US20210156511A1 - Gain Plate - Google Patents
Gain Plate Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210156511A1 US20210156511A1 US17/164,096 US202117164096A US2021156511A1 US 20210156511 A1 US20210156511 A1 US 20210156511A1 US 202117164096 A US202117164096 A US 202117164096A US 2021156511 A1 US2021156511 A1 US 2021156511A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- plate
- gain
- cross members
- pole
- front plate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002990 reinforced plastic Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920001431 Long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 2
- ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Boron Chemical compound [B] ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000271 Kevlar® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004695 Polyether sulfone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004721 Polyphenylene oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphide Chemical compound [S-2] UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052796 boron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004761 kevlar Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000000951 phenoxy group Chemical group [H]C1=C([H])C([H])=C(O*)C([H])=C1[H] 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002492 poly(sulfone) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006393 polyether sulfone Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006389 polyphenyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006380 polyphenylene oxide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
- F16M13/02—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
- F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
- F16B7/044—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship
- F16B7/048—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship for rods or for tubes without using the innerside thereof
- F16B7/0493—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship for rods or for tubes without using the innerside thereof forming a crossed-over connection
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
- E04H12/20—Side-supporting means therefor, e.g. using guy ropes or struts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
- F16B7/18—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections using screw-thread elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
- E04H12/22—Sockets or holders for poles or posts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
- E04H12/24—Cross arms
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
- F01D25/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, other groups
- F01D25/24—Casings; Casing parts, e.g. diaphragms, casing fastenings
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G7/00—Overhead installations of electric lines or cables
- H02G7/20—Spatial arrangements or dispositions of lines or cables on poles, posts or towers
Definitions
- the invention relates to a composite structural bracket (also known as a gain plate) for use in the power industry and other industries that use poles to string wires and/or cables.
- the invention is used to attach a wood or composite cross arm to a wood or composite power or utility pole.
- the prior art metal brackets tend to increase the possibility of lightning striles that result in power outages, pole top fires and loss of the cross arm and pole.
- the present invention provides a non-conductive bracket that may reduce lightning strikes by replacing the metallic bracket with a composite non-conductive bracket. In addition to reduced lightning strikes this non-conductive bracket reduces the possibility of pole top fires caused by electrical flash over or an electrical short between conductors.
- the main advantage that this invention offers is a design and manufacturing method that allows the elements of the device to be structurally matched to the multi-directional loading that is common to these brackets when subjected to actual conductor loading.
- the composite bracket is as much as 80% lighter than the metal bracket, which makes it easier to install because it reduces the need for heavy equipment to lift a cross arm assembly to the pole top for installation.
- the bracket is also designed to be manufactured by injection molding. In this manner, high quality components that have high strength and uniform properties can be easily produced. Fabrication of metal brackets requires skilled craftsmen to insure quality and uniformity. Metal fabrication requires several steps to complete the bracket and is time consuming. The molded composite bracket can be completed in a little as three minutes and thereby reduces cost and provides a bracket that has uniform structural properties.
- the composite bracket (gain plate) consists of a reinforced plastic material that is corrosion resistant. Metal brackets deteriorate when subjected to the corrosive conditions that are found in wet and humid areas and eventually lose structural strength. Plastic or composites are highly resistant to these conditions and maintain strength over the life span of the bracket.
- the present invention is directed to a gain plate made of reinforced plastic for attaching to a pole and a cross arm that includes a pole channel that includes a front plate having a first end and a second end and a front surface extending along at least a portion the front plate, two side plates extending from the front plate between the first end and second end and in a direction away from a direction the front surface faces, a first end plate having a first edge attached to the first end of the front plate and each of the side plates, and having a second edge having a first radius, a second end plate having a first edge attached to the second end of the front plate and each of the side plates, and having a second edge having a second radius and wherein the front plate, the two side plates and the first and second end plates form a rear-facing cavity, a plurality of cross members disposed in the rear-facing cavity, at least some of the plurality of cross members being radiused, and a cross arm channel disposed perpendicularly to the pole channel, the cross arm channel configured to received there
- the two side plates are parallel to one another.
