Patent Publication Number: US-7219873-B2

Title: Support base for a structural pole

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The invention relates to a structural pole, more particularly to a base of a structural pole. 
   2. Background Art 
   Structural poles have been utilized for public thoroughfares, sidewalks, landscapes and large interior spaces. These areas include city streets, parks, residential neighborhoods, office buildings, campus areas, exterior walkways, shopping malls, atriums, casinos, and the like. These structural poles include light poles, traffic poles, utility poles, bollards, speaker poles and the like. The poles are fixed to an underlying support surface through various arrangements. For example, the poles may include a direct burial post, a base that is unitary with the pole and can be fastened to the underlying support surface, or a separate base that is fastened to the underlying support surface and receives the pole. For decorative purposes, these bases have been cosmetically enhanced with ornamental indicia cast or formed thereon or, alternatively provided in a cover or apron that may be affixed over the fixed end of the structural pole. 
   Each of these structural pole base examples includes a removable access door or the like for providing access to an internal cavity of the pole so that cables, or wires for power or signals to equipment supported by the pole can be accessed. These access doors provide limited access to the components housed therein and limit the availability of components that can be inserted through the access door. 
   In many thoroughfares it is desirable to provide more than just lighting on a structural pole. For example, electronic sign displays may be mounted to the pole or speaker systems or the like. It is also desirable to provide such auxiliary features to the structural pole while preventing the features from being accessible to the elements or vandalism. It is also desirable to conceal such auxiliary equipment to avoid obfuscating the aesthetic appeal within the given location. Accordingly, the prior art has partially addressed this need by mounting speaker assemblies within a fixed end of a structural pole and spacing the fixed end of the structural pole above the underlying support surface so that acoustical vibrations provided by the speaker assembly exit the structural pole omnidirectionally. 
   A goal of the present invention is to provide a support base for a structural pole that enhances flexibility in hardware mounting without upsetting the aesthetic or ornamental aspects thereof. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An aspect of the present invention is to provide a support base for supporting a structural pole upon and spaced above an underlying support surface. The base includes a footing region that is adapted to secure the support base to the underlying support surface. A frame extends upward from the footing region and defines an internal cavity for housing hardware that is associated with the pole. The frame is generally open laterally thereabout for permitting access to the internal cavity. A platform is secured atop the frame for mounting the structural pole thereto. The frame is sized to receive an ornamental and protective cover thereabout for enhancing the aesthetic perspective of the base and for protecting the hardware within the frame internal cavity. 
   A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a plate within the frame internal cavity for receiving and supporting the hardware. 
   Another aspect of the invention is to provide a speaker assembly within the frame internal cavity of the support base. The speaker assembly includes a mid-plate supported by the frame, a speaker mounted to the mid-plate, and a resonating chamber. The speaker is oriented so that acoustical vibrations provided by the speaker are directed toward one of the underlying support surface of the support base and the base platform. 
   The above aspects, and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded, side perspective view of a support base in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, illustrated in cooperation with a structural pole; 
       FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the support base of  FIG. 1 , illustrated with an alternative embodiment cover affixed thereto; 
       FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the support base of  FIG. 1 , illustrated with another alternative embodiment cover affixed thereto; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded, side perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment cover in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a front side elevation view of an alternative embodiment cover in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a front side elevation view of another alternative embodiment cover in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded, side perspective view of the support base in  FIG. 1 , illustrated with hardware mounted therein; 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded, side perspective view of the support base in  FIG. 1 , illustrated with alternative hardware mounted therein; 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded, side perspective view of the support base of  FIG. 1 , illustrated with hardware mounted within the support base and within the corresponding structural pole; and 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the support base and structural pole of  FIG. 9 , illustrating ranges of acoustical vibrations emitted therefrom. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a support base is illustrated exploded and is referenced generally by numeral  20 . The support base  20  is provided for supporting a structural pole  22  upon and spaced above an underlying support surface  24 . The support base  20  can be provided with the structural pole  22  or can be utilized to retrofit the structural pole  22  thereby raising the structural pole  22  and providing a housing for containing hardware thereunder. 
