U.S. patent application number 10/899951 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-30 for system for mounting a device on a pole.
Invention is credited to Liebendorfer, John E., Schuit, Nathan J..
Application Number | 20040261334 10/899951 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32872994 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040261334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liebendorfer, John E. ; et
al. |
December 30, 2004 |
System for mounting a device on a pole
Abstract
The specification and drawing figures describe and show a
mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus includes a sleeve. The
sleeve is formed with a plurality of spaced-apart substantially
parallel slots. The sleeve is removably engageable with one end of
a pole on which it is desired to mount one or more devices.
Connectors are included that fit adjustably and removably into the
plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel slots. In
addition, at least one bar is included. Each bar is formed with a
plurality of apertures. The apertures permit variably positioning
the bar on the connectors. A cap also is provided. The cap is
connected to one end of the sleeve and engageable with one end of
the pole. The mounting apparatus includes a variety of ways to
secure the mounting apparatus to a pole. This abstract is provided
to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a
searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of
the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.
Inventors: |
Liebendorfer, John E.;
(Albuquerque, NM) ; Schuit, Nathan J.; (Edgewood,
NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ray R. Regan, Esq.
P.O. Box 1442
Corrales
NM
87048
US
|
Family ID: |
32872994 |
Appl. No.: |
10/899951 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10899951 |
Jul 26, 2004 |
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10783808 |
Feb 21, 2004 |
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60450004 |
Feb 26, 2003 |
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60477985 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
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60478036 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/173.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 10/10 20130101;
Y02B 10/20 20130101; F24S 25/20 20180501; Y02E 10/50 20130101; F24S
2025/807 20180501; F24S 25/65 20180501; F24S 25/61 20180501; F24S
25/636 20180501; F24S 25/70 20180501; Y10T 29/49948 20150115; H02S
20/23 20141201; F24S 25/35 20180501; Y02E 10/47 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/173.1 |
International
Class: |
E04D 013/18; E04H
014/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mounting apparatus, comprising: a sleeve formed with a
plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel slots, wherein the
sleeve is rotatably and removably engageable with one end of a
pole; one or more self-locking connectors movably insertable in the
plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel slots; and at
least one bar formed with an aperture for variably positioning the
at least one bar on the one or more connectors.
2. A mounting apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
cap connectable to one the sleeve and engageable with the end of
the pole.
3. A mounting apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the sleeve
is formed from at least two interlockable channels.
4. A mounting apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the at least
two interlockable channels are substantially identical.
5. A mounting apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the at least
two interlockable channels are formed with an edge having a
longitudinal duct.
6. A mounting apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein the at least
two interlockable channels are formed with a beaded edge slidably
engageable with the longitudinal duct.
7. A mounting apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the
cross-sectional configuration of the sleeve is selected from the
group of cross-sectional configurations consisting of circles,
semi-circles, squares, triangles, oblongs, hexagons, and heptagons,
among other configurations.
8. A mounting apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the one or
more connectors is selected from the group of connectors consisting
of bolts having heads and a threaded end for engagement of a nut,
washers formed with holes, rivets, screws, among other
connectors.
9. A mounting apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising
means for securing the apparatus on the pole.
10. A system for mounting a device on a pole, comprising: a sleeve
removably engageable with the exposed end of a pole, wherein the
sleeve further comprises a monolithically attached bracket; a slot
formed adjacent to one border of the bracket; one or more bores
formed adjacent the opposing border of the bracket; and a bar
repositionably connectable to the slot and to the one or more
bores.
11. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
10, further comprising a cap formed for contact with the exposed
end of the pole.
12. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
10, wherein the sleeve, the bracket, and the bar are formed of one
or more materials.
13. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
12, wherein the one or more materials are selected from the group
of materials consisting of aluminum, steel, resin, plastic, and
metal.
14. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
10, further comprising a self-locking connector connectable to the
slot and to the bar.
15. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
10, further comprising means for variably positioning the bar on
the bracket.
16. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
10, further comprising means for attaching the device to the
bar.
17. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
10, wherein the device is one or more solar panels.
18. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
10, wherein the device is one or more positionable
transmitters.
19. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
10, wherein the device is one or more positionable receivers.
20. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
19, wherein the one or more positionable receivers is a satellite
dish.
21. A system for mounting a device on a pole as recited in claim
10, further comprising means for securing the apparatus on the
pole.
22. A method for variably positioning a device on a pole,
comprising: selecting a material for forming a sleeve; shaping the
material to form a sleeve with at least one slot; configuring the
sleeve to be removably engageable with the pole; inserting one or
more connectors in the slot; shaping the material into at least one
bar; forming one or more apertures in the at least one bar for
mountable engagement on the one or more connectors; and including a
cap connectable to one end of the sleeve.
23. A method for variably positioning a device on a pole as recited
in claim 22, wherein the sleeve shaping step includes the substeps
of: forming at least two interlockable substantially identical
channels; shaping each of the two interlockable substantially
identical channels to provide an edge having a longitudinal duct;
and shaping each of the two interlockable substantially identical
channels to provide another edge having a beaded edge slidably
insertable into the longitudinal duct.
24. A method for variably positioning a device on a pole as recited
in claim 22, wherein the one or more connectors inserting step
includes the substep of inserting one or more bolts having heads
and a threaded end for engagement of a nut and a washer.
25. A method for variably positioning a device on a pole as recited
in claim 22, further comprising the substep of providing means for
securing the sleeve on the pole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part from co-pending
nonprovisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/783,808 filed
Feb. 21, 2004, the specification of which is incorporated by
reference into this document.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The apparatus and method disclosed in this document pertain
generally to mounting apparatus. More particularly, the new and
useful systems disclosed and claimed in this document pertain to an
apparatus for variably positioning one or more devices on a pole.
The mounting apparatus is particularly, but not exclusively, useful
for variably positioning a solar panel on a pole.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Devices such as solar panels, transmitters, receivers,
telescopes, radar units, satellite dishes, and a host of other
devices present unique problems associated with mounting such
devices on a pole. When mounted on one end of a vertical pole, the
apparatus must be capable of resisting wind, rain, significant
variations in ambient temperatures, and a host of other challenges
presented by the elements. Limitations among mounting apparatus
currently available for installing devices on one end of a pole
include complexity of design and installation. Current limitations
also include non-standard dimensions of hardware used to assemble
and secure devices on mounting brackets attached to poles. In
addition, there exists an evident inability to integrate the cap of
the system claimed in this document with the top of a pole. Current
apparatus also fail to allow installation of a device in a
360-degree radius or orientation around a longitudinal axis through
the center of a pole on which the device or devices are mounted,
and allow no adjustment of the position of a device on or along an
axis or plane transverse to the longitudinal axis through a pole,
i.e., in directions "up" or "down" from a plane perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis through the center of the pole. Exemplary
solutions for mounting solar panels on surfaces and objects are
shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/910,655, filed Jul.
20, 2001, and in U.S. Continuation-in-Part patent application Ser.
No. 10/116,384, filed Apr. 4, 2002, and in Continuation-in-Part
patent application Ser. No. 10/783,808, filed Feb. 21, 2004, naming
as the sole inventor one of the inventors named in this document,
the specifications of which are incorporated into this document by
reference. However, a need exists in the industry for a new, useful
and improved mounting apparatus directed to the challenging
problems of mounting a device on an exposed end of a pole.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment of the mounting apparatus disclosed and
claimed in this document, a sleeve is provided. The sleeve may be
monolithically formed and shaped, or may be assembled from
interlockable channels. The sleeve may be formed with one or more
slots. The sleeve is removably engageable with one end of a pole on
which it is desired to mount one or more devices ("exposed end" of
a pole). The ends of a pole are identified in this document as the
exposed end, which is the end on which a device is to be mounted,
and the "installed end," the end that generally is secured to the
ground or to a structure to hold the pole in position. Connectors
are included that adapt both adjustably and removably to the slots.
In addition, at least one bar is included. The bar is formed with a
plurality of apertures strategically located to permit variably
positioning the bar on the connectors and, accordingly, in
relationship to the pole. The bar is formed with at least one
aperture. A cap also is provided. The cap is connected to one end
of the sleeve. At least one side of the cap is engageable with the
exposed end of the pole. The mounting apparatus includes a variety
of ways to secure the mounting apparatus to a pole.
[0005] As indicated, in one embodiment the sleeve of the mounting
apparatus is formed from at least two interlockable channels that
are substantially identical in shape, configuration, and
dimensions. As used in this document, the term "interlockable
channels" means that the two substantially identical channels
include structural elements permitting a combination of any two
channels to be assembled into a sleeve. In one non-exclusive
embodiment, each channel includes opposing edges. One edge is
formed as a duct, and the opposing edge is beaded to slide and mesh
into a duct to form a sleeve. Because the channels are
substantially identical in shape, configuration, and dimensions, a
first channel may be inverted in orientation in relation to a
second channel, and the two channels interlocked by sliding the
opposing beaded edges into the opposing ducts.
[0006] In yet another embodiment, a system for mounting a variety
of devices on the exposed end of a pole includes a sleeve that also
is removably engageable with the exposed end of a pole. The sleeve
includes a bracket. The bracket is monolithically formed in the
sleeve. Either a slot or a plurality of slots is formed adjacent to
one border of the bracket. One or more bores is formed adjacent the
opposing border of the bracket. In another embodiment, a groove may
be scored or formed on a surface of the sleeve or bracket for
locating one or more points at which to form the bores. A bar is
provided that may be connected to the bracket is a variety of
positions. A cap may be attached to one end of the sleeve.
[0007] In operation of any embodiment, any of a variety of devices
may be attached to the system, including but not limited to a solar
panel, a transmitter, a receiver, and a satellite dish, among
others.
[0008] It will become apparent to one skilled in the art that the
claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the
apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus,
combine to result in a number of unexpected advantages and
utilities. The structure and co-operation of structure of the
mounting apparatus will become apparent to those skilled in the art
when read in conjunction with the following description, drawing
figures, and appended claims. The foregoing has outlined broadly
the more important features of the invention to better understand
the detailed description that follows, and to better understand the
contributions to the art. The mounting apparatus is not limited in
application to the details of construction, and to the arrangements
of the components, provided in the following description or drawing
figures, but is capable of other embodiments, and of being
practiced and carried out in various ways. The phraseology and
terminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of
description, and therefore should not be regarded as limiting. As
those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which
this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis for
designing other structures, methods, and systems. The claims,
therefore, include equivalent constructions. Further, the abstract
associated with this disclosure is intended neither to define the
mounting apparatus, which is measured by the claims, nor intended
to limit the scope of the claims. The novel features of the
mounting apparatus are best understood from the accompanying
drawing, considered in connection with the accompanying description
of the drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to
similar parts, and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0009] FIG. 1A of the drawing is a perspective view of one
embodiment of the mounting apparatus in an operable environment,
with multiple slots;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1A with the addition of a cap;
[0011] FIG. 1C is a top view of the interlocking channels of one
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2A is perspective view of another embodiment of the
mounting apparatus with multiple brackets;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2A with the addition of a cap;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing positioning of at least
one arm;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment having a
single bracket shown in FIG. 1A with the addition of a cap;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1A with two slots;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the system on which a
satellite dish is attached;
[0018] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the system rigged for
mounting a solar panel; and
[0019] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an array of solar panels to
be mounted on the apparatus and pole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, a mounting apparatus 10 is provided
that, in its broadest context, includes a sleeve 12. To the extent
that subscripts to numerical designations in this document are
followed by the lower case letter "n," as in "a-n," the letter "n"
is intended to express a large number of possible repetitions of
the element designated by that numerical reference and subscripts.
Thus, sleeve 12 is formed with at least one slot 14a-n. Sleeve 12
also is formed to be mountable on a pole 16 by being slidably and
removably engageable with one end 18 of pole 16. One or more
connectors 20 are included. Each connector 20a-n fits into slot
14a-n. In addition, at least one bar 22 is included. Bar 22 is
formed with at least one aperture 24. In one embodiment, a
plurality of apertures 24a-n are provided; in another embodiment, a
plurality of circular apertures 24a-c are provided; in another
embodiment, a central aperture 24a and two opposing elongated
apertures 24b,c on either side of circular central aperture 24a is
provided; in another embodiment, an elongated aperture 24 is
provided. All embodiments of aperture 24 allow a user to position
bar 22 on connectors 20a-n in a 360-degree direction around the
longitudinal axis through the center of pole 16, and to position a
device 26 on one or more bars 22a-n in a variety of positions on a
plane transverse to the longitudinal axis through the center of
pole 16. A cap 28 also is provided. In addition, the combination of
the use of a central connector 20 in aperture 24 ensures that
during installation, removal, and realignment of bar 22, bar 22
does not become disengaged from pole 16 while other adjustments to
the system are undertaken. Cap 28 is connectable to proximal end 30
of sleeve 12 in a variety of ways such as welding. Also, mounting
apparatus 10 also includes means 32 for securing mounting apparatus
12 to pole 16.
[0021] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, sleeve 12
includes a plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel slots
14a-n. Plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel slots 14a-n
may be monolithically formed in sleeve 12. As shown perhaps best by
cross-reference between FIGS. 1A and 5, sleeve 12 may include a
single shoulder 34a having opposing space-apart substantially
parallel slots 14a-b as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 1A, a
plurality of shoulders 34b,c having spaced-apart substantially
parallel slots 14a-d, also may be provided. Slots 14a-n are shaped
and dimensioned to hold connectors 20a-n. More specifically, one
embodiment of connectors 20a-n, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 1A,
include heads, threaded ends, nuts, and washers that are more
particularly described below. Slots 14a-n and the heads of
connectors 20a-n are self-locking. The term "self-locking" as used
in this document means that a person installing a device 26 on
exposed end 18 of pole 16 may tighten or loosen nuts installed on
the protruding end of threaded ends of connectors 20a-n using a
single wrench applied to the nuts. Slots 14a-n act as a restraining
wrench on the head of the connector. As shown by cross-reference
between FIGS. 1A and 5, shoulders 34a,b are formed monolithically
in exterior surface 36 of sleeve 12. As also shown in FIG. 1B, a
cap 28 is included.
[0022] In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 5,
one or more teeth 38a,b and one or more elbows 40a,b is formed
monolithically in shoulders 34a-c. The leading surfaces 42a-c of
one or more teeth 38 and elbows 40 combine to extend substantially
equidistant from cavities 44, and assist in securing mounting
apparatus 10 to outer surface 46 of pole 16.
[0023] As also shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1A and 5,
interior surface 48 of sleeve 12 is shaped and configured to be
removably engageable with outer surface 46 a pole 16. As shown,
outer surface 46 of pole 16 and interior surface 48 of sleeve 12
are substantially cylindrical. However, as a person skilled in the
art will recognize, the cross-sectional configuration of sleeve 12
and pole 16 may be circular, semi-circular, square, triangles,
oblong, or any of a variety of shapes and configurations. The
cross-sectional configurations of sleeve 12 and pole 16 are not
limitations on mounting apparatus 10.
[0024] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 5, one or more
connectors 20a-n fit into and may be removed from slots 14a-n. As
will be apparent to one skilled in the art, one or more connectors
20a-n may be selected from a wide array and group of connectors. As
shown, one or more connectors 20a-n are bolts 50a-n having heads
52a-n engageable with slots 14a-n, and a threaded end 54a-n for
engagement of a nut 56a-n and washers 58a-n. One or more connectors
20a-n also may include rivets and screws, among other
connectors.
[0025] As also shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1A and 1C,
sleeve 12 may be formed from at least two interlockable channels
60a,b. Interlockable channels 60a,b are substantially identical in
shape, configuration, and dimensions. Interlockable channels 60a,b
include edges 62a,b. Edges 62a,b are formed with a longitudinal
duct 64a,b. Interlockable channels 60a,b also include edges 62c,d.
Edges 62c,d are formed with a beaded edge 66a,b slidably engageable
with longitudinal duct 64a,b. The design and manufacturing of two
interlockable channels 60a,b, as shown by cross-reference between
FIGS. 1A and 1C, contributes to interlockable channels 60a,b being
assembled into sleeve 12. Because interlockable channels 60a,b are
substantially identical in shape, configuration, and dimensions,
interlockable channel 60a, for example, may be inverted in
orientation in relation to interlockable channel 60b, and the two
channels may interlocked by sliding opposing beaded edges 66a,b
into opposing longitudinal ducts 64a,b.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 7A-7B, mounting apparatus 10 also
includes at least one bar 22. At least one bar 22 is, as perhaps
best shown by cross-reference to FIG. 3, may be formed either with
one or more elongated apertures 24, or with a plurality of
variously shaped and configured apertures 24a-n. Apertures 24a-n
allow bar 22 to be positioned in a variety of angles and
orientations on pole 16. As shown in FIG. 3, by selective placement
of one or more connectors 20a-c in slots 14a-c at different
relative locations with respect to each other. The differing
relative positioning of bar 22 on one or more connectors 20a-c, and
the securing of bar 22 on one or more connectors 20a-c with nuts
56a-c and washers 58a-c, contributes to orienting bar 22 relative
to pole 16 in a wide arc of possible positions in relation to a
plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the center of
pole 16. A non-exclusive range of orientation angles in the plane
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the center of pole
16 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3, and is represented by Angle
A.
[0027] In the embodiment shown by cross-reference between FIGS.
2A-2B and 4, mounting apparatus 10 is a system 10' for mounting a
device 26 on exposed end 18 of pole 16. As shown, system 10'
includes a sleeve 12' removably engageable with exposed end 18 of
pole 16. Sleeve 12' includes a bracket 68. Bracket 68 is
monolithically formed in sleeve 12'. In one embodiment of bracket
68, a slot 14e is formed adjacent to one opposing border 70a of
bracket 68. In addition, one or more bores 72a-n are formed
adjacent the other opposing border 70b of bracket 68. The shape and
dimension of bores 72a-n, regardless of the embodiment, is not
material to mounting apparatus 10. Bores 72a-n may be, for example,
circular, or may be square to accommodate a carriage bolt. A bar
22, as shown in FIG. 3, is repositionably connectable to bracket
68. As also shown, a cap 28' is attached to rim 74 of sleeve 12.
Cap 28' is positionable against exposed end 18 of pole 16. As also
shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 4, a groove 76 may be scored or formed on
exterior surface 36' of bracket 68. Groove 76 is substantially
parallel to the at least one slot 14e and adjacent one end 70a of
monolithically formed bracket 68, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 2A.
Groove 76 is useful in identifying a point or points for forming
bores 72a-n in bracket 68, through which one or more connectors
20a-n may be inserted for holding and positioning bar 22 as best
shown in FIG. 3.
[0028] System 10' also includes means 78 (not shown) for variably
positioning bar 22 on bracket 68, and means 78 include as
non-exclusive components connectors 20a-n. As shown by
cross-reference between FIGS. 1, 6, and 7A-7B, means 78 for
variably positioning bar 22 on bracket 68 includes at least one or
more connectors 20a-n that may be bolts having heads 50a-n
engageable with slots 14a-n, and a threaded end 54a-n for
engagement of a nut 56a-n and washers 58a-n. One or more connectors
20a-n also may include rivets and screws, among other connectors.
Likewise, system 10' includes means 80 for attaching device 26 to
bar 22, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Means 80 for attaching device 26
to bar 22 also includes at least one or more connectors 20a-n that
may be bolts having heads 50a-n engageable with slots 14a-n, and a
threaded end 54a-n for engagement of a nut 56a-n and washers 58a-n.
One or more connectors 20a-n also may include rivets and screws,
among other connectors. Means 80, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 7A,
also may include U-bolts connecting on or more extensions 82a-n to
arms 22a,b. As shown in FIG. 6, mounting apparatus 10 is useful in
mounting a device 26 on pole 16. As shown, device 26 is a satellite
dish 82. As shown in FIG. 7, device 26 may be a solar panel array
84. As a person skilled in the art will appreciate, device 26 may
also be any of a number of positionable transmitters and
positionable receivers. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, means 32 for
securing mounting apparatus 10 to pole 16 are provided. As shown,
means 32 for securing mounting apparatus 10 to pole 16 include at
least one or more locking screws 82 but as will be evident to one
skilled in the art, means 32 may be any of a variety of components
for securing mounting apparatus 10 to pole 16.
[0029] As also will be evident to one skilled in the art, sleeve
12, bracket 68, and bar 22 may be made from a wide variety of
materials including at least aluminum, steel, other metals, resins,
and plastics, among other materials.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, all embodiments of mounting apparatus
10 are mountable on pole 16. As used in this document, the term
pole 10 refers in general to a long usually cylindrical object,
such as a shaft, pillar, stanchion, rod, tube, post, mast, or
similar anchor support or body used for mounting a device 26 on
exposed end 18 of such a pole 16, including solar panels 86,
satellite dishes 88, and a host of other devices such as
transmitters and receivers. As a person skilled in the art will
recognize, however, pole 16 may not be cylindrical, and the shape
of neither sleeve 12 of mounting apparatus 10, nor of pole 16, is a
limitation of mounting apparatus 10.
[0031] In operation of any embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7, the
structural components of mounting apparatus 10, co-operating in
combination, allow installation of a device 26 on pole 16 in any
sector of 360-degree radius or orientation around the longitudinal
axis through the center of pole 16 on which device 26 is mounted,
as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7A-7B. In addition, the structural
components of mounting apparatus 10, co-operating in combination,
allow installation of a device 26 on pole 16 in a significant array
of positions in an arc identified by the forward end 90 or trailing
end 92 of bar 22, allowing adjustment of the position of device 26
along the axis transverse to the longitudinal axis through a pole,
or, in other words, in directions of the bar 22 "up" or "down" from
a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the center
of the pole 16, as shown best in FIG. 3.
[0032] For example, sleeve 12 is rotatably positonable on end 18 of
pole 16. Sleeve 12 is therefore positionable in any sector of
360-degree radius or orientation around the longitudinal axis
through the center of pole 16 on which device 26 is mounted. Cap 28
abuts rim 74 of sleeve 12, thus helping to hold sleeve 12 in a
first position. To achieve positioning of device 26 "up" or "down"
from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the
center of the pole 16, one or more slots 14a-n are provided either
in a shoulder 34a-n or bracket 68a-n. Slots 14a-n allow positioning
connectors 20a-n anywhere within slots 14a-n. In different
embodiments, bores 72a-n are provided instead of slots 14a-n, as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Connectors 20a-n are removably insertable
in bores 72a-n. Using groove 76 as a drilling guide, bores 72a-n
may be located anywhere along groove 76, which also helps provide a
significant arc through which bar 22 may be mounted on connectors
20a-n for orienting bar 22, and therefore device 26, in the desired
plane and angle in relation to pole 16. Through the combined use of
means 78 for attaching device 26 to bar 22, and means 82 for
securing mounting apparatus 10 to pole 16, the varying orientations
of device 26 are achieved.
[0033] The mounting apparatus 10 shown in drawing FIGS. 1 through 7
includes more than one embodiment that are not exclusive, but
merely illustrative of the disclosed but non-exclusive embodiments.
In addition, claim elements and steps in this document have been
numbered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. The
numbering is not intended to, and should not be considered as
intending to, indicate the ordering of elements and steps in the
claims. Means-plus-function clauses in the claims are intended to
cover the structures described as performing the recited function
that include not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent
structures. Thus, although a nail and screw may not be structural
equivalents, in the environment of the subject matter of this
document a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.
* * * * *