U.S. patent application number 11/429604 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for structural reinforcement member and method of utilizing the same to reinforce a longitudinal section of an antenna support tower.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nello Inc.. Invention is credited to Dennis D. Abel, Daniel J. Ianello, Jason M. Lambert.
Application Number | 20070256388 11/429604 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38659956 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070256388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ianello; Daniel J. ; et
al. |
November 8, 2007 |
Structural reinforcement member and method of utilizing the same to
reinforce a longitudinal section of an antenna support tower
Abstract
An assembly for reinforcing a longitudinal section of a pole,
includes at least two load transfer rings formed by sleeve segments
having radically opposed mating ends. The rings are adapted to fit
onto the outer surface of the pole so as to circumferentially
encompass the pole. The sleeve segments are connected at their ends
by a nut and bolt assembly, wherein tightening of the nut and bolt
assembly creates a radial clamping force to squeeze the load
transfer rings onto the outer surface of the pole for holding the
rings in fixed relation thereon. Elongated stiffener members are
fixedly attached to the load transfer rings by a nut and bolt
assembly or by welding. The load transfer rings may also be
partially welded to the exterior of the pole if structural load
bearing demands require additional capacity.
Inventors: |
Ianello; Daniel J.;
(Mishawaka, IN) ; Abel; Dennis D.; (South Bend,
IN) ; Lambert; Jason M.; (Granger, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Matthew F. Jodziewicz, Esq.
3447 Mandeville Canyon Road
Los Angeles
CA
90049
US
|
Assignee: |
Nello Inc.
|
Family ID: |
38659956 |
Appl. No.: |
11/429604 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/651.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 12/2292
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/651.07 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/00 20060101
E04H012/00 |
Claims
1. An assembly for reinforcing a longitudinal section of a pole,
the pole extending generally from a fixed base plate, comprising:
At least two load transfer rings, each being formed by at least two
sleeve segments having radically opposed mating ends, said load
transfer rings adapted to fit onto the outer surface of said pole
so as to circumferentially encompass said pole; Means for holding
said load transfer rings in fixed relation to the outer surface and
longitudinal axis of the pole; At least one stiffener member
fixedly attached to at least two of said load transfer rings.
2. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 1, wherein one of said load
transfer rings is fixedly attached to the pole base plate.
3. An assembly for reinforcing a longitudinal section of a pole,
the pole extending generally from a fixed base plate, comprising:
At least two load transfer rings, each being formed by at least two
sleeve segments having radically opposed mating ends, said load
transfer rings adapted to fit onto the outer surface of said pole
so as to circumferentially encompass said pole, Said sleeve
segments connected at said radically opposed mating ends by a nut
and bolt assembly, wherein tightening of said nut and bolt assembly
creates a radial clamping force to squeeze said load transfer rings
onto said outer surface of said pole for holding said load transfer
rings in fixed relation thereon and prevent movement along the
longitudinal axis of the pole; At least one elongated stiffener
member fixedly attached to at least two of said load transfer rings
being held in fixed spaced apart relation to one another on said
outer surface of the pole.
4. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 3, further comprising: one of
said load transfer rings being a base load transfer ring that is
fixedly attached to the pole base plate, and, at least one of said
elongated stiffener members being fixedly attached to said base
load transfer ring and to at least one other of said load transfer
rings held in fixed spaced apart relation to said base load
transfer ring on said outer surface of the pole.
5. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4, wherein said base load
transfer ring is fixedly attached to the pole base plate by a nut
and bolt assembly.
6. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4, wherein said base load
transfer ring is fixedly attached to the pole base plate by welding
said base load transfer ring to the pole base plate.
7. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4, wherein said base load
transfer ring is fixedly attached to the pole base plate by an
adhesive epoxy bonding compound intermediate said base load
transfer ring and the pole base plate.
8. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4, wherein said at least one
elongated stiffener member is fixedly attached to said sleeve
segments forming said load transfer rings by a nut and bolt
assembly.
9. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4, wherein said at least one
elongated stiffener member is fixedly attached to said load
transfer rings by welding said stiffener member to said sleeve
segments.
10. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4, wherein said at least one
elongated stiffener member is fixedly attached to said load
transfer rings by an adhesive epoxy bonding compound intermediate
said stiffener member and said sleeve segments.
11. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4, wherein at least one of
said load transfer rings is at least partially welded to said outer
surface of the pole for holding said transfer ring in fixed
relation thereto.
12. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4, wherein said at least one
elongated stiffener member is a reinforcing rod.
13. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4, wherein said at least one
elongated stiffener member is an angle iron.
14. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4 wherein said sleeve
segments have a flange formed thereon for mating with a flange
formed on said elongated stiffener member to provide a reinforced
mounting base for said nut and bolt assembly to hold said stiffener
member to said load transfer rings.
