Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Arm Connection for a Structural Member
10011
Field of the Invention
10021 In general, the present invention relates to structural members. More
particularly, the
present invention relates to improved arm connections for structural members
such as
electrical transmission and distribution poles that support electrical
conductors above ground.
Background
[0031 Structural members such as electrical transmission poles have been used
for decades
to run electrical conductors high above the ground to span great distances.
The method has
proven less costly and less time consuming than running electrical conductors
underground
where numerous obstructions are encountered and rights of way needed. Arms are
connected
to the structural members to hold the electrical conductors away from the
structural member
high above the ground. The arms are also typically long and heavy since they
must support
the weight of multiple electrical conductors at all times and especially
during storms. Ice can
also build up on the conductors and add even more weight to the conductors and
arms.
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[004] Currently the arms are welded to a bracket that has a plurality of
apertures through
each side. The bracket abuts, on its inside surface, two thru-vangs that
extend through the
center of the structural member and are welded thereto. Each thru-vang also
has a plurality of
apertures through each side that align with the apertures in the U-shaped
bracket. Once the
apertures of the brackets and thru-vangs are aligned, the arms are connected
onto these
structural members by the use of numerous large bolts. Contractors typically
install the bolts
while the structure is lying on the ground. The numerous bolts are so large
(typically 1.5
inches or greater in diameter), the abutting thru-vangs and arm brackets so
thick (typically 2
inches or more) that the connection of the arm to the thru-vangs is time
consuming and
requires great force. Tightening of the bolts necessitates the use of heavy
torquing wrenches
which are used to tighten the bolts. The odd size of the bolts makes them
difficult to purchase
on the open market if one is lost. What's more, the number of bolts required
for a secure arm
connection takes a considerable amount of time. Last, there may be
insufficient clearance for
the torquing wrenches to be received inside the bracket, further delaying
securement of the
arms.
Summary of the Invention
[005] The present invention eliminates the above difficulties and
disadvantages by providing
a structural member that has at least one arm connection. The arm connection
includes a first
thru-vang extending laterally through the structural member and has a
plurality of apertures
disposed therein. The first thru-vang is secured to the structural member by
welding. A
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second thru-vang is adjacent the first thru-vang and has a plurality of
apertures therein. The
second thru-vang extends laterally through the structural member and is welded
hereto for
securement. While it is disclosed that the thru-vangs extend laterally through
the structural
member, they can also be orientated in the vertical direction such that they
extend
longitudinally at least partially through the structure.
[006] At least one cross brace is joined between the first thru-vang and the
second thru-vang
for structural support. Preferably two cross-braces are used and positioned
such that they are
spaced away from the structural member to allow for easier welding of the thru-
vangs and/or
the cross braces. An arm bracket is coupled to the first thru-vang and the
second thru-vang
by a plurality of pins containing a securement aperture on one end. A flexible
securement
member is inserted through the securement apertures contained in the plurality
of pins,
wherein the securement apertures may be aligned or unaligned.
[007] Alternatively, the arm bracket is coupled to the first thru-vang and the
second thru-
vang by a plurality of pins containing a securement aperture at both- ends. A
flexible
securement member is inserted through the securement apertures contained at
both ends of
the plurality of pins, wherein the securement apertures may be aligned or
unaligned.
[008] Another option comprises an arm bracket that is coupled to the first
thru-vang and the
second-thru vang by a plurality of pins containing apertures on each end for
receiving a non-
threadably engagable pin therethrough, such as a clevis pin which includes an
aperture for
receiving a humped cotter pin. Finally, an arm is secured to the arm bracket
for suspending
electrical conductors above the ground.
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3a
[008.1] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a structural
member including an arm connection comprising a first thru-vang having a
plurality of
apertures disposed therein, the first thru-vang secured to the structural
member, a second
thru-vang adjacent the first thru-vang and having a plurality of apertures
therein, the second
thru-vang secured to the structural member, an arm bracket having a plurality
of bracket
apertures disposed therein and adjacent to the first thru-vang and the second
thru-vang such
that the bracket apertures align with the apertures of the first thru-vang and
the second thru-
yang, a plurality of pins mutually received through the apertures in the first
and second
thru-vangs and the bracket apertures, the plurality of pins containing a
securement aperture
on one end, wherein at least one of the pins has a flattened head at an end
opposite the
securement aperture, with the flattened head being flattened parallel to the
length of the pin,
and wherein the plurality of pins have a tapered end which provides for the
pins to be
axially aligned through the apertures in the first thru-vang and the second
thru yang and the
bracket apertures more easily than if the pins had a uniform diameter along
their entire
length.
