Patent Publication Number: US-2017350538-A1

Title: Lifting Support System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/702,133, filed on May 1, 2015, and entitled “Lifting Support,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,651,173, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/989,438, filed on May 6, 2014, and entitled “Lifting Support System.” The contents of the above referenced applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The system and methods disclosed herein relate generally to cable support apparatuses and systems in the field of high voltage power connectors utilized in power distribution systems. Specifically, the system and methods relate to a lifting support apparatus for transporting high voltage power connectors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrical distribution networks are critical for the delivery of electricity to consumers and businesses from the transmission system. Such a network can include power lines, substations, transformers, and meters that are interconnected by thousands of miles of underground cables. Underground cable accessories, such as cable splices and disconnectable joints, are racked in underground structures to support and separate cable runs from each other. Typically, the cable accessories are installed on rack arms extending from the walls of the underground structure. These rack arms have various mounting positions which allows a splicer to make adjustments as new cable runs or other equipment are installed in the underground structure. Once a set of cable accessories are energized it can be time consuming and costly to de-energize the circuit for the purposes of re-positioning, because the process can interrupt electricity to residential and commercial areas until the procedure is complete. 
     Due to the critical need for the continual operation of electrical distribution networks, such problems have not been entirely ignored in the industry. Generally, a cable accessory rests on a fiberglass joint shield that is used to transport the energized or de-energized cable accessory. Cables are attached to the connectors of the cable accessory. Because of the restricted space in which cable accessories are normally installed, it can be difficult to use external equipment to lift, move, and/or reposition the fiberglass joint shield and cable accessory. Therefore, the process of moving the fiberglass joint shield and cable accessory is performed by wrapping nylon straps underneath the fiberglass joint shield. Thereafter, the nylon straps, fiberglass joint shield, and cable accessory are lifted using a crane or winch. However, there is a risk of the fiberglass joint shield sliding out of the lifting straps, because the nylon straps are not securely engaged to the fiberglass joint shield. This causes a serious safety concern, because the cables connected to the cable accessory can become partially disassembled due to an unsupported cable accessory and cause an electrical failure. 
     Yet another problem with the fiberglass joint shield used in the art is that it does not provide support for the cables attached to the connectors of the cable accessory. Shielded power cables are sensitive to bending. Therefore, extreme care must be taken in ensuring that the power cable is not bent around a small radius or sharp point, because it can lead to electrical failure of the power cable. The current fiberglass joint shield used in the art fails to address these concerns because it permits a portion of some power cables connected to the cable accessory to hang over a sharp edge. Therefore, the portion of the hanging cable can bend and result in electrical failure. 
     Another problem with the fiberglass joint shield used in the art is that it can easily bend, because it is composed of flexible material. This bending allows the lifting straps to slide out of position. In addition, the bending allows the sharp edges of the fiberglass joint shield to contact some of the cables connected to the cable connector, thereby resulting in an electrical failure. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the art for a joint shield with integrated mounting points. The integrated mounting points prevent the lifting straps from moving or becoming dislodged during the lifting and movement of the cable accessory. 
     There is also a need for a joint shield with raised sides and ends. The raised sides prevent a cable accessory from sliding off the front or back of the joint shield. Similarly, the raised ends prevent the cable accessory from sliding off the ends of the joint shield. In addition, the raised ends provide a support for at least a portion of some cables attached to the cable accessory. 
     Further, cable accessories, such as splices and disconnectable joints that are utilized in underground medium voltage applications, are typically covered in an arc proofing material. This material is arc and track resistant and is capable of withstanding exposure to plasma caused by an electrical failure without degrading as defined by industry standards. The arc proofing serves to protect the cable accessory from damage caused by other equipment failure, as well as containing a failure of the cable accessory itself. Currently, the connectors of the cable accessory are individually wrapped with arc proofing material, such as arc proofing tape or a molded boot made of arc proofing material. 
     A common problem with disconnectable joints is that the sleeve can become partially disassembled from the bus bar which can result in an electrical failure. In order to check for this condition, the arc proofing material must be removed for a splicer to visibly confirm that the sleeve is fully installed on the bus bar. Currently, this is accomplished by either cutting a window into the arc proofing tape or by removing the molded boot. Cutting the tape poses safety issues, because the splicer can inadvertently cut too deep and damage the sleeve or joint which could cause an electrical failure. Furthermore, removing the existing arc proof molded boot requires the use of substantial force, because the molded boot wraps underneath the connector of the cable accessory. The substantial force can cause excessive movement of the connectors of the cable connector, thereby resulting in an electrical failure. 
     Another apparent need in the art is for a removable arc proof cover that couples to the joint shield. The removable arc proof cover surrounds the cable accessory and is configured to allow a visual inspection of the cables connected to the cable accessory. The arc proof cover can also protect the cable accessory from external electrical failure, and contain the electrical failure of the cable accessory within it. 
     Further, there is a need in the art for a mounting point to secure an arc proof cover to the joint shield. 
     The art also does not exhibit a grasping point on the joint shield. The grasping point allows the splicer to grip the joint shield with their hand to assist with lifting and sliding the joint shield and its corresponding cable accessory. 
     There also exists a need in the art for a rigid support structure underneath the joint shield. The rigid support structure is configured to minimize the bending of the flexible joint shield. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to various embodiments, a lifting support apparatus and system are disclosed with integrated mounting points. The lifting support apparatus comprises a joint shield and arc proof cover. A cable accessory is placed on the joint shield and surrounded on its sides and top by the arc proof cover. By incorporating mounting points on the joint shield, the lifting straps used to reposition the lifting support are prevented from sliding along the arc proof cover or becoming dislodged. Further, the sides and ends of the joint shield are raised. The raised sides prevent the cable accessory from sliding off the front or back of the joint shield. The raised ends support at least a portion of some cables attached to the cable accessory. In addition, the joint shield includes at least one rib support. The rib support is composed of a rigid material and configured to minimize the joint shield from bending. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description makes reference to the accompanying figures wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a prior art joint shield; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a lifting support apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a joint shield in accordance with the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the joint shield shown in  FIG. 3A  in accordance with the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 3C  is a bottom view of the joint shield shown in  FIG. 3A  in accordance with the preferred embodiment; and 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an arc proof cover in accordance with the preferred embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Other objects, features, and characteristics of the broad inventive concepts disclosures herein, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure and the combination of parts, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A detailed illustrative embodiment of the broad inventive concepts is disclosed herein. However, techniques, methods, processes, systems, and operating structures may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, electronic or otherwise, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. The following presents a detailed description of the preferred embodiment with reference to the figures. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , shown is a prior art joint shield adapted to transport a cable accessory, for example, a splice or disconnectable joint. The joint shield comprises a body and lip composed of flexible fiberglass material. Typically, a cable accessory (not shown) rests on top of the joint shield. The cable accessory is part of a power distribution system and may be energized or de-energized. As shown, the lip of the joint shield curves upward to prevent the cable accessory from sliding off the back of the joint shield. Further, the ends of the body of the joint shield are sharp edges. As a result, at least a portion of some power cables (not shown) attached to the cable accessory (not shown) can hang over the prior art joint shield. The connectors of the cable accessory are covered in an arc and track resistant material, for example arc proofing tape, or a molded boot made from arc proofing material. The arc proofing protects the cable accessory from damage caused by the electrical failure of other equipment in the power distribution system. In addition, the arc proofing contains the electrical failure of the cable accessory from damaging other equipment. Generally, the process of moving the cable accessory to another location of the power distribution system begins with wrapping straps (not shown) underneath the joint shield. Next, the straps, joint shield, and cable accessory are lifted and moved, either manually or with the assistance of a crane or winch. 
     A frequent problem not addressed by the prior art is that there is no location on the joint shield to properly secure lifting straps which are often used in the art to move an energized or de-energized cable accessory. As a result, the lifting straps can slip or become dislodged resulting in the joint shield and cable accessory sliding from the straps and falling. Further, the arc proofing wrapped around the connectors of the cable accessory prevents a splicer from easily identifying whether a connection of the cable accessory has become disconnected. Therefore, the splicer must cut a window in the arc proofing tape or remove the molded boot designed to protect the cable accessory. The process of cutting a window in the arc proofing tape can result in damage to the cable and/or connector underneath or injury to the splicer due to a partially energized cable accessory. Similarly, the process of removing the molded boot can cause excessive movement that can result in electrical failure of the cable accessory. In addition, the sharp edges of the joint shield permits at least a portion of the cables attached to the cable accessory to bend around a small radius or sharp point, thereby causing an electrical failure of the cable. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the preferred embodiment provides lifting support  100  comprising joint shield  200  and arc proof cover  300 . Lifting support  100  provides a series of contact support locations designed to allow securement of one or more lifting straps  600  to joint shield  200  and in certain environments to arc proof cover  300  for additional support. The inventive concepts disclosed herein eliminate the need for arc proofing tape and a molded boot, common components known in the field, by providing an arc proofing cover. Arc proof cover  300  is configured to surround the cable accessory and allows the splicer to easily view the connectors of the cable accessory. In addition, arc proof cover  300  provides protection from electrical failure from other equipment in the power distribution system and contains the electrical failure of the cable accessory within it. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , cable accessory  400  is placed on top of joint shield  200 . Power cables  402 A,  404 A,  402 B, and  404 B are coupled to cable accessory  400 . Cable accessory  400  can be a disconnectable joint or other cable accessories known in the art. In turn, joint shield  200  is supported on left rack arm  502 A and right rack arm  502 B of cable rack  500 . In the preferred embodiment, joint shield  200  is composed of a flexible fiberglass, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that various materials of manufacture may be used including those currently known in the art. Joint shield  200  further includes at least one support rib (not shown) to provide a rigid structural support that minimizes bending when cable accessory  400  is placed on joint shield  200 . 
     Arc proof cover  300  is preferably coupled to joint shield  200  and surrounds cable accessory  400 . By surrounding cable accessory  400 , arc proof cover  300  protects cable accessory  400  from an external electrical failure caused by equipment installed on a joint shield, either one currently used in the art or an embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein, supported on left rack arm  504 A and right rack arm  504 B. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , arc proof cover  300  includes an opening at each end and does not fully wrap the individual connectors of cable accessory  400 . While such a configuration is preferred, configurations which further envelop and partially enclose cable accessory  400  around the vertical positions of arc proof cover  300  can be employed in certain environments. In the broad inventive concepts disclosed herein, the individual connecters of cable accessory  400  are not wrapped with arc proofing tape. This design allows for a visual inspection of the individual connectors of cable accessory  400 . Arc proof cover  300  can also be removed from joint shield  200  without requiring movement of the connectors of cable accessory  400 . 
     Joint shield  200  further comprises at least one mounting point  202 , and in this instance four mounting points (two shown) positioned near the corners of joint shield  200 . In the preferred embodiment, lifting strap  600  is configured to attach to mounting point  202 . Thereafter, the assembly comprising joint shield  200 , arc cover  300 , and cable accessory  400  can be lifted, repositioned, and/or moved. By incorporating mounting points into the joint shield, the lifting straps are prevented from sliding along arc cover  300  or becoming dislodged during the lifting and movement process. Joint shield  200  includes raised sides and raised ends, which is described in further detail below with reference to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B , to prevent movement of joint accessory  400  placed on joint shield  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the curved raised ends of joint shield  200  support at least a portion of some power cable  402 A. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a perspective view of joint shield  200  shown in  FIG. 2 . Joint shield  200  comprises front side  204 , back side  206 , first end  208 , and second end  210 . Front side  204  and back side  206  include a raised portion configured to prevent a cable accessory from sliding off the front and back side of joint shield  200 . First end  208  and second end  210  preferably include a raised curved portion. The radius of the raised curved portion is configured to support the weight of at least a portion of some of the cables attached to the cable accessory. Joint shield  200  further includes at least one mounting point  202 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , mounting point  202  is preferably an opening in joint shield  200  adjacent to front side  204  or back side  206 . A lifting strap (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) is looped into mounting point  202 . It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to use other mounting methods, such as a hook or snapping connectors, without departing from the spirit of the broad inventive concepts disclosed herein. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting point of the joint shield comprises guides positioned on the bottom surface of the joint shield and parallel to the ends of the joint shield. The guide can either extend the length of the ends of the joint shield or only a portion. In this embodiment, the lifting strap is positioned between the guides. Furthermore, the guides can include a lip to prevent the lifting strap from dislodging from the guides. In yet another embodiment, a locking mechanism is snapped or slide onto the guides after positioning the lifting strap. In some embodiments, the guides are provided by a groove in the joint shield, while in another the guides are the rib supports described in detail below with reference to  FIG. 3C . 
     In the preferred embodiment, joint shield  200  further includes grasping point  212  and cover mounting point  214 . Grasping point  212  is located at a substantially intermediate position of front side  204 . Grasping point  212  is preferably an opening in joint shield  200  that is configured to provide a location for a splicer to grasp by hand and slide or lift joint shield  200  manually, but can also be configured for manipulation by other tools or even automatic devices. Cover mounting point  214  is located at a substantially intermediate position of back side  206 . Cover mounting point  214  is preferably an opening in joint shield  200  that is configured to secure a strap. In the preferred embodiment, cover mounting point  214  is configured to attach to a strap that secures an arc proof cover to joint shield  200 . However, it would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that cover mounting point  214  can be configured to attach to a lifting strap or may be omitted, without departing from the spirit of the broad inventive concepts disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 3B  is a top view of the joint shield  200  depicted in  FIG. 3A . The position of a cable accessory is secured on joint shield  200  by front side  204 , back side  206 , first end  208 , and second end  210 . Further, the openings of mounting point  202  and cover mounting point  214  are minimized to restrict the movement of straps attached to the respective mounting points. This design stabilizes joint shield  200  during the lifting and moving process. As shown in  FIG. 3B , the opening of grasping point  212  is of sufficient size and dimension to provide access for a hand. 
     Turning next to  FIG. 3C , shown is a bottom view of the joint shield  200  depicted in  FIG. 3A . Joint shield  200  includes at least one rib support  216  adapted to prevent joint shield  200  from bending. In the preferred embodiment, rib support  216  is composed of a rigid non-conducting material like fiberglass. Rib support  216  is positioned on the bottom of joint shield  200 , such that the broad inventive concepts disclosed herein can replace currently existing joint shields without the need for specialized tools or equipment. For example, the portion of rib support  216  that is supported by the rack arms can be tapered. Although the structure depicted for providing bend support to joint shield  200  comprises two rib supports  216  parallel to front side  204  and back side  206 , and two rib supports  216  parallel to first end  208  and second end  210 , it would also be apparent to one skilled in the art that other support structures can be used. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a preferred embodiment of arc proof cover  300  shown in  FIG. 2 . Arc proof cover  300  comprises top  302 , front side  304 , and back side  306 . Front side  304  of arc proof cover  300  is configured to attach to front side  204  of joint shield  200  shown in  FIG. 3A . Back side  306  of arc proof cover  300  is configured to attach to back side  206  of joint shield  200  shown in  FIG. 3A . Arc proof cover  300  can be made from various sizes and shapes to cover cable accessories of various shapes, sizes, and designs. In the preferred embodiment, the height of top  302  of arc proof cover  300  is designed for the highest profile cable accessory. Therefore, in the field, the splicer can cut the arc proof cover to fit a cable accessory with a lower profile. Arc proof cover  300  is preferably composed of an arc proofing and track resistant material that is flexible. The arc proofing material is preferably a self-extinguishing polymer, comprising a blend of nitrile rubber and PVC, that is compounded with flame retardants. In the preferred embodiment, arc proof cover  300  is installed onto joint shield  200  by flexing front side  304  and back side  306  of arc proof cover  300  over front side  204  and back side  206  of joint shield  200 , respectively. It would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to attach arc proof cover  300  to joint shield  200  using various other means, such as a snapping means or sliding means, without departing from the spirit of the broad inventive concepts disclosed herein. 
     While the disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment, which has been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure, the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the broad inventive concepts disclosed herein. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It should be appreciated that the inventive concepts are capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.