Insulating cap and connector for electrical transmission poles

Abstract

An insulating cap and connector for attaching an electric utility cross arm assembly to a supporting metal utility pole having an open top. A cylindrical tube of insulated composition has an end cap closed at the top and has a reduced diameter nipple extending downwardly. The reduced diameter nipple is insertable within the open top end of the supporting utility pole when the tube is slid over the top of the utility pole. Fasteners attach the cross arm to the tube and the supporting utility pole. There is no conductive contact between the metal support pole and the cross arm when insulated fasteners are used.

1 . An apparatus for attaching an electric utility cross arm assembly to a supporting utility pole having an open top end comprising: 
 a generally cylindrical tube of an insulated composite composition, said tube having a longitudinal axis;    an end cap at a first end of said tube;    a support pole receiving opening at a second end of said tube end;    a generally hollow body portion extending between said first and said second ends of said tube;    a first end cap attachment hole extending through said end cap generally perpendicular to said axis;    a second attachment hole extending through said body portion generally perpendicular to said axis;    said end cap having a closed top portion and a reduced diameter nipple extending downwardly within said hollow body portion from said first end of said tube, said reduced diameter nipple insertable within said open top end of said supporting utility pole.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an attachment hole sleeve member of an insulated composite composition adapted to be received in said first attachment hole in said end cap.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending along opposite sides of the outer surface of said cylindrical tube.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  further comprising a reinforcing ring portion extending circumferentially around said outer surface of said tube at said second pole receiving end of said tube.