Breakaway base and upper-separation joint

Abstract

A breakaway base and upper-separation joint for use with highway luminaire supports. The breakaway base, circular in cross section, has a lower-base section with a first rim, an upper-base section with a second rim, a split-ring retainer, and a perimeter band. The split-ring retainer captures the first rim of the lower-base section and the second rim of the upper-base section. The perimeter band encircles the split-ring retainer. In response to a vehicle impact with the upper-base section, the perimeter band fractures, causing disjunction of the split-ring retainer and allowing the upper-base section to separate from the lower-base section. Alternatively, the breakaway base is radial-spoked when viewed from above and has a first plurality of rims on the lower-base section, a second plurality of rims on the upper-base section, a plurality of retainer segments to engage and capture the first and second plurality of rims, and a plurality of fasteners to secure the retainer segments against the rims. In response to a vehicle impact with the upper-base section, the fasteners fracture, freeing the retainer segments and allowing the upper-base section to separate from the lower-base section. The upper-separation joint has an upper pole section, a lower pole section with a duct, fastening means for connecting the upper pole section to the lower pole section, plugging means for securing the fastening means, and separation means connected at a first end to the plugging means and at a second end, through the duct, to the lower-base section. Upon separation of the breakaway base due to vehicle impact, the separation means removes the plugging means, disengaging the fastening means and separating the upper pole section from the lower pole section.