GB2358699A - Mobile lighting facility for floodlighting - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile lighting facility which is suitable for floodlighting comprises a base unit 12 on which is mounted at least one light 18 and moving means such as wheels or means to allow the base unit to be buoyant in water. The light or lights may be floodlights, spotlights or lasers. The base unit may comprise a generator and a fuel source for the generator. There may be elevating means 16 to raise the light or lights above the base. The elevating means may be a telescopic pole which may be elevated by compressed air. Means to adjust the beam direction of the light or lights may be remotely operated. The lighting facility may comprise attachment means for coupling to a road vehicle.

Description

2358699 MOBILE LIGHTING FACILITY The present invention relates to a

lighting facility for the illumination of large or small areas. In particular, the invention can be operated without the need for any external equipment or power supplies, may be transported by road and is readily set-up.

The uses of floodlighting are many and varied. Floodlighting may be required at all times of day and night. For example, during the hours of darkness floodlighting may be used to provide illumination for public entertairtment over relatively brief periods of time. Alternatively, floodlighting may be required over longer periods of days or even weeks, for example to enable construction work to be carried out after nightfall. The use of floodlighting is not limited to the hours of darkness and may be needed in poor ambient lighting conditions either indoors or outside. In addition, underground lighting may be required, for example to provide illumination for excavation or mining operations. Floodlighting is most often needed where access to mains power is difficult or even impossible to obtain.

Conventional floodlighting systems have several drawbacks. In general, conventional floodlighting systems are bulky and thus not easily transported. In addition, conventional floodlighting systems often require connection to off-board utilities or equipment, for example, to mains power or to generator units. Moreover, many conventional lighting systems are complicated to set-up and dismantle. Often, it is not possible to provide floodlighting where there is neither mains power nor generator facilities.

Thus, there is a requirement for a lighting facility which is mobile and which preferably does not require additional equipment for operation.

The present invention relates to a mobile lighting facility for floodlighting comprising:

a base unit; at least one light mounted on said base unit; and 2 moving means provided on the base unit, thereby facilitating movement of the lighting facility on and over the ground.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of further example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a representation of a side view of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a representation of a rear view of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a representation of a view of the interior of the present invention showing the generator; Fig. 4 is a representation of a view of the interior of the present invention showing the circuit board and a cable winder; Fig. 5 is a representation of a view of the interior of present invention showing the fuel tank; Fig. 6 is a representation of a view of the towing arrangement of the present invention; Fig. 7a and 7b illustrate the electrical wiring of the invention; Fig. 8a and 8b illustrate the junction boxes for the floodlights of the present invention; Fig. 9a and 9b illustrate electrical wiring for the floodlight of the present invention; Fig. 10 shows the position of driving lights and warning signs on the present invention.

The present invention, as shown in figure 1, comprises a wheel-mounted chassis 12 provided with a protective casing, which casing houses a power generator, a fuel tank, a pneumatic system and electrical circuitry. A floodlighting system 14 is provided on the chassis.

In an embodiment of the invention, the lighting facility comprises a generator 32, which is shown in figure 3, to provide power to the floodlights. The generator may be solid, liquid or gas fuelled. It is preferred that the generator obtains its energy from a fuel source onboard the lighting facility, e.g. from the fuel tank 52 shown in figure 5 which is mounted on the base unit. Thus, the lighting facility may be operated without being dependent on or being connected to an external electrical supply or external fuel supply.

3 Thus, the lighting facility is completely self-contained, and can be operated in the most remote or inaccessible locations. Furthermore, the facility may comprise an accumulator or battery, which may be charged by the generator to provide a back-up or alternative source of electric power.

According to this embodiment the floodlight or floodlights may be mounted on some means 16 of raising them above the base unit of the facility to increase the range or reach of illumination or the area illuminated. The means of raising the floodlights may have one of several forms. A single section of pole or some other rigid load-bearing component may be used, which may be demountably attached to the base-unit or even attached to the base unit by a hinge or the like. Alternatively, the means of raising the floodlights may be assembled from several components to increase height and/or conserve space when the facility is not being operated. For example, a load bearing structure in the form of a concertina may be used, which is in a compressed state during transportation and is extended during operation.

To save space and maximise the height of elevation of the floodlights it is preferred that the ra. ising means is a telescopic pole. The telescopic pole of the present invention may be extended manually, by the action of a motor, or preferably by means of compressed air. A compressor may be provided on the base unit of the lighting facility which may be driven by power obtained from the generator.

In the embodiment it is preferred that the floodlights are individually and/or simultaneously adjustable. Adjustment of the light beam may be in both x and y-axes. Adjustment of the lights may be carried out when the facility is fully operational, i.e. when the lights are elevated and out of reach of the operator, by means of a remote control facility.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

The preferred embodiment comprises six main components:

0 A primary floodlighting system.

A pneumatic system.

A power generator.

An electric board.

A chassis.

4 A fuel tank compartment.

The primary floodlighting system is shown in figure 1 and comprises four lamps 18 of 100OW each mounted on a metal frame 22 in a regular rectangular pattern. It is preferred that two lamps are mounted at the top of the metal frame and the other two lamps are mounted below and in alignment with the top two lamps. Each of the lamps is mounted on a metal support frame to.permit each lamp to be orientated in the vertical and horizontal directions. Horizontal orientation of each lamp may be accomplished manually at ground level before the metal frame is raised. Vertical, or depth orientation, may be performed remotely via an electric remote control when the metal frame is in an erect position and regardless of lamp height. Depth orientation controls may be located inside the electric board provided in or on the base unit. The floodlighting system is attached to a pneumatically operated telescopic pole. It is preferred that the floodlighting system is moveably attached to the pole to permit rotation of the metal frame about the pole and the angle of the frame to be changed with respect to the pole. It is preferred that when the telescopic pole is in an upright and fully extended position, the lamp assembly is at a height of 7.5 metres from ground level. The telescopic pole is extended by compressed air provided by a motor-driven compressor 34 provided on the base unit of the lighting facility. Power for the components of the floodlighting system, comprising the lamps and the lamp orientation controls, may be provided from a source on the lighting facility or from an offboard source. A power selector provided on the circuit board 42, which is shown in figure 4, switches between on-board and off-board power supply. It is preferred that on-board power is provided by a generator driven by endothermic motor. Power is supplied to the lamps via a cable inside the telescopic pole.

The lamp-bearing frame may be constructed of electro-welded steel sections and may be fitted with lamp adjusting and bearing devices. The depth of the lower lamps can be remotely adjusted by means of electromechanical actuators which are controlled from the control board. The depth orientation of the top lamps can be remotely controlled while their positioning with respect to the horizon is adjusted manually. The maximum permissible depth adjustment is 135. The maximum permissible adjustment with respect to the horizon is 90'. Each lamp can be adjusted separately.

The lamp-bearing frame is mounted with four motor-driven floodlights. The fitting angle between the lamp and its support may be varied. Each lamp may be controlled separately with regard to both lighting and remote depth orientation. The preferred characteristics of the lamps are as follows:- Die-cast aluminium body.

- Stainless steel serws and bolts.

- Salty mist-resisting coating.

- Hammered aluminium reflector with anodised-polished finish.

- Impact resistant tempered glass with silicone seal.

- IP 55 protection glass.

- 1,00OW metal iodide lamps.

The telescopic tower is positioned on the chassis such that the lighting facility is stable during transportation and use. The telescopic tower may be installed on an articulated support to permit it to be moved from the horizontal position when in transportation to the vertical upright position when in operation. The pneumatic operation of the tower is by means of compressed air generated by the power generator which is powered by the motor-driven generator or by means of mains power, depending on the selected operating mode. Control andlor selection of the power source is by means of an electric panel 44, which incorporates a manually operated directional valve. In addition, the electric panel comprises safety devices. The motor-driven compressor may be located in the compartment within the lighting facility that houses the generator. The telescopic pole may be made of a special corrosion-proof aluminium alloy and have a diameter of 120-175 mm. The pneumatic system may have an operating pressure of 2.5 to 3 bar and an operating temperature of -30'C to + 4WC. Furthermore, the telescopic system may include low friction gaskets with self-lubricating guides. It is preferred that the telescopic tower is comprised of four sliding rods.

The pneumatic lamp lifting system comprises a motor driven compressor, a telescopic tower, a pneumatic switchboard and maximum pressure relief valves. The motor-driven compressor is controlled from the main electric board via a hooded switch and is enabled by means of a micro-switch only after the pole is erected and the pole safety- locking pin has been fully inserted. The telescopic tower preferably comprises four rods, which are extendable to a maximum height of eight metres. The pneumatic switchboard is provided to control the movement of the telescopic pole for lifting, stopping in the required position and lowering by means of a manual valve.

The pneumatic system is provided to lift and extend the telescopic pole and to hold the floodlighting system dt the desired height. The pneumatic system comprises a pneumatic motor-driven compressor, a manual lever switch, the telescopic pole, and safety devices. The pneumatic motordriven compressor is controlled by an 'on' switch in the electric board. The manual lever switch is mounted in a panel fitted with a red indicator light which signals when it is illuminated that lifting is in progress. The function of the switch is the control of the movement of the telescopic pole for lifting, stopping at the required position and lowering. When the pole has been put in the upright position, it may be extended or contracted by compressed air provided by the compressor. Compressed air is provided via a valve in the lever-fitted panel, and is only provided when the lever is set to the 'lift' position. The safety devices include a pressure relief value and a micro-switch, which permit the motor-driven compressor to operate only after the pole has been set in the upright position and after the pole safety lock pin has been fully inserted.

The power generator is of a stand-alone type and comprises an alternator, which is driven by an endothermic motor, a self-contained battery and a metal frame. The alternator may include an electric start-up panel. The self-contained battery may comprise control sockets and other power sockets. The metal frame supports and houses sound-proofing elements. It is preferred that the motor is of a twin-cylinder, four-stroke, liquidcooled type. In addition, the generator may be of a singlephase alternator type with electronic voltage adjustment. The generator may also include a run/stop control panel, a fine voltage adjustment control, a voltage indicator, an economiser, a magneto-thermal cut-out and emergency indicator lights. It is preferred that the motor is of an OTTO- cycle, 4-stroke, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled type. Furthermore, the motor may be of a 12V stand-alone electric start-up type, and be provided with a highly efficient silencing device capable, for example, of 54 dbA at a distance of 7 m. Typical operating characteristics of the motor is a three litre per hour fuel consumption at medium load. In addition, the motor preferably 7 operates with premium grade petrol. At a fuel capacity of 20 litres the motor has an operating time at medium load of seven hours. Furthermore, the motor is provided with oil and temperature indicator lights. It is preferred that the generator output is single-phase at 220 to 230 Vac and has a frequency of 5OHz. The preferred generator output rating is 5.5 kVA. Moreover, the generator may be provided with an anti-jamming device, a 220 Vac and 12 Vdc control panel and power sockets, a voltmeter registering 220 Vac, a fine voltage adjuster, an economiser and a thermal overload cut-out.

The electric board and associated wiring is configured for powering the lamps and ancillary systems, e.g. the remote lamp orientation control, the pneumatic telescopic lifting system and power sockets for remote utilities. The electric board 42 is shown in figure 4. Wiring junction boxes for the floodlight are shown in figures 8a and 8b and the wiring for the floodlights is shown in figures 9a and 9b. The electric board comprises a power source selector, a main switch, a voltage indicator, a switch for each of the four lamps, a motordriven compressor run switch, magneto-thermal cut-outs, a depth adjustment control for each lamp, an overload cut-out for the depth orientation actuators and a power cable winder. The power source selector is provided for selecting between the on-board and an off-board power supply for the lighting system and motor generator accessories. The magneto-thermal cut-outs are provided for the two remote utility power sockets (16 Amp and 32 Amp). The power cable winder 46 is provided for the power cable of the actuators which control the beam depth adjustment of each of the four lamps.

The electric board and wiring comprises a main 40A magneto-thermal power switch, separate magneto-thermal switches for each floodlight, instant voltage meter and actuator magneto-thermal switches. The actuator magnetothermal switches are provided for the remote control of the general floodlight orientation. Furthermore, the electric board may comprise a compressor magneto-thermal switch and a magneto-thermal switch for powering external lines. In addition, the wiring may also include a plug for connection to the mains and two power sockets of 16 and 32 Amps for powering remote utilities from the lighting facility. Moreover, the wiring may also provide for an electric switch for powering the facility via the on-board power generator or from the mains. A multiple cable winder, 8 which is of an automatic retraction type, may be provided for cables used in the remote control of the floodlight depth adjustment.

The chassis is constructed of electro-welded steel and is mounted on an axle fitted with two wheels. The chassis may be provided with road towing 62 and safety devices as shown in figure 6, and is generally of a roadworthy build and equipment standard. The chassis is housed in a protective casing and is provided with a frame for the support of all the lighting facility components. In addition, the chassis may be equipped with a height adjustable drawbar, the height of which may be adjusted depending on the height of the pull hook on the towing vehicle. It is preferred that the chassis is adapted for hooking onto a ball-type hook or a toroidal-type hook on the towing vehicle. In addition, the facility can be road-towed by any vehicle provided with an appropriate pull hook and an approved towing capacity of at least 1,300 Kg.

The fuel tank 52 is located in a compartment within the lighting facility, as is shown in figure 5. It is preferred that the petrol tank is of a premium grade type and is located within the lighting facility base unit on the front right-hand side. A 12 volt dc electric petrol pump is provided, which is powered by the start-up battery of the motor-driven generator.

A secondary lighting system may comprise a winder with a 40 metre cable for powering an off-board floodlight.

A base frame of the chassis may be made of welded steel sections which are connected to a road trailer chassis. The frame may be equipped with all the devices for bearing the telescopic tower in the horizontal position during transport or in the erect posi tion when on site, in addition to the devices for moving it to the upright position. The four top corners of the frame may be fitted with lifting eyes. The frame houses the motor driven generator, the electric board and associated wiring, the pneumatic control system of the tower, the fuel tank and all the accessories.

Figure 10 shows the position of driving lights and warning signs on the preferred embodiment. Direction indicators 12, side-lights 14, a number plate 16, brake lights 18, number plate lights 22 and a red fog light 24 are provided on the rear facing portion of the lighting facility. In addition, white reflectors 26 are provided on the front facing portion of 9 the lighting facility. Orange reflectors 28 are provided on the side facing portions of the lighting facility. Red reflectors 32 are provided on the rear facing portions of the lighting facility.

In more general terms, the present invention may comprise a base unit, one or more floodlights and some means of permitting the lighting facility to be easily positioned or moved from one location to -another.

The facility may be made mobile by one of several means, depending on the environment in which the facility is being used. As described above, such means may be one or more pairs of wheels when the facility is operated on land, with each pair of wheels mounted on an axle. Alternatively, one or more pairs of endless articulated tracks made up of a series of flat metal plates, often referred to as caterpillar tracks, may be used. Indeed, any appropriate means of transporting the facility over road or rough terrain may be used. Where the facility is to be used on snow or ice, the base unit of the facility may be mounted on one or more ski or skid type arrangements. Such an arrangement should preferably have a surface which is flat and of a low friction material and/or finish.

The lighting facility could be operated on water by supporting the base unit on one or more floats, which float or floats should have a buoyancy that is at least sufficient to support the lighting facility in fresh or salt water. Ballast may be provided on the facility to improve stability on the water. Furthermore, the electrical and mechanical components of the facility may be protected from water and moisture ingress by means of encapsulation and/or the use of hydrophobic materials.

The type or quality of light required of a lighting facility varies from one application to the next. To meet the different requirements spotlights, lasers and the like may be provided on the facility in addition to, or instead of, floodlights. One light, or more than one light of the same or different type, may be provided on the facility.

The aforegoing description has been given by way of example only and it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (21)

1. Claims

   A mobile lighting facility for floodlighting comprising: a base unit; at least one light mounted on said base unit; and moving means provided on the base unit, thereby facilitating movement of the lighting facility on and over the ground.
2. 2. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving means is revolving means which revolves in relation to the base unit.
3. 3. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving means is at least one load bearing means extending at least partially along the length or width of the base unit and provided with a low friction surface.
4. 4. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving means is at least one load bearing means extending at least partially along the length or width of the base unit and comprising buoyant means, which buoyant means is sufficient to maintain the base unit on the surface of salt or fresh water.
5. 5. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a generator for providing output power to operate said at least one light.
6. 6. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 5, wherein an energy source for the generator is provided on the base unit.
7. 7. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one light is a floodlight.
8. 8. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one light is a spotlight or a laser.
9. 9. A mobile lighti:dg facility as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising elevating means for raising said at least one light above the base unit.
10. 10. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 9, wherein the elevating means is telescopic pole.
11. 11. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 10, wherein the telescopic pole is elevated by compressed air.
12. 12. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 11, wherein the compressed air is produced by compressor, which compressor is powered by the generator.
13. 13. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 12, further comprising safety devices which enable operation of the motor-driven compressor after the telescopic pole is in an upright position.
14. 14. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 13, wherein the safety devices comprise a pressure relief valve and a micro-switch.
15. 15. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the generator comprises one of a run and stop control panel, a fine voltage adjustment control, a voltage indicator, an economiser, a magnetothermal cut-out and emergency indicator lights.
16. 16. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in any proceeding claim, further comprising means for adjusting the beam direction of said at least one light.

    12
17. 17. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 16, wherein said adjustment means can be remotely operated.
18. 18. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17,further comprising an overload cut-out for the adjustment means and/or a winder for the power cable of the adjustment means.
19. 19. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising attachment means provided on the base unit to allow the lighting unit to be pulled or pushed.
20. 20. A mobile lighting facility as claimed in claim 19, wherein said attachment means is means for coupling to a road vehicle.
21. 21. A mobile lighting facility substantially as described herein and with reference to any one of figures 1 to 10.