U.S. patent application number 10/476080 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-22 for method and arrangement for utility pole reinforcement.
Invention is credited to Harpole, James, Hobbs, James, Ullrich, Ray.
Application Number | 20040139665 10/476080 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32713707 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040139665 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ullrich, Ray ; et
al. |
July 22, 2004 |
Method and arrangement for utility pole reinforcement
Abstract
Method and arrangement for reinforcing an elongated pole (3)
including a plurality of anchorages (28,29), each of which are
locatable at a different vertical position on pole (3) and having a
tension member (30) configured to be coupled between at least a
pair of said anchorages (28, 29) for increasing the load capacity
of the receiving pole (3) when thereby fortified. Exemplarily,
utility pole (5) is configured to receive above-ground
appurtenances. In a complimentary embodiment, the arrangement
further includes a compression member (36), which may take the same
form as the tension member (30), but with oppositely acting forces
imposed therein.
Inventors: |
Ullrich, Ray; (Austin,
TX) ; Hobbs, James; (Pensacola, FL) ; Harpole,
James; (Pensacola, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS & KAPLAN, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, L.L.C.
1899 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 310
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
32713707 |
Appl. No.: |
10/476080 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
March 7, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US03/07088 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/169.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 12/16 20130101;
E04H 12/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/169.9 |
International
Class: |
E02D 027/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A reinforcement arrangement for an utility pole, said
arrangement comprising: a plurality of anchorages, each of said
anchorages configured to be located at a different vertical
position on an utility pole; and a tension member configured to be
coupled between at least a pair of said anchorages for increasing
the load capacity of a receiving utility pole when thereby
fortified.
2. A reinforced utility pole arrangement comprising: an utility
pole configured to receive above-ground appurtenances; a plurality
of anchorages, each of said anchorages located a different vertical
position on said utility pole; and a tension member configured to
be coupled between at least a pair of said anchorages for
increasing the load capacity of a receiving utility pole when
thereby fortified.
3. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: said
plurality of anchorages located at on exterior surface of said
utility pole.
4. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: said
plurality of anchorages coupled to an exterior surface of said
utility pole.
5. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: said
plurality of anchorages fastened to an exterior surface of said
utility pole.
6. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: said
utility pole comprising a plurality of stacked pipe sections; and
an overlap-joint formed between adjacent stacked pipe sections; and
a portion of at least one of said plurality of anchorages extending
across said overlap-joint thereby fixing said adjacent stacked pipe
sections against relative movement.
7. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: a
tension member guide positioned on said utility pole at a vertical
location between said pair of said plurality of anchorages, said
tension member guide adapted to receive a tension member
therethrough.
8. The arrangement as recited in claim 7, further comprising: said
tension member guide adapted to permit translating vertical
movement of a tension member therethrough and to limit lateral
movement of said tension member relative to said guide.
9. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: said
tension member being oriented to have a varying eccentricity with
respect to said utility pole.
10. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: each
of said tension members being connected to at least one of said
anchorages and unidirectionally secured against translational
movement relative thereto.
11. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: a
compression member configured to be coupled between at least a pair
of said anchorages for increasing the load capacity of a receiving
utility pole when thereby fortified.
12. The arrangement as recited in claim 11, further comprising: a
compression member guide positioned on said utility pole at a
vertical location between said pair of said plurality of
anchorages, said compression member guide adapted to receive a
compression member therethrough.
13. The arrangement as recited in claim 12, further comprising:
said compression member guide adapted to permit translating
vertical movement of a compression member therethrough and to limit
lateral movement of said tension member relative to said guide
thereby preventing buckling of said compression member when under
compression.
14. The arrangement as recited in claim 11, further comprising:
said compression member being oriented to have a varying
eccentricity with respect to said utility pole.
15. The arrangement as recited in claim 11, further comprising:
each of said compression members being connected to at least one of
said pair of anchorages and being unidirectionally secured against
transactional movement relative thereto.
16. The arrangement as recited in claim 11, further comprising:
each of said compression members being connected to at least one of
said pair of anchorages and being bidirectionally secured against
translational movement relative thereto.
17. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: at
least one of said anchorages being positioned upon a collar, said
collar surrounding and fastened about said utility pole.
18. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: a
plurality of said anchorages being positioned upon a collar, said
collar surrounding and fastened about said utility pole.
19. The arrangement as recited in claim 18, further comprising:
said plurality of said anchorages positioned upon said collar being
located at substantially the same vertical position relative to
said utility pole.
20. A reinforcement device for use on an elongated structure,
comprising: a plurality of anchor brackets; a plurality of
elongated rods, said plurality of elongated rods positioned
coaxially along the elongated structure and carried by said
plurality of anchor brackets; and a plurality of rod guides.
21. The reinforcement device of claim 20, wherein said plurality of
elongated rods are substantially laterally secured and generally
longitudinally freed relative to the elongated structure by said
plurality of rod guides.
22. The reinforcement device of claim 20, wherein said elongated
structure is an upright pole, wherein said plurality of anchor
brackets is a plurality of upper anchor brackets and a plurality of
lower anchor brackets, and wherein each said elongated rod of said
plurality of elongated rods is secured between a first upper anchor
bracket and a second lower anchor bracket.
23. The reinforcement device of claim 20, further comprising a
plurality of fixing bolts, said plurality of fixing bolts securing
said plurality of anchor brackets are secured to said elongated
structure.
24. The reinforcement device of claim 20, further comprising a
plurality of nuts, said plurality of nuts threadedly secured on
said plurality of elongated rods proximate to said plurality of
anchor brackets.
