U.S. patent application number 09/983867 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-26 for method and apparatus for increasing the capacity and stability of a single-pole tower.
This patent application is currently assigned to United Consulting Group. Invention is credited to Cash, David W., Hill, Donald E., Ritz, Charles D..
Application Number | 20020194794 09/983867 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24224708 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020194794 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hill, Donald E. ; et
al. |
December 26, 2002 |
Method and apparatus for increasing the capacity and stability of a
single-pole tower
Abstract
A support structure for use with an existing single pole tower.
The single pole tower has a pole anchored to a foundation and
supports a first load. The support structure has a number of
sleeves surrounding the pole. A first one of the sleeves is
anchored to the foundation. A second load is attached to a second
one of the sleeves.
Inventors: |
Hill, Donald E.; (Lilburn,
GA) ; Ritz, Charles D.; (Norcross, GA) ; Cash,
David W.; (Norcross, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Edward J. Kondracki
MILES & STOCKBRIDGE P.C.
Suite 500
1751 Pinnacle Drive
McLean
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
United Consulting Group
|
Family ID: |
24224708 |
Appl. No.: |
09/983867 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09983867 |
Oct 26, 2001 |
|
|
|
09557266 |
Apr 24, 2000 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/40 ; 52/296;
52/848 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 12/2292
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/40 ; 52/296;
52/726.4; 52/736.1; 52/720.1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 012/00; E02D
027/00; E02D 027/32; E04C 003/30 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A support structure for use with an existing single pole tower,
said single pole tower comprising a pole anchored to a foundation
and supporting a first load, said support structure comprising: a
plurality of sleeves; said plurality of sleeves surrounding said
pole; a first one of said plurality of sleeves anchored to said
foundation; and a second load; said second load attached to a
second one of said plurality of sleeves.
2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein said plurality of
sleeves comprise a metal.
3. The support structure of claim 2, wherein said metal comprises a
structural pipe and wherein said structural pipe comprises a
minimum yield stress of about 42 ksi.
4. The support structure of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality
of sleeves comprises a first half and a second half.
5. The support structure of claim 4, wherein each of said halves
comprises a first side and a second side.
6. The support structure of claim 5, wherein said first side
comprises a first sleeve tab and said second side comprises a
second sleeve tab.
7. The support structure of claim 6, wherein said first sleeve tab
and said second sleeve tab comprise a plurality of apertures
positioned therein.
8. The support structure of claim 1, wherein said plurality of
sleeves comprises a first end and a second end.
9. The support structure of claim 8, wherein said plurality of
sleeves comprises a first flange plate at least partially
encircling said first end and a second flange plate at least
partially encircling said second end.
10. The support structure of claim 9, wherein said flange plates
comprise a plurality of apertures positioned therein.
11. The support structure of claim 9, wherein said plurality of
sleeves comprises a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a third
sleeve.
12. The support structure of claim 11, wherein said second flange
plate of said second end of said first sleeve is anchored to said
foundation.
13. The support structure of claim 11, wherein said first flange
plate of said first sleeve comprises a dimension to accommodate
said second flange plate of said second sleeve.
14. The support structure of claim 11, wherein said first flange
plate of said second sleeve comprises a dimension to accommodate
said second flange plate of said third sleeve.
15. The support structure of claim 11, wherein said first end of
said third sleeve comprises a cover plate.
16. The support structure of claim 1, wherein said plurality of
sleeves comprises a plurality of load transfer pins.
17. The support structure of claim 16, wherein each of said
plurality of load transfer pins comprises a bolt and one or more
nuts.
18. The support structure of claim 16, wherein said plurality of
load transfer pins extends from said sleeves to said pole so as to
stabilize said loads.
19. The support structure of claim 16, wherein said plurality of
load transfer pins comprises a radial spacing around a vertical
center axis of said sleeves.
20. The support structure of claim 1, wherein said plurality of
said sleeves comprises a plurality of access ports positioned
therein.
21. The support structure of claim 1, wherein said second load
comprises a telecommunications array.
22. The support structure of claim 1, wherein said
telecommunication array comprises a plurality of telecommunication
arrays.
23. A support structure for supporting a first load and for use
with an existing single pole tower, said single pole tower
comprising a pole anchored to a foundation and supporting a second
load, said support structure comprising: a first sleeve fixedly
attached to said foundation; and a second sleeve fixedly attached
to said first sleeve; said first load fixedly attached to said
second sleeve; said first and said second sleeves surrounding said
pole.
24. The support structure of claim 23, wherein said second sleeve
is fixedly attached to said first sleeve via one or more joinder
sleeves.
25. A support structure for supporting a load and for use with ah
existing single pole tower, said single pole tower comprising a
pole anchored to a foundation, said support structure comprising: a
plurality of sleeves; said plurality of sleeves surrounding said
pole; a first one of said plurality of sleeves anchored to said
foundation; a second one of said plurality of sleeves supporting
said load; and a plurality of load transfer pins positioned along
said plurality of said sleeves; said plurality of load transfer
pins extending from said sleeves to said pole so as to stabilize
said load.
26. A support structure for supporting a load, comprising a single
pole tower; said single pole tower anchored to a foundation; and a
sleeve; said sleeve surrounding said single pole tower; said sleeve
anchored to said foundation; and said sleeve supporting said
load.
27. The support structure of claim 26, wherein said sleeve
comprises a plurality of sleeves.
28. The support structure of claim 27, wherein said plurality of
sleeves comprises a first sleeve anchored to said foundation.
29. The support structure of claim 28, wherein said plurality of
sleeves comprises a second sleeve supporting said load.
30. The support structure of claim 29, wherein said plurality of
sleeves comprises one or more joinder sleeves positioned between
said first sleeve and said second sleeve.
31. The support structure of claim 26, further comprising a second
load and wherein said single pole tower supports said second
load.
32. The support structure of claim 26, further comprising a
plurality of load transfer pins positioned along said sleeve.
33. The support structure of claim 32, wherein said plurality of
load transfer pins extend from said sleeve to said single pole
tower so as to stabilize said load.
34. A method for placing an additional load on a single pole tower,
said single pole tower comprising a pole anchored to a foundation,
said method comprising the steps of: positioning one or more
sleeves around said pole; anchoring said one or more sleeves to
said foundation; and supporting said additional load on said one or
more sleeves.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein said one or more sleeves
comprise a plurality of sleeves and wherein said anchoring step
comprises anchoring a first one of said plurality of sleeves.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein said supporting step comprises
supporting said additional load on a second one of said plurality
of sleeves.
37. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of
attaching said first and said second sleeve by one or more joinder
sleeves.
38. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of
attaching a plurality of load transfer pins to said one or more
sleeves so as to stabilize said additional load.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method and an
apparatus for increasing the capacity and stability of a
single-pole tower. More particularly, the invention relates to a
method and an apparatus that employs a sleeve and an array of load
transfer pins to add structural stability to a single-pole tower
and thereby increase its capacity to support additional equipment
and withstand environmental loads.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The increase in wireless telecommunications traffic has
resulted a concomitant increase in the need for pole-mounted
transmission equipment of all kinds. Not only do wireless service
providers need to install equipment covering new geographic areas,
competing service providers and others also need to install
additional equipment covering the same or similar geographic areas.
To date, the solution to both problems normally includes purchasing
additional land or easements, applying for the necessary government
permits and zoning clearances, and constructing a new tower for the
new transmission equipment.
[0003] Purchasing land or easements, however, is becoming
increasingly expensive, particularly in urban areas where the need
for wireless telecommunications is greatest. Zoning regulations
often limit the construction of new towers in the vicinity of
existing towers or may prohibit the construction of new towers in
the most suitable locations. The expense and delay associated with
the zoning process often may be cost-prohibitive or so
time-consuming that construction of the new tower is not feasible.
