GB2482888A

GB2482888A - Separating and pivoting upper and lower parts of an elongate post

Info

Publication number: GB2482888A
Application number: GB201013823A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Smith; Matthew Simon
Original assignee: FERRARTIS Ltd
Current assignee: FERRARTIS Ltd
Priority date: 2010-08-18
Filing date: 2010-08-18
Publication date: 2012-02-22
Also published as: GB201013823D0

Abstract

A device 10 and method for use in separating an upper part 14 of an elongate post 12 from a lower part of the post 16, The post may be a lamppost. The device comprises a first coupling assembly 18 which can be coupled to the lower part of the post; a second coupling assembly 20 which can be coupled to the upper part of the post and which can be mounted to the first coupling assembly; a lifting mechanism 22 for translating the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly, to thereby translate the upper part of the post coupled to the second coupling assembly relative to the lower part of the post and thus separate the upper part from the lower part. At least part of the second coupling assembly can pivot about a hinge 24, such that the upper part of the post can be pivoted relative to the lower part of the post. The device may include a lever arm 32 and a cam surface 68.

Description

Device for use in separating parts of an elongate post The present invention relates to a device for use in separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and to a corresponding method. The present invention also relates to a method of modif'ing an elongate post which is positioned on or in the ground into a lower post section and an upper post section which can be selectively separated from the lower post section. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to devices and methods for use in separating an upper part of a lamp-post from a lower part of a lamp-post.

Access to equipment provided at a height above the ground is required in many circumstances, particularly for the purpose of conducting maintenance on a lighting unit mounted on the top of a lamp-post, which might involved replacing a lighting element.

Such access is also required in relation to other types of equipment mounted on elongate posts or poles, such as telecommunication equipment. However, modern health and safety regulations in many countries impose restrictions on the use of ladders. This is due to the large number of accidents which have been found to occur involving a person falling from height from a ladder. There has therefore been a movement towards the use of so-called "cherry-pickers" to gain access to equipment provided at height on such posts or poles.

Cherry-pickers are mobile vehicles which include an articulated arm that supports a basket or platform for a user, and which can be raised from the ground to the required height.

However, the use of a cherry-picker adds significantly to the cost of the maintenance procedure. Additionally, in certain circumstances the use of a cherry-picker might not be appropriate, say on uneven or steeply sloping ground. Indeed, accidents have still been known to occur even where cherry-pickers are utilised.

There has been a particular focus upon addressing these problems in the field of lamp-post technology. One proposed solution has been to provide a lamp-post comprising a lower post section and an upper post section which is pivotably coupled to the lower section by means of a hinge. This permits the upper post section to be pivoted relative to the lower section, so that the upper section can be brought down to ground level, to provide access to the equipment located at the top of the upper section. However, the hinge is relatively bulky and expensive to manufacture and fit to the post, and each lamp-post requires its own hinge. This can therefore greatly add to the cost of the lamp-post.

Another proposed solution to the problem is disclosed in European patent publication no. EP-203 1155, which relates to a device for lowering/raising an upper part of a pole or mast such as a lamp-post. The device comprises two hinged clamping rings which fasten onto the outside surface of the pole. The upper and lower parts of the pole each carry fixed rings, which are gripped by the clamping rings. A lowering/raising mechanism in the form of a two-way axial drive is fastened to the clamping rings, and is used for lowering/raising the upper part of the pole. The device disclosed in EP-203 1155 suffers from a number of disadvantages. For example, the permanent fixed rings are bulky, heavy and expensive to manufacture. Additionally, passages are provided in the fixed rings which receive a screw joint for connecting the two rings together. Alignment of the bores in the two fixed rings will be challenging. If the bores are misaligned then it will be necessary to lower the upper part of the post, adjust the rotational orientation of the upper part and raise it again before attempting to insert the screw joints. This procedure might require to be carried out a number of times before correct alignment is achieved. Additionally, access is required to the inside of the lamp-post in order to locate and insert the screw joints. The inherent dimensions of the lamp-post are such that limited space is available for the insertion and manipulation of the screw joints, which will make the operation extremely difficult to perform.

It will be appreciated that similar difficulties might be encountered in relation to other types of elongate poles or masts, such as those carrying telecommunication equipment.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for use in separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and for facilitating pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, the device comprising: a first coupling assembly which can be coupled to the lower part of the post; a second coupling assembly which can be coupled to the upper part of the post and which can be mounted to the first coupling assembly; a lifting mechanism for translating the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly, to thereby translate the upper part of the post coupled to the second coupling assembly relative to the lower part of the post and thus separate the upper part from the lower part; and a hinge about which at least part of the second coupling assembly can pivot, such that the upper part of the post coupled to the second coupling assembly can be pivoted relative to the lower part of the post.

The present invention may provide a number of advantages over prior devices. In particular, coupling of the first coupling assembly to the lower part of the post and the second coupling assembly to the upper part of the post, and the provision of a lifting mechanism which translates the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly, may enable the upper part of the post to be lifted clear from the lower part of the post and/or from a connecting member provided between the upper and lower parts. For example and as will be described in more detail below, a connecting member may be provided which has a lower connecting portion positioned on the lower part of the post and an upper connecting portion on which the upper part of the post is positioned. Translation of the second coupling assembly, carrying the upper part of the post, enables the upper part to be lifted clear of the connecting member (leaving the connecting member positioned on the lower part of the post), or the upper part of the post and the connecting member to be lifted clear of the lower part of the post. Additionally, following translation of the upper part of the post, the upper part can be easily pivoted so that the upper part can be lowered towards the ground, providing access to any equipment carried by the upper part of the post.

The post may be a lamp-post and the upper part of the post may carry a lighting unit. The post may be a telecommunication post and the upper part of the post may carry telecommunication equipment.

Reference is made herein to the lifting mechanism translating the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly, to thereby translate the upper part of the post relative to the lower part. Such translation may involve movement of the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly in such a way that a first axis defined by the first coupling assembly is maintained substantially parallel to a second axis defined by the second coupling assembly. Reference to translation of the upper part of the post relative to the lower part of the post may mean that the upper part of the post is translated in a direction which is parallel to a main axis of the lower part of the post, and that during such movement a main axis of the upper part of the post is maintained substantially parallel to a main axis of the lower part of the post.

The lifting mechanism may be mechanically operated, electromechanically operated, fluid operated or a combination thereof.

The lifting mechanism may comprise an actuating member, which may be an arm and which may be a lever arm. The actuating member may be pivotably mounted on or to the first coupling assembly, and arranged to exert a force on the second coupling assembly to translate the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly. The actuating member may be adapted to be pivoted relative to the first coupling assembly to exert the force on the second coupling assembly. The actuating member may be releasably mountable on the first coupling assembly, which may facilitate location of the actuating member on the first coupling assembly following mounting of the second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly. The actuating member may be movable between a first position where the second coupling assembly is directly seated on and supported by the first coupling assembly, and a second position where the second coupling assembly is seated on and supported by the actuating member. In the first position of the actuating member, the upper and lower parts of the post may be coupled together, and in the second position the upper and lower parts of the post may be separated. Movement of the actuating member from the first position to the second position may therefore translate the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly to separate the upper and lower parts of the post. The second coupling assembly may define an abutment surface which is adapted to cooperate with the actuating ann. The abutment surface may be defined by an abutment member such as a pin provided on the second coupling assembly.

The actuating member may define a corresponding abutment surface shaped to cooperate with the abutment surface on the second coupling assembly. The abutment surface on the actuating member may be curved. The actuating member may define a curved cam surface shaped to facilitate translation of the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly. The abutment surface on the actuating member may define a detent position in which the abutment member on the second coupling assembly can be seated, to retain the second coupling assembly in a desired position relative to the first coupling assembly.

The device may comprise a support, which may be in the form of an elongate prop, for supporting the first coupling assembly to thereby bear at least part of a load of the upper part of the post which is carried by the second coupling assembly, particularly following pivoting of the second coupling assembly. The prop may have an end which is shaped to define a ground abutment surface, which may facilitate transmission of at least part of the load of the upper part of the post carried by the second coupling assembly to the ground.

The prop may facilitate triangulation of the load carried by the first coupling assembly.

The device may comprise at least one tether, which may be in the form of an adjustable strap, for securing the prop. The actuating member of the lifting mechanism may define the prop, and the tether may be for securing the actuating member in its second position.

The tether may serve for providing rigidity to the device in use, and may provide a rigid triangulation of the overturning moment experienced during pivoting of the upper part of the post. The tether may serve for stopping an end or foot of the prop from slipping under load. The tether may serve for maintaining the second coupling assembly separated from the first coupling assembly, and the upper part of the post separated from the lower part.

The second coupling assembly may be releasably mountable to the first coupling assembly, which may facilitate location of the first coupling assembly on the lower part of the post prior to mounting of the second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly. This may offer advantages in terms of reducing the weight of equipment which must be handled during coupling of the device to the post. The second coupling assembly may be adapted to be mounted to the first coupling assembly in a sliding fit. The second coupling assembly may be arranged to telescope relative to the first coupling assembly, and may be arranged to telescope within the first coupling assembly. The first coupling assembly may be shaped to receive the second coupling assembly, and may define a channel, recess or space within which at least part of the second coupling assembly can be located. Said part of the second coupling assembly maybe adapted to be slidably located within the channel.

In use, a load of the upper part of the post may be borne by the first coupling assembly when the second coupling assembly commences to translate the upper part relative to the lower part.

Said part of the second coupling may pivot in a plane which is controlled by the first coupling member, and thus the upper part of the post may pivot in a plane which is controlled by the first coupling member. The first coupling assembly may comprise a body which can be coupled to the lower part of the post. The first coupling assembly may be shaped such that it can be coupled to the lower part of the post at any location around a perimeter thereof This may offer advantages including that it affords the possibility to pivot the upper part of the post in any desired direction, the angle of pivoting being determined by the location of the first coupling assembly on the lower part of the post.

Thus, for example, the upper part of the post can be pivoted in a desired direction taking account of ground obstacles, or geographical features such as steep slopes in the region of the post. The first coupling assembly may define an abutment surface which may be shaped to abut the lower part of the post, and which may be curved or generally V-shaped.

The device may comprise a securing arrangement for securing the first coupling assembly to the lower part of the post. The securing arrangement may comprise a tether which may be in the form of a strap which can be tensioned to couple the first coupling element to the lower part of the post. This may facilitate positioning of the coupling assembly at any desired location along a length of the lower part of the post, and may enable the first coupling assembly to be located clear of (out of contact with) the ground. The securing arrangement may comprise a support element which can be connected to, mounted upon or seated upon the lower part of the post. This may facilitate location of the first coupling assembly on the lower part of the post, and may facilitate suspension of the first coupling assembly from the lower part of the post. The support element may be a collar and may be a curved collar.

The second coupling assembly may comprise a body which can be coupled to the upper part of the post. The second coupling assembly may comprise a lower section which is mountable to the first coupling assembly, and an upper section which is pivotally coupled to the lower section, the upper section arranged to be coupled to the upper part of the post.

The second coupling assembly may define the hinge, which may be provided between the upper and lower sections of the coupling assembly. The hinge may comprise a pin or pair of pins provided on one of the upper and lower sections of the second coupling assembly and about which the other section can pivot.

The device may comprise a control unit for controlling pivoting movement of said part of the second coupling assembly. The control unit may be for controlling pivoting movement of said part of the second coupling assembly from a position where a main axis of said part of the second coupling assembly is substantially parallel to a main axis of the first coupling assembly to a position where the axes are non-parallel, and may be selectively actuable to control such movement. The lifting mechanism may define the control unit. The control unit may be arranged to exert a force on said part of the second coupling assembly, to thereby control pivoting and to support a load of the upper part of the post. The control unit may be selectively actuable for pivoting the second coupling assembly back to a position where the main axis of the second coupling assembly is substantially parallel to the main axis of the first coupling assembly, for repositioning the upper part of the post on the lower part.

The control unit may be fluid actuated, mechanically actuated, electro-mechanically actuated or a combination thereof The control unit may be provided within or as part of the second coupling assembly. Advantageously therefore, the second coupling assembly can be mounted to the first coupling assembly carrying the control unit. The control unit may comprise at least one pistonlcylinder device. Where the second coupling assembly comprises upper and lower sections which are pivotally coupled, the cylinder may be coupled to one of said sections and the piston to the other one of said sections.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and pivoting the upper part relative to the lower part, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a first coupling assembly to the lower part of the post; coupling a second coupling assembly to the upper part of the post; mounting the second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly; and operating a lifling mechanism to translate the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly and thereby translate the upper part of the post coupled to the second coupling assembly relative to the lower part of the post, to separate the upper part from the lower part; and following separation of the upper part of the post from the lower part, pivoting the second coupling assembly about a hinge to thereby pivot.the upper part of the post coupled to the second coupling assembly relative to the lower part of the post.

The method may comprise coupling the first coupling assembly to the lower part of the post at a desired position around a perimeter of the post, and then mounting the second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly. The second coupling assembly may be coupled to the upper part of the post following mounting of the second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly. In this way, a load of the second coupling assembly can be borne by the lower part of the post, through the first coupling assembly.

The method may comprise translating the second coupling assembly to raise the upper part of the post and separate the parts of the post. The upper and lower parts of the post maybe connected by means of a connecting member, and the method may comprise translating the upper part of the post relative to the lower part of the post so as to provide a clearance between the upper part of the post and the connecting member or between the connecting member and the lower part of the post, so that the upper part of the post can subsequently be pivoted.

The method may be a method of accessing equipment carried by the upper part of the post, involving separating the upper part of the post from the lower part and pivoting the upper part down towards the ground so that the equipment can be accessed.

Further features of the method of the second aspect of the invention maybe derived from or with respect to the device of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for use in separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and for facilitating pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, the device comprising: a first coupling assembly which can be coupled to the lower part of the post in a desired position around a perimeter thereof; and a second coupling assembly which can be releasably mounted to the first coupling assembly and which has a part which can be coupled to the upper part of the post; and wherein the second coupling assembly comprises a hinge which facilitates pivoting of the part of the second coupling assembly coupled to the upper part of the post relative to a remainder of the second coupling assembly, so that the upper part of the post can be pivoted relative to the lower part of the post.

The provision of a device comprising a first coupling assembly which can be coupled to the lower part of the post, a second coupling assembly having a part which can be coupled to the upper part, and where the second coupling assembly can be releasably mounted to the first coupling assembly enables the second coupling assembly to be mounted to the first coupling assembly after the first coupling assembly has been coupled to the lower part of the post. In this way, a load of the second coupling assembly can be borne by the first coupling assembly. This may reduce the weight and bulk of the equipment which must be handled.

The first coupling assembly may be arranged so that it can be coupled to the lower part of the post at any position around the perimeter thereof. This may facilitate subsequent pivoting of said part of the second coupling assembly and thus the upper part of the post in a desired direction, this direction determined according to the position of the first coupling assembly on the lower part of the post.

The device may comprise a lifting mechanism for translating the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly, to thereby translate the upper part of the post coupled to the second coupling assembly relative to the lower part of the post and thus separate the upper part from the lower part.

Further features of the device of the third aspect of the present invention are defined above inlwith respect to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and pivoting the upper part relative to the lower part, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a first coupling assembly to the lower part of the post in a desired position around a perimeter thereof; following coupling of the first coupling assembly to the lower part of the post, releasably mounting a second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly, the second coupling assembly having a part which can be coupled to the upper part of the post and a hinge which facilitates pivoting of said part relative to a remainder of the second coupling assembly; coupling said part of the second coupling assembly to the upper part of the post; and pivoting said part of the second coupling assembly which is coupled to the upper part of the post relative to a remainder of the second coupling assembly, to thereby pivot the upper part of the post relative to the lower part of the post.

Further features of the method of the fourth aspect of the invention are defined above inlwith respect to the second aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of modif'ing an elongate post which is positioned on or in the ground into a lower post section and an upper post section which can be selectively separated from the lower post section, the method comprising the steps of: cutting the elongate post at a position along a length of the post between upper and lower ends thereof, to thereby form a lower post section which is positioned on or in the ground and an upper post section; positioning a lower connecting portion of a connecting member on the lower post section with a shoulder of the connecting member seated on an upper surface of the lower post section; positioning the upper post section on an upper connecting portion of the connecting member with a lower surface of the upper post section seated on the shoulder of the connecting member; and releasably securing at least one of the upper connecting portion of the connecting member to the upper post section and the lower connecting portion of the connecting member to the lower post section, so that the upper post section can be selectively separated from the lower post section.

The method may comprise positioning the lower connecting portion of the connecting member within the lower post section with the shoulder extending in a direction radially outwardly from the lower connecting portion, and seating said shoulder on the upper surface of the lower post section. The method may comprise locating the upper post section around the upper connecting portion with the lower surface of the upper post section seated on said radially extending shoulder.

The method may comprise locating the lower connecting portion around an upper end of the lower post section with the shoulder extending radially inwardly from the lower post section, and seating the shoulder on the upper surface of the lower post section. The method may comprise locating a lower end of the upper post section within the upper connecting portion and seating the lower surface of the upper post section on said shoulder.

The method may be a method of retrofitting a connecting member to an elongate post involving modifying the post as described above.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Fig. 1 is a perspective view, taken at an oblique angle and from above, of a device for use in separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and for facilitating pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device shown in Fig. 1 with a lifting mechanism of the device in a first position; Fig. 2 is a view of the device of Fig. 1 with the lifting mechanism in a second position; Fig. 3 is a view of the device of Fig. 1 taken from a different angle, and showing the device following pivoting of the upper part of the post; Fig. 4 is a side view of the device of Fig 1 in the position shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 1, taken in the direction of the arrows J-J of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 1, taken in the direction of the arrows K-K of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is view of part of a lamp-post illustrating a method of modifying a lamp-post into a lower post section and an upper post section which can be selectively separated from the lower post section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and illustrating a connecting member for connecting the upper and lower parts together; Fig. 7A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connecting member of Fig. 7, taken in the direction of the arrows I-I of Fig. 7; Fig. 8 is a side view of a device for use in separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and for facilitating pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lamp-post shown in Fig. 8 without the device attached.

Turning firstly to Fig. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a device for use in separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and for facilitating pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device indicated generally by reference numeral 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate post is a lamp-post 12 having an upper part 14 and a lower part 16. The device 10 generally comprises a first or lower coupling assembly 18 which can be coupled to the lower part 16 of the lamp-post 12, and a second or upper coupling assembly 20 which can be coupled to the upper part 14 of the lamp-post, and which can be mounted to the first coupling assembly 18. The device also comprises a lifting mechanism 22 for translating the second coupling assembly 20 relative to the first coupling assembly 18, to thereby translate the upper part 14 of the lamp-post 12 coupled to the second coupling assembly 20 relative to the lower part 16 of the lamp-post. This facilitates separation of the upper part 14 of the lamp-post 12 from the lower part 16. The device additionally comprises a hinge 24 about which at least part of the second coupling assembly 20 can pivot, such that the upper part 14 of the lamp-post 12 coupled to the second coupling assembly can be pivoted relative to the lower part 16 of the lamp-post.

Fig. 1 shows the device 10 following coupling of the first coupling assembly 18 to the lower part 16 of the lamp-post 12, mounting of the second coupling assembly 20 to the first coupling assembly 18, and coupling of the second coupling assembly 20 to the upper part 14 of the lamp-post. Fig. 2 is a similar view of the device 10, but showing it following translation of the second coupling assembly 20 relative to the first coupling assembly 18 using the lifting mechanism 22. Fig. 3 is a view taken from a different angle, and showing the device 10 following pivoting of a part of the second coupling assembly 20 which has the upper part 14 of the lamp-post coupled thereto. Additionally, Fig. 4 is a side view of the device 10 in the position of Fig. 2, whilst Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the device 10 taken in the direction of the arrows J-J of Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 is a view of the device 10 taken in the direction of the arrows K-K of Fig. 4.

As noted above, the device 10 of the present invention has a particular utility with an elongate post in the form of a lamp-post. However, the device 10 has a utility with other types of elongate posts or poles, including posts utilised to support communication equipment such as telecommunications equipment. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 is utilised to separate the upper part 14 of the lamp-post 12 from the lower part 16, SO that the upper part 14 can be pivoted towards the ground. This facilitates access to a lighting unit (not shown) mounted on an upper end of the upper part 14 without requiring a ladder, cherry-picker or the like, thereby offering numerous advantages including improved safety for a maintenance technician.

The device 10 is operated to separate and pivot the upper part 14 of the lamp-post 12 as follows. In the illustrated embodiment, the lamp-post 12 is of a type comprising the separable upper and lower parts 14, 16 and includes a connecting member 26 (Figs. 3 and 4) by which the upper and lower parts 14 and 16 are connected. The second coupling assembly 20 is provided as a unit which can be releasably mounted to the first coupling assembly 18. The first coupling assembly 18 is firstly coupled to the lower part 16 of the lamp-post 12, and secured using a tether (not shown) such as a strap which can be tensioned to securely clamp the first coupling assembly 18 to the lower part of the lamp-post. Typically a certain tension will be applied to the strap, in order to provide a sufficiently high retaining force for the first coupling assembly 18, to ensure that it does not move during subsequent separation and pivoting of the upper lamp-post part 14.

Following securing of the first coupling assembly 18 to the lower lamp-post part 16, the second coupling assembly 20 is mounted to the first coupling assembly. The second coupling assembly 20is then coupled to the upper lamp-post part 14, using two tethers in the form of tensionable straps 28 and 30. The straps 28 and 30 are similarly tensioned to a certain level in order to provide a secure clamping force.

An actuating member in the form of a lever arm 32 is then pivotally mounted on the first coupling assembly 18, in the position shown in Fig. 1 (although the lever arm may be provided as part of the first coupling assembly 18). The lever arm 32 can then be rotated down towards the ground in the direction of the arrow A (Fig. 1), to the position shown in Fig. 2. This acts to translate the second coupling assembly 20 relative to the first coupling assembly 18, moving it upwardly and away from the first coupling assembly to the position shown in Fig. 2. This separates the upper lamp-post part 14, carried by the second coupling assembly 20, from the lower lamp-post part 16, as best shown in Fig. 4. The upper lamp-post part 14 can then be pivoted about the hinge 24 to the position shown in Fig. 3, to provide access to the lighting unit carried by the upper part 14 of the lamp-post 12. Once any required maintenance activity has been carried out, which might involve work on the lighting unit and/or replacement of a lighting element, the upper lamp-post part 14 can be pivoted back from the position shown in Fig. 3 to the position shown in Fig. 2, and the lever arm 32 then rotated back from the Fig. 2 position to the Fig. 1 position, thereby lowering the upper lamp-post part 14 back onto the lower lamp-post part 16. The device 10 can then be released from the lamp-post 12. This is achieved by firstly removing the lever arm 32 from the first coupling assembly 18; de-coupling the second coupling assembly 20 from the upper lamp-post part 14; dismounting the second coupling assembly from the first coupling assembly 18; and then de-coupling the first coupling assembly 18 from the lower lamp-post part 16.

The device 10 of the present invention offers numerous advantages over prior devices. In particular, the first coupling assembly 18 can be coupled to the lower lamp-post part 16 at any desired position around a perimeter of the lower lamp-post part. The upper part 14 of the lamp-post can therefore be pivoted in any desired direction, this being determined according to the position of the first coupling assembly. 18 on the lower lamp-post part 16.

This may be of particular utility in circumstances where it is desired to avoid fixed ground obstacles such as refuse bins, traffic bollards, signposts or the like, or to take account of geographical conditions such as extreme slopes in the region of a base (not shown) of the lower part 16 of the lamp-post 12. Furthermore, the connecting member 26 which is utilised to couple the upper and lower lamp-post parts 14 and 16 is significantly cheaper and easier to manufacture and install than any prior structures. This is particularly true as pivoting motion of the upper part 14 of the lamp-post 12 is achieved by means of the hinge 24, which is provided as an integral part of the device 10 rather than as part of the lamp-post 12. Thus it is not necessary that each lamp-post be provided with its own internal hinge. Also and as will be described below, the connecting member 26 can be retrofitted to lamp-posts of a conventional type having a one-piece post, enabling subsequent use of the device 10.

The device 10 and its method of operation will now be described in more detail. The first coupling assembly 1 g comprises an elongate case in the form of a channel member 34 which is generally W-shaped in cross-section, as best shown in Fig. 5. The channel member 34 has a front surface 36 which is V-shaped for abutting the lamp-post 12 in the region of an enlarged diameter portion 38 of the lower lamp-post part 16. An advantage provided by such shaping of the channel member 34 is that the channel member can be located at any desired position around the perimeter of the lower part 16 of the lamp-post 12. An optional mounting arrangement, comprising a plate 40 and a curved bracket 42, is provided towards an upper end 44 of the channel member 34,. and is best shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The curved bracket 42 is shaped to seat on a shoulder 46 of the connecting member 26, to locate the channel member 34 relative to the lower part 16 of the lamp-post 12. This both determines the position of the device 10 relative to the lamp-post 12, and enables the first coupling member 18 to be supported by the lamp-post. The channel member 34 is shaped to receive the second coupling assembly 20 in a sliding fit, and includes two slider bars 48 and 50 which act as guides for the second coupling assembly 20 during insertion into the channel member 34. Slider bearings in the form of plates 52 and 54 are provided on the second coupling assembly 20, to facilitate insertion and sliding motion within the channel member 34. The slider bars 48, 50 and/or the slider bearings 52, 54 are typically of a relatively low friction material, which may be a plastics material such as PTFE, to facilitate sliding motion of the second coupling assembly 20 within the channel member 34.

The second coupling assembly 20 comprises a lower section in the form of a lower case 56, which is generally H-shaped in cross-section, as best shown in Fig. 5. The second coupling assembly 20 also includes an upper section in the form of an upper case 58, which is pivotally coupled to the lower case 56 by means of the hinge 24. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 3, the upper case 58 is also generally W-shaped (shown inverted in Fig. 3), including a surface 60 which is shaped in a similar way to the surface 36 of the channel member 34 of first coupling assembly 18. This facilitates coupling of the upper case 58 to the upper part 14 of the lamp-post 12 at any position around the perimeter of the post. The hinge 24 is defined by the second coupling assembly 20, and comprises two pivot pins 62 and 64 on the lower case 56, which serve for pivotally coupling the upper case 58 to the lower case. The pins 62 and 64 each extend from the lower case 56, and optionally serve for staying motion of the second coupling assembly 20 during insertion into the channel member 34, by abutment with the upper end 44 of the channel member. However, movement of the second coupling assembly may be otherwise stayed, such as by a strip or stop provided within the channel member 34. The pivot pin 64 includes a head 66 which is shaped to cooperate with the lever arm 32, in particular with a cam surface 68 defined by a head or end 70 of the lever arm. The head 66 is typically of a low friction material such as PTFE, although other arrangements including a wheel mounted to the pivot pin 64 by a bearing may be utilised. The head 70 of the lever arm 32 is pivotally mounted on a pin 86 on the channel member 34 of the first coupling assembly 18, for pivoting motion between the positions of Figs. 1 and 2. The head 70 also includes a stop 88 which is shaped to prevent over-rotation of the lever ann 32 beyond the position shown in Fig. 2. This is to prevent the pivot pin head 66 from passing off the cam surface 68. Additionally, and as best shown in Fig. 2, the cam surface 68 and stop 88 are shaped so that a detent 90 is formed, in which the pivot pin head 66 can be located.

The device 10 additionally comprises a control unit for controlling pivoting of the upper case 58 of the second coupling assembly 20 relative to the lower case 56, and thus pivoting of the upper lamp-post part 14 relative to the lower lamp-post part 16. The control unit 72 is fluid operated and, in the illustrated embodiment, takes the form of a hydraulic cylinder! piston arrangement 74, which comprises a cylinder 76 and a piston 78. The cylinder 76 is pivotally mounted to the lower case 56 of the second coupling assembly 20 by means of a pivot pin 80 which passes through the lower case 56 and through a passage (not shown) in a base 82 of the cylinder 76. A head of the piston 78 is pivotally mounted to the upper case 58 of the second coupling assembly 20, by means of pivot pins 84. Pivoting movement of the upper lamp-post part 14 towards the ground, from the Fig. 2 position to the Fig. 3 position, is controlled by fluid bleed out of the cylinder 76, which permits the piston 78 to descend. This fluid bleed may be controlled by a bleed valve provided within the hydraulic cylinder/piston arrangement 74 in a similar fashion to a conventional vehicle jack, or by means of external control equipment (not shown) coupled to the cylinder/piston arrangement. Additionally, the upper part 14 of the lamp-post 12 can be returned to the vertical position under the control of the cylinder/piston arrangement 74, by supplying fluid into the cylinder 76 to extend the piston 78 and pivot the upper case 58 relative to the lower case 56, carrying the coupled upperpart 14 of the lamp-post 12.

The device 10 is mounted on the lamp-post 12 as described above. Following location of the lever arm 32 on the channel member pivot pin 86 (Fig. 1), the lever arm 32 is rotated to bring the cam surface 68 into contact with the pivot pin head 66. Further rotation of the arm 32 raises the pivot pin 64, carrying the coupled upper and lower cases 58 and 56 of the second coupling assembly 20. During this movement, the pin head 66 travels along the cam surface 68. This translates the upper part 14 of the lamp-post relative to the lower part 16 by a sufficient distance to create a clearance between a base 92 of the upper lamp-post part 14 and the connecting member 26, as best shown in Fig. 4. In this position, the head 66 of the pivot pin 64 is seated within the detent 90 defined by the head 70 of the lever arm 32. Following rotation of the lever arm 32 to the position of Fig. 2, an end 94 (Fig. 1) of the lever arm is brought into abutment with the ground. The lever ann 32 is then secured to the lower part 16 of the lamp-post by means of a tether in the form of a tensionable strap (not shown), which passes around the lower lamp-post part 16 and through a hoop 96 on the lever arm. In this way, the lever arm 32 acts as a prop to support the channel member 34, and thus to brace the upper part 14 of the lamp-post 12. This propping of the channel member 34 acts to triangulate the applied load. The upper case 58 of the second coupling assembly 20 can then be pivoted relative to the lower case 56, to thereby pivot the upper lamp-post part 14 relative to the lower part 16. This is achieved by firstly opening the bleed valve of the cylinder/piston arrangement 74, and then gently pushing or pulling on the upper part of the lamp-post 14 to commence the pivoting motion. The upper part 14 of the lamp-post pivots in a controlled fashion, descending towards the ground, under the control of the piston 78 via the bleed of fluid from the cylinder 76. Once pivoting motion has been completed, the required maintenance activity can be carried out.

Following completion of the desired maintenance activity, the upper part of the lamp-post 14 can be returned to the vertical position by translating the piston 78. This may be achieved for example by means of a crank (not shown) attached to the cylinder 76, which forces fluid into the cylinder in a similar manner to that of a conventional vehicle jack, or by means of external equipment such as a pump coupled to the cylinder 76. After the upper part 14 of the lamp-post has been returned to the vertical position of Fig. 2, the strap located through the hoop 96 on the lever arm 32 can be released and the lever arm carefully returned to the Fig. I position, lowering the upper lamp-post part 14 back on to the connecting member 26. The lever arm 32 can then be removed from the channel member 34, and the first and second coupling assemblies 18 and 20 de-coupled as described above.

The connecting member 26, particularly shown in Figs. 3 and 4, comprises an upper connecting portion 98, a lower connecting portion 100 (shown in broken outline in Fig. 4), and an upstanding shoulder 46, which extends radially outwardly from the upper and lower connecting portions. The lower connecting portion 100 is shaped to be located within an upper end 104 of the lower lamp-post part 16 with the shoulder 46 seated on the upper end 104. In a similar fashion, the upper connecting portion 98 is shaped to receive the upper lamp-post part 14 with the base 92 of the upper lamp-post part seated on the shoulder 46.

This arrangements provides for secure connection of the upper and lower lamp-post parts 14, 16 and ready separation by a simple translation of the upper lamp-post part relative to the lower part. Typically, the lower connecting.part 100 of the connecting member 26 will be securely located within the upper end 104 of the lower lamp-post part 16 by bonding and/or by an interference fit, and a securing screw or the like may also be utilised. The upper connecting part 98 will be arranged to provide a good sliding fit with the upper lamp-post part 14, by appropriate dimensioning and optionally by application of a low friction coating, such as a viscous oil or grease, to the surface of the upper connecting part 98. A securing screw will also be provided to lock the upper lamp-post part 14 to the connecting member 26 and thus to the lower lamp-post part 16. It will be understood that the shoulder 46 has a maximum diameter which is greater than that of the ends of the lamp post parts 14 and 16, so that the mounting bracket 42 can seat on the shoulder.

Whilst the device of the present invention has been shown and described in Figs. 1 to 6 for use with a lamp-post comprising upper and lower parts joined together by a connecting member, the device may have a utility in the modification of an elongate post, such as a lamp-post, to include such upper and lower parts. This might involve mounting the device to a post, cutting the post and separating the cut parts as described above before locating a connecting member such as the connecting member 26 in the lower lamp-post section, and then returning the upper lamp-post section and mounting it on the connecting member.

The present invention also relates to a method of modifying an elongate post, such as a lamp-post, which is positioned on or in the ground into a lower post section and an upper post section which can be selectively separated from the lower post section. The method is illustrated in Fig. 7, which is a view of part of a lamp-post 12a. Like components of the lamp-post 12a with the lamp-post 12 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 share the same reference numerals, with the addition of the suffix a'. The method involves cutting the lamp-post l2a at a position along a length of the post between upper and lower ends (not shown) thereof, and which position is indicated generally by reference numeral 106. The lamp-post. 1 2a is thereby formed into a lower post section 1 6a which is positioned on or in the ground and an upper post section 14a. A connecting member 26a having a lower connecting portion 1 OOa, upper connecting portion 98a and a shoulder 46a which extends radially inwardly from the upper and lower connecting portions is used to provide a connection between the upper and lower lamp-post sections 14a, I 6a. The connecting 2.0 member 26a is shown in more detail in Fig. 7A, which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connecting member shown in Fig. 7, taken in the direction of the arrows I-I.

Typically, the upper connecting portion 98a is bonded to a base 92a of the upper lamp-post section 1 4a and/or connected in an interference fit. The lower connecting portion I OOa is dimensioned to provide a good sliding fit with an upper end 104a of the lower lamp-post part 1 6a. The method involves positioning the upper post section 1 4a within the upper connecting portion 98a and then fitting the lower connecting portion lOOa (carried by the upper post section) to the lower lamp-post section 1 6a. It will be understood however that the lower connecting portion 1 OOa may alternatively be bonded to the lower lamp-post section 16a and the upper connecting portion 98 arranged to provide a free sliding fit with the upper lamp-post section 14a. However, it is preferred that a tight fit/bond is provided between the upper connecting portion 98a and the upper lamp-post section 14a, in order to resist water ingress. A securing member in the form of a bolt 113 is provided for securing the connecting member 26a, passing through aligned bores 108 and 110 in the lower connection portion 1 OOa and the lower lamp-post section 1 6a, respectively, and engaging in a threaded nut 112. A plurality of such bolts 113 may be provided, spaced around the diameter of the connecting member 26a, if desired. It will be understood that the method involves supporting the lamp-post 12a above and below the region where the cut 106 is to be made. This may be achieved utilising conventional equipment, but may alternatively be achieved using the device 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 6. The equipment requires to allow for supporting the upper lamp-post section 14a following cutting, raising of the upper section 14a and subsequent lowering following fitting of the connecting member 26a. Also, whilst the method of modifying the lamp-post 12a has been shown and described in Fig. 7 with reference to the connecting member 26a, it will be understood that the connecting member 26 shown and described in Figs. 1 to 6 may equally be utilised, or indeed that alternative types of connecting member, such as those described elsewhere in this document, may be employed. In the case of the connecting member 26 shown in Figs. 1 to 6, a tight fit/bond is provided between the lower connecting portion 100 and the lower lamp-post section 16, in order to resist water ingress.

Turning now to Fig. 8, there is shown side view of a device for use in separating an upper part of an elongate post from alower part of the post and for facilitating pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the device indicated generally by reference numeral 1 Ob. Like components of the device 1 Ob with the device 10 of Figs. 1 to 6 share the same reference numerals, with the addition of the suffix b'. The device I Ob is shown during separation of an upper part 1 4b of a lamp-post 1 2b from. a lower part 1 6b of the post. The device 1 Ob comprises a first coupling assembly 1 8b which can be coupled to the lower part 1 6b of the post, and a second coupling assembly 20b which can be coupled to the upper part 14b of the post. The device also comprises a lifting mechanism, indicated generally by reference numeral 22b, and a hinge 24b. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 22b comprises three hydraulic cylinder/piston arrangements comprising a primary arrangement 114, and two secondary arrangements, one of which is shown and given the reference numeral 116. The primary and secondary hydraulic cylinder/piston arrangements 114 and 116 are simultaneously actuated to translate the second coupling assembly 20b relative to the first coupling assembly 1 8b, and thereby separate the upper lamp-post part 1 4b from the lower lamp-post part 16b, as shown in Fig. 8. The hinge 24b is formed by pivot pins on the second coupling assembly 20b (one of which is shown and given the reference numeral 64b) and heads 118 of pistons 120 of the secondary hydraulic cylinder/piston arrangements 116 which are pivotally coupled to the pins 64b. Following raising of the upper lamp-post section 14b, the pistons 120 of the secondary arrangements 116 are locked off (hydraulically and/or by locking pins or the like) to create a virtual hinge 24b. A piston 122 of the primary hydraulic cylinder/piston arrangement 114 is then stroked in the direction of the arrow B, to pivot the second coupling assembly 20b relative to the first coupling assembly 1 8b, carrying the upper lamp-post part 1 4b. Any desired maintenance work can then be performed and the upper lamp-post part 14b returned to the vertical for reconnection to the lower part 16b. In the embodiment of Fig. 8, the upper and lower lamp-post parts 1 4b and 1 6b are connected by means of a connecting member 26b. The connecting member 26b is shown in Fig. 9, which is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic view of the lamp-post 12b without the device lOb. In this embodiment, the connecting member 26b comprises an upper connecting portion 98b which is secured to the upper lamp-post part 14b, and a lower connecting portion I OOb which is secured to the lower lamp-post part 1 6b. The connecting portions 98b and 1 OOb are shaped to fit together in.a sliding engagement for selective release of the upper and lower lamp-post parts l4b, 1 6b. Any suitable means may be provided for securing the connecting parts 98b and 1 OOb together, such as a securing screw (not shown).

Various modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For example, whilst embodiments of the device disclosed herein comprise a control unit which is fluid operated, it will be understood that other suitable control units might be employed, including mechanical and electromechanical arrangements or combinations thereof. Thus, for example, an arrangement comprising one or more springs, such as tension springs, might be provided in place of the disclosed fluid operated unit, or may be provided to operate in parallel with the fluid operated unit.

The device may comprise a locking or latching arrangement, for staying movement of the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly after translation thereof.

The locking arrangement may comprise a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism, detent or the like, provided between the first and second coupling assemblies. The locking arrangement may be selectively releasable for return movement of the second coupling assembly.

Embodiments of the device comprise a fluid operated cylinder/piston device, for controlling pivoting of the upper part of the lamp-post. The device may be single acting (i.e. fluid can be supplied into the cylinder to urge the piston in one direction within the cylinder), or maybe double acting (i.e. fluid can be supplied into the cylinder to urge the piston in opposite first and second directions within the cylinder).

The device may comprise one or more resilient members such as springs for assisting in raising of the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly, and/or for supporting or assisting in lowering of the second coupling assembly.

The first and second coupling assemblies may be provided coupled together and, in use, the device may be brought into the vicinity of an elongate post and the first and second coupling assemblies then coupled to the respective parts of the post; The device may be provided as a one piece device which can be brought up to the post and attached t it. The device may comprise wheels for bringing the device up to the post.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for use in separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and for facilitating pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, the device comprising: a first coupling assembly which can be coupled to the lower part of the post; a second coupling assembly which can be coupled to the upper part of the post and which can be mounted to the first coupling assembly; a lifting mechanism for translating the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly, to thereby translate the upper part of the post coupled to the second coupling assembly relative to the lower part of the post and thus separate the upper part from the lower part; and a hinge about which at least part of the second coupling assembly can pivot, such that the upper part of the post coupled to the second coupling assembly can be pivoted relative to the lower part of the post.
2. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises an actuating member which can be pivotably mounted to the first coupling assembly, and which can be pivoted relative to the first coupling assembly to exert a force on the second coupling assembly to translate the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second coupling assembly defines an abutment surface which is adapted to cooperate with the actuating member, and the actuating member defines a curved cam surface which is shaped to cooperate with the abutment surface on the second coupling assembly, to facilitate translation of the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a prop having an end which defines a ground abutment surface for supporting the first coupling assembly, to thereby bear at least part of a load of the upper part of the post which is carried by the second coupling assembly.
5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second coupling assembly is releasably mountable to the first coupling assembly, to facilitate location of the first coupling assembly on the lower part of the post prior to mounting of the second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly.
6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first coupling assembly is shaped to receive the second coupling assembly in a sliding fit.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said part of the second coupling assembly is pivotable in a plane which is controlled by the first coupling member.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first coupling assembly comprises a body which can be coupled to the lower part of the post and which is shaped such that it can be coupled to the lower part of the post at any location around a perimeter thereof.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second coupling assembly comprises a lower section which is mountable to the first coupling assembly, and an upper section which is pivotally coupled to the lower section, the upper section arranged to be coupled to the upper part of the post.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second coupling assembly defines the hinge, and wherein the hinge is provided between the upper and lower sections of the coupling assembly.
11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a control unit which is arranged to exert a force on said part of the second coupling assembly, to thereby control pivoting of said part of the second coupling assembly from a position where a main axis of said part of the second coupling assembly is substantially parallel to a main axis of the first coupling assembly to a position where the axes are non-parallel, and thus to support a load of the upper part of the post.
12. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the control unit is selectively actuable for pivoting the second coupling assembly back to a position where the main axis of said part of the second coupling assembly is substantially parallel to the main axis of the first coupling assembly, for repositioning the upper part of the post on the lower part.
13. A device as claimed in either of claims 11 or 12, wherein: the second coupling assembly comprises a lower section which is mountable to the first coupling assembly, and an upper section which is pivotally coupled to the lower section, the upper section arranged to be coupled to the upper part of the post; and wherein the control unit comprises at least one pistonlcylinder device, the cylinder coupled to one of said upper and lower sections and the piston to the other one of said upper and lower sections.
14. A method of separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and pivoting the upper part relative to the lower part, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a first coupling assembly to the lower part of the post; coupling a second coupling assembly to the upper part of the post; mounting the second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly; and operating a lifting mechanism to translate the second coupling assembly relative to the first coupling assembly and thereby translate the upper part of the post coupled to the second coupling assembly relative to the lower part of the post, to separate the upper part from the lower part; and following separation of the upper part of the post from the lower part, pivoting the second coupling assembly about a hinge to thereby pivot the upper part of the post coupled to the second coupling assembly relative to the lower part of the post.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, comprising coupling the first coupling assembly to the lower part of the post at a desired position around a perimeter of the post, and then mounting the second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, comprising coupling the second coupling assembly to the upper part of the post following mounting of the second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly.
17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising translating the upper part of the post relative to the lower part of the post so as to provide a clearance between: the upper part of the post and a connecting member provided between the post sections; or between the connecting member and the lower part of the post, so that the upper part of the post can subsequently be pivoted.
18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the method is a method of accessing equipment carried by the upper part of the post, involving separating the upper part of the post from the lower part and pivoting the upper part down towards the ground so that the equipment can be accessed.
19. A device for use in separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and for facilitating pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, the device comprising: a first coupling assembly which can be coupled to the lower part of the post in a desired position around a perimeter thereof; and a second coupling assembly which can be releasably mounted to the first coupling assembly and which has a part which can be coupled to the upper part of the post; and wherein the second coupling assembly comprises a hinge which facilitates pivoting of the part of the second coupling assembly coupled to the upper part of the post relative to a remainder of the second coupling assembly, so that the upper part of the post can be pivoted relative to the lower part of the post.
20. A method of separating an upper part of an elongate post from a lower part of the post and pivoting the upper part relative to the lower part, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a first coupling assembly to the lower part of the post in a desired position around a perimeter thereof; following coupling of the first coupling assembly to the lower part of the post, releasably mounting a second coupling assembly to the first coupling assembly, the second coupling assembly having a part which can be coupled to the upper part of the post and a hinge which facilitates pivoting of said part relative to a remainder of the second coupling assembly; coupling said part of the second coupling assembly to the upper part of the post; and pivoting said part of the second coupling assembly which is coupled to the upper part of the post relative to a remainder of the second coupling assembly, to thereby pivot the upper part of the post relative to the lower part of the post.
21. A method of modifying an elongate post which is positioned on or in the ground into a lower post section and an upper post section which can be selectively separated from the lower post section, the method comprising the steps of: cutting the elongate post at a position along a length of the post between upper and lower ends thereof, to thereby form a lower post section which is positioned on or in the ground and an upper post section; positioning a lower connecting portion of a connecting member on the lower post section with a shoulder of the connecting member seated on an upper surface of the lower post section; positioning the upper post section on an upper connecting portion of the connecting member with a lower surface of the upper post section seated on the shoulder of the connecting member; and releasably securing at least one of the upper connecting portion of the connecting member to the upper post section and the lower connecting portion of the connecting member to the lower post section, so that the upper post section can be selectively separated from the lower post section.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21, comprising: positioning the lower connecting portion of the connecting member within the lower post section with the shoulder extending in a direction radially outwardly from the lower connecting portion, and seating said shoulder on the upper surface of the lower post section; and locating the upper post section around the upper connecting portion with the lower surface of the upper post section seated on said radially extending shoulder.
23. A method as claimed in claim 22, comprising: locating the lower connecting portion around an upper end of the lower post section with the shoulder extending radially inwardly from the lower post section, and seating the shoulder on the upper surface of the lower post section; and locating a lower end of the upper post section within the upper connecting portion and seating the lower surface of the upper post section on said shoulder.
24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the method is a method of retrofitting a connecting member to an elongate post in the form of a lamp-post by modifying the post into such lower and upper post sections.