Pole Cover

Abstract

A pole cover assembly and a method for mounting the assembly onto a pole. The assembly includes a pole cover that has a first portion with a first longitudinal end. A base portion extends from the first portion and the base portion has a base portion depth and an inside diameter that is greater than an outside diameter of the first portion to accommodate a first longitudinal end of an adjacent pole cover therein and define a circumferential clearance gap around the adjacent pole cover. A longitudinal slit runs a length of the pole cover and separates axially extending arc segments of the pole cover. The arc segments overlap one another when disposed on the pole.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Covers for poles and utility poles,

a) Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the utility poles or fixture poles that require coverings. In particular, poles for supporting communication hardware. The utility poles are constructed of materials such as aluminum, wood, concrete etc. Such poles may not be aesthetically pleasing and might not meet standards for the community requirements for the appearance of such. poles. The present invention pertains to a cover to cover such poles.

b) Description of the Related Art

It is well known to provide covers for poles. Gordin et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,276) discloses a pole cover or sleeve that is constructed for covering substantially tall poles. U.S. Patent Application Publication no.: 2009/0188207 to Gordin et al. discloses a set of covers or sleeves that are disposed to cover a 45 ft pole, where each sleeve is the same height. The sleeves are produced. from a flat sheet that has a trapezoidal shape, as is shown in FIG. 3 (of the Gordin references), in order to have a tapered. shape to conform to the tapered pole. The ends of the vinyl sheets are bent and held together by extrusions once the covers are wrapped onto the pole and the extrusions are placed on the ends of the sheets and are rolled down to form a seam and close the covers onto the pole. The covers overlap one another in a longitudinal direction of the pole to cover the length of the pole. The covers are affixed at the top ends thereof, which is the underneath cover to allow the bottoms of the covers to expand and contract and accommodate thermal expansion due to temperature changes. This construction results in varying circumferential gaps where the seams overlap one another, as the covers move relative to one another due to thermal effects, as a result of the conical geometry. Furthermore, this construction results in two different materials extending the length of the covers, which can result in problems over time due to the thermal cycles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a pole cover assembly that provides for a pole cover that is easy to install and modify to cover poles of different lengths and that will accommodate structural elements such as mounting brackets that are mounted to the pole, where the structural elements must pass through the cover so that corresponding hardware can be mounted to the pole. The construction accommodates thermal expansion and contractions in a uniform way that provides for a constant circumferential relationship between the overlapping covers.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a pole cover system that can conform to poles of various lengths, that is easy to install, replace and modify to length.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a pole cover assembly for mounting onto a pole. The assembly includes a pole cover that has a first portion with a first longitudinal end. A base portion extends from the first portion and the base portion has a base portion depth and an inside diameter that is greater than the outside diameter of the first portion to accommodate a first longitudinal end of an adjacent pole cover therein and define a circumferential clearance gap around the adjacent pole cover. A longitudinal slit runs a length of the pole cover and separates axially extending arc segments of the pole cover. The arc segments overlap one another when disposed on the pole.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the base portion has a free end with a circumferential lip that is directed radially inwards for closing the clearance gap.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, in one embodiment, a mounting fastener is disposed centrally with respect to a length of the pole cover. The mounting fastener passes through the pole cover into the pole for setting a height position of the pole cover on the pole. Alternately, in another embodiment, the inner diameter of the pole cover is substantially similar to the outer diameter of the pole, and the height position of the pole cover on the pole can be set and maintained by a frictional engagement between the pole cover and the pole.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, closing fasteners are provided along the length of the pole cover affixing the arc segments to one another.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the assembly includes the adjacent pole cover. In one embodiment, the mounting fastener is positioned in the pole to set a position of the pole cover so that the first longitudinal end of the adjacent pole cover is disposed at a middle of the depth of the bass portion. Alternatively, this is achieved through a frictional engagement between a pole cover and/or the adjacent pole cover and the pole.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, a cap portion is disposed at the first end of the pole cover and overlaps the pole cover.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the base portion depth is at least as great as a sum of the amount of thermal expansion at a desired high temperature limit above 70° F. for a length of the pole cover in a desired service temperature range of the pole cover plus the amount of thermal contraction at a desired low temperature limit below 70° F. for the length of the pole cover in the desired service temperature range of the pole cover.

In accordance with still another feature of the invention, the pole cover has longitudinally extending corrugations that have a height at least as great as a wall thickness of the pole cover to define a space next to the pole to accommodate an underlying arc segment of the arc segments.

In accordance with still yet another feature of the invention, a corrugation peak defines an overlying arc segment of the arc segments.

