AU2016100595A4 - Multipurpose Pole - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A street light pole includes a spigot on which a banner can be supported, a plurality of electrical connections at both top and bottom of the pole and provision for access to digital communications via the pole. -34 26--2 Fig. 2 Fig. 1 Fig. 3

Description

“MULTIPURPOSE POLE”

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to poles. Although it has been designed in connection with light poles, specifically street light poles, it will be appreciated that it may be used in other applications.

Background to the Invention [0002] It is well known to use luminaires mounted atop poles for street lighting purposes. Such poles are generally fixed to the ground, with electricity being supplied via subterranean cabling.

[0003] The present invention seeks to expand the use of street lighting poles in order to serve other functions.

Summary of the Invention [0004] The present invention seeks to make use of a street lighting pole to perform other functions, including its use for supporting signs, banners, or flags; its use in providing electrical power to other electrical devices in addition to a traditional luminaire, and its use in providing access to digital communications technology. Specific aspects of the invention will be described below.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a pole including an internal electrical connection; the pole including at least two power outlets, the power outlets being axially spaced along the pole.

[0006] Preferably, the pole has at least three power outlets axially spaced along the pole.

[0007] It is further preferred that at least one power outlet is located near an upper end of the pole, and at least one power outlet is located near a lower end of the pole.

[0008] The power outlets are preferably electrical sockets arranged to receive standard power plugs.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a street lighting pole having a base and an upper end, the street lighting pole including an upper protrusion arranged for affixing banners thereto.

[0010] Preferably, the upper protrusion extends vertically from the top of the street lighting pole.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a street lighting pole including at least one electrical outlet and at least one digital communications outlet.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0012] It will be convenient to further describe the invention with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments are possible, and consequently the particularity of the following discussion is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings: [0013] Figure 1 is a front view of a street lighting pole in accordance with the present invention; [0014] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a lower portion of the street lighting pole of Figure 1; and [0015] Figure 3 is a rear view of the lower portion of the street lighting pole shown in Figure 2.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments [0016] Referring to the Figures, Figure 1 shows a street light pole 10, mounted to the ground 12. The street light pole 10 includes a base portion 14 and an upper portion 16. In the embodiment of the drawings the base portion 14 is square in cross section, with side length of 250mm, and has an axial length of 1800mm. The upper portion 16 is square in cross section, with a side length of 150mm and a length of 4700mm. The base portion 14 and the upper portion 16 are axially aligned, with a lower end of the upper portion 16 connected to an upper end of the base portion 14 at a junction 18.

[0017] The pole 10 includes an upper protrusion, being a spigot 20, affixed to an upper end of the upper portion 16. The spigot is axially aligned with the upper portion 16, and extends vertically from the upper portion 16. The spigot 20 of the drawings is cylindrical, with a diameter of 102mm, and a length of 200mm.

[0018] The pole 10 includes electrical conduits arranged to be supplied with electrical power from below the ground. This power acts to power a luminere, which is affixed to an arm (not shown) extending from the upper end of the upper portion 16.

[0019] In addition, the upper portion 16 includes two electrical power outlets: an upper electrical socket 22 located near an upper end of the upper portion 16, and an intermediate socket 24 located about 1 m below the upper electrical socket 22. These electrical sockets are powered by via the electrical conduits within the pole 10.

[0020] The base portion 14 includes a further electrical power outlet, being a lower electrical socket located behind an access door 26. The access door 26 is lockable by means of a lock 28, allowing for access to the lower electrical socket to be restricted.

[0021] The base portion 14 also includes an electrical switchboard, by which means the provision of electrical power to the electrical power outlets and the lumiere can be regulated. The electrical switchboard is covered by a cover 30. In the embodiment of the drawings the cover 30 is screwed into position.

[0022] The pole 10 further includes digital communication systems, which can be accessed behind a rear door 32 which is located on a rear side of the base portion 14, at a similar height to the access door 26. The communication systems can be arranged to engage with subterranean communications cabling, such as fibre optic cabling. The communication systems can also be linked to the electrical switchboard, and used to control switching of power to the electrical sockets.

[0023] Weather strips 34 are welded above the access door 26, the cover 30, and the rear door 32, arranged to prevent rain from running down the pole 10 into the electrical components.

[0024] In use, the pole 10 can be installed as a standard streetlight pole. When promotional or other advertising is required, banners, flags or signs can be affixed to the pole 10 by use of the spigot 20. When further lighting is required, additional lights can be fixed to or near the pole 10 and powered by an appropriately positioned electrical socket 22, 24.

[0025] When access to electrical power or digital communications is required at ground level near the pole, the appropriate door 26, 32 can be accessed accordingly.

[0026] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (5)

1. Claims

   1. A pole including an internal electrical connection; the pole including at least two power outlets, the power outlets being axially spaced along the pole.
2. 2. A pole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pole has at least three power outlets axially spaced along the pole.
3. 3. A street lighting pole having a base and an upper end, the street lighting pole including an upper protrusion arranged for affixing banners thereto.
4. 4. A street lighting pole as claimed in claim 3, wherein the upper protrusion extends vertically from the top of the street lighting pole.
5. 5. A street lighting pole including at least one electrical outlet and at least one digital communications outlet.