[008.2] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
structural member including an arm connection comprising a first thru-vang
having a
plurality of apertures disposed therein, the first thru-vang secured to the
structural member,
a second thru-vang adjacent the first thru-vang and having a plurality of
apertures therein,
the second thru-vang secured to the structural member, an arm bracket having a
plurality of
bracket apertures disposed therein and adjacent to the first thru-vang and the
second thru-
yang such that the bracket apertures align with the apertures of the first
thru-vang and the
second thru-vang, a plurality of pins mutually received through the apertures
in the first and
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3b
second thru-vangs and the bracket apertures, the plurality of pins containing
a securement
aperture at both ends, wherein at least one of the pins has a flattened head
at an end opposite
the securement aperture, with the flattened head being flattened parallel to
the length of the
pin, and wherein the plurality of pins have a tapered end which provides for
the pins to be
axially aligned through the apertures in the first thru-vang and the second
thru yang and the
bracket apertures more easily than if the pins had a uniform diameter along
their entire
length.
[008.31 In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
structural member including an arm connection comprising a first thru-vang
having a
plurality of apertures disposed therein, the first thru-vang secured to the
structural member,
a second thru-vang adjacent the first thru-vang and having a plurality of
apertures therein,
the second thru-vang secured to the structural member, an arm bracket having a
plurality of
bracket apertures disposed therein and adjacent to the first thru-vang and the
second thru-
yang such that the bracket apertures align with the apertures of the first
thru-vang and the
second thru-vang, a plurality of pins mutually received through the apertures
in the first and
second thru-vangs and the bracket apertures, the plurality of pins having a
tapered end on
one end, which provides for the pins to be axially aligned through the
apertures in the first
thru yang and the second thru yang and the bracket apertures more easily than
if the pins
had a uniform diameter along their entire length, and including apertures on
each end for
receiving a clevis pin therethrough, an aperture at one end of each clevis
pin, and wherein a
humped cotter pin is inserted through the aperture of each clevis pin.
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4
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a prior art arm connection for a
structural
member.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a prior art arm connection for a structural member.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a prior art arm connection for a
structural
member.
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a thru-vang for a structural member of
the
present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a thru-vang for a structural member of
the
present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of an arm connection for a structural member of the
present
invention.
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an arm connection for a structural member
of.
the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment thru-vang for a
structural member of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a structural member of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a long pin having an aperture of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an arm connection of the present
invention
taken along site line A-A of FIG. 9.
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FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of an arm
connection of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of an arm
connection of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of an arm connection for a structural member of the
present
invention.
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of an arm connection for a structural
member of
the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of an arm
connection of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of an arm
connection of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of an arm
connection of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of an arm
connection of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a clevis pin and a humped cotter pin for use in one embodiment of
the
present invention.
FIG. 21 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an arm connection of the
present invention.
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Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment(s)
[0091 The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will
now be discussed in the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments and
appended claims, which are to be considered in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings in which identical reference characters designate like elements
throughout the
views.
[0101 Shown in FIG. 1 is a typical structural member 10 that is used in the
electrical
transmission industry to suspend electrical conductors above the ground via
arms 12 that
are welded to an arm bracket 16, which is secured to the structural member 10.
More
particularly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the arm bracket 16 is secured to the
structural
member 10 at arm connection 14. During field installation of the arms 12, the
arm bracket
16 is positioned such that it abuts a first thru-vang 20 and a second thru-
vang 22 and they
are bolted together. This is accomplished by the use of typically sixteen
threaded bolt 28
and nut 30 combinations that are inserted through aligned apertures 24
disposed in the
arm bracket 16 and first and second thru-vangs 20, 22, respectively. The great
number of
these bolts 28 and nuts 30 make it easy for one or more to get lost during
shipping or
during connection of the arms 12. These bolts 28 are usually 1.5 inches in
diameter and
large torque wrenches must be used to tighten them. In addition, it is
difficult to get the
large torque wrenches inside the arm connection 14 to tighten the bolts 28
from the
interior of the arm connection 14.