Additionally, there is provided, in accordance with. the invention a method for covering a pole with a pole cover. The method includes to provide a plurality of pole covers. Each of the pole covers have: a first portion with a first longitudinal end, a base portion that extends from the first portion and the base portion has a base portion depth and an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the first portion, a longitudinal slit runs a length of the pole cover and separates axially extending arc segments of the pole cover. Opening a first pole cover at the slit and spanning the slit to fit over a diameter of the pole. Placing the first pole cover into a position where the arc segments overlap and inserting closing fasteners into the arc segments. Axially positioning the first pole cover on the pole and securing the first pole cover on the pole, for example, by inserting a mounting fastener through. the pole cover into the pole for mounting the first pole cover onto the pole or by taking advantage of a frictional engagement between the pole cover and the pole. Opening a second pole cover at the slit and spanning the slit to fit over a diameter of the pole into a position above the first pole cover where the arc segments of the second pole cover overlap and inserting closing fasteners into the arc segments of the second pole cover. Axially positioning and securing the second pole cover on the pole with the base portion. overlapping the first pole cover with the first longitudinal end of the first pole cover disposed at a middle of the depth of the base portion of the second pole cover. The second pole cover being secured on the pole, for example, by frictional engagement with the pole, or by inserting a second mounting fastener through the pole cover into the pole for mounting the second pole cover onto the pole.

Other characteristic features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein. as embodied in a pole cover assembly, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will he best understood from. the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a pole cover in a connected state;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pole cover;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the pole cover;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the pole cover;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pole cover;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the pole cover;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the pole cover;

FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line A-A of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a section view taken along line B-B of FIG. 5 and a portion of the pole 100 is illustrated in dashed lines;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view “A” of a portion of FIG. 9 showing a joining region of the cover;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged section view of a portion of the base taken from FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged front view taken from FIG. 2, where the middle portion has been removed in order to show the end portions in an enlarged view;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged right side view taken from FIG. 4, where the middle portion has been removed in order to show the end portions in an enlarged view;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged left side view taken from FIG. 3, where the middle portion has been removed in order to show the end portions in an enlarged view;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged rear view taken from FIG. 5, where the middle portion has been removed in order to show the end portions in an enlarged view;

FIG. 16 is a top front perspective view of the cap;

FIG. 17 is a right side view of the cap;

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the cap;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the cap;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the cap;

FIG. 21 is a section view of the cap taken along line G-G of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a section view of the cap taken along line F-F of FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 is a partial section view of the top end of the pole cover having a cap thereon and showing the pole with the pole cover around the pole and the cap thereon;

FIG. 24 is a partial section view of the top portion of a first pole cover and the bottom of a second pole cover around the pole with the base of the second pole cover covering the top of the first pole cover;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the pole cover having the cap thereon after it is removed from the mold where it is shown in one piece and further shown prior to a cut along the longitudinal axis to open the pole cover; and

FIG. 26 is a section view taken from FIG. 25 along line G-G.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the pole cover of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The figures show a pole cover 1, which alone or in multiples defines a pole covering system 200. As can be seen, the circumferential profile of the cover is fluted and produced by molding of plastic, preferably rotary molding and has the characteristics of being rotary molded. The preferred material for the pole cover 1 is polyethylene and the length of the covers is approximately eight (8) feet in length, but is in no way limited to such dimension as the cover can be longer or shorter. As seen in FIG. 26, when the pole cover is removed from the tool upon completion of the molding cycle, there are three different longitudinal portions of the pole cover 1. There is a cap portion 30 at one longitudinal end and a base portion 50 at the opposite longitudinal end, and a middle portion 10 between the base portion 50 and the cap portion 30. The cap portion 30 and the base portion 50 have an expanded diameter relative to the middle portion 10.

During post mold processing the cap portion 30 is removed from the middle portion 10 by being cut from the middle portion 10 so that multiple pole covers 1 can be mounted along a length of a pole 100 without the cap portion 30 interfering with the base portion 50 of an overlapping cover 1. The pole cover 1 can include guides in the form of circumferential grooves, steps, and/or shoulders for providing a cutting guide between the cap portion 30 and the middle portion 10. Once the cap 30 is cut from the middle portion 10, a cut end 10A of the middle portion 10 exists and can ha fit into the open end of the base portion 50 as shown in FIG. 24. As shown in FIG. 11 the OD of the middle portion 10 and the ID of the base portion 50 are designated. This results in the circumferential clearance gap CC between the OD of the middle portion and the ID of the base portion shown in FIG. 24.

The pole cover 1 is provided with a longitudinal cutting guide in the form of a groove, step, and/or shoulder that provides a linear guide for cutting the length of the pole cover 1. As can be seen in FIG. 26, there is a connection at the cutting seam CS that extends radially, which once removed by cutting, allows two arc segments 11 to overlap and be fastened to one another by the insertion of fasteners 12 along the length of the middle portion 10 as is shown in FIG. 10. To this end, the pole cover 1 can be formed with pilot holes 15 on the underneath arc segment 11 and with counterbores 16 on the outer arc segment 11, where the counterbores 16 corresponds to the head of the selected fastener 12, so that the head of the fastener 12 is flush as shown in FIG. 11 at the base portion 50, where the overlap of the arc segments 11 also applies. Upon installation upon the pole 100, the arc segments 11 are aligned in the overlapped position so that the pilot holes 15 and the counterbores 16 are aligned and the fasteners 12 are inserted and secured.

FIG. 24 shows the fasteners 14 are provided to attach respective pole covers 10 to the outer surface of the pole 100 when the fasteners 14 are fastened to the pole. The fasteners 14 are selected for the corresponding pole material and construction (hollow or solid).

The base portion 50 is defined by an expanded collar 52, the collar 52 has an increased diameter relative to the middle portion 10 that allows the base portion 50 to fit over a cut end 10A of the middle portion 10, once the pole cover 1 is cut to the appropriate height. As shown in FIG. 24, the base portion 50 has a minimum depth d in the longitudinal direction to a shoulder 53 between the middle portion 10 and the base portion 50. The collar 52 accommodates the thermal expansion in the longitudinal direction of the adjoining pole covers 1 over an expected temperature range for the environment in which the pole covers 1 are employed.

FIG. 3 shows the pole cover 1 has a corrugated profile with longitudinally extending corrugations and the fasteners 14 are provided at respective bases B of the corrugation where opposite corrugation bases correspond to the diameter of the pole 100 so the bases can contact the outer surface of the pole 100 when the fasteners 14 are fastened to the pole 100. The corrugations have a height h. The height h provides clearance from the outer surface of the pole 100 for the overlapping arc segments 11 to overlap and be fastened to one another without interference with the outer surface of the pole 100. Particularly, a gap or space is defined to the outer surface of the pole 100 for the inner or underlying arc segment 11 to be beneath the outer arc segment 11. As such, the corrugation height h is at least as great as a wall thickness of the pole cover 1 to allow space for the inner arc segment 11 of the overlapping arc segments 11 under the outer arc segment 11. The outer arc segment 11 may be defined by a corrugation peak P with respect to the pole surface.

This means that the shoulder 53 is of a depth d required per unit length of the pole cover that will allow expansion of the pole covers relative to one another, with consideration of the expansion of the pole 100, so that the cut end 10A of the middle portion 10 does not abut against the shoulder 53 of the base portion 50 to result in a buckling. Likewise, the depth d is also sufficient so that over the temperature range a linear contraction of the pole covers does not result in circumferential gaps between pole covers, which could cause buckling upon expansion if there is circumferential misalignment and the cut end abuts against the end of the base portion 50 upon increasing temperature and expansion. In light of these factors, the base portion, depth d is at least as great as a sum of the amount of thermal expansion at a desired high temperature limit above 70° F. for a length of the pole cover in a desired service temperature range of the pole cover plus the amount of thermal contraction at a desired low temperature limit below 70° F. for the length of the pole cover in the desired service temperature range of the pole cover. The baseline of 70° F. is used as this is the temperature at which the length of pole cover is at a steady state length. The relationship of the overlapping part of the covers 1 of system is shown enlarged in FIG. 24.

Example calculation for the minimum depth d for a service temperature range between 10° F. and 140° F. for a polyethylene 96 inch cover:

Min. depth=(Initial length. @70° F.*temp difference to high limit*coefficient of linear thermal expansion)+length @70° F.*temp different to low limit*coefficient of linear thermal expansion) (96*70*10.6*10⁻⁵)+(96*60*10.6*10⁻⁵)=0.7123″+0.6106″=1.3238″=Min. depth

The middle portion 10 is provided with fastener pilot holes 13, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 24, in one embodiment of the invention, the middle of the pole cover 1 has fasteners 14 that are inserted through the holes 13 to fasten the pole cover 1 to the pole 100. The middle location is the only location for fasteners 14 between the pole 100 and the pole cover 1, as the fastened location is the origin (datum) of growth/contraction, as this position is fixed. The placement of the holes 13 are provided so that the expansion and contraction of pole cover 1 is substantially equal from the fasteners to the opposite ends of the cover 1 in the longitudinal direction of the cover 1. Here, substantially means so that the tolerance is such that there is only a nominal difference in thermal expansion/contraction as measured from the fastening position of cover 1 at hole 13, which the datum for the expansion/contraction, as this is where the pole cover 1 is fixed to the pole 100. Alternatively, if desired, the fasteners 14 and holes 13 nay be omitted, and the pole cover 1 can be secured to the pole 100 by another securing mechanism, such as, via a frictional engagement between the pole cover 1 and pole 100. For example, if the inner diameter of the pole cover 1 is made to be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the pole 100, the pole cover 1 will be securely held in place on the pole 100 by friction, without sliding up or down the pole 100, once it is wrapped around the pole 100. Thus, the pole cover 1 can be secured at the desired position on the pole 100 through a frictional fit or frictional engagement between the pole cover 1 and the pole 100, and/or the frictional fit between the pole cover 1 and an adjacent pole cover 1, without the need for the fasteners 14.

The cut cap portions 30 (shown in FIGS. 16-22) are removed and retained so that they can be assembled to a topmost pole cover 1 of the system. The cap portions 30 have the same construction with respect to requiring a longitudinal cut and fastener 32 once the corresponding arc segments 31 for the cover 30 are overlapped as seen in FIG. 22. Furthermore, the cap portions 30 can be provided with a pilot hole 33 for a further fastener that secures the cap portion 30 to the pole 100. The cap portion 30 is removed from the middle portion 10 at a shoulder 30A that defines an increase of the diameter of the cap portion 30 relative to the middle portion 10. This construction allows the cap portion 30 to fit over the OD of the middle portion 10 as seen in FIG. 23.

When considering the end views or the cross-sectional profiles of the cover 1, it is pointed out that as formed. In the tool the cover 30 will have an out or round profile defined by at least two different radii, this allows the pole cover to be substantially round upon being assembled with the respective overlapped arc segments 11 or 31 connected to one another by the fasteners 12 or 32,

The base portion 50 has a turned in lip 51 at a free end thereof. The lip 51 is a reduction of the diameter of the base portion 50 and helps serve to limit dirt, water, and particles from penetrating the assembly of pole covers 1. This helps to protect the pole 100 from elements that can have a negative effect on the pole 100 and a service life thereof. Also, the lip 51 provides structural strength and helps maintain the dimensional stability of the end of the base portion 50.

The method of installation of the pole covers 1 onto a pole 100 is such that after molding of the covers 1, the cap portion 30 is cut from the middle portion 10. The cap portion 30 has a longitudinal end. face 35 and, similarly base portion 50 has a longitudinal end face, not shown. These end faces are removed to accommodate pole 100. This allows the pole 100 to be accommodated within the portions 10, 50 of the pole cover 1. The portions 10, 50 are longitudinally cut and. any projections are removed to allow the flush seating of the surfaces of the arc segments 11 against one another. This also apples to the arc segments 31 of cover 30. The base portion 50 and the middle portion 10, which are still connected are further processed to cut any openings for brackets or other hardware mounted. on the pole 100 to project through the pole cover 1. The base portion 50 and the middle portion 10 are spread open longitudinally to an extent at which the pole cover 1 is spanned sufficiently to pass over the diameter of the pole 100. The covers are each passed over the diameter of the pole 100 at which point the spring force of the pole cover and the memory of the pole cover 1 result in the arc segments coming back together with the pole 100 inside the pole cover 1 Once the arc segments 11 are aligned, the fasteners 12 can be installed and the pole cover 1 is a continuous cylinder surrounding the pole. If desired, the pole cover 1 is centrally fastened at openings 13 with the fasteners 14 to the pole 100 to allow for equal linear expansion from the mounting points. The correct number of pole covers 1 are added to the pole 100 to cover the length and the covers 1 are positioned with the cut end 10A of the middle portions 10 disposed at the center of the overlapping base portion 50 (at a midpoint of the depth d of base portion 50) and are fastened onto the pole 100. This allows for the expansion, and contraction of the respective covers 1 within the depth d of the base portions 50. Alternately, the pole cover 1 is secured to the pole 100 only by a frictional fit between the pole cover 1, and the pole 100 and/or the pole cover 1 and adjacent pole covers 1.

Upon the correct number of pole covers 1 being attached. to the pole 100, the cap portion 30 is placed on the remaining cut end of the middle portion, also centrally aligned in the middle of the axial extent of the cap portion 30. The fasteners 32 are fastened to the respective arc segments 31 of the cap portion 30. The cap portion 30 is fastened to the pole 100 by a fastener (not shown) that passes through pilot hole 33 of the cap portion 30 and into the pole 100.

Claims

1. A pole cover assembly for mounting onto a pole comprising: a pole cover having:a first portion having a first longitudinal end;a base portion extending from said first portion and said base portion having a base portion depth and an inside diameter being greater than an outside diameter of said first portion for accommodating a first longitudinal end of an adjacent pole cover therein and defining a circumferential clearance gap around the adjacent pole cover;a longitudinal slit running a length of said pole cover and separating axially extending arc segments of said pole cover, said arc segments overlapping one another when disposed on the pole.

2. The pole cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein said base portion has a free end with a circumferential lip that is directed radially inwards for closing said clearance gap.

3. The cover assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting fastener disposed centrally with respect to a length of said pole cover, said mounting fastener passing through said pole cover into the pole for setting a height position of said pole cover on the pole.

4. The pole cover assembly according to claim 2, further comprising closing fasteners provided along the length of said pole cover affixing said arc segments to one another.

5. The pole cover assembly according to claim 3, wherein the assembly includes said adjacent cover, said mounting fastener positioned in the pole to set a position of said pole cover so that said first longitudinal end of said adjacent pole cover is disposed at a middle of said base portion depth.

6. The pole cover assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a cap portion disposed at said first end of pole cover and overlapping said pole cover.

7. The pole cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base portion depth is at least as great as a sum of the amount or thermal expansion at a desired nigh temperature limit above 70° F. for a length the pole cover in a desired service temperature range of the pole cover plus the amount of thermal contraction at a desired low temperature limit below 70° F. for the length of the pole cover in the desired service temperature range of the pole cover.

8. The pole cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pole cover has longitudinally extending corrugations that have a height at least as great as a wall thickness of said pole cover to define a space next to the pole that accommodates an underlying arc segment of said arc segments.

9. The pole cover assembly according to claim 8, wherein a corrugation peak defines an overlying arc segment of said arc segments.

10. A method for covering a pole with a pole cover comprising: providing a plurality of pole covers each having:a first portion having a first longitudinal end, a base portion extending from the first portion and the base portion having a base portion depth and an inside diameter greater than an outside diameter of the first portion, a longitudinal slit running a length of the pole cover and separating axially extending arc segments of the pole cover;opening a first pole cover at the slit and spanning the slit to fit over a diameter of the pole and placing the first pole cover into a position where the arc segments overlap and inserting closing fasteners into the arc segments for fastening the arc segments to one another; positioning the first pole cover on the pole and inserting a mounting fastener through the pole cover into the pole for mounting the first pole cover onto the pole;opening a second pole cover at the slit and spanning the slit to fit over a diameter of the pole into a position above the first pole cover where the arc segments of the second pole cover overlap and inserting closing fasteners into the arc segments of the second pole cover for fastening the arc segments of the second pole cover to one another; andaxially positioning the second pole cover on the pole with the base portion overlapping the first pole cover with the first longitudinal end of the first pole cover disposed at a middle the base portion depth of the second pole cover and inserting a second mounting fastener through the pole cover into the pole for mounting the second pole cover onto the pole.

11. A method for covering a pole with a pole cover comprising providing a plurality of pole covers each having: a first portion having a first longitudinal end, a base portion extending from the first portion and the base portion having a base portion depth and an inside diameter greater than an outside diameter of the first portion, a longitudinal slit running a length of the pole cover and separating axially extending arc segments of the pole cover;opening a first pole cover at the slit and spanning the slit to fit over a diameter of the pole and placing the first pole cover into a position where the arc segments overlap and inserting closing fasteners into the arc segments fastening the arc segments to one another;axially positioning and securing the first pole cover on the pole to mount the first pole cover onto the pole;opening a second pole cover at the slit and spanning the slit to fit over a diameter of the pole into a position above the first cover where the arc segments of the second pole cover overlap and inserting closing fasteners into the arc segments of the second pole cover for fastening the arc segments of the second pole cover to one another; andaxially positioning and securing the second cover on the pole with the base portion overlapping the first pole cover with the first longitudinal end of the first pole cover disposed at a middle of the base portion depth of the second pole cover to mount the second pole cover onto the pole.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first pole cover or the second pole cover are secured on the pole by a mounting fastener disposed centrally with respect to a length of said pole cover, the securing step including passing the mounting fastener through said at least one of the first pole cover or the second pole cover into the pole for setting a height position of said pole cover on the pole.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first pole cover or the second pole cover is secured to the pole by a frictional engagement with the pole.