Patent ID: 8794380
Filing Date: 2014-08-05
Classification: H02G

Abstract:
1. A cart for moving at least one lineman along electrical power line conductors suspended from support structures for servicing the power lines, said cart adapted to be lifted by a lifting means onto said electrical power line conductors, said cart comprising: basket means for carrying the lineman, said basket means having a floor and upwardly extending enclosing perimeter walls; frame means overhanging said basket means, said frame means comprising a closed planar shape having three or more straight or arcuate sides or a circular shape, said frame means mounting travel roller means projecting below said frame means for supporting the basket weight on the conductors and for engaging with and rolling upon the power line conductors to facilitate movement of the cart along the conductors; connecting means extending generally vertically between and interconnecting said frame means and said basket means with said basket means supported below said frame means, said frame means, said connecting means and said basket means defining a generally C-shaped opening, said frame means comprising one leg of said C-shape, said basket means comprising the other leg of said C-shape and said connecting means comprising the web of said C-shape, through which said conductors pass into vertical alignment with said travel roller means on said frame means when said lifting means lifts said cart to said conductors and moves it horizontally relative to said conductors through said opening, said lifting means lowering said travel roller means of said cart onto said conductors when said travel roller means and said conductors are in vertical alignment; said basket means including a wall portion remote from said opening and projecting beyond said overhanging frame means and said floor, said connecting means being positioned between said opening and said remote basket wall portion for preventing said conductors from reaching said remote basket wall portion when said conductors pass through said opening, said projecting remote basket wall portion including means defining a seating area and hand holds for said lineman, whereby said connecting means and said projecting remote basket wall portion provide a protected area in said basket means where said lineman can be safely seated in a stable position during cart travel along conductors and during on/off conductor operations and where said lineman cannot be struck by the conductors.