- the cross arm channel has a bottom wall, and a rear wall, the rear wall being parallel to the front surface of the front plate of the pole channel.
- the gain plate also includes a guy lug member extending outwardly from the front surface of the front plate and downward from a bottom surface of the bottom wall of the cross arm channel.
- the invention is directed to gain plate made of reinforced plastic for attaching to a pole and a cross arm that includes a pole channel that includes a front plate having a first end and a second end and a front surface extending along at least a portion the front plate, two side plates extending from the front plate between the first end and second end and in a direction away from a direction the front surface faces, a first end plate having a first edge attached to the first end of the front plate and each of the side plates, and having a second edge having a first radius, a second end plate having a first edge attached to the second end of the front plate and each of the side plates, and having a second edge having a second radius, wherein the front plate, the two side plates and the first and second end plates form a rear-facing cavity, and a plurality of cross members disposed in the rear-facing cavity extending between the side plates or the end plates, at least some of the plurality of cross members being radiused.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the lower front left of one embodiment of a gain plate according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the upper left back of the gain plate of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the lower right side of the gain plate of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the gain plate of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the gain plate of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the gain plate of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the gain plate of FIG. 1 along the line 7 - 7 in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the upper left back of a second embodiment of a gain plate according to the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is front view of the gain plate of FIG. 1 attached to a pole and showing the vertical forces exerted thereon;
- FIG. 10 is top view of the gain plate of FIG. 1 attached to a pole and showing the horizontal forces exerted thereon;
- FIG. 11 is a side view of a gain plate, a cross arm, and a pole.
- FIG. 12 is a side view of a gain plate, a cross arm, and a pole.
- the gain plate 100 includes a pole channel 102 and a cross arm channel 104 .
- the pole channel 102 has a front plate 106 having a first end 108 and a second end 110 .
- the front plate 106 has a front surface 112 extending along at least a portion the front plate 106 , and preferably between the first end 108 and the second end 110 . As is visible in the figures, the front surface 112 may be interrupted by the cross arm channel 104 as discussed in more detail below.
- the side plates 114 , 116 extend from (are attached to) the front plate 106 between the first end 108 and second end 110 and in a rearward direction, that is away from the direction the front surface 112 faces (which is as illustrated in FIG. 1 in a front or forward direct and away from the pole on which the gain plate 100 is attached). See also FIGS. 9-12 .
- the two side plates 114 , 116 extend rearwardly and perpendicularly to the front surface 112 of the front plate 106 .
- the two side plates 114 , 116 are parallel to one another and where an interior angle ⁇ formed by the front plate and the two side plates 114 , 116 is 90°. See FIG. 7 .
- the two side plates 114 , 116 could also extend rearwardly in a manner where the two side plates 114 , 116 are not parallel to one another, but rather where the angle ⁇ formed by the front plate 106 and the two side plates 114 , 116 is greater than 90°.
- the gain plate 100 also has a first end plate 120 having a first edge 122 attached to the first end 108 of the front plate 106 and to the ends of each of the side plates 114 , 116 .
- the first end plate 120 also has a second edge 124 opposite the first edge 122 and the second edge 124 has a first radius R 1 .
- the gain plate 100 also has a second end plate 130 that has a first edge 132 attached to the second end 110 of the front plate 106 and to the ends of each of the side plates 114 , 116 .
- the second end plate 130 has a second edge 134 opposite the first edge 132 and the second edge 134 has a second radius R 2 .
- the first radius R 1 and the second radius R 2 preferably have the same radius—between 6 and 8 inches, but they could have different radii. If the two radii R 1 ,R 2 were to be different, the end of the gain plate 100 that is attached closer to the top of the pole will have the smaller radius.
- a 35 foot pole will typically have a base radius of 12′′ and a top radius of 6.′′
- the 45 foot pole typically has a base radius of 16′′ and a top radius of 8.′′
- the radii R 1 ,R 2 can be between 6′′ and 8.′′
- the front plate 106 , the two side plates 114 , 116 and the first and second end plates 120 , 130 form a rear-facing cavity 140 .
- the rear-facing cavity 140 has a bottom surface 142 that corresponds with the rear face of the front plate 106 .
- Within the rear-facing cavity 140 are a plurality of cross members 144 .
- the plurality of cross members 144 is further divided into a first plurality of cross members 146 and a second plurality of cross members 148 .
- the first plurality of cross members 146 extend between the first and second end plates 120 , 130 and engage the bottom surface 142 of the rear-facing cavity 140 .
- the second plurality of cross members 148 extend between the two side plates 114 , 116 and engage the bottom surface 142 of the rear-facing cavity 140 . It should be noted that the plurality of cross members 144 are all formed at the same time and are contiguous with one another. The first plurality of cross members 146 and the second plurality of cross members 148 are preferably perpendicular to one another, thereby forming squares (or rectangles depending on their spacing) within the rear-facing cavity 140 . As illustrated in FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a gain plate 100 ′ is illustrated with a plurality of cross members 144 ′ that are rotated relative to the gain plate 100 ′ and at least some of the plurality of cross members 144 ′ extend between an end plate and a side plate.
- the second plurality of cross members 148 are curved or radiused.
- the height of the second plurality of cross members 148 changes across the width W of the rear-facing cavity 140 from the bottom surface 142 of the rear-facing cavity 140 to a top surface 150 .
- the radius of curvature preferably matches that of the end plates 120 , 130 . However, if the end plates 120 , 130 have different radii, then the radius of the second plurality of cross members 148 changes incrementally to match the radii of the end plates 120 , 130 .
- Each of the first plurality of cross members 146 extend between the two end plates 120 , 130 and also engage the bottom surface 142 . They are of a constant height along a length L of the rear-facing cavity 140 . While each of the first plurality of cross members 146 are of a constant height, they may not all have the same height so as to correspond with the curvature of the second plurality of cross members 148 .
- the plurality of cross members provide the strength to the gain plate by their attachment to the bottom surface 142 and the end and side plates.
- the gain plate 100 also has a cross arm channel 104 disposed perpendicularly to the pole channel 102 .
- the cross arm channel 104 has a top wall 160 and a bottom wall 162 , that are spaced apart from one another along the length of pole channel 102 .
- the top wall 162 and the bottom wall 164 also extend outwardly from the front surface 112 of the front plate 106 .
- the cross arm channel 104 also has a rear wall 166 , with a portion of the rear wall 166 being the same as the front surface 112 of the front plate 106 .
- the three walls thus create a channel 168 into which the cross arms 302 secured. See, e.g., FIGS. 5, 9, and 10 .
- the rear wall 166 may also lie in a different plane than the front surface 112 of the front plate 106 .
- the top wall has an outer surface 160 a and an inner surface 160 b .
- the bottom wall 162 an outer surface 162 a and an inner surface 162 b .
- the rear wall 166 has an inner surface 166 a and an outer surface 166 b .
- the inner surfaces of the walls 162 , 164 , 166 assist to define the channel 168 .
- FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the cross arms 302 are rectangular, then the long cross sectional axis is positioned along the line of force.
- FIG. 11 illustrates the situation at the end of a transmission line (dead end loading), when the force is a horizontal force.
- the long axis of the cross arm is also horizontal.
- FIG. 12 illustrates the use of a gain plate between the dead ends, where the load is vertical (tangential loading). As is clear from these figures, there are two different gain plates used in these two situations and they are not interchangeable.
- the gain plate in FIG. 12 can not be used as the cross arm will extend beyond the bottom wall and there will be a space between the top wall of the top of the cross arm. This space prevents a bolt from being inserted vertically (through the bottom and top walls) in the cross arm.
- the cross arm channel 104 may not have a top wall 160 , but rather only the bottom wall 162 and rear wall 166 .
- the gain plate 100 also has holes 172 in the front plate 102 to allow the gain plate 100 to be secured to the pole 300 .
- the plurality of cross members 144 also include portions 172 a that circumscribe the holes 172 to provide more structural support at the holes 172 .
- the gain plate 100 also has a guy lug member 180 extending outwardly from the front surface 112 of the front plate 106 and downward from the outer surface 162 a of the bottom wall 162 of the cross arm channel 104 .
- the guy lug member 180 has two openings 182 therethrough to allow for attachment of a guy wire 184 (see FIG. 10 ) to add stability to the utility/telephone pole 300 .
- the guy wire 184 assists with keeping the pole vertical with the horizontal loads.
- the gain plate 100 may also have other support tabs 186 on either side of the guy lug member 180 to provide further support for the vertical loading conditions. See FIG. 1 .
- the support tabs 186 extend outwardly from the front surface 112 of the front plate 106 and downward from the outer surface 162 a of the bottom wall 162 of the cross arm channel 104 . While two are shown, there could be more or fewer.
- the secondary supports 188 may also be secondary supports 188 that are disposed on the sides of the guy lug member 180 .
- the secondary supports 188 extend from a side 190 of the guy lug member 180 and the front surface 112 of the front plate 106 . See FIG. 1 . While the supports are illustrated as being triangular in shape, the supports could be of any appropriate shape.
- the gain plate 100 is preferably injection molded in a single shot.
- the material used is thermoplastic material such as a phenoxy, a polysulfone, a polyarylsulfone, a polyethersulfone, a polyimide, a polyquinoxaline, a polyphenylquinoxaline, a polyphenylene oxide or a polyphenyl sulfide.
- the thermoplastic is also reinforced with a structural filament fiber such as those made from boron, KEVLAR, glass, and/or carbon. The combination of the reinforcement and thermoplastic is commonly designated as LFRT (long fiber reinforced thermoplastic).
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Suspension Of Electric Lines Or Cables (AREA)
- Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to provisional application No. 62/382,601 filed on Sep. 1, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The invention relates to a composite structural bracket (also known as a gain plate) for use in the power industry and other industries that use poles to string wires and/or cables. The invention is used to attach a wood or composite cross arm to a wood or composite power or utility pole. The prior art metal brackets tend to increase the possibility of lightning striles that result in power outages, pole top fires and loss of the cross arm and pole. The present invention provides a non-conductive bracket that may reduce lightning strikes by replacing the metallic bracket with a composite non-conductive bracket. In addition to reduced lightning strikes this non-conductive bracket reduces the possibility of pole top fires caused by electrical flash over or an electrical short between conductors.
- The main advantage that this invention offers is a design and manufacturing method that allows the elements of the device to be structurally matched to the multi-directional loading that is common to these brackets when subjected to actual conductor loading.
- The composite bracket is as much as 80% lighter than the metal bracket, which makes it easier to install because it reduces the need for heavy equipment to lift a cross arm assembly to the pole top for installation.
- The bracket is also designed to be manufactured by injection molding. In this manner, high quality components that have high strength and uniform properties can be easily produced. Fabrication of metal brackets requires skilled craftsmen to insure quality and uniformity. Metal fabrication requires several steps to complete the bracket and is time consuming. The molded composite bracket can be completed in a little as three minutes and thereby reduces cost and provides a bracket that has uniform structural properties.
- The composite bracket (gain plate) consists of a reinforced plastic material that is corrosion resistant. Metal brackets deteriorate when subjected to the corrosive conditions that are found in wet and humid areas and eventually lose structural strength. Plastic or composites are highly resistant to these conditions and maintain strength over the life span of the bracket.
- The present invention is directed to a gain plate made of reinforced plastic for attaching to a pole and a cross arm that includes a pole channel that includes a front plate having a first end and a second end and a front surface extending along at least a portion the front plate, two side plates extending from the front plate between the first end and second end and in a direction away from a direction the front surface faces, a first end plate having a first edge attached to the first end of the front plate and each of the side plates, and having a second edge having a first radius, a second end plate having a first edge attached to the second end of the front plate and each of the side plates, and having a second edge having a second radius and wherein the front plate, the two side plates and the first and second end plates form a rear-facing cavity, a plurality of cross members disposed in the rear-facing cavity, at least some of the plurality of cross members being radiused, and a cross arm channel disposed perpendicularly to the pole channel, the cross arm channel configured to received therein a cross arm.
- In some embodiments, the two side plates are parallel to one another.
- In some other embodiments, the cross arm channel has a bottom wall, and a rear wall, the rear wall being parallel to the front surface of the front plate of the pole channel.
- In another embodiment, the gain plate also includes a guy lug member extending outwardly from the front surface of the front plate and downward from a bottom surface of the bottom wall of the cross arm channel.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the invention is directed to gain plate made of reinforced plastic for attaching to a pole and a cross arm that includes a pole channel that includes a front plate having a first end and a second end and a front surface extending along at least a portion the front plate, two side plates extending from the front plate between the first end and second end and in a direction away from a direction the front surface faces, a first end plate having a first edge attached to the first end of the front plate and each of the side plates, and having a second edge having a first radius, a second end plate having a first edge attached to the second end of the front plate and each of the side plates, and having a second edge having a second radius, wherein the front plate, the two side plates and the first and second end plates form a rear-facing cavity, and a plurality of cross members disposed in the rear-facing cavity extending between the side plates or the end plates, at least some of the plurality of cross members being radiused.
- It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the lower front left of one embodiment of a gain plate according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the upper left back of the gain plate ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the lower right side of the gain plate ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the gain plate ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the gain plate ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the gain plate ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the gain plate ofFIG. 1 along the line 7-7 inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the upper left back of a second embodiment of a gain plate according to the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is front view of the gain plate ofFIG. 1 attached to a pole and showing the vertical forces exerted thereon; -
FIG. 10 is top view of the gain plate ofFIG. 1 attached to a pole and showing the horizontal forces exerted thereon; -
FIG. 11 is a side view of a gain plate, a cross arm, and a pole; and -
FIG. 12 is a side view of a gain plate, a cross arm, and a pole. - Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-7 , there is one embodiment of again plate 100 made of reinforced plastic for attaching to a pole (telephone, utility, etc.) and a cross arm (seeFIGS. 9 and 10 ). Thegain plate 100 includes apole channel 102 and across arm channel 104. Thepole channel 102 has afront plate 106 having afirst end 108 and asecond end 110. Thefront plate 106 has afront surface 112 extending along at least a portion thefront plate 106, and preferably between thefirst end 108 and thesecond end 110. As is visible in the figures, thefront surface 112 may be interrupted by thecross arm channel 104 as discussed in more detail below. - Along each side of the
front plate 106 are twoside plates side plates front plate 106 between thefirst end 108 andsecond end 110 and in a rearward direction, that is away from the direction thefront surface 112 faces (which is as illustrated inFIG. 1 in a front or forward direct and away from the pole on which thegain plate 100 is attached). See alsoFIGS. 9-12 . As best seen inFIGS. 3 and 6 , the twoside plates front surface 112 of thefront plate 106. As a result, the twoside plates side plates FIG. 7 . The twoside plates side plates front plate 106 and the twoside plates - The
gain plate 100 also has afirst end plate 120 having afirst edge 122 attached to thefirst end 108 of thefront plate 106 and to the ends of each of theside plates first end plate 120 also has asecond edge 124 opposite thefirst edge 122 and thesecond edge 124 has a first radius R1. - The
gain plate 100 also has asecond end plate 130 that has afirst edge 132 attached to thesecond end 110 of thefront plate 106 and to the ends of each of theside plates second end plate 130 has asecond edge 134 opposite thefirst edge 132 and thesecond edge 134 has a second radius R2. The first radius R1 and the second radius R2 preferably have the same radius—between 6 and 8 inches, but they could have different radii. If the two radii R1,R2 were to be different, the end of thegain plate 100 that is attached closer to the top of the pole will have the smaller radius. - It is noted that most if not all of the utility/telephone poles have a taper of about 0.175″ per foot. Thus, a 35 foot pole will typically have a base radius of 12″ and a top radius of 6.″ The 45 foot pole typically has a base radius of 16″ and a top radius of 8.″ Thus, the radii R1,R2 can be between 6″ and 8.″
- As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thefront plate 106, the twoside plates second end plates cavity 140. The rear-facingcavity 140 has abottom surface 142 that corresponds with the rear face of thefront plate 106. Within the rear-facingcavity 140 are a plurality ofcross members 144. The plurality ofcross members 144 is further divided into a first plurality ofcross members 146 and a second plurality ofcross members 148. The first plurality ofcross members 146 extend between the first andsecond end plates bottom surface 142 of the rear-facingcavity 140. The second plurality ofcross members 148 extend between the twoside plates bottom surface 142 of the rear-facingcavity 140. It should be noted that the plurality ofcross members 144 are all formed at the same time and are contiguous with one another. The first plurality ofcross members 146 and the second plurality ofcross members 148 are preferably perpendicular to one another, thereby forming squares (or rectangles depending on their spacing) within the rear-facingcavity 140. As illustrated inFIG. 8 , another embodiment of again plate 100′ is illustrated with a plurality ofcross members 144′ that are rotated relative to thegain plate 100′ and at least some of the plurality ofcross members 144′ extend between an end plate and a side plate. - As seen in
FIG. 3 , the second plurality ofcross members 148 are curved or radiused. Thus, the height of the second plurality ofcross members 148 changes across the width W of the rear-facingcavity 140 from thebottom surface 142 of the rear-facingcavity 140 to a top surface 150. The radius of curvature preferably matches that of theend plates end plates cross members 148 changes incrementally to match the radii of theend plates - Each of the first plurality of
cross members 146 extend between the twoend plates bottom surface 142. They are of a constant height along a length L of the rear-facingcavity 140. While each of the first plurality ofcross members 146 are of a constant height, they may not all have the same height so as to correspond with the curvature of the second plurality ofcross members 148. - It is anticipated that, depending on the diameter of the pole on which the
gain plate 100 is to be attached and the radii of the end plates and cross members, at least some of the cross members (and the end plates) will engage the pole. However, since most utility poles are tapered, it is more likely that thefirst end 108 will engage thepole 300. Naturally, thesecond end 110 could also be dimensioned so that the second end also engages the pole. The long edge of theside plates bottom surface 142 and the end and side plates. - The
gain plate 100 also has across arm channel 104 disposed perpendicularly to thepole channel 102. As illustrated, thecross arm channel 104 has atop wall 160 and abottom wall 162, that are spaced apart from one another along the length ofpole channel 102. Thetop wall 162 and the bottom wall 164 also extend outwardly from thefront surface 112 of thefront plate 106. Thecross arm channel 104 also has arear wall 166, with a portion of therear wall 166 being the same as thefront surface 112 of thefront plate 106. The three walls thus create achannel 168 into which thecross arms 302 secured. See, e.g.,FIGS. 5, 9, and 10 . However, therear wall 166 may also lie in a different plane than thefront surface 112 of thefront plate 106. - The top wall has an
outer surface 160 a and aninner surface 160 b. Thebottom wall 162 anouter surface 162 a and aninner surface 162 b. Therear wall 166 has aninner surface 166 a and an outer surface 166 b. The inner surfaces of thewalls channel 168. - It should be noted that not all of the cross arms are square in cross section, but may be rectangular. See, e.g.,
FIGS. 11 and 12 . If thecross arms 302 are rectangular, then the long cross sectional axis is positioned along the line of force.FIG. 11 illustrates the situation at the end of a transmission line (dead end loading), when the force is a horizontal force. Thus, the long axis of the cross arm (across the cross arm) is also horizontal.FIG. 12 illustrates the use of a gain plate between the dead ends, where the load is vertical (tangential loading). As is clear from these figures, there are two different gain plates used in these two situations and they are not interchangeable. The gain plate inFIG. 11 can not be used for a tangential loading situation because the channel for the cross arm is not tall enough to accept the cross arm in its proper orientation. Similarly, in a dead end loading situation (with the long axis horizontal), the gain plate inFIG. 12 can not be used as the cross arm will extend beyond the bottom wall and there will be a space between the top wall of the top of the cross arm. This space prevents a bolt from being inserted vertically (through the bottom and top walls) in the cross arm. - As a result, the
cross arm channel 104 may not have atop wall 160, but rather only thebottom wall 162 andrear wall 166. This allows for thecross arms 300 to be fastened to thebottom wall 162 and/orrear wall 166, depending on the orientation of the cross arm. This prevents the need to have two (or more) different sized gain brackets available to the installer. While there areholes 170 in therear wall 166 for bolting thecross arm 300 within thechannel 168, there may also be holes in the bottom wall 162 (andtop wall 160 if present—seeFIGS. 9 and 10 ). Naturally, if the cross arms are square in cross section, then only one gain plate is needed since it can be accommodated in both configurations. - Returning to
FIGS. 1-7 , thegain plate 100 also hasholes 172 in thefront plate 102 to allow thegain plate 100 to be secured to thepole 300. The plurality ofcross members 144 also includeportions 172 a that circumscribe theholes 172 to provide more structural support at theholes 172. - The
gain plate 100 also has aguy lug member 180 extending outwardly from thefront surface 112 of thefront plate 106 and downward from theouter surface 162 a of thebottom wall 162 of thecross arm channel 104. Theguy lug member 180 has twoopenings 182 therethrough to allow for attachment of a guy wire 184 (seeFIG. 10 ) to add stability to the utility/telephone pole 300. Theguy wire 184 assists with keeping the pole vertical with the horizontal loads. Thegain plate 100 may also haveother support tabs 186 on either side of theguy lug member 180 to provide further support for the vertical loading conditions. SeeFIG. 1 . As with theguy lug member 180, thesupport tabs 186 extend outwardly from thefront surface 112 of thefront plate 106 and downward from theouter surface 162 a of thebottom wall 162 of thecross arm channel 104. While two are shown, there could be more or fewer. - There may also be
secondary supports 188 that are disposed on the sides of theguy lug member 180. Thesecondary supports 188 extend from aside 190 of theguy lug member 180 and thefront surface 112 of thefront plate 106. SeeFIG. 1 . While the supports are illustrated as being triangular in shape, the supports could be of any appropriate shape. - The
gain plate 100 is preferably injection molded in a single shot. The material used is thermoplastic material such as a phenoxy, a polysulfone, a polyarylsulfone, a polyethersulfone, a polyimide, a polyquinoxaline, a polyphenylquinoxaline, a polyphenylene oxide or a polyphenyl sulfide. The thermoplastic is also reinforced with a structural filament fiber such as those made from boron, KEVLAR, glass, and/or carbon. The combination of the reinforcement and thermoplastic is commonly designated as LFRT (long fiber reinforced thermoplastic). - It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (11)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/164,096 US20210156511A1 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2021-02-01 | Gain Plate |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201662382601P | 2016-09-01 | 2016-09-01 | |
US15/687,653 US10167997B2 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2017-08-28 | Gain plate |
US16/231,690 US10907765B2 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2018-12-24 | Gain plate |
US17/164,096 US20210156511A1 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2021-02-01 | Gain Plate |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/231,690 Continuation US10907765B2 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2018-12-24 | Gain plate |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210156511A1 true US20210156511A1 (en) | 2021-05-27 |
Family
ID=61242087
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/687,653 Active US10167997B2 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2017-08-28 | Gain plate |
US16/231,690 Active US10907765B2 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2018-12-24 | Gain plate |
US17/164,096 Abandoned US20210156511A1 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2021-02-01 | Gain Plate |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/687,653 Active US10167997B2 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2017-08-28 | Gain plate |
US16/231,690 Active US10907765B2 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2018-12-24 | Gain plate |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US10167997B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10167997B2 (en) * | 2016-09-01 | 2019-01-01 | William F. BRITT, JR. | Gain plate |
CN112854876A (en) * | 2017-06-09 | 2021-05-28 | 江苏神马电力股份有限公司 | Composite cross arm and power transmission pole |
KR102278094B1 (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2021-07-19 | 클라임코리아 주식회사 | Wire rope installation module of aerial glide system and aerial glide system thereof |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US868591A (en) * | 1906-06-04 | 1907-10-15 | Steel Gain Mfg Company | Support for cross-arms. |
US1812203A (en) * | 1928-03-26 | 1931-06-30 | Robert J Gaskill | Support for boxes and the like |
US2828515A (en) * | 1954-04-15 | 1958-04-01 | Malleable Iron Fittings Co | Pole bearing plate |
US3555747A (en) * | 1969-06-12 | 1971-01-19 | Mif Ind Inc | Lightweight crossarm assemblies |
US4032244A (en) * | 1976-04-26 | 1977-06-28 | Quayle Jackson C | Pole top extension bracket |
US4899963A (en) * | 1989-02-06 | 1990-02-13 | Murphy Patrick J | Support saddle for elongate articles and interpositioning device for dissimilar surfaces |
US6626406B1 (en) * | 2000-10-03 | 2003-09-30 | Ted Olson, Jr. | Utility pole with removable crossarm |
US7849659B2 (en) * | 2004-06-24 | 2010-12-14 | Kopshever Michael J Sr | Tower reinforcement apparatus and method |
WO2013016386A1 (en) * | 2011-07-28 | 2013-01-31 | Smakdapp, Inc. | Banner bracket |
US10167997B2 (en) * | 2016-09-01 | 2019-01-01 | William F. BRITT, JR. | Gain plate |
-
2017
- 2017-08-28 US US15/687,653 patent/US10167997B2/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-12-24 US US16/231,690 patent/US10907765B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-02-01 US US17/164,096 patent/US20210156511A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10907765B2 (en) | 2021-02-02 |
US20180058628A1 (en) | 2018-03-01 |
US10167997B2 (en) | 2019-01-01 |
US20190128473A1 (en) | 2019-05-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20210156511A1 (en) | Gain Plate | |
US10213026B2 (en) | Pultruded adjustable bed frame | |
US9790704B2 (en) | Composite structural support arm | |
US10186850B1 (en) | Non-metallic electrical cable support arrangement | |
JPH05195650A (en) | Electric pole | |
US10673190B2 (en) | Pad extending member | |
US10673215B2 (en) | Clamp | |
CN103276937A (en) | Temporary electric pole reinforcing device | |
US10971915B2 (en) | Mounting bracket systems for dead-end utility lines | |
CN104376935B (en) | A kind of light ice formation compact two V-type suspension string | |
US20120102683A1 (en) | Messenger clamp | |
US20100276172A1 (en) | Holding device for an overhead line and overhead line configuration | |
US10557568B2 (en) | Multi-sided cable clamps | |
TW202001938A (en) | Cable cleat for trefoil cable arrangement | |
CN201884796U (en) | Alloy plastic cable bridge | |
KR101234259B1 (en) | Suspension insulator for power transmission and distribution pylon | |
CN107834461B (en) | Cable bracket and manufacturing process | |
KR101255117B1 (en) | Racks with insulator for low voltage distribution | |
US20220260184A1 (en) | Cable racks for reduced stress and increased load capacity | |
KR20160150077A (en) | Jumper Insulator And Method | |
US11047147B2 (en) | L-shaped crossarm, related system, and method of assembly | |
US2782804A (en) | Pipe spacing device | |
CN105977606A (en) | Combined-type antenna installation hoop set based on suspension rod | |
US20070107929A1 (en) | Insulator integrated with clamp | |
CN205639885U (en) | Light -weighted three -core cables mount |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: APPLICATION DISPATCHED FROM PREEXAM, NOT YET DOCKETED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE AFTER FINAL ACTION FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |