HORIZONTAL POST BASE COVER

Abstract

A two piece, non-conductive cover for covering the conductive base of a horizontal post attached to a utility pole. The cover comprises a first section and a second section. The first section overlaps the second section. The two sections cooperate to define a cavity that encases the conductive end of the horizontal post base fitting. The two sections also cooperate to define a pair of opposed arms that define a space configured and dimensioned to extend partially around a utility pole. Attachment apparatus for attaching the arms to the pole can include, but are not limited to, bolts lag screws, screws, nails, straps or any other apparatus that serves to secure the cover to the utility pole.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/597,413 filed Feb. 10, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a cover that functions as a wildlife guard for electrical systems. More particularly, it relates to a base cover for a horizontal post insulator extending from a utility pole to prevent wildlife, such as large birds, from simultaneously contacting conductive or energized and grounded surfaces, resulting in harm or death to the bird and/or disruption of energy transmission and distribution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that electric power distribution equipment used to supply electrical power employ wildlife protection to prevent wildlife from simultaneously contacting energized and grounded surfaces or adjacent phases. Conventional wildlife protection is applied to an equipment bushing or lightning arrester of the distribution or substation equipment. However, when such contact occurs at elevated voltages the voltage drop and resulting current flow through the wildlife can be lethal. Also short circuits and consequent power outages may occur.

Power lines, for example, power lines that transmit from 2,400 volts to 765,000 volts, are usually suspended between utility poles. There are posts extending out from the utility pole and although these post are generally referred to as line post insulators or horizontal posts, the proximal end of the horizontal post insulator, or base, is attached to the utility pole and the post extends outwardly either perpendicular to the pole or at an upward angle relative to the vertical axis of the utility pole. The power line is secured at the distal end of the horizontal post, resulting in a desired, predetermined distance between the utility pole and the power line. The connecting hardware at the distal end of the post usually is conductive metal hardware.

While there are other apparatus of the same general configuration the more a common horizontal post is illustrated herein by way of example. The post insulator is constructed from a non-conductive material. In one example the post has a cylindrical core of non-conductive fiber glass reinforced plastic such as polyester, vinyl ester or epoxy reinforced by fiberglass strands with a soft polymer sheath, for example silicon polymer, EPDM rubber or other synthetic rubber, molded around the core. The polymer sheath generally comprises radial circular skirts or fins. The fins can be of a uniform diameter or different diameters and can be evenly spaced apart along the axis of the core or unevenly spaced. The proximal end of the horizontal post insulator is attached to the utility pole with attachment hardware. The attachment hardware can be integral with the proximal end of the post or separate hardware. Such separate hardware is referred to as a base fitting of the horizontal post. In most cases the base fittings are molded, cast, or extruded from conductive material, such as steel or aluminum or aluminum and steel.

The horizontal post represents an ideal perch for wildlife, particularly large birds such as raptors or other migratory birds or birds of prey. Because of the large size of these birds, they can perch on the wire or horizontal post and simultaneously contact the base fitting and the energized distal end of the post, causing a voltage drop across the bird resulting in harm to the bird or death. Many of these birds are protected species and the power company and their management, can be held liable for the death of a protected bird.

Because the location of the horizontal post and attachment hardware and the presence of the transmission or distribution line, it can be very difficult or impractical and cost prohibitive to retrofit the apparatus with acceptable wildlife protection. It would be advantageous, therefore to have wildlife protection that can be easily affixed to cover the base plate of the horizontal post, preferably retrofitted, without removing the horizontal post or disrupting energy transmission.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a wildlife guard for electrical power equipment comprising a two piece, non-conductive cover for positioning over a horizontal post base fitting.

In another aspect, the two piece, non-conductive cover can be installed over the horizontal post base fitting without removing the horizontal post from the utility pole or interrupting power transmission.

In another aspect, the cover can be secured to the utility pole with attachment apparatus such as threaded bolts, screws, nails straps or any appropriate apparatus.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a horizontal post and base for securing the horizontal post to a utility pole, and a two piece, non-conductive cover over the base.

Briefly stated, a two piece, non-conductive cover for covering the conductive base of a horizontal post attached to a utility pole. The cover comprises a first or top section and a second or bottom section. The two sections overlap and fit together in an overlapping arrangement. The two sections could be connected by a hinge or living hinge. The two sections cooperate to define a cavity that encases the conductive end of the horizontal post base and fitting. The two sections also cooperate to define a pair of opposed curvilinear walls that define a semicircular space dimensioned to extend at least partially around a utility pole. Attachment apparatus for attaching the arms to the pole can include, but are not limited to, bolts, lag screws, screws, nails, straps or any other apparatus that serves to secure the cover to the utility pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a horizontal post base cover mounted over the base of a horizontal post;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a horizontal post and base, sans cover;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a horizontal post base, sans horizontal post;

FIG. 3B is a front plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a horizontal post base cover according to the present invention mounted over the base of a horizontal post;

FIG. 5 is a front and top perspective view of the first or top section of the cover;

FIG. 6 is a front and bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a front and top perspective view of the second or bottom section of the cover;

FIG. 9 is a front and top perspective view thereof; and

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the disclose cover is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is described in detail preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered only as an example of the principles of the invention. This disclosure is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the illustrated embodiments. The scope of protection is defined by the appended claims.

In the drawings, the number 10 designates generally one illustrative embodiment of a cover of the present invention that functions as a wildlife guard for installation over the end of a horizontal post base proximal to a utility pole in electrical power transmission or distribution systems. Cover 10 is shown in FIG. 1 installed between an insulative horizontal post 12 of conventional design and a representative utility pole P. As will be set forth, cover 10 prevents wildlife, particularly large birds, such as raptors and migratory birds from coming into contact simultaneously with both an electrically energized portion of the equipment, such as medium or high voltage power lines secured to the distal end DE of horizontal post 12 and an electrically grounded equipment. In doing so, the cover protects against electrocution of the large bird and also short circuits and consequent power outages in an electrical network.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the insulative horizontal post 12 comprises a proximal end PE that is attached to a utility pole P. The distal end DE includes hardware 13 with eyes 14 allowing connection of hardware that supports the power lines. Post 12 includes an elongated body section 15 with a cylindrical core made from non-conductive material such as fiberglass reinforced plastic. The core is covered with a non-conductive polymer sheathing 16 that includes a series of integral, radial circular fins 17. Similarly, the horizontal post could comprise porcelain or any other non-conductive material with or without radial fins

The proximal end PE, that is, the end of the horizontal post that is proximate to the utility pole, includes a base fitting 18, one example of which is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Base fitting 18 has a frame 20 with a rectangular front wall 21 and splayed side walls 22, 23 that can be positioned on a utility pole P. Laterally disposed bolts 24 extend through the side walls and are used to secure mounting hardware, similar to hardware 13, on the proximal end of the horizontal post to the base fitting. The front wall 21 has upper and lower holes, 26 and 28 respectively and fitting 18 is securely attached to a utility pole by long bolts 30 that are inserted through holes 26 and 28 and through holes in the utility pole P.

It will be noted that the base fitting 18 and mounting hardware on the proximal end of the horizontal post are fashioned from conductive metal, such as steel or aluminum, or combination thereof. The base fitting can be grounded by ground wire (not shown). In any event, there is a voltage drop between the distal end of the horizontal post and the proximal end of the horizontal post. If wildlife, such as a large migratory bird or raptors, contact the distal and proximal ends of the horizontal post, or contacts different phases, it can be electrocuted.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, cover 10 of one preferred design, completely covers the proximal end of the horizontal post, including base fitting 18 and attachment hardware. Since cover 10 is made of non-conductive material, as will be explained, a bird alighting or sitting on the horizontal post cannot contact the base fitting and an energized phase and will not be harmed. The construction of cover 10 will now be explained in detail, in reference to the drawings.

Cover 10 includes a first or top section 32 and a second or bottom section 33. There terms “top” and “bottom” are used for convenience and clarity since they ordinarily are positioned in these orientations in use, however, the terms of orientation should not be considered as limiting in any manner.

In any event, first section 32, shown in detail in FIGS. 5-7, include a central body 34 with a top wall 35, a forward extension 36 and rear opposed, curvilinear walls 38 and 40, each having mounting holes 41 formed therein. As best seen in FIG. 6, the central body and forward extension each define internal cavities 42 and 44, respectively. As shown in FIG. 7, forward extension 36 is angled upwardly, however, it can extend out perpendicular to the vertical axis of the cover, if required. There is a hollow protuberance 46 on the front of the central body. Although protuberance 46 is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment, any structure or protrusion or bump or enlargement of forward section 36 is within the scope of the invention. There is a first lateral compartment 48 extending out of the right side of the central body and a second lateral compartment 50 extending out of the left side of the central body. Each lateral compartment defines an interior cavity 51. Although the lateral compartments, as shown, are rectangular, any structure, such as an enlargement of that area of the cover or configuration that functions as described herein is within the scope of the invention. First section 32 includes a skirt 52 that extends around the perimeter of the bottom of the first section. The opposed, curvilinear walls 38 and 40 together with the top wall 35 of the central body portion define a semicircular space 53 dimensioned to fit at least partially around a utility pole P having a circular cross-section. It will be appreciated that the walls 38 and 40 in the illustrated embodiment are curvilinear so as to define a semicircular space; however the walls can have a different configuration. For example, the walls could be L-shaped or polygonal or any configuration such that they define a substantially rectangular, polygonal or other shape space for mounting on a pole having a rectangular or polygonal cross-section. In fact, the walls can be any desired configuration to be complementary in shape to any post. Moreover, the walls can of an appropriate length to substantially encircle a post. There is a pair of spaced apart ribs 54 and 55 on the outer surface of section 32 defining a space 56 in between. It will be note that although space 56 is defined by ribs 54 and 55, space 56 could be a circumferential depression in the wall, or any other design that seats an attachment apparatus, as will be explained.

Second section 33, shown in detail in FIGS. 8-10, has substantially the same peripheral configuration as first section 32, with the overall peripheral dimension being slightly less than the overall peripheral dimension of skirt 52 of first section 32. Section 33 includes a central body 57 with a bottom wall 58, a forward extension 59 and rear opposed, curvilinear walls 60 and 61, each having mounting holes 62 formed therein. The curvilinear walls are complementary to the curvilinear walls of the first section. As best seen in FIG. 8, the central body and forward extension define internal cavities 63 and 64, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10, forward extension 59 is angled upwardly. Central body 56 includes a hollow, protuberance 66 on the front. Protuberance 66 can be any structure or configuration that accommodates bolt heads, as will be described below. There is a first lateral compartment 68 extending from the right side of the central body and a second lateral compartment 70 extending from the left side of the central body. The lateral compartments each define an inner cavity 71. It will be noted that the size and configuration of lateral compartments 68 and 70 are such that they will seat within interior cavities 51 of lateral compartments 48 and 50 of first section 32 when the cover is assembled. The respective cavities 51 and 71 cooperate to define a larger lateral cavity on each side of the assembled guard. Alternatively, the sides of the sections could be oversized or otherwise molded or configured to accommodate mounting hardware, as will be explained. The opposed, curvilinear walls 60 and 61 with bottom wall 58 of the central body define a semicircular space 72 dimensioned to fit at least partially around a utility pole P. As explained above, walls 60 and 61 can be any desired configuration. There is a pair of spaced apart ridges 74 and 75 on the outer surface of section 33 that define space 76 in between. As previously explained, space 76 can be defined as a depression or groove or other structure formed in the wall of section 33 as well.

FIGS. 1 and 4 illustrate cover 10 assembled on the proximal end of a horizontal post 12 mounted on a utility pole P. Second section 33 is positioned under the bottom of the horizontal post base and first section 32 is on the top. Skirt 52 overlaps the top edge of second section 33. As stated above, the reference to top and bottom are for purposes of clarity and convenience. It should be understood that the relationship of the two parts are such that the first can overlap the second, or, the second can overlap the first, i.e. the top overlaps the bottom or the bottom can overlap the top. Variations in configurations between the two sections to accommodate this versatility are within the scope of the invention.

Lateral compartments 68 and 70 of second section 33 seat within lateral compartments 48 and 50. The interior cavities of the lateral compartments accommodate the protruded ends of the laterally disposed bolts 24. Protuberances 46 and 66 accommodate the protruding heads of bolts 30 used to secure the horizontal post base to pole P. The respective curvilinear arms of the first and second sections wrap part way around the pole. The horizontal post base is housed within the covers; the described cavities 44, 64, 42 and 63 cooperate to house conductive attachment hardware at the proximal end of the post and the base fitting, respectively.

The first and second sections are assembled in an overlapping arrangement. In one aspect of the invention, cover 10 is secured to the pole by acceptable fastening means, such as lag screws inserted through holes 41 and 62. In another aspect, metal or plastic bands or zip ties or the like (not shown) may be employed to secure cover 10 to a pole. The metal bands can be positioned in space 56 between ribs 54, 55 on the first section and space 76 between raised ridges 74, 75 on the second section and tightened as known in the art. The two pairs of spaced apart ridges keep the bands in place and prevent the bands from slipping or moving. However, as stated above, alternative arrangements such as grooves or depressions formed in the wall of the cover would work.

It will be noted that the two sections can be introduced on the proximal end of the horizontal post without removing the post or disrupting the electric transmission or distribution network. A lineman, working at an appropriate safe working distance and using required personal protective equipment can cover a horizontal post base with cover 10 quickly and efficiently.

The components of cover 10 are formed from a relatively light weight, resilient, non-conductive material, such as plastic, rubber or other polymer. The sections can be vacuum molded, cavity molded, dip molded, rotation molded or manufactured by any other technique known to the art.

While the invention is described in use on utility posts employed in electric transmission or distribution systems, it will be understood that it may be employed in other settings where there are electrically energized parts such as in an electrified railway or the like.

Although two different aspects of fastener apparatus have been described for purposes of illustration, any fastener apparatus that helps secure cover 10 in place is intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cover for covering the base end of an apparatus mounted to a utility pole, comprising:

a first section and a second section, said first and second sections together in an overlapping arrangement defining an inner cavity sized and dimensioned to house the base end of the apparatus.

2. The cover of claim 1 wherein said first and second sections define a pair of opposed arms dimensioned to extend partially around the utility pole.

3. The cover of claim 1 wherein the first and second sections are made from a non-conductive material.

4. The cover of claim 1 further comprising attachment apparatus for attaching the cover to the pole.

5. The cover of claim 4 wherein the attachment apparatus is selected from a group of attachment apparatus consisting of bolts, lag screws, screws, nails and straps.

6. The cover of claim 1 wherein the apparatus mounted to a utility pole is a horizontal post insulator.

7. The cover of claim 1 wherein said first section includes a forward extension and second section includes a complementary forward extension.

8. The cover of claim 1 wherein said recited forward extensions are upwardly angled.

9. A non-conductive cover for covering the conductive base of an apparatus attached to a utility pole, comprising:

a top section and a bottom section in an overlapping arrangement, said top and bottom sections cooperating to define a cavity to encase the apparatus base fitting; the recited sections also cooperating to define a pair of opposed arms dimensioned to extend partially around the utility pole; and

attachment apparatus for attaching the cover to the pole.

10. The cover of claim 9 wherein the attachment apparatus is selected from a group of attachment apparatus consisting of machine bolts, lag screws, wood screws, nails and straps.

11. The cover of claim 9 wherein the opposed arms are configured to be complementary to a utility pole having a circular cross-section.

12. The cover of claim 9 wherein the opposed arms are configured to be complementary to a utility pole having a rectangular cross-section.

13. The cover of claim 9 wherein the opposed arms are configured to be complementary to a utility pole having a polygon cross-section.

14. A cover for covering the conductive base of a horizontal post attached to a utility pole, comprising:

a first non-conductive section having a forward extension and a second non-conductive section having a forward extension, said first and second sections disposed in an overlapping arrangement, said first and second sections cooperating to define a cavity dimensioned to encase the conductive base of the horizontal post; said first and second sections defining first and second lateral compartments; said first and second sections also defining a pair of opposed curvilinear walls that define a semicircular space dimensioned to extend at least partially around a utility pole; and

attachment apparatus for attaching the curvilinear walls to the pole.

15. The cover of claim 14 wherein the attachment apparatus is selected from a group consisting of bolts, lag screws, screws, nails and straps.

16. The cover of claim 14 wherein said recited forward extensions are upwardly angled.