Block connector and base
View Patent ↗A connector for connecting a roller to a base for extending a conductor over a span for electrical distribution or sub transmission. The connector is configured to work with pre existing or standard rollers such as a Universal Stringing Roller as well as with embodiments of the inventor's SAR roller, disclosed in a contemporaneously filed United States non-provisional patent application. The connector allows for use of a rotating base disclosed in the contemporaneously pending United States patent application that allows for adjustment of the stringing roller without having to disconnect the stringing roller from the base, whereas in prior stringing roller to base configurations the stringing roller was required to be removed from the base, the string roller rotated, and the stringing roller attached to the base at a new position, typically a flange, on the stringing roller.
1. A connector and base assembly for connecting a utility line roller to a base, wherein said connector and base assembly comprising:
a connector, wherein said connector defines a socket configured for mating engagement with a flange of the utility line roller, wherein said connector comprises a first opening configured or placement of a first pin through said first opening and through a flange of the utility line roller to lock the utility line roller in said socket;
wherein said base is pivotally connected to said connector at a first end of said connector such that said connector is connected to said base by a pivot, wherein said connector is configured for pivotal rotation about said base at said pivot, wherein said base comprises a series of rotational openings each configured for alignment with a second opening of said connector to lock said connector in a different rotational position for each of said rotational openings;
wherein placement of a second pin through said second opening of said connector and through one of said rotational openings of said base locks said connector in the rotational position, wherein said base is configured for attachment to a utility pole.
2. The connector and base assembly of claim 1 , wherein said connector comprises a generally U-shape.
3. The connector and base assembly of claim 2 , wherein said socket is positioned on said connector opposite of an apex of a curve defining said U-shape.
4. The connector and base assembly of claim 1 , wherein said first pin comprises a bolt.
5. The connector and base assembly of claim 1 , wherein said second pin comprises a bolt.
6. The connector and base assembly of claim 1 , wherein said base comprises a platform configured for positioning on the utility pole.
7. The connector and base assembly of claim 6 , wherein said base comprises two opposing extensions, wherein said base comprises a strap pin extending between said two opposing extensions and configured for attachment to a strap configured to attach said base to the utility pole.
8. The connector and base assembly of claim 7 , wherein said strap comprises a ratchet configured for adjustment of a length of said strap configured for attachment to the utility pole.
9. The connector and base assembly of claim 6 , wherein said base is connected to a strap, wherein said strap and said base define an endless loop configured for attachment to the utility pole.
10. The connector and base assembly of claim 1 , wherein said pivot comprises a pivot pin connecting said connector and said base and configured such that said connector rotationally pivots on said base at said pivot pin.
11. The connector and base assembly of claim 1 , wherein said socket is at an opposite end of said connector from said pivot connecting said connector to said base.