Adjustable telescoping utility pole

• US 6,045,288 A
• Filed: 10/20/1997
• Issued: 04/04/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/20/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Pasternak M. Randall
• Original Assignee: Pasternak M. Randall
• Inventors: Pasternak, M. Randall, Benda, Steven J.
• Primary Examiner(s): KIM, HARRY CHONG HYUN
• Application Number:
  US08/954,024
• Time in Patent Office: 897 Days
• Field of Search: 403/109.1, 403/109.2, 403/109.3, 403/109.5, 403/109.8, 403/367, 403/368, 403/371, 403/377, 403/297, 403/104, 403/289, 403/290, 294/19.1, 294/19.2, 248/414
• US Class Current: 403/109.3
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 7/14 locking in intermediate non-discrete positions the rod or tube being locked by a tilting clip F16B2/246
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32426 Plural distinct positions
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32483 Spring biased
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/535 with separate force-applying means

Abstract

An adjustable telescoping utility pole apparatus formed from a number of inter-received tubular members and frictional insert mechanisms. Each frictional insert mechanism has one end engaged with the inner diameter of the inner tubular member and a second end sidably engaged with the inner diameter of the outer tubular member.

Claims

1. A telescoping apparatus for attachment to a utility device, the apparatus comprising:

at least two hollow tubular members sized to fit one within the other, wherein one of said hollow tubular members has an outer surface diameter less than an inner surface diameter of the other hollow tubular member;

a friction insert mechanism comprising a cup-like section having an upper rim with two opposed slits formed thereon to form a pair of frictional engagement members for slidable frictional engagement with an inner surface of the other hollow tubular member, said cup-like section further having a transversely disposed coil spring located within the cup-like section and directly engaging and outwardly biasing the frictional engagement members; and

said friction insert mechanism further including an integrally formed, longitudinally extending base section, said base section having an outer periphery;

said outer periphery being sized to fit within said one hollow tubular member and including a continuous radially projecting rib engageable with an inner surface of said one hollow tubular member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one bushing having a base portion terminating in a radially extending lip portion and a continuous radially projecting rib extending from said base portion for attaching to an end of the other hollow tubular member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said base section includes a plurality of said continuous radially projecting ribs.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inner surface of said one hollow tubular member includes an end section having a threaded interior surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said continuous radially projecting rib is configured to provide a helically formed thread engageable with said threaded interior surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frictional engagement members are oppositely disposed and said slits begin at a top edge of the rim and extend toward said base section.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said slitted cup-like section tapers outwardly to provide an interference fit between said rim and said inner surface of said other hollow tubular member.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said hollow tubular members has an exterior surface and a predetermined length;

said tubular member having a sheath engaged with said exterior surface and extending a predetermined distance over said predetermined length.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spring disposed in the cup-like section provides independent biasing thereof for increased frictional engagement with the inner surface of the other hollow tubular member.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said spring comprises a coiled compression spring.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plug cap, said plug cap being attached to and enclosing an end of said other hollow tubular member.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said friction insert mechanism includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, continuous radially projecting ribs.

13. A frictional insert mechanism for providing a slidable fit between a pair of interfitting hollow tubular members, wherein one of said hollow tubular members has an outer surface diameter less than an inner surface diameter of the other hollow tubular member, said frictional insert mechanism comprising:

a cup-like section having an upper rim with two opposed slits formed thereon to form a pair of frictional engagement members for slidable frictional engagement with an inner surface of said other hollow tubular member, said cup-like section further having a transversely disposed coil spring located within the cup-like section and directly engaging and outwardly biasing the frictional engagement members; and

said frictional insert mechanism further including an integrally formed, longitudinally extending base section, said base section having an outer periphery;

said outer periphery being sized to fit within said one hollow tubular member and including a continuous radially projecting rib engageable with an inner surface of said one hollow tubular member.

14. The frictional insert mechanism of claim 13 wherein the spring is located in the proximity of the outer periphery to provide independent outwardly biasing for said cup-like section.

15. The frictional insert mechanism of claim 13 wherein said slitted cup-like section tapers outwardly to provide an interference fit between said rim and said inner surface of said other hollow tubular member.

16. The frictional insert mechanism of claim 13 further comprising a plug cap, said plug cap being attachable to and for enclosing an end of said other hollow tubular member.

17. The frictional insert mechanism of claim 13 wherein said continuous radially projecting rib is configured to provide a helically formed thread.