A POLE STRUCTURE

Abstract: A pole for supporting power cables, telephone lines, cable conveyors, antennas or for use as a portal post, lamp pole or the like, comprising a single open metal profile (1) or two open metal profiles placed symmetrically or essentially symmetrically in relation to an intermediate vertical plane. The profiles (1) have two legs (8), a polygonal cross-sectional shape and a longitudinally extending symmetry plane (11), wherein braces or ties (12) are arranged between surface parts (17) which are spaced substantially equidistant from the symmetry plane (11) and connected to the ends of the ties and wherein profiles (1) and ties (12) are configured and positioned so as to provide a pole which is relatively light in weight and highly stable in requisite directions for the intended purpose and to which access can be readily had for inspection and cable-drawing purposes.

Description: A pole structure The present invention relates to a pole structure intend¬ ed for supporting power lines, telephone lines, cable conveyers, antennas or as portal posts, lamp posts or the like, said post structure comprising a separate, open metal profiled section or two open metal profiled sec¬ tions which are positioned generally symmetrically or symmetrically i relation to an intermediate vertical plane and which have two legs, a polygonal cross-section and a longitudinally extending symmetry plane. The impregnated, wooden post is the most common type of power-line and telephone-line supporting pole or post in present day use. In addition to these poles being bulky and difficult to transport because of their length, the reduced availability of suitable wood for the manufacture of such poles has resulted in long delivery times. The poles are normally impregnated creosote or arsenic, in order to guard against biological attack from fungus, insects and other vermin and infestants. These impregnat¬ ing agents, however, increase contamination of the soil and waterways, and may also cause allergies. Creosote also contains carcinogenic substances. It is quite proba- ble that the use of creosote and arsenic-based impregnat¬ ing agents will be banned at some future date and that the use of impregnated wooden poles will be subjected to environmental charges and fines and stricter handling controls, therewith increasing the need and demand for other types of poles or posts, such as concrete poles, lattice-structure metal poles, tubular metal poles and poles constructed from open metal profiled sections. Concrete poles are produced, for instance, by centrifugal casting techniques, i.e. a manufacturing method which places a relatively high demand on resources. Because of their heavy weight and bulky dimensions, concrete poles are difficult to transport and erect, particularly in dense forest country. Furthermore, this type of pole requires much stronger bracing wires than wooden poles for instance. The passage of time results in the forma¬ tion of cracks in the concrete surfaces and those poles which are placed in wet ground stand the risk of frost damage. In general, metal poles of latticework construction are comprised of a large number of elements which are joined together during manufacture and/or in conjunction with erecting the pole. The work entailed in joining and fitting these elements together is relatively complicate and the large number of joins entailed increase the risk of fracture around these parts. The configuration of the latticework structure also renders the structure sensi¬ tive to icing and corrosion. The tubular metal poles are normally used for street lighting and are not normally suitable for use as power cable poles or antenna masts, since the requisite length of such poles, or posts, and the high loads to which the are subjected presumes the use of a relatively heavy gauge plate, resulting in high material and manufacturin costs. The closed cross-sectional configuration of such posts also renders the post susceptible to condensation, which is a drawback from the aspect of corrosion, and also makes inspection of the poles and internal drawing of wires and cables therethrough difficult, for instance. The object of the present invention is to provide an environmentally friendly pole structure to which access can be had readily for inspection and cable drawing purposes and which has a relatively low weight and good stability in all directions appropriate to the purpose for which the pole is intended, and also a pole which can be readily manufactured, assembled and transported, and also a pole which will fulfil all of the requirements concerning resistance to corrosion, mechanical strength and useful life in respect of poles subjected to high loads in outdoor environments. Accordingly, the present invention provides a pole for use in supporting power cables, telephone lines, cable conveyors, antennas or for use as portal posts, lamp posts or the like, said pole, or post, comprising a separate open metal profiled section, or two open metal profiled sections, placed symmetrically in relation to an intermediate vertical plane, or essentially symmetrically to said plane, said profiled sections having two legs, a polygonal cross-sectional shape and a longitudinally extending symmetry plane, characterized in that, when the pole comprises a single, separate profiled section, braces or ties are arranged between surface parts which are located substantially equidistant from the symmetry plane and connected to the ends of said tie; and in that when the pole comprises two profiled sections, ties are arranged between surface parts which are located substan¬ tially equidistant from the vertical plane and connected to the ends of said ties. Hereinafter the profiled sec- tions are referred to simply as profiles. When the pole includes a single metal profile, the pro¬ file will preferably have a cross-sectional shape which either forms an open polygon of truncated U-shape or U-shaped extension, circular exten¬ sion, or a cross-sectional shape of truncated V-shape or V-shaped extension, whereas when the pole comprises two metal profiles, each profile will preferably have a cross-sectional shape of an open half-square extension. According to one embodiment of the invention, the metal profile or sections of the post is/are provided with two longitudinally extending planar stiffening flanges which are disposed symmetrically in relation to the symmetry plane of the profile or sections, so as together with the ties provide increased stability in the cross-direction of the pole. The surface parts to which the ends of the ties are connected may either be located along the corners of the section or sections from which the flanges extend or along side parts of respective flanges or legs. According to another embodiment, the ties are arranged horizontally and spaced apart at stepping dis¬ tances, so that the ties, or braces, can also be used as step means when climbing up and down the pole. According to another embodiment of the invention, the pole is divided into sections, which may have mutually different cross-sectional shapes. In order to facilitate movement and erection of a pole assembly which either includes or does not include a pole supporting element, the assembly may be made collapsible by mounting pivotal connecting devices between the pole and the support surface and/or between two pole sections. When the pole is erected, the upper section of the pole may be placed at an angle of up to 100 " in relation to the remaining sections, thereby enabling the pole, or post, to be used as a portal post, a street lighting post or the like. An inventive pole is suitably comprised of at least one polygonal metal section made of folded steel plate rein¬ forced, or braced, with stepping pins and provided with bar flanges which are either welded to the section or formed integrally therewith, said pole either being manufactured in sections or in a single length. When the pole is manufactured in sections, each of said sections is configured so as to enable it to be fitted to another section simply and quickly, such that the resultant pole will have good stability in the requisite directions. For economic reasons and for ease of transport, an advantage is afforded when the pole, which may have a length of from 10-24 m, is assembled from a plurality of not over- bulky pole sections in conjunction with handling the pole, each of these sections preferably having a length of about 4 to 10 m. The sections of an erected pole are mutually connected in an appropriate manner, and the lowermost section is fixedly mounted to a pole supporting element or foundation element particularly intended for this purpose, said support normally having a length of 1.5 to 3.5 m. The inventive pole has a large number of important advan¬ tages over the conventional wooden pole or post. For example, since this pole of long construction is com¬ prised of several less bulky sections, these sections can be transported in an unassembled state or folded down one upon the other, pivotally mounted together. Since the material from which the inventive pole is made is in comparatively good supply, delivery times are shorter an the fact that long poles are manufactured in sections reduces storage volumes and eliminates long storage costs. The pole is constructed and dimensioned for a useful length of life of about 40 years and the sections can be exchanged or reused in another pole structure. Furthermore, it is not necessary to impregnate the pole with an impregnating agent, which is an advantage from the aspect of working and natural environments. Further¬ more, the pole can be provided with stepping pins to facilitate climbing of the pole without needing to use pole clamps. In comparison with concrete poles, the inventive pole has several important advantages from the aspect of pole manufacture and pole handling, since the pole is prefera¬ bly manufactured in sections of thin, folded metal sheet of relatively low weight. Compared with metal poles of latticework construction, the inventive pole has important assembly advantages, since the number of parts to be joined together are fewer than in the case of latticework constructions. Since the diagonal and horizontal surfaces are also fewer in num¬ ber, there is also less risk of icing and corrosion. As opposed to the tubular metal poles, the inventive pole has an open cross-sectional form which means that the pole is self-ventilating and therewith less susceptible to corrosion. Furthermore, the metal profile is flexuraly rigid in all important directions, despite being con¬ structed from a relatively thin metal plate, which af- fords good stability both in the longitudinal and trans¬ verse direction, at reasonable cost. The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to an exemplifying embodiment thereof and also with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side view of an inven¬ tive pole erected on a pole supporting element, said pole comprising three sections and including a single metal profile having two flanges; Figure 2 is a front view of the pole shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged, radial cross-sectional view of component parts of a pole section according to Figures 1 and 2, in which the metal profiles form an open nine-cornered configuration of essentially U-shaped extension; Figure 4 illustrates an alternative cross-sectional shape in which the profile forms an open eight-cornered configuration of generally truncated U-shaped extension; Figure 5 illustrates an alternative cross-section in which the profile forms an open eleven-cornered configuration of generally circular extension; Figure 6 illustrates an alternative cross- sectional in which the profile forms an open three-cor¬ nered configuration of substantially U-shaped extension; Figure 7 illustrates another alternative cross-section in which the profile has a generally truncated V-shaped extension; Figure 8 is a radial cross-sectional view of an inventive pole which comprises two metal profiles each provided with two flanges, each said profile having in cross-section a generally open half-square extension; Figure 9 is a radial cross-sectional view of an inventive pole which includes two metal profiles which are not provided with flanges, wherein each profile has in cross- section an open half-square extension, and Figures 10 and 11 are enlarged views of the joins between the upper pol sections in Figures 1 and 2 respectively. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an inventive pole assembly which consists of three pole sections 21, 22, 23 and a pole supporting element 20, wherein the two lower sec¬ tions 21, 22 are joined together by means of a bolt join 25 with the aid of horizontal attachment plates 26 welde to each section, and wherein the pole supporting element 20 and the bottom section 21, similar to the two remain¬ ing sections 22 and 23, are mutually joined together by means of connecting devices 24 which enable the pole assembly to be collapsed. Each section 21, 22, 23 in¬ cludes a polygonal metal profile 1 having a longitudinal- ly extending opening in which braces or ties 12 are mounted horizontally at stepping distances from one another, so that the ties can be used for climbing up and down the section. In the case of another embodiment, however, the ties are mounted diagonally, for example. As will be seen from Figures 3-9, the inventive pole is either comprised of a separate, open metal profile 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 , or is comprised of two metal profiles 6 or 7 which are arranged generally symmetrically in relation to an intermediate vertical plane 10. All profiles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 include two legs 8 or 9 and have a polygo¬ nal cross-section and a longitudinally extending symmetry plane 11. The profiles 1-6 are provided with two longitudinally extending planar stiffening flanges 14, 15 or 16 which are arranged generally symmetrically in relation to the symmetry plane 11. With regard to the profiles 4 and 5 the stiffening flanges 16 are welded to corresponding legs 8. The flanges 16 are normally formed from a heavier gauge metal plate than the legs 8 and, according to current standards, the horizontal width of the legs should be about ten times greater than the leg thickness. In remaining embodiments, the flanges are comprised of folded or bent end-parts of the metal profile, wherein, according to current standards, the horizontal width of the flanges will be about 10 times the plate thickness of the profile legs. In those instances when the pole includes a single pro¬ file 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, braces or ties are suitably welded between surface parts located generally equidistant in relation to the symmetry plane 11, whereas when the pole comprises two profiles 6 or 7, braces or ties 13 are suitably welded between surface parts which are located generally equidistant in relation to the vertical plane 10. The surface parts to which the ends of the ties or braces are welded are located along the outer longitudinally extending corner edges 17 between the legs 8 or 9 and the flanges 14 formed along the bend, in the case of the profiles 1, 3 and 6. In the case of the profiles 2 and 7, said surface parts are located along the outer, longi¬ tudinally extending side-parts 18 of the leg or legs 9, while in the case of the profiles 4 and 5, said surface parts are located along the longitudinally extending side-parts 18 of the flanges 16. In the case of a pole which has a length of about 15 meters (not including the pole supporting element) and an embodiment according to Figures 1-3, the pole cross- section will preferably have the following approximate measurements: plate thickness 4 mm, inner bending ra¬ dius 10 mm, flange 40 mm, stepping pin 210x110 mm, leg 110 mm and connecting profile side 160 mm, and remaining profile sides (with bending angle 36 " ) 140 mm. The U-shaped profiles shown in Figures 3 and 4 are par¬ ticularly suitable when the loads acting parallel to the symmetry plane 11 are slightly greater than those loads which acts perpendicularly to the same plane, which normally applies to a pole which carries power lines and the power lines extend parallel with the symmetry plane shown in the Figure. The angle subtended by the legs 8 or 9 and the outer connecting profile side may be even greater, suitably about 100°, than the right angle shown in the Figures. The profile according to Figure 4, howev¬ er, should have slightly thicker walls compared to the profile shown in Figure 3. A pole section of circular cross-section, according to Figure 5, can be used when the loads that act on the pole are generally equal around the circumference thereof, as in the case, for instance, of a lamp post or antenna mast. The cross-section of the profile may extend through a full 350°, although preferably about 330". Pole sections having the cross-sectional shapes shown in Figures 6 and 7 and provided with horizontally disposed braces or ties are suitable for use in pole assemblies in which installation work is often undertaken. These sec¬ tions will preferably have thicker walls than the sec¬ tions shown in Figures 3-5, and can be adapted to differ- ent loading conditions more readily, by modifying the thickness and extension of the stiffening flanges 16 welded to the sections. Poles which comprise two separate, symmetrically disposed profiles with interconnecting ties or braces and having a cross-sectional shape according to Figure 8 or Figure 9 are suitable for use in those instances when the loads act perpendicular to the vertical plane 10 and are sig- nificantly greater than the forces which act parallel with the same plane, said poles being used advantageously as power poles where, for instance, two power cables which extend parallel with the vertical plane 10 are located above respective profiles. Since the pole illus- trated in Figure 9 lacks stiffening flanges, the wall thickness should be significantly greater than the wall thickness of the pole illustrated in Figure 8. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the connecting device 24 between the two upper pole sections 22, 23. The connect¬ ing device 24 is comprised of four vertical attachment plates 26 which are firmly welded in pairs to respective sections, and a plurality of bolt joints 25 with interme¬ diate washers 27 for reducing the risk of frost damage, among other things. The longitudinally extending welds have been shown with diagonal dashes in the Figures. It will be noted that the pole sections are slightly dis¬ placed in relation to one another, so as to enable the pole to be readily assembled and collapsed, and also that the pole sections of these embodiments are simply bolted together. When the pole includes a plurality of pivotally mounted sections, for pole handling purposes, it is preferred to offset the pole sections alternately to the right and to the left. Although the present invention has been illustrated with particular reference to the embodiments described it will be understood that the invention is not restricted hereto and that changes and modifications obvious to those skilled in this art can be made. It will also be understood that the pole sections, for instance, may be welded together in the absence of at¬ tachment plates and bolt joints, and that sections of different cross-sectional shapes can be advantageously combined. Furthermore, the longitudinal sides of the pole need not necessarily be parallel with one another, ean- ing that the pole may have a conical configuration, for instance. It is essential, however, that dimensioning of the profiles and the profile measurements are such as to ensure that the pole will fulfil all current standards and that the modifications lie within the scope of the features characteristic of the invention. Further examples of conceivable modifications include the choice of other configurations for the ties and attach¬ ment plates and other materials having similar properties for those materials stated herein. In other words, the invention is not restricted to the illustrated and de¬ scribed embodiments, since modifications can be made within the scope of the following claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A pole for supporting power cables, telephone lines, cable conveyors, antennas or for use as a portal post, lamp pole or the like, comprising a single open metal profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,), or two open metal profiles (6, 7), placed symmetrically in relation to an intermediate vertical plane (10), or essentially symmetrically to said plane, said profiles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) having two legs (8, 9), a polygonal cross-sectional shape and a longitudinally extending symmetry plane (11), character¬ ized in that, when the pole comprises a single profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,), braces or ties (12) are arranged be¬ tween surface parts which are spaced substantially equi- distant from the symmetry plane (11) and connected to the ends of said tie; and in that when the pole comprises two profiles (6, 7), ties or braces (13) are arranged between surface parts which are located substantially equidistant from the vertical plane (10) and connected to the ends of said ties. 2. A pole according to Claim 1, c a r a c¬ t e r i z e d in that each profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) is provided with two longitudinally extending, planar stiff- ening flanges (14, 15, 16) which are disposed generally symmetrically or symmetrically in relation to the symme¬ try plane (11) of the profile. 3. A pole according to Claim 2, c h a r a c- t e r i z e d in that said surface parts are provided on the longitudinally extending corner edges (17) of each profile (1, 3, 6) from which respective flanges (14) extend. 4. A pole according to Claim 2, c h a r a c¬ t e r i z e d in that said surface parts are provided o the longitudinally extending side-parts (18) of respec¬ tive flanges (16). 5. A pole according to Claim l or 2, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that said surface parts are provided o longitudinally extending side-parts (19) of respective legs (9) . 6. A pole according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the ties (12, 13) are mounted horizontally at stepping distances from one another. 7. A pole according to any one of the preceding claims which is comprised of a single, individual profile (l, 2, 3, 4, 5), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the profile (1, 2, 4) has an open polygonal cross-section of general- ly truncated U-shaped or U-shaped extension. 8. A pole according to any one of claims 1-6 comprised of a single individual profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the profile (3) has an open polygonal cross-section of generally arcuate exten¬ sion which embraces an angle of up to 350 ° . 9. A pole according to any one of claims 1-6, comprised of a single individual profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the profile (5) has a cross-section of generally truncated V-shaped or V-shaped extension. 10. A pole according to any one of claims 1-6, com¬ prised of two profile (6, 7), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that each profile has a cross-section of generally open half-square extension. 11. A pole according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the pole is divided into sections (21, 22, 23) which are mounted adjacent one another in the direction of the long axis of the pole. 12. A pole according to claim 11, c h a r a c¬ t e r i z e d in that the top pole section (23) is inclined relative to the other pole sections (21, 23) at an angle of between 0° and 100°. 13. A pole according to claim 11 or 12, c h a r a c¬ t e r i z e d in that at least two of the sections (22, 23) have mutually different cross-sectional shapes. 14. A pole according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that pivotal con¬ nectors (24) are mounted between the pole and a pole supporting element or foundation (20) and/or between at least two pole sections (22,23) to provide a foldable pole assembly.

Inventors: LINDGREN KARL-INGVAR, LINDGREN, KARL-INGVAR
Applicants: SKELLEFTEAA BYGGPLANERING AB, AB SKELLEFTEAA BYGGPLANERING
Application year: 1992
Main classification: E04H12
IPC codes: E01F9, E04H12