APPARATUS FOR SECURING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE TO A SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCORPORATING SAME

An apparatus for mounting an electronic device to a support structure includes a coupling member, a clamp member, and a latch mechanism. The coupling member has an elongated electronic device support portion and a clamp support portion. The clamp support portion extends from one end of the device support portion in a direction substantially normal to the device support portion. The clamp member includes a base, a first arched clamp portion, a second arched clamp portion, and a hinge. The base is coupled to the clamp support portion of the coupling member. The first clamp portion has a first end attached to the base. The hinge pivotally couples the first ends of the two clamp portions such that the arch shapes of the two clamp portions oppose each other. The latch mechanism is configured to latch the second ends of the two clamp portions to the support structure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to mounting of electronic devices and, more particularly, to an apparatus for mounting an electronic device to a support structure, such as a streetlight, and an electronic device that includes such an apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Clamping structures are commonly used to mount equipment to structures. In particular, clamping structures can use opposing semi-circular halves that are bolted together on each side around a cylindrical pole section. These halves a sometimes referred to as being U-shaped or horseshoe shaped. To install these a worker generally puts one half on one side of the pole, then aligns the other half with the first half, and passes a respective bolt through each of the opposing ends. This operation generally requires both hands to do. Thus, if the equipment being mounted needs to be held during this process, another person is needed to hold the equipment, or some sort of assistance must be used to hold the equipment being mounted. One type of equipment that is being deployed presently are small cell access node devices. These devices may be mounted on existing lighting structures used to light roads and sidewalks in urban or city locales. Modern lighting structure include electrical connectors that can be used to power associated devices, like small cell access node devices. However, the use of prior art clamping structures to mount small cell access device, and other types of electronic devices, to pole sections, is inefficient, and may require multiple personnel to install the equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a clamp assembly for mounting a small cell access node device to a pole section of a light structure. The clamp assembly includes a coupling member that has an elongated top portion that has a first end and a second end. The coupling member also has a clamp support portion that extends from the second end of the top portion in a direction substantially normal to an elongated direction of the top portion such that the coupling member has a substantial “L” shape. The clamp assembly also includes a clamp member that has a base that is coupled to the clamp support portion. The clamp member also has a first clamp portion that has a first end fixed to the base, and a second end that is free. The first clamp portion has a semicircular shape between its first end and its second end. The clamp member also has a second clamp portion including first end that is joined to the first end of the first clamp portion by a hinge. The second clamp portion has a semicircular shape between its first end and its second end. The semicircular shape of the second clamp portion opposes the semicircular shape of the first clamp portion such that the first and second clamp portions define a circle between them when the second ends of the upper and second clamp portions are bought together. The clamp assembly also has a latch mechanism mounted at the second end of the first clamp portion that is moveable and configured to latch the second end of the second clamp portion to the second end of the first clamp portion.

Some exemplary embodiments of the inventive disclosure provide an electronic device mountable to a support structure. The small cell access node device includes a turn-lock electrical connector disposed on a bottom side at a front of the small cell access node device. The small cell access node device also has a pair of parallel tracks along the bottom side, each one of the pair of tracks runs in a direction from a back to the front of the small cell access node device and each have a slot along the track in which to receive a corresponding shuttle. The small cell access node device has a clamp assembly that includes a coupling member. The coupling member has an elongated top portion with a first end and a second end. The coupling member further including a clamp support portion that extends from the second end of the top portion in a direction substantially normal to an elongated direction of the top portion. The coupling member also includes a first shuttle at first end disposed on a top surface of the top portion and coupled into a first one of the pair of tracks, and a second shuttle at second end disposed on the top surface of the top portion and coupled into a second one of the pair of tracks. The shuttles are movable along the tracks and hold the clamp assembly to the bottom side of the small cell access node device. The clamp assembly of the small cell access node device further includes a clamp member that has a base, and the base is coupled to the clamp support portion of the coupling member. The clamp member further has a first clamp portion having a first end fixed to the base and a second end that is positioned closer to the top portion of the coupling member than the first end. The clamp member also has a second clamp portion that has a first end that is coupled to the first end of the first clamp portion by a hinge joint such that the second clamp portion is moveable about the hinge joint. The second clamp portion also has a second end that mates against the second end of the first clamp portion when the second clamp portion is in a closed position. The clamp assembly further includes a latch that is anchored at the second end of the first clamp portion, and that is configured to engage the second end of the lower clamp member when the lower clamp member is in the closed position.

Some other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a clamp assembly for mounting on a pole section of a lighting structure that includes a coupling member having a top portion. The top portion has a first end, a second end, and a top surface. The coupling member also has a clamp support portion that extends from the top portion at the second end of the top portion, opposite the top surface, at substantially a right angle to the top portion. The clamp assembly further includes a clamp member that has a base that is slidably coupled to the clamp support portion. The clamp member has a first clamp portion having a first end which is fixed to the base, and a second end that is closer to the top portion of the coupling member than the first end of the first clamp portion is to the top portion. The first clamp portion has a semi-circular inner face between the first and second ends of the first clamp portion. The clamp member further has a second clamp portion that has a first end connected to the first end of the first clamp portion at a hinge joint. The second clamp portion is movable about the hinge joint between an open and a closed position. In the closed position a second end of the second clamp portion is against the second end of the first clamp portion. The second clamp portion has a semi-circular inner face between the first and second ends of the second clamp portion. The clamp assembly further has a latch member with a first end anchored at a hinge joint at the second end of the first clamp portion. The latch member is movable about the hinge joint between an unlatched position and a latched position, and is configured to latch the second end of the second clamp portion against the second end of the first clamp portion.

Although the present disclosure illustrates and describes a clamp assembly for mounting a small cell access node device on an outdoor light fixture, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the disclosure and while remaining within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the small cell housing are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, and the housing may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the claimed invention in appropriately detailed structures. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the disclosure. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention, it is believed that the claimed invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

As used in this description, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second,” “third,” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

As used in this description, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the device. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a front elevational view of a clamp assembly with its clamp member in an open position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The clamp assembly100includes a coupling member102and a clamp member104. The coupling member102couples the clamp assembly100to the bottom of an electronic device, such as an aerially-mountable small cell access node or other electronic device, and the clamp member104is configured to encircle or surround, and clamp to, a support structure, such as pole of a streetlight.FIGS. 2 and 3show alternative views of the clamp assembly100with the clamp member104closed as it would be when clamped to a pole section of a lighting fixture.FIG. 4shows an exploded sub-assembly view of the coupling member102, andFIG. 5shows and exploded sub-assembly view of the clamp member104. Some of the features referenced herein may be viewable in one or more ofFIGS. 1-5but not necessarily all of the drawings.

The coupling member102includes an electronic device support portion106having a generally flat, top surface107. The electronic device support portion106has a first end108and a second end110opposite the first end108. The first and second ends108,110generally have a width in a direction normal to a direction from the first end108to the second end110, and the widths of the first and second ends108,110are substantially less than a length between the first and second ends108,110. As a result, the top surface107can be generally rectangular, but can also be elliptical or oval or have another shape. In some applications the top portion106is oriented to be generally horizontal with the top surface107being generally flat. The electronic device support portion106at the first end108, has a bottom116that may be generally flat and parallel to the top surface107along some of the electronic device support portion106from the first end108toward the second end110. A first opening112at the first end passes through the electronic device support portion106, from the top surface107to the bottom116. Likewise, a second opening114at the second end110passes through the electronic device support portion106as well. The first and second openings112,114allow fasteners to pass through the electronic device support portion106to facilitate attachment to the bottom of an electronic device.

A clamp support portion118extends from the electronic device support portion106at a generally right angle to the elongated direction of the electronic device support portion106(i.e., the direction between the ends108,100). In particular, the clamp support portion118extends from the electronic device support portion106opposite the top surface107near the second end110, and is off center, relative to the first and second ends108,110of the electronic device support portion106. The clamp support portion118may depend from or be attached to the electronic device support portion106. The clamp support portion118has a distal end or bottom120that terminates the clamp support portion118, and the clamp support portion118is configured couple to the clamp member104and support the clamp member104. Thus, when the clamp member104is clamped to a pole section of a light fixture, the electronic device support portion106can be coupled to the bottom of the electronic device, and the clamp assembly100acts to secure the electronic device to the support structure (e.g., a pole section of a streetlight).

The clamp member104includes a base portion122and two pivotally or hingeably coupled clamp portions128,136. The base portion122includes a protrusion124(shown in an exemplary rectangular shape inFIG. 5) along its side opposite the side to which the base portion is coupled to a first clamp portion128, which may be a first clamp portion. The protrusion is configured to fit within a corresponding recess, slot, or channel126in the clamp support portion118. In one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion24is shorter than the length of its corresponding channel126in the clamp support portion118to allow the base portion122to be height-adjustable relative to the top portion106. The channel126may be implemented using a slotted opening in the clamp support portion118, which runs in an elongated direction of the clamp support portion118and is longer than the base portion protrusion124to allow the position of the clamp member104to be adjusted relative to the top portion106of the coupling member102. That is, the base portion122can slide along the clamp support portion118in some embodiments and be fixed at a desired position to allow leveling of an electronic device secured to the couple member102by adjusting the distance between the top portion106of the coupling member102and the clamp member104. The base portion122is joined to the first clamp portion128that defines an arched (e.g., semi-circular) engagement surface130, which may include a first bushing component514or may accommodate attachment of a first bushing component514. The first bushing component514may be made of metal, such as aluminum, or any other material having a high coefficient of friction and being slightly compressible or resilient. The first clamp portion128has a first end132that is proximate to the bottom or lower end of the base portion122. From the first end132, the first clamp portion128follows an arched path to a second end134. The second end134of the first clamp portion128is closer to the top portion106of the coupling member102than is the first end132of the first clamp portion128. As such, a line135from the first end132to the second end134of the first clamp portion128may be at about a forty-five degree angle to either the elongated direction of the top portion106of the coupling member102or the elongated direction of the clamp support portion118, since they are at a generally right angle to each other. As a result, the clamp assembly100only needs to be moved or slid a small distance, as indicated by dashed line202, in order to pass over a support structure, such as a section of a pole, as compared to line204if the first ends132,140of the clamp portions128,136were at the same height as their respective second ends134,142.

The second clamp portion136, which may be positioned lower than the first clamp portion134during use of the clamp assembly100, is likewise arched and may include or accommodate attachment of a second bushing component516. The second bushing component516may be made of metal, such as aluminum, or any other material having a high coefficient of friction and optionally being slightly compressible or resilient. The material used and the geometric shape selected for implementing the bushing components514,516should be sufficient to resist movement or rotation of the clamp member104relative to the support structure to which the clamp member104is secured. The second clamp portion136has a first end138that is proximate the first end132of the first clamp portion128and is hingeably joined to the first clamp portion128by an interleaving member140that extends from the first end138of the second clamp portion136between one or more extensions502, which extend from the first end132of the first clamp portion128. A hinge pin504may be included to pass through lateral openings506and508of the interleaving member140and the extension(s)502, respectively. Thus, the second clamp portion136is moveable relative to the first clamp portion128to open and close the clamp member104. In the closed position the second end142of the second clamp portion136will be against the second end134of the upper clamp member128. The second clamp portion136is movable, about the hinge pin504, relative to the first clamp portion128, between a closed position as shown inFIG. 2, and an open position.FIG. 1shows the second clamp portion136in a partially open position, and it can be opened further to allow a light fixture pole to fit within the clamp member104, and then closed to clamp the clamp member104on the pole. Thus, the second clamp portion136is moveable between an open position, such as that shown inFIG. 1, and which can be opened further than that shown. In particular, the lower clamp member136is movable such that a distance between the second ends134,142is larger than the diameter of the circle defined between the first and second clamp portions when the second clamp portion is closed, as shown inFIG. 2, with the second end134,142against each other.

To hold the lower clamp member136in the closed position, a latch is provided that includes a threaded rod152that is anchored at one end in a transverse cylinder154, which has a threaded opening510through the cylinder154to receive the threaded end of the threaded rod152. The cylinder154is held by a boss155at the second end134of the first clamp portion128to form a hinge joint at the second134of the first clamp portion. The hinge joint allows the threaded rod152, acting as a latch member, to rotate about the hinge joint, meaning the free end or latching end of the threaded rod152can rotate around the hinge joint location. The boss155has a corresponding transverse hole512in which the cylinder sits, allowing the cylinder to rotate in place. The boss155includes a slot162along its top to allow the threaded rod152to rotate about the transverse axis of the cylinder154. The boss155is adjacent an outward extension150at the second end134through with the slot162passes. The second clamp portion136, at its second end142, includes an outward or radial extension150that abuts the radial extension150of the first clamp portion128when the lower claim portion136is in the closed position (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 2). The slot164of the radial extension150of the second clamp portion136aligns with the slot162of the radial extension150of the first clamp portion128. As a result, the threaded rod152can be positioned in an extended position as shown inFIG. 1, when the second clamp portion136is in an open position, and then rotated to a latch position as shown inFIGS. 2-3to latch the second clamp portion136in the closed position. A latch nut156disposed on the threaded rod152is retained on the threaded rod152, which is tightened against the backside of the radial extension160to retain the second clamp portion136in the closed position. A retaining cap158can be placed at the distal end of the threaded rod152to prevent the latch nut156from coming off that the threaded rod152.

InFIG. 4, additional features of the coupling member102are shown, in accordance with some alternative embodiments. For example, a non-conductive spacer402can be placed over the top surface107of the top portion106of the coupling member102to provide electrical isolation between the top surface107of the top portion106of the coupling member102and a pair of shuttles404,406that support an electronic device mounted to the top portion106of the coupling member102. The pair of shuttles404,406may be disposed at the first end108and second end110, respectively, of the top portion106. The shuttles sit on top of the top portion106, over the top surface107, and have an outward extending top portion405,407over a connecting portion408,410, respectively. The outward extending portions fit into captured rails in the bottom of the small cell access node device. Pins412,414sit partly in the connecting portions408,410, and partly in the top portion106at the top surface107to prevent the shuttles404,406from turning. A threaded fastener420can pass through opening112at the first end108of the top portion to retain shuttle404. A washer422can be disposed on the threaded shank of the threaded fastener420at the bottom of the top portion106, while a C clip424is used on the distal end of the threaded shank to retain the shuttle404on the threaded shank of the threaded fastener420. Another threaded fastener420can be used to retain shuttle406, passing through opening114at the second end110of the top portion106of the coupling member104.

To hold the clamp member104to the coupling member102threaded fasteners428,430pass through slot126into holes427,431on base122of the clamp member102(seeFIG. 5). Washers432,436, and C clips434,438can be used to retain the threaded fasteners428,430in place, once adjusted. The threaded fasteners428,430can be loosened to allow the base122of the clamp member104to move vertically along the clamp support portion118to an optimum position and then the threaded fasteners428,430can be tightened to hold the clamp member104in place. A clamp cover screw440can be used to hold a cover (not shown) over the threaded fasteners428,430and the exterior side of the clamp support portion118. A retaining clip442can be used to retain the clamp cover screw440.

FIG. 5is an exploded view of the exemplary clamp member104of the clamp assembly100, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. InFIG. 5, the bushing components514,516are secured in their respective clamp portions128,136. The first and second bushing components514,516can be selected to fit the clamp onto a variety of sizes and shapes of support structures, such as light poles. That is, light poles are generally cylindrical or have a rounded rectangular shape but may vary in diameter. To obtain a proper clamp force on the pole section, the characteristics, such as shape and thickness, of the bushing components514,516may be selected for an optimum fit. That is, the bushing components514,516, when together (i.e., when the clamp is closed), will form a hoop, ring, rounded rectangle or other desired shape around the support structure, such that the bushing formed by the bushing components514,516has an inner diameter or other inner dimension that is about equal to the outer diameter or dimension of the support structure, and has an outer diameter or other dimension that is the same size as the diameter or dimension of the opening formed be the first and second clamp portions128,136(without the bushing components514,516). In some embodiments, the bushing components514,516can be made of aluminum and are aligned and secured in their respective clamp portion128,136. For example, second bushing component516has an alignment hole520that aligns with a corresponding alignment hole522in the inner face of the second clamp portion136. A pin518extends through both of the alignment holes520,522to align the bushing component516against the inner face of the second clamp portion136. A clamp insert bolt524also passes through the bushing component516and into the clamp portion to secure the bushing component516to the second clamp portion136. Similarly, alignment pin526passes through alignment hole530in the first bushing component514, which is further secured to the first clamp portion by clamp insert bolt528which screws into a threaded hole in the first clamp portion and passes through the first bushing component514. To further secure the clamp to the light pole, the bushing components514,516, which generally providing a circular inner diameter or shape, can have one or more flat facets532which can further ensure secure clamping in view of the tolerance range of light pole diameters.

FIGS. 6-8shows an electronic device, such as, but not limited to, a small cell access node device, using a clamp assembly100being installed on a streetlight, in sequence.FIG. 6shows the clamp assembly100open, and prior to connecting the electronic device602to the streetlight;FIG. 7shows the electronic device602connected to a light fixture of the streetlight but with the clamp assembly100still open; andFIG. 8shows the electronic device602connected to the streetlight and with the clamp assembly100closed. The electronic device602may be a wireless telecommunications device that provides a local cell of communication access for nearby mobile devices, and connects to a telecommunications network for both voice and data communications. For example, the electronic device602may provide a wireless air interface in accordance with the standard known as “5G,” which supports a fifth generation of mobile wireless communication. According to one exemplary embodiment, the streetlight may have a substantially vertical pole section612that is terminated by a light fixture610. The light fixture610may include an electrical connector614on its top side. The pole section612can be mounted to a building, or joined to a vertical pole section that is erected from a ground base.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device602may include, on its bottom side, an electrical connector site606that has turn-lock prongs608that mate with corresponding electrical connector features in the connector614of the light fixture610. In general, the connector614and mating connector site606are configured to come together vertically such that the prongs608enter receptacles in the connector614, and then the electronic device602is rotated about the connector in a plane normal to the vertical direction to lock the prongs608in place. In some embodiments, the connector614can be a socket as specified by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) in accordance with standard C136.4 or C136.55 of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI). Thus, inFIG. 6, the clamp assembly100is shown in an exemplary manner, above the pole section612, but also to the side, while connection site606is directly over and vertically aligned with connector614so that prongs608will properly engage with mating electrical connector features in the connector614as shown inFIG. 7.

The clamp assembly100is mounted on the bottom604of the electronic device602. On the bottom604of the electronic device602there are two parallel tracks616that are configured to receive therein the top portion405,407of the shuttles404,406while the connecting portions408,410of the shuttles404,406pass through a slot along each track616. The shuttles404,406can move along the track6161, which allows the coupling member102of the clamp assembly100(and therefore the clamp assembly100itself) to be positioned at an optimum or desired point along the tracks616. InFIG. 6, with the electronic device602positioned over the light fixture, and turned such that, while the connection site606is directly over the connector614, the back end of the electronic device602and the clamp assembly100are offset to the side of the pole section612. Further, the second clamp portion136of the clamp member104is open, substantially as shown inFIG. 1so that the pole section can fit between the upper and lower claim portion128,136. Accordingly, from the position shown inFIG. 6, the electronic device602is lowered such the electrical connection at connection site606and the connector614on the lamp610is made, and then the electronic device602is rotated to lock the prong608into the connector614, and at the same time, move the first clamp portion128over the pole section612, and the second clamp portion136under the pole section612to the position shown inFIG. 7. In the position shown inFIG. 7, electrical power is provided to the electronic device602from the lamp610through connector614. The locking aspect of the prongs608and connector614provide a mechanical lock prevents the front end of the electronic device602from separating away from the lamp610. To complete the mounting of the electronic device602onto the light fixture, the second clamp portion136is raised to close the clamp member104, and the threaded rod152is moved so that the latch nut156can be tightened against radial extension160to close the clamp portion128,136together, such that the clamp assembly is substantially in the state shown inFIG. 2. The position of the clamp member104in the coupling member102can then be adjusted to level the electronic device602. With the clamp assembly100clamped onto the pole section612, the electronic device602can then be levelled and is then ready for operation.

The clamp assembly100therefore provides the benefit of being able to adjust the position of the clamp assembly00relative to the electronic device602, and to adjust the position of the clamp member on the coupling member to be able to level the electronic device602. The configuration of the first and second clamp portions128,136allows for single handed closure of the clamp; an installer can lift the second clamp portion136to close the clamp portions128,136together with the fingers of one hand and while holding the second clamp portion in the closed position, use their thumb to move the threaded rod152into the latch position, and the tighten the latch nut156with their thumb as well. One the latch nut is “thumb tight,” the installer can let go of the lower clamp member136and use a tool (wrench) to tighten the latch nut156to a desired torque. Thus, the inventive clamp assembly100allows for simple mounting, including levelling, of the small cell access node device onto a light fixture. By positioning the first clamp portion with the first end lower than the second (free) end, the height that the small cell access node device needs to be lifted for the second end of the first clamp portion to pass over the pole section is reduced, which puts less torque and stress on the electrical connectors when mounting the small cell access node device.

The claims appended hereto are meant to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.