GB2425296A

GB2425296A - Device for erecting and removing posts and poles by pivoting the pole relative to the main support column.

Info

Publication number: GB2425296A
Application number: GB0606968A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Donagh Mccarthy; Clare Mccarthy; Joseph Kearney; Gogarty Frank; Henry P Mccarthy
Original assignee: SQUARE SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: SQUARE SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 2005-04-18
Filing date: 2006-04-06
Publication date: 2006-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-06
Also published as: GB0606968D0; GB2425296B; GB2425296A8

Abstract

Disclosed is a device 100 for manipulating posts 54 or poles about their installation site. The device consists of a main body fixed next to the site, means for securing the post eg releasable clamps 112, and means to move the post relative to the body 106. The body may consist of a lower column fixed to the site 102, an upper column 103 hinged to the lower column and a support column 104 hinged to the other end of the upper column. The clamps may be located on a shuttle 114 than moves along the upper column. The means to move the post may be a winch 118 that controls the pivoting of the upper column relative to the lower column. The device may have a base plate 110 fitted at the bottom of the support column. The device may have coupling means 134 to secure the lower column to the site and secure in place a post retention system. The device may have an receiving arm 128 that engages the post and guides the stabilize the post when it is moved.

Description

A DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING A POST

The present invention relates to a device for the manipulation of a post in a suitable receiving system.

Posts of various types have become well-known sights in urban areas e.g. traffic signal posts, pedestrian bollards etc. The normal method of installation of these posts involves the use of heavy digging machinery to excavate the area, the laying a foundation, and anchoring of the post in place with cement or concrete. These methods cause great inconvenience to pedestrians and traffic during installation, with the same disruption caused if servicing or removal is required. This prompted the development of post retention systems - receiving means for posts set into the ground, allowing for easy installation, removal and servicing of posts without substantial disruption to the surroundings. However, the actual manoeuvring of the post into place requires substantial effort, with some posts being greater than 3 metres in height. Thus, there is a need for a device to aid in the installation of posts in a post retention system.

Also, when the servicing of posts is required, normal methods may require the removal of the post from the site, due to lack of space to manoeuvre in (e.g. changing a light on a traffic signal post on a traffic island). Therefore, there is a need for a device that will facilitate the maintenance of posts in space-restricted areas, in particular where removal and/or replacement of posts is needed.

Accordingly, there is provided a device for manipulating a post about a post installation site, the device comprising a body adapted to be fixed adjacent the site; securing means operable to releasably secure the post relative to the body; arid means for displacing the post relative to the body.

Preferably, the securing means are adapted to constrain the post during the displacement thereof Preferably, the body comprises a lower column adapted to be fixed adjacent the site; and an upper column hinged to the lower column, on which upper column the securing means are located.

Preferably, the body further comprises a support column hinged to the upper column.

The presence of a support column allows for the stability of the device to be improved during manipulation of the post.

Preferably, the securing means comprises a plurality of clamping rings.

Preferably, the securing means are located on a shuttle mounted on the upper column, the shuttle free to move along the length of the upper column.

Preferably, the shuttle comprises clamping means, to secure the shuttle in position on the upper column.

Preferably, the displacing means is adapted to effect the controlled hinging of the upper column relative to the lower column.

This hinging of the device allows for a workman to service the post at the site of its installation without substantial inconvenience.

Preferably, the support column is adapted to support the upper column.

Preferably, a base plate is located at the distal end of the support column.

Preferably, the base plate is hingedly mounted to the support column.

Preferably, the displacing means comprises a winch mounted to the body.

Preferably, the device comprises a coupling means operable to fix the body adjacent the site.

Further preferably, said body is mounted on said coupling means, and said body is rotatable about said coupling means.

Rotation of the device allows for the easy access to the post during servicing when the workspace available is restricted.

Preferably, said coupling means is designed to secure into place on a post retention system.

Preferably, said coupling means comprises a clamp.

Preferably, said coupling means can be adapted to receive a stabilising plate.

The use of a stabilising plate with the coupling means increases the surface area of the device in contact with the ground, and improves the overall stability of the device.

Preferably, the device comprises guide means for stabilising the post during a displacing operation.

Preferably, the guide means comprises a receiving arm, the arm engaging with the post during a displacing operation.

The invention will now be further illustrated by the following description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. I is a perspective view of a known post retention system; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a post installer device in an open state according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the coupling means of the post installer of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the coupling means of Fig. 3 when located in the retention system of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 4, taken along the line VI-VI; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a post installer device in an open state according to a second embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the coupling means of the post installer of Fig. 6 when located in the retention system of Fig. 1.

The device of the present invention 10 is designed to be operable with a post retention system, an example of which is indicated at 50 in Fig. 1. The retention system 50 is set into a concrete or cement foundation 51 in the ground, and has a cylindrical aperture 52 to receive a post 54. A recessed access chamber 56 is located adjacent to the aperture 52. A pair of securing screws 57 are accessible via the chamber 56 and can be tightened against the foot of the post 54 to secure it in the system 50, or loosened to release the post and allow it to be removed.

Referring to Fig. 2, a device for manipulating a post is indicated generally at 10. The device 10 comprises a body in the form of a generally rectangular lower column 12, with a hinge end 12a and a base end 12b, and a generally rectangular upper column 14, with a free end 14a and a hinge end 14b. The columns 12 & 14 are about I metre in length, with substantially the same width and depth. The columns 12 & 14 also have a hinge face 1 3a and a post face I 3b, located at opposite sides of the columns 12 & 14. The lower column 12 and the upper column 14 are coupled with a butt hinge 16. The hinge 16 is mounted on the hinge face 13a of both columns 12 & 14 so that the hinge end 12a of the lower column 12 abuts the hinge end 14b of the upper column 14.

Securing means in the form of a plurality of clamping rings 18 are equally spaced along the length of the upper colunm 14 on the post face 1 3b. Each clamp 18 is mounted on a bracket 1 8a projecting orthogonally away from the post face 1 3b of the upper column 14. The clamps 18 are hinged and can be hand tightened. The clamps 18 receive and grip a post 54 to be installed or removed.

Displacing means in the form of a winch 20 is mounted onto the lower column 12, at a location generally mid-way along the column 12, on the hinge face 13a of the column 12. The winch 20 is coupled with a lifting belt 22, to facilitate the winding and unwinding of the belt 22 around the winch 20. The lifting belt 22 has a free end 22a, which is removably attached to a circular collar 24. The collar 24 allows the fastening of the belt 22 to the base of a pole 54 to be installed or removed.

A pair of lifting rollers 26 are located towards the hinge end 12a of the lower column 12. One of the rollers 26a is located on the hinge face 13a of the column 12, while the other roller 26b is located on the post face 13b. A lowering roller 28 is located towards the base end 1 2b of the column 12, within the column body itself. The lifting belt 22 can be threaded under the lowering roller 28, shown in Fig. 2, or threaded over the lifting rollers 26a, 26b, as explained further below.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the device 10 is mounted onto the previously described retention system 50 through the use of a coupling means 30. The coupling means 30 is located at the base end 12b of the lower column 12. The means 30 comprises a generally flat rectangular body 32, having a clamping end 32a and a stabilising end 32b. An L-shaped clamping lip 34 having a free end 34a is located towards the clamping end 32a. The clamping lip 34 projects down from the underside of the body 32, so that the free end 34a of the clamping lip 34 projects away from the centre of the body 32. The clamping end 32a projects beyond the free end 34a of the clamping lip 34. A pair of setscrews 38 project through the clamping end 32a of the body 32.

In use, the coupling means 30 is inserted into the opening of the recessed chamber 56, so that the clamping end 32a projects out of the chamber 56 and over the exposed surface of the retention system 50 towards the aperture 52. The clamping lip 34 is arranged so as to abut the underside of the edge of the recessed chamber 56 (see also Figs. 4 and 5). The setscrews 38 can be adjusted so that they act on the exposed surface of the retention system 50. The setscrews 38 and the free end 34a of the clamping lip 34 act as a clamp to engage the edge of the recessed chamber 56. The clamp tension can be adjusted through turning of the setscrews 38. As the setscrews 38 are advanced downwards, the clamping lip 34 is drawn against, and securely clamped to, the underside of the edge of the recessed chamber 56. A pair of bolt-holes 36 are located in the stabilising end 32b of the means 30. In the event of the weight of the pole being too heavy, an outrigger can be attached to these bolt-holes 36 to stabilise the device 10.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the coupling means of a second embodiment of the invention, wherein a stabilising plate 132 is attached to the coupling means in order to provide greater support and steadiness.

A cylindrical pivot 40 projects from the exposed surface of the clamp 32. A socket 42 (shown in outline form) to receive the pivot is located at the base end 12b of the lower column 12. The device 10 is mounted on the pivot 40, and can be rotated through 360 . The pivot 40 can be machined so as to be suitable to be received by the device 10. If necessary, any suitable bearing system can be added to aid in rotation.

During use, the device 10 is mounted onto a retention system 50 where it is sought to install or remove a post 54, or to service a post already in place within the retention system 50.

The hinge 16 is operable from a closed state, where the lower column 12 and the upper column 14 are aligned along their longitudinal axes, to an open state, where the longitudinal axis of the upper column 14 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower column 12. The closed state of the hinge 16 corresponds to when the device 10 is in a vertical configuration, while the open state of the hinge 16 corresponds to the upper column 14 of the device 10 being in a horizontal configuration.

For installation of a post, the upper column 14 of the device 10 is initially in a horizontal configuration. This facilitates the easy mounting of the post 54 onto the clamps 18, where it is secured by tightening the clamps 18. The belt 22 is wound from the winch 20 around the underside of the lowering roller 28. The belt collar 24 is secured onto the base of the pole 54. The pole 54, and concurrently the upper column 14 of the device 10, is brought into an upright position through reeling in the winch 20.

This brings the base of the pole 54 to a position directly above and in line with the cylindrical aperture 52. The clamps 18 can now be loosened, and the winch 20 slowly unreeled, to allow the pole 54 to be lowered into the receiving aperture 52. During the lowering of the pole 54, the pole side roller 26b is brought into contact with the edge of the pole 54. This ensures that the pole 54 is not damaged by coming into contact with the device surface during lowering.

Once the pole 54 is in position within the aperture 52, the collar 22 is removed and the clamps 18 opened. The device 10 can then be removed, and the pole 54 secured within the retention system 50 as nonnal.

During removal or servicing of a pole 54, the reverse procedure is performed, but with the belt 22 being wound from the winch 20 and over the top surface of the two lifting rollers 26 before the collar 24 is attached to the base of the pole 54. The clamps 18 are only loosely closed around the pole 54 during the raising of the pole 54 from its socket 52. Once the collar 24 is attached, the belt 22 is wound onto the winch 20, causing the pole 54 to be lifted out of the retention system 50. The clamps 18 stabilise the pole 54 vertically as it is being lifted.

Once the end of the pole 54 is clear of the ground, the clamps 18 are tightened and the belt 22 is removed from the collar 24. The belt 22 is fed under the lowering roller 28 and tautened. The winch 20 is then slowly unwound to bring the pole 54 from its vertical position to the horizontal starting position.

A device according to a second embodiment of the invention 100 is shown in Fig. 6. The device 100 comprises a body in the form of a generally rectangular lower column 102, with a hinge end 102a and a base end 102b, a generally rectangular upper column 103 with a lower hinge end 103a and an upper hinge end 103b, and a generally rectangular support column 104, with a base end 1 04a and a hinge end I 04b. The columns 102, 103 & 104 are about 1 metre in length, with substantially the same width and depth.

The columns 102, 103 & 104 also have a hinge face 13a and a post face 13b, located at opposite sides of the columns 102, 103 & 104. The upper column 103 is coupled to the lower column 102 via a butt binge 106. The hinge 106 is mounted on the hinge face 13a of both columns 102 & 103 so that the hinge end 102a of the lower column 12 abuts the lower hinge end 103a of the upper column 103.

The upper colunin 103 is also coupled to the support column 104 via another butt hinge 108. The hinge 108 is mounted on the hinge face 13a of both columns 103 & 104 50 that the upper hinge end I 03a of the upper column 103 abuts the hinge end I 04b of the support column 104. A stabilising plate 110 is provided at the base end 1 04a of the support column 104.

In this embodiment, securing means in the form of a plurality of clamping rings 112 are provided on a shuttle 114. The shuttle 114 is mounted on the upper column 103, and is free to slide along the length of the upper column 103. The shuttle 114 is provided with a screw clamp 116, which is operable to secure the shuttle 114 in position on the upper column 103 during manipulation of a post. The clamping rings 112 are provided on that side of the shuttle 114 adjacent the post face 13b, with the screw clamp 114 on that side adjacent the hinge face 13a.

In a similar manner to that described in the first embodiment, displacing means in the form of a winch 118 is mounted onto the lower column 102, at a location generally mid-way along the column 102, on the hinge face 1 3a of the column 102.

The winch 118 is coupled with a lifting belt 120, to facilitate the winding and unwinding of the belt 120 around the winch 118. The lifting belt 120 has a free end 120a, which is removably attached to a circular clamping collar 122. The collar 122 allows the fastening of the belt 120 to the base of a pole 54 to be installed or removed.

The device 100 is also provided with a set of lifting rollers 124 and a lowering roller 126, as before. The rollers 124, 126 operate in the same manner as in the first embodiment, facilitating the re-threading of the lifting belt 120 depending on whether a lifting or a lowering operation is required.

The device is further provided with a u-shaped guide 128, positioned at the base end 102b of the lower arm 102. The guide 128 is mounted on a bracket 130 projecting orthogonally away from the post face 13b of the lower column 102. The guide 128 serves to steady the progress of a pole as it is being lifted or lowered.

Turning now to Fig. 7, a perspective view of the base and coupling means of the device when mounted in the retention system 50 is shown. The coupling means is similar to that described in the first embodiment (Figs. 3-5), with the addition of a stabilising plate 132 and a plurality of screw-down clamps 134. The stabilising plate 132 is separate to the main body of the device 100, and may be attached as an outrigger, as described above. The stabilising plate 132 acts to distribute the weight of the device 100 over a larger area, contributing to the solidity and firmness of the device 100 when in operation.

A base plate 136 projects from the base end 102b of the lower column 102. The screw-down clamps 134 are mounted on supports 138, the supports projecting from the base plate 136. The screw-down clamps 134 act to further secure the stabilising plate 132 in place, while allowing the device 100 to rotate while secured in the retention system 50.

When in use, the device 100 of the second embodiment operates in substantially the same way as the device 10 of the first embodiment. The addition of a shuttle 114 on which the clamping rings 112 are mounted allows for the position of the pole to be manipulated 54 to be adjusted while secured to the device 100, for example in order to redistribute the weight of the pole 54.

The presence of the hinged support column 104 and stabilising plate 110 means that when the device 100 is in an open position, additional support can be provided by resting the stabilising plate 110 on the ground. It will be understood that the support column 104 may be extendible in order to accommodate different preferred heights it is desired to maintain the pole 54 at. It will also be understood that the stabilising plate may be hinged in order to allow different angles of contact between the stabilising plate 110 and the ground.

The rotation of the device 10, 100 allows for its use in locations where the workspace may be restricted, e.g. servicing a traffic signal pole on a traffic island in the middle of a road. As the upper column 14, 103 is hinged, this means that the pole can be serviced at the site, with the device 10 serving as a workbench.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein, which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for manipulating a post about a post installation site, the device comprising a body adapted to be fixed adjacent the site; securing means operable to releasably secure the post relative to the body; and means for displacing the post relative to the body.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the securing means are adapted to constrain the post during the displacement thereof.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a lower column adapted to be fixed adjacent the site; and an upper column hingedly mounted to the lower column, on which upper column the securing means are located.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the body further comprises a support column hingedly mounted to the upper column.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises a plurality of clamping rings.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the securing means are located on a shuttle mounted on the upper column, the shuttle free to move along the length of the upper column.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the shuttle comprises clamping means, to secure the shuttle in position on the upper column.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the displacing means is adapted to effect the controlled hinging of the upper column relative to the lower column.

9. The device of claim 4, wherein the support column is adapted to support the upper column.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein a base plate is located at the distal end of the support column.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the base plate is hingedly mounted to the support column.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the displacing means comprises a winch mounted to the body.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a coupling means operable to fix the body adjacent the site.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein said body is mounted on said coupling means, and said body is rotatable about said coupling means.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein said coupling means is designed to secure into place on a post retention system.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein said coupling means comprises a clamp.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein said coupling means can be adapted to receive a stabilising plate.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises guide means for stabilising the post during a displacing operation.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the guide means comprises a receiving arm, the arm engaging with the post during a displacing operation.

20. A device for manipulating a post about a post installation site, substantially as herein described with reference to, or with reference to and as illustrated in, Figs. 2 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.