FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wireless communications pole, and more particularly to a portable, low visual impact wireless- / tele- communications pole that can be easily transported and rapidly assembled in place of use.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Antenna towers have long been used for supporting antennas used in wireless- / tele- communication networks, such as cellular communication systems. One common type of antenna tower is constructed of an interconnected lattice framework of steel beams. Another common type of antenna tower is a portable pole which comprising of a single tubular mast or pole extending upwardly from ground level. The portable poles have grown in popularity due to its low visual impact as compared with lattice type towers. The portable poles are also relatively low cost as compared with lattice type towers.

One common type of telecommunications pole which is made from or covered with other materials, such as fiberglass or concrete is also known. Outer walls of the telecommunications pole may be tapered or cylindrical.

In some rural, suburban, and urban locales, it is desirable and may be even mandated to disguise telecommunications poles. In the telecommunications industry, the term "stealth pole" has been coined to refer to a telecommunications pole that has been disguised. Heretofore, as exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 5, 611, 176, U.S. Pat. No. 5, 789, 649, U.S. Pat. No. 6, 122, 866 and U.S. Pat. No. 6, 434, 889, it has been known to disguise telecommunications pole as artificial trees, such as palm trees or pins trees, by wrapping or encasing such poles with various materials. Those materials which simulate tree trunks however are difficult to attach to such poles and cannot easily detach, as for later painting of such poles or other maintenance. As practiced heretofore, it can be very expensive to disguise a telecommunications pole as an artificial tree, not only when the pole is disguised initially but also when later paining of the pole, antenna reconfiguration, or other maintenance is undertake.

It would be desirable to construct a wireless communications pole having antenna arranged to accommodate carries or providers, and yet which presents a reduced visual impact and can be easily transportable, rapidly erected and installed to put into services. The present invention therefore provides a portable, low visual impact wireless- / tele- communications pole that can be easily transported and rapidly assembled in place of use. Moreover, the preferred embodiments of present invention provide a portable pole which can be subsequently removed from the place of use in a simple, quick and safe manner. The preferred embodiments of the present invention have for their purpose provide a portable base structure and/or footing which is well suited to use for supporting a temporary erected portable pole during extended period of time, and they can also be permanently used without requiring frequent attendance.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wireless communications pole, and more particularly to a portable, low visual impact wireless- / tele- communications pole that can be easily transported and rapidly assembled in place of use. Accordingly, The wireless- / tele- communications pole for wireless- / telecommunications applications comprising i) a portable cage having side panels and supporting frames assembled thereof forming an enclosed structure, at least one side panel is configured with an access door for maintenance or installation work; ii) a base structure to support the portable cage and mast characterized in that the wireless- / tele- communications pole includes: a) a portable pole constructed in modular form and having an identical but in different predetermined size of sectional poles permitting the sectional poles to be assembled section-by-section; b) a disguise material covers satellite disc/antennas, and partially or entirely covers the portable pole; and wherein the portable pole is securely mounted at a base centre portion of the portable cage.

Accordingly, the sectional poles of portable pole include lower-end pole section, intermediate pole sections, upper-end pole section and boom. Preferably, the sectional pole of portable pole is selectively fabricated from metal, concrete, or a fiber reinforced composite. Said sectional poles of portable pole are modular form of cylindrical pipe having predetermined diameter and length that can be connected and erected to desirable height. Alternatively, the sectional poles of portable pole can be a tapered or cylindrical body, or circular, polygonal, or polygonal body with rounded corners depending on user demands. The sectional poles of portable pole are provided with connecting flange at their distal end portions having apertures to receive fastening means. Accordingly, the connecting flange allows any connection of different predetermined diameter and length of sectional poles. The sectional poles of portable pole are in different predetermined diameter and length.

Preferably, the lower-end pole section and the intermediate pole sections are provided with an opening. Said opening serves as an access for installation of other electrical/electronics devices, accessories of communications equipments, communications cables or serves as access for maintenance works. Preferably, the opening is enclosed by a removably hingeable closure door. It will be appreciated that that the communications cables pass through the interior of the portable pole and connect to the antennas mounted on the upper-end pole section. Accordingly, the communications cables pass through the interior of the portable pole and connect to the antennas mounted on the upper-end pole section. The antennas are securely mounted to adjustable brackets that slidably attached along the upper-end pole section.

The portable pole can be extended to any desired height by adding sectional poles. Accordingly, the portable pole is dismantleable and can be kept into storage of the portable cage. The portable cage is served as counter weight for the portable pole. It will be appreciated that the base structure is constructed by I-beams, the I- beams of the base structure can be replaced or extended to accommodate additional portable cages.

According to preferred embodiment of present invention, the disguise materials can be of fabric, polymeric film, or weather-resistance shield that provides no interruption to the signals. Preferably, the disguise materials are display camouflage, such as camouflage simulating advertising billboard with advertising light configured thereon.

It will be appreciated that the portable pole is provided with plurality of removable steps. Preferably, the removable steps are slidably attached to prefabricated brackets that disposed along peripheral surface of the pole sections. The removable steps are securely mounted to the pre-fabricated brackets by a simple slot- in action. Said removable steps serve as a ladder for installation or maintenance works. The removable steps are detachable from the pre-fabricated brackets and can be stored in the portable cage.

The portable pole can also be disguised as a lamp pole by providing weatherproof lamp lights disposed thereon. Accordingly, the weatherproof lamp lights are slidably attached to pre-fabricated brackets disposed on peripheral surface of predetermined pole section. The weatherproof lamp lights are securely mounted to the pre-fabricated brackets by a simple slot-in action and are detachable if desired.

A wireless- / tele- communications pole for wireless- / tele- communications applications comprising: a) a portable pole constructed in modular form and having an identical but in different predetermined size of sectional poles permitting the sectional poles to be assembled section-by-section; b) a footing configured by a pair of I-beams; c) a disguise material covers satellite disc/antennas, and partially or entirely covers the portable pole; wherein the portable pole is securely mounted at the footing.

According, the sectional poles of portable pole include lower-end pole section, intermediate pole sections, upper-end pole section and boom; wherein the sectional pole of portable pole is selectively fabricated from metal, concrete, or a fiber reinforced composite. Preferable the sectional poles of portable pole are modular form of cylindrical pipe having predetermined diameter and length that can be connected and erected to desirable height. The sectional poles of portable pole can be a tapered or cylindrical body, or circular, polygonal, or polygonal body with rounded corners depending on user demands. Preferably, the sectional poles of portable pole are provided with connecting flange at their distal end portions having apertures to receive fastening means. Said connecting flange allows any connection of different predetermined diameter and length of sectional poles. Accordingly, the sectional poles of portable pole are in different predetermined diameter and length.

The lower-end pole section and the intermediate pole sections are provided with an opening. Said opening serves as an access for installation of other electrical/electronics devices, accessories of communications equipments, communications cables or serves as access for maintenance works. Preferably, the opening is enclosed by a removably hingeable closure door.

It will be appreciated that the communications cables pass through the interior of the portable pole and connect to the antennas mounted on the upper-end pole section. The antennas are securely mounted to adjustable brackets that slidably attached along the upper-end pole section. Accordingly, the portable pole can be extended to any desired height by adding sectional poles. Preferably, the portable pole is dismantleable.

According to preferred embodiment of present invention, the disguise materials can be of fabric, polymeric film, or weather-resistance shield that provides no interruption to the signals. Preferably, said disguise materials are display camouflage, such as camouflage simulating advertising billboard with advertising light configured thereon.

It will be appreciated that that the portable pole is provided with plurality of removable steps. Preferably, the removable steps are slidably attached to prefabricated brackets that disposed along peripheral surface of the pole sections. The removable steps are securely mounted to the pre-fabricated brackets by a simple slot- in action. Accordingly, the removable steps serve as a ladder for installation or maintenance works. The removable steps are detachable from the pre-fabricated brackets and can be stored in the portable cage.

Accordingly, the pole can also be disguised as a lamp pole by providing weatherproof lamp lights disposed thereon. The weatherproof lamp lights are slidably attached to pre-fabricated brackets disposed on peripheral surface of predetermined pole section. Accordingly, the weatherproof lamp lights are securely mounted to the pre-fabricated brackets by a simple slot-in action and are detachable if desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute part of this specification and include an exemplary or preferred embodiment of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It should be understood, however, the disclosed preferred embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention. Therefore, the figures (not to scale) disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claim and for teaching one skilled in the art of the invention.

In the appended drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wireless- / tele- communications pole with a portable cage and a base structure in accordance with preferred embodiment of present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the portable cage and the base structure in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the wireless- / tele- communications pole illustrating a framework of the portable cage and the base structure in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic exploited view of the portable cage illustrating side panels, electrical/electronic telecommunications equipments, ancillary equipments and other equipments that disposed in the portable cage.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a portable pole in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6a — 6g are diagrammatic perspective views of each modular form of sectional pole and kit parts of the portable pole shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wireless- / tele- communications pole with footing in accordance with another preferred embodiment of present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, the disclosed preferred embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art of the invention.

In FIG. 1, a wireless- / tele- communications pole (10) in accordance with preferred embodiment of present invention is shown. The wireless- / telecommunications pole (10) generally comprises a portable cage (12), a portable pole (14) and a base structure (16). The portable cage (12) of the wireless- / telecommunications pole (10) can be of, but not limited to rectangular in shaped. However, any other shape such as substantially square, cylindrical, round or polygonal shape may be used provided that all electrical/electronic equipments, telecommunications equipments, accessories or other necessary equipments for performing services can be accommodated in the portable cage (12). It will be appreciated that the portable cage (12) is served as counter weight for the portable pole (14). Accordingly, the portable cage (12) has a strong pedestal and sufficient weight to support the erected portable pole (14).

Referring to FIG. 2, the portable cage (12) is preferably provided with four upper corner fittings (22) at its upper ends and with four lower corner fittings (24) at its lower ends. Supporting frames (26) are provided upon on top and on base part of the portable cage (12). Accordingly, said supporting frames (26) are being fastened to the four upper and lower corner fittings (22, 24). Side panels (28) are provided and are removeably secured by fastening means such as, for example can be of, but not limited to bolts and nuts. It will be appreciated the fastening means can be of any other suitable quick connecting devices.

Preferably, each side panel (28) of the portable cage (12) is furnished with net mesh galvanize steel plate. However, the side panels (28) can also be provided with any enclosure panels or other enclosed sheets, such as steel plates or aluminium sheets depending on user requirements. Accordingly, the portable cage (12) is generally used to accommodate at least one set of electrical/electronic equipment, telecommunications equipments, ancillary equipments, accessories or other necessary equipments to perform telecommunications services. Top part of the portable cage (12) is provided with at least one roof or roof panel (29). Preferably, the roof panel (29) is removable or openable at its centre portion to allow the portable pole (14) to be extended through its opening (30). If desired, top part of the supporting frames (26) may be provided with another openable panel (not shown) for human access during assembling or maintenance process is carried out.

The portable cage (12) also provided with base structure (16) to support the portable cage (12) and the portable pole (14). Said base structure (16) is preferably constructed by I-beams which are disposed at bottom of the base panel (12a). If desired, the base structure (16) can be configured to include stabilizer stands (not shown) which are disposed at each corner of the base panel (12a). It will be appreciated that said stabilizer stands can be vertically adjusted to level the portable cage (12) on uneven surface. Sliding outrigger (not shown) may also be provided at each bottom side of the base panel (12a) to further enhance stability of the portable cage (12). Preferably, the sliding outrigger can be slidably and horizontally extended to further stabilize and support the portable cage (12). It is however, the base structure (16) which is preferably constructed by I-beams is suitably use for installation on a soft and/or uneven earth surface. The base structure (16) with I- beams can also be configured on pre-installed concrete foundation which is served as stabilizer stand for the portable cage (12). The portable pole (14) is preferably securely mounted on a base centre portion (12b) of the supporting frame (26) (FIG. 3) and will be described later in the description.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the portable cage (12) is preferably configured by four side panels (28) and two supporting frames (26) (top and base) enclosed therewith to form a substantially rectangular cage. Preferably, each side panel (28) is provided with an access door for maintenance or installation work purposes. At least one set of electrical/electronic telecommunications equipment (40) may be securely mounted at the base panel (12a) and disposed on the supporting frame (26). Ancillary equipments such as switch box (42), AC power distributor board, ladders, or accessories including sectional masts or poles, or other equipments to perform services may also be configured and installed in the portable cage (12). It will be appreciated that a completed wireless- / tele- communications equipment may includes other required accessories, communications apparatus, weatherproof fluorescent lights or lamps, weatherproof AC power distributor boards, satellite dishes or antennas.

It will be appreciated that additional portable cages (not shown) may be arranged and configured on the base structure (16) in a series manner to accommodate additional tele-communication equipments for upgrading or enhancement purposes. In such case, I-beams of the base structure (16) will be replaced or to be extended to accommodate the additional portable cages.

The base panel (12a) of the supporting frame (26) is preferably configured with a base central portion (12b) having mounting apertures to permit portable pole (14) or mast to be securely mounted thereon. It will be appreciated that the portable pole (14) or mast can be erected in an upward direction from the base centre portion (12b) of the base panel (12a) and extended through the opening (30) of the upper supporting frame (26) of the portable cage (12). Alternatively, the portable pole (14) or mast can be erected and raised by the aid of crane. Said portable pole (14) or mast can also be erected section-by-section by use of other loading means, such as winch incorporate with pulleys and hoist cable. The installation of the portable pole (14) or mast section-by-section by the aid of winch will not be describe herein as it has been disclosed in earlier PCT application No. PCT/MY2007/000031 (WO2007/136241) by Elite Comm Network Sdn. Bhd.

FIG. 5 illustrates the structure of the mast or the portable pole (14) in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention. The portable pole (14) or mast is constructed in modular form from pieces of sectional poles. The sectional poles of portable pole (14) may be fabricated from metal, concrete, or a fiber reinforced composite. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the sectional poles of portable pole (14) can be of modular form of cylindrical pipe having predetermined diameter and length that can be connected and erected to desirable height. Preferably, overall height of the portable pole (14) may range from about 10 meters to more than 40 meters. The sectional poles of portable pole (14) can also be of tapered body, or may be circular, polygonal, or polygonal body with rounded corners depending on user demands.

Distal end portions of each modular form of sectional pole are preferably provided with connecting flange (15) having apertures to receive fastening means. Accordingly, each modular form of sectional pole may be identical in structure but in different predetermined size of diameter and length. Preferably, the modular form of sectional poles are assembled section-by-section to form portable pole (14) by use fastening means such as bolts and nuts, or other suitable quick connecting means. It will be noted that the connecting flange (15) allows any connection of different predetermined diameter and length of sectional poles. Particularly, the connecting flange (15) is of standard predetermined size in which different predetermined diameter and length of sectional poles can be connected to form the portable pole (14). It will be appreciated that the portable pole (14) can be dismantle back into modular form of sectional poles and can be kept into storage of the portable cage (12).

FIGS. 6a - 6f illustrate each modular form of sectional pole and kit parts of the portable pole (14) in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention. The sectional poles of portable pole (14) include lower-end pole section (14a), intermediate pole sections (14b, 14c, 14d, 14e), upper-end pole section (14f) and boom (14g). The portable pole (14) can be extended to any desired height by adding sectional poles. By way of example and not by way of limitation, each pole section of the portable pole (14) may range from about 2 meters to 4 meters in length. The lower-end pole section (14a) is securely mounted to the base centre portion (12b) of the supporting frame (26) so that the pole is held in a secure upright position. This can be achieved by providing a rigid structure (17) at the bottom of the lower-end pole section (14a). Preferably, the lower-end pole section (14a) is securely welded onto rigid structure (17). Said lower-end pole section (14a) may also be securely mounted onto the rigid structure (17) by suitable fastening means.

In the preferred embodiment, the rigid structure (17) is rigidly mounted to the base centre portion (12b) of the supporting frame (26). Preferably, fastening means such as, but not limited to bolts and nuts, or other suitable quick connecting means may be used to secure the rigid structure (17) onto the base centre portion (12b) of the supporting frame (26).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portable pole (14) may be rigidly mounted on a footing (50) without the portable cage (12) (FIG. 7). The footing (50) is basically used when the portable pole (14) is to be installed on a top or roof of high raised building. The footing (14) is preferably formed of a pair of I-beams securely mounted on the floor of the roof high raised building. The rigid structure (17) at it lower-end pole section (14a) of the portable pole (14) then securely mounted to the footing (50) by suitable fastening means. It will be appreciated that all the sectional poles of portable pole (14) are provided with opening (19). In particular, the lower-end pole section (14a) is provided with opening (19) to allow entry of communications cables. Said communications cables pass through the interior of the portable pole (14) and connect to antennas (21) which are securely mounted on the upper-end pole section (14f). Preferably, the antennas (21) are securely attached to adjustable brackets (23) which are slidably attached along the upper-end pole section (14f). Satellite disc (not shown) may be mounted on the boom (14g).

It is desirable to cover the satellite disc and antennas (21) with disguise materials (31) such as fabric, polymeric film, or weather-resistance shield provided that no interruption to the signals. If desired, the portable pole (14) can also be partially or entirely covered with disguise materials (31). Preferably, said disguise materials (31) may display camouflage, such as, for example, camouflage simulating advertising billboard. In such case, advertising sport light may be configured thereon to light up the billboard.

It will be noted that the intermediate pole sections (14b, 14c, 14d, 14e) may also provided with opening (19). Accordingly, each opening (19) at the pole sections is enclosed by a removeably hingeable closure door. The opening (19) can be served as an access for installation of other electrical/electronics devices, accessories of communications equipments. Moreover, said opening (19) at pole sections can also served as the access for maintenance works.

In the preferred embodiment, the portable pole (14) is provided with plurality of removable steps (25). Accordingly, the removable steps (25) are slidably attached to pre-fabricated brackets that disposed along peripheral surface of the pole sections. It will be appreciated that said removable steps (25) are securely mounted to the prefabricated brackets by a simple slot-in action. The removable steps (25) serve as a ladder for installation or maintenance works and are detachable from the prefabricated brackets and can be stored in the portable cage (12). If desired, the portable pole (14) may disguise as a lamp pole. This can be done by providing weatherproof lamp lights (27) disposed thereon. Preferably, the weatherproof lamp lights (27) are slidably attached to pre-fabricated brackets on peripheral surface of a predetermined pole section. Accordingly, the weatherproof lamp lights (27) are securely mounted to the pre-fabricated brackets by simple slot-in action and are detachable if desired.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the principle and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would obvious to one skilled in the art intended to be included within the scope of following claims.