Utility or meter pole top reinforcement method and apparatus

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UTILITY OR METER POLE TOP REINFORCEMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS (0001) CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. nonprovisional application No. 14/737,779, entitled “UTILITY OR METER POLE TOP REINFORCEMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS,” filed 6/12/2015, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. nonprovisional application No. 14/624,845, entitled “UTILITY OR METER POLE TOP REINFORCEMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS,” filed 2/18/2015, which is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. nonprovisional application No. 14/082,824, entitled “UTILITY OR METER POLE TOP REINFORCEMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS,” filed 11/18/2013, by the same inventor. This U.S. nonprovisional application also claims priority to U.S. nonprovisional application No. 15/055,832, entitled “UTILITY OR METER POLE TOP REINFORCEMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS,” filed 2/29/2016, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. nonprovisional application No. 14/624,845, entitled “UTILITY OR METER POLE TOP REINFORCEMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS,” filed 2/18/2015, which is a divisional and claims priority to U.S. nonprovisional application No. 14/082,824, entitled “UTILITY OR METER POLE TOP REINFORCEMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS,” filed 11/18/2013 by the same inventor.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This invention relates, generally, to repair of upstanding poles such as utility poles. More particularly, it relates to methods and apparatuses for strengthening the tops of poles that have structurally deteriorated over time to avoid or delay the cost of replacing such poles.

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[0006] 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0007] Utility poles become degraded over time near the ground and also at their upper end. There are many patented devices for strengthening such poles at or near the ground so that they don’t fall over but there has been little inventive activity for strengthening the upper end of such poles to which are connected dedicated voltage transmission/distribution lines as well as telephone/CATV lines.

[0008] Meter poles are smaller versions of utility poles; they are positioned near structures such as mobile homes where laws forbid the direct attachment of permanent lines. As used herein, the term “pole” refers to utility as well as meter poles or any other type of pole that may be in need of upper end reinforcement.

[0009] The current cost of replacing a utility pole that has lost its structural integrity is about three thousand dollars per pole. Every U.S. state has millions of such poles. There are between one hundred thirty to one hundred eighty million utility poles in use in North America and most utility companies replace about six thousand poles per year. The cost of course is passed along to the consumer.

[00010] The upper ends of many pressure-treated poles that were installed in the decade of the 1970s are now losing their structural integrity and are in need of replacement. The same will of course hold true in the future of poles installed in later decades as well. However, it would save companies and consumers substantial monies if those poles could be reinforced instead of replaced.

[00011] However, in view of the art considered as a whole at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art how the upper ends of such poles could be reinforced at a cost substantially less than pole-replacement costs.

[00012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00013] The long-standing but heretofore unfulfilled need for a device that reinforces deteriorating utility poles, meter poles, and the like is now met by a new, useful, and non-obvious invention.

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[00014] The inventive structure is an apparatus for reinforcing an upstanding pole having an upper end that is worn, rotted, damaged, or otherwise in a deteriorated state.

[00015] The novel structure includes an elongate brace and at least two bolt-accommodating openings formed in the elongate brace. Each bolt-accommodating opening is centered on a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the elongate brace. The elongate brace is adapted to bear against the upstanding pole near the worn upper end of the upstanding pole.

[00016] At least two washer plates are disposed in overlying relation to the elongate brace and a bolt-accommodating opening is formed in each washer plate. The bolt-accommodating opening is centered on a longitudinal axis of symmetry of each washer plate and is aligned with a bolt-receiving opening formed in the elongate brace.

[00017] At least two elongate bolts are adapted to extend diametrically through the upstanding pole. Each elongate bolt extends through a preselected bolt-accommodating opening formed in the elongate brace and through the bolt-accommodating opening formed in the associated washer plate.

[00018] Each elongate bolt has a tool-engageable head and a free end that extends outwardly from the upstanding pole diametrically opposite from the tool-engageable head. A nut screw-threadedly engages the free end of each elongate bolt and advancement of the nut increasingly secures the associated washer plate to the elongate brace and therefore increasingly secures the elongate brace to the upstanding pole so that the upper end of the upstanding pole is reinforced by the elongate brace.

[00019] The elongate brace has a base and a pair of laterally spaced apart legs are formed integrally with the base. The legs are adapted to bear against the upstanding pole.

[00020] At least one cavity for accommodating a pre-existing, conventional washer is formed in the elongate brace in open communication with each bolt-accommodating opening. Each elongate bolt extends through the conventional washer-accommodating opening when the nut secures said washer plate to said elongate brace.

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[00021] In a second embodiment, each washer plate has a recessed channel formed therein, centered on the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the washer plate. The recessed channel extends into an associated bolt-receiving opening and a spring lock is disposed in overlying relation to a bottom wall of the recessed channel. A nut screw-threadedly engages the free end of the elongate bolt in bearing relation to the spring lock so that advancing the nut increasingly urges the washer plate towards the elongate brace and therefore increasingly presses the elongate brace against the upper end of the upstanding pole.

[00022] In a third embodiment, each washer plate has a raised ridge formed therein, centered on the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the washer plate, said longitudinal axis of symmetry being coincident with the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the elongate brace.

[00023] In the third embodiment, a first spring lock is disposed in each bolt-accommodating opening formed in the elongate brace and a first nut is screw-threadedly engaged to the free end of the elongate bolt in bearing relation to the first spring lock. The elongate ridge is disposed in overlying relation to the first nut and a second spring lock is disposed in overlying relation to the elongate ridge. A second nut screw-threadedly engages the free end of the elongate bolt in bearing engagement to the second spring lock so that advancement of the first and second nuts enables each washer plate to bear increasingly against the elongate brace and thus cause the elongate brace to bear increasingly against the upper end of the pole, thereby reinforcing it.

[00024] All three embodiments include an elongate front support member that is arcuate in transverse section to conform to the surface of the pole and which is mounted on the upper end of the pole in diametric relation to the elongate brace so that the damaged upper end of the upstanding pole is sandwiched between the front support member and the elongate brace.

[00025] At least two openings are formed in the front support member to accommodate the elongate bolts that secure the front support member to the upstanding pole. The elongate 4

CA 02932801 2016-06-09 bolt that extends through the elongate brace and washer plate is the same elongate bolt that extends through the preselected opening formed in the front support member, i.e., the elongate bolts secure the front support member to a first side of the pole and secure the elongate brace to a second, diametrically opposed side of the pole so that the upper end of the pole is sandwiched between the front support member and the elongate brace.

[00026] A fourth embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for supporting a horizontally disposed cross arm mounted to an upstanding pole. It includes a vertical cross arm support member adapted to be secured to both the pole and the existing cross arm of the pole to provide pole attachment strength and stability.

[00027] An elongate brace is adapted to abut the pole in diametrically opposed relation to the cross arm support member. An aperture is formed in the elongate brace and aligned with an aperture formed in the elongate base support of the cross arm support member to receive a bolt that extends diametrically through the pole to secure the vertical cross arm support member to the pole.

[00028] In an embodiment, the vertical cross arm support member comprises an elongate base support with two flanges extending outward in opposite direction from the longitudinal axis of the vertical cross arm support member. The flanges are intended to extend parallel with the existing cross arm on the pole. Each flange includes one or more apertures adapted to receive a bolt extending diametrically through the existing cross arm on the pole. The attachment of the flanges to the existing cross arm prevents rotation of the existing cross arm in a horizontal plane about a longitudinal axis of the pole. Additionally, the elongate structure in conjunction with the flanges prevents rotation in a vertical plane.

[00029] A fifth embodiment of the invention is a prosthetic apparatus for reinforcing a deteriorating top of an upstanding pole. It includes a cylindrical main body having an upper rim at a first end of the main body. A pair of legs depends from a second end of the main body in diametrically opposed relation to one another.

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[00030] A plurality of apertures is formed in the cylindrical main body in circumferentially and longitudinally spaced relation to one another to facilitate attachment of the cylindrical main body and the legs to the pole.

[00031] The upper rim projects above an uppermost end of the upstanding pole when the uppermost end is ensleeved by the cylindrical main body.

[00032] A top cap has a skirt having a length substantially equal to a distance of the upper rim above the uppermost end of the upstanding pole so that the skirt fits within the hollow interior of the cylindrical main body when the top cap engages the cylindrical main body.

[00033] An embodiment of the prosthetic apparatus includes a cylindrical main body having an insulator cutout in a second end of the main body in diametrically opposed relation to a bolt receiving channel and a bolt access aperture, wherein the bolt receiving channel extends between the second end of the main body and the bolt access aperture. The first end of the main body main body includes a first pair of diametrically opposed apertures formed in the main body and adapted to receive an insulator through bolt for securing an insulator to the main body.

[00034] An embodiment may include a second and third pair of diametrically opposed apertures. The second pair is disposed near the first end of the main body while the third pair is disposed near the second end of the main body. Both the second and third pairs are perpendicular with respect to the first pair and are adapted to receive a support through bolt for securing the main body to the upstanding pole.

[00035] An embodiment may include an open pole access disposed in the main body and circumferentially spaced at least 90 degrees in any direction from an intended location of the insulator when the apparatus is secured to the upstanding pole. The open pole access provides an attachment point for securing equipment directly to the upstanding pole.

[00036] An embodiment may include a first and second pair of diametrically opposed stringers tangentially integrated into an outer surface of the main body. The stringers include a flat rectangular surface extending along the extent of the main body. This embodiment includes the first pair of diametrically opposed apertures, the bolt receiving channel, and the bolt access aperture disposed in the first pair of diametrically opposed stringers. In addition, the second and third pair of diametrically opposed apertures are disposed in the second pair of diametrically opposed stringers.

[00037] A general aspect of this invention is to lengthen the lifetime of upstanding poles such as a utility pole owned by a public or private utility company or meter poles of the type used in connection with mobile homes.

[00038] A more specific aspect is to reinforce the upper end of such poles at a cost that is much less than the cost of replacing such a pole.

[00038A] In a broad aspect, the present invention pertains to a prosthetic apparatus for reinforcing atop of an upstanding pole comprising a tubular main body having a first end, a second end, and an extent between the first and second ends. The main body further includes an inner diameter equal to an outer diameter of the upstanding pole such that the main body acts as a sleeve around the upstanding pole. A first pair of diametrically opposed apertures is formed in the main body near the first end of the main body, the first pair of diametrically opposed apertures being adapted to receive a first insulator through bolt for securing a first insulator to the main body. An insulator cutout in a second end of the main body extends towards the first end of the main body, the insulator cutout diametrically opposed to a bolt receiving channel and a bold access aperture. The bolt receiving channel extends from the second end of the main body to the bolt access aperture, and allows the main body to simultaneously slide down and around a second insulator and a second insulator through bolt projecting outward from the upstanding pofe.

[00038B] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a prosthetic apparatus for reinforcing atop of an upstanding pole. There is a tubular body having a first end, a second end, and an extent between the first and second ends. The main further includes a first pair of diametrically

6a

CA 2932801 2021-06-16 opposed apertures formed in the main body near the first end of the main body. The first pair of diametrically opposed apertures are adapted to receive a first insulator through bolt for securing first insulator to the main body. An insulator cutout in a second end of die main body is in a diametrically opposed relation to a bolt access aperture disposed in one of the stringers from first pair of diametrically opposed stringers. The bold access aperture is accessible through the second end of the main body, thereby allowing the main body to simultaneously slide down and around a second insulator and a second insulator through bolt projecting outward from the upstanding pole. A second pair of downwardly opposed apertures are formed in the main body, the second pair of diametrically opposed apertures being adapted to receive a support through bolt for securing the main body to the upstanding pole.

[00039] These and other important aspects, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear as this disclosure proceeds.

[00040] The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the disclosure set forth hereinafter.

[00041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TH DRAWINGS

[00042] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed disclosure, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00043] Fig. 1A is a front perspective view of a first embodiment;

[00044] Fig. IB is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment;

[00045] Fig. 2A is a sectional view taken along Iine2a-2A in Figs. 1A and IB;

[00046] Fig. 2B is a view similar to the sectional view of Fig. 2A but depicts a second embodiment;

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[00047] Fig. 2C is a view similar to the sectional view of Fig. 2A but depicts a third embodiment;

[00048] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the back support brace of the first, second, and third embodiments;

[00049] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the elongate front support that is common to the first three embodiments;

[00050] Fig. 5A is a front elevational view of the fourth embodiment;

[00051] Fig. 5B is a rear elevational view of the fourth embodiment;

[00052] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a certain embodiment of the vertical cross arm support member;

[00053] Fig. 6B is a sectional view taken along line 6B-6B in Figs. 5A and 5B;

[00054] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cylindrical prosthesis of the fifth embodiment;

[00055] Fig. 8A is a partially exploded perspective view of the fifth embodiment when installed on a pole;

[00056] Fig. 8B is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment when installed on a pole;

[00057] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment;

[00058] Fig. 9B is an end vied of the sixth embodiment;

[00059] Fig. 9C is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment installed on a pole; and

[00060] Fig. 9D is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment installed on a pole.

[00061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[00062] Figs. 1A and IB depict a first illustrative embodiment of the novel structure, denoted 10 as a whole, when installed on a utility or meter pole 12 having at least one insulator 14 secured thereto. The structure is perhaps more fully disclosed in Fig. 2.

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[00063] In Fig. 2A, conventional insulator 14 having base 14a is secured to pole 12 near the uppermost end thereof by elongate bolt 16. Front support 18 conforms to the shape of pole 12 and its upper end provides support for insulator base 14a. Front support 18 has an elongate vertical extent as depicted in Figs. 1A and IB.

[00064] Conventional, pre-existing washer 20 near the top of Fig. 2A has an arcuate shape to conform to the shape of pole 12 and is held against the pole by conventional, preexisting nut 22. Said washer and nut are diametrically opposed to conventional, preexisting insulator base 14a.

[00065] The novel structure includes elongate brace 24 having laterally spaced apart legs 24a, 24b that bear against the top of pole 12 in diametrically opposed relation to elongate front plate 18 as depicted. Legs 24a, 24b are formed integrally with base 26 of elongate brace 24. At least two bolt-accommodating openings 28 are formed in said base 26, said openings being centered on a longitudinal axis of symmetry of said elongate brace. Each opening 28 is in open communication with an associated washer-accommodating opening 30. A plurality of openings 28 is formed along the vertical extent of elongate brace 24 as indicated in Fig. IB. Each opening 28 may be provided as a circular opening or as an elongate slot as indicated in said Fig. IB and as indicated in Fig. 3 as well.

[00066] Reinforcing base 26 is square at its outer or outboard surface, i.e., the surface that does not contact pole 12. Washer plate 32 conforms to that square configuration and overlies said outer surface as depicted. Nut 34 screw-threadedly engages bolt 16 and secures washer plate 32 and hence brace 24 to the top of the pole in diametric opposition to insulator 14 and elongate front support 18. Each washer plate 32 thus performs the function of a washer.

[00067] Said elongate brace 24 and washer plates 32 are depicted in perspective view in Figs. 1A and 3. Openings 28 are provided in plural locations in both circular and slotted form to accommodate various pole structures. Open slots 28a at the opposite ends of elongate brace 24 are used to accommodate pre-existing bolts as needed.

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[00068] It will be observed in the embodiment of Fig. 2A that each nut 34 is provided at the time of pole repair, i.e., conventional nut 22 remains in its original position.

[00069] Novel front support 18, depicted in Figs. 1 A, IB, and 4 has an elongate structure. It has a first end that underlies insulator 14 and a second end that is longitudinally spaced apart from the first end and which therefore does not underlie the insulator.

[00070] Front support 18 is arcuate in transverse section and its upper end is slotted as at 18a to accommodate elongate bolt 16, which is not depicted in Fig. 4. Circular or slotted openings 18b are formed therein as depicted to accommodate bolts as needed for fastening front support 18 to the front or insulator side of pole 12.

[00071] Front support 18 and elongate brace 24, which provides back support, are disposed in diametrically opposed relation to one another and hold pole 12 in sandwiched relation between them.

[00072] Fig. 2B depicts a second embodiment where conventional nut 22 is removed from bolt 16 and then re-engaged thereto. In this second embodiment, each washer plate 32 has a recessed channel 32a formed in the center thereof as depicted. Channel 32a includes centrally-apertured bottom wall 32b and said bottom wall is substantially flush with washer-accommodating opening 30. Bottom wall 32b thus performs the function of a washer and reinforces conventional washer 20

[00073] Each spring lock 36 fits within channel 32a and abuts channel bottom plate 32b. Conventional nut 22 is returned to its screw-threaded engagement with bolt 16 to bear against spring lock 36. This second embodiment has the advantage of not requiring second nut 34 of the first embodiment.

[00074] Fig. 2C depicts a third embodiment where conventional nut 22 remains as in the first embodiment in screw-threaded engagement with bolt 16, and where additional nut 34 of the first embodiment is also used.

[00075] In this third embodiment, each washer plate 32 has a raised ridge 33 that includes centrally-apertured top wall 33a as depicted in Fig. 2C. Conventional nut 22 and spring 10

CA 02932801 2016-06-09 lock 36 are disposed in bearing relation to conventional washer 20. Each washer plate 32 is then placed into overlying relation to base 26 of elongate brace 24 in registration with each opening 28 as needed. A second spring lock 38 is placed into overlying relation to each top wall 33a and is secured thereto by a nut 34.

[00076] A fourth embodiment is depicted in Figs. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B. This embodiment has utility in connection with upstanding poles 12 having a cross arm 44, with or without braces 44a. The perspective view of Fig. 6A depicts a certain embodiment of cross arm support member 46. Apertures 48 are formed in elongate support base 50 and may take the form of a circular opening or an elongated slot as depicted. A ninety degree bend forms vertical flange 52 enabling attachment of vertical cross arm support member 46 to cross arm 44 as depicted in Figs. 5A and 5B. As illustrated in 6B, through bolts 57 pass through apertures 48 on flanges 52 into cross arm 44 to secure vertical cross arm support member 46 to cross arm 44,

[00077] As depicted in Fig. 5A, bolt 56 is inserted into pole 12 through aperture 48 to secure cross arm support member 46 to said pole. Cross arm support member 46 is positioned on pole 12 so that flange 52 serves as a support surface for cross arm 44 at generally the mid-length region of said cross arm. Flanges 52 provide support for cross arm 44 and inhibits rotation of said cross arm in a vertical and horizontal plane.

[00078] As depicted in Fig. 5B, bolts 56, which secure cross arm support member 46 to pole 12 preferably extend diametrically through the pole and when used with suitable nuts and washers secure cross arm support member 46 to pole 12. Further bolts may be used to further secure said cross arm support member 46 to pole 12, said cross arm support member 46 being provided with multiple apertures along its extent and slots at its opposite ends for that purpose. A certain embodiment may include an elongate brace, similar to elongate brace 24 shown in Fig. 3, diametrically opposed from cross arm support member 46 to sandwich pole 12. The sandwiching of pole 12 between cross arm support member 46 and the elongate brace provides additional support for flanges 52.

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[00079] A fifth embodiment is depicted in Figs. 7, 8A and 8B. Main body 62 of brace 60 is cylindrical. Legs 64a, 64b depend from cylindrical main body 62 in diametrically opposed relation to one another. The upper rim of main body 62 is denoted 62a. Apertures collectively denoted 63 are formed in cylindrical main body 62 in circumferentially and longitudinally spaced relation to one another and apertures collectively denoted 65 are formed in legs 64a, 64b.

[00080] As depicted in Fig. 8A, upper rim 62a of cylindrical main body 62 projects above the uppermost end 12a of pole 12 when brace 60 is properly installed in ensleeving relation to a pole top. Skirt 66 of top cap 68 has a length equal to or just slightly less than the distance of rim 62a above pole top 12A so that said skirt fits within the hollow interior of cylindrical main body 62 when top cap 68 is in its functional position as depicted in Fig. 8B. The diameter of skirt 66 causes it to fit tightly with a good friction fit within said hollow interior so that high winds cannot cause it to separate from said functional position. Various bolts or screws extend through apertures 63 and 65 to secure brace 60 to pole 12.

[00081] Referring now to Figs. 9A-9D, an embodiment includes main body 85 having an effective length between 24 and 120 inches. Because utility poles often include insulators spaced between 24 and 120 inches, the disclosed range guarantees that the present invention will reinforce the connection of at least two of the uppermost insulators to a utility pole. Main body 85 further includes four vertically disposed stringers 92 tangentially integrated in to main body 85 on the outer or outboard surface, i.e., the surface that does not contact pole 12. Stringers 92 provide increased structural support while also providing a flat surface to more easily mate objects to the surface of the prosthetic. As shown in Fig. 9B, washers 20, washer plates 32, and insulators 14 are able to more easily mate with flat stringers 92 than would be possible on a curved surface.

[00082] Stringers 92 also provide additional flat space for easily attaching equipment that is typically found on utility poles, such as lightening arrestors and fuses. Some equipment,

CA 02932801 2016-06-09 however, such as dead-end insulators or down Guys (an anchor wire), must be secured to the wooden pole. Therefore, main body 85 includes open pole accesses 94 for attaching such equipment to wooden pole 12. Open pole accesses 94 can be located on any of the stringers; however, it is beneficial to have open pole accesses located on one of the three stringers 92 not in contact with insulators 14 to provide easy access to the equipment received through open pole accesses 94 without having to avoid contacting electrical wires strung from insulators 14.

[00083] Main body 85 preferably includes four stringers 92 circumferentially spaced 90 degrees apart from each other with several through bolt apertures. This arrangement allows for the application of support through bolts 16a in perpendicular relation to insulator through bolts 16b with both types of bolts 16a, 16b passing through stringers 92. The perpendicular relation of through bolts 16a, 16b provides greater rigidity than is possible when the through bolts are aligned in a single plane. The increased rigidity is of particular importance when the pole top consists of rotten and deteriorated wood.

[00084] As shown in Figs. 9C and 9D, support through bolts 16a are longitudinally spaced with respect to each other along the vertical extent of main body 85 to provide greater stability along the length of pole 12. In addition, the perpendicular relation of support through bolts 16a with respect to insulator through bolts 16b provides the benefit of allowing an installer to more easily avoid contacting the high voltage wires strung from insulator 14 when installing support through bolts 16a.

[00085] As shown in Fig. 9D, an embodiment includes cutout 98 in the lower end of main body 85, wherein cutout 98 is adapted to receive a previously installed insulator 14. Cutout 98 is preferably between 12 and 24 inches in length to compensate for variations in the location of the lower insulator.

[00086] Main body 85 further includes bolt access 96 and bolt channel 97 diametrically opposed to cutout 98. Bolt access 96 is in open communication with open bolt channel 97. Open bolt channel 97 and cutout 98 work in conjunction to slide main body 85 down and around an installed insulator 14 without requiring the prosthetic installer to remove the 13

CA 02932801 2016-06-09 insulator. Bolt channel 97 receives the bolt while cutout 98 receives the insulator secured to the bolt, as shown in Figs. 9C and 9D. Once the prosthetic is properly in place with the bolt access 96 in receipt of an insulator through bolt 16b, washer plate 32 receives the insulator through bolt 16b and is secured in overlying position with respect to stringer 92 as depicted in Figs. 9B and 9C. Nut 22 screw-threadedly engages insulator through bolt 16b and secures washer plate 32, and hence, insulator 14 to main body 85. Each washer plate 32 thus performs the function of a washer.

[00087] In addition, spring lock 36 is preferably disposed between washer plate 32 and nut 22. Conventional nut 22 is screw-threadedly engaged with insulator through bolt 16b to bear against spring lock 36 and secure insulator 14 to main body 85. Securing insulator 14 to main body 85 has the additional benefit of reinforcing a potentially compromised attachment of insulator 14 to a rotted pole top.

[00088] In an embodiment, bolt channel 97 is of a width large enough to receive an existing nut secured to the insulator through bolt 16b, so that an installer of the prosthetic does not need to remove the nut prior to sliding insulator through bolt 16b through bolt channel 97. Washer plate 32 can then be secured overtop the existing nut to secure insulator through bolt 16b to main body 85 without having to remove the existing nut. In addition, bolt access 96 is preferably large enough to accommodate the necessary tools for removing an existing attachment means from the insulator through bolt 16b if necessary.

[00089] In an embodiment, stringers 92 may have a height, extending in the outboard direction when in end view, that is greater than or equal to the height of a nut that is typically used to secure insulators to utility poles. As a result, the existing nut will not impair washer plate 32 from directly mating to stringer 92. In another embodiment, washer plate 32 may contain the design shown in Fig. 2C, which includes adequate spacing for an existing nut that protrudes beyond the height of stringer 92. Plate 32 is preferably less than or equal to the height, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the main body, of the bolt access 96. Plate 32 having the design shown in Fig. 2C can then be flipped around

CA 02932801 2016-06-09 and top wall 33a will slide into bolt access 96. This functionality is particularly useful when bolt 16b does not protrude substantially beyond bolt access 96 and washer plate 32 must butt up against pole 12 in order to secure nut 22 to bolt 16b.

[00090] An embodiment of washer plate 32 may include a transversely oblong central aperture to account for rotation of the pole top, which is often found in rotted poles. The oblong aperture enables both an upper and a lower existing insulator through bolt 16b to pass through washer plates 32 even when the upper insulator through bolt has rotated with respect to the lower insulator through bolt.

[00091] The present invention’s ability to receive and reinforce an installed insulator without first removing at least one insulator from a utility pole provides a critical benefit over existing devices. These insulators often support extremely high voltage wires, and thus, safely removing an insulator is extremely dangerous. These insulators should remain undisturbed if possible and doing so greatly improves the safety of the worker attempting to reinforce a rotted utility pole.

[00092] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing disclosure, are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing disclosure or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.