Patent Publication Number: US-11646484-B2

Title: Convertible strand and pole small cell mounts and assemblies

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/145,494, filed Jan. 11, 2021, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/975,339, filed Feb. 12, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/088,612, filed Oct. 7, 2020, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present application is directed generally toward telecommunications equipment, and more particularly, small cell mounts and small cell mount assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently, very few strand mounts  10  for telecommunications equipment, such as cellular radios, exist (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B ). Strand mounts enable equipment to be mounted on cables, wires, or the like, that extend between utility poles (e.g., telephone or power poles). Of the strand mounts that exist in the market, none have the versatility and/or strength to be mounted to a pole. There may be a need for strand mounts that provide the ability to be mounted on both cable strands and poles, while also allowing for easy installation and less burdensome serviceability. 
     SUMMARY 
     A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a strand mount. The strand mount may include a top plate, a bottom plate, and opposing side plates that form a housing having an interior cavity dimensioned to fit around one or more small cell radios, a plurality of mounting members, each mounting member coupled to the top and bottom plates within the interior cavity and configured such that a small cell radio can be mounted thereto, and one or more mounting brackets. The one or more mounting brackets of the strand mount are configured such that the strand mount has the dual capability of being mounted on either horizontally on a cable strand or vertically on a pole. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a strand mount assembly. The assembly may include a mounting structure, one or more small cell radios, and a strand mount. The strand mount may include a top plate, a bottom plate, and opposing plates that form a housing having an interior cavity dimensioned to fit around the one or more small cell radios, a plurality of mounting members, each mounting member coupled to the top and bottom plates within the interior cavity, and one or more mounting brackets. Each of the small cell radios is mounted to a respective mounting pipe and the strand mount is mounted to the mounting structure by the one or more mounting brackets. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a strand mount assembly. The assembly may include a cable strand and a strand mount. The strand mount may include two or more interconnected frame sections that form a frame, each frame section having opposing sides configured such that one or more small cell radios can be mounted thereto, and a plurality of mount apertures sized and configured to receive the cable strand. Each mounting aperture is collinear with the other mounting apertures to create an unimpeded opening that the cable strand extends through, thereby mounting the strand mount on the cable strand. In some embodiments, one or more of the interconnected frames may be configured to rotate about the cable strand extending through the frame to adjust the tilt angle of the one or more small cell radios. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a strand mount. The strand mount may include a top plate, a bottom plate, and opposing side plates that form a housing having an interior cavity dimensioned to fit around one or more small cell radios, a plurality of mounting arms removably attached to the top plate and extending downwardly into the interior cavity, each mounting arm being configured such that a small cell radio or antenna can be mounted thereto, and one or more mounting brackets configured to hang the strand mount on a cable strand. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a strand mount. The strand mount may include a top plate, a bottom plate, and opposing side plates that form a housing having an interior cavity dimensioned to fit around one or more small cell radios, a center mounting frame secured to an inner surface of the top plate and extending downwardly into the interior cavity, the mounting frame having opposing sides, each side configured such that one or more small cell radios can be mounted thereto, and one or more mounting brackets configured to hang the strand mount on a cable strand. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a strand mount. The strand mount includes a frame having two opposing side panels, each panel is configured such that one or more small cell radios and/or antennas can be mounted thereto, and a plurality of mounting clamps coupled to the side panels, where the plurality of mounting clamps are configured to secure the strand mount on a cable strand. 
     It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim and/or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim or claims although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below. Further features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  are photographs of prior known strand mounts. 
         FIG.  2    is a bottom perspective view of a strand mount according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  2    mounted on a cable strand that is in turn mounted to a pole, wherein equipment is installed within the strand mount. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a bottom perspective view of the strand mount and equipment of  FIG.  3 A  vertically mounted directly onto a pole without an intervening cable strand. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a bottom perspective view of an alternative strand mount according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a top perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  4 A  mounted on a cable strand that is mounted to a pole, wherein equipment is installed within the strand mount. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a bottom perspective view of an alternative strand mount according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a bottom perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  5 A  mounted on a cable strand that is mounted to a pole, wherein equipment is installed within the strand mount. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a bottom perspective view of an alternative strand mount according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a bottom perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  6 A  mounted on a cable strand that is mounted to a pole, wherein equipment is installed within the strand mount. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view of an alternative strand mount according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  7 A  mounted on a cable strand that is mounted to a pole, wherein equipment is installed onto the strand mount. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a perspective view of an alternative strand mount according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  8 A  mounted on a cable strand that is mounted to a pole, wherein equipment is installed onto the strand mount. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of an alternative strand mount according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  9 A  mounted on a cable strand, wherein equipment is installed on the side of the mount. 
         FIG.  9 C  is a perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  9 A  that allows for additional equipment to be installed on an end of the mount. 
         FIG.  9 D  is a perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  9 C  mounted on a cable strand, wherein additional equipment is installed an end of the mount. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a strand mount assembly kit according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein the kit includes the option of a parallel configuration or a rotational configuration. 
         FIG.  11 A  is a side view of a strand mount having a parallel configuration according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11 B  is a top view of the strand mount of  FIG.  11 A . 
