Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Reexamination Certificate
1996-02-05
2001-01-23
Smith, Creighton (Department: 2742)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
C052S301000, C405S216000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176062
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates generally to structures for protection of utility poles and the like.
Various guards, fenders, and the like for protection of poles, guard posts, pilings, and the like are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,181,849; 3,416,484; 3,602,109; 4,183,505; 4,244,156; 5,299,883; 5,369,925; and 5,397,197. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,156 to Watts, Jr. discloses a pole and piling protector comprising a tubular plastic shell having a foamed adhesive beneath the shell. It is stated that the foamed adhesive provides a supporting cushion for the shell that inhibits cracking or puncturing from impact. The adhesive foams in place during application to form a layer between the shell and piling. U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,505 to Maestri discloses a guard barrier system comprising cylindrical bumper elements made of a tire material and axially mounted on posts for rotation thereon. Safety barriers filled with sand have been placed next to telephone poles. Plate steel splits have been provided on telephone poles to protect woodpecker damage as well as to act as braces.
It is considered desirable to provide an inexpensive yet effective protector for utility poles, sometimes called telephone poles, and the like which will protect the poles from damage such as abrasions caused by low-speed vehicular impacts. It is also considered desirable that these protective structures be able to withstand such low-speed impacts so that they need not be replaced often. However, a good impact-absorbing material such as a foam tends to tear during such low-speed impacts. The adhesive application of the inner layer of the Watts, Jr. protector does not allow the desired inner layer thickness to be achieved for adequate impact absorption.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive yet effective pole protector which will withstand such low-speed impacts.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a pole protector which does not quickly deteriorate so that it is long-lasting.
In order to provide a pole protector which is inexpensive, effective, and will withstand such low-speed impacts, in accordance with the present invention an inner shell of impact-absorbing material is placed around the pole and an outer shell is placed around the inner shell for protecting the inner shell from tearing and other damage during low-speed impacts and intactly resisting the low-speed impacts. In order that the inner shell material not quickly deteriorate due to absorption of water, it is preferably a closed-cell foam.
The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof when read in conjunction with the following drawings wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3181849 (1965-05-01), Mitchell
patent: 3416484 (1968-12-01), Chapman
patent: 3602109 (1971-08-01), Harrington
patent: 3890795 (1975-06-01), Maurer
patent: 4183505 (1980-01-01), Maestri
patent: 4244156 (1981-01-01), Watts, Jr.
patent: 5299883 (1994-04-01), Arth, Jr.
patent: 5311713 (1994-05-01), Goodrich
patent: 5369925 (1994-12-01), Vargo
patent: 5397197 (1995-03-01), Beavers
patent: 5513477 (1996-05-01), Farber
“Guide to Pole Conversation & Repair Products” brochure of Osmose Wood Preserving, Inc., 1994.
Osmose Wood Preserving, Inc.
Simmons James C.
Smith Creighton
LandOfFree
Pole protector does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Pole protector, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Pole protector will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2535832