Arm guard for preventing raptor nesting

Abstract

A cross arm utility pole guarding device for preventing raptor nesting is described. The device includes housing of non-conductive, non-sticky, preferably clear material, having an ultra violet protective layer with a sloped top to prevent debris from accumulating at the top of the housing. The housing is preferably connected by screwing the sides of the housing into and parallel to the cross arms of the utility pole. The method of preventing raptor nesting is by attaching the housing as stated above, parallel to the cross arms of the utility pole.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to a device that prevents raptors from nesting on cross-armed utility poles and the process for preventing such raptor nesting. [0003] 2. Description of Prior Art [0004] Raptors cause several problems for the utility business. Raptors, principally ospreys, have changed their nesting habits from trees to the use of utility poles. This creates an enormous burden for the utility business. The utilities must provide service and at the same time must protect the raptors. [0005] When the raptors nest on utility poles, the nests can cause outages, system operation blinks, as well as pole fires that damage utility equipment and burn the nests. The primary cause is the debris in contact with high voltage conductors. [0006] The problem with raptor nesting on utility poles is that the raptors have touch contact with the utility lines, which in many cases have been fatal to the raptor. [0007] Prior device...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] It is the object of the present invention to provide a system that is, simple and easy to install, and is non-conductive and at the same time effective in preventing raptors from nesting on such structure. The system of the present invention is a cross-armed utility pole guarding device for preventing raptor nesting. It comprises a housing of non-conductive, non-sticky material. The top of the housing is sloped at an angle to prevent debris from accumulating at the top of the housing. A means for connecting the housing to a utility pole parallel to the cross-arms will preferably be drilling holes in the sides of the housing and the guarding device can be screwed directly into the cross-arms at the sides so that the top prevents the raptors from nesting on the utility pole. Preferred embodiments of the invention are that the housing material is clear, having an ultra violet protective layer and having a continuous smooth surface. On some utility poles, the pole will actually extend through the housing and in that situation there would be two separate housing units with a gap of no more than 4 inches, preferably no more than 3 inches.

Problems solved by technology

Raptors cause several problems for the utility business.

This creates an enormous burden for the utility business.

When the raptors nest on utility poles, the nests can cause outages, system operation blinks, as well as pole fires that damage utility equipment and burn the nests.

The primary cause is the debris in contact with high voltage conductors.

The problem with raptor nesting on utility poles is that the raptors have touch contact with the utility lines, which in many cases have been fatal to the raptor.

Prior devices that have been used to prevent raptor nesting have generally suffered from too many weaknesses.

Typically they consist of many parts, which can be difficult to install, and at the same time, tend to have different portions of the unit that the raptors can find a place or starting point to build their nests.

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