Power pedestal assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a deformation resistant power pedestal assembly comprising a hollow post formed of a fiberglass reinforced resin, having spaced apart load bearing walls defining an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first open end and a second open end. As illustrated herein the post may be either a square or a rectangle. The structure reinforcing cap, which may be formed from a polypropylene, polyethylene, fiberglass reinforced nylon, or the like is inserted within a first open end of said post. The structure reinforcing cap thus frictionally engages the interior surface of the post and substantially prevents movement of the exterior surface thereof when various types of appurtenant structures such as power supply cabinets, power panels, meter cans, junction boxes and the like are mounted thereon, utilizing through-bolts or the like, which would otherwise cause deformation and possible structural failure of the post walls.

1 . A deformation resistant power pedestal assembly comprising: 
 a hollow rectangular post formed of a polyester cloth veiled fiberglass reinforced resin, said post having spaced apart load bearing walls defining an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first open end and a second open end;    a structure reinforcing cap, constructed and arranged for insertion within said first open end, whereby said insertion causes said structure reinforcing cap to frictionally engage said interior surface of said post and substantially prevent movement of said exterior surface; and    retention means constructed and arranged for retaining said cap within said post;    whereby said load bearing walls are maintained in said spaced apart position subsequent to mounting thereon of one or more power boxes or the like having a weight up to 18 times the weight of said power pedestal assembly.    
   
   
       2 . The power pedestal assembly of  claim 1  wherein said cap provides closure to said first open end.  
   
   
       3 . The power pedestal of  claim 1  wherein said retention means include a plurality of fasteners for simultaneously engaging said cap and said load bearing walls whereby removal of said cap is prevented.  
   
   
       4 . The power pedestal of  claim 1 , further including at least one mounting surface extender, said surface extender having a first surface and a second surface, said first surface constructed and arranged for removable engagement with said exterior surface and said second surface constructed and arranged to provide increased surface area so as to provide increased mounting area.  
   
   
       5 . The power pedestal assembly of  claim 1  including at least one additive to provide resistance to ultraviolet radiation.  
   
   
       6 . The power pedestal assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the resin is an isophthalic polyester resin containing a UV inhibitor and from about 56.5% to about 61% glass by weight.  
   
   
       7 . A process for providing above-ground support of appurtenant structures comprising: 
 providing a pedestal assembly including a hollow rectangular post formed of a polyester cloth veiled fiberglass reinforced resin, said post having spaced apart load bearing walls defining an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first open end and a second open end, said assembly further including a structure reinforcing cap, constructed and arranged for insertion within said first open end, whereby said insertion causes said structure reinforcing cap to frictionally engage said interior surface of said post and substantially prevent movement of said exterior surface and retention means constructed and arranged for retaining said cap within said post;    directly implanting said pedestal assembly within the ground to a depth of between about 30″ and 36″; and    attaching thereto at least one appurtenant structure via through-bolts;    whereby said load bearing walls are maintained in said spaced apart position subsequent to mounting thereon of said at least one of said appurtenant structures having a weight up to 18 times the weight of said power pedestal assembly.