JPH10188618A - Bracket assembly for supporting electric lamp fitting tool - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bracket having excellent strength and capable of supporting the load of an outdoor lamp fitting tool under hostile environmental conditions by providing a pair of vertical ribs extended to the outside at the opposite positions in the radial direction on the bracket. SOLUTION: This bracket assembly 10 contains a tubular bracket 16. The bracket 16 is generally formed into a curved or extended arch. The tubular bracket 16 is provided with the first upper opening end 18 and the second lower opening end 20. Since the bracket 16 is generally made tubular, a conduit is formed between the upper opening end 18 and lower opening end 20. A pair of ribs 32, 34 extended outward are extended along the length of the tubular bracket 16 from longitudinal side walls 24, 26. The ribs 32, 34 are extended from one opening end 18 to the other opening end 20 along the arch contour of the tubular bracket 16. The ribs 32, 34 are formed integrally with the tubular bracket 16 in an extrusion molding process.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a post arm assembly for supporting an outdoor light fixture. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved pole arm for mounting an outdoor light to a mounting pole.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the field of outdoor lighting, light fixtures are typically supported by mounting posts or poles that suspend the fixture above the area to be illuminated. In outdoor environments, light fixtures may be subject to various adverse conditions. The most common of the disadvantageous conditions is the effect of weather such as wind and rain on the light fixture. Therefore, the support structure that secures the light fixture to the stationary mounting pole must be able to withstand the load of the light fixture during adverse conditions such as strong winds.

[0003] The art has used a post arm that serves to support the outdoor light fixture on a mounting pole. Such strut arms are generally elongated, arcuate or angular tubular members secured at one end to a mounting pole and supporting an outdoor light mount at the other end. The support arm is fixed to the support arm and then to the installation pole, and is supported on the installation pole using various installation hardware that secures the outdoor light mounting in an appropriate position. One technique for securing the mounting bracket to the post arm is to weld the bracket-type mounting bracket to the tubular surface of the post arm. The mounting hardware is then fixed to the mounting pole. However, as is well known, it is often difficult to reliably weld the mounting bracket to the tubular post arm so as to maintain the secure position of the mounting bracket relative to the post arm under adverse loading conditions. .

[0004] It is therefore desirable to provide a structure for installing an outdoor light on a mounting post, which structure has excellent strength to allow the structure to withstand adverse outdoor conditions.
It is also desirable to provide an assembly that can easily support mounting hardware that secures the structure to the mounting pole.

[0005]

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved pole arm assembly for securing an outdoor light fixture to a mounting pole.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a post arm assembly that includes a post arm having a structure that provides excellent strength to allow the post arm to support the load of an outdoor light fixture under adverse environmental conditions. It is to provide.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a post arm assembly including a post arm structure that allows the mounting bracket to be securely attached to the post arm by a welding method.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to effectively achieve these and other objects, the present invention provides a pole arm assembly for supporting a light fixture on a mounting pole. The assembly includes a first end for supporting a fixture and an opposite second end. The post arm assembly further includes a first mounting bracket welded to the post arm at an intermediate location between the ends of the post arm to temporarily support the post arm to the mounting pole. A second mounting bracket is also welded to the post arm near the second end to permanently secure the post arm to the mounting pole. The brace further includes a pair of longitudinal ribs extending outward at diametrically opposite locations. The rib provides a welding surface for welding the first and second brackets to the mounting arm.

As will be described in more detail below with reference to the preferred embodiment, the tubular strut arm is formed generally arched with an inner radial portion and an outer radial portion. In addition, the arched brace includes an elongated tubular wall. The wall is defined by continuous sides. This wall has a first radius corresponding to the inner radius of the strut
And a second side opposite to the first thickness and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness corresponding to an outer radial portion of the post arm. The thickness difference between the inner and outer radii of the tubular brace allows the brace to support large loads under adverse conditions.

[0010]

FIG. 1 shows a pole arm assembly 10 of the present invention.
The pole arm assembly 10 attaches the outdoor light fixture 12 to a mounting pole or pole 14. The light fixture 12 is conventional and is one of many types of outdoor light fixtures used to illuminate certain outdoor areas, such as streets, parking lots, and roadways. The poles 14 are also conventional and are generally wooden. Further, while FIG. 1 shows the installation pole 14 as generally cylindrical, other shapes may be utilized.

The post arm assembly 10 also shown in FIG. 2 with the light fixture 12 removed includes a generally tubular post arm 16. The brace 16 is generally curved or arched in shape. The tubular post arm includes a first upper open end 18 and a second lower open end 20. The post arm 16 is generally tubular so that it forms a conduit between the ends 18 and 20. This conduit is used to pass electrical conductors (not shown) for supplying power to the fixture 12. The upper open end 18 extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the lower open end 20 because the tubular post arm 16 is generally curved in shape. Such a change in orientation may be effected by a generally uniform curve, or may be effected in a more segmented manner as shown in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. Also, in the preferred embodiment shown herein, the tubular post arm 16 is a pair of longitudinal side walls 2.
4 and 26 and upper and lower curved side walls 28 and 30. While the shapes shown herein are the preferred forms, any tubular shape can be utilized in accordance with the present invention.

A pair of outwardly extending elongated ribs 32 and 34 extend from the longitudinal side walls 24 and 26 along the length of the tubular post arm 16. Each rib 32 and 3
4 extends from one open end 18 to the other open end 20 along the arched profile of the tubular post arm 16. Ribs 32 and 34 are located proximate upper sidewall 28 and extend generally perpendicularly from corresponding longitudinal planar sidewalls 24 and 26.
Ribs 32 and 34 are formed integrally with tubular post arm 16. Further, the post arm 16 and the ribs 32 and 34 may be formed together in an extrusion process.

The post arm assembly 10 further includes a mounting bracket used to facilitate installation of the tubular post arm 16 on the mounting pole 14. Prop arm assembly 1
0 includes an intermediate installation bracket 36 installed at a central location along the tubular post arm 16. The mounting bracket 36 includes a first flat portion 36a and a first flat portion 3
It has a second planar portion 36b extending upward substantially perpendicularly from 6a. The first flat portion 36a has an opening 3 passing therethrough.
8 is included. The opening 38 is generally formed in the shape of the cross section of the tubular post arm 16. The opening 38 includes a first main opening 38 a for receiving the body of the tubular post arm 16. Openings 38 also include ribs 32 of tubular post arms 16.
And a pair of outwardly-facing grooves 38b formed to receive the same.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 3, the mutual fit between ribs 32 and 34 in groove 38b provides an area for welding intermediate bracket 36 to tubular post arm 16. The rib connects the bracket 36 to the tubular support arm 16
Provide a welding surface for reliable welding.

The second planar portion 36b also includes an opening 39 therethrough, which connects the tubular brace arm to the pole 1.
It functions as a hanger to be hung on the support member 39a fixed to the support member 4 (FIG. 1). The support member 39a is a pole 14
With the screws or clasps attached to the poles, the pole brace assembly 10 can be temporarily suspended on the pole until the pole brace assembly 10 is permanently secured to the pole 14.

In order to permanently secure the post arm assembly 10 to the pole 14, the assembly further includes a lower bracket 40 located at the lower open end 20 of the post arm 16. As further shown in FIG.
Is a generally elongated member having both ends 42 and 44. Openings 42a and 44a extend through ends 42 and 44, respectively. These openings 42a or 4
4a is used to facilitate fixing of a metal fitting such as a conventional nut and bolt assembly 45 (FIG. 1). However, other fasteners are available. Lower bracket 40
Has a generally curved shape so as to generally conform to the cross-sectional shape of the mounting pole 14 and facilitate fixation therein.

The central portion of the lower bracket 40 includes upwardly extending flanges 46 and 48 spaced substantially by the width of the tubular post arm 16. Flanges 46 and 48 have elongated flange grooves 4 therethrough.
6a and 48a are included. Flange grooves 46a and 48a fit into ribs 34 and 32 of tubular post arm 16, respectively, to attach the post arm to the lower bracket assembly. Rib 3 corresponding to grooves 46a and 48a
4 and 32, the lower bracket 4
A secure welding surface is provided to weld the 0 to the post arm near the lower open end 20. In this way, the lower bracket 40
Are permanently fixed to the support arm 16.

The ribs 32 and 34 of the tubular post arm 16 thus provide a welding surface for both the intermediate bracket 36 and the lower bracket 40. These welding surfaces ensure that the bracket 40 is welded to the tubular support arm 16.

Another feature of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The tubular support arm 16 is formed such that the upper side wall 28 has a wall thickness that is greater than the wall thickness of the lower side wall 30. The light fixture 12 is shown in FIG. 1 since the upper side wall 30 forms the outer curved surface of the tubular post arm 16 and the lower side wall 30 forms the inner curved surface of the tubular post arm 16.
When supported, the relative differences in thickness provide structural strength to the tubular post arm. In the example shown, the upper sidewall 28 has a thickness of 0.100 inches and the lower sidewall 30 has a thickness of 0.080 inches. Such a structure allows the strut arms to withstand greater loads than can be achieved with a uniform thickness annular structure.
In addition, the vertically extending ribs 32 and 34 also provide stiffness along the length of the strut, reducing the tendency of the strut to flex under load.

When the tubular support arm 16 of the present invention was tested,
The structure was found to have increased strength, as evidenced by superior performance in both horizontal and vertical tensile tests over prior art structures.

Various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention, and all such changes and modifications can be included within the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the support arm brace assembly has excellent strength and can be securely mounted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pole arm assembly of the present invention for attaching an outdoor light fixture to an installation pole.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the pole arm assembly of FIG. 1 with an outdoor light fixture removed.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the lower portion of the pole arm assembly of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Prop arm assembly 12 ... Light fixture 14 ... Installation pole 16 ... Prop arm

Continuation of the front page (72) Edward B. inventor. Bilson United States. Tennessee, Memphis, Ridgeway Road 3330 (72) Inventor Mark Tee. Wedel United States. Tennessee, Germantown, Holliheath 2951 (72) Inventor Richard Davru. Kaufman United States. Tennessee, Memphis, Burnstable Road 7323

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An electric light fixture (12) is attached to an installation pole (1).
4) A post arm assembly (10) for attaching to the 4), having a first end (18) for supporting the attachment and a second end (20) on the opposite side, and a conductor. An elongated generally tubular post arm (16) forming a conduit between the ends for insertion, and an intermediate between the ends to temporarily support the post arm (16) to the mounting pole (14). A first mounting bracket (36) welded to the post arm in position; and near the second end (20) to permanently secure the post arm (16) to the mounting pole (14). A second mounting bracket (40) welded to the support arm, wherein the support arm (16) is adapted to weld the first and second mounting brackets (36, 40) to a support arm. Extend outward at diametrically opposite locations to provide a weld surface A brace assembly for supporting a light fixture, comprising a pair of vertical ribs (32, 34). 2. The post arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket can be welded at various locations along the post arm. A post arm assembly wherein the rib extends between the opposed first and second ends of the post arm. 3. The post arm assembly according to claim 2, wherein said first mounting bracket is attached to said first opening configured to insert and receive said post arm, and to said mounting pole. And a second opening for receiving a hanging bracket. 4. The post arm assembly of claim 2, wherein the first opening of the mounting bracket includes an outwardly extending groove at diametrically opposite locations for receiving the ribs of the post arm. A post arm assembly wherein a mounting bracket is welded to the post arm near the groove. 5. The post arm assembly according to claim 2, wherein said second bracket is an elongated member having opposite ends mountable on said mounting pole and a central portion for receiving said post arm. Three-dimensional. 6. The post arm assembly according to claim 5, wherein the central portion of the second mounting bracket includes a set of flanges for mating with the ribs of the post arm. A strut assembly that is welded to the strut near the flange. 7. The post arm assembly according to claim 6, wherein each of said flanges includes a groove for receiving a rib of said post arm. 8. The post arm assembly according to claim 2, wherein said post arm includes an elongated tubular wall, said wall being defined by a continuous side surface, said wall being a first side wall of a first thickness. A post arm assembly having a second thickness opposite the second thickness greater than the first thickness. 9. The post arm assembly according to claim 8, wherein said post arm is formed in an arch shape having an inner radius and an outer radius between said two ends. 10. The post arm assembly according to claim 9, wherein said first side wall defines said inner radius and said second side wall defines said outer radius. 11. A pole arm assembly (10) for supporting a light fixture (12), comprising a body formed of a tubular wall, having opposite ends (18, 20); A body having a generally arcuate shape between the ends and having inner and outer radial portions; a first portion of the tubular wall having a first wall thickness; A second portion (28) of the wall having a large second wall thickness, wherein the inner radius portion is formed by the first wall portion;
A brace arm assembly wherein the outer radius portion is formed by the second wall portion. 12. The post arm assembly of claim 11, further comprising a pair of longitudinal ribs extending the length of said body, said ribs extending outwardly from said tubular wall on opposite sides. Three-dimensional. 13. The post arm assembly according to claim 12, wherein said body includes opposed third and fourth wall portions between said first and second wall portions, and wherein said ribs comprise said third and fourth wall portions. A support arm assembly extending from the wall.