15. A reinforcing assembly as in claim 4 wherein said sleeve
segments have a protrusion formed thereon for mating with said
elongated stiffener member to provide a reinforced mounting base
for said nut and bolt assembly to hold said stiffener member to
said load transfer rings.
16. A method of reinforcing a longitudinal section of a pole
comprising: providing at least two load transfer rings, each being
formed by at least two sleeve segments having radically opposed
mating ends, said load transfer rings adapted to fit onto the outer
surface of said pole so as to circumferentially encompass said
pole; connecting said sleeve segments at said radically opposed
mating ends by a nut and bolt assembly, wherein tightening of said
nut and bolt assembly creates a radial clamping force to squeeze
said load transfer rings onto said outer surface of said pole for
holding said load transfer rings in fixed relation thereon;
providing at least one elongated stiffener member fixedly attached
to at least two of said load transfer rings by a nut and bolt
assembly.
17. A method for reinforcing a longitudinal section of a pole as in
claim 16, further comprising: Welding, at least partially, at least
one of said load transfer rings to said outer surface of said pole
for holding said transfer ring in fixed relation thereto.
18. A assembly method for reinforcing a longitudinal section of a
pole as in claim 16, further comprising: providing a reinforcing
rod for said at least one elongated stiffener member.
19. A assembly method for reinforcing a longitudinal section of a
pole as in claim 16, further comprising: providing an angle iron
for said at least one elongated stiffener member.
20. A assembly method for reinforcing a longitudinal section of a
pole as in claim 16, further comprising: forming on said sleeve
segments a flange for mating with a flange formed on said elongated
stiffener member to provide a reinforced mounting base for said nut
and bolt assembly to hold said stiffener member to said load
transfer rings.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of structural
reinforcing and strengthening systems and more particularly to a
novel and improved structural reinforcement assembly and method of
utilizing the same to reinforce structures such as communication
poles, cellphone and antenna towers on which antennas are mounted
to allow more tenants to be added thus increasing tower efficiency
and usage.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Current known structural reinforcing and strengthening
systems and methods fall into four main categories. The first
general category includes the use of welded stiffener plates. This
design uses stiffener plates that are welded continuously directly
to the exterior surface of the communications pole. This technique
is very time consuming and risky as the heat caused by welding the
stiffener plates to the exterior of the pole sometimes causes a
fire on the inside of the communications pole by igniting the
plastic covering the cables which are normally run through the
hollow interior of the pole.
[0005] A second category is similar to that described immediately
above where stiffener rods are welded to the communications pole.
This design uses solid steel round reinforcing bars normally in
twenty foot lengths that are bolted together and welded to the
communications pole in five foot increments where spacers are
located. This process is very time and labor consuming, but is less
risky than reinforcing methods in category one discussed above, as
the welding only occurs every five feet or so along the
communications pole where the spacers are located. Thus while the
overall opportunity for damage due to heating is lessened, the
danger still exists at those spacer locations along the pole.
[0006] A third category uses bolted on stiffener plates. In this
design, the reinforcing plates are bolted directly to the exterior
surface of the communications pole. This technique is very time and
labor consuming as the communications pole needs to be drilled at
the site location by skilled workers in numerous locations to match
the bolt pattern of the stiffener plate. Errors made at the site
are not easily remedied. The benefit of this system is that there
is no welding on the communications pole resulting in a less risky
procedure, i.e., less likely to cause damage to the interior
cabling due to weld heating, but it also creates the potential for
environmental damage to the cabling in the pole interior due to the
holes being drilled into the pole for attachment of the stiffener
plates.
[0007] The fourth known category for reinforcing communication
poles is also the most recent. It uses fiberglass plates that are
epoxy glued to the surface of the pole. This recent technique has
not been proven with the test of time. While this technique
eliminates the heating danger, there are serious concerns about the
"fiberglass glued to steel construction" weathering several
freeze-thaw cycles, especially in areas such as the Northeast and
Midwest where such freeze-thaw cycles can be extreme and numerous
in a single season. This is, however, probably the fastest of the
known systems to install.
[0008] The present invention deals with and solves the problems
noted above in existing known reinforcing systems that arise in
attempting to design and manufacture a structural reinforcing
system for communication poles, or for any elongated structural
element that eliminates or lessens the fire danger to cabling in
the interior of the poles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
structural reinforcing system and method that is useful for
structures such as communication poles that eliminates or lessens
the fire danger to cabling run through the interior of such poles
from welding.
[0010] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a structural reinforcing system and method that is useful
for structures such as communication poles to increase the tenant
carrying capacity of the pole.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
structural reinforcing system and method that is useful for
structures such as communication poles that requires little to no
welding.
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
structural reinforcing system and method that is useful for
structures such as communication poles that is modular in
construction, easily upgraded, downgraded, relocated on the pole to
meet changing needs, or even removed from the pole with little
effort.
[0013] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a structural reinforcing system and method that is useful
for structures such as communication poles that is modular,
provides standardized assembly elements for design ease, that is
quickly shipped to pole sites and is economic in manufacture and
purchase cost.
[0014] In general, the invention is embodied in an assembly for
reinforcing a longitudinal section of a pole, such as a
communication tower or antenna tower, by employing a plurality of
load transfer rings mounted on the tower by either welding, epoxy
gluing, or compressive forces. Each ring has a series of sleeve
segments with radically opposed mating ends that are joined to form
the ring. The load transfer rings are adapted to fit onto the outer
surface of the pole so as to circumferentially encompass the
pole.
[0015] The sleeve segments are connected at their radically opposed
mating ends by a nut and bolt assembly, where tightening the nut
and bolt assembly creates a radial clamping force to squeeze the
load transfer rings onto the outer surface of communications pole
for holding the load transfer rings in fixed relation thereon.
[0016] Connecting the rings are elongated stiffener members that
are fixedly attached to the load transfer rings mounted on the
outer surface of the pole which act to create an exoskeletal frame
for reinforcing the pole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a reinforcing assembly mounted
on a pole section embodying the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a reinforcing assembly
mounted on a pole section embodying the present invention similar
to that illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a reinforcing assembly mounted
on a pole section embodying the present invention similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 1; and, FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of
one preferred method of attaching the base load transfer ring
attachment to the pole base plate assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention is directed to an assembly for
reinforcing a longitudinal section of a pole segment, for
non-limiting example, such as those found in communication poles,
antenna or cellular towers.
[0021] It is preferred that the reinforcing assembly 10 include a
plurality of annular, load transfer rings 12 mounted along the
longitudinal length of the pole 14 that is to be strengthened, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. These
load transfer rings are placed along the longitudinal length of the
communication pole in a spaced apart relationship. For ease in
installing the rings onto the pole, it is preferred that the rings
be formed from a plurality of individual, standardized sleeve
segments 16 having radically opposed mating ends 18 best seen in
FIG. 3. Once the segments 16 are joined at ends 18, they form the
load transfer ring 12 and are adapted to fit onto the outer surface
of the pole 14 so as to circumferentially encompass the pole as
shown in the FIGS. By using standardized, modular sleeve segments
to form the load transfer rings, the rings can be quickly installed
on existing poles where needed with a minimum of installation
difficultly. Also the use of standardized, modular design elements
allows for ease in engineering design, manufacture and installation
of the assembly at the tower site. While FIG. 3 illustrates four
sleeve segments 16 forming the load transfer ring 12, it must be
understood that any number of sleeve segments may be utilized to
form the load transfer ring depending on the ease of manufacture,
cross-sectional profile of the pole section to be strengthened, or
the installation desired. Likewise, the exterior shape of the load
transfer ring may be adapted to provide additional capabilities,
such as mounting sites for additional antenna systems or a ladder
or guying posts while the interior portion of the load transfer
ring is shaped to mate generally around the pole's cross-sectional
shape in the location that the reinforcing assembly 10 is to be
attached.
[0022] One preferred method of connecting the sleeve segments
together to form the load transfer rings, is to connect each sleeve
segment 16 at its radically opposed mating ends 18 to adjacent
sleeve segments by a nut and bolt assembly 20 as shown in the FIGS.
When nut and bolt assembly 20 is tightened, it creates a radial
clamping force to squeeze the load transfer rings onto the outer
surface of the pole for holding the load transfer rings in fixed
relation thereon. As shown in FIG. 3, the interior shape of the
load transfer ring need not fully mirror that of the
cross-sectional shape of the pole for a secure and snug fit.
[0023] Additionally, where the pole cross-sectional diameter varies
along its longitudinal axis, gravity may also be used to hold the
ring in place in a frictional, downward engagement of the interior
of the load transfer ring with an enlarging pole cross-section.
[0024] For additional reinforcing strength, the load transfer rings
may also be at least partially welded to the outer surface of the
pole either continuously or by spot welding around the ring's
interior circumference.
[0025] Elongated stiffener members 22 are fixedly attached to the
load transfer rings 12 as illustrated in the FIGS. Preferred
stiffener members are steel reinforcing rods, angle irons, and
plates. Also more exotic stiffener elements such as cabling and
fiberglass plates and sheets are within the scope of the present
invention as viable alternatives that may be used for stiffener
members.
[0026] Stiffener members 22 may be attached to each one of the load
transfer rings 12, to adjacent load transfer rings, or to alternate
load transfer rings to form an overlapping network of interlocked
stiffener members and load transfer rings as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Stiffener members may also be attached to one another to create a
stiffener member with a greater length.
[0027] Likewise the number of stiffener members attached to the
load transfer rings may vary from a single stiffener member to
eight members or more depending on the degree of reinforcing sought
or demanded for the particular pole.
[0028] One preferred method of attaching the stiffener members to
the load transfer rings is by a nut and bolt assembly 20 as shown
in the FIGS. As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 3, one preferred
method of attachment using the nut and bolt assembly is by having
the sleeve segments 16 formed with a flange or protuberance 24 for
mating with a corresponding flange or hole assembly 26 formed on
the elongated stiffener member 22 to provide a reinforced and
enlarged mounting base for the nut and bolt assembly to hold the
stiffener member to the sleeve segments forming the load transfer
rings. By extending the flange configuration on either or both the
stiffener member or the sleeve segments along the longitudinal axis
of the pole, additional strengthening support can be created for
the overall assembly by distributing the attaching forces between
the reinforcing member and the load transfer ring over a larger
area.
[0029] It is also preferred that the various elements constituting
the reinforcing assembly, that is the sleeve segments, load
transfer rings and stiffener members be standardized and made
modular. By standardizing and making these elements modular, the
assembly may be easily upgraded, downgraded, installed or removed
with little effort and tools at the pole site. The stiffener
members can be easily removed and replaced with larger or smaller
ones or the load transfer rings can be moved along the longitudinal
axis of the pole, moving the reinforcing assembly higher or lower
long the length of the pole to meet the needs of the users. Also,
such standardization leads to economies not only in manufacturing
time, but in manufacturing costs and shipping times as it can be
manufactured in volume and customized for an individual site
installation using such modular building blocks.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 4, to provide additional
strengthening, an assembly 10 embodying the present invention
preferably attaches directly to the fixed base plate assembly 28
from which pole 14 generally extends.
[0031] One of the load transfer rings, designated as base load
transfer ring 30 is fixedly attached to the pole base plate 32 as
illustrated in FIG. 4. Base load transfer ring 30 may be
additionally strengthened by providing in it extending
circumferential reinforcement flanges 36 through which nut and bolt
assemblies 34 may be installed as described below in greater
detail.
[0032] One preferred method of attaching base load transfer ring 30
to pole base plate 32, is shown in FIG. 4 as nut and bolt
assemblies 34 which incorporate reinforcing flanges 36 in base load
transfer ring 30 to create a secure bond between base load transfer
ring 30 and pole base plate 32. Likewise, base load transfer ring
30 may be welded to pole base plate 32, or held in place by an
adhesive epoxy bonding compound intermediate base load transfer
ring 30 and pole base plate 32. The preferred method of attaching
base load transfer ring 30 to pole base plate 32 depends upon the
specific factors of the installation, including weather conditions,
size of the pole, location, economies of installation, desired
speed of installation, etc.
[0033] Elongated stiffener members 22 are fixedly attached to base
load transfer ring 30 and at least one other load transfer ring 12
to add rigidity to the structure.
[0034] The present invention is also embodied in a method of
reinforcing a longitudinal section of a pole that would include the
steps of:
[0035] Providing a plurality of load transfer rings at least
partially along the longitudinal axis of the pole that is to be
reinforced in a spaced apart relationship. Each of the load
transfer rings is formed by a plurality of sleeve segments having
radically opposed mating ends, and is adapted to fit onto the outer
surface of the pole so as to circumferentially encompass the
pole.
[0036] Connecting the sleeve segments at their radically opposed
mating ends by a nut and bolt assembly, where tightening of the nut
and bolt assembly creates a radial clamping force to squeeze the
load transfer rings onto the outer surface of the pole for holding
the load transfer rings in fixed relation thereon.
[0037] Providing a plurality of stiffener members, such as steel or
fiberglass stiffening plates, reinforcing bars, angle irons fixedly
attached to the load transfer rings by a nut and bolt assembly.
[0038] Further, to provide for a greater reinforcing strength if
needed, the method also includes welding, or adhering with an
epoxy, at least partially, at least one of the load transfer rings
to the outer surface of the pole for holding the transfer ring in
fixed relation thereto.
[0039] Likewise, the method of the present invention also includes
a step of forming on the sleeve segments a flange for mating with a
flange formed on the elongated stiffener member to provide a
reinforced mounting base for the nut and bolt assembly to hold the
stiffener member to the load transfer rings.
[0040] Alternatively, the method of the present invention includes
a step of forming on the sleeve segments a protrusion for mating
with the elongated stiffener member to provide a reinforced
mounting base for the nut and bolt assembly to hold the stiffener
member to the load transfer rings.
[0041] Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those
skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It
should be understood that the present invention is not limited to
any particular type of design or arrangement of the individually
claimed elements. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that there are different manners in which these elements described
above can provide to accomplish the present invention. The present
invention is intended to cover what is claimed and any equivalents.
The specific embodiments used herein are to aid in the
understanding of the present invention, and should not be used to
limit the scope of the invention in a manner narrower than the
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *