Patent Application
20130141902
The field of the invention is pole systems for outdoor use, specifically pole systems and mechanisms for use with pole-mounted items.
Pole systems have been used to support lights, antennas, cameras, signs, and other items. Examples of pole construction include, but are not limited to, solid, tubular, or framework construction.
It is known that poles in general can be erected by making a hole in the ground and inserting the pole. In the past, pole systems have been erected by attaching a pole base to a concrete foundation. This is a time-consuming method of pole installation.
Pole systems may also be used as supports in solar lighting. In solar lighting arrangements, solar panels are employed for providing power to lighting systems such as road lights. It is important that the solar panels face the correct direction and be at the correct angle. Solar panels should face true south for optimal performance. When natural or man-made objects would obstruct the sunlight if the solar panels faced true south, the solar panels should be rotated to the southeast or southwest for optimal sunlight collection. Orienting the solar panels after the pole is installed is a challenging operation. It occurs at ten to thirty feet above the ground and requires rotation of the solar panels to the correct orientation in addition to drilling matching holes to the pole to attach the solar panel to the support structure. There may also be a large quantity of solar panels that need to be installed in the case of a parking lot, street, or sidewalk. Making the installation of poles and solar panels faster saves time and money.
A light supporting system is disclosed herein. The light supporting system is a configuration for holding a pole that is erected on a surface and corresponds to a base.
An adjustable mounting mechanism is also disclosed herein. The adjustable mounting mechanism provides the ability to change the direction that a pole top item will face and the tilt angle of a pole top item even after the pole has been installed.
The light supporting system and the adjustable mounting mechanism may be used in combination or separately. A light supporting system may be used with any pole top and an adjustable mounting mechanism may be used with any method of supporting a light pole. If used together, the combination will be referred to herein as a system for a solar street lamp. A system for a solar street lamp is disclosed herein.
Disclosed herein is an example of a light supporting system comprising: a base; a tubular member having a first end and a second end and with the second end being adapted for coupling to the base, wherein the tubular member having an exterior structure surface arranged in a repeating pattern of grooves; a pole member has an interior structure arranged in a repeating pattern of protrusions corresponding to and adapted for corresponding to the grooves of the exterior structure of the tubular member; the exterior structure and interior structure configured so that the pole member and the tubular member have a plurality of engaged positions. The exterior structure comprises at least one groove. The grooves include grooves of a first width and grooves of a second width. The grooves are spaced apart circumferentially at a predetermined or random angle from one another. The grooves of a first width are semi-circular. In another example, the grooves have a first end and a second end. The grooves on the base of a first width are tapered from the first end to the second end. The tubular member can have a hollow center or solid center in the interior of the tubular member. The interior of the pole member comprises a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions has a first shape and a second shape. The first shape and second shape are formed to correspond to grooves formed on the tubular member. The repeating pattern of grooves comprises at least one set of grooves. There is a first set forming rectangular grooves and a second set forming semi-circular grooves. The first set and second set of grooves are arranged in an alternating pattern of rectangle grooves and semi-circular grooves. The pole member in a first position is set at a predetermined angle of rotation, with respect to the tubular member, from a second position.
Disclosed herein is an example of an adjustable mounting mechanism for a street lamp comprising: a pole component; a pole mount coupled to the pole component; an arcuate bracket seated on the pole mount; a pivot bracket conically engaged with the arcuate bracket; and a fastener that projects through the pivot bracket, the arcuate bracket, and the pole mount and engages with the pole component. The fastener is a bolt. The fastener projects through a washer. The pivot bracket is releasably coupled to the pole component. The fastener threadingly engages a hole in the pole component. The pivot bracket is slidingly engaged with the arcuate bracket. The pivot bracket is rotatably engaged with the arcuate bracket. The pole mount is attached to the pole component with a plurality of bolts. The plurality of bolts projects through the pole mount and threadingly engages semi-circular grooves of the pole component. A photovoltaic array is attached to the pivot bracket. The pole top item attachment surface of the pivot bracket is attached to the pivot bracket attachment surface of the photovoltaic array. The pole top item attachment surface of the pivot bracket is attached to the pivot bracket attachment surface of the photovoltaic array with bolts. The adjustable mounting mechanism also includes tilt angle markings and a tilt angle indicator.