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[0111 The present invention, as shown in FIGS. 4-8, eliminates the above
difficulties and
disadvantages by providing a structural member 10 that has at least one arm
connection 14,
but preferably two arm connections 14. The arm connection 14 includes a first
thru-vang 20
extending laterally through the structural member 10 and has a plurality of
apertures 24
disposed therein, as is best seen in FIG. 5. The first thru-vang 20 is
constructed of steel and
preferably secured to the structural member 10 by welding. To install the
first thru-vang 20
into the structural member 10, laterally spaced oval or rectangular apertures
are cut in the
structural member 10. The first thru-vang 20 is inserted through the apertures
so that it
extends partially on either side of the structural member 10 and then the
first thru-vang 20 is
welded on both sides where it extends from the cut apertures.
[012] A second thru-vang 22 is adjacent the first thru-vang 20 and has a
plurality of
apertures 24 disposed therein. The second thru-vang 22 extends laterally
through the
structural member 10. Like the first thru-vang 20, the second thru-vang 22 is
constructed of
steel and is welded to the structural member 10 for securement. To install the
second thru-
yang 22 into the structural member 10, laterally spaced oval or rectangular
apertures are cut
in the structural member 10. The second thru-vang 22 is inserted through the
apertures so that
it extends partially on either side of the structural member 10 and then the
second thru-vang
22 is welded on both sides where it extends from the cut apertures.
1013] While it is disclosed that the thru-vangs extend laterally through the
structural member
10, they can also be orientated in the vertical direction such that they
extend longitudinally at
least partially through the structure. Thru-vangs 20, 22 can also be of any
general shape.
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8
Further, the plurality of apertures 24 disposed in the first and second vangs
20, 22,
respectively, may be threaded to receive a threaded bolt or pin therein.
[014] Turning now to FIG. 4, at least one cross brace 34 is joined between the
first thru-
yang 20 and the second thru-vang 22 for structural support. Preferably a first
cross brace
34 and a second cross brace 36 are used, and welded between the first and
second thru-
vangs 20, 22, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first cross brace
34 and a
second cross brace 36 are positioned such that they are spaced away from the
structural
member 10 to allow for easier welding of the thru-vangs 20, 22 and/or the
cross braces
34, 36, which are also constructed of steel. The first cross brace 34 and a
second cross
brace 36 also do not extend to the distal ends of the first and second thru-
vangs 20, 22,
respectively, and are positioned such that they do not interfere with
apertures 24 and the
pins that inserted therethrough.
[015] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of steel conduits 50 are
joined
between each of the plurality of apertures 24 of the first thru-vang 20 and
the second thru-
yang 22 for structural support and to aid in insertion of a plurality of pins
40 as will be
discussed in further detail below. Specifically, the long pins 40 may be
difficult to insert
from an aperture in the first thru-vang 20 to an axially spaced and aligned
aperture in the
second thru-vang 22. Therefore, the conduits 50 provide easy insertion of the
pins 40
therethrough. The plurality of conduits 50 may be at least partially threaded
to receive a
threaded bolt or rod therein. For instance, instead of an elongated pin, a
short threaded
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9
bolt is screwed into the conduits 50 when internally threaded. The arm bracket
16 then
rests on these bolts and asserts downward forces.
[016] As stated above, a plurality of pins 40 are provided for establishing
and securing
the arm connection 14 of the structural member 10. Disposed on each end of the
pins are
preferably threaded bolts 28 and nuts 30, which are of standard size and can
be easily
tightened and replaced if one should get lost during shipping of the
structural member 10
or during installation of the arms 12 if it is dropped in a field or in the
mud. An aperture is
disposed in each end of the pins 40 to receive the bolts 28 therethrough. It
is appreciated
that a cotter or hitch pin could also be used in place of the elongated pins
40 of the
present invention.
[017] An arm bracket 16, which is preferably U-shaped, is secured to the arm
12 by
welding. The arm 12 is preferably constructed of steel along with bracket 16.
The arm 12
suspends electrical conductors above the ground so that the electrical
conductors can be
run over long spans. The arm bracket 16 is coupled to the first thru-vang 20
and the
second thru-vang 22 by the plurality of pins 40 such that each of the
plurality of pins 40
extends between the first thru-vang 20 and the second thru-vang 22.