25. A method of reinforcing an elongated structure, comprising the
steps of: a) obtaining a plurality of anchor brackets, a plurality
of elongated rods, a plurality of rod guides, and a plurality of
fixing bolts; b) utilizing said plurality of fixing bolts to secure
said plurality of anchor brackets to the elongated structure; d)
coaxially positioning each said rod of said plurality of elongated
rods proximate to the outer surface of the elongated structure; e)
securing a first end of each said rod of said plurality of
elongated rods into a first anchor bracket of said plurality of
anchor brackets; f) securing a second end of each said rod of said
plurality of elongated rods into a second anchor bracket of said
plurality of anchor brackets; and g) laterally securing each said
rod of said plurality of elongated rods into at least one of said
plurality of rod guides.
26. The method of reinforcing an elongated structure of claim 25,
wherein each said anchor bracket of said plurality of anchor
brackets has a plurality of apertures defined therethrough and
further comprising the steps of: a') positioning each said anchor
bracket of said plurality of anchor brackets proximate to the
elongated structure and utilizing said plurality of apertures as a
template; a") drilling a plurality of mating holes in the elongated
structure; and wherein said plurality of fixing bolts are secured
in said plurality of mating holes.
27. The method of reinforcing an elongated structure of claim 25,
wherein each said rod guide of said plurality of rod guides has a
plurality of hole apertures defined therethrough and at least one
guide aperture defined therein, and further comprising the steps
of: a') positioning each said rod guide of said plurality of rod
guides proximate to the elongated structure and utilizing said
plurality of apertures as a template; a") drilling a plurality of
mating holes in the elongated structure; wherein said plurality of
fixing bolts are secured in said plurality of mating holes, and
wherein each said rod of said plurality of rods is positioned
proximate to said at least one guide aperture, wherein longitudinal
movement of said rod is accommodated and lateral movement of said
rod is limited by said at least one guide aperture.
28. The method of reinforcing an elongated structure of claim 25,
further comprising the steps of: g) obtaining a plurality of nuts;
h) securing a first nut of said plurality of nuts upon a first end
of an elongated rod of said plurality of elongated rods; i)
securing a second nut of said plurality of nuts upon a second end
of an elongated rod of said plurality of elongated rods; j)
applying a pre-tension to said elongated rod of said plurality of
rods by tightening said first and second nuts.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] To the full extent permitted by law, the present application
claims priority to and the benefit as a United States national
phase entry, non-provisional application to patent cooperation
treaty application entitled "Method and Arrangement for Utility
Pole Reinforcement" filed on Mar. 7, 2003, having assigned
International Application No. PCT/US03/07088 and International
Publication No. WO 03/076737 A1, and which claims priority to U.S.
provisional patent application entitled "Method and Arrangement for
Utility Pole Reinforcement" filed on Mar. 7, 2002, having assigned
Serial No. 60/362,076.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to elongate support
elements, and more particularly, to methods and arrangements for
fortifying aerial poles, wherein pole-supported structural
reinforcement is achieved without necessitating removal of pole
accessories and without requiring welding to the pole. The present
invention is particularly suited for, although not limited to,
utility pole reinforcement, wherein cellular telephone antennas,
transmitters and/or receivers are supported on a monopole having a
generally fixed maximum load and wherein utilization of the pole
reinforcement device and method thereof results in a generally
substantial increase in said maximum load without interrupting
service provided by existing cellular telephone antennas,
transmitters and/or receivers during the installation process.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Elongate, upright poles are utilized in many industries for
many applications. In the most simple of configurations, such poles
may serve as flag poles or sailing masts. In more complex
arrangements, upright poles are used in the utility industries for
elevating utility lines, as well as positioning certain devices
above ground level. Regarding such aerially located devices, one
example is the elevation of outdoor lighting such as for street
lamps, but an increasingly important utilization of such utility
poles is the elevation of antennas and receivers for cellular
telephone and similar wireless communication services.
[0004] The presence of such utility poles is generally seen as
detrimental to the landscape. In addition to purely aesthetic
objections, environmental data may indicate a correlation between a
loss of certain types of wildlife, namely birds, and an abundance
of cellular towers. Therefore, the number of utility poles is
desirably minimized in most locations. As a result, it has become
increasingly important to maximize the utilization of any given
pole once erected. Still further, the proliferation of wireless
communication providers has increased the need for aerial antennas
placements.
[0005] Typically, the utility poles are owned and maintained by one
entity, and space thereupon is leased to the communication
companies for their equipment. As a result, these utility poles
owners and operators are constantly striving to ever increase the
capacity of their existing facilities. Each pole, however, has a
maximum loading capacity for which it was originally designed. This
original design capacity is oftentimes quickly exceeded and
therefore reinforcement of the pole to increase its carrying
capacity is desired.
[0006] Traditional methods for providing reinforcement have
included the welding of angle along the exterior surface of the
pole in those regions requiring reinforcement. This is a
particularly disfavored solution not only because it is unsightly,
but because extremely long beads of weld are generally required
which are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive to apply, but
can also be structurally degrading to the pole, itself. Still
further, a common construction of such poles is of galvanized
metal. Therefore, any welding imposed thereupon compromises the
galvanization protection. As a result, "cold galvanization" is
typically required in an effort to re-establish the
corrosion-resistant features of the pole after welding thereupon
has been completed.
[0007] The utilization of welding is undesirable in aerial
environments. In a first instance, the related personnel cost for
elevated, above-ground welding is high, and there is often a
scarcity of qualified personnel. Further still, the extreme
temperature conditions imposed upon the utility pole during a
welding process can damage associated structures. For example,
coaxial cable is often housed within the core of the utility pole.
When welding is affected upon the body of the pole, the associated
heat can not only damage such cabling, but has also been known to
ignite insulation layers provided upon such cable resulting in the
complete loss of the facility due to fire.
[0008] Another problem associated with existing reinforcement
strategies is that installed communication units positioned upon
the utility pole must be disturbed; that is, service interruption
may be necessary to those companies already having antennas and
receivers on the pole to accommodate the reinforcement process. As
a result, added costs and complications must be dealt with to
perform such reinforcement processes, including performing the
updates at night when service to wireless customers is less likely
to be interrupted.
[0009] Still another problem has been encountered when the cabling
from the elevated antennas and receivers down to the ground
facilities is positioned exteriorly upon the pole, as opposed to
interiorly within the pole's core. Some reinforcement solutions
require components to completely encircle the pole. If that is the
case, exterior cabling must be either removed, or at least
temporarily positioned at a sufficient distance away from the pole
to give operating space for installation of the reinforcement
components. This requirement often imposes logistical problems, and
almost always increases the time and cost associated with the
remedial measures.
[0010] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a
method and arrangement for pole reinforcement, wherein any type of
elongate, upright pole may be reinforced to increase the carrying
capacity thereof without disrupting services relying thereon,
without disturbing fixtures and/or cabling mounted to the pole, and
without requiring the introduction of a number of risks associated
with welding along the outer surface of the pole, thereby enabling
a maximization of the utilization of any given erected pole and
avoiding the above-discussed disadvantages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present
invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the
recognized need for such a device by providing a method and
arrangement for increasing aerial capacity, particularly in the
wireless communication industries, via an improved monopole
reinforcement device and a method thereof, wherein pole-supported
structural reinforcement is achieved without necessitating removal
of pole accessories and without requiring welding to the pole.
[0012] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention is a method and arrangement for pole
reinforcement, wherein any type of elongate, upright pole may be
reinforced to increase the carrying capacity thereof without
disrupting services relying thereon, without disturbing fixtures
and/or cabling mounted to the pole, and without requiring the
introduction of a number of risks associated with welding along the
outer surface of the pole, thereby enabling a maximization of the
utilization of any given erected pole.
[0013] More specifically, the device of the present invention in
its preferred form is a method and arrangement for pole
reinforcement, wherein pole stress such as, for exemplary purposes
only, flexural stress and wind resistance, is reduced via
reinforcement, especially at high stress zones, to enable
maximization of the support capabilities of the footing. The
present invention may take the form of either, or both of a method
and arrangement for reinforcing an utility pole including a
plurality of anchorages, each of which are locatable at a different
vertical position on the utility pole and having a tension member
configured to be coupled between at least a pair of said anchorages
for increasing the load capacity of the receiving utility pole when
thereby fortified. Exemplarily, the utility pole is configured to
receive above-ground appurtenances.
[0014] The preferred method and arrangement for pole reinforcement
includes a plurality of upper anchor brackets, a plurality of lower
anchor brackets, tension rods and tension rod guides. The tension
rods extend coaxially along a length of the pole, substantially
laterally secured, but longitudinally freed, with respect to the
pole by the tension rod guides, and secured on each end by the
upper and lower anchor brackets. The anchor brackets that secure
the tension rods are secured to the pole via fixing bolts, wherein
apertures in the anchor bracket support plate are utilized as a
template for drilling mating holes in the pole and the fixing bolts
are inserted and secured therethrough. The tension rod guides are
similarly secured to the pole, wherein the tension rods extend
through apertures defined therein and the apertures accommodate
longitudinal movement while limiting lateral movement of the
rod.
[0015] Relative adjustment of a nut secured upon end threads of
each end of the rod applies a pre-tension to the rod. The rods thus
serve as reinforcement elements that resist bending of an erect
pole. That is, as the top of the pole bends in one particular
direction, the rod(s) on the opposite side of the pole go into
increased tension. The rods on the same side of the pole as the
direction of bend either go slack, or can even be configured to
transition into compression for further reinforcement. Thus, in a
complimentary embodiment, the arrangement further includes a
compression member, which may take the same form as the tension
member, but with oppositely acting forces imposed therein.
[0016] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the
ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement of any
type of elongated structure capable of receiving the reinforcement
arrangement, irrespective of orientation of the elongated structure
relative to the surface of the earth.
[0017] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement of
generally vertical structures such as flagpoles and masts and to
enable reinforcement of generally horizontal structures such as
conduits, pipes and tubes.
[0018] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the ability of such a device and method enable reinforcement of
existing monopoles without necessitating removal of pole
accessories.
[0019] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the ability of such a device and method enable reinforcement of an
elongated structure without requiring welding thereto.
[0020] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the ability of such a device and method to provide a generally
substantial increase in maximum load for a reinforced
structure.
[0021] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the ability of such a device and method to maximize utilization of
existing utility poles, thereby assuaging wildlife concerns and
aesthetic objections to increased pole proliferation.
[0022] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention
is the ability of such a device and method to be swiftly,
economically and safely installed without compromising
galvanization protection and subjecting the reinforced structure to
potential corrosion.
[0023] Still yet another feature and advantage of the present
invention is the ability of such a device and method to be swiftly,
economically and safely installed without subjecting the pole to
extreme welding temperature conditions, thereby avoiding risk of
ignition and fire.
[0024] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention
is the ability of such a method and device to reinforce existing
utility poles without disturbing installed communication units
positioned thereupon, thereby avoiding service interruption.
[0025] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the ability of such a device and method to enable cost effective
reinforcement of existing structures and/or new structures.
[0026] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention
is the ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement
of an existing pole without necessitating components to completely
encircle the pole, thereby enabling existing exterior cabling to
remain in position during installation of the reinforcement
apparatus.
[0027] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the ability of such a device and method to increase aerial
capacity, particularly in the wireless communication
industries.
[0028] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the ability of such a device and method to reduce pole stress such
as, for exemplary purposes only, flexural stress and wind
resistance.
[0029] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the ability of such a device and method to reduce to enable
maximization of the support capabilities of a structural
footing.
[0030] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention
is the ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement
of a pole, tower or the like without necessitating anchorage of the
reinforcement arrangement to the ground and/or footing.
[0031] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention
is the ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement
installation on a pole without necessitating thread-tapped drilling
therein.
[0032] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the
following description and claims when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The present invention will be better understood by reading
the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like
reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like
elements throughout, and in which:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art tapered pipe
pole, commonly utilized for elevating wireless communication
antennas and receivers;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a typical prior art base
anchorage and concrete footing for such a pole as is shown in FIG.
1;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic elevational view of the prior art
tapered pipe pole as shown in FIG. 1, showing regions of stress by
load-induced bending thereof in cross-hatch;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art tapered
pipe pole as shown in FIG. 3, taken along line IV-IV;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a first partial perspective view of a pole
reinforcement scheme, according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, showing an installation on a reinforced 12-sided
polygon-shaped pole;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a second partial perspective view of a pole
reinforcement scheme, according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, as installed on a reinforced 12-sided
polygon-shaped pole, showing four top-to-bottom communication
cables secured to an exterior face of the utility pole between two
faces upon which two reinforcement arrangements are each
positioned;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme,
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
showing upper anchor brackets;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme,
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
showing lower anchor brackets;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme,
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
showing tension rods and guides therefore;
[0043] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the utility pole as
shown in FIG. 11, taken along line V-V;
[0044] FIG. 11 is an elevational schematic representation of a
multi-joint, stacked, 12-sided polygon-shaped utility pole having
installed reinforcements, showing blow-up detail of three alternate
anchor bracket configurations;
[0045] FIG. 12 is an elevational schematic representation of three
elongate reinforcement arrangements of the present invention as
installed;
[0046] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the elevational
schematic representation of FIG. 12, taken along line 13A-13A,
showing a top view the upper anchor brackets;
[0047] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the elevational
schematic representation of FIG. 12, taken along line 13B-13B,
showing a top view of the guide brackets;
[0048] FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the elevational
schematic representation of FIG. 12, taken along line 13C-13C,
showing a top view of the lower anchor brackets;
[0049] FIG. 14 is an elevational view of an upper anchor bracket of
FIG. 13A;
[0050] FIG. 15 is an elevational view of a lower anchor bracket of
FIG. 13C;
[0051] FIG. 16 is an elevational view of a guide bracket of FIG.
13B;
[0052] FIG. 17 is a reinforcement arrangement, according to an
alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing a ring or
collar;
[0053] FIG. 18 is a partial side view of the reinforcement
arrangement of FIG. 17, showing the rods offset slightly from
vertical;
[0054] FIG. 19 is a partial side view of the reinforcement
arrangement of FIG. 17, showing the collar assembly;
[0055] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the upper collar of the
reinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17;
[0056] FIG. 21 is an elevational view of a lower anchor
bracket;
[0057] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the lower collar of the
reinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17;
[0058] FIG. 23 is a perspective side view of the lower collar of
the reinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17;
[0059] FIG. 24 is a partial perspective side view of the collar of
FIG. 23, showing the collar joining arrangement;
[0060] FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the upper anchor bracket of
FIG. 14;
[0061] FIG. 26 is a schematic view of the lower anchor bracket of
FIG. 15;
[0062] FIG. 27A is a side, schematic view of the bracket of FIG.
26, showing a back plate, side wall and lower support member;
[0063] FIG. 27B is an inner support for the lower support member of
the bracket of FIG. 26;
[0064] FIG. 28A is the side wall the bracket of FIG. 26;
[0065] FIG. 28B is a first inner support for the bracket of FIG.
26;
[0066] FIG. 28C is a second inner support for the bracket of FIG.
26;
[0067] FIG. 29 is a rear schematic view of the bracket of FIG.
26;
[0068] FIG. 30 is a partial side, cross-sectional, schematic view
of the bracket of FIG. 26;
[0069] FIG. 31A is a schematic view of the rod guide assembly of
FIG. 31C, showing a bracket member that attaches directly to the
utility pole;
[0070] FIG. 31B is a schematic view of the rod guide assembly of
FIG. 31C, showing a closure plate;
[0071] FIG. 31C is a schematic view of a rod guide assembly
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 31D is a side, schematic view of the rod guide assembly
arrangement of FIG. 31C;
[0073] FIG. 31E is a side, schematic view of the bracket member of
FIG. 31A;
[0074] FIG. 31F is a schematic view of the rod guide assembly of
FIG. 31C, viewed from below;
[0075] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement
arrangement, showing an alternate H-shaped bracket configuration;
and
[0076] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement
arrangement, showing an alternate L-shaped bracket
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
[0077] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the
present invention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described
herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity.
The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the
specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that
each specific element includes all technical equivalents that
operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, the present invention in a
preferred embodiment is method and device for structural
reinforcement 10 of elongated structure 3, wherein brackets 20 and
guides 33, 39 are secured to elongated structure 3 and wherein
elongated rods 30 are positioned proximate to elongated structure 3
and are retained by brackets 20 and guides 33, 39. In the preferred
embodiment, elongated structure 3 is monopole 22 such as, for
exemplary purposes only, multi-joint, stacked, 12-sided polygon
shaped pole 25, as depicted in FIGS. 5-11, step, tapered pipe pole
26a as depicted in FIG. 3, or continuous-taper monopole tower 26b,
as depicted in FIG. 1, wherein monopole 22 is generally and
preferably vertically oriented. Elongated structure 3 in FIG. 1 is
utility pole 5, shown to include climbing pegs 21 for service
personnel, as well as a safety cable 24 to which such personnel are
attached during service operations. The description herein of the
arrangement and installation of method and device for structural
reinforcement 10 is presented with reference to reinforcement of
monopole 22 for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to be
limiting the application thereto. One skilled in the art would
readily recognize and it is specifically contemplated within the
scope of the present invention that method and device for
structural reinforcement 10 could be utilized on any type of
elongated structure 3, irrespective of orientation, wherein for
example substantially horizontally positioned pipes or any other
suitable structure for receiving method and device for structural
reinforcement 10 could be strengthened thereby.
[0079] Preferably, brackets 20 include upper anchor brackets 28 and
lower anchor brackets 29, and elongated rods 30 include tension 32.
Tension rod 32 is preferably steel, however, any suitably strong
material possessing similar appropriate characteristics could also
be utilized. Tension rod 32 is preferably positioned coaxially
along a length of monopole 22 proximate to outer surface 22a
thereof, wherein first end 34a of tension rod 32 is preferably
retained by upper anchor bracket 28 and wherein second end 34b of
tension rod 32 is preferably retained by lower anchor bracket
29.
[0080] In the preferred embodiment, guides 33, 39 include tension
rod guide 152, wherein tension rod guide 152 is positioned between
upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29, wherein
lateral movement of tension rod 32 is preferably substantially
limited by tension rod guide 152, and wherein longitudinal movement
of tension rod 32 is preferably generally permitted by tension rod
guide 152. Preferably, method and device for structural
reinforcement 10 incorporates the utilization of a plurality of
tension rod guides 152 between each upper anchor bracket 28 and
lower anchor bracket 29, and a plurality of tension rods 32 secured
in like manner relative to elongated structure 3.
[0081] Preferably, upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket
29 include support plate 106 and 108, respectively, wherein rear
surfaces 106a and 108a of support plates 106 and 108, respectively,
are positioned proximate to outer surface 22a of monopole 22 upon
attachment of upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29
to elongated structure 3. Each support plate 106 and 108 preferably
has a plurality of apertures 110 defined therethrough, wherein
apertures 110 serve as first template 112 for positional selection
of mating holes 23a, wherein mating holes 23a are preferably
drilled through outer surface 22a, and wherein apertures 110 also
serve as receiving ports 114 for bolts 50a.
[0082] Preferably, tension rod guide 152 includes mount plate 154,
wherein rear surface 154a of mount plate 154 is positioned
proximate to outer surface 22a of monopole 22 upon attachment of
mount plate 154 to elongated structure 3. Mount plate 154
preferably has a plurality of apertures 156 defined therethrough,
wherein apertures 156 serve as second template 158 for positional
selection of mating holes 23b, wherein mating holes 23b are
preferably drilled through outer surface 22a of monopole 22 to
enable attachment of mount plate 154 thereto, and wherein apertures
156 also serve as receiving ports 159 for bolts 50b.
[0083] Generally and preferably, upper anchor bracket 28 and lower
anchor bracket 29 function via substantially the same
configuration, albeit inverted relative to each other. Namely,
bracing members or elements 45 are provided as generally projecting
elements relative to support plates 106 and 108, wherein tension
rod 32 is preferably positioned within rod apertures 122 and 124 as
defined through cross brace members 126a and 126b, respectively.
Preferably, nut 52a is secured to first end 34a of tension rod 32
proximate to upper surface 128a of cross brace member 126a of upper
anchor bracket 28, wherein first end 34a of tension rod 32 is
preferably threaded. Also preferably, nut 52b is secured to second
end 34b of tension rod 32 proximate to lower surface 128b of cross
brace member 126b of lower anchor bracket 29, wherein second end
34b of tension rod 32 is preferably threaded.
[0084] This preferred end-bolted configuration of tension rod 32
relative to upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29
enables selective manipulation of nut 52a and/or nut 52b to apply a
prescribed pre-tension to tension rod 32. That is, tightening
either nut 52a or nut 52b, or tightening both nuts 52a and 52b on
opposite ends 34a and 34b of tension rod 32, can selectively
pre-stress tension rod 32, that is, a prescribed pre-tension is
applied across elongated rod 30, thereby reducing and/or
eliminating "slop" in elongated structure 3 and in reinforcement
arrangement of method and device 10, wherein tension rod 32
preferably serves as a reinforcement element to resist bending or
other contortional forces on elongated structure 3.
[0085] The cross-hatched regions of FIG. 3 illustrate
representative high stress zones requiring reinforcement, wherein
stress is typically flexural for structures such as monopole 22,
and wherein the stress in the zones is primarily attributable to
bending forces induced by upper loads on monopole 22. Though load
weight is a contributing component to the bending forces, a primary
actor is wind resistance, particularly the increased wind
resistance caused by additional features, appurtenances and
accessories, such as wireless antennas and receivers, added at
upper regions of monopole 22. From an engineering perspective, the
combination of a pair of anchorages 28, 29 and an interconnected
tension member or rod 30 constitute a reinforcement arrangement or
element 10 that contributes resistance to bending of an erect
monopole 22. As the top of pole 22 bends in one particular
direction, typically under wind load, rod(s) 30 on the opposite
(upwind) side of pole 22 go into increased tension. The rods 30 on
the same side of pole 22 as the direction of bend (down-wind)
either go slack, or transition into compression for further
reinforcement. In the case that rods 30 are configured for
accepting compression forces, the rod ends must be bi-directionally
secured; that is, fixed with respect to anchor plate 53.
[0086] High stress zones, typically identified through
computer-aided analysis, are the most likely candidate regions to
be reinforced in order to provide additional carrying capacity to
existing monopole 22 structure. In this computer-aided analysis for
identification of candidate regions to be reinforced, there may be
different limiting factors. One factor may be the construction of
monopole 22 itself, but of equal significance is the support
capabilities of monopole's 22 footing. Regardless of how strong
monopole 22 can be made, the capacity of footing may not be
exceeded.
[0087] It has been discovered that for some utility poles 5,
especially those that are heavily loaded, the tension rod approach
alone will not always provide sufficient fortification.
Responsively, a complementary compression member or rod 36
configuration has been developed that would force rod 36 elements
on the compression face of the shaft of elongated structure 3 to
take-up compressive forces. In order to do this, the configurations
of anchor brackets 28, 29 have to be appropriately designed to
handle the reversal in the force direction (with respect to tension
conditions) and rods 36 have to be braced against buckling. This
results in the end supports, upper and lower anchor brackets 28, 29
being spaced much closer together for the tension rod designs.
However, a much greater composite section capacity is obtained and,
hence, a much larger load carrying capacity for such a reinforced
monopole 22 is achieved. When considering compression member or rod
36, exemplary embodiments require double nuts 55, or suitable
equivalents to achieve the compression rod configuration, while
only a single nut can be utilized for the tension rod
configuration. In practice, it should be understood that if a
reinforcement arrangement 10 is configured to act as a compression
member 36, by fastening rod 30 to upper and lower anchor brackets
28, 29 against both upward and downward translational movement,
that same arrangement 10 will act as a tension rod 32 when opposite
(tensile) stress or force is applied thereto.
[0088] The present invention contemplates, among others, systems in
which only externally applied high strength tension rods 32 are
installed with some amount of pre-stress or pre-tension load
imposed. While rods 30 are applied symmetrically with respect to
the pole cross section (typically 6 or 8 rods), only rods 30 that
develop tensile forces are included in the strength equation when
designing and tuning the system. It should be appreciated, as
otherwise explained herein, that when the shaft tube of elongated
structure 3 is bent in flexure, there exists a compression face at
which elongated structure 3 tends to shorten under load and a
tension face at which elongated structure 3 tends to stretch or
lengthen. Rods on the compression face tend to go slack or buckle
so only the rods 30 that carry tension are active. As a result,
what can now be considered a composite structural element; that is,
the shaft of elongated structure 3 and the reinforcement
arrangements 10 having active tension rods 32, when taken together,
are asymmetric with a center of gravity (CG) of the composite
element displaced slightly toward the tension rod face of the pole.
The result is an increase in the pole's moment of inertia, I. It is
this increase in moment of inertia that allows for more load
carrying capacity in the shaft of elongated structure 3. Each
tension rod 32 can generally be considered a tension element, but
when described herein, each tension element can include one or more
tension rods 32.
[0089] The actual moment of inertia of an exemplary composite
section is influenced by at least: (1) the moment of inertia of the
shaft of elongated structure 3, (2) the area of tension rod 32, and
(3) the rod's eccentricity; that is, the distance rod 32 is spaced
with respect to the pole shaft. Typically, for any given pole
section, the pole shaft moment of inertia is constant, but the
tension rod size, and hence, its area, can be varied as can the
rod's eccentricity. In the design process, this becomes an
interactive exercise that eventually will result in the desired
geometry. Therefore, for a given pole shaft section and associated
tension rod arrangement (cross-sectional area and eccentricity),
the amount of tensile force that a particular rod carries can be
computed.
[0090] It has been discovered that within the length of a given
elongated rod 30 which is generally taken as being the rod
extension between rod termination mounts (RTM), anchor brackets 28,
29, the eccentricity will need to be greatest at the bottom end and
least at the top end of the reinforcement arrangement 10. Also, the
tension force in rods 30 is commensurately greatest at the bottom
and least at the top. Since the experienced tension force actually
varies along the length of rod 30, the difference in force between
the two end points must be taken-up.
[0091] In one embodiment, U-bolt clamps 60 can be utilized for
fixing rod 30 to monopole 22 as shown in FIG. 32. This attachment
transfers a longitudinal force (the difference in the rod tension)
and a lateral force (due to the curved shape of the bent pole
shaft). Differently configured anchor brackets and rod positioners
can be utilized; exemplary configurations include welded
T-sections, U-bolt on I-sections, and U-bolt on L-sections 62 as
shown in FIG. 33. In FIGS. 32 and 33, fastening arrangements are
shown to include HOLLO bolts that are particularly advantageous in
this setting because of their self-securing capacities.
[0092] In practice, welded T-sections function particularly well
from a structural perspective, but they can present scheduling
problems with respect to fabrication. For this reason, the U-bolt
configurations are more typically utilized in implementations of
the present invention.
[0093] In order to maintain the integrity of elongated rods 30,
their position with respect to elongated structure 3 must be
substantially fixed. As elongated structure 3 bends, without guides
33, 39 illustrated in FIG. 9, the orientation of elongated rods 30
with respect to elongated structure 3 can change. Therefore, guides
33, 39, which will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, are
preferably provided at intervals along the length of each rod 30
thereby laterally securing rod 30 with respect to elongated
structure 3, but also preferably enabling free longitudinal
movement of rod 30 within guide 33, 39. It should be appreciated
that guide 33,39 character as between tension and compression is
determined by what kind of force (tension or compression)
associated rod 30 is carrying.
[0094] FIG. 11 provides an elevational, schematic representation of
multi-section 15, stacked, 12-sided polygon-shaped utility pole 5.
Each section 15 tapers from its lower to upper end, and each lower
end is sized and configured to fit over the top end of the section
located immediately therebelow. Because of this tapered
configuration and relative sizing, multiple sections 15 may be
stacked to form elongate utility pole 5. This configuration
establishes overlap regions 18 between sections 15 characterized as
overlapping joints, or splices in FIG. 11. In the blow-up details
at the right-hand side of FIG. 11, three different anchor
configurations 27 are illustrated. Primarily, it is demonstrated
that one or more tension rods 32 may be incorporated into a
reinforcement arrangement according to method and device 10. In the
upper detail of FIG. 11, an anchor configuration 27 is shown having
rods 30 extending in just one direction. In each of the lower
details of FIG. 11, an anchor configuration 27 is shown having rods
30 extending in both directions. It is based on such
double-connections to anchor configurations 27 that composite
forces are imposed for transfer to the carrying pole 22.
[0095] The reinforcement arrangements 10 shown perspectively in
FIGS. 5 and 6 are depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 12-16. FIG.
12 provides an elevational view showing three alternative
individual reinforcement arrangements according to method and
device 10, while FIGS. 13a-13c show various horizontal
cross-sections taken as indicated in FIG. 12. More specifically,
FIG. 13a shows the top view of a set of upper anchor brackets 28,
FIG. 13b shows a top view of a set of guides 33, 39, and FIG. 13c
shows a top view of a set of lower anchor brackets 29.
[0096] FIG. 14 shows an elevational view upper anchor bracket 28,
while FIG. 15 shows an elevational view of lower anchor bracket 29.
Therein, several reinforcing bracing members 50 may be appreciated
as welded members upon back support plate 56. One skilled in the
art would readily recognize that although welding is the preferred
method of attachment for bracing members to support plates, any
appropriately strong means of attachment could be utilized such as,
for exemplary purposes only, tongue-and-groove adhesive mating
and/or riveting, and/or support plates and bracing members could be
partially or entirely integrally formed. Cross brace members 126a
and 125b are depicted in a preferred substantially horizontal
orientation relative to the axis of monopole 22, wherein bracing
members 45 preferably provide support thereto.
[0097] In the preferred embodiment, rear surface 58 of support
plate 56 is configured to fit substantially flush, in a
face-to-face orientation against exterior surface 22a of elongated
structure 3. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, support
plate 56 is generally flat, however, it is contemplated that
support plate 56 may be variously configured to generally conform
to exterior 22a of elongate structure 3 upon which support plate 56
is intended to be applied. For example, support plate 56 may be
generally arcuately-shaped, may have defined angles, and/or may be
any suitable shape enabling adaptation to elongate structure 3 for
reinforcement thereof. The anchor plate 53 is shown in a
substantially horizontal orientation and is supported by several of
the provided brace members 45.
[0098] One advantageous aspect of the heretofore-described
embodiment of the present invention is the way in which anchor
configurations 27 are joined to utility pole 5. That is, an
important feature of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention is the method of securing brackets 20 to elongate
structure 3. Apertures or holes 57 are provided in support plate
56, wherein apertures 57 are preferably aligned with mating holes
23a, 23b in elongated structure 3. From a practical standpoint,
apertures 57 enable support plate 56 to be utilized as first
template 112 for drilling mating holes 23a, 23b in monopole 22.
Preferably, fixing bolts 50a, 50b are positioned through apertures
57 of support plate 56 and mating holes 23a, 23b of monopole 22,
wherein the alignment and relative location thereof is secured
thereby.
[0099] In the event that the position for attachment of anchor
bracket 28, 29 is at overlapped region or joint 18 of two sections
15, apertures 57 are alternately provided to enable mating holes
23a, 23b and fixing bolts 50a, 50b to be positioned on both of
adjacent pole sections 15, thereby reinforcing pole joint or
overlapped region 18 via attachment of support plate 56 and
beneficially fixing all three of the components, first section,
second section and bracket, relative to one another by such
cross-positioned bolts. This beneficial cross-joint reinforcement
can be of critical importance because of the tension/compression
action in reinforcing rods 30. More specifically, if significant
relative movement were permitted to occur between sections 15 at
overlap region or joint 18 wherein reinforcement arrangement 10
extends thereacross, the tensioning or compression capability of
rod 30 may be obviated. By positioning bolts 50a, 50b strategically
through support plate 56 to secure each of two pole sections 15
making up joint 18, this possibility is substantially
eliminated.
