AU2014265022A1 - A portable base assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to portable base assembly comprising a base, and a stand-alone electric power system comprising a solar panel assembly, wherein both the base and the solar panel assembly comprise a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport. / "'N N N ) / 'K "N 'N'' - N 'NN /1 1' ~ 'K ~IH~ ~NN >1// II N->V NNN ____________ -4 I-' N'/ 5V/ K '"NN-N

Description

1 A PORTABLE BASE ASSEMBLY INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE [0001] The present application is a Divisional of Australian Standard Patent Application No 2014201518 titled "A PORTABLE TOWER ASSEMBLY" and filed on 13 March 2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference at least, in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to a portable base assembly having numerous applications. BACKGROUND [0003] Trailer mounted generators, such as those used for powering lighting towers and other equipment, are well known and widely used in applications where they will not be left unattended for long periods, such as lighting road works. [0004] These trailer mounted units are not ideally suited to applications where their high degree of mobility is a potential liability, or the generator's fuel supply is not going to be attended to regularly. [0005] Nor however, are they well suited to applications where the noise generated by the generator will affect people or animals in close proximity. As such they would not be well suited to mines, mine accommodation, construction sites, public events and/or venues, agricultural properties or communities that are not otherwise connected to mains power grids. [0006] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed. [0007] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. SUMMARY [0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a portable base assembly comprising a base, and a stand-alone electric power (i.e. generation) system, wherein both the base, and at least a portion of the stand-alone electric power system comprise a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport.

2 [0009] The portable base assembly is 'a base' in both the sense that it is a lowermost part or support, but also in as much as it is an assembly from which other things or assemblies may depend, or to which other things or assemblies may be added. [0010] In one form, the configurable portion of the electric power system comprises a power supply means. [0011] In one form, the power supply means comprises a solar panel assembly comprising a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport, and to protect this from damage. [0012] In one form, in an alternative, the power supply means comprises a wind turbine assembly comprising a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport. [0013] In one form, the base comprises a plurality of outrigger assemblies, at least one of which is configurable by way of having, and being movable between, a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport. [0014] In one form, the base comprises four outrigger assemblies, three of which are configurable by way of having, and being movable between, a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport. [0015] In one form, the or each configurable outrigger assembly comprises a fixed inner portion, and a movable outer portion which can be moved outward into its deployed configuration, or inward into its stowed configuration for transport. [0016] In one form, the electric power system comprises at least one battery. [0017] In one form, the portable base assembly further comprises a control means for controlling the electric power system at least. In this way the portable base assembly is substantially self-contained. [0018] In one form, the control means is adapted to control the configuration of the power supply means. [0019] In one form, the solar panel assembly is positionable. [0020] In one form, the control system is adapted to control the position of the solar panel assembly via at least one actuator. [0021] In one form, in use, the electric power system powers an external apparatus.

3 [0022] In one form, the control system is adapted to control operation of the external apparatus. [0023] In one form, the external apparatus is a fluid pump. [0024] In one form, in an alternative the external apparatus comprises one of more of lighting, telecommunications, sensing and/or measuring equipment. [0025] In one form, the base comprises at least one ballast receptacle of selectively variable weight for selectively anchoring the portable base assembly. [0026] In one form, the or each ballast receptacle is adapted to be substantially purged to aid movement of the portable base assembly. [0027] In one form, the portable base assembly further comprises one ballast receptacle anchoring each outrigger. [0028] According to a further aspect, there is provided a portable base assembly comprising a base, and a stand-alone electric power system comprising a solar panel assembly, wherein both the base and the solar panel assembly comprise a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport. [0029] According to a further aspect, there is provided a portable base assembly comprising a base comprising a plurality of outrigger assemblies, where at least one outrigger assembly comprises a fixed inner portion, and a movable outer portion which can be moved outward into a deployed configuration, or inward into a stowed configuration for transport, and a stand-alone electric power system comprising a solar panel assembly comprising a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport, and to protect this from damage. [0030] In one form, in an alternative, the portable base assembly is a base for a portable tower assembly. [0031] In one form, the portable tower assembly is of the type disclosed in Australian Standard Patent Application No 2014201518. [0032] In one form, the portable base assembly is a base for one or more of lighting equipment, communications equipment, and/or security equipment. [0033] In one form, the lighting equipment comprises an electric light assembly whose light intensity and positioning are remotely adjustable.

4 [0034] In one form, the security equipment comprises a security camera. [0035] In one form, the communications equipment comprises one or more of antennae, transceivers and/or a wireless communications device providing internet connectivity. [0036] In one form, the control means controls one or more of operation of the equipment, power supply to the equipment, and/or the configuration of one or more parts of the portable tower assembly. [0037] In one form, the control means tracks the sun and directs the solar assembly so that its efficiency is maximised. [0038] In one form, the tower moves between its deployed configuration and stowed configurations by folding. [0039] In one form, in an alternative, the tower moves between its deployed and stowed configurations by telescoping. [0040] In one form, the tower is separable from the base for transport, and for application where this is not required. [0041] The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured. [0042] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable tower assembly in its deployed configuration; 5 [0045] Figure 2 is a top view of the deployed portable tower assembly of Figure 1; [0046] Figure 3 is a side view of the deployed portable tower assembly of Figure 1; [0047] Figure 4 is a front view of the deployed portable tower assembly of Figure 1; [0048] Figure 5 is an underside view of the deployed tower assembly of Figure 1; [0049] Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of the portable tower assembly in its stowed configuration; [0050] Figure 8 is a front end view of the stowed portable tower assembly of Figure 7; [0051] Figure 9 is a side view of the stowed portable tower assembly of Figure 7; [0052] Figure 10 is a rear end view of the stowed portable tower assembly of Figure 7; [0053] Figure 11 is a top view of the stowed portable tower assembly of Figure 7; [0054] Figure 12 is an underside view of the stowed portable tower assembly of Figure 7; [0055] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a portable base assembly in its deployed configuration, in use as a part of a pumping station; [0056] Figure 14 is a front view of the portable base assembly of Figure 13; [0057] Figure 15 is a side view of the portable base assembly of Figure 13; [0058] Figure 16 is a plan view of the portable base assembly of Figure 13; [0059] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a portable base assembly in its deployed configuration, in use as a power station; [0060] Figure 18 is a front view of the portable base assembly of Figure 17; [0061] Figure 19 is rear view of the portable base assembly of Figure 17; [0062] Figure 20 is a side view of the portable base assembly of Figure 17; [0063] Figure 21 is a further side view of the portable base assembly of Figure 17; and 6 [0064] Figure 22 is a plan view of the portable base assembly of Figure 17. [0065] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0066] Referring now to Figures 1 through 6, where there is shown a portable base assembly 2 in its deployed configuration, in use as a part of a portable tower assembly 1. [0067] The portable base assembly 2 base assembly 2supports a tower 4 from which there depends a first electric light 3 whose light intensity and positioning are remotely adjustable, a wireless communications device 5, a second electric light 6, and a camera 7. [0068] The tower 4 is pivotally connected to the base assembly 2 and it is comprised of multiple tower segments 14 connected by hinge assemblies 15 so that the tower segments 14 are articulated with respect to one another. This way, when the tower 4 is deployed (ie erected), the tower segments 14 stand upright and end to end; when stowed (ie folded), the tower segments lay lengthwise atop one another (as illustrated in Figures 6 through 12). [0069] The tower segments 14 may be secured in either of their extended or deployed configuration by bolted or magnetic connections. Folding and unfolding of the tower segments 14 may be driven by electrical linear actuators or slewing drives extending or attached between or to the tower segments 14 and hinge assemblies 15. [0070] The base assembly 2 comprises a central support column 10 comprising a central support 8, and four outrigger assemblies 11 A, 11B, 11 C and 1 ID extending out from and equi-spaced around the central support column 10. The outrigger assemblies 11 A, 11B, 11 C and 1 ID may be either permanently secured to the central support column 10 (such as by welding) or removably secured thereto (such as by bolted connection). [0071] Each outrigger 11 comprises a support arm comprising a frame comprising a mount M (see Figure 6) on which a ballast receptacle 12 can be seated. Each ballast receptacle 12 has the form of a generally cuboid tank formed from engineered plastic material. In use, when the ballast receptacles 12 are filled with ballast (generally water) they anchor the portable tower assembly 1 in position.

7 [0072] Three of the outriggers 11 A, 11 B and 1 ID comprise a hinge assembly 21 which divides the outrigger into a fixed inner portion, and a movable outer portion which can be swung outward into its deployed configuration, or inward into a stowed configuration. [0073] Outrigger 11 A supports a cabinet 13 housing at least some parts of a distributed control system, so it will hereinafter be referred to as a distributed control system hub 16. The distributed control system comprises one or more programmable logic controllers, batteries, inverters, battery chargers, fuses, switches, controls and communication equipment via which the distributed control system hub 16 may be contacted for controlling and reprogramming. [0074] The distributed control system may control any or all of the time of operation of the light 3, and/or the intensity of the light 3, and/or the positioning of the light 3, and/or the lux pattern of the light 3 and/or the function of the wireless communications device 5, and/or the function of the camera 7, and/or the raising or lowering of the mast 4, and/or the deployment or retraction or movement of solar panels 19 (which are discussed in detail below). Any customisation of the function of any or all of the aforementioned is saved by the control system through a power cycle of when the portable light and communication tower is stowed. [0075] The distributed control system incorporates a power saving and safety mode facilitating automatic dimming of the electric light 3 or lights 3 and 6, restricted function of the wireless communications device 5 and restricted function of the camera 7. The power saving and safety mode is autonomous in that the control system adjusts settings based on analysis of the previous days/weeks/months data relating to charge levels in particular, and accounts for climatic fluctuations, environmental conditions and hardware performance. This function provides extended battery life cycle through mitigating and regulating harmful battery discharge depth. [0076] The distributed control system also monitors the performance of hardware including the electric lights 3, 6, wireless communications device 5, camera 7, solar panels 19, batteries etc. This allows detection of hardware failure or general wear. [0077] Depending from outriggers 1 IB, 1 IC and 1 ID of the base is an arm 17 supporting a solar panel assembly 18. This solar panel assembly 18 too has deployed and stowed configurations with respect to the base. [0078] When folded and stowed, the solar panel assembly 18 moves to a position adjacent to the base assembly 2 and folds around the base assembly 2, as illustrated in Figures 6 through 12.

8 [0079] The solar panel assembly 18 depends from a head which is pivotally attached to the arms 17 so that the solar panel assembly 18 may be tilted by an electrical linear actuator or slewing drive. When deployed, the solar panels 19 are directed for maximum efficiency, and when stowed they are swung into a substantially vertical orientation. [0080] The solar panel assembly 18 comprises a bank of three panels 19, where the two outer panels are pivotally supported so that these can be driven by electrical linear actuators to fold between the deployed and stowed configurations. When deployed, the solar panels 19 are substantially coplanar, when stowed, the outermost panels swing rearwardly. [0081] The distributed control system incorporates a single axis, hour angle sun tracking function based on geographical location of the portable light and communications tower which facilitates the movement of the solar panel assembly 18 so that this remains perpendicular to the sun. This function provides increased efficiency of the solar panels in collecting energy and storing in the batteries. Moreover, in the event of a hail storm or high winds the solar panels 19 can be repositioned to reduce the likelihood of damage to these. [0082] In the event that the portable tower assembly 1 must be relocated, it is reconfigured into its stowed configuration (as illustrated in Figures 6 through 12) for transport. The tower 4 is stowed by folding this (optionally it can also be separated from the base), the ballast receptacles 12 are purged via draining, and then each is separated from its respective outrigger 11 A through D, the outriggers 11 A, 11 B and 1 ID are stowed by folding the movable portions of these inwardly, and the solar panel assembly 18 is stowed by folding this and tilting it vertically. The stowed configuration is not only a more compact one, but it is also one in which damage resulting from transport is less likely. [0083] Once the portable tower assembly 1 has been relocated, it can be deployed again by reversing the procedure for stowing it. [0084] The mast 4 and base assembly 2 may be made of lightweight materials, such as aluminium or composites, to lighten weight and aid portability. [0085] Referring now to Figures 13 through 22, where there is illustrated a portable base assembly 2 in its deployed configuration, but not forming a part of a portable tower assembly 1. [0086] Those parts of the portable base assembly 2 which are identical to corresponding parts of the portable base assembly 2 forming part of the tower assembly 1 illustrated in Figures 1 through 12, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

9 [0087] Referring now to Figures 13 through 16, where there is illustrated a portable base assembly 2 in its deployed configuration, in use as a part of a portable pumping station 100, powering and controlling operation of a submersible pump in a nearby water tank 102. [0088] A solar panel assembly 118 depends from a head which is pivotally attached to the arms 17 so that the solar panel assembly 118 may be tilted by an electrical linear actuator or slewing drive. When deployed, the solar panels 119 are directed (by the control system via the electrical linear actuator or slewing drive) for maximum efficiency, and when stowed they are swung into a substantially vertical orientation. [0089] The solar panel assembly 118 comprises a bank of three panels 119, where the two outer panels are pivotally depend from the centre panel so that these outer panels can be folded between the deployed and stowed configurations. When deployed, the solar panels 119 are substantially coplanar, when stowed, the outermost panels swing rearwardly. [0090] The portable pumping station 100 will be useful for applications including, but not limited to irrigation of all types, providing water to livestock, and in aquaculture, nurseries and greenhouses. [0091] Referring now to Figures 17 through 22, where there is illustrated a portable base assembly 2 in its deployed configuration, in use as a part of a portable power station 200, for powering and, optionally. controlling electrical apparatus in remote locations. These electrical apparatus may include, but are not limited to, sensors, measuring equipment, and/or communication equipment. [0092] Those parts of the portable base assembly 2 which are identical to corresponding parts of the portable base assembly 2 forming part of the portable pumping station 100 illustrated in Figures 13 through 16, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail. [0093] The portable power station 200 can be configured to provide either of DC or AC power, and the number of batteries can be varied to meet the storage capacity requirements of the given application. [0094] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. [0095] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous 10 rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (18)

1. A portable base assembly comprising a base, and a stand-alone electric power system, wherein both the base, and at least a portion of the stand-alone electric power system comprise a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport.

2. The portable base assembly of claim 1, wherein the configurable portion of the electric power system comprises a power supply means.

3. The portable base assembly of claim 2, wherein the power supply means comprises a solar panel assembly comprising a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport, and to protect this from damage.

4. The portable base assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises a plurality of outrigger assemblies, at least one of which is configurable by way of having, and being movable between, a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport.

5. The portable base assembly of claim 4, wherein the base comprises four outrigger assemblies, three of which are configurable by way of having, and being movable between, a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport.

6. The portable base assembly as in either of claims 4 or 5, wherein the or each configurable outrigger assembly comprises a fixed inner portion, and a movable outer portion which can be moved outward into its deployed configuration, or inward into its stowed configuration for transport.

7. The portable base assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric power system comprises at least one battery.

8. The portable base assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control means for controlling the electric power system at least.

9. The portable base assembly of claim 8, wherein the control means is adapted to control the configuration of the power supply means.

10. The portable base assembly as in either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the solar panel assembly is positionable. 12

11. The portable base assembly of claim 10, wherein the control system is adapted to control the position of the solar panel assembly via at least one actuator.

12. The portable base assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in use, the electric power system powers an external apparatus.

13. The portable base assembly of claim 12, wherein the control system is adapted to control operation of the external apparatus.

14. The portable base assembly as in either of claims 12 or 13, wherein the external apparatus is a fluid pump.

15. The portable base assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises at least one ballast receptacle of selectively variable weight for selectively anchoring the portable base assembly.

16. The portable base assembly of claim 15, wherein the or each ballast receptacle is adapted to be substantially purged to aid movement of the portable base assembly.

17. The portable base assembly as in either of claims 15 or 16, further comprising one ballast receptacle anchoring each outrigger.

18. A portable base assembly comprising a base comprising a plurality of outrigger assemblies, where at least one outrigger assembly comprises a fixed inner portion, and a movable outer portion which can be moved outward into a deployed configuration, or inward into a stowed configuration for transport, and a stand-alone electric power system comprising a solar panel assembly comprising a deployed configuration for when in use, and a stowed configuration for transport, and to protect this from damage.