Specifically, to
establish the arm connection 14, the bracket 16 is aligned with the first and
second thru-
vangs 20, 22, respectively, such that the apertures of each are aligned. A pin
40 is
received through one of the plurality of apertures 24 in the bracket 16,
through an aligned
aperture in the first thru-vang 20, through an aligned aperture in the second
thru-vang 22,
and then through a similarly aligned aperture in the bracket 16. Last, the
threaded bolts
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28 and nuts 30 are tightened on each end on the pin 40. This is repeated for
each set of
aligned apertures to form the arm connection. The threaded bolts 28 and nuts
30 retain the
pins 40 within the arm connection 14 by preventing sliding of the pins 40 in
the axial
direction while downward forces of the arm bracket 16 are asserted on pins 40.
[018] Shown in FIGS. 9-11 is an embodiment of the present invention of a
plurality of
metal bolts which are received through the apertures in the first thru-vang
and the second
thru-vang apertures. The arm has a bracket 16 into which a plurality of
bracket apertures
align with the first and second thru-vang apertures when the bracket 16 is
aligned with the
first and second thru-vangs. Preferably bracket 16 is disposed outside of the
first and
second thru-vangs, but can also be disposed inward of the first and second
thru-vangs if
desired.
[019] As is best shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of bolts or long pins 40 have
a head 48
on one end and the opposite end contains a securement aperture 42 disposed
therein.
Once the securement apertures 42 of each bolt 40 are vertically aligned, a
securement
member 38 is inserted down through the securement apertures 42 of the
plurality of bolts
40 to prevent loosening of the plurality of bolts 40. The securement member 38
is
preferably constructed of metal, but can also be constructed of strong, but
lighter weight
material than metal such as a thermo-formed plastic. As is best shown in FIG.
11, the
securement member 38 is preferably a bolt that is threaded on one end 44 so
that a nut 30
and lock washer 32 can be inserted on the threaded end 44. The securement
member 38 is
disposed transverse to the bolts 40 and releasably disposed within the
securement
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11
apertures 42 of the plurality of bolts 40 for removal in the future if the arm
connection 14
should need to be repaired or replaced.
[0201 Shown in FIG. 12 is another embodiment of the present invention where
the
securement member 38 is a rod 46, which is preferably constructed of metal,
with an
angled end. Rod 46 can also be constructed of strong, but lighter weight
material than
metal such as a thermo-formed plastic. Once the securement apertures 42 of
each bolt 40
are vertically aligned, the securement member 38 is inserted down through the
securement apertures 42 of the plurality of bolts 40 to prevent loosening of
the plurality of
bolts 40. The securement member 38 is disposed transverse to the bolts 40 and
releasably
disposed within the securement apertures 42 of the plurality of bolts 40 for
removal in the
future if the arm connection 14 should need to be repaired or replaced.
[0211 FIG. 13 shows securement member 38 consisting of a rod having an
aperture
disposed in one end for receiving a threaded bolt 28 therethrough such that a
nut 30 is
then installed onto the bolt 28. The rod can also be constructed of strong,
but lighter
weight material than metal such as a thermo-formed plastic. Once the
securement
apertures 42 of each bolt 40 are vertically aligned, the securement member 38
is inserted
down through the securement apertures 42 of the plurality of bolts 40 to
prevent
loosening of the plurality of bolts 40. The securement member 38 is disposed
transverse
to the bolts 40 and is releasably disposed within the securement apertures 42
of the
plurality of bolts 40 for removal in the future if the arm connection 14
should need to be
repaired or replaced.
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12
[022] A method for installing an arm connection 14 on a structural member 10
is also
provided. The method comprises the steps of first aligning the bracket
apertures with
apertures disposed in the first thru-vang and the second thru-vang 18. Next, a
plurality of
bolts 40 are inserted through the aligned first thru-vang and the second thru-
vang
apertures 24 and the bracket apertures. The plurality of bolts 40 contain a
securement
aperture 42 disposed therein. The final step of the current method is to
insert a securement
member 38 through the securement apertures 42 of the plurality of bolts 40 to
prevent
loosening of the plurality of bolts 40. Thus an arm connection 14 of the
present invention
can be made in three steps, which is a vast improvement over the prior art
that can take
over thirty steps to complete.
