EP1124278A1

EP1124278A1 - Camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna mast for telecommunications or similar

Info

Publication number: EP1124278A1
Application number: EP00500227A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juan Carlos c/o Jimenez Belinchon Jimenez Sanchez; Juan Francisco Jimenez Sanchez; Pedro Manuel Jimenez Sanchez; Vicenta c/o Jimenez Belinchon SA Jimenez Sanchez; Eva Cristina Jimenez Jimenez
Original assignee: Jimenez Belinchon SA
Current assignee: Jimenez Belinchon SA
Priority date: 2000-02-10
Filing date: 2000-11-03
Publication date: 2001-08-16
Also published as: ES2160539A1; MXPA01001231A; BR0006750A; ES2160539B1; US20010013212A1

Abstract

Camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for communications or similar, consisting of truncated-cone-shaped (2), cylindrical (2'), polygonal or similar (2'') bodies fixed at ground by means of an anchoring plate (5) and having an opening on the lower section (10) for inlet and outlet of cables, communicating with an underground channeling (12), or aerial channel if open air equipments are used, the bodies (2), (2') and (2'') being coated with a plastic covering (4) outwardly presenting a tree bark appearance, bonded by means of adhesives or artificial means, the support (2), (2') and (2'') being capable of being composed of parts joined each other or welded, the upper part having protuberances on which artificial main branches (6) are fixed, and on which secondary artificial branches (6'') are also fixed, and a body configured like a top (7) having also artificial main branches (6'), and, on these, secondary artificial branches (6''). The antennae (40), fixed on appropiate supports are installed on the top (7).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present specification relates to an application for a Patent of Invention referring to a camouflage - arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications or similar, the purpose of which is to try to camouflage, or at least to disguise the body of a antenna mast, or similar element, adapting itself to the peculiar characteristics of the surrounding landscape wherein it is located, obviating, or at least palliating the possible environmental impact which the mast or similar element may produce on the countryside, and it should be pointed out that the camouflage arrangement does not absolutely impede the performance of the camouflaged or hidden element, i.e. it allows signals from telecommunication or similar antennae to be transmitted and received, which is to the advantage of the fact of having a camouflage which is pervious to radio-electrical waves.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will find application in the industry dedicated to the manufacture of telecommunication antenna supporting masts, or similar elements, by fitting ornamental elements to their structure, which elements, after being fitted to same, adapt the final structure to the landscape where the mast, or similar body, to be camouflaged is located.

RELATED ART

The applicant is not aware of the existence, atpresent, of any type of arrangement applicable to the camouflage of telecommunication supporting antenna - masts, or similar elements.
The invention is specifically intended to be applied to rural telephony stations and urban stations on buildings, and, in general, to a telecommunication station or plant supporting antennae.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications or similar elements, as proposed by the invention, is configured itself as an evident novelty in its area of application, being capable of palliating, when incorporated in antennae, the possible environmental impact produced by these elements in many points wherein they are located.
In a more definite way, the camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications or similar elements of the invention is constituted, starting from the use of metal elements having a circular or polygonal section, forming hollow prismatic, truncated-cone shaped or frustopyramidal elements, of scarce diminution, this type of hollow vertical support being used when it is about configuring a camouflage on an antenna located at a height of the ground level, other elements adaptable to the environment and structure of the element to be camouflaged, disguised or hidden being used.
Most generally, a metal mast is used, preferably made of steel, divided into several sections and joined each other until obtaining a desired height, being outwardly covered with a material composed of composites, resins, elastomers or similar materials, resistant to UVA-rays and to the inclemencies of the weather, aesthetically presenting a configu-ration of a bark in harmony with the existing vegetable variety in the environment, or the most similar to this, incorporating main - and secondary branches in order to get a more realistic appearance, and typical knots as well as a superficial texture similar to the tree barks.
The last section, or upper section of this vertical hollow support presents parts or small protuberances good to house or install the main branches, and on - these those secondary ones, which incorporate tufts of needles or leaves giving a definite shape to the tree top.
An integral use of plastic materials and glass fiber or similar guarantees an absolute radioelectrical transparency.
The antennae, in the strict sense, are fixed to the upper portion, at a small central steel sphere or on special arms made of steel/zinc or similar material, and varnished with the same colour as the branches. the arrangement of the top guaranteeing a total camouflage of the radiant elements and organs.
The RF cables descend inside the artificial trunk, being fixed to a cable used as a guide by means of clasps.
The base presents an outlet for cables through an opening made at the trunk base, and said cable outlet can be underground or being situated at scarce height from the ground if an open air equipment is installed.
The fixation of the artificial tree body is performed by means of a buried reinforced concrete block, and the anchorage is performed by means of bolts embedded in the reinforced concrete block, the civil work being completed by means of an underground channeling for the service cable and feeder outlet, or with no channeling if open air equipments are installed
The prefabricated trunk installation is not different from the erection of a normal polygonal post in its embedding, and it is to be pointed out that the top is fixed to the rest of the tree as a section at the most, i.e., by embedding it in the lower section.
The full installation is easy, quick and does not require special equipments or skilled labourers, and the access to the upper section is guaranteed by using a hydraulic basket or a basket crane.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to complement this description and aid to a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the appending set of drawings, which are a part of this specification, shows, by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, the following:
Figure 1 corresponds to a view of the metal body applicable to the constrution of the invention, related to a camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications or similar elements, adopting, in this definite case, a truncated cone shape of scarce diminution.
Figure 2 is a plan view of the section of the object represented in figure 1, configuring, in this case, a cylindrical support, this figure being implemented with a polygonal embodiment, without distinction of the number of sides configuring it.
Figure 3 shows a view of the object illustrated in figure 1, on which elastomers, or a covering or coating of plastic, rubber, composite, etc., is applied, simulating the bark of a tree trunk, this bark being fabricated with glass fiber and plastic resins, and it is to be pointed out that this graphic representation incorporates pipes the function of which is to fix main branches, the upper portion of the metallic support remaining free for a later installation of the top or upper section of the artificial tree.
Figure 4 shows a section through C-D of the object represented in figure 3, showing the covering of the base pipe, this graphic representation being implemented with a detail wherein the joining of the covering is illustrated.
Figure 5 corresponds to a view of the object represented in figure 3, implemented with the incorporation of the artificial main and secondary branches, as well as the top applicable to the upper portion of the metallie support, and also fitted with fixing elements for the main and secondary branches.
Figure 6 shows the object represented in figure 5, implemented with the incorporation of the antennae in the strictsense, and, at the same time, showing the anchoring means for the general body.
Figure 7 corresponds, lastly, to a graphic embodiment of the installation in situ of the object represented in figure 6, that, as can be seen, is realized on a reinforced concrete block where anchoring bolts are embedded, the function of which is to fiex an anchoring plate of the object constituting the vertical support; also, it can be seen a channeling if the cables have underground access to the equipment booth.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the mentioned figures and, specifically, following the figure 1, it can be seen that the camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications or similar elements, is constituted starting from a hollow vertical support (1) preferably made of steel, which can adopt a truncated cone configuration (2) with scarce diminutionn either cylindrical (2'), or polygonal (2''), such as shown in figure 2.
Following figure 1, it can be seen that, on the body (2), there are welded anchoring elements (3) emerging from the upper portion of the body (2), or from the bodies (2') or (2''), these anchoring elements (3) being destined to fix artificial main branches (6) and (6'), and on these, artificial secondary branches are also fixed, which are fitted with needle or leaf tufts (6''), such as shown in figure 5.
Following figure 3, it can be checked that on the truncated cone shaped body (2), which can be cylindrical (2'), polygonal (2'') or similar, a covering or coating of glass fiber, epoxy resin, or any other material is incorporated, as can be appropiated, the surface of which simulates a tree trunk bark presenting the own characteristics of the vegetable species in the landscape, or the most similar ones to these, this surface being generally referenced (4), presenting a union longitudinal line (8) such as shown in the additional detail in figure 4.
The truncated-cone-shaped (2), cylindrical (2'), polygonal (2'') or similar body presents a fixing base (5), leaving the upper end of the (2), (2') or (2'') free to be later implemented-such as is described below.
The bonding of the coating or covering of glass fiber and plastic resin (8) is implemented by means of a conventional longitudinal union on the basis of adhesives, adequate fixing means or any other way as deemed appropiate, and it should be pointed out that the covering (4) simulating a tree bark is fire-resistant, resistant to atmospheric phenomena, and even to UVA-rays, and, of course, it relies on an adequate radioelectrical transparency to not to hinder signal emissions or receptions, and it is to be noted that it is possible to carry out a similar covering, although non-identical, by projecting elastomers capable of giving a superficial appearance similar to a tree bark.
The posts or supports (2), (2') or (2'') are preferably made of galvanized steel, and formed by means of multiple sections, which, joined together by means of insertion or any other means as considered adequate, vertical supports can be obtained at a desired height, and these sections have, on the upper portion, supporting elements for the antennae, configured as galvanized steel spheres, varnished with a colour similar to that of tree branches, and being capable of incorporating any other element supporting the antennae.
Obviously, these galvanized steel posts or supports rely on a suitable corrosion protection.
As can be seen in figure 5, after installing the bodies (2), (2') or (2''), a section (7) is embedded in the upper part of same, this section constituting the tree top, having also welded elements (3), used for fixing the artificial main branches (6), which, in the case of the artificial top (7), are referenced (6'); secondary branches (6'') will be, then, fixed or additioned, forming the tree top.
Following figure 6, it is seen that the antennae (40) fixed to the tree top (7) by a relevant supporting body configured as a small central sphere made of steel, or on special arms made of steel/zinc or similar material, and varnished later, like the antenae (40), if required, with the branch colour (6), (6') or (6'').
Lastly, following figure 7, it is seen that the bodies (2), (2') or (2'') are fixed to compact - ground (13) by means of a reinforced concrete block (14), in which anchoring bolts are embedded wherein a mounting plate (5) is fastened, adding the corresponding filling (11), and using an underground channeling (12) to guide bundles of cables up to a booth, the vertical post or support (2), (2') or (2'') having a cable inlet or outlet (10) on the lower portion in order to channel the cables running from the antennae (40) up to the equipment booth (not shown or referenced).
Figure 6 shows the bodies (2), (2') or (2'') fixed to a solid ground (13) by means of a reinforced concrete block (14), wherein anchoring bolts are embedded, where the anchoring plate (5) is fixed, adding the adequate filling (11), as above mentioned, and, as stated, the post or support (2), (2') or (2'') has a cable inlet or outlet (10) on the lower part in order to channel the cables running from the antennae (40) up to the open air equipment, and this arrangement can be used in the case that the equipments are of the open air type, by using an aerial channeling (15).
It is not considered necessary to extend this description for any expert in the art to understand the scope of the invention and the advantages derived from it.
The materials, shape, size and arrangement of its components will be open to variation, provided that it does not imply any alteration to the essence of the invention.
The terms under which this specification has been described should be always taken in an ample and non-limiting sense.

Claims

Camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications or similar elements, of those destined to camouflage, disguise or palliate the environmental impact of antennae located in open or rural spaces, characterized in that it is constituted - starting from from a hollow galvanized steel body (2), adopting a cylindrical (2'), truncated-cone-shaped (2), polygonal or similar (2'') configuration and fitted, on the upper portion, with anchoring elements (3) to fix artificial main branches (6) and (6'), to which artificial secondary branches (6'') are also fixed, the bodies (2), (2') or (2'') being covered with a plastic coating of glass fiber and plastic resins, configuring an artificial bark of tree trunk, the covering or coating (4) being resistant to fire, and being longitudinally bonded by means of conventional adhesives, the body (2) being able to be fabricated in sections, which joined together by conventional means , present an inner totally hollow zone (4'), the coating (4) beingapplied on the body context (2), on its external zone.
Camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications or similar elements, according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (2) can be replaced by a cylindrical (2'), polygonal orsimilar (2'') body, also made of galvanized steel and hollow inside, on which the covering (4) can be also applied, and having means (3) to fix artificial main branches (6) and (6'), and on these, artificial secondary branches (6'').
Camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications or similar elements, according to claim 1, characterized in that on the upper end of bodies (2), (2') and (2''), uncovered by the coating (4), an artificial top (7) is incorporported, fabricated with the same material as bodies (2), (2') and (2''), fitted with fixing elements (3) for the artificial main branches (6), and, on these, the artificial secondary branches (6'').
Camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications and similar elements, according to claim 3, characterized in that the external covering (4) presents a longitudinal union line (6).
Camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications and similar elements, according to claim 3, characterized in that on the body (7), antennae (40) are incorporated with the cooperation of branches (6'), or by incorporation of a steel central ball, which is optionally replaceable by arms made of steel/zinc or similar material, varnished with a colour which is similar to that of branches (6').
Camouflage arrangement applicable onto antenna masts for telecommunications ans similar elements, according to claim 1, characterized in that the supports configured as the bodies (2), (2') and (2''), of hollow type (4'), are fixed at ground by means of an anchoring plate (5) placed on a reinforced concrete block or foundation (14), on solid ground (13), a filling being applied (11) on the upper part, and the lower part of the supports (2), (2') and (2'') presenting an inlet (10) for the inlet and outlet of the antenna cables (40), as well as an underground channeling for the radiofrequency cables (12), if no open air equipments are used; if used, an aerial channeling (15) would be utilized.