Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-04
2001-07-10
Brown, Peter R. (Department: 3636)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
C052S170000, C052S296000, C248S345100, C248S579000, C362S431000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256961
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a base for a utility pole, such as a traffic light or street light. In particular, the invention relates to a base for a pole that is retained in position and resists sliding up the pole.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In
FIG. 1
, there is shown one half
10
of a base for a utility pole
12
, such as a traffic light or street light. Typically, the pole is mounted in concrete (not shown) with electrical source or light control wires (not shown) being fed from underground. The electrical connection between the source wires or control wires and the light fixture is made close to the bottom of the pole. A two part base is used to cover the wire connection and, among other things, to create a pleasing appearance.
As shown in
FIG. 2
, one half or member
10
of the split base is mounted opposite of another split base member
10
, and they are joined together to make a single base unit. The top surfaces of a split base member
10
are shown in FIG.
3
.
One problem that may occur with respect to the split base is that vandals attempt to remove or move the base, exposing the electrical connections. In the past, the opening
14
at the top of the completed base unit is larger than the outside diameter of the pole
12
. Thus, the base unit can be slid upwardly without removal of screws (not shown) that hold the base members
10
together.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a base cover for a utility pole, comprising a first base member and a second base member, each comprising one half of a base unit. The first and second base members are secured to one another to form the base unit. The base unit has an opening at its upper end, the opening adapted to wrap around a utility pole. A resilient gasket is provided adjacent the opening. The gasket is adapted to engage the pole upon assembly of the base unit and resist forced movement of the base unit up the pole.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of covering the base of a utility pole, which includes providing a first base member and a second base member. The base members are each adapted to form one half of a base unit having an opening at its upper end. The opening is adapted to wrap around a utility pole. Each of the base members has a resilient gasket member adjacent the opening. The gasket members are adapted to form, upon assembly of the base unit, a gasket that engages the pole and resists forced movement of the base unit up the pole. The base members are positioned on opposite sides of a utility pole such that the opening wraps around the utility pole and the resilient gasket engages the utility pole. The first and second base members are secured to one another to form a base unit. The base unit is slid down the utility pole to a desired position. The gasket resists sliding of the base unit out of position up the pole.
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Brown Peter R.
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
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