         FIG.  11 C  is an end view of the strand mount of  FIG.  11 A . 
         FIG.  12 A  is a top view of an alternative strand mount having a parallel configuration according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12 B  is an end view of the strand mount of  FIG.  12 A . 
         FIG.  13 A  is a perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  12 A , wherein telecommunications equipment is secured to the mount. 
         FIG.  13 B  is a perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  12 A , wherein different telecommunications equipment is secured to the mount. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of the strand mount of  FIG.  12 A  mounted on a cable strand, wherein telecommunications equipment is secured on the mount. 
         FIG.  15 A  is a top view of an alternative strand mount having a rotational configuration according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  15 B  is a side view of the strand mount of  FIG.  15 A . 
         FIG.  15 C  is an end view of the strand mount of  FIG.  15 A . 
         FIG.  16 A  is a top view of the strand mount of  FIG.  15 A , wherein telecommunications equipment is secured on the mount. 
         FIG.  16 B  is a top view of the strand mount of  FIG.  15 A , wherein different telecommunications equipment is secured on the mount. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout and different embodiments of like elements can be designated using a different number of superscript indicator apostrophes (e.g.,  10 ′,  10 ″,  10 ′″). 
     In the figures, certain layers, components or features may be exaggerated for clarity, and broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.” 
     Pursuant to embodiments of the present invention, strand mounts are provided that may provide the dual capability to mount one or more small cell radios (and/or antennas or other telecommunications equipment) either on a cable strand or on a mounting structure (e.g., a pole). Alternative strand mount and strand mount assemblies are also provided. Embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed in greater detail with reference to  FIGS.  2 - 16 B . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2    and  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , a strand mount  100  according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The strand mount  100  may include a top plate  102   a , a bottom plate  102   b , and opposing side plates  102   c . Together the top plate  102   a , bottom plate  102   b , and side plates  102   c  form a housing  102  (e.g., a semi-shroud) of the mount  100 . The top, bottom, and side plate  102   a - c  may provide structural support to the mount  100 . The housing  102  of the mount  100  has an interior cavity  104  that is dimensioned to fit around one or more small cell radios  150 , antenna  160  and/or other related telecommunications equipment (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ). The “semi-shrouded” design of the strand mount  100  of the present invention may allow for easy installation and less burdensome serviceability of the one or more pieces of telecommunications equipment (i.e., radios  150  and/or antennas  160 ) mounted thereto. In some embodiments, the strand mount  100  may further include a housing cover  105  may be placed around the housing  102  to further protect any telecommunications equipment  150 ,  160  that may be secured to the mount  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the strand mount  100  includes a plurality of mounting members  106 . In some embodiments, the mounting members  106  may comprise pipes. For example, in some embodiments, the strand mount  100  may include three mounting pipes  106  located within the interior cavity  104  of the housing  102  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  2   ). The ends of each mounting member  106  may be secured to the top and bottom plates  102   a ,  102   b , respectively, of the mount  100  and may provide further structural support to the strand mount  100 . In addition, each mounting member  106  is configured such that one or more small cell radios  150  or antennas  160  can be mounted thereto (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ). Each mounting member  106  may also be configured such that other telecommunications equipment, e.g., diplexers, can be mounted thereto. In some embodiments, the radios  150  or antennas  160  may be secured directly to the mounting members  106  by bands or other similar fasteners. In some embodiments, the inclusion of an antenna bracket (not shown) may be required to allow for azimuth adjustments, for example, when an antenna  160  is secured to the strand mount  100 . 
     The strand mount  100  of the present invention further includes one or more mounting brackets  108 . In some embodiments, the strand mount  100  has the dual capability of being mountable on either a cable strand  130  or a pole  140  (or other mounting structure). For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 A , in some embodiments, one or more mounting brackets  108  may be configured to hang (and secure) the strand mount  100  on a cable strand  130  (e.g., the mount  100  may be mounted horizontally, or parallel, in relation to a ground surface). As shown in  FIG.  3 B , in some embodiments, the same mounting brackets  108 , in combination with one or more reinforcing mounting brackets  110 , may be configured to mount the strand mount  100  to a pole  140  or other mounting structure (e.g., the mount  100  may be mounted vertically, or perpendicular, in relation to the ground surface). In some embodiments, the mounting brackets  108  may be removed and replaced with the reinforcing mounting bracket  110  (or similar mounting bracket) that is configured to attach the strand mount  100  to a pole  140  (or other mounting structure, e.g., a building) and reinforce the connection surface between the strand mount  100  and the pole  140 . Thus, the strand mount  100  of the present invention could allow telecommunications carriers to purchase one strand mount  100  for small cell radios  150  and/or antennas  160  that fulfills both deployment types (i.e., horizontal mounting to a cable strand  130  and vertical mounting to a pole  140 ). 
     In some embodiments, the housing  102  and/or housing cover  105  of the strand mount  100  may include perforations  110  (e.g., ventilation holes or slots). For example, in some embodiments, the perforations  110  may be located in at least one of the top plate  102   a , the bottom plate  102   b , and/or side plates  102   c  of the mount  100 . Small cell radios  150  and antennas  160  typically generate heat during operation. When radios/antennas  150 ,  160  are mounted within the interior cavity  104  of the mount  100 , the perforations  110  in the housing  102  can allow some of the heat generated by the radios/antennas  150 ,  160  to escape and also allow air to circulate through the mount  100 , thereby helping to prevent the radios/antennas  150 ,  160  from overheating. The perforations  110  can also help to reduce the overall weight of the mount  100 , again making installation less burdensome and reducing costs. 
     In some embodiments, the strand mount  100  of the present invention may further include an external mounting plate  112 . The external mounting plate  112  may extend outwardly from an edge of the top plate  102   a  or bottom plate  102   b . The external mounting plate  112  may be configured such that one or more additional small cell radios  150 , antennas  160 , or other telecommunications equipment can be mounted to the mount  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , an alternative strand mount  100 ′ according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in  FIG.  4 A , similar to the strand mount  100  described above, the strand mount  100 ′ includes a top plate  102   a ′, a bottom plate  102   b ′, and opposing side plates  102   c ′, wherein at least one of the plates  102   a - c ′ include perforations  110  for ventilation. Together the top plate  102   a ′, bottom plate  102   b ′, and side plates  102   c ′ form the housing  102 ′ of the mount  100 ′. The housing  102 ′ of the mount  100 ′ has an interior cavity  104 ′ that is dimensioned to fit around one or more small cell radios  150 , antennas  160 , and/or other telecommunications equipment) (see, e.g.,  FIG.  4 B ). 
     The strand mount  100 ′ differs from mount  100  described herein by how the one or more small cell radios/antennas  150 ,  160  are mounted within the interior cavity  104 ′ of the housing  102 ′. As shown in  FIG.  4 A , in some embodiments, the mounting members  106  of the strand mount  100 ′ may comprise a plurality of mounting arms  114 . The mounting arms  114  may be attached to an inner surface of the top plate  102   a ′ and extend downwardly into the interior cavity  104 ′ of the mount  100 ′. Each mounting arm  114  may be configured such that a small cell radio  150  (or antenna  160  or other related telecommunications equipment, such as, diplexers and pod-8 devices) can be mounted thereto (see, e.g.,  FIG.  4 B ). In some embodiments, the mounting arms  114  may be removably attached to the top plate  102   a ′, thereby allowing for easy installation and less burdensome serviceability of the one or more pieces of telecommunications equipment (i.e., radios and/or antennas  150 ,  160 ). 
     Similar to the strand mount  100  described in, the mount  100 ′ includes one or more mounting brackets  108 ′. As shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the mounting brackets  108 ′ are configured to hang (and secure) the strand mount  100 ′ on a cable strand  130  (e.g., mounted horizontally). The strand mount  100 ′ may further include an external mounting plate  112  that extends outwardly from an edge of the top plate  102   a ′ or bottom plate  102   b ′. As shown in  FIG.  4 B , the external mounting plate  112 ′ may be configured such that one or more additional small cell radios/antennas  150 ,  160  (or other telecommunications equipment) can be mounted to the strand mount  100 ′. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B , an alternative strand mount  100 ″ according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The strand mount  100 ″ is similar to the strand mounts  100 ′ described herein. The strand mount  100 ″ differs from the mount  100 ′ by the manner in which each of the mounting members (i.e., mounting arms  114 ′) is attached to the mount  100 ″. As shown in  FIG.  5 A , in some embodiments, a strand mount  100 ″ of the present invention may further include a support member  116 . The support member  116  may be coupled to or integral with an inner surface of the top plate  102   a ″ of the mount  100 ″ and may extend longitudinally down the center of the top plate  102   a ″. The mounting arms  114 ′ are attached to the support member  116  and extend downwardly into the interior cavity  104 ″ of the mount  100 ″. In some embodiments, the mounting arms  114 ′ may have extension flanges  114   a ′ that are configured to latch or hook onto the support member  116 . The extension flanges  114   a ′ may allow the mounting arms  114 ′ to be removably attached to the support member  116 . Thus, the configuration of the mounting arms  114 ′ may allow for easy installation and less burdensome serviceability of the one or more small cell radios  150  and/or antennas  160 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B , an alternative strand mount  100 ′ according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The strand mount  100 ′″ is similar to the strand mounts  100 ′,  100 ″ described herein. The strand mount  100 ′″ includes a top plate  102   a ′″, a bottom plate  102   b ′″, and opposing side plates  102   c ′″ where at least one of the plates  102   a - c ′″ include perforations  110  for ventilation. Together the top plate  102   a ′″, bottom plate  102   b ′″, and side plates  102   c ′″ form the housing  102 ′″ of the mount  100 ′″. The housing  102 ′″ of the mount  100 ′″ has an interior cavity  104 ′″ that is dimensioned to fit around one or more small cell radios  150 , antennas  160 , or other telecommunications equipment (see, e.g.,  FIG.  6 B ). 
     The strand mount  100 ′ differs from the other strand mounts  100 ′,  100 ″ described herein by the manner in which the one or more small cell radios/antennas  150 ,  160  are mounted within the interior cavity  104 ′″ of the housing  102 ′″. As shown in  FIG.  6 A , in some embodiments, the strand mount  100 ′″ may include a center mounting frame  118 . The mounting frame  118  is attached to an inner surface of the top plate  102   a ′″ and extends downwardly into the interior cavity  104 ′″. The mounting frame  118  has opposing sides  118   a ,  118   b  that are each configured such that one or more small cell radios  150 , antennas  160 , and/or other telecommunications equipment may be mounted thereto. 
     In some embodiments, the mount  100 ′″ includes one or more mounting brackets  108 ″. As shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B , the mounting brackets  108 ′″ are configured to hang (and secure) the strand mount  100 ′″ on a cable strand  130  (e.g., mounted horizontally). The strand mount  100 ′″ may further include an external mounting plate  112  that extends outwardly from an edge of the center mounting frame  118  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  6 A ). In some embodiments, the external mounting plate  112 ′″ may extend from an edge of the top or bottom plate  102   a ′″,  102   b ′″. As shown in  FIG.  6 B , in some embodiments, the mounting plate  112 ′″ may be configured such that one or more additional small cell radios/antennas  150 ,  160  (or other telecommunications equipment) can be mounted to the mount  100 ′″. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7 A- 7 B , an alternative strand mount  200  according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The strand mount  200  includes a frame  202  comprising two or more interconnected frame sections (e.g.,  202   a - c  in  FIG.  7 A ). As shown in  FIG.  7 A , in some embodiments, the strand mount  200  may include three interconnected frame sections  202   a - c . In some embodiments, the interconnected frame sections  202   a - c  may also be secured together via bolts  201  to form the frame  202  of the mount  200 . However, other known methods may be used to secure the frame sections  202   a - c  (and halves) together, such as, welding. The individual frame sections  202   a - c  can vary in size or dimensions to accommodate different types of small cell radios  150 , antennas  160 , and related telecommunications equipment. For example, as shown in  FIG.  7 A , in some embodiments, the middle frame section  202   b  may be smaller than the two outer frames sections  202   a ,  202   c.    
     The frame sections  202   a - c  have opposing sides (e.g.,  202   ai ,  202   a   2 ,  202   b   1 ,  202   b   2 ,  202   ci ,  202   c   2 ) that are configured such that one or more small cell radios  150 , antennas  160 , and/or other telecommunications equipment may be mounted thereto. In some embodiments, each frame section  202   a - c  also comprises mounting apertures  204  sized and configured to receive a cable strand  130 . In some embodiments, the opposing sides (e.g.,  202   ai ,  202   a   2 ) are separable and may be secured together via bolts  201  to form each frame section  202   a - c . In some embodiments, one side of one or more of the frame sections  202   a - c  may comprise a clamp  206  or other fastener configured to mount to a cable strand  130 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7 A , the mounting apertures  204  are located generally in the center of the right and left sides of each frame section  202   a - c  (e.g., when viewed from the orientation of the mount  200  shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 B ). The mounting apertures  204  of each frame section  202   a - c  are aligned with the mounting apertures  204  of the adjacent frame section  202   a - c  to create an unimpeded opening through the frame  202  (i.e., the mounting apertures  204  are collinear with the other mounting apertures  204 ). This configuration allows a cable strand  130  to extend through the frame  202  of the mount  200  (i.e., through each mounting aperture  204 ), thereby mounting the strand mount  200  on the cable strand  130 . 
     In some embodiments, to install the strand mount  200  on a pre-existing cable strand  130 , the side of the mount  200  that includes the clamps  206  (or similar fasteners) is first secured on the cable strand  130 . Next, the opposing side of the mount  200  is secured to the first side of the mount  200  (e.g., via bolts  201 ) thereby securing the cable strand  130  in-between the two sides of the mount  200 . Twisting or rotation of the strand mount  100  on the cable strand  130  is mitigated through gravitational orientation of the mount  100  on the cable strand  130 . The mount  100  has limited adjustable up and down movement which helps to prevent the cable strand  130  from sitting on the balance point of the mount  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the strand mount  200  may further include an external mounting plate  212  that may be coupled to one of the outer frame sections (e.g.,  202   a ,  202   c ). As shown in  FIG.  7 B , the mounting plate  212  may be configured such that one or more additional small cell radios  150 , antennas  160 , and/or other telecommunications equipment can be mounted to the mount  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 B , when the strand mount  200  is mounted on a cable strand  130 , the frame  202  of the mount  200  is perpendicular to a ground surface. Referring now to  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B , an alternative strand mount  200 ′ according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated which allows at least one of the frame sections (e.g.,  202   b ′) to be adjusted to a desired tilt angle α for a mounted small cell radio  150  and/or antenna  160 . 
     Similar to mount  200 , the strand mount  200 ′ includes a frame  202 ′ comprising two or more interconnected frame sections (e.g.,  202   a - c ′). In some embodiments, the strand mount  200 ′ may include three interconnected frame sections  202   a - c ′. The frame sections  202   a - c ′ are configured such that one or more small cell radios  150  (or other telecommunications equipment) may be mounted thereto. As shown in  FIG.  8 A , the outer frame sections  202   a ′,  202   c ′ are parallel to a ground surface and are locked in that configuration. However, in some embodiments, the middle frame section  202   b ′ may be adjustable (rotatable) on the cable strand  130  relative to the outer frame sections  202   a ′,  202   c ′. Similar to the frame sections  202   a - c  of mount  200  described herein, the frame sections  202   a - c ′ of mount  200 ′ comprise mounting apertures  204 ′ sized and configured to receive a cable strand  130  which allows a cable strand  130  to extend through the frame  202  of the mount  200 , thereby mounting the strand mount  200 ′ on the cable strand  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the middle frame section  202   b ′ may comprise a tubular member  206  sized to receive the cable strand  130 . The tubular member  206  may be configured such that the middle frame section  202   b ′ is able to rotate about the cable strand  130  while remaining mounted on the cable strand  130 . This allows the middle frame section  202   b ′ (and one or more small cell radios  150  and/or antennas  160  mounted thereto) to be adjusted (tilted) to a desired angle α. In some embodiments, the mount  200 ′ further includes a locking mechanism  208  configured to lock the middle frame section  202   b ′ at a desired tilt angle α. Additionally, the locking mechanism(s)  208  provide some force that may help to prevent the mount  200 ′ from swaying on the cable strand  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the strand mount  200 ′ may further include a mounting plate  212 ′ that may be coupled to one of the outer frame sections (e.g.,  202   a ′,  202   c ′). As shown in  FIG.  8 B , in some embodiments, the mounting plate  212 ′ may be configured such that one or more additional small cell radios  150 , antennas  160 , and/or other telecommunications equipment can be mounted to the mount  200 ′. In some embodiments, the frame sections  202   a ′,  202   c ′ that reside on top of the cable strand  130  in addition to the mounting plate  212 ′, gravitationally align with one another, while the radio/antenna portion (e.g., frame section  202   b ′) places the cable strand  130  directly on the balance point of the tray. This may allow the downward orientation of frame sections  202   a ′,  202   c ′ to maintain the tilt angle α of the middle frame section  202   b ′. The angle α is also unique as it may drastically reduce the effective projected area (EPA) of the mount  200 ′, thereby allowing for higher wind loading easier to achieve. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  9 A- 9 D , an alternative strand mount  200 ″ according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The strand mount  200 ″ includes a frame  202  comprising two opposing side panels  202   a ″,  202   b ″. The side panels  202   a ″,  202   b ″ are configured such that a small cell radio  150  and/or antenna  160  can be mounted thereon. Each side panel  202   a ″,  202   b ″ may comprise a plurality of slots  203  configured such that different sizes/types of radios  150  or antennas  160  may be secured to the mount  200 ″. The strand mount  200 ″ also includes a plurality of mounting clamps  208 ″ that are each configured to secure and lock the strand mount  200 ″ to a cable strand  130 . The side panels  202   a ″,  202   b ″ are secured to the mounting clamps  208 ″ via bolts  210   a . In some embodiments, the side panels  202   a ″,  202   b ″ may comprise a plurality of elongated slots  210  that are each configured to receive the bolts  210   a . The elongated slots  210  may allow the side panels  202   a ″,  202   b ″ to be raised or lowered relative to the mounting clamps  208 ″ to assist in balancing the strand mount  200 ″ on a cable strand  130  (e.g., when different size/types of radios  150  and/or antennas  160  are mounted on the side panels  202   a ″,  202   b ″). 
     In some embodiments, the mounting clamps  208 ″ may each comprise two plates  208   a ,  208   b  that are held together by two or more bolts  207   a . The two plates  208   a ,  208   b  of each mounting clamp  208 ″ are configured to clamp and secure a cable strand  130  there between when the strand mount  200 ″ is installed on a cable strand  130  (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  9 B and  9 D ). In some embodiments, the plates  208   a ,  208   b  may comprise a plurality of slots  207  configured to receive the bolts  207   a . The slots  207  allow the mounting clamps  208 ″ to be adjustable, for example, to accommodate for different size cable strands  130  and to assist with balancing the strand mount  200 ″ on the cable strand  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the strand mount  200 ″ may further include an extension or additional mounting plate  212 ″. The mounting plate  212 ″ is configured such that one or more small cell radios  150  and/or antennas  160  can be mounted thereon. In some embodiments, the mounting plate  212 ″ may comprise a top extension  212   a ″ and a bottom extension  212   b ″. The top extension  212   a ″ may be configured such that one or more radios  150  or antennas  160  may be mounted thereon and the bottom extension  212   b ″ may provide additional support to the mounted equipment  150 ,  160 . As shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B , in some embodiments, the mounting plate  212 ″ may be secured and extends from the side of the strand mount  200 ″. As shown in  FIGS.  9 C- 9 D , in some embodiments, the mounting plate  212 ″ may be secured to the end of the strand mount  200 ″. When secured to the end of the strand mount  200 ″, the mounting plate  212 ″ may be secured at an angle (β), for example, to achieve a desired azimuth. 