[023] Shown in FIG. 14 is an embodiment of the arm connection 14 which
illustrates the
present invention of the plurality of pins 40 including securement apertures
42 on each
end for receiving a non-threadably engagable pin therethrough, such as a
clevis pin 54
which includes aperture 55 for receiving a humped cotter pin 56, with the
clevis pin 54
and the humped cotter pin 56 also being shown in FIG. 20. The use of the
clevis pin 54
and the humped cotter pin 56 is preferred and allows for uncomplicated
securement of the
plurality of pins 40 without the need for alignment of the plurality of
securement
apertures 42 on each end of the plurality of pins 40. The humped cotter pin 56
is
releasably secured within aperture 55 after the clevis pin 54 is inserted
through a
corresponding securement aperture 42. This allows the arm connection to be
easily
installed and removed if needed in the future. Clevis pin 54 can also be a
cotter pin or a
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13
hitch pin. The cotter pin 54 and humped clevis pin 56 are received through the
apertures
at opposing ends of the pins 40 as each pin 40 is inserted transversely across
structural
member 10 to form arm connection 14.
[024] Turning now to FIG. 15, arm connection 14 illustrates another embodiment
of the
present invention where the pins 40 are bound together on one end by a
flexible
securement member 38; which is releasably secured to the plurality of pins 40
by means
of a locking block 60 such as that shown and described in U.S. patent
publication no.
2009-0106947 which is hereby incorporated by reference and assigned to Thomas
and
Betts International, Inc. Locking block 60 has a plurality of apertures for
receiving both
ends of the flexible securement member 38. It is understood that securement
member 38
can be a metal or plastic cord, chain or cable tie of sufficient strength for
the desired load
application of the arm connection 14. Because of the flexibility of the
securement
member 38, the securement apertures 42 in the pins 40 may be aligned or
unaligned while
still providing easy insertion of one end of the flexible securement member 38
through
the securement apertures 42 in the pins 40.
[0251 FIG. 16 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
16, the
pins 40 are shown with a flattened head 62 at an end opposite the securement
aperture 42.
The flattened head 62 provides an alternative method of securing the pins 40
at one end
and prevents the pins 40 from completely sliding through the bracket 16 in the
axial
direction. Flattened head 62 is formed on a metal rod through a stamping
operation,
preferably while the metal rod is heated. Also illustrated in FIG. 16 is the
use of a
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14
flexible securement member 38 that is looped at least on one end, the loop
providing a
means of securely binding the plurality of pins 40 together such as by a knot.
FIG. 16
also shows the tapered tip 52 allowing for the pins 40 to be simultaneously
inserted
through and axially aligned in the apertures in the first thru-vang 20, the
second thru-vang
22, and the bracket 16.
[0261 In FIGS. 17 and 18 the flattened head 62 and the tapered tip 52 are
shown again,
serving the same purposes as previously mentioned. Alternatively, FIGS. 17 and
21 show
another means of securely binding together the plurality of pins 40, whereby
the flexible
securement member 38 is held in place with a securement locking clamp 58 on at
least
one end. The securement locking clamp 58 is preferably constructed of metal
with an
aperture for receiving an end of the securement member 38, but it may also be
constructed of strong, but lighter weight material than metal such as thermo-
formed
plastic. The securement member 38 is held within locking clamp 58 by
compression or
wedging engagement. It is appreciated that clamp 58 can lock by way of key or
numerical combination onto the securement member 38, if desired, to prevent
theft or
malicious acts of unsecuring the arm connections 14. In such case the arm
connection 14
is tamper resistant. In FIG. 18 the securement member 38 which binds the
plurality of
pins 40 comprises a locking block 60 having a plurality of apertures for
receiving both
ends of the flexible securement member 38. The locking block 60 is preferably
constructed of metal, but strong, lighter weight material than metal such as
thermo-
formed plastic may be used as described above.
CA 02706030 2012-05-11
[027) Lastly FIG. 19 shows the flexible securement member 38 securely binding
the
plurality of pins 40 on each side of the arm connection 14. Again in FIG. 19
the locking
block 60 is shown, as is the tapered tip 52, serving the same purposes as
previously
discussed. It is understood, however, that the flexible securement members 38
can be
employed on one or both sides of pins 40, depending upon the type of pins to
be used and
the desired application.
[0281 Although the invention has been described in detail above, it is
expressly
understood that it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art
that the invention
may be modified, for example various changes of form, design, or arrangement
may
be made to the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the
preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the
broadest
interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. Therefore, the
above
mentioned description is to be considered exemplary, rather than limiting, and
true
scope of the invention is that defined in the following claims.
