Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Footing or foundation type – Socket
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-22
2001-06-05
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Footing or foundation type
Socket
C248S048200, C248S074100, C404S013000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240689
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to utility standards having decorative bases, such as area lighting posts, and more particularly relates to a modular structural utility standard assembly with decorative wrap-around base covers.
Presently, utility standards are manufactured with shafts welded to large, heavy decorative but structural base castings. These assemblies are costly, non-modular, and are often damaged in shipping. Additionally, they have weaknesses inherent to their design.
It is well known that the heat associated with welding weakens material at the heat-affected zone. Thus, post-bases, posts, or the welds themselves often fail at the heat-affected zone.
Access to electrical wiring is necessary for installation and maintenance of electrical equipment supported by utility standards, and is typically accomplished by cutting a hole, called a hand-hole, into the shaft near the base. Thus, the shaft is structurally weakened at this point of the shaft.
The geometry of aesthetically-pleasing base castings is generally not shaped as necessary for maximizing strength. Sharp corners and decorative indentations, while architecturally stylish, create structural weaknesses and failure points.
An additional disadvantage to utility standards of the present art is that bases having various shaped and sized post openings are required to accommodate shafts of different shapes and sizes. Such varying shafts are required for various strength and appearance purposes. Common shapes and sizes include posts with circular, polygonal, or fluted cross-sections from 3 to 5 inches across. Thus, there is no interchangeability between posts and bases having differing sizes and shapes.
One present attempt to address these problems involves threading a shaft and post base. However, it is readily apparent that such a design is difficult to install. Further, each different size of shaft continues to require a different base, and only cylindrical shafts can be used.
Another attempt to address the problems is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,885 to Chapman. Chapman discloses a method and apparatus for joining a tubular component to another component, such as a base plate, without welding through the use of a joining device nested inside of the passageway, which is then expanded to engage the wall of the passageway. This device, however, involves numerous components, is difficult to assemble in the field, and still lacks easy wiring access.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The utility standard assembly of the present invention addresses the problems described through the use of a modular structural post-base and a clamp mechanism which attaches to the post without welding. Wire access is integral to the base, eliminating the need for hand-holes in the post. The post-base mounts to the ground or other surface with anchor rods/bolts. The clamp mechanism is customized to accommodate a variety of post shapes and sizes while still mating with a standard post-base. The clamp may be attached to the post at the factory. The base may be shipped separately from the post and pre-installed in the field, since it is a standard part. Then, the clamp-post assembly may be easily secured to the post-base in the field without welding. This allows the design to be completely modular, unlikely to be damaged during shipping, and very strong because of its lack of weld joints, hand-holes, or need for aesthetically pleasing structure. A decorative, wrap-around base may be added after assembly of the base, clamp and post.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular structural post-base with wrap-around base covers for aesthetics.
It is another object of the present invention to provide wire access which is integral to the base, thus eliminating the need for hand holes in the shaft.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a clamp mechanism which attaches securely to the shaft which can be mechanically held by the base without the need for welding.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide clamps which will have different inside diameters and shapes to accommodate a variety of shaft sizes and shapes for use with a single, modular base.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a utility standard with has a decorative, wrap around base.
More particularly, the present invention provides a utility standard having a base member which has a clamp receiving pocket supported by a leg or legs which have a wiring access opening. The clamp receiving pocket also has a pocket wall and a wiring opening. A tubular member is circumscribed and compressively held at its base end by a clamp member, which is received by the clamp receiving pocket to create a modular, structural utility standard capable of being assembled without welding.
REFERENCES:
patent: 357217 (1887-02-01), McCallip
patent: 1086346 (1914-02-01), Barrick
patent: 1095197 (1914-05-01), Entenmann
patent: 3325950 (1967-06-01), Pfaff, Jr.
patent: 3335534 (1967-08-01), Hester et al.
patent: 3343322 (1967-09-01), Lurkis et al.
patent: 3369331 (1968-02-01), Deskey et al.
patent: 3385565 (1968-05-01), Cuthbert
patent: 3400905 (1968-09-01), Dusen, Jr.
patent: 3410995 (1968-11-01), Gray
patent: 3563502 (1971-02-01), Dayson
patent: 3671738 (1972-06-01), Beachley
patent: 4200906 (1980-04-01), Santilli
patent: 4269010 (1981-05-01), Glass
patent: 4488696 (1984-12-01), Sauber
patent: 4617768 (1986-10-01), Gebelius
patent: 5197819 (1993-03-01), Hughes
patent: 5499885 (1996-03-01), Chapman
patent: 5504397 (1996-04-01), Chien
patent: 5625988 (1997-05-01), Killick
patent: 5704580 (1998-01-01), Peery, Jr.
patent: 5918849 (1999-07-01), Bliss
patent: 5954426 (1999-09-01), Whittington
Haddad Eric
Niemier William M.
Friedman Carl D.
Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
Haeberlin Jeffrey A.
Reutlinger Middleton
Varner Steve
LandOfFree
Utility standard 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 standard, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Utility standard will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2445116