Disclosed herein is an example of a system for a solar street lamp comprising: a base; a tubular member having a first end and second end with the second end adapted for coupling to the base, wherein the tubular member has an exterior surface arranged in a repeating pattern of grooves; a pole member having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the pole member has an interior structure arranged in a pattern of protrusions corresponding to and adapted for matingly engaging with the grooves of the exterior structure of the tubular member; the exterior structure and interior structure configured so that the first end of the pole member and the tubular member have a plurality of engaged positions; a pole member; a pole mount coupled to the pole member; an arcuate bracket seated on the pole mount; a pivot bracket conically engaged with the arcuate bracket; and a fastener that projects through the pivot bracket, the arcuate bracket, and the pole mount and engages with the pole member. At least one photovoltaic array is attached to the pivot bracket. The pole top item attachment surface of the pivot bracket is attached to the pivot bracket attachment surface of the photovoltaic array. The adjustable mounting mechanism also comprises tilt angle markings and a tilt angle indicator. A light fixture is attached between the first end of the pole member and the second end of the pole member. A battery box is attached between the first end of the pole member and the second end of the pole member. The battery box may contain a battery and a controller. The system for a solar street lamp further comprises a light fixture attached between the first end of the pole member and the second end of the pole member. The system for a solar street lamp further comprises a battery box attached between the first end of the pole member and the second end of the pole member. The battery box has a battery and a controller disposed therein.
The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.
The disclosure relates to pole top item supporting systems, light supporting systems, photovoltaic array (i.e., solar panel) mounting systems, and a system for a solar street lamp. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Elements labeled by reference numerals are meant to be examples and are not meant to limit the claims to a particular embodiment.
The term “photovoltaic array”, when used in this specification and claims, refers to a structure capable of collecting solar energy and turning it into electricity, for example, a linked collection of photovoltaic cells. The term “solar panel”, may also be used herein in this manner.
The term “tilt angle”, when used in this specification and claims, refers to the angle formed between the plane of a pole top item and the horizontal plane.
The term “correspond”, when used in this specification and claims, refers to being compatible but not necessarily touching.
A light supporting system is disclosed with a base and a tubular member projecting upward from the base and a pole with an interior that corresponds with the exterior of the tubular member to provide a slip fit. The base is attached to a surface. The light supporting system provides a solid interaction at the base of the pole to hold a light pole in a given location. An exemplary light supporting system is presented herein.
An adjustable mounting mechanism is disclosed. The adjustable mounting mechanism may be located at the top of a pole and may be for a solar street lamp. The adjustable mounting mechanism contains a fastener, pivot bracket, arcuate bracket, and a pole mount. A pivot bracket may be any structure that is capable of sliding adjustment relative to the arcuate bracket, thus adjusting the tilt angle of any pole top item attached to the pivot bracket. An arcuate bracket may be any structure that supports the pivot bracket while allowing the pivot bracket to slidingly adjust relative to the arcuate bracket. A pole mount may be any structure that supports the arcuate bracket while allowing rotation of the arcuate bracket within the pole mount. The adjustable mounting mechanism allows a pole top item to be rotated and the tilt angle of the pole top item adjusted. The pivot bracket, arcuate bracket, and pole mount may be releasably coupled by a fastener. In an example, a photovoltaic array is attached to the adjustable mounting mechanism. An exemplary adjustable mounting mechanism is presented herein.
A system for a solar street lamp may use some or all of the components of the light supporting system and adjustable mounting mechanism. An exemplary system for a solar street lamp is presented herein.
Solar lighting utilizes a photovoltaic array 42 to convert the energy of the sun into electricity. This electricity powers the light fixture 43. A photovoltaic array 42 generates electricity as light energy (photons) from the sun rays contacts the photovoltaic array 42. The energy is stored in a battery or batteries 41. The battery 41 may be a gel-type battery. A smaller photovoltaic array 42 may be required in areas with more frequent or intense sun. The energy from the battery 41 operates the light fixture 43. The light fixture 43 may comprise a light emitting diode (LED).
It is preferable that the photovoltaic array 42 faces the correct direction and at the correct angle in order to capture the maximum amount of energy. Preferably, the photovoltaic array 42 is installed so that it faces the equator. Therefore in the Northern Hemisphere, the photovoltaic array 42 is installed to face generally south. In the Southern Hemisphere, the photovoltaic array 42 is installed to face generally north.
The desired tilt angle of the photovoltaic array 42 depends upon the latitude of the geographic location of the light installation. At the equator, the solar panel should be perpendicular to the pole. In order to determine the proper tilt angle for the solar panel, various publications or websites may be consulted. In an example, the following website may be consulted to determine the proper tilt angle of the solar panel: http://mapserve3.nrel.gov/PVWatts_Viewer/index.html. The PVWatts™ calculator, available on the website of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, determines the energy production and cost savings of grid-connected photovoltaic energy systems. Additional information may be found at http://www.nrel.gov/rredc/pvwatts. The calculator uses default values for size of the array, electric cost, array type, tilt angle, and azimuth angle but users may substitute their own system parameters. The default tilt angle used by the calculator is equal to the location's latitude. Utilizing the tilt angle equal to the location's latitude maximizes for annual energy production. If the tilt angle is increased, energy production in the winter is maximized whereas decreasing the tilt angle maximizes energy production in the summer. The tilt angle can be fixed at the time of installation or alternatively, modified based upon the season. Ideally, the sun's rays should be perpendicular to the photovoltaic array 42.
A system for a solar street lamp 50 may be used for solar street and area lighting. Components of the system for a solar street lamp 50 may be used for any other purpose for which they are suitable, such as to support antennas, cameras, and signs. The system for a solar street lamp may be made of aluminum or other suitable material. Examples of other suitable materials include plastic, steel, composite, bronze, or concrete. The needs of the particular project may influence the material used. The system for a solar street lamp 50 may be powder coated. Poles may be solid, hollow, or partially hollow. As stated above, hollow poles of the same material as a solid pole weigh less but may not be as strong. Hollow poles may allow access to the interior of the pole. The needs of a particular project may influence the type of pole selected.
Benefits of a pole with an adjustable top are ease of installation and reduced installation time. The installer may be in the air at the top of the system for a solar street lamp 50 while installing the photovoltaic array 42 in the desired position so that the photovoltaic array 42 is attached facing the correct direction and at the correct angle.
An example of a light supporting system is presented in
As shown in an example of the light supporting system in
As shown in
In an example, the width of the grooves is less than the spacing between the grooves. The tubular member 11 may have a hollow center 17. The base 12 may have four attachment holes 15 through the base 12. Fastening devices, such as screws with washers may be projected through the base 12 and into the semi-circular grooves 13. Steel, thread-cutting, screws may be used to project through the base 12 and into the semi-circular groove 13 with silicone washers present between the steel, thread-cutting screws. Any other suitable fastening device or screws may be used.
As shown in
The pole base 10 can be used to support a pole member 21 attached to overhead power lines, cables, and related equipment such as transformers and lights. As discussed herein, the pole base 10 supporting a light pole is provided as an example but the pole base 10 could be used to support other items as well.
As shown in
The pole member 21 may be hollow, partially hollow, or solid with a bottom opening. Hollow poles provide a lighter-in-weight pole than a solid pole of the same material and provide access to the pole interior. The needs of the particular project may influence the type of pole selected. The pole member 21, base 12, and tubular member 11 may be produced by extrusion, machining, forging, casting, or other suitable method. As an example, the pole member 21 shown in
The pole base 10 is attached to a surface and then the pole member 21 is placed over the tubular member 11 of the pole base 10. A benefit of using a pole base 10 and pole member 21 is that a number of the pole bases 10 may be installed and the pole members 21 placed over the tubular members 11 at a later point in time. The corresponding surfaces of the tubular member 11 and pole member 21 provide a strong light supporting system 20 capable of transferring force. The top of pole member 21 may use any type of attachment to the item being supported.
In other examples of the light supporting system, the exterior structure comprises at least one groove. The groove or grooves may vary in width. If more than one groove is present, there may be grooves of a first width and grooves of a second width. The grooves may be spaced apart circumferentially by various distances and at varying angles from one another. The grooves may be of varying shapes. The grooves may or may not taper from a first end to a second end. The center of the tubular member 11 may be solid or hollow. The pole member 21 is placed over the tubular member 11. Preferably, the surfaces of pole member 21 and tubular member 11 do not substantially contact each other than at the bottom surface of the pole member 21 until a force, such as wind, causes a deformation of the pole member 21. The deformation of the pole member 21 causes the protrusions on the interior of the pole member 21 to come into contact with the exterior of the tubular member 11.
The crescent-shaped protrusions 22 of pole member 21 interface with the screw 52. In an example, when pole member 21 is manufactured by extrusion, crescent-shaped protrusions 22 are included instead of a closed-circle protrusion because a crescent-shaped protrusion is easier to create by extrusion than a closed-circle protrusion.
When the fastener 34 is not tightened, the universal A-Z bracket 32 may be rotated to allow adjustment of the direction in which the photovoltaic array 42 faces. The tilt angle of the photovoltaic array 42 may be changed by sliding the universal pivot bracket 31 in relation to the universal A-Z bracket 32 so that a number present in the tilt angle markings 36 is lined up with the tilt angle indicator 57. The tilt angle markings 36 are located on the universal pivot bracket 31. The tilt angle indicator 57 is located on the universal A-Z bracket 32. The tilt angle indicator 57 points to the tilt angle marking 36 that corresponds to the tilt angle of the pole top item attachment surface 39 and therefore the tilt angle of a pole top item, such as a photovoltaic array 42 (
The exemplary adjustable mounting mechanism 30 allows rotatable adjustment relative to the pole component 38 in order to change the facing direction of any pole top item. The universal TPM 33 may be integral to or coupled to the pole component 38. For example, the universal TPM 33 may be coupled to the pole component 38 by bolts or welding. The universal TPM 33 may be constructed to correspond with the rectangular protrusions 23 of the pole component 38. The exterior of the pole component 38 may be grooved, fluted, smooth, or any suitable surface. The fastener 34 may be an elongated protrusion that may be all or partially threaded.
The pole top item attachment surfaces 39 are used for attaching a pole top item. In an example, the pole top item attachment surfaces 39 are used to adhere the universal pivot bracket 31 to the pivot bracket attachment surface 51 of the photovoltaic array 42. The structure or structures used for attaching the photovoltaic panel, such as the pole top item attachment surfaces 39, may be any structure suitable to attach a photovoltaic panel to a pole.
Pole component 38 may have the same interior structure as pole member 21 or pole component 38 may have a different interior structure than pole member 21. In an example, pole component 38 may be solid. In other examples, pole component 38 may be hollow or partially hollow. Upon rotating the universal pivot bracket 31 and universal A-Z bracket 32 to the desired direction and tilt angle, the universal pivot bracket 31 and universal A-Z bracket 32 may be fastened. The photovoltaic array 42 may be attached to the universal pivot bracket 31 by utilizing bolts and nuts to attach the pivot bracket attachment surface 51 to the pole top item attachment surface 39. The structure or structures used for attaching the photovoltaic array 42 to the universal pivot bracket 31 may be any structure suitable to attach the photovoltaic array 42 to the universal pivot bracket 31.
After a pole component 38 is installed at the desired location, an installer will attach the universal TPM 33 to the pole component 38 using a fastener. Alternatively, the universal pivot bracket 31 and universal A-Z bracket 32 may already be attached. The fastener may threadingly engage with a central pole component hole in pole component 38. Rotation of the universal A-Z bracket 32 changes the direction in which the pole top item faces while adjusting the universal bracket 31 changes the tilt angle of the pole top item. The tilt angle markings 36 indicate the tilt angle of the pole top item attachment surface 39 and thus indicate the angle of the photovoltaic array 42.
As depicted in
Any type of attachment mechanism may be used that allows for the direction and tilt angle of a pole top item to be changed. A benefit of the use of the adjustable mounting mechanism 30 is that it requires little or no drilling while the installer is at the top of the pole component 38.
Another benefit of an adjustable mounting mechanism 30 with a universal pivot bracket 31, universal A-Z bracket 32, and the universal TPM 33 is that the pole top is rotatably adjustable in 360 degrees. This allows a pole component 38 to be installed with components of the adjustable mounting mechanism 30 attached or not. Once attached, the adjustable mounting mechanism 30 may later be adjusted to the required direction before (or after) attaching the photovoltaic array 42 or other pole top item. The interaction of the universal pivot bracket 31, universal A-Z bracket 32, and the universal TPM 33 with a fastener provide a secure interlocking at the top of the pole component 38 to maintain the required direction and tilt angle of the pole top item.
As discussed earlier,
A light supporting system 20 may be used with any pole top. The use of a light supporting system 20 is not dependent upon attachment of particular structures at the top of the pole. A light supporting system 20 may be used on a pole to support lights, antennas, cameras, or other pole top items. The example of a light supporting system 20 disclosed herein provides a time- and cost-effective structure for mounting a pole member 21.
The adjustable mounting mechanism 30 may be used with any type of pole and pole support structure. The use of the adjustable mounting mechanism 30 is not dependent upon the structure of the base of the pole or manner of attachment of the pole to a surface or foundation. In an embodiment, the adjustable mounting mechanism 30 may be used on a pole that has been buried underground or attached directly to a foundation with bolts. The adjustable mounting mechanism 30 disclosed provides a time- and cost-effective manner to attach structures to the top of a pole, particularly those structures for which the direction and angle that the structure faces is important.
A benefit of using the light supporting system 20 and adjustable mounting mechanism 30 in combination is that the example of a system for a solar street lamp 50 has both a secure interaction between the pole base 10 and pole member 21 and a secure structure at the top of the pole member 21 to maintain the required direction and tilt angle of the pole top item. These systems provide for ease of installation by allowing a pole base 10 to be installed at the desired location and the pole member 21 to be later placed upon the tubular member 11 of the pole base 10. At the time of installation of the adjustable mounting mechanism 30, which may be at the time of the pole member 21 installation or later, the facing direction and tilt angle of a pole top item may be adjusted. The facing direction and tilt angle of the pole top item may be adjusted at any time.
Variations and modification to the disclosure herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that such variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure and without diminishing its attendant advantages.
All of the combinations and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the combinations and methods of this disclosure have been described in terms of embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the structural combinations and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
