US20050272294A1 - Apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050272294A1 US20050272294A1 US11/199,769 US19976905A US2005272294A1 US 20050272294 A1 US20050272294 A1 US 20050272294A1 US 19976905 A US19976905 A US 19976905A US 2005272294 A1 US2005272294 A1 US 2005272294A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- conductors
- tubular members
- connectors
- ground
- utility pole
- Prior art date
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- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G7/00—Overhead installations of electric lines or cables
- H02G7/04—Arrangements or devices for relieving mechanical tension
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
- H01R13/633—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G7/00—Overhead installations of electric lines or cables
- H02G7/18—Devices affording mechanical protection in the event of breakage of a line or cable, e.g. net for catching broken lines
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- Y—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
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S439/00—Electrical connectors
- Y10S439/923—Separation or disconnection aid
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- Y—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
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
- Y10T29/49174—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor
-
- Y—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
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
- Y10T29/49174—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor
- Y10T29/49181—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor by deforming
- Y10T29/49185—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor by deforming of terminal
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- Y—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
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
- Y10T29/49194—Assembling elongated conductors, e.g., splicing, etc.
- Y10T29/49195—Assembling elongated conductors, e.g., splicing, etc. with end-to-end orienting
Landscapes
- Cable Accessories (AREA)
- Processing Of Terminals (AREA)
- Suspension Of Electric Lines Or Cables (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
- Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus for connecting two pairs of conductors and one pair of ground wires and for allowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires. The apparatus comprises two plates that each defines three holes configured to receive two conductors and a ground wire, wherein the plates are positioned adjacent to each other such that the respective holes in each plate are aligned such that the conductors and ground wires coming from each plate would be in physical contact. Three connectors hold the plates together. The first two connectors are configured to release the plates upon the application of a tensional force on the conductors or ground wires before the third connector releases the plates, thereby separating the conductors before separating the ground wires. Another embodiment addresses the same in multi-service connections.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. (to be assigned), filed Dec. 11, 2003, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Electrically and Mechanically Connecting and Disconnecting a Power Line,” which is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to electric power lines. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for mechanically and electrically disconnecting a service drop power line.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Power outages not only inconvenience utility customers but may severely damage the utility company's service hardware and any structure attached to the utility lines, as well as creating a hazard with the possibility of dropping a live electrical wire. When such damage occurs, it is often costly for the utility company to repair and replace parts but also costly when such damage causes long delays in restoring power service.
- For power outages stemming from the utility companies' efforts to increase energy transmission over existing transmission and distribution lines, some companies have replaced existing conductors with larger ones. This may cause the towers holding such conductors to structurally fail because larger mechanical loads have been imposed upon these towers than intended by their original design. When the towers do fail, the failure may damage or destroy a number of towers, which may cause long delays in restoring power service. To avoid replacing towers to handle the larger loads imposed, various load limiters have been implemented to limit the horizontal component of force to which the tower is subjected. These load limiters allow the power line to drop to the ground when the a particular amount of force is exceeded, thereby avoiding damage to the tower. However, some of these load limiters release the power line prematurely or fail to release the power line after the set amount of force is exceeded. In addition, once the load limiter releases the power line, the entire device must be replaced since the load limiter is not reusable, which is a costly and time consuming ordeal.
- A significant number of power outages, however, occur at the service end of the residential power delivery system, i.e., at the service drop power line from the utility transmission or distribution line to a customer's building. For example, such outages may be caused by trees or branches falling on the service drop power line connected to the customer's building. When the tree limb falls on the service drop power line, there is a sudden increase in the tension that may result in damage to the structure and service hardware attached to the building or to the structure and service hardware attached to the utility pole. For example, tension on a service drop power line may pull the standpipe off of the building roof or side and may structurally damage the roof or side as well. Further, tension on the service drop power line may cause damage to a transformer located on the service pole. Moreover, should the service drop power line disconnect from the building, the resulting power line, which could be laying on the ground, may still be energized, thereby causing a potentially dangerous situation. Therefore, there is a need for an improved device to disconnect power lines upon the application of a force sufficient to cause damage to structurally components attached to or holding the power line. Further, there is a need for an improved device with the ability to disconnect one or more multiple power lines in a system having multiple service drop power lines, without disconnecting other non-stressed power lines.
- In view of the above, the present invention provides an apparatus and method that safely and effectively disconnects power lines upon the application of a force to the power lines. The disconnection of the power lines is designed to drop the stressed power line to the ground in a controlled fashion. The dropped power line is no longer energized, making it safe for utility company service crew to reconnect the line later. Such a controlled disconnection also reduces the possibility of damage to equipment or structure to which the power lines are attached.
- The present invention also provides an apparatus and method that is cost-efficient to implement since the apparatus is reusable. After the power lines have been disconnected, the utility service crew merely has to reconnect the fallen wires and place the apparatus back together, without making significant repairs to the service hardware or structural components. This design aspect enables quick restoration of power, which reduces cost by limiting downtime and reducing potentially costly service hardware replacement.
- These objectives of the present invention are provided by an apparatus and method for electrically connecting a power line to a piece of equipment or to a structure and allows the power line to disconnect from that equipment or structure upon receiving a given amount of tensional force before such tension causes damage to the equipment or structure. More specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention is placed between one end of a power line and a second, much shorter, power line that is directly connected to a piece of electrical equipment or structure. The present invention provides an electrical connection between the two power lines and, upon receipt of a tensional force on the power line, allows the one power line to disconnect from the shorter power line before the tension on the power line can cause damage to the equipment or structure.
- The present invention provides an apparatus for connecting two pairs of conductors and one pair of ground wires and for allowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises: a first plate defining a first hole configured to receive a first conductor, a second hole configured to receive a second conductor and a third hole configured to receive a ground wire; a second plate defining a first hole configured to receive a third conductor, a second hole configured to receive a fourth conductor, and a third hole configured to receive a second ground wire, wherein the second plate is positioned adjacent to the first plate such that the first, second and third holes in the first plate are aligned, respectively, with the first, second and third holes in the second plate such that the first and third conductors would be in physical contact, the second and fourth conductors would be in physical contact, and the first and second ground wires would be in physical contact. A first connector holds the first and the second plates together, and the first connector is positioned proximate to the first holes in the first and second plates. A second connector holds the first and second plates together, and the second connector is positioned proximate to the second holes in the first and second plates. A third connector holds the first and second plates together, and the third connector is positioned more proximate to the third holes in the first and second plates than to the first and second holes of the first and second plates. The first and second connectors are configured to release the first plate from the second plate upon the application of a tensional force on the first, second, third or fourth conductor or on the first or second ground wire before the third connector releases the first plate from the second plate, thereby separating the first conductor from the third conductor and the second conductor from the fourth conductor before separating the first ground wire from the second ground wire.
- In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a first plate having a center, a first extension region extending radially from the center of the first plate and defining a first extension region hole in the first plate, a second extension region extending radially from the center of the first plate and defining a second extension region hole in the first plate, and a third extension region extending radially from the center of the first plate, wherein the first, second and third extension regions are equally spaced about a perimeter of the first plate. The second plate is positioned adjacent to the first plate and having a center, a first extension region extending radially from the center of the second plate and defining a first extension region hole in the second plate, a second extension region and a third extension region, each extending radially from the center of the second plate extending radially from the center of the second plate and defining a second extension region hole in the second plate, and a third extension region extending radially from the center of the second plate, wherein the first, second and third extension regions are equally spaced about a perimeter of the second plate. A first connector is attached to the first extension region of the first plate and to the first extension region of the second plate. A second connector is attached to the second extension region of the first plate and to the second extension region of the second plate. A third connector is attached to the third extension region of the first plate and to the third extension region of the second plate, wherein the third connector is configured to provide a more secure connection than the first and second connectors. Further, the first and second extension region holes in the first plate are aligned with the first and second extension region holes in the second plate, respectively.
- The present invention also provides a system for connecting two pairs of conductors and one pair of ground wires and for allowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires. In one embodiment the system comprises: a first plate defining a first hole configured to receive a first conductor, a second hole configured to receive a second conductor, and a third hole configured to receive a ground wire; a second plate defining a first hole configured to receive a third conductor, a second hole configured to receive a fourth conductor, and a third hole configured to receive a second ground wire, wherein the second plate corresponds positionally to the first plate such that the first, second and third holes in the first plate are aligned, respectively, with the first, second and third holes in the second plate such that the first and third conductors are electrically connected, the second and fourth conductors are electrically connected, and the first and second ground wires are electrically connected. A first connector is configured to hold the first and second plates together at a first position proximate to the first hole in the first plate and the first hole in the second plate. A second connector configured to hold the first and second plates together at a second position proximate to the second hole in the first plate and the second hole in the second plate. A third connector configured to hold the first and second plates together at a third position proximate to the third hole in the first plate and third hole in the second plate. The first and second connectors are configured to release the first plate from the second plate upon the application of a tensional force on the first, second, third or fourth conductor or on the first or second ground wire before the third connector releases the first plate from the second plate, thereby separating the first conductor from the third conductor and the second conductor from the fourth conductor before separating the first ground wire from the second ground wire.
- Additionally, the present invention also provides an apparatus for connecting two pairs of conductors and one pair of ground wires and for allowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a first member defining a first hole configured to receive a first conductor, a second hole configured to receive a second conductor and a third hole configured to receive a ground wire; a second member defining a first hole configured to receive a third conductor, a second hole configured to receive a fourth conductor, and a third hole configured to receive a second ground wire, wherein the second member is positioned adjacent to the first member such that the first, second and third holes in the first member are aligned, respectively, with the first, second and third holes in the second member such that the first and third conductors would be in physical contact, the second and fourth conductors would be in physical contact, and the first and second ground wires would be in physical contact. A first connector holds the first and second members together and positioned proximate to the first holes in the first and second members. A second connector holds the first and second members together and positioned proximate to the second holes in the first and second members. A third connector holds the first and second members together and positioned more proximate to the third holes in the first and second members than to the first and second holes of the first and second members. Further, the first and second connectors are configured to release the first member from the second member upon the application of a tensional force on the first, second, third or fourth conductor or on the first or second ground wire before the third connector releases the first member from the second member, thereby separating the first conductor from the third conductor and the second conductor from the fourth conductor before separating the first ground wire from the second ground wire.
- Moreover, the present invention provides a method for electrically and mechanically separating two pairs of conductors and one pair of ground wires upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires. In one embodiment the method comprises: receiving a tensional force on a service drop line comprising two conductors and a ground wire attached to a corresponding pair of conductors and a corresponding ground wire extending from a utility pole; physically and electrically separating each of the two conductors from the corresponding pair of conductors extending from the utility pole; and subsequently physically and electrically separating the ground wire from the corresponding ground wire extending from the utility pole.
- In a multi-service arrangement, the present invention also provides an apparatus for connecting a plurality of conductors and a plurality of ground wires and for allowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises: a plurality of crimp-on connectors configured to receive the conductors and the ground wires; a box having a plurality of holes configured to receive the crimp-on connectors on a first surface of the box, in which the box is attached to a first location on a utility pole; at least one mechanical breakaway device configured to receive one of the ground wires, in which the mechanical breakaway device is attached to a second location on the utility pole; and wherein the mechanical breakaway device releases the received ground wire first upon an application of a tensional force on the conductors or the ground wires, such that the tensional force on the conductors then increases on the conductors, thereby pulling the crimp-on connectors out of the box and releasing the conductors and the ground wires that are attached to the crimp-on connectors.
- Furthermore, the present invention also provides an apparatus for connecting a plurality of conductors and a plurality of ground wires and for allowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises: a plurality of crimp-on connectors configured to receive the conductors and the ground wires; a structure with a first surface attached to a first location on a utility pole; a plurality of tubular members attached to a second surface of the structure, wherein the tubular members are configured to receive the crimp-on connectors; at least one mechanical breakaway device configured to receive one of the ground wires, in which the mechanical breakaway device is attached to a second location on the utility pole; and wherein the mechanical breakaway device releases the received ground wire first upon an application of a tensional force on the conductors or the ground wires, such that the tensional force on the conductors then increases on the conductors, thereby pulling the crimp-on connectors out of the tubular members and releasing the conductors that are attached to the crimp-on connectors.
- In addition, the present invention provides a method for electrically and mechanically separating a plurality of conductors and a ground wire in a multiple service installation system upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or said ground wire. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises: receiving a tensional force on a service drop line comprising a plurality of conductors and a ground wire, wherein said conductors and ground wire are attached in separate locations along a utility pole; physically and electrically separating said ground wire from said utility pole first; subsequently physically and electrically separating said conductors from said utility pole; and wherein other service drop lines do not receive a tensional force and do not physically and electrically separate.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for connecting and disconnecting one power line to and from another power line, according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of another connector of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 and the connector ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 and the connector ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8A is a side view of a female crimp-on connector according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8B is a side view of a male crimp-on connector according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a side view of a fully-assembled apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the use of one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention for a multi-service arrangement; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a switchboard box ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of a single service drop connector ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of a portion of the mechanical breakaway device ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the mechanical breakaway device ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the mechanical breakaway device ofFIG. 11 ; and -
FIG. 17 provides yet another perspective view of the mechanical breakaway device ofFIG. 11 . - Typically a power line, such as an overhead power line or a service drop line, is directly connected at one end to a piece of electrical equipment or a structure, such as a utility pole or transformer and at a second end another structure, such as the roof of a house or building. Upon receipt of a tensional force on the power line, such as from a falling tree or branch, the tension on the power line may cause the power line to pull on the equipment or structure at either end resulting in damage to such equipment or structure, a loss of power service and a need for potentially costly repairs.
- Generally, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for electrically connecting a power line to a piece of equipment or to a structure and allows the power line to disconnect from that equipment or structure upon receiving a given amount of tensional force before such tension causes damage to the equipment or structure. More specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention is placed between one end of a power line and a second, much shorter, power line that is directly connected to a piece of electrical equipment or structure. The present invention provides an electrical connection between the two power lines and, upon receipt of a tensional force on the power line, allows the one power line to disconnect from the shorter power line before the tension on the power line can cause damage to the equipment or structure.
- The following text in connection with the Figures describes various embodiments of the present invention. The following description, however, is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be appreciated that where the same numbers are used in different Figures, these refer to the same element or structure.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for connecting and disconnecting one power line to and from another power line, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus provides an electrical connection between the two power lines and allows the power lines to disconnect or separate from one another upon the receipt of a predetermined amount of tensional force on either power line. Theapparatus 100 comprises twoplates plate plates holes 106, 108, 110 that pass through from one side ofapparatus 100 to the other. Also, as will be further discussed below, connectors (not shown) are used to hold theplates - In general operation, and as will be discussed in more detail below, corresponding pairs of power lines or wires, such as phase wires and ground wires, are separately connected to the
apparatus 100, i.e., through the holes of eachcorresponding plate plates plate 102. One end of a corresponding set of shorter length phase and ground wires may be attached to the holes of thesecond plate 104, and the other end of these wires may at attached directly to a transformer on the utility pole. The twoplates plate - Upon the application of a predetermined amount of tensional force upon, for example, that portion of the power line extending to the house, the connectors are designed to allow the
plates plates apparatus 100 could be positioned closer to the house rather than to the utility pole such that the ends of a shorter set of wires could be attached to a house and the second ends of these shorter wires would be attached to one of the plates. The second plate would then be connected to the longer length of wires extending from the second plate to the utility pole. Further, anapparatus 100 could be used near the house as well as the utility pole. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of a plate from the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . It should be appreciated that bothplates plate 102 is equally applicable to thesecond plate 104. - The
plate 102 comprises abody 206 having acenter position 208 and threeextension regions center position 208. In other words, each of theextension regions body 206 has a concave shape between each of the first, second, andthird extension regions - The
plate 102 further defines threeholes holes extension regions center position 208 and the perimeter of eachrespective extension region 201, 212 or even more proximate to the periphery or perimeter of these extension regions or thebody 206. Thethird hole 220 is positioned approximately in the center of thebody 206, specifically in thecenter position 208. Each of theholes holes extension regions third center hole 220 is configured to receive a ground wire (not shown). - More specifically, each
hole plate holes extension regions plate 102 are each configured to each receive the end of one of two conductors or phase wires and thecenter hole 220 of oneplate 102 is configured to receive the end of a ground wire. Similarly, theholes extension regions second plate 104 are each configured to each receive the end of one of two other conductors or phase wires and the center ole 220 of thesecond plate 104 is configured to receive the end of another ground wire. Theplates plate 102 are aligned with the holes of thesecond plate 104. As will be discussed in more detail below, in this arrangement, the ends of the conductors or ground wires in theholes plate 102 may be brought into physical contact with the ends of the conductors and ground wire in the corresponding holes of thesecond plate 104, thereby facilitating an electrical connection between the corresponding conductors and ground wire. - It should be appreciated that, in general, it is preferable to have the two
holes extension regions body 206 than the hole configured to receive a ground wire, which preferably is located at a position that is closer to the center or interior of thebody 206 than the holes that receive the conductors or phase wires. As will be discussed in more detail below, upon receiving a certain amount of tensional force upon any of the conductors or upon the ground wire, theplates holes body 206, the conductors will separate first before the ground wire connected to thehole 218 that is located closer to the center of thebody 206, thereby facilitating a safer disconnection of the conductors. Preferably, thehole 220 configured to receive the ground wire is located equidistance from both theholes FIG. 9 . - The
body 206 of the plate also defines threerecesses extension regions recesses FIGS. 4 and 5 ; however, the clip and tab are just one example of a connector that is used to hold bothplates plates -
FIG. 2 also illustrates that thebody 206 may contain reinforcingbars body 206. In this particular embodiment, there are three curved reinforcingbars bars body 206 and protect the integrity of thebody 206 when theplates bars plates body 206. This protective function of the reinforcingbars plates - It should be appreciated that although the
body 206 is shown as a flat plate, the geometry of the body does not necessarily have to be flat. It should be appreciated that the body may take any shape, and each body may have the same or different shape. However, the geometry of the body should facilitate making an electrical connection between the corresponding pairs of wires attached to the holes in each body when the bodies are positioned adjacent to each other. This is accomplished by a body shape that provides alignment of corresponding holes in each body when the bodies are placed adjacent to each other. Making each body the same shape is advantageous since it only requires one body design to be manufactured. Any number of holes can be used, but preferably the holes are positioned so that upon separation of the two bodies, the conductors are preferably separated before the ground wire. Because of the different possible shapes for the body design, it should be appreciated that the reinforcing bars are not confined to a particular size or geometry but may be used with any body shape. - The body may be made from any material. For example, the
plates -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . As illustrated, the twoplates plate holes body 206 of eachplate plate 102 would have at least oneflat surface 302 that would be placed adjacent to a correspondingflat surface 304 of thesecond plate 104. This facilitates the physical and electrical connection between the conductor wires and ground wires. It should be appreciated that it is not critical that the corresponding conductors and ground wires held by eachplate - As shown in
FIG. 3 , afirst conductor 306 is attached adjacent to ahole 218 on thefirst plate 102 using a male crimp-on connector (not shown), which is described in more detail in connection withFIG. 8 . Asecond conductor 308 is attached adjacent to ahole 216 on thesecond plate 104 using a female crimp-on connector (not shown), which is described in more detail in connection withFIG. 8 . When theplates first conductor 306 and thesecond conductor 308 then come into electrical contact with each other through a physical connection between the male and female crimp-on connectors.FIG. 3 also shows twoconnectors connector 400 is disposed adjacent to an extension region having ahole 216 for a conductor wire. Asecond connector 500 is disposed adjacent to an extension region that does not have a hole. A third connector (not shown) similar to theconnector 400 adjacent to an extension region is also used to hold theplates hole 218 for a conductor. These connectors are discussed in more detail in connection withFIGS. 4 and 5 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector of the present invention. Theconnector 400 comprises abase 402 and twotabs base 402. As shown, bothtabs -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of another connector of the present invention. Theconnector 500 comprises abase 502 and twotabs base 502. As shown, onetab 504 extends from the base 502 at approximately a right angle, and theother tab 506 extends from the base 502 at an angle other than a right angle. More specifically, thistab 506 extends from the base at an obtuse angle or an angle preferably greater than a right angle. As will be discussed in more detail below, the angle at which thistab 506 extends from the base, among other things, is important in determining at what tensional load the twoplates -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 and the connector ofFIG. 4 . As illustrated, theconnector 400 as provided inFIG. 4 holds theplates tab 404 into therecess 226 located at the perimeter of theextension region 214 of thefirst plate 102 that does not have a hole for receiving a conductor wire. Theother tab 406 that is not inserted into therecess 226 contacts the outer surface of thesecond plate 104 to facilitate a tight fit between theconnector 400 and the twoplates - In this particular embodiment, it should be appreciated that the design of the
connector 400 is symmetrical, which facilitates the insertion of eithertab recess 226 of eitherplate plates -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 and the connector ofFIG. 5 . As illustrated inFIG. 7 , theconnector 500 as provided inFIG. 5 is used to join theplates extension region 210 having ahole 216 for a conductor wire. Thetab 504 that extends from the connector at an approximate right angle is inserted into therecess 222 located at the perimeter of thefirst extension area 210 of thefirst plate 102. In this case, theother tab 506 that is not inserted into the recess does not contact the surface of thesecond plate 104, except for some contact at the point where thistab 506 meets thebase 502 of the connector, because of the obtuse angle at which thetab 506 extends from thebase 502. In other words, thetab 506 that is not inserted into a recess extends away from the side of thesecond plate 104. It should be appreciated that a second connector, like the connector shown inFIG. 5 , is also used in theother extension region 212 having ahole 218 for a second conductor wire. Similarly thetab 504 that extends from the connector at an approximate right angle is inserted into therecess 224 located in the perimeter of thesecond extension region 212 of theplate 102. Again, it should be appreciated that both connectors used in the extension regions having the holes for the conductor wires may be inserted into the corresponding recesses in thesecond plate 104 rather than thefirst plate 102, or one connector may be inserted in one recess of one plate and the second connector may be inserted into the recess of the second plate. As will be discussed below, to facilitate separation of the plates, it is preferable to have the extension regions having holes for the conductor wires, as opposed to the ground wire, separate before the ground wire separates. Using theconnectors 500 having a tab with an obtuse angle in these extension regions facilitates separation of theplates extension regions holes plates center 208, where thehole 220 is for the ground wire. - In operation, when the
apparatus 100 is fully assembled, theconnectors extension regions plates connectors plates connectors connectors 500 holding the first andsecond extension regions holes extension regions plates connectors 500 havingtabs 506 that extend away from the outside surface of theplates tab 506 extends away from the outside surface of theplates plates plates connectors 500 holding the first andsecond extension regions holes extension regions - The movement or shifting of the
plates particular connector 500. By having thenon-inserted tab 506 extend out from the base 502 at an obtuse angle, a space is created between the outer surface of the plate and thenon-inserted tab 506, which allows theplates extension region 214 that does not have a hole for receipt of a conductor and that utilizes a connector that fits snugly against the outer surface of the plate. - Once the
connectors 500 in the perimeter of the first andsecond extension regions plates second extension regions plates third extension region 214 having no hole, thereby causing theapparatus 100 to open up at an angle. Eventually, the insertedtab 404 from theconnector 400 slips out of therecess 226 in thethird extension region 214, as theplates connector 400 from thethird extension region 214 having no hole completes the separation process of theplates obtuse angle 500 are designed to allow the plates to separate in those corresponding extension regions first, it is possible that only one of the two connectors will break or release first rather than both. Further, even if both of these connectors do bend or break it is not necessary that they bend or break simultaneously. - Moreover, it should be appreciated that the designs of the
connectors plates plates plates - Other design features for the connectors include a mechanism to facilitate the controlled separation of the device, such as the bending or breaking of the connectors as described above. One way of incorporating such a mechanism is to set the design around the release load, which is the point in which the tensional force has exceeded a predetermined load. In the particular embodiment of the
connector 500 shown inFIG. 5 , the release load design aspect may lead to a variety of choices for the angle at which thetab 506 extends from thebase 502. In one embodiment, this angle is approximately 135°. The thickness of thetabs - Another design factor is the material selection for the connectors. A wide variety of materials can be used in making these connectors, including, for example, plastic, steel and graphite. The material selection for the connectors is also a factor in determining the amount of tensional force that will result in bending or breakage of the connectors and separations of the plates. For instance, when requiring a smaller release load, less rigid materials, such as a softer plastic, can be used to facilitate bending or breaking of the connector and separation of the plates. As noted above, a preferred angle is 135° with a preferred design that would allow the plates to separate upon receiving a tensional load of approximately 1000 lbs, wherein the
apparatus 100 is placed within 2 feet of a transformer on a service drop line. -
FIG. 8A is a side view of a female crimp-onconnector 312 according to one embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 8B is a side view of a male crimp-onconnector 310 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The female crimp-onconnector 312 is configured to receive one end of an individual conductor wire and is securely held onto the end of the conductor wire by crimping. Similarly the male crimp-onconnector 310 is configured to receive one end of an individual conductor wire and is securely held onto the end of the conductor wire by crimping. - The female crimp-on
connector 312 can be joined to the male crimp-connector 804, forming a union of crimp-onconnectors connectors holes connectors plates connectors holes connector - Since the crimp-on
connectors plates connectors plates connectors FIG. 9 . Alternatively, the plates may be made from a non-conductive material. - Given that the crimp-on
connectors connectors connectors plates connectors -
FIG. 9 is a side view of a fully-assembled apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. As described earlier, theplates connectors connectors 500 holding the first andsecond extension areas holes extension regions plates connector 312 and the male crimp-onconnector 310, along with the conductors held by the crimp-onconnectors conductors connectors plates Rubber grommets 902 are positioned between the male crimp-onconnector 310 and thefirst plate 102 and between the female crimp-onconnector 312 and thesecond plate 104. Therubber grommets 902, which have been treated with UV inhibitors, are used to electrically isolate the crimped-onconnectors plates ground wire 904 is received by thethird hole 220 located in the center of thefirst plate 102, while anotherground wire 906 is received by thethird hole 220 located in the center of thesecond plate 104. In this particular embodiment, theground wires plate ground wires plates - In this particular embodiment, nipples 908, which may be connected or integral to the
plates plates ground wires 904. The nipples 908 are preferably tapered, such that the raised area adjacent to theplate plate ground wires hole 220 without additional securing. However, theground wires plates bolt 910 on the surface of eitherplate -
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the use of one embodiment of the present invention. The fully assembledapparatus 100 is positioned along aservice drop wire 1002 comprising conductors and ground wires (not shown individually) that extends from autility pole 1006 to abuilding 1004. Disposed between theresidence building 1004 and theutility pole 1006 along theservice wire 1002 are atransformer 1008 and theapparatus 100. As illustrated theapparatus 100 is positioned closer to thetransformer 1008 than thebuilding 1004. Preferably, theapparatus 100 is placed within 2 feet of the transformer. As such, a shorter length 1012 of theservice drop wire 1002 extends between thetransformer 1008 and theapparatus 100, and a longer length 1014 of theservice drop wire 1002 extends between theapparatus 100 and thebuilding 1004. However, theapparatus 100 could be placed closer to thebuilding 1004 or in any position along theservice drop wire 1002. - Upon receiving a tensional force on the
service drop line 1002, such as one from a fallentree 1010, theapparatus 100 physically and electrically separates each of the two conductors from the corresponding pair of conductors extending from thetransformer 1008 and physically and electrically separates the ground wire from the corresponding ground wire extending from thetransformer 1008. As a result of the separation of the conductor and ground wires from the apparatus, one portion of theservice wire 1002 extending from thetransformer 1008 drops to the ground, while the other portion of theservice wire 1002 extending from thebuilding 1004 drops to the ground in a separate location. The dropping of these service wire portions prevents the tensional force from the fallentree 1010 severely damaging the service hardware attached to thebuilding 1004 and theutility pole 1006, including thetransformer 1008. The prevention of damage to the service hardware saves money for the utility company, while also making the situation safer for residents and the utility company service crew since the dropped service wire would be energized. - In addition, with the separation of the conductor and ground wires, the
apparatus 100 falls onto the ground, although it should be appreciated that depending upon the relative lengths of the portions of the service drop wire 1012, 1014 to the height from the ground, it is possible that the separated plates may not actually hit the ground. The rugged design of theapparatus 100 allows the apparatus to be re-used again on the same or different service wire. To re-use the apparatus, the utility company service crew would simply position theplates - In a multi-service arrangement, in which power is distributed along the same transformer for at least two or more customers, the conductors and ground wires that service each customer are in close proximity to the conductors and ground wires that service other customers. When a tensional force is placed upon any of the conductors or ground wires in a multi-service arrangement, such as when a tree limb collapses onto one of the sets of conductors or ground wire extending to one customer, in addition to the concerns relating to building and service hardware damages as noted before, another concern emerges: how to safely and effectively disengage the stressed conductor or ground wire without disrupting the other customers' service.
-
FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention for a multi-service arrangement. This embodiment addresses the new concern raised in a multi-service arrangement of how to safely and effectively disengage a stressed conductor or ground wire without disrupting power for other customers while also addressing the need to release a stressed conductor or ground wire before structural or hardware damage occurs. Theapparatus 1102 comprises aswitchboard box 1104 and amechanical breakaway device 1106, in which both theswitchboard box 1104 andmechanical breakaway device 1106 are attached to autility pole 1108. A plurality of conductors and ground wires run through theholes 1110 on theswitchboard box 1104. For example, each customer's service connection may comprise a pair of conductors and one ground wire that are fitted into crimp-onconnectors 1112, which are inserted into theholes 1110 on theswitchboard box 1104, preferably in a single column ofholes 1110 for each customer.FIG. 11 demonstrates the service connection for one customer by using twoconductors 1114 and aground wire 1116 attached to theswitchboard box 1104, with the remainingholes 1110 on theswitchboard box 1104 left open for the later installation of service for other customers.Other conductors 1118 are connected between theswitchboard box 1104 to atransformer 1120 on thesame utility pole 1108 to provide power from thetransformer 1120 to each service connection. Anotherground wire 1122 is connected between theswitchboard box 1104 and the actual ground surface at the bottom of theutility pole 1108. Generally, themechanical breakaway device 1106 is attached to theutility pole 1108 somewhere below theswitchboard box 1104 and can be secured by any means known to one of skill in the art, such as using aneyebolt 1124. Themechanical breakaway device 1106 receives a ground wire, in which this ground wire serves as amessenger wire 1126 that provides structural support for the service drop wires (conductors and individual ground wires) between theutility pole 1108 and their end points at each customer's location. - In general operation, and as will be discussed in more detail below, electrical service to each customer is achieved by connecting the corresponding conductors and ground wires of each customer to the
switchboard box 1104 and by connecting conductors from thetransformer 1120 to theswitchboard box 1104, thereby electrically connecting power from the overhead lines to the service drop conductors. The corresponding conductors and ground wire for each customer that are connected to theswitchboard box 1104 act collectively as the service drop line for that customer. The ground wire extending from themechanical breakaway device 1106, also known as themessenger wire 1126, supports the service drop line coming out of theswitchboard box 1104 to the customer's building. Thus, themessenger wire 1126 is placed below the conductors and ground wires from theswitchboard box 1104 for mechanical support. In this multi-service arrangement, each customer's service drop line is supported by itsown messenger wire 1126, so there is generally a plurality ofmessenger wires 1126 attached to theutility pole 1108 via separatemechanical breakaway devices 1106. Upon the application of a predetermined amount of tensional force upon, for example, the power line for a particular customer, this embodiment of the present invention is designed so that themechanical breakaway device 1106 detaches from theutility pole 1108 first, thereby releasing themessenger wire 1126 first, which is followed by the detachment of the stressed power line from theswitchboard box 1104. In other words, once themessenger wire 1126 detaches, the supporting mechanism for the power lines is removed, so that the power line drops shortly after themessenger wire 1126 has been released, thereby avoiding any transfer of tension to thetransformer 1120,utility pole 1108 or the customer's building. In addition the service drop line that falls would be electrically disconnected and, therefore, not electrically charged. It should be appreciated that should the tensional stress on the power line for a particular customer also affect other service drop lines, those power lines would be disconnected as well. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the switchboard box ofFIG. 11 . Theswitchboard box 1104 is any type of enclosure or housing that is capable of housing the connections made between the conductors from thetransformer 1120 and the service drop wires. Theswitchboard box 1104 comprises a plurality ofservice drop connectors 1202 disposed inside of theswitchboard box 1104. Theservice drop connectors 1202 each comprise aflat body 1208 having a plurality of connectingportions 1204 and asingle end connector 1206. A predetermined number of connectingportions 1204 are arranged in a column along theflat body 1208 and thesingle end connector 1206 is attached at one end of theflat body 1208. Each of theconnection portions 1204 is configured as a tube that is open along its length. The connectingportions 1204 are aligned with theholes 1110 on the outer surface of theswitchboard box 1104 so that crimp-onconnectors 1112 withconductors 1114 or ground wires may be inserted through theholes 1110 and into the connectingportions 1204. Similarly theend connector 1206 is aligned with anoutlet opening 1210 located at the bottom surface of theswitchboard box 1104 so that either crimp-onconnectors 1112 can be inserted or individual conductors or ground wires may be fitted into theend connector 1206. - The material for the
service drop connectors 1202 can be any suitable conductive material. For example, aluminum, copper or any conductive metal, such as conductive polymers, can be used to fabricate theservice drop connectors 1202. Theservice drop connectors 1202 are situated within inswitchbox 1104 in an insulating material, such as rubber or polyethylene, so that the conductors and ground wires for each customer service connection remain electrically isolated from each other. - It should be appreciated that the
service drop connectors 1202 do not have to reside within theswitchboard box 1104. For example, theservice drop connectors 1202 can function as intended, i.e., holding connectors and wires while acting as a conductor, outside of theswitchboard box 1104, but it would be subject to environmental elements. Hence, an exposed set service drop connectors would need to be designed to withstand the rigors of the environment, such as wind, sun and rain exposure. If using a conductive metal to make theservice drop connectors 1202, then the insulating material enveloping theservice drop connectors 1202 would act to avoid oxidation of the metal. - Similarly, when implementing this embodiment of the present invention with a
switchboard box 1104, theswitchboard box 1104 design and selection should be such that it can withstand the outdoor elements. Theswitchboard box 1104 is designed to protect theservice drop connectors 1202 from the outdoor elements. For example, theswitchboard box 1104 should be made of a material that is strong enough to withstand the elements, such as plastic or metal. Theholes 1110 andopenings 1210 on the surfaces of theswitchboard box 1104 should approximately be the same size as the openings of the connectingportions 1204 and thesingle end connectors 1206. Likewise, the geometry of theholes 1110 andopenings 1210 on the surfaces of theswitchboard box 1104 should match the geometry of the openings of the connectingportions 1204 and thesingle end connectors 1206, such as circular holes with circular tubes or octagonal holes with octagonal tubes, etc. By having the same size and geometry for these items, it not only facilitates easier insertion of the crimp-onconnectors 1112, but it also minimizes gaps between theinternal structure 1112 and theswitchboard box 1104holes 1110 andopenings 1210, in which air and precipitation could leak into such gaps and damage theservice drop connectors 1202. - It should also be appreciated that a
switchboard box 1104 is not necessary to protect theservice drop connectors 1202 from the outdoor elements. Any suitable protective covering design can be used. The protective covering can be of any suitable geometry with any suitable number of surfaces. For instance, a protective covering can be extended over the top, sides and bottom of the service drop connectors, while leaving the front of the service connectors uncovered and having outlet openings at the bottom of the protective covering. The protective covering should be constructed with a durable material that can withstand the outdoor elements. When using a switchboard box or protective covering, it is preferable to have a back surface behind the service drop connectors so that the switchboard box or protective covering can be readily mounted on the utility pole. - Regardless of which embodiment of the present invention is used, the
service drop connectors 1202 in theswitchboard box 1104 should be situated near thetransformer 1120 so thatconductors 1118 leading out of thetransformer 1120 can be readily inserted into theservice drop connectors 1202 within theswitchboard box 1104. Theswitchboard box 1104 can be attached to theutility pole 1108 by using any means known to one of skill in the art, such as using standard pole hardware or connectors. -
FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of a single service drop connector ofFIG. 11 . In operation, there would be a plurality of suchservice drop connector 1202 residing within theswitchboard box 1104. Theservice drop connector 1202 comprises aflat body 1208 having a plurality of connectingportions 1204 and asingle end connector 1206. The connectingportions 1204 have a relativelyflat side 1302 that is used to attach the connectingportions 1204 to theflat body 1208. This relativelyflat side 1302 of the connectingportions 1204, facilitates a more elastic, spring-like effect in thetubular members 1204 so that the connectingportions 1204 expand and contract somewhat when the crimp-onconnectors 1112 are inserted or pulled out of the connectingportions 1204, as well as when holding the crimp-onconnectors 1112 in place. Similarly, thesingle end connector 1206 is also designed with a relativelyflat side 1304, in which the relativelyflat side 1304 is used to attach thesingle end connector 1206 to theflat body 1208. Similarly to the connectingportions 1204, the relativelyflat side 1304 of thesingle end connector 1206 facilitates a more elastic, spring-like effect in thesingle end connector 1206 so that thesingle end connector 1206 expands and contracts somewhat when a crimp-onconnector 1112,conductor 1118 orground wire 1122 is inserted or pulled out of thesingle end connector 1206, as well as when holding the crimp-onconnectors 1112,conductor 1118 orground wire 1122 in place. Additionally, the expansion and contraction characteristic of the connectingportions 1204 andsingle end connector 1206 also facilitate easier insertion and removal of crimp-onconnectors 1112,conductors 1118 orground wires 1122. - It should be appreciated that the connecting
portions 1204 andsingle end connector 1206 do not require relativelyflat sides connectors 1122. For example, connectingportions 1204 andsingle end connector 1206 may be tailored to the shape of the wire or crimp-on connectors being inserted. For example, the connecting portions may be octagonal in shape to receive a crimp-on connector that is octagonal in shape. The geometry and configuration of the connectingportions 1204 andsingle end connector 1206 should also take into consideration the tightness of the conductor, ground wire or wire connector fit. The tightness of such a fit is a factor in the design of the present invention so that the stressed conductor or ground wire may drop at the designated tension load. When using the crimp-onconnectors 1122 in this particular embodiment of the present invention with the connectingportions 1204 having a relativelyflat side 1302 attached to theflat member 1208, it is desirable to have a friction fit between the crimp-onconnectors 1112 and the connectingportions 1204 to facilitate a quicker release of the stressed conductor or ground wire after themessenger wire 1126 is detached. The separation of the stressed conductor or ground wire will be discussed in greater detail later. -
FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of a portion of the mechanical breakaway device ofFIG. 11 . In this particular embodiment, a breakingmember 1402 is the top component of themechanical breakaway device 1106 and is a wedge clamp-like device. The breakingmember 1402 has two distinct portions. Thefirst portion 1404 is a thin block used to facilitate the attachment of themechanical breakaway device 1106 to theutility pole 1108, and it is located at one end of the breakingmember 1402. For example, thefirst portion 1404 can be inserted into a hole on theutility pole 1108 or secured by fitting aneyebolt 1124 through a hole (not shown) in thefirst portion 1404 of the breakingmember 1402. Thesecond portion 1406 of the breakingmember 1402 resembles a trough, but the bottom and side walls of thesecond portion 1406 are tapered and are closer together near thefirst portion 1404 of the breakingmember 1402. Ahole 1408 is located in the area near the union of the twoportions hole 1408 is designed to weaken the breakingmember 1402, so that the breakingmember 1402 breaks upon the application of excessive tension on themessenger wire 1126. In other words, the hole serves as an initiation area for breaking to occur. Therefore, the design of this hole, which may take any shape or size, is critical to the load at which the breakingmember 1402 will actually break. A larger hole will allow the breakingmember 1402 to break more easily or upon application of a lower tensional force than a smaller hole. The operation of the breakingmember 1402 as used in conjunction with the overallmechanical breakaway device 1106 is discussed below in connection withFIGS. 15-17 . -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the mechanical breakaway device ofFIG. 11 . In addition to the breakingmember 1402 described above, themechanical breakaway device 1106 also comprises a grippingmember 1502. In this particular embodiment, the grippingmember 1502 is U- or V-shaped, withside walls 1504 that extend over the top of theside walls 1506 of the breakingmember 1402. Thetop edges 1508 of theside walls 1504 of the grippingmember 1502 should contact thetop edges 1510 of theside walls 1506 of the breakingmember 1402. Thetop edges 1508 of theside walls 1504 of the grippingmember 1502 should be somewhat curved to facilitate the gripping of thetop edges 1510 of theside walls 1506 of the breakingmember 1402. Thetop edges 1508 of theside walls 1504 of the grippingmember 1502 should be such that they facilitate sliding of the grippingmember 1502 across thetop edges 1510 of theside walls 1506 of the breakingmember 1402. -
FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the mechanical breakaway device ofFIG. 11 . In this view, the grippingmember 1502 is positioned closer to thefirst portion 1404 of the breakingmember 1402. In this particular embodiment, when the grippingmember 1502 is positioned closer to thefirst portion 1404 of the breakingmember 1402, there should be an opening formed at themouth 1602 of the grippingmember 1402 that is large enough for the insertion of the messenger wire 1126 (not shown). As the grippingmember 1502 is positioned closer to thefirst portion 1404 of the breakingmember 1402, the opening at the mouth of the grippingmember 1502 becomes larger. -
FIG. 17 provides yet another perspective view of the mechanical breakaway device ofFIG. 11 . In this view, themechanical breakaway device 1106 is shown with themessenger wire 1126. In this particular embodiment, when the grippingmember 1502 is positioned at the end of thesecond portion 1406 of the breakingmember 1402, the opening formed at themouth 1602 of the grippingmember 1502 is more narrow than the opening formed when the grippingmember 1502 was closer to thefirst portion 1404 of the breakingmember 1402, so that the narrowed opening holds themessenger wire 1126 firmly in place. As the grippingmember 1502 is positioned closer to the end of thesecond portion 1406 of the breakingmember 1402, the opening at the mouth of the grippingmember 1502 becomes narrower, eventually becoming too narrow to insert themessenger wire 1126. Therefore, themessenger wire 1126 has to be inserted first when the grippingmember 1502 is positioned closer to thefirst portion 1404 of the breakingmember 1402, and the grippingmember 1502 is then positioned back to the end of thesecond portion 1406 of the breakingmember 1402 to form a firm hold over themessenger wire 1126. - It should be appreciated that the breaking member can come in any suitable shape or form, as long as there is a portion of the breaking member that can be attached to a utility pole and a portion to facilitate the holding of a messenger wire. The portion of the breaking member that is attached to the utility pole should be designed so that the messenger wire in the mechanical breakaway device can hang relatively freely so that it can sway up and down or side-to-side when the wind blows to allow some freedom of movement for the messenger wire. The portion of the breaking member that facilitates the holding of the messenger wire should be designed with features that allow the gripping member to cling onto the surface of the breaking member. Further to the embodiment described before, the top edges of the breaking member's side walls, for example, can have grooves, channels, slots, or notches that allow the top edges of the gripping member's 1502 side walls to fit into the breaking member more snugly.
- Since the breaking
member 1402 is designed to break, the material selection also plays a role in the breaking process. The materials used in fabricating the breakingmember 1402 should be sufficiently durable to withstand the outdoor elements but yet soft or flexible enough to break under the application of a predetermined tension load. For example, aluminum and plastic are suitable materials. Alternatively, higher strength materials may be used to require a higher tensional load before the breaking member actually fails. Another factor in breaking the breakingmember 1402 is the thickness of the material, in which a thinner material favors quicker breaking at lower tensional loads and a thicker material favors slower breaking at higher tensional loads. - Besides material selection and thickness, the
hole 1408 on the breaking member's 1402 surface plays a role in the breaking process. The size and shape of thehole 1408 on the breakingmember 1402 varies according to the predetermined tension load requirement. For instance, when the predetermined tension load is set on the lower end, the hole should be larger and/or more pointed to facilitate quicker breaking of themechanical breakaway device 1106. To facilitate quicker breaking at a lower tension load, the breakingmember 1402 can also be perforated with a plurality of holes of the same shape and size or varying shapes and sizes. The plurality of holes can be arranged in any manner, such as a straight line or a zigzag pattern. As mentioned earlier, thehole 1408 serves an initiation area for breaking, so alternatively the initiation area for breaking can be any shape or form, such as a partial cut, indentation, or notch on the surface of the breakingmember 1402. The depth and size of the partial cut, indentation, notch is based on the predetermined tension load requirement. A longer and deeper partial cut, indentation, or notch facilitates quicker breaking. - It should also be appreciated that the gripping member can be in any suitable shape or form, as long as it is designed to hold the
messenger wire 1126 in place with the breakingmember 1402. For example, the gripping member can be U-shaped in a box-type or rectangular manner. However, if the gripping member is to be re-used after themechanical breakaway device 1106 breaks apart, the design of the gripping member should also reflect that aspect by, for example, implementing a more rounded design to survive the impact of the fall. The gripping member can be optionally designed to slide across the top edges of the breaking member to facilitate the opening size of the gripping member for the insertion and holding of themessenger wire 1126. The side walls of the gripping member can be somewhat flexible so that the gripping member just clamps themessenger wire 1126 in place against the breakingmember 1402 by pulling on the gripping member's side walls a little to fit onto the breakingmember 1402. Alternatively, the gripping member can be attached to the breakingmember 1402 via a hinge so that themechanical breakaway device 1106 resembles more of a clamp to hold themessenger wire 1126 in place. - Since the
mechanical breakaway device 1106 is placed outdoors, the material selection for the gripping member should be durable so that it can withstand the elements of the outdoors. Further, given that themechanical breakaway device 1106 is designed to break when the predetermined tensional load has been met or exceeded, the material selection for the grippingmember 1502 should reflect that possibility. The material for fabricating the grippingmember 1502 should also withstand the impact of falling onto the ground when themechanical breakaway device 1106 breaks via the breakingmember 1402. By withstanding the impact from falling, the grippingmember 1502 can be re-used when attached to another breakingmember 1402. - In operation, the
apparatus 1102 is generally placed below thetransformer 1120, in which theswitchboard box 1104 is disposed between thetransformer 1120 and themechanical breakaway device 1106, so that the customer's service drop line from theswitchboard box 1104 is positioned above themessenger wire 1126 from themechanical breakaway device 1106. Upon receiving the application of a tensional force on at least one customer's service drop line, such as from a fallen tree, theapparatus 1102 physically and electrically separates each of the stressed conductors and ground wire by first releasing thecorresponding messenger wire 1126 followed by the affected customer's service drop line or wires. In effect, once a predetermined load on themessenger wire 1126 is reached, which in one embodiment is approximately 1000 lbs., thebreakaway device 1106 fails thereby allowing the messenger wire to fall from theutility pole 1108. In addition, the service drop lines, which may include more than one, will also simply pull from the respective servicedrop wire connectors 1204 inside of theswitchbox 1104 and also fall to the ground. - The dropping of these service wire portions prevents the tensional force from severely damaging the service hardware attached to the building and the
utility pole 1108, including thetransformer 1120, without interrupting service for other customers having service drop wires that were not stressed. The prevention of damage to the service hardware saves money for the utility company, while also making the situation safer for residents and the utility company service crew since the dropped service wire would be energized. - In addition, with the separation of the
messenger wire 1126, conductors and ground wire, one portion of theapparatus 1102, specifically themechanical breakaway device 1106, may also drop to the ground after the breakingmember 1402 breaks. When themechanical breakaway device 1106 drops to the ground, the tensional force on the messenger wire must have been great enough to have ruptured thefirst portion 1404 of the breakingmember 1402 that is attached to theutility pole 1108. It is also possible that themessenger wire 1126 is dropped without themechanical breakaway device 1106 falling onto the ground. In such cases, the tensional force on themessenger wire 1126 only breaks thesecond portion 1406 of the breakingmember 1402 that facilitates the holding of themessenger wire 1126, so that the brokenmechanical breakaway device 1106 is still attached to theutility pole 1108. Regardless of whether themechanical breakaway device 1106 falls or not, the utility service crew will need to replace the breakingmember 1402 when they re-connect themessenger wire 1126. - While the foregoing description and drawings represent various embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the foregoing description should not be deemed limiting since additions, variations, modification and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be clear to one of skill in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions and using other elements, materials and components. For example, although the apparatus is described in connection with the use of two conductors and one ground wire, the apparatus can be adapted for use with more or less wires. Further, although the invention has been described in terms of flat plates, other geometries may be used. Further, in connection with the multi-service drop apparatus, although the apparatus is described in connection with the use of two conductors and one ground wire for one customer's service drop line, the apparatus can be adapted for use with more or less wires per service drop. Further, although the invention has been described in terms of a switchboard box and a mechanical breakaway device, other configurations of these devices may be used as long as they perform the same respective functions. The present disclosed embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims and not limited to the foregoing description.
Claims (29)
1-18. (canceled)
19. A method for electrically and mechanically separating two pairs of conductors and one pair of ground wires upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires, comprising:
receiving a tensional force on a service drop line comprising two conductors and a ground wire attached to a corresponding pair of conductors and a corresponding ground wire extending from a utility pole;
physically and electrically separating each of said two conductors from said corresponding pair of conductors extending from the utility pole; and
subsequently physically and electrically separating said ground wire from said corresponding ground wire extending from the utility pole.
20. An apparatus for connecting a plurality of conductors and a plurality of ground wires and for allowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires, comprising:
a plurality of crimp-on connectors configured to receive said conductors and said ground wires;
a box having a plurality of holes configured to receive said crimp-on connectors on a first surface of said box, in which said box is attached to a first location on a utility pole;
at least one mechanical breakaway device configured to receive one of said ground wires, in which said mechanical breakaway device is attached to a second location on said utility pole; and
wherein said mechanical breakaway device releases said received ground wire first upon an application of a tensional force on said conductors or said ground wires, such that said tensional force on said conductors then increases on said conductors, thereby pulling said crimp-on connectors out of said box and releasing said conductors and said ground wires that are attached to said crimp-on connectors.
21. The apparatus as in claim 20 , wherein said holes on said surface of said box are equidistantly spaced apart in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction.
22. The apparatus as in claim 20 , wherein said box having an internal structure disposed inside of said box.
23. The apparatus as in claim 20 , wherein said box having a plurality of outlet openings on a second surface of said box.
24. The apparatus as in claim 22 , wherein said internal structure further comprising a plurality of tubular members, a plurality of holding tubular members, and a plurality of flat members
25. The apparatus as in claim 23 , wherein said tubular members are aligned with said holes and are configured to receive said crimp-on connectors.
26. The apparatus as in claim 24 , wherein said internal structure having said tubular members disposed in a plurality of columns and oriented perpendicularly to said utility pole.
27. The apparatus as in claim 26 , wherein said tubular members are attached to said flat members.
28. The apparatus as in claim 23 , wherein said holding tubular members are attached to said flat members and are oriented in a direction parallel with said utility pole.
29. The apparatus as in claim 23 , wherein said holding tubular members are aligned with said outlet openings.
30. The apparatus as in claim 29 , wherein said holding tubular members hold a first portion of said conductors and a first portion of said ground wires in place inside of said box and within said internal structure as a second portion of said conductors and a second portion of said ground wires are positioned outside of said box from said outlet openings through said holding tubular members.
31. The apparatus as in claim 22 , wherein said internal structure is made of a conductive material.
32. The apparatus as in claim 22 , wherein said internal structure is disposed within an insulating material.
33. The apparatus as in claim 20 , wherein said mechanical breakaway device further comprising a first end and a second end, in which said first end is attached to said second location on said utility pole and said second end holds said received ground wires as a messenger wire.
34. The apparatus as in claim 33 , wherein said second end of said mechanical breakaway device further comprising a breaking member and a gripping member, in which said breaking member covers a top portion of said messenger wire and said gripping member covers a bottom portion of said messenger wire.
35. The apparatus as in claim 34 , wherein said gripping member covers said bottom portion of said messenger wire by gripping onto said breaking member.
36. The apparatus as in claim 34 , wherein said breaking member further comprising a first end, a second end, and an initiation area for breaking, in which said initiation area for breaking is located near said first end, where said first end is connected to said utility pole, and said second end receives said messenger wire.
37. An apparatus for connecting a plurality of conductors and a plurality of ground wires and for allowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires, comprising:
a plurality of crimp-on connectors configured to receive said conductors and said ground wires;
a structure with a first surface attached to a first location on a utility pole;
a plurality of tubular members attached to a second surface of said structure, wherein said tubular members are configured to receive said crimp-on connectors;
at least one mechanical breakaway device configured to receive one of said ground wires, in which said mechanical breakaway device is attached to a second location on said utility pole; and
wherein said mechanical breakaway device releases said received ground wire first upon an application of a tensional force on said conductors or said ground wires, such that said tensional force on said conductors then increases on said conductors, thereby pulling said crimp-on connectors out of said tubular members and releasing said conductors that are attached to said crimp-on connectors.
38. The apparatus as in claim 37 , wherein said tubular members are disposed in a plurality of columns and are oriented perpendicularly to said utility pole.
39. The apparatus as in claim 37 further comprises a plurality of holding tubular members, wherein said holding tubular members are attached to said structure and are oriented in a direction parallel to said utility pole.
40. The apparatus as in claim 39 , wherein said holding tubular members are disposed below said tubular members and are configured to have a first portion of said conductors and said ground wires be positioned above said holding tubular members, a second portion of said conductors and said ground wires be positioned within said holding tubular members, and a third portion of said conductors and said ground wires be positioned below said holding tubular members.
41. The apparatus as in claim 39 , wherein said tubular members, said holding tubular members, and said structure are made of a conductive material.
42. The apparatus as in claim 41 , wherein said tubular members, said holding tubular members, and said structure are disposed within an insulating material.
43. The apparatus as in claim 37 , wherein said mechanical breakaway device further comprising a first end and a second end, in which said first end is attached to said second location on said utility pole and said second end holds said received ground wires as a messenger wire.
44. The apparatus as in claim 43 , wherein said second end of said mechanical breakaway device further comprising a breaking member and a gripping member, in which said breaking member covers a top portion of said messenger wire and said gripping member covers a bottom portion of said messenger wire by gripping onto said breaking member.
45. The apparatus as in claim 44 , wherein said breaking member further comprising a first end, a second end, and an initiation area for breaking, in which said initiation area for breaking is located near said first end, where said first end is connected to said utility pole, and said second end receives said messenger wire.
46. A method for electrically and mechanically separating a plurality of conductors and a ground wire in a multiple service installation system upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or said ground wire, comprising:
receiving a tensional force on a service drop line comprising a plurality of conductors and a ground wire, wherein said conductors and ground wire are attached in separate locations along a utility pole;
physically and electrically separating said ground wire from said utility pole first;
subsequently physically and electrically separating said conductors from said utility pole; and
wherein other service drop lines do not receive a tensional force and do not physically and electrically separate.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/199,769 US20050272294A1 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2005-08-08 | Apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
US11/477,072 US7392585B2 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2006-06-27 | Method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US52923603P | 2003-12-11 | 2003-12-11 | |
US10/742,249 US6971898B2 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2003-12-19 | Apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
US11/199,769 US20050272294A1 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2005-08-08 | Apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US10/742,249 Division US6971898B2 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2003-12-19 | Apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
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US11/477,072 Division US7392585B2 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2006-06-27 | Method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
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US20050272294A1 true US20050272294A1 (en) | 2005-12-08 |
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US10/742,249 Expired - Fee Related US6971898B2 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2003-12-19 | Apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
US11/199,769 Abandoned US20050272294A1 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2005-08-08 | Apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
US11/477,072 Expired - Lifetime US7392585B2 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2006-06-27 | Method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
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US10/742,249 Expired - Fee Related US6971898B2 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2003-12-19 | Apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
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US11/477,072 Expired - Lifetime US7392585B2 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2006-06-27 | Method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line |
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US (3) | US6971898B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1692746A4 (en) |
TW (1) | TWI252618B (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TW200537769A (en) | 2005-11-16 |
US20050130465A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 |
EP1692746A4 (en) | 2008-02-20 |
US6971898B2 (en) | 2005-12-06 |
US7392585B2 (en) | 2008-07-01 |
WO2005060527A3 (en) | 2005-11-10 |
WO2005060527A2 (en) | 2005-07-07 |
US20060246761A1 (en) | 2006-11-02 |
EP1692746A2 (en) | 2006-08-23 |
TWI252618B (en) | 2006-04-01 |
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Legal Events
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