摘要 |
Methods of reinforcing wooden supports, apparatuses for use in reinforcing wooden supports, and reinforced wooden supports are described. In a preferred implementation, the wooden support comprises a utility pole which is processed to provide a substantially, if not completely encapsulated and protected utility pole. In one aspect, the utility pole is encapsulated with a single layer of reinforcing fabric material which is provided over a substantial portion of an outer surface of the utility pole. In one implementation, the single layer is defined by an integral expanse of material which is spiral-wrapped over the body of the pole. In another implementation, the single layer is defined by a plurality of discrete units or sub-units of material which are provided over the body of the pole. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, mechanized or automated systems are provided to implement and provide the reinforced wooden supports. In one implementation, a rotation device receives the wooden support and effects a desired degree of rotation while the fabric reinforcing material is applied thereover. In one aspect, the fabric reinforcing material is spiral-wrapped by a reinforcing fabric holding device. In another aspect, the reinforcing fabric holding device enables discrete units or sub-units of material to be applied over the wooden support. |