AU2011101224B4 - Signal Mast - Google Patents

Abstract

- 14 Abstract A signal mast for a rail signal, the mast including: an arm supporting the rail signal; a base adapted to support the mast on a surface, the arm and the base being coupled such that the arm is moveable between a raised position, in which the rail signal is elevated relative the surface, and a lowered position, in which the rail signal is lowered relative the surface; and a mechanical drive operatively associated with the arm, the mechanical drive being adapted to facilitate movement of the arm between the lowered position and the raised position. [Figure. 1]

Description

Our Ref: 35013521 P/00/01 1 Regulation 3:2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Applicant: Rail Industry Constructions Pty Ltd Unit 15, 5-7 Channel Road, Mayfield West, New South Wales 2304, Australia Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys 255 Elizabeth Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Invention Title: "Signal mast" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- - 1 SIGNAL MAST Technical Field 5 [001] The present invention generally relates to a signal mast, and more particularly to a signal mast for a rail signal. Background 10 [002] Signals such as rail signals are often mounted on a mast alongside the rail track. Generally, these masts are relatively long and the signal is elevated well beyond the reach of a person. Accordingly, to perform maintenance or other related duties on the signal, the person is generally required to climb up to the height of the mast, usually by way of a ladder installed along side the mast. Furthermore, rail lines often have overhead high 15 voltage power lines which the person may become near to, or potentially in contact with, whilst performing maintenance or related activities on the signal. This results in occupational health and safety issues with people working at heights and in close proximity to power lines. 20 [003] In an attempt to prevent workers from falling whilst working at heights, steel cages have been installed around the ladder and/or signal mast. However, the person is still required to work at the elevated height and as such may still be subject to occupational health and safety related issues related to working and heights and, in any event, and may still be in close proximity to the overhead high voltage power lines. 25 [004] To address both the problems of working on heights in the proximity to the high voltage power lines, folding signal masts have been developed. One such folding signal mast includes a supporting base and a moveable signal arm pivotally coupled to the base. The signal arm is configured to be manually handled by a person or persons by pushing or 30 pulling the arm to move the arm between a lowered position, where the signal is able to be accessed, and a raised position where the signal is in an elevated operative position. [005] A disadvantage of this configuration is that the arm must be manually pushed or pulled into the raised position and lowered position which has associated occupational -2 health and safety issues, due the lifting and pulling involved. Furthermore, the arm is often relatively heavy which can place strain on the person or persons and/or expose the person or persons to crush injuries when manually handling the signal arm whilst moving the arm between the raised and lowered positions. [006] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Summary [007] According to a first form, there is provided a signal mast for a rail signal, the mast including: an arm supporting the rail signal; a base adapted to support the mast on a surface, the arm and the base being coupled such that the arm is moveable between a raised position, in which the rail signal is elevated relative the surface, and a lowered position, in which the rail signal is lowered relative the surface; and a mechanical drive adapted to facilitate movement of the arm between the lowered position and the raised position, wherein the arm includes a neck on which the rail signal is supported and a body, the arm being pivotally coupled to the base between the neck and body and the body being adapted to inter-fit with the base when in the raised position. [008] In one form, the mechanical drive includes a linkage and a winch which operates on the linkage to facilitate the movement of the arm between the lowered position and the raised position. [009] In one form, the mast includes a drive member coupled to the winch, the drive member being adapted to be actuated by a tool thereby operating the winch. [010] In one form, the tool includes an electrically operated hand tool.

