Patent Publication Number: US-11643835-B2

Title: Transportable contained tower system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This Application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/900,209, filed Feb. 20, 2018, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,745,930, on Aug. 18, 2020, which claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/460,230, filed Feb. 17, 2017, which are incorporated herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a transportable contained tower system for providing a portable erectable tower system which can more easily be moved from one location to another using a standard but modified metal steel shipping container. This invention has numerous potential tower applications, such as among others, use for cell phone towers and antennas. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The proliferation of the usage of cell phones around the world has created a strong demand for additional cell phone coverage and hence additional towers carrying cell phone antennas. In some cases the demand requires a temporary cell phone tower before permanent can be installed, and others there may only be a temporary need for the cell phone tower. In some cases the temporary tower system may be used on a more permanent basis. 
     For many reasons the cell phone towers need to be placed in locations which are not readily accessible for equipment and it is desirable to have a mobile system in which the tower can be driven directly to the location where it&#39;s to be installed and cranes or other heavy equipment are not necessary to get the tower to the specific location. In some circles the tower systems are referred to as COWS, which stands for cells on wheels. 
     Shipping the towers to remote locations can be too time and resource intensive. On the other hand, there are new and used prefabricated standard shipping containers, typically made of steel, which are generally readily available and relatively inexpensive. Therefore, there has been a long felt but unsatisfied need for a sufficiently expandable tower system which can be fit within a standard shipping container for shipping, but which is also sufficiently expandable in remote locations to meet the needs of an installed temporary, semi-permanent or permanent tower system. 
     The needs of a remote tower system further include the need for electronics, cooling and other known components needed for such tower systems, which also need to be delivered to such locations and included within or attached to said modified standard steel shipping containers. 
     It is therefore an objective of aspects of this invention to provide a transportable contained tower system which utilizes a standardized steel shipping container for shipping and containment, and which then may be used as part of the tower anchor or framework for the tower as installed. 
     It is another objective of aspects of this invention to provide such a tower system as described in the preceding paragraph and further wherein the tower may be shipped in a supported horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation within the shipping container, but then may be re-oriented to a vertical position for the use and/or operation of the tower. 
     Embodiments of this invention provide such a tower system and have advantage of a fully self-contained tower system, including other tower system required or desired components, which can be housed by or attached to the contained tower system as transported. 
     While the invention was motivated in addressing some objectives, it is in no way so limited. The invention is only limited by the accompanying claims as literally worded, without interpretive or other limiting references to the specification, and in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of this invention will appear from the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In carrying out the objects of this invention, it is to be understood that it&#39;s essential features are susceptible to change in design and structural arrangements, with only one practical and preferred embodiment being illustrated in the accompanying drawings, as required. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of one example of an embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a front inside elevation view of an example of an embodiment contemplated by this invention, illustrating a tower mounted within a container; 
         FIG.  3    is a rear inside elevation view of the example of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a front elevation view of an example of embodiment of a tower and container, with the tower in its extended position; 
         FIG.  5    is a partial perspective view of the example of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is an exterior elevation view of embodiment of this invention before the tower has been placed into a vertical position; 
         FIG.  7    is a front inside elevation view of an embodiment of a tower being maneuvered from a stored or transport position toward an upright or operational position; 
         FIG.  8    is a front inside elevation view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG.  7   , wherein the tower is mounted in the vertical position; 
         FIG.  9    is an end view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG.  7    and  FIG.  8    above; 
         FIG.  10    is an elevation view of one example of an embodiment of an upper tower mount bracket that may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of the embodiment of the upper tower mount bracket illustrated in  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is an elevation view of one example of an embodiment of a lower tower mount bracket that may be utilized in practicing embodiments of this invention; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of the example of the embodiment of the lower tower mount bracket illustrated in  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is an elevation view of an example of an embodiment of a support slide ramp which may be utilized in practicing embodiments of this invention; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of the embodiment of the support slide ramp illustrated in  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a front elevation view of an example of an embodiment of a spring  10  which may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention; 
         FIG.  17    is a front elevation view of the spring  10  illustrated in  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a front elevation view of the spring  10  illustrated above, with the handle fully rotated to its fully biased position; 
         FIG.  19    is an elevation view of an embodiment of a tower system which may be utilized in practicing this invention, showing the hydraulic cylinder raising or extending the fifth tower structure relative to the fourth tower structure; 
         FIG.  20    is an elevation view of an embodiment of a tower system as shown in  FIG.  19    with a stationary support structure; 
         FIG.  21    is detail  21  from  FIG.  20   ; and 
         FIG.  22    is cross-sectional view  22 - 22  from  FIG.  21   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Many of the fastening, connection, manufacturing and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art or science; therefore, they will not be discussed in significant detail. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application or embodiment of any element may already be widely known or used in the art or by persons skilled in the art or science; therefore, each will not be discussed in significant detail. 
     The terms a, an, and the as used in the claims herein are used in conformance with long-standing claim drafting practice and not in a limiting way. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms a, an, and the, are not limited to one of such elements, but instead mean at least one. 
     As will be appreciated by those of reasonable skill in the art, there are numerous embodiments to this invention, and variations of elements and components which may be used, all within the scope of this invention. 
     It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that while one of a plurality of standardized steel containers may be utilized to practice embodiments of this invention, this is not required and a custom build container may also be used, all as contemplated by embodiments of this invention. It will be further appreciated that while standard steel containers are plentiful and preferred, other materials may be utilized within the contemplation of this invention, such as alloys, aluminum, plastics, composites, and others. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of one example of an embodiment of this invention, illustrating a modified shipping container or steel shipping container  101 , with the top  102 , front side  103 , tower aperture cover  102   a , container first end  105   a  and  105   b,  door  104 , front side opening  108 , and framework  106  which may include upper end framework portions  106   a , upper front and rear framework portions  106   b,  lower framework portion  106   d,  and corner framework portions  106   c.    FIG.  1    shows exemplary modifications to an example of a steel shipping container or just shipping container, which may be made to practice some embodiments of this invention (though not required to practice the invention). 
       FIG.  2    is a front inside elevation view of an example of an embodiment with a modified shipping container structure  120  which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention, illustrating a tower  121  mounted within the shipping container  120 , supported by internal framework  123  and  124 .  FIG.  2    further illustrates the internal compartment  128  of the shipping container, corner framework portions  106   c,  upper framework portion  106   b  and lower framework portion  106   e.    
       FIG.  3    is a rear inside elevation view of the example of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  2   , illustrating upper framework portion  106   b,  corner framework portions  106   c,  internal compartment  126 , tower  121  (including a proportion  122  of tower) and internal framework  123 . 
       FIG.  4    is a front elevation view of an example of embodiment of this invention  140  including a tower  142  and a shipping container  141 , with the tower  142  in its extended position.  FIG.  4    illustrates the several sections or portions of tower  142 , namely first tower section  142   a  (which has approximate height  157 ), second tower section  142   b  (which has approximate height  156 ), third tower section  142   c  (which has approximate height  155 ), fourth tower section  142   d  (which has approximate height  154 ), fifth tower section  142   e  (which has approximate height  153 ), sixth tower section  142   f  (which has approximate height  152 ), seventh tower section  142   g  (which has approximate height  151 ) and eighth tower section  142   h  (which has approximate height  150 ). The tower is supported by guide wires  143 . The modified shipping container  141  as a height  158 , length  159  and is showing with guide wire support structure  149  and power structure ancillary equipment  146  attached thereto. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates how the tower  142  may be mounted within into the shipping container  141  which would then act in part as a support structure as well as a containment structure for the tower in its operating location. 
       FIG.  5    is a partial perspective view of the example of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  4   , illustrating as modified in this embodiment, shipping container top  141   a,  guide wires  143  and  144 , front  141   b  of shipping container  141 , FireWire support framework  149  and  150 , with framework support cables  154  and  157  shown attached to perspective framework components  149  and  150 .  FIG.  5    also shows first tower section  142   a,  second tower section  142   b,  and third tower section  142   c.    
       FIG.  6    is an exterior elevation view of an embodiment of this invention after the tower  172  (not shown in this figure) has been placed into a vertical position, illustrating modified shipping container  170  (including front panel  171  of shipping container  170 .  FIG.  6    further illustrates, antenna  173  on the un-extended Tower  172 , first tower section  174  with attachment structure  175 , second tower section  176  with attachment structure  177 , third tower section  178  with attachment structure  179 , four tower section  180  with attachment structure  181  and the upper end  182  of a hydraulic ram as further illustrated and discussed relative to later figures below. 
       FIG.  7    is a front inside elevation view of an embodiment of a tower  202  being maneuvered from a stored or transport position (within shipping container  200  with panel  201 ) toward an upright or operational position. The tower  202  is shown as it is being moved or placed in its vertical position by being slid along slide  208 . Upper tower support structure  209  and lower tower support structure  212  are shown attached to an end wall of the shipping container  200 , and also illustrates corner support  205 . Support for pulling cable  204  is illustrated in  FIG.  7   , along with support cable  206  attached to and supported by cable support  207  which is mounted to the shipping container  200 . A wench may be included as part of the lower support structure  212  to assist in moving tower  202   
       FIG.  8    is a front inside elevation view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG.  7   , wherein the tower  202  is mounted in the vertical position within modified shipping container  200 .  FIG.  8    further illustrates shipping container back panel  201 , tower slide  208 , upper tower mount bracket  209  and lower tower mount bracket  212 . The tower  202  in  FIG.  8    has been slid along slide  208  to be moved from a horizontal position within the shipping container  200  to the vertical position shown in  FIG.  8   , mounted and secured to an end wall of the shipping container  200 . 
       FIG.  9    is an end view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG.  7    and  FIG.  8    above, illustrating shipping container  200 , slide  208 , tower  202 , upper mounting bracket  209 , lower mounting bracket  212  and container end panel  211 . 
       FIG.  10    is an elevation view of one example of an embodiment of an upper tower mount bracket  209  that may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention.  FIG.  10    illustrates container attachment brackets  220 , center support  221  which bridges across and attaches to the container attachment brackets  220 , power mount plate  222  and winch  223 . Winch  223  may be utilized in combination with a rope or cable to attach to or secure the tower in various positions. 
       FIG.  11    is a perspective view of the embodiment of the upper tower mount bracket  209  illustrated in  FIG.  10   .  FIG.  11    further illustrates container attachment brackets  220 , center support  221  which bridges across and attaches to the container attachment brackets  220 , power mount plate  222  and winch  223 . Winch  223  may be utilized in combination with a rope or cable to attach to or secure the tower in various positions. 
       FIG.  12    is an elevation view of one example of an embodiment of a lower tower mount bracket  212  that may be utilized in practicing embodiments of this invention.  FIG.  12    illustrates container attachment brackets  231 , center support  230 , tower attachment plate  233  and wench  232 . 
       FIG.  13    is a perspective view of the example of the embodiment of the lower tower mount bracket illustrated in  FIG.  12   .  FIG.  13    illustrates container attachment brackets  231 , center support  230 , tower attachment plate  233  (with attachment plate framework  236 ) and wench  232 . 
       FIG.  14    is an elevation view of an example of an embodiment of a support slide ramp  208  which may be utilized in practicing embodiments of this invention, illustrating a first portion  208   a  and a second portion  208   c  of slide, along with tower support framework  208   e.    
       FIG.  15    is a perspective view of the embodiment the support slide ramp illustrated in  FIG.  14   ;  FIG.  15    illustrates a first portion  208   a  and a second portion  208   c  of slide, along with tower support framework  208   e  and internal service  208   d  and cross support members  208   b.    
       FIG.  16    is a front elevation view of an example of an embodiment of a spring which may be utilized in practicing aspects of this invention.  FIG.  16    is a front elevation view of the pin or spring that may be utilized in the expansion of the tower system illustrated in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  16    shows how spring pin  350  may be mounted by shoulder mount  348  to first tower structure  309  through aperture  309   a  in first tower structure  309 . Second tower structure  311  is then shown positioned within first tower structure  309  and second tower structure aperture  311   a  is shown aligned with pin  346  such that pin  346  moved as shown by arrow  373  into second tower structure aperture  311   a.  Once pin  346  is inserted in the corresponding second tower structure aperture  311   a  it secures first tower structure  309  relative to second tower structure  311 . If handle  347  is then rotated 180°, pin  346  is completely retracted within spring pin  350  and second tower structure  311  may be moved relative to first tower structure  309 . 
       FIG.  17    is a front elevation view of the spring  10  illustrated in  FIG.  16   .  FIG.  17    is a front elevation view of the pin or spring that may be utilized in the expansion of the tower system illustrated herein, with the handle more fully rotated.  FIG.  17    illustrates handle  347  rotated approximately 90°, with the corresponding of the retraction of pin  346  into shoulder mount  348 . In  FIGS.  16 - 18    it is illustrated how the retraction of pin  346  then provides for the relative or allows the relative movement of second tower structure  311  relative to first tower structure  309 . It should be kept in mind that first tower structure  309  and second tower structure  311  as shown in  FIG.  16    is just a cross section and second tower structure  311  is actually a similarly shaped component within the internal cavity of first tower structure  309 . 
     While this particular configuration of spring pin is utilized, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other biasing means for inserting attachment pins between tower structures may be utilized in the contemplation of this invention to provide for the secured expansion of one tower structure relative to another. 
     It is an advantage in using these pins a simple way to allow the relative securement of one tower structure relative to another so that the height of equipment, such as a boom truck with a boom that needs to reach the full height  386  as opposed to the reduced height  387  in order to fully extend and erect the tower system  300 . 
       FIG.  18    is a front elevation view of the spring  10  illustrated above, with the handle fully rotated to its fully biased position. Like numbered items in  FIG.  18    are the same as those identified in  FIG.  17    and will not therefore be repeated herein. 
       FIG.  19    is an elevation view of an embodiment of a tower system which may be utilized in practicing this invention, showing the hydraulic cylinder raising or extending the fifth tower structure relative to the fourth tower structure.  FIG.  19    is a rear elevation view of an embodiment of a tower system which may be utilized in practicing the invention, showing the hydraulic cylinder  319  raising or extending the fifth tower structure relative to the fourth tower structure. In the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG.  19    where internal hydraulic cylinder  319  is utilized to raise the respective tower structures with respect to one another, a pin or other mechanism may be placed through apertures in the tubular wall of each, or across each to allow the hydraulic cylinder or top of the cylinder ram to engage it to raise that tower structure. After a given tower structure is raised to its extended position, the hydraulic cylinder ram may then be retracted back down to the next tower structure. Once the hydraulic cylinder is lowered down to or below the top of the next tower structure, a pin may be placed in that tower structure and that particular tower structure may then also be raised. 
     The tower structures are raised until the spring pins engage the spring pin apertures on the tower structure within the internal cavity of that tower structure, thereby securely fixing one tower structure relative to an adjacent tower structure from further vertical movement. It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more spring pins may be mounted on a given tower structure to help secure the tower structures with respect to one another, such as two spring pins, three spring pins or four spring pins around a given tower.  FIG.  20    is the same elevation view as  FIG.  19   , only without the mobile support and components shown in  FIG.  19   , with like numbered items being the same as in  FIG.  19   . 
       FIG.  21    is detail  21  from  FIG.  20   , and shows hydraulic cylinder ram  319  with pin  321  placed through pin apertures in fifth tower structure  314 . The top of the hydraulic ram may include a V-shaped adapter  322  as shown in  FIG.  21    to engage and push on pin  321  to move that tower structure upward. Once a given tower structure such as fifth tower structure  314  is moved and locked into its upward or extended position, then hydraulic cylinder ram  319  may be lowered down to a position below the fourth tower structure  313 , a pin inserted into apertures to then engage or be engaged by the hydraulic cylinder ram  319  and its adapter  322 . If this sequence or procedure is followed sequentially, each tower structure is then extended upward to a position which is fixed relative to the tower structure directly beneath it or directly surrounding it, and then the next in sequence is similarly raised, until the entire tower structure is erected at the desired height. 
       FIG.  22    is a cross-sectional view  22 - 22  from  FIG.  21   , and shows the hydraulic cylinder ram  319  and adapter  322  in gauging pin  321  to raise fifth tower structure  314  upwardly. Guide wire support  357  includes an aperture through which a guide wire may be attached if additional stabilization is required or desired for that particular tower structure. 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that there may be other embodiments of the invention disclosed, such as a contained tower system comprising: a rigid transportation container; a tubular first tower structure mounted within the transportation container such that it is positionable in a substantially horizontal travel position and in a substantially vertical operational position, the first tower structure being tubular with a first tower structure internal cavity; a tubular second tower structure with a second tower structure internal cavity and which is slidably disposed within the first tower structure internal cavity, the second tower structure including a first tower spring aperture; a third tower structure slidably disposed within the second tower structure internal cavity; a first tower spring pin mounted to an outer surface of the first tower structure with an inwardly biased pin extending through a first spring pin aperture in the first tower structure; and such that when the second tower structure is slid to an extended position relative to the first tower structure, the biased pin of the first tower spring spring pins into the first tower spring aperture in the second tower structure to secure the second tower structure relative to the first tower structure. 
     Further embodiments to that in the preceding paragraph may include a tower system as recited the preceding paragraph, and: further wherein the second tower structure includes a second tower spring aperture, and further wherein the tower system further comprises a second tower spring pin mounted to an outer surface of the first tower structure with an inwardly biased pin extending through a second spring pin aperture in the first tower structure; and such that when the second tower structure is slid to its extended position relative to the first tower structure, the biased pin of the second tower spring pins into the second tower spring aperture to secure the second tower structure relative to the first tower structure; further comprising a second tower spring pin mounted to an outer surface of the second tower structure with an inwardly biased pin extending through a first spring pin aperture in the second tower structure; and such that when the third tower structure is slid to an extended position relative to the second tower structure, the biased pin of the second tower spring spring pins into the first tower spring aperture in the third tower structure to secure the third tower structure relative to the second tower structure; and/or further comprising a hydraulic cylinder mounted within the tower structures and disposed to slide the second tower structure with respect to the first tower structure. 
     In other and further method embodiments, a method of erecting a tower system is disclosed comprising: providing a rigid transportation container trailer; providing a tower framework pivotally mounted to the trailer chassis; providing a tubular first tower structure mounted to the tower framework positioned in a substantially horizontal travel position, the first tower structure being tubular with a first lower structure internal cavity and including a first tower spring pin mounted to an outer surface of the first tower structure with an inwardly biased pin extending through a first spring pin aperture in the first tower structure; providing a tubular second tower structure with a second tower structure internal cavity and which is slidably disposed within the first tower structure internal cavity, the second tower structure including a first tower spring aperture; and sliding the second tower structure outward from the internal cavity of the first tower structure until the biased pin of the first tower spring spring pins into the first tower spring aperture in the second tower structure to secure movement of the second tower structure relative to the first tower structure. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of erecting a tower system is provided, comprising: providing a rigid transportation container with an internal cavity; providing a tower framework mounted within the internal cavity of the transportation container; providing a tubular first tower structure pivotally mounted to the tower framework positioned in a substantially horizontal travel position, the first tower structure being tubular with a first tower structure internal cavity and including a first tower spring pin mounted to an outer surface of the first tower structure with an inwardly biased pin extending through a first spring pin aperture in the first tower structure; providing a tubular second tower structure with a second tower structure internal cavity and which is slidably disposed within the first tower structure internal cavity, the second tower structure including a first tower spring aperture; providing a third tower structure slidably disposed within the second tower structure internal cavity; providing second tower spring pin mounted to an outer surface of the second tower structure with an inwardly biased pin extending through a first spring pin aperture in the second tower structure; sliding the third tower structure outward from the internal cavity of the second tower structure until the biased pin of the second tower spring pins into the first tower spring aperture in the third tower structure to secure movement of the third tower structure relative to the second tower structure; and sliding the second tower structure outward from the internal cavity of the first tower structure until the biased pin of the first tower spring pins into the first tower spring aperture in the second tower structure to secure the second tower structure relative to the first tower structure. 
     In a further embodiment to that disclosed in the preceding paragraph, a method of erecting a tower system is disclosed and further wherein an internal hydraulic cylinder is used to slide the third tower structure outward from the internal cavity of the second tower structure until the biased pin of the second tower spring spring pins into the first tower spring aperture in the third tower structure to secure movement of the third tower structure relative to the second tower structure. 
     In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.