Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Utility Patent
1999-03-19
2001-01-02
Kent, Christopher T. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
C052S749100, C052S749100, C052S749100, C052S749100, C052S749100, C052S749100, C052S749100, C052S749100, C052S749100
Utility Patent
active
06167673
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to poles and, more particularly, to a pole structure suitable for supporting equipment, such as utility lines, transformers, and luminaires.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventional poles used for supporting electric equipment, such as transformers and utility lines carrying electrical power, cable television signals or telephone signals, are typically made of wood. Since wood is susceptible to insect infestation and rot, a preservative, such as creosote, must be applied under pressure to the wood poles. Such a preservative is toxic for the environment in general and, particularly, for humans.
Furthermore, trees suitable for use as utility poles have become less available and have become a limited resource to be carefully conserved.
Accordingly, it has been proposed to use metal poles as an alternative to wood poles, but such metal poles have disadvantages. For instance, the conductivity of metal poles represents a source of danger and necessitates costly methods of insulation. Moreover, metal poles are subject to corrosion and erosion.
It has also been proposed to replace existing wood poles by unitary concrete poles. This approach has several disadvantages in that the pole, for instance, would have to be very bulky and heavy to sustain typical loads encountered. This also prevents electrical equipment and accessories from being integrated in the pole.
Finally, it has been found that there is a need for a utility pole which is adapted to conceal some of the utility lines in order to improve the integration of utility poles in their environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved utility pole mounting structure.
It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a utility pole which is adapted to withstand loads applied thereto, while being resistant to corrosive environmental agents.
It is further aim of the present invention to provide a utility pole which is safe for the environment.
Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a utility pole, comprising an inner structure disposed within an envelope, said inner structure being composed of a first material providing primary load carrying strength, said envelope being composed of a second material providing secondary load carrying strength, said secondary load carrying strength being lesser than said primary load carrying strength, said inner structure being spaced from an inner surface of said envelope for allowing relative movements between said inner structure and said envelope, and load transferring means for partially transferring loads from said inner structure to said envelope.
According to a further general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a utility pole, comprising at least first, second and third pole sections having longitudinally interconnected end portions, said second pole section being disposed between said first and third pole sections and comprising a transformer means.
According to a further general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a utility pole comprising a hollow pole section supported on an axially extending inner pole structure, and cover means for enclosing said axially extending inner pole structure, said cover means and said axially extending inner pole structure defining a chamber therebetween for accommodating distributor means effective for connecting subscribers to service lines, said cover means being configured to allow authorized persons to have access to said chamber.
According to a further general aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accessory for use with a utility pole having at least one upper pole section resting on a lower pole section, said accessory comprising a sleeve portion adapted to fit enugly about an outer surface of the utility pole, and spacer means extending inwardly from an inner surface of said sleeve portion for engagement between said upper and lower pole sections.
According to a further general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular utility pole comprising a first pole section and a second pole section, said first pole section being provided at one end thereof with a projection extending axially from an inner periphery of a shoulder means, said shoulder means being adpated to bear against a surface surrounding an axially extending bore defined at one end of said second pole section for receiving said projection, said axially extending bore being delimited by an inner wall configured to cooperate with said projection to ensure that said first and second pole sections remain connected by gravity.
REFERENCES:
patent: 839272 (1906-12-01), Crow
patent: 1158415 (1915-10-01), Boyle
patent: 1446239 (1923-02-01), Yumura
patent: 3564804 (1971-02-01), Archer et al.
patent: 3865498 (1975-02-01), Okuto et al.
patent: 3958381 (1976-05-01), Meyer
patent: 3991532 (1976-11-01), Buxbom
patent: 4949525 (1990-08-01), Weaver
patent: 5090837 (1992-02-01), Mower
patent: 5222344 (1993-06-01), Johnson
patent: 5339594 (1994-08-01), Ventura-Berti
patent: 5513477 (1996-05-01), Farber
patent: 5675956 (1997-10-01), Nevin
patent: 36 36078 A1 (1988-04-01), None
patent: 0 203 857 A1 (1986-12-01), None
patent: 2 619 749 A1 (1989-03-01), None
Kent Christopher T.
Sofia Michel
Swabey Ogilvy Renault
Thissell Jennifer I.
LandOfFree
Utility pole does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Utility pole, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Utility pole will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2473745