AU2012100594B4 - A Utility Pole - Google Patents

Abstract

A utility pole including a first tubular portion and a second portion corresponding in outer cross sectional shape to an inner cross-sectional shape of the first portion, the second portion received at least partially within the first portion, a fixing device to fix the position of the second portion relative to the first portion and a mounting portion mountable to one of the first or second portions, the mounting portion having a tubular upper portion to at least partially received the first or second portion, at least one elongate spacer extending from the tubular upper portion, a guide assembly located on the at least one elongate spacer in order to receive the first or second portion and a mounting assembly to mount equipment relative to the mounting portion.

Description

TITLE: A UTILITY POLE TECHNICAL FIELD 100011 The present invention relates generally to poles for supporting an object at a height above a surface and more particularly to poles with an effective height that that can be changed for desired purposes such as maintenance and replacement of the object. BACKGROUND ART [0002] When dealing with industrial facilities, something as simple as changing a light bulb which is supported on an elevated pole can be a labour-intensive and dangerous job due to the need for a ladder or scaffold and usually at least two people. 100031 Proposed solutions to this problem which are known conventionally include a device such as that illustrated in Figure 1. This device includes an upper pole mounted to a lower pole using an angled swivel joint which results in the upper pole lowering and changing orientation as it is rotated. 100041 The swivel joint includes a pair of plates, one attached to the upper and the lower pole. The angled plate attached to the upper end of the lower pole is a rectangular plate with a number of holes therethrough. The angled plate attached to the lower end of the upper pole is a round swivel plate. A third substantially rectangular plate with a large circular opening therein in order to allow the upper pole to extend through the circular opening is provided. [0005] In use, the round swivel plate abuts the angled plate attached to the upper end of the lower pole and the third plate is used to sandwich the round plate against the angled plate at the upper end of the lower pole in order to fix the position of the upper pole relative to the lower pole. This is done through the use of a number of clamping bolts which can be tightened to fix the position of the round plate relative to the plate on the upper end of the lower pole and loosened to allow relative movement in the form of rotation. [00061 A number of the safety pin openings are provided in the plate attached to the lower pole and a safety pin extends through the round plate and one of the safety pin openings in use in order to temporarily fix the position of the upper and lower poles relative to one another. [0007] The upper and lower poles are normally fixed in a substantially upright condition, but when access to the upper end of the upper pole is required, the clamping bolts can be loosened, [0007] and the upper pole rotated about the swivel joint and then temporarily fixed in position with the safety pin in order to hold the upper pole at an angle relative to the lower pole. In this position, the upper end of the pole is accessible. When required, the upper pole is simply rotated about the swivel joint into the upright position and again fixed there by tightening the clamping bolts. [0008] Whilst useful, and solving a number of problems which existed with substantially rigid upright poles, the device illustrated in Figure 1 has its own problems and therefore an alternative is sought which overcomes the problems, whilst retaining the advantages. [0009] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0010] The present invention is directed to a utility pole, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0011] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a utility pole including a first tubular portion and a second portion corresponding in outer cross-sectional shape to an inner cross-sectional shape of the first portion, the second portion received at least partially within the first portion for movement relative thereto between an extended and a retracted position, a resilient member located inside the first tubular portion for abutting a lower portion of the second portion at least when the pole is in a retracted position, a fixing device to fix the position of the second portion relative to the first portion in both the extended and retracted position, and a mounting portion mountable to one of the first or second portions, the mounting portion having a tubular upper portion to at least partially receive the first or second portion, a guide assembly associated with the tubular upper portion in order to receive the first or second portion and a mounting assembly to mount equipment relative to the mounting portion. [0012] In an alternative form, the present invention resides in a utility pole including a first tubular portion and a second portion corresponding in outer cross-sectional shape to an inner cross sectional shape of the first portion, the second portion received at least partially within the first portion, a fixing device to fix the position of the second portion relative to the first portion and a mounting portion mountable to one of the first or second portions, the mounting portion having a tubular upper portion to at least partially receive the first or second portion, at least one elongate spacer extending from the tubular upper portion, a guide assembly located on the at least one elongate spacer in order to receive the first or second portion and a mounting assembly to mount equipment relative to the mounting portion. 100131 The utility pole of the present invention can be used for any one of a variety of purposes including use as a support for lights, cameras, aerials, weather stations, flagpoles and the like where the equipment mounted on the pole needs to be accessible as needed and preferably without the use of large equipment or multiple people. [0014] The utility pole of the present invention includes the first portion and a second portion which are longitudinally movable relative to one another allowing the second portion to slide inside the first portion to change the effective length of the utility pole. By providing longitudinally movable or telescoping portions, this allows the effective length of the pole to be easily changed without interfering with obstacles located nearby. 10015] In its configuration as a support for an electrical component such as a light or similar, the electrical wire or cables supplying the electrical component will typically enter the utility pole from the bottom and extend over the length of the pole through the preferred hollow interior of the first and second portions. When the utility pole is lowered, the cable or wire, being flexible, will typically simply pool in a lower portion of the pole and will be drawn back up into the pole when the pole is returned to its original, extended length. Alternatively, a collection device such as a basket or similar can be provided. [0016] Typically, all portions of the pole will be manufactured from a rigid and robust material applicable to the application. Normally, the material would be a metal such as galvanised steel, stainless steel, or aluminium, but other materials such as plastic or even Ward can be used. 10017] For larger utility pole assemblies, a hand winch can be used to move the second portion relative to the first portion. For example, the hand which will typically be attached to the lower portion of the pole and a pulley system used to raise the upper portion as the winch is tightened and a flexible member attached to the winch is shortened. [0018] The first portion of the utility pole of the present invention is preferably elongate and tubular having a longitudinal opening or bore extending over at least a part of the length of the interior of the first portion. [0019] The first portion can be any cross-sectional shape and of any length, but it is preferred that the first portion be circular in both external and internal cross-sectional shape.

