WO2002081845A1

WO2002081845A1 - Apparatus and method for erecting a lamp post or the like

Info

Publication number: WO2002081845A1
Application number: PCT/NL2002/000247
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendricus Antonius Hoogland
Original assignee: Fountain Technologies B.V.
Priority date: 2001-04-09
Filing date: 2002-04-08
Publication date: 2002-10-17
Also published as: NL1017796C2

Abstract

An apparatus for erecting a post or the like provided with at least one pole, which apparatus comprises a base element and at least one first portal, at least during use pivotably connected with the base element, wherein said first portal bears first fastening means for coupling the post, while the base element is provided with second fastening means for coupling to the post.

Description

Title: Apparatus and method for erecting a lamp post or the like.

The invention relates to an apparatus for erecting a lamp post or like apparatus according to the preamble of the main claim. Such an apparatus is known from NL 1011083.

This known apparatus comprises a base element built up from tubular profiles and a concrete slab, to which a first and a second portal are pivotably connected. Adjacent a first end, the first portal is connected to the base element and, at the opposite end, is provided with first fastening means for coupling to the pole. The second portal is connected by a first end to the base element and is provided, adjacent the second end, with coupling means for coupling to the first portal adjacent the middle between the first and second end of the first portal. Adjacent the middle of the second portal, second fastening means are provided for coupling to the pole. The pole of the lamp post is suspended vertically above the base element in the first and second fastening means. This known apparatus is used for, for instance, erecting lamp posts at building sites, concerts, parties and the like, for temporary illumination, PA systems and the like.

This known apparatus has the drawback that it is relatively heavy and that the post can only be supported vertically. Then, the first and second portal are requisite and moreover need to be of a relatively heavy design so as to be able to bear the occurring forces, in particular the second portal, which has to include a relatively acute angle with the base element, at least with a horizontal plane. Furthermore, this known apparatus cannot, each time, be erected and placed in a simple manner.

The invention relates to an apparatus according to the preamble of the main claim, in which the drawbacks mentioned are avoided while maintaining its advantages. To that end, an apparatus according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1. With an apparatus according to the invention, the pole is borne by the base element and the first portal. As the second fastening means are provided in or on the base element, the pole, the base element and the first portal already offer a supporting triangle for keeping the pole in a desired position. Furthermore, the pole is largely borne by the base element. As a result, an apparatus according to the invention can be of a considerably lighter design than the known apparatus for a comparable pole.

A further advantage of such an apparatus is that a relatively large distance is obtained between the first fastening means and the second fastening means so that, consequently, large moments can be absorbed.

It is preferred that an apparatus according to the present invention, besides the or each first portal, at least also comprises a second portal, provided with third fastening means for coupling to the first portal and/or the pole. Thus, the stability of the support can be further improved, with relatively light, short portals, so that they result in a compact apparatus, in particular also in collapsed condition. When the portals are mutually connected to each other by the third fastening means, also without the pole a rigid triangle is obtained. The first and/or third fastening means can then form a center of rotation for the post, which is advantageous at its erection. The fact is that then, the post can be rotated about this center of rotation, from an approximately horizontal position to an approximately vertical position, with relatively little force.

In further elaboration, an apparatus according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 3. By building up the base element at least partly from profiles formed from plate material, a relatively light, rigid construction is obtained so that an apparatus according to the invention can be of even lighter design. Furthermore, this offers a relatively large freedom of design. For the same, at least comparable reasons, the first portal and, optionally, further portals can also be manufactured from plate material. In a particularly simple, advantageous embodiment, an apparatus according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 5.

With such an embodiment, a particularly simple construction is obtained, while*, furthermore, the two frame parts offer space for receiving parts of the apparatus which can be detached wholly or partly from the apparatus.

It is then preferred that an apparatus according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 7.

Such an apparatus offers the advantage that the weighting elements, separately, can be taken away from the apparatus and transported, so that the apparatus can be used in an even simpler manner. The fact is that, in contrast with the known apparatus, where the base element is at least largely formed by a concrete plate enclosed by steel beams, the base element of an apparatus according to the present invention in this embodiment is particularly hght and rigid and can be weighted according to need at a position of use.

Preferably legs, in particular extending legs are provided for enhancing the stability, which legs can be detached and stored in the base element. Apparatuses according to the invention, in collapsed condition with the post taken away, are preferably stackable. The first and or second fastening means are preferably designed as clamping means, designed for clamping posts with different shapes and/or large cross sections.

The invention further relates to a method for erecting a post or the like, characterized by the features of claim 14.

Such a method offers the advantage that the post is to be lifted only partly and over only a small height to be coupled to the first fastening means, whereupon the post can simply be pivoted about the first fastening means to an approximately vertical position and can be secured in that position. This means that this requires little force and can be done by a single person. In the subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of an apparatus and method according to the invention are further elucidated. In clarification of the invention, exemplary embodiments of an apparatus and method according to the invention will be further described with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows in top plan view an apparatus according to the invention, in collapsed condition with partly broken away first portal;

Fig. 2 shows, in side view, schematically, an apparatus according to Fig. 1, in a first embodiment, in a condition of use; Fig. 2A shows the apparatus according to Fig. 2, in collapsed condition, in cross sectional, view along the line IIA-IIA in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows in top plan view an apparatus according to Fig. 1, in collapsed condition, with two legs in storage position and two legs in position of use; Fig. 4 schematically shows in cross sectional side view a first alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, during use;

Fig. 5 schematically shows in cross sectional side view a second alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, during use;

Fig. 6 shows an apparatus according to Fig. 5, during erection of a post with a method according to the invention; and

Fig. 7 shows, in cross sectional side view along the line VII-NII in Fig. 1 a profile of a frame part of an apparatus according to the invention, with a weighting element placed therein, drawn in interrupted fines.

In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. In the Figures, there where necessary, only a lower end of a post 100 is shown for use with an apparatus according to the invention. This post 100 can have any desired shape and, for instance, be a light post, a sound post, an aerial mast or the like. This post can be of one-piece design or multi-part and, for instance, be of telescopic design. Such posts are known from practice and are deemed to be immediately clear to the skilled person. These posts can, in particular also adjacent the lower end mentioned, have any desired cross section, for instance round, square, oval or multi-angular.

Fig. 1 shows, in top plan view, an apparatus 1 according to the invention, in collapsed condition. This apparatus comprises a base element 2, in the embodiment shown built up from profiles 4 formed from plate material, substantially with a cross section as shown in Fig. 7. These profiles 4 comprise an upright first flange 6, an upper flange 8 and a lower flange 10. The upper and lower flange 8, 10 extend approximately parallel to each other, with the upper flange 8 being shorter than the lower flange 10. The base element 2 comprises two frame parts 12 in the shape of rectangular frames, formed from the profiles 4 mentioned, which frames are arranged next to each other with the interposition of a middle part 14. The two frame parts 12 are mutually connected by profiles 4A which can form part of the profiles 4. Each frame part 12 is formed from four profile parts 4, mutually connected to each other at right angles, such that by the lower flanges 10 an inwardly extending edge 16 is formed. On this edge 16, for instance, a plate 18 can be secured onto which, in a position of storage, parts can be stored, while during use weighting elements 20 as shown in Fig. 7 can be borne. These weighting elements can for instance be tiles such as gravel flagstones, paving stones or the like. Optionally, the plate 18 can also be left out or form an integral part with the profiles 4, at least mutually connect the lower flanges 10. In the middle part 14, a first portal 22 is provided, which, by a first end 24, with the aid of hinges 26, is pivotably connected to the two frame parts 12. At the opposite second end 28, first fastening means 30 are provided, which will be further described, which fastening means 30 can be coupled to the post 100. In this embodiment, the first portal 22 is designed in plate material with a substantially U-shaped cross section, such that a middle part 32 extends approximately parallel to the flanges 8, 10 in stored condition, while two legs 34 extend at right angles to this part 32, in the storage position parallel to the upright flanges 6. In the second end 28, a recess 36 is provided which can engage around the post. The middle part 14 is further provided with a base 38 carrying second fastening means 40, between the two frame parts 12. In this embodiment, the first fastening means 30 are designed as a pin 31 which can be inserted through holes in the legs 34 of the first portal 22 and a hole in a block 35 on the post 100 for obtaining their mutual connection. These first fastening means 30, for that matter, can also be designed as clamping means, for instance as will be further described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 and the second fastening means 40. These second fastening means 40 are designed as clamping means, comprising a first clamping plate 41 and a mating second clamping plate 42. The two clamping plates 41, 42 each have two ends 43 extending approximately parallel to each other with a hooked part 44 therebetween. The hooked parts 44 face each other with the concave side, while through the ends 43 bolts 45 are inserted, with which the two clamping parts 41, 42 can be pulled towards each other. As shown in Fig. 1, the pole 100 can be locked between the hooked parts 44. Optionally, one of the plate parts 41, 42 can be fixedly connected to the post 100. As is clear from Fig. 2, the post 100 is kept in a vertical, at least pre-selected position by the first fastening means 30 and the second fastening means 40, the base element 2 and the first portal 22. Weighting the base element 2 with weighting elements then provides for a stable positioning.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a second portal 46 is provided, connected by a first end 49, via pivotal means 48, to the two frame parts 12, in the middle part 14. This second portal 46 is designed such that it can be moved along the pole 100, while the opposite, second end 50 is provided with recesses 52, open towards the bottom, which recesses 52 can be slipped over pins 54, which pins are provided on the legs 34. The recesses 52 and pins 54 together form third fastening means 51 with which a fixed connection between the first portal 22 and the second portal 46 can be obtained. An advantage of such a second portal 46 is that the first portal 22 can be supported by it, also when the pole 100 has not (yet) been placed. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the third fastening means are provided approximately in the middle between the first end 24 and the second end 28 of the first portal 22. However, it will be clear that they can also be provided at a different position, in particular closer to the second end 28. As is clearly shown in Fig. 2A, the first portal 22 and the second portal 46 can be pivoted completely within the base element 2 and be stored therein, so that a particularly compact, stackable apparatus 1 is obtained. Fig. 2A shows in interrupted lines above and under the apparatus 1 further apparatuses 1A, in stacked condition.

Fig. 4 shows a first alternative embodiment of an apparatus 1 according to the invention, with a post 100 placed therein. In this embodiment, only a first portal 22 is provided, substantially comparable to a first portal 22 as shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the first fastening means 30 are designed in a comparable manner to the second fastening means 40. Here, the first clamping part 41 is connected to the second end 28 of the first portal 22, for instance via a pivot 56. By clamping the pole 100 in the first fastening means 30 and second fastening means 40, a rigid triangle is obtained, formed by a part of the post 100, the first portal 22 and a part of the base element 2. Fig. 5 shows a second alternative embodiment of an apparatus 1 according to the invention, wherein the first portal 22 is again designed as shown and described with reference to Fig. 4. In this embodiment, a second portal 46 is provided, which is approximately identical to the first portal 22. Again, the first portal 22 carries a first clamping part 41, while the second portal 46 carries a second clamping part 42. The first clamping part 41 and second clamping part 42 can be pulled towards each other by means of bolts 45 while clamping the pole 100. In a comparable manner, the lower end 60 of the post 100 can be clamped in the second fastening means 40. Then, a fixation of the post 100 in an approximately vertical position is obtained. In Fig. 3, in top plan view, an apparatus according to Fig. 1 is shown, wherein, however, four extending legs 62 are provided. In Fig. 3, above the middle part 14_* two legs 62 are shown in retracted condition, laid on a plate part' 18 in the respective frame part 12. In Fig. 3 below the middle part 14, the legs 62 are shown in condition of use. At the right-hand side, the leg 62 is represented in slid-in condition, where it is inserted through an opening (not shown) in the upright flange 6, such that, with a first end 64, it can be pushed between the upper flange 8 and the lower flange 10 of the profile 4 against the middle part 14. In at least the upper flange 8 an opening 66 is provided through which a pin (not shown) can be inserted through an eye 68 on the leg 62, for fixation. In a comparable manner, in the corners of the base element 2, openings 66A are provided, through which pins (not shown) can be pushed, in eyes 68A on the legs 62. At the left-hand side, the leg 62 is represented in slid-out position, with upper flange 8 partly broken away. Adjacent their second end 69, the legs 62 can be provided with feet 70. Removing the pins mentioned allows pulling away the legs 62, whereupon they can be stored in pushed-in condition in the respective frame part 12.

In Fig. 6, schematically, in partly cross sectional side view, an apparatus 1 according to the invention is shown, during erection of a post 100. Here, a rigid triangle is formed by the first portal 22, the second portal 46 and the base element 2, by coupling the second portal 46 to the first portal 22 with third fastening means 52, 54. The free end 28 of the first portal 22 carries first fastening means 30 via a pivot 56. The post 100 is clamped in the first clamping means 30, in a manner described earlier with clamping parts 41, 42, while the post 100 extends approximately horizontally, at least only at a shght inclination. The post 100 can be brought into this position in a simple manner, for instance by one person. Then, the lower end 60 of the post 100 is pushed in the direction of the base element 2, such, that a first clamping part 41, fixedly connected to the lower end 60, is moved towards a second clamping part 42 of the second fastening means 40, where it can be secured with bolts 45. The post 54 then extends approximately vertically. Lowering the post 100 can be obtained in the same manner in the opposite direction.

It will be clear that the invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments represented in the description and the drawings. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

For instance, in particular in an embodiment as described with reference to Fig. 4, the second fastening means 40 can be arranged so as to be pivotable, so that, by shifting the first fastening means 30 along the post 100, the position of the post 100 relative to a vertical plane V can be adjusted, for instance when the base element 2 does not, or not sufficiently, extend horizontally. Also, other coupling means for the or each portal 22, 46 can be provided on the base element 2 and/or the post 100 and/or each other, for instance as described in NL 1011083, incorporated herein by reference. The first portal 22 and/or second portal 46 can also be designed differently, for instance as tubular profiles, tubes and the like. It will be clear that many different forms of fastening means, in particular clamping means can be used, within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. Also, the profiles 4, 4A can have different cross sections and be shaped differently. The post can also be supported on several sides by first and/or second portals. The base element and/or the legs can be provided with anchoring means, for instance for anchoring to concrete or steel dock boards such as Stelcon® plates, for even greater stability. It is noted that the use of profiles formed from plate material is also advantageous with the known apparatus. These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for erecting a post or the like provided with at least one pole (100), which apparatus (1) comprises a base element (2) and at least one first portal (22), at least during use pivotably connected to the base element, said first portal (22) carrying first fastening means (30) for coupling to the pole (100), characterized in that the base element (2) is provided with second fastening means (40) for coupling to the pole (100).

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second portal (46) is provided, connected, at least during use, to the base element (2), wherein the second portal (46) is provided with third fastening means (51) for coupling to the first portal (22) and/or the pole (100).

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base element is at least partly built up from profiles (4, 4A) which are folded, at least formed from plate material.

4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first portal (22) is at least substantially manufactured from profiles (32, 34) which are folded, at least formed from plate material.

5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (2) comprises at least two frame parts (12), arranged next to each other, wherein a first end (24) of the first portal (22) is arranged between the two frame parts (12) and is pivotably connected thereto.

6. An apparatus according to claims 2 and 5, wherein the second portal (46) is arranged with a first end (49) between the two frame parts (12) and is pivotably connected therewith, opposite the first end (24) of the first portal (22), such, that the first (22) and second portal (46) can be stored between the two frame parts (12).

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (2) is arranged for receiving weighting elements (20) such as tiles, viewed in top plan view, on at least two sides of the fastening means (30, 40) for the pole (100).

8. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two, preferably three or four legs (62) are provided, which can be or are coupled to the base element (2).

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the legs (62) are of extending design.

10. An apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the legs (62) are storable within the base element (2).

11. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a number of base elements (2) stacked onto each other with the base elements (2) with the or each associated portal (22, 46) and optionally the legs (62) received therein, are stackable.

12. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first and/or the second fastening means (30, 40) are pivotably connected to the first portal and the base element (2), respectively.

13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (30) and/or the second fastening means (40) are clamping means (41, 42), in particular clamping means which comprise at least one clamping plate (41, 42) provided with a bent or hooked deformation fitting around a pole (100) having a circular or multi-angular cross section.

14. A method for erecting a post or the like, provided with a pole, wherein a base element is placed on a ground and a portal, connected to the base element, is erected at an angle to a vertical plane, whereupon the pole is placed approximately horizontally, at least while including an angle with said vertical plane and is coupled to fastening means provided adjacent an end of the first portal, whereupon the pole is pivoted about said first fastening means into an approximately vertical position and is secured in said position with the aid of second fastening means.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the first portal is supported by a second portal, the second fastening means being provided on the base element.