Patent ID: 8302368

Claim:
A utility pole comprising: a hollow, centrifugally cast ductile, iron pole member having an externally tapered shape, a top end section having a first wall thickness, a bottom end section having a second wall thickness and being configured for forming a rigid, press-fit, slip joint with a second pole member, and a middle section having a substantially uniform third wall thickness, wherein a sum of the first wall thickness and the second wall thickness is greater than twice the third wall thickness, wherein the externally tapered shape extends to and between the top end section and the bottom end section, wherein each of the top end section and the bottom end section excludes a facing for ensuring direct contact between the hollow, centrifugally cast ductile, iron pole member and the second pole member along the rigid, press-fit, slip joint, and wherein the third wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness and less than the second wall thickness.