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Arm connection for a structural member

Arm connection for a structural member description/claims

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.

Structural members such as electrical transmission poles have been used for decades to run electrical conductor 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.

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 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.

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 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 thereto 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. Further, the plurality of apertures disposed in the first and second vangs may be threaded to receive a threaded bolt or pin therein.

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. Alternatively, a plurality of conduits are joined between each of the plurality of apertures of the first thru-vang and the second thru-vang for structural support and to aid in insertion of the plurality of pins. The plurality of conduits may be at least partially threaded to receive a threaded bolt or rod therein.

A plurality of pins are received through the plurality of apertures in the first thru-vang and the plurality of apertures in the second thru-vang which are axially aligned. Disposed on each end of the pins are threaded bolt and nuts that retain the pins within the bracket/vang apertures. A cotter or hitch pin could also be used for the pins.

An arm bracket is coupled to the first thru-vang and the second thru-vang by the plurality of pins such that each of the plurality of pins extends between the first thru-vang and the second thru-vang. Finally, an arm is secured to the arm bracket for suspending electrical conductors above the ground.

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.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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