Even when zoning regulations can be satisfied and permits can be
obtained, the service provider must then bear the burden and
expense associated with the construction and the maintenance of the
tower.
[0004] The tower itself must be designed to support the weight of
the telecommunications transmission equipment as well as the forces
exerted on the pole by environmental factors such as wind and ice.
The equipment and the environmental factors produce forces known as
bending moments that, in effect, may cause a single-pole tower to
overturn if not designed for adequate stability. Traditionally,
single-pole towers have been designed to withstand the forces
expected from the equipment originally installed on the pole. Very
few single-pole towers, however, are designed with sufficient
stability to allow for the addition of new equipment.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for a method and an apparatus for
increasing the capacity and stability of a single-pole tower that
will support the weight of additional equipment and support the
additional environmental forces exerted on the pole. At best, the
prior art shows various brackets used for restoring the strength of
a weakened or damaged section of a wooden pole. An example of a
known pole restoration system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,367
to McGinnis entitled, "Apparatus and Method for Reinforcing a
Wooden Pole." This reference describes an apparatus that employs a
series of braces linked together around the circumference of a
tapered pole. The braces are then forced downward on the pole to
wedge the assembly tightly against the pole to provide support.
This system does not include an anchorage to the ground or base of
the pole.
[0006] A number of other known pole restoration systems employ a
first part attached to the damaged section of the pole and a second
part that is driven into the ground to provide support. An example
of such a system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,130 to Burtelson
entitled, "Apparatus for Reinforcing Utility Poles and the Like."
This apparatus uses a series of brackets and straps attached to
ground spikes. Another example of a known pole restoration system
is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,396 to Knight entitled, "Utility
Pole Support." This reference describes an apparatus with a series
of brackets attached to a wooden utility pole. A series of tapered
spikes are anchored on the brackets and then driven into the ground
to provide support. Additional examples of such a system are shown
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,345,732 and 5,815,994, both issued to Knight
& Murray, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Giving Strength to
a Pole" and "Strengthening of Poles," respectively. These
references describe an apparatus with a nail or bridging beam
driven through the center of the wooden pole. The nail is attached
by linkages to a series or circumferential spikes that are then
driven into the ground to provide support.
[0007] In each of these systems, the brackets are fixably attached
to a damaged wooden utility pole to provide a firm anchor for the
ground spikes. The spikes are driven into the ground immediately
adjacent the pole to wedge the spike tightly against the side of
the pole. The functionality of each of these systems depends,
therefore, on the rigid attachment between the pole brackets and
the spikes as well as the compression fit of the spikes between the
ground and the pole. Further, these ground-based systems only
function when the damaged pole section is sufficiently near the
ground for the bracket assembly to be attached to the ground
spikes. The capacity of these known systems to resist bending
moments is dependent upon the height of the damaged section
relative to the ground as well as the characteristics of the soil
and other natural variables. Moreover, each of these systems
describes an apparatus for the purpose of restoring a damaged pole
to its original capacity, not for the purpose of bolstering an
existing pole to increase its capacity.
[0008] Thus, there remains a need for a method and apparatus for
increasing the capacity and stability of a single-pole tower that
will support the weight of additional equipment and support the
additional environmental forces exerted on the pole, while
providing sufficient stability to resist the forces known as
bending moments exerted by the new equipment and the environmental
forces. Such a method and an apparatus should accomplish these
goals in a reliable, durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective
manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for
increasing the capacity and stability of a single-pole tower. The
invention thus provides a support structure for use with an
existing single pole tower. The single pole tower has a pole
anchored to a foundation and supports a first load. The support
structure has a number of sleeves surrounding the pole. The sleeves
may extend beyond the height of the existing single pole tower. A
first one of the sleeves is anchored to the foundation. A second
load is attached to a second one of the sleeves.
