Patent Publication Number: US-2022223993-A1

Title: Cellular base station assemblies

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63/134,995, filed Jan. 8, 2021, and 63/149,462, filed Feb. 15, 2021, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in full. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed generally toward communication antennas, and more particularly to mounting structures for communications antennas. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As wireless data service demands have grown, a conventional response has been to increase the number and capacity of conventional cellular Base Stations (Macro-Cells). The antennas used by such Macro-Cells are typically mounted on antenna towers. A conventional antenna tower has three or four legs on which antennas and supporting remote radio units (RRUs) are mounted. However, in some environments structures known as “monopoles” are used as mounting structures. Monopoles are typically employed when fewer antennas/RRUs are to be mounted, and/or when a structure of less height is required. 
     In addition, Macro-Cell sites are becoming less available, and available spectrum limits how much additional capacity can be derived from a given Macro-Cell. Accordingly, small cell RRU and antenna combinations have been developed to “fill in” underserved or congested areas that would otherwise be within a Macro-Cell site. Deployment of small cells, particularly in urban environments, is expected to continue to grow. Often such small cell configurations (sometimes termed “Metrocells”) are mounted on monopoles. Typically, these small cell configurations do not permit mounting of other equipment above the antenna. 
     In some instances, metrocells may be mounted on existing structures, such as buildings, billboards, kiosks, and the like. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0324154 to Hendrix e al, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0411945, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in full. In addition, metrocells may be mounted on streetlight poles and the like. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0328337, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in full by references. In view of the foregoing, it may be desirable to provide additional metrocell arrangements. 
     SUMMARY 
     As a first aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to a module for a metrocell assembly comprising: a hollow, elongate cylindrical housing; and at least one power rail attached to and extending longitudinally relative to the housing and accessible from the exterior of the housing. The at least one power rail is configured to receive an accessory mounted on the power rail and to provide electrical contact from within the housing to the accessory. 
     As a second aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to a module for a metrocell assembly comprising: a hollow, elongate cylindrical housing; two power rails extending longitudinally on the exterior of the housing; and a first accessory mounted on a first one of the power rails, the first accessory in electrical contact with the power rail and receiving electrical power from within the housing through the first power rail. 
     As a third aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to a module for a metrocell assembly comprising: a hollow elongate cylindrical housing having a recessed section; and an accessory, the accessory mounted to the recessed section via a clamp arrangement. 
     As a fourth aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to a module for a metrocell assembly comprising: a plurality of outer sections, each of the outer sections extending longitudinally, the outer sections arranged to form generally a cylinder; wherein the outer sections include features that form at least one channel configured for the mounting of an accessory therein. 
     As a fifth aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to a module for a metrocell comprising: a central frame comprising a cylindrical base and a plurality of spokes extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical base; a plurality of compartment covers extending between adjacent spokes to form a plurality of compartments; and a plurality of track covers extending between adjacent spokes to form a plurality of tracks. 
     As a sixth aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to z module for a metrocell comprising: a generally cylindrical housing, wherein a hand hole is formed on one side of the housing, and a mounting location for an accessory is formed diametrically opposite of the hand hole. 
     As a seventh aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to an assembly of stacked modules for a metrocell comprising: a first module having first joining features; and a second module having second joining features that interact with the first joining features to secure the first and second modules together. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are front and side views of prior art metrocell assemblies based on a modular concept. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a metrocell assembly according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded front view of the metrocell assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of six different exemplary metrocell assemblies according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  are perspective views of metrocell assemblies according to embodiments of the invention in which different luminaire configurations are mounted. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a metrocell assembly that employs a flat frame-style luminaire. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a top portion of a metrocell assembly in which a cone-style luminaire is employed. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are exploded and assembled views of a metrocell assembly in which a stackable attachment technique for a huminaire is employed. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the top portion of the metrocell assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  are intact and exploded perspective views of a camera attachment configuration according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are partial perspective views of the metrocell assembly of  FIG. 2  illustrating a street sign and a banner mounted in the power rail. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial perspective view of two street signs mounted in the power rail of a metrocell assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of a metrocell assembly in which a base and a power module are employed in a stacked configuration. 
         FIG. 16  is a partial perspective view of banners mounted on a metrocell assembly via a rail. 
         FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view of banners mounted on a metrocell assembly via a bolt-on attachment. 
         FIG. 18  is a partial perspective view of a crosswalk light mounted to a metrocell pole via a clamp attachment. 
         FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of a crosswalk light welded to a metrocell pole. 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded view of a metrocell assembly in which access doors are located near the bottom of each stackable module. 
         FIG. 21  is a partial perspective view of a metrocell assembly according to embodiments of the invention showing access doors. 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic side view of the metrocell assembly of  FIG. 21  showing the air flow pattern around the access door. 
         FIGS. 23 and 24  are perspective views showing the attachment of a bench to a metrocell pole. 
         FIG. 25  is a partial perspective view of a round bench mounted to a metrocell pole. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a bench mounted to a metrocell pole. 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-section view of a metrocell pole according to alternative embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 28A and 28B  are perspective and section views illustrating one embodiment of the pole of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIGS. 29A and 29B  are perspective and section views illustrating another embodiment of the pole of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 30  is a section view of a lower module of a metrocell assembly according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a section view of an upper module of the metrocell assembly of  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of a luminaire mounting module for a metrocell assembly according to embodiments of the invention, wherein the outer surface is shown as transparent for clarity. 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the luminaire module of  FIG. 32 . 
         FIGS. 34A-C  are perspective views showing a hand hole providing access for a technician to the interior of the luminaire module of  FIG. 32 . 
         FIGS. 35A and 35B  are exploded and assembled views of the huminaire module of  FIG. 32 . 
         FIGS. 36A and 36B  are exploded and assembled views of a huminaire module according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 37A and 37B  are exploded and assembled view of a luminaire module according to further embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 38A and 38B  are exploded and assembled view of a metrocell assembly according to further embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 39A and 39B  are front assembled and exploded views of the metrocell assembly of  FIG. 38A . 
         FIG. 40  is an exploded perspective view of the metrocell assembly of  FIG. 38A  illustrating an attachment method between modules. 
         FIGS. 41A-C  are perspective views of the metrocell assembly of  FIG. 38A  shown with external covers ( FIG. 41A ), with the covers removed ( FIG. 41B ), and with one outer quarter-section removed ( FIG. 41C ). 
         FIGS. 42A-42C  are section, exploded, and partially assembled views of a module for a metrocell assembly according to further embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 42D-42G  are section views of different modules for a metrocell assembly accordingly to alternative embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 43A and 43B  are perspective views of a metrocell assembly according to embodiments of the invention, wherein a cover is absent from  FIG. 43B  to illustrate the location where modules are joined. 
         FIG. 44  is an exploded perspective view of a clamping arrangement to join metrocell modules according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 45  is an exploded and assembled view of a clamping arrangement to join metrocell modules according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 46  is an exploded view of another clamping arrangement to join metrocell modules according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 47  is an exploded view of another clamping arrangement to join metrocell modules according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 48A and 48B  are exploded views of a further clamping arrangement to join metrocell modules according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 49A and 49B  are exploded and assembled views of another clamping arrangement to join metrocell modules according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 50A and 50B  are exploded and assembled views of a joining arrangement to join metrocell modules according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 51A-C  are exploded and assembled views of a joining arrangement to join metrocell modules according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 52A-C  are exploded and assembled views of the joining arrangement of  FIGS. 51A-C  used in conjunction with a module for a luminaire. 
         FIG. 53  is a perspective view of a clamping arrangement to join metrocell modules according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 54A and 54B  are exploded side and top views of a joining arrangement to join metrocell modules according to embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 54C  illustrates a joining arrangement that is a variation of the arrangement of  FIGS. 54A and 5B . 
         FIGS. 55A-C  are exploded side and top views of a joining arrangement to join metrocell modules according to further embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 56  is an exploded side section view of a joining arrangement to join metrocell modules according to further embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 57  is an exploded side view of a joining arrangement to join metrocell modules according to further embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 58  is a side section view of a joining arrangement to join metrocell modules according to further embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 59A and 59B  are side section views of joining arrangements to join metrocell modules according to further embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 60  is a top partial perspective view of a metrocell assembly according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 61  is a top partial perspective view of the metrocell assembly of  FIG. 60  with the central pole extended. 
         FIGS. 62A and 62B  are perspective views of the metrocell assembly of  FIG. 60  showing a luminaire arm and a street sign mounted thereon, wherein covers for the luminaire arm are shown transparent in  FIG. 62A  and opaque in  FIG. 62B . 
         FIG. 63  is an enlarged view of the assembly of  FIG. 62A  showing the mounting of the street sign. 
         FIG. 64  is an internal perspective view of the mounting plate and bracket for mounting the luminaire arm in the assembly of  FIG. 62A . 
         FIG. 65  is an exploded perspective view of a base and power module for a metrocell assembly according to alternative embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 66  is an enlarged view of a door for the base and power module of  FIG. 65 . 
         FIG. 67  is a partially exploded view of a radio module for a metrocell assembly according to further embodiments of the invention with a first type of radio. 
         FIG. 68  is a partially exploded view of a radio module for a metrocell assembly according to further embodiments of the invention with a second type of radio. 
         FIG. 69  is a track cover for use with an accessory mounted in a track of a metrocell assembly according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 70  is an enlarged perspective view of a coupling section for the assembly of  FIG. 62A  that includes the luminaire arm. 
         FIG. 71  is a perspective view of a coupling section similar to that of  FIG. 70  showing how cables can be routed between section of the metrocell assembly. 
         FIG. 72  is a top view of the coupling section of  FIG. 71 . 
         FIG. 73  is a perspective view of a bottom plate of a radio module for a metrocell assembly according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 74  is a perspective view of the radio module of  FIG. 73  illustrating mounting plates for the radios. 
         FIG. 75  is a perspective view of another radio module with radios mounted thereon. 
         FIG. 76  is a perspective view of the radio module of  FIG. 75  with an antenna module mounted above it. 
         FIGS. 77 and 78  are partial views of the upper portions of metrocell assemblies with concealed ( FIG. 77 ) and unconcealed ( FIG. 78 ) antenna modules. 
         FIG. 79  is a perspective view of a fully concealed radio module. 
         FIG. 80  is a perspective view of a partially concealed radio module. 
         FIG. 81  is an exploded top view of a module for a metrocell according to further embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein the expression “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     In addition, spatially relative terms, such as “under”. “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y”. As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y”. 
     Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate exemplary prior metrocell assemblies  100 ,  100 ′, each of which utilizes a modular construction. Each of the metrocell assemblies  100 ,  100 ′ has a base  102  in which a power module  104  is enclosed. The metrocell assembly  100  has a luminaire module  106  located just above the power module  104 , with two radio modules  108   a ,  108   b  above a spacer module  107  that is above the luminaire module  106 . An antenna  110  is mounted atop the metrocell assembly  100 . The metrocell assembly  100 ′ has an integrated radio assembly  108 ′ positioned just above the power module  104 , a luminaire module  106  and accompanying luminaire  107  well above the radio module  108 ′, and an antenna  110 ′ above the luminaire module  106 ′. Details regarding these assemblies are included in the aforementioned documents that are incorporated by reference above and need not be repeated herein. 
     The assemblies  100 ,  100 ′ and variations thereof are typically employed in urban areas where streetlights and similar structures exist. Such structures may already be in place, such that the metrocell components are retrofitted onto an existing streetlight. Also, in some instances in which these structures are not already erected, local regulations determine the appearance of the structures, which can limit the degree of variability permitted in the arrangement of modules. However, it may be desirable to provide metrocell assemblies with luminaires in other environments, such as public arenas, university campuses, office parks, corporate campuses, and the like. Below are described metrocell assemblies that may be appropriate and/or desirable for such environments. 
     An exemplary embodiment of a metrocell assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and is designated broadly at  200 . The metrocell assembly  200  includes a frusto-conical base  202 , a lower module  204  that includes a cellular radio (not shown) within a cylindrical housing  205 , an upper module  206  having a cylindrical housing  209  that includes two longitudinally-extending power rails  207 , two luminaires  208 , and an antenna module  210 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the metrocell assembly  200  also has a street sign  212  mounted in one of the power rails  207 , and a banner  214  is mounted in the other power rail  207 . A pedestrian light  216  is mounted between the lower and upper modules  204 ,  206 . These structures are described in greater detail below. 
     Within the base  202 , the lower module  204 , and the upper module  206 , various pieces of equipment that are needed or desired to operate the metrocell are included. Exemplary equipment includes batteries, other power sources and/or carriers, controllers, rectifiers, distribution units, fans, and the like. The modular construction can enable the designer to select design details for the metrocell assembly  200  as desired, including the locations of various of these pieces of equipment. 
     In addition, the presence of the power rails  207  can provide the flexibility to add, omit, retrofit, etc., accessories such as those described above (e.g., the street sign  212  and the banner  214 ) and others described below. The power rails  207  are configured to receive power from a power source within the metrocell assembly  200  (e.g., a power module containing a battery, or an on-site power source) and provide mounting locations for the various accessories such that mounting of the accessory connects the power source to the accessory. This may be achieved by establishing electrical contact between contacts on the accessory and locations along the power rail  207  that in turn connect the accessory to the power source. As one example, the power rails  207  may include exposed contacts on either side of the power rail  207  onto which the accessory can slide, latch, clamp or the like. A single power rail  207  may provide power to multiple accessories at once if they are mounted one above the other on the power rail  207 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates some exemplary configurations of the metrocell assemblies  200 , of different heights and with different accessories, that can be created from 6′ and 12′ versions of the modules  202 ,  204 ,  206  discussed above. For example, metrocell assembly  200 ′ has a crosswalk light  220  mounted thereon, and metrocell assembly  200 ″ has a security camera  218  mounted thereon. 
     FIGS. SA- 5 C illustrate three different styles of luminaires that may be employed with the metrocell assembly  200 .  FIG. 5A  illustrates a circular-style luminaire  208 ′.  FIG. 5B  illustrates a rectangular-or “frame”-style luminaire  208 ″.  FIG. 5C  illustrates a cone-style luminaire  208 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a frame-style luminaire  208   a  with arms that are essentially the same width as the lighting portion of the luminaire. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cone-style luminaire  208  that is attached to the metrocell assembly  200  via a clamp arrangement  230 . The clamp arrangement  230  has two semi-cylindrical clamp members  231 ,  232 . A recessed section  206   a  extends upwardly from the upper module  206  and provides a mechanism for attachment of the antenna module  210 . The clamp members  231 ,  232  overlie the recessed section  206   a  to provide a flush surface between the upper module  206  and the antenna module  210 . The clamp members  231 ,  232  can be attached to each other and/or to the recessed section  206   a  via any number of techniques, including threaded fasteners, adhesives, tongue-in-groove features, and the like. Notably, the recessed section  206   a  of the upper module  206  includes a cutout area  233 . The cutout area  233  allows access to a technician to connect power from the interior of the upper module  206  to the luminaire  208  (typically through the luminaire arm  208   b ). 
     An alternative configuration for mounting luminaires is shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , wherein a circular-style luminaire  208 ′ is shown attached to a sleeve  234 . The sleeve  234  is disposed between the upper module  206  and the antenna module  210 . In this configuration power is routed from the interior of the upper module  206  into the sleeve  234 , then to the luminaire  208 ′ through the arm  208   b .  FIG. 9  shows a similar sleeve-mounting arrangement that supports two separate luminaires  208 . 
     As suggested above, in addition to luminaires the metrocell assembly  200  may also include other accessories. Some of these are discussed below, along with exemplary attachment methods. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate a typical security camera  218  mounted via a clamp arrangement  230 . The security camera  218  is attached (typically via welding) to the clamp member  231  with an arm  218   a . Power and communications cables can be routed to the camera  218  through the arm  218   a.    
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate an upper portion of the upper end of the metrocell assembly  200 . The street sign  212  seen therein is attached via a power rail  207 , and the banner  214  is mounted in another power rail  207 , but is not connected for power.  FIG. 13  illustrates the street sign  212  mounted in the power rail  207 . The pedestrian light  216  is mounted via a clamp arrangement  230 .  FIG. 14  illustrates two street signs  212  mounted in power rails  207  that are separated on the circumference of the upper module  206  by about 90 degrees. The street signs  212  may be power or unpowered; if powered, the street signs  212  may be supplied with power via the power rails  207 . Separation of the power rails  207  by 90 degrees may be particularly useful for the mounting of street signs at an intersection of streets. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates the metrocell assembly  200  with a traffic sign  240  mounted thereto. As shown, the traffic sign  240  is mounted in the power rail  207 , which can provide power thereto. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate different ways in which a non-illuminated banner  214  may be mounted.  FIG. 16  shows the banner  214  mounted via brackets  215  that is inserted into the power rail  207 ; filler rods  217  can then be employed to fill the remainder of the open space of the power rail  207 .  FIG. 17  illustrates the banner  214  being mounted directly to the exterior of the upper module  206 , with the brackets  215  being bolted to the exterior surface. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a crosswalk light  220  mounted to the metrocell assembly  200  via a clamping mechanism  230  such as that described above. Power can be supplied to the crosswalk light  220  from the interior of the metrocell assembly  200  through the arm  221 .  FIG. 19  illustrates a crosswalk sign  250  that can be mounted to the metrocell assembly  200 . In this instance, the crosswalk sign  250  is welded directly to the exterior of the lower module  204 . 
       FIGS. 20-22  illustrate the metrocell assembly  200  with doors  260 ,  262 ,  264  in the base  202 , lower module  204  and upper module  206 , respectively. Each of the doors  260 ,  262 ,  264  is positioned near the lower end of its host structure to facilitate access for a technician to components stored therein. As exemplified in  FIG. 22 , the door  262  shown therein is sized relative to the window  265  that it covers so that gaps  266 ,  267  are present above and below the upper and lower edges of the door  262 . The gaps  266 ,  267  permit external air to flow from the environment through the lower gap  266 , upwardly within the lower module  204 , and out through the upper gap  267  (this is illustrated via the arrows in  FIG. 22 ). Such air flow can provide cooling to components stored within the lower module  204 . Gaps above and below the doors  260 ,  264  can similarly provide cooling to the base  202  and upper module  206 . 
       FIGS. 23 and 24  illustrate a bench  280  mounted to the base  202  for pedestrians to rest, congregate, and the like. The bench  280  is mounted to the base  202  via an arm  281  that is bolted to the underside of the bench  280  and welded to the side of the base  202 .  FIG. 25  illustrates an alternative metallic circular bench  284  mounted to the base  202 .  FIG. 26  illustrates an alternative circular bench  284 ′ formed of cement. 
     The metrocell assemblies described above may, of course, include or omit any of the accessories described above. The presence of the power rails  207  may provide designers and engineers with extreme flexibility to include the desired accessories (if any) based on the desires of the end user. Such flexibility may be particularly desirable in supplying metrocell assemblies to environments such as public arenas, university campuses, office parks, corporate campuses, and the like, each of which may have its own specifications based on its functional and aesthetic needs. 
     Some more detailed concepts on the construction of the metrocell assembly  200  are illustrated in  FIGS. 27-59  and are discussed below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , a metrocell module  300  is shown therein that includes an internal pole  302 , an external cover  304  (which may be in sections, such as halves or quarters, and may be sheet metal), and U- or V-shaped tracks or rails  306  that are positioned between the pole  302  and the cover  304 . The tracks  306  have a base  308  that contacts the pole  302 , arms  310  that extend radially outward from the base  308 , and feet  312  at the ends of the arms  310  that contact the inner surface of the cover  304 . This arrangement can utilize a smaller, lighter central pole for the module  300  while providing a module of the same diameter. Variations in the configuration with different sized poles and tracks are shown in the module  300 ′ of  FIGS. 28A-B  and the module  300 ″ of  FIGS. 29A-B . In addition to providing structural support, the tracks  306  may also define pathways for cable routing, power rails or the like. 
       FIGS. 30 and 31  illustrate modules  400 ,  400 ′ that utilize an internal skeletal frame (such as the H-shaped frame  402  shown therein) as the internal load-bearing member (typically steel or FRP), and quarter sections  404  that serve as an external cover. The cover sections  404  may have features that facilitate attachment to either the frame  402  or to each other. As shown in  FIG. 30 , the internal spaces defined by the “H” of the frame  402  may serve as locations for the mounting of an RRU  410 , a power supply  412 , or other equipment. As shown in  FIG. 31 , one or more of the cover sections  404 ′ may include features that can receive a power rail as described above at  207 . 
       FIGS. 32-35B  illustrate a luminaire module  500  that includes a cylindrical foundation  502  with a hand hole  504  and a mounting hole  506  formed on opposite sides thereof. A mounting plate  508  is mounted to the inner surface of the foundation  502  radially inward of the mounting hole  506  to serve as an attachment point for a luminaire unit  510 . The base  512  of the luminaire unit  510  is mounted to the mounting plate  508 , and covers  514  overlie the base  512  within the mounting hole  506  to provide a smooth overall outer surface for the module  500 . As shown in  FIGS. 34A-C , a reinforcing guide  516  is mounted to the foundation  502  radially inwardly of the hand hole  504 . A cover  518  overlies the guide  516  and covers the hand hole  504 . The hand hole  504  thus provides access to a technician during installation or maintenance of the luminaire unit  510 . As an alternative,  FIGS. 35A and 35B  show overall cover halves  530  that overlie the entire foundation  502  with the exception of small cutouts  522  for the arm of the luminaire unit  510 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a luminaire module  500 ′ is shown in  FIGS. 36A-B , in the module  500 ′, the foundation  502 ′ is cast, with the mounting plate being omitted and a mounting area  508 ′ and a hand hole  506 ′ being cast directly into the foundation  502 ′. Another luminaire module  500 ″ is illustrated in  FIGS. 37A-B ; the luminaire module  500 ″ is similar to the module  500 ′, but cutout areas  525  are cast into the upper and lower ends of the foundation  502 ″ to provide access to the holes in the mounting rings on the upper and lower end of the foundation  502 ″. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 38A-B , an embodiment of a section of a pole for a metrocell assembly, designated broadly at  600 , is shown therein. The section  600  includes an interior pole  602  and four hollow outer quarter-sections  604  (formed, for example, by bending sheet metal or extruding aluminum) mounted to the pole  602  such that gaps  606  are present between adjacent outer quarter-sections  604 . The gaps  606  may house power rails  207  as are discussed above. The outer quarter-sections  604  may be mounted to the pole  602  in any manner; herein pins  608  are illustrated that are received in holes  618  in the pole  602  (the holes  618  can be seen in  FIG. 40 ).  FIGS. 39A-B  illustrate the pole section  600  and also show the power rails  207 , which may be covered with an elongate cover  610 .  FIG. 40  provides another view of the pole section  600  and illustrates a cylindrical coupler  614  with a raised ridge  616  that may be used to join two pole sections  600  together.  FIGS. 41A-C  show joined pole sections  600  with external covers  630  covering various access holes ( FIG. 41A ), with the covers removed ( FIG. 41B ), and with one outer quarter-section  604  removed ( FIG. 41C ). 
       FIGS. 42A-C  illustrate a pole section  700  that has no internal pole, but instead is formed of four interlocking quarter-sections  704 . Each quarter-section  704  has protrusions  706 ,  708  on opposite longitudinal edges that engage the protrusions  708 ,  706  of adjacent quarter-sections. A gap  710  is present radially outward of each protrusion  708  that can house a power rail  207 . Covers  712  may be employed to overlie the gaps  710  to protect the power rails, with their edges fitting within recesses  714  within each gap  710 . 
       FIGS. 42D-42G  illustrate alternative designs of quarter-sections.  FIG. 42D  shows a module  720  with quarter sections  721 , each of which has an outer wall  722  and two track walls  724 ,  726  that extend radially inwardly therefrom. The track wall  724  has a small clip  725 . An inner wall  727  extends circumferentially away from the track wall  726  and terminates in a bead  728  that is configured to fit within the clip  725  of the adjacent quarter-section  720 . Thus, it can be seen that four quarter-sections  720  can fit together to form a module  721  with gaps  729 . Also notable are flanges  722   a ,  724   a  that extend from respective track walls  722 ,  724  into the gaps  729 , and indentations  722   b ,  724   b  in the inner walls  722 ,  724  that are configured to receive covers for the gaps  729 . 
       FIG. 42E  shows an alternative module  730  formed of quarter-sections  732 . The quarter-sections  732  are similar to the quarter-sections  722 , with the exception that the clip  735  extends away from the opposite track wall  734 , and the bead  738  is located on the inner wall  737  to mate correctly with the clip  735 . 
       FIG. 42F  shows a further alternative module  740  formed of quarter-sections  742 . The quarter-sections  742  are similar to the quarter-sections  732  with the exceptions that (a) each tracking wall  744 ,  746  has a clip  745 , (b) the inner wall  747  extends farther circumferentially, and (c) the inner wall has two beads  747  that are positioned to be received in the clips  745  of the adjacent quarter-section  742 . This arrangement enables the quarter-sections  742  to form a module  740  that has a complete inner cylinder C formed by the inner walls  747 . The presence of the cylinder C may provide the module  740  with additional strength and stiffness. 
       FIG. 42G  shows another alternative module  750  formed of quarter-sections  752 . Each quarter-section  750  has no outer wall, but has an inner wall  757  with circumferential extensions  757   a , one of which terminates in a clip  755  and the other of which terminates in a bead  758 . The clip  755  of one quarter-section  752  receives the bead  758  of the adjacent quarter-section  752 , with the result being a full inner cylinder C′ as described above. The module  750  also employs separate covers  759  in lieu of outer walls on the quarter-sections  752 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 43A-B , the metrocell  200  is shown therein with lower and upper sections  204 ,  206  stacked on top of each other, with a ringed cover  208  overlying the gap  210  between the sections  204 ,  206 .  FIGS. 44-59  illustrate different techniques for joining two sections  204 ,  206  to each other and/or to other modules. Thus, any reference herein to a section of the metrocell assembly may equally apply to a specific module of a metrocell assembly. 
       FIG. 44  illustrates two sections  804 ,  806  being joined via a clamping technique. The lower section  804  has a plug  808  with a ring  810 . The plug  808  has threaded holes  812 . The upper section  806  has a plug  820  with a larger ring  822 . Flanges  824  extend radially outwardly from the larger ring  822 . The sections  804 ,  806  are joined by lowering the section  806  onto the section  804 , with the larger ring  822  fitting around the smaller ring  810 . The sections  804 ,  806  are secured with bolts  826  that are inserted through holes in the flanges  824  and into the holes  812 . Covers  830  (one of which is shown in  FIG. 44 ) are then applied to cover the gap between the sections  804 ,  806 . 
       FIG. 45  illustrates a similar joining technique, but with the plug  808 ′ with the larger ring  810 ′ and the bolts on the lower section  804 ′ and the smaller ring  822 ′ and threaded holes on the upper section  806 ′. 
       FIG. 46  illustrates the joining of two sections  904 ,  906 . Two identical plugs  908 ,  910  are inserted into the ends of the sections  904 ,  906 . Each of the plugs  908 ,  910  includes a frustoconical projection  912  that widens toward its free end. An annular clamp  914  with a circumferential groove  916  on its inner surface fits around the projections  912  to secure them in place.  FIG. 47  illustrates a slightly different embodiment, wherein the plugs  908 ′,  910 ′ are shorter longitudinally, and the clamp  914 ′ is hinged and able to be tightened via a tightening bolt  918 . 
     Another variation is shown in  FIGS. 48A and 48B , in this embodiment, the section  1004  receives a plug  1008  that has a semi-ring  1012  attached to one end. The semi-ring  1012  has an angled surface  1014 . A plug  1010  is received in the upper section  1006 ; the plug  1010  has a frustoconical projection  1011 . To join the sections  1004 ,  1006 , the projection  1011  is slid horizontally to engage the angled surface  1014 . A mating semi-ring  1016  is then fastened into place on the semi-ring  1012  with bolts  1018 , which secures the sections  1004 ,  1006  together. 
       FIGS. 49A-B  illustrate another joining technique. In this embodiment, lower section  1104  is joined to upper section  1106  via a cone clamping unit  1110 . The cone clamping unit  1110  includes a base  1112  with frustoconical ends  1114 ,  1116 . Upper and lower rings  1118 ,  1120  each include four quarter-rings  1122  with angled inner surfaces  1124 . Bolts  1126  extend through each quarter-ring  1122  and into one of the ends  1114 ,  1116 . Tightening of the bolts  1126  draws each quarter-ring  1122  toward its respective end  1114 ,  1116 ; once the inner surface  1124  of the quarter-ring  1122  engages the end  1114 ,  1116 , the quarter-ring  1122  is forced radially outwardly against the inner surface of the respective section  1104 ,  1106 . This action both mounts the cone clamping unit  1110  to the sections  1104 ,  1106  and joins the sections  1104 ,  1106  together. One potential advantage of this arrangement is the ability to attach the clamping unit  1110  to the sections on site; this can enable an installer to cut the sections  1104 ,  1106  to length on-site. 
       FIGS. 50A-B  illustrate a joining arrangement in which the lower section  1204  includes a ring  1210  at its upper edge, and the upper section  1206  includes a slightly smaller ring  1212  with holes  1216  at its lower end. Threaded fasteners  1214  are inserted through the ring  1210  and into and nuts  1218  welded onto the inner surface of the ring  1210 . The ring  1212  has holes  1216  that align with the fasteners  1214 . The ring  1212  can be slipped inside the ring  1210 , with the holes  1216  aligned with the nuts  1218  and secured by tightening the fasteners  1214 . Covers  1220  can be employed to cover the gap between the sections  1204 ,  1206 . This technique may be employed to customize pole height; for example, if sections are provided in 1, 3 and 5 foot lengths, any height pole (in one foot increments) can be constructed quickly and easily. 
       FIGS. 51A-C  illustrate a joining arrangement in which a coupler  1308  is employed to join the sections  1304 ,  1306 . The coupler  1308  is a short cylinder with four “block-S” shaped features  1314  on its outer surface. Each pole section  1304 ,  1306  has L-shaped, open-ended slots  1310 ,  1312  on its upper and lower edges, with the base leg of the “L” of the lower slots  1310  extending in the opposite rotative direction from the base leg of the “L” of the upper slots  1312 . As shown in  FIGS. 51B-C , the coupler  1308  is inserted inside the lower section  1304 , with the features  1314  inserted into the slots  1312 . The upper section  1306  is lowered onto the coupler  1308 , with the slots  1310  receiving the features  1314 . Rotation of upper section  1306  to the lower section  1304  causes the features  1314  to fully engage the slots  1310 ,  1312  and “lock” the sections  1304 ,  1306  in place. In the illustrated version, the upper edge of the lower section  1304  meets the lower edge of the uppers section  1306 , such that no additional external cover is needed to cover a gap between the sections  1304 ,  1306 .  FIGS. 52A-C  illustrate a variation of this arrangement, wherein the coupler  1308 ′ is taller and may be formed as a luminaire module or the like, with a mounting hole  1320  for the luminaire arm and a hand hole (not shown). In this embodiment covers  1324  may be included to cover the gap between the lower and upper sections  1304 ,  1306 . 
       FIG. 53  illustrates a joining arrangement in which an expansion clamp  1408  is employed. Two clamp members  1410 ,  1411  are attached to a base  1412  that is mounted within the upper section  1406 . Each clamp member  1410 ,  1411  has two flanges  1414 . The clamp member  1410  has weld nuts  1416  attached to each flange  1414 , whereas the clamp  1411  has holes  1418  in its flanges  1414 . Bolts (not shown) are inserted through the holes  1418  and ito the weld nuts  1416 . Rotation of the bolts forces the clamp members  1410 ,  1411  apart and against the inner surface of the lower section (not shown). In some embodiments mounted features may be included on the clamping members  1410 ,  1411  to improve stability of the joint. 
       FIGS. 54A-B  illustrate a joining arrangement in which the lower section  1504  has locking fingers  1508  with hooks  1510  extending upwardly from its upper edge, and the upper section  1506  includes a ring  1512  on its inner surface at its lower end. The ring  1512  includes slots  1514  that correspond to the fingers  1508 . The upper section  1506  can be lowered onto the lower section  1504  with the slots  1514  aligned with the fingers  1508 . When the upper section  1506  is fully lowered, it is rotated relative to the lower section  1504  sufficiently to allow the hooks  1510  to engage the upper edge of the ring  1512  to secure the lower and upper sections  1504 ,  1506  together. A variation of this joining arrangement is shown in  FIG. 54C , in which both the upper and lower sections  1504 ′,  1506 ′ have respective rings  1508 ′,  1512 ′ with respective hooked fingers  1510 ′,  1514 ′. The hooks  1510 ′,  1514 ′ extend circumferentially (rather than radially as in  FIGS. 54A and 54B ). The hooks  1510 ′,  1514 ′ are also tapered, such that when the upper section  1506 ′ is rotated relative to the lower section  1504 ′, engagement of the hooks  1510 ′ with the hooks  1514 ′ acts as a wedge to lock the sections  1504 ′,  1506 ′ together. 
       FIGS. 55A-C  illustrate another joining arrangement, in which the lower section  1604  includes a cap  1608  with a “keystone”-shaped bar  1610  that extends diametrically across the cap  1608 , and the upper section  1606  includes a cap  1612  with a channel  1614  configured to mate with the bar  1610 . The upper section  1606  can be slid horizontally relative to the lower section  1604  to mate the bar  1610  within the channel  1614 , thereby joining the upper and lower sections  1606 ,  1604 . As shown in  FIG. 55C , either or both of the caps  1608 ,  1612  may include holes  1626  to permit routing of cables and the like. 
       FIG. 56  illustrates a joining arrangement in which the lower section  1704  has a cap  1708  with a threaded ring  1710 , and the upper section  1706  has a cap  1712  with a ring  1714  that is slightly smaller than the ring  1710 . A circumferential lip  1716  extends outwardly from the ring  1714 . A threaded collar  1718  is trapped between the lip  1716  and the lower edge of the upper section  1706 . The lower and upper sections  1704 ,  1706  may be joined by lowering the upper section  1706  onto the lower section  1704  so that the ring  1714  slips inside the ring  1710 . The collar  1718  can then be rotated relative to the ring  1710 , with the threads of the collar  1718  mating with the threads of the ring  1710  to secure the lower and upper sections  1704 ,  1706  together. Covers  1720  may be added to cover any gap between the sections  1704 ,  1706 . 
     A variation of this arrangement is shown in  FIG. 57 . In this arrangement, the lower section  1804  has a cap  1808  with a threaded frustoconical projection  1810 . The upper section  1806  has a cap  1812  with a threaded frustoconical recess  1814 . The upper section  1806  is rotated relative to the lower section  1804  to engage the threads of the projection  1810  and recess  1814  to secure the sections  1804 ,  1806  together. Anti-rotation may be provided with set screws or the like. 
       FIG. 58  illustrates an arrangement in which the lower section  1904  is secured to the upper section  1906  via a tension bolt  1908 . The tension bolt  1908  extends through a cap  1910  mounted to the lower section and into a bolt  1912  mounted on a cap  1914  for the upper section  1906 . 
       FIG. 59A  illustrates an arrangement in which the lower section  2004  is further secured to the upper section  2006  with bolts  2008  inserted at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the sections  2004 ,  2006 . The arrangement may be one similar to that shown in  FIG. 57  above, but with the frustoconical projection  2010  and the frustoconical recess  2014  lacking threads. The bolts  2008  are inserted though holes in angled panels  2016  in the lower section  2004 , through the walls of the cap  2012 , and into the projection  2010 . Tightening of the bolts  2008  joins the sections  2004 ,  2006  together. This arrangement can draw the sections  2004 ,  2006  tightly together, but with bolts  2008  that can be accessed from outside of the sections  2004 ,  2006 . An alternative arrangement is illustrated in  FIG. 59B , wherein the bolts  2008 ′ are inserted into angled panels  2016 ′ that are located in the upper section  2006 ′. 
     Additional variations of components discussed above may also be suitable for use in assemblies of the invention. Referring to  FIGS. 60-64 , a section  2100  includes a center pole  2102  and four quarter sections  2104 . Each of the quarter sections  2104  includes an outer wall  2106 , radially-inwardly-extending transition sections  2108  that extend form edge portions of the outer wall  2106 , and inner walls  2110 ,  2112  that extend circumferentially from the inner edges of the transition sections  2108 . As shown in  FIGS. 60 and 61 , a flange  2114  extends from each transition section  2108 . Also, a small indentation  2116  is present in each transition section  2108  between the outer wall  2106  and the flange  2114 . 
     When the quarter sections  2104  are arranged around the pole  2102 , the inner wall  2110  overlaps and is positioned radially outward from the inner wall  2112 . The quarter sections  2104  are attached to the pole  2102  via bolts, screws or other fasteners. In this overlapping position, the transition sections  2108  form a gap  2120  between each adjacent pair of quarter sections  2104 . The gap  2120  can house a power rail, such as those described above, and/or can provide a mounting location for accessories such as street signs  212  (see  FIGS. 62A and 62B ). In some embodiments, the gap  2120  is covered with a cover  2124  (similar to that shown at  712  above); the cover  2124  may be maintained in place within the indentations  2116  (see  FIG. 63 ). Also,  FIG. 69  shows a cap  2140  that may be inserted between lengths of the cover, wherein the arm for the street sign  212  may be inserted through a hole  2142  in the cap  2140 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 63  and also to  FIG. 64 , an arrangement for hanging the street sign  212  is shown therein. The arm of the street sign  212  terminates in a mounting panel  2130 . The mounting panel  2130  is positioned radially outwardly of the flanges  2114 . Two nut plates  2132  are positioned radially inward of the flanges  2114 . Bolts  2134  are inserted through holes in the mounting panel  2130  and in the nut plates  2132 ; the bolts  2134  may either be secured with threads in the nut plates  2132  or via a nut positioned radially inwardly of the nut plates  2132 . Tightening of the bolts  2134  secures the mounting panel  2130  to the flanges  2114 , which in turn mounts the street sign  212  or other accessory in the gap  2120 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 65 and 66 , a base and power module, designated broadly at  2200 , is shown therein. The base and power module  2200  includes a cylindrical housing  2202  that houses within a power meter  2204 , a load center  2206  and an optional disconnect unit  2208 . All are accessible through a door  2210  that is hinged to the housing  2202 . The door  2210 , which is typically formed of a portion of the housing  2202 , is sized to cover most of the hole, and may include a gasket  2212  around its periphery to provide a seal when the door  2210  is closed. An exemplary hinge for the door  2210  is discussed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0378164 to Williams et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in full by reference; this hinge design can enable the door  2210  to close flush with the remainder of the housing  2202 . In some embodiments, the opening for the door  2210  may be reinforced with a guide similar to guide  516  discussed above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 67 and 68 , two radio modules  2300 ,  2300 ′ are shown therein. Each of the radio modules  2300 ,  2300 ′ includes a housing  2302 , upper and lower plates  2304 ,  2306 , and a frame  2308  on which radios  2310 ,  2310 ′ are mounted in different arrangements. Each radio module  2300 ,  2300 ′ also includes one or more access doors  2312 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 70 and 71 , a mounting arrangement for a luminaire arm  2310  is shown therein. The luminaire arm  2310  is connected (e.g., via welding) to a semicircular clamp  2312  with flanges  2314 . A mating clamp  2316  with flanges  2318  is attached to the clamp  2312  via bolts  2320  inserted through holes in the flanges  2314 ,  2318 . Covers  2322  surround the clamps  2312 ,  2316  to conceal them from view. 
     As shown in  FIG. 71 , cables may be routed through different openings created in the assembly. Cable  2324  is routed through a gap  2326  between quarter sections and into the luminaire arm  2310 . Cable  2330  is routed within the cavity of a quarter section and through a opening in the upper plate  2332  of the arrangement. A third cable  2340  is routed through the lumen of the central pole. Other variations may also be employed, as various openings in the upper plate  2332  are shown in  FIG. 72 . 
       FIGS. 73 and 74  illustrate a radio module  2400  that may be suitable for housing “sub 6 GHz” radios (i.e., radios with 5G capability that operate below the 6 GHz frequency band). The module  2400  includes lower and upper plates  2402 ,  2404  that are mounted to a common hollow spine  2406 . As seen in  FIG. 73 , the spine  2406  includes a reinforced opening  2408  that facilitates the routing of cables through the spine  2406 . Mounting brackets  2410  of different configurations for different radios may be mounted to the spine  2406  (see  FIG. 74 ). Exemplary mounting bracket configurations are illustrated in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/156,488 filed Mar. 4, 2021 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/165,948 filed Mar. 25, 2021, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in full. As shown in  FIGS. 77 and 78 , the radio module  2400  is typically mounted above a luminaire arm, and may optionally have a canister antenna  2420  (often a 4G antenna) mounted above it.  FIG. 79  illustrates covers  2410  that may be employed to conceal the radios) 
     Another radio module  2500  is shown in  FIGS. 75,76 and 80 . The radio module  2500  includes three radios  2502  spaced 120 degrees apart and mounted to a central spine via brackets such as those discussed and cited above. Each radio  2502  may be part of an “active antenna”, wherein the radio and antenna are a combined single unit (this configuration is particularly popular for 5G radios). The module  2500  may include fascia  2504  to help conceal portions of the radios  2502  and improve the overall appearance. As shown in  FIG. 76 , a canister antenna  2520  may be mounted above the radio module  2500 . 
     A further module for a metrocell assembly, designated broadly at  2600 , is shown in  FIG. 81 . The module  2600  includes a central frame  2602  and a plurality of compartment covers  2610  and track covers  2612  (only one compartment cover  2610  and one track cover  2612  are shown in  FIG. 81 ). The central frame  2602  is illustrated as a single unitary piece, which may be formed by extrusion, and which is typically formed of a metallic material such as aluminum or steel. The central frame  2602  includes a cylindrical base  2604  that is similar to the center poles discussed above (e.g., center pole  2012 ). The base  2604  may be divided onto separate cavities  2607  by one or more ribs  2606 , wherein such cavities may provide pathways for the routing of cables. A plurality of spokes  2608  extend radially outwardly from the base  2604 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 81 , the spokes  2608  are arranged in pairs that are equidistant from each other (in this instance, generally 90 degrees from each other). The spokes  2608  of a pair define a track or gap  2614  similar to the gaps  2012  described above. The track or gap  2614  may house a power rail for the attachment of electrically-powered devices, or may include other features that enable the attachment of other components (such as the street signs  212  described above). The spokes  2608  may also include features (such as grooves, flanges or the like) that facilitate the attachment of a track cover  2612 ). 
     Adjacent spokes  2608  of adjacent pairs define compartments  2616 . The compartments  2616  may be empty, or may provide pathways for cables. The spokes  2608  may include features (such as grooves, flanges or the like) that facilitate the mounting of the compartment covers  2610 . As one example, the compartment covers  2610  may be sufficiently flexible to be bent slightly, such that their edges may fit within grooves in the spokes  2608 . 
     In some embodiments, the spokes  2608  may include features configured to enable components to be attached according to the “80/20” convention established by 80/20, Inc. (Columbia City, Ind.). Exemplary configurations of the “80/20” system are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,429,438 and 6,481,177, each of which is hereby incorporated herein b y reference in full. Thus, such features may be introduced into the spokes  2608  to permit the easy attachment of components having a complementary feature. It should be noted that such “80/20” features may also be introduced into other radially-extending components discussed above, such as the track walls  724 ,  726  of the modules  720 ,  720 ,  740 ,  750  above. 
     The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.