[00201 It is preferred that the first portion be used as the lower portion of the utility pole but this need not be the case as the utility pole will function as required if the first portion is used as an upper portion. [0021] Normally, the first portion is shaped and dimensioned to closely receive the second portion. [0022] The first portion may have both ends open or a closed end may be provided. Further, a flange may be provided at the end receiving the second portion to partially close the second end (except for the opening for the second portion). [00231 Preferably, at least one cross opening is located adjacent an open end provided for receiving the second portion at least partially therein. Typically, at least a pair of aligned cross openings are provided in order to receive a substantially straight member such as a pin or a bolt or similar therethrough. The cross openings may have any shape but will preferably be dimensioned to closely receive the fixing device. [00241 More than one pair of cross openings may be provided. If more than one pair of cross openings is provided, it is preferred that the second or subsequent pair of cross openings is provided spaced along the first portion from the first pair of cross openings in order to provide increased stability or security for the second portion. [00251 The second portion of the utility pole will typically correspond in outer shape to the inner shape of the first portion. Further, it is preferably sized to closely fit within the first portion. [00261 As mentioned above, the second portion of the utility pole will typically be an upper portion, located above the first portion and movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the first portion, sliding within the first portion. [00271 A gasket or similar may be used in order to prevent a rattling or movement of the second portion relative to the first portion, for example in windy conditions or to prevent dirt or moisture entering the pole. O-rings or similar may be used in order to optimise the fit. [00281 The shape of the second portion will typically be circular as this allows both reciprocal movement of the second portion relative to the first portion and also co-axial rotation of one portion relative to the other which may increase the functionality of the utility pole. 100291 The second portion may be a solid portion but is preferably hollow and tubular.

