U.S. patent application number 09/780090 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-16 for multi-sectional utility pole having slip-joint conical connections.
Invention is credited to Edelstein, Hans P..
Application Number | 20010013419 09/780090 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26747358 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010013419 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Edelstein, Hans P. |
August 16, 2001 |
Multi-sectional utility pole having slip-joint conical
connections
Abstract
A multi-sectional utility pole includes at least two sections of
straight pipe, which are joined and connected by a slip joint
connection. The slip joint preferably consists of two mating
conical sections, with one attached to each section of the pole.
The slip joint is compressed with the aid of rings, which are
attached to the pipe, and a key and slot. The two conical sections
are fastened together with bolts that pass through the female
conical section and thread into the male conical section of the
slip joint. The pole is easily assembled on the ground and the pole
sections are fungible with other sections of the same diameter. The
sections are also inexpensively manufactured. The conical sections
can be swaged from the ends of the pipe, or can be fabricated
separately and welded on to the ends of the pipe.
Inventors: |
Edelstein, Hans P.;
(Phoenix, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IP Administrator
Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart
Suite 1400
500 East Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33394
US
|
Family ID: |
26747358 |
Appl. No.: |
09/780090 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09780090 |
Feb 9, 2001 |
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09196790 |
Nov 20, 1998 |
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6191355 |
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60066967 |
Nov 28, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
174/45R |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 12/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/45.00R |
International
Class: |
E04H 012/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multi-sectional utility pole comprising: a. a lower pole
support section comprising a top end, a bottom end, a top region
which comprises the top end, a middle region, and a bottom region
which comprises the bottom end, wherein the middle region is not
tapered, and the top region is tapered so that its circumference is
decreased toward the top end; and b. an upper pole support section
comprising a top end, a bottom end, a top region which comprises
the top end, a middle region, and a bottom region which comprises
the bottom end, wherein the middle region is not tapered, and the
bottom region is tapered so that its circumference is increased
toward the bottom end such that it can receive at least a portion
of the top region of the lower pole support section and thereby be
axially mounted thereon.
2. The utility pole of claim 1, further comprising at least one
means for aligning the lower pole support section and the upper
pole support section as they are axially mounted.
3. The utility pole of claim 2, wherein the means for aligning the
lower pole support section and the upper pole support section as
they are axially mounted comprises an axially aligned key and slot,
wherein the key is located on and part of one of the top region of
the lower pole support section and the bottom region of the lower
pole support section, and the slot is located in and part of the
other of the top region of the lower pole support section and the
bottom region of the lower pole support section, and the key fits
into the slot when the upper pole support section is properly
aligned with and axially mounted on the lower pole support
section.
4. The utility pole of claim 1, further comprising at least one
fastening means for fastening the upper pole support section to the
lower pole support section.
5. The utility pole of claim 4, wherein the means for fastening the
upper pole support section to the lower pole support section
comprises: a. three openings formed in the top region of the lower
pole support section, wherein the three openings are in the same
perpendicular cross-section of the top region and are placed at a
substantially equal distance of approximately 120 degrees apart
from each other when viewed from the top and are threaded to accept
a common bolt; and b. three openings formed in the bottom region of
the upper pole support section, wherein the three openings are in
the same perpendicular cross-section of the bottom region and are
placed at a substantially equal distance of approximately 120
degrees apart from each other when viewed from the top, and wherein
the three openings are disposed such that they can be aligned with
the three openings of the bottom region of the upper pole support
section and are of a large enough size so as to allow the common
bolt to pass through.
6. The utility pole of claim 1, further comprising an additional
pole support section, wherein: a. the additional pole support
section comprises a top end, a bottom end, a top region which
comprises the top end, a middle region, and a bottom region which
comprises the bottom end, and wherein the middle region is not
tapered, but the top region is tapered so that its circumference is
decreased toward the top end and the bottom region is tapered so
that its circumference is increased toward the bottom end; and b.
the bottom region is tapered such that it can receive at least a
portion of the top region of the lower pole support section and
thereby be axially mounted thereon, and the top region is tapered
such that it can be at least partially received by the bottom
region of the upper pole support section and the upper pole support
section can thereby be axially mounted on the additional pole
support section.
7. The utility pole of claim 1, wherein both the lower pole support
section and the upper pole support section comprise perpendicular
cross-sections that are circular.
8. The utility pole of claim 1, wherein the lower pole support
section and the upper pole support section comprise perpendicular
cross-sections that are polygonal.
9. The utility pole of claim 1, wherein each of the tapered
sections, which comprise the top region of the lower pole support
section and the bottom region of the upper pole support section,
are uniformly tapered.
10. The utility pole of claim 1, further comprising means for
mounting the upper pole support section onto the lower pole support
section.
11. The utility pole of claim 10, wherein the means for mounting
the upper pole support section onto the lower pole support section
comprises: a. two rings which are attached to the middle region of
the upper pole support section near the bottom region, wherein the
two rings are in the same perpendicular cross-section, are aligned
axially, and are separated by approximately 180 degrees in both
directions when viewed from the top; and b. two rings which are
attached to the middle region of the lower pole support section
near the top region, wherein the two rings are in the same
perpendicular cross-section, are aligned axially, and are separated
by approximately 180 degrees in both directions when viewed from
the top.
12. The utility pole of claim 1, wherein: a. the bottom region of
the upper pole support section is formed by swaging a bottom
portion of the middle region of the upper pole support section such
that the bottom portion of the middle region is tapered out by the
swaging process and becomes the bottom region; and b. the top
region of the lower pole support section is formed by swaging a top
portion of the middle region of the lower pole support section such
that the top portion of the middle region is tapered in by the
swaging process and becomes the top region.
13. The utility pole of claim 1, wherein: a. the bottom region of
the upper pole support section is preformed and is initially
separate from the middle region of the upper pole support section
and is attached to the middle region by welding the tapered and
preformed bottom region to the middle region; and b. the top region
of the lower pole support section is preformed and is initially
separate from the middle region of the lower pole support section
and is attached to the middle region by welding the tapered and
preformed top region to the middle region.
14. The utility pole of claim 13, wherein: the bottom region is
welded to the middle region with at least a portion of the tapered
bottom region being located within the middle region of the upper
pole support section.
15. The utility pole of claim 1, wherein the upper pole support
section and the lower pole support section are both substantially
hollow.
16. The utility pole of claim 1, wherein the upper pole support
section and the lower pole support section are both fabricated from
steel plate.
17. A method for making a multi-sectional utility pole, wherein the
utility pole comprises: a lower pole support section comprising a
top end, a bottom end, a top region which comprises the top end, a
middle region, and a bottom region which comprises the bottom end,
wherein the middle region is not tapered, but the top region is
tapered so that its circumference is decreased toward the top end;
and an upper pole support section comprising a top end, a bottom
end, a top region which comprises the top end, a middle region, and
a bottom region which comprises the bottom end, wherein the middle
region is not tapered, but the bottom region is tapered so that its
circumference is increased toward the bottom end such that it can
receive at least a portion of the top region of the lower pole
support section and thereby be axially mounted thereon, the method
comprising the steps of: a. forming the bottom region of the upper
pole support section by swaging a bottom portion of the middle
region of the upper pole support section such that the bottom
portion of the middle region is tapered out by the swaging process
and becomes the bottom region; and b. forming the top region of the
lower pole support section by swaging a top portion of the middle
region of the lower pole support section such that the top portion
of the middle region is tapered in by the swaging process and
becomes the top region.
18. A method for making a multi-sectional utility pole, wherein the
utility pole comprises: a lower pole support section comprising a
top end, a bottom end, a top region which comprises the top end, a
middle region, and a bottom region which comprises the bottom end,
wherein the middle region is not tapered, but the top region is
tapered so that its circumference is decreased toward the top end;
and an upper pole support section comprising a top end, a bottom
end, a top region which comprises the top end, a middle region, and
a bottom region which comprises the bottom end, wherein the middle
region is not tapered, but the bottom region is tapered so that its
circumference is increased toward the bottom end such that it can
receive at least a portion of the top region of the lower pole
support section and thereby be axially mounted thereon, the method
comprising the steps of: a. attaching the bottom region of the
upper pole support section to the middle region of the upper pole
support section by welding the tapered bottom region to the middle
region, wherein the bottom region of the upper pole support section
is initially separate from the middle region of the upper pole
support section; and b. attaching the top region of the lower pole
support section to the middle region of the lower pole support
section by welding the tapered top region to the middle region,
wherein the top region of the lower pole support section is
initially separate from the middle region of the lower pole support
section.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of: a.
preforming the bottom region of the upper pole support section
before attaching it to the middle region of the upper pole support
section; and b. preforming the top region of the lower pole support
section before attaching it to the middle region of the lower pole
support section.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein step a includes the step of
welding the tapered bottom region to the middle region to locate at
least a portion of the tapered bottom region within the middle
region of the upper pole support section.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
application No. 60/066,967, filed on Nov. 28, 1997, the contents of
which are incorporated herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention broadly relates to the field of sectional
utility poles, and more particularly relates to the field of
inter-connections for securing the sections of such poles.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Multi-sectional utility poles are used for a variety of
purposes such as highway luminaire supports and utility poles,
e.g., telephone, cable and electrical. Poles of a given length are
often designed in multiple sections to provide for an increased
ease of transporting by truck, railroad, or even cargo plane. The
length may also be restricted due to other field requirements. All
such multi-section poles, however, must address the issues of
joining each of the sections of pole to one another and
appropriately securing the joints in the field during
installation.
[0006] One common method of making multi-section poles is to use
tubular sections which are uniformly tapered along their entire
length such that the top is narrower than the bottom. These
uniformly tapered sections are then secured to each other by
sliding one section over another. The tapered sections are designed
so that the bottom portion of a top section slides over the top
portion of a bottom section. The portions of the two sections that
are in contact, ideally, form a tight fit. There are several
limitations associated with this technique.
[0007] Poles of this type are typically expensive to fabricate.
Additionally, when assembling a pole vertically, it is necessary to
suspend the upper sections one by one from a helicopter or crane or
other device, which is expensive in terms of the equipment needed
and in terms of the labor involved. Such an assembly process can
also take a great deal of time. Further, the uniformly tapered
sections can also be expensive to produce.
[0008] Another factor which can contribute to the cost and the time
involved in assembly is a lack of fungibility between the sections.
Insofar as the individual sections of a complete pole are designed
to be used together for that specific pole, this requires
additional sorting at the jobsite and can cause delays if the
sections are not delivered in the proper order for assembly.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a multi-sectional utility
pole and a method of fabricating it which overcome these
limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Briefly, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, a
multi-sectional utility pole comprises a lower pole support section
and an upper pole support section. The lower pole support section
comprises a top end, a bottom end, a top region which comprises the
top end, a middle region, and a bottom region which comprises the
bottom end. The middle region of the lower pole support section is
not tapered, but the top region is tapered so that its
circumference is decreased toward the top end. The upper pole
support section also comprises a top end, a bottom end, a top
region which comprises the top end, a middle region, and a bottom
region which comprises the bottom end. The middle region of the
upper pole support section is not tapered, but the bottom region is
tapered so that its circumference is increased toward the bottom
end. The increased circumference of the bottom region of the upper
pole support section allows it to receive at least a portion of the
top region of the lower pole support section. This arrangement
allows the upper pole support section to be axially mounted on the
lower pole support section.
