Patent Publication Number: US-8522503-B1

Title: Precast surround assembly for a utility pole foundation

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/252,824 entitled: Precast Surround Assembly for a Utility Pole Foundation filed Oct. 19, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of pole foundation accessories, and more particularly to a precast surround assembly for use with a pole foundation (ex.—a utility pole foundation). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A number of surround assemblies for utility pole foundations may be inconvenient and/or impractical to implement. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a surround assembly for a utility pole/light pole which addresses the above-referenced shortcomings of current surround assemblies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly an embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a collar, including: a perimeter wall; a first end wall, the first end wall being connected to the perimeter wall; a second end wall, the second end wall being connected to the perimeter wall, the first end wall and the second end wall forming opposite ends of the collar, said first end wall and said second end wall being spaced apart from each other by the perimeter wall, the second end wall including at least one recessed portion, the at least one recessed portion configured for receiving a support structure of a pole foundation for allowing the collar to be supported upon the support structure via engagement of the support structure against the second end wall, wherein the collar forms a longitudinally-extending cavity, said cavity being formed through the collar and extending from the first end wall to the second end wall, said cavity configured for receiving a base structure and a body structure of the pole foundation. 
     A further embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a bumper precast surround assembly, including: a first collar, the first collar including: a perimeter wall; a first end wall, the first end wall being connected to the perimeter wall; and a second end wall, the second end wall being connected to the perimeter wall, the first end wall and the second end wall forming opposite ends of the first collar, said first end wall and said second end wall being spaced apart from each other by the perimeter wall, the first collar forming a longitudinally-extending cavity, said cavity being formed through the first collar and extending from the first end wall to the second end wall, the second end wall forming at least one recessed portion, the at least one recessed portion configured for receiving a support structure of a pole foundation for allowing the bumper precast surround assembly to be supported upon the support structure via engagement of the support structure against the second end wall of the first collar; and a second collar, the second collar configured for being stacked upon the first collar, the second collar including: a perimeter wall; a first end wall, the first end wall of the second collar being connected to the perimeter wall of the second collar; and a second end wall, the second end wall of the second collar being connected to the perimeter wall of the second collar, the first end wall and the second end wall of the second collar forming opposite ends of the second collar, said first end wall of the second collar and said second end wall of the second collar being spaced apart from each other by the perimeter wall of the second collar, the second collar forming a longitudinally-extending cavity, said cavity being formed through the second collar and extending from the first end wall of the second collar to the second end wall of the second collar, the second end wall of the second collar being supported upon and oriented towards the first end wall of the first collar when the second collar is stacked upon the first collar to form the bumper precast surround assembly, wherein the cavity of the first collar and the cavity of the second collar are configured for being aligned when the collars are stacked, thereby forming an aggregate cavity extending longitudinally through the collar stack, said aggregate cavity configured for receiving a base structure and a body structure of the pole foundation. 
     A still further embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a precast surround collar for a pole foundation, the precast surround collar including: a perimeter wall; a first end wall, the first end wall being connected to the perimeter wall; and a second end wall, the second end wall being connected to the perimeter wall, the first end wall and the second end wall forming opposite ends of the collar, said first end wall and said second end wall being spaced apart from each other by the perimeter wall, the second end wall including at least one recessed portion, the at least one recessed portion configured for receiving a support structure of the pole foundation for allowing the collar to be supported upon the support structure via engagement of the support structure against the second end wall, wherein the collar forms a longitudinally-extending cavity, said cavity being formed through the collar and extending from the first end wall to the second end wall, said cavity configured for receiving a base structure and a body structure of the pole foundation, the collar being configured for at least substantially surrounding a portion of the body structure, and the support structure of the pole foundation when: said support structure is received within said recessed portion, the portion of the body structure is located within the cavity, and the second end wall of the collar is seated upon the support structure, for promoting protection of said support structure and said portion of the body structure, the collar further being configured such that the base structure of said pole foundation is accessible for being connected to a pole when: said support structure is received within said recessed portion, the portion of the body structure is located within the cavity, and the second end wall of the collar is seated upon the support structure, wherein the first end wall is oriented toward the pole and the second end wall is oriented away from the pole. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The numerous objects and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a precast surround collar from above the precast surround collar in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is an isometric view of a precast surround collar from below the precast surround collar in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a view of a precast surround collar being implemented with a pole foundation in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of an at-grade pole support assembly connected to a pole assembly, including a cross-sectional view of a precast surround collar of the at-grade pole support assembly in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a precast surround collar being implemented with a pole foundation in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a view depicting a support structure of a pole foundation and further depicting the positioning of said support structure within a recess of a precast support collar and the engagement of said support structure against a bottom end wall of the precast support collar in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a view of a bumper pole support assembly, including a cross-sectional view of a stack formed by a plurality of precast surround collars of the bumper pole support assembly in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a view of bumper pole support assembly being connected to a light pole in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  is an isometric view of a precast support collar having a female keying mechanism in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8B  is an isometric view of a precast support collar having a male keying mechanism in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9A  is an isometric view of a precast support collar having a bull-nose shape in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view of the bull-nose shaped collar shown in  FIG. 9A  being implemented with a pole foundation, in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A number of surround assemblies (sometimes referred to as: bumpers/bumper assemblies/mower pads) for pole foundations (ex.—utility pole foundations) may be inconvenient/impractical to implement, especially if said assemblies include site casting concrete. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a surround assembly for a pole/utility pole/light pole which addresses the above-referenced shortcomings of current surround assemblies. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a collar in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the collar  100  may be configured as a longitudinally-extended (ex.—vertically-extended) body portion or longitudinally-extended cross-section. For example, the collar  100  may be a longitudinally-extended, generally cylindrically-shaped cross-section, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In alternative embodiments, the collar  100  may be configured as one of any number of various shapes, such as a longitudinally-extended, generally square-shaped cross-section, a longitudinally-extended, generally rectangular-shaped cross-section, and/or the like. In the illustrated embodiments herein, the collar  100  is shown to be formed as a longitudinally-extended, generally cylindrically-shaped cross-section. 
     In current exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the collar  100  includes a perimeter wall or outer wall  102  (ex.—a cylindrically-shaped outer wall  102 ). In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the collar  100  includes a first end wall  104  (ex.—a top end wall  104 ) and a second end wall  106  (ex—a bottom end wall  106 ). In still further embodiments of the present disclosure, the top end wall  104  and bottom end wall  106  form opposite ends of the collar  100 . In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the top end wall  104  and bottom end wall  106  are each connected to the outer wall  102 . In still further embodiments of the present disclosure, the collar  100  includes or forms one or more sloped portions  108  (ex—chamfers  108 , chamfered portions  108 ), said sloped portions  108  being formed on the top end wall  104  at a junction for the top end wall  104  and the outer wall  102 . 
     In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the collar  100  may define a longitudinally-extended cavity  110  which extends from the top end wall  104  to the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100  and is formed through the top end wall  104  and bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100 . For example, the cavity  110  may be a longitudinally-extended square-shaped cavity  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In alternative embodiments, the cavity  110  may be configured as one of any number of various shapes, such as a longitudinally-extended rectangular-shaped cavity, a longitudinally-extended circular-shaped cavity, or the like. In the embodiments illustrated herein, the cavity  110  is shown to be formed as a longitudinally-extended square-shaped cavity. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100  forms one or more recessed portion(s)  112  or recesses  112 . In still further embodiments of the present disclosure, the perimeter wall  102  (ex.—outer wall  102 ) of the collar  100  may include, may form and/or may have formed therein one or more reveals  114  (ex—grooves  114 ). For instance, the reveals  114  may extend in a vertical (ex.—longitudinal) direction along the perimeter wall, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and may promote ease of on-site repair of said collar  100 . 
     In current exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the collar  100  may be configured for being used as a support structure and/or a protective structure (ex.—a surround structure) for a pole foundation  150 . For example, the pole foundation may  150  may be a utility pole foundation  150 , such as a helical, power-driven steel pole foundation. In alternative embodiments, the pole foundation may be a foundation for other types (non-utility) poles. In the illustrated embodiments herein, the pole foundation  150  is shown as being a utility pole foundation. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the pole foundation  150  may include a body structure  152 , such as an elongated, cylindrically-shaped body structure. For example, if the pole foundation is  150  is a utility pole foundation, the body structure  152  may include or may form a hollow cavity  154  so as to allow for passage of electrical wiring within the body structure  152 . 
