Patent Publication Number: US-6655097-B1

Title: Method and apparatus for maintaining a column in an upright position

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     This invention broadly relates to structural frames. This invention further relates to structural frames which can be employed to stabilize an existing structure. This invention still further relates to a portable jointed frame which can be erected on site to temporarily support an existing structure. This invention more particularly relates to an articulated portable frame and the method of using it to maintain a utility pole in an upright position. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art and Problems Solved 
     Electric utility companies, and other entities, erect structures, for example substantially vertical columns of relatively small diameter, such as long wooden poles, to support overhead wire and cable employed to conduct electricity and data. It is known that such wire and cable include power lines, telephone lines, television cable and the like. It is also known that any interruption in the services provided by such wire and cable can result in customer ill will, aggravation and annoyance as well as considerable inconvenience and outright danger to persons and institutions who depend upon and otherwise rely on the services. In short, services provided by power lines and data transmission cable constitute a virtually essential aspect of the conduct of business and the safety and enjoyment of life by persons and other users of the services. 
     Interruption of power and data transmission services can and does occur on an unplanned and surprise basis. Examples of such interruptions are well known to be caused by natural events, such as storms, floods and fire. Surprise interruptions in service can also be caused by accidents, such as a car wreck wherein a pole is knocked down. Service providers treat unplanned interruptions as an emergency and work diligently to restore service as quickly as possible. Customers and other users have developed, at least, a limited tolerance of unplanned interruptions with the expectation and understanding that efforts are underway to remedy the problem. 
     In contrast, interruptions which can be foreseen by service providers are not received by customers with the same tolerance as unplanned interruptions. Consequently, service providers exert great efforts to avoid service interruptions which can be foreseen. An upright pole which can fall if soil which supports the pole is removed during a construction operation can be the cause of an interruption in electric service which can be foreseen. 
     In operations which involve the removal of soil from the vicinity of an upright pole, or from the vicinity of a line of upright utility poles, the possibility of undermining the pole with the result that the pole can fall and cause a service interruption can be foreseen. Such undermining can be caused by digging ditches, excavating roadbeds or similar earth removal activities at points very close to a pole or poles. With the foreseeable service loss in mind, service providers and earth removal entities, to avoid interruption and the adverse consequences of a service loss and the consumer ire that such a loss would cause, temporarily reroute :service lines before excavation begins. Following the completion of construction operations, the original route is restored. The current practice of temporarily rerouting followed by restoring the original route is time consuming and expensive. 
     There, thus, exists a need of an apparatus and a method of using the apparatus which functions to prevent an upright column, such as an electric utility pole, from falling if removal of soil in the vicinity of the column would undermine the column and cause it to fall. Use of the apparatus, or of a plurality of such devices, would obviate the need to temporarily reroute a line of utility poles to avoid an interruption in service. 
     THE INVENTION 
     1. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     By this invention there is provided an apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to support a column, such as an electric utility pole, in an upright position. An electric utility pole is, ideally, plumb. Such a pole may, in fact, have been plumb when first installed in the ground, but a pole, over the passage of time, can lean out of plumb while still remaining in an “upright position.” Furthermore, since ground having a pole installed therein is not necessarily horizontal, such a pole installed in the ground, even if plumb at the time of installation, is not necessarily perpendicular to the ground in which it is installed, but is, nevertheless, in an “upright position.” Accordingly, for purposes of this invention, the phrase “upright position” means a position occupied by a pole which is not lying on the ground, but which is not necessarily plumb or perpendicular to the ground in which it is installed. It follows, then, that an apparatus whose function it is to support a pole in an “upright position” must operate in environments wherein the pole may lean out of plumb and/or wherein the pole is not perpendicular to the ground in which the pole is installed. The apparatus of this invention is, thus, a frame which is deliberately articulated to enables it to support a pole in an upright position even if the pole is not plumb and/or is not perpendicular to the ground in which the pole is installed. 
     This invention finds particular utility in the situation wherein a pole installed in ground in the vicinity of earth to be removed may fall if earth essential to the support of the pole is removed. Use of this invention will prevent the pole from falling even if the earth required to support the pole is removed from the vicinity of the pole. 
     In accordance with the method of this invention, an articulated frame comprised of a pole contacting element, a primary ground contacting element and at least one rigid stiffening element is provided, placed and held against the pole to be supported. The pole contacting element is attached to the primary ground contacting element by a pivot connection and by the rigid stiffening element. In operation, the frame is positioned so that the ground contacting element is placed on earth which will not be removed, and the pole contacting element is placed in contact with the pole and oriented so that the linear axis of the pole contacting element is substantially parallel to the linear axis of the pole. The pole contacting element is then urged and held against the pole to create frictional resistance between the pole and the pole contacting element sufficient to prevent the pole from sliding against the pole contacting element. Thereafter, the ground contacting element and the pole contacting element are connected by the rigid stiffening element to force the ground contacting element against the ground in which the pole is installed to thereby prevent any movement between the ground contacting element and the pole contacting element at the mentioned pivot connection. Thereafter, earth removal may begin. 
     Additional ground contacting elements can be attached by pivot connections to the primary ground contacting element, and additional stiffening elements can be attached to such additional ground contacting elements to rigidly connect them to the pole contacting element. 
     In another aspect, an anchored flexible line, such as a cable or a chain, can be vertically suspended from the articulated frame and attached to the pole to be supported to help prevent sliding movement between the pole and the pole contacting element. 
    
    
     The nature and content of the pole contacting element, the ground contacting elements the stiffening elements and the flexible line, as well as the method of their use and operation, are more particularly described in the following text and drawings. 
     2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an artist&#39;s rendition of one embodiment of the apparatus of this invention as used to maintain a column, such as an electric utility pole, in an upright position. 
     FIG. 2 is the top view of an embodiment of the apparatus of this invention. 
     FIG. 3 is the left side view of the apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a modified front view of the apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . FIG. 4 does show the primary support leg, but does not show the secondary support leg. 
     FIG. 5 is a modified front view of the apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . FIG. 5 does show the secondary support leg, but does not show the primary support leg. 
     FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of the portion of FIG. 3 enclosed within circle  6 . FIG. 6 shows the connections of the secondary support leg and the left support leg to the distal end of the upright member. 
     FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of the portion of FIG. 3 enclosed within circle  7 . FIG. 7 shows the connection of the secondary support leg to the front end of the secondary base member. 
     FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of the portion of FIG. 5 enclosed within circle  8 . FIG. 8 shows the roller bar attached to the distal end of the upright member. 
     FIG. 9 is the left side view of the upright member of the apparatus of this invention. 
     FIG. 10 is the front view of the upright member shown in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the upright member shown in FIG. 9 taken in the direction of cut-line  11 . 
     FIG. 12 is the top view of the left base member of the apparatus of this invention. 
     FIG. 13 is the top view of the right base member of the apparatus of this invention. 
     FIG. 14 is the top view of the primary base member of the apparatus of this invention. 
     FIG. 15 is the front view of the primary base member shown in FIG.  14 . 
    
    
     3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-15, and particularly to FIGS. 1-5,  9  and  10 , the apparatus of this invention, an articulated frame useful to maintain a pole in an upright position, is generally designated by reference numeral  1 . In one embodiment, frame  1  is functionally comprised of a primary ground contacting element, shown in the drawings as first base member  2 , the primary base member; a pole contacting element, shown in the drawings as upright member  4 ; and a stiffening element, shown in the drawings as first support leg  6 , the primary support leg. In another embodiment, frame  1  is further comprised of second base member  8 , the secondary base member, and second support leg  10 , the secondary support leg. In still another embodiment, frame  1  is still further comprised of third base member  12 , the left base member; fourth base member  14 , the right base member; third support leg  16 , the left support leg; and fourth support leg  18 , the right support leg. In a still further embodiment, frame  1  can still further comprise tension member  22 , anchor  24 , and compression bands  26 ,  28  and  30  to assist the articulated frame of this invention to maintain a column, such as utility pole  20 , in an upright position. It is to be understood that the identified base members and the upright member are rigid elements, which, upon inclusion in frame  1 , can pivot at the point or points of connection each to the other. It is also to be understood that the identified legs are rigid elements which operate as stiffening members to prevent, or at least to substantially reduce, pivoting movement between the connected base members and the upright member. 
     Having identified the principle structural elements of frame  1 , please refer to FIGS. 14 and 15 and observe that primary base member  2  is a first workpiece substantially in the shape of a channel having a linear axis, a transverse axis, a web, comprising upper surface  32  and lower surface,  34 , front flange  36 , having outer surface  37 , back flange  38 , having outer surface  39 , left end  40 , right end  42 , upright axle  44 , adapted for removable attachment to outer surface  39 , and primary base axle  46 , adapted for removable attachment to upper surface  32 . Each of flanges  36  and  38  is substantially parallel to the linear axis of base member  2  and each extends upwardly from and substantially perpendicular to upper surface  32 . For purposes of definition, surface  37  is the front side of base member  2  and surface  39  is the back side of base member  2 . 
     Upright axle  44  is removably attached to back surface  39  by means of right angle clips  48  and  50 , each of which is attached to surface  39  at points intermediate left end  40  and right end  42  of base member  2 . The first leg of each of clips  48  and  50  is rigidly attached to surface  39  whereby the second leg of each of clips  48  and  50  extends outwardly from, and substantially perpendicular to surface  39 . A hole, not shown, penetrates the mentioned second leg of each of clips  48  and  50 . The holes in clips  48  and  50  are in alignment, are sized to rotatably receive and support each end of axle  44  and positioned to place axle  44  a constant distance from surface  39  and substantially parallel to the linear axis of base member  2 . 
