Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Nonconductive Modular Barrier Assemblies
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 25 U.S.C.
119(e) from prior
filed US Patent Application Serial No. 62/879,835, filed July 29, 2019, the
contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Animals are the second highest cause of power outages in the United
States and
Canada. Animals like to climb on substation equipment for various reasons; the
warmth of the
equipment on cold days, to sun themselves on hot days, to go after nests made
in tower
structures looking for food, or simply to eat their pry from a higher
elevation. This desire on
the part of the animal to interact with substation equipment causes power
outages. Depending
on the age of the equipment or the point of contact by the animal power can be
out for minutes
or days. Either way power outages caused by animals is a very real and
annoying problem.
Not all equipment in a substation is susceptible to animal contact ¨ mostly
what is referred to as
low voltage equipment generally damaged by animal contact. That is not to say
high voltage
doesn't have a problem it is just that most animals burn away on a high
voltage contact where a
low voltage contact can linger for minutes causing more damage. If a
substation is large in
physical area ¨ meaning there is thousands instead of hundreds of linear feet
of fence than the
cost of a perimeter fence system may be cost prohibitive ¨ and having a
solution that is made to
go inside the perimeter fence, specifically around the specific equipment
susceptible to animals
is of great value to utilities. Especially cost-conscious municipalities and
cooperative utilities
compared to large investor owned utilities.
[0004] There exists a need in the art for a barrier assembly that is an
affordable and
effective solution to animal caused outages and, if desired, which can be used
to protect solely
the most vulnerable equipment, as opposed to trying to fence an entire
substation.
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BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] As described herein the invention includes a nonconductive
barrier that has a first
undulating panel and a second undulating panel each having an undulation
profile, and each
having a first vertical edge, a second vertical edge and a back surface, and
at least one,
preferably two, stabilizing members that extend from the back surface of the
undulating panel.
The first vertical edge of the second panel is capable of engaging with the
second vertical edge
of the first panel to form a nonconductive barrier. Each of the panels and
member(s)
independently comprises a nonconductive material. In an embodiment, the first
vertical edge of
the second panel includes a groove extending downwardly along the vertical
edge from a top of
the second panel to a bottom of the second panel. The groove is defined by a
first loop and a
second loop, each of which extends from the first vertical edge, the groove
terminating in a
groove aperture. The second vertical edge of the first panel terminated in a
tongue member,
wherein the tongue member is configured to be slidably insertable into the
groove via the
aperture. Also include are related methods and enclosures that employ and/or
are formed by
the barrier assemblies of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred
embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in
conjunction with the
appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the
drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,
however, that
the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown. In the
drawings:
[0007] Fig. 1 is a schematic showing the dimensions of the panel of the
assembly of the
invention;
[0008] Fig. 2 is a plan view of panel of the assembly of the invention
illustrating
exemplary undulation formats;
[0009] Fig. 3 shows several panels stacked one upon the other;
[0010] Fig. 4 is a detail of the vertical edges of panels of the assembly
showing their
engagement where one edge bears a groove defined by a C-shaped portion the
panel and the
other edge bears a tongue that is slidably insertable into the groove;
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[0011] Fig. 5 shows a detail of a bottom portion of a barrier;
[0012] Fig. 6 shows a back view of a panel which further includes two
spaced apart
stabilizing members;
[0013] Fig. is a perspective view of the panel of Fig. 6;
[0014] Figs. 8 and 9 are alternative view of the panel of Fig. 6; and
[0015] Fig. 10 shows a connecter to form a 90 degree corner, and a top
view of two barriers
attached via such connecter;
[0016] Fig. 11 shows a connecter to form a 45 degree corner, and a top
view of two barriers
attached via such connecter;
[0017] Fig. 12 shows a connecter to form an alternative 90 degree corner,
and a top view of
two barriers attached via such connecter;
[0018] Fig. 13 shows a connecter to form an alternative 45 degree
corner, and a top view of
two barriers attached via such connecter;
[0019] Fig. 14 shows a magnified version of the connection of Fig. 10;
[0020] Fig. 15 shows a magnified version of the connection of Fig. 11;
[0021] Fig. 16 shows a magnified version of a 3-way connector that
connect 3 panels, 3
stabilizing members or a combination of the same in plan view. As shown, the
connector
connects a first panel ("A panel"), a second panel ("B panel") and a
stabilizer ("Outrigger");
and
[0022] Fig. 17 shows the shape of an exemplary connector for use in forming
the barrier
assemblies of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The invention as described herein includes a nonconductive
barrier assembly,
methods of using it and installing it, as well as enclosures that one may form
with it. The
barrier has the advantage of being modular in form and does not require use of
tradition fence
posts or supports, so it can be quickly installed in any area, and its length
may be adjusted as
needed, even after installation with a minimum of effort and in a short space
of time.
Additionally, by virtue of the barrier assembly's modularity, they are
stackable, allowing for
convenient storage and transport.
[0024] The barrier assembly described herein is, in an embodiment,
substantially
nonconductive and may be built out of nonconductive materials.
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[0025] As used herein, the term "nonconductive" indicates that a
material or component has
little to no electrical conductivity. Electrical conductivity is the measure
of a material's ability
to conduct an electric current (Helmenstine, 2018). Substations typically use
more conductive
metals such as Copper (electrical conductivity of 5.96 x 107 S/m) and Aluminum
(electrical
conductivity of 3.5 x 107 S/m) in their substation designs to aid in the flow
and distribution of
electrical current (Helmenstine, 2018). In comparison, 316 Stainless Steel
(that has an
electrical conductivity of 1.45 x107 S/m), is approximately 24.5 times less
conductive than
aluminum and 41.1 times less conductive than copper. With a much lower
electrical
conductivity, stainless steel makes a suitable metal to use for small hardware
applications in the
non-conductive barrier modular assembly. The assembly may utilize fiberglass
panels, rods,
and hardware which has negligible electrical conductivity, usually less than 1
x 10-14 S/m.
Fiberglass makes an excellent insulator that doesn't allow electrical current
to flow freely
through the material, thus giving it the ability of having nonconductive
properties.
[0026] While the nonconductive systems and the related barriers
described herein are
described as being particularly useful for enclosing an area containing a
substation or other
energized equipment, it is understood that this environment is not intended to
be limiting and
the nonconductive systems and the related barriers of the present invention
can be used to
enclose or partition any parcel of land, and can be used independently of
mobile substations and
electrical equipment.
[0027] Any reference herein to a "support surface" refers to a surface on
which the barrier
is installed. Support surfaces may include any indoor or outdoor surfaces,
such as the ground,
whether dirt, rock, grass, sand, concrete, macadam, or stone, among others.
[0028] The present application in some embodiments will be described
using words such as
"upper" and "lower," "inner" and "outer," "right" and "left," "interior" and
"exterior," and the
like. These words and words of similar directional import are used for
assisting in the
understanding of the invention when referring to the drawings or another
component of the
invention and, absent a specific definition or meaning otherwise given by the
specification,
such terms should not be considered limiting to the scope of the invention.
[0029] The barrier assembly 99 of the invention include at least two
panels 100. With
.. reference to Figure 1, each panel has a length/x dimension 104, a
vertical/y dimension 105, and
a width/z dimension 106 along the top and bottom, and a width/z dimension
along a panel's
sides. When installed, the panel is oriented so that the length dimension is
in a plane
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substantially parallel with the support substrate, e.g., the ground, making it
a top edge or a
bottom edge. As used herein, the width/z dimension is a measurement of the
material that
forms the panel and does not induce the volume added to the width/z dimension
by the panel's
undulations.
[0030] The panels each have an undulation profile 102, which, as used
herein is the
geometry or shape of the undulation as viewed from above when installed (plan
view when
installed). In an embodiment, the undulations are in the vertical direction,
that is, they span the
panel from its top edge to its bottom edge. Preferred may be undulations of a
C-format, a V-
format and a flattened-V format, as shown in Figure 2. See also, Figure 3,
showing a series of
stacked panels so that the top end 110 of each panel is seen, each showing an
undulation profile
102 that is a shallow V-format.
[0031] It may be preferred that each panel has about 1 to about 8
undulations, depending on
the length of the panel. Preferably, each undulation is equidistantly spaced
apart from the
other, although this is not necessary. Preferred spacing may be any, for
example, about every 1,
2, or 3 feet of panel.
[0032] The panel or panels may be any size or shape. In general, it may
be preferred that
the panels have a: (i) length/x dimension of about 5 feet to about 100 feet or
of about 15 feet to
about 75 feet; (ii) a heightiy dimension of about 4 to about 30 feet or about
10 to about 20 feet;
and (iii) a width/x dimension of about 1 inch to about 8 inches or of about 4
inches to about 6
inches, both x1 and x2 included.
[0033] The panels may be hollow or solid; in an embodiment they are
coated with a
fireproofing material, UV absorbing polymer or other substance to further
enhance weather
resistance, appearance, or another desirable property.
[0034] The panels of the assembly are adapted to be engageable with one
another along
their vertical edges to form the barrier. The means or mechanism of engagement
may take any
form ¨ the panels may be self-engaging (that is, require no additional
elements to form a
connection) such as are shown, e.g., in Figure 3 (showing the vertical edges
with a female
groove, and a corresponding tongue member). Alternatively, one may use one or
more types of
connectors, such as for example, reciprocal tracks, tabs and corresponding
hole, slidable bolts
and corresponding bolts holes, tongue-and groove arrangements and variations
of the same.
[0035] Referencing Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments a first vertical
edge of the
second panel includes a groove 116 that extends downwardly along the first
vertical edge, from
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top to bottom. Correspondingly, the second vertical edge 114 includes a tongue
member 118
that is sized to fit within the corresponding groove 116. The groove 116 in
this embodiment is
defined by a "C" shape in the panel- i.e., defined by a first loop 126 and a
second loop 128,
each having a terminal end 130 and 132. The loops are spaced apart by a space
S sufficiently
sized to accommodate the z dimension of the panel when a tongue member 118 is
in the groove
116. The groove 116 itself terminates in an aperture 134. The tongue member is
configured so
that it can be slidably inserted in the groove 116 via the aperture and drawn
down through the
entire length of the groove 116.
[0036] The barrier assembly 99 is composed of at least two or a
plurality of panels; such
number will vary depending on the size of the panels, and the size of the
barrier formed. The
panels may present a solid surface; some, however, may include slots, vents,
perforations or
other holes or apertures, for example, to permit such things as mail, cables,
pipes, light, wind,
or water to pass through the barrier if desired. See, Figure 5, showing a
panel having about a 3
inch x 3 inch portion as a perforated, not solid surface, to permit water
drainage.
[0037] Optionally, the panels of the assembly may include at least one,
preferably two or
more, stabilizing members. Referencing Figures 6 to 9, such members extend
outwardly from
the back surface of the panel. In an embodiment, the stabilizer members extend
outwardly
about 1 foot to about 5 feet, or about 2 feet to about 3 feet. In an
embodiment, the stabilizing
members are located at the lower half, preferably the lower 1/4th or 1/8th of
the panel.
[0038] The stabilizing members may include two or more elements, where the
first element
extends from the back surface of the panel to a distal end, a second element
that second
member extending from the first element's distal end to a distal end, and a
third element that
extends from the second element's distal end. An angle formed between the
first element and
the second element and/or the second element and the third element is less
than about 180
degrees or less than about 120 degrees.
[0039] In some embodiment, the stabilizing members have the same
structure of the barrier
panels to which they are attached, e.g., they include one or more undulation
profile. In various
embodiments, the terminal edge of the stabilizing member(s) may be configured
to engage with
one or more vertical edges of the panel(s) to form a connection. In some
embodiments such
connection is accomplished by use of connectors.
[0040] In a favored embodiment, the stabilizing members are attached to
the barrier at the
join of the panels. See, e.g., Figures 6-9 (showing two stabilizing members,
each having a
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vertically dimension of about 30% to about 50% of the vertically dimension of
the panel to
which it is attached, and each being connected to the barrier assembly 99 at
the join of the
vertical edges of the panels). Such attachment may be accomplished using
various, such as for
example, reciprocal tracks, tabs and corresponding hole, slidable bolts and
corresponding bolts
holes, tongue-and groove arrangements and variations of the same. An
alternative option is
further described below.
[0041] When installing the barrier assembly on a support surface, one
may wholly or
partially bury the stabilizing members or otherwise anchor them through use of
counterweights,
such as, for example, water filled containers, sandbags, driven anchors
attached to cables and
turnbuckles to adjust slack in cable. In some embodiments, the stabilizing
members are
attached to concrete footers using bolted plates which reside on the support
surface.
[0042] In a favored embodiment, the panels are connected to each other
by geometric
connectors to allow for custom configuration of the panels relative to one
another, that is, use
do of the geometric connecters as described herein allows for each
installation of the panels at
20 degrees to 90 degrees relative to one another merely by a simple
modification of the
geometry of the geometric connector.
[0043] Examples of this are shown in Figures 10 to 16. As shown therein,
in this
embodiment, the first panel 100a and the second panel 100b of the barrier
assembly 99 of the
invention each include a first vertical edge 112 a, 112b and a second vertical
edge 114 a, 114b.
