NZ622410A - Equipment mounting system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for forming a plurality of scaffolds (66) for mounting equipment (100), such as telecommunications equipment, to a support pole (3). The disclosure notes that it is important when mounting telecommunications equipment to ensure that it is mounted in the correct configuration to provide coverage. Due to upgrades on equipment, replacing equipment can be difficult as equipment can be heavy thus requiring bespoke mountings. The system includes at least one pole mount; at least one spacer; a connecting mechanism and an equipment mounting mechanism or a chain tensioner. The pole mount is can be fastened to the support pole (3). The spacer spaces equipment (100) from the support pole (3). The connecting mechanism connects the pole mount to the spacer. The equipment mounting mechanism includes at least one of the group consisting of an adaptor; a mounting bracket and a bracing bracket. The adaptor changes to accomodate the diameter of a bar mountable to the scaffold (66). The adaptor includes a spacer mounting portion and a bar mounting portion. The mounting bracket mounts at least two mounting bars (40) for mounting equipment (100) to the scaffold (66). The bracing bracket mounts at least one bracing bar for bracing the scaffold (66) against wind loads. The chain tensioner fastens the pole mount to the support pole (3). The chain tensioner includes at least two brackets and a tensioner. The two brackets are each adapted to engage a link of a chain. The tensioner tensions the chain by drawing the brackets together.

Description

EQUIPMENT MOUNTING SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a system, assembly or scaffold for mounting equipment to a support pole. The present invention also relates to a method of mounting equipment to a support pole, and to components of the system, assembly or scaffold when used to mount equipment to a support pole.

BACKGROUND ART It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

In the telecommunications industry, for example, many antenna sites (such as for mobile phones) use a concrete or steel support pole upon which antennas and hardware are mounted. These support poles may vary in diameter and length, but they typically taper from the top to the bottom. In other words, the top is typically of smaller diameter than the bottom.

A scaffold or structural steelwork is mounted to these poles in such a way as to permit the mounting of antennas and other related hardware on the pole in the necessary configuration to provide coverage (especially mobile phone coverage). Sometimes mountings for the antenna or other hardware may be at the apex of the pole. However, it is often necessary to mount this hardware below the apex, possibly due to insufficient room at the apex or because the owner of the pole will not allow the hardware to be mounted at the apex. As poles vary in length, and because poles typically vary in diameter along their length, the diameter of the pole at the point where a technician therefore may wish to mount equipment can vary significantly.

Often the hardware to be mounted to the pole is quite large and can be quite heavy, presenting additional challenges. For heavy hardware, often a bespoke fabricated collar is used, but this is a relatively expensive solution that also carries risks in the fabricated collar not fitting on site (for example due to poor site measurement, a bulge in the pole, the need to move the collar up or down the pole due to something else mounted to the pole, or errors in fabrication).

To account for this, some manufacturers prepare unique mountings for such poles so that the mounting fits the pole at a specific point in view of the precise diameter of the pole at that point. Alternatively, extensive complex fabrication can be employed to create a mount that will carry the load and fit to different sized poles. Such mountings can take time and considerable expense to prepare. The cost of fabricating such mountings can be significant, and if one component of the mounting is lost, damaged or suffers a manufacturing fault, it can be time-consuming and difficult to replace. Furthermore, if a unique mounting is prepared, there is a risk that it will not fit if the pole has been measured incorrectly or if there has been an error in fabrication.

As support poles typically vary in diameter along their length, and also due to potential imperfections in the surface of the support pole, it can also be challenging to orient equipment on the support pole at the correct attitude. Mobile phone antennas, for example, may need to be positioned precisely to afford optimum coverage.

These factors may be compounded by the nature of the telecommunications industry. By nature, networks in the telecommunications industry are also constantly being expanded and upgraded with the latest technology antennas and other hardware. Often, when antennas or other hardware are being upgraded it is necessary to partially or completely replace the scaffold mounting the hardware to the pole, as elements of the previous scaffold cannot be used.

In various aspects, the present invention is directed to a system, assembly or scaffold for mounting equipment to a support pole, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or challenges or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a system, assembly or scaffold for mounting equipment to a support pole.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a system for mounting equipment to a support pole, the system including: a. At least one pole mount fastenable to a support pole; b. At least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole; c. An equipment mounting mechanism; and d. A connecting mechanism for connecting the pole mount to the spacer or which connects the pole mount to the spacer.

Preferably the connecting mechanism adjustably connects the pole mount to the spacer. Advantageously, the connecting mechanism allows the pole mount to be adjustably connected and/or releasably connected to the spacer. The term “adjustably connecting”, as used herein, means that after the pole mount is connected to the spacer their position relative to each other may be adjusted. This allows a technician, for example, to adjust the attitude of the spacer after the pole mount is mounted to a support pole, for example, so that the spacer is substantially horizontal. In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism adjustably connects the spacer to the pole mount, allowing adjustment of the attitude of the spacer relative to the pole mount.

As discussed above, support poles typically vary in diameter and length, and generally taper from the top to the bottom. There may also be imperfections along the length of the support pole which may also alter the vertical angle of the support pole at any one point.

This means that if the spacer projected from the support pole at 90 °, the spacer would almost certainly not be level to the horizontal. It can be advantageous for the spacer to be level to the horizontal, as this may allow optimal orientation of equipment (such as antennas) mounted via the spacer which can be significant for, for example, mobile phone reception. Furthermore, if the spacer forms part of a more complex scaffold, aligning the spacer level to the horizontal may permit more rapid assembly of the scaffold as a whole.

As used herein, the term “system” refers to two or more components which can be fastened together to form all, or part of, a scaffold for mounting equipment on a support pole.

The term “scaffold” refers to the system after complete assembly. For the avoidance of doubt, the “scaffold” need not be mounted to the pole, and it may or may not include fasteners such as strapping. Furthermore, the scaffold need not include the equipment.

As used herein, the term “mechanism”, as used in relation to features of the system, may include or exclude fasteners such as bolts, screws, nuts or the like.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system configurable for forming a plurality of scaffolds, said scaffolds for mounting equipment to a support pole, the system including: a. At least one pole mount fastenable to the support pole; b. At least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole; c. A connecting mechanism for connecting the pole mount to the spacer; and d. An equipment mounting mechanism, wherein the equipment mounting mechanism includes at least one of the group consisting of: i. An adaptor for changing the diameter of a mounting bar mountable to a said scaffold, wherein the adaptor includes a spacer mounting portion for releasably mounting the adaptor to the spacer, and a bar mounting portion for releasably mounting the mounting bar to the adaptor; ii. A mounting bracket for releasably mounting at least two said mounting bars, each said mounting bar for mounting equipment to a said scaffold; iii. A bracing bracket for releasably mounting at least one bracing bar for bracing a said scaffold against wind loads; wherein the system further includes a chain tensioner for fastening the pole mount to the support pole, the chain tensioner including: i. at least two brackets, each of which are adapted to engage a link of a chain; and ii. a tensioner for tensioning the chain by drawing the brackets together.

Advantageously, by using the system of this embodiment of the invention the same components of the system may be assembled in a wide variety of different ways to produce a plurality of different scaffolds. This provides a flexible and versatile system that may be used to form scaffolds for mounting equipment on support poles, and the scaffolds produced using the system can be tailored depending on the dimensions of the support pole and the requirements of the equipment to be mounted.

In one embodiment, the equipment to be mounted to the support pole includes a transmitter and/or receiver, or a transceiver. The equipment may be, for example, an antenna or microwave dish for use in telecommunications. Hardware, for example, for processing and sorting radio signals, may also require mounting to the support pole. Examples of such hardware includes radios, combiners, amplifiers and filters.

The support pole may be in any suitable shape or configuration, provided that it is of a size and shape that will support both the system or scaffold and the equipment to be mounted. An exemplary support pole is a communication support pole, preferably a monopole.

The support pole may be made of any suitable material, but preferably concrete or steel.

Suitable poles may be manufactured by Rocla Pty Ltd and Ingal EPS, among others.

The pole mount may be of any suitable configuration, provided that it is fastenable to a support pole. The pole mount may be fastenable to the support pole in any suitable manner. This may include binding the pole mount to the support pole, such as using strapping, a chain, a clamp or adhesive. Alternatively, the pole mount may be secured to the support pole, such as using screws, bolts, nuts, nails or rivets. The pole mount may include two or more engageable, mateable or connectable pieces, or two or more pole mounts may engage, mate or connect together for clamping to the pole. The pole mount may be especially bindable to the support pole, especially using strapping or a chain.

In one embodiment, the pole mount is a bracket with or without at least one strapping. In one embodiment, the pole mount is a bracket, such as a strap bracket, and is bindable to the support pole using strapping. Advantageously, a strap bracket may be strapped or chained to a support pole. As a technician can vary the length of the strap used, a strap bracket advantageously can be securely strapped to variously sized support poles of variable diameter.

Any suitable portion of the strap bracket may be strapped to the support pole. In one embodiment, the strap bracket includes a groove or slot for guiding the strapping, or a projection for keeping the strapping in contact with the bracket (i.e. to prevent the strapping from slipping off the bracket). The projection may be a lip, such as an upturned lip on an edge of the bracket. The projection may also be a projection or strip secured (such as welded) to the bracket, and the projection or strip may be a tube.

The strap bracket may be configured to be strapped to a support pole using at least one strapping, especially two, three, four or five strappings, more especially two or four strappings, most especially two strappings. The strappings may be positionable at opposite sides of the strap bracket. In this case, the strap bracket may include, for example, a projection at opposite sides of the bracket. The strapping may be especially positioned substantially horizontally around the pole, and if the strap bracket is configured to be strapped to a support pole using two strappings, those strappings may be positioned at opposite vertical edges of the bracket.

In one embodiment, the strap bracket is adapted to allow a strap, for example, to pass between the strap bracket and the support pole. This strap may be for, for example, strapping a second strap bracket to the support pole. In one embodiment, the strap bracket further includes one or more lips, especially at a longitudinal edge of the bracket, for contacting the support pole. In one embodiment, the strap bracket includes two lips, one on each longitudinal edge of the bracket. The bracket may be substantially U-shaped. The one or more lips may include a notch along the longitudinal edge, and the notch may especially be positioned mid-way along the longitudinal edge of the strap bracket. The notch advantageously may allow a strap for a second bracket or other equipment already fitted to the pole (for example, a cable ladder) to pass underneath the strap bracket, especially in situations where two strap brackets cannot be bound by the same strap.

In another embodiment, two or more pole mounts may engage, mate or connect together for clamping to the pole. In this embodiment, the pole mount may be in the form of a bracket which is fastenable to other similar brackets to clamp the pole mounts to the pole. In one embodiment, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 brackets may be used, more especially 2-6 brackets, more especially 2-4 brackets, most especially 3 brackets. The brackets may be fastened together using fasteners, especially a threaded rod and nut. The pole mount in this embodiment may include one or more mount securing portions (especially two) for securing a first pole mount to a second pole mount. The pole mount may be substantially W-shaped. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two pole mounts, the at least two pole mounts being fastenable together to clamp the pole mounts to the support pole.

The pole mount may be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the pole mount is made from a material that will withstand corrosive environments and extreme temperatures. The pole mount is especially made of metal, most especially steel. The metal (especially steel) may be galvanised.

In one embodiment, the pole mount (especially strap bracket) is prepared from a metal plate. The pole mount (especially strap bracket) may be made by folding flat bar or laser cut plate, or it can be manufactured using channel material, especially a commercially available channel material.

In one embodiment, the pole mount or system in general includes strapping for strapping the strap bracket to the support pole, or fasteners for securing multiple pole mounts together. The strapping may be of any suitable size and shape, and may be made of any suitable material. The strapping is preferably made of a material that will withstand corrosive environments and extreme temperatures. The strapping is especially metal, more especially steel, most especially stainless steel. In one embodiment, the strapping is a band of metal, especially steel, most especially stainless steel. Suitable strapping may be manufactured under the trademark Band-it®.

In another embodiment, the pole mount or system in general includes a chain for fastening the strap bracket to the support pole. The two ends of the chain may be drawn together by way of a chain tensioner. Therefore, in one embodiment, the system further includes a chain tensioner for fastening a pole mount to a support pole. The chain tensioner includes at least two brackets, each of which are adapted to engage a link of a chain; and a tensioner for tensioning the chain by drawing the brackets together.

Each bracket may be adapted to engage a link of a chain in any suitable way. In one embodiment, each or at least one bracket defines an aperture, and the walls of the aperture are adapted to allow a first chain link of a first orientation to pass through, and to deny passage of a second chain link of a second orientation (perpendicular to the first orientation).

In another embodiment, each or at least one bracket may include a fastener, such as a bolt and nut, for engaging a chain link. The fastener may engage the chain link in any suitable way. For example, the bracket may include a fork and the arms of the fork may be connected by the fastener. The fastener, together with the arms of the bracket, may form an aperture such that the walls of the aperture are engageable with a chain link to prevent its passage through the aperture.

In another example, a fastener (such as a bolt and nut) may pass through a link of the chain to thereby secure the chain to the bracket. In this example, the bracket may include a fork and the arms of the fork may be connected by the fastener. The chain link may be secured within the fork by passing the fastener through each arm of the fork and a link of the chain.

The tensioner may tension the chain by drawing the brackets together in any suitable way. For example, the tensioner may include a ratchet and a pawl, or may include a threaded rod (such as a bolt) for tensioning the chain. In one example the tensioner is a threaded bolt and at least one nut. Each or at least one bracket may include an aperture (such as an unthreaded cylinder or threaded nut) by which the threaded bolt engages with the or each bracket. In one embodiment, the chain tensioner includes a threaded rod for drawing the brackets together, and each bracket defines an aperture by which the threaded rod engages with each bracket.

The spacer is for spacing the equipment from the support pole, and it may be of any suitable shape, length and construction. It may be of unitary construction or may include two or more connectable pieces. In one embodiment, the spacer is for spacing the equipment from the support pole substantially laterally, especially laterally. The spacer can be of various lengths and advantageously allows the equipment to be positioned at different distances from the support pole.

The spacer may include one or more bars (including hollow bars and a framework), especially one bar, for spacing the equipment from the support pole. The bar may be a pipe or a rail, typically of circular cross section. The bar may be of any suitable diameter and length. In one embodiment, the bar is from about 100 mm to 800 mm long, especially from about 120 mm to 700 mm long, more especially from about 125 mm to 650 mm long, most especially from about 150 to 620 mm long. In one embodiment, the bar may be about 150 mm, 320 mm or 620 mm long.

The equipment mounting mechanism may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. Equipment, such as antennas or other hardware, may be directly mounted to the spacer by the equipment mounting mechanism, or alternatively equipment may be indirectly mounted to the spacer by the equipment mounting mechanism. For example, the equipment mounting mechanism may include a weld, adhesive, a nail, rivet, screw or bolt fastener, mounting bar, adaptor, brace, bracing bracket, bracing bar, mounting bracket, cleat, eyelet, gusset, pipe, frame and/or general locking or connecting mechanism.

Equipment (or other components) may be mounted to the spacer via the equipment mounting mechanism in any suitable way. In one embodiment, the equipment mounting mechanism may be configured to permanently connect the equipment (or other component) and the spacer, such as by, for example, welding or use of adhesive. Alternatively, and preferably, the equipment mounting mechanism may be configured to releasably connect the spacer to the equipment (or other component).

Therefore, the equipment mounting mechanism may operate by way of one or more of the following: a friction fit groove arrangement, a tongue in groove arrangement (friction fit or not), a stepped, interaction of barbed or serrated tapered faces (to increase friction fit strength), a fastener such as a nail, screw, bolt, rivet or staple, a locator pin or lug locatable within a suitably sized opening, welding, or an adhesive such as glue or a double-sided adhesive strip. If in a tongue in groove arrangement, one portion of the mechanism may be in the form of a wedge-shaped tongue (when viewed on end) that is received within a suitably tapered groove. In another embodiment, the equipment mounting mechanism may operate by way of mating male and female portions, such as, for example, a key and keyway arrangement, a tongue in groove arrangement, a snap-fit arrangement, a pin and hole arrangement and so forth being located between abutting faces, edges or portions.

The equipment mounting mechanism can be provided by one or more features of the spacer and/or bracket. In one embodiment, the equipment mounting mechanism can include at least one equipment mounting portion of the spacer.

The equipment mounting portion may include apertures for accommodating fasteners. The equipment mounting portion may include one or more apertures, especially from 2 to 6 apertures, more especially from 3 to 5 apertures, most especially 4 apertures for accommodating fasteners. The equipment mounting portion may also include one or more apertures for providing drainage when galvanising the spacer. The equipment mounting portion may be flat, especially a plate or flange.

The equipment mounting mechanism (or system in general) may also include one or more fasteners for fastening equipment (or another component of the system) to the equipment mounting portion of the spacer. For example, the fastener may include one or more bolts (and associated nuts), especially one or more U-shaped bolts, more especially two U-shaped bolts.

The U-shaped bolts may each pass through two of the apertures in the equipment mounting portion. Different sized U-shaped bolts may be used depending on the material to be fastened to the equipment mounting portion. In one embodiment, the U-shaped bolts may be sized to fasten 76 mm diameter pipe of circular cross section.

In one embodiment, the spacer further includes one or more cleats, especially one or two cleats. The cleats may be positioned on the spacer bar, especially adjacent the connecting mechanism, more especially adjacent the spacer fastening portion (as discussed further below) and/or the equipment mounting portion.

The equipment mounting mechanism may also include one or more tabs for attaching earth straps from the equipment to be mounted. The tabs may extend from the spacer.

The spacer may be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the spacer is made from a material that will withstand corrosive environments and extreme temperatures.

The spacer is especially made of metal, more especially steel. The metal (especially steel) may be galvanised.

As mentioned, the system includes a connecting mechanism preferably for adjustably connecting the pole mount to the spacer. Therefore, the connecting mechanism may operate by way of one or more of the following: a friction fit groove arrangement, a tongue in groove arrangement (friction fit or not), a stepped, interaction of barbed or serrated tapered faces (to increase friction fit strength), a fastener such as a nail, screw, bolt, rivet or staple, a locator pin or lug locatable within a suitably sized opening, welding, or an adhesive such as glue or a double-sided adhesive strip. If in a tongue in groove arrangement, one portion of the mechanism may be in the form of a wedge-shaped tongue (when viewed on end) that is received within a suitably tapered groove in the another portion. In another embodiment, the connecting mechanism may operate by way of mating male and female portions, such as, for example, a key and keyway arrangement, a tongue in groove arrangement, a snap-fit arrangement, a pin and hole arrangement and so forth being located between abutting faces, edges or portions of the spacer and pole mount.

In one embodiment, the mechanism includes a portion, such as a plate, located on each of the pole mount and the spacer. The mechanism may or may not include fasteners to couple these portions together.

In another embodiment, the mechanism allows for simultaneous (i) connecting the spacer to the pole mount; and (ii) adjusting the attitude of the spacer relative to the pole mount.

In a further embodiment, the mechanism is configured to perform the following functions independently: (i) connect the spacer and the pole mount; and (ii) adjust the attitude of the spacer relative to the pole mount.

In another embodiment, connecting mechanism may be configured to releasably connect the pole mount and the spacer. Alternatively, the connecting mechanism may be configured to permanently connect the pole mount and the spacer, such as by, for example, welding or use of adhesive.

In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism includes a fastening portion located on each of the pole mount and the spacer.

The pole mount fastening portion may be planar, especially a plate. Any suitable configuration may be used to fasten the pole mount fastening portion and the spacer fastening portion. In one embodiment, the pole mount fastening portion includes apertures in the mount for accommodating fasteners. The pole mount fastening portion may include one or more apertures, especially from 2 to 6 apertures, more especially from 3 to 5 apertures, most especially 4 apertures.

The spacer fastening portion may also be planar, especially a plate. In one embodiment, the spacer fastening portion includes apertures for accommodating fasteners. The spacer fastening portion may include one or more apertures, especially from 2 to 6 apertures, more especially from 3 to 5 apertures, most especially 4 apertures for accommodating one or more fasteners. The spacer fastening portion may also include one or more apertures for drainage when galvanising the spacer.

In one embodiment, the spacer fastening portion is positioned at one end of the spacer, and the equipment mounting mechanism (especially equipment mounting portion) is positioned at the opposite end of the spacer. The spacer fastening portion may be a flange or plate that is mounted (such as welded) to one end of a pipe or rail. The equipment mounting portion may be a plate that is mounted (such as welded) to the opposite end of a pipe or rail.

In one embodiment, the system includes fasteners for the connecting mechanism, especially for fastening the pole mount fastening portion and the spacer fastening portion together. The fasteners may be, for example, screws and nuts or threaded rods and nuts, especially cut to length portions of threaded rod and nuts, and most especially set screws and nuts. The fasteners may allow the distance between the pole mount fastening portion and the spacer fastening portion to be adjustable. For example, if the pole mount fastening portion and the spacer fastening portion both include 4 apertures, then 4 fasteners may be used to fasten the portions together. As the pole may be tapered vertically, then to position the spacer horizontally the two highest fasteners may be adjusted to provide a different distance between the pole mount and spacer fastening portions than the two lowest fasteners. This distance may be adjusted after the pole mount is mounted to the pole (such as by strapping).

In one embodiment, the pole mount is a strap bracket, the equipment mounting mechanism includes an equipment mounting portion on the spacer, and the connecting mechanism is in the form of a fastening portion on each of the strap bracket and the spacer.

Therefore, in this embodiment the present invention provides a system for mounting equipment to a support pole, the system including: a. At least one strap bracket configured to be strapped to a support pole, the bracket including a fastening portion; and b. At least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole, the spacer having a fastening portion and an equipment mounting portion; wherein the strap bracket fastening portion and the spacer fastening portion are preferably configured to releasably and/or adjustably fasten together.

In another embodiment, two or more pole mounts engage together for clamping to the pole, the equipment mounting mechanism includes an equipment mounting portion on the spacer, and the connecting mechanism is in the form of a fastening portion on each of the pole mount and the spacer. Therefore, in this embodiment the present invention provides a system for mounting equipment to a support pole, the system including: a. A plurality of pole mounts which engage together for clamping to a pole, each pole mount including a fastening portion; and b. At least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole, the spacer having a fastening portion and an equipment mounting portion; wherein the pole mount fastening portion and the spacer fastening portion are preferably configured to releasably and/or adjustably fasten together.

While the system may be used with only one pole mount and one spacer, more complex scaffolding may be assembled using more than one pole mount and spacer. For example, the system may include from 1 to 12 pole mounts and from 1 to 12 spacers, especially from 1 to 9 pole mounts and from 1 to 9 spacers. In various embodiments, the system includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 pole mounts and spacers, especially 2, 6 or 8 pole mounts and spacers.

Particularly when the system includes more than one pole mount and spacer, additional components may be used in the system (as discussed further below, including a mounting bar, adaptor, brace, bracing bracket, bracing bar or mounting bracket). These components may be used in any number or combination and can in one embodiment be considered features of the equipment mounting mechanism.

In one embodiment, the equipment mounting mechanism or system further includes at least one mounting bar, especially a mounting pole, more especially a mounting pipe. The mounting bar is typically of circular cross section. The mounting bar may be secured to the spacer, especially the spacer equipment mounting portion. Equipment (such as antennas) may be mounted directly to the mounting bar. The mounting bar may be cut to length from commercially available material. The mounting bar may be mounted to from one and four spacers, especially two or three spacers, more especially two spacers (or equipment mounting portions). The use of more than two spacers may be advantageous in cyclone areas, or when using very long mounting bars.

In one embodiment, the scaffold formed by the system is configured to have at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 mounting bars for mounting equipment to the scaffold. In another embodiment, the scaffold formed by the system is configured to have no more than 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 mounting bars for mounting equipment to the scaffold. In a further embodiment, the scaffold formed by the system is configured to have from 4 to 15 mounting bars for mounting equipment to the scaffold; especially 6 to 15; more especially 6 to 12 mounting bars.

In another embodiment, the equipment mounting mechanism or system further includes an adaptor for adjusting the diameter of the mounting bar mountable to a spacer. The adaptor may include a spacer mounting portion which is mountable to the spacer (especially the spacer equipment mounting portion), and the spacer mounting portion may be of any suitable shape (although preferably substantially planar or planar) provided that the adaptor can be fastened to the spacer. The adaptor may also include a bar mounting mechanism (especially a bar mounting portion) for mounting a mounting bar or the like. The adaptor may include one or more lips, so that the bar mounting mechanism is positioned at a different height to the spacer mounting portion. Therefore, in one embodiment the adaptor includes a spacer mounting portion for mounting the adaptor to a spacer (or the like), and a bar mounting portion for mounting a bar (or the like) to the adaptor, wherein the bar mounting portion and the spacer mounting portion are positioned at different heights. The spacer mounting portion and the bar mounting mechanism may each include from 1 to 12 apertures, especially from 2 to 8 apertures, more especially 4 apertures for accommodating fasteners (as described above) such as set screws and U-shaped bolts. The fasteners for the spacer mounting portion may especially be set screws, and the fasteners for the bar mounting mechanism may especially include U-shaped bolts.

In a further embodiment, the equipment mounting mechanism or system further includes a brace. When the equipment mounting mechanism or system includes two or more spacers, the brace may be positioned between the spacers to brace the spacers against a vertical load. The brace may be positionable between two cleats on the spacers. The brace may be especially advantageous when using longer spacers and when the system is carrying a heavy load. The brace may include a bar, especially a pole, more especially a pipe. The bar may be typically of circular or square cross section. The brace may also include one or more spacer fastening mechanisms. For example, at either end of the brace may be located a fastening mechanism (especially a fastening portion) for fastening the brace to a spacer, especially at a cleat on the spacer. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two spacers, each spacer including at least one cleat, and wherein the system further includes at least one brace, said cleats being connectable by said brace to thereby brace the spacers against a vertical load. The fastening portion may include a plate with an aperture for accommodating a fastener. Fasteners may be, for example, screws and nuts or threaded rods and nuts, especially cut to length portions of threaded rod and nuts, and most especially set screws and nuts. The fastening portion may be connected to the bar by way of a second plate, such that the second plate and the fastening portion may together be in a “T” configuration. The bar may be about 500 mm to 2000 mm in length, especially about 600 mm to 1800 mm in length, more especially about 650 mm to 1750 mm in length. In one embodiment, the bar is about 656 mm in length or 1700 mm in length.

In another embodiment, the equipment mounting mechanism or system further includes a bracing bracket. The bracing bracket may be mountable to a mounting bar or spacer, along with one or more bracing bars. In one embodiment, each bracing bracket is mountable to a mounting bar, along with two bracing bars. The bracing bracket may include a mounting bar mechanism (especially a mounting bar portion) for mounting to a mounting bar, a spacer mounting mechanism (especially a spacer mounting portion) for mounting to a spacer, and/or one or more bracing bar mechanisms (especially bracing bar portions) for mounting to a bracing bar. In one embodiment, the bracing bracket includes at least two bracing bar mechanisms, each said bracing bar mechanism for mounting to a bracing bar. The bracing bracket especially may include one mounting bar mechanism and two bracing bar mechanisms. The mounting bar mechanism may be located centrally on the bracing bracket with a bracing bar mechanism on each side. The bracing bracket may be especially substantially “V”-shaped. The bracing bracket may alternatively include a spacer mounting mechanism and two bracing bar mechanisms. The mounting bar portion, spacer mounting portion and/or bracing bar portion may each include from 1 to 12 apertures, especially from 2 to 8 apertures, more especially four apertures for accommodating fasteners. The fasteners may be as described above for the spacer equipment mounting region fasteners, and especially include U-shaped bolts. Consequently, in one embodiment, the bracing bracket further includes a mounting bar mechanism for mounting the bracing bracket to a mounting bar or a spacer mounting mechanism for mounting the bracing bracket to a spacer.

The bracing bar may be a pole, more especially a pipe, and is typically of circular cross section. The bracing bar may be mounted to a bracing bracket at either end, such that each bracing bracket is mounted to a different mounting bar. In this way, the bracing bar may brace the scaffold as a whole, advantageously providing rigidity in larger scaffolds and bracing the scaffold against wind loads. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one bracing bar for bracing the scaffold against wind loads.

The equipment mounting mechanism or system may also further include one or more mounting brackets for mounting equipment or a mounting bar. A securing mechanism (especially a securing portion) on the mounting bracket may allow the mounting bracket to be secured to, for example, a spacer, a mounting bar, a brace or a bracing bar. The mounting bracket may also include one or more mounting mechanisms (especially mounting portions) for mounting the bracket to equipment or a mounting bar.

In one embodiment, the mounting bracket includes only one mounting portion. In this embodiment the mounting bracket may be planar, especially flat, more especially a plate.

In a further embodiment, the mounting bracket includes two mounting portions. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket may include a bar (especially a pole or pipe, typically of square or rectangular cross section), and a mounting portion is positioned at either end of the bar (i.e. at opposite longitudinal ends of the bar). The securing portion may be positioned longitudinally along the bar, especially midway between the two mounting portions.

In another embodiment, the mounting bracket includes two mounting portions. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket may include a bar (especially a pole or pipe, typically of circular cross section), and a mounting portion is positioned at either end of the bar. The bar may be fastenable to, for example, a spacer.

The one or more mounting portions and/or the securing portion may include a flat portion, especially a plate. The one or more mounting portions and/or the securing portion may each have one or more apertures for accommodating fasteners. The fasteners may be as described above for the spacer equipment mounting portion, and especially include U-shaped bolts. In one embodiment, the one or more mounting portions and/or the securing portion may each include from 1 to 8 apertures for accommodating fasteners, especially from 2 to 6 apertures, more especially from 2 to 4 apertures, most especially 4 apertures. The one or more mounting portions and/or the securing portion may also have one or more apertures for drainage when galvanising the mounting bracket.

The equipment mounting mechanism or system may also include one or more additional components, to allow specific equipment to be mounted to the scaffold.

The mounting bar, adaptor, brace, bracing bracket, bracing bar and mounting bracket may be made of any suitable material, especially from a material that will withstand corrosive environments and extreme temperatures. These components may be made of metal, more especially steel. The metal (especially steel) may be galvanised.

Advantageously, all of the components may be connected together using commonly available materials (such as U-bolts, set screws and strapping). This means that a relatively small selection of parts may be stored by a technician and may be used in a large number of different configurations, depending on the diameter of the support pole and the equipment to be mounted. This also means that if one component is damaged, lost, dropped or suffers a manufacturing fault it can be quickly and easily replaced. Furthermore, if equipment on a support pole is to be upgraded, it may be possible to reuse components of the system when assembling a new scaffold for the new equipment. Alternatively, the components of the previous scaffold may be checked and re-used elsewhere.

The system also may provide a significant time saving over existing scaffolds.

Unique mounts may take up to a month for fabrication. Using the system of the present invention the component parts can be delivered almost immediately after the requirement has been defined.

The system may also provide a significant cost saving, and potential cost savings are estimated to amount to a cost reduction of 50 to 75%, resulting in potential direct savings in 2013 of up to AU$5000 per site. Additional savings in manpower may also arise from the fact that the site does not require measurement before preparing the mounting, and there is little risk in delays due to incorrect manufacture/fabrication of the components.

To further reduce costs, the system may be especially provided without bracing bars or mounting bars. These components are typically the bulkiest and heaviest components of the scaffold, and to reduce costs these more standard components may be produced locally to the site where the scaffold is to be mounted. This may reduce transport costs.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of mounting equipment to a support pole, the method including: a. Providing at least one pole mount fastenable to a support pole; b. Providing at least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole; c. Providing an equipment mounting mechanism; d. Providing a connecting mechanism for connecting the pole mount to the spacer, preferably for adjustably connecting the pole mount to the spacer; e. Optionally, adjustably connecting the pole mount to the spacer; and f. Fastening the pole mount to the support pole, wherein step f. may be performed before or after step e.

Features of the second aspect of the invention may be as described for the first aspect. That is, the equipment, pole mount, support pole, spacer, equipment mounting mechanism, chain tensioner and connecting mechanism may be as described for the first aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment, the pole mount is a strap bracket, the equipment mounting mechanism includes an equipment mounting portion on the spacer, and the connecting mechanism is in the form of a fastening portion on each of the strap bracket and the spacer. Therefore, in this embodiment the present invention provides a method of mounting equipment to a support pole, the method including: a. Providing at least one strap bracket configured to be strapped to a support pole, the bracket including a fastening portion; b. Providing at least one spacer for spacing the equipment from the support pole, the spacer having a fastening portion and an equipment mounting portion; c. Fastening (preferably releasably fastening) the at least one strap bracket fastening portion to the at least one spacer fastening portion; and d. Strapping the at least one strap bracket to the support pole; wherein step d. may be performed before or after step c.

Strapping, as defined in relation to the first aspect, may be used to strap the at least one strap bracket to the support pole. Fasteners, as defined in relation to the first aspect, may be used to releasably fasten the at least one strap bracket fastening portion to the at least one spacer fastening portion and to fasten equipment or another component of the system to the equipment mounting portion of the spacer.

In another embodiment, two or more pole mounts engage together for clamping to the pole, the equipment mounting mechanism includes an equipment mounting portion on the spacer, and the connecting mechanism is in the form of a fastening portion on each of the pole mount and the spacer. Therefore, in this embodiment the present invention provides a method of mounting equipment to a support pole, the method including: a. Providing two or more pole mounts which engage together for clamping to the pole, each pole mount including a fastening portion; b. Providing at least one spacer for spacing the equipment from the support pole, the spacer having a fastening portion and an equipment mounting portion; c. Fastening (preferably releasably fastening) the at least one pole mount fastening portion to the at least one spacer fastening portion; and d. Engaging the pole mounts together to clamp the pole mounts to the support pole; wherein step d. may be performed before or after step c.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides method of forming a scaffold, the method including: a. Providing at least one pole mount fastenable to a support pole, and at least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole; b. Connecting the pole mount to the spacer; c. Providing an equipment mounting mechanism, the equipment mounting mechanism including at least one mounting bar for mounting equipment; and d. At least one of the following steps: i. Releasably mounting a mounting bracket to the at least one mounting bar or to the at least one spacer, and releasably mounting to the mounting bracket at least two further mounting bars for mounting equipment; ii. Providing at least one adaptor for changing the diameter of the mounting bar mountable to the scaffold, wherein the adaptor includes a spacer mounting portion for releasably mounting the adaptor to the spacer and a bar mounting portion for releasably mounting the mounting bar to the adaptor, and releasably mounting the at least one adaptor to the at least one mounting bar, or to the at least one spacer; iii. Releasably mounting a bracing bracket to the at least one mounting bar or to the at least one spacer, and releasably mounting at least one bracing bar to the bracing bracket, to thereby brace the scaffold against wind loads; and iv. Providing at least one chain tensioner for fastening the pole mount to the support pole, the chain tensioner comprising at least two brackets and a tensioner, and 1. engaging a chain link in each of said at least two brackets, and 2. tensioning the chain by drawing the brackets together, to thereby mount the pole mount to the support pole.

In one embodiment, the scaffold is at least partially formed on the support pole. In another embodiment, the scaffold is formed on the support pole.

In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of mounting equipment to the equipment mounting portion (or to at least one mounting bar) or otherwise using the equipment mounting mechanism. The step of mounting equipment may include directly mounting the equipment to the equipment mounting portion, or mounting one or more other components (including of the equipment mounting mechanism) to the equipment mounting portion, which components in turn are used to mount the equipment.

In one embodiment, a mounting bar (as defined in the first aspect) may be mounted to at least one spacer at its equipment mounting mechanism/portion. In one embodiment, the mounting bar may be mounted to two spacers at their equipment mounting mechanisms/portions. When positioned on the pole, the mounting bar may be positioned to be parallel with the pole. Equipment may be mounted directly to the mounting bar.

However, the equipment mounting mechanism or portion may be configured to mount a mounting bar of a specific diameter. If a larger or smaller diameter mounting bar is desired for use, an adaptor (as defined in the first aspect) may be mounted to the spacer equipment mounting portion or mechanism. After the adaptor is mounted to the spacer, the mounting bar may be mounted to the adaptor.

Especially if the scaffold is to be configured such that at least two spacers are positioned in vertical alignment, then it may be advantageous to mount a brace (as defined in the first aspect) to the at least two spacers. In this circumstance, the brace may be fastened to a cleat on each spacer.

To provide additional rigidity and wind resistance it may be advantageous for different mounting bars on the scaffold to be connected. For example, the scaffold may include three mounting bars, each of which is connected to two spacers and two bracing bars (as defined in the first aspect). To connect the mounting bars, a bracing bracket (as defined in the first aspect) may be mounted to each mounting bar. A bracing bar may be mounted between two bracing brackets. It may be advantageous to mount such bracing brackets and bracing bars at the top and the bottom of the scaffold. For example, if the scaffold includes three mounting bars, then it may include six bracing brackets and six bracing bars.

To accommodate additional equipment, the method may further include the step of mounting a mounting bracket to, for example, a spacer, a mounting bar, a brace or a bracing bar. The mounting bracket may be as defined in the first aspect of the present invention.

Equipment or a further mounting bar (to which equipment may be secured) may be mounted to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may be configured to mount one or two mounting bars or equipment, as discussed in the first aspect.

In the method, the pole mount may be fastened to the support pole before or after the pole mount and the spacer are connected. Furthermore, the pole mount may be fastened to the support pole before or after all or a portion of the scaffold is assembled. For example, it may be most convenient to assemble part of the scaffold on the ground before lifting it onto the pole.

By way of example, it may be most convenient for a technician to assemble the entire scaffold on the pole. In this example, the first step would be to fasten the pole mount to the pole, and then assemble the remainder of the scaffold from this point.

In another example, a portion of the scaffold may be assembled on the ground, with final assembly of the scaffold being completed on the pole. By way of illustration, two pole mounts, two spacers, a brace, a mounting bar and two bracing brackets may be fitted together on the ground, and then this assembly is fastened to the pole. A further assembly including two pole mounts, two spacers, a brace, a mounting bar and two bracing brackets is then lifted into position, and two bracing bars between the two assemblies are mounted before fastening the second assembly to the pole. A third assembly, also including two pole mounts, two spacers, a brace, a mounting bar and two bracing brackets may then be lifted into position, and the bracing bars mounted between the assemblies before the third assembly is fastened to the pole.

Equipment may be mounted to the assemblies either before or after they are lifted into position.

In a further example, the scaffold can be fully assembled on the ground before being lifted into position and fastened to the pole. Equipment can be mounted to the scaffold either before or after the scaffold is lifted into position.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to an assembly for mounting equipment to a support pole, the assembly including: a. At least one pole mount fastenable to a support pole; b. At least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole; c. An equipment mounting mechanism; and d. A connecting mechanism for connecting the pole mount to the spacer, wherein the pole mount and the spacer are optionally but preferably adjustably connected.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an assembly formed by the system of the first aspect.

As used herein, the term “assembly” refers to the system, when partly or fully assembled for forming a scaffold. The components of the assembly may be as defined for the first aspect of the present invention. Thus the “assembly” encompasses a “scaffold”.

Features of the third aspect of the present invention may be as described for the first aspect. That is, the equipment, pole mount, support pole, spacer, equipment mounting mechanism, chain tensioner and connecting mechanism may be as defined for the first aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment, the pole mount is a strap bracket, the equipment mounting mechanism includes a spacer equipment mounting portion, and the connecting mechanism is in the form of a fastening portion on each of the strap bracket and the spacer.

Therefore, in this embodiment the present invention provides an assembly for mounting equipment to a support pole, the assembly including: a. At least one strap bracket configured to be strapped to a support pole, the bracket including a fastening portion; and b. At least one spacer for spacing the equipment from the support pole, the spacer having a fastening portion and an equipment mounting portion; wherein the strap bracket fastening portion and the spacer fastening portion are preferably releasably fastened together.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a scaffold for mounting equipment to a support pole, the scaffold including: a. At least one pole mount fastenable to a support pole; b. At least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole; c. An equipment mounting mechanism; and d. A connecting mechanism for preferably adjustably connecting the pole mount to the spacer, wherein the pole mount and the spacer are preferably adjustably connected.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a scaffold formed by the system of the first aspect.

The equipment, pole mount, support pole, spacer, equipment mounting mechanism and connecting mechanism may be as defined for the first aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment, the pole mount is a strap bracket, the equipment mounting mechanism includes a spacer equipment mounting portion, and the connecting mechanism is in the form of a fastening portion on each of the strap bracket and the spacer. Therefore, in this embodiment the present invention provides a scaffold for mounting equipment to a support pole, the scaffold including: a. At least one strap bracket configured to be strapped to a support pole, the bracket including a fastening portion; and b. At least one spacer for spacing the equipment from the support pole, the spacer having a fastening portion and an equipment mounting portion; wherein the strap bracket fastening portion and the spacer fastening portion are preferably releasably fastened together.

In one embodiment, the scaffold is mounted to a pole. Consequently, in this embodiment the scaffold may include strapping for strapping the strap bracket (for example) to the support pole. In another embodiment, equipment is mounted to the scaffold.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a pole mount as described herein when used to mount equipment to a support pole. In one embodiment of this aspect, there is provided a strap bracket configured to be strapped to a support pole, the bracket including a fastening portion.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a spacer as described herein when used to space equipment from a support pole. In one embodiment of this aspect, there is provided a spacer for spacing equipment from a support pole, the spacer having a fastening portion and an equipment mounting portion.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides an adaptor as described herein when used for changing or adjusting the diameter of a mounting bar, for mounting to a spacer.

In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a brace as described herein when used for bracing two or more spacers against a vertical load.

In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides a bracing bracket as described herein when used for mounting to a mounting bar or spacer and one or more bracing bars.

In a tenth aspect, the present invention provides a mounting bracket as described herein when used for mounting equipment to one or more mounting bars.

In an eleventh aspect, the present invention provides a chain tensioner as described herein when used for fastening a strap bracket to a support pole.

In embodiments of the fifth to eleventh aspects of the present invention, the component is when used in a scaffold for mounting equipment to a support pole. Features of the fifth to eleventh aspects of the present invention may be as defined for the first aspect of the present invention.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Description of Embodiments below which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Description of Embodiments is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Description of Embodiments will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a perspective view of example components of the system for mounting equipment to a support pole; Figure 2 is a perspective view of further example components of the system for mounting equipment to a support pole; Figure 3 is a perspective view of example assemblies for mounting equipment to a support pole; Figure 4A is a top view of a first example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 4B is a side view of the example scaffold of Figure 4A; Figure 4C is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 4A; Figure 5A is a top view of a second example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 5B is a side view of the example scaffold of Figure 5A; Figure 5C is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 5A; Figure 6A is a top view of a third example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 6B is a side view of the example scaffold of Figure 6A; Figure 6C is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 6A; Figure 7A is a top view of a fourth example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 7B is a side view of the example scaffold of Figure 7A; Figure 7C is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 7A; Figure 8A is a top view of a fifth example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 8B is a side view of the example scaffold of Figure 8A; Figure 8C is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 8A; Figure 9A is a top view of a sixth example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 9B is a side view of the example scaffold of Figure 9A; Figure 9C is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 9A; Figure 10A is a top view of a seventh example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 10B is a side view of the example scaffold of Figure 10A; Figure 10C is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 10A; Figure 11A is a top view of an eighth example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 11B is a side view of the example scaffold of Figure 11A; Figure 11C is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 11A; Figure 12A is a top view of a ninth example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 12B is a side view of the example scaffold of Figure 12A; Figure 12C is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 12A; Figure 13A is a top view of a tenth example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 13B is a side view of the example scaffold of Figure 13A; Figure 13C is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 13A; Figure 14A is a perspective view of a second example bracing bracket; Figure 14B is a perspective view of the second example bracing bracket, showing fasteners in a different configuration; Figure 14C is a top view of the example bracing bracket of Figure 14B; Figure 15A is a top view of an eleventh example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole, the scaffold including the bracing bracket of Figure 14; Figure 15B is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 15A; Figure 16A is a perspective view of the first example bracing bracket shown in Figure 1, showing the fasteners in a different configuration; Figure 16B is a top view of the example bracing bracket shown in Figure 16A; Figure 17A is a top view of a twelfth example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 17B is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 17A; Figure 18A is a perspective view of an example pole mount; Figure 18B is a side view of the example pole mount of Figure 18A; Figure 18C is a top view of the example pole mount of Figure 18A; Figure 18D is a side view of the example pole mount of Figure 18A; Figure 19A is a perspective view of an example mounting bracket; Figure 19B is a side view of the example mounting bracket of Figure 19A; Figure 20A is a perspective view of a third example bracing bracket; Figure 20B is a side view of the example bracing bracket of Figure 20A; Figure 20C is a top view of the example bracing bracket of Figure 20A; Figure 21 is a perspective view of example components of the system for mounting equipment to a support pole; Figure 22 is a perspective view of example components of the system for mounting equipment to a support pole; Figure 23A is a perspective view of example components of the system for mounting equipment to a support pole; Figure 23B is a perspective view of example components of the system for mounting equipment to a support pole; Figure 24A is a top view of a thirteenth example scaffold mounted to a support pole; Figure 24B is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 24A; Figure 25A is a perspective view of a fourteenth example scaffold showing equipment mounted to a support pole; Figure 25B is a top view of the example scaffold of Figure 25A; Figure 25C is a cross-sectional view of the example scaffold of Figure 25A, shown through line F-F of Figure 25B; Figure 26A is a top view of a fifteenth example scaffold mounted to a support pole; Figure 26B is a perspective view of the example scaffold of Figure 26A; Figure 27A is a top view of a first example chain tensioner; Figure 27B is a top view of a second example chain tensioner; and Figure 27C is a perspective view of the example chain tensioner of Figure 27B.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Example systems, assemblies and scaffolds will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 27. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features.

The present invention in one embodiment relates to a system 1 for mounting equipment 100 to a support pole. The system 1 includes at least one pole mount fastenable to a support pole, at least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole, an equipment mounting mechanism for mounting equipment to at least the spacer, and a connecting mechanism for connecting the pole mount to the spacer. Each of these features is described below, albeit using slightly different terminology in some instances.

The system 1 includes at least one pole mount in the form of a strap bracket 2, the strap bracket 2 configured to be strapped to a support pole 3, the bracket including a fastening portion 4. The system may also include a projection 6 for keeping the strapping 42 in contact with the bracket 2. In the bracket 2 illustrated in Figure 1, the projection is a lip on an edge of the bracket 2. Alternatively, in the bracket 2 illustrated in Figure 2, the projection 6 is a strip of metal secured to the bracket 2.

The bracket 2 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 are configured to be strapped to a support pole 3 using two strappings 42 (see Figure 4 for example). However, four strappings will fit on the bracket 2 and may be required in some circumstances. The strappings 42 are positionable at opposite edges of the bracket 2. In this regard, each bracket 2 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has a projection 6 on each opposite vertical edge. Consequently, the strappings 42 are positionable adjacent the projections 6. The strap bracket 2 is especially made of steel and is typically galvanised.

The strap bracket 2 illustrated in Figure 1 may be prepared from a metal plate, such as by folding flat bar or laser cut plate.

The face of the strap bracket 2 that in use contacts the support pole 3 may include one or more lips 8. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 the strap bracket 2 includes two lips 8, such that the bracket 2 is substantially U-shaped. In these embodiments, both lips 8 include a notch 10 positioned mid-way along the longitudinal edge to allow a strap holding an adjacent bracket to pass under the bracket without touching it.

The strap bracket 2 includes a fastening portion 4 which is configured to releasably fasten to the spacer fastening portion 18. In the exemplified strap brackets 2 the fastening portion 4 is planar. As illustrated in Figure 2, the strap bracket 2 includes four apertures 12 for accommodating four fasteners 14. The fasteners 14 are illustrated in Figure 1, and these are set screws and nuts. The fasteners 14 may be used to adjust the distance between the strap bracket fastening portion 4 and the spacer fastening portion 18. This allows the technician to adjust the inclination of the spacer 16 so that it may be substantially horizontal.

The example illustrated in Figures 18A-18D shows a different pole mount, in the form of a “W-shaped” bracket 200. The mount 200 includes a fastening portion 400 which is configured to releasably fasten to the spacer fastening portion 18. Like for bracket 2, fasteners 14 may be used to adjust the distance between pole mount fastening portion 400 and the spacer fastening portion 18.

The pole mount 200 also includes a mount securing portion 420, for securing the pole mount 200 to a second pole mount 200 (this may be achieved, for example, using a fastener such as a threaded rod and nut). Examples of how the pole mounts 200 may be secured together are illustrated in Figures 24A and 24B. Pole mount 200 is especially advantageous for attaching the system 1 to poles 3 of smaller diameter (for example, of about 300-600 mm diameter). Strap bracket 2 on the other hand, is suited for mounting the system 1 to poles 3 of about 500 mm diameter or greater. Advantageously, the use of three pole mounts 200 in the system 1 provides a stronger clamp on the pole 3 than the strap system (using strap bracket 2).

The system 1 also includes at least one spacer 16 for spacing equipment from the support pole 3. The spacer 16 has a fastening portion 18 and an equipment mounting portion . The fastening portion 18 is planar, and is especially a plate. As illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 23A and 23B, the fastening portion 18 may have four apertures 19 (see Figure 2) for accommodating four fasteners 14. The fastening portion 18 also has two apertures (not shown) for drainage when galvanising the spacer 16.

The spacer 16 may include one or more bars 22 for spacing the equipment from the support pole. The bar 22 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 are pipes of circular cross section. The fastening portion 18 is positioned at one end of the bar 22 and the equipment mounting portion is positioned at the other end of the bar 22. The bars 22 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 are 150 mm, 320 mm and 620 mm long.

The spacer 16 may also include one or more cleats 24 (illustrated in Figure 2). As discussed below, a brace 34 may be fastened to the cleats 24. The spacer 16 may also include one or more tabs (not shown) for attaching earth straps from the equipment to be mounted.

Equipment 100, such as antennas, may be directly mounted to the equipment mounting portion 20. Alternatively, equipment 100 may be indirectly mounted to the spacer 16 at the equipment mounting portion 20. The equipment mounting portion 20 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has four apertures 26 for accommodating fasteners (see Figure 2). The equipment mounting portion 20 also includes two apertures 28 for providing drainage when galvanising the spacer. The equipment mounting portion 20 is planar, and is especially a plate.

The exemplified spacers 16 are made from steel and are typically galvanised.

Fasteners 30, in the form of two U-shaped bolts, are illustrated in Figure 1. The U- shaped bolts 30 may be of any suitable size, but the bolts 30 illustrated in Figure 1 are shaped to fasten a 76 mm diameter pipe of circular cross section.

The system 1 may include any number of strap brackets 2 and spacers 16.

However, the system 1 may include other components such as strapping 42, a mounting bar 40, adaptor 32, brace 34, bracing bracket 36, bracing bar 52 and mounting bracket 38. All these components except for strapping 42 are typically made from steel, more especially galvanised steel. Strapping 42 is especially made from stainless steel. These components may be used in any number and in any combination.

The system 1 may include strapping 42 for strapping the strap bracket 2 to the support pole 3. The strapping illustrated in the Figures is made of stainless steel.

The system 1 may also include a chain tensioner 700 for fastening a pole mount, such as a strap bracket 2, to a support pole 3 (see Figures 27A-27C). The chain tensioner 700 includes at least two brackets 710, 720, each of which are adapted to engage a link of a chain 718, 728. The brackets 710, 720 each include a fork 712, 722, and a fastener 716, 717, 726, 727. In use, fastener 716, 717, 726, 727 is threaded through chain link 718, 728, such that the chain link 718, 728 is held within the arms of the fork 712, 722 to thereby engage a link of the chain 718, 728.

The chain tensioner 700 further includes a tensioner 730 for tensioning the chain by drawing the brackets 710, 720 together. In the examples illustrated in Figures 27A-27C, the brackets 710, 720 include an aperture 714, 724 and the tensioner 730 includes a threaded bolt 732. The bolt 732 passes through the apertures 714, 724 and engages with nuts 734, 736, to incrementally draw the brackets together and tension the chain.

The system 1 may include one or more mounting bars 40. The mounting bar 40 illustrated in the Figures is a pipe, which may be mounted to the spacer equipment mounting portion 20. The equipment 100 may be mounted directly to the mounting bar 40.

The system 1 may also include one or more adaptors 32 for changing the diameter of the mounting bar 40 mountable to the spacer 16. The adaptor 32 includes a spacer mounting portion 44 which is mountable to the spacer equipment mounting portion 20. The spacer mounting portion 44 is planar. The adaptor 32 also includes a bar mounting portion 46 for mounting a mounting bar 40 or the like. The adaptor 32 includes two lips, so that the bar mounting portion 46 is positioned at a different height to the spacer mounting portion 44. Each of the bar mounting portion 46 and the spacer mounting portion 44 includes four apertures. The fasteners for fastening the spacer mounting portion 44 to the spacer equipment mounting portion 20 is especially structural bolts, and the fasteners for fastening the bar mounting portion 46 to a mounting bar 40 especially includes U-shaped bolts.

The system 1 may further include one or more braces 34. The brace 34 is especially fastened at each end to cleat 24 on different spacers 16. The brace 34 may be used to brace the spacers 16 against a vertical load. The brace 34 includes a bar 48, which is illustrated in the form of a pipe. The illustrated bars 48 are 656 mm and 1700 mm in length. At either end of the bar 48 is located a fastening portion 50 for fastening the brace 34 to a cleat 24. The fastening portion 50 may be fastened to the cleat 24 using, for example, structural bolts.

The system 1 may further include one or more bracing brackets 36. The bracing bracket 36 illustrated in Figure 1 is substantially “V”-shaped. The bracing bracket 36 is mountable to a mounting bar 40, along with two bracing bars 52. The bracing bracket 36 may include a mounting bar portion 54 for mounting to a mounting bar 40, and one or more bracing bar portions 56 for mounting to a bracing bar 52. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the bracing bracket 36 has one mounting bar portion 54 and two bracing bar portions 56 (one on each side of the mounting bar portion 54). Each of the mounting bar and bracing bar portions have four apertures for accommodating fasteners. The fasteners especially may include U- shaped bolts. A similar bracing bracket 36 is illustrated in Figure 16. Both bracing brackets 36 illustrated in Figures 1 and 16 are substantially V-shaped.

In the example bracing bracket 36 illustrated in Figure 14, there are two plates.

Each plate has mounting bar portion 54 at which there may be mounted a single U-shaped fastener for fastening to a mounting bar 40. When fastened to the mounting bar 40, the plates form a V. The plates also each have a bracing bar portion 56 for fastening to bracing bars 52.

An example scaffold incorporating this bracing bracket is shown in Figure 15.

A further example bracing bracket 360 is illustrated in Figures 20A-20C. This bracing bracket is configured to be fastened to a plate, such as equipment mounting portion 20 of spacer 16. Bracing bracket 360 may include a spacer mounting portion 540, and a plurality of bracing bar portions 560 (especially two bracing bar portions 560) for fastening to bracing bars 52. An example system 1 showing how bracing bracket 360 may be positioned is illustrated in Figure 22. An example scaffold 66 including the bracing bracket 360 is illustrated in Figures 25A-25C, 26A and 26B. Once again, the bracing bracket 360 is substantially V- shaped.

The system 1 may also include one or more bracing bars 52. The bracing bar 52 may be a pole, and in the examples illustrated in the Figures it is a pipe mounted to a bracing bracket 36 at either end.

The system 1 may also include one or more mounting brackets 38 for mounting equipment 100 or a mounting bar 40. The mounting bracket 38 may include a securing portion 58 for securing the bracket 38 to the scaffold at, for example, a spacer 16, a mounting bar 40, a brace 34 or a bracing bar 52. The mounting bracket may also include one or more mounting portions 60 for mounting the bracket to equipment 100 or a mounting bar 40.

Two different mounting brackets 38 are illustrated in Figure 1. The mounting bracket 38a is configured with one mounting portion 60 and one securing portion 58. This mounting bracket 38a is planar, and is a plate with eight apertures, four for the mounting portion 60 and four for the securing portion 58.

The mounting bracket 38b is configured with two mounting portions 60 and one securing portion 58. The mounting bracket 38b also includes a bar 62 of square or rectangular cross section, and the mounting portions 60 are positioned at either end of the bar 62, and the securing portion 58 is located on the bar 62 midway between the two mounting portions 60.

The securing portion 58 and mounting portions 60 are all planar, and may be in the form of a plate. These portions 58 and 60 also all include four apertures for accommodating fasteners.

These portions 58 and 60 also have two apertures for drainage when galvanising the mounting bracket 38b. Exemplary scaffolds including mounting bracket 38b are illustrated in Figures 5A- 5C, 6A-6C, 15A, 15B, 17A and 17B.

A third mounting bracket 380 is illustrated in Figures 19A and 19B. This mounting bracket 380 includes a bar 620 of especially circular cross section, and mounting portions 600 positioned at either end of the bar 620. These portions 600 all include four apertures for accommodating fasteners, and two apertures for drainage when galvanising the mounting bracket 380. Example systems including mounting bracket 380 are provided in Figures 21 and 22. Exemplary scaffolds including mounting bracket 380 are illustrated in Figures 24A, 24B, 25A-25C, 26A and 26B.

As discussed above, the fasteners, mounting bars 40 and bracing bars 52 may be provided locally to the site where the scaffolding is to be mounted. This may reduce transport costs. Consequently, the system 1 especially includes one or more strap brackets 2 and spacers 16, as well as any number of the following: adaptor 32, brace 34, bracing bracket 36, bracing bar 52 and mounting bracket 38. However, in other embodiments, the system also includes one or more of: fasteners, mounting bars 40 and bracing bars 52.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an assembly 64 for mounting equipment 100 to a support pole 3, the assembly 64 including at least one strap bracket 2 configured to be strapped to a support pole 3, the bracket including a fastening portion 4; and at least one spacer 16 for spacing the equipment 100 from the support pole 3, the spacer 16 having a fastening portion 18 and an equipment mounting portion 20. The strap bracket fastening portion 4 and the spacer fastening portion 18 are releasably fastened together. In the examples illustrated in Figure 3 the assembly 64 includes fasteners on the spacer equipment mounting region 20, but it need not do so. The assembly may also include one or more of the components discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. The present invention also provides an assembly 64 formed by the system 1 of the first aspect.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provide a scaffold 66 for mounting equipment 100 to a support pole 3, the scaffold 66 including: at least one strap bracket 2 configured to be strapped to a support pole 3, the bracket including a fastening portion 4; and at least one spacer 16 for spacing the equipment 100 from the support pole 3, the spacer 16 having a fastening portion 18 and an equipment mounting portion 20. The strap bracket fastening portion 4 and the spacer fastening portion 18 are releasably fastened together. The scaffold 66 may also include one or more of the components discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. The present invention also provides a scaffold 66 formed by the system 1 of the first aspect.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION The system of the present invention provides a number of advantages including one or more of the following: a. A scaffold may be assembled which can be securely strapped to variously sized support poles regardless of the diameter (which varies along the length of the pole).

In the past, unique mountings have been prepared to fit support poles at a specific point in view of the precise diameter of the pole at that point. Alternatively, extensive complex fabrication can be employed to create a suitable scaffold. This reduces the time and expense required to prepare a suitable scaffold. b. Cost. Using existing mounts for support poles as a guide, it has been estimated that using the system steelwork can be provided for the same task at one quarter to one half the cost. Potential savings (as calculated in 2013) are up to AU$5,000 per site.

Additional savings in manpower may be obtained as the site does not require measuring before installation, and there is little risk in the steelwork being fabricated incorrectly. c. Time. Unique mounts can take up to a month to be fabricated after the design has been established. Using the system of the present invention it is possible for the components to be delivered to the installation site almost immediately after the requirement has been defined. For example, it may be possible to deliver the system to the installation site the day after the requirement has been defined. d. Flexibility. The components of the system can be assembled into a wide variety of configurations. If a part is lost, dropped, damaged or suffers a manufacturing fault, it can be easily and quickly replaced. Standard parts can be augmented with bespoke parts if necessary to cater for a specific application. e. Re-usable. When the scaffold needs to be altered to fit newer technology or larger equipment to the support pole, many parts of the system can be re-used, either on the same mount, or by returning them for checking and re-issue.

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described includes preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (20)

1. A system configurable for forming a plurality of scaffolds, said scaffolds for mounting equipment to a support pole, the system including: a. At least one pole mount fastenable to the support pole; b. At least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole; c. A connecting mechanism for connecting the pole mount to the spacer; and d. An equipment mounting mechanism, wherein the equipment mounting mechanism includes at least one of the group consisting of: i. An adaptor for changing the diameter of a mounting bar mountable to a said scaffold, wherein the adaptor includes a spacer mounting portion for releasably mounting the adaptor to the spacer, and a bar mounting portion for releasably mounting the mounting bar to the adaptor; ii. A mounting bracket for releasably mounting at least two said mounting bars, each said mounting bar for mounting equipment to a said scaffold; iii. A bracing bracket for releasably mounting at least one bracing bar for bracing a said scaffold against wind loads; wherein the system further includes a chain tensioner for fastening the pole mount to the support pole, the chain tensioner including: i. at least two brackets, each of which are adapted to engage a link of a chain; and ii. a tensioner for tensioning the chain by drawing the brackets together.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket includes a bar and two mounting portions, wherein each mounting portion is positioned at opposite longitudinal ends of the bar, and wherein each mounting portion is for mounting the mounting bar.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the mounting bracket further includes a securing portion for securing the mounting bracket to the spacer, the mounting bar, a brace or the bracing bar, and wherein the securing portion includes one or more apertures for accommodating one or more fasteners.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bracing bracket includes at least two bracing bar mechanisms, each said bracing bar mechanism for mounting to said bracing bar.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the bracing bracket further includes a mounting bar mechanism for mounting the bracing bracket to the mounting bar or a spacer mounting mechanism for mounting the bracing bracket to the spacer.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bracing bracket is substantially V-shaped.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adaptor bar mounting portion and the spacer mounting portion are positioned at different heights.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the chain tensioner includes a threaded rod for drawing the brackets together, and each bracket defines an aperture by which the threaded rod engages with each bracket.

9. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one spacer is at least two spacers, each spacer including at least one cleat, and wherein the system further includes at least one brace, said at least one cleat of each spacer being connectable by said brace to thereby brace the spacers against a vertical load.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting mechanism adjustably connects the spacer to the pole mount, allowing adjustment of the attitude of the spacer relative to the pole mount.

11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pole mount is a strap bracket bindable to the support pole using strapping.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one pole mount is at least two pole mounts, the at least two pole mounts being fastenable together to clamp the pole mounts to the support pole.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12, further including at least one said mounting bar for mounting equipment to a said scaffold.

14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a said scaffold formed by the system is configured to have from 4 to 15 mounting bars for mounting equipment to the said scaffold.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, further including the at least one bracing bar for bracing a said scaffold against wind loads.

16. A scaffold formed by the system of any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. An assembly formed by the system of any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A method of forming a scaffold, the method including: a. Providing at least one pole mount fastenable to a support pole, and at least one spacer for spacing equipment from the support pole; b. Connecting the pole mount to the spacer; c. Providing an equipment mounting mechanism, the equipment mounting mechanism including at least one mounting bar for mounting equipment; and d. At least one of the following steps: i. Releasably mounting a mounting bracket to the at least one mounting bar or to the at least one spacer, and releasably mounting to the mounting bracket at least two further mounting bars for mounting equipment; ii. Providing at least one adaptor for changing the diameter of the mounting bar mountable to the scaffold, wherein the adaptor includes a spacer mounting portion for releasably mounting the adaptor to the spacer and a bar mounting portion for releasably mounting the mounting bar to the adaptor, and releasably mounting the at least one adaptor to the at least one mounting bar, or to the at least one spacer; iii. Releasably mounting a bracing bracket to the at least one mounting bar or to the at least one spacer, and releasably mounting at least one bracing bar to the bracing bracket, to thereby brace the scaffold against wind loads; and iv. Providing at least one chain tensioner for fastening the pole mount to the support pole, the chain tensioner comprising at least two brackets and a tensioner, and 1. engaging a chain link in each of said at least two brackets, and 2. tensioning the chain by drawing the brackets together, to thereby mount the pole mount to the support pole.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the scaffold is at least partially formed on the support pole.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the scaffold is formed on the support pole. Bespoke Metal Pty Ltd by the patent attorneys for the applicant CULLENS