clamp commonly used for high tension power cable
suspension employs a pair of upper and lower clamp body portions
that sandwich the cable in vertical fashion (top-and-bottom) and
are clamped using bolts, rods, or other fasteners. These cable
clamps are formed from a plurality of parts which remain separate
until assembly in the field. This being the case, the bolts, rods,
or other fasteners are susceptible to misplacement or mishandling
in the field, particularly in rainy, snowy, or other adverse
weather conditions. The fastening of the clamp usually requires
simultaneous manipulation of both a bolt and an associated
fastening nut in order to effectuate the clamping. This requires
two hands, and can be particularly problematic when installing the
clamp on an electrified cable. Furthermore, two dissimilar clamp
body portions are paired to form the clamp body, further increasing
the possibility of encountering missing clamp parts during field
assembly. As the two clamp halves are mounted above and below the
cable, the clamping force is added to the weight-induced bending
stress of the cable.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,887,669 issued to J. Sylvester discloses a
cable connector having two identically formed clamp body portions,
which reduces the number of differentiated parts. U.S. Pat. No.
3,633,858 issued to H. J. Houston et al. discloses a spring clamp
in which the spring clamp member is held against a rigid clamp
member using an adjustable bolt. In both these clamps, the cable is
retained near an outer edge of the clamp device, which limits the
security of the clamping. The cable is also not surrounded by
retaining hardware, and so the cable can be lost in the event of
clamp slippage.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,507 issued to M. W. Murphy discloses a
cable support for installation on a rigid pole. This clamp is
operatively similar to the Houston clamp except that the spring
clamp member is replaced by a second rigid clamp member. The two
rigid clamp members are dissimilar.
[0007] The present invention contemplates an improved cable clamp
which overcomes the aforementioned limitations and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a cable clamp
including two interchangeable half-portions is provided. Each
half-portion includes an outer side, an inner side including a
cable receiving region, a hinge region arranged below the cable
receiving region, and a suspending region arranged above the cable
receiving region. The suspending region is adapted to receive an
associated support element. The two half-portions are adapted to
cooperatively form a unitary cable clamp body having a cable
channel defined by the two cable receiving regions and a hinge
including the two hinge regions. A tightener is arranged above the
cable channel for drawing the half-portions together about the
hinge to clamp an associated cable within the cable channel.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a piece is
disclosed, including an outer side, an inner side having a cable
receiving region, a hinge region arranged below the cable receiving
region, and a suspending region arranged above the cable receiving
region, the suspending region adapted to receive an associated
support element. The piece is adapted to cooperate with a similar
piece to form a unitary cable retaining body having a cable channel
defined by cooperating cable receiving regions, a hinge including
cooperating hinge regions and an associated hinge fastening
element, and a clamping element arranged to pivotally close the
cooperating pieces about the hinge.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a
cable-retaining device is disclosed. A hinged pair of elements are
adapted to receive an associated cable therebetween. A clamp is
adapted to compress the hinged pair of elements together to fasten
about the associated cable.
[0011] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a cable
clamp is disclosed. A first body member and a second body member
cooperate to form a unitary clamp body. The clamp body has a cable
channel, a hinge region arranged on a side of the cable channel,
and a compression region arranged on an opposite side of the cable
channel away from the hinge region. A hinge fastener hingeably
attaches the first and second body members in the hinge region. A
clamp draws the first and second body members together in the
compression region to compressively hold an associated cable
arranged within the cable channel.
[0012] According to still yet another aspect of the invention, a
cable clamp is disclosed. A left clamp member and a right clamp
member together define a clamp body. A hinge is formed into a lower
portion of the clamp body. A tightening member is disposed in an
upper portion of the clamp body. A cable channel formed into the
clamp body is arranged between the hinge and the tightening
member.
[0013] One advantage of the present invention is that the clamp
body is constructed from two identical, interchangeable portions,
which simplifies manufacturing and assembly.
[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
includes a clamping operation employing a nondetachably attached
hinge and captive hardware to reduce or eliminate the number of
separate parts which must be assembled in the field.
[0015] Another advantage of the present invention is that the cable
is securely retained in a cable channel arranged away from edges of
the clamp.
[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is that the clamp
can be pre-assembled and placed as a single unit onto a hot,
electrified cable using an insulated lifting pole. This simplifies
installation of the suspension clamp onto hot wires, and makes the
installation safer.
[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is that the
clamping action occurs horizontally (i.e., left-and-right) at right
angles to the cable weight-induced bending stress.
[0018] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the
bolt-and-nut fasteners are received by recesses adapted to receive
at least one of the bolt head and the nut in non-rotatable fashion.
In this way, the bolt-and-nut fastener can be tightened using only
the bolt head or only the nut.
[0019] Still yet another advantage of the present invention is that
the clamp includes one or more cushions that reduce mechanical
stress on bending portions of the clamped cable.
[0020] Numerous additional advantages and benefits of the present
invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art upon reading the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The invention may take form in various components and
arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements
of steps. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating
preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an exemplary cable
suspension clamp that suitably practices an embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a connecting
element for suspending the clamp and affixed cable from a support
structure.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the clamp of FIG.
1.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a preferred method for inserting a cable into
the clamp of FIG. 1 without disassembling the hinge of the
clamp.
[0026] FIG. 5 schematically shows the hinge and the tightener
acting on each of the pair of clamp body portions to form
cooperating second-class levers that compressively fasten onto the
associated cable.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged isometric view of the nut portion
of an exemplary bolt-and-nut fastener inserted into the oblong hole
having a recess for non-rotatably holding the nut, and staking pins
for capturing the fastener hardware.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of one body piece of another
exemplary cable suspension clamp that includes a lifting hole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, an exemplary cable
suspension clamp 10 that suitably practices an embodiment of the
invention is described. The clamp 10 is used to aerially suspend an
associated cable 12 from a support wire, support post extension, or
other supporting structure (not shown). In the first preferred
embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4, the cable 12 is a bare
(uninsulated) aluminum conductor cable of a type known in the art
for transmitting electrical power at high voltages such as in the
kilovolt range. However, the cable clamp is readily adapted to
function with essentially any type of cable, including lower power
electrical distribution cables, telephone cables, cable television
cables, fiber optical cable bundles such as optical ground wires
(OPGW's) known to the art, and the like. For supporting optical
fibers, a helical structural reinforcing rod (not shown) formed of
aluminum or a similar material is selectively provided for
improving the structural integrity of the clamping.
[0030] The clamp 10 includes a main clamp body formed from two body
portions 14, 16. In the clamp 10, the two body portions 14, 16 are
identically formed and interchangeable, thus simplifying
manufacturing and assembly of the clamp 10. However, it is to be
appreciated that the body portions 14, 16 can be selectively formed
to be non-interchangeable as desired. For example, one body portion
may be modified to include an integral support bracket (not shown)
for mounting directly to a pole or other support means (not shown).
In the preferred embodiment, the body portions 14, 16 are cast
aluminum pieces for supporting high tension power transmission
cables. However, other metals, composites, plastics, or the like
can also be used, particularly for power cables transmitting at low
power or for communication cables.
[0031] The body portions 14, 16 define a pair of opposed cable
receiving regions 18, 20 that cooperate to form a cable channel 22
which holds the clamped portion of the cable 12. Additionally,
cable cushions 24 are provided as needed in the cable channel 22
near the ends of the cable channel 22. The cushions 24 absorb
wind-induced vibrations and reduce cable abrasion, wear, and
fatigue. The cushions 24 are formed of EPDM, neoprene, silicone, or
other suitable material using extrusion or compression molding.
[0032] Each of the body portions 14, 16 include a hinge region 30,
32 that cooperate with one another and with a set of bolt-and-nut
fastener pairs 34 to form a hinge 36. Hinging action is obtained
when the fasteners 34 are inserted through oblong holes 40 (best
seen in FIG. 3) in the hinge regions 30, 32. The oblong holes 40
allow the bolt-and-nut fastener pairs 34, when loosened, to
articulate within fixed limits established by the size of the
oblong holes 40 and the extent of loosening of the fasteners 34.
The articulation allows the body portions 14, 16 to pivot
essentially about a hinge axis 42, as shown in FIG. 4. The pivoting
opens a compression region 50 arranged on an opposite side of the
cable channel 22 away from the hinge regions 30, 32, through which
the cable 12 is inserted, as best seen in FIG. 4. In a suitable
cable installation process, the fasteners 34 are loosened only
enough so that the compression region 50 can be opened sufficiently
to insert the cable 12. The body portions 14, 16 remain hingeably
connected in the hinge region 36 throughout the cable 12
installation.
[0033] After the cable 12 is received in the cable channel 22, the
clamp 10 is tightened to effectuate clamping. The fasteners 34,
which were preferably only slightly loosened to allow cable
installation, are re-tightened. Additionally, a tightener member 54
cooperates with the compression region 50 to compress the body
portions 14, 16 against the cable 12 by hingeably pivoting the body
portions 14, 16 about the hinge 36. The cushions 24 are also
compressed against the cable 12. Alternatively, the cushions 24
extend into the hinge region 36 and are compressed by the hinge as
well. This reduces the possibility that the cushions 24 will slip
out of place during clamp 10 installation, and provides a more
stable cushioning for the cable 12 at the regions where it extends
out of the clamp 10.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the tightener member 54
includes a bolt-and-nut fastener 34 of the same type used in
forming the hinge 36, which passes through holes 56 in the
compression region 50 of the body portions 14, 16. The holes 56 are
best seen in FIG. 3.
[0035] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the preferred
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 is exemplary only.
Other equivalent mechanical arrangements can be used to construct
the hinge 36 and the tightener 54.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 5, a schematic diagram shows the
hinge 36 and the tightener 54 acting on each of the pair of clamp
body portions 14, 16 to form cooperating second-class levers 60, 62
that compressively fasten onto the associated cable 12. As
second-class levers 60, 62, the resistance 64 is arranged between
the fulcrum (corresponding to the hinge 36) and the applied force
66 generated by the tightener 54. The second-class lever operation
shown in FIG. 5 occurs in pure form only if the hinge fasteners 54
are tightened prior to applying the tightener 54. This closely
approximates the preferred operation, since the hinge fasteners 34
are preferably only slightly loosened to allow cable 12 insertion
and are then tightened at least partially before inserting and
applying the tightener 54.
[0037] However, in the preferred embodiment of the subject clamp
illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, it is contemplated that once the
cable is inserted and the fasteners 34 and tightener 54 are
"finger-tight", that the hinge fasteners 34 are tightened
essentially together with the tightener 54 to effectuate firm
clamping of the cable 12. That is, although the hinge 36 operates
as a swinging hinge for cable 12 insertion and initial clamping,
the final tightening (e.g., using a wrench or other tools) of the
clamp 10 is performed using both the tightener 54 and the fasteners
34 of the hinge regions 30, 32. This promotes an even and firm
clamping force that is produced by tightening elements 34, 54 on
both sides of the cable 12.
[0038] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, during use,
the clamp 10 is suspended via a suspending region 70 arranged in
the clamp 10 essentially coincident with the compression region 50.
Cable and clamp suspension is obtained using a transverse rod 72
secured in holes 74 of the suspending region 70. The rod 72 is
secured in the suspending region 70 using a cotter pin 76. The
inserted rod 72 is used as a connecting means for connecting the
clamp 10 to a support. For example, in FIG. 2 an associated
supporting loop 80 is shown. The suspending region 70 is exemplary
only, and many other equivalent configurations are also
contemplated. Further, the suspending region 70 need not be
coincident with the compression region 50. For example, it is also
possible to arrange the suspending region into the hinge 36, or to
modify one or both of the two clamp body portions 14, 16 to form a
suspending region therein.
[0039] With particular reference next to FIGS. 2 and 5, those
skilled in the art will recognize that the configuration of the
clamp 10 advantageously produces a clamping force 64 in the
horizontal plane directed at right angles (substantially
perpendicular) to a bending stress 68 generated by the cable
weight. This reduces the maximum total stress on the cable. The
cushions 24 in particular are pressed toward the cable 12 from the
left-and-right, and these forces do not additively combine with the
bending stress 68.
[0040] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, and with
further reference to FIG. 6, the clamp 10 further alleviates
problems with loose and missing parts that were frequently
encountered in prior cable clamps by arranging the nut portions of
the fasteners 34 as captive hardware. As best seen in FIG. 6, the
nut is inserted into a recess 90 formed into the oblong hole 40.
The recess 90 has flat inwardly facing surfaces that match the
outer faces of the nut thereby holding the nut in place in a
non-rotating fashion. Once the nuts are so inserted, staking pins
92 which are preferably cast into the body portions 14, 16 are
deformed and pressed toward the nut to secure and retain the nut in
the recess 90. In addition to retaining the nut, this arrangement
also holds the nut in non-rotating fashion so that the bolt-and-nut
fastener 34 can be tightened using only one wrench or other tool
applied to the bolt head. The arrangement of FIG. 6 is also
preferably applied to the nut of the tightener 54. Those skilled in
the art will also appreciate that the fasteners 34 can
alternatively have the bolt of the bolt-and-nut fastener 34
non-rotatably retained in the described manner, in which case the
nut remains free for selective tightening.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 7, a modified body portion 100 is
described of a second preferred embodiment. The body portion 100 is
essentially similar to the body portions 14, 16 except that it
includes a lifting hole 102. The lifting hole 102 is used to lift
the clamp in an upside-down orientation over and onto an
electrified high tension cable 12, using an associated fiberglass
or other insulating lifting pole (not shown). The clamp hinge 36 is
left open during the lifting with the tightener 54 removed (except
optionally for a retained captive nut). The clamp is draped onto
the hot installed cable 12. The human installer then inserts and
partially tightens the tightener 54 and the fasteners 34, rotates
the clamp into the appropriate position for suspension, and
completes the clamping. The recesses 90 advantageously hold the
nuts in place rotatably relative to the housing members to simplify
the tightening operation. Thus, the installation is easy and safe
for the installer.
[0042] In one test, a clamp manufactured in accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the invention described above underwent
23,000,000 vibration cycles with a large vibration amplitude equal
to the diameter of the clamped cable. The cable exhibited no breaks
inside the clamp, and the clamp exhibited no failures.
[0043] In a short circuit test, a clamp formed in accordance with
the invention was used to support a cable carrying a 1000 ampere
current to test the thermal integrity of the clamp. No failure was
observed, and in particular the cushions were undamaged.
[0044] The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed description. It is intended that the invention be
construed as including all such modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *