WILDLIFE GUARD ASSEMBLIES FOR LINE POST INSULATORS

A wildlife guard assembly is provided that includes two cover sections, a biasing member, and a toggle action lever mechanism. The cover sections are hinged so that the cover sections, when in a closed position, a cavity to capture a line post insulator is defined. The biasing member normally biases the cover sections to the closed position. The lever mechanism is connected to the cover sections and has an over-center position that releasably holds the two cover sections in an open position. The lever mechanism is positioned in the cavity such that, during installation on the line post insulator, the line post insulator interacts with the lever mechanism to move the lever mechanism from the over-center position to allow the biasing member and the lever mechanism to move the cover sections to the closed position.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is related to wildlife guard assemblies for line post insulators. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to wildlife guard assemblies that can be placed on line post insulators using a lineman hotstick and/or while the insulators are energized.

2. Description of Related Art

Line post insulators are commonly used in modern electrical distribution and transmission systems. The line post insulators are made of porcelain or composite material that are operatively coupled to electrical conductors. The line post insulators can be mounted on a utility pole and towers in various positions including horizontally, vertically, and angles therebetween.

Electric poles, towers, including substations provide attractive locations for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and others to perch and/or nest. The perching or nesting can result in an electrocution hazard for the wildlife, can damage the line post insulators, can damage the conductors connected to the insulators, can cause power outages in remote or hard to access locations, and can create a fire hazard to the surrounding environment.

Thus, a number of solutions have been proposed for guarding or covering electrical transmission and distribution gear from wildlife. However, it has been found that many prior art guards can be expensive to make, can be difficult to install, can require the lines/equipment to be de-energized during installation, can fail to remain in the desired location on the equipment, and others identified issues.

Accordingly, there is a need for wildlife guard assemblies that address overcome, alleviate, and/or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned and other deleterious effects of the prior art.

SUMMARY

A wildlife guard assembly for a line post insulator is provided. The assembly includes two cover sections, a biasing member, and a toggle action lever mechanism. The cover sections are hinged for movement about a hinge axis between a closed position and an open position. The cover sections, when in the closed position, define a cavity sufficient to capture the line post insulator. The biasing member normally biases the cover sections to the closed position. The toggle action lever mechanism is connected to the two cover sections and has an over-center position that corresponds with the open position. The toggle action lever mechanism releasably holds the two cover sections in the open position when in the over-center position. The toggle action lever mechanism is positioned in the cavity such that, during installation on the line post insulator, the line post insulator interacts with the toggle action lever mechanism to move the toggle action lever mechanism from the over-center position to allow the biasing member and the toggle action lever mechanism to move the two cover sections to the closed position.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the cover sections are identically shaped.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the cover sections include a hotstick engaging region.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, at least one of the two cover sections includes a hotstick engaging region.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the biasing member is one or more torsion springs disposed about the hinge axis.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the two cover sections include a first section and a second section. The first section has a first hinge pin and a first hinge knuckle, while the second section has a second hinge pin and a second hinge knuckle. The first hinge pin is movably secured to the second hinge knuckle and the second hinge pin is movably secured to the first hinge knuckle so that the first and second sections are movable about the hinge axis.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the two cover sections include a structural rib protruding therefrom and defining a hollow region in the cavity.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the hollow region is sized and positioned to receive the toggle action lever mechanism when in the closed position.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the toggle action lever mechanism, when in the closed position, cooperates with the structural rib to provide strength and resistance to bending/warping to the two cover sections.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the two cover sections each have at least one conductor covering portion depending therefrom that form a semi-circular region such that, when in the closed position, interact to form a region that completely encircles or captures an electrical conductor operatively coupled to the line post insulator.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, a further conductor cover having a rib is provided. The further conductor cover is positioned on the electrical conductor and the at least one conductor covering portions with the rib operatively engaging a shoulder of the at least one conductor covering portion.

A wildlife guard assembly is also provided that includes two cover sections, a biasing member, and a toggle action lever mechanism. The cover sections are hinged for movement about a hinge axis between an open position and closed position, which defines a cavity sufficient to capture the line post insulator between the cover sections. The cover sections each have a structural rib protruding therefrom, which defines a hollow region in the cavity. The biasing member normally bias the two cover sections to the closed position. The toggle action lever mechanism is connected to the two cover sections and has an over-center position that that corresponds with the open position. The toggle action lever mechanism releasably holds the two cover sections in the open position when in the over-center position. The hollow region is sized and positioned to receive the toggle action lever mechanism when in the closed position.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the toggle action lever mechanism, when in the closed position, cooperates with the structural rib to provide strength and resistance to bending/warping to the two cover sections.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the toggle action lever mechanism is positioned in the cavity such that, during installation on the line post insulator, the line post insulator interacts with the toggle action lever mechanism to move the toggle action lever mechanism from the over-center position to allow the biasing member and the toggle action lever mechanism to move the two cover sections to the closed position.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the two cover sections are identically shaped.

A method of installing a wildlife guard assembly on a line post insulator is provided. The method includes pivoting two cover sections of the wildlife guard assembly about a hinge axis to an open position by overcoming a biasing member such that a toggle action lever mechanism within the wildlife guard assembly moves to an over-center position that holds the two cover sections in the open position and then placing the wildlife guard assembly over the line post insulator. The placing step includes interacting the toggle action lever mechanism and the line post insulator such that the toggle action lever mechanism moves from the over-center position allowing the biasing member and the toggle action lever mechanism to move the two cover sections to a closed position capturing the line post insulator in the wildlife guard assembly.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the step of placing the wildlife guard assembly includes connecting a lineman hotstick to the wildlife guard assembly and using the lineman hotstick to move the wildlife guard assembly into position on the line post insulator.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the step of placing the wildlife guard assembly includes leaving the line post insulator energized.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the two cover sections of the wildlife guard assembly each include conductor covering portions depending therefrom such that the interacting step further includes allowing the biasing member and the toggle action lever mechanism to move the two cover sections to the closed position capturing at least a portion of an electrical conductor in operative communication with the line post insulator in the wildlife guard assembly.

In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the conductor covering portions further include a shoulder depending therefrom, the method further including the step of placing a conductor cover over the conductor so that a rib defined in the conductor cover captures the shoulder.

The above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings and in particular toFIGS.1-3, an exemplary embodiment of a wildlife guard assembly according to the present disclosure is shown and is generally referred to by reference numeral10. Advantageously, assembly10is configured so that it can be installed on a line post insulator12while energized by an electrical conductor14with the use of only one lineman hotstick (not shown). Insulator12is shown by way of example in a vertical position. However, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for assembly10to function when insulator12is in any desired position.

Assembly10has two cover sections16,18that are hinged at an upper extent for movement about a hinge axis20between an open position (FIG.4) and a closed position (FIG.3). Assembly10further includes one or more biasing members22(two shown) that normally bias sections16,18to the closed position (FIG.1). Sections16,18define, in the closed position, an inner cavity (C) sufficient to capture operative portions of insulator12.

Assembly10further includes a toggle action lever mechanism24positioned in cavity (C) that can releasably hold sections16,18in the open position (FIG.4). Lever mechanism24, when in the open position ofFIG.4, holds sections16,18in the open position against the action of biasing members22. However, movement of lever mechanism24from the open position allows biasing members22to close sections16,18— and allows the biasing members to hold the sections in the closed position around insulator12.

More specifically and as will be disclosed in more detail herein below, lever mechanism24has an over-center lock point (i.e., the open position ofFIG.4) that includes a fixed stop to prevent over opening of sections16,18. Once lever mechanism24is in the over-center position, sections16,18cannot move or close unless the lever mechanism is moved from the over-center position.

Lever mechanism24is positioned in cavity (C) of assembly10so that the lever mechanism contacts or interacts with a portion of insulator12during installation of the assembly. Thus, the same movement used to move assembly10onto insulator12also results in movement of lever mechanism24from the over-center position—allowing biasing members22to close sections16,18onto insulator12.

Assembly10is configured so that sections16,18— when in the closed position—clamp around and capture conductor14and at least one a feature of insulator12. In the illustrated embodiment, sections16,18capture an insulator shed profile26of insulator12. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for sections16,18to capture other portions of insulator12.

Assembly10is further configured for installation onto insulator via a single lineman hotstick. Specifically, at least one of sections16,18can, in some embodiments, further include a hotstick engaging region28. Region28can be as simple as an opening that can be engaged by a hook of a hotstick (not shown) in a known manner. In this manner, assembly10can be engaged by the hotstick and safely installed onto insulator12and conductor14while the conductor is energized.

In the illustrated embodiment, sections16,18each include region28formed as a tab depending from the sections, respectively. In some embodiments, region28depends from an outwardly protruding structural rib30on each section16,18. Structural rib30is configured to withstand the forces imparted from region28to sections16,18during installation via the hotstick.

In some embodiments, structural rib30forms a hollow region32inside of sections16,18— where this hollow region is sized and positioned to receive lever mechanism24when in the closed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, sections16,18can have an identical shape—such that assembly10can be formed by connecting the two identical sections to one. As such, assembly10has a reduced number of components that improves the ease of manufacture and assembly. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for sections16,18to have shapes that differ from one another.

Each section16,18has a hinge pin34and a hinge knuckle36. During assembly, hinge pin34of section16is pivotally secured in hinge knuckle36of section18, while the hinge pin34of section18is pivotally secured in hinge knuckle36of section16. When secured to one another, hinge pins34and hinge knuckles36are disposed along hinge axis20so that sections16,18can move about the hinge axis.

In some embodiments, knuckles36resiliently flex to secure pins34in the knuckles, while allowing movement of sections16,18about hinge axis20after connection of the sections to one another. Of course, other connections between sections16,18that allow for pivoting movement about hinge axis20are contemplated by the present disclosure.

Sections16,18are made of any insulating material having sufficient strength and toughness to withstand ambient environmental conditions, while having sufficient resilience to allow knuckles36to flex over pins3during assembly. In some embodiments, sections16,18are made of polypropylene or other polymeric materials.

Biasing members22can be any member sufficient to provide a biasing force to sections16,18about hinge axis20to bias the sections to the normally closed position (FIG.1) and to provide a clamping force secure sections16,18onto insulator12and conductor14. In the illustrated embodiment, biasing members22is are shown as torsion springs. Of course, other biasing members22such as, but not limited to, compression springs, extension springs, and others are contemplated for use by the present disclosure.

Insulator12can have many different configurations—with conductor14entering and exiting from the insulator in different areas. Thus in some embodiments, sections16,18can, in the closed position, form a closed cover that is only open for insulator12to pass through at base cover38, which is remote from hinge axis20.

In the illustrated embodiment where conductor14enters and exits insulator12from opposite sides (i.e., offset by 180 degrees), sections16,18can further include have conductor covering portions40depending therefrom. Each portion40forms a semi-circular region that, when assembly10is closed, form in region that completely encircles or captures conductor14.

Conductor covering portions40can—in some embodiments—include a shoulder42depending therefrom—and can include one or more features44defined on the shoulder42. Shoulder42and, when present, features44, can be engaged by further conductor covers46shown inFIGS.8and9as will be described in more detail below.

Lever mechanism24can be any over-center toggle mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, lever mechanism24has two levers48that have a first pivot point50at sections16,18, respectively, and a central pivot point52. The installation of assembly10onto insulator12and conductor14—as well as the movements of lever mechanism24—are described in more detail with respect toFIGS.5-7.

FIG.5illustrates assembly10before installation onto insulator12and conductor14. Here, assembly10is shown in the open position, with lever mechanism24in the over-center position—in which sections16,18are held by the lever mechanism in the open position.

FIG.6illustrates assembly10during installation onto insulator12and conductor14. Here, base cover38of section16is positioned below shed profile26of insulator12and assembly10is moved with respect to the insulator until one of levers48comes into contact or interacts with the insulator.

The contact or interaction between lever48and insulator12moves lever mechanism24out of the over-center position, with both levers48pivoting about pivot points50,52, respectively. The movement of levers48pulls sections16,18inward towards one another, capturing insulator12between the sections and capturing conductor14between conductor covering portions40. It can be seen that the movement levers48is such that the levers are moving into hollow region32formed by structural rib30at least at pivot points50.

FIG.7illustrates assembly10after installation onto insulator12and conductor14. Here, assembly10is shown in the closed position, with lever mechanism24received in hollow region32formed by structural rib30, sections16,18in contact with one another capturing the insulator, and with conductor14captured between conductor covering portions40.

In the closed position with lever mechanism24positioned in hollow region32, the lever mechanism can cooperate with structural rib30to provide enhanced strength and resistance to bending/warping of assembly10.

During movement from the open position ofFIG.5and the partially closed position ofFIG.6, biasing members22assist in the movement of sections16,18towards one another. Further, after movement to the closed position ofFIG.7, biasing members22assist in maintaining sections16,18in the closed position and capturing insulator12and conductor14—namely providing a clamping force on the assembly.

It is generally desired for assembly10to eliminate gaps into which wildlife can pass into the assembly and into contact with insulator12and/or conductor14. Thus, assembly10is configured to minimize gaps between sections16,18.

For example and as shown inFIG.4, sections16,18can, in some embodiments, include a lip54along one edge. In the closed position, lip54closes over the opposing edge56to eliminate gaps between sections16,18.

In other embodiments, gaps can be mitigated by providing base38with an opening having an inner dimension approximately equal to an outer dimension of insulator12. Similarly, gaps can be mitigated by providing conductor covering portions40with an opening having an inner dimension approximately equal to an outer dimension of conductor14. Of course, other gap mitigation techniques are contemplated by the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, assembly10is further configured to eliminate gaps via conductor covering portions40, which is described in more detail with reference toFIGS.8-9. As noted above, conductor covering portions40can include shoulder42with features44defined on the shoulder. Shoulder42and, when present, features44, can be engaged by a corresponding rib58defined in conductor covers46.

Here, conductor covers46can be positioned over conductor14via a hotstick in a known manner such that shoulder42is received in rib58of the conductor covers. When features44are present on shoulder42, the features can interact with corresponding features (not shown) in rib58to mitigate rotation of assembly10and conductor covers46with respect to one another about conductor14.

Conductor covers46are configured to couple with commercially available rubber line hose and insulator covers (not shown). In some embodiments, conductor covers46are made of polypropylene and are gray in color and can be, for example, 2 feet long and are available with a Grip-All adapter for hot stick application or without adapter for rubber glove application.

When desired, gaps can even further be eliminated by way of clips60that can be positioned over the interface between conductor covering portions40of assembly10and conductor covers46. Clips60aide in retention of conductor covers46. As insulator12can be position in various angles in relation to ground level, conductor covers46can be timed (i.e., positioned angularly) to the assembly10by features44. Therefore, regardless the angle of insulator12and, thus, assembly10, conductor covers46can be position in a vertical orientation with the opening at the bottom facing towards the ground—providing protection to perching wildlife. Clips60can ensure the notch on conductor covers46coincide with the notches on each conductor covering portions40of sections16,18, respectively.

As disclosed herein, assembly10provides a simple to use design of very few components. Assembly10is configured to hold itself in the open position, then close by the same movement of the assembly with respect to insulator12via a hotstick while the insulator is energized. Assembly10captures insulator12and conductors14while minimizing gaps. The simple design of assembly10allows for installation on insulators12that are in a variety of positions—vertical, horizontal, and angles therebetween.

PARTS LIST