Bolt Calibrated Angle Mainstay Wall Connection System And Method For Use

What is this patent about?

’435 is related to the field of tower construction, specifically addressing the challenges of installing and leveling vertical tower frames. The background highlights the labor-intensive nature of achieving proper taper and levelness in traditional tower construction, often requiring bulky, expensive, and imprecise methods. Existing universal leg connections lack the ability to make precise adjustments and require external forces to move the frame.

The underlying idea behind ’435 is to provide an integrated system for adjusting the angle of a tower mounting bracket using a taper adjusting bolt . This allows for precise leveling and taper adjustments without the need for external equipment or brute force. The system incorporates a dual-locking mechanism, using both the adjusting bolt and retaining bolts to secure the frame in the desired position.

The claims of ’435 focus on a mounting system comprising an upper bracket element with a front plate, back bracket, and connecting bolts, along with a straight slot weldment having right and left side walls with slots. The system also includes a lower bracket element and a vertical wall section with lateral spanning elements, vertical supports, and cross-spanning members. Claim 9 focuses on an apparatus for securing a structure to a steel frame member, including an upper bracket assembly, a straight slot weldment, a lower bracket assembly, and a lower extension assembly with positioning holes at different distances.

In practice, the upper and lower bracket elements are secured to a pole or beam. The angle is then calibrated by selecting either a low or high angle taper hole on the lower bracket element. The adjusting bolt is turned to achieve the desired taper and level, and the retaining bolts are tightened to lock the frame in place. The adjusting bolt then acts as a redundant measure to maintain the level state. This allows for adjustments even when the frame is loaded, leading to more precise results.

This design differentiates itself from prior art by integrating the adjustment mechanism directly into the mounting bracket. Instead of relying on external forces or pre-set hole patterns, the screw-type adjustment allows for continuous and precise control over the taper. Furthermore, the system facilitates the efficient connection of lateral spanning elements and wall elements, contributing to the overall stability of the tower while being lightweight and easy to connect.