Abstract:
A steam weed killing apparatus with a multi-spiked attachment for delivering steam beneath the ground is provided. The multi-spiked attachment provides an arrangement of spikes to encircle the weed for heat treatment of the weed&#39;s roots. Each spike comprises an elongated hollow tube terminating at a removable tip for penetrating the ground. The elongated hollow tube has ventilation holes allowing the steam to escape. When the steam generator is operated, pressured steam is delivered to the attachment. Steam travels down the elongated hollow tube of the spike and exits at the ventilation holes to heat the roots. The tip of the spike may be removed to assist in the removal of dirt clogs within the elongated tube.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    - 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of weed killing and/or weed killing apparatuses. More specifically, this invention relates to a water vapor or steam generator for killing weeds using steam treatment and/or an attachment connectable to the steam generator for steam delivery, usually directly to the root part of weeds underground. The steam generator attachment was developed to facilitate removal of clogged passageways in the attachment and improve steam delivery to the weeds. 
         [0003]    There are many known methods for destroying weeds. Many involve the use of chemical herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides. However, strong chemical herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides can pollute the drinking water, groundwater, and surface water. They can also be dangerous to children or pets that might accidently ingest the chemicals. Therefore, there is a need and desire for environmentally friendly methods for destroying weeds. 
         [0004]    One method for killing weeds without the use of harsh chemicals is by using heat. Direct heat to weeds, for example, pouring boiling water over the weeds or applying a flame to the weed above the ground, will cause the weed to wilt. Typically, repeated applications of heat are required to fully kill the weed, gradually killing any leaves that may re-sprout from the roots. 
         [0005]    Applying heat to the root above the ground can result in heat loss as the ground absorbs a lot of heat instead of the weed itself. Therefore, it is found that applying heat directly to the root of the weed reduces heat loss and kills the weed at its source, minimizing the chances of re-sprouting. 
         [0006]    The present invention seeks to provide an improved way to kill weeds using a steam generator with an attachment which directs steam into the ground in a more energy efficient and environmentally safe manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention provides a steam weed killing apparatus with a multi-spiked attachment for delivering steam underground. The multi-spiked attachment provides an arrangement of spikes to encircle the weed for heat treatment of the weed&#39;s roots. Each spike comprises an elongated hollow tube terminating at a removable tip for penetrating the ground. The elongated hollow tube has ventilation holes allowing the steam to escape. When the steam generator is operated, pressured steam is delivered to the attachment. Steam travels down the elongated hollow tube of the spike and exits at the ventilation holes to heat and dry out the roots. The tip of the spike may be removed to assist in the removal of dirt clogs within the elongated tube. 
         [0008]    One embodiment of the present invention provides a steam weed killing apparatus having a steam generator including a water chamber and an electric steam generating means; a conduit providing a passageway for steam to pass from the steam generator to an outlet; and an attachment connectable to the conduit outlet and including a manifold receiving steam from the outlet, at least one spike attached to the manifold having an elongated hollow tube terminating at a removable tip body wherein the elongated hollow tube has at least one hole along a length of the elongated hollow tube. 
         [0009]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide a steam weed killer attachment providing a removable tip to allow dirt within the ventilation hole to be easily unclogged. 
         [0010]    The present invention provides that the elongated hollow tube has two holes along the length of the elongated hollow tube. 
         [0011]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to deliver steam directly to the weed&#39;s roots underground and to contact more of the root. 
         [0012]    The present invention provides that the two holes are spaced apart along a length of the elongated hollow tube. 
         [0013]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to deliver steam to different depths of the weed&#39;s root. The length of the spike approximates the length of the roots, allowing the steam to reach a full depth of the root. 
         [0014]    The present invention provides that the attachment has three spikes attached to the manifold. 
         [0015]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to allow the spikes to encircle the weed for 360 degree coverage of the weed&#39;s roots. 
         [0016]    The present invention provides that the attachment has at least two spikes. 
         [0017]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to allow for different arrangements of the spikes to encircle different shapes and sizes of weeds. 
         [0018]    The present invention provides that at least one hole is oriented toward a mid-point between all the spikes. 
         [0019]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to direct the steam toward a center of the weed or directly at the weed&#39;s roots. 
         [0020]    The present invention provides that a rear end of the tip body has a threaded attachment to receive a second threaded attachment of the elongated hollow tube. 
         [0021]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to permit the tip body to be detached from the elongated hollow tube to allow de-clogging of the spike&#39;s holes or the elongated hollow tube itself. 
         [0022]    The present invention provides that tip body is stainless steel. 
         [0023]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to prevent rusting of the spike and provide a material that can repeatedly pierce the ground soil without breakage. 
         [0024]    The present invention provides the tip body has a depression to facilitate rotation of the tip body with respect to the elongated hollow tube. 
         [0025]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to assist the user in gripping the tip and screwing/unscrewing the tip body to/from the elongated hollow tube. The depression is deep enough to provide a grip to the user without largely retaining debris or soil. 
         [0026]    One embodiment of the present invention provides a steam weed killing apparatus attachment including an attachment connectable at a first end to a steam source and including a manifold being at least partially hollow and connectable to the steam source at a first end, and at least one spike extending outward from a second end of the manifold and defined by an elongated hollow tube terminating at a removable tip wherein the elongated hollow tube has at least one hole disposed along a length of the elongated hollow tube. 
         [0027]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to provide a replaceable attachment which can be used in combination with a standard steam generating appliance. 
         [0028]    The present invention provides that the spikes are fixedly retained to the manifold. 
         [0029]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to allow the spikes to pierce the ground without movement of the spikes. 
         [0030]    The present invention provides that there are three spikes arranged in a triangular formation. 
         [0031]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to arrange the spikes in a formation in which they encircle the weed&#39;s roots underground. Also, providing only the necessary number of spikes necessary for effective delivery of steam to the weed. 
         [0032]    The present invention provides that the spikes protrude from the manifold at different lengths. 
         [0033]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention that the spikes deliver steam to the weed&#39;s roots at different depths within the ground. 
         [0034]    The present invention provides that the spikes protrude from the manifold at substantially similar lengths. 
         [0035]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention that the spikes are of equal length to make it easier for the attachment to penetrate the ground. 
         [0036]    The present invention provides that the tip forms a blunted end. 
         [0037]    It is thus a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention to make it easier for the spikes to penetrate the ground. 
         [0038]    One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of killing weeds having the steps of providing a steam weed killing apparatus having a steam generator, an attachment connectable to the steam generator and including a manifold receiving steam from the steam generator, at least one spike attached to the manifold having an elongated hollow tube terminating at a removable tip body wherein the elongated hollow tube has at least one hole along a length of the elongated hollow tube; connecting the attachment to the steam generator; delivering steam through the attachment; and rotating the tip body to remove the tip body from the elongated tube. 
         [0039]    One embodiment of the present invention provides that the spikes are inserted into the ground to encircle a center of the weed. 
         [0040]    One embodiment of the present invention provides the step of rotating the tip body to replace the tip body onto the elongated tube. 
         [0041]    These particular objects and advantages may apply to only some embodiments falling within the claims and thus do not define the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0042]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a user operating a steam weed killing apparatus with a spike attachment according to the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the spike attachment of the present invention with three spikes extending therefrom; 
           [0044]      FIG. 3  is an exploded, side elevational view of a spike as would be received by a manifold of the spike attachment of  FIG. 2  with a removable tip removed; 
           [0045]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of the user installing the spike attachment to the steam weed killing apparatus; and 
           [0046]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are enlarged perspective views of the user preparing to insert and then inserting the spikes of the spike attachment into the ground surrounding the weed&#39;s roots to kill the weed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0047]    A wide variety of spike attachments could be constructed in accordance with the invention as defined by the claims. Any one of these assemblies could be used in conjunction with any number of steam generators. Hence, while the preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the steam generator as shown, it is understood that the invention is in no way so limited. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a user operating a steam apparatus  10  with a spike attachment  50  according to the present invention is shown. The steam apparatus  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention may provide a housing  11 , a conduit  13  for delivering steam to a steam gun  26 , and the steam gun  26  selectively connected to an attachment, such as the spike attachment  50 . The housing  11  provides a cavity for receiving a water chamber  12  for retaining water and an electric steam generating means  17  for converting the water to steam. The spike attachment  50  may be in communication with the water chamber  12  to deliver steam directly to a weed  88  that is external to the steam apparatus  10 . 
         [0049]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the housing  11  may carry the water chamber  12  defined by a sealable enclosure holding water or another fluid that is to be converted into steam. The water chamber  12  may be filled with water through an inlet  14  which is covered and sealed by a fill cap  16 . The fill cap  16  may be twist fastened over the inlet  14  to seal the water chamber  12 . The water chamber  12  when sealed by the fill cap  16  provides a substantially closed system. The water chamber  12  may hold up to and about 2000 ml of water in order to provide extended operation of the apparatus  10 , for example, for up to one hour of steam delivery. 
         [0050]    The housing  11  may provide a handle  34  for ease of carrying. The housing  11  may also provide a tube supporter  36  for supporting the conduit  13  and/or attachments against the housing  11  in an upright position when not in use. 
         [0051]    Steam is produced within the housing  11  by a steam generating means  17 . The steam generating means  17  heats the water to produce steam, while also increasing the pressure within the water chamber  12 . The steam apparatus  10  is connected to a power source via a power cord  18 . For example, the power cord  18  may be connected to a wall outlet (not shown). An ON/OFF switch  15  operates the electric steam generating means  17 . When the steam apparatus  10  is turned ON, the electric steam generating means  17  works to heat the water within the water chamber  12 . The steam generating means  17  may be a heating element, such as heating plates that quickly heat the water. By heating the water in the substantially closed container, the pressure in the chamber  12  also increases. 
         [0052]    As the pressure within the water chamber  12  builds, the housing  11  may provide a visual indication, such as a colored light  20  or a manometer  22 , to give the user an indication of the internal pressure within the device. A certain pressure is required to properly operate the device to release steam. For example, a colored light  20  may illuminate to indicate that pressure is building within the water chamber  12  and/or there is not enough pressure to release steam. Then, the colored light  20  may un-illuminate to indicate that there is sufficient pressure within water chamber  12  to release steam. Alternatively, or in addition, the manometer  22  may provide a real-time visual indication of the internal pressure within the water chamber  12 . The manometer  22  may be a digital display or an analog dial displaying the pressure level within the water chamber  12 . For example, the desired pressure for operation may be between 2.5 and 4.5 bar, and approximately 4.2 bar. If the pressure falls below about 2.5 bar, then it may be advisable to allow the pressure to build up again before operating the device. 
         [0053]    A controller board within the housing  11  may receive input data for control of the weed killing apparatus  10  stored in a memory. The controller board generally provides an electronic computer executing a program stored in computer memory to control the steam ON/OFF switch  15 , the electric steam generating means  17 , colored lights  20  and/or manometer  22 . For example, the program may hold a schedule for a predetermined threshold pressure. The schedule may include a threshold pressure in which the device may be operated to dispel steam. When the ON/OFF switch  15  is turned ON, the controller board may communicate with the manometer  22  to receive a signal of the internal pressure. The internal pressure is compared to the threshold pressure and if the internal pressure is less than the threshold pressure, the controller board will communicate with the colored lights  20  to illuminate the lights. And if the internal pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold pressure, the controller board will communicate with the colored lights  20  to un-illuminate the lights. Other schedules may be stored, such as threshold temperatures in which the controller board may communicate with a temperature sensor and shut down the apparatus  10  if the apparatus is over the threshold temperature indicating overheating. The controller board may also communicate with a water level sensor and turn on a warning light if the water chamber  12  is low or empty and needs to be refilled with water. 
         [0054]    Steam is delivered from the water chamber  12  to the weed  88  through conduit  13 . The conduit  13  may provide a hose  24  connectable to an outlet  19  of the water chamber  12 . The outlet  19  allows the steam to exit the housing  11 . The hose  24  may be flexible tubing allowing the steam to pass from the outlet  19  along the length of the hose  24 . The end of the hose  24  may provide a steam gun  26  having a nozzle  28  for selective attachment of an attachment device and a trigger  30  or switch for controlling the passage of steam through the nozzle  28 . The trigger  30  may be a valve controlling the flow of steam through the nozzle  28 . Once there is sufficient pressure built up, the user may press the trigger  30  of the steam apparatus  10  to deliver steam out the nozzle  28 . A generally closed system is found between the water chamber  12 , conduit  13 , and steam gun  26 . Opening the nozzle  28  will open the closed system to release the pressurized steam. 
         [0055]    The nozzle  28  may be smaller in diameter than a receiving end of an attachment part, as will be further described below. The nozzle  28  may include a button  32  for receiving and securing an attachment part, as will be further described below. 
         [0056]    The steam apparatus  10  as described may generally conform to the steam product sold by Dynamic Solutions Worldwide, LLC under the name Dynasteam®. It is understood that various attachment parts may be attached to the nozzle  28  of steam gun  26  for different purposes of steam delivery. However, two such attachments, spike attachment  50  and extension tube attachment  40 , will be described in further detail below. 
         [0057]    An isometric view of the spike attachment  50  that would be installed on the steam apparatus  10  is shown in  FIG. 2 . The spike attachment  50  may be installed onto the nozzle  28  directly, or via an extension tube attachment  40  installed between the nozzle  28  and the spike attachment  50  as seen in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  shows two extension tube attachments  40  connected in parallel between the nozzle  28  and the spike attachment  50 . In an alternative embodiment, one extension tube attachment  40  is connected in parallel between the nozzle  28  and the spike attachment  50 . In an alternative embodiment, the spike attachment  50  is attached directly to the nozzle  28  of the steam gun  26 . 
         [0058]    The extension tube attachment  40  may be an elongated tube allowing steam flow therethrough the tube. More than one extension tube attachment  40  may be connected in parallel to increase the distance between the nozzle  28  and the spike attachment  50 . For example, multiple extension tube attachments  40  may be connected in parallel to a length that is approximately half of an average human&#39;s height. A first end  42  of the extension tube attachment  40  may be attached to the nozzle  28 , and a second end  44  of the extension tube attachment  40  may be attached to the spike attachment  50  or another extension tube attachment  40 . 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an isometric view of the spike attachment  50  of the present invention is shown. The spike attachment  50  according to one embodiment of the invention includes a manifold  52  attachable to the extension tube attachment  40  (or nozzle  28 ), and includes at least one spike  56  extending therefrom the manifold  52 . 
         [0060]    The manifold  52  of the spike attachment  50  is defined by a hollow tubular body with an open end  60  opposite end  62 . The open end  60  has a slightly larger diameter than the extension tube attachment  40  (or nozzle  28 ) to be connectable therewith, as will be further described below. The manifold  52  also may provides a hole  54  proximate to but inward of the open end  60  for receiving the button  32  of the extension tube attachment  40 , as will be further described below. The open end  60  is adapted to receive steam from the nozzle  28  into the hollowed body of the manifold  52 . The end  62  of the manifold  52  branches into several openings  59  where the multiple spikes  56  are received. The end  62  of the manifold  52  may be partially enclosed by a support surface  58  for retaining the spikes  56  therein. The support surface  58  provides openings  59  which are substantially equal in diameter to the diameter of the elongated tubes  72 . The elongated tubes  72  of the spikes  56  are received within and supported by the openings  59 . 
         [0061]    The spikes  56  may be defined by elongated tubes  72  attached to removable tips  80 . The elongated tubes  72  are substantially hollow with opposing open ends providing a conduit for steam to pass through. A first end  64  of the elongated tubes  72  are inserted into the support surface  58  and an opposite second end  66  are attached to the removable tip  80 . The first end  64  communicates with the manifold  52  to allow steam to pass from the manifold  52  through the hollow tubes  72 . 
         [0062]    As seen in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the support surface  58  may carry three spikes  56  protruding outward in a parallel fashion. The spikes  56  may be between approximately 2.75 inches and 4.25 inches in length. The length of the spikes  56  may approximate a length of extension of the weed&#39;s roots  92  below ground. The spikes  56  may be the same length or be different lengths with respect to each other. The spikes  56  may be constructed of a metal, such as stainless steel. 
         [0063]    The three spikes  56  may be arranged in an equally spaced apart formation, and with three spikes the formation may be arranged in a triangular formation. It is understood that with four spikes, the spikes may take a rectangular formation, and with more than four spikes, the spikes may take a circular formation. 
         [0064]    The spikes  56  may be fixedly attached to the support surface  58  to prevent movement of the spikes  56 . In this respect, the spikes  56  are unable to slide with respect to the support surface  58 . The spikes  56  may be retained within the openings  59  of the support surface  58  by an adhesive attachment around a circumference of the spike  56 , however, it is understood that other attachment means may be used to attach the spikes  56  to the manifold  52 . For example, the spikes  56  may also be friction fitted within the openings  59 . 
         [0065]    Referring also to  FIG. 3 , a plurality of ventilation holes  68  may be disposed along a length of the elongated tubes  72  allowing steam to escape. The ventilation holes  68  allow passage from an interior to an exterior of the elongated tubes  72 . The ventilation holes  68  are generally close to the removable tip  80 , when the tip is attached, and further from the support surface  58  to allow deeper delivery of steam, but may be arranged at any position along the length of the elongated tubes  72 . Any number of ventilation holes  68  may be present, and at any location along the elongated tubes  72 . As shown, the elongated tubes  72  include two ventilation holes  68  per spike  56  spaced apart along the elongated tubes  72 . A first hole is positioned approximately 2.5 inches from the end of the removable tip  80 , and a second hole is positioned 3.25 inches from the end of the removable tip  80 . 
         [0066]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , the ventilation holes  68  may be generally oriented such that the holes  68  face inward toward a center of the spike  56  arrangement. For example, the holes  68  may face toward a center of the triangle, rectangle or circular formation formed by the spikes  56 . In this respect, the steam exiting the ventilation holes  68  is directed toward a center of the spike  56  arrangement where the weed  88  is centrally located. 
         [0067]    The second end  66  of the hollow tube  72  is enclosed by the removable tip  80 . Removable tip  80  provides a cylindrical body  82  tapering to a point  84 . The cylindrical body  82  extends along an axis  100  to the removable tip  80  formed by a face converging to the point  84 . The point  84  may be pointed or blunted for ease of penetration into the soil. The removable tip  80  holds a threaded boss  70  opposite the point  84  and is substantially equal in diameter to the hollow tube  72  as it attaches to a threaded socket  74  of the elongated tube  72 . It is understood that many coupling mechanisms are available to attach the removable tip  80  to the elongated tube  72 . 
         [0068]    The removable tip  80  may include a depression  76  assisting in the rotation of the removable tip  80  with respect to the hollow tube  72 . The depression  76  may be relatively shallow to allow the user to grip the removable tip  80  without retaining dirt therein. The depression  76  may also be replaced with a protrusion also allowing the user to more easily grip the tip  80  for twisting and/or removal. 
         [0069]    We proceed to describe assembly and operation of the steam apparatus  10 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the user attaches the spike attachment  50  to the nozzle  28  of the steam gun  26  or the extension tube attachment  40 . As shown, the spike attachment  50  is attached to a receiving end of the extension tube attachment  40 . The spike attachment  50  is installed by fitting the open end  60  of the manifold  52  over the receiving end of the extension tube attachment  40 . 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the button  32  of the extension tube attachment  40  may be biased toward an extended or outward state. To allow the connectable ends to join, the button  32  may be depressed inward to allow the open end  60  of the spike attachment  50  to slide over the attachment end of the extension tube attachment  40 . Once the mating ends are fitted together, the button  32  may align within the hole  54  so that the button  32  may extend outward through the hole  54 . Thus, the button  32  and hole  54  are fixed with respect to one another to secure the extension tube attachment  40  to the manifold  52 . It is understood that the attachment ends of the nozzle  28 , extension tube attachment  40 , and/or spike attachment  50  may be coupled in a similar manner. The connection ends of the extension tube attachment  40  and the manifold  52  are also friction fitted so as to provide a continuous substantially sealed passageway between the nozzle  28  and/or attachments. 
         [0071]    The user unscrews the fill cap  16  and fills the chamber  12  to a desired water level with water or another fluid. Once filled to a desired level, the fill cap  16  is screwed back on to seal the chamber  12 . 
         [0072]    The steam apparatus  10  is connected to a power source via the power cable  18  and the ON/OFF switch  15  is turned ON to operate the electric steam generating means  17 . Steam will proceed to build within the water chamber  12  until there is an indication that the pressure is high enough to operate the device and eject steam. This may be indicated to the user by the colored light  20  or manometer  22 . When there is an indication that the pressure is sufficient, the ON/OFF switch  15  may be turned OFF. 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , once the steam apparatus  10  is pressurized enough to eject steam, the user inserts the spikes  56  of the spike attachment  50  through the top soil  90  and into the ground surrounding the weed  88 . The removable tips  80  and point  84  assist to penetrate the soil  90 . 
         [0074]    The spikes  56  may be positioned to surround a center of the weed  88 . Once the full length of the spikes  56  are fully inserted into the soil  90 , the user may press the trigger  30  of the steam gun  26  to expel steam from the steam apparatus  10 . The steam travels out the nozzle  28 , through the extension tube attachment  40 , through the spike attachment  50 , and exits through the ventilation holes  68  of the spikes  56  to be delivered directly to the roots  92  of the weed  88  underground. The holes  68  are oriented to expel the steam toward the center of the weed&#39;s roots  92 . The different vertical positions of the holes  68  also allow the steam to penetrate different depths of the weed&#39;s roots  92 . 
         [0075]    The user may choose to lift the spikes  56  vertically during steam ejection to change the location of steam delivery, while still making sure that the ventilation holes  68  remain within the soil  90 . After applying the trigger  30  for several seconds, for example five to six seconds, the user releases the trigger  30  and removes the spikes  56  form the soil  90 . The user may then apply the spikes  56  to another weed  88  as needed. The user may be assisted by handle  34  when moving the housing  12  to a different location. 
         [0076]    After application of the spikes  56  into the ground, moisture from the steam may mix with the soil  90 , causing the ventilation holes  68  to get clogged with soil  90  or debris. The user may easily remove the blockage by unscrewing the removable tips  80  from the elongated tubes  72  of the spikes  56 . The user may be facilitated by the depression  76  whereby the user places his or her finger within the depression  76  to provide a better grip on the removable tip  80 . The user may twist the removable tip  80  to unscrew the removable tip  80  from the elongated tubes  72 . The user may then clean or unclog the inside of the elongated tubes  72 , removing any soil or debris that may have clogged the passageway through the elongated tubes  72  or the ventilation holes  68  from clear passage. Once the passageway has been cleared, the user can re-screw the removable tip  80  to the elongated tubes  72  by twisting the removable tip  80  with respect to the cylindrical body  82 , to re-secure the removable tip  80  to the elongated tubes  72 . 
         [0077]    It is understood that the removeably tips  80  may be removed during storage or shipping as desired to provide a more compact storage. 
         [0078]    It may also be desired to replace the removable tip  80  over time due to normal wear and tear or if a tip  80  breaks. 
         [0079]    While the embodiment shown provides a spike attachment  50  having three parallel spikes, it is understood that the spike attachment  50  may take a different configuration without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the spikes  56  may be any number and any arrangement. Moreover, the length, size and shape of the spikes  56  may differ while still providing a removable tip  80  consistent with the spirit of the invention. 
         [0080]    Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”. “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. 
         [0081]    When introducing elements or features of the present disclosure and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
         [0082]    It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein and the claims should be understood to include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims. All of the publications described herein, including patents and non-patent publications, are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.