   The underlying support surface  24  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is provided by a pier base  26 . Structural poles are commonly mounted upon pier bases, which are commonly formed of concrete and poured as a footing for the associated structural pole. Pier bases  26  commonly include a plurality of J-bolts  28  that are provided in the pier base  26  when the pier base  26  is formed for mounting the structural pole  22  thereto. 
   The support base  20  has a lower footing region  30  provided by a series of feet  32  that rest upon the underlying support surface  24 . The feet  32  collectively include a hole pattern for mating with the corresponding J-bolts  28  so that the support base  20  is fastened to the J-bolts  28 . 
   The support base  20  includes a frame  34  extending from the footing region  30 . The frame  34  is defined by a series of legs  36  that each include one of the feet  32 . The legs  36  each terminate at a platform  38 . The structural pole  22  is fastened to the platform  38  and the frame  34  supports the structural pole  22  upon the underlying support surface  24 . 
   The frame  34  is formed of aluminum, steel or the like, to satisfy the specific structural requirements dictated by the load provided by the structural pole  22 . The support base  20  can be formed as a weldment or as a casting. The footing region  30  can be sized for an enlarged J-bolt  28  pattern as illustrated, or can include a hole pattern corresponding with a narrower J-bolt pattern that is sized to receive the structural pole  22  directly thereto. For example, the legs  36  can be aligned generally vertically rather than tapered as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, a flange may extend inwards from each foot  32  for fastening the foot  32  to the corresponding J-bolt  28 . 
   The frame  34  defines an internal cavity  40  for housing hardware that is associated with the structural pole  22 . The frame internal cavity  40  includes more volume than that of a typical prior art pole base. Additionally, due to the structure of the frame  34 , the frame internal cavity  40  includes a large area to mount the associated hardware. Structural pole assemblies and the structural pole internal cavities are an inconspicuous location to mount the associated hardware. By mounting hardware associated with the structural pole  22  within the frame internal cavity  40 , the hardware is protected from the elements and is protected from vandalism and theft. Additionally, since the hardware is out of sight, it is less likely to be subjected to vandalism and theft. 
   The frame  34  of the support base  20  provides a structure that includes a series of lateral openings  42  between sequential legs  36 . The openings  42  cause the frame  34  to be generally open about its periphery. Specifically, the openings  42  are provided at each lateral side thereof. Therefore, a user or operator has a wide range of access into the frame internal cavity  40 . Unlike prior art bases that provide limited windows of access through access doors formed within the base, the support base  20  of the present invention is generally open laterally about the frame  34  providing generally 360 degrees of access into the frame internal cavity  40 . This wider range of access is possible because unlike the prior art, the support base  20  is provided independently of the ornamental features. Therefore, the access is not limited to access doors formed within ornamental features of the base, rather the support base  20  is provided separately from a corresponding cover  44 . 
   The support base  20  of the present invention is illustrated as a frustum of a pyramid. The pyramid includes four primary surfaces  46  and four beveled surfaces  48 . Each beveled surface  48  is provided between a sequential pair of primary surfaces  46 . Although an eight sided pyramid is illustrated, any structural arrangement is contemplated including any polyhedron, regardless of the number of surfaces and regardless if the surfaces are tapered or not. 
   The platform  38  includes at least one aperture  50  formed therethrough for the passage of wires or cables to equipment provided upon the structural pole  22 . Additionally, the platform  38  includes a plurality of slots  52  for providing a mounting pattern for fastening the structural pole  22  thereto. Each slot  52  extends outwardly in a radial direction so that various structural poles  22  ranging in size can be fastened to the platform  38 . If the hole pattern from a structural pole does not mate with the slots  52  provided in the platform  38 , an adapter plate  54  can be provided having a hole pattern  56  that matches a hole pattern  58  of the corresponding structural pole  22  and the slots  52  of the platform  38 . The adapter plate  54  also includes at least one aperture  60  formed therethrough so that cables, wires or the like can be passed therethrough. 
   The support base  20  includes a plate  62  within the frame internal cavity  40 . The plate  62  is supported by the frame  34  for receiving and supporting hardware at an orientation spaced above the underlying support surface  24 . The plate  62  raises the associated hardware so that if inclement weather, such as rain or snow were to pass underneath the frame  34  into the frame internal cavity  40 , the hardware would be elevated to avoid damage caused by the elements. Additionally, the plate  62  raises the hardware to assist in organization of the hardware within the support base  20  and for ergonomic accessibility. The plate  62  is adjustable in height for enhancing the flexibility provided by the plate  62 . Accordingly, mounting brackets  64  are provided within each leg  36 , and support brackets  66  are fastened to the plate  62  and to each corresponding mounting bracket  64 . 
   Many structural poles  22  such as light poles, traffic poles and the like require a source of power. Accordingly, conduit  68  is typically provided within the pier base  26  for conveying power cables, wires or the like to the structural pole  22 . Accordingly, an electrical junction box  70  is provided on the plate  62  for receiving power, signals or the like, provided from the conduit  68  so that equipment associated with the structural pole  22  is readily connected to the junction box  70 . 
   As discussed above, the support base  20  is formed independently of the associated ornamental effects, and various ornamental covers may be provided. Thus, the support base  20  does not limit the ornamental effects of the support base and the ornamental effects are interchangeable without having to replace the support base  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cover  44  is provided by a plurality of panels  72 , each fastened to one of the primary surfaces  46  of the support base  20 . Each panel  72  includes ornamental indicia formed on the external side thereof. The cover enhances the aesthetic perspective of the support base  20  and protects the hardware within the frame internal cavity  40  from the elements, vandalism and theft. Ornamental panels may also be provided upon the beveled surfaces  48 , although not shown. Of course, the panel  72  can be attached by any fastener, yet a tamper resistant fastener, such as a screw with an unconventional head is desired. Alternatively, a lock may be provided between each panel  72  and the frame  36 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 to 3 , the support base  20  is illustrated with alternative embodiment covers. Specifically, the support base  20  in  FIG. 2  is illustrated cooperating with a two-piece cover  74 . The cover  74  is provided in a clam shell configuration wherein two separate generally symmetrical pieces are fastened together to cover the support base  20 . The ornamental structure of the cover  74  is independent of the geometrical arrangement of the support base  20 . Therefore, various aesthetic perspectives are contemplated and are interchangeable with the support base  20  of the present invention. The cover  74  is generally tubular with a rectangular cross-section. 
   In  FIG. 3 , another two-piece clam shell cover  76  is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. The cover  76  is similar to the cover  74  in  FIG. 2 , however the cover  76  in  FIG. 3  is generally cylindrical. Of course, ornamental indicia can be provided on the exterior of the cover  74  and  76  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , another two-piece cover  78  is illustrated. The cover  78  includes two clam shell portions  80 ,  82  that are adapted to wrap about the support base  20  and enclose the support base  20  therein. The clam shell portions  80 ,  82  are fastened together by a pair of screws  84  or the like. The clam shell portions  80 ,  82  collectively provide a lower open region  86  for permitting the support base  20  to engage the underlying support surface  24 . The clam shell portions  80 ,  82  also collectively provide an upper open region  88  for permitting the structural pole  22  to pass therethrough. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , alternative panels  90 ,  92  are illustrated respectively, which can be fastened directly to the support base  20 . The panel  90  of  FIG. 5  includes an ornamental raised panel  94  thereon. The panel  92  of  FIG. 6  includes fluting  96  formed therein. 
   The covers illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6  are by means of example only, as any ornamental cover is contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The covers can be attached by various methods and can be made of various materials. The covers can be decorative in shape or can have ornamental indicia formed thereon. The covers can include light sources affixed thereto for low leveling lighting, flag lighting or emergency illumination. Alternatively, the covers can be vented or be generally transparent to allow illumination from within the frame internal cavity  40  to emit through the corresponding cover. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the support base  20  is illustrated with a central processing unit (CPU)  98  mounted to the plate  62 . The CPU  98  is provided to control lighting or traffic signals provided upon the structural pole  22 . Additionally, storage batteries can be contained within the unit. For example, photo-voltaic cells can be provided upon the structural pole  22  for recharging a battery within the support base  20 . The CPU  98  may perform wireless communication for receiving and/or transmitting signals. For example, the CPU  98  may receive wireless signals associated with the controls thereof. The structural pole  22  may include an illuminated sign and the CPU  98  may provide a digital signage processor for controlling the image upon the sign. If the structural pole  22  includes a speaker assembly, mounted externally of the structural pole  22  or internally of the structural pole  22  or support base  20 , the CPU  98  may provide signal boosting to the associated speaker assembly. If the structural pole  22  includes a digital identification card reader, the CPU  98  may provide the processing for this card reader. The aforementioned examples are provided to illustrate the hardware flexibility provided by the support base  20  and are not an exhaustive list of options that may be incorporated within the support base  20 . 
   With reference now to  FIG. 8 , the support base  20  is illustrated having a speaker assembly  100  mounted within the frame internal cavity  40 . The speaker assembly  100  is directed downward to the underlying support surface  24  so that acoustical vibrations provided by the speaker assembly  100  are reflected from the underlying support surface  24  and out of the frame  34 . The lateral openings  42  in the frame  36  provide an acoustical outlet region such that the acoustical vibrations pass from the frame  34 . A cover  102  is provided having an acoustically transparent region  104  so that acoustical vibrations provided by the speaker assembly  100  pass through the cover  102 . 
   The speaker assembly  100  adopts the teachings of Applicant&#39;s copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/324,563, titled Pole Speaker, which was filed on Dec. 19, 2002. The Pole Speaker patent application is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. The speaker assembly  100  includes a mid-plate  106  mounted to the frame  34  within the frame internal cavity  40 . A cone speaker  108  is mounted to the mid-plate  106  directed towards the underlying support surface  24 . A resonating chamber member  110  is provided having a wall defining an elongated internal cavity oriented within the frame internal cavity  40 . The resonating chamber member  110  has an open end mounted adjacent to the speaker  108 . The resonating chamber member internal cavity is sized to match the speaker  108 . 
   It may be desirable to prevent acoustical vibrations provided by the speaker assembly  100  from resonating within an internal cavity of the structural pole  22 . Therefore, each aperture  112  can be filled with a rubber grommet, foam or the like after wires are passed therethrough. Additionally, gaps provided between the mid-plate  106  and the frame  34  can be plugged by foam or some other acoustically inert material. 
   The speaker assembly  100  can be tuned by spacing the speaker assembly  100  relative to the pier base  26  such that the acoustical vibrations provided by the speaker  108  are reflected in a manner so that the sound reproduction lies in a region proximate to a head elevation of people passing thereby. Accordingly, spacing between the mid-plate  106  and the pier base  26  is a function of the distance between the support base  20  and a populated area proximate thereto. A preferred spacing of the speaker assembly  100  is adjusted by the brackets  64 ,  66 . Due to the acoustically transparent region  104  provided in the cover  102 , sound reproduction exits the support base  20  generally omnidirectionally, in a general 360 degree range about the support base  20 . The invention contemplates various speakers and speaker arrangements for directing acoustical vibrations omnidirectionally, uni-directionally or in focused patterns or regions. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the support base  20  is illustrated with the first speaker assembly  100  mounted therein as discussed with reference to  FIG. 9 . Further, a second speaker assembly  114  is provided within the structural pole  22 . The second speaker assembly  114  also incorporates the teachings of the Pole Speaker application, which was incorporated by reference above. The second speaker assembly  114  includes a sub-plate  116 , a speaker  118 , a resonating chamber member  120  and a tubular port  122 . The sub-plate  116  is adapted to be affixed to the structural pole  22  adjacent to an internal cavity formed in a fixed end of the structural pole  22 . Specifically, the sub-plate  116  is illustrated having a foot print and hole pattern to match that of a mounting flange  124  of the structural pole  22 . The speaker  118  is mounted to the sub-plate  116  and oriented such that acoustical vibrations provided by the speaker  118  are directed toward a top surface of the platform  38  of the support base  20 . 
   The resonating chamber member  120  has a wall for defining an elongated internal cavity oriented within the structural pole internal cavity. The resonating chamber member  120  has an open end mounted adjacent to the speaker  118  for partially enclosing a back surface of the speaker  118 . Preferably, the speaker  118  and resonating chamber member  120  are sealed to provide an airtight resonating chamber internal cavity. The resonating chamber member internal cavity is sized specifically for the speaker  118 . The resonating chamber member internal cavity reflects backward acoustical vibrations provided by the speaker  118  and amplifies the overall sound reproduction created thereby. 
   The tubular port  122  is connected to the resonating chamber member  120  and is in communication with the resonating chamber member internal cavity. The port  122  is sized to provide fluid resistance to air entering and exiting the resonating chamber member internal cavity in response to acoustical vibrations provided by the speaker  118  for improving the sound quality. Although the tubular port  122  improves the sound quality of the speaker system  100 , the port  122  is optional. Without the tubular port  122 , the resonating chamber member internal cavity prevents a vibrational overdraft to the speaker  118 , similar to a properly sized tubular port  122 . Elimination of the tubular port  122 , also reduces manufacturing costs incurred by the inclusion of the port  122 . The first speaker assembly  100  can include a tubular port as well. 
   The sub-plate  116  is fastened to the mounting flange  124  of the structural pole  22 . The sub-plate  116  has a hole pattern consistent with that of the mounting flange  124  such that it may utilize the same hardware, such as screws  126  for fastening the sub-plate  116  to the mounting flange  124 . The cooperating screws  126 , mounting flange  124 , sub-plate  116  and platform slots  52  are also employed for spacing the bottom of the speaker assembly  114  away from a top surface of the platform  38 . A plurality of adjustment nuts  128  are each mounted to one of the screws  126  such that the sub-plate  116  can rest thereupon, for spacing the second speaker assembly  114  from the platform  38 . This spacing is adjusted to a user selected height for tuning the speaker assembly  114  as discussed with tuning the first speaker assembly  100 . 
   The sub-plate  116  is provided from an acoustically inert material so that it acts as a baffle for preventing acoustic vibrations from reflecting from the platform  38  and resonating within the structural pole  22 . The platform  38  includes an offset aperture  130  and the sub-plate  116  includes a corresponding offset aperture  132  so that a wire harness can pass from the support base  20  into the structural pole  22  for providing wiring to the second speaker assembly  114  and to equipment associated with the structural pole  22 . Apertures  130  and  132  can be plugged by a grommet or sealant for providing a sound tight connection therebetween. The sub-plate  116  includes a speaker aperture  134  for permitting acoustical vibrations to pass from the speaker  118  through the sub-plate  116 . The sub-plate  116  includes a mounting hole pattern oriented thereabout for fastening the speaker  118  and/or the resonating chamber member  120  thereto. Adjacent to the speaker aperture  134  is a port aperture  136  in communication with the tubular port  122  for venting the resonating chamber internal cavity. 
   The combination of two separated speaker assemblies  100 ,  114  provided within a common structural pole assembly permits the utilization of speakers varying in frequency. For example, the first speaker assembly  100  provides frequencies below human voice and therefore provides a low frequency acoustical output, such as a sub-woofer. The second speaker assembly  114  provides a high frequency acoustical output including human voice and above. 
   With reference now to  FIG. 10 , the assembled structural pole assembly of  FIG. 9  is illustrated. An acoustically transparent skirt  138  has been added atop the structural pole mounting flange  124  and extending to the platform  38  to cover the screws  126  and the gap provided between the sub-plate  116  and the platform  38  while permitting acoustical vibrations to emit therefrom. A range of acoustical vibrations provided by the first speaker assembly  100  is illustrated partially by R 1 . A range of acoustical vibrations provided by the second speaker assembly  114  is illustrated partially by R 2 . These ranges of acoustical vibrations can be tuned as discussed above so that the ranges overlap within a target region that will be received by passersby. Accordingly, passersby of the specific thoroughfare will receive a combination of acoustical vibrations encompassing frequencies provided by at least a pair of speaker assemblies resulting in a high quality sound reproduction. 
   In summary, the present invention provides a low cost, simplifed support base  20  for a structural pole  22  providing flexibility for a range of functional equipment to be incorporated therein. 
   While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.