Patent ID: 12221759

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1schematically illustrates a tower structure20that is utilized to erect various instruments. The tower structure20generally includes a ballast tray22that is located on the ground G to support a lattice tower24via an interface plate26. The ballast tray22in this embodiment is 8.5 feet by 8.5 feet and 16 inches tall. The ballast tray22is typically filled with a concrete material, in one example, 12,500 pounds of concrete within a 1,900 pound ballast tray22, to provides a stable base for the lattice tower24which is mounted thereto via the interface plate26. Although the lattice tower24is illustrated in this disclosed embodiment, the interface plate26may provide an interface for various other poles, towers, etc.

With reference toFIG.2, the ballast tray22is a common component which is individualized by attachment of one of a multiple different interface plates26, each of which provide the mounting arrangement for that which is supported by a ballast tray assembly28. That is, the interface plate26includes an interface plate aperture arrangement30(FIG.3) which corresponds with a ballast tray assembly aperture arrangement32(FIG.4) on the ballast tray22but also includes a mount aperture arrangement140(FIG.3) which is specific to a lattice tower which is mounted to the interface plate. Alternatively, the interface plate26may be welded to the ballast tray22.

With reference toFIG.4, the ballast tray22is typically manufactured primarily of metallic materials such as steel I-beams which are welded together in a rectilinear arrangement of I-beams. A first side-beam42(FIG.5) and a second side-beam44(FIG.6) sandwich a first cross-beam50(FIG.7), a second cross-beam52, a third cross-beam54, and a fourth cross-beam56(FIG.8) therebetween. The first cross-beam50, the second cross-beam52, the third cross-beam54, and the fourth56cross-beam may include profiled ends to interface with the first side-beam42and the second side-beam44to facilitate welding W (FIG.9) therebetween. A first interface beam60and a second interface beam62are parallel to the first side beam42and the second side-beam44between the second cross-beam52and the third cross-beam54to provide a support interface for the interface plate26.

A sub floor70(FIG.10) and floor supports72,74(also shown inFIG.11) are welded to the rectilinear arrangement40to receive the concrete. The rectilinear arrangement40in this embodiment forms seven compartments80,82,84,86,88,90,92, each of which may include a drain hole100. The floor supports72,74are parallel to the first side-beam42and the second side-beam44and are defined along an axis A that passes through a center B of the ballast tray22.

A first routing aperture110(FIGS.8and10), and a second routing aperture112, (FIG.11) may be respectively located though the fourth cross-beam56and the third cross-beam54, to provide for cable routing. The first and second routing aperture110,112, may, for example, be 4 inches in diameter to receive a pipe such as a PVC pipe. The first and second routing aperture110,112, provide a cable path to the center compartment86for routing cable, wires, etc. to the equipment on the lattice tower24or that which is supported by the ballast tray22.

A pad eye120may be mounted adjacent each corner of the ballast tray22such as on the first cross-beam50and the fourth cross-beam56. The pad eyes120provide for convenient integral lifting of the ballast tray22.

The beams around the center compartment86, (the second cross-beam52, the third cross-beam54, the first interface beam60and the second interface beam62supports the interface plate26(FIG.12). The flanges around the center compartment86include the ballast tray assembly aperture arrangement32, here shown as ten apertures, which correspond to the interface plate aperture arrangement30. The interface plate26is attached via the ballast tray assembly aperture arrangement32and the interface plate aperture arrangement30with a multiple of fasteners F (FIG.12).

With reference toFIG.12, the interface plate26includes the mount aperture arrangement, here shown as four apertures, within the interface plate aperture arrangement30. A central aperture130is located at the center of the interface plate26and within the mount aperture arrangement. The central aperture130in the disclosed embodiment is sized to receive a container such as a bucket Z that contains the hardware, i.e., nuts, bolts, etc., for assembly of the lattice tower24to the interface plate26. The storage of the bucket within the central aperture130facilitates transport and organization of ballast tray22and an associated interface plate26and hardware therefor.

In one example, per the TIA-222-G, Structural Standard for Antenna Supporting Structures and Antennas, Applicant has determined that the ballast tray22and the associated interface plate26effectively resists overturning and sliding for a 30 foot tall 6 inch square tubing and a 6 foot tall top pipe (FIG.13).

Although the different non-limiting embodiments have specific illustrated components, the embodiments of this invention are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the non-limiting embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.

The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Various non-limiting embodiments are disclosed herein, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that various modifications and variations in light of the above teachings will fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is therefore to be appreciated that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described. For that reason the appended claims should be studied to determine true scope and content.