The vertical edges 112a and 112b each include groove 116a and 116b that
extends downwardly
along the first vertical edge112 a and 112b, from top to bottom; the grooves
116a and 116b
each terminate in an aperture 134a and 134b. Correspondingly, the second
vertical edges 114a
and 114b of each of the panels 100a and 100b terminates in a includes a tongue
member 118a
and 118b, each of which is sized to fit within the corresponding groove 116a
and 116b. The
groove 116a and 116b in this embodiment is defined by a "C" shape in the panel-
i.e., defined
by a first loop 126a and 126b and a second loop 128a and 128b, each having a
terminal end
130a and 130b and 132a and 132b. The loops are spaced apart by a space S
sufficiently sized to
accommodate the z dimension of the panel when a tongue member is in the
groove.
[0044] In each of Figures 10 to 17, the first and second panels 100a and
100b are connected
via a GM. The geometric connector 123 includes a body 124 that defines at
least one geometric
connector groove 136 and a geometric connector tongue member 138, each of
which has a
shape and dimension corresponding to the groove 116 and the tongue member118
of the panels
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100a and 100b, respectively. To connect the panels 100a and 100b, one slidably
inserts the first
panel's 100a tongue member 114a into the geometric connector groove 136, and
the geometric
connector tongue member 138 into the second panel's 100b groove 112b.
[0045] The relative orientation of the geometric connector groove 136
and geometric
connector tongue member 138 can be adjusted on the body 124 depending on the
angle at
which one wishes to connect the corresponding panels 100a and 100b. For
example, if one
wishes the panels to form about a 180 degree angle between themselves, the
geometric
connector 124 will have its geometric connector groove 136 disposed directly
opposite of its
geometric connector tongue member 138 within the body 124 as shown in Figure
17.
Figures 10 to 17 illustrate the shapes of GMs that can be used to attach the
panels of the
invention at varies angle as set forth in Table 1 and the resulting
connections formed between
the panels. It will be appreciated that further configurations of the
geometric connector can be
made to permit attachment at other angles (e.g., 30 degrees, 70 degrees) and
that such are
encompassed within the scope of the invention.
TABLE 1
Figure and Reference Angle of Attachment
Numeral of geometric
connector
Fig. 10 123a 90 degree corner
Fig. 11 123b 45 degree corner
Fig. 12 123c 90 degree corner
Fig. 13 123d 45 degree corner
Fig. 17 123e 180 degrees
[0046] Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the geometric connector
124 can be used
as a 3-way connecter. Such geometric connector will include a geometric
connector groove
136a and a geometric connector tongue member 183a within the body 124 as
described above,
but will further include at least on additional geometric connector groove
136b and/or a
geometric connector tongue member 183b for connection to a stabilizing members
that contains
a correspond groove and tongue member. Exemplary GMs are and the resulting
connections
when applied as described above to the panels and the stabilizing members are
set forth in
Table 2.
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TABLE 2
Figure and Reference Angle of Attachment of Angle of
Numeral of geometric Barriers Relative to Each Attachment
connector Other Stabilizer
Relative
to Panel
_______________________________________________________________________
Fig. 10 123f 90 degree corner 45 degrees
Fig. 11 123g
Fig. 12 123h 90 degree corner 45 degrees
Fig. 13 123i 45 degree corner 45 degrees
[0047] It is preferred that the geometric connector(s) for use in the
invention are
dimensioned such that when installed as connecters, there is little to no
space between each of
.. the connected panels or stabilizers at the "join". In other embodiments,
the geometric
connector may be dimensioned such that when employed as a connector the panels
are spaced
apart, for example, to permit the barrier assembly's installation around/among
features at the
site, such as existing structures, poles or trees.
[0048] It may be preferred that the GMs have a vertical dimension that
is about 100 % of
the vertical dimension of the panel for added stability. However, in varying
embodiments, the
vertical dimension may be about 30% to about 90%, about 40% to about 75% of
the
corresponding vertical dimension of the panel(s).
[0049] Each of the component parts described herein may be composed in
whole or in part
of a nonconductive material, as defined above. Suitable materials will vary
depending on the
component buy may include, for example, polymers, plastics, rubbers,
fiberglass, wood, glass,
ceramics, and the like.
[0100] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes
could be made to the
embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept
thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments disclosed,
but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the
present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
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