     In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the pole foundation  150  may include a support structure  156 , said support structure  156  being connected to the body structure  152 . In at least one example, the support structure  156  may be configured so that it is unitary with the body structure  152  of the pole foundation  150 . In other examples, the support structure  156  may be configured so that it may be readily connected to and removed from the body structure by a user. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the pole foundation  150  may include a base structure  158 , said base structure  158  being connected to the body structure  152  of the pole foundation  150 , said base structure  158  being spaced a non-zero distance apart from the support structure  156  along the body structure  152 . In still further embodiments of the present disclosure, the base structure  158  of the pole foundation  150  may be configured for supporting, seating and/or being securably connected with a corresponding base structure  202  (ex.—base plate  202 ) of a pole  200 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . For example, the base structure  202  of the pole  200  and/or the base structure  158  of the pole foundation may be configured so that the base structures ( 158 ,  202 ) may be fastened together (ex.—via hardware  159 , such as bolts, washers, nuts, etc.) for securing the connection of the pole to the pole foundation. 
     In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the base structure  158  of the pole foundation  150  may include and/or may have an aperture  160  formed therethrough. For instance, in embodiments where the pole foundation  150  is a utility pole foundation  150 , said base structure  158  may include said aperture  160  for allowing access (via the aperture  160 ) to electrical wiring which has been fed through the cavity  154  of the pole foundation  150 , so that said electrical wiring may be fed into (ex.—connected to) the pole  200 . 
     As mentioned above, the collar  100  may be configured for being used as a protective structure (ex.—a surround structure), a proprietary support structure and an appearance-enhancing (ex.—non-distracting) base accessory for the pole foundation  150  and the pole  200 . In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the collar  100  may be configured for being placed onto the pole foundation  150 , such that said collar  100  may be supported upon the pole foundation  150  via the support structure  156  of the pole foundation  150 . The pole foundation  150  (ex.—a power-drive pole foundation) may be secured in (ex.—at least partially driven into the ground, parking surface, pavement, etc.), as shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, the pole foundation  150  may be driven into the ground to a depth sufficient so as to provide the required support strength for the light pole  200  and/or to support pole wind loads. Then, the collar  100  may be placed onto the pole foundation  150  such that, as the collar  100  is being placed onto the pole foundation  150 , the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100  may be aligned with and directed towards the pole foundation  150  so that the base structure  158  and a portion of the body structure  152  of the pole foundation  150  may be received via the bottom end wall  106  into the longitudinally-extended cavity  110 . In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the longitudinally-extended cavity  110  may be sized and shaped to allow for entry of the body structure  152  and the base structure  158  of the pole foundation  150  into the cavity  110  of the collar  100  via the bottom end wall  106  and to further allow sufficient clearance for the body structure  152  and base structure  158  to be directed within and/or to pass within and/or to pass through the cavity  110 . 
     In current exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the collar  100  is aligned so that the body structure  152  and the base structure  158  of the pole foundation  150  are successfully able to be directed into, along, and/or through the cavity  110  collar  100  as described above, the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100  may be further directed towards support structure  156  such that the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100  engages against and/or is directed against the support structure  156 . In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the collar  100  and the pole foundation  150  may be correspondingly configured so that, when the collar  100  is aligned in an orientation which allows the passage of the body structure  152  and base structure  158  of the pole foundation  150  into the cavity  110  of the collar  100 , via the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100 , the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100  may be engaged by the support structure  156  of the pole foundation  150 , such that said collar  100  is supported upon the support structure  156 . For example, the collar  100  may be configured such that, when utilized with a pole foundation  150  where the support structure  156  and the base structure  158  are in different alignments relative to each other, are different sizes, and/or are different shapes, the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100  may be engaged by the support structure  156  after the body structure  152  and base structure  158  of the pole foundation  150  have been directed into the cavity  110  of the collar  100 , via the bottom end wall  106 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the collar  100  being used with a pole foundation  150  in which the base structure  158  and the support structure  156  are each similarly sized (ex.—same-same sized) square base plates. However, the base structure  156  is in a first orientation and is aligned with the cavity  110  of the collar  100 ), while the support structure  156  is in a second, different orientation and is misaligned with cavity (ex.—is turned relative to the base structure  158 ). As mentioned above, the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100  may have a recessed portion  112 . The collar  100  is configured for engaging the support structure  156 , such as when the support structure  156  is aligned as shown in  FIG. 4 , via the recessed portion  112  of the bottom end wall  106 . For example, the recessed portion  112  may be shaped and sized for at least partially receiving the support structure  156 , such that portions of the support structure  156  engage against the recessed portion  112  of the bottom end wall  106  once the base structure  158  has been directed into and received by the cavity  110  of the collar  100 . Thus, when the support structure  156  and the base structure  158  are in a staggered alignment relative to each other, as shown in  FIG. 4 , so that the support structure  156  will be misaligned with (ex.—will be able to be positioned within and directed through) the cavity  110  of the collar  100  when the base structure  158  is aligned with (ex.—will not be able to be positioned within and directed through) the cavity  110 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the positioning of the support structure  156  of  FIG. 4  within the recessed area  112  and against the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100 , portions (ex.—corners) of said support structure  156  engaged against said bottom end wall  106 , said configuration of the collar  100  thereby allowing said collar  100  to be supported upon the support structure  156 , while also allowing said base structure  158  to be positioned within and directed through the cavity  110 . In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100  may form one or more recesses  112  (ex.—two recesses) configured for receiving and engaging against the support structure  156  when the support structure  156  is a different size or shape than the base structure. For example, as the collar  100  is directed onto the pole foundation  150 , the base structure  158  may be sized and shaped for entry into passage within and/or passage through the cavity  110  of the collar  100 , while the support structure  156  may be sized and/or shaped such that it is to large and/or too mis-shaped to be able to be directed into the cavity  110 . Further, the collar  100  may be configured such that its recesses  112  provide a support area for the differently-sized and/or differently-shaped support structure  156 . For instance, in one embodiment, the base structure  158  and the cavity  110  may have corresponding square shapes, which allow the base structure  158  to be directed into the cavity  110 . However, the support structure  156  may be rectangular. Thus, the collar  100 , in such embodiments, may be configured with recesses  112  on multiple (ex.—opposing) portions of the bottom end wall  106  which may receive multiple portions of the differently-shaped support structure  156  (ex.—the ends of the rectangular support structure  156 ) and may allow the collar  100  to be supported on the support structure  156  via said recesses  112  of the bottom end wall. 
     In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the collar  100  may be configured to be a sufficient height (ex.—distance from the top end wall  104  of the collar  100  to the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100 ), that when the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  100  is engaged against the support structure  156 , the base structure  158  may be oriented (ex.—located) proximal to the top end wall  104  of the collar  100 . For example, when the collar  100  is supported upon the support structure  156 , the base structure  158  may be located within the cavity  110 , at a level just below or even with the top end wall  104  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), or may extend just beyond the cavity  110  proximal to the top end wall  104 , such that said base structure  158  is accessible for being connected to a the base structure  202  of the pole  200  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). In one or more embodiments, the collar  100  may be twelve inches in height and may measure twenty-four inches in diameter (ex.—outer diameter, diameter at the outer wall  102 ). Other exemplary diameters may include but are not limited to diameters ranging from 18 to 28 inches. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, when the collar  100  is positioned against the support structure  156 , and the base structure  158  of the pole foundation  150  is positioned so that it is accessible for being connected to the base structure of the pole  200  (as described above, and as shown in  FIG. 3 ), the collar  100  may be configured of sufficient size and shape that it may substantially surround and/or substantially enclose the base structure  158 , the support structure  156 , and/or a portion of the body structure  152  for promoting protection of the light pole foundation  150 . 
     In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the support structure  156  and the base structure  158  may be any one of a number of various shapes (ex.—square, round, etc.), sizes, or the like. For example, the base structure  158  may be a square base plate which may be 10-15 inches square. In still further embodiments, the support structure  156  may be configured for having the same or different shape, or dimensions as the base structure  158 . For example, the support structure  156  may be configured as square base plate which is 12 inches×12 inches. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the collar  100  may be implemented as part of an at-grade pole support assembly  500 , which includes the collar  100  and the pole foundation  150 , said collar  100  being supported upon the support structure  156  of the pole foundation  150 , said pole support assembly  500  configured for connecting to and supporting a pole  200  (ex.—utility pole  200 ), said pole foundation  150  configured for being secured within (ex.—driven into) the ground  700 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the at-grade pole support assembly  500 , when in use, may involve the collar  100  being at least partially buried under the surface of the ground  700  for providing a low-profile collar  100 . Further, the pole foundation  150  may be at least partially buried within the ground such that a void (ex.—about a 3 inch gap/void) is established between the support plate  156  and the dirt of the ground  700  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), thereby reducing the amount of surface area of the collar  100  which is in contact with the dirt/ground  700  and promoting reduction and/or elimination of frost heave concerns. In further embodiments, a pole base cover (not shown) of the pole  200  may be integral with/connected to the pole  200  and may be configured for covering the base structure  158  of the pole foundation  150 . In still further embodiments, the cavity  110  defined by the collar  100  may be sized to allow for some degree (ex.—⅜ inch) of horizontal movement of the pole foundation  150  within the assembly  500 , thereby allowing for a gap (ex.—a precast gap) between the pole foundation  150  and the collar  100 . In further embodiments, the pole base cover (not shown) may be configured for covering said precast gap. In still further embodiments, the precast gap may be filled with caulking if desired/necessary. 
     In further embodiments of the present invention, the collar  100  may be configured for being implemented as part of a multi-piece, bumper pole support assembly  600 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the bumper pole support assembly  600  may include a plurality of collars  100  stacked upon each other and supported upon the support structure  356  of a pole foundation  350 , said bumper pole support assembly  600  configured for being connected to a pole  200  (ex.—such as an 8 inch diameter pole which is 40-70 feet high), said pole foundation  350  configured for being secured within (ex.—driven into) the ground. The pole foundation  350  shown in  FIG. 6  may include one or more characteristics of the pole foundation  150  described above, except that the support structure  356  and the base structure  358  are configured a sufficient distance apart from each other on the body  352  of the pole foundation  350  that a bottom collar  100  of multiple (ex.—three) may be supported upon the pole foundation  350 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the bottom collar  100  of the three collars  100  may be supported upon the support structure  356 , the middle collar  100  of the three collars  100  may be stacked upon the bottom collar, while the top collar  100  of the three collars  100  may be stacked upon the middle collar, with said base structure  358  being oriented within or extending just beyond (ex.—1-3 inches beyond) the cavity  110  of the top collar  100 , proximal to (ex.—just above, at, or just below) a top end wall  104  of the top collar  100 . As discussed above, each collar  100  defines a cavity  110 , such that when the collars  100  are stacked to form the assembly  600 , the collars  100  are aligned (ex.—the cavities  110  of the collars  100  are aligned) to define an aggregate cavity extending longitudinally through a top end of the assembly  600  and a bottom end of the assembly  600  for accommodating the pole foundation  150 . The cavity defined by the stacked collars  100  (ex.—the aggregate cavity) may be sized to allow for some degree (ex.—⅜ inch) of horizontal movement of the pole foundation  350  within the aggregate cavity defined by the stacked collars  100  of the assembly  600 . 
     In further embodiments of the present disclosure, portions of the top end wall  104  and/or the bottom end wall  106  of each collar  100  may form sloped portions  108  (ex.—chamfers  108 , chamfered portions  108 ) for promoting stackability of collars  100  and for promoting secure, stable connection between the collars  100 , which may thereby eliminate the need for field grouting/caulking between the collars. When the collars  100  are stacked upon each other as shown in  FIG. 6  (ex.—bottom end wall  106  of upper collar  100  is seated upon top end wall  104  of lower collar  100 ), V-shaped reveals  116  (ex.—key joints  116 ) may be formed by the chamfers  108  of the collars  100  along, in, and/or on the outer wall  102  at the junction points where the collars  100  connect. The multi-collar, bumper pole support assembly  600 , when in use, may involve each of the collars being supported at or just above the level of the ground  700 . For example, the bottom-most collar  100  of the multi-collar stack may be supported three inches above grade  700  (ex.—above a parking surface, ground, and/or pavement) for promoting escape of water from the assembly  600  and for alleviating or preventing frost heave concerns. 
     In current exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, each collar  100  may be a precast assembly  100  formed of precast concrete for promoting the ability of the collar(s)  100  to protect and support the light pole foundation  150 . In further exemplary embodiments, each collar  100  may weigh between 200-375 pounds, for promoting the ability of the collar  100  to provide sufficient support and protection of the light pole foundation  150  (ex.—to allow the collar  100  to withstand reasonable impact from vehicles in a parking area without allowing for damage to the structural integrity of the pole foundation  150 ). In alternative embodiments, the collar(s)  100 , rather than being formed of precast concrete, may be formed of one or more other materials, such as plastic, steel, aluminum, green materials, and/or the like. In further embodiments, the collar(s)  100  of the assembly  600  may be of same or differing dimensions, weight, etc. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the V-shaped reveals  116  formed by the stacked collars  100  and/or the vertical reveals formed on the outer wall(s)  102  of the collar(s)  100  may promote ease of repair of the assembly  600 , such as if the assembly  600  were hit by a vehicle. In such instances, the assembly  600  may be configured such that minor damage may be repaired without requiring replacement of the pole foundation  150  and/or wiring (which may otherwise require disconnection/re-connection of light pole  200  to the light pole foundation  150 ). 
     Because the assembly  600  is formed of stackable pieces/components (ex.—collars  100 ), it may promote ease of storing, shipping, and installation, rather than if one, large one-piece assembly were provided. In further embodiments, the assembly  600  may be implemented with a pole foundation  350  having a base structure  358  (ex.—base plate  358 ) which is a common base plate for accommodating multiple pole bolt circles of a base structure  202  of a light pole  200 . 
     In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the collars  100  may be configured to provide an aesthetically pleasing surround and support structure for the pole foundation. For example, the collars  100  may be configured in various shapes, may be acid itched/acid etched, may be sandblasted, and may have concrete finishes which are different colors (ex.—dyed charcoal). Further, the collars  100  may provide a protective structure for the pole foundation  150  and a pole base cover of an expensive decorative pole  200  from damage, such as vehicle and/or mower damage. Still further, the collars  100  of the present invention may promote prevention of exposure of the pole foundation  150  due to soil erosion. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , collars ( 800 ,  850 ) in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The collars ( 800 ,  850 ) may be configured for being stacked upon each other to form multi-collar assemblies. The collars  800 ,  850  may each include one or more characteristics of the collars  100  described above, however, the collars  800 ,  850  shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  respectively may include keying mechanisms for promoting secure connection of the collars  800 ,  850  to each other when said collars  800 ,  850  are stacked upon each other. For the collar  800  depicted in  FIG. 8A , a portion of the top end wall  104  of the collar  800  includes or forms a female keying mechanism  175 . For example, the top end wall  104  of the collar  800  may have a groove  175  formed therein for providing the female keying mechanism  175 . Further, the collar  850  depicted in  FIG. 8B , includes a male keying mechanism  185 , such that the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  850  includes or forms a male keying mechanism  185 . For example, the bottom end wall  106  of the collar  850  may form a ring-shaped protrusion or ridge  185  configured (ex.—correspondingly sized and shaped) for being received by the female keying mechanism  175 . In further embodiments of the present invention, the collar  850  having the male keying mechanism  185  may be seated upon the collar  800  having the female keying mechanism  175 , such that the collars ( 800 ,  850 ) may be securely stacked upon one another and connected in a stable manner via the keying mechanisms  175 ,  185 , which may thereby eliminate the need for field grouting/caulking between the collars. In alternative embodiments, the collars may be configured with other securing mechanisms and/or structures (ex.—keys, protrusions, locking elements, slots, apertures) for promoting secure connection of stacked collars. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a collar  900  in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The collar  900  may include one or more of the characteristics of the collar(s)  100  described above, however, the collar  900  shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  may be configured as a bull-nose shape collar  900 . In further embodiments, the collar(s) may be configured in any one of a number of various other shapes, such as for enhancing the appearance of the collar(s). 
     It is believed that the apparatus of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof.