GB2224292A - Tiltable column - Google Patents

Abstract

A column such as a street lighting column, has a base section (12) which in use is mounted in or on the ground so as to be upstanding from the ground, and an upper section (16) which is mounted on the base section so as to extend upwardly therefrom. The upper section (16) is generally longer and narrower than the base section (12), and cooperation between the upper and base sections occurs by way of peripheral edge portions (24, 26) of the sections and by way of an elongate portion (28) of one of the sections which is received by socket means (32, 32a) in the other section; if the upper section is lifted slightly from its normal position, it may be tilted to a lowered position to facilitate access to the top (20) of the column, a slot (46) and slot follower (44, 44a) connection between the sections permitting such lifting and tilting, but maintaining the upper section captive on the base section. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: "Column" Description of Invention This invention relates to a column, for example a street lighting column.

According to the invention, there is provided a column. for example a street lighting column formed in two sections, namely a base section which in use is mounted in or on the ground so as to be upstanding from the ground, and an upper section which is mounted on the base section so as to extend upwardly therefrom.

In this manner a column of a desired overall height may be provided by taking a standard base section (which standard may be unique to the invention; and mounting on it an appropriate one of a number of upper sections which may be made available in different lengths. This standardisation of the base section is particularly advantageous in the case of a street lighting column where the base section may be relatively complicated due to a need to house (for example electrical control apparatus for powering a lamp carried at or near an upper extremity of the upper section.

In some columns in accordance with the invention. the upper section may be generally longer and narrower than the base section.

Preferably the upper section is pivotally mounted on the base section for movement between a normal position thereof wherein the upper section extends generally vertically upwardly and a lowered position thereof wherein access to the top of the column is facilitated, said pivotal mounting preferably being by way of a pivotal connection located within the column and preferably at or near an upper end of the base section.

More generally, in any column in accordance with the invention the upper section in a normal position thereof preferably cooperates with the base section at first and second distinct heights. at each of which said cooperation preferably prevents or substantially prevents relative lateral movement between the sections at that height, the cooperation at the first of the heights preferably occurring between laterally peripheral portions of the respective sections. and the cooperation at the second of the heights preferably occurring within the column whereby angular stability of the upper section when in its normal position on the base section may be ensured.

Preferably the cooperation within the column occurs wholly within the column.

Said laterally peripheral portions may for example comprise respective peripheral edge portions of the sections, which edge portions may overlap when the upper section is in its normal position, the edge portion of the upper section preferably lying laterally outwardly of and/or over the edge portion of the base section, whereby ingress of dirt, rain water or the like may be impeded.

The cooperation within the column preferably occurs between an elongate portion of one of the sections which is received within, and cooperates with, the other of the sections. the latter cooperation preferably being by receipt of the elongate section by socket means or other receiving means provided in said other section.

- Constraining means may be provided in order to constrain upward movement of the upper section relative to the base section.

The constraining means may for example comprise releasable means which, when operative, is capable of preventing or substantially preventing upward movement of the upper section.

Alternatively or additionally, the constraining means may be such that it permits slight upward movement of the upper section. for example from a normal position thereof wherein angular tilting movement of the upper section is prevented or substantially prevented to a slightly raised position thereof from which downward angular tilting of the upper section is permitted to facilitate access to an upper extremity of the column.

In the latter case, the constraining means preferably maintains the upper section captive on the base section.

Preferably a pivotal connection between the sections which is utilised in said tilting is provided by the aforesaid cooperation occurring within the column. and preferably said pivotal connection is provided at an elevated position above the ground, and preferably at or near an upper end of the base section.

In this manner surface water on or near the ground will be unlikely to reach said pivotal connection, thereby lessening risk of corrosion of said pivotal connection.

Preferably a cut-out/slot is provided in one of the sections to accommodate movement of said elongate section during tilting.

The pivotal connection may take the form of a slot and slot follower permitting slight upward movement and said angular tilting movement.

The slot may comprise a first section along which the follower moves during the slight upward movement, and a second section along which the follower may move during the tilting movment.

Said slot may be formed in the aforesaid elongate portion. The slot follower may be on or near the aforesaid socket means or other receiving means. The slot follower may for example comprise a generally horizontal rod, bar, bolt or the like which extends into and preferably through. the slot.

Having regard to the invention as defined in its broadest terms in the -second paragraph of this specification, in a preferred column in accordance with the invention the upper section of the column comprises a downwardly depending laterally peripheral flange which in a normal position of the upper section is disposed concentrically around an upper lateral edge portion of the base section of the column. and the upper section further comprises an elongate portion which. in said normal position. lies within the column and extends downwardly to within the base section and cooperates with the base section by way of a pivotal connection within the base section, the construction and arrangement being such that in said normal position. angular tilting movement of the upper section is not permitted. but being such that the pivotal connection allows the upper section to be moved slightly upwardly to a raised position from which it may be tilted downwardly, about said pivot.

so as to bring an upper extremity of the upper section closer to the ground.

Preferably said pivotal connection is accommodated in an upper portion of the base section.

In said preferred form of the invention. the base section may be broader than the majority of the upper section. and said downwardly depending flange may be afforded by a bridging portion of the upper section which in said first position bridges the change of diameter (i.e. transverse dimension) which occurs between the base section and a stem portion of the upper section.

In said preferred form of the invention, the base section may comprise a slot open-ended at said upper edge and extending downwardly towards or to approximately the same level as said pivotal connection, to receive said elongate portion during said tilting movement.

In the normal position, said slot may be occupied by a removable plate.

which plate may advantageously be incorporated into a removable inspection panel provided on the base section.

Any of the features hereinbefore described may be utilised in relation to said preferred form of the invention.

The invention also provides a lifting device suitable for use with columns which, in addition to being in accordance with the invention in its broadest terms, are such that the upper section must undergo slight upward movement before it can be tilted, the lifting device comprising a fulcrum portion and a working portion engagable respectively with a laterally peripheral portion of the column and an inwardly located portion of the column (or vice versa), the lifting device further comprising a lever portion whereby application of force to the lever portion. in use. may cause lifting of the upper section of the column to a raised position from which it may be tilted.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described. by way of example and not by way of limitation, by reference to the accompanying drawings.

wherein: FIGURES 1 to 3 are side views of a street lighting column embodying the invention, showing an upper section of the column in normal, partly lowered, and fully lowered positions thereof respectively; FIGURES 4 and 5 are side views, to a larger scale. of a connection between upper and base sections of the column, on a median plane thereof.

corresponding respectively to Figures 1 and 3; FIGURES 6 and 7 are respectively a side view (from the opposite side to the aforesaid side) and a front view respectively of a lower portion of the upper section of the column, to a still larger scale; FIGURE 8 is a plan view of the base section of the column, with the upper section removed, to the same scale as Figures 6 and 7; FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional rear view, to an intermediate scale. of the connection between the sections, on a median plane thereof, corresponding to Figures 1 and 4; FIGURE 10 is a front exterior view, to a further intermediate scale of a lower portion of the column, corresponding to Figures 1, 4 and 9; FIGURE 11 illustrates, to a larger scale, an alternative pivot construction; FIGURE 12 illustrates use of a lifting device in accordance with the invention; and FIGURES 13. 14 and 15 correspond generally to Figures 8. 9 and 10 respectively but illustrate a modified construction of street lighting column in accordance with the invention.

Referring to the drawings. a street lighting column 10. being a preferred embodment of the invention, comprises an upstanding tubular base section 12 which in use is mounted in or on the ground. such as by bolting of a base plate 14 thereof to a pad, plinth or the like provided in or on the ground or (in the absence of such a base plate) by being partially embedded in the ground, and a separately formed or constructed upper section 16 which in a normal position thereof is mounted upon the base section 12 so as to extend generally vertically upwardly from the base section 12. The upper section 16 comprises a tubular metal stem 18 narrower and longer than the tubular base section 12, the stem 18 carrying, at an upper extremity thereof. a lamp 20 for street-lighting purposes.

The upper section 16 further comprises a generally frusto-conical bridging portion 22 which, in the assembled column, bridges the change of diameter between the stem 18 and the base section 12 where the sections 12 and 16 meet, the portion 22 being welded at its upper end to the stem 18 and having a downwardly depending annular laterally peripheral flange 24 having an internal diameter only fractionally greater than the outer diameter of the base section 12 at the upper end/laterally peripheral upper edge portion 26 of the section 12. In its normal position (Figures 1, 4 9 and 10). the upper section 16 stands with the portion 22 on the upper peripheral edge portion 26 and with the flange 24 concentrically disposed around the edge portion 26.

being a close fit therearound.

An elongate lower portion 28 of the stem 18, which portion 28 in said normal position lies wholly within the column, extends downwardly, below the frusto-conical portion 22, so as to be received within the base section 12.

The base section 12 is provided, near, and only a short distance below, the edge portion 26 with two straight rectangular cross-section members 30 welded at their ends to the inner surface of the tubular iron/steel body 31 of the section 12, the members 30 being disposed generally horizontally and parallel to each other and being separated by a distance only fractionally greater than the outer diameter of the stem portion 28. Below the members 30 there is welded thereto a sleeve-like annular ring 32 having an internal diameter which is only fractionally greater than the outer diameter of the stem portion 28, and preferably equal to the distance between the members 30. The ring 32 is located co-axially with respect to the body 31.

In the normal upright position of the section 16, the flange 24 lies around the edge portion 26 as described above. and the stem portion 28 extends between the members 30, a lower extremity 34 of the portion 28 being received as a close fit in the ring 32 (which thus acts as a socket.) Thus, in this position, in relation to the base section 12. the upper section 16 is constrained against lateral movement both at a first height, namely the height of the edge portion 26, by cooperation between the flange 24 and the edge portion 26, and at a second height, namely that of the extremity 34, by cooperation between the extremity 34 and the ring 32.

Thus, since the second height is spaced below the first height, the lateral constraint (i.e. prevention or substantial prevention of lateral relative movement) at each of the two heights results in the upper section 16 being constrained not only against lateral movement relative to the base section, but also results in prevention or substantial prevention of angular movement of the upper section relative to the base section.

The base section 12 is provided with a removable inspection panel 36, which may be removed to gain normal access to the interior of the base section 12, for example to replace or repair electrical equipment such as a fuse such as may be provided therein for powering of the lamp 20. A lock L is incorporated in the panel 36 to enable the panel 36 to be locked in position on the section 12 to hinder unauthorised removal of the panel 36. The panel 36, compared with conventional such panels, has a novel upwardly extending portion 38 which, when the panel is in position, occupies a slot 40. open at both ends, in the section 12 extending from the normal opening provided in the body 12 for the panel 36, up to the edge portion 26 of the body 31.

Removal of the panel 36 (in an outward and downward direction: also gives access to a securing bolt 42 which is screw-threadedly engaged in a through hole in the ring 32 and which, in the normal position of the upper section 16, may to tightened to cooperate with the stem extremity 34 to prevent vertical movement of the upper section 16 relative to the base section 12.

Between opposed inner surface portions of the body 31, there is welded a rod 44 (in this case a threaded rod, welded via nuts at its ends) which extends generally horizontally through through holes provided in the respective members 30, generally normal to the members 30.

The portion 28 of the stem has provided therein slots 46 in respective opposite sides thereof lying adjacent to the members 30, and the rod 44 passes through each of these slots. Each of the slots 46 in side elevational view (i.e. looking normally to the members 30. along the axis of the rod 44) is generally L-shaped, comprising respective generally vertical slot portions 48, through upper extremities of which the rod 44 normally passes, and respective generally horizontal slot portions 50, the portions 48 and 50 being in communication with each other and the slots 44 being throughout of width at least equal to the diameter of the rod 44.

From time to time, it is desirable to gain access to the lamp 20 for cleaning/maintenance purposes. In order to achieve this, the lock L must be released and the plate 36 removed, and the bolt 42 is then slackened at least to an extent where it no longer engages portion 28.

The upper section 16 is then lifted upwards in any convenient manner.

so that the slot portions 48 ride upwardly past the bar 44 until the bar 44 reaches the lower ends of the slot portions 48. The slight vertical movement of the section 16 needed to achieve this is sufficient to raise the flange 24 clear of the edge 26, and to raise the extremity 34 clear of the ring 32. so that angular movement of the section 16 is no longer prevented thereby.

The upper section 16 may then be tilted (Figure 2) to lower the stem 18 and hence the lamp 20 towards the ground. primarily through strict angular movement about the rod 44, and also by movement of the slot portions 50 relative to the rod 44 until their extremities remote from slot portions 48 accommodate the rod 44. During this tilting, the portion 28 of the stem swings partly, and them wholly below and radially beyond the edge 26. being accommodated in the slot 40 which is of suitable width to receive the portion 28. In its fully lowered position (Figures 3 and 5), the stem 18 lies generally horizontally affording ready access to lamp 20 which then lies close to the ground. The extremity 34 remains largely between the members 30 (closely adjacent to, or in sliding engagement with the members 30) until just before the fully lowered position is reached.

Electrical cables extending between the sections are protected by a flexible conduit 52 during such tilting, and the stem portion 28 has a cut-out 54 to minimise the risk of damage to the cables.

Restoration of the upper section 16 to its normal upright position involves the reverse of the above procedure, namely the section 16 is pivoted upwards back to an upright position, so that the extremity 34 returns to a position wholly between the members 30, and the section 16 is then allowed to descend so that the flange 24- is again received around the edge 26 and the extremity 34 is again received by the ring 32. The bolt 42 is then retightened and the panel 36 is then re-applied and locked.

It will be appreciated that the flange 24, by externally lying around the edge portion 26, affords weather protection, and that the components involved in tilting lie at an elevated position in relation to the ground, thereby minimising risk of undesired water entry and associated rust/corrosion of such components.

The construction of the base section 12, with the members 30 and the ring 32 affords a very rigid collar-like structure which provides great strength and stability, which is especially important during gales or strong winds.

An alternative to the rod 44 shown would be a bar with ends threadedly received in through holes in the opposite walls of the body 31, a hexagonal socket for an Allen key being provided in an end of the bar so that ends thereof do not need to protrude from the body 31. Weather seals may be provided around said through holes.

In a further alternative (Figure 11) to the rod 44, a circular crosssection unthreaded rod 44a which serves as an alternative pivot/slot follower is passed during assembly through a through-hole 100 in one side of the base section, through the stem portion 28 (not shown, and members 30 (not shown), so that its inner end is received in an internally located receiving formation 110 on the other side of the base section. A straight shank portion of a spring clip 120 is then passed through a through-hole 130 in the rod 44a so that a curvilinear portion of the spring clip is releasably received around one side of the rod 44a, between shoulders 140 of the formation 110, so trapping the rod 44a releasably in the formation 110.

The other end of the rod 44a extends through the hole 100. and a rubber or plastics seal 150 is desirably applied thereto to afford weather protection, the hole 100 in this example being of sufficient size to accommodate both said rod end and said seal.

In this manner, the cost of forming threads on the pivot rod and/or base section is avoided.

The invention is applicable to any size of lighting column, and to columns or any other purposes also. Furthermore, the invention is also applicable to columns having non-circular, for example polygonal le.g. square or octagonal), cross-sections.

The invention enables a column of a desired height to be provided by taking a standard base section (which standard may be unique to the invention) and mounting on it an appropriate one of a number of upper sections which may be made available in different lengths. The columns may be transported disassembled to a site. Should the base section be damaged by a passing vehicle after installation, only the base section need be renewed.

Referring to Figure 12, said upward lifting of the upper section 16 may be achieved by use of a lifting device 200 in accordance with the invention.

When the panel 36 has been removed, and the bolt 42 has been released, a fulcrum portion 201 of the device 200 is engaged with lugs (not shown provided near the upper end of the base section on opposite sides of the space vacated by the panel 36, and a downward force P is applied, such as by hand.

to a lever portion 210 extending radially outwardly from the fulcrum portion 201, to move a working portion 202 of the device 200 into operative engagement with a hook formation 203 on the stem portion 28 and thereby raise the upper section 16 to the extent required for tilting thereof to be permitted.

It will be appreciated that the proportions of the device 200 enable a substantial mechanical advantage to be obtained, and that the device 200 may also be used to support the section 16 during its return to its normal position In an alternative construction, the device 200 may be afforded by the panel 36 itself, in which case the panel 36 may be separable from the base section or mounted for captive linear/pivotal movement relative to the base section and/or said lugs.

The device 200 is particularly useful for columns of between five to ten metres or so in height, which tend to be relatively heavy, but for which conventional hydraulic lifting gear is too cumbersome or too expensive.

With reference to the modified construction of street lighting column in accordance with the invention illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 15, parts corresponding to those of the embodiment of Figures 8, 9 and 10 are correspondingly numbered, significantly modified parts additionally bearing the designation "a''. In the embodiment of Figures 13 to 15, the rod 44 which afforded the pivot is replaced by a pair of helically threaded bolts 44a.

received in correspondingly threaded bores in members 30a, which bolts 44a protrude into the space between the members 30a and thereby enter the respective slots 46 (having portions 48, 50) in the stem portion 28, to provide the pivotal/slidable connection between the upper section and the base section of the column. It will be appreciated that the bolts 44a may if necessary be removed during servicing, and replaced and re-tightened, using a tool such as a conventional open-ended spanner, or the like. (The members 30a are mounted higher than the members 30 hereinbefore described. but the absolute height of the pivot is unchanged.) An additional component. in the form of an annular metal plate member 90, is welded to the lower edges of the members 30a, along their lengths. so as to lie just below the bolts 44a. The member 90 is preferably also welded, around its outer periphery, to the body 31 of the base section. The member 90 is of a thickness/strength comparable to that of the column walls and has a central aperture, in this example a circular aperture, of diameter equal to separation between members 30a. Annular ring 32a is welded to the underside of the member 90, and is of greater vertical extent than the ring 32 hereinbefore described.

The modified construction of Figures 13 to 15 offers increased strength/rigidity compared with Figures 8 to 10, through incorporation of the member 90 as described. The peripheral outer edge of the member 90 may provide an abutment against which the upper portion of the panel 36 may rest, for location purposes. Alternatively or additionally, the upper portion of the panel 36 may terminate at the level of the member 90.

Further features and advantages of the invention, and alternate manners of description thereof, are as set out in the introductory part of this specification to which reference is here expressly directed.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims or the accompanying drawings. expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features. be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (38)

1. A column, for example a street lighting column, formed in two sections, namely a base section which in use is mounted in or on the ground so as to be upstanding from the ground, and an upper section which is mounted on the base section so as to extend upwardly therefrom.

2. A column according to Claim 1 wherein the upper section is generally longer and narrower than the base section.

3. A column according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the upper section is pivotally mounted on the base section for movement between a normal position thereof wherein the upper section extends generally vertically upwardly and a lowered position thereof wherein access to the top of the column is facilitated.

4. A column according to Claim 3 wherein said pivotal mounting is by way of a pivotal connection located within the column.

5. A column according to Claim 4 wherein said pivotal connection is located at or near an upper end of the base section.

6. A column according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper section in a normal position thereof cooperates with the base section at first and second distinct heights.

7. A column according to Claim 6 wherein said cooperation, at each of said heights, prevents or substantially prevents relative lateral movement between the sections.

8. A column according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein the cooperation at the first of the heights occurs between laterally peripheral portions of the respective sections.

9. A column according to Claim 8 wherein said laterally peripheral portions comprise respective peripheral edge portions of the sections.

10. A column according to Claim 9 wherein said edge portions overlap when the upper section is in its normal position, the edge portion of the upper section preferably lying laterally outwardly of and/or over the edge portion of the base section.

11 A column according to any one of Claims 6 to 10 wherein the cooperation at the second of the heights occurs within the column, preferably wholly within the column.

12. A column according to Claim 11 wherein the cooperation within the column occurs between an elongate portion of one of the sections which is received within, and cooperates with, the other of the sections.

13. A column according to Claim 12 wherein said cooperation is by receipt of the elongate section by socket means or other receiving means provided in said other section.

14. A column according to any one of the preceding claims wherein constraining means is provided in order to constrain upward movement of the upper section relative to the base section.

15. A column according to Claim 14 wherein the constraining means comprises releasable means which, when operative, is capable of preventing or substantially preventing upward movement of the upper section.

16. A column according to Claim 14 or Claim 15 wherein the constraining means is such that it permits slight upward movement of the upper section.

17. A column according to Claim 16 wherein said slight upward movement is from a normal position of the upper section wherein angular tilting movement of the upper section is prevented or substantially prevented to a slightly raised position of the upper section from which downward angular tilting of the upper section is permitted to facilitate access to an upper extremity of the column.

18. A column according to Claim 17 wherein the constraining means maintains the upper section captive on the base section.

19. A column according to Claim 17 or Claim 18 where eventually dependant upon any one of Claims 11 to 13 wherein a pivotal connection between the sections which is utilised in said tilting is provided by the aforesaid cooperation occurring within the column.

20. A column according to Claim 19 wherein said pivotal connection is provided at an elevated position above the ground, preferably at or near an upper end of the base section.

21. A column according to any one of Claims 17 to 20 where eventually dependent upon Claim 12 wherein a cut-out /slot is provided in one of the sections to accommodate movement of said elongate section during tilting.

22. A column according to Claim 19. Claim 20 or Claim 21 wherein the pivotal connection takes the form of a slot and slot follower, permitting slight upward movement and said angular tilting movement.

23. A column according to Claim 22 wherein the slot comprises a first section along which the follower moves during the slight upward movement.

and a second section along which the follower may move during the tilting movment.

24. A column according to Claim 22 or Claim 23 where eventually dependent upon Claim 12 wherein said slot is formed in the aforesaid elongate portion.

25. A column according to any one of Claims 22 to 24 where eventually dependant upon Claim 13 wherein the slot follower is on or near the aforesaid socket means or other receiving means.

26. A column according to any one of Claims 22-25 wherein the slot follower comprises a generally horizontal rod, bar, bolt or the like which extends into and preferably through, the slot.

27. A column according to Claim 1 wherein the upper section of the column comprises a downwardly depending laterally peripheral flange which in a normal position of the upper section is disposed concentrically around an upper lateral edge portion of the base section of the column, and the upper section further comprises an elongate portion which, in said normal position, lies within the column and extends downwardly to within the base section and cooperates with the base section by way of a pivotal connection within the base section, the construction and arrangement being such that in said normal position, angular tilting movement of the upper section is not permitted, but being such that the pivotal connection allows the upper section to be moved slightly upwardly to a raised position from which it may be tilted downwardly, about said pivot, so as to bring an upper extremity of the upper section closer to the ground.

28. A column according to Claim 27 wherein said pivotal connection is accommodated in an upper portion of the base section.

29. A column according to Claim 27 or Claim 28 wherein the base section is broader than the majority of the upper section.

30. A column according to Claim 29 wherein said downwardly depending flange is afforded by a bridging portion of the upper section which in said first position bridges the change of diameter (i.e. transverse dimension) which occurs between the base section and a stem portion of the upper section.

31. A column according to any one of Claims 27 to 30 wherein the base section comprises a slot open-ended at said upper edge and extending downwardly towards or to approximately the same level as said pivotal connection, to receive said elongate portion during said tilting movement.

32. A column accord in to Claim 31 wherein in the normal position, said slot is occupied by a removable plate.

33. A column according to Claim 32 wherein said plate is advantageously incorporated into a removable inspection panel provided on the base section.

34. A column according to any one of Claims 27 to 33 which is also in accordance with any one of Claims 2 to 26.

35. A column constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

36. A lifting device suitable for use with columns which. in addition to being in accordance with Claim 1 are such that the upper section must undergo slight upward movement before it can be tilted, the lifting device comprising a fulcrum portion and a working portion engagable respectively with a laterally peripheral portion of the column and an inwardly located portion of the column (or vice versa), the lifting device further comprising a lever portion whereby application of force to the lever portion, in use, may cause lifting of the upper section of the column to a raised position from which it may be tilted.

37. A lifting device constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

38. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.