3 [011] In one form, the winch is located within the base and the linkage proceeds through an opening in the base to interconnect the winch with the arm. [012] [Deleted] [013] In one form, the body encloses the opening when the arm is in the raised position. [014] In one form, the body is an elongate channel which is dimensioned to substantially receive the base when the arm is in the raised position. [015] In one form, the linkage is coupled to the body towards a free end thereof. [016] In one form, the linkage is a strap which is windable about a drum of the winch. [017] In one form, the mast includes including a bias which is arranged to urge the arm toward the lowered position. [018] In one form, the bias is provided in the form of a curved spring coupled to at least one of the base and arm. [019] In one form, the base and the arm are adapted to lock relative to one another in each of the raised and lowered positions. [020] In one form, at least one of the base and arm includes apertures to receive a pin, the pin being insertable through the apertures to lock the base and arm in at least one of the raised and lowered positions. Brief Description Of Figures [021] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying Figures, in which; [022] Figure. 1 is a perspective rear view of the signal mast in a lowered position; -4 [023] Figure. 2 is a perspective front view illustrating the signal mast in the lowered position; [024] Figure. 3 is a perspective front view illustrating the signal mast in a raised position; 5 [025] Figure. 4 is a perspective rear view illustrating the titling mast in the raised position; [026] Figure. 5 is a side view illustrating a base of the signal mast; 10 [027] Figure. 6 is a perspective bottom view illustrating the base of the signal mast; [028] Figure. 7 is a side view illustrating the base and part of the arm of the signal mast; 15 [029] Figure. 8 is a front view illustrating the base and part of the arm of the tilting rail signal; [030] Figure. 9 is a perspective view of a winch; 20 [031] Figure. 10 is a perspective view of the winch with a strap attached thereto; [032] Figure. I 1 is a side view of the winch and the strap; [033] Figure. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a drum of the winch and a clamping 25 arrangement; and [034] Figure. 13 is a side view illustrating the drum of the winch and the clamping arrangement. 30 Detailed Description [035] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 there is a shown a signal rail mast (2) for supporting a rail signal head (6). The mast (2) includes an arm (4) supporting the signal head (6) and a -5 base (14) adapted to support the signal mast (2) on a surface (not shown). The arm (4) and the base (14) are pivotally coupled to one another via a pivot coupling (12) such that the arm (4) is movable between a raised position (as is shown in Figures 3 and 4) in which the arm (4) is generally vertically oriented relative the surface so that the signal head (6) is 5 elevated relative to the surface, and a lowered position (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) in which the arm (4) is generally horizontally oriented relative the surface so that the signal head (6) is lowered relative to the surface. [036] The arm (4) includes a neck (8), in the form of an elongate cylindrical pole on 10 which the rail signal (6) is supported, and a body (10), which is provided in a form of a channel section (19). The channel section (19) is dimensioned to substantially receive the base (14) in the raised position and accordingly the channel section (19) provides a shield that assists to protect parts of the signal mast (2), and particularly the parts with the base (14) from vandalism, water ingress or other damage. 15 [037] The neck (8) includes a support plate (19) with gussets (17), the support plate (19) being dimensioned to become seated on the base (14) when the arm (4) is in the raised position. The arm (4) and the base (14) are generally fabricated from galvanised steel. However, other suitable materials may be used. 20 [038] The tilting rail mast (2) includes a mechanical drive (16) which is operatively associated with the arm (4) and is adapted to facilitate movement of the arm (4) between the lowered position and the raised position. More specifically, the mechanical drive (16) includes a winch (20) (shown in Figure 5) located within the base (14) and a linkage (13) 25 in the form of a strap (18) which is wound around the winch (20). The strap (18) couples the winch (20) to the body (10) of the arm (4). Although, linkage (13) is provided herein as a flat woven fabric strap (18). Other suitable linkages such as mechanical arrangements or rope like structures may be used. 30 [039] The winch (20) is configured to tension and release the strap (18) to move the arm (4) between the lowered position and the raised position. The length of the strap (18) is configured to stop the rotation of the arm (4) in the lowered position, in which the arm (4) is at a 105 degree angle relative to the vertical axis. At this angle, the neck (8) of the arm -6 (4) and the signal head (6) are slightly lowered relative to the surface than the body (10) of the arm (4). This ensures that the signal head (6) is readily accessible for maintenance or other related activities. 5 [040] The pivot coupling (12) is positioned between the neck (8) and the body (10). The neck (8), which supports the signal head (6), is heavier than the body (10) such that arm (4) is generally balanced or biased to move towards the lowered position. This assists to maintain tension in the strap (18) when the signal head (6) is being moved between the raised position and the lowered positions. Advantageously, the arm (4) does not need to be 10 counter balanced to accommodate the weight of the signal head (6) and therefore does not require counter weights. Rather, the arm (4) utilises the natural weight of the signal head (6) to assist with moving the arm (4) between the raised and the lowered positions. [041] Moreover, as the strap (18) is coupled the body (10) at an opposing end of the arm 15 (4) relative to the signal head (6). Therefore, the pivot coupling (12) provides a fulcrum point such that arm (4) acts as a lever to leverage movement of the signal head (6) when the strap (18) is tensioned and released. [042] Referring additionally to Figures 5 and 6, the base (14) is generally of a square 20 section in profile and includes opposing side walls (37), a front face (33) in which a door (40) is located and a rear face (35) having an opening (15) which is dimensioned to allow free movement of the strap (18) between the winch (20) and the body (10) of the arm (4). [043] The opening (15) includes a rounded edge guard (29) at a top edge thereof to 25 inhibit the strap (18) from wearing against the edge of the opening (15). The opening (15) also includes a skirting edge seal (43) which is made from a non-combustible soft flexible material such as silicone rubber tubing. The opening (15) and the skirting edge seal (43) are arranged such that in the raised position, where the channel section (19) of the body (10) substantially abuts with and encloses the opposing side walls (37) and the rear face 30 (35), the opening (15) is enclosed and the edge seal (43) is compressed between the rear face (35) of the base (14) and an inner face (22) as is shown in Figure 1, of the channel section (19) of the body (10) so as to seal the opening (15). This inhibits fire or ingress of other substances into the opening and protects the strap (18) and the winch (20).

-7 [044] The base (14) further includes a bias in the form of a spring (30) which is arranged to be received and engaged with the channel section (19) of the body (10) when the arm (4) is in the raised position. The spring (30) is provided in the form of a generally s-shaped 5 curved spring having a generally flat spring body (32) with a lower end (34) connected to the base (14) and an upper end (36) which is located upward of and laterally spaced apart from the base (14). Whilst in this example, curved spring is shown, it should be appreciated that other spring arrangements may be utilised to achieve a similar functional result. 10 [045] In the raised position, the spring (30) becomes compressed between the base (14) and the channel section (19) of the body (10) and as such the spring 30 bears against the inner face (22) of the channel section (19). Accordingly, when the mechanical drive (16) is operated to move the arm (4) from the raised position to the lowered position, the spring 15 (30) urges the body (10) away from the base (14) which assists to overcome any friction associated with the pivot coupling (12) and assist in the movement of the arm from the raised position towards the lowered position. [046] Additionally, when the arm (4) is being moved from the lowered position to the 20 raised position, the spring (30) provides a shock absorbing function and is able to cushion the engagement of the channel section (19) of the body (10) against the base (4). [047] Advantageously, the spring (30) provides the tilting signal mast (2) with the dual functionality of both, assisting in initialling movement of the arm (4) when being moved 25 from the raised position to the lowered position, and cushion movement between the arm (4) and the base (14) when the arm (4) is moved from the lowered position to the raised position. [048] The base (14) includes a door (40) which is moveable between an open and a 30 closed position thereby providing access to an electrical housing (54) within the base (14). The electrical housing (54) includes electrical termination and connection wiring for the signal (6).

-8 [049] The door (40) is coupled-to the base (14) via a piano hinge (41). The door (40) is provided with a lock (57) which is configured to secure the door (40) in the closed position thereby securing access to the electrical housing (54) from vandals or the like. The door (40) includes a seal (52) such as a non-combustible soft flexible material, for example, 5 silicone rubber tubing to inhibit flame ingress and seal against environmental conditions and vermin which and could result in damage to the winch internal wiring generally located behind the door (40). [050] The winch (20) is secured to an inside face of the rear face (35) immediately below 10 the opening (15) and is arranged to allow the strap (18) to freely pass through the opening (15), as is further detailed in Figures 12 and 13. The base (14) further includes an aperture (42) immediately below the door (40) through which a drive member (44) of the winch (20) is able to be accessed and operatively actuated with a handle or a power tool such as an electric drill or similar. 15 [051] Referring additionally to Figures 7 and 8, the pivot coupling (12) in formed by a shaft (27) which proceeds through corresponding apertures (31) located on the base (14) and the arm (4). The shaft (27) is secured in place by bearing caps (39) which are arranged to reduce the friction between movement of the arm (4) and base (14). The pivot coupling 20 (12) is located towards one side of the tiling mast (2) and is arranged such that when the arm (4) is in the raised position, the vertical axis of symmetry of the neck (8) of the arm (4) extends upwards substantially in line with the vertical axis of symmetry of the base 14 which allows the centre of gravity of the signal head (6) to be substantially directly over the base (14). This assist to alleviate any static over-turning moments associated with 25 signal head (6). [052] The lower end of the body (10) of the arm (4) includes two spaced apart eyelets (70) which are arranged to receive a removable pin or rod (72). When the arm (4) is in the raised position, the rod (72) may be inserted through the eyelets (70) so as to pass across 30 the front face (33) of the base (14) which prevents the arm (4) from being rotated. The rod (72) also covers the access hole (42) of the base (14) which inhibits the winch drive member (44) from being rotated.

