AU741307B2 - A multi-function pole - Google Patents

Description

-1-

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

a.

S a.

a. a Name of Applicant: Actual Inventors: Address of Service: Invention Title: 1e oS 4ks, CA a .yrd&.y.

SYDNEY CITY COUNCIL Barry WEB Alexander TZANNES and Steven NEWMAN ADDRESS FOR SERVICE

ALTERED

"A MULTI-FUNCTION POLE" e "A MULTI-FUNCTION POLE" Details of Associated Provisional Application No. PO 7227 dated 6th June 1997 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- -2- FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to structural poles, and more particularly to structural poles for mounting street lights, traffic signals, banners and the like.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Poles for street lighting and traffic lights are well known and generally take the form of structural columns with cantilevered support arms mounted at desired heights to carry street signs, traffic lights, overhead lighting, advertising banners and the like. Typically, ooooo the poles are formed from aluminium or galvanised steel, and are generally hollow to allow for internal routing of electrical cables and the like.

••co •10 In many cases, such poles include a plurality of cantilevered support arms to enable multiple fixtures to be supported by a single column. This reduces the number of poles required for a given area of pavement or road. However, a problem with such designs is that they provide relatively little flexibility in terms of the height at which the various fittings may be attached. In some designs, the arms are welded to the vertical column 15 during manufacture, which severely limits subsequent changes. In other designs, a plurality of mounting points are provided so that support arms and the like may be mounted at a selected one of several discrete positions. However, the degree of flexibility offered is still relatively limited.

Another problem which arises with known street poles is that routing of services such as electrical power and data cabling is relatively restricted, due to the substantially continuous outer surface of the pole. Whilst access hatches may be provided, the access is localised and restricted, making changes to wiring, routing or fault finding after installation difficult and time consuming. Furthermore, such poles offer no provision for segregating -3one type of cable from another, as is often required for shielding or to meet regulatory requirements.

A further problem in many prior art designs is that the various brackets, bolts, nuts and other fittings used to mount the cantilevered arms, lights and other structures to the poles are exposed, and as such, are prone to environmental degradation and are also aesthetically undesirable.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the oooi •disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

*oo.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION 1 0 Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a pole assembly for supporting one or more fixtures, the pole assembly comprising a column including one or .more longitudinally extending integrally formed tracks for the mounting of ancillaries.

In one preferred form of the invention the column is one-piece and includes one or more tracks which extend along its length for the mounting of ancillaries, such as street .15 lights, signs, and the like.

o• Preferably the tracks are recessed from the outer surface of the column.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a composite pole assembly for supporting one or more fixtures, the pole assembly comprising a central structural column, and at least one elongate cladding member releasably attached to said structural column to define an intermediate longitudinally extending track.

In one embodiment of the invention, cladding members in the form of releasable clip-on cover plates may be provided to cover the ducts in the column to define concealed spaces for the routing of cables. The cover plates may be formed as aluminium extrusions having complementary interlocking longitudinal edge flanges.

Preferably, the central structural column is generally square in transverse cross sectional profile. It is further preferred that the pole includes a bracket assembly associated with each outer face of the square section, each of the cladding members being configured for releasable attachment to at least one of the bracket assemblies.

Desirably, each bracket assembly comprises an elongate first bracket member attached to the structural column and an elongate second bracket member attached to the first bracket member. Preferably, the elongate cladding members are releasably attachable .ooooi to the second brackets by means of releasable snap lock fittings.

S"In one preferred embodiment, each of the first brackets is generally "U"-shaped in *oo 10 cross section, the base of each being attached to a respective one of the faces of the :°oooo structural column such that each face includes a first bracket. A second bracket is mounted S• to each of the first brackets, each of the second brackets defining a pair of longitudinal edge flanges. Preferably, a first cladding member is releasably attached to the respective S edge flanges on each pair of adjacent second brackets. Desirably, an additional elongate cladding member is releasably attachable to each of the first brackets, each additional cladding member being configured to clamp the first cladding members to the corresponding second bracket member.

It is further preferred that the arms of the terminate in inwardly extending retaining lips to retain an elongate anchor nut, each second bracket and the additional cladding member being releasably attached to the first bracket by means of anchor nut.

Desirably, the pole includes one or more arms releasably connected to one or more of the anchor nuts to extend outwardly from the pole, wherein the second bracket members include corresponding exit apertures for the arms. Alternatively, the arms may be bolted directly to the central column.

In a preferred embodiment, the cladding members include complementary longitudinally extending edge flanges adapted to interlock such that the cladding members form a substantially continuous outer shell which encloses the structural column.

In another embodiment, the central column indicates an internal divider which is "X"-shaped in cross section. In this embodiment, the divider is circumscribed by a rigid shell incorporating, in cross section, one or more recesses. An elongate cladding member is releasably attached to the core structural member to cover the recess, thereby to define a duct for conduits and the like. Preferably, the cladding member is substantially flush with the exterior surface defined by the remainder of the rigid shell. In other embodiments, the 10 divider may take other shapes or forms to partition the internal area of the core structural member.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; thatis to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The preferred features of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is partially exploded cross section of a composite pole assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the embodiment of the pole assembly shown in Figure 1; -6- Figure 3 is a simplified schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the pole assembly shown in Figure 1, illustrating an outwardly extending cantilevered support arm attached to the pole; Figure 4 is a schematic cross section of an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross section of a base portion of a pole according to the invention; Figure 6 is a schematic cross section of yet another embodiment of the invention; ooooo ••Figure 7 is a plan view of a base plate for mounting a pole according to the invention; "Figure 8 is a transverse section of the base portion shown in Figure Figure 9 is a cross-sectional end view of a further embodiment of the present invention; "Figure 10 is an elevation view of the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 9; and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the present invention S: 15 depicting the mounting arrangement for an ancillary such as a street light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Referring to Figure 1 a street pole 1 for supporting one or more fixtures-2 is depicted.

In the embodiment depicted the street pole includes a central structural column 4 and elongate cladding members 6. The cladding members 6 take the form of cover plates which are releasably attached to the column 4 to define intermediate longitudinally extending channels or ducts 8 for concealed routing of services such as conduits 10, in the form of electrical cabling or the like.

In the embodiment shown, the column 4 is generally square in cross section, and includes bracket assemblies 12 attached to each of its outer faces 14. However, the column -7may be of any other suitable cross section, such as octagonal, hexagonal, circular or even "I"-shaped.

Each bracket assembly 12 comprises an elongate first bracket member 16 welded or bolted to the structural column and a series of relatively short spaced apart second bracket members 18 attached to the first bracket at intervals by means of spaced apart threaded bolts 20. The first brackets 16 are generally "U"-shaped in cross section, with the base 22 of the being attached to the respective outer face 14 of the central column 4. The arms .:oo.i of the terminate in inwardly extending retaining lips 24 which retain anchor nuts 26.

A suitable first bracket is a UNISTRUTTM, which is a known mounting system, as described in more detail below.

Second bracket members 18 are releasably attached to the anchor nuts 26 by means of threaded bolts 20. The anchor nut is wider than it is long, the particular dimensions being selected such that the nut may be partially threaded onto bolt 20, and then inserted into the space between the retaining lips 24. The anchor nut 26 is rotated through 15 degrees, so as to engage the retaining lips 24. The nut is retained in position by a spring (not shown). Bolts 40 may then be installed. In this way, the second bracket is rigidly held in place with respect to the structural column. Each second bracket defines a pair of longitudinal edge flanges 28 terminating in generally outwardly directed channels 30. If necessary, packing 28 is provided between the second bracket and the first bracket.

A first cladding member or cover plate 32 is releasably attached to adjacent edge flanges 34 by means of longitudinal ridges 36 adapted to snap lock into the channels Additional elongate cladding members 38 are attached to other anchor nuts (not shown) spaced from anchor nuts 26 associated with the first bracket member 16, by means of threaded bolts 40 which pass through the respective second brackets 18. Each additional -8cladding member 38 engages grooves 42 associated with the first cladding members.

When fully assembled, the longitudinal edges 44 of the additional cladding members abut the grooves 42 to prevent removal of the first cladding members. In the preferred embodiment, a flush head Allen key bolt is used for aesthetic reasons.

Referring to Figure 3, in which like reference numerals denote like features, a cantilevered support arm 46 is attached to the central column 4 by means of arm bracket 48, and associated bolt and nut assemblies. An aperture 52 is provided in the cladding S. member 54 enabling the arm to extend outwardly from the column. In the embodiment illustrated, a power cable 56 passes through the internal area 58 of the core column 4, and o10 subsequently into the support arm to a light fitting, traffic signal or the like. The first bracket 16 is discontinuous in the area of the bracket to enable maximum space for the various support arm mounting components.

To install the pole, a mounting plate 61 having a mounting aperture 62 is first anchored to concrete footings 64. A mounting portion 66 at the base of the column 4 is 15 then slid into position within mounting aperture 62. Intermeshing teeth 65 on the inner surface of the mounting aperture 62 and the outer surface of mounting portion 66 prevent undesirable rotation of the pole 1 during installation. If necessary, any wiring-for the internal area of the column 4 is installed before sliding the pole into position.

The second bracket members 18 are then attached by means of anchor nuts 26, threaded bolts 20, and packing 27 if required. Any wiring or other necessary conduits are positioned within the recesses formed by core structural column and the first and second bracket members. First cladding members 32 are then snap locked into position between adjacent edge flanges 34 by means of interlocking longitudinal ridges 36 and channels Finally, additional cladding members 38 are attached by means of flush head Allen key bolts passing through the second bracket members 18 and engaging respective anchor nuts.

The edges 44 of the additional cladding members positively retain the first cladding members in their snap locked positions.

Referring to Figures 4 and 6, in other embodiments of the invention the pole assembly includes a column 72 in the form of a rigid one piece shell or housing incorporating, in cross section, one or more recesses or tracks 74 which extend along the length of the housing to provide for the mounting of fixtures such as cantilevered arms for Ssupporting street lights and the like. Elongate cladding members in the form of covers 76 may be releasably attached to housing 72 to cover each mounting track 74, thereby defining longitudinally extending ducts 8. The covers 76 are releasably attachable by means of a snap or interference fit between internal flanges 78 in the recesses 74 and resilient clips 80 associated with the covers 76. For aesthetic and safety reasons, the outer surface of the covers 76 are flush with the outer surface of the rigid shell 72 When attached.

A cantilevered support arm 46 is attached by an anchor nut, in a similar fashion to that 15 described previously, by means of internal flanges 78.

The assembly may also include an internal divider 70 for segregating the internal space of the column 72. The internal divider 70 may be extruded, preferably from PVC or the like, and is designed to enable segregation of signal, power and data cabling. Whilst "X"-shaped dividers are shown, any suitable shape may be utilisedl Referring to Figure 9, a cross-section of particularly preferred embodiment of a street pole assembly 100 according to the present invention is depicted. The street pole assembly 100 includes a core member 102 which is affixed to the ground for supporting the pole. The height/length of the core member 102 may vary depending upon the loading upon the pole. Preferably the core member is of square, hollow cross-section as shown.

The pole assembly 100 further includes a one-piece outer housing 104, preferably of constant nominal diameter. It is further preferable that the outer housing is formed by extrusion, and preferably from aluminium or aluminium alloy. The housing 104 includes one or more recessed tracks 106 which extend along the length of the housing to provide for the mounting of fixtures such as cantilevered arms for supporting street lights and the like. In one preferred arrangement, the mounting tracks 106 are dimensioned so as to mate with standard UNISTRUT T M nuts 108 or similar type mounting arrangements. The outer oo..oi housing 104 may further include integrally formed internal members 110 to define S segregated spaces within the housing for the routing of cables 112 and the like. The tracks 106 may be covered with cladding members 114, releasably attachable by means of a snap fit or interference fit with internal flanges 116 of the tracks 106.

Referring to Figure 10, the street pole may further include a lower housing or casing 120 which may take the form of removable plates to provide access to cables within the pole.

S •15 Figure 11 depicts an arrangement in which a cantilevered mount 122 is located oo a within an mounting track 106 of the outer housing 104 of the pole. Due to the longitudinally extending track 106, the mount 122 may be positioned at any desired height.

The mount 122 is retained in engagement with the track 106 by means of a nut 108 such as a UNISTRUT T M nut. A cantilevered support arm 46 may be attached to the mount 122 to support an ancillary such as a street light, traffic signals or the like.

In summary, it will be appreciated that, if required, any number of support arms for street lights, traffic lights and the like may be attached by means of bolt and nut arrangements and hence the invention provides a pole assembly which may be adapted to perform a multitude of functions.

-11- The invention provides an arrangement whereby any number of cantilevered support arms may be located at any desired positions on the pole. The invention also provides an arrangement for the segregated ducting for services such as electrical and data cabling with convenient and virtually unrestricted access by simple removal of selected cladding members or cover plates. This substantially facilitates the initial routing of cabling and any subsequent re-routing or fault finding after installation. In these respects, the invention represents a commercially significant improvement over the prior art.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

o• C Co 0o C

Claims (11)

1. A pole for supporting one or more fixtures, the pole comprising a core structural column, and at least one elongate cladding member releasably attached to said column to define an elongate intermediate duct for concealed routing of conduits.

2. A traffic pole according to claim 1, wherein the core structural column is generally square in cross section.

3. A traffic pole according to claim 2, including bracket means associated with each o outer face of the square section, each of the cladding members being configured for releasable attachment to at least one of the bracket means. oo.

4. A traffic pole according to claim 3, wherein the bracket means comprises an elongate first bracket member attached to the structural column and an elongate second bracket member attached to the first bracket member, wherein one or more of the elongate cladding members is releasably attachable to the second bracket.

A traffic pole according to claim 4, wherein one or more of the cladding members 15 are attachable to each of the second brackets by means of releasable snap lock fittings.

6. A traffic pole according to claim 5, wherein each of the first brackets is generally "U"-shaped in cross section, the base of each being attached to one of the-faces of the structural column such that each face includes a first bracket, and wherein a second bracket is mounted to each of the first brackets, each of the second brackets defining a pair of longitudinal edge flanges, wherein a first cladding member is releasably attached to edge flanges on each pair of adjacent second brackets.

7. A traffic pole according to claim 6, wherein an additional elongate cladding member is releasably attachable to each of the first brackets, each additional cladding member being -13- configured to clamp the first cladding members to the corresponding second bracket member.

8. A traffic pole according to claim 7, wherein the arms of the terminate in inwardly extending retaining lips to retain an elongate anchor nut, the second bracket and the additional cladding member being releasably attached to the anchor nut.

9. A traffic pole according to claim 8, including one or more arms releasably connected to one or more of the anchor nut(s) to extend outwardly from the pole, wherein the second bracket members include corresponding apertures for the arms.

A traffic pole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cladding 10 members interlock to form a substantially continuous outer shell which encloses the structural column.

11. A pole assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. DATED this tenth day of October 2001 The Council of the City of Sydney Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: F.B. RICE CO.