U.S. patent application number 15/595845 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-07 for lifting support system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Richards Manufacturing Company Sales, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Christopher Juillet. Invention is credited to Christopher Juillet.
Application Number | 20170350538 15/595845 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54367474 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170350538 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Juillet; Christopher |
December 7, 2017 |
Lifting Support System
Abstract
A lifting support apparatus and system is disclosed with
integrated mounting points for lifting straps. The lifting support
apparatus comprises a joint shield and arc proof cover. A cable
accessory is placed on the joint shield and surrounded on its sides
and top by the arc proof cover. The exposed ends of the arc proof
cover allow for the visible inspection of the connectors of the
cable accessory. By incorporating mounting points on the joint
shield, the lifting straps are prevented from sliding along the arc
proof cover or becoming dislodged. Further, the joint shield
includes at least one rib on its bottom surface to prevent the
joint shield from bending.
Inventors: |
Juillet; Christopher;
(Hoboken, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Juillet; Christopher |
Hoboken |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Richards Manufacturing Company
Sales, Inc.
Irvington
NJ
|
Family ID: |
54367474 |
Appl. No.: |
15/595845 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14702133 |
May 1, 2015 |
9651173 |
|
|
15595845 |
|
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|
|
61989438 |
May 6, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 1/06 20130101; F16L
3/11 20130101; F16L 3/20 20130101; H02G 9/06 20130101; F16L 3/23
20130101; B66C 1/16 20130101; H02G 3/30 20130101; B66C 1/18
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 3/11 20060101
F16L003/11; B66C 1/18 20060101 B66C001/18; B66C 1/16 20060101
B66C001/16; F16L 3/20 20060101 F16L003/20; F16L 3/23 20060101
F16L003/23; H02G 1/06 20060101 H02G001/06 |
Claims
1. A lifting support apparatus, comprising: at least one raised
side; at least one raised end; a body; a substantially rigid
structural support; and at least one mounting point.
2. The lifting support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
cover coupled to the at least one raised side, wherein the cover
comprises: a top; and at least one side.
3. The lifting support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cover is
composed of an arc resistant material.
4. The lifting support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least
one raised end is substantially curved.
5. The lifting support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the structural
support comprises at least one rib parallel to the at least one
raised side.
6. The lifting support apparatus of claim 5, wherein the structural
support further comprises at least one rib parallel to the at least
one raised end.
7. The lifting support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is
composed of fiberglass.
8. The lifting support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least
one mounting point is an opening in the body.
9. A lifting support system comprising: a joint shield comprising:
at least one raised side; at least one curved end; a body; a
structural support; and at least one mounting point; an arc proof
cover comprising: a top; at least one side; and wherein the arc
proof cover is coupled to the joint shield; and at least one
strap.
10. The lifting support system of claim 9, wherein the at least one
mounting point is an opening in the body and adjacent to the at
least one raised side.
11. The lifting support system of claim 9, further comprises a
grasping point.
12. The lifting support system of claim 11, wherein the grasping
point comprises an opening in the body.
13. The lifting support system of claim 9, wherein the at least one
strap is coupled to the at least one mounting point.
14. The lifting support system of claim 9, wherein the arc proof
cover comprises at least one mounting point.
15. A lifting support system comprising: a joint shield; an arc
proof cover; at least one strap; and a cable connector.
16. The lifting support system of claim 15, wherein the cable
connector is positioned on the joint shield.
17. The lifting support system of claim 15, wherein the joint
shield comprises: a structural support.
18. The lifting support system of claim 17, wherein the structural
support comprises at least two parallel ribs, wherein the ribs are
tapered.
19. The lifting support system of claim 18, wherein the at least
two parallel ribs comprise a lip portion.
20. The lifting support system of claim 18, wherein the at least
one strap is positioned in an area between the at least two ribs.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/702,133, filed on May 1, 2015, and entitled
"Lifting Support," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,651,173, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/989,438, filed
on May 6, 2014, and entitled "Lifting Support System." The contents
of the above referenced applications are hereby incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The system and methods disclosed herein relate generally to
cable support apparatuses and systems in the field of high voltage
power connectors utilized in power distribution systems.
Specifically, the system and methods relate to a lifting support
apparatus for transporting high voltage power connectors.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electrical distribution networks are critical for the
delivery of electricity to consumers and businesses from the
transmission system. Such a network can include power lines,
substations, transformers, and meters that are interconnected by
thousands of miles of underground cables. Underground cable
accessories, such as cable splices and disconnectable joints, are
racked in underground structures to support and separate cable runs
from each other. Typically, the cable accessories are installed on
rack arms extending from the walls of the underground structure.
These rack arms have various mounting positions which allows a
splicer to make adjustments as new cable runs or other equipment
are installed in the underground structure. Once a set of cable
accessories are energized it can be time consuming and costly to
de-energize the circuit for the purposes of re-positioning, because
the process can interrupt electricity to residential and commercial
areas until the procedure is complete.
[0004] Due to the critical need for the continual operation of
electrical distribution networks, such problems have not been
entirely ignored in the industry. Generally, a cable accessory
rests on a fiberglass joint shield that is used to transport the
energized or de-energized cable accessory. Cables are attached to
the connectors of the cable accessory. Because of the restricted
space in which cable accessories are normally installed, it can be
difficult to use external equipment to lift, move, and/or
reposition the fiberglass joint shield and cable accessory.
Therefore, the process of moving the fiberglass joint shield and
cable accessory is performed by wrapping nylon straps underneath
the fiberglass joint shield. Thereafter, the nylon straps,
fiberglass joint shield, and cable accessory are lifted using a
crane or winch. However, there is a risk of the fiberglass joint
shield sliding out of the lifting straps, because the nylon straps
are not securely engaged to the fiberglass joint shield. This
causes a serious safety concern, because the cables connected to
the cable accessory can become partially disassembled due to an
unsupported cable accessory and cause an electrical failure.
[0005] Yet another problem with the fiberglass joint shield used in
the art is that it does not provide support for the cables attached
to the connectors of the cable accessory. Shielded power cables are
sensitive to bending. Therefore, extreme care must be taken in
ensuring that the power cable is not bent around a small radius or
sharp point, because it can lead to electrical failure of the power
cable. The current fiberglass joint shield used in the art fails to
address these concerns because it permits a portion of some power
cables connected to the cable accessory to hang over a sharp edge.
Therefore, the portion of the hanging cable can bend and result in
electrical failure.
[0006] Another problem with the fiberglass joint shield used in the
art is that it can easily bend, because it is composed of flexible
material. This bending allows the lifting straps to slide out of
position. In addition, the bending allows the sharp edges of the
fiberglass joint shield to contact some of the cables connected to
the cable connector, thereby resulting in an electrical
failure.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a joint shield
with integrated mounting points. The integrated mounting points
prevent the lifting straps from moving or becoming dislodged during
the lifting and movement of the cable accessory.
[0008] There is also a need for a joint shield with raised sides
and ends. The raised sides prevent a cable accessory from sliding
off the front or back of the joint shield. Similarly, the raised
ends prevent the cable accessory from sliding off the ends of the
joint shield. In addition, the raised ends provide a support for at
least a portion of some cables attached to the cable accessory.
[0009] Further, cable accessories, such as splices and
disconnectable joints that are utilized in underground medium
voltage applications, are typically covered in an arc proofing
material. This material is arc and track resistant and is capable
of withstanding exposure to plasma caused by an electrical failure
without degrading as defined by industry standards. The arc
proofing serves to protect the cable accessory from damage caused
by other equipment failure, as well as containing a failure of the
cable accessory itself. Currently, the connectors of the cable
accessory are individually wrapped with arc proofing material, such
as arc proofing tape or a molded boot made of arc proofing
material.
[0010] A common problem with disconnectable joints is that the
sleeve can become partially disassembled from the bus bar which can
result in an electrical failure. In order to check for this
condition, the arc proofing material must be removed for a splicer
to visibly confirm that the sleeve is fully installed on the bus
bar. Currently, this is accomplished by either cutting a window
into the arc proofing tape or by removing the molded boot. Cutting
the tape poses safety issues, because the splicer can inadvertently
cut too deep and damage the sleeve or joint which could cause an
electrical failure. Furthermore, removing the existing arc proof
molded boot requires the use of substantial force, because the
molded boot wraps underneath the connector of the cable accessory.
The substantial force can cause excessive movement of the
connectors of the cable connector, thereby resulting in an
electrical failure.
[0011] Another apparent need in the art is for a removable arc
proof cover that couples to the joint shield. The removable arc
proof cover surrounds the cable accessory and is configured to
allow a visual inspection of the cables connected to the cable
accessory. The arc proof cover can also protect the cable accessory
from external electrical failure, and contain the electrical
failure of the cable accessory within it.
[0012] Further, there is a need in the art for a mounting point to
secure an arc proof cover to the joint shield.
[0013] The art also does not exhibit a grasping point on the joint
shield. The grasping point allows the splicer to grip the joint
shield with their hand to assist with lifting and sliding the joint
shield and its corresponding cable accessory.
[0014] There also exists a need in the art for a rigid support
structure underneath the joint shield. The rigid support structure
is configured to minimize the bending of the flexible joint
shield.
SUMMARY
[0015] According to various embodiments, a lifting support
apparatus and system are disclosed with integrated mounting points.
The lifting support apparatus comprises a joint shield and arc
proof cover. A cable accessory is placed on the joint shield and
surrounded on its sides and top by the arc proof cover. By
incorporating mounting points on the joint shield, the lifting
straps used to reposition the lifting support are prevented from
sliding along the arc proof cover or becoming dislodged. Further,
the sides and ends of the joint shield are raised. The raised sides
prevent the cable accessory from sliding off the front or back of
the joint shield. The raised ends support at least a portion of
some cables attached to the cable accessory. In addition, the joint
shield includes at least one rib support. The rib support is
composed of a rigid material and configured to minimize the joint
shield from bending.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The detailed description makes reference to the accompanying
figures wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art joint
shield;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a lifting support
apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a joint shield in
accordance with the preferred embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 3B is a top view of the joint shield shown in FIG. 3A
in accordance with the preferred embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the joint shield shown in FIG.
3A in accordance with the preferred embodiment; and
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an arc proof cover in
accordance with the preferred embodiment.
[0023] Other objects, features, and characteristics of the broad
inventive concepts disclosures herein, as well as methods of
operation and functions of the related elements of the structure
and the combination of parts, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] A detailed illustrative embodiment of the broad inventive
concepts is disclosed herein. However, techniques, methods,
processes, systems, and operating structures may be embodied in a
wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite
different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are
merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to
afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure.
[0025] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms
"connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any
connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, electronic or
otherwise, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection
between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination
thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and
words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer
to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions
of this application. Where the context permits, words using the
singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular
number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list of two
or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the
word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,
and any combination of the items in the list. The following
presents a detailed description of the preferred embodiment with
reference to the figures.
[0026] Referring initially to FIG. 1, shown is a prior art joint
shield adapted to transport a cable accessory, for example, a
splice or disconnectable joint. The joint shield comprises a body
and lip composed of flexible fiberglass material. Typically, a
cable accessory (not shown) rests on top of the joint shield. The
cable accessory is part of a power distribution system and may be
energized or de-energized. As shown, the lip of the joint shield
curves upward to prevent the cable accessory from sliding off the
back of the joint shield. Further, the ends of the body of the
joint shield are sharp edges. As a result, at least a portion of
some power cables (not shown) attached to the cable accessory (not
shown) can hang over the prior art joint shield. The connectors of
the cable accessory are covered in an arc and track resistant
material, for example arc proofing tape, or a molded boot made from
arc proofing material. The arc proofing protects the cable
accessory from damage caused by the electrical failure of other
equipment in the power distribution system. In addition, the arc
proofing contains the electrical failure of the cable accessory
from damaging other equipment. Generally, the process of moving the
cable accessory to another location of the power distribution
system begins with wrapping straps (not shown) underneath the joint
shield. Next, the straps, joint shield, and cable accessory are
lifted and moved, either manually or with the assistance of a crane
or winch.
[0027] A frequent problem not addressed by the prior art is that
there is no location on the joint shield to properly secure lifting
straps which are often used in the art to move an energized or
de-energized cable accessory. As a result, the lifting straps can
slip or become dislodged resulting in the joint shield and cable
accessory sliding from the straps and falling. Further, the arc
proofing wrapped around the connectors of the cable accessory
prevents a splicer from easily identifying whether a connection of
the cable accessory has become disconnected. Therefore, the splicer
must cut a window in the arc proofing tape or remove the molded
boot designed to protect the cable accessory. The process of
cutting a window in the arc proofing tape can result in damage to
the cable and/or connector underneath or injury to the splicer due
to a partially energized cable accessory. Similarly, the process of
removing the molded boot can cause excessive movement that can
result in electrical failure of the cable accessory. In addition,
the sharp edges of the joint shield permits at least a portion of
the cables attached to the cable accessory to bend around a small
radius or sharp point, thereby causing an electrical failure of the
cable.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment provides
lifting support 100 comprising joint shield 200 and arc proof cover
300. Lifting support 100 provides a series of contact support
locations designed to allow securement of one or more lifting
straps 600 to joint shield 200 and in certain environments to arc
proof cover 300 for additional support. The inventive concepts
disclosed herein eliminate the need for arc proofing tape and a
molded boot, common components known in the field, by providing an
arc proofing cover. Arc proof cover 300 is configured to surround
the cable accessory and allows the splicer to easily view the
connectors of the cable accessory. In addition, arc proof cover 300
provides protection from electrical failure from other equipment in
the power distribution system and contains the electrical failure
of the cable accessory within it.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, cable accessory 400 is placed on top of
joint shield 200. Power cables 402A, 404A, 402B, and 404B are
coupled to cable accessory 400. Cable accessory 400 can be a
disconnectable joint or other cable accessories known in the art.
In turn, joint shield 200 is supported on left rack arm 502A and
right rack arm 502B of cable rack 500. In the preferred embodiment,
joint shield 200 is composed of a flexible fiberglass, however, one
of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that various
materials of manufacture may be used including those currently
known in the art. Joint shield 200 further includes at least one
support rib (not shown) to provide a rigid structural support that
minimizes bending when cable accessory 400 is placed on joint
shield 200.
[0030] Arc proof cover 300 is preferably coupled to joint shield
200 and surrounds cable accessory 400. By surrounding cable
accessory 400, arc proof cover 300 protects cable accessory 400
from an external electrical failure caused by equipment installed
on a joint shield, either one currently used in the art or an
embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein, supported on
left rack arm 504A and right rack arm 504B.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, arc proof cover 300 includes an opening
at each end and does not fully wrap the individual connectors of
cable accessory 400. While such a configuration is preferred,
configurations which further envelop and partially enclose cable
accessory 400 around the vertical positions of arc proof cover 300
can be employed in certain environments. In the broad inventive
concepts disclosed herein, the individual connecters of cable
accessory 400 are not wrapped with arc proofing tape. This design
allows for a visual inspection of the individual connectors of
cable accessory 400. Arc proof cover 300 can also be removed from
joint shield 200 without requiring movement of the connectors of
cable accessory 400.
[0032] Joint shield 200 further comprises at least one mounting
point 202, and in this instance four mounting points (two shown)
positioned near the corners of joint shield 200. In the preferred
embodiment, lifting strap 600 is configured to attach to mounting
point 202. Thereafter, the assembly comprising joint shield 200,
arc cover 300, and cable accessory 400 can be lifted, repositioned,
and/or moved. By incorporating mounting points into the joint
shield, the lifting straps are prevented from sliding along arc
cover 300 or becoming dislodged during the lifting and movement
process. Joint shield 200 includes raised sides and raised ends,
which is described in further detail below with reference to FIG.
3A and FIG. 3B, to prevent movement of joint accessory 400 placed
on joint shield 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the curved raised ends of
joint shield 200 support at least a portion of some power cable
402A.
[0033] FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of joint shield 200 shown
in FIG. 2. Joint shield 200 comprises front side 204, back side
206, first end 208, and second end 210. Front side 204 and back
side 206 include a raised portion configured to prevent a cable
accessory from sliding off the front and back side of joint shield
200. First end 208 and second end 210 preferably include a raised
curved portion. The radius of the raised curved portion is
configured to support the weight of at least a portion of some of
the cables attached to the cable accessory. Joint shield 200
further includes at least one mounting point 202. As shown in FIG.
3A, mounting point 202 is preferably an opening in joint shield 200
adjacent to front side 204 or back side 206. A lifting strap (as
shown in FIG. 1) is looped into mounting point 202. It would be
readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to use other
mounting methods, such as a hook or snapping connectors, without
departing from the spirit of the broad inventive concepts disclosed
herein. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting point of the
joint shield comprises guides positioned on the bottom surface of
the joint shield and parallel to the ends of the joint shield. The
guide can either extend the length of the ends of the joint shield
or only a portion. In this embodiment, the lifting strap is
positioned between the guides. Furthermore, the guides can include
a lip to prevent the lifting strap from dislodging from the guides.
In yet another embodiment, a locking mechanism is snapped or slide
onto the guides after positioning the lifting strap. In some
embodiments, the guides are provided by a groove in the joint
shield, while in another the guides are the rib supports described
in detail below with reference to FIG. 3C.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, joint shield 200 further
includes grasping point 212 and cover mounting point 214. Grasping
point 212 is located at a substantially intermediate position of
front side 204. Grasping point 212 is preferably an opening in
joint shield 200 that is configured to provide a location for a
splicer to grasp by hand and slide or lift joint shield 200
manually, but can also be configured for manipulation by other
tools or even automatic devices. Cover mounting point 214 is
located at a substantially intermediate position of back side 206.
Cover mounting point 214 is preferably an opening in joint shield
200 that is configured to secure a strap. In the preferred
embodiment, cover mounting point 214 is configured to attach to a
strap that secures an arc proof cover to joint shield 200. However,
it would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that cover
mounting point 214 can be configured to attach to a lifting strap
or may be omitted, without departing from the spirit of the broad
inventive concepts disclosed herein.
[0035] FIG. 3B is a top view of the joint shield 200 depicted in
FIG. 3A. The position of a cable accessory is secured on joint
shield 200 by front side 204, back side 206, first end 208, and
second end 210. Further, the openings of mounting point 202 and
cover mounting point 214 are minimized to restrict the movement of
straps attached to the respective mounting points. This design
stabilizes joint shield 200 during the lifting and moving process.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the opening of grasping point 212 is of
sufficient size and dimension to provide access for a hand.
[0036] Turning next to FIG. 3C, shown is a bottom view of the joint
shield 200 depicted in FIG. 3A. Joint shield 200 includes at least
one rib support 216 adapted to prevent joint shield 200 from
bending. In the preferred embodiment, rib support 216 is composed
of a rigid non-conducting material like fiberglass. Rib support 216
is positioned on the bottom of joint shield 200, such that the
broad inventive concepts disclosed herein can replace currently
existing joint shields without the need for specialized tools or
equipment. For example, the portion of rib support 216 that is
supported by the rack arms can be tapered. Although the structure
depicted for providing bend support to joint shield 200 comprises
two rib supports 216 parallel to front side 204 and back side 206,
and two rib supports 216 parallel to first end 208 and second end
210, it would also be apparent to one skilled in the art that other
support structures can be used.
[0037] FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of arc proof cover 300
shown in FIG. 2. Arc proof cover 300 comprises top 302, front side
304, and back side 306. Front side 304 of arc proof cover 300 is
configured to attach to front side 204 of joint shield 200 shown in
FIG. 3A. Back side 306 of arc proof cover 300 is configured to
attach to back side 206 of joint shield 200 shown in FIG. 3A. Arc
proof cover 300 can be made from various sizes and shapes to cover
cable accessories of various shapes, sizes, and designs. In the
preferred embodiment, the height of top 302 of arc proof cover 300
is designed for the highest profile cable accessory. Therefore, in
the field, the splicer can cut the arc proof cover to fit a cable
accessory with a lower profile. Arc proof cover 300 is preferably
composed of an arc proofing and track resistant material that is
flexible. The arc proofing material is preferably a
self-extinguishing polymer, comprising a blend of nitrile rubber
and PVC, that is compounded with flame retardants. In the preferred
embodiment, arc proof cover 300 is installed onto joint shield 200
by flexing front side 304 and back side 306 of arc proof cover 300
over front side 204 and back side 206 of joint shield 200,
respectively. It would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art to attach arc proof cover 300 to joint shield 200 using various
other means, such as a snapping means or sliding means, without
departing from the spirit of the broad inventive concepts disclosed
herein.
[0038] While the disclosure has been described with reference to
the preferred embodiment, which has been set forth in considerable
detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure, the
preferred embodiment is merely exemplary and is not intended to be
limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of
the broad inventive concepts disclosed herein. It will be apparent
to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in
such details without departing from the spirit and the principles
of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It should be
appreciated that the inventive concepts are capable of being
embodied in other forms without departing from its essential
characteristics.
* * * * *