[0011] Briefly, in accordance with another aspect of the invention,
a method for making the multi-sectional utility pole above
comprises the steps of forming the bottom region of the upper pole
support section by swaging, and forming the top region of the lower
pole support section by swaging. The bottom region of the upper
pole support section is formed by swaging a bottom portion of the
middle region of the upper pole support section. The bottom portion
of the middle region is tapered out by the swaging process and
becomes the bottom region. The top region of the lower pole support
section is formed by swaging a top portion of the middle region of
the lower pole support section. The top portion of the middle
region is tapered in by the swaging process and becomes the top
region.
[0012] Briefly, in accordance with another aspect of the invention,
another method for making the multi-sectional utility pole above
comprises the steps of attaching the bottom region of the upper
pole support section to the middle region of the same pole section,
and attaching the top region of the lower pole support section to
the middle region of the same pole section. The two regions of the
upper pole support section are attached by welding the tapered
bottom region to the middle region. This bottom region is initially
separate from the middle region. The two regions of the lower pole
support section are attached by welding the tapered top region to
the middle region. This bottom region is initially separate from
the middle region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a multi-sectional pole
according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a slip joint of the
pole of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the pole of FIG. 1, of a slip joint at the
point where the bolts are inserted.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the slip joint of FIG.
2 showing, in particular, a key and slot.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a portion of a cross-sectional view, taken
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pole of FIG. 1, of the key
shown in FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a table containing some of the preferred slip
section dimensions for both male and female parts.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, according to the preferred embodiment,
a pole 10 comprises three sections 12, 14, 16, which are not
tapered uniformly. However, any number of sections are anticipated
by the present invention. Each section 12, 14, 16 primarily
consists of a straight section of pipe, which is not tapered at
all. Each straight section of pipe, in this embodiment, has a
narrower diameter than the one below it. At one or more ends of
each section of pipe, there is a tapered portion 18, 20. At the
bottom of each of the upper sections of the pole there is a female
tapered portion, and at the top of each of the lower sections of
the pole there is a male tapered portion.
[0020] These male and female tapered portions form a ferrule or
slip joint. A slip joint is a friction fit wherein two sections of
poles are slipped together, for example, with the female section
being above the male section. Both sections have the same taper so
that they will axially slide together a certain distance and then
stop and, preferably, be tight and in contact along the entire
length of the joint.
[0021] The preferred embodiment has several advantages over the
prior art. All pole sections with pipe of a given diameter are
fungible. This interchangeability allows easier and quicker
unloading and assembling of the sections at a job site since every
pole need not have specific sections, but only specific
diameters.
[0022] As will be explained in greater detail below, the poles can
be constructed in the horizontal position, that is, while the
sections are still on the ground. This allows easier, quicker, less
labor intensive, and also less dangerous assembly. The fact that
pipe is relatively inexpensive compared with tapered cylinders, is
another factor contributing to the low cost of the preferred
embodiment as compared with the prior art.
[0023] In the preferred embodiment, the utility pole 10 is used,
for example, as a light pole. However, a multitude of uses, both
permanent and temporary, are possible with the pole 10 of the
present invention. Some of these other uses include, but are not
limited to, supporting telephone, cable, and electric lines, as
well as loudspeakers, catch nets for driving ranges, and security
cameras. Even the use as a light pole is variable, the pole being
able to support highway luminaires, recreational lights for
ballfields, tennis courts, etc., other outdoor lighting such as for
parking lots, and many other uses.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, the pole 10 consists of three sections
12, 14, 16. However, a greater or smaller number of sections is
possible. FIG. 2 is believed to contain all of the necessary
specifications for a machinist to fabricate the pole. The relative
dimensions of FIG. 2 are for convenience, and not believed to be
critical or necessary for enablement.
[0025] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the majority of each section
consists of a straight section of pipe, and, in one embodiment, the
diameter of the pipe is smaller in each succeeding higher section
of the pole. In the preferred embodiment, the pipe is round,
hollow, and made of steel. As such, it is easily manufactured, as
for example, by rolling. Such pipe is also quite strong and does
not have the drawback of having a seam. Alternate embodiments may
use pipe that has a polygonal, oval, or other non-circular
cross-section. Additionally, the pole need not be hollow, nor made
from steel. Depending on the application, each section of pole may
be solid, partially solid, or otherwise internally reinforced or
strengthened. The pole may also be made with one or more welded
seams, such as by bending a single sheet and welding the
longitudinal seam or by welding two half shells together.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, each section of the pole 12, 14 has a
conical slip joint section 20, 18, respectively, attached to at
least one respective end. Each slip joint is comprised of two slip
joint sections and interconnects two sections of the pole
together.
[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the slip joint is principally
composed of a female part 18 that is mechanically coupled to the
upper pole section 14, and a male part 20 that is mechanically
coupled to the lower pole section 12. In a preferred embodiment,
the female part 18 is designed to be substantially flush about its
top circumference with the adjoining straight section of pipe from
the same section 14, and the male portion 20 is designed to be
substantially flush about its bottom circumference with the
adjoining straight section of pipe from the same section 12.
However, the female part and male part could be mechanically
coupled to their respective straight section of pipe at other
circumferences about their respective tapered joint sections (not
shown). Both the female 18 and male 20 parts are designed to have
substantially the same taper so that they will slide together a
certain distance until they are tight and in substantial contact
along the entire length of the overlap. The tapered parts 18, 20,
thus act as a ferrule. The dimensions of the female 18 and male 20
parts are also important in designing a tight connection, and FIG.
6 contains a table showing several of the preferred dimensions for
both the male 20 and female 18 parts of the slip joint. The
diameters are outside diameters, "T" is the thickness of the
material, and the length refers to the axial length through the
middle of the cone, or slip joint section, from top to bottom. The
thickness of the female and male parts varies as a function of the
size of the parts. Alternative embodiments may employ different
dimensions for the male and female parts and achieve essentially
the same results.
[0028] In the preferred embodiment, the tapered male 20 and female
18 parts are uniformly tapered, such that their outside edges in
the front elevational view of FIG. 2 appear to be linear. This is a
relatively simple taper to construct and is easily attached to
circular pipe sections. However, alternative embodiments may employ
non-uniform tapers. The non-uniformity may be a function of the
axial or longitudinal height, such as a bowl shaped slip section,
or it may be a function of the angular position when viewed from
above, such as a linear taper whose slope changes toward one side
of the slip section so as to offset the centers of the two sections
of the pole. As long as the basic requirement of being in
substantial contact along the entire length of the overlap is
satisfied, then virtually any taper will suffice. Additionally, the
male and female parts will preferably, but not necessarily, be of
the same perpendicular cross-sectional shape as the pipes to which
they are adjoined. In the preferred embodiment, this is circular,
but oval, polygonal, or other shapes are also possible.
[0029] In the preferred embodiment, the slip joint is made of A-36
grade steel plate with a minimum yield strength of 42 K.S.I. or
greater. These cones 18, 20 are either rolled or mechanically
formed and the connection welds are ultrasonically tested. The
matching slip sections, that is, the male and female parts 18, 20
that meet and form a joint, are preferably welded at the end of the
straight pipe thus allowing for a symmetrical joint connection. The
top of the male part 20 may be further reinforced with a cover over
the opening on the top of the male cone 20.
[0030] In alternative embodiments, the male and female parts may be
constructed in a variety of methods. They may have no seams, one
seam as when made from a sheet, two seams as when made from two
half shells, or more. The slip sections may be welded onto the
straight section of pipe, or otherwise affixed if another method
better suits the materials used. Note that the slip sections may be
affixed before or after they are fully formed. Additionally, the
straight section of pipe may be swaged, such that the slip section
is formed from the end of the section of pipe. The pipe, or other
straight section of the pole, may be swaged inward or outward to
produce either the male or female part, respectively. This method
has the advantage that each section of the pole will have no seam
and be one contiguous piece. For the male part the circumference of
that section will be decreased toward the top of that section of
the pole, and for the female part the circumference of that section
of the pole will be increased toward the bottom of that section,
where top and bottom refer to the orientation that the pole will
have when it is assembled and erected.
[0031] Two sections of the pole 12, 14 are mounted or joined by
axially fitting the female part 18 of the upper section 14 over the
male part 20 of the lower section 12. In this instance, axially
refers to the axis going through the center of the pole. It is also
understood that the two sections 12, 14 of the pole which are being
joined should have the appropriate dimensions such that the slip
joint can be formed. The degree of overlap between the
complementary slip joint sections 18, 20 depends on the design, but
the female part 18 should receive and overlap with at least a
portion of the male part 20.
[0032] To facilitate connecting two sections of the pole 10, the
preferred embodiment has a set of rings 22 on each section. These
rings 22 are located on the straight section of the pipe, and close
to the slip joint section, as indicated in FIG. 2. Indeed, for
sections of the pole that have a slip joint on both ends, there are
two sets of rings 22, with one set at each end. The rings 22 are
D-type rings and the two rings which form a given set are located
at the same axial elevation, are aligned axially, and are spaced
180 degrees apart when viewed from the top. The rings 22 can be
used with a variety of tools or mechanisms to apply axial,
rotational, or lateral force to the sections of the pole. One
common method is to use a turnbuckle, or other similar device such
as a chain jack, cable jack, or come-along. The turnbuckle is
attached to the rings 22 of at least one section, and preferably
two sections, by using chain, cable, rope, or some other mechanism.
The turnbuckle is then tightened to draw the two sections of the
pole towards each other. Alternative embodiments may employ any
other means for mounting, or for aiding the connecting of two
sections of the pole, or may employ no means at all. Such other
means include, but are not limited to, other types of rings, hooks,
bars, prongs, slots, ridges, or grooves.
[0033] Before completing the mounting or connecting step, the
sections 12, 14 of the pole may need to be properly aligned. The
preferred embodiment makes provision for this by using a key, also
called a notch or tooth, and a slot. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5,
a key 44 is attached to, or is an integral part of, the male part
20 of the slip joint. In a complementary fashion, a slot 42 is
formed in the female part 18 of the slip joint. Both the key 44 and
the slot 42 are aligned axially and serve as a guide in aligning
the sections 12, 14 and as a lock as well. The rings 22 preferably
are also placed at an equal and symmetric distance of 90 degrees
from both the key 44 and the slot 42 so that the key 44 and slot 42
can be facing upward with the rings 22 on the periphery when the
pole sections are in the horizontal position.
[0034] Alternative embodiments may employ one or more key and slot
combinations, or any of a variety of other devices. Other means for
aligning include, but are not limited to: a tongue and groove type
of device which is also self-directing and locking once alignment
is achieved; a pair of lines, with one on each slip joint section,
allowing visual alignment as the sections are joined; the sides of
a polygonal slip joint section or the shape of an oval slip section
will also serve as an alignment means; a non-uniform taper, for
instance with one side beveled; or a tapered section with a locking
groove such as a spiral locking groove or a bayonet latch, with or
without a detent. Some of the benefits of the preferred
embodiment's key 44 and slot 42 are that they are continually
visible as the sections 12, 14 get closer together, that they are
self-locking to preserve the alignment before the pole is placed in
a vertical position, and that they require no rotation of the
sections 12, 14 to lock them in the proper alignment. Additionally,
alternative embodiments may place the mounting means at different
relative locations with respect to the alignment means.
[0035] Once aligned and joined, it may still be necessary to fasten
the sections of the pole together. The preferred embodiment
achieves this by fastening together the slip joint sections
themselves. In addition to providing additional strength to the
connection, the fastening means also ensures that the slip joint
sections are indeed compressed completely before the entire pole is
put in the vertical position, and both of these functions also
increase the safety. Once the pole is in the vertical position, the
weight of the pole and any device that the pole may be supporting
also serve to keep the pole sections from separating.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fastening means of the
preferred embodiment consists of, for example, three 5/8" hex head
bolts which are all inserted in the same perpendicular
cross-section of the slip joint and are evenly spaced by 120
degrees when viewed from above, that is, axially. The alignment of
these 5/8" hex head bolts is shown in FIG. 3, which is a
cross-sectional view of the position on the pole where the hex head
bolts are inserted. As can be seen, the bolts pass through the
holes 32 in the female part 18 and are threaded into the holes 34
in the male part 20, the holes 34 in the male part 20 being aligned
with the holes 32 in the female part 18 by rotating the pole
sections 12, 14 using the rings 22 or some other means. The
material and thickness of a slip section largely determine whether
or not it can be tapped. Alternative embodiments need not thread
the holes, or they may tap the holes through both the female and
male parts.
[0037] An alternative embodiment may also use more, or fewer,
bolts, which are: of different sizes from the preferred embodiment
and even from each other if more than one bolt is used, at
different and even non-equal angular spacing, and at different
elevations from the preferred embodiment and possibly from each
other if more than one bolt is used. Other means for fastening or
securing the tapered cones may also be used, including but not
limited to, screws, plugs, cotter keys or pins, other types of keys
and pins, through-bolts, and other types of bolts or rods. While a
through-bolt, that is, a bolt that goes all the way through the
slip joint, may be used, there is a commonly known disadvantage. It
is known that having holes which are directly opposite each other,
that is, in the same cross-sectional plane and separated by 180
degrees, increases the likelihood that the pole will suffer a
stress fracture.
[0038] Further, entirely different means of fastening may be
employed. Such means may include, but are not limited to, using an
adhesive or bonding agent between the slip joint sections, welding
the perimeter of the overlapping female part to the male part, or
employing a grooved or corkscrew type of taper, as mentioned
earlier, that serves to keep the sections of the pole from being
pulled apart.
[0039] As FIG. 1 indicates, the uppermost section 16 of a pole 10
will not need a male slip joint section. Similarly, the bottommost
section 12 of a pole 10 will not need a female slip joint section,
but it will need a base to secure the pole 10 to the ground or to
whatever type of platform is being used. A variety of bases are
known to those skilled in the art, and the design considerations
will clearly depend on the size of the pole 10, its intended use,
the environment it will be in, and other considerations. All pole
sections other than the uppermost and bottommost section, however,
will utilize both a female slip joint section (such as at the
bottom) and a male slip joint section (such as at the top) of that
section of the pole.
[0040] The slip joints are intended to be compressed while the pole
10 is in a horizontal position, that is, before the pole 10 is
standing. In an alternative embodiment, the poles are attached one
on top of each other while erected. The bottommost section is held
securely in place and each successive top section is mounted on the
conical taper of the preceding pole. If the sections are so
equipped, they can be turned into place using rings 22 until the
holes 32, 34 for the 5/8" hex head bolts are in alignment.
[0041] Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been
disclosed, it will be understood by those having skill in the art
that changes can be made to this specific embodiment without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of
the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific
embodiment, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any
and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within
the scope of the present invention.
1EXHIBIT A CONE DIMENSION Male Dia- Male Female Female meter
Diameter Diameter Diameter Joint T Length Top Bottom Top Bottom
5-6" 0.250" 12.000" 5.160" 6.625" 5.563" 7.030" 6-8" 0.250" 15.230"
6.260" 8.625" 6.625" 9.00" 8-10" 0.250" 18.750" 8.250" 10.750"
8.625" 11.130" 10-12" 0.310" 22.040" 10.220" 12.750" 10.750"
13.280" 12-16" 0.310" 27.400" 12.250" 16.000" 12.750" 16.500"
16-18" 0.310" 30.700" 15.440" 18.000" 16.000" 18.560" 18-20" 0.375"
34.000" 17.310" 20.000" 18.000" 20.690" 20-24 0.375" 40.600"
19.350" 24.000" 20.000" 24.600"
* * * * *