     In some embodiments, the strand mount  200 ″ may further include a housing (not shown) that is dimensioned to fit around the one or more radios  150  and/or antennas  160  that are mounted to the strand mount  200 ″. Similar to the strand mounts described herein, the housing for the strand mount  200 ″ may include perforations for ventilation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  10 - 14   , alternative strand mounts  300 ,  300 ′ and strand mount assemblies  400 ,  400 ′,  400 ″ are illustrated. Properties and/or features of the strand mounts  300 ,  300 ′ and/or strand mount assemblies  400 ,  400 ′,  500  may be as described above in reference to  FIGS.  2 - 9 D  and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing  FIGS.  10 - 14   . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a strand mount assembly kit  301  according to embodiments of the present invention. The strand mount assembly kit  301  may comprise components for a strand mount having a “parallel” configuration (i.e., strand mounts  300 ,  300 ′) and/or a strand mount having a “rotational” configuration (i.e., strand mount  300 ″). As used herein, the term “parallel,” when used in reference to the configuration or orientation of the strand mounts, means that all of the antennas secured to the strand mount in a static or fixed position. As used herein, the term “rotational,” when used in reference to the configuration or orientation of the strand mounts, means that the position of at least one of the antennas secured to the strand mount may be rotated or moved in relation to the strand mount, for example, to change the azimuth direction of the antenna(s). The components of these respective strand mounts are described in further detail below with respect to the alternative strand mounts  300 ,  300 ′,  300 ″ and corresponding strand mount assemblies  400 ,  400 ′,  500 ,  600 ′,  600 ′ shown in  FIGS.  11 A- 16 B . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11 A- 11 C , in some embodiments, the strand mount  300  may include a frame  302  comprising two opposing side panels  302   a ,  302   b . The side panels  302   a ,  302   b  are configured such that a small cell radio  150 , antenna  160 , and/or other telecommunications equipment  170  (e.g., diplexer, triplexer, etc.) can be mounted thereon. Each side panel  302   a ,  302   b  may comprise a plurality of perforations or slots  303  configured such that different sizes/types of radios  150  or antennas  160  may be secured to the mount  300 . The slots  303  also allow some of the heat generated by the radios/antennas  150 ,  160  to escape and also allow air to circulate through the mount  300 , thereby helping to prevent the radios/antennas  150 ,  160  from overheating. The slots  303  can also help to reduce the overall weight of the mount  300 , making installation less burdensome and reducing costs. 
     In some embodiments, the strand mount  300  may comprise a plurality of mounting brackets  305   a ,  305   b  configured to provide further support to the radios  150 , antennas  160  and/or other telecommunications equipment  170  that may be secured to the side panels  302   a ,  302   b.    
     The strand mount  300  also includes a plurality of mounting clamps  308  that are each configured to secure and lock the strand mount  300  to a cable strand  130  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  14   ). The side panels  302   a ,  302   b  may be secured to the mounting clamps  308  via bolts  310   a . In some embodiments, the side panels  302   a ,  302   b  may comprise a plurality of elongated slots  310  that are each configured to receive the bolts  310   a . The elongated slots  310  may allow the side panels  302   a ,  302   b  to be raised or lowered relative to the mounting clamps  308  to assist in balancing the strand mount  300  on a cable strand  130  (e.g., when different size/types of radios  150 , antennas  160  and/or other telecommunications equipment  170  are mounted on the side panels  302   a ,  302   b ). In some embodiments, the strand mount  300  may also include a plurality of support brackets  309 ,  311  configured to further secure each side panel  302   a ,  302   b  together and create the frame  302 . As shown in  FIG.  10    and  FIG.  11 B , side support brackets  309  are each secured to a respective side panel  302   a ,  302   b . A main support bracket  311  is secured between each side support bracket  309  via bolts  309   a . In some embodiments, the side support brackets  309  may each comprise a slot  309   s  through which the respective bolts  309   a  are received. The slots  309   a  may allow the distance between the side panels  302   a ,  302   b  to be adjusted, for example, increasing or decreasing the distance between the side panels  302   a ,  302   b  to fit different sized radios  150  (or other telecommunications equipment  170 ) mounted to an interior surface of the side panels  302   a ,  302   b  (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  12 A- 12 B ). 
     In some embodiments, the mounting clamps  308  may each comprise two plates  308   a ,  308   b  that are held together by two or more bolts  307   a . The two plates  308   a ,  308   b  of each mounting clamp  308  are configured to clamp and secure a cable strand  130  there between when the strand mount  300  is installed on a cable strand  130  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  14   ). In some embodiments, the plates  308   a ,  308   b  may comprise a plurality of slots  307  configured to receive the bolts  307   a . The slots  307  allow the mounting clamps  308  to be adjustable, for example, to accommodate for different size cable strands  130  and to assist with balancing the strand mount  300  on the cable strand  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the strand mount  300  may further include additional mounting or extension plates  312   a ,  312   b . The extension plates  312   a ,  312   b  are configured such that one or more additional small cell radios  150  and/or antennas  160  can be mounted thereon. As shown in  FIGS.  11 A- 11 B , the extension plates  312   a ,  312   b  extend axially outward from a respective side panel  302   a ,  302   b  and extend generally parallel to each other (i.e., a “parallel configuration”). In some embodiments, the extension plates  312   a ,  312   b  are configured (e.g., bent) such that a recess R is formed along an interior surface of each extension plate  312   a ,  312   b . The extension plates  312   a ,  312   b  (i.e., the recesses R) may be configured such that different sized radios  150  and/or antennas  160  may be mounted thereon. For example, as shown in  FIG.  11 B  and  FIG.  11 C , in some embodiments, the extension plate  312   a  may have a larger recess R which extends the extension plate  312   a  radially outward farther than the extension plate  312   b , thereby allowing the extension plate  312   a  to accommodate a larger sized radio  150  or antenna  160  than the opposing extension plate  312   b.    
       FIGS.  12 A- 12 B  illustrate a strand mount  300 ′ similar to the strand mount  300  shown in  FIGS.  11 A- 11 C . Strand mount  300 ′ differs in the size of the extension plates  312   a ′,  312   b ′ (and corresponding recesses R′) which may be configured hold different sizes and/or types of radios  150  and/or antennas  160  than strand mount  300  described herein. For example, as shown in  FIG.  12 A , in some embodiments, the recesses R′ for extension plates  312   a ′,  312   b ′ are approximately equal in size (compared to strand mount  300  in which extension plate  312   a  has a larger recess R than extension plate  312   b ). In some embodiments, the strand mount  300 ′ may comprise additional mounting brackets  305   a ′,  305   b ′ compared to the strand mount  300  shown in  FIGS.  11 A- 11 C . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  13 A- 13 B , exemplary strand mount assemblies  400 ,  400 ′ according to embodiments of the present invention, are illustrated. As shown in  FIGS.  13 A- 13 B , the strand mount assemblies  400 ,  400 ′ utilize a strand mount  300 ,  300 ′ having a “parallel” configuration (i.e., including extension plates  312   a ,  312   b ). In some embodiments, for example, as shown in  FIG.  13 A , the strand mount assembly  400  may have an antenna  160  secured to each extension plate  312   a ,  312   b , a radio  150  secured to the exterior surface of each side panels  302   a ,  302   b , and additional telecommunications equipment  170  (e.g., a diplexer) secured to an interior surface of at least one of the side panels  302   a ,  302   b . The assembly  400 ′ illustrated in  FIG.  13 B  is similar to assembly  400  except differs in that the exterior surface of each side panel  302   a ,  302   b  has two radios  150  secured thereto. It should be noted that these assemblies  400 ,  400 ′ are only shown for exemplary purposes, and a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various configurations (i.e., types, sizes, and numbers of radios  150 , antennas  160 , and/or other telecommunications equipment  170  may be employed utilizing the strand mounts  300 ,  300 ′ described herein. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates an exemplary strand mount assembly  500  according to embodiments of the present invention where the strand mount  300 ′ is secured to a cable strand  130 . As shown in  FIG.  14   , the cable strand  130  is secured between the mounting clamps  308 , thereby securing the strand mount  300 ′ (and corresponding radios  150 , antennas  160 , and/or other telecommunications equipment  170 ) to the cable strand  130 . A bundle of cables  135  (e.g., power cables, telecommunications cables, etc.) extends parallel to the cable strand  130  and through the strand mount  300 ′. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  14   , mounting brackets  305   a ′,  305   b ′ may also be used to help support/secure the radios  150  to the side panels  302   a ′,  302   b ′ of the strand mount  300 ′. Other strand mounts  300 ,  300 ″ described herein may be secured to a cable strand  130  in a similar manner. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  15 A- 15 C , an alternative strand mount  300 ″ according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. Properties and/or features of the strand mount  300 ″ and/or strand mount assemblies  600 ,  600 ′ may be as described above in reference to  FIGS.  10 - 14    and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing  FIGS.  15 A- 16 B . 
     The strand mount  300 ″ is similar to the strand mounts  300 ,  300 ′ described herein in that the mount  300 ″ includes a frame  302 ″ comprising two opposing side panels  302   a ″,  302   b ″ that are configured such that a small cell radio  150 , antenna  160 , and/or other telecommunications equipment  170  (e.g., diplexer, triplexer, etc.) can be mounted thereon. Each side panel  302   a ″,  302   b ″ may comprise a plurality of perforations or slots  303 ″ configured such that different sizes/types of radios  150  or antennas  160  may be secured to the mount  300 ″ while also allow some of the heat generated by the radios/antennas  150 ,  160  to escape and also allow air to circulate through the mount  300 ″, thereby helping to prevent the radios/antennas  150 ,  160  from overheating. 
     In some embodiments, the strand mount  300 ″ may also comprise a plurality of mounting brackets  305   a ″,  305   b ″ configured to provide further support to the radios  150 , antennas  160  and/or other telecommunications equipment  170  that may be secured to the side panels  302   a ″,  302   b ″. The strand mount  300 ″ further includes a plurality of mounting clamps  308 ″ that are each configured to secure and lock the strand mount  300 ″ to a cable strand  130 , similar to other strand mounts  300 ,  300 ′ described herein (see, e.g.,  FIG.  14   ). 
