Method and arrangement for utility pole reinforcement

Abstract

Method and arrangement for reinforcing an elongated pole (3) including a plurality of anchorages (28,29), each of which are locatable at a different vertical position on pole (3) and having a tension member (30) configured to be coupled between at least a pair of said anchorages (28, 29) for increasing the load capacity of the receiving pole (3) when thereby fortified. Exemplarily, utility pole (5) is configured to receive above-ground appurtenances. In a complimentary embodiment, the arrangement further includes a compression member (36), which may take the same form as the tension member (30), but with oppositely acting forces imposed therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] To the full extent permitted by law, the present application claims priority to and the benefit as a United States national phase entry, non-provisional application to patent cooperation treaty application entitled “Method and Arrangement for Utility Pole Reinforcement” filed on Mar. 7, 2003, having assigned International Application No. PCT/US03/07088 and International Publication No. WO 03/076737 A1, and which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application entitled “Method and Arrangement for Utility Pole Reinforcement” filed on Mar. 7, 2002, having assigned Serial No. 60/362,076.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to elongate support elements, and more particularly, to methods and arrangements for fortifying aerial poles, wherein pole-supported structural reinforcement is achieved without necessitating removal of pole accessories and without requiring welding to the pole. The present invention is particularly suited for, although not limited to, utility pole reinforcement, wherein cellular telephone antennas, transmitters and/or receivers are supported on a monopole having a generally fixed maximum load and wherein utilization of the pole reinforcement device and method thereof results in a generally substantial increase in said maximum load without interrupting service provided by existing cellular telephone antennas, transmitters and/or receivers during the installation process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Elongate, upright poles are utilized in many industries for many applications. In the most simple of configurations, such poles may serve as flag poles or sailing masts. In more complex arrangements, upright poles are used in the utility industries for elevating utility lines, as well as positioning certain devices above ground level. Regarding such aerially located devices, one example is the elevation of outdoor lighting such as for street lamps, but an increasingly important utilization of such utility poles is the elevation of antennas and receivers for cellular telephone and similar wireless communication services.

[0004] The presence of such utility poles is generally seen as detrimental to the landscape. In addition to purely aesthetic objections, environmental data may indicate a correlation between a loss of certain types of wildlife, namely birds, and an abundance of cellular towers. Therefore, the number of utility poles is desirably minimized in most locations. As a result, it has become increasingly important to maximize the utilization of any given pole once erected. Still further, the proliferation of wireless communication providers has increased the need for aerial antennas placements.

[0005] Typically, the utility poles are owned and maintained by one entity, and space thereupon is leased to the communication companies for their equipment. As a result, these utility poles owners and operators are constantly striving to ever increase the capacity of their existing facilities. Each pole, however, has a maximum loading capacity for which it was originally designed. This original design capacity is oftentimes quickly exceeded and therefore reinforcement of the pole to increase its carrying capacity is desired.

[0006] Traditional methods for providing reinforcement have included the welding of angle along the exterior surface of the pole in those regions requiring reinforcement. This is a particularly disfavored solution not only because it is unsightly, but because extremely long beads of weld are generally required which are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive to apply, but can also be structurally degrading to the pole, itself. Still further, a common construction of such poles is of galvanized metal. Therefore, any welding imposed thereupon compromises the galvanization protection. As a result, “cold galvanization” is typically required in an effort to re-establish the corrosion-resistant features of the pole after welding thereupon has been completed.

[0007] The utilization of welding is undesirable in aerial environments. In a first instance, the related personnel cost for elevated, above-ground welding is high, and there is often a scarcity of qualified personnel. Further still, the extreme temperature conditions imposed upon the utility pole during a welding process can damage associated structures. For example, coaxial cable is often housed within the core of the utility pole. When welding is affected upon the body of the pole, the associated heat can not only damage such cabling, but has also been known to ignite insulation layers provided upon such cable resulting in the complete loss of the facility due to fire.

[0008] Another problem associated with existing reinforcement strategies is that installed communication units positioned upon the utility pole must be disturbed; that is, service interruption may be necessary to those companies already having antennas and receivers on the pole to accommodate the reinforcement process. As a result, added costs and complications must be dealt with to perform such reinforcement processes, including performing the updates at night when service to wireless customers is less likely to be interrupted.

[0009] Still another problem has been encountered when the cabling from the elevated antennas and receivers down to the ground facilities is positioned exteriorly upon the pole, as opposed to interiorly within the pole's core. Some reinforcement solutions require components to completely encircle the pole. If that is the case, exterior cabling must be either removed, or at least temporarily positioned at a sufficient distance away from the pole to give operating space for installation of the reinforcement components. This requirement often imposes logistical problems, and almost always increases the time and cost associated with the remedial measures.

[0010] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a method and arrangement for pole reinforcement, wherein any type of elongate, upright pole may be reinforced to increase the carrying capacity thereof without disrupting services relying thereon, without disturbing fixtures and/or cabling mounted to the pole, and without requiring the introduction of a number of risks associated with welding along the outer surface of the pole, thereby enabling a maximization of the utilization of any given erected pole and avoiding the above-discussed disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a method and arrangement for increasing aerial capacity, particularly in the wireless communication industries, via an improved monopole reinforcement device and a method thereof, wherein pole-supported structural reinforcement is achieved without necessitating removal of pole accessories and without requiring welding to the pole.

[0012] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is a method and arrangement for pole reinforcement, wherein any type of elongate, upright pole may be reinforced to increase the carrying capacity thereof without disrupting services relying thereon, without disturbing fixtures and/or cabling mounted to the pole, and without requiring the introduction of a number of risks associated with welding along the outer surface of the pole, thereby enabling a maximization of the utilization of any given erected pole.

[0013] More specifically, the device of the present invention in its preferred form is a method and arrangement for pole reinforcement, wherein pole stress such as, for exemplary purposes only, flexural stress and wind resistance, is reduced via reinforcement, especially at high stress zones, to enable maximization of the support capabilities of the footing. The present invention may take the form of either, or both of a method and arrangement for reinforcing an utility pole including a plurality of anchorages, each of which are locatable at a different vertical position on the utility pole and having a tension member configured to be coupled between at least a pair of said anchorages for increasing the load capacity of the receiving utility pole when thereby fortified. Exemplarily, the utility pole is configured to receive above-ground appurtenances.

[0014] The preferred method and arrangement for pole reinforcement includes a plurality of upper anchor brackets, a plurality of lower anchor brackets, tension rods and tension rod guides. The tension rods extend coaxially along a length of the pole, substantially laterally secured, but longitudinally freed, with respect to the pole by the tension rod guides, and secured on each end by the upper and lower anchor brackets. The anchor brackets that secure the tension rods are secured to the pole via fixing bolts, wherein apertures in the anchor bracket support plate are utilized as a template for drilling mating holes in the pole and the fixing bolts are inserted and secured therethrough. The tension rod guides are similarly secured to the pole, wherein the tension rods extend through apertures defined therein and the apertures accommodate longitudinal movement while limiting lateral movement of the rod.

[0015] Relative adjustment of a nut secured upon end threads of each end of the rod applies a pre-tension to the rod. The rods thus serve as reinforcement elements that resist bending of an erect pole. That is, as the top of the pole bends in one particular direction, the rod(s) on the opposite side of the pole go into increased tension. The rods on the same side of the pole as the direction of bend either go slack, or can even be configured to transition into compression for further reinforcement. Thus, in a complimentary embodiment, the arrangement further includes a compression member, which may take the same form as the tension member, but with oppositely acting forces imposed therein.

[0016] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement of any type of elongated structure capable of receiving the reinforcement arrangement, irrespective of orientation of the elongated structure relative to the surface of the earth.

[0017] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement of generally vertical structures such as flagpoles and masts and to enable reinforcement of generally horizontal structures such as conduits, pipes and tubes.

[0018] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method enable reinforcement of existing monopoles without necessitating removal of pole accessories.

[0019] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method enable reinforcement of an elongated structure without requiring welding thereto.

[0020] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to provide a generally substantial increase in maximum load for a reinforced structure.

[0021] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to maximize utilization of existing utility poles, thereby assuaging wildlife concerns and aesthetic objections to increased pole proliferation.

[0022] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to be swiftly, economically and safely installed without compromising galvanization protection and subjecting the reinforced structure to potential corrosion.

[0023] Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to be swiftly, economically and safely installed without subjecting the pole to extreme welding temperature conditions, thereby avoiding risk of ignition and fire.

[0024] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a method and device to reinforce existing utility poles without disturbing installed communication units positioned thereupon, thereby avoiding service interruption.

[0025] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to enable cost effective reinforcement of existing structures and/or new structures.

[0026] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement of an existing pole without necessitating components to completely encircle the pole, thereby enabling existing exterior cabling to remain in position during installation of the reinforcement apparatus.

[0027] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to increase aerial capacity, particularly in the wireless communication industries.

[0028] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to reduce pole stress such as, for exemplary purposes only, flexural stress and wind resistance.

[0029] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to reduce to enable maximization of the support capabilities of a structural footing.

[0030] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement of a pole, tower or the like without necessitating anchorage of the reinforcement arrangement to the ground and/or footing.

[0031] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement installation on a pole without necessitating thread-tapped drilling therein.

[0032] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art tapered pipe pole, commonly utilized for elevating wireless communication antennas and receivers;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a typical prior art base anchorage and concrete footing for such a pole as is shown in FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic elevational view of the prior art tapered pipe pole as shown in FIG. 1, showing regions of stress by load-induced bending thereof in cross-hatch;

[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art tapered pipe pole as shown in FIG. 3, taken along line IV-IV;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a first partial perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing an installation on a reinforced 12-sided polygon-shaped pole;

[0039] FIG. 6 is a second partial perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as installed on a reinforced 12-sided polygon-shaped pole, showing four top-to-bottom communication cables secured to an exterior face of the utility pole between two faces upon which two reinforcement arrangements are each positioned;

[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing upper anchor brackets;

[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing lower anchor brackets;

[0042] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing tension rods and guides therefore;

[0043] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the utility pole as shown in FIG. 11, taken along line V-V;

[0044] FIG. 11 is an elevational schematic representation of a multi-joint, stacked, 12-sided polygon-shaped utility pole having installed reinforcements, showing blow-up detail of three alternate anchor bracket configurations;

[0045] FIG. 12 is an elevational schematic representation of three elongate reinforcement arrangements of the present invention as installed;

[0046] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the elevational schematic representation of FIG. 12, taken along line 13A-13A, showing a top view the upper anchor brackets;

[0047] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the elevational schematic representation of FIG. 12, taken along line 13B-13B, showing a top view of the guide brackets;

[0048] FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the elevational schematic representation of FIG. 12, taken along line 13C-13C, showing a top view of the lower anchor brackets;

[0049] FIG. 14 is an elevational view of an upper anchor bracket of FIG. 13A;

[0050] FIG. 15 is an elevational view of a lower anchor bracket of FIG. 13C;

[0051] FIG. 16 is an elevational view of a guide bracket of FIG. 13B;

[0052] FIG. 17 is a reinforcement arrangement, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing a ring or collar;

[0053] FIG. 18 is a partial side view of the reinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17, showing the rods offset slightly from vertical;

[0054] FIG. 19 is a partial side view of the reinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17, showing the collar assembly;

[0055] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the upper collar of the reinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17;

[0056] FIG. 21 is an elevational view of a lower anchor bracket;

[0057] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the lower collar of the reinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17;

[0058] FIG. 23 is a perspective side view of the lower collar of the reinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17;

[0059] FIG. 24 is a partial perspective side view of the collar of FIG. 23, showing the collar joining arrangement;

[0060] FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the upper anchor bracket of FIG. 14;

[0061] FIG. 26 is a schematic view of the lower anchor bracket of FIG. 15;

[0062] FIG. 27A is a side, schematic view of the bracket of FIG. 26, showing a back plate, side wall and lower support member;

[0063] FIG. 27B is an inner support for the lower support member of the bracket of FIG. 26;

[0064] FIG. 28A is the side wall the bracket of FIG. 26;

[0065] FIG. 28B is a first inner support for the bracket of FIG. 26;

[0066] FIG. 28C is a second inner support for the bracket of FIG. 26;

[0067] FIG. 29 is a rear schematic view of the bracket of FIG. 26;

[0068] FIG. 30 is a partial side, cross-sectional, schematic view of the bracket of FIG. 26;

[0069] FIG. 31A is a schematic view of the rod guide assembly of FIG. 31C, showing a bracket member that attaches directly to the utility pole;

[0070] FIG. 31B is a schematic view of the rod guide assembly of FIG. 31C, showing a closure plate;

[0071] FIG. 31C is a schematic view of a rod guide assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] FIG. 31D is a side, schematic view of the rod guide assembly arrangement of FIG. 31C;

[0073] FIG. 31E is a side, schematic view of the bracket member of FIG. 31A;

[0074] FIG. 31F is a schematic view of the rod guide assembly of FIG. 31C, viewed from below;

[0075] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement arrangement, showing an alternate H-shaped bracket configuration; and

[0076] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement arrangement, showing an alternate L-shaped bracket configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

[0077] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is method and device for structural reinforcement 10 of elongated structure 3, wherein brackets 20 and guides 33, 39 are secured to elongated structure 3 and wherein elongated rods 30 are positioned proximate to elongated structure 3 and are retained by brackets 20 and guides 33, 39. In the preferred embodiment, elongated structure 3 is monopole 22 such as, for exemplary purposes only, multi-joint, stacked, 12-sided polygon shaped pole 25, as depicted in FIGS. 5-11, step, tapered pipe pole 26a as depicted in FIG. 3, or continuous-taper monopole tower 26b, as depicted in FIG. 1, wherein monopole 22 is generally and preferably vertically oriented. Elongated structure 3 in FIG. 1 is utility pole 5, shown to include climbing pegs 21 for service personnel, as well as a safety cable 24 to which such personnel are attached during service operations. The description herein of the arrangement and installation of method and device for structural reinforcement 10 is presented with reference to reinforcement of monopole 22 for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to be limiting the application thereto. One skilled in the art would readily recognize and it is specifically contemplated within the scope of the present invention that method and device for structural reinforcement 10 could be utilized on any type of elongated structure 3, irrespective of orientation, wherein for example substantially horizontally positioned pipes or any other suitable structure for receiving method and device for structural reinforcement 10 could be strengthened thereby.

[0079] Preferably, brackets 20 include upper anchor brackets 28 and lower anchor brackets 29, and elongated rods 30 include tension 32. Tension rod 32 is preferably steel, however, any suitably strong material possessing similar appropriate characteristics could also be utilized. Tension rod 32 is preferably positioned coaxially along a length of monopole 22 proximate to outer surface 22a thereof, wherein first end 34a of tension rod 32 is preferably retained by upper anchor bracket 28 and wherein second end 34b of tension rod 32 is preferably retained by lower anchor bracket 29.

[0080] In the preferred embodiment, guides 33, 39 include tension rod guide 152, wherein tension rod guide 152 is positioned between upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29, wherein lateral movement of tension rod 32 is preferably substantially limited by tension rod guide 152, and wherein longitudinal movement of tension rod 32 is preferably generally permitted by tension rod guide 152. Preferably, method and device for structural reinforcement 10 incorporates the utilization of a plurality of tension rod guides 152 between each upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29, and a plurality of tension rods 32 secured in like manner relative to elongated structure 3.

[0081] Preferably, upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29 include support plate 106 and 108, respectively, wherein rear surfaces 106a and 108a of support plates 106 and 108, respectively, are positioned proximate to outer surface 22a of monopole 22 upon attachment of upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29 to elongated structure 3. Each support plate 106 and 108 preferably has a plurality of apertures 110 defined therethrough, wherein apertures 110 serve as first template 112 for positional selection of mating holes 23a, wherein mating holes 23a are preferably drilled through outer surface 22a, and wherein apertures 110 also serve as receiving ports 114 for bolts 50a.

[0082] Preferably, tension rod guide 152 includes mount plate 154, wherein rear surface 154a of mount plate 154 is positioned proximate to outer surface 22a of monopole 22 upon attachment of mount plate 154 to elongated structure 3. Mount plate 154 preferably has a plurality of apertures 156 defined therethrough, wherein apertures 156 serve as second template 158 for positional selection of mating holes 23b, wherein mating holes 23b are preferably drilled through outer surface 22a of monopole 22 to enable attachment of mount plate 154 thereto, and wherein apertures 156 also serve as receiving ports 159 for bolts 50b.

[0083] Generally and preferably, upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29 function via substantially the same configuration, albeit inverted relative to each other. Namely, bracing members or elements 45 are provided as generally projecting elements relative to support plates 106 and 108, wherein tension rod 32 is preferably positioned within rod apertures 122 and 124 as defined through cross brace members 126a and 126b, respectively. Preferably, nut 52a is secured to first end 34a of tension rod 32 proximate to upper surface 128a of cross brace member 126a of upper anchor bracket 28, wherein first end 34a of tension rod 32 is preferably threaded. Also preferably, nut 52b is secured to second end 34b of tension rod 32 proximate to lower surface 128b of cross brace member 126b of lower anchor bracket 29, wherein second end 34b of tension rod 32 is preferably threaded.

[0084] This preferred end-bolted configuration of tension rod 32 relative to upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29 enables selective manipulation of nut 52a and/or nut 52b to apply a prescribed pre-tension to tension rod 32. That is, tightening either nut 52a or nut 52b, or tightening both nuts 52a and 52b on opposite ends 34a and 34b of tension rod 32, can selectively pre-stress tension rod 32, that is, a prescribed pre-tension is applied across elongated rod 30, thereby reducing and/or eliminating “slop” in elongated structure 3 and in reinforcement arrangement of method and device 10, wherein tension rod 32 preferably serves as a reinforcement element to resist bending or other contortional forces on elongated structure 3.

[0085] The cross-hatched regions of FIG. 3 illustrate representative high stress zones requiring reinforcement, wherein stress is typically flexural for structures such as monopole 22, and wherein the stress in the zones is primarily attributable to bending forces induced by upper loads on monopole 22. Though load weight is a contributing component to the bending forces, a primary actor is wind resistance, particularly the increased wind resistance caused by additional features, appurtenances and accessories, such as wireless antennas and receivers, added at upper regions of monopole 22. From an engineering perspective, the combination of a pair of anchorages 28, 29 and an interconnected tension member or rod 30 constitute a reinforcement arrangement or element 10 that contributes resistance to bending of an erect monopole 22. As the top of pole 22 bends in one particular direction, typically under wind load, rod(s) 30 on the opposite (upwind) side of pole 22 go into increased tension. The rods 30 on the same side of pole 22 as the direction of bend (down-wind) either go slack, or transition into compression for further reinforcement. In the case that rods 30 are configured for accepting compression forces, the rod ends must be bi-directionally secured; that is, fixed with respect to anchor plate 53.

[0086] High stress zones, typically identified through computer-aided analysis, are the most likely candidate regions to be reinforced in order to provide additional carrying capacity to existing monopole 22 structure. In this computer-aided analysis for identification of candidate regions to be reinforced, there may be different limiting factors. One factor may be the construction of monopole 22 itself, but of equal significance is the support capabilities of monopole's 22 footing. Regardless of how strong monopole 22 can be made, the capacity of footing may not be exceeded.

[0087] It has been discovered that for some utility poles 5, especially those that are heavily loaded, the tension rod approach alone will not always provide sufficient fortification. Responsively, a complementary compression member or rod 36 configuration has been developed that would force rod 36 elements on the compression face of the shaft of elongated structure 3 to take-up compressive forces. In order to do this, the configurations of anchor brackets 28, 29 have to be appropriately designed to handle the reversal in the force direction (with respect to tension conditions) and rods 36 have to be braced against buckling. This results in the end supports, upper and lower anchor brackets 28, 29 being spaced much closer together for the tension rod designs. However, a much greater composite section capacity is obtained and, hence, a much larger load carrying capacity for such a reinforced monopole 22 is achieved. When considering compression member or rod 36, exemplary embodiments require double nuts 55, or suitable equivalents to achieve the compression rod configuration, while only a single nut can be utilized for the tension rod configuration. In practice, it should be understood that if a reinforcement arrangement 10 is configured to act as a compression member 36, by fastening rod 30 to upper and lower anchor brackets 28, 29 against both upward and downward translational movement, that same arrangement 10 will act as a tension rod 32 when opposite (tensile) stress or force is applied thereto.

[0088] The present invention contemplates, among others, systems in which only externally applied high strength tension rods 32 are installed with some amount of pre-stress or pre-tension load imposed. While rods 30 are applied symmetrically with respect to the pole cross section (typically 6 or 8 rods), only rods 30 that develop tensile forces are included in the strength equation when designing and tuning the system. It should be appreciated, as otherwise explained herein, that when the shaft tube of elongated structure 3 is bent in flexure, there exists a compression face at which elongated structure 3 tends to shorten under load and a tension face at which elongated structure 3 tends to stretch or lengthen. Rods on the compression face tend to go slack or buckle so only the rods 30 that carry tension are active. As a result, what can now be considered a composite structural element; that is, the shaft of elongated structure 3 and the reinforcement arrangements 10 having active tension rods 32, when taken together, are asymmetric with a center of gravity (CG) of the composite element displaced slightly toward the tension rod face of the pole. The result is an increase in the pole's moment of inertia, I. It is this increase in moment of inertia that allows for more load carrying capacity in the shaft of elongated structure 3. Each tension rod 32 can generally be considered a tension element, but when described herein, each tension element can include one or more tension rods 32.

[0089] The actual moment of inertia of an exemplary composite section is influenced by at least: (1) the moment of inertia of the shaft of elongated structure 3, (2) the area of tension rod 32, and (3) the rod's eccentricity; that is, the distance rod 32 is spaced with respect to the pole shaft. Typically, for any given pole section, the pole shaft moment of inertia is constant, but the tension rod size, and hence, its area, can be varied as can the rod's eccentricity. In the design process, this becomes an interactive exercise that eventually will result in the desired geometry. Therefore, for a given pole shaft section and associated tension rod arrangement (cross-sectional area and eccentricity), the amount of tensile force that a particular rod carries can be computed.

[0090] It has been discovered that within the length of a given elongated rod 30 which is generally taken as being the rod extension between rod termination mounts (RTM), anchor brackets 28, 29, the eccentricity will need to be greatest at the bottom end and least at the top end of the reinforcement arrangement 10. Also, the tension force in rods 30 is commensurately greatest at the bottom and least at the top. Since the experienced tension force actually varies along the length of rod 30, the difference in force between the two end points must be taken-up.

[0091] In one embodiment, U-bolt clamps 60 can be utilized for fixing rod 30 to monopole 22 as shown in FIG. 32. This attachment transfers a longitudinal force (the difference in the rod tension) and a lateral force (due to the curved shape of the bent pole shaft). Differently configured anchor brackets and rod positioners can be utilized; exemplary configurations include welded T-sections, U-bolt on I-sections, and U-bolt on L-sections 62 as shown in FIG. 33. In FIGS. 32 and 33, fastening arrangements are shown to include HOLLO bolts that are particularly advantageous in this setting because of their self-securing capacities.

[0092] In practice, welded T-sections function particularly well from a structural perspective, but they can present scheduling problems with respect to fabrication. For this reason, the U-bolt configurations are more typically utilized in implementations of the present invention.

[0093] In order to maintain the integrity of elongated rods 30, their position with respect to elongated structure 3 must be substantially fixed. As elongated structure 3 bends, without guides 33, 39 illustrated in FIG. 9, the orientation of elongated rods 30 with respect to elongated structure 3 can change. Therefore, guides 33, 39, which will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, are preferably provided at intervals along the length of each rod 30 thereby laterally securing rod 30 with respect to elongated structure 3, but also preferably enabling free longitudinal movement of rod 30 within guide 33, 39. It should be appreciated that guide 33,39 character as between tension and compression is determined by what kind of force (tension or compression) associated rod 30 is carrying.

[0094] FIG. 11 provides an elevational, schematic representation of multi-section 15, stacked, 12-sided polygon-shaped utility pole 5. Each section 15 tapers from its lower to upper end, and each lower end is sized and configured to fit over the top end of the section located immediately therebelow. Because of this tapered configuration and relative sizing, multiple sections 15 may be stacked to form elongate utility pole 5. This configuration establishes overlap regions 18 between sections 15 characterized as overlapping joints, or splices in FIG. 11. In the blow-up details at the right-hand side of FIG. 11, three different anchor configurations 27 are illustrated. Primarily, it is demonstrated that one or more tension rods 32 may be incorporated into a reinforcement arrangement according to method and device 10. In the upper detail of FIG. 11, an anchor configuration 27 is shown having rods 30 extending in just one direction. In each of the lower details of FIG. 11, an anchor configuration 27 is shown having rods 30 extending in both directions. It is based on such double-connections to anchor configurations 27 that composite forces are imposed for transfer to the carrying pole 22.

[0095] The reinforcement arrangements 10 shown perspectively in FIGS. 5 and 6 are depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 12-16. FIG. 12 provides an elevational view showing three alternative individual reinforcement arrangements according to method and device 10, while FIGS. 13a-13c show various horizontal cross-sections taken as indicated in FIG. 12. More specifically, FIG. 13a shows the top view of a set of upper anchor brackets 28, FIG. 13b shows a top view of a set of guides 33, 39, and FIG. 13c shows a top view of a set of lower anchor brackets 29.

[0096] FIG. 14 shows an elevational view upper anchor bracket 28, while FIG. 15 shows an elevational view of lower anchor bracket 29. Therein, several reinforcing bracing members 50 may be appreciated as welded members upon back support plate 56. One skilled in the art would readily recognize that although welding is the preferred method of attachment for bracing members to support plates, any appropriately strong means of attachment could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposes only, tongue-and-groove adhesive mating and/or riveting, and/or support plates and bracing members could be partially or entirely integrally formed. Cross brace members 126a and 125b are depicted in a preferred substantially horizontal orientation relative to the axis of monopole 22, wherein bracing members 45 preferably provide support thereto.

[0097] In the preferred embodiment, rear surface 58 of support plate 56 is configured to fit substantially flush, in a face-to-face orientation against exterior surface 22a of elongated structure 3. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, support plate 56 is generally flat, however, it is contemplated that support plate 56 may be variously configured to generally conform to exterior 22a of elongate structure 3 upon which support plate 56 is intended to be applied. For example, support plate 56 may be generally arcuately-shaped, may have defined angles, and/or may be any suitable shape enabling adaptation to elongate structure 3 for reinforcement thereof. The anchor plate 53 is shown in a substantially horizontal orientation and is supported by several of the provided brace members 45.

[0098] One advantageous aspect of the heretofore-described embodiment of the present invention is the way in which anchor configurations 27 are joined to utility pole 5. That is, an important feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is the method of securing brackets 20 to elongate structure 3. Apertures or holes 57 are provided in support plate 56, wherein apertures 57 are preferably aligned with mating holes 23a, 23b in elongated structure 3. From a practical standpoint, apertures 57 enable support plate 56 to be utilized as first template 112 for drilling mating holes 23a, 23b in monopole 22. Preferably, fixing bolts 50a, 50b are positioned through apertures 57 of support plate 56 and mating holes 23a, 23b of monopole 22, wherein the alignment and relative location thereof is secured thereby.

[0099] In the event that the position for attachment of anchor bracket 28, 29 is at overlapped region or joint 18 of two sections 15, apertures 57 are alternately provided to enable mating holes 23a, 23b and fixing bolts 50a, 50b to be positioned on both of adjacent pole sections 15, thereby reinforcing pole joint or overlapped region 18 via attachment of support plate 56 and beneficially fixing all three of the components, first section, second section and bracket, relative to one another by such cross-positioned bolts. This beneficial cross-joint reinforcement can be of critical importance because of the tension/compression action in reinforcing rods 30. More specifically, if significant relative movement were permitted to occur between sections 15 at overlap region or joint 18 wherein reinforcement arrangement 10 extends thereacross, the tensioning or compression capability of rod 30 may be obviated. By positioning bolts 50a, 50b strategically through support plate 56 to secure each of two pole sections 15 making up joint 18, this possibility is substantially eliminated.

[0100] It is also a significant feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention 10 that bolts 50a, 50b are used for connection of brackets 20 and guides 33, 39 to elongated structure 3, as opposed to welded connections. As intimated hereinabove, this prevents the compromise of any galvanization of pipe joints 18 of monopole 22. In the preferred embodiment, bolts 50a, 50b are blind-side fasteners, also known as anchor-type expansion bolts, wherein utilization thereof eliminates the need for manipulation within interior of monopole 22 for the securement of brackets 20 and guides 33, 39 thereupon—that is these types of fasteners are essentially self-securing. Moreover, the preferred use of expansion bolts eliminates the need for mating holes 23a, 23b in monopole 22 to be tapped for threaded engagement. However, it is contemplated that other means of attachment could be utilized to accomplish the equivalent function such as, for exemplary purposes only, locking-well-type fasteners.

[0101] FIG. 16 provides an elevational view of a preferred arrangement for rod guides 33, 39. As illustrated, rod guide 33,39 is primarily composed of anchor plate 53, wherein anchor plate 53 has a ninety-degree angle and is boltable to elongated structure 3 via apertures 57 in a manner similar to that used to secure anchor brackets 28, 29 to elongate structure 3. Preferably, second closure plate 54 is bolted to horizontal and outwardly projecting leg of anchor plate 53, thereby forming guide aperture 57 about rod 30, details of which are shown in FIGS. 31A-F.

[0102] An alternate configuration of the reinforcement arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 17-24. Therein, a ring or collar arrangement 80 is shown that is fixed about the periphery of utility pole 5, irrespective of the shape of pole 5. In this alternate design, collar 83 essentially serves as a substitute for back support plate 56 of brackets 20 that would otherwise be positioned upon utility pole 5 in the preferred embodiment. Otherwise, the construction of anchor bracket 28, 29 can be similar to that disclosed and described hereinabove. As illustrated, however, collar 83 is exemplarily made up of two halves 85 that are joined together to surround utility pole 5. It is understood, however, that more than two members could be utilized to form collar 83, and that the represented circular shape of collar 83 is not intended to be a limitation. That is, collar 83 could be polygonal or any suitable shape. Similar to back plates 56 of individual brackets 28, 29, collar 83 is positively connected via expansion bolts through aligned apertures in collar 83 and utility pole section(s).

[0103] FIG. 18 diagrammatically illustrates that rods 30 may be advantageously offset slightly from vertical. This orientation is depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 as different eccentricities of a particular rod 30 between the top and bottom ends of rod 30 and the centroid of utility pole 5. As a result, this vertically offset orientation is generally accommodated by a similar angular offset from horizontal of anchor plate 53 in the bracket assembly. This matching offset is provided to assure a square relationship between abutting nut 55 on rod 30 and the contact surface of anchor plate 53.

[0104] FIGS. 19-24 illustrate details of an exemplary ring or collar arrangement 80 in which: FIG. 19 is an elevational view; FIG. 20 is a sectional view looking downward at two halves 85 of a collar 83 installable about a utility pole 5 (but not yet secured together); FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a guide 33, 39 for a rod 30; and FIG. 22 is a secured (bolted-together) configuration of two-half collar 83 of FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a detailed view of a midsection of one of collar halves 85 and FIG. 24 is a detail of bolted flanges forming a secured joint between two collar halves 85.

[0105] FIGS. 25 and 26 again depict lower 29 and upper 28 anchor brackets, respectively. FIGS. 27-29, however, provide details of back support plate 56, several brace members 45 and anchor plate 53 as each relates to upper anchor bracket 28 of FIG. 26. FIG. 30 shows details of an exemplary connection between back support plate 56 and anchor plate 53.

[0106] FIG. 31 illustrates components of guide 33, 39. FIG. 31A shows a slotted guide bracket member 63 that attaches directly to the utility pole 5. A U-shaped slot or recess is provided in the horizontally oriented plate for accepting a tension rod therein. FIG. 31B illustrates closure plate 54 that is bolted upon the receiving anchor plate 53 as shown in FIG. 31C for enclosing a tension rod 32. As described hereinabove, however, the size of that through-aperture or slot for rod 32 is appropriately sized to accommodate longitudinal movement of a captured rod, but to limit lateral movement (particularly side-to-side) which could inhibit the operative qualities thereof. FIG. 31D similarly depicts guide assembly 33, 39 as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 31E illustrates the support angle of the guide assembly alone. FIG. 31F illustrates a top view of the guide arrangement's through-apertures for a tension rod.

[0107] Referring again to the embodiment of the invention in which individual anchor brackets 28, 29 are used, as opposed to anchor collars 80, a superior method for reinforcing utility poles 3 is enabled. Referring to FIG. 7, the installation of anchor brackets 28, 29 alongside existing and exteriorly located cabling 8 is shown. By utilizing such individual anchor brackets 28, 29, installation of the entire reinforcement arrangement 10 can be accomplished without disturbing either the existing cable configuration, or the wireless services being provided therethrough. This is a significant advantage over other reinforcement procedure requiring either removal and then reinstallation of such cabling, or even the temporary displacement of the cables.

[0108] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A reinforcement arrangement for an utility pole, said arrangement comprising:

a plurality of anchorages, each of said anchorages configured to be located at a different vertical position on an utility pole; and

a tension member configured to be coupled between at least a pair of said anchorages for increasing the load capacity of a receiving utility pole when thereby fortified.

2. A reinforced utility pole arrangement comprising:

an utility pole configured to receive above-ground appurtenances;

a plurality of anchorages, each of said anchorages located a different vertical position on said utility pole; and

a tension member configured to be coupled between at least a pair of said anchorages for increasing the load capacity of a receiving utility pole when thereby fortified.

3. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

said plurality of anchorages located at on exterior surface of said utility pole.

4. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

said plurality of anchorages coupled to an exterior surface of said utility pole.

5. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

said plurality of anchorages fastened to an exterior surface of said utility pole.

6. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

said utility pole comprising a plurality of stacked pipe sections; and

an overlap-joint formed between adjacent stacked pipe sections; and

a portion of at least one of said plurality of anchorages extending across said overlap-joint thereby fixing said adjacent stacked pipe sections against relative movement.

7. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

a tension member guide positioned on said utility pole at a vertical location between said pair of said plurality of anchorages, said tension member guide adapted to receive a tension member therethrough.

8. The arrangement as recited in claim 7, further comprising:

said tension member guide adapted to permit translating vertical movement of a tension member therethrough and to limit lateral movement of said tension member relative to said guide.

9. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

said tension member being oriented to have a varying eccentricity with respect to said utility pole.

10. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

each of said tension members being connected to at least one of said anchorages and unidirectionally secured against translational movement relative thereto.

11. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

a compression member configured to be coupled between at least a pair of said anchorages for increasing the load capacity of a receiving utility pole when thereby fortified.

12. The arrangement as recited in claim 11, further comprising:

a compression member guide positioned on said utility pole at a vertical location between said pair of said plurality of anchorages, said compression member guide adapted to receive a compression member therethrough.

13. The arrangement as recited in claim 12, further comprising:

said compression member guide adapted to permit translating vertical movement of a compression member therethrough and to limit lateral movement of said tension member relative to said guide thereby preventing buckling of said compression member when under compression.

14. The arrangement as recited in claim 11, further comprising:

said compression member being oriented to have a varying eccentricity with respect to said utility pole.

15. The arrangement as recited in claim 11, further comprising:

each of said compression members being connected to at least one of said pair of anchorages and being unidirectionally secured against transactional movement relative thereto.

16. The arrangement as recited in claim 11, further comprising:

each of said compression members being connected to at least one of said pair of anchorages and being bidirectionally secured against translational movement relative thereto.

17. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

at least one of said anchorages being positioned upon a collar, said collar surrounding and fastened about said utility pole.

18. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

a plurality of said anchorages being positioned upon a collar, said collar surrounding and fastened about said utility pole.

19. The arrangement as recited in claim 18, further comprising:

said plurality of said anchorages positioned upon said collar being located at substantially the same vertical position relative to said utility pole.

20. A reinforcement device for use on an elongated structure, comprising:

a plurality of anchor brackets;

a plurality of elongated rods, said plurality of elongated rods positioned coaxially along the elongated structure and carried by said plurality of anchor brackets; and

a plurality of rod guides.

21. The reinforcement device of claim 20, wherein said plurality of elongated rods are substantially laterally secured and generally longitudinally freed relative to the elongated structure by said plurality of rod guides.

22. The reinforcement device of claim 20, wherein said elongated structure is an upright pole, wherein said plurality of anchor brackets is a plurality of upper anchor brackets and a plurality of lower anchor brackets, and wherein each said elongated rod of said plurality of elongated rods is secured between a first upper anchor bracket and a second lower anchor bracket.

23. The reinforcement device of claim 20, further comprising a plurality of fixing bolts, said plurality of fixing bolts securing said plurality of anchor brackets are secured to said elongated structure.

24. The reinforcement device of claim 20, further comprising a plurality of nuts, said plurality of nuts threadedly secured on said plurality of elongated rods proximate to said plurality of anchor brackets.

25. A method of reinforcing an elongated structure, comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a plurality of anchor brackets, a plurality of elongated rods, a plurality of rod guides, and a plurality of fixing bolts;

b) utilizing said plurality of fixing bolts to secure said plurality of anchor brackets to the elongated structure;

d) coaxially positioning each said rod of said plurality of elongated rods proximate to the outer surface of the elongated structure;

e) securing a first end of each said rod of said plurality of elongated rods into a first anchor bracket of said plurality of anchor brackets;

f) securing a second end of each said rod of said plurality of elongated rods into a second anchor bracket of said plurality of anchor brackets; and

g) laterally securing each said rod of said plurality of elongated rods into at least one of said plurality of rod guides.

26. The method of reinforcing an elongated structure of claim 25, wherein each said anchor bracket of said plurality of anchor brackets has a plurality of apertures defined therethrough and further comprising the steps of:

a′) positioning each said anchor bracket of said plurality of anchor brackets proximate to the elongated structure and utilizing said plurality of apertures as a template;

a″) drilling a plurality of mating holes in the elongated structure;

and wherein said plurality of fixing bolts are secured in said plurality of mating holes.

27. The method of reinforcing an elongated structure of claim 25, wherein each said rod guide of said plurality of rod guides has a plurality of hole apertures defined therethrough and at least one guide aperture defined therein, and further comprising the steps of:

a′) positioning each said rod guide of said plurality of rod guides proximate to the elongated structure and utilizing said plurality of apertures as a template;

a″) drilling a plurality of mating holes in the elongated structure;

wherein said plurality of fixing bolts are secured in said plurality of mating holes, and wherein each said rod of said plurality of rods is positioned proximate to said at least one guide aperture, wherein longitudinal movement of said rod is accommodated and lateral movement of said rod is limited by said at least one guide aperture.

28. The method of reinforcing an elongated structure of claim 25, further comprising the steps of:

g) obtaining a plurality of nuts;

h) securing a first nut of said plurality of nuts upon a first end of an elongated rod of said plurality of elongated rods;

i) securing a second nut of said plurality of nuts upon a second end of an elongated rod of said plurality of elongated rods;

j) applying a pre-tension to said elongated rod of said plurality of rods by tightening said first and second nuts.