-9 [053] The rod (72) may be formed from steel and may be locked in place with a padlock or similar to prevent unauthorised removal. Accordingly, this prevents both the arm from being rotated and the winch (20) from being operated thereby ensuring the arm (4) is secured in the raised position. To operate the signal mast (2), the rod (72) removed thereby 5 allowing tilting movement of the arm (4) relative to the base (14) and allowing a user to access the winch drive shaft (44) through the access hole (42). [054] The body (10) of the arm (4) further includes a second pair of apertures (71) which are arranged to receive the rod (72) when the arm (4) has been rotated to the lowered 10 position, such as that shown in Figure 1. [055] To lock the arm (4) in the lowered position, the rod (72) is inserted through the second pair of apertures (71), the apertures (71) are arranged such that the rear face (35) of the body (10) of the arm (4) may become engaged with the rod (72) and is thereby is 15 inhibited from moving back towards the raised position when the rod (72) is in place. [056] Accordingly, the rod (72) advantageously allows maintenance or other related tasks to be preformed on the signal head (6) and associated parts such as removing and replacing the signal head (6) whilst the arm (4) is locked in the lowered position. 20 [057] After such work has been completed, the pin (72) is removed and a user is able to actuate the mechanical drive (16), by use of the tool, to raise the arm (4) back to the raised position where the arm (4) is generally vertically extending above the base (14) thereby moving the signal (6) back to the required height and position required for normal signal 25 function. The pin (72) can then be replaced into the eyelets (70) to lock the arm (4) in the raised position. [058] Referring additionally to Figures 9 to 13, the winch (20) includes a winding drum (50) around which the strap (18) is wound and a gear (51). 30 [059] The drive member (44) extends from the winch (20) so as to be accessible via the aperture (42) and includes a body shaft (45) having a corresponding gear (48) at a first end and a hexagonal fitting (46) at a second opposing end. The corresponding gear (48) is - 10 dimensioned for rotatable engagement with the gear (51) so as to provide a worm gear. Rotation of the drive member (44) causes rotation of the gear (51) and hence the drum (50). The corresponding gear (48) is substantially smaller in diameter than the gear (51) such the drive member (44) is provided with mechanical advantage through the resulting 5 gearing. The hexagonal fitting (46) is dimensioned so as to be rotatable by a common socket drive, electric screw driver, electric drill or similar device. [060] The drum (50) and gear (51) are supported on a common shaft (53) for likewise rotation. The common shaft (53) is rotatably supported on a mounting (60). The mounting 10 (60) is provided in the form of a channel (62) in which the drum (50) and gear (51) are at least partially received and supported by opposing walls (64) of the channel (62). The base (66) of the channel (62) includes apertures (68) which are used to interconnect the channel (62) to the base (14) so as to mount the winch (20) to the base (14), as may be best appreciated from Figures 5 and 6. 15 [061] The strap (18) is attached to the drum (50) via a plate (54) and fasteners (56) which pass through the strap (18) and clamp the plate (54) in place. The opposing end of the strap (18) is attached to an inner face (22) of the body (10) of the arm (4) by a clamping arrangement (80). This arrangement (80) includes spaced apart fasteners (86) which 20 support two clamps (84). To attach the strap (18), the strap (18) is wrapped through the clamps (84) as is shown in Figure 13, and the clamps (84) are compresses towards the inner face (82) of the body (10) by actuating the fasteners (86). [062] Advantageously, an example of a tilting signal mast has been described which is 25 able to be automatically moved between a raised position and a lowered position by use of a mechanical drive. The mechanical drive allows a single person to raise and lower the arm (4) by using a simple everyday tool such as a hand power tool such as an electric power drill. Moreover, as the arm (4) is balanced to maintain tension on the strap (18), the user is able control the tilt for entire movement between the raised and the lowered positions. This 30 substantially reduces or eliminates the amount of manually handling required.

- Il [063] Furthermore, due to the use of the mechanical drive the tilt signal is not required to be counter balanced therefore no counter weights are required which reduces the weight and also associated costs of the tilting signal mast. 5 [064] Furthermore still, because there is no need for ladders, safety cages or multiple personnel to raise and lower the signal mast, maintenance operations such as focussing the lights within the signal head can be performed near to the ground which reduces the need for elevated work platforms and associated occupational health and safety issues and costs. 1 0

Claims (5)

1. A signal mast for a rail signal, the mast including: an arm supporting the rail signal; a base adapted to support the mast on a surface, the arm and the base being coupled such that the arm is moveable between a raised position, in which the rail signal is elevated relative the surface, and a lowered position, in which the rail signal is lowered relative the surface; and a mechanical drive adapted to facilitate movement of the arm between the lowered position and the raised position, wherein the arm includes a neck on which the rail signal is supported and a body, the arm being pivotally coupled to the base between the neck and body and the body being adapted to inter-fit with the base when in the raised position.

2. The signal according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical drive includes a linkage and a winch which operates on the linkage to facilitate the movement of the arm between the lowered position and the raised position.

3. The signal according to claim 2, wherein the winch is located within the base and the linkage extends through an opening in the base to interconnect the winch with the arm.

4. The signal mast according to any one of claims I to 3, further including a bias to urge the arm toward the lowered position.

5. The signal mast according to any one of claims I to 4, wherein the body encloses the opening when the arm in the raised position.