Shear resistant utility pole and method and apparatus for repairing a broken utility pole

Abstract

A utility pole ( 10 ) includes: a first pole section ( 12 ); a second pole section ( 14 ) separate from the first pole section ( 12 ); and, a spring ( 36 ) joining the first and second pole sections together such that the first pole section ( 12 ) may, under an application of force thereto, tilt relative to the second pole section ( 14 ).

1 . A utility pole comprising: 
 a first pole section;    a second pole section separate from the first pole section; and,    a spring joining the first and second pole sections together such that the first pole section may, under an application of force thereto, tilt relative to the second pole section.    
   
   
       2 . The utility pole of  claim 1 , wherein the spring holds the first and second pole sections apart from one another such that adjacent ends of the first and second pole sections form a gap therebetween.  
   
   
       3 . The utility pole of  claim 1 , wherein the spring is part of an assembly that also comprises: 
 a first collar which secures a first end of the spring to the first pole section; and,    a second collar which secures a second end of the spring to the second pole section.    
   
   
       4 . The utility pole of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the first and second collars is attached to their respective pole sections with one or more fasteners.  
   
   
       5 . The utility pole of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the first and second collars is attached to their respective pole sections by clamping around an outer periphery thereof.  
   
   
       6 . The utility pole of  claim 1 , wherein a resilience of the spring returns the first pole section to an upright position substantially in-line with the second pole section when the application of force ceases.  
   
   
       7 . The utility pole of  claim 1 , wherein a flexibility of the spring is set to permit tilting of the first pole section in response to the application of force just prior to a structural failure of the first pole section.  
   
   
       8 . The utility pole of  claim 1 , wherein the second pole section is secured to a base.  
   
   
       9 . A method of repairing a utility pole that has been broken into separate first and second pieces, said method comprising: 
 (a) assessing the first and second pieces to determine if they are structurally sound; and,    (b) rejoining the first and second pieces together such that the first piece may, under an application of force thereto, tilt relative to the second piece.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein at least one end of the first and second pieces where the pole broke is rough, said method further comprising: 
 smoothing out the end.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 applying a coat of protective material to the smoothed out end.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein smoothing out the end comprises: 
 cutting off the rough portion of the end.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the rejoining comprises: 
 holding the first and second pieces spaced apart from one another such that adjacent ends of the first and second pieces form a gap therebetween.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein a spring rejoins the first and second pieces together.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the rejoining comprises: 
 securing a first end of the spring to the first piece of the pole; and,    securing a second end of the spring to the second piece of the pole.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the spring is secured to its respective piece of the pole via a collar and the securing comprises: 
 attaching the collar to its respective piece of the pole with one or more fasteners.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the spring is secured to its respective piece of the pole via a collar and the securing comprises: 
 clamping the collar around an outer periphery of its respective piece of the pole.    
   
   
       18 . An apparatus for joining together separate first and second support post pieces, said apparatus comprising: 
 a first collar adapted to be secured to the first support post piece;    a second collar adapted to be secured to the second support post piece; and,    a spring connected between the first and second collars such that the first support post piece secured to the first collar may, under an application of force thereto, tilt relative to the second support post piece secured to the second collar.    
   
   
       19 . An apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the first collar, the second collar and the spring are formed as a unitary assembly.  
   
   
       20 . An apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the first collar, the second collar and the spring are formed as separate elements welded together.