NUT CLIPS FOR ATTACHING OBJECTS TO A POLE
20210172191 · 2021-06-10
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
Y02T10/70
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
F16B37/043
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F16B2/245
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Y02T10/7072
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
International classification
Abstract
Described herein is a clip for connecting an access cover to a pole. The clip may comprise a plate, a lip, and a spring arm. The plate will comprise a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge. The lip will extend from the first surface of the clip at the first edge, and may comprise a threaded hole. The spring arm will extend from the second surface at the second edge, and may comprise a proximal end, a mid-section, and a bowed distal end. The proximal end will be attached to the second surface at the second edge while the mid-section will be attached to and extend from the proximal end, and the bowed distal end will be attached to and extend from the mid-section. The clip may be manufactured of a material having an elastic modulus (E) in the range of between 150 to 300 GPa.
Claims
1. A clip (100) for connecting an access cover (20) to a pole (10) comprising: a plate (110) comprising a first surface (111), a second surface (112) opposite the first surface, a first edge (113), and a second edge (114) opposite the first edge; a lip (120) extending from the first surface at the first edge, said lip comprising a threaded hole (125); a spring arm (130) extending from the second surface at the second edge, said spring arm comprising: a proximal end (132) which is attached to the second surface at the second edge, a mid-section (134) attached to and extending from the proximal end, and a bowed distal end (136) attached to and extending from the mid-section; and wherein the clip is manufactured of a material having an elastic modulus (E) in a range of between 150 to 300 GPa.
2. The clip of claim 1, wherein a first juncture angle (θ.sub.1) between the proximal end and the plate is in a range of between 80° and 100°.
3. The clip of claim 1, wherein a second juncture angle (θ.sub.2) between the mid-section and the proximal end is in a range of between 25° and 100°.
4. The clip of claim 1, wherein a third juncture angle (θ.sub.3) between the bowed distal end and the mid-section is in a range of between 45° and 135°.
5. The clip of claim 1, wherein a fourth juncture angle (θ.sub.4) between the plate and the lip is in a range of between 80° and 100°.
6. The clip of claim 1, further comprising a slot (138).
7. The clip of claim 1, wherein the threaded hole is formed by applying threads directly to a hole in the lip.
8. The clip of claim 1, wherein the threaded hole is formed by placing a hole in the lip, and attaching a nut to the lip wherein a first central axis of the nut is substantially aligned with a second central access of the hole.
9. The clip of claim 1, wherein the clip comprises a first centering line (140) running through a central axis of the threaded hole substantially parallel to a length of the clip.
10. The clip of claim 1, wherein the second surface of the plate and/or a surface of the spring arm opposite the second surface of the plate comprises a surface modification.
11. The clip of claim 10, wherein the surface modification is selected from the group consisting of a burred surface, a grooved surface, a dimpled surface, and combinations thereof.
12. A clip (100) for connecting a pole top (30) to a pole (10) comprising: a plate (110) comprising a first surface (111), a second surface (112) opposite the first surface, a first edge (113), and a second edge (114) opposite the first edge, said plate comprising a threaded hole (115); a spring arm (130) extending from the second surface at the second edge said spring arm comprising: a proximal end (132) which is attached to the second surface at the second edge, a mid-section (134) attached to and extending from the proximal end, and a bowed distal end (136) attached to and extending from the mid-section; and wherein the clip is manufactured of a material having an elastic modulus (E) in a range of between 150 to 300 GPa.
13. The clip of claim 12, wherein a first juncture angle (θ.sub.1) between the proximal end and the plate is in a range of between 80° and 100°.
14. The clip of claim 12, wherein a second juncture angle (θ.sub.2) between the mid-section and the proximal end is in a range of between 25° and 100°.
15. The clip of claim 12, wherein a third juncture angle (θ.sub.3) between the bowed distal end and the mid-section is in a range of between 45° and 135°.
16. The clip of claim 12, further comprising a slot (138).
17. The clip of claim 12, wherein the threaded hole is formed by applying threads directly to a hole in the plate.
18. The clip of claim 12, wherein the threaded hole is formed by placing a hole in the plate, and attaching a nut to the plate wherein a first central axis of the nut is substantially aligned with a second central access of the hole.
19. The clip of claim 12, wherein the second surface of the plate and/or a surface of the spring arm opposite the second surface of the plate comprises a surface modification.
20. The clip of claim 19, wherein the surface modification is selected from the group consisting of a burred surface, a grooved surface, a dimpled surface, and combinations thereof.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0023]
[0024]
[0025]
[0026]
[0027]
[0028]
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Disclosed herein is a clip for connecting an access cover to a pole. Also disclosed herein is a method of installing an access cover onto a pole using the clip. Further described herein is a clip for connecting a pole top to a pole. It is also disclosed herein a method of installing a pole top onto a pole using the clip. As described herein and in the claims, the following numbers refer to the following structures as noted in the Figures. [0035] 10 refers to a pole. [0036] 11 refers to a thickness (of the pole). [0037] 12 refer to an access hole. [0038] 14 refers to a flange. [0039] 16 refers to a thickness (of the flange). [0040] 18 refers to a second centering line. [0041] 20 refers to an access cover. [0042] 25 refers to a fastener. [0043] 30 refers to a pole top. [0044] 100 refers to a clip. [0045] 110 refers to a plate. [0046] 111 refers to a first surface (of the plate). [0047] 112 refers to a second surface (of the plate). [0048] 113 refers to a first edge (of the plate). [0049] 114 refers to a second edge (of the plate). [0050] 115 refers to a threaded hole [0051] 120 refers to a lip. [0052] 125 refers to a threaded hole. [0053] 130 refers to a spring arm. [0054] 132 refers to a proximal end (of the spring arm). [0055] 134 refers to a mid-section (of the spring arm). [0056] 136 refers to a bowed distal end (of the spring arm). [0057] 138 refers to a slot. [0058] 140 refers to a first centering line. [0059] 200 refers to a gap (between the second surface of the plate and the bowed distal end).
[0060]
[0061]
[0062] As further shown in
[0063] Preferably the proximal end (132) will extend at a substantially right angle from the plate (110). In this respect, there may be a first juncture angle (θ.sub.1) between the proximal end and the plate. The first juncture angle (θ.sub.1) may be in the range of between 80° and 100° with between 85° and 95° being more preferred, and between 89° and 91° being most preferred.
[0064] Preferably the mid-section (134) will extend away from the proximal end (132) and towards the second surface (112) of the plate (110). In this respect, there may be a second juncture angle (θ.sub.2) between the mid-section and the proximal end. The second juncture angle (θ.sub.2) may be in the range of between 25° and 100° with between 35° and 100° being more preferred, and between 45° and 100° being most preferred.
[0065] Preferably the bowed distal end (136) will extend away from the mid-section (134) and away from the second surface (112) of the plate (110). In this respect, there may be a third juncture angle (θ.sub.3) between the bowed distal end and the mid-section. The third juncture angle (θ.sub.3) may be in the range of between 45° and 135° with between 60° and 120° being more preferred, and between 75° and 105° being most preferred.
[0066] As further shown in
[0067] The attachment between the various portions of the clip (such as the lip (120) and the plate (110), or the spring arm (130) and the plate) may take many forms. In the simplest form, the spring arm, the plate, and the lip are manufactured from a single integral piece of material which is bent to have the shape and structure described herein and shown in the Figures. In other embodiments, the spring arm, the plate, and the lip may be manufactured from a single piece of material which is cast or injection molded to have the shape and structure described herein and shown in the Figures. Other embodiments may exist in which one or more portions of the clip are manufactured from separate pieces of material which are subsequently attached to one another, such as by welding, or by a fastener such as a screw, a rivet, or a hinge.
[0068] As shown in
[0069] In some embodiments, the second surface (112) of the plate (110) and/or the surface of the spring arm opposite the second surface of the plate may include a surface modification. The preferred surface modifications will increase the friction between the clip (100) and the flange (14) of the pole (10) when the clip is installed, thereby reducing or eliminating the likelihood that the clip will shift or fall off the flange during installation and subsequent use. Specific non-limiting examples of such a surface modification may include a burred surface, a grooved surface, a dimpled surface, and combinations thereof.
[0070]
[0071]
[0072] In some embodiments, the spring arm (130) may include a slot ((138) as shown in
[0073] The clip disclosed herein may be manufactured of a variety of materials. Examples of such materials may include metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or brass. In some embodiments, the clip may be manufactured from a plastic or composite material.
[0074] The material from which the clip (100) is manufactured will have an elasticity. One preferred material is spring steel. In this respect the clip may be thought of as a flat spring having an elastic modulus (E) in the range selected from the group consisting of between 150 to 300 GPa, between 150 and 250 GPa, between 150 and 200 GPa, between 175 and 300 GPa, between 175 and 250 GPA, between 175 and 200 GPA, between 200 and 300 GPA, and between 200 and 250 GPA. The material from which the clip is manufactured having such an elasticity allows the clip to maintain tension around the flange (14) of the pole when the clip is installed.
[0075] The material from which the clip (100) is manufactured will also have a material thickness. Preferably the material thickness will be in a range selected from the group consisting of between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm, between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm, and between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm.
[0076]
[0077]
[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in
[0079]
[0080]
[0081] As further shown in
[0082] Preferably the proximal end (132) will extend at a substantially right angle from the plate (110). In this respect, there may be a first juncture angle (θ.sub.1) between the proximal end and the plate. The first juncture angle (θ.sub.1) may be in the range of between 80° and 100° with between 85° and 95° being more preferred, and between 89° and 91° being most preferred.
[0083] Preferably the mid-section (134) will extend away from the proximal end (132) and towards the second surface (112) of the plate (110). In this respect there may be a second juncture angle (θ.sub.2) between the mid-section and the proximal end. The second juncture angle (θ.sub.2) may be in the range of between 25° and 100° with between 35° and 100° being more preferred, and between 45° and 55° being most preferred.
[0084] Preferably the bowed distal end (136) will extend away from the mid-section (134) and away from the second surface (112) of the plate (110). In this respect, there may be a third juncture angle (θ.sub.3) between the bowed distal end and the mid-section. The third juncture angle (θ.sub.3) may be in the range of between 45° and 135° with between 60° and 120° being more preferred, and between 75° and 105° being most preferred.
[0085] The attachment between the various portions of the clip (such as the plate (110) and the spring arm (130)) may take many forms. In the simplest form, the spring arm and the plate are manufactured from a single integral piece of material which is bent to have the shape and structure described herein and shown in the Figures. In other embodiments, the spring arm and the plate may be manufactured from a single piece of material which is cast or injection molded to have the shape and structure described herein and shown in the Figures. Other embodiments may exist in which one or more portions of the clip are manufactured from separate pieces of material which are subsequently attached to one another, such as by welding, or by a fastener such as a screw, a rivet, or a hinge.
[0086]
[0087] As shown in
[0088] In some embodiments, the second surface (112) of the plate (110) and/or the surface of the spring arm opposite the second surface of the plate may include a surface modification. The preferred surface modifications will increase the friction between the clip (100) and the flange (14) of the pole (10) when the clip is installed, thereby reducing or eliminating the likelihood that the clip will shift or fall off the pole during installation and subsequent use. Specific non-limiting examples of such a surface modification may include a burred surface, a grooved surface, a dimpled surface, and combinations thereof.
[0089] In some embodiments, the spring arm (130) may include a slot ((138) as shown in
[0090] The clip disclosed herein may be manufactured of a variety of materials. Examples of such materials may include metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or brass. In some embodiments, the clip may be manufactured from a plastic or composite material.
[0091] The material from which the clip (100) is manufactured will have an elasticity. One preferred material is spring steel. In this respect the clip may be thought of as a flat spring having an elastic modulus (E) in the range selected from the group consisting of between 150 to 300 GPa, between 150 and 250 GPa, between 150 and 200 GPa, between 175 and 300 GPa, between 175 and 250 GPA, between 175 and 200 GPA, between 200 and 300 GPA, and between 200 and 250 GPA. The material from which the clip is manufactured having such an elasticity allows the clip to maintain tension around the flange (14) of the pole when the clip is installed.
[0092] The material from which the clip (100) is manufactured will also have a material thickness. Preferably the material thickness will be in a range selected from the group consisting of between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm, between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm, and between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm.
[0093]
[0094]
[0095] Using the clips disclosed herein to attach either an access cover to a pole or a pole top to a pole eliminates many of the challenges seen in the prior art. For instance, the pole and its corresponding flange may be manufactured without adding any threaded connection holes to either the flange (for connecting the access cover) or the top edge of the pole (for connecting the pole top). This also eliminates the need for post-processing repairs to the threads of the threaded connection holes after welding, galvanizing, or other processes. Instead, the clip(s) may be attached to the flange and/or the top edge of the pole after it has been installed in the field. From there the access cover and/or the pole top may be attached by simply placing the fastener(s) through holes in the respective access cover or pole, and threading them into the threaded hole of the clip.