100301 The second portion may have any length and/or cross-sectional dimension. 100311 Typically, a plurality of openings are provided through or into the second portion. It is preferred that the plurality of openings are arranged in aligned pairs, with one opening of each pair on opposite sides of the second portion. Preferably, the pairs will be spaced over the height or length of the second portion. [0032] The openings may be of any shape but will preferably be correspondingly shaped and sized to the shape and size of the openings in the first member in order that the fixing device can be closely received in the aligned openings. 100331 The second portion may further include a collar or other laterally extending member or assembly in order to act as a stop. Typically, the collar or other laterally extending member or assembly is provided a short space from one end of the second portion which will, in use, normally be the upper end. [00341 The preferred collar will preferably be a circumferentially extending collar, extending substantially continuously about the second portion. The preferred collar is of greater dimension then that of the first portion such that the second portion cannot pass into or through the first portion past the collar. The collar may be attached to an external surface of the second portion or may be formed integrally. 100351 A mating portion in order to mount the mounting portion relative to the second portion is preferably provided adjacent the preferred collar but on the opposite side of the collar to the plurality of openings. The mating portion preferably includes a key way (or key) on or in the wall of the mating portion. Preferably, the key way (or key) will extend to the end of the second portion. 100361 The mounting portion will preferably be mountable to either the first or second portion, but preferably the second portion, by partially receiving an end thereof into the tubular upper portion of the mounting portion. 10037] The mounting portion includes a tubular upper portion which will normally be of similar cross-sectional size to the size of the first portion. The tubular upper portion may be open at both ends or may be closed at an upper end in order to prevent material entering the utility pole. [00381 The tubular upper portion preferably includes a key (or key way) corresponding to 0 the key way (or key) provided on the second portion. Engagement of the key with the key way will preferably limit coaxial movement of the mounting portion in the longitudinal direction as well as rotation. [00391 Typically, the tubular upper portion will be provided with a wire or cable securing system, particularly where the utility pole is used to mount lights or other electrical equipment. [0040] The mounting portion also includes at least one elongate spacer. Each elongate spacer is typically an elongate member or rod or similar extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the utility pole. One or more elongate spacers may be provided. [00411 Typically, the length of the at least one elongate spacer is sufficient to locate the guide assembly adjacent the second portion of utility pole. In a preferred embodiment, the guide assembly will be located below the collar on the second portion. [0042] Each at least one elongate spacer may be attached to the outside surface of the tubular upper portion. The attachment may utilise any method. 100431 The guide assembly of the mounting portion typically braces the mounting portion relative to the second portion. Therefore, the guide assembly will typically correspond at least in part to the shape of the outer surface of the second portion. 100441 In a preferred embodiment, the guide assembly will be arcuate. Preferably, the guide assembly is at least partially annular and in a particularly preferred form, the guide assembly will be a closed ring which is mounted transversely to the longitudinal axis of the utility pole. Preferably, the guide assembly is mounted at a lower end of the elongate spacer. [0045] The mounting portion also preferably includes a mounting assembly which is configured according to the equipment to be supported by the utility pole. The mounting assembly may be a tubular portion extending laterally from the tubular upper portion of the mounting portion in order to mount a light fixture therefrom, as one example. Where provided in this form, the mounting assembly will typically be hollow and the interior of the mounting assembly will typically communicate with the interior of the tubular upper portion in particular, for wires or cabling to extend therethrough. 100461 The mounting assembly may extend laterally from the tubular upper portion at any angle.

[0047] The fixing device preferred according to the present invention will be or include a pin or similar. The fixing device will preferably be elongate. [0048] The preferred configuration of fixing device will include a gripping portion to allow gripping or grasping but also to limit insertion of the fixing device into the aligned openings in the first and second portions. [0049] The fixing device may have any configuration but will preferably be or include a rod with a first portion extending through the aligned openings and a second portion at an angle to the first portion. Preferably, the second portion of the rod extends at an angle of approximately 900 to the first portion of the rod. In one preferred form, the fixing device is formed from a single elongate rod which has been bent into shape. [00501 According to a preferred embodiment, the end of the fixing device opposite the gripping portion is preferably forked in order to receive a toggle portion therebetween. Preferably, the fork is formed from a pair of spaced apart members and a pivot will typically be provided in the fork in order to allow the toggle portion to pivot or rotate. [00511 A slot will normally be provided between the pair of spaced apart members. The toggle portion is therefore preferably movable between an aligned position in which the toggle portion is coaxial and aligned with the first portion of the fixing device, and a nonaligned position where the toggle portion is at an angle to the first portion of the fixing device. The fixing device can therefore be used to temporarily "lock" the first and second portion relative to one another by insertion through aligned openings and then the movement of the toggle portion to the nonaligned position. [0052] A resilient member, which in one form includes a spring or similar can be provided in the first portion in order to prevent over insertion of the second portion thereinto. The resilient member may be of sufficient length and resilience in order to require force to move the second portion into the first portion, thereby compressing the resilient member. This will thereby provide assistance to the user when extending the pole. The resilient member will typically be at least a long or high enough in order to prevent the collar on the second portion striking the end of the first portion if the second portion is dropped for example. [0053] A boot or similar may be provided between respective portions of the utility pole of the present invention in order to limit any detritus from one portion being carried into an adjacent portion during movement or by accident. Where provided, these boots may be provided with friction reducing substances such as lubricants for example and typically, the boots are easily replaceable if damaged. [00541 The utility pole of the present invention is typically mounted relative to a surface using one or more brackets or similar. Any bracket may be used, and it is preferred that the utility pole is adapted for retrofit as well as original installation. [00551 Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0056] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 100571 Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: 100581 Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the implementation of a prior art device. 10059] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a utility pole according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 100601 Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of the utility pole illustrated in Figure 2. 10061] Figure 4 is a schematic view showing a worker preparing to lower the upper portion of the pole illustrated in Figure 1. [0062] Figure 5 is a schematic view showing a worker preparing to raise the upper portion of the pole illustrated in Figure 1. [00631 Figure 6 is an isometric view of a first portion of the utility pole of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0064] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a second portion of the utility pole of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0065] Figure 8 is a side view of a fixing pin according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

10066] Figure 9 is a side view of the fixing pin illustrated in Figure 8 showing the movement of the head portion in order to allay engagement and disengagement from the utility pole. 10067] Figure 10 is a detailed view of the engagement between the first and second portions of the utility pole of the preferred embodiment and the fixing pin in one preferred configuration. 100681 Figure 11 is a detailed view of the engagement between the first and second portions of the utility pole of the preferred embodiment and the fixing pin in a second preferred configuration. 10069] Figure 12 is an isometric view of a preferred light mounting portion according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0070] Figure 13 is a sectional view of the light mounting portion illustrated in Figure 12 along line A-A. [0071] Figure 14 is a cutaway isometric view of a preferred light mounting portion according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a preferred wire mounting apparatus. [0072] Figure 15 is an isometric view from the front of a bracket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [00731 Figure 16 is a view from above or a pair of brackets illustrated in Figure 15, assembled in a back-to-back configuration. [0074] Figure 17 is an isometric view of the bracket illustrated in Figure 15 in the open condition. 10075] Figure 18 is a view from above of the portion marked "B" from Figure 16 showing the attachment of the brackets to one another. [0076] Figure 19 is an isometric view of a bracket used to attach a second portion of the utility pole of a preferred embodiment relative to a support. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 100771 According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a utility pole used for mounting a light is provided.

IU [00781 According to the illustrated embodiment, the utility pole 10 includes a lower first tubular portion I1 and an upper second portion 12 corresponding in outer cross-sectional shape to an inner cross-sectional shape of the first portion 11. The second portion 12 is received partially within the first portion 11 and a fixing device 13 is used to fix the position of the second portion 12 relative to the first portion 11. 100791 A mounting portion 14 used to mount a light 15 is mounted to the second portion 12. The mounting portion 14 has a tubular upper portion 16 to at least partially receive the second portion 12, an elongate spacer 17 extending from the tubular upper portion 15, a guide assembly 18 located on the elongate spacer 17 in order to receive the second portion 12 and a mounting tube 19 to mount the light 15 relative to the mounting portion 14. [0080] The first portion 11 of the utility pole 10 of the illustrated embodiment, as best illustrated in Figure 6 is elongate and tubular having a longitudinal bore 20 extending over the length of the first portion into which a lower end of the second portion 12 is received. 10081] The illustrated first portion 11 is circular in both external and interior shape and is shaped and dimensioned to closely receive the second portion 12. 100821 A pair of aligned cross openings 21 is located adjacent the upper end of the first portion 11 in order to receive a substantially straight fixing device 13 therethrough. The cross openings may have any shape and are dimensioned to closely receive the fixing device 13. [00831 The second portion 12 of the utility pole illustrated in Figure 7 corresponds in outer shape to the inner shape of the first portion 11 and is sized to closely fit within the first portion 11. [00841 The illustrated second portion is hollow and tubular having a bore 23 in order to decrease weight and to allow a power cable 24 to extend through the bore of the pole from the bottom to the light 15 at the top. [0085] A plurality of openings 22, arranged in aligned pairs, with one opening 22 of each pair on opposite sides of the second portion 12, are provided through the second portion 12. The pairs of openings are spaced over the height or length of the second portion 12. 100861 The openings 22 correspond in shape and size to the shape and size of the cross openings 21 in the first member 11 in order that the fixing device 13 can be closely received in the aligned openings.

l1 [0087] The second portion 12 also includes a collar 25 provided a short space from one end of the second portion 12 which will, in use, be the upper end. The collar 25 is of greater dimension than that of the first portion 11 such that the second portion 12 cannot pass through the first portion I1 past the collar 25. [00881 A mating portion is provided adjacent the collar 25 but on the opposite side of the collar 25 to the plurality of openings 22. The mating portion of the illustrated embodiment includes a keyway 26 in the wall at the end of the second portion 12 which forms the mating portion. As illustrated, the keyway 26 extends to the end of the second portion 12. 100891 The mounting portion 14 is mountable to the second portion 12 by partially receiving an end thereof into the tubular upper portion 16 of the mounting portion 14. [00901 The tubular upper portion 16 is of similar cross-sectional size to the size of the first portion 11. The illustrated tubular upper portion, particularly in Figure 14, is closed at an upper end in order to prevent material entering the utility pole 10. [00911 In addition, the top wall 27 mounts one end of an elongate, centrally depending cable mount 28 to which a cable is attached using zip ties 29 or a similar securing system with the wires 30 of the cable 24 then extending out of the mounting tube 19 to connect the light 15. [00921 The tubular upper portion 16 includes a key 31 corresponding to the key way 26 provided on the second portion 12. Engagement of the key 31 with the key way 26 limits coaxial movement of the mounting portion 14 in the longitudinal direction and rotation as well. 100931 The elongate spacer 17 illustrated is an elongate rod or similar extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the utility pole 10. [0094] The length of the elongate spacer 17 is sufficient to locate the guide assembly 18 adjacent the second portion 12 of utility pole 10, as illustrated in Figure 2 in particular. [00951 The guide assembly 18 braces the mounting portion 14 relative to the second portion 12. The guide assembly 18 illustrated is a closed ring which is mounted transversely to the longitudinal axis of the utility pole. [0096] The mounting portion 14 also preferably includes a mounting tube extending laterally from the tubular upper portion of the mounting portion in order to mount a light fixture therefrom as one example.

[00971 The fixing device of the illustrated embodiment will be or include a pin or similar. The fixing device will preferably be elongate. 100981 As illustrated in Figures 8 to 11, the preferred configuration of fixing device is a rod with a first portion extending through the aligned openings and a second gripping portion 32 at an angle of approximately 900 to the first portion of the rod. [00991 The end of the fixing device 13 opposite the gripping portion is forked in order to receive a toggle portion 33 therebetween. The fork is formed from a pair of spaced apart members and a pivot is provided in the fork in order to allow the toggle portion 33 to pivot or rotate. The free end 35 of the fixing device 13 is convergent or pointed to ease insertion. [001001 A slot is provided between the pair of spaced apart members. The toggle portion 33 is therefore movable between an aligned position in which the toggle portion 33 is coaxial and aligned with the first portion of the fixing device 13 and a nonaligned position where the toggle portion 33 is at an angle to the first portion of the fixing device and substantially parallel to the gripping portion 32. The fixing device can used to temporarily "lock" the first 11 and second portion 12 of the utility pole relative to one another by insertion through aligned openings and then the movement of the toggle portion 33 to the nonaligned position. [001011 The upper end of the first portion 11 may be provided with a perpendicular mounting flange 36 through which the second portion extends, as illustrated in Figure 10 or alternatively, simply an open end 37 as illustrated in Figure 11. [00102] A spring 34 can be provided in the first portion 11 in order to prevent over insertion of the second portion 12 thereinto. The spring 34 will typically be at least a long or high enough in order to prevent the collar 25 on the second portion 12 striking the end of the first portion 11. [001031 The utility pole of the present invention is typically mounted relative to a surface or guard rail assembly as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 using one or more brackets of the type illustrated in Figures 15 to 19. Any bracket may be used, and it is preferred that the utility pole 10 is adapted for retrofit as well as original installation. 1001041 In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. 1001051 Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" I., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [001061 In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A utility pole including: a first tubular portion and a second portion corresponding in outer cross-sectional shape to an inner cross-sectional shape of the first portion, the second portion received at least partially within the first portion for movement relative thereto between an extended and a retracted position; a resilient member located inside the first tubular portion for abutting a lower portion of the second portion at least when the pole is in a retracted position; a fixing device to fix the position of the second portion relative to the first portion in both the extended and retracted position; and a mounting portion mountable to one of the first or second portions, the mounting portion having: a tubular upper portion to at least partially receive the first or second portion, a guide assembly associated with the tubular upper portion in order to receive the first or second portion, and a mounting assembly to mount equipment relative to the mounting portion.

2. A utility pole as claimed in claim 1 wherein, at least one cross opening is located adjacent an open end of the first portion provided for receiving the second portion at least partially therein, in order to receive the fixing device which is substantially straight.

3. A utility pole as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second portion further includes a laterally extending collar to act as a stop.

4. A utility pole as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the resilient member is provided in a lower portion of the pole to limit damage to the pole.

5. A utility pole as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including a boot or similar provided between respective portions of the utility pole in order to limit any detritus from one portion being carried into an adjacent portion during movement or by accident.