Patent ID: 12258769

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention. In the drawings, like item numbers refer to like elements.

Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “mounted,” “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

Referring now to the attached drawings, exemplary embodiments described and illustrated herein generally relate to a controlled motion hinge assembly100having a base102and a pivot arm104that is attached to the base102by a hinge106. The base102and pivot arm104are shown in this example as being tubular pieces having a square sectional shape. For example, the base102and pivot arm104may be formed by 1 inch square welded steel box tube, extruded aluminum or the like. Such materials are readily available and offer simplicity in machining. Other embodiments may be formed using other materials, such as round-section tubular steel or aluminum, or parts having other sectional shapes such as L-shapes, H-shapes, and the like. The base102and pivot arm104also may be made from assemblies of component parts, composite materials, cast as single pieces (e.g., including other parts that are bolted on as described below) or the like.

The exemplary hinge106comprises a hinge pin108that is secured in a double shear configuration to a hinge leaf110that is secured to the base102, and a pair of hinge plates112that are secured to the pivot arm104. A single hinge pin108is shown, but two or more separate and axially spaced hinge pins may be used in other embodiments. The hinge pin108may be a solid pin, such as shown, or a tubular pin or rivet, as known in the art. The hinge106connects the base102to the pivot arm104such that the pivot arm104is movable relative to the base about an arm pivot axis114that is collinear with the hinge pin108. The hinge pin108and arm pivot axis114may be offset from the base102and pivot arm104, such as shown, to facilitate a greater range of motion.

The hinge assembly100also includes an actuator system116configured to control the rotation of the pivot arm104relative to the base102. In the shown example, the actuator system116includes a first actuator mount118affixed to the base102, a second actuator mount120affixed to the pivot arm104, and an actuator shaft122(seeFIGS.2and4) operatively connected to the first actuator mount116and the second actuator mount118.

As best shown inFIGS.2and4, the first actuator mount118is rotatably connected to the base102to rotate about a first mount rotation axis124, and the second actuator mount is rotatably connected to the pivot arm104to rotate about a second mount rotation axis126. For example, the first actuator mount118comprises a pair of collinear mounting pins118′ that extend along the first mount rotation axis124, and rotatably fit into a corresponding pair of collinear first mounting holes128provided on the base102. The first mounting holes128may be integrally formed with the base102, or they may be formed separately and attached to the base102. In this example, the first mounting holes128are provided in respective first mounting plates130, which are secured to the base102to hold the first mounting holes128rigidly in place relative to the base102. Similarly, the second actuator mount120comprises a pair of collinear mounting pins120′ that extend along the second mount rotation axis126, and rotatably fit into a corresponding pair of collinear second mounting holes132provided on the pivot arm104. The second mounting holes132are secured to the pivot arm104by being formed in the hinge plates112, but alternatively may be provided in respective second mounting plates that are separate from the hinge plates112. In this example, the first mounting plates130and the hinge plates112are secured to the base102and pivot arm104, respectively, by bolts, washers and nuts, but other securement mechanisms may be used in other cases.

In the shown example, the first actuator mount118, second actuator mount120and hinge pin108are all secured at each end by respective spring clips136that fit into corresponding annular grooves138on each pin108,118′,120′. This provides a relatively simple and durable construction, while allowing periodic service or repair.

The first mount rotation axis124, second mount rotation axis126, and arm pivot axis114are parallel and spaced apart from each other (i.e., parallel but not collinear). Thus, rotation of the pivot arm104relative to the base102causes the distance between the first mount rotation axis124and the second mount rotation axis126to vary as a function of angular rotation, with such behavior being according to the familiar trigonometric functions. The actuator system116is configured to control this movement by rotating the actuator shaft122.

The exemplary actuator shaft122has a threaded body140that extends along an actuator shaft axis142between a first shaft end144and a second shaft end146. The threaded body140is threaded into a corresponding threaded bore148that extends through the first actuator mount118along a bore axis150that is perpendicular to the first mount rotation axis124. When the threaded body140is installed in the threaded bore148, the actuator shaft axis142and bore axis150are collinear. Rotation of the threaded body140relative to the first actuator mount118causes the first actuator mount118and threaded body140to displace relative to each other along the collinear actuator shaft axis142and bore axis150. The threaded body140and threaded bore148may have any suitable configuration of external threads and internal threads, respectively. Such threads preferably are selected to have a self-locking pitch angle, to prevent the weight of the pivot arm104and attached equipment from back-driving the threaded body140. The threads may have any suitable form, such as a square, triangular or trapezoidal form (e.g., the so-called Acme thread form or the trapezoidal metric thread form).

The first shaft end144is used to rotate the actuator shaft122. To this end, the first shaft end protrudes from the threaded bore148of the first actuator mount118where it is configured to receive a drive torque about the actuator shaft axis142. The first shaft end144may have any suitable shape to receive such drive torque. In this example, the first shaft end144comprises a drive fitting152in the shape of an eye loop. As discussed below, this eye loop type of drive fitting152can be engaged by a hook or crossbar to transfer a drive torque to the actuator shaft122. The drive fitting152may be attached to the first shaft end144using any suitable attachment system, such as corresponding mating threads, friction fit, weldment, a cotter pin, a keyed shaft connection, and so on. The first shaft end144also may have an integrally formed drive fitting152. For example, the first shaft end144may be formed with a square or hexagonal outer profile to be received in a corresponding drive socket, or it may have an internal socket to receive an inserted tool.

In some cases, the hinge assembly100may be provided with the first shaft end144configured to receive a drive fitting152, but without the drive fitting152itself. For example, the hinge assembly100may be provided to an end user or retailer that connects their own desired drive fitting152to the first shaft end144. In other cases, the first shaft end144may simply comprise a continuation of the threaded body140. In still other cases, the first shaft end144may comprise a bare cylindrical shape that can be welded to or machined to fit a particular drive fitting152. As yet another example, the first shaft end144may comprise a tapered conical shape, such as a Morse taper, to friction fit into a drive fitting152. It will be understood that, in any of these examples, the first shaft end144is configured to receive a drive torque by virtue of extending out from the first actuator mount118to be connected to some kind of drive fitting. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.

The second shaft end146is connected to the second actuator mount120to be rotatable about the actuator shaft axis142, but it is axially fixed to the second actuator mount120to remain at a fixed position relative thereto along the actuator shaft axis142. For example, in the shown embodiment, the second shaft end146extends through a bore154through the second actuator mount120, and is secured on each side of the bore154against axial movement. In this case, the second shaft end146is secured against axial movement towards the first shaft end142by a nut156and washer158, and is secured against axial movement towards the second shaft end146by a bushing160and thrust bearing162. The nut156is threaded onto the end of the second shaft end146, which may comprise a continuation of the threaded body140, and the washer158facilitates rotation of the actuator shaft122relative to the second actuator mount120. The bushing160is axially and rotationally fixed to the second shaft end146by bonding (adhesive, epoxy, etc.), a friction fit, a pin, a machined shoulder, one or more nuts, or the like, and the thrust bearing162is positioned between the bushing160and the second actuator mount120to allow low-friction relative rotation between the actuator shaft122and the second actuator mount120. In this case, the weight of the pivot arm104and connected equipment bears primarily on the interface between the second actuator mount120and the bushing160, and therefore a thrust bearing162is desirable to reduce operating friction while lowering and raising the pivot arm104. In other cases, different types of friction-reducing elements may be used (e.g., a greased metal-to-metal interface, lubricated bushings, etc.).

The actuator system116also may include various features to enhance serviceability and service life. For example, one or more grease fittings (not shown) may be provided at locations where parts are in frictional contact. As another example, the actuator system116may include a gaiter or sheath164that surrounds the portion of the threaded body140located between the first actuator mount118and the second actuator mount120. Such a sheath164may comprise an accordion-like body to allow expansion and contraction to fully cover this portion of the threaded body140throughout the range of motion. The sheath164also may wrap around the second actuator mount120, and include a cap166to fully enclose the second shaft end146.

The installation of the hinge assembly100and its operation are illustrated inFIGS.5A-5C.FIG.5Ashows the hinge assembly100with the base102attached to a first pole168and the pivot arm104attached to a second pole170. It will be appreciated that the first pole168may be replaced by any adjacent structure that is capable of supporting the assembled parts, such as a building, rafter, or the like. In addition, the second pole170may be replaced by other structures, such as a sign or the like.

FIG.5Ashows the hinge assembly100in the extended position, andFIG.5Cshows the hinge assembly100in the retracted position.FIG.5Bis a horizontal position between the extended position and the retracted position. In the extended position, the first mount rotation axis124is spaced from the second mount rotation axis126by a first distance D1, and in the retracted position the first mount rotation axis124is spaced from the second mount rotation axis126by a second distance D2, with the second distance D2being less than the first distance D1.

The actuator system116operates by applying a torque to the drive fitting152, to thereby rotate the actuator shaft122about the actuator shaft axis142and change the distance between the first mount rotation axis124and the second mount rotation axis126. For example, where the threads of the threaded body140and threaded bore148are right-hand threads, rotating the actuator shaft122clockwise, as viewed from the first shaft end144to the second shaft end146, causes the first actuator mount118to move along the actuator shaft122towards the first shaft end144, while the second actuator mount120remains fixed, relative to the actuator shaft axis142, at the second shaft end146. This movement causes the first mount rotation axis124to move away from the second mount rotation axis126and towards the extended position as shown inFIG.5A. Conversely, rotating the actuator shaft122counterclockwise causes the first actuator mount118to move along the actuator shaft122towards the second shaft end126, which causes the first mount rotation axis124to move towards the second mount rotation axis126, and towards the retracted position as shown inFIG.5C.

The positions of the first actuator mount118, the second actuator mount120, and the hinge106affect the overall range of movement of the pivot arm104relative to the base102, as will be understood by applying the familiar trigonometric principles. It will be appreciated that the hinge assembly100can be configured to provide a large range of rotational motion between the pivot arm104and the base102. For example, the actuator system116, base102, pivot arm104, and hinge106can be configured such that the pivot arm104is angularly displaced by more than 90 degrees about the arm pivot axis114between the fully-extended position and the fully-retracted position. Even greater displacements are also possible. For example, the pivot arm104can be configured to rotate at least 110 degrees, or at least 135 degrees or more about the arm pivot axis114relative to the base102. The advantages of such a large range of motion are discussed below.

It is also preferred, but not necessarily required, that the first actuator mount118and second actuator mount120are positioned such that a straight line between the first mount rotation axis124and the second mount rotation axis126does not intersect the arm pivot axis114at any point during the range of travel. This prevents the parts from assuming an “over-center” position in which a force applied to move the second actuator mount120towards the first actuator mount118causes the parts to contact each other at locations that prevent relative rotation. Such over-center motion can be prevented by providing a travel stop that prevents the parts from assuming the over-center position. For example, the base102and pivot arm104may comprise respective stop surfaces172,174that are located adjacent to the hinge106and positioned to contact each other when the pivot arm104is in the extended position to prevent further rotation beyond the extended position.

If desired, the hinge assembly100also may include one or more locks or lock features that may be used to hold the pivot arm104in the extended position or in any other position relative to the base102. For example, the hinge plates112may include holes176that correspond to holes176′ through the base102, to allow a locking pin to be passed therethrough when the parts are in the extended position.

FIGS.6and7provide more examples of a hinge assembly100and related features. In each case, the base102is mounted adjacent the upper first pole end178of a first pole168, and the pivot arm104is connected adjacent to a proximal end180of a second pole170. The first pole168extends in the gravitational direction V (i.e., vertically in a global sense). The second pole170is connected to the pivot arm104such that the second pole170is parallel to the first pole128when the hinge assembly100is in the extended position, as shown inFIGS.6and7.

Any suitable connection may be used to mount the base102to the first pole168. In the shown example, the base102has one or more sets of pre-formed fastener locations182that provide fixation points to connect to corresponding fastener locations184one the first pole168. In this case, the base102has three sets of bolt holes, with one set on each side of the box-section body of the base102, except for the side facing the actuator system116(also seeFIGS.1and4). The first pole168also may have multiple preformed fastener locations184, such as the shown bolt holes. This provides the option to mount the base102at different orientations relative to the first pole168. In each orientation, the hinge assembly100may be oriented such that the arm pivot axis114, first mount rotation axis124, and the second mount rotation axis126are perpendicular to the gravitational direction V.

Similarly, the second pole170may be secured to the pivot arm104using any suitable connection mechanism. In this case, the pivot arm104comprises a hollow box section into which the proximal second pole end180is fitted and secured by a pin186, rivet, screw or the like.

The second pole170extends from the proximal second pole end180to a distal second pole end188, and may have any desirable length provided it and the attached load can be properly supported by the hinge assembly100and first pole168. In some cases, the second pole170may hold devices such one or more items of electrical equipment190. Such items may include a security camera, a light, or an electronic beacon. In some cases, the electrical equipment190may include wireless transmission equipment, such as repeaters, communication nodes, antennae (e.g. 5G telecommunications antennae), satellite receivers or transceivers, and so on.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the drive fitting152is not covered (i.e., it is exposed to external contact) when the hinge assembly100is configured for use. This allows easy access to the drive fitting152under all circumstances, and is particularly helpful when the drive fitting152is not within hand reach of an operator standing on the ground supporting the first pole168.FIGS.6and7show two different alternatives for operating the drive fitting152. InFIG.6, the drive fitting152comprises an eye loop, which is operated by a drive member192having a hook194connected to a crank arm196by an elongated shaft198. The drive member192preferably is removable from the drive fitting152, such as by removing the hook194from the eye loop. This allows a service technician to reach a great distance beyond his or her arms' reach to operate the drive fitting152, and prevents access to the drive fitting152when the drive member192is removed. In other embodiments, the drive member192may be permanently affixed to the drive fitting152, and, if access by unauthorized persons is a risk, secured by a lock to the lower pole168or another structure to prevent tampering. Similarly,FIG.7shows a drive member192in the form of an elongated shaft198that is driven by an electric drill motor200.FIG.7also shows an alternative drive fitting152, in the configuration of a socket-type connection as described above.

FIG.8shows a complete pole assembly202having a first pole168, a second pole170, and a hinge assembly100, such as those described herein, joining the first pole168to the second pole170. The first pole168extends in the gravitational direction V from a lower first pole end204to an upper first pole end178. The lower first pole end204is configured to be secured to an underlying surface206, such as the ground or a building structure, via conventional attachment mechanisms (e.g., embedding in concrete, break-away bolts, etc.), such that the upper first pole end178is cantilevered above the underlying surface206. The second pole170extends parallel to the first pole168when the hinge assembly100is in the extended position.

In normal use, the proximal second pole end180is located below the distal second pole end188, and one or more items of equipment208, such as electrical equipment or the like, are secured to the second pole170at an elevated position above the first pole168.FIG.8shows the equipment208being at the distal second pole end188, but the equipment208may be located at any desired position along the second pole170.

Installation and service of the equipment208may be performed by operating the hinge assembly100to the retracted position, as shown in dashed lines. In this position, the second pole is oriented with the distal second pole end188below the proximal second pole end180. As shown inFIG.8, the hinge assembly100may be located well above the arm reach of the operator210. However, the operator210can operate the actuator system116of the hinge assembly100to move the second pole170between the extended and retracted positions, by using a drive member192, such as those described herein or having any other suitable construction.

In a preferred embodiment, when the second pole170is in the retracted position, the distal second pole end188is located within the arm reach of the operator210, to allow the operator210to perform service without leaving the underlying surface206. To this end, the second pole170may have a length that is equal to or even greater than the first pole168. For example, if the hinge assembly100is configured to place the second pole170at 180 degrees relative to the first pole168when it is in the retracted position, the second pole170can be as long as the first pole168minus about two meters. This would place the distal second pole end188at about two meters from the underlying surface206when the second pole170is fully retracted. Thus, for service at the level of the underlying surface206, the a first length L1from the underlying surface206to the pivot arm axis114is not more than two meters greater than a second length L2from the pivot arm axis114to the distal second pole end188or the equipment208to be serviced.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that this type of hinge assembly100installation can provide significant benefits over conventional pole mounting systems. For example, the hinge assembly100can be mounted at a high location (e.g., greater than 3 meters from the underlying surface206) while still being readily operable for service using a simple and inexpensive drive member192. This high position allows the hinge assembly100and its actuator system116to remain out of contact with unauthorized persons, and reduces the weight that must be handled by the hinge assembly100by allowing the use of a relatively small second pole170as compared to base-hinged columns. This type of installation also allows the second pole170to be tailored to the requirements of the equipment. For example, if the equipment is relatively light (e.g., a single 5G antenna or repeater), the second pole170can be made of lightweight materials that allow the second pole170to be longer, or allow the hinge assembly100to be made less robust to handle the load.

Still further, the hinge assembly100may be used to position the equipment for service at or near the location at which the lower pole168is connected to the underlying surface206. This is in contrast to base-hinged columns, in which the upper part of the column lies essentially horizontal to the ground during service, which requires the operator210to traverse the entire length of the upper part of the column to reach equipment at the top of the column. This arrangement is therefore more convenient, and it also allows the pole assembly202can be used on small raised platforms or adjacent to overhangs or areas where it is not safe or possible to lay a pole adjacent the ground for service, such as next to a roadway or in confined spaces.

In cases in which the drive member192is removable, the upper limit of the hinge assembly100placement is limited only by the operator's ability to manipulate the drive member192into place. However, the drive member192may have multiple segments, with only the lower-most segment being removable. Thus, an operator could use a short removable lower segment of the drive member192(e.g., one or two meters long) to engage a permanently fixed upper segment that remains connected to the lower pole168and the first shaft end144.

It will also be appreciated that embodiments may be used to retrofit existing pole assemblies to include a second pole. For example, a controlled motion hinge assembly100such as described herein can be attached to an existing light pole, telecommunications pole, building, sign, water tower, or the like, and equipped with a second pole170that extends above the existing structure when the hinge assembly100is moved to the extended position. Once the hinge assembly100and second pole170are installed, an operator can lower the second pole170to the retracted position, install the desired equipment, and move the second pole170to the extended position.

It is also noted that the base102and pivot arm104may conveniently be used to hold and/or route electrical wiring or cables leading to the equipment. For example, in embodiments in which the base102and pivot arm104are formed by hollow tubes (e.g., box-section), wiring can be passed through the hollow tubes. In other cases, wiring harness connectors or the like may be attached externally to the base102and pivot arm104.

While the foregoing advantages are expected to be realized with one or more embodiments, the invention is not limited to providing any particular advantage or collection of advantages. Furthermore, it is expected that other advantages and uses will become apparent with practice of the invention provided herein.

Various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, but it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the parts described herein may be constructed or assembled in any way. For example, bolted connections may be replaced by rivets, pins, bonding (e.g., epoxy or adhesives), or welded connections, and multi-part assemblies may be replaced by unitary castings or machined parts. As another example, parts that are secured with spring clips may instead be secured by welding, threaded nuts, or integrally formed flanges or the like. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.