Abstract:
An apparatus and method for connecting a cross-arm to a pole. The apparatus includes a portion which completely surrounds the pole and an extending member extending transversely or outwardly from the pole. A cross-arm is connectable to the extended member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to poles for elevating items, and in particular to apparatus and methods of attaching cross-arms to vertical poles. 
     2. Problems in the Art 
     Different ways to attach cross-arms to vertical poles have evolved over the years. Wooden poles remain one popular method of elevating structures. Cross-arms are generally attached to wooden poles by clamps which surround the solid wooden pole. Clamps are also used to attach cross-arms to concrete and hollow metal poles. Some of the problems with the use of clamps include the risk that the clamping hardware will deteriorate or fatigue over the years. This includes the possibility of the clamping hardware loosening and making the cross-arm subject to failure. It is also time-consuming and sometimes difficult to install cross-arms with clamps. Many times the installation must occur after the vertical pole has been anchored in the ground. The installer must therefore be elevated to the location that the cross-arm is to be placed and many times has to work from substantial heights with cross-arms that are heavy and unwieldy. Installation of cross-arms is also subject to the risk that the installer will not be completely accurate in the installation process, including insuring the correct alignment of the cross-arm to the pole, which many times can be critical. One example where such alignment is critical is when the cross-arm holds sports lighting fixtures which collectively, for several poles and several lighting fixtures, optimally will have precise aimings based on pre-calculations of height and orientation of the cross-arm. 
     Because of the afore-mentioned difficulties, the owner of the present invention developed what will be called a “spacer” that could be attached at one end to the pole and at the other end to a cross-arm. An example of this development can be seen in FIG.  3 . Spacer  2  consists of a hollow body having one end having a curved cut-out which matches the exterior of the pole. The other end is square-cut and matches a flat side of the cross-arm. The spacer  2  could be welded to the metal pole and the metal cross-arm. The structure then does not bear the risk of a loosening of clamping hardware and is very strong. 
     Another benefit of spacer  2  is the fact the it holds the cross-arm a distance away from the pole. This frees up even the portion of the cross-arm right in front of the pole to be used to suspend items, including the mounting structure for a lighting fixture. Thus, a portion of the cross-arm that otherwise could not be easily utilized with some other mounting systems, can be utilized. 
     In the example shown in FIG. 3, spacer  2  could be utilized with a pre-fabricated vertical pole section  4  made of hollow metal and having an upper end  6  and a lower end  8 . Aperture  7  along pole top  4  would be put in the position where each cross-arm  3  was to be located. Spacers  2 , being hollow, would then be welded between pole top  4  over an aperture  7 , and then to a cross-arm  3  which in turn would have an aperture  7 ′, which would be surrounded by the other end of spacer  2 . In this manner, not only could a pole top with cross-arms be pre-assembled at the factory, but the cross-arms and pole top could also be pre-wired through the hollow interior of section  4 , through aperture  7 , through hollow spacers  2 , and through apertures  7 ′ in cross-arms  3 . This lends itself to pre-construction of an entire pole top, including the items to be elevated, for example, electrically powered sports lighting fixtures that would be attached as indicated at reference numeral  1  to various spaced-apart locations along cross-arms  3  (other locations not shown). 
     Spacers  2  at FIG. 3 therefore achieve the function of allowing a strong factory-assembled connection between pole top  4  and the cross-arms  3 , along with the ability to pre-wire the same. The pole top  4 , with pre-installed and pre-wired cross-arms  3 , could be shipped pre-assembled to location. The bottom  8  of pole top  4  could then be slip-fit over the top of the main part of the pole to be erected, with sports lighting which could be many tens of feet tall (including over a 100 feet tall). 
     Such a combination is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,537, issued Feb. 4, 1997, co-owned by the owner of the present application, and the contents thereof are incorporated by reference herein. 
     Although the structure shown in FIG. 3 works well for its intended purpose, in certain situations the structure, over long periods of time, has developed fractures at or near the junction of spacers  2  and hollow metal pole or pole top  4 . Although it is not precisely known how and why such fractures occur, one explanation is that in certain environmental conditions, oscillation of cross-arms is believed to occur. Over time the oscillations or vibrations are believed to be transferred through spacers  2  to the relatively thin walled tubular pole  4 . It is believed that spacers  2  can act somewhat like punching tubes which fracture the vertical tube  4  at their junction. It is believed that such fatigue problems are caused by a repeating or long-term cyclic vibration. Many times this is believed to be set up when, for example, lighting fixtures on the order of  30 ″ diameter are supported on the cross-arms and the wind causes such vibration. 
     It is therefore believed that there is room for improvement with respect to the method of spacing cross-arms  3  from pole  4  as shown in FIG. 3, or, at least, room for trying to eliminate any punching action by spacers  2  relative to the pole. 
     It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for connecting and spacing a cross-arm relative a pole section which improves over or solves the problems and deficiencies in the art. 
     Further options, features, and advantages of the invention include an apparatus and method which: 
     1. Reduces or eliminates punching action by a spacer between cross-arm and pole. 
     2. Provides more support of the cross-arm relative to the spacer and the pole relative to the spacer. 
     3. Reduces or eliminates any punch-through problems between cross-arms and pole. 
     4. Is durable and long-lasting. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying specification and claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for attaching one or more cross-arms to a vertical pole where the cross-arm is held at a somewhat spaced apart position from the pole. With respect to the apparatus, the invention comprises a spacer having a first portion including a aperture for receipt of the vertical pole. A second portion, for attachment to a cross-arm, extends from the first portion transversely relative to the aperture. 
     With regard to the method of the invention, a spacer member is attached in a manner so that it surrounds a part of the pole. A portion of the spacer member extends transversely away from the pole and a cross-arm is attached to the extended part of the member. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention associated with a pole top section. 
     FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view similar to FIG. 2, but showing a prior spacer between pole and cross-arm. 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view of a spacer according to Preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a top plan view of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view of FIG. 1 with a top cover for the pole top section shown in exploded fashion. 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of FIG. 6 with the top cover removed and not shown. 
     FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of FIG.  6 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     For a better understanding of the invention, a detailed description of one preferred embodiment the invention can take will now be set forth. Frequent reference will be taken to the drawings. References numerals will be used to indicate certain parts or locations in the drawings. The same reference numerals will be used to indicate the same parts and locations throughout the drawings unless otherwise indicated. 
     The preferred embodiment is a connection between a vertical pole section and a cross-arm. More specifically, the preferred embodiment&#39;s designed function is to suspend from an elevated height high-intensity light fixtures for wide-area sports lighting or similar applications. Therefore, the cross-arms, the connector, and the pole must be sufficiently strong and durable to suspend the plurality of fixtures, and in many cases a plurality of cross-arms, each with fixtures, at substantial heights. Thus, this strength and durability must not only apply to the inherent weight of all of those components, but also to such things as wind-load that creates additional stresses on such apparatus. All of this is well-known in the art. 
     For a description of some of the considerations that go into designing high-intensity lighting systems, reference can be taken to U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,537. 
     The specifics regarding how the lighting fixtures are mounted to the cross-arms and how the entire vertical pole is constructed and anchored in the ground will not be discussed here and are matters well within the skill and knowledge of those skilled in the art. One way is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,537. A comparison will be made with a prior system to assist in an understanding of the advantages of the invention. 
     As stated earlier, the configuration of FIG. 3 provided a strong durable way to mount metal cross-arms to metal hollow poles. It eliminates the need for clamps or other securing hardware and allows precise manufacturing, construction, preassembly, and orientation of the relative parts to one another. Pole section  4  is several feet long and, therefore, could be worked on in the factory without difficulty. In particular, it could be transported to distance locations in regular sized transportation vehicles such as conventional semi tractor-trailer combinations. The size and configuration of spacer  2  is welded between the metal of pole  4  and a cross-arm  3 , and as mentioned above allowed pre-wiring. Welding of the pieces would be within the skill of those skilled in the art. The dimensions of spacer  2  would depend upon a number of factors including the size of pole  4 , the size and length of cross arm  3 , and the items intended to be carried by cross-arm  3 . An example of one spacer  2  is as follows: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Material 
                 {fraction (3/16)}″ Ga. Tubing, ASTM A 
               
               
                   
                   
                 500 Grade B 
               
               
                   
                 Width side to side 
                 4″ 
               
               
                   
                 Length front to back 
                 2.215″ 
               
               
                   
                 Thickness 
                 2″ 
               
               
                   
                 Radius to receive pole 
                 2⅜″ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     For larger radius poles, the dimensions change as set forth in the following table. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Radius Of Pole 
                 Width 
                 Length 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 2⅞″ 
                 3¾″ 
                 5{fraction (3/16)}″ 
               
               
                 5″    
                 6″    
                 8″    
               
               
                 2.542″ 
                 2.645″ 
                 3.045″ 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As can seen in FIG. 3, spacer  2  does mate with part of the circumference of pole  4 , but no more than approximately 180°. The other end of spacer  2  abuts a vertical flat surface of cross-arm  3 . 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention, in comparison, is shown at FIGS. 1 and 2. Spacers  10 , like spacers  2 , connect cross-arms  3  to pole top section  4 . Spacer  10  includes a main body  12  that includes a portion  14  which completely surrounds pole  4 . A second portion  16  is essentially an extension from main body  12 . As can be seen (see also FIG.  4 ), second portion  16  has a cut-out portion  18  which receives a cross-arm  3 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, therefore, extension portion  16 , with its cut-out  18 , abuts and allows securement between spacer  10  and a cross-arm  3  not only on one vertical flat side of cross-arm  3 , but also extends over the top flat vertical part of cross-arm  3 . 
     The specific construction of spacers  10  can be seen in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. Body  12  consists of an upper surface  20  and a bottom surface  22 , and a side wall  24 . As can be seen specifically in FIG. 5, an aperture  26  exists in top wall  20  and a similar aperture  28  exists in bottom wall  22 . Apertures  26  and  28  are aligned along a central axis  30 . The radius of apertures of  26  and  28  may or may not be the same depending on whether pole section  4  has a constant radius or is tapered from top to bottom. The interior of body  12  is generally hollow. Body  12  is open to its interior at the area defined by cut-out  18 . 
     The following table provides dimensions (see FIGS. 5 and 6) with respect to a spacer  10  associated with a 6.06″ diameter opening or aperture  26 : 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 LETTERS 
                 DIAMETER 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 A 
                 3.13″ 
               
               
                   
                 B 
                 7.38″ 
               
               
                   
                 C 
                 10.69″ 
               
               
                   
                 D 
                 1.94″ 
               
               
                   
                 E 
                 7.00″ 
               
               
                   
                 R 
                 3.03″ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Spacer  10  can be made of the material as described with regard to spacer  2  or other similar materials such as are well-known in the art. 
     FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the assembly of spacers  10  to a pole top  4  and then the attachment of cross-arms  3  to spacers  10 . By referring to FIG. 6, the uppermost part of pole section  4  (indicated at reference numeral  32 ), can be formed of hollow metal tube of 6.06″ approximate outside diameter. The diameter can be constant all the way down to step  36  between upper section  32  and lower section  34  of pole portion  4 . The spacers  10  of FIGS. 4 and 5 could be slipped over the top end of upper part  32  of pole top  4  and slid down to their intended point of attachment. By referring back to FIG. 2, both spacers  10  would be positioned at a point along pole  4  where apertures  7  exist in pole  4 . By means well within the skill of those skilled in the art, both spacers would be rotationally adjusted so that they are aligned with holes  7  and so that extensions  16  point in the correct orientation. Both spacers  10  would then be welded into place on upper part  32  of pole section  4 . 
     FIG. 6 shows that the cover-plate  5  for pole section  4  is detachable for access to the hollow interior of pole section  4 . 
     As FIG. 6 shows, spacers  10  completely surround pole  4  and thus have attachment support and structural support all the way around pole  4 . 
     The next step would be to attach cross-arms  3  to spacers  10 . As shown in FIGS. 6,  7 , and  8 , the cross-arms could then be brought into place in cut-outs  18 . By methods well within the skill of those skilled in the art, each cross-arm  3  can be accurately positioned relative to spacers  10  and then welded into place. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, spacers  10  would not only abut the closest vertical side of cross-arm  3 , but also the top of cross-arm  3  for additional support. Note how the top side of extension  16  is sloped down or tapered to its outer edge. 
     Therefore, by comparing FIGS. 2 and 3, the major differences between spacers  2  and  10  can be seen. 
     The included preferred embodiment is given by way of example only and not by way of limitation to the invention which is solely described by the claims herein. Variations obvious to one skilled in the art will be included within the invention defined by the claims.