# US 9,771,734 B2 · Pole reinforcement system > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,771,734 B2 - Document ID: US9771734B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/843,136 - Filed: 2015-09-02 - Published: 2016-03-03 - Granted: 2017-09-26 - Earliest claimed: 2014-09-03 - Assignees: PermaPole LLC - Applicants: PermaPole LLC - Inventors: Bradley A. Odegard; William Riddle; Douglas S. Cairns; Robert P. Plagemann - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9771734B2 ## CPC - E04H 12/2292: {Holders used for protection, repair or reinforcement of the post or pole (E04H12/2276 takes precedence)} - E04H: BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D) ## Abstract A pole reinforcement system for improving the stability of a pole with both an above-grade and below-grade installation. The pole reinforcement system generally includes a sleeve assembly which is secured around a pole via one or more retainers which may comprise brackets, securing bands, or other structures. One or more insertion attachments are utilized so that the sleeve assembly may be secured to the pole at a position below-grade. The sleeve assembly may comprise one or more sleeves which are secured around the pole. By utilizing the present invention to reinforce the pole both above- and below-grade, the stability of the pole may be greatly improved over prior reinforcement methods. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A pole reinforcement system, comprising: a sleeve for installation around a pole, said sleeve formed of a composite material comprising poly resin and fibers; an insertion attachment removably connected to said sleeve only at a lower end of said sleeve, wherein said insertion attachment includes a blade for displacing a ground surface around said pole, said blade having an inner surface that is curved and that has a semi-circular shape, said blade having an upper end and a lower end, said blade tapering from its upper end to its lower end with its lower end coming to a point, said insertion attachment extending outwardly from an outer circumference of said sleeve to define a lip, said lip configured to provide a driving point such that downward force applied to said lip drives said insertion attachment into the ground whereby said insertion attachment pulls said sleeve downwardly; and at least one retainer for securing said sleeve around said pole. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The pole reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein said at least one retainer comprises one or more bands. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The pole reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein said insertion attachment includes a first connector extending upwardly therefrom. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The pole reinforcement system of claim 1, including at least one connector for connecting said insertion attachment to said sleeve. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The pole reinforcement system of claim 4, wherein said at least one connector comprises at least one fastener. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The pole reinforcement system of claim 4, wherein said sleeve includes at least one receiver channel adapted to receive said at least one connector. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The pole reinforcement system of claim 6, wherein said at least one receiver channel comprises a hollow. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The pole reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is flexible, and said insertion attachment is rigid. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The pole reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is a non-homogenous substrate. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The pole reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein said insertion attachment comprises metal. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The pole reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein the pole reinforcement system is devoid of any fastener that extends into the pole. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The pole reinforcement system of claim 1, further comprising: a second sleeve for installation around the pole, said second sleeve formed of the composite material comprising poly resin and fibers; a second insertion attachment removably connected to said second sleeve only at a lower end of said second sleeve, wherein said second insertion attachment includes a second blade, said second blade having an inner surface that is curved and that has a semi-circular shape, said second blade having an upper end and a lower end, said second blade tapering from its upper end to its lower end with its lower end coming to a point, said second insertion attachment extending outwardly from an outer circumference of said second sleeve to define a second lip, said second lip configured to provide a driving point such that downward force applied to said second lip drives said second insertion attachment into the ground whereby said second insertion attachment pulls said second sleeve downwardly. ### Claim 13 A pole reinforcement system and a pole, the pole reinforcement system comprising: a sleeve assembly installed around a pole, wherein said sleeve assembly comprises a first sleeve secured against a first side of said pole, said first sleeve comprising polymer; a first insertion attachment removably connected to said first sleeve only at a lower end of said first sleeve, wherein said first insertion attachment includes a first blade, said first blade having an inner surface that is curved and that has a semi-circular shape, said first blade having an upper end and a lower end, said first blade tapering from its upper end to its lower end with its lower end coming to a point, said first insertion attachment extending outwardly from an outer circumference of said first sleeve to define a first lip, said first lip configured to provide a driving point such that downward force applied to said first lip drives said first insertion attachment into the ground whereby said first insertion attachment pulls said first sleeve downwardly; and at least one retainer securing said first sleeve of said sleeve assembly around said pole; said pole installed in the ground, such that the first insertion attachment is embedded in dirt. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The pole reinforcement system of claim 13, wherein said first sleeve of said sleeve assembly includes a first receiver channel extending between an upper end and said lower end thereof. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The pole reinforcement system of claim 14, wherein said first insertion attachment includes a first connector extending upwardly therefrom for inserting within said first receiver channel. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) The pole reinforcement system of claim 13, wherein said sleeve assembly comprises a corrosion-resistant composite material. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The pole reinforcement system and pole of claim 13, wherein said first sleeve is flexible, said first insertion attachment being rigid. ### Claim 18 (depends on 13) The pole reinforcement system and pole of claim 13, wherein said first sleeve is a non-homogenous substrate. ### Claim 19 (depends on 13) The pole reinforcement system and pole of claim 13, wherein said first sleeve comprises poly resin and fiber. ### Claim 20 (depends on 13) The pole reinforcement system and pole of claim 13, wherein said first insertion attachment comprises metal. ### Claim 21 (depends on 13) The pole reinforcement system and pole of claim 13, wherein the pole reinforcement system is devoid of any fastener that extends into the pole. ### Claim 22 (depends on 13) The pole reinforcement system and pole of claim 13, wherein the sleeve assembly further comprises a second sleeve secured against a second side of said pole, wherein said first side is opposite of said second side, and the pole reinforcement system further comprises a second insertion attachment removably connected to said second sleeve only at a lower end of said second sleeve, wherein said second insertion attachment includes a second blade, said second blade having an inner surface that is curved and that has a semi-circular shape, said second blade having an upper end and a lower end, said second blade tapering from its upper end to its lower end with its lower end coming to a point, said second insertion attachment extending outwardly from an outer circumference of said second sleeve to define a second lip, said second lip configured to provide a driving point such that downward force applied to said second lip drives said second insertion attachment into the ground whereby said second insertion attachment pulls said second sleeve downwardly, said at least one retainer securing said first and second sleeves of said sleeve assembly around said pole. ### Claim 23 (depends on 22) The pole reinforcement system of claim 22, wherein said second sleeve of said sleeve assembly includes a second receiver channel extending between an upper end and said lower end thereof. ### Claim 24 (depends on 23) The pole reinforcement system of claim 23, wherein said second insertion attachment includes a second connector extending upwardly therefrom for inserting within said second receiver channel. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) The pole reinforcement system of claim 24, further comprising a first sleeve cap for covering said first receiver channel at said upper end of said first sleeve of said sleeve assembly and a second sleeve cap for covering said second receiver channel at said upper end of said second sleeve of said sleeve assembly. ### Claim 26 (depends on 22) The pole reinforcement system and pole of claim 22, wherein said first sleeve has first and second outer edges configured to removably connect with said second sleeve. ### Claim 27 (depends on 22) The pole reinforcement system and pole of claim 22, wherein said first and second blades have adjacent outer edges and substantially enclose said pole.