Utility pole

Abstract

A tubular utility pole for supporting a load, adapted for direct burial of a preselected end thereof in a soil material. The pole includes a body having a substantially constant cross-section substantially along a length thereof. The body includes a steel tube with holes therein to permit attachment of the load to the body.

1 . A tubular utility pole for supporting a load, the pole being adapted for direct burial of a preselected end thereof in a soil material, the pole comprising:
 a body having a substantially constant cross-section substantially along a length thereof, and   the body comprising a steel tube with holes therein to permit attachment of the load to the body.   
   
   
       2 . A tubular utility pole according to  claim 1  additionally comprising a bearing plate positioned on the body at the preselected end, to retard the settlement of the pole into the soil material. 
   
   
       3 . A tubular utility pole according to  claim 1  in which said steel is coated. 
   
   
       4 . A tubular utility pole according to  claim 3  in which said steel is coated with a coating selected from the group consisting of zinc, aluminum, and an alloy of zinc and aluminum. 
   
   
       5 . A tubular utility pole according to  claim 1  in which the preselected end of the body is provided with a layer of material adapted for retarding corrosion of the body. 
   
   
       6 . A method of producing the tubular utility pole of  claim 1 , comprising:
 (a) roll-forming a coil of strip steel to a predetermined configuration such that the strip has at least two edges adapted to mate with each other;   (b) seam welding said at least two edges together to form the body;   and   (c) cutting the body to a predetermined length.   
   
   
       7 . A method according to  claim 6  additionally comprising:
 (d) attaching a bearing plate to the body at the preselected end, to retard settlement of the pole in the soil material.   
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 7  additionally comprising:
 (e) providing the preselected end of the support pole with a layer of material adapted for retarding corrosion of the body.