U.S. patent application number 11/371557 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for spring lock mechanism for a ground-engaging.
Invention is credited to Jimmie L. Sollami.
Application Number | 20060261663 11/371557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324038 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060261663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sollami; Jimmie L. |
November 23, 2006 |
Spring lock mechanism for a ground-engaging
Abstract
A spring lock mechanism for a ground-engaging tool, or bit. The
spring lock mechanism is provided for engaging a bit into a
positive engagement with a bit holder, thereby reducing the failure
rate of the bit while also allowing the bit to rotate within the
bit block. The spring lock mechanism is configured to be received
about the shank of a bit between a support block and a retainer.
The spring lock mechanism defines a frustoconical configuration
having a selected inside diameter, outside diameter, and
uncompressed height. The spring lock mechanism is fabricated from a
resilient material to allow it to compress. When compressed, the
spring lock mechanism biases the bit into the support block
receptor.
Inventors: |
Sollami; Jimmie L.; (Herrin,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PITTS AND BRITTIAN P C
P O BOX 51295
KNOXVILLE
TN
37950-1295
US
|
Family ID: |
46324038 |
Appl. No.: |
11/371557 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11132781 |
May 19, 2005 |
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11371557 |
Mar 9, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
299/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21C 35/197
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
299/104 |
International
Class: |
E21C 25/10 20060101
E21C025/10 |
Claims
1. A spring lock mechanism for engaging a ground-engaging tool into
a support block, the support block defining a receptor, the
ground-engaging tool defining a bit at a proximal end and a shank
adapted to be received within the support block receptor, the shank
defining an annular groove, a retainer being provided for being
received within the ground-engaging tool annular groove, said
spring lock mechanism being adapted to be received on the
ground-engaging tool shank and between the support block and the
retainer, said spring lock mechanism being adapted to minimize
movement of the ground-engaging tool along a longitudinal axis
therein and within the support block receptor, said spring lock
mechanism being uncompressed when disposed between the support
block and the retainer in said assembly.
2. The spring lock mechanism of claim 1 wherein said spring lock
mechanism includes a first spring lock mechanism and a second
spring lock mechanism.
3. The spring lock mechanism of claim 2 wherein said lower end of
said first spring lock mechanism is disposed proximate said lower
end of said second spring lock mechanism.
4. The spring lock mechanism of claim 3 wherein said upper end of
said first spring lock mechanism is disposed proximate said upper
end of said second spring lock mechanism.
5. The spring lock mechanism of claim 3 wherein said first spring
lock mechanism is nested within said second spring lock
mechanism.
6. The spring lock mechanism of claim 1 wherein said spring lock
mechanism is selected from at least a wave spring, a compression
spring, and a tension spring.
7. The spring lock mechanism of claim 1 wherein said spring lock
mechanism further defines a notch adapted to receive the
ground-engaging tool shank, whereby said spring lock mechanism is
removable from and insertable on said ground-engaging tool shank
without requiring removal of said retainer.
8. The spring lock mechanism of claim 7 wherein said spring lock
mechanism further defines a deformed portion adapted to be grasped
by a user, whereby removal and insertion of said spring lock
mechanism is simplified.
9. A ground-engaging tool assembly comprising: a support block
defining a receptor; a ground-engaging tool defining a bit at a
proximal end and a shank adapted to be received within said support
block receptor, said shank defining an annular groove; a retainer
adapted to be received within said ground-engaging tool annular
groove; and at least one spring lock mechanism received on said
ground-engaging tool shank and between said support block and said
retainer, said at least one spring lock mechanism being adapted to
minimize movement of the ground-engaging tool along a longitudinal
axis therein and within the support block receptor, said at least
one spring lock mechanism being uncompressed when disposed between
the support block and the retainer in said assembly.
10. The ground-engaging tool assembly of claim 9 wherein said at
least one spring lock mechanism includes a first spring lock
mechanism and a second spring lock mechanism.
11. The ground-engaging tool assembly of claim 10 wherein said
lower end of said first spring lock mechanism is disposed proximate
said lower end of said second spring lock mechanism.
12. The ground-engaging tool assembly of claim 10 wherein said
upper end of said first spring lock mechanism is disposed proximate
said upper end of said second spring lock mechanism.
13. The ground-engaging tool assembly of claim 10 wherein said
first spring lock mechanism is nested within said second spring
lock mechanism.
14. The ground-engaging tool assembly of claim 10 wherein said at
least one spring lock mechanism is selected from at least a wave
spring, a compression spring, and a tension spring.
15. The ground-engaging tool assembly of claim 9 wherein said
spring lock mechanism further defines a notch adapted to receive
the ground-engaging tool shank, whereby said spring lock mechanism
is removable from and insertable on said ground-engaging tool shank
without requiring removal of said retainer.
16. The ground-engaging tool assembly of claim 15 wherein said
spring lock mechanism further defines a deformed portion adapted to
be grasped by a user, whereby removal and insertion of said spring
lock mechanism is simplified.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
11/132,781, filed May 19, 2005.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of Invention
[0004] The present invention pertains to the field of earth working
equipment. More particularly, the present invention is related to a
spring lock mechanism for reducing axial movement of a
ground-engaging tool or bit within a bit holder block.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] In the field of earthworking, various types of equipment are
used in various applications. Equipment varies from trenchers using
chain excavation lines to rotatable drum equipment used for
excavating rock, highly compressed earth, and mining materials. A
plurality of ground-engaging tools, or bits, is attached to each of
these machines for engaging and penetrating into the material being
excavated.
[0007] Prior to the use of bits the equipment was provided with a
plurality of teeth that would eventually wear and need replacing.
In order to reduce the time and cost of replacing these teeth, bits
were introduced. As is known in the art, bits typically include a
bit insert made of a harder, more durable material than that of the
bit or holder, thereby increasing the life of the bit. Typically,
tungsten carbide is used.
[0008] Since their introduction, there have been several ways
devised for mounting the bits. Initially the bits were welded to
the equipment. However, holders or pockets were eventually
introduced. In so doing, the bits have become more easily
interchangeable after being worn or broken. In some circumstances,
it has also made the bits more effective. Of primary structural
note is that the bits have been allowed to rotate within a socket
or receptacle defined by the bit mounting block. This has increased
the useful life of the bits. To transfer force from the mounting
block to the tool, the tool is provided with an annular flange
having a planar rear surface which rests upon the planar forward
surface of the mounting block surrounding the aperture such that
the rear surface of the flange applies force to the forward surface
of the mounting block.
[0009] In those embodiments where the bit is permitted to rotate
within the bit block, axial movement of the bit within the bit
mounting block is also permitted to at least a limited extent. As a
result of such axial movement, the bits have a higher tendency to
fail as compared to bits that are welded onto the earthworking
equipment. Specifically, movement of the bit shank within the bit
mounting block causes wear within the block, thereby increasing the
opening in the block and therefore the wobbling of the bit. As this
occurs, dust, dirt, mud and rock eventually build up in the
mounting block. While the bit is rotating, centrifugal force pulls
the bit further from the mounting block, causing an increased risk
of breaking the shank. This is a result of the force being applied
to the shank as opposed to the flange. The effects of the movement
of the bit within the block are cumulative, causing early failure
of both the bit and the bit mounting block.
[0010] Typical of the art are those devices disclosed in the
following U.S. Pat. Nos: TABLE-US-00001 Patent No. Inventor(s)
Issue Date 3,830,546 T. J. Kniff Aug. 20, 1974 3,833,264 G. W.
Elders Sep. 3, 1974 3,841,708 T. J. Kniff et al. Oct. 15, 1974
4,065,185 G. W. Elders Dec. 27, 1977 4,247,150 H. Wrulich et al.
Jan. 27, 1981 4,316,636 J. A. Taylor et al. Feb. 23, 1982 4,342,486
M. L. O'Neill Aug. 3, 1982 4,711,504 R. Berchem Dec. 8, 1987
4,736,533 C. R. May et al. Apr. 12, 1988 5,067,775 M. D. D'Angelo
Nov. 26, 1991 5,230,548 P. W. Southern Jul. 27, 1993 6,000,153 J.
L. Sollami Dec. 14, 1999
[0011] Of these patents, Kniff, in his '546 patent, discloses a
mining tool and support block for retaining the mining tool. The
tool includes a shank having a circular cross-section such that it
is rotatable within the support block. The distal end of the shank
defines a radial groove for receiving a retainer in the form of a
snap ring, the retainer being provided for preventing unselected
removal of the tool from the support block. In order to allow for
rotation of the tool, the retained is spaced apart from the support
block when the tool is fully inserted therein. This is similar to
the construction disclosed by Kniff et al. ('708), Elders ('185),
and Bercham ('504), as well.
[0012] Other devices of the prior art define similar mechanisms for
securing a bit within a support block. Elders, in his '264 patent,
discloses a bit having a shank defining an annular groove in its
distal end. The mounting block carries a rubber insert, through
which is received a locking pin. The locking pin defines a pointed
distal end configured to engage the annular groove defined by the
bit shank.
[0013] In the '150 patent, H. Wrulich et al., teach a similar bit
held in the mounting block with a spring clip inserted into the
annular groove. This spring clip defines a C-shaped configuration
having an opening for receiving the annular groove of the bit
shank. Further, the clip defines a curvature for encouraging the
bit shank into the mounting block to prevent fluttering of the bit.
It is seen that the spring clip engages the bit shank annular
groove at two points, and the bit holder at a single point.
[0014] Taylor et al., in the '636 patent, disclose an expansible
clip configured to be received within an annular groove defined by
the bit shank, and within the receptacle of the mounting block. In
this embodiment, an annular groove is defined within the mounting
block receptacle, and is configured to receive a plurality of
protrusions defined by the expansible clip. Thus, the expansible
clip serves to selectively retain the bit within the mounting block
receptacle. This configuration is similar to mounting devices
disclosed by May et al. ('533) and in the '153 patent issued to the
inventor of the present invention.
[0015] In the '486 patent issued to O'Neill, a locking means which
appears to be in the form of a torsion spring is used to maintain
the bit within the mounting block. While there is no specific
discussion of the structure or function of the locking means, it
appears to define a pair of tabs which are engaged to enlarge the
diameter of the locking means in order to facilitate application on
and removal from an annular groove defined in the distal end of the
bit shank.
[0016] Southern, in his '548 patent, discloses a cutter drum having
a sump ring and a plurality of vanes, each defining holes for
receiving and removably mounting cutting bits for cutting material
to be mined. Retaining blocks are removably mounted in the vanes or
sump ring for engaging a base portion of the cutting bit and
retaining the cutting bit in the cutting drum. In the illustrated
embodiment of the '548 device, the cutting bits are allowed limited
axial movement within the holes.
[0017] Finally, D'Angelo, in his '775 patent, discloses a retainer
for rotatable bits. The '775 retainer includes a removable collar
consisting of at least two semi-annular members each having a
flange extending from its inside diameter and a groove disposed
about its outside diameter. The removable collar is
circumferentially mountable about a rearward portion of either the
mining tool or the wear resistant sleeve extending from the support
block when mounted therein. The extending rearward portion has a
groove circumferentially disposed therein. When the semi-annular
members are mated thereabout, the flange of each member cooperates
with the groove in the rearward portion of either the mining tool
or the wear resistant sleeve. The groove about each semi-annular
member defines in combination a substantially continuous groove
about the collar. A snap ring is removably mounted in the
substantially continuous groove about the removable collar.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention is a spring lock mechanism for an
earthworking bit. The spring lock mechanism is provided for
engaging an earthworking bit, or bit, into a positive engagement
with a bit holder, thereby reducing the failure rate of the bit
while also allowing the bit to rotate within the bit block.
[0019] The bit used in association with the present invention
includes a body which defines a bit and a shank. The shank is
adapted to be received within a receptor defined by a support
block. The bit and the support block receptor are cooperatively
configured such that when the bit is inserted into the support
block receptor, the bit is permitted to rotate within the receptor.
When the shank is fully inserted into the receptor, a distal end of
the shank is extended from the receptor. The distal end of the
shank defines a radial groove adapted to receive a retainer. The
radial groove is disposed on the shank distal end such that it is
exposed when the shank is fully inserted into the support block
receptor. A retainer is received within the radial groove for
preventing unselected removal of the bit from the support
block.
[0020] At least one spring lock mechanism is provided. Each spring
lock mechanism is configured to be received about the shank between
the support block and the retainer. The spring lock mechanism
defines a frustoconical configuration having a selected inside
diameter, outside diameter, and uncompressed height. The spring
lock mechanism defines an upper end at the inside diameter, and a
lower end at the outside diameter. The spring lock mechanism is
fabricated from a resilient material to allow it to compress. When
compressed, the spring lock mechanism defines a compressed height.
However, when the retainer is removed, the spring lock mechanism
returns to its uncompressed height. The spring lock mechanism is
configured in a preferred embodiment whereby it is received on the
shank in an uncompressed state, whereby the shank is allowed a
minimal amount of movement along its longitudinal axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The above-mentioned features of the invention will become
more clearly understood from the following detailed description of
the invention read together with the drawings in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the spring lock mechanism of
the present invention shown in association with a bit, support
block, and retainer;
[0023] FIG. 1A is an assembled view of the spring lock mechanism,
bit, support block, and retainer of FIG. 1, wherein the spring lock
mechanism is not compressed, and a gap is defined between the
spring lock mechanism and the support block;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the spring lock mechanism of
FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the spring lock
mechanism, taken along 3-3 in FIG. 2, the spring lock mechanism
being shown in an uncompressed state;
[0026] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the spring lock
mechanism, taken along 3-3 in FIG. 2, the spring lock mechanism
being shown in a compressed state;
[0027] FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the various elements depicted
in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is an end view, in section taken along 5-5 of FIG.
4;
[0029] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an alternate assembly using
two of the spring lock mechanisms of the present invention shown in
association with a bit, support block, and retainer, wherein the
two spring lock mechanisms are oriented such that the respective
upper ends are engaged;
[0030] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an alternate assembly using
two of the spring lock mechanisms of the present invention shown in
association with a bit, support block, and retainer, wherein the
two spring lock mechanisms are oriented such that the respective
lower ends are engaged;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a
spring lock mechanism incorporating various features of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the spring lock mechanism
of FIG. 8;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a further alternate embodiment
of a spring lock mechanism incorporating various features of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the spring lock
mechanism of FIG. 10; and
[0035] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an assembly using one spring
lock mechanism of FIG. 2, one spring lock mechanism of FIG. 8, and
one spring lock mechanism of FIG. 10 in combination and in
association with a bit, support block, and retainer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] A spring lock mechanism for an earthworking bit is
disclosed. The spring lock mechanism is illustrated in the Figures
generally at 10. The spring lock mechanism 10 is provided for
engaging an earthworking bit, or bit 20, into a positive engagement
with a bit holder, or support block 30, thereby reducing the
failure rate of the bit 20 while also allowing the bit 20 to rotate
within the support block 30.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bit 20 used in association
with the present invention includes a body which defines a bit 22
and a shank 24. The shank 24 is adapted to be received within a
receptor 32 defined by a holder, or support block 30, carried by an
implement of earth working equipment such as the chain excavator or
a rotatable drum, or the like. The bit 20 and the support block
receptor 32 are cooperatively configured such that when the bit 20
is inserted into the support block receptor 32, the bit 20 is
permitted to rotate within the receptor 32.
[0038] Further, the bit 20 and support block 30 are cooperatively
configured such that when the shank 24 is fully inserted into the
receptor 32, a distal end 26 of the shank 24 is extended from the
receptor 32. The distal end 26 of the shank 24 defines a radial
groove 28 adapted to receive a retainer 36. The radial groove 28 is
disposed on the shank distal end 26 such that it is exposed when
the shank 24 is fully inserted into the support block receptor 32.
A retainer 36 is received within the radial groove 28 for
preventing unselected removal of the bit 20 from the support block
30.
[0039] In the present invention, at least one spring lock mechanism
10 is provided. Each spring lock mechanism 10 is configured to be
received about the shank 24 between the support block 30 and the
retainer 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring lock
mechanism 10 is a conical spring washer.
[0040] FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B better illustrate the spring lock
mechanism 10 of the present invention. As best illustrated in FIGS.
3A and 3B, the spring lock mechanism 10 defines a frustoconical
configuration having a selected inside diameter d.sub.i, outside
diameter d.sub.o, and uncompressed height h.sub.u. For discussion
purposes, the spring lock mechanism 10 defines an upper end 12 at
the inside diameter d.sub.i, and a lower end 14 at the outside
diameter d.sub.o. The inside diameter d.sub.i is selected to
receive the bit shank distal end 26. The spring lock mechanism 10
is fabricated from a resilient material to allow it to compress.
When compressed, the spring lock mechanism 10 defines a compressed
height h.sub.c. However, when the retainer 36 is removed, the
spring lock mechanism 10 returns to its uncompressed height
h.sub.u.
[0041] While the spring lock mechanism 10 may be compressed when
assembled on the shank 24, it will be understood that the present
invention includes the embodiment wherein the spring lock mechanism
10 is not compressed. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by
incorporating one or more spring lock mechanisms 10 configured to
be closely received about the shank 24 in an uncompressed state.
Alternatively, at least one spring lock mechanism 10 is
incorporated in a compressed state and, over time and with use, the
spring lock mechanism 10 is worn until it is uncompressed. In
either embodiment, a small gap 38 is defined to allow the bit 20 to
freely rotate within the support block 30. This is best illustrated
in FIG. 1A.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the spring lock mechanism 10 is
oriented such that the lower end 14 is engaged with the bottom
surface 34 of the support block 32 and the upper end 12 is engaged
with the retainer 36. However, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the orientation of the spring lock
mechanism 10 may be reversed.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an assembly including the bit 20, support
block 30, spring lock mechanism 10 of the present invention, and
the retainer 36 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is noted that in the
unassembled illustration of FIG. 1, the spring lock mechanism 10 is
shown uncompressed, while in the assembled illustration of FIG. 4,
the spring lock mechanism 10 is compressed. This is in contrast to
the embodiment of FIG. 1A, where the spring lock mechanism 10
remains uncompressed when assembled. In this state, the spring lock
mechanism 10 exerts a force between the support block 30 and the
retainer 36. Because the support block 30 is fixed, the force from
the spring lock mechanism 10 is applied to the retainer 36 and is
transferred to the radial groove 28 of the bit shank 24. The bit 20
is thus biased into support block receptor 32. However, the bit 20
is allowed to rotate within the receptor 32, thereby providing the
benefit of prolonged life.
[0044] FIG. 5 is an end view of the assembly of FIG. 4 better
illustrating the configuration of the retainer 36. In the
illustrated embodiment, the retainer 36 is a hairpin style
retainer. However, it will be understood that other retainer
configurations such as, but not limited to, a lock washer, a snap
ring, or a hose clamp, may be used with similar results and within
the scope of the present invention.
[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, more than one spring lock
mechanism 10 may be incorporated. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the
respective upper ends 12 of two spring lock mechanisms 10 are
disposed in contact one with the other. In FIG. 7, the respective
lower ends 14 are in contact with each other. Although not
illustrated, it will be understood that more than one spring lock
mechanism 10 may be provided with each being oriented similarly and
nested within each other spring lock mechanism 10. It will further
be understood that any combination of the number and orientation of
spring lock mechanisms 10 may be incorporated within the scope of
the present invention. A plurality of spring lock mechanisms 10 is
used specifically in situations where the bottom surface 34 of the
support block 30 has been worn, thus rendering a single spring lock
mechanism 10 less effective.
[0046] Illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 is an alternate embodiment of
the spring lock mechanism 10A of the present invention. In this
embodiment, a notch 16 is defined for receiving the bit shank
distal end 26 as illustrated in FIG. 12. The notch 16 provides a
mechanism whereby the spring lock mechanism 10A may be removed and
replaced while the bit 20 is mounted within the support block 30
without requiring the removal of the retainer 36.
[0047] A further alternate embodiment of the spring lock mechanism
10B is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The spring lock mechanism
10B defines a notch 16 as in the previous embodiment for insertion
and removal from the bit shank distal end 26. The spring lock
mechanism 10B further defines a deformed portion 18 to assist in
manipulating the spring lock mechanism 10B. The spring lock
mechanism 10B further serves to replace the conventional retainer
36.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the spring lock mechanism 10,
spring lock mechanism 10A, and spring lock mechanism 10B are
compatible with each other, and can be used in cooperation with one
another in various combinations. Illustrated is a spring lock
mechanism 10 inserted over the bit shank distal end 26. A spring
lock mechanism 10A is then placed by either receiving the bit shank
distal end 26 through the opening 12A, or by inserting the bit
shank distal end 26 through the notch 16. Finally, a spring lock
mechanism 10B is then placed by inserting the bit shank distal end
26 through the notch 16. In so doing, the combination of the spring
lock mechanisms 10, 10A, 10B maintain the position of the bit 20
within the support block 30. It will be understood by those skilled
in the art that various other combinations and arrangements of the
spring lock mechanisms 10, 10A, 10B are within the scope of the
present invention.
[0049] While a conical spring washer is illustrated and described,
it will be understood that other devices may be used within the
scope of the present invention. For example, at least one wave
spring, compression spring, tension spring, or other type of spring
may be used in lieu of the conical spring washer.
[0050] From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by
those skilled in the art that a spring lock mechanism for an
earthworking bit has been provided. The spring lock mechanism is
provided for engaging an earthworking bit, or bit, into a proximate
relationship with a bit holder, thereby reducing the failure rate
of the bit while also allowing the bit to rotate within the bit
block. Because the spring lock mechanism biases the bit into the
support block receptor, the flange defined by the upper end of the
bit is drawn into close engagement with the upper surface of the
support block. This not only prevents the bit from rocking relative
to the support block, but also prevents contaminants such as dust,
dirt, mud and rocks from entering the support block receptor. Thus,
the cumulative effects of the bit shank being loosely received
within the support block receptor are substantially eliminated. In
the field, it has been shown that the life of the bit has been
increased on an average of 25%. Further, because of the reduction
of wear in the support block receptor, the life of the support
block has been increased as well.
[0051] While the present invention has been illustrated by
description of several embodiments and while the illustrative
embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not
the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the
scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages
and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to
the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or
scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
* * * * *