[0100] It is also a significant feature of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention 10 that bolts 50a, 50b are used for
connection of brackets 20 and guides 33, 39 to elongated structure
3, as opposed to welded connections. As intimated hereinabove, this
prevents the compromise of any galvanization of pipe joints 18 of
monopole 22. In the preferred embodiment, bolts 50a, 50b are
blind-side fasteners, also known as anchor-type expansion bolts,
wherein utilization thereof eliminates the need for manipulation
within interior of monopole 22 for the securement of brackets 20
and guides 33, 39 thereupon--that is these types of fasteners are
essentially self-securing. Moreover, the preferred use of expansion
bolts eliminates the need for mating holes 23a, 23b in monopole 22
to be tapped for threaded engagement. However, it is contemplated
that other means of attachment could be utilized to accomplish the
equivalent function such as, for exemplary purposes only,
locking-well-type fasteners.
[0101] FIG. 16 provides an elevational view of a preferred
arrangement for rod guides 33, 39. As illustrated, rod guide 33,39
is primarily composed of anchor plate 53, wherein anchor plate 53
has a ninety-degree angle and is boltable to elongated structure 3
via apertures 57 in a manner similar to that used to secure anchor
brackets 28, 29 to elongate structure 3. Preferably, second closure
plate 54 is bolted to horizontal and outwardly projecting leg of
anchor plate 53, thereby forming guide aperture 57 about rod 30,
details of which are shown in FIGS. 31A-F.
[0102] An alternate configuration of the reinforcement arrangement
is illustrated in FIGS. 17-24. Therein, a ring or collar
arrangement 80 is shown that is fixed about the periphery of
utility pole 5, irrespective of the shape of pole 5. In this
alternate design, collar 83 essentially serves as a substitute for
back support plate 56 of brackets 20 that would otherwise be
positioned upon utility pole 5 in the preferred embodiment.
Otherwise, the construction of anchor bracket 28, 29 can be similar
to that disclosed and described hereinabove. As illustrated,
however, collar 83 is exemplarily made up of two halves 85 that are
joined together to surround utility pole 5. It is understood,
however, that more than two members could be utilized to form
collar 83, and that the represented circular shape of collar 83 is
not intended to be a limitation. That is, collar 83 could be
polygonal or any suitable shape. Similar to back plates 56 of
individual brackets 28, 29, collar 83 is positively connected via
expansion bolts through aligned apertures in collar 83 and utility
pole section(s).
[0103] FIG. 18 diagrammatically illustrates that rods 30 may be
advantageously offset slightly from vertical. This orientation is
depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 as different eccentricities of a
particular rod 30 between the top and bottom ends of rod 30 and the
centroid of utility pole 5. As a result, this vertically offset
orientation is generally accommodated by a similar angular offset
from horizontal of anchor plate 53 in the bracket assembly. This
matching offset is provided to assure a square relationship between
abutting nut 55 on rod 30 and the contact surface of anchor plate
53.
[0104] FIGS. 19-24 illustrate details of an exemplary ring or
collar arrangement 80 in which: FIG. 19 is an elevational view;
FIG. 20 is a sectional view looking downward at two halves 85 of a
collar 83 installable about a utility pole 5 (but not yet secured
together); FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a guide 33, 39 for
a rod 30; and FIG. 22 is a secured (bolted-together) configuration
of two-half collar 83 of FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a detailed view of a
midsection of one of collar halves 85 and FIG. 24 is a detail of
bolted flanges forming a secured joint between two collar halves
85.
[0105] FIGS. 25 and 26 again depict lower 29 and upper 28 anchor
brackets, respectively. FIGS. 27-29, however, provide details of
back support plate 56, several brace members 45 and anchor plate 53
as each relates to upper anchor bracket 28 of FIG. 26. FIG. 30
shows details of an exemplary connection between back support plate
56 and anchor plate 53.
[0106] FIG. 31 illustrates components of guide 33, 39. FIG. 31A
shows a slotted guide bracket member 63 that attaches directly to
the utility pole 5. A U-shaped slot or recess is provided in the
horizontally oriented plate for accepting a tension rod therein.
FIG. 31B illustrates closure plate 54 that is bolted upon the
receiving anchor plate 53 as shown in FIG. 31C for enclosing a
tension rod 32. As described hereinabove, however, the size of that
through-aperture or slot for rod 32 is appropriately sized to
accommodate longitudinal movement of a captured rod, but to limit
lateral movement (particularly side-to-side) which could inhibit
the operative qualities thereof. FIG. 31D similarly depicts guide
assembly 33, 39 as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 31E illustrates the
support angle of the guide assembly alone. FIG. 31F illustrates a
top view of the guide arrangement's through-apertures for a tension
rod.
[0107] Referring again to the embodiment of the invention in which
individual anchor brackets 28, 29 are used, as opposed to anchor
collars 80, a superior method for reinforcing utility poles 3 is
enabled. Referring to FIG. 7, the installation of anchor brackets
28, 29 alongside existing and exteriorly located cabling 8 is
shown. By utilizing such individual anchor brackets 28, 29,
installation of the entire reinforcement arrangement 10 can be
accomplished without disturbing either the existing cable
configuration, or the wireless services being provided
therethrough. This is a significant advantage over other
reinforcement procedure requiring either removal and then
reinstallation of such cabling, or even the temporary displacement
of the cables.
[0108] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the
within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other
alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention
is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but
is limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *