GB2437524A

GB2437524A - Demountable modular bus shelter

Info

Publication number: GB2437524A
Application number: GB0608124A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Keith Spence; Robert Edward James; Benjamin Giles Tucker
Original assignee: BUS SHELTERS Ltd
Current assignee: BUS SHELTERS Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-24
Filing date: 2006-04-24
Publication date: 2007-10-31
Also published as: GB0608124D0

Abstract

A shelter assembly comprising a support 30 and a module 80 attachable to the support, wherein the support is releasably received within a substantially submerged ground-anchored socket member 20. Also provided is a shelter assembly comprising an elongate column and a module, wherein the elongate column 40 comprises an attachment region extending at least partially along its length, the attachment region provided with engagement means for complementary inter-engagement with corresponding engagement means provided on the module. Also provided is a method of assembly and a method of installation of the aforementioned shelter assembly.

Description

243 p524

MODULAR BUS SHELTER

Background to the invention

The present invention relates to a shelter assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a modular shelter assembly.

The term shelter assembly' is intended to include street and road shelters such as vehicle stops including, but not limited to, bus stops, tram stops, taxi stops, and river-bus stops, as well as meeting or gathering points or situations where shelter at a particular location is desirable, such as street or market vendors, for example as an alternative to market stalls and the like. Such shelter assemblies are typically provided to identify the location as designated for its selected purpose, such as a bus stop, and to provide a degree of shelter to the individuals who spend time at the location, for example, waiting on a bus to arrive. Throughout the specification, the term bus shelter is used as one example of such a shelter assembly.

Many designs of bus shelters exist in the prior art which comprise, for example, barrier walls and a roof to protect individuals from the elements of nature, including, but not limited to, rain, wind, snow, hail and the sun.

However, conventional bus shelters require that the main support posts (of which there are typically three or more) are cemented in place. However, this has the disadvantage that if the bus stop is moved and thus the shelter no longer required, the main support posts must be dug up which is not only inconvenient and expensive, the damage caused to the pavement or road surface by digging up the support posts must also be repaired, which is additional inconvenience and expense.

There is therefore a need for a shelter assembly which can be easily removed if no longer required, without damage and subsequent repair to the ground surface.

A further disadvantage of prior art bus shelters is that the specification of the shelter must be determined before installation. Thus, if a bus shelter is installed in a particular location and then the requirements change and, for example, an additional wall barrier or larger roof structure is required, in many cases this cannot be accommodated and the existing shelter would need to be removed and a replacement shelter installed in its place. In addition, even where the individual elements of the existing shelter can be removed and replaced, the process of dismantling and reassembling the shelter is complicated and time-consuming.

There is therefore a need for a shelter assembly composed of modular elements which can be simply removed and replaced.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a shelter assembly comprising a support and a module attachable to the support, wherein the support is releasably received within a substantially submerged ground-anchored socket member.

In this way, the shelter assembly may be readily installed and can be subsequently removed without requiring any digging to take place and without the need to carry out any repairs to the pavement or street surface afterwards. To install the shelter assembly, the support may be simply dropped into position within the ground-anchored socket member. The support may be secured in place by securing to the ground-anchored socket member if desired, to prevent unauthorised removal of the support. Removal of the shelter assembly may be removed by simply lifting the support out of the ground-anchored socket member.

The ground-anchored socket member may be provided with a cap member for covering the opening in the socket member at ground level. Thus, if the shelter assembly is removed and no replacement shelter assembly is to be installed in its place, the cap member may be installed to cover the opening in the socket member.

Thus passers-by will be able to walk over the point of installation of the previous shelter assembly without danger of stumbling at the open hole to the socket member. In addition, the cap will prevent rubbish and dirt from accumulating in the socket member interior. Should it ever be desirable to reinstate the shelter assembly, the cap member can simply be removed from the socket member and the socket member re-used to support a shelter assembly support.

The invention has the further advantage that socket members may be cemented in place when the pavement surface is renewed at locations where bus stops and the like may be situated in the future. Once in place, the socket members can be covered with a cap member and ignored until such time as the socket member is required to receive a shelter assembly support therein.

Preferably, the modules are releasably attachable to the support. Thus, the shelter assembly modules can be attached and removed as desired, as the requirements of a particular shelter arrangement alter over time.

The cap member may be composed of any suitable waterproof or water-repellent material, such as any suitable plastics material, any suitable rubber material or any suitable metal material, or any other suitable material known to the skilled person and suitable for the purpose.

The cap member may be secured in place, for example, by means of bolts or the like, or alternatively may be press-fitted into place or secured in place such that removal may only be effected using an authorised tool or security key.

In one embodiment, the support extends from the socket member along at least a portion of the full height of the shelter assembly. Thus, the support extends high enough to provide stability and strength to the shelter assembly. It will be appreciated that if the support extends the full height of the shelter assembly, the support will be longer than the above-ground height of the shelter assembly as a portion of the support extends beyond the column and is received within the submerged ground-anchored socket member.

In a further embodiment, the shelter assembly further comprises an elongate column located around at least a portion of the support. Preferably, the column is dimensioned so as to receive the support therein as a close fit. The interior of the column may be dimensioned and contoured such that the whole of the interior of the column is in substantial contact with the outer surface of the portion of the support received therein. Alternatively, the column is dimensioned so as to grip the outer surface of the support at discrete locations. For example, if the column is square in cross-section, the column may be dimensioned and contoured so as to make contact with the outer surface of the support at each of the corners of the support along the length of the support received within the column.

It will be understood that any cross-sectional shape of support may be used provided that the column is correspondingly contoured to received the support therein in a close-fit manner.

In a further embodiment, the elongate column comprises an attachment region extending at least partially along its length, the attachment region provided with engagement means for complementary inter-engagement with corresponding engagement means provided on the module.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a shelter assembly comprising an elongate column and a module, wherein the elongate column comprises an attachment region extending at least partially along its length, the attachment region provided with engagement means for complementary inter-engagement with corresponding engagement means provided on the module.

In this way, whether the shelter assembly is to include one module or several modules, the shelter assembly may be constructed with all modules suspended from a single column. This simplifies the construction of the shelter assembly and allows versatility with respect to the final form of the shelter assembly as a selected number of selected types of module may be attached to the column depending on the needs to be fulfilled by the shelter assembly.

The column may be constructed of a strong material, such as steel or any other suitably strong arrangement known to the skilled person, in order that the column imparts strength to the assembly.

Alternatively, the shelter assembly is provided with a support extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongate column and located within the column.

In this way, the strength of the assembly may be provided by a support, which may be made of a suitably strong material, such as steel, whilst the column design may be primarily concerned with accommodating the attachment of the modules thereto.

In a further embodiment, one end portion of the support is releasably received within a substantially submerged ground-anchored socket member. In this way, the shelter assembly may be readily installed and can be subsequently removed without requiring any digging to take place and without the need to carry Out any repairs to the pavement or street surface afterwards.

As mentioned above, a cap member may be provided to cover the opening to the socket member.

In a shelter assembly according to either a first aspect of the present invention or a second aspect of the present invention, the shelter assembly may comprise a single support. In this way, all the modules of the shelter assembly may be mounted on a single column with the support located therein. This provides ease of assembly and installation and only requires the provision of a single substantially submerged ground anchored socket member.

In one embodiment, the elongate column engagement means comprises a recess extending at least partially along the length of the column and the complementary inter-engagement means provided on the module comprises one or more protrusions which inter-engage with the recess.

It will be appreciated that any other suitable form of complementary inter-engagement known to the skilled person and suitable for the purpose may be used as an alternative to the recess and protrusion arrangement previously mentioned.

For example, the inter-engagement may comprise a snap-fit engagement.

In a further embodiment of a shelter assembly according to either a first aspect of the present invention or a second aspect of the present invention, the inter-engagement between the column and the module comprises a bolt connection or a tapped plate connection.

In a further embodiment of a shelter assembly according to either a first aspect of the present invention or a second aspect of the present invention the shelter comprises a plurality of modules for engagement with the elongate column.

The or each module may be selected from the list consisting of timetable units, display units, flags including stop-information flags, number plates, barriers including weather deflection screens, roof units and seat units.

In a further embodiment of a shelter assembly according to either a first aspect of the present invention or a second aspect of the present invention the column is provided with a plurality of attachment regions extending at least partially along its length. The plurality of attachment regions may he provided extending in a longitudinal direction along the column and may be provided substantially parallel to one another.

For example, a first attachment region may be provided for the attachment of one or more timetable units, a flag, a roof structure and seat, and a further attachment region may be provided to support a barrier wall, for example in the form of toughened plastic or glass.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a shelter assembly according to a first or second aspect of the present invention and a ground-anchored socket member such that in use, the socket member is substantially submerged below ground level.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of assembly of a shelter assembly according to any one of Claims 3 to 14, comprising the steps of: a. Locating the support member partially within the column member; b. Attaching the module or modules to the column member by means of complementary inter-engagement between the engagement means of the attachment region of the column and corresponding complementary engagement means provided on the module.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of installation of a shelter assembly according to any one of Claims 3 to 14, comprising the steps of: a. Providing a socket member; b. Securing the socket member in place substantially below ground level such that the socket member is substantially flush with ground level; c. Installing the elongate column around the support; d. Attaching the module or modules to the elongate column by means of complementary inter-engagement between the engagement means of the attachment region of the column and corresponding complementary engagement means provided on the module; and e. Inserting the support into the socket member;

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bus shelter in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a the bus shelter of figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the socket of the bus shelter of figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a partially assembled bus shelter shown in figure; Figure 5 is a view from the front of the partially assembled bus shelter of figure 4; Figure 6 is a plan view of the bus shelter of figure 4; Figure 7 is a base view of the bus shelter of figure 4; Figure 8 is a plan view of the bus shelter of figure 4, including a second timetable unit; Figure 9 is a plan view of the bus shelter of figure 4, including two additional time

table units;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through the column of the bus shelter of figure 1, showing the attachment points of the barrier walls (socket member and support not shown); Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a bolt connection and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a tapped plate connection.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figures 1 and 2 show a bus shelter 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Bus shelter 10 comprises a socket member 20, a support 30 received within socket member 20, and a column 40 located around support 30.

Module units including a timetable unit 50, roof structure 70, flag 60, number plate (not shown) and barrier walls 80 are located on column 40.

Column 40 is preferably secured to support 30 at a security fixing point located within the timetable unit 50 itself. The fixing preferably extends from the interior of the timetable unit 50 through the back wall of the timetable unit 50 through the column 40 and into the support 30. In addition, the security fixing preferably requires a security key or tool in order to loosen the fixing once in place. In this way, two levels of security are provided. In order for the security fixing connecting the column 40 to the support 30 to be removed, a user must first access the timetable unit 50. The timetable unit 50 is preferably only able to be opened using a security key or tool. Once access to the timetable unit 50 has been effected, the user must have a further security key or tool in order to remove the security fixing extending from the interior of the timetable unit 50 through both the column and support 30. Not only does this require the user to have two different security keys or tools, the fixing is concealed from a passer by or vandal and so is unlikely that such an individual would be able to detect how the column could be removed from the support. Thus, the column is securely fixed in place and cannot be removed by an unauthorised individual. One or more further security fixings may be provided between the column 40 and support 30 which may be visible on the exterior of column 40. However, provided the concealed fixing is present, the column 40 cannot be removed from support 30 by an unauthorised individual.

Figure 3 shows the socket member 20 in more detail. Socket member 20 comprises a base 22 and a body 21 extending from base 22, body 21 comprising a hollow tube-like structure which is shown as square in cross-section in figure 3.

However, it will he appreciated that the cross-sectional shape of body 21 of socket member 20 may be of any suitable shape.

Socket member 20 is further provided with abutment 24 containing bolt holes 26.

In use, hole is dug in the ground, socket member 20 is located with the hole with abutment 24 resting at ground level. The socket member 20 is retained within the ground by any suitable means, such as cementing in place. If no bus shelter 10 is to be installed at the location of socket member 20, cap member 100 may be provided to close the entrance to the body 12 of socket member 20. Cap member may be secured in place by means of bolts 28 which are passed through bolt holes 102 located in cap member 100 and bolt holes 26 located in abutment 24 of socket member 20, as shown in figure 3. In this way, the cap member 100 prevents water, litter, dirt or any other loose material from entering the interior of body 21 of socket member 20 during the time in which socket member 20 is not being used to receive a support 30 of bus shelter 10.

If the socket member 20 is to be use to receive a support 30 of bus shelter 10, the cap member 100 is simply removed by removal of bolts 28.

It will be appreciated that the means of securing of cap member 100 to socket member 20 may comprise any suitable alternative to the bolt securing means described in relation to the embodiment shown in figure 3 known to the skilled person and suitable for the function. For example, the securing means may comprise a snap-fit engagement or a thread engagement or the like.

It is to be understood that a bus shelter 10 according to the present invention need not contain all of the module units shown in figures 1 and 2. For example, the bus shelter 10 shown in figures 4 and 5 includes the modular units of a timetable unit and a flag 60. Roof structure 70 and barrier walls 80 have not been included here. The modular nature of the bus shelter 10 allows flexibility such that the overall form of bus shelter 10 can be selected to suit the particular requirements of each bus shelter. The module units provided as part of each bus shelter 10 may be selected in dependence upon the requirements of the bus shelter required at a particular location. For example, if the bus shelter 10 is being provided at a location which already has existing shelter for users to use, or the bus shelter is to be located at an indoor area such as within an existing larger bus station, an item such as the roof structure 70 may not be required. Thus, the bus shelter used at such a location could simply omit the roof structure 70, thereby saving unnecessary cost and effort in providing a feature of the bus shelter which is not required or beneficial in the circumstances.

Figure 6 shows a plan view of the bus shelter 10, as shown in figure 4, in which the structure of the column 40 can be seen. Column 40 is located around support 30, which in turn is received within socket member 20, as previously described.

Column 40 is held in place around support 30 by means of abutments 42 provided on the interior of column 40. Abutments 42 engage the outer surface of support 30, support 30 in turn being received within socket member 20 in a close-fit manner i.e. the support 30 and socket member 20 having corresponding dimensions such that the support is a close fit within socket member 20 in use. Such an arrangement serves to stabilise the structure of bus shelter 10.

Figure 6 also shows number plate 65 which is retained in place by a top cap 140 provided at the end of column 40 opposing the rubber footer 90 connection point.

Figure 7 shows a base view of the bus shelter 10 of figure 4, in which the base 22 of socket member 20 can clearly be seen. In addition, and at ground level, rubber footer 90 is provided around the base of column 40. Rubber footer 90 serves to conceal or cover the cemented region around the socket member. In addition, figure 7 shows a partial view of timetable unit 50 of bus shelter 10 and the flag 60 (located at the opposing end of column 40 from rubber footer 90, as shown in figures 1, 2, 3 and 4).

As mentioned previously, the module units selected for attachment to column 40 may be of any desired type and combination. However, further flexibility is provided by the provision of more than one timetable unit 50 on the same column of bus shelter 10 (see figure 8). Such flexibility allows the provision of additional timetable information at bus shelter 10. This is particularly useful, for example, when bus shelter 10 is used as a bus stop for several different bus routes.

As can be seen in figure 8, the two timetable units 50, 50' are held adjacent one another along edges 52, 52' and are attached to column 40 by means of brackets 130, 132.

Figure 9 shows an arrangement whereby three timetable units 50, 50', 50" are held on a single column 40. This arrangement closely resembles the bus shelter 10 with a single timetable unit 50. However, in the arrangement shown in figure 9, an additional timetable unit 50', 50" is located adjacent each edge 42 of timetable unit 40. Timetable unit 50 is engaged with column 40 in the same way as previously described for a single timetable unit arrangement (se figure 6). Additional timetable units 50', 50 " are attached, one either side of timetable unit 50 to the column 40 by means of brackets 132. In addition, timetable units 50', 50" are attached to unit 50 along respective edges 42 of timetable unit 50. Brackets 132 may be the length of the timetable unit, or may preferably extend from the base of column 40 to the upper edge of the timetable units, thereby adding strength to the bus shelter structure and providing an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance to the structure.

Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view through the column 40 of bus shelter 10 at the point at which the polycarbonate barrier wall is secured to the column 40. Each barrier wall 80 is secured to the column 40 along its length. The barrier wall is composed of a polycarbonate material 82 held within a structural framework 84.

It will be appreciated that any suitable alternative to polycarbonate may be provided such as a suitable plastics material or toughened glass material or the like.

It is preferred that the material is transparent or translucent. However, it will be appreciated that an opaque material could he used.

The connection of modular components, timetable and seat assembly are affixed to the main Colum via a bolt connection (see figure 11). The head of the bolt 150 is retained within a keyway 160 within the main columns slots. A nut 170 then captivates the bolt 150 on the modular unit and clamps it in place. This negates the need for drilling or machining of the main column to affix items.

Figure 12 shows a tapped plate connection. As with the bolt connection' method mentioned above, the tapped plate connection allows the modular roof assembly to he connected to the main column. The plate allows a bolt 150 to be passed through the roof section into a plate 180 located in the bolt head slot. The bolt 150 then clamps the roof section in place once it has been tightened into the tapped location plate 180.

Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort. For example, the bus shelter may be further provided with an anti-vandal unit which operates to activate an alarm, such as an audio or visual alarm on detection of shock vibrations or the through the bus shelter structure. The shelter may be optionally provided with a lighting arrangement and/or backlit timetable arrangement. Such lighting may be powered by a solar panel provided at or adjacent the shelter, thus providing the advantage that the shelter does not need to be connected to a source of mains electricity.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A shelter assembly comprising a support and a module attachable to the support, wherein the support is releasably receivable within a substantially submerged ground-anchored socket member.

2. A shelter assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the support extends from the socket member along at least a portion of the full height of the shelter.

3. A shelter assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising an elongate column located around at least a portion of the support.

4. A shelter assembly according to Claim 3, wherein the elongate column comprises an attachment region extending at least partially along its length, the attachment region provided with engagement means for complementary inter-engagement with corresponding engagement means provided on the module.

5. A shelter assembly comprising an elongate column and a module, wherein the elongate column comprises an attachment region extending at least partially along its length, the attachment region provided with engagement means for complementary inter-engagement with corresponding engagement means provided on the module.

6. A shelter assembly according to Claim 6, further provided with a support extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongate column and located within the column.

7. A shelter assembly according to Claim 7, wherein one end portion of the support is releasably receivable within a substantially submerged ground-anchored socket member.

8. A shelter assembly according to any preceding Claim, wherein the shelter assembly comprises a single support.

9. A shelter assembly according to any preceding Claim, wherein the elongate column engagement means comprises a recess extending at least partially along the length of the column and the complementary inter-engagement means provided on the module comprises one or more protrusions which inter-engage with the recess.

10. A shelter assembly according to Claim 8, wherein the protrusions provided on the module comprise a bolt connection.

11. A shelter assembly according to any preceding Claim, wherein the shelter comprises a plurality of modules for engagement with the elongate column.

12. A shelter assembly according to any one of Claims 4 to 10, wherein the column is provided with a plurality of attachment regions extending at least partially along its length.

13. A shelter assembly according to Claim 10, wherein the or each module is selected from the list consisting of timetable units, display units, flags, barriers, roof units and seat units.

14. A shelter assembly arrangement comprising a shelter assembly according to any preceding Claim and a ground-anchored socket member such that in use, the socket member is substantially submerged below ground level.

15. A method of assembly of a shelter assembly according to any one of Claims 3 to 14, comprising the steps of: a. Locating the support member partially within the column member; and b. Attaching the module or modules to the column member by means of complementary inter-engagement between the engagement means of the attachment region of the column and corresponding complementary engagement means provided on the module.

16. A method of installation of a shelter assembly according to any one of Claims 3 to 14, comprising the steps of: a. Providing a socket member; b. Securing the socket member in place substantially below ground level such that the socket member is substantially flush with ground level; c. Installing the elongate column around the support member; d. Attaching the module or modules to the elongate column by means of complementary inter-engagement between the engagement means of the attachment region of the column and corresponding complementary engagement means provided on the module; and e. Inserting the support into the socket member.

17. A shelter assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A method of assembly of a shelter assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of installation of a shelter assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.