     Similar to strand mounts  300 ,  300 ′, in some embodiments, the strand mount  300 ″ may also include a plurality of support brackets  309 ″,  311 ″ configured to further secure each side panel  302   a ″,  302   b ″ together. The support brackets  309 ″,  311 ″ may allow the distance between the side panels  302   a ″,  302   b ″ to be adjusted, for example, increasing or decreasing the distanced between the side panels  302   a ″,  302   b ″ to fit different sized radios  150  (or other telecommunications equipment  170 ) mounted to an interior surface the side panels  302   a ″,  302   b″.    
     The strand mount  300 ″ differs from strand mounts  300 ,  300 ′ in that rather than having two extension plates  312   a ,  312   b  ( 312   a ′,  312   b ′) that extend outwardly from the side panels  302   a ,  302   b  ( 302   a ′,  302   b ′), the strand mount  300 ″ includes a mounting plate  312   c ″ that may be secured to the end of the strand mount  300 ″. The mounting plate  312   c ″ may comprise a pair of arms  312   a ″,  312   b ″ sized and configured such that one or more antennas  160  may be secured thereto. Similar to the strand mount  200 ″ described herein (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  9 C- 9 D ), when secured to the end of the strand mount  300 ″, the mounting plate  312   c ″ may be rotated and locked at an angle (θ), for example, to achieve a desired azimuth for the mounted antennas  160 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  15 A- 15 C , in some embodiments, a flange  314 ″ may extend outwardly from an end of the strand mount  300 ″. The flange  314 ″ includes an arcuate slot  313   a ″. The mounting plate  312   c ″ may be coupled to the flange  314 ″ via a mounting bracket  313 ″. The mounting bracket  313 ″ may be secured to the flange  314 ″ via a bolt  313   b ″ that is received through the arcuate slot  313   a ″. The bolt  313   b ″ may be slid along the arcuate slot  313   a ″, thereby rotating the mounting plate  312   c ″. The bolt  313   b ″ may be slid within the arcuate slot  313   a ″ until the desired angle (θ) is reached, then the bolt  313   b ″ may be tightened to lock the mounting plate  312   c ″ (and antenna(s)  160  mounted thereon) in place at that angle (θ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  15 B , in some embodiments, the flange  314 ″ may be secured to the strand mount  300 ″ such that the flange  314 ″ resides below a bottom edge of the side panels  302   a ″,  302   b ″. In some embodiments, the flange  314 ″ may be coupled to the end of the strand mount  300 ″ via a pair of extension members  316 ″. Each extension member  316 ″ may be secured to a respective side panel  302   a ″,  302   b ″ via a bolt  315   a ″. In some embodiments, the extension members  316 ″ may comprise an elongated slot  315 ″ configured to receive the bolts  315   a ″. The elongated slots  315 ″ may allow the flange  314 ″ (and mounting plate  312   c ″) to be raised or lowered relative to the strand mount  300 ″, thereby allowing the vertical elevation (i.e., horizontal plane) of the antenna(s)  160  secured thereto to be adjusted. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  16 A- 16 B , exemplary strand mount assemblies  600 ,  600 ′ according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. The strand mount assemblies  600 ,  600 ′ utilize a strand mount  300 ″ having a “rotational” configuration (i.e., mounting plate  312   c ″). In some embodiments, for example, as shown in  FIG.  16 A , the strand mount assembly  600  may have multiple antennas  160  secured to the mounting plate  312   c  which is rotated at a desired angle (θ). Multiple radios  150  may secured to the exterior surface of each side panels  302   a ″,  302   b ″ and supported by mounting brackets  305   a ″,  305   b ″ (some not shown). In some embodiments, additional radios  150  and/or other telecommunications equipment  170  (e.g., a diplexer) may be secured to an interior surface of at least one of the side panels  302   a ″,  302   b ″. The assembly  600 ′ illustrated in  FIG.  16 B  is similar to assembly  600  except differs in the number and size of the radios  150  and telecommunications equipment  170  that is secured to the exterior and interior surfaces of each side panel  302   a ″,  302   b ″ of the strand mount  300 ″. It should be noted that these assemblies  600 ,  600 ′ are only shown for exemplary purposes, and a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various configurations (i.e., types, sizes, and numbers of radios  150 , antennas  160 , and/or other telecommunications equipment  170  may be employed utilizing the strand mount  300 ″ described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the strand mounts  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″,  100 ′″,  200 ,  200 ′,  200 ″,  300 ,  300 ′,  300 ″ of the present invention described herein may be formed from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The mounts  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″,  100 ′″,  200 ,  200 ′,  200 ″,  300 ,  300 ′,  300 ″ of the present invention described herein may be used in association with a variety of different small cell radios  150  and/or antennas  160  (and related telecommunications equipment). For example, in some embodiments, the small cell radio  150  is a picocell radio. A picocell is a small cellular base station covering a smaller scale cell site, such as within buildings. 
     The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.