U.S. patent application number 15/857116 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-04 for systems and methods for attachment of multiple utility conductors using a megavang.
The applicant listed for this patent is PPL Corporation. Invention is credited to James Conrad.
Application Number | 20190207373 15/857116 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67058594 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190207373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conrad; James |
July 4, 2019 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ATTACHMENT OF MULTIPLE UTILITY CONDUCTORS
USING A MEGAVANG
Abstract
A system for attaching communication utility lines to a pole
includes a body portion, the body portion including a plurality of
attachment apertures. The system further includes a plurality of
vangs located along the body portion, the vangs spaced apart and
each including an aperture for receiving a communication utility
line.
Inventors: |
Conrad; James; (Allentown,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PPL Corporation |
Allentown |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67058594 |
Appl. No.: |
15/857116 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 7/205 20130101;
H02G 7/05 20130101; H02G 1/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02G 7/20 20060101
H02G007/20; H02G 1/04 20060101 H02G001/04; H02G 7/05 20060101
H02G007/05 |
Claims
1. A system for attaching communication utility lines to a pole,
the system comprising: a body portion, the body portion including a
plurality of attachment apertures; and a plurality of vangs located
along the body portion, the vangs spaced apart and each including
an aperture for receiving a communication utility line, wherein the
plurality of attachment apertures includes three apertures, the
three apertures include a middle aperture, a top aperture, and a
bottom aperture and the apertures are aligned along a line running
longitudinally along a central vertical axis of the body portion,
the top aperture is circular and the middle and bottom aperture are
oval shaped, and the body portion is formed from an approximately
rectangular shaped material having narrow depth, wherein the body
portion is bent along a plurality of vertical axes.
2-5. (canceled)
6. The system of claim 1, wherein a first and second bend of the
body portion along the plurality of vertical axes form a ninety
degree inner angle, and the first and second bend of the body
portion are proximate to the central axis of the body portion.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein a third and fourth bend of the
body portion along the plurality of vertical axes form a sixty
degree inner angle and are further form the central axis that the
first and second bend.
8. A system for attaching communication utility lines to a pole,
the system comprising: a body portion, the body portion including a
plurality of attachment apertures; and a plurality of vangs located
along the body portion, the vangs spaced apart and each including
an aperture for receiving a communication utility line, wherein the
plurality of vangs includes four vangs and the fours vangs are
spaced apart on the central vertical axis, a first yang of the four
vangs a first distance from a second yang of the four vangs, the
second yang the first distance from the first yang and a third
yang, and the third yang the first distance from the second yang
and a fourth yang.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of attachment
apertures includes three attachment apertures, a first attachment
aperture of the three attachment apertures between the first and
second yang, a second attachment aperture of the three attachment
apertures between the second and third yang, and a third attachment
aperture of the three attachment apertures between the third and
fourth yang.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the three attachment
apertures includes an attacher.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the bracket is composed of
weathering steel.
12. A utility pole for holding a plurality of communication utility
lines, comprising: a pole; a megavang, the megavang including: a
body portion, the body portion including a plurality of attachment
apertures; and a plurality of vangs located along the body portion,
the vangs spaced apart and each including an aperture for receiving
a communication utility line, wherein the plurality of attachment
apertures includes three apertures and the three apertures include
a middle aperture, a top aperture, and a bottom aperture and the
apertures are aligned along a line running longitudinally along a
central vertical axis of the body portion, the top aperture is
circular and the middle and bottom aperture are oval shaped, and
the body portion is formed from an approximately rectangular shaped
material having narrow depth, wherein the body portion is bent
along a plurality of vertical axes and a first and second bend of
the body portion along the plurality of vertical axes form a ninety
degree inner angle, and the first and second bend of the body
portion are proximate to the central axis of the body portion and a
third and fourth bend of the body portion along the plurality of
vertical axes form a sixty degree inner angle and are further form
the central axis that the first and second bend.
13-15. (canceled)
16. The utility pole of claim 12, wherein the plurality of vangs
includes four vangs and the fours vangs are spaced apart on the
central vertical axis, a first yang of the four vangs a first
distance from a second yang of the four vangs, the second yang the
first distance from the first yang and a third yang, and the third
yang the first distance from the second yang and a fourth yang.
17. The utility pole of claim 16, wherein the plurality of
attachment apertures includes three attachment apertures, a first
attachment aperture of the three attachment apertures between the
first and second yang, a second attachment aperture of the three
attachment apertures between the second and third yang, and a third
attachment aperture of the three attachment apertures between the
third and fourth yang.
18. The utility pole of claim 17, wherein each of the three
attachment apertures includes an attacher.
19. The utility pole of claim 18, wherein the bracket is composed
of weathering steel and the utility pole is a steel pole.
20. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Communication utility conductors are often attached to steel
electric utility distribution and transmission poles via the use of
a yang. The specification regarding placement of the yang on the
steel poles must comply with applicable National Electrical Safety
Code (NESC) and National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, most
specifically governing clearances between conductors at the point
of attachment.
[0002] In certain cases, it is necessary for an electric utility to
allow multiple communication utilities to attach conductors to a
singular steel distribution or transmission pole. In these cases,
multiple singular vangs must be attached to the pole to allow
multiple connection points to accommodate the attachments of
multiple communication utilities. Each yang is typically attached
to the pole via two through-bolts via through-holes, which must be
drilled through the steel pole.
[0003] It would be desirable to provide a yang system that would
allow for the attachment of multiple vangs to pole, while reducing
the number of bolts and efforts of the installer. It would be
desirable for this system to meet applicable safety and other
guidelines.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, a system for attaching communication
utility lines to a pole includes a body portion, the body portion
including a plurality of attachment apertures. The system further
includes a plurality of vangs located along the body portion, the
vangs spaced apart and each including an aperture for receiving a
communication utility line. In one alternative, the plurality of
attachment apertures includes three apertures. In another
alternative, the three apertures include a middle aperture, a top
aperture, and a bottom aperture and the apertures are aligned along
a line running longitudinally along a central vertical axis of the
body portion. Alternatively, the top aperture is circular and the
middle and bottom aperture are oval shaped. Optionally, the body
portion is formed from an approximately rectangular shaped material
having narrow depth, wherein the body portion is bent along a
plurality of vertical axes. In another alternative, a first and
second bend of the body portion along the plurality of vertical
axes form a ninety degree inner angle, and the first and second
bend of the body portion are proximate to the central axis of the
body portion. Optionally, a third and fourth bend of the body
portion along the plurality of vertical axes form a sixty degree
inner angle and are further form the central axis that the first
and second bend. Alternatively, the plurality of vangs includes
four vangs and the four vangs are spaced apart on the central
vertical axis, a first yang of the four vangs a first distance from
a second yang of the four vangs, the second yang the first distance
from the first yang and a third yang, and the third yang the first
distance from the second yang and a fourth yang. In another
alternative, the plurality of attachment apertures includes three
attachment apertures, a first attachment aperture of the three
attachment apertures between the first and second yang, a second
attachment aperture of the three attachment apertures between the
second and third yang, and a third attachment aperture of the three
attachment apertures between the third and fourth yang. Optionally,
each of the three attachment apertures includes an attacher.
Optionally, the bracket is composed of weathering steel.
[0005] In one embodiment, a utility pole for holding a plurality of
communication utility lines includes a pole and a megavang. The
megavang includes a body portion, the body portion including a
plurality of attachment apertures and a plurality of vangs located
along the body portion, the vangs spaced apart and each including
an aperture for receiving a communication utility line. In one
alternative, the plurality of attachment apertures include three
apertures and the three apertures include a middle aperture, a top
aperture, and a bottom aperture and the apertures are aligned along
a line running longitudinally along a central vertical axis of the
body portion. In another alternative, the top aperture is circular
and the middle and bottom aperture are oval shaped. Alternatively,
the body portion is formed from an approximately rectangular shaped
material having narrow depth, wherein the body portion is bent
along a plurality of vertical axes and a first and second bend of
the body portion along the plurality of vertical axes form a ninety
degree inner angle, and the first and second bend of the body
portion are proximate to the central axis of the body portion and a
third and fourth bend of the body portion along the plurality of
vertical axes form a sixty degree inner angle and are further form
the central axis that the first and second bend. Optionally, the
plurality of vangs includes four vangs and the fours vangs are
spaced apart on the central vertical axis, a first yang of the four
vangs a first distance from a second yang of the four vangs, the
second yang the first distance from the first yang and a third
yang, and the third yang the first distance from the second yang
and a fourth yang. Alternatively, the plurality of attachment
apertures includes three attachment apertures, a first attachment
aperture of the three attachment apertures between the first and
second yang, a second attachment aperture of the three attachment
apertures between the second and third yang, and a third attachment
aperture of the three attachment apertures between the third and
fourth yang. Optionally, each of the three attachment apertures
includes an attacher. In another alternative, the bracket is
composed of weathering steel and the utility pole is a steel
pole.
[0006] In one embodiment a method of attaching a plurality of
communication lines to a pole includes providing a megavang. The
megavang includes a body portion, the body portion including a
plurality of attachment apertures. The megavang further includes a
plurality of vangs located along the body portion, the vangs spaced
apart and each including an aperture for receiving a communication
utility line. The method further includes attaching the megavang
via a plurality of attachers to the pole and running the plurality
of communication lines through the plurality of vangs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to
explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to
show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may
be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a
megavang;
[0009] FIG. 2A shows a top view of the megavang of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 2B shows a scaled front view of the megavang of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the megavang of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4A shows a top view of the bent apparatus bracket
without vangs;
[0013] FIG. 4B shows a scaled back view of the unbent apparatus
bracket without vangs, illustrating the bracket bending process
described herein; and
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a detailed side view of an embodiment of a
singular yang used in the megavang of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and
is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments of the
systems and methods for attachment of multiple utility conductors
using a megavang. Embodiments are generally described as megavangs
herein. In the drawings, the same reference letters are employed
for designating the same elements throughout the several
figures.
[0016] The disclosure provides a novel apparatus for connecting
multiple communication conductors to a single steel electric
utility distribution or transmission pole. More specifically, the
disclosure provides a novel apparatus through a single piece of
attachment hardware that complies with the above mentioned NESC and
NEC standards for multiple communication conductors, while
minimizing the number of through-holes that must be drilled through
the steel pole to maintain the structural integrity of the pole.
The drilling of many holes into a steel pole may impact its
structural stability and may take the operator/work more time on
the job.
[0017] The disclosure provides the design and specification for a
megavang, a singular piece of hardware that, through attachment to
a steel electric distribution or transmission pole, provides an
attachment point for up to four communication utility
conductors.
[0018] In some embodiments, the megavang consists of a curved
bracket with four vangs that allow for attachment of communication
utility conductors. The spacing between each of the vangs is
designed to comply with NESC and NEC standards for communication
utility conductor clearances. The megavang is designed to be
attached to an electric utility distribution or transmission steel
pole utilizing three through-bolts via three pre-drilled bolt
holes, which may be drilled as through-holes on the steel pole for
attachment.
[0019] In many embodiments, the megavang is constructed entirely of
weathered steel, which is bent to conform to the necessary pole
profile. The dimensions of the megavang including thickness, width,
inner radius, length, leg length, and leg angle are based on
strength calculations of the moment of the megavang, which allows
for a maximum of four communication utility attachments. In
alternative embodiments, multiple vangs may be added to the
megavang according to the same or similar arrangement described
herein.
[0020] In many embodiments, the apparatus is made up of two
fundamental types of items, though it is manufactured as a singular
device. For purposes of description only, the items will be
described individually in order to present the best understanding
of embodiments of the megavang. The first item is referred to as a
bracket and second item is referred to as a yang. As shown in many
embodiments, the megavang includes a bracket and multiple vangs. In
many configurations, four vangs are included.
[0021] In FIG. 1, one embodiment of a megavang is shown. Megavang
100 includes a body portion 110 also referred to as a bracket. Body
portion 110 includes a plurality of attachment apertures 115a-c.
Attached to body portion 110 is a plurality of vangs 120. The vangs
120 and apertures 115a-c are generally aligned along central axis
130. Additionally visible are bends along vertical axes 140 and
bends along vertical axes 150. These bends provide for mounting of
the body portion 110 against a pole. Generally, body portion 110
may be originally a rectangular piece of material that is
subsequently bent at axes 140 and axes 150. In many embodiments,
vangs 120 are created separately and welded to body portion 110.
These are merely exemplary construction techniques however, and the
megavang 100 may be created according to a variety of techniques.
Generally, vangs 120 include apertures 121 for the insertion of a
wire, the wire typically being a utility attachment. Not shown are
connectors (attachers) that may be fit into apertures 115a-c. These
attachers may be bolts or other connection devices that provide for
the attachment of the megavang 100 to a pole.
[0022] In many configurations, bracket 110 is made of weathering
steel. Prior to the bending process, the bracket 110 is rectangular
and measures 15.5625 inches wide, 51 inches tall, and 0.75 inches
thick. The bracket 110 has three through-holes (apertures 115a-c)
drilled through it. The first through-hole (aperture 115a) is
circular and has a diameter of 0.0625 inches. The first
through-hole is placed 10.5 inches from the top of the bracket to
the center of the through-hole, and 7.78125 inches from either side
of the bracket to the center of the through-hole. The second
through-hole (aperture 115b) is a slotted hole, oval-shaped with
dimensions of 0.0625 inches wide and 0.3125 inches tall. The second
through-hole is placed 25.5 inches from the top of the bracket to
the center of the through-hole, and 7.8125 inches from either side
of the bracket to the center of the through-hole. The third
through-hole (aperture 115c) is a slotted hole, oval-shaped with
dimensions of 0.0625 inches wide and 0.3125 inches tall. The third
through-hole is placed 40.5 inches from the top of the bracket to
the center of the through-hole, and 7.8125 inches from either side
of the bracket to the center of the through-hole. The second and
third apertures/through-holes are oval shaped in order to
accommodate flexible placement of the second and third attacher or
bolt used to connect the megavang to a pole.
[0023] FIG. 2A shows a top view of the megavang of FIG. 1. In this
view the bends at axes 140 and axes 150 are visible. As shown in
this figure, the bend at axes 140 creates an approximately
perpendicular arrangement between portion 210 and portion 220 of
body portion 110. Additionally, an approximately 60 degree angle is
created between body portion 220 and body portion 230. FIG. 2B
shows a scaled front view of the megavang of FIG. 1. Here the
positioning of the vangs 120 on body portion 110 is visible as well
as the positioning and measurements of apertures 115a-c.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the megavang of FIG. 1. Here the
sizes of apertures 121 and as vangs 120 are visible on body portion
110. The size and configuration of megavang 100 are also shown.
[0025] FIG. 4A shows a top view of the bent apparatus bracket 110
without vangs. The lengths of various portions are visible as well
as the angular arrangement of portions of the bracket 110. FIG. 4B
shows a scaled back view of the unbent apparatus bracket without
vangs, illustrating the bracket bending process described
herein.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a detailed side view of an embodiment of a
singular yang 120 having an aperture 121 used in the megavang of
FIG. 1.
[0027] The bending process is done on the vertical axis of the
bracket 110, maintaining the height of the final bracket at 51
inches as shown in FIG. 4. The bending process of the bracket 110
is performed symmetrically to achieve a symmetrical bracket. The
bending process for one side of the bracket 110 is described below,
and is repeated for the other side of the bracket 110 to achieve a
symmetrical bracket. All measurements used to describe the bending
process are in reference to the width of the bracket, as it is bent
along the vertical axis.
[0028] Bend 1 along vertical axes 140 is made to allow 1 inch from
the center of the bracket on the inside of the bracket to remain
flat at an interior angle of zero degrees. The bend is made such
that a 90 degree interior angle is achieved on the inside of the
bracket 2.5 inches from the center of the bracket. The length of
the bent portion is 1.5 inches, measuring from the inside of the
bracket with an interior angle of zero degrees to the inside of the
bracket with an interior angle of 90 degrees.
[0029] Bend 2 along axes 150 is made to allow for the leg of the
bracket that touches the pole to have an interior angle of 60
degrees. The resulting leg is approximately two inches long.
[0030] Each of the four vangs 120 is placed along the vertical axis
of the bracket 110, separated equally by 15 inches from center-hole
to center-hole of each of the vangs. The first yang is placed 3
inches from the top of the bracket to the center hole of the first
yang. The second yang is placed 18 inches from the top of the
bracket to the center hole of the second yang. The third yang is
placed 33 inches from the top of the bracket to the center hole of
the third yang. The fourth yang is placed 48 inches from the top of
the bracket to the center hole of the third yang. In alternative
embodiments, additional vangs may be added, 15 inches from the
previous yang. Additionally, additional through-holes will be added
approximately 7.5 inches from the previous yang. In an alternative
embodiment, one of the vangs and through-holes may be eliminated,
resulting in only 3 vangs and two through-holes.
[0031] Each yang 120 is 0.5 inches wide, 3 inches tall, and 3.75
inches deep. As shown in the side view of the yang 120 in FIG. 5,
the yang is a rounded piece of weathering steel with a circular
through-hole. All measurements used to describe the yang below are
in relation to the height and depth of the yang. The width of the
yang remains a constant 0.5 inches.
[0032] The through-hole (aperture 121) of the yang is circular with
a diameter of 0.5 inches. The through-hole is placed 1.5 inches
from the top of the yang to the center of the through-hole, and 1.5
inches from the front of the yang to the center of the
through-hole. The front of the yang 120 is a semicircle, with a
diameter of 1.5 inches from the center of the through-hole to the
edge of the yang. The semicircle begins and ends at the center
depth of the through-hole, completing 180 degrees. The back of the
yang is rectangular, measuring 2.25 inches in depth from the center
of the through-hole to the deepest edge of the yang, and 3 inches
tall.
[0033] The resultant apparatus is referred to as a megavang 100,
consisting of four individual vangs placed 15 inches apart on a
bracket that measures 51 inches tall with three through-holes for
attachment to a steel pole, as most easily seen in FIG. 1. When
installed on an electric distribution or transmission steel pole,
it offers attachments for up to four communication utility
conductors.
[0034] While specific embodiments have been described in detail in
the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that various modifications and alternatives to those
details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure and the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that the scope of this disclosure is not
limited to the particular examples and implementations disclosed
herein but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and
scope thereof as defined by the appended claims and any and all
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *