DERRICK MACHINE WITH HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM AND FULLY RADIAL OUTRIGGERS

Description

BACKGROUND

A. Technical Field

This invention pertains to the field of powered hydraulic equipment, particularly digger/derrick systems having a hydraulically operated system that drives a track drive system, boom assembly and an auger assembly.

B. Description of Related Art

Digger/derrick systems are commonly used that include an auger for digging holes into the ground for sinking utility poles, wells, and other such operations. Common digger/derrick systems are typically operated using diesel engines that power a hydraulic pump for raising and powering an arm and for rotating the auger, in addition to a bucket for lifting personnel into the air.

The present invention provides a unique control valve structure and application that enables fully radial outriggers and provides unmatched stability and flexibility compared to current alternatives.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a derrick machine, having a track carriage, a platform designed to be attached to the track carriage, a boom system having a pedestal connected to the platform, a turret rotatably connected to the pedestal, a boom pivotally connected to the turret, a rotation gear attached to the turret and the pedestal, wherein the rotation gear is configured to rotate the turret, while the pedestal is held stationary, at least one stabilizing leg pivotally connected to the platform, and at least one hydraulic piston. Wherein the turret rotates, the boom pivots, and the stabilizing legs pivot via activation of the at least one hydraulic piston.

In accordance with another element of the invention, the derrick machine may further include a control system having a frame, at least one mode selection mechanism, at least one control input, and at least one control valve. Wherein, the at least one control valve is designed to be contained within the frame, the at least one control input is designed to selectively open and close the at least one control valve to selectively activate the at least one hydraulic piston, the mode selection mechanism is designed to selectively toggle between different active control valves, and the at least one control valve selectively opens and closes the active control valve.

In accordance with another element of the invention the control system may be designed to toggle between a plurality of modes. The control system may further include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, wherein the mode selection mechanism selectively toggles between the first, second, and third modes, and wherein each mode corresponds to a different active control valve. Wherein, when the control system is toggled to the first mode, the at least one control valve selectively activates at least one hydraulic piston associated with the boom system, when the control system is toggled to the second mode, the at least one control valve selectively activates at least one hydraulic piston associated with the at least one stabilizing leg, and when the control system is toggled to the third mode, the control system selectively activates at least one hydraulic piston associated with the track carriage. The control system may further include a remote mode configured to allow remote control of the control system, wherein the remote mode is selectively toggled via the mode selection mechanism. The control system may be configured such that it cannot be toggled to the third mode unless the boom is in a stowed position.

In accordance with another element of the invention, a derrick machine wherein the boom has at least two telescoping segments configured to slide relative to each other. The mode selection mechanism may be a button panel. The control input may be a control lever.

In accordance with another element of the invention, a method of controlling a derrick machine, including the steps of: providing a derrick machine having a track carriage, a boom, at least one stabilizing leg, and at least one hydraulic piston, wherein the boom rotates and/or pivots, and the stabilizing legs pivot via activation of the at least one hydraulic piston. Consolidating the derrick machine's hydraulic systems into a control system having at least one mode selection mechanism, at least one control input, at least one control valve, and wherein: the at least one control input is designed to selectively open and close the at least one control valve to selectively activate the at least one hydraulic piston, the mode selection mechanism is designed to selectively toggle between different active control valves, and the at least one control valve selectively opens and closes the active control valve. Switching the control system to selectively operate the boom, the at least one stabilizing leg, or the track carriage.

In accordance with another element of the invention, the method further including the steps of switching the control system to a mode allowing operation of the at least one stabilizing leg, using the at least one control input to selectively activate at least one hydraulic piston associated with the at least one stabilizing leg, and causing the at least one stabilizing leg to pivot to a secure position.

In accordance with another element of the invention, the method further including the steps of switching the control system to a mode allowing operation of the boom, using the at least one control input to selectively activate at least one hydraulic piston associated with the boom, and causing the boom to selectively rotate and/or pivot to a position.

In accordance with another element of the invention, the method further including the steps of switching the control system to a mode allowing operation of the track carriage, using the at least one control input to selectively activate the track carriage, and causing the track carriage to transport the derrick machine from a first location to a second location.

In accordance with another element of the invention, a derrick machine including a track carriage, a platform designed to be attached to the track carriage, a boom system having: a pedestal connected to the platform, a turret rotatably connected to the pedestal, a boom pivotally connected to the turret, and a rotation gear attached to the turret and the pedestal, wherein the rotation gear is configured to rotate the turret, while the pedestal is held stationary. The derrick machine may also include at least one stabilizing leg pivotally connected to the platform and at least one hydraulic piston, wherein the turret rotates, the boom pivots, and the stabilizing legs pivot via activation of the at least one hydraulic piston. The derrick machine may include a control system having, a frame, at least one mode selection mechanism, at least one control input, and at least one control valve, wherein: the at least one control valve is designed to be contained within the frame, the at least one control input is designed to selectively open and close the at least one control valve to selectively activate the at least one hydraulic piston, the mode selection mechanism is designed to selectively toggle between different active control valves, and the at least one control valve selectively opens and closes the active control valve.

In accordance with another element of the invention, the derrick machine wherein the control system is designed to toggle between a plurality of modes. The control system may further include a first mode, a second mode, a third mode, and a fourth mode, wherein the mode selection mechanism selectively toggles between the first, second, third, and fourth modes, each mode corresponds to a different active control valve, and wherein: when the control system is toggled to the first mode, the at least one control valve selectively activates at least one hydraulic piston associated with the boom system, when the control system is toggled to the second mode, the at least one control valve selectively activates at least one hydraulic piston associated with the at least one stabilizing leg, when the control system is toggled to the third mode, the control system selectively activates at least one hydraulic piston associated with the track carriage, when the control system is toggled to the fourth mode, the control system selectively activates a remote mode configured to allow remote control of the control system, and wherein the remote mode allows selective toggling between the first, second, and third modes. The control system may be configured such that it cannot be toggled to the third mode unless the boom is in a stowed position.

In accordance with another element of the invention, a derrick machine wherein the boom has at least two telescoping segments configured to slide relative to each other. The mode selection mechanism may be a button panel. The control input may be a control lever.

Other benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed derrick machine may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIGS. 1-7 are varying views of embodiments of the full digger derrick and digger derrick assembly.

FIGS. 8-12 are varying views of embodiments of the radial slab.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the front outrigger assembly.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the rear outrigger assembly.

FIGS. 15-20 are varying views of embodiments of the complete valve frame assembly.

FIGS. 21-23 are varying views of embodiments of the control panel assembly.

FIG. 24 is a view of an embodiment of the control valve.

FIG. 25 is a table of zone, port, and valve settings for the control valve according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a hydraulic schematic of the control valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components, FIGS. 1-7 shows a derrick machine 100 which may include a track carriage 128, a fuel tank 132, disposed adjacent to a platform assembly (or platform, disclosed in detail below). The derrick machine 100 may further include outlets 126 disposed on the platform assembly and a hydraulic tank 130 disposed on the platform assembly. The derrick machine may further include a boom system 101, which can have a main boom 112, a secondary boom 118, a tertiary boom 120, which may be a fiberglass boom, and a sheavehead 122. The boom system 101 may further include a winch device 102, turret fasteners 104 (which may be used to secure boom system 101 components to a turret, as discussed further below), a lift cylinder 116, and lift cylinder fasteners 106. Further, at least one cattrack cover 110 may be disposed over at least a portion of the boom system 101, and the boom system 101 may further include an auger stow 108. A boom/bucket selector 138, and an auger/winch selector 140, may be disposed on the turret (discussed further below). The derrick machine may further include an auger assembly 103 having an auger 114, an auger drive 124, and a bar extension 142. The derrick machine 100 may include work lights 144 and outlets 126, disposed on a control system 500 (discussed further below). In particular embodiments, the auger assembly may be a bucket assembly, including a bucket and bucket drive.

With further reference to FIGS. 1-7, the derrick machine 100 may further include a pad carrier 216 disposed on the platform assembly and winch guides 200 disposed on the boom system 101. The derrick machine 100 may further include an angle indicator 204 and a level indicator 206, which may be disposed on the boom system 101, or anywhere an operator may easily read them, chosen according to sound engineering judgment. In particular embodiments, the angle indicator may display the angle of the boom 112, 118, 120, and the level indicator 206 may be display the level of the machine 100. The boom system 101 may further include a pedestal 207, disposed on the platform assembly, a rotation gear 208, and a turret 209. Additionally, a number of stabilizing legs 212f, 212r (or outriggers) may be connected to the platform assembly, in a manner described further below. The number of stabilizing legs 212f, 212r may be any number chosen according to sound engineering judgment and may be hingedly, rotatably, pivotally, or otherwise connected in such a manner as to allow the stabilizing legs 212f, 212r to turn relative to the platform assembly. The control system may further include a fuse panel 210, disposed on the outside of the control system 500, as well as a control panel assembly 516 and an operator platform assembly 222. The derrick machine 100 may further include an engine cover 214 and a boom stow 218, which both may be disposed on the platform assembly. The auger assembly 103 may further include an auger hanger 220. The derrick machine 100 may also include an engine assembly 224 and engine supports 226.

With further reference to FIGS. 8-12, the derrick machine 100 may include a platform assembly (or radial slab) 301. In accordance with a particular embodiment, the platform assembly may include inner frame rails 300a, 300b, at least one front inner frame plate 302, a frame gusset plate 304, a pedestal reinforcement 306, a large cross plate 310, an engine bay rear plate 312, an engine bay front plate 314, a rear cross plate 316, at least one large rear inner frame plate 318, a valve frame mount plate 322, an outer frame rail 324, a winch receiver weldment 328, a hydraulic tank mount 330, a slab filler skin 332, a left mounting channel 334, a right mounting channel 336, a amounting channel gusset 338, and valve frame gusset 340. The pedestal 207 may be mounted a pedestal base plate 376, which may further be mounted to a top rear slab skin 346. The platform assembly may further include a bottom rear slab skin 348, a front leg mount weldment 350, a rear leg reinforcement 352, a rear leg mount weldment 354, a frame extension plate 356, a top front slab skin 358, a bottom front slab skin 360, and a tool circuit plate 362. The platform assembly may further include a rear leg reinforcement 364, a front outer frame rail 366, a rear leg interior slab plate 368, a large cross plate 372, a boom stow tube 374, and a tie down hook 378. It is to be understood that, while the structural components mentioned hereinabove represent a particular combination of structural components, like structures may be used in a similar manner to those described above to form a platform assembly that may function in the manner described further below.

With further reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the derrick machine 100 may include a number of stabilizing legs 212f, 212r. In particular embodiments, these stabilizing legs may have stabilizing assemblies 400a, 400b including an outer outrigger 402a, 402b, an inner outrigger 404a, 404b, and a fitting cover 406a, 406b. The stabilizing assemblies 400a, 400b may further include a foot assembly 410a, 410b, an external cylinder leg pin assembly 412a, 412b, an inner cylinder pin 414a, 414b, a foot pin 416a, 416b, and an outrigger wear pad 418a, 418b. The stabilizing assemblies 400a, 400b may have at least one hydraulic cylinder, which may include an extend cylinder 420a, 420b and a deploy cylinder 422a, 422b. The stabilizing assemblies 400a, 400b may further include at least one external retaining ring 424a, 424b.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, in particular embodiments, the derrick machine 100 may include a front stabilizing assembly 400a (shown particularly in FIG. 13) having an outer outrigger 402a, an inner outrigger 404a, and a fitting cover 406a. The front stabilizing assembly 400a may further include a smart plug cover assembly 408a, a foot assembly 410a, an external cylinder leg pin assembly 412a, an inner cylinder pin 414a, a foot pin 416a, and an outrigger wear pad 418a. The front stabilizing assembly 400a may have at least one cylinder, which may include an extend cylinder 420a and a deploy cylinder 422a. The front stabilizing assembly 400a may further include at least one external retaining ring 424a. In particular embodiments, the derrick machine 100 may also include a rear stabilizing assembly 400b (shown particularly in FIG. 14) having an outer outrigger 402b, an inner outrigger 404b, and a fitting cover 406b. The rear stabilizing assembly 400b may further include a smart plug cover assembly 408b, a foot assembly 410b, an external cylinder leg pin assembly 412b, an inner cylinder pin 414b, a foot pin 416b, and an outrigger wear pad 418b. The rear stabilizing assembly 400b may have at least one cylinder, which may include an extend cylinder 420b and a deploy cylinder 422b. The rear stabilizing assembly 400b may further include at least one heavy duty external retaining ring 424b.

With further reference to FIGS. 15-20, and in accordance with a particular embodiment, the derrick machine 100 may include a control system 500 having a valve frame assembly 501. The valve frame assembly 501 may include a valve frame weldment 502, a top cover 504, a front cover 506, a rear cover 508, a right cover 510, and a left cover 512. The valve frame assembly 501 of the control system 500 may further include at least one control valve system 514 and a control panel assembly 516. The control panel assembly 516 may have a mode selection mechanism (as described further below), and the valve frame assembly 501 may further include a backer panel 518, an operator platform step 520, an operator platform latch 522, operator platform arm mounts 524, 526, and at least one operator platform arm 528. The valve frame assembly 501 may further include a hose reel bracket 530, a light mount bracket 532, a light 534, a fuse box cover 536, a relay 538, a fuse box 540, an alarm 542, a remote receiver 544, a controller 546, and a distribution block 548. The valve frame assembly 501 may include a can bus rail 550, a power contactor 552, and a horn 554. The valve frame assembly 501 may include at least one quick disconnect coupler 556, 558, which may further include a male quick connect coupler 556 and a female quick disconnect coupler 558. The valve frame assembly 501 may further include a bulkhead fitting 560, a pressure gauge 562, a manifold 564, a pressure return filter 566, and a cup holder 568. The valve frame assembly 501 may further include a light swivel mount 570 and a filter housing 572. The valve frame assembly 501 may further include at least one control input 574, which in a particular embodiment may be hydraulic drive controls 576 and/or track controls 578, but should be understood can include any levers, buttons, wheels, or other input mechanism chosen according to sound engineering judgment, whether hydraulic, electric, gas, or any other power source chosen according to sound engineering judgment. The valve frame assembly 501 may further include a speed control switch 580, track controls 578, and a valve frame display panel 582.

With further reference to FIGS. 21-23, in a particular embodiment, the derrick machine 100 may include a control panel assembly 516, which may have a control panel weldment 602, a slope alarm 604, an emergency stop control 606, and at least one toggle switch 608. The control panel assembly 516 may further include a fuel gauge 610, an outlet 612, a light panel 614, which may also represent a mode selection mechanism 624 (as described further below) a horn button 616, a LOFA panel 618, an interlock key switch 620, and a throttle cable 622.

With further reference to FIGS. 24-26, and in a particular embodiment, the control valve system 514 of the derrick machine 100 may include a number of ports 700 organized into a first zone 702, a second zone 704, a third zone 706, a fourth zone 708, a fifth zone 710, a sixth zone 712, a seventh zone 714, and an eighth zone 716. The ports 700 of the control valve system 514 may also be organized into ports A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, and B3. In a particular embodiment represented by FIG. 24, the ports 700 may direct hydraulic power according to the tables in FIG. 25 and the hydraulic schematic in FIG. 26.

With reference to FIGS. 1-31, and in a particular embodiment of the present derrick machine 100, the derrick machine 100 includes a track carriage 128 and a platform 301 designed to be attached to the track carriage 128. A boom system 101 is supported by a pedestal 207 connected to the platform 301. A turret 209 rotatably connected to the pedestal 207 whereupon a boom 112, 118, 120 is pivotally connected to the turret 209. Stabilizing legs 212f, 212r pivotally connected to the platform 301, preferably in the front and back of the derrick machine 100 to provide stability against tipping over during operation. The boom system 101, the turret 209 and the stabilizing legs 212f, 212r are each operated using respective hydraulic pistons 116, 420/422 which are activated to respectively implement rotation of the turret 209, pivoting of the boom 112, 118, 120, and pivoting in and out of position of the stabilizing legs 212f, 212r.

In accordance with another element of the invention, the derrick machine 100 may further include a control system 500 having a valve frame assembly 501 with a control valve system 514 for controlling the valves of a hydraulic system. The control valve system 514 can include hydraulic drive controls 576 (FIG. 19) such as a right control 720 and a left control 722 (FIG. 24). Each of these controls 720, 722 can include four manual levers which respectively govern four left control inputs 724 and four right control inputs 726, which can be hydraulic ports 700. The control inputs 724, 726 in turn selectively actuate four respective left control valves 728 and four right control valves 730. Each of these left and right controls 720, 722 respectively govern a total of eight zones 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716, 718 which are then used for operating the control system 500 in the operational modes shown in FIG. 25. The control valves 728, 730 are designed to be contained within the valve frame assembly 501.

The control inputs 724, 726 are designed to selectively open and close the respectively associated control valves 728, 730 to selectively activate the respective hydraulic pistons 116, 420/422 which are activated to respectively implement rotation of the turret 209, pivoting of the boom 101, and pivoting in and out of position of the stabilizing legs 212f, 212r. The controls 720, 722, in particular the control panel assembly 516, may utilize a plurality of mode selection mechanisms to dynamically change between different control functions. In which, various positions of the manual levers enable selective activation between different active control valves of the hydraulic pistons 116, 420/422, based on various activation states of the left and right control valves 728, 730 which are selectively opened and closed as one or more active control valves in accordance with the hydraulic schematic depicted in FIG. 34. In this manner, the levers enable selective control over the zones 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716, 718. By engaging a mode selection mechanism, the activation state of the control valves 728, 730 may be changed to activate a different hydraulic subsystem through a different set of zones. For example, a manual lever that operates the boom system 101 when pushed in the forward direction, when the mode selection mechanism toggles to a different mode, may thereafter operate the stabilizing legs, when pushed in the same direction. The same control inputs engaged in the same way (direction) may nonetheless allow the control system to activate different derrick machine systems, based on the current mode toggled by the mode selection mechanism. The mode selection mechanism may be buttons, switches, levers, dials, or any other toggling apparatus chosen according to sound engineering judgment.

In accordance with another element of the invention, the control system 500 may be designed to toggle between a plurality of modes. The control system may further include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, wherein the mode selection mechanism selectively toggles between the first, second, and third modes, and wherein each mode corresponds to a different derrick machine subsystem. In a particular embodiment, the mode selection mechanism may more specifically toggle between different functions of the active control valves 728, 730. In a particular embodiment, when the control system is toggled to the first mode, selected ones of the control valve 728, 730 selectively activate the hydraulic pistons 116 associated with the boom system. When the control system 500 is toggled to the second mode, selected ones of the control valves 728, 730 selectively activate the hydraulic pistons 420/422 associated with the stabilizing legs or outriggers 212r, 212f. When the control system 500 is toggled to the third mode, the control system 500 selectively activates the track carriage 128. The control system 500 may further include a remote mode configured to allow remote control of the control system 500. The remote mode may be selectively toggled via the mode selection mechanism. The control system 500 may be configured such that it cannot be toggled to the third mode unless the boom 112, 118, 120 is in a stowed position.

The present digger derrick machine 100 utilizes a hydraulic valve frame assembly 501 and control valve system 514 to control multiple functions of the machine 100, including the outriggers 212f, 212r, track drive travel/extension/retraction, and boom. The present invention thereby combines the functionality of these three valve assemblies into a single hydraulic control system 500. By using this hydraulic valve frame assembly 501 and control valve system 514, the present machine 100 thereby eliminates other components. These three control functions are now placed within arm's reach of the operator rather than having controls at their own separate locations. By having a single hydraulic control valve system 514 centrally located, the ergonomics of the machine 100 are improved, thereby enhancing safety since the operator can readily select a desired control valve. The flow from a hydraulic pump goes into a hydraulic filter and then directly into the single hydraulic control valve system 514. This valve system 514 has the capability to control all of the hydraulic functions of the machine 100.

The present control panel assembly 516 includes a logic controller that utilizes a CAN bus communication network to manage the logic programming and machine functions. Upon starting the machine 100, a user selects a hydraulic function/mode - boom, outrigger, or track. To select one of these functions, a user presses the corresponding button on a button panel 614 (the mode selection mechanism in this example case) of the control panel 516 associated with the selected function. The control panel 516 includes a plurality of multiple switches 608, gauges 610, indicator lights on the button panel 614, controls, etc.

The button panel 614 may have specific colors and functions associated with it. It should be understood that the colors described here are exemplary only, and that any colors and color coordination may be used in any combination to correlate to the functions of the derrick machine 100. In a particular embodiment, when the machine 100 is started, it defaults to remote mode to ensure that if a lineman is in the bucket of the machine, the user is able to communicate with the controller via the radio remote. The remote mode button will illuminate purple. users are able to press the remote button to turn this mode off. Boom mode can be selected on the button panel 614 for operating the derrick boom system or boom assembly 101. To enable this function, in a particular embodiment, all outriggers 212r, 212f must be deployed. A safety interlock can ensure that all outriggers 212r, 212f are deployed before the boom 112, 118, 120 is operated. Users will not be able to enter boom mode until those outrigger conditions are met. When outriggers 212r, 212f are safely and properly deployed, the boom mode button will illuminate yellow. Alternatively, the boom mode button may illuminate yellow as soon as a user presses the associated button (mode selection mechanism in this example case) or other input. The second function, outrigger mode can be selected on the button panel, allowing users to control all four outriggers 212r, 212f and eight outrigger cylinders on the machine 100. When users press the outrigger mode button on the button panel 614 it illuminates white.

On the button panel 614, there may be eight buttons associated with all eight hydraulic outrigger cylinders on the machine. There may be two cylinders per outrigger 212r, 212f. There may be a deploy hydraulic cylinder that raises and lowers the outrigger leg, and there may be an extension cylinder that extends or retracts the outrigger leg. The deploy cylinder on each outrigger leg may monitor the hydraulic pressure inside the cylinder to let the operator know if the outrigger 212r, 212f is deployed correctly. The extension cylinder on the outrigger leg monitors the position of the cylinder rod to let the operator know if the outrigger is in the correct, fully extended position. When an outrigger condition is met, either fully extended or a certain pressure met, the associated button will begin to flash green. Once all eight outrigger cylinder conditions are met (deployed & extend x four outriggers 212f, 212r), the flashing green lights on the button panel 614 turn to solid green. This signifies that all outrigger conditions are met and that users are able to use the derrick boom assembly 101.

In a particular embodiment, the third function, track mode can be selected on the button panel. This model will let the operator control the drive function of the track undercarriage 128 drive and the hydraulic extension/retraction function. In a particular embodiment, operators may not be allowed to enter track mode unless the boom 112, 118, 120 is in the stowed position. This safety interlock blocks users from operating the track undercarriage 128 when the boom assembly 101 is not in the stowed position. When users press the track mode button, it may illuminate blue.

All of the colors that are associated with the button panel may be matched to the colors that are on stickers by the valve frame assembly 501. For example, when in track mode, the button is blue. The decal that is by the valve has the track mode functions in blue writing. This increases the usability of the machine when you match the mode's button color to the decal color.

The remote mode allows control of the control system 500 from afar. When the operator selects what mode they want to work in, this sends a signal to the control system 500 on the machine 100. This control system 500 reads that signal and tells the hydraulic control valve 514 system what functions need the hydraulic flow. In a particular embodiment, two modes cannot be operated at the same time. In this way, the machine 100 can thus be operated from the control system 500 or with remote control. A particular embodiment may feature a 5-second boom enable feature and notification light for enhanced operator comfort and safety.

Numerous aspects have been described, hereinabove. While the derrick machine provided herein has been described in connection with various illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function disclosed herein without deviating therefrom. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments may be combined to provide the desired characteristics. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. Therefore, the holder apparatus should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitations of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: