GB2551772A

GB2551772A - A column and a column assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2551772A
Application number: GB1611356.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Humphreys Gordon
Original assignee: Abacus Lighting Ltd
Current assignee: Abacus Lighting Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-30
Filing date: 2016-06-30
Publication date: 2018-01-03
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-30
Also published as: GB201611356D0; EP3478908A1; GB2551772B; WO2018002641A1

Abstract

The column includes an upper part (10 fig.1d) pivoted to a lower part (12 fig.1d), and a locking assembly 16 including first and second parts 160, 162, the second part being moveable relative to the first part to prevent or permit pivoting of the upper and lower parts, the locking assembly also including a latch 18 contactable with the first part and which is moveable to prevent or permit movement of the second part relative to the first. The first and second parts may be concentric. The second part may have cams 164 which protrude from the first part and which when rotated cause the upper part to raise or lower. The latch may be rotatably connected to the second part, and be receivable in a channel 1600 when preventing movement of the second part. Also claimed is an assembly including the column and an actuator 2 which is received in the column to move the latch.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A column and a column assembly Abstract Title: Column with pivotable parts (57) The column includes an upper part (10 fig. 1 d) pivoted to a lower part (12 fig. 1 d), and a locking assembly 16 including first and second parts 160, 162, the second part being moveable relative to the first part to prevent or permit pivoting of the upper and lower parts, the locking assembly also including a latch 18 contactable with the first part and which is moveable to prevent or permit movement of the second part relative to the first. The first and second parts may be concentric. The second part may have cams 164 which protrude from the first part and which when rotated cause the upper part to raise or lower. The latch may be rotatably connected to the second part, and be receivable in a channel 1600 when preventing movement of the second part. Also claimed is an assembly including the column and an actuator 2 which is received in the column to move the latch.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Figure 1c

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Figure 3b Figure 3c <1640

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Title: A column and a column assembly.

Description of Invention

Embodiments of this invention relate to a column of the type having an upper column part pivotably connected to a lower column part and a locking assembly which includes a latch. Embodiments of this invention also relate to a column assembly including such a column and an actuator.

It is known in the art to raise and lower columns of the type where the upper column part is pivotably connected to a lower column part at or near to the base of the column. Columns of this type are known in the art as being of the “base-hinged” type. It is advantageous to be able to raise and lower a column this way, for example, in order to service or replace an appliance (be it lighting apparatus, imagery recording apparatus or signage) located at or approximate to the uppermost end of the upper column part.

Upper column parts of existing columns are prone to becoming undocked from the lower column parts either inadvertently or following intervention by an unscrupulous person. Columns can become undocked inadvertently through vibration of the column or of the surrounding area. Columns can be subjected to vibration through exposure to the elements, e.g. wind. Columns that may be subjected to vibration also include those that have been installed adjacent a railway line or an airport runway. Undocking of the upper column part from the lower column part can lead to sudden falling of the upper column part which can cause serious damage and / or injury.

There is a need, therefore, to provide safer columns in the industry.

Embodiments of the invention provide a column and a column assembly that seek to overcome, or at least substantially reduce, the disadvantages discussed above in relation to safety.

In one aspect of the invention, we provide a column including:

an upper column part pivotably connected to a lower column part; and a locking assembly including:

a first part;

a second part moveable relative to the first part between a first configuration in which pivoting of the upper column part about the lower column part is prevented and a second configuration in which pivoting of the upper column part about the lower column part is permitted; and a latch which is contactable with the first part, wherein the latch is operable between a first latch configuration in which movement of the second part relative to the first part between the first and second configurations is prevented and a second latch configuration in which movement of the second part relative to the first part between the first and second configurations is permitted.

The upper column part may be moveable relative to the lower column part along the vertical between a lowered configuration when the second part is in the first configuration and a raised configuration when the second part is in the second configuration.

The first part may include an at least partially hollow tube, e.g. a cylindrical tube, which defines a central axis.

The first and second parts may be arranged concentrically with respect to one another, such that the first and second parts share the central axis.

The second part may include one or more cam(s) for supporting a respective portion of the upper column part.

The second part may be moveable about the central axis between the first and second configurations, such that the or each cam causes the upper column part to move along the vertical between the raised and lowered configurations.

The or each cam may be rotatable about the central axis as the second part is moved between the first and second configurations, wherein the or each portion of the upper column part follows a surface of its respective cam such that the upper column part is moveable along the vertical between the raised and lowered configurations as the or each cam is rotated.

The second part may define an opening leading to a passageway which at least partially extends through the second part.

The or each cam may extend from the first part in a direction parallel to the central axis, such that at least a part of the or each cam protrudes from the first part.

The latch may be connected to the second part.

The latch may be rotatably connected to the second part, such that the latch may be rotatable relative to the second part between the first and second latch configurations.

The first part may define an opening or channel into which the latch may be at least partially receivable when the latch is in the first latch configuration. The region of the first part that defines the opening or channel may provide an abutment surface against which the latch may be contactable, thereby preventing movement of the second part between the first and second configurations when the latch is in the first latch configuration.

In a second aspect of the invention, we provide a column assembly including a column according to the first aspect of the invention and an actuator operable to contact and move the latch between the first and second latch configurations as the actuator is received by the column.

The actuator may include a first part receivable by the locking assembly of the column and a second part.

The first part may include a generally straight portion.

The second part may include a user graspable portion.

The first part may include a leading tip for contacting and moving the latch between the first and second latch configurations.

The first part may include one or more detents.

The first part may include at least two (e.g. two) detents, for example spaced apart along the generally straight portion.

The or each detent may be in the form of a notch provided in the first part.

The actuator may include an indicator for indicating to a user the relative position of the actuator with respect to the locking assembly of the column.

The indicator may be a visual indicator.

The indicator may be located on the first part of the actuator.

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

Figure 1 shows a column assembly according to an embodiment of the invention where the column is in a docked and upright configuration (1 a and 1b); where the column is in an undocked and upright configuration (1c); and where the column is in an undocked and partially lowered configuration; Figures 2a-c are views showing parts of a column assembly when the column is in a docked configuration;

Figures 3a-d are views showing parts of a column assembly when the column is in a docked configuration;

Figures 4a-d are views showing parts of a column assembly when the column is in an undocked configuration;

Figures 5a-d are views showing parts of a column assembly when the column is in an undocked configuration;

Figures 6a-d are views showing parts of a column assembly when the column is in a docked configuration;

Figures 7a-d are views showing parts of a column assembly when the column is in a docked configuration; and

Figures 8a-d are views showing parts of a column assembly when the column is in a docked configuration.

Referring first to figure 1 there is shown a column, indicated generally at 1, havingan upper column part 10 and a lower column part 12. The upper column part 10 is pivotably connected to the lower column part 12 at a pivot axis, indicated generally at 14, such that the upper column part 10 can be pivoted about the lower column part 12 between a generally upright configuration (as shown in figures 1a, 1b and 1c) and a generally lowered configuration (not shown). Figure 1d shows the column 1 in a partially lowered configuration as it is moved between the generally upright and generally lowered configurations.

In some embodiments, and to enable pivoting of the upper column part 10 about the pivot axis 14, the upper column part 10 may first be moved along the vertical (indicated in figure 1a by the line X-X) between a lowered configuration (as shown in figure 1a) and a raised configuration (as shown in figure 1c). In the lowered configuration the column 1 is said to be docked whereby it is not possible to pivot the upper column part 10 about the pivot axis 14 and in the raised configuration the column 1 is said to be undocked whereby it is possible to pivot the upper column part 10 about the pivot axis 14.

In some embodiments, movement of the upper column part 10 in either direction along the vertical X-X is achieved by way of an actuator 2.

The actuator 2 may include a first part 20, receivable by a locking assembly 16 of the column 1, and a second part 22. The first part 20 may include a generally straight portion. The second part 22 may include a user graspable portion. In some embodiments, the second part 22 may be arranged at a right angle with respect to the first part 20 so that an engineer can generate sufficient torque to rotate the first part 20. The first part 20 may include a leading tip 200. The first part 20 may include a first detent 202. In some embodiments, the first part 20 may include a second detent 204 spaced apart from the first detent 202 along the generally straight portion. In some embodiments, the first part 20 may include a lock formation 206 (shown more clearly in figure 2a). In some embodiments, the actuator 2 may include an indicator 208, for example a visual indicator, which may be located on the first part 20.

In broad terms, the first part 20 of the actuator 2 is inserted into the column 1 (as shown in figure 1a) and the actuator 2 can be rotated in the direction of arrow Y from the position shown in figure 1b to the position shown in figure 1c. Rotation of the actuator 2 in the direction of arrow Y causes the upper column part 10 to move away from the lower column part 12 along the vertical X-X, thereby undocking the upper column part 10 from the lower column part 12. Undocking of the upper column part 10 from the lower column part 12 enables rotation of the upper column part 10 about the pivot axis 14 (as shown in figure 1d). To re-dock the column 1 the procedure can be reversed. In more detail, and once the column 1 is returned to the upright configuration, the actuator 2 can be rotated in the direction of arrow Z from the position shown in figure 1c to the position shown in figure 1b to cause the upper column part 10 to move towards the lower column part 12 along the vertical X-X, thereby docking the upper column part 10 to the lower column part 12. The actuator 2 may then be removed from the column 1.

Referring now to figures 2 to 8, the column 1 includes the locking assembly, indicated generally at 16, having a first part 160 and a second part 162. In some embodiments, the locking assembly 16 is contained within the column 1 and it is this locking assembly 16 that is actuated by the actuator 2 to cause the docking I undocking of the column 1.

The second part 162 is moveable relative to the first part 160 between a first configuration (as shown, for example, in figure 2b) in which the column 1 is docked and pivoting of the upper column part 10 relative to the lower column part 12 is prevented and a second configuration (as shown, for example, in figure 4b) in which the column 1 is undocked and pivoting of the upper column part 10 relative to the lower column part 12 is permitted. In some embodiments, the second part 162 may include a lock formation 170 (shown in figure 2a). In some embodiments, the lock formation 170 of the second part 162 may be configured to interlock with the lock formation 206 of the first part 20 as the actuator 2 is received by the locking assembly 16. It is to be appreciated, therefore, that this interlocking of the actuator 2 and the second part 162 means that the second part 162 will rotate together with the actuator 2 as the actuator 2 is rotatably driven. In some embodiments, the lock formation 170 of the second part 162 may be located differently to that shown in the figures. For instance, the lock formation 170 may be located at any point along the passageway 168.

According to the invention the column 1 also includes a latch 18 which is contactable with the first part 160. The latch 18 is operable between a first latch configuration in which movement of the second part 162 relative to the first part 160 between the first and second configurations is prevented and a second latch configuration in which movement of the second part 162 relative to the first part 160 between the first and second configurations is permitted.

Advantageously, the latch 18 improves the overall safety of the column 1. For example, when the latch 18 is in the first latch configuration (as shown in figure 2c) it is not possible to rotate the second part 162 between the first and second configurations. Consequently, it is not possible to inadvertently undock the upper column part 10 from the lower column part 12. It follows, therefore, that it is not possible for the upper column part 10 to rotate inadvertently about the pivot axis 14 when the latch 18 is in the first latch configuration.

In some embodiments, the first part 160 may include an at least partially hollow tube, e.g. a cylindrical tube, which defines a central axis (as indicated in figure 2c by the line A-A).

In some embodiments, the first and second parts 160, 162 may be arranged concentrically with respect to one another, such that the first and second parts 160, 162 share the central axis A-A.

In some embodiments, the second part 162 may include one or more cam(s), indicated generally at 164, for supporting a respective portion 100 of the upper column part 10.

In some embodiments, the second part 162 may be moveable about the central axis A-A between the first and second configurations, such that the or each cam 164 causes the upper column part 10 to move along the vertical X-X between the raised and lowered configurations. In operation, therefore, the or each cam 164 is rotatable about the central axis A-A as the second part 162 is moved between the first and second configurations. The portion 100 of the upper column part 10 follows a surface of the cam 164 to which it is supported, such that the upper column part 10 is moveable along the vertical X-X between the raised and lowered configurations as the or each cam 164 is rotated.

In some embodiments, the second part 162 may define an opening 166 leading to a passageway 168 which at least partially extends through the second part 162. The passageway 168 receives the first part 20 of the actuator 2.

In some embodiments, the or each cam 164 may include a portion 1640 which extends from the first part 160 in a direction parallel to the central axis A-A, such that the portion 1640 of the or each cam protrudes from the first part 160. This configuration means that the portion 100 of the upper column part 10 that is supported by its respective cam 164 can follow the surface of the cam 164 without hindrance.

In some embodiments, the latch 18 may be connected to the second part 162, such that the latch 18 may be movable relative to the first part 160 simultaneously with the second part 162.

In some embodiments, the latch 18 may be rotatably connected to the second part 162, such that the latch 18 may be rotatable relative to the second part 162 between the first latch configuration and the second latch configuration.

In some embodiments, the first part 160 may define an opening (or a channel), indicated generally at 1600, into which the latch 18 may be at least partially receivable when the latch 18 is in the first latch configuration. A region 1602 of the first part 160 that defines the opening 1600 may provide an abutment surface against which the latch 18 may be contactable, thereby preventing movement of the second part 162 between the first and second configurations when the latch 18 is in the first latch configuration.

Operation of an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to figures 2 to 5.

In figure 2 the second part 162 is in the first configuration such that pivoting of the upper column part 10 about the lower column part 12 is prevented. The column 1 is in a docked configuration. Additionally, it is not possible for the second part 162 to move inadvertently with respect to the first part 160, for example through vibration of the surrounding area or following intervention by a vandal, because the latch 18 is in the first latch configuration. As will be appreciated, relative movement of the first and second parts 160, 162 between the first and second configurations is prevented when the latch 18 is in the first latch configuration. If it is attempted to rotate the second part 162 relative to the first part 160 between the first and second configurations the latch 18 will contact the region 1602 of the first part 160 (as shown in figure 2a) which will have the effect of preventing further rotation of the second part 162.

Figure 3 also shows parts of the column 1 in the same docked configuration as shown in figure 2. In figure 3, however, the actuator 2 has been inserted into the locking assembly 16 up to a first actuator position. In one embodiment, the engineer may know that the actuator 2 is in the first actuator position when the indicator 208 is flush with the portion 1640, although other ways of reading the indicator 208 may be possible. Upon insertion of the actuator 2 the latch 18 is displaced by the leading tip 200 from the first latch configuration to the second latch configuration. Displacement of the latch 18 from the first latch configuration to the second latch configuration enables rotation of the second part 162 relative to the first part 160. Thus, it is possible to move the second part 162 into the second configuration by rotatably driving the actuator 2.

Figure 4 shows parts of the column 1 in an undocked configuration, in which rotation of the cam(s) 164 has caused the upper column part 10 to move away from the lower column part 12 along the vertical X-X. In the undocked configuration the upper column part 10 is able to pivot relative to the lower column part 12 about the pivot axis 14.

Figure 5 also shows parts of the column 1 in the same undocked configuration as shown in figure 4. As will become apparent, a further advantage of the present invention is that an engineer is prevented from leaving the column 1 in an undocked (and hence dangerous) configuration. If an engineer attempts to remove the actuator 2 whilst the column 1 is undocked the latch 18 engages the first detent 202 of the first part 20 (as shown in figure 5c). Advantageously, the provision of the first detent 202 results in the latch 18 contacting an interior surface of the first part 160, thereby preventing further removal of the actuator 2. This alerts the engineer to the fact that the column 1 has not been safely docked. The engineer must, therefore, dock the column by rotating the second part 162 into the first configuration. In the first configuration at least a portion of the latch 18 is received by the opening 1600 of the first part 160, thereby permitting removal of the actuator 2 from the locking assembly 16.

The columns 1 of the present invention are an improvement over columns of the prior art due to the provision of the latch 18. First, the latch 18 inhibits inadvertent undocking of the column 1 by preventing relative rotation of the first and second parts 160, 162. Second, the latch 18, in combination with the first detent 202 of the actuator 2, provides a failsafe by which an engineer is alerted in the event that the column 1 has not been appropriately docked following an inspection or service routine.

In figure 3c parts of the column 1 are shown in a docked configuration. In this configuration the engineer may wish to remove the actuator 2 from the locking assembly 16. However, it is to be appreciated that removal of the actuator 2 may be partially resisted by the latch 18 due to the orientation of the latch 18 when in the second latch configuration. Therefore, it would be desirable to be able to move the latch 18 to a third latch configuration to permit easier removal of the actuator 2.

In some embodiments, the actuator 2 may include a second detent 204 spaced apart from the first detent 202. The purpose of the second detent 204 will now be explained with reference to figures 6 to 8.

In figure 6 the actuator 2 is shown in a second actuator position. In some embodiments, the engineer may know that the actuator 2 is in the second actuator position when the indicator 208 is not flush with the portion 1640, although other ways of reading the indicator 208 may be possible. Moving the actuator 2 to the second actuator position has the effect that the second detent 204 engages the latch 18. Consequently, as the actuator 2 is returned to the first actuator position (as shown in figure 7) the second detent 204 causes the latch 18 to move to a third latch configuration, whereby less resistance is provided by the latch 18 on the actuator 2 than when the latch 18 is in the second latch configuration. Providing less resistance to the actuator 2 means that the actuator 2 is easier to remove from the locking assembly 16 (as shown in figure 8).

For the sake of convenience, all of the drawings show the actuator 2 having first and second detents 202, 204. It is to be appreciated, however, that the second detent 204 is merely an optional feature that is provided to allow easier removal of the actuator 2 from the locking assembly 16. This application is intended to cover column assemblies, whereby the actuator included only a first detent 202.

When used in this specification and claims, the phrase “generally upright configuration” is intended to mean that the column is erect such that the appliance (be it lighting apparatus, imagery recording apparatus or signage) adopts an intended use location.

When used in this specification and claims, the phrase “generally lowered configuration” is intended to mean that the column is at least partially collapsed such that the appliance (be it lighting apparatus, imagery recording apparatus or signage) adopts a service or replacement location.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms comprises and comprising and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

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

Claims

1. A column including:

a first part;

2. A column according to claim 1, wherein the upper column part is moveable relative to the lower column part along the vertical between a lowered configuration when the second part is in the first configuration and a raised configuration when the second part is in the second configuration.

3. A column according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first part includes an at least partially hollow tube.

4. A column according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second parts are arranged concentrically with respect to one another, such that the first and second parts share a central axis.

5. A column according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part includes one or more cam(s) for supporting a respective portion of the upper column part.

6. A column according to claim 5, wherein the or each cam extends from the first part in a direction parallel to the or a central axis, such that at least a part of the or each cam protrudes from the first part.

7. A column according to claim 5 or claim 6, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the second part is moveable about the or a central axis between the first and second configurations, such that the or each cam causes the upper column part to move along the vertical between the raised and lowered configurations.

8. A column according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part defines an opening leading to a passageway which at least partially extends through the second part.

9. A column according to any preceding claim, wherein the latch is connected to the second part.

10. A column according to claim 9, wherein the latch is rotatably connected to the second part.

11. A column according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part defines an opening or channel into which the latch is at least partially receivable when the latch is in the first latch configuration.

12. A column according to claim 11, where a region of the first part that defines the opening or channel provides an abutment surface against which the latch may be contactable.

13. A column assembly, including a column according to any of the preceding claims and an actuator operable to contact and move the latch between the first and second latch configurations as the actuator is received by the column.

14. A column assembly according to claim 13, wherein the actuator includes a first part receivable by the locking assembly of the column and a second part.

15. A column assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first part includes a generally straight portion.

16. A column assembly according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the second part includes a user graspable portion.

17. A column assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first part includes a leading tip for contacting and moving the latch between the first and second latch configurations.

18. A column assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the first part includes one or more detents.

19. A column assembly according to claim 18, wherein the first part includes at least two detents.

20. A column assembly according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the or each detent is in the form of a notch provided in the first part.

21. A column assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the actuator includes an indicator for indicating to a user the relative position of the actuator with respect to the locking assembly of the column.

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22. A column according to claim 21, wherein the indicator is a visual indicator.

23. A column or a column assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

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

Intellectual

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Application No: Claims searched:

GB1611356.5

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