Articulated mast Number:7,385,147 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent Apparatus for housing electrically powered components to protect such components from damage and interference caused by lightning strikes and other externally generated magnetic fields. On embodiment includes a shielded enclosure mounted on an electrically groundable platform mounted on legs. An extendable and retractable mast is disclosed and may be supported on the platform and electrically grounded thereto. In another embodiment, the platform is portable and the shielded enclosures may be mounted to the electrically groundable platform by shock absorbers and be electrically grounded thereto. Adjustable outriggers may also be mounted to the platform.<H Articulated, mast, Articulated, mas, 7385147.html, Patent, pto, 7385147

Title: Articulated mast

Abstract: Apparatus for housing electrically powered components to protect such components from damage and interference caused by lightning strikes and other externally generated magnetic fields. On embodiment includes a shielded enclosure mounted on an electrically groundable platform mounted on legs. An extendable and retractable mast is disclosed and may be supported on the platform and electrically grounded thereto. In another embodiment, the platform is portable and the shielded enclosures may be mounted to the electrically groundable platform by shock absorbers and be electrically grounded thereto. Adjustable outriggers may also be mounted to the platform.

Patent Number: 7,385,147 Issued on 06/10/2008 to Garmong

Inventors: Garmong; Victor H. (Kennerdell, PA)
Assignee: Pioneer Energy Products, LLC (Franklin, PA)

Appl. No.: 10/699,998

Filed: November 3, 2003

Related U.S. Patent Documents


Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
10098006	Mar., 2002	7046521

Current U.S. Class: 174/364 ; 174/380; 343/881; 343/888

Field of Search: 343/874,875,882,881,888 174/364,380 361/816,818,800

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Primary Examiner: Ngo; Hung V
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

Parent Case Text

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/098,006, filed Mar. 13, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,046,521, entitled Enclosure With Shielded Power Compartment and Methods of Shielding Enclosures, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A communications assembly, comprising: an electrically groundable platform; a shell supported on said platform and being electrically grounded thereto, said shell having a plurality of exterior wall portions fabricated from electrically conductive material; an enclosure having a common exterior wall portion with said shell and being attached thereto, said common exterior wall portion being lined with a magnetic shield material; at least one power supply cable entering said enclosure through said common exterior wall portion and said magnetic shield material; and an articulated communications mast comprising: a base member supported on said platform; and at least two rigid mast segments pivotally interconnected in series and being supported by said base member, and wherein at least two of said pivotally interconnected mast segments are selectively pivotable relative to each other between positions wherein said at least two pivotably interconnected mast segments are coaxially aligned with each other and other positions wherein said at least two pivotably mast segments are not coaxially aligned relative to each other.

2. The communications assembly of claim 1 wherein said shell is attached to said electrically groundable platform by at least one shock absorbing mount and at least one grounding conductor.

3. The communications assembly of claim 2 wherein at least one shock-absorbing mount comprises: a support base coupled to said platform, said support base having an attachment member protruding therefrom for attachment to said shell; and a flexible member between said support base and said shell.

4. The communications assembly of claim 3 further comprising a leg corresponding to each said shock absorbing mount and coupled to said attachment member such that said flexible member is between said leg and said support base, said leg being coupled to said shell.

5. The communications assembly of claim 4 wherein each said leg is pivotably coupled to said shell.

6. The communications assembly of claim 1 wherein said electrically groundable platform comprises: an electrically conductive frame; a plurality of wheels mounted to said electrically conductive frame; and at least one electrically conductive outrigger assembly coupled to said electrically conductive frame and selectively movable between a grounding position and a non-grounding position.

7. The communications assembly of claim 6 wherein said at least one said outrigger assembly is selectively laterally extendable and retractable relative to said electrically conductive frame.

8. The communications assembly of claim 7 wherein said outrigger assembly comprises: a vertical support housing having a selectively extendable and retractable support leg therein; and a lateral support member telescopingly received in a corresponding portion of said electrically conductive frame and coupled to said vertical support member such that said vertically support member can be selectively laterally extended and retracted relative to said electrically conductive frame.

9. The communications assembly of claim 8 wherein said selectively extendable and retractable support leg may be selectively extended and retracted relative to the vertical support housing by a crank assembly.

10. The communications assembly of claim 6 wherein said electrically conductive frame supports at least one floor panel thereon.

11. The communications assembly of claim 10 wherein at least one said floor panel is fabricated from wood.

12. The communications assembly of claim 1 wherein said articulated mast is electrically grounded to said platform.

13. The communications assembly of claim 1 further comprising power generating means on said platform.

14. The communications assembly of claim 13 wherein said power generating means at least comprises at least one battery.

15. The communications assembly of claim 13 wherein said power generating means at least comprises a generator, at least one solar panel or at least one fuel cell.

16. The communications assembly of claim 15 wherein said generator is propane powered.

17. The communications assembly of claim 15 wherein said generator is gasoline powered.

18. The communications assembly of claim 1 wherein an antenna conductor is supported on said articulated communications mast, said antenna conductor entering said enclosure through said common exterior wall portion and said magnetic shield material.

19. An articulated mast for supporting a weight of at least one object vertically above a surface, said articulated mast comprising: an upstanding load bearing base member configured to be supported on a surface; a first rigid, load bearing mast segment having one end thereof pivotally coupled to said base member by a first joint assembly configured to distribute a load experienced by said first mast segment to said base member, said first joint assembly including at least one first load distribution member attached to an end of said base member, said at least one first load distribution member having a first perimeter that is at least as large as a perimeter of one end of said first rigid mast segment, said first rigid mast segment being selectively movable back and forth between an initial folded position and an extended position wherein said first mast segment is coaxially aligned with a portion of said base member; and a second rigid, load bearing mast segment having a second end pivotally interconnected to another end of said first rigid mast segment by a second joint assembly configured to distribute other load experienced by said second mast segment to said first rigid mast segment, said second joint assembly including at least one second load distribution member attached to said another end of said first rigid mast segment, said at least one second load distribution member having a second perimeter that is at least as large as a perimeter of said one end of said second rigid mast segment and wherein said first and second rigid mast segments are selectively pivotable relative to each other back and forth between an initial folded position wherein said second rigid-mast segment is adjacent to said first rigid mast segment and a second extended position wherein said second rigid mast segment is coaxially aligned with said first rigid mast segment to transfer the weight of the at least one object to said upstanding base member.

20. The articulated mast of claim 19 further comprising means for pivoting said first mast segment between said position wherein said first mast segment is coaxially aligned with said portion of said base member and other positions wherein said first mast segment is not coaxially aligned with said base member.

21. The articulated mast of claim 20 wherein said means for pivoting comprises a device selected from the group of devices consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, and a stepper motor.

22. An articulated mast, comprising: a base member; a first rigid mast segment pivotally coupled to said base member and being selectively movable between a position wherein said first mast segment is coaxially aligned with a portion of said base member and other positions wherein said first mast segment is not coaxially aligned with said base member; a second rigid mast segment pivotally interconnected to said first rigid mast segment wherein said first and second rigid mast segments are selectively pivotable relative to each other between positions wherein said first and second rigid mast segments are coaxially aligned with each other and other positions wherein said first and second rigid mast segments are not coaxially aligned relative to each other; an apparatus for housing electrically powered components supported on said base member, said apparatus comprising: an electrically groundable platform having a plurality of legs attached thereto; a shell supported on said electrically groundable platform and being electrically grounded thereto, said shell having a plurality of exterior wall portions and housing the electrically powered components therein, said shell fabricated from electrically conductive material; an enclosure having a common exterior wall portion with said shell and being attached thereto, said common exterior wall portion being lined with a magnetic shield material; and at least one power supply cable entering said enclosure through said common exterior wall portion and said magnetic shield material.

23. The articulated mast of claim 22 wherein said legs comprise leg assemblies that are selectively extendable and retractable.

24. The articulated mast of claim 23 wherein at least one said leg is selectively laterally extendable and retractable relative to said electrically groundable platform.

25. The articulated mast of claim 24 wherein each said leg assembly comprises: a vertical support housing having a selectively extendable and retractable support leg therein; and a lateral support member telescopingly received in a corresponding portion of said electrically groundable platform and coupled to said vertical support member such that said vertically support member can be selectively laterally extended and retracted relative to said electrically groundable platform.

26. The articulated mast of claim 25 wherein said selectively extendable and retractable support leg may be selectively extended and retracted relative to the vertical support housing by a crank assembly.

27. The articulated mast of claim 22 wherein said electrically groundable platform comprises an electrically conductive frame.

28. The articulated mast of claim 22 wherein said electrically conductive frame supports at least one floor panel thereon.

29. The articulated mast of claim 28 wherein at least one said floor panel is fabricated from wood.

30. An articulated communications mast, comprising: a plurality of rigid mast segments wherein at least two said mast segments are interconnected in series and are selectively movable relative to each other between positions wherein said at least two mast segments are coaxially aligned with each other in serial fashion and other positions wherein said at least two mast segments are not coaxially aligned relative to each other; at least one communication signal device supported by at least one of said mast segments; and at least one conductor operably coupling said communication signal device to electronic equipment housed within a shell, said at least one conductor passing into a magnetic shield enclosure coupled to said shell.

31. The articulated communications mast of claim 30 wherein at least one of said at least one communication signal devices comprises an antenna.

32. The articulated communications mast of claim 30 wherein one of said plurality of said mast segments is attached to a base member.

33. The articulated communications mast of claim 30 wherein said plurality of mast segments are movable from a position wherein said mast segments extend vertically from said base member in a coaxially aligned end-to-end orientation to said position wherein said at least two mast segments are not coaxially aligned in a folded position.

34. The articulated communications mast of claim 30 wherein said plurality of mast segments are supported on a platform and are movable from a position wherein said mast segments extend vertically from said platform in a coaxially aligned end-to-end orientation to said position wherein said at least two mast segments are not coaxially aligned in a folded position.

35. The articulated communications mast of claim 34 wherein when said mast segments are in said folded position, none of the mast segments extend laterally beyond a perimeter of said platform.

36. The articulated mast of claim 34 wherein said platform is electrically grounded.

37. The articulated mast of claim 36 wherein said platform is mounted on wheels and has at least two selectively extendable outriggers operably coupled thereto.

38. The articulated communications mast of claim 30 wherein at least two said mast segments are movably interconnected by an actuator for moving said at least two mast segments between said position wherein said at least two mast segments are coaxially aligned with each other and said other positions wherein said at least two mast segments are not coaxially aligned relative to each other.

39. The articulated communications mast of claim 38 wherein said actuator is selected from the group of actuators comprising: a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, and a lead screw/stepper motor.

40. An articulated communications mast, comprising: an upstanding rigid load bearing base member configured to be supported on a surface; a first load bearing mast segment having a first end coupled to said base member by a first joint assembly including at least one first load distribution member attached to an end of said base member, said at least one first load distribution member having a first perimeter that is at least as large as a perimeter of one end of said first mast segment; a second load bearing mast segment having a first end movably coupled to a second end of said first mast segment by a second joint assembly including at least one second load distribution member attached to said second end of said first mast segment wherein said at least one second load distribution member has a second perimeter that is at least as large as a perimeter of said second end of said first mast segment; a third load bearing mast segment having a first end movably coupled to a second end of said second mast segment by a third joint assembly including at least one third load distribution member attached to said second end of said second mast segment wherein said at least one third load distribution member has a third perimeter that is at least as large as a perimeter of said second end of said second mast segment, said first, second and third mast segments being selectively movable relative to each other back and forth between positions wherein said first, second and third mast segments are coaxially aligned with each other in serial fashion and other positions wherein said first second and third mast segments are not coaxially aligned relative to each other; and at least one communication signal device supported by at least one of said first, second and third mast segments, such that a weight thereof gets transmitted to said upstanding rigid base member when said first, second and third mast segments are coaxially aligned with said upstanding base member.

41. The articulated communications mast of claim 40 wherein said base member comprises a mast post and wherein said first end of said first mast segment is movably attached to an end of said mast post.

42. The articulated communications mast of claim 40 wherein said base member is supported on an apparatus for housing electrically powered components comprising: an electrically groundable portable platform; a shell supported on said portable platform and being electrically grounded thereto, said shell having a plurality of exterior wall portions and housing the electrically powered components therein, said shell fabricated from electrically conductive material; an enclosure having a common exterior wall portion with said shell and being attached thereto, said common exterior wall portion being lined with a magnetic shield material; and at least one power supply cable entering said enclosure through said common exterior wall portion and said magnetic shield material.

43. The articulated communications mast of claim 42 wherein said shell is attached to said portable groundable platform by at least one shock absorbing mount and at least one grounding conductor.

44. The articulated communications mast of claim 43 wherein at least one shock-absorbing mount comprises: a support base coupled to said portable platform, said support base having an attachment member protruding therefrom for attachment to said shell; and a flexible member between said support base and said shell.

45. The articulated communications mast of claim 44 further comprising a leg corresponding to each said shock absorbing mount and coupled to said attachment member such that said flexible member is between said leg and said support base, said leg being coupled to said shell.

46. The articulated communications mast of claim 45 wherein each said leg is pivotably coupled to said shell.

47. The articulated communications mast of claim 42 wherein said portable platform comprises: an electrically conductive frame; a plurality of wheels mounted to said electrically conductive frame; and at least one electrically conductive outrigger assembly coupled to said electrically conductive frame and selectively movable between a grounding position and a non-grounding position.

48. The articulated communications mast of claim 47 wherein said at least one said outrigger assembly is selectively laterally extendable and retractable relative to said electrically conductive frame.

49. The articulated communications mast of claim 48 wherein said outrigger assembly comprises: a vertical support housing having a selectively extendable and retractable support leg therein; and a lateral support member telescopingly received in a corresponding portion of said electrically conductive frame and coupled to said vertical support member such that said vertically support member can be selectively laterally extended and retracted relative to said electrically conductive frame.

50. The articulated communications mast of claim 49 wherein said selectively extendable and retractable support leg may be selectively extended and retracted relative to the vertical support housing by a crank assembly.

51. The articulated communications mast of claim 47 wherein said electrically conductive frame supports at least one floor panel thereon.

52. The articulated communications mast of claim 51 wherein at least one said floor panel is fabricated from wood.

53. The articulated communications mast of claim 47 wherein said articulated mast is electrically grounded to said portable platform.

54. The articulated communications mast of claim 47 further comprising power generating means on said portable platform.

55. The articulated communications mast of claim 47 wherein an antenna conductor is supported on said articulated mast, said antenna conductor entering said enclosure through said common exterior wall portion and said magnetic shield material.

56. An articulated mast, comprising: a mast post; a first hinge block having a mast socket therein for receiving an end of said mast post therein, said first hinge block further comprising a first hinge assembly mounting portion adjacent said mast socket; a first rigid mast segment; a second hinge block having a first socket therein sized to receive an end of said first rigid mast segment therein, said second hinge block further comprising a second hinge assembly mounting portion adjacent said first socket; a hinge assembly mounted to said first and second hinge assembly mounting portions to enable said first rigid mast segment to be selectively movable between a position wherein said first rigid mast segment is coaxially aligned with a portion of said mast post and other positions wherein said first rigid mast segment is not coaxially aligned with said mast post and such that when said first rigid mast segment is coaxially aligned with said mast post, an end of said first hinge block is in confronting relationship with an end of said second hinge block; and a second rigid mast segment pivotally interconnected to said first rigid mast segment wherein said first and second rigid mast segments are selectively pivotable relative to each other between positions wherein said first and second rigid mast segments are coaxially aligned with each other and other positions wherein said first and second rigid mast segments are not coaxially aligned relative to each other.

57. The articulated mast of claim 56 further comprising means for pivoting said first mast segment between said position wherein said first mast segment is coaxially aligned with said portion of said base member and other positions wherein said first mast segment is not coaxially aligned with said mast post.

58. The articulated mast of claim 57 wherein said means for pivoting comprises a device selected from the group of devices consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, and a stepper motor.

59. The articulated mast of claim 56 further comprising first releasable retaining means for selectively retaining said end of said first hinge block in confronting relationship with said end of said second hinge block.

60. The articulated mast of claim 59 wherein said first releasable retaining means comprises apparatus selected from the group consisting of bolts, pins and clamps.

61. The articulated mast of claim 56 wherein said first and second hinge blocks are fabricated or cast metal.

62. The articulated mast of claim 56 wherein said first and second hinge blocks are fabricated from metal and are of welded construction.

63. An articulated communications mast, comprising: a base member supported on an apparatus for housing electrically powered components comprising: an electrically groundable portable platform; a shell supported on said portable platform and being electrically grounded thereto, said shell having a plurality of exterior wall portions and housing the electrically powered components therein, said shell fabricated from electrically conductive material; an enclosure having a common exterior wall portion with said shell and being attached thereto, said common exterior wall portion being lined with a magnetic shield material; and at least one power supply cable entering said enclosure through said common exterior wall portion and said magnetic shield material, said articulated communications mast further comprising: a first mast segment having a first end coupled to said base member; a second mast segment having a first end movably coupled to a second end of said first mast segment; a third mast segment having a first end movably coupled to a second end of said second mast segment, said first, second and third mast segments being selectively movable relative to each other between positions wherein said first, second and third mast segments are coaxially aligned with each other in serial fashion and other positions wherein said first second and third mast segments are not coaxially aligned relative to each other; and at least one communication signal device supported by at least one of said first, second and third mast segments.

64. An articulated mast for supporting a weight of at least one object vertically above a surface, said articulated mast comprising: an upstanding load bearing mast post configured to be supported on a surface: a first hinge block having a mast socket for receiving an end of said mast post therein, said first hinge block having a first hinge assembly mounting portion; a second hinge block having a first socket therein and a second hinge assembly mounting portion thereon adjacent said first socket; a hinge assembly mounted to said first and second hinge assembly mounting portions; a first rigid load bearing mast segment extending from said first socket in said second hinge block such that said first mast segment is selectively movable back and forth between an initial folded position and an extended position wherein said first mast segment is coaxially aligned with a portion of said mast post; and a second rigid, load bearing mast segment pivotally interconnected to said first rigid mast segment wherein said first and second rigid mast segments are selectively pivotable relative to each other back and forth between an initial folded position wherein said second rigid-mast segment is adjacent to said first rigid mast segment and a second extended position wherein said second rigid mast segment is coaxially aligned with said first rigid mast segment to transfer the weight of the at least one object to said upstanding base member.

65. The articulated mast of claim 64 further comprising means for pivoting said first mast segment between said position wherein said first mast segment is coaxially aligned with said portion of said mast post and other positions wherein said first mast segment is not coaxially aligned with said mast post.

66. The articulated mast of claim 65 wherein said means for pivoting comprises a device selected from the group of devices consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, and a stepper motor.

67. The articulated mast of claim 64 further comprising first releasable retaining means for selectively retaining said end of said first hinge block in confronting relationship with said end of said second hinge block.

68. The articulated mast of claim 67 wherein said first releasable retaining means comprises apparatus selected from the group consisting of bolts, pins and clamps.

69. The articulated mast of claim 64 wherein said first and second hinge blocks are fabricated from cast metal.

70. The articulated mast of claim 64 wherein said first and second hinge blocks are fabricated from metal and are of welded construction.

71. The articulated mast of claim 64 wherein said second mast segment is pivotally coupled to said end of said first mast segment by a joint assembly comprising: a hinge block coupled to the end of said first mast segment; and another hinge block pivotally hinged to said hinge block and coupled to an end of said second mast segment.

72. The articulated mast of claim 64 further comprising a third mast segment pivotally coupled to an end of said second mast segment.

73. The articulated mast of claim 72 wherein said third mast segment is pivotally coupled to said second mast segment by a third joint assembly comprising: a fifth hinge block coupled to another end of said second mast segment; and a sixth hinge block pivotally hinged to said second hinge block and coupled to an end of said third mast segment.

74. The articulated mast of claim 73 wherein said second mast segment is selectively pivotable relative to said first mast segment from a position wherein said second mast segment is adjacent to said first mast segment and another position wherein said second mast segment is coaxially aligned with said first mast segment.

75. The articulated mast of claim 74 wherein said third mast segment is selectively pivotable between a position wherein said third mast segment is adjacent said second mast segment and another position wherein said third mast segment is coaxially aligned with said second mast segment.

76. The articulated mast of claim 72 wherein said second mast segment is selectively pivotable relative to said first mast segment from a position wherein said second mast segment is coaxially aligned with said first mast segment and another position wherein said second mast segment is adjacent said third mast segment.

77. The articulated mast of claim 76 wherein said third mast segment is selectively pivotable between a position wherein said third mast segment is coaxially aligned with said second mast segment and another position wherein said third mast segment is between said first mast segment and said second mast segment.

78. The articulated mast of claim 72 further comprising an antenna supported by said third mast segment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to shielded enclosures and, more particularly, is directed to shielded enclosures and extendable masts constructed to protect electrical and electronic equipment from damage caused by electromagnetic fields created by lightning strikes and other electrical or electronic equipment or sabotage.

2. Description of the Invention Background

Perhaps when one thinks of the discovery of electricity, various depictions of Benjamin Franklin flying his infamous kite in a lightning storm come to mind. While history is somewhat ambiguous as to exactly what role Franklin's observation of lightning played in the discovery of electricity and the subsequent invention of the myriad of electronic devices that we use in our every day life, man still struggles to harness and control its power.

A lightning strike starts with a "local" electrical breakdown of the atmosphere. Typically, the lightning "steps down" toward the earth about 150 feet in one micro-second time increments every 49 micro-seconds. During each of the 49 micro-second dormant stages, an imaginary hemisphere having a radius of 150 feet can be used to determine the next jumping distance. Any object such as a tower, building, tree, etc. which penetrates this hemisphere, can be chosen as the point of attachment for the return stroke (i.e., the lightning strike).

When lightning strikes an object, it generally takes the path of least resistance to the ground and, if that path happens to pass through a circuit that includes electrical/electronic components incapable of accommodating such a surge of electrical current, those components may be damaged or destroyed. For example, many people have had electrical devices such as televisions, VCRs, computers, etc. damaged by a lightning strike or probably know someone that has experienced such damage.

Over the years, a variety of different devices and methods have been developed to prevent electrical component damage caused by a lightning strike. Examples of such devices are fuses, circuit breakers, surge protectors, etc. Another device commonly used to protect electronic equipment from lightning strike damage is known as a lightning arrester which reduces excessive voltage resulting from lightning to a safe level by "grounding" the discharge.

"Ground" is the term used to describe the common connection in an electrical or electronic circuit. The common connection for electronic circuits is almost always ultimately routed to the earth. The earth is a fair to good conductor of electricity depending upon the characteristics of the soil. A ground connection is the electrical contact between the common point of an electrical or electronic system and the earth. Effective grounding systems typically include one or more ground rods driven into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 feet. Other common grounding methods involve establishing a ground connection with a structure's cold water pipe. Thus, some circuit protection apparatuses and methods serve to provide a deliberate and controlled path for the electrical energy resulting from a lightning strike to return to ground.

While the above-mentioned apparatuses and practices serve to protect electrical components from surges of electrical energy caused by lightning strikes, lightning can cause other problems which require different solutions. For example, as the electromagnetic field, created by a "nearby" lightning strike passes through electrical/electronic components, voltages and/or currents are generated that may cause permanent damage to the components. In the past, to protect electrical/electronic components from such damage, each individual component was housed within its own enclosure fabricated from a material that is capable of attenuating electromagnetic effects by providing a low-reluctance path for magnetic lines of force and a closed conductive shell for electric lines of force. Because such material can be relatively expensive, the ability to protect numerous components with their own individual enclosures can be cost prohibitive. Also, in some cases, a single shield will reach saturation magnetization because of high-flux density magnetic fields, which reduces the effectiveness of the shield. That problem has been addressed by increasing the thickness of the shield material or by nesting a number of thinner shields together. Either method, however, can be very expensive when numerous electrical/electronic components must be shielded.

Perhaps the industry that has been most plagued with problems associated with lightning strikes is the natural gas industry. Today, the natural gas industry typically utilizes very sophisticated electronic equipment for monitoring and recording the output of gas wells and the purchase and resale of natural gas in the transmission and distribution systems. Usually such equipment is housed within an enclosure or building at the well site or pipeline. In remote locations, such equipment may communicate, via satellite, with computers and other equipment located at the gas company's offices.

In the past, gas companies have enclosed their gas well and pipeline equipment in makeshift buildings fabricated from various materials such as, for example, fiberglass, plastic, cement blocks, corrugated steel, etc. All of those materials generally have poor grounding capabilities in addition to various other shortcomings. For example, while buildings and enclosures fabricated from plastic and/or fiberglass do not experience corrosion problems and are generally easy to erect and transport, they are susceptible to pest and vermin damage. Such enclosures also fail to shield equipment from electromagnetic fields. Likewise, while enclosures fabricated from concrete blocks are generally impervious to vermin and pests, they are difficult to transport and usually must be constructed on site. Such buildings also offer little protection from electromagnetic fields. Enclosures and buildings fabricated from corrugated steel are generally easy to erect, but are susceptible to corrosion and vermin damage while providing little protection from electromagnetic fields.

The problems associated with lightning strikes and the electrical/electronic component damage caused by the electrical and magnetic energy created thereby are not unique to the natural gas industry, however. These problems are encountered in a variety of other industries and applications where electrical/electronic components are susceptible to lightning damage. U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,178, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference, discloses a shielded enclosure that solves many of such problems.

Also, electronic equipment that is vital to an area's telecommunication and utility services may be susceptible to radio frequency and electromagnetic interference caused by adjacent equipment or even caused by sabotage if it is unshielded.

In addition, microprocessor based equipment such as variable frequency drives and computer controlled equipment used within manufacturing plants may be susceptible to such electromagnetic interference.

Furthermore, there is often a need for portable communication and other electronic equipment that can be used in remote locations while being protected from debilitating damage resulting from lightening strikes. For example, when fighting forest fires in remote locations, firefighting personnel often require the use of electronic communication equipment that, if left unprotected, could be damaged by lightening. Such equipment, due to the remote location in which it is needed, often requires the use of antennas to enable signals to be sent and received. Such antennas tend to attract lightning strikes which can damage the communication equipment and render it inoperable. Such problems, however, are not confined to firefighting. These problems may also be encountered in other settings wherein emergency personnel are responding to disasters and other problems. Moreover, similar problems could encountered by the military.

Thus, there is a need for shielded enclosures that are economical to manufacture and use to prevent equipment from damage caused by electromagnetic fields be it naturally or artificially generated.

There is a further need for a shielded enclosure that may be used in conjunction with an antenna mast without risking damage to electronic components within the enclosure resulting from electrical energy such as the electrical energy generated by lightening.

Yet another need exists for shielded enclosures and masts that have one or more of the above-mentioned attributes and that are readily portable.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention comprises portable apparatus for housing electrically powered components. This embodiment includes an electrically groundable portable platform and a shell supported on the portable platform. The shell is electrically grounded to the platform. The shell has a plurality of exterior wall portions and houses the electrically powered components therein. The shell may be fabricated from electrically conductive material. This embodiment further includes an enclosure having a common exterior wall portion with the shell and is attached thereto. The common exterior wall portion is lined with a magnetic shield material. At least one power supply cable enters the enclosure through the common exterior wall portion and the magnetic shield material. This embodiment may also include a selectively extendable and retractable mast that is supported on the platform and electrically grounded thereto. The legs of the platform may be selectively extendable and retractable in the vertical direction and also selectively extendable and retractable relative to the platform in a lateral direction. Power generating equipment such as generators, batteries, solar panels, fuel cells, etc. may be mounted to the platform.

Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise portable apparatus for housing electrically powered components and include a portable platform that is electrically groundable. The portable apparatus may further include an equipment module fabricated from electrically conductive material and which is electrically grounded to the portable platform. The equipment module houses the electrically powered components therein. In addition, a power module fabricated from electrically conductive material is attached to the equipment module. The power module has a plurality of walls wherein at least one wall is lined with magnetic shield material. At least one power supply cable enters the power module and is coupled to at least one terminal block in one of the walls lined with magnetic shield material. At least one other cable attached to the terminal block and at least one of the electrically powered components supported within the equipment module. This embodiment also includes an articulated mast that is electrically grounded to the portable platform. An antenna conductor is supported on the articulated mast and enters the equipment module to be coupled to a component housed therein.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises an articulated mast that includes a base member and at least two pivotally interconnected mast segments in series that are supported by the mast base. The pivotally interconnected mast segments are selectively pivotable between a position wherein the mast segments are coaxially aligned and positions wherein the mast segments are not coaxially aligned.

Still another embodiment of the present invention may comprise apparatus for housing electrically powered components. The apparatus includes an electrically groundable platform that has a plurality of legs attached thereto. A shell is supported on the platform and is electrically grounded thereto. The shell has a plurality of exterior wall portions and houses the electrically powered components therein. The shell is fabricated from electrically conductive material. The apparatus also includes an enclosure that has a common exterior wall portion with the shell and is attached thereto. The common exterior wall portion is lined with a magnetic shield material. The apparatus also includes at least one power supply cable entering the enclosure through the common exterior wall portion and the magnetic shield material. This embodiment may also include a selectively extendable and retractable mast that is support on the platform and electrically grounded thereto. The legs of the platform may be selectively extendable and retractable in the vertical direction and also selectively extendable and retractable relative to the platform in a lateral direction. Power generating equipment such as generators, batteries, solar panels, fuel cells, etc. may be mounted to the platform.

Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a method of fabricating a shielded enclosure for housing electrically powered components therein. The method may include forming a shell having walls, a floor and a roof out of electrically conductive material and supporting the shell on an electrically groundable platform. The method further includes electrically grounding the shell to the portable platform and orienting a magnetic shield material adjacent at least one, but not all of the walls of the shell. A power cable is passed through one of the shell walls that has the magnetic shield material oriented adjacent thereto, such that the power cable passes through the adjacent magnetic shield material into the shell. The power cable is coupled to the equipment within the shell and the platform is grounded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying Figures, there are shown present embodiments of the invention wherein like reference numerals are employed to designate like parts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of an enclosure of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the enclosure depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a frame assembly for an equipment module of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial top exploded assembly view of a portion of the frame assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a top of a door entry of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective interior view of one door embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective exterior view of the door of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a door latch assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial exploded view of a portion of the door latch assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a portion of the door latch assembly of FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 11 is a partial exploded view of one embodiment of a door latch retainer embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial view of an adjustable handle attachment member of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a top of a door entry that may be employed in one magnetic shield enclosure embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13A is a partial cross-sectional view of a top of another door entry that may be employed in another magnetic shield enclosure of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13B is a partial cross-sectional view of a top of another door entry that may be employed in another magnetic shield enclosure of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an exploded assembly view of on embodiment of a shutter and fan assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded assembly view of a frame assembly of a power module embodiment and the frame assembly of an equipment module embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15A is a diagrammatic perspective view of an enclosure embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the roof removed to expose a portion of a magnetic shield enclosure supported therein;

FIG. 16 is a partial top cross-sectional view of a power module embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16A is a partial top cross-sectional view of another power module embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a front wall of the shielded enclosure depicted in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a rear wall portion of the shielded enclosure depicted in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side wall of the shielded enclosure depicted in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a partial exploded assembly view of a portion of an equipment module frame assembly and a power module frame assembly of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an end view of a portion of the equipment module frame assembly of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a partial enlarged view of a portion of the frame assembly depicted in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a partial assembly view of the equipment module and the power module frame assemblies of FIG. 20 coupled together with a clamp of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a front view of one embodiment of a cable port of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the cable port of FIG. 24, taken along line XXV-XXV in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of another cable port embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of another enclosure embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27A is a diagrammatic side elevational view of another enclosure embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27B is a diagrammatic side elevational view of another enclosure embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27C is a diagrammatic side elevational view of another enclosure embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27D is a diagrammatic side elevational view of another enclosure embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a top cross-sectional view of another enclosure embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a top cross-sectional view of another enclosure embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a top cross-sectional view of another enclosure embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of a platform and enclosure embodiment of the present invention used in connection with an embodiment of an articulated antenna mast of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of the platform and enclosure embodiment of FIG. 31, with the articulated antenna embodiment in a folded position;

FIG. 33 is an end elevational view of the platform and enclosure embodiment of FIGS. 31 and 32 with the articulated antenna embodiment thereof in an extended position;

FIG. 33A is a partial view of an articulated antenna mast embodiment of the present invention with a conventional antenna attached to the third mast segment thereof;

FIG. 34 is a side view of an articulated antenna embodiment of the present invention in an extended position;

FIG. 34A is an end view of the antenna of FIG. 34;

FIG. 34B is an enlarged partial view of a first articulated joint of the antenna depicted in FIG. 34;

FIG. 34C is an enlarged partial view of a second articulated joint of the antenna depicted in FIG. 34;

FIG. 34D is an enlarged partial view of a third articulated joint of the antenna depicted in FIG. 34;

FIG. 34E is another side view of the articulated antenna embodiment of FIG. 34;

FIG. 34F is another enlarged partial view of the first articulated joint of the antenna depicted in FIG. 34E;

FIG. 34G is another enlarged partial view of the second articulated joint of the antenna depicted in FIG. 34E;

FIG. 34H is another enlarged partial view of the third articulated joint of the antenna depicted in FIG. 34E;

FIG. 34I illustrates one extendable and retractable mast embodiment of the present invention in an extended position;

FIG. 34J illustrates the extendable and retractable mast embodiment of FIG. 34I in an intermediate folded position;

FIG. 34K illustrates the extendable and retractable mast of FIGS. 34I and 34J in a folded position;

FIG. 34L illustrates another extendable and retractable mast embodiment of the present invention in an extended position;

FIG. 34M illustrates the extendable and retractable mast embodiment of FIG. 34L in an intermediate folded position;

FIG. 34N illustrates the extendable and retractable mast of FIGS. 34L and 34M in a folded position;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of one hinge block embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another hinge block embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a hinge embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of a portable platform and enclosure embodiment of the present invention used in connection with an embodiment of an articulated antenna mast of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a plan view of the portable platform and enclosure embodiment of FIG. 38, with the articulated antenna embodiment in a folded position;

FIG. 40 is an end elevational view of the portable platform and enclosure embodiment of FIGS. 38 and 39 with the articulated antenna embodiment thereof in an extended position;

FIG. 41 is another plan view of the portable platform and enclosure embodiment of FIG. 38, showing the articulated antenna in various positions;

FIG. 42 is a partial view of an outrigger assembly of the present invention in a laterally extended position;

FIG. 43 is a partial cross-sectional view of a shock absorber embodiment of the present invention attaching the frame assembly to the platform frame; and

FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of the shock absorber assembly depicted in FIG. 43.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings for the purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of a building enclosure generally designated as 10 that is adapted to house various types of electrical and other equipment 12 therein. Such equipment could comprise, for example, computers, transmitters, electronic meters, recorders, receivers, cellular telephone equipment, junction boxes, etc. While this embodiment may be well adapted for housing electrical equipment located at remote locations such as natural gas wells, the skilled artisan will readily appreciate that the novel features of this embodiment can be employed to protect/shield a variety of different electrical components regardless of their location and application. Thus, the scope of protection afforded to the subject invention should not be limited to enclosures for protecting/housing electrical equipment located at natural gas wells and pipelines.

More particularly and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an embodiment of an enclosure 10 that has an equipment module 20 and a power module 200. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will appreciate that the novel apparatuses, arrangements, and manufacturing methods of the present invention may be successfully employed to construct a variety of different enclosure configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the equipment module 20 may house the electrical and other equipment, 12 therein and be fabricated utilizing unique modular construction techniques and methods. In particular, the equipment module 20 may have a frame assembly 22 that is fabricated from hollow tubular braces 24 that are interconnected to cornerblocks 26. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the frame assembly may include two end assemblies 28 and 30 that are interconnected by tubular braces 24. FIG. 4 illustrates one type of corner block 26 that may be cast or machined from an electrically conductive material such as aluminum or the like. Each corner block 26 may have one or more attachment posts 32 protruding therefrom which are each sized to be inserted into the hollow end of a corresponding hollow tubular brace 24. The hollow tubular braces 24 may also be fabricated from electrically conductive material such as aluminum or a similar material and they may be welded to the corresponding cornerblocks 26 to form an overall frame assembly generally designated as 22. It is conceivable, however, that the tubular braces 24 may be attached to the cornerblocks 26 by other suitable means. However, in this embodiment, to facilitate attachment of the tubular members 24 to the cornerblocks 26 by welding, a chamfered surface 34 may be provided adjacent each post 32 for receiving weld material therein. See FIG. 4.

This embodiment of the equipment module 20 also has a roof 36, a floor 38 and at least one door entry 60. The roof 36 and the floor 38 of the equipment module may be formed from electrically conductive material such as 3/16'' aluminum plate or other suitable material that is welded to the frame assembly 22 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such constructi