Patent ID: 6070305
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: F16G,Y10T

Abstract:
A releasable retention assembly, comprising:(a) an elongated flexible member having a pair of opposite end portions and a length sufficient for wrapping at least once about a circumference of an utility pole to retain a tubular cover in place on the utility pole;(b) a retention member secured to one of said opposite end portions of said elongated flexible member and defining a slot through which the other of said opposite end portions of said elongated flexible member can extend, said retention member including(i) a bracket adapted to engage a side of the utility pole adjacent to said elongated flexible member wrapped around the utility pole and adapted to receive and be secured to said one opposite end portion of said elongated flexible member; and(ii) a lock housing attached to said bracket and extending outwardly therefrom and defining said slot of said retention member through which said other opposite end portion of said elongated flexible member can extend; and(c) a lock mechanism including(i) a latch element mounted to said retention member for undergoing pivotal movement between a latched position and an unlatched position relative to said other opposite end portion of said elongated flexible member extending through said slot of said retention member, said latch element in said latched position being engaged with and wedging said elongated flexible member within said slot against said retention member to thereby hold said other opposite end portion of said elongated flexible member stationary in relation to said retention member and maintain said elongated flexible member tightened about the utility pole, whereas said latch element in said unlatched position being angularly displaced from said latch element in said latched position and disengaged from and unwedging said elongated flexible member within said slot to thereby allow said elongated flexible member to loosen about the utility pole, and(ii) means for releasing said latch element from said latched position to said unlatched position.