Utility pole guy wire breakaway connector
US6245991A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02G7/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A guy wire breakaway connector for a utility pole will separate when impacted by a vehicle, to avoid damage to the vehicle or the pole, and injury to occupants of the vehicle. A pair of terminal members each has a tapered key with teeth that grip the guy wire, wedging the key against the guy wire to attach the breakaway connector. The terminal members engage one another in opposite directions, covered by a cylindrical, frangible sheath. Each terminal member has a shear surface angled to a longitudinal axis, and is disposed within a cavity in the opposite terminal member. A pivot element within each connector cavity has a beveled surface connected to the shear surface with a shear pin. The pivot elements are opposed and bear against one another in compression. A vehicle impacting the guy wire cause one the pivot elements to slide, shearing the shear pin. The terminal members will slide apart, breaking the sheath and separating the connector. A vehicle impacting the breakaway connector directly will cause the terminal members to pivot against one another, breaking the sheath and separating the connector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.