     Primary base axle  46  is removably attached to upper surface  32  of base member  2  by means of clip assembly  52 . Clip assembly  52  is rigidly attached to surface  32  at a point intermediate left end  40  and right end  42 . Clip assembly  52  is preferably aligned along the transverse axis of base member  2  and positioned equidistant between clips  48  and  50 . Clip assembly  52  is comprised of plate  54  having rigidly attached thereto ears  56  and  58 , each of which extend upwardly from and substantially perpendicular to plate  54  and parallel to the transverse axis of member  2 . A hole, not shown, penetrates each of ears  56  and  58 . The holes in ears  56  and  58  are in alignment, are sized to rotatably receive and support each end of primary base axle  46  and positioned to place axle  46  a constant distance from surface  32  and substantially parallel to upright axle  44 . 
     Please refer to FIGS. 8,  9 ,  10  and  11 , and observe that upright member  4  is a second workpiece substantially in the shape of a channel having first proximal end  60 , adapted for rotatable connection to upright axle  44 , first distal end  62 , a linear axis, a transverse axis, web  63 , comprising front side  64  and back side  66 , left side flange  68 , and right side flange  70 . Cavity  65  is, thus, formed in the space bounded by flanges  68  and  70  and back side  66 . 
     Hole  61  penetrates flange  68  adjacent proximal end  60  of upright member  4 . A hole, not shown, which is in alignment with hole  61 , penetrates flange  70 . The aligned pair of holes, referred to as holes  61 , are adapted to rotatably receive and support the ends of upright axle  44 . 
     The separation between flange  68  and flange  70  is adjusted to enable slidable insertion of flanges  68  and  70  between clips  48  and  50  which, as mentioned, are connected to surface  39  of primary base member  2 . Upon insertion of flanges  68  and  70  between clips  48  and  50 , holes  61  are aligned with the previously described holes in the second legs of clips  48  and  50 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, axle  44  is then inserted into the thus aligned holes to thereby rotatably connect front side  64  of upright member  4  at proximal end  60  to back surface  39  of primary base member  2 . 
     Ribs  72  and  74  are rigidly attached to front side  64  of upright member  4  intermediate and parallel to flanges  68  and  70 . Ribs  72  and  74  extend outwardly from and perpendicular to front side  64 . 
     As disclosed above, upright member  4  is rotatably connected to primary base member  2  wherein, upon such connection, rib  72  preferably lies in the same plane as ear  56  which is attached to surface  32 , and rib  74  preferably lies in the same plane as ear  58  which is also attached to surface  32 . Accordingly, the separation between ribs  72  and  74  is preferably equal to the separation between ears  56  and  58 . 
     Holes  76 ,  78  and  80  penetrate rib  74  adjacent proximal end  60  of upright member  4 . Holes, not shown, which are in alignment with holes  76 ,  78  and  80  penetrate rib  72 . The three aligned pairs of holes, referred to as holes  76 ,  78  and  80 , are adapted to rotatably receive and support the ends of primary leg axle  82  which is adapted to be inserted into and rotatably supported by holes  76 ,  78  and  80 . Primary leg axle  82  can be, thus, removably attached to front side  64  of upright member  4  intermediate first proximal end  60  and first distal end  62 . Axle  82  is positioned a constant distance from front side  64  and substantially parallel to upright axle  44  which is attached to back surface  39  of primary base member  2 . 
     Hole  63  penetrates flange  68  adjacent distal end  62  of upright member  4 . A hole, not shown, which is in alignment with hole  63 , penetrates flange  70 . The aligned pair of holes, referred to as holes  63 , are adapted to receive and support the ends of a bar, such as roller  67 , which is adapted to rotate in holes  63 . Rings  67   a  and  67   b  retain roller  67  in holes  63 . A portion  64   a  of web  63  of upright member  4  at distal end  62  is shaped to expose roller  67  in cavity  65  as roller  67  extends between flange  68  and flange  70 . The surface of roller  67  and opposite sides  75  and  77  of portion  64   a  of web  63  cooperate to guide and maintain a flexible line, cable or chain, such as tension member  22 , on roller  67  as the line passes over roller  67  and into cavity  65 . 
     Hand and foot support brackets  69   a ,  71   a  and  73   a  are spaced apart and perpendicularly installed on flange  68 . Hand and foot support brackets  69   b ,  71   b  and  73   b  are spaced apart and perpendicularly installed on flange  70 . The brackets, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are aligned in pairs. As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, each bracket is comprised of a “U”-shaped bar  79 , the ends of which are rigidly attached to rectangular plate  81 . Bar  79  and plate  81  cooperate to form open space  83 . Bar  79  and the linear axis of plate  81  are positioned in alignment with the linear axis of upright member  4 . 
     Slots  74   a ,  74   b  and  74   c  are formed in rib  74  at the intersection surface  64  and rib  74 . The slots are spaced along rib  74  intermediate proximal end  60  and secondary leg axle  98 . Slots  72   a ,  72   b  and  72   c  are formed in rib  72  at the intersection surface  64  and rib  72  and are in alignment with slots  74   a ,  74   b  and  74   c , respectively. The combination of each aligned pair of slots, such as slots  72   c  and  74   c , as shown in FIG. 11, permit access from flange  68  to flange  70  along surface  64  without crossing over the outer edges of ribs  72  and rib  74 . 
     Primary support leg  6  is a linear member having first connecter  84 , not shown, at one end thereof adapted for rotatable connection to primary base axle  46 , and second connecter  86  at the other end thereof adapted for rotatable connection to primary leg axle  82 . It is, thus, clear that a hole, not shown, penetrates first connector  84  wherein the hole is of diameter sufficient to enable primary base axle  46  to slidably pass through the same and to permit support leg  6  to rotate around axle  46 . It is also clear that a hole, not shown, penetrates second connector  86  wherein the hole is of diameter sufficient to enable primary leg axle  82  to slidably pass through the same and to permit support leg  6  to rotate around axle  82 . 
     As mentioned, upright member  4  and primary base member  2  are rotatably connected together by axle  44 . Furthermore, axle  82  can be utilized in any one of holes  76 ,  78  and  80 . Consequently, the distance between axle  44  and axle  82  will vary depending upon the angular relationship of upright member  4  and primary base member  2  and the position of axle  82 . Thus, primary support leg  6  preferably includes a first length adjusting means, such as turnbuckle  88 , intermediate first connecter  84  and second connecter  86  to permit the distance between connecter  84  and connecter  86  to be adjusted to correspond to the distance between axle  44  and axle  82 . 
     Primary base member  2  further comprises front axle  90  removably attached to front surface  37  by means of right angle clips  92  and  94 , each of which is attached to surface  37  intermediate left end  40  and right end  42  of base member  2 . The first leg of each of clips  92  and  94  is rigidly attached to surface  37  whereby the second leg of each of clips  92  and  94  extends outwardly from, and substantially perpendicular to surface  37 . A hole, not shown, penetrates the mentioned second leg of each of clips  92  and  94 . The holes in clips  92  and  94  are in alignment, are sized to rotatably receive and support each end of axle  90  and positioned to place axle  90  a constant distance from surface  37  and substantially parallel to upright axle  44 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 2,  3 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7  and  10 , frame  1  further comprises secondary base member  8 , secondary support leg  10 , secondary base axle  96  and secondary leg axle  98 . 
     Secondary base member  8  is a third workpiece substantially in the shape of a channel having a linear axis, a transverse axis, a web, comprising top surface  100  and bottom surface  102 , left flange  104 , right flange  106 , front end  108  and rear end  110 . Rear end  110  is adapted for rotatable attachment to front axle  90 . Each of flanges  104  and  106  is substantially parallel to the linear axis of base member  8  and each extends upwardly from and substantially perpendicular to top surface  100 . The separation between flanges  104  and  106  is adjusted to enable rear end  110  of member  8  to be slidably placed between the second legs of right angle clips  92  and  94  of base member  2 . Aligned holes, not shown, penetrate flanges  104  and  106  adjacent rear end  110  of base member  8  and are sized to rotatably receive and support each end of axle  90 . Flanges  104  and  106  at rear end  110  are inserted between clips  92  and  94 , the respective holes in clips  92  and  94  and flanges  104  and  106  are placed in alignment and axle  90  is inserted into the holes to thereby rotatably connect secondary base member  8  to primary base member  2 . As shown in FIG. 2, axle  90  is then inserted into the thus aligned holes to thereby rotatably connect front side  37  of primary base member  2  to rear end  110  of secondary base member  8 . Upon connection of secondary member  8  to primary member  2 , it is preferred that the linear axis of member  8  be in alignment with the transverse axis of member  2 . 
     Secondary base axle  96  is positioned substantially parallel to front axle  90 , which is parallel to upright axle  44 , and is removably attached to and positioned a constant distance from top surface  100  intermediate front end  108  and rear end  110  of member  8  by clip assembly  112  which is rigidly attached to surface  100 . Clip assembly  112  is preferably aligned along the linear axis of base member  8  and positioned equidistant between Flanges  104  and  106 . Clip assembly  112  is comprised of plate  114  having rigidly attached thereto ears  116  and  118  each of which is parallel to flanges  104  and  106  and each extends upwardly from and substantially perpendicular to plate  114 . Hole  120  penetrates ear  116 . A similar hole, not shown, in alignment with hole  120  penetrates ear  118 . The holes are sized to rotatably receive and support each end of secondary base axle  96  and positioned to place axle  96  a constant distance from surface  100  and substantially parallel to front axle  90  and upright axle  44 . 
     Holes  122 ,  124  and  126  penetrate rib  74  adjacent distal end  62  of upright member  4 . Holes, not shown, which are in alignment with holes  122 ,  124  and  126  penetrate rib  72 . The three aligned pairs of holes, referred to as holes  122 ,  124  and  126 , are adapted to rotatably receive and support secondary leg axle  98  which is adapted to be inserted into and rotatably supported by holes  122 ,  124  and  126 . Secondary leg axle  98  can be, thus, removably attached to front side  64  of upright member  4  intermediate primary leg axle  82  and distal end  62 . Axle  98  is positioned a constant distance from front side  64  and substantially parallel to secondary base axle  96  which parallel to upright axle  44 . 
     Secondary support leg  10  is a linear member having third connecter  128  at one end thereof adapted for rotatable connection to secondary base axle  96 , and fourth connecter  130  at the other end thereof adapted for rotatable connection to secondary leg axle  98 . It is, thus, clear that a hole, not shown, penetrates third connector  128  wherein the hole is of diameter sufficient to enable secondary base axle  96  to slidably pass through the same and to permit support leg  10  to rotate around axle  96 . It is also clear that a hole, not shown, penetrates fourth connector  130  wherein the hole is of diameter sufficient to enable secondary leg axle  98  to slidably pass through the same and to permit support leg  10  to rotate around axle  98 . 
     As mentioned, primary base member  2  and secondary base member  8  are rotatably connected together by axle  90 . Furthermore, axle  98  can be utilized in any one of holes  122 ,  124  and  126 . Consequently, the distance between axle  96  and axle  98  will vary depending upon the angular relationship of upright member  4  and secondary base member  8  and the position of axle  98 . Thus, secondary support leg  10  preferably includes a second length adjusting means, such as turnbuckle  132 , intermediate third connecter  128  and fourth connecter  130  to permit the distance between connecter  128  and connecter  130  to be adjusted to correspond to the distance between axle  96  and axle  98 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 2,  4 ,  5 ,  12  and  13 , frame  1  further comprises left base member  12 , right base member  14 , left support leg  16 , right support leg  18 , left axle  134 , right axle  136 , left base axle  138 , left leg axle  140 , right base axle  142  and right leg axle  144 . Left end  40  of primary base member  2  is rotatably attached to left axle  134 . Right end  42  of base member  2  is rotatably attached to right axle  136 . 
     Left base member  12  is a fourth workpiece substantially in the shape of a channel having a linear axis, a transverse axis, a web, comprising upper surface  146 , front flange  148 , back flange  150 , left end  152 , right end  154 . Left axle  134  is adapted for removable attachment to right end  154  and left base axle  138  is adapted for removable attachment to upper surface  146 . Each of flanges  148  and  150  is substantially parallel to the linear axis of base member  12  and each extends upwardly from and substantially perpendicular to upper surface  146 . The separation between flanges  148  and  150  is equal to the separation between flanges  36  and  38  of base member  2  such that upon pivotal attachment of base member  12  to base member  2 , as described below, flange  148  is in alignment with flange  36  and flange  150  is in alignment with flange  38  and the linear axis of member  12  is in alignment with the linear axis of member  2 . 
     Bracket  156 , consisting of parallel plates  158  and  160 , is rigidly attached to flange  150  at right end  154  of member  12 . The first portion of plate  158  is rigidly attached to the outside surface of flange  150  and the second portion of plate  158  extends beyond flange  150 . The extension of plate  158  is penetrated by a hole, not shown, which is sized to rotatably receive an end of axle  134 . The first portion of plate  160  is rigidly attached to the inside surface of flange  150  and the second portion of plate  160  extends beyond flange  150 . The extension of plate  160  is penetrated by a hole, not shown, which is sized to rotatably receive an end of axle  134  and is in alignment with the mentioned hole in plate  158 . Plates  158  and  160  are separated by a gap equal to the width of flange  150 . 
     Bracket  162 , consisting of parallel plates  164  and  166 , is rigidly attached to flange  148  at right end  154  of member  12 . The first portion of plate  164  is rigidly attached to the outside surface of flange  148  and the second portion of plate  164  extends beyond flange  148 . The extension of plate  164  is penetrated by a hole, not shown, which is sized to rotatably receive an end of axle  134 . The first portion of plate  166  is rigidly attached to the inside surface of flange  148  and the second portion of plate  166  extends beyond flange  148 . The extension of plate  166  is penetrated by a hole, not shown, which is sized to rotatably receive an end of axle  134  and is in alignment with the mentioned hole in plate  164 . Plates  164  and  166  are separated by a gap equal to the width of flange  148 . The holes in plates  158 ,  160 ,  162  and  164  are equal in size and are in alignment. Accordingly when the ends of axle  134  are inserted into the holes, as described, axle  134  is perpendicular to the linear axis of member  12 . 
     Left end  40  of flange  36  is adapted to be slidably inserted into the gap between plates  164  and  166 . Hole  135  penetrates flange  36  and is adapted to rotatably receive an end of axle  134 . Left end  40  of flange  38  is adapted to be slidably inserted into the gap between plates  158  and  160 . A hole, not shown, penetrates flange  38  and is adapted to rotatably receive an end of axle  134 . Hole  135  and the mentioned hole in flange  38  are in alignment. 
     Flange  36  and flange  38  are simultaneously slidably inserted into the respective gaps, the various mentioned holes are placed in alignment and axle  134  is then inserted into the holes to thereby pivotally connect member  12  to member  2 . Note the gap between right end  154  of member  12  and left end  40  of member  2 . 
     Right base member  14  is a fifth workpiece substantially in the shape of a channel having a linear axis, a transverse axis, a web, comprising upper surface  168 , front flange  170 , back flange  172 , left end  174 , right end  176 . Right axle  136  adapted for removable attachment to left end  174  and right base axle  142  is adapted for removable attachment to upper surface  168 . Each of flanges  170  and  172  is substantially parallel to the linear axis of base member  14  and each extends upwardly from and substantially perpendicular to upper surface  168 . The separation between flanges  170  and  172  is equal to the separation between flanges  36  and  38  of base member  2  such that upon pivotal attachment of base member  14  to base member  2 , as described below, flange  170  is in alignment with flange  36  and flange  172  is in alignment with flange  38  and the linear axis of member  14  is in alignment with the linear axis of member  2 . 
     Bracket  178 , consisting of parallel plates  180  and  182 , is rigidly attached to flange  172  at left end  174  of member  14 . The first portion of plate  180  is rigidly attached to the outside surface of flange  172  and the second portion of plate  180  extends beyond flange  172 . The extension of plate  180  is penetrated by a hole, not shown, which is sized to rotatably receive an end of axle  136 . The first portion of plate  182  is rigidly attached to the inside surface of flange  172  and the second portion of plate  182  extends beyond flange  172 . The extension of plate  182  is penetrated by a hole, not shown, which is sized to rotatably receive an end of axle  136  and is in alignment with the mentioned hole in plate  180 . Plates  180  and  182  are separated by a gap equal to the width of flange  172 . 
     Bracket  184 , consisting of parallel plates  186  and  188 , is rigidly attached to flange  170  at left end  174  of member  14 . The first portion of plate  186  is rigidly attached to the outside surface of flange  170  and the second portion of plate  186  extends beyond flange  170 . The extension of plate  186  is penetrated by a hole, not shown, which is sized to rotatably receive an end of axle  136 . The first portion of plate  188  is rigidly attached to the inside surface of flange  170  and the second portion of plate  188  extends beyond flange  170 . The extension of plate  188  is penetrated by a hole, not shown, which is sized to rotatably receive an end of axle  136  and is in alignment with the mentioned hole in plate  186 . Plates  186  and  188  are separated by a gap equal to the width of flange  170 . The holes in plates  180 ,  182 , 186  and  188  are equal in size and are in alignment. Accordingly when the ends of axle  136  are inserted into the holes, as described, axle  136  is perpendicular to the linear axis of member  14 . 
     Right end  42  of flange  36  is adapted to be slidably inserted into the gap between plates  186  and  188 . Hole  137  penetrates flange  36  and is adapted to rotatably receive an end of axle  136 . Right end  42  of flange  38  is adapted to be slidably inserted into the gap between plates  180  and  182 . A hole, not shown, penetrates flange  38  and is adapted to rotatably receive an end of axle  136 . Hole  137  and the mentioned hole in flange  38  are in alignment. 
     Flange  36  and flange  38  are simultaneously slidably inserted into the respective gaps, the various mentioned holes are placed in alignment and axle  136  is then inserted into the holes to thereby pivotally connect member  14  to member  2 . Note the gap between left end  174  of member  14  and right end  42  of member  2 . 
     Left base axle  138  is removably attached to upper surface  146  of left base member  12  by means of clip assembly  190 . Clip assembly  190  is rigidly attached to surface  146  at a point intermediate left end  152  and right end  154 . Clip assembly  190  is preferably aligned along the linear axis of base member  12 , and is comprised of plate  192  having rigidly attached thereto ears  194  and  196 , each of which extend upwardly from and, preferably, substantially perpendicular to plate  192 . A hole, not shown, penetrates each of ears  194  and  196 . The holes in ears  194  and  196  are in alignment, are sized to rotatably receive and support each end of left base axle  138  and positioned to place axle  138  a constant distance from surface  146 . Furthermore, clip  190  is positioned on surface  146  so that axle  138  is not parallel or perpendicular to either the linear or the transverse axis of member  12 , and so that ears  194  and  196  are positioned to face in the direction of the surface of left flange  68  of upright member  4 , as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3. Ears  194  and  196  are spaced apart by an amount sufficient to permit connecter end  214  of leg  16  to fit between them while being rotatably connected to axle  138 . 
     Right base axle  142  is removably attached to upper surface  168  of right base member  14  by means of clip assembly  198 . Clip assembly  198  is rigidly attached to surface  168  at a point intermediate left end  174  and right end  176 . Clip assembly  198  is preferably aligned along the linear axis of base member  14 , and is comprised of plate  200  having rigidly attached thereto ears  202  and  204 , each of which extend upwardly from and, preferably, substantially perpendicular to plate  200 . A hole, not shown, penetrates each of ears  202  and  204 . The holes in ears  202  and  204  are in alignment, are sized to rotatably receive and support each end of right base axle  142  and positioned to place axle  142  a constant distance from surface  168 . Furthermore, clip  198  is positioned on surface  168  so that axle  142  is not parallel or perpendicular to either the linear or the transverse axis of member  14  and so that ears  202  and  204  are positioned to face in the direction of the surface of right flange  70  of upright member  4 , as shown, for example, in FIG.  2 . Ears  202  and  204  are spaced apart by an amount sufficient to permit connecter end  220  of leg  18  to fit between them while being rotatably connected to axle  142 . 
     Left leg axle  140  is substantially parallel to left base axle  138 . In this regard, if upright member  4  is perpendicular to primary base member  2 , as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3, then axle  140  will be parallel to axle  138 . Axle  140  is removably attached to the surface of left flange  68  means of clip assembly  206 . Clip assembly  206  is rigidly attached to flange  68  at a point intermediate distal end  62  and primary leg axle  82 , and, preferably, intermediate distal end  62  and secondary leg axle  98 . Clip assembly  206  is comprised of plate  208  having rigidly attached thereto ears  210  and  212 , each of which extend upwardly from and, preferably, substantially perpendicular to plate  208 . A hole, not shown, penetrates each of ears  210  and  212 . The holes in ears  210  and  212  are in alignment, are sized to rotatably receive and support each end of left leg axle  140  and positioned to place axle  140  a constant distance from the surface of flange  68 . Furthermore, clip assembly  206  is positioned on flange  68  so that axle  140  is not parallel or perpendicular to either the linear or the transverse axis of member  4  and so that ears  210  and  212  are positioned to face in the direction of ears  194  and  196  of left base member  12  as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3. Ears  210  and  212  are spaced apart by an amount sufficient to permit connecter end  216  of leg  16  to fit between them while being rotatably connected to axle  140 . 
     Right leg axle  144  is substantially parallel to right base axle  142 . In this regard, if upright member  4  is perpendicular to primary base member  2 , as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3, then axle  144  will be parallel to axle  142 . Axle  144  is removably attached to the surface of right flange  70  by means of clip assembly  206   a , not shown, which is similar to clip assembly  206 . Clip assembly  206   a  is rigidly attached to flange  70  in alignment with clip assembly  206 . Clip assembly  206   a  is comprised of plate  208   a  having rigidly attached thereto ears  210   a  and  212   a , each of which extend upwardly from and, preferably, substantially perpendicular to plate  208   a . A hole, not shown, penetrates each of ears  210   a  and  212   a . The holes in ears  210   a  and  212   a are in alignment, are sized to rotatably receive and support each end of right leg axle  144  and positioned to place axle  144  a constant distance from the surface of flange  70 . Furthermore, clip assembly  206   a  is positioned on flange  70  so that axle  144  is not parallel or perpendicular to either the linear or the transverse axis of member  4  and so that ears  210   a  and  212   a  are positioned to face in the direction of ears  202  and  204  of right base member  14  as shown, for example, in FIG.  2 . Ears  210   a  and  212   a  are spaced apart by an amount sufficient to permit connecter end  222  of leg  18  to fit between them while being rotatably connected to axle  144 . 
     Left support leg  16  is a linear member having fifth connecter  214  at one end thereof adapted for rotatable connection to left base axle  138 , and sixth connecter  216  at the other end thereof adapted for rotatable connection to left leg axle  140 . It is, thus, clear that a hole, not shown, penetrates third connector  214  wherein the hole is of diameter sufficient to enable left base axle  138  to slidably pass through the same and to permit support leg  16  to rotate around axle  138 . It is also clear that a hole, not shown, penetrates sixth connector  216  wherein the hole is of diameter sufficient to enable left leg axle  140  to slidably pass through the same and to permit support leg  16  to rotate around axle  140 . 
     As mentioned, primary base member  2  and left base member  12  are rotatably connected together by axle  134 , and primary base member  2  and upright member  4  are rotatably connected together by axle  44 . Consequently, the distance between axle  138  and axle  140  will vary depending upon the angular relationship of upright member  4  and primary base member  2  and the angular relationship between primary base member  2  and left base member  12 . Thus, left support leg  16  preferably includes a third length adjusting means, such as turnbuckle  218 , intermediate fifth connecter  214  and sixth connecter  216  to permit the distance between connecter  214  and connecter  216  to be adjusted to correspond to the distance between axle  138  and axle  140 . 
     Right support leg  18  is a linear member having seventh connecter  220  at one end thereof adapted for rotatable connection to right base axle  142 , and eighth connecter  222  at the other end thereof adapted for rotatable connection to right leg axle  144 . It is, thus, clear that a hole, not shown, penetrates seventh connector  220  wherein the hole is of diameter sufficient to enable right base axle  142  to slidably pass through the same and to permit support leg  18  to rotate around axle  142 . It is also clear that a hole, not shown, penetrates eighth connector  222  wherein the hole is of diameter sufficient to enable left leg axle  144  to slidably pass through the same and to permit support leg  18  to rotate around axle  144 . 
     As mentioned, primary base member  2  and right base member  14  are rotatably connected together by axle  136 , and primary base member  2  and upright member  4  are rotatably connected together by axle  44 . Consequently, the distance between axle  142  and axle  144  will vary depending upon the angular relationship of upright member  4  and primary base member  2  and the angular relationship between primary base member  2  and right base member  14 . Thus, left support leg  18  preferably includes a fourth length adjusting means, such as turnbuckle  224 , intermediate seventh connecter  220  and eighth connecter  222  to permit the distance between connecter  220  and connecter  222  to be adjusted to correspond to the distance between axle  142  and axle  144 . 
     4. OPERATION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, proximal end  60  of upright member  4  is rotatably connected to upright axle  44  to form a subassembly which is positioned adjacent to pole  20 . Thereafter, an end, not shown, of chain segment  23  having a hook attached thereto is passed over the surface of roller  67  between sides  75  and  77  into cavity  65 . Using the mentioned hook in known manner, at least one loop of chain segment  23  is formed around pole  20  at a point intermediate slot combination  74   c  and  72   c  and slot combination  74   b  and  72   b . Turnbuckle  29  is connected to the other end of chain segment  23 . 
     Flanges  68  and  70  on backside  66  of upright member  4  are placed against pole  20 . First connecter  84  is rotatably connected to primary base axle  46 . Strap  26  is wrapped around pole  20  and upright member  4  by passing it through slots  72   c  and  74   c . Strap  26  is then tightened to force flanges  68  and  70  against pole  20 . Straps  28  and  30  are similarly installed on pole  20  by use of slots  72   b  and  74   b  and slots  72   c  and  74   c , respectively. Turnbuckle  88  is then rotated in the manner known in the art to increase or decrease the length of primary support leg  6  to enable the connection of second connecter  86  to primary leg axle  82 . Second connecter  86  is then rotatably connected to primary leg axle  82 . Turnbuckle  88  is then further rotated to desirably reduce or prevent any rotational movement of upright member  4  relative to primary base member  2  around axle  44 . It is to be understood, that it is desirable to rotate turnbuckle  88  by an amount sufficient to cause leg  6  to urge base member  2  against the supporting ground, but it is not desirable to excessively rotate turnbuckle  88  to cause leg  6  to move pole  20 . 
     Then, an end, not shown, of chain segment  25  having a hook attached thereto is passed around pole  20  and upright member  4 . Using the mentioned hook in known manner, at least one loop of chain segment  25  is formed around pole  20  and upright member  4  at a point intermediate axle  82  and proximal end  60 . Turnbuckle  31  is connected to the other end of chain segment  25 . Thereafter, anchor  24  is firmly connected to the ground. 
     One end of chain segment  27  is then connected to turnbuckle  29 . The other end is passed from turnbuckle  29  to turnbuckle  31  through anchor  24  and connected to turnbuckle  31 . After chain  27  is connected to turnbuckle  31  one or both of the turnbuckles are rotated in the known manner to tighten member  22 . It is evident that chain segment  23  acts linearly on pole  20  to prevent it from sliding on flanges  68  and  70 . It is also evident that chain segment  25  acts transversely on pole  20  to urge it against flanges  68  and  70 . 
     Secondary base member  8  is rotatably connected to front axle  90  as described. Third connecter  128  is rotatably connected to secondary base axle  96 ; turnbuckle  132  is rotated in the manner known in the art to increase or decrease the length of secondary support leg  10  to enable the connection of fourth connecter  130  to secondary leg axle  98 ; and fourth connecter  130  is rotatably connected to secondary leg axle  98 . Turnbuckle  132  is then rotated to desirably reduce or prevent any rotational movement of secondary base member  8  relative to primary base member  2  around axle  90 . It is to be understood, that it is desirable to rotate turnbuckle  132  by an amount sufficient to cause leg  10  to urge base member  8  against the supporting ground, but it is not desirable to excessively rotate turnbuckle  132  to cause leg  10  to move pole  20 . 
     Primary base member  2  is rotatably connected to axle  134  as described. Fifth connecter  214  is rotatably connected to left base axle  138 . Turnbuckle  218  is rotated in the manner known in the art to increase or decrease the length of left support leg  16  to enable the connection of sixth connecter  216  to left leg axle  140 . Sixth connecter  216  is rotatably connected to left leg axle  140 . Turnbuckle  218  is then rotated to desirably reduce or prevent any rotational movement of left base member  12  relative to primary base member  2  around axle  134 . It is to be understood, that it is desirable to rotate turnbuckle  218  by an amount sufficient to cause leg  16  to urge base member  12  against the supporting ground, but it is not desirable to excessively rotate turnbuckle  218  to cause leg  16  to move pole  20 . 
     Primary base member  2  is rotatably connected to axle  136  as described. Seventh connecter  220  is rotatably connected to right base axle  142 . Turnbuckle  224  is rotated in the manner known in the art to increase or decrease the length of right support leg  18  to enable the connection of eighth connecter  222  to right leg axle  144 . Eighth connecter  222  is rotatably connected to right leg axle  144 . Turnbuckle  224  is then rotated to desirably reduce or prevent any rotational movement of right base member  14  relative to primary base member  2  around axle  136 . It is to be understood, that it is desirable to rotate turnbuckle  224  by an amount sufficient to cause leg  18  to urge base member  14  against the supporting ground, but it is not desirable to excessively rotate turnbuckle  224  to cause leg  18  to move pole  20 . 
     Spikes, not shown, can be driven into the ground through holes  226 ,  228  and  230  in base members  12 ,  14  and  8 , respectively, to help prevent the articulating frame of this invention from moving with respect to the ground.