AU603797B2

AU603797B2 - A pole construction

Info

Publication number: AU603797B2
Application number: AU73167/87A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Shane Geoffrey Baker
Original assignee: FLETCHER MANUFACTURING Pty LIM
Current assignee: Industrial Galvanizers Corp Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1986-05-23
Filing date: 1987-05-18
Publication date: 1990-11-29
Anticipated expiration: 2007-05-18
Also published as: AU7316787A

Description

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I U 37 9 7 D 7APPLICANT:

NUMBER:

FILING DATE: iF c 2 N- C- V- W\ 0- Pe-PSL-~b-- -A> PH 6062 23rd May, 1986 <0 FORM Regulation 13(2) COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1952-1973 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED:- "A POLE CONSTRUCTION" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- 1 This invention relates to a column or pole. In particular, the invention concerns a column or pole which may be moved between an upright position and a position where the longitudinal axis of the pole is substantially parallel to a support surface or ground. The latter mentioned position facilitates servicing or like operations of lighting or other units which may be mounted at the head of the column or pole.

A column construction which enables the column to be pivoted or servicing is disclosed in Australian patent specification 494746. That specification disclosed an assembly including a base secticn attachable to the ground #fit or a support surface and an upper pole section pivotally secured to the base section. The assembly further included Sa pair of lugs located on opposed faces of the upper pole section which co-operated with two opposed pivotal support t' plates. The support plates were pivotally mounted relative to a pin or pivot which extended through the sections of the S pole. A double acting hydraulic cylinder was arranged 20 extending between the pole sections. An abutment or detent 4 0 projected from the base section and normally prevented the S ur.per section of the pole from pivoting relative to the base section. To enable the upper section to pivot relative to the base section it was first necessary to operate the hydraulic cylinder to lift the upper section clear of the detent, the support plates were then pivoted to engage the respective lugs to ensure that the upper section was free to 2 j

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4 t rr ct tc pivot about an axis vertically spaced from the pivot axis about which the support plates pivoted and then the hydraulic cylinder was further operated to pivot the upper section of the pole for servicing. To return the pole to its upright position steps the reverse of that described above were necessary. Thus, the arrangement of the earlier patent specification included initially lifting the upper section of the pole, positioning of the support plates relative to the lugs to thereby ensure that the upper section of the pole could pivot about an axis vertically spaced from the axis about which the support plates pivot and then pivoting the pole. This was essentially a three part operation. Because of this the pole construction was relatively complex and the operation was not as siiaple as it might have been.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a column or pole assembly which at least minimises some of the disadvantages referred to above.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a eotame~or pole assembly including a base section for securement to a support surface or ground; a base rz:.ving \s ection which forms a lower part. of the pole or column, said sections being mounted together to enable relative pivotal movement between the sections; releasable locking means to fix the sections together to prevent relative pivotal movement of said sections; .icylinder assembly extending between a respective mounting on each 3 iF1~ I_ said section, whereby, once said locking means is released and said cylinder assembly is actuated said base embracing section is caused to pivot relative to the base section to enable the pole or column to be moved between an upright positon and a servicing position.

The column or pole of the invention may. include an upper section which forms an extension to the base embracing section of the pole. The upper section may be integrally formed with the base embracing section or alternatively may be formed as a separate component and subsequently secured thereto. The upper section may comprise a tapered pole section which reduces in transverse cross sectional area a from a location adjacent the base embracing section to a head or upper end of the pole. Whilst the upper section may OJ 15 have any suitable cross sectional shape it is preferred that the cross sectional shape be substantially circular.

The base embracing section of the pole preferably at least partly surrounds the base section of the pole. In one embodiment the base embracing section has a skirt S 20 portion which partially surroundsthe periphery of the base section. It is preferred that the skirt portion be open along one face or side thereof to permit the relative ccpivotal movement of the base embracing section to the base section. In one embodiment the skirt portion comprises a continuous wall having a opening formed therein. Preferably the skirt portion includes three side walls and one opening which define a substantially rectangular or square lower 4- .part of the base embracing section. The embracing section may have a leading wall, two opposed side walls and the opening may be said to be formed on a trailing side or wall of the base embracing section.

TM base--embracing section-may--include an upper part. The upper part may be substantially square or rectangular and provided by a continuous wall. The continuous wall may comprise four side walls. One of these side walls preferably forms an extension to the leading side wall of the lower part of the base embracing section. The upper section or tapered pole section may form a continuation of the upper part of the base embracing I section. The side walls of the lower part of the base embracing section which depend from the leading side wall S 15 will, for convenience, be referred to as the opposed side walls of the lower part.

The base section preferably locates within the lower part of the base embracing section. The base section is adapted for mounting relative to a support surface or ground. Thus, the base section may include an attachment flange which facilitates mounting of the base section to the ground. For example, the mounting flange may comprise a plate through which fasteners may extend to secure the base section to the ground. In an alternative arrangement the mounting flange or plate may be welded or otherwise secured to the ground. It is preferred that the transverse cross sectional shape of the base section correspond to the

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transverse cross sectional shape of the lower part of the ba.,.e receiving section. Thus, where the lower part is substantially square or rectangular in cross section, the bas6 section has a corresponding shape. Where the base section substantially square or rectangular it is preferred that it be tubular. When the base section is substantially U square or rectangular it is convenient to refer to the walls H of the base section as the trailing wall, the leading wall, and opposed side walls. In use, the leading wall of the base section, is located adjacent to the leading side Wall of the base embracing section, the trailing wall of the base section is located adjacent the opening in the base receiving section and the opposed side walls of the base section are located adjacent the opposed side walls of the base embracing section.

It is preferred that the clearance be provided between the leading side wall of the lower part of the base embraci.ng section and the leading wall of the base section.

To achieve this clearance it is preferred that the base have a tapered or bevelled upper part extending if between an upper edge of the base section and the leading it is preferred that the base embracing section have a portion which overlaps the upper pa rt of the, base 2 5 section. The overlap may be provided by having the base embracing section formed with a lip of suitable length which overlaps a part of' the trailing wall of the base section.

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i ain*r- i rr. i The pivotal mounting between the base section and the. base embracing section may comprise one or more pivot pins or shaftp. Preferably a pivot shaft is provided. The pivot shaft may extend between the opposed walls of the part of the base embracing section. Thus, the opposed walls of the base embracing section and of the base section are suitably apertured to receive the pivot shaft.

If desired, these apertures may be provided with bearings or bushes to reduce friction between the shaft and the sections during relative pivotal movement. If desired, the periphery ofthe,apertures through the opposed walls of the base embracing section may be reinforced. In one embodiment each of these peripheries is provided with a reinforcing plate.

The plate is secured to a respective opposed wall. Ideally it is welded thereto. The reinforcing plates may for example be circular in shape. The position of the pivot shaft is chosen to provide a sufficient moment for raising and lowering of the pole and to provide clearance between the upper edge of the base section and the inner face of the leading wall of the base embracing section when the pole is in its lowered or servicing position. This is desirable where wiring or the like needs to extend along the interior of the pole to enable lighting or the like at the head of the pole to be powered and ensures that the wiring is not capable of being damaged during raising and lowering of the pole.

Preferably the pivot pin is located midway between the mountings for the cylinder assembly. In addition, it is 7 .preferred that the pivot shaft be offset from the centre of the opposed walls and be located closer to the trailing wall than to the leading wall of the base section.

The releasable locking means normally fixes the base section and base receiving section together to prevent relative pivotal movement. Once the locking means is released pivotal movement may occur. The locking means may comprise one or more locking members extending between the sections of the pole. In one embodiment the locking members S0 comprise locking bolts which extend through the members and hold them together. Preferably two locking bolts are employed. These bolts may extend between the sections at a I location adjacent the ground. Preferably the locking bolts extend through the leading walls of the sections.

se&** The mounting means to which the cylinder assembly S* is mounted may comprise attachment lugs. One of these lugs may be integrally formed with or secured to the base section of the pole and the other may be integrally formed with or secured to the base embracing section of the pole. These .0 4, 20 lugs are located at spaced locations. Preferably the lug of 4 4 the base section is located adjacent the ground and the lug of the base embracing section is located on the base embracing section and adjacent the tapered pole section. It S is preferred that the lugs be formed as separate components 25 and are subsequently welded or otherwise secured to the pole sections.

The cylinder assembly may be either an i-8- "t hydraulically or pheumatically operated cylinder assembly.

It is preferred however that the cylinder assembly be hydraulically actuated. Whilst either a double acting or single acting cylinder assembly may be used it is preferred that the cylinder assembly be double acting. In a particular embodiment of the invention the cylinder assembly is a multi-stage assembly. Preferably, the cylinder assembly comprises a double acting two stage hydraulic cylinder assembly. The cylinder assembly includes a cylinder and a piston retractable into and extendable from the cylinder. The cylinder assembly is secured between the attachment lugs. Preferably the cylinder is mounted to the base section lug and the piston to the base .embracing section attachment lug. A two stage cylinder assembly is preferred because, in the servicing or lowered position the i total length of the cylinder assembly may be sufficiently reduced to ensure that the head of the pole is sufficiently lowered to enable servicing.

Particular preferred embodiments of the invention 0 will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures la, lb and Ic are side elevational, front elevational and plan views respectively of a base section of a pole according to the invention; 25 Figures 2a and 2b are side elevational and plan views respectively of a base receiving section of a pole according to the invention;

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9 Figure 3 is a side elevational view of a ,tase receiving section mounted relative to a base section in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 is a diagrammatical view showing a pole according to the invention in its upright position and in its lowered or servicing position; Figure 5 is a view of a double acting two stage hydraulic assembly; c;nd, Figure 6 is a view of an hydraulic circuit for controlling the cylinder assembly of figure Figures la, lb and Ic show views of a base section f of a pole or column according ot the invention. The base section 10 has a leading wall 11, a trailing wall 12 and two opposed side walls 13 and 14. The lower part Of the base section I0 has welded to it a mou~nting plate 15. Walls 13 and 14 have apertures 16, formed therethrough for receiving a pivot shaft 17. Reinforcing plates 18 and 19 are welded to inner surfaces of walls 13 and 14 respectively. Leading wall 11 has an acqess opening 20 which, when the pole is in its lowered or servicing position, is exposed and enables access to the interior of the base section 10. The base section 10 has an upper edge 21 and a bevelled edge 22 extends between edge 21 and leading wall 11. As shown in the figures the shaft 17 is located closer to the trailing wall than to the leading wall and is positioned near the upper edge of section 10. The wall 11 Includes apertures 23 and 24 which lead into captive threaded fasteners 25 and 26 10 .secured to the inner surface of wall 11.

Figure 2a and 2b illustrate views of a base embracing section 30. Embracing:section 30 has mounted to its upper part a tapered pole section 31. Tapered pole 31 may be welded to the upper part at 32. The upper part has an aperture 33 for receiving the tapered pole section 31. The embracing section 30 has an opening 34 in its trailing wall 35 and includes a leading wall 36 and two V opposed side walls 37 and 38. Leading wall 36 has formed therein apertures 39 and 40 which align with apertures '.23 and 24 illustrated in figure lb. Opposed walls 37 and 38 have apertures 41 formed therein for receiving shaft 17 (see figure lc). Walls 37 and 38 are provided with circular reinforcing plates 42 and 43 which are welded to these walls.

Figure 3 shows base embracing section 30 pivotally secured by shaft 17 to base section 10. Base section 10 is V provided with an attachment lug 45 which extends between trailing wall 12 and the mounting plate 15. The leading i 20 wall 36 normally closes off access opening 20 in the base section 10. Wall portion 46 overlaps part of the trailing wall of the base section 10. Trailing wall 35 has secured thereto a mounting lug 47. A reducer 48 rests upon and is secured to an upper edge of the base embracing section Reducer 48 has a circular opening in which the tapered pole section 31 may locate. Two fasteners 49 locate in the aligned apertures provided through the leading walls of 11 sections 10 and 30 and lock sections together against pivotal movement about shaft 17.

Figure 4 is a diagramatical view showing section in its upright position relative to base section 10. The leading wall 36 of section 30 normally closes off access opening 20. The bevelled edge 22 is present to provide clearance for movement of the section 30 such that the inner surface of wall 36 does not fowl against the upper edge of the base section. Numeral 35 indicates the trailing wall of section 30. Numeral 36' shows the position of the leading fit wall when the pole has been moved to its lowered or I servicing position. From this figure the clearance allowed between upper edge 21 and the inner surface of the leading Swall of section 30 can readily be seen. The numeral shows the position assumed by the trailing wall of section when the pole is in the lowered position. Wall portion 46 may finish just short of abutment against trailing wall 12. of base section A typical double acting two stage cylinder assembly is shown in figure 5 of the drawings. Cylinder assembly includes a cylinder 51 and a piston 52. Piston 52 may be withdrawn into the cylinder as shown in the figure or extended therefrom. Piston 52 is provided with a lug 53 for attachment to attachment lug 47 mounted to the section 25 The cylinder 51 has a corresponding lug 54 for attachment ".o lug 45 which is secured to the base section 10. The numeral indicates an optional control valve the purpose of which 12- LI_- i i .will be described in relation to the circuit of figure 6.

The inlets to the cylinder 51 are not visible in figure 5 of the drawings. The second stage 56 of the assembly is shown in dotted outline.

The hydraulic circuit of figure 6 includes a reservoir 60 for hydraulic fluid. Return line 61 enables 2'ydraulic fluid to be returned to the reservoir 60 via filter 62. Fluid is withdrawn from the reservoir 60 by pump 63 which draws fluid from the reservoir 60 through strainer 64. Motor 65 operates pump 63. Directional control valve 67 is used to control the operation of the cylinder assembly The control valve 67 is shown in its neutral of inoperative position. When the valve is moved to the right of figure 6 piston 52 is withdrawn into cylinder 51. When valve 67 is moved to the left of figure 6 piston 52 may be extended from cylinder 51. Numeral 68 indicates a flow control valve. In one embodiment valve 68 may compr 4 ball and seat valve which controls the rate at which the piston 52 may be withdrawn into cylinder 51. Over-centre valve 55 indicated in figure 5 is also shown in figure 6.

This valve provides a safety feature whereby if there is a pressure drop during retraction of piston 52 valve 55 closes and prevents further retraction of the piston. Release valve 70 is present and may be set responsive to a predetermined fluid pressure whereby if the pressure in the hydraulic line from pump 63 exceeds that predetermined level, valve 70 may dump the hydraulic fluid into the 13 reservoir 60. Should the over-prestsre in the hydraulic I line correct itself then valve 70 resets and enables the circuit to function in its usual fashion.

U The operation of the pole or column assembly of the invention is as follows. Cylinder assembly 50 is positioned between lugs 47 and 45 and when the pole is in its upright position the piston 52 is in its extended position relative to cylinder 51. To enable section 30 to be pivoted relative to base section 10 faateners 49 are first removed and then 1o valve 67 is moved to the right of figure 6 to cause the piston 52 to withdraw into cylinder 51 and this is achieved under power and the withd~rawal of the piston is in fact driven and the rate of descent of the pole is controlled by valve 68. Should there be a atop in hydraulic pressure 1valve 55 operates to prevent the return of fluid to the reservoir 60. Once the pole has been pivoted to the desired extent valve 67 is returned tr its neutral position. To U raise the pole valve 67 is moved to the left of figure 6 and U the piston 52 is then extended from cylinder 51. Once the position is reached bolts 49 are repositioned and lock the pole in its upright position.

vThus, the arrangement of the invention does not require the pole to be first lifted and then pivoted. All that is neoessary is that the sections be unlocked and then pivotal action may occur.

14 ii ~iiii~.i U- While the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention, many modifications and variations as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art may be made thereto without departing from the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth and defined in the appended claims.

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Claims

1. A column or pole assembly including a base section for securement to a support surface or ground; a base section forming a lower part of the pole or column, said sections being mounted together to enable relative pivotal movement between the sections; releasable locking means to fix the sections together to prevent relative pivotal movement of said sections;- cylinder assembly extending between respective mountings on each said section, whereby, once said locking means is released and said cylinder assembly is actuated said isection is caused to pivot relative to the base section to enable the pole or column to be moved between an upright position and a servicing position.

2. A column or pole assembly as defined in Claim 1 wherein an upper section forms an extension to the base e4.e -\section, said upper section being integrally formed with the base -ranell- ection or being formed as a separate component and subsequently secured to said base e 4 setion.

3. A column or pole assembly as defined in Claim 1 including an upper section which forms an extension to the said base ai section, said upper section comprising a tapered pole section which reduces in transverse cross-sectional area from a location adjacent the base 4v section to a head or upper end of the pole, said upper section being of a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

16- 1~ y -LIIC1-L-I-- 4. A column or pole assembly as defined in any one -f the preceding claims wherein said base embracing section includes a pole surrounding skirt, said skirt extending peripherally about the base of said pole and having along one face or side thereof an open portion permitting the relative pivotal movement of the base embracing section relative to the base section. A column or pole assembly as defined in Claim 4, wherein the skirt portion comprises a continuous wall having said opening formed therein, said skirt portion including three side walls which define a substantially rectangular or square lower part of said base receiving section, said lower part having a trailing wall, a leading wall and opposed side walls corresponding in use to leading, trailing, and opposed side walls of said base i c section; the trailing wall of said base section being S ,located adjacent the opening in the base embracing section. 6. A column or pole assembly as defined in Claim wherein the base section has a tapered or bevelled part extending between an upper edge of the base section r and the said leading wall. 7. A column or pole assembly as defined in any one of the. preceding. claims,.wiex.ein.said base section i I t includes an attachment flange facilitating mounting of the base section to the ground or other horizontal surface, said mounting flange comprising a plate through 17 i which fasteners may extend to secure the base section in Sits operatively secured attitude. 8. A column or pole assembly as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein said base section has a transverse cross-sectional shape corresponding to the transverse cross-sectional shape of the lower part of the base embracing section. 9. A column or pole assembly as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein said pivotal movement of said sections is provided by a pivotal mounting between the said base section and the said base receiving section, said pivotal mounting including cne or more pivot pins or shafts, said pivot shafts extending between I the opposed walls of the said lower part of the said base embracing section, said opposed walls being apertured to receive the said pivot shaft, said apertures provided with bearings or bushes to reduce friction between the said pivot shaft and tho base embracing section and base section during relati Jotal movement, K 10. A column or pole assembly as defined in Claims or 6 wherein said base embracing section overlaps an upper part of the base section said overlap being a lip overlapping a part of the said trailing wall 18 11. A column or pole assembly substantially as hexeinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 23rd day of August 1990. FLETCHER MANUFACTURING PTY LIMITED By their Patent Attorneys CUL.LEN CO. 19