[0010] Specific embodiments of the present invention include the
sleeves being made out of a metal such as a structural pipe with a
minimum yield stress of about 42 ksi. The sleeves may have a first
half and a second half. Each half may have a first side with a
first sleeve tab and a second side with a second sleeve tab. The
sleeve tabs may have a number of apertures positioned therein. The
sleeves also may include a first end with a first flange plate and
a second end with a second flange plate. The flange plates also may
have a number of apertures positioned therein. The sleeves also may
include a number of load transfer pins. The load transfer pins may
have a bolt and one or more nuts. The pins extend from the sleeves
to the pole so as to stabilize the loads. The pins may be radially
spaced around a vertical center axis of the sleeves. The sleeves
may include a plurality of access ports positioned therein. The
second load may include one or more telecommunications arrays.
[0011] There may be a number of sleeves, such as a first sleeve, a
second sleeve, and a third sleeve. The second flange plate of first
sleeve is anchored to the foundation. The first flange plate of the
first sleeve may include a dimension to accommodate the second
flange plate of the second sleeve while the first flange plate of
the second sleeve may include a dimension to accommodate the second
flange plate of the third sleeve. The first end of the third sleeve
may include a cover plate.
[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
support structure for supporting a first load and for use with an
existing single pole tower. The single pole tower includes a pole
anchored to a foundation. The pole supports a second load. The
support structure includes a first sleeve attached to the
foundation and a second sleeve attached to the first sleeve. The
first load is attached to the second sleeve. The sleeves surround
the pole. The second sleeve may be attached to the first sleeve via
one or more joinder sleeves.
[0013] A further embodiment of the present invention provides a
support structure for supporting a load and for use with an
existing single pole tower. The single pole tower may include a
pole anchored to a foundation. The support structure may include a
number of sleeves surrounding the pole. One of the sleeves may be
anchored to the foundation and another one of the sleeves may
support the load. A number of load transfer pins may be positioned
along the sleeves. The pins extend from the sleeves to the pole so
as to stabilize the load.
[0014] A further embodiment of the present invention provides a
support structure for supporting a load. The support structure
includes a single pole tower and a sleeve surrounding the pole. The
pole and the sleeve are anchored to a foundation. The sleeve
supports the load. A number of sleeves may be used with a first
sleeve anchored to the foundation, a second sleeve supporting the
load, and one or more joinder sleeves positioned between the first
sleeve and the second sleeve. The pole also may support a second
load The total height of the number of sleeves may extend beyond
the height of the existing single pole tower. A number of load
transfer pins may be positioned along the sleeve. The pins extend
from the sleeve to the pole so as to stabilize the load.
[0015] A method of the present invention provides for placing an
additional load on a single pole tower. The single pole tower
includes a pole anchored to a foundation. The method includes the
steps of positioning one or more sleeves around the pole, anchoring
the sleeves to the foundation, and supporting the additional load
on the sleeves. A first one of the number of sleeves may be
anchored to the foundation, a second one of the sleeves may be
supporting the additional load, and one or more joinder sleeves may
attach the first and the second sleeves. The method may further
include the step of attaching a number of load transfer pins to the
sleeves so as to stabilize the additional load.
[0016] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved method and apparatus for increasing the capacity and
stability of a single-pole tower.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
improved method and apparatus for increasing the capacity and
stability of a single-pole tower wherein the apparatus will support
the weight of additional equipment and the additional environmental
forces exerted on the pole.
[0018] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an improved method and apparatus for increasing the
capacity and stability of a single-pole tower wherein the apparatus
will support the weight of additional equipment and the additional
environmental forces exerted on the pole while also providing
sufficient stability to resist the forces known as bending moments
caused by the new equipment and the environmental forces.
[0019] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiment of the invention when taken
in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support structure of the
present invention surrounding an existing tower.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a bottom sleeve section of the
present invention showing the access ports, the load transfer
bolts, and the flange plates.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a top sleeve section of the present
invention showing the access ports, the load transfer bolts, and
the flange plates.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of the sleeves and the
existing pole.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the load transfer bolts.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the sleeves.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the sleeve at the base showing
the beams, the anchoring means, and the foundation as disclosed in
one embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a top cross-sectional view of the sleeve near the
base showing the beams, the anchoring means, and the foundation as
disclosed in one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT
[0028] Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like
numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, FIG.
1 shows a single pole tower 10 for use with the present invention.
As is well known in the art, the single pole tower 10 generally
includes a pole 20 of varying height. The pole 20 is generally a
hollow structure made from various types of steel, composite
materials, or other types of sufficiently rigid materials. The pole
20 may be a tapered structure such that it decreases in width as
its height increases. The pole 20 may be mounted on a foundation 30
by a base plate 40 and a plurality of anchor bolts 50. The
foundation 30 is generally a reinforced concrete structure that may
by anchored by conventional means. The base plate 40 and the anchor
bolts 50 are generally made from various types of steel or other
types of sufficiently rigid materials. One or more loads 60 may be
fixedly attached to the pole 20. In the present embodiment, the
load 60 may include one or more types of conventional
telecommunication arrays 70 fixedly attached by bolts or other
conventional types of attachment means. Such telecommunication
arrays 70 are well known in the art.
[0029] FIGS. 1-3 show the support structure 100 of the present
invention. The support structure 100 includes one or more sleeves
110. The sleeves 110 may be up to about thirty (30) feet in length.
Sleeves 110 of more than thirty (30) feet may be used. As is shown
particularly in FIGS. 2-3, the sleeves 110 each may be a two (2)
part structure with a first half 120 and a second half 130. The
halves 120, 130 have a largely semi-circular portion 140, a first
side 150, a second side 160, a top portion 170, and a bottom
portion 180. The semi-circular portion 140 extends in width from
the first side 150 to the second side 160 and in length from the
top portion 170 to the bottom portion 180. The halves 120, 130 of
the sleeves 110 may be a molded structure or may be manufactured by
other types of conventional construction means. The halves 120, 130
may be made from substantially rigid materials such as hot-dipped
galvanized ASTM A572 structural pipe having a minimum yield stress
of about 42 ksi. It will be appreciated that other materials are
equally suitable for the method and apparatus disclosed herein
depending upon the desired characteristics of the support structure
100 as a whole.
[0030] Both halves 120, 130 may have a first sleeve tab 190
extending substantially perpendicularly from the semi-circular
portion 140 along the first side 150 of the halves 120, 130 and a
second sleeve tab 200 extending substantially perpendicularly from
the semi-circular portion 140 along the second side 160 of the
halves 120, 130. The sleeve tabs 190, 200 may be a unitary element
with the halves 120, 130 (i.e., molded therewith) or the sleeve
tabs 190, 200 may be a flat bar or a similar structure that is
welded to the halves 120, 130. The welding preferably should comply
with AWS A5.1 or A5.5, E70xx standards. The sleeve tabs 190, 200
may be made from the same material as the halves 120, 130.
Alternatively, the sleeve tabs 190, 200 also may be made from a
hot-dipped galvanized ASTM A-36 structural steel or similar
materials if the sleeve tabs 190, 200 are welded to the halves 120,
130.
[0031] The sleeve tabs 190, 200 may have a plurality of apertures
or bolt holes 210 therein that align so as to connect the
respective halves 120, 130 by bolts 215 or other conventional types
of fastening means. The bolts 215 preferably should comply with
ASTM A-325 standards. When joined along the sleeve tabs 190, 200,
the halves 120, 130 of the sleeves 110 form a largely hollow
structure with a diameter slightly greater that the greatest
diameter of that section of the pole 20 the particular sleeve 110
is intended to surround.
[0032] The sleeves 120, 130 may have a first flange plate 220
encircling the top portion 150 of both halves 120, 130 and a second
flange plate 230 encircling the bottom portion 180 of both halves
120, 130. The flange plates 220, 230 may be a flat semicircular bar
or a similar structure that is welded to the halves 120, 130 of the
sleeve 110. The welding preferably should comply with AWS A5.1 or
A5.5, E70xx standards. The width of the flange plates 220, 230 may
vary so as to accommodate the additional sleeves 110 of varying
size. The flange plates 220, 230 may have a plurality of apertures
or bolt holes 240 therein so as to connect the sleeves 110 by a
number of bolts 245 or by other conventional types of fastening
means as described in more detail below. The bolts 245 should
comply with ASTM A-325 standards. The flange plates 220, 230 may be
made from the same material as the halves 120, 130. Alternatively,
the flange plates 220, 230 also may be made from hot-dipped
galvanized ASTM A-36 structural steel or similar materials if the
flange plates 220, 230 are welded to the halves 120, 130.
[0033] FIGS. 1 and 4 show the sleeve 110, in this case a first
sleeve 250, encircling an existing pole 20 and attached to the
existing foundation 30. The sleeve 250 may be attached to the
foundation 30 by a number of the bolts 245 anchoring the second
flange plate 230 of the bottom portion 180 of each half 120, 130 of
the sleeve 250. The halves 120, 130 of the sleeve 250 are
positioned around the existing pole 20 such that the central
vertical axis of sleeve 250 is centered on the effective center
vertical axis of existing pole 20. The size of the bolts 245 will
depend upon the size and intended use of the support structure 100
as a whole. The first sleeve 250 may have a number of cutout
portions 270 therein along the bottom portion 180 of each half 120,
130 so as to accommodate either the existing anchor bolts 50 or the
bolts 245 for use herewith. The second flange plate 230 also may be
fixedly connected to existing base plate 40.
[0034] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the existing foundation 30 and a new
foundation 430. A number of beams 480 may be attached to the sleeve
110 to facilitate anchoring and to provide additional structural
support and stability. The beams 480 may be positioned around the
sleeve 110 and may extend outward radially. The beams 480 may be
attached to the sleeve 110 in a cantilevered manner at a certain
height above the base. Each beam 480 may be shaped at its
attachment to the sleeve 110 to form a close fit. The sleeve 110
may be attached to the existing foundation 30 or to the new
foundation 430 using a number of new anchor bolts 450. The beams
480 may include a number of stiffener plates 490 adjacent the new
anchor bolts 450. The number and size of the beams 480, the
stiffener plates 490, and the new anchor bolts 450 will depend upon
the size and intended use of the support structure 100 as a
whole.
[0035] Positioned along the length of the sleeves 110 may be a
number of load transfer pins 300. As is shown in FIG. 5, the load
transfer pins 300 each may include a bolt 310 and one or more nuts
320. Similar types of load transfer means may be used. The bolt 310
may be positioned within one of a number of load transfer boltholes
330 located along the length of the sleeves 110. One of the nuts
320 may be positioned on the bolt 310 on the inside of the sleeve
110 and one nut 320 may be positioned on the bolt 310 on the
outside. The bolt 310 extends and contacts the existing pole 20.
The bolt 310 may be turned until contact is made with the existing
pole 20, at which time the outer nut 320 is tightened to firmly
secure the load transfer pin 300.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates the location of the holes 330 for the
load transfer pins 300 in the first sleeve 250. The load transfer
pins 330 may be spaced in an array that is suitable for the
expected load to be supported by the support structure 100. The
load transfer pins 300 are spaced apart in an array both vertically
and radially. Vertical spacing is designed relative to the height
the sleeves 110. Radial spacing is designed relative to the
vertical center axis of sleeves 110. As is shown, the load transfer
pins 50 may be vertically spaced about twelve (12) to sixty (60)
inches apart and radially spaced about ninety degrees (90.degree.)
apart.
[0037] The sleeves 110 also may have one or more access ports 340
positioned therein. The access ports 340 may be apertures of
varying size and shape in the sleeves 110. The access ports 340
provide access to the interior wires or cables on the existing pole
20 for inspection, repair, or the addition of new wiring or
cables.
[0038] As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a number of the sleeves 110
may be combined herein. For example, FIG. 6 shows the use of three
sleeves 110, the first sleeve 250, a second sleeve 350, and a third
sleeve 360. Any number of the sleeves 110 may be used. The sleeves
110 may be of varying size in terms of shape, length, width, or
thickness. Further, sleeves 110 of varying size and shape may be
used together. As described above, the existing pole 20 is likely
to be tapered in width as the pole 20 extends in height. Each
sleeve 250, 350, 360 therefore may be progressively smaller in
height, width, and thickness.
[0039] For example, the first sleeve 250 may have a height of about
twenty (20) feet, a width of about forty-two (42) inches, and a
thickness of about 5/8-inch; the second sleeve 350 may have a
height of about twenty (20) feet, a width of about thirty-six (36)
inches, and a thickness of about 5/8-inch; and the third sleeve 360
may have a height of about fifteen (15) feet, a width of about
thirty (30) inches, and a thickness of about 5/8-inch or less. The
first flange plate 220 of the first sleeve 250 accommodates the
second flange plate 230 of the second sleeve 350 while the first
flange plate 220 of the second sleeve 350 accommodates the second
flange plate 230 of the third sleeve 360. For example, the first
flange plate 220 of the first sleeve 250 and the second flange
plate 230 of the second sleeve 350 may have a diameter of about
forty-eight (48) inches while the first flange plate 220 of the
second sleeve 350 and the second flange plate 230 of the third
sleeve 360 each may have a diameter of about forty-two (42) inches.
The sleeves 250, 350, 360 are connected by the bolts 245 as
described above. Each sleeve 250, 350, 360 also has a plurality of
load transfer pins 300 as described above.
[0040] The third sleeve 360, or whichever sleeve 110 is positioned
on top, may be sealed at the top with a cover plate 370. The cover
plate 370 extends in a close fit from the perimeter of the existing
pole 20. The cover plate 370 may be sealed in a watertight fashion
with a silicone sealant. The cover plate 370 may be constructed of
1/4-inch steel, such as hot-dipped galvanized ASTM A-36 structural
steel or similar materials. The cover plate 370 may be welded to
the top of the third sleeve 360.
[0041] Positioned on the support structure 100 may be one or more
telecommunications arrays 380. The telecommunication arrays 380 may
be of conventional design and may be identical to the existing
telecommunication array 70. The telecommunication arrays 380 may be
attached to the support structure 100 by bolts or by other
conventional types of attachment means. As is shown in FIG. 1, the
existing telecommunication array 70 may remain positioned on the
existing pole 20 while new arrays 380 are added to the support
structure 100. Alternatively, the original array 70 and the new
arrays 380 may be positioned on the support structure 100. The
support structure 100 may have a height that is less than, equal
to, or greater than the height of the existing pole 20. The support
structure 100 may support any type of load in addition to the
telecommunications arrays 380.
[0042] In use, the support structure 100 as described herein should
be able to support loads of about two thousand (2,000) to forty
thousand (40,000) pounds at heights of between about thirty (30) to
two hundred fifty (250) feet while withstanding basic wind speeds
of up to about seventy (70) miles per hour or a combined
environmental load of wind at about sixty (60) miles per hour and a
layer of radial ice of about one-half-inch thick surrounding the
support structure 100. The support structure 100 has adequate
independent strength and stability to support its telecommunication
arrays 380 while also combining with the existing pole 20 via the
load transfer pins 300 to provide superior strength and stability
to the combined structure as a whole. The present invention thus
provides an apparatus and method for increasing the load and
stability of single pole towers so as to increase the number of
telecommunication arrays in use without the need to build
additional towers.
[0043] It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention and that numerous
changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following
claims.
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