WO2007104903A1

WO2007104903A1 - External lighting installation

Info

Publication number: WO2007104903A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/000942
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Balmer
Original assignee: Balmer Lindley Holdings Limited
Priority date: 2006-03-15
Filing date: 2006-03-15
Publication date: 2007-09-20
Also published as: EP2002073A1

Abstract

The invention provides an external lighting installation (1) comprising a base (4) adapted, in use, to receive support means, (3) which support means is operable in use to support illumination means, (2) the base comprising tilting means, (30) which tilting means is operable, in use, to pivot the support means (3) between a raised position and a lowered position. The invention also provides methods for installing, replacing and maintaining such installations.

Description

External Lighting Installation

The present invention relates to external lighting installations, and particularly, although not exclusively, to external lighting installations of the type comprising a lighting unit supported by a generally vertical column. The invention extends to methods for installing and maintaining such installations.

External lighting systems are commonly used in many applications, for example, the illumination of streets, railways, highways, sports facilities, car parks and the like. A common form of lighting system includes a generally vertical column, which supports a lighting unit contained within a housing or fixture. The lighting unit can be a bulb, LED or the like, which is able to produce sufficient light on the area below it. Such lighting units are referred to in the art as a "luminaire". In most arrangements, a luminaire also includes some means for directing and/or distributing the light produced by the lighting unit, for example, a reflector.

A problem with such external lighting systems is that they require frequent inspection and/or maintenance because the bulbs or LEDs etc tend to fail after extended use and therefore need to be regularly replaced. Furthermore, the reflectors have a tendency to get dirty, and also require frequent cleaning even when the bulbs or LEDs are still functional.

The provision of adequate street/highway lighting is of particular importance due to the related improvements in safety for road users and pedestrians.

Accordingly, it is important that external lighting, such as street or highway lighting, is adequately maintained throughout its life span. As external lighting systems, such as highway lighting, are often required in large numbers, the costs of both installation and maintenance throughout their life span is a significant factor. Accordingly, there is a considerable need for lighting systems, which are simple and quick to install, inspect and maintain.

The installation and maintenance of external lighting systems may involve working in an environment that may be considered "high-risk" for health and safety due to several factors, and the environment in which the lighting is located may itself be considered a high-risk area. This is particularly true of highway lighting systems, which are located in close proximity to a "live" road. It will be appreciated that reducing the risk factor associated with installing and maintaining an external lighting system will also simplify the procedures involved and reduce the associated cost. Furthermore, in the UK at least, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (commonly referred to as the "Condam Regulations") impose an obligation on designers to ensure that structures are designed to avoid or at least minimise risks to health and safety while they are being both built and maintained. Therefore, there is a need for external lighting systems that may be installed, inspected and maintained with minimal risk to health and safety.

In most situations, the vertical column supporting the lighting unit can be substantially tall, for example, 15m. Hence, the lighting unit at the top of the column, which requires maintenance will be at least 15m above ground level. Hence, in order to reach the lighting unit, an operator needs to either climb up the side of the column to the lighting unit at the top, or be lifted to the lighting unit by means of suitable lifting equipment, such as a cradle lift, or cherry picker, or the like. It will be appreciated that climbing up tall columns is inherently dangerous, irrespective or where the lighting unit is positioned. Furthermore, the use of cherry pickers to raise operators up to the lighting unit is also problematic, as they tend to be bulky, and therefore take up a lot of space. Hence, in situations where there is insufficient room for the cherry picker, for example, in the central reservation of a motorway, it is necessary to close sections of the motorway, or at the very least, one of the lanes, in order to provide room for the cherry picker adjacent the column.

Furthermore, in order to maintain a series of luminaires along a stretch of a motorway, the lifting equipment needs to moved along from column to column as each luminaire is attended to. It will be appreciated therefore that using cherry pickers to raise operators up to the lighting units along a motorway is a very time-consuming procedure, and is inherently dangerous requiring the operator to work at height in restricted space.

In an attempt to address the above problems, hinged column arrangements have been devised in which the column and, hence, the luminaire can be pivoted from an upright, raised position down to a lowered position adjacent the ground to allow maintenance thereof. However, a problem with these hinged column arrangements is that a specifically adapted rig is required to achieve the pivoting about the hinge. The rig is carried to the lighting system, clamped to the column, and then initiated to raise and lower the column. Hence, such prior art systems are impractical to use as they necessitate carrying the rig between each lighting system on any given highway. This system is also uneconomical due to the need for expensive specialist equipment, which is able to withstand and support the weight of the column and luminaires during pivoting. Maintenance, and also planning of such maintenance, of prior art systems is further complicated by the need to ensure that the correct rig is available for each lighting system, and that sufficient rigs are available to allow efficient use of labour and time by maintenance workers. Accordingly, the introduction of these systems has been limited.

Accordingly, at present, installation, inspection and/or maintenance of external lighting systems is difficult, dangerous, and expensive. The inventor of the present invention has recognised that it would be desirable to provide an external lighting system that minimises the complexity of apparatus required, and the number of processes that need to be carried out during maintenance thereof, in particular, in high-risk environments, such as on a live road.

It is therefore an aim of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the problems of external lighting systems, and to provide an external lighting installation, which is simple, safe and inexpensive to install, inspect and/or maintain.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an external lighting installation comprising a base adapted, in use, to receive support means, which support means is operable in use to support illumination means, the base comprising tilting means, which tilting means is operable, in use, to pivot the support means between a raised position and a lowered position.

Accordingly, the external lighting installation preferably comprises a base with integral tilting means, which tilting means is adapted in use to translate load on the support means between the raised and lowered positions. In use, the base is first installed at a desired location, for example, along a roadside, after which a support means may be connected to the base. Therefore, it is preferred that the lowered position of the support means is the position at which the support means is installed, and the position at which upper sections of the support means may be inspected and/or maintained. Furthermore, the lowered position of the support means is the position at which the illumination means may be installed, inspected or maintained. Hence, preferably, the lowered position is substantially horizontal with respect to the ground, and preferably, substantially adjacent the ground level to enable an operator to reach a lower portion of the support means and/or the illumination means. It is preferred that the raised or upright position of the support means is the normal working position of the support means and hence, the illumination means. Preferably, the raised position is substantially vertical with respect to the ground. Hence, advantageously, the tilting means is adapted to pivot the support means between the raised (working) position and the lowered (maintenance) position by an operator thereby allowing quick and easy installation, inspection and/or maintenance of a lower portion of the support means and/or the illumination means.

The inventor of the present invention has recognised that some prior art systems are problematic, as they do not comprise integral tilting means as in the lighting installation according to the first aspect. Instead, the prior art systems require the use of specialist tilting equipment, which has to be carried by an operator to each individual lighting system and carefully connected thereto, and which is then actuated to raise and lower the support means. Therefore, because the external lighting installation according to the invention comprises the tilting means, which is integral with the base (i.e. a permanent fixture thereof), there is no need for the operator to carry the tilting means from installation to installation. Accordingly, the prior art systems are not fully functional lighting installations per se as in the first aspect.

Furthermore, an additional advantage of the lighting installation according to the first aspect is that the requirement for working at an elevated height is obviated. In many cases, the support means may support the lighting means a significant height above the ground. For example, a typical motorway lighting column may be approximately 15m tall. By pivoting the support means under the control of the tilting means, the illumination means maybe easily accessed at a convenient working height, for example, at or adjacent ground level, thereby removing the need for the operator to either climb up to the illumination means at the top of the support means, or to be raised up to the illumination means by lifting equipment, such as a cherry-picker, or the like. It will be appreciated that using lifting equipment to raise operators up to the lighting units along a motorway is a very time-consuming procedure, and is inherently dangerous requiring the operator to work at height in restricted space.

Hence, the lighting installation according to the first aspect significantly minimises risks to the health and safety of maintenance operators by obviating the need for any lifting equipment. Furthermore, elimination of the need to work at height, during installation, inspection and maintenance, helps to minimise the number of operators that would be otherwise required to perform these operations. It will be appreciated therefore that using lifting equipment to raise operators up to the lighting units along a motorway is a very time-consuming procedure, and is inherently dangerous requiring the operator to work at height in restricted space. Accordingly, maintenance of the illumination means is much safer using the installation according to the first aspect, and significantly reduces the closing of public areas, such as motorways and highways.

The base helps to provide stability for the lighting installation, and counteracts the force when pivoting the support means between raised and lowered positions. Preferably, the base is secured to the ground, and in use the support means is connected thereto. Preferably, the base comprises a base plate, which extends in a direction, which is substantially parallel with the upper surface of the ground, i.e. substantially horizontally. Preferably, the plate is metallic, for example, cast iron or steel, and is able to support the support means thereon when attached thereto. The base may comprise a root, which extends downwardly into the ground, preferably below the base plate. The root may be formed of the same materials as the support means and/or may comprise reinforced concrete. The base may also be bolted to a hardened surface (for example, concrete or tarmac etc), by drilling in bolt and bolting the base thereto.

The support means preferably comprises a substantially elongate column, which may be tubular. The column may comprise substantially parallel walls, or walls, which taper inwardly, wherein the diameter of the support means distal from the base is less than proximal to the base. The support means may be substantially cone shaped. Preferably, the support means may be polygon shaped, such as hexagon or octagon shaped, which provides additional rigidity to thereto. Preferably, the support means comprises a metal column, which may comprise sheet or pressed metal. The inventor has recognised that a pressed support means advantageously reduces its weight without compromising its strength. It will be appreciated that minimising the weight of the support means is advantageous in reducing the load that the tilting means must tolerate during pivoting the support means between the raised and lowered positions. The particular metal used may vary depending on the specific height and life span required of the support means. For example, the support means may comprise carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminium.

Preferably, the support means is provided with a protective coating on at least its exterior surfaces. It will be appreciated that the coating may comprise a weather resistant paint. Alternatively, the support means may comprise a galvanised finish. Li other embodiments, the support means may comprise a thermo-plastic coating applied to its outer surfaces.

The illumination means is preferably adapted to provide light to its surrounding area, and space thereunder. Preferably, the illumination means is connected to an upper end of the support means. The skilled technician will appreciate the various types of illumination means, which may be supported by the support means. Preferably, the illumination means comprises a bulb, and preferably a reflector, which may be enclosed within a casing. By way of example, the illumination means may comprise at least one luminaire, and preferably, a pair of luminaires, that are supported by the support means. It is the illumination means, which requires regular maintenance, for example, replacing the bulbs, or cleaning the reflector etc. Preferably, the installation comprises control means for controlling the illumination means, such as, the electrical feed to the luminaire. The control means is preferably located in the base, or in a housing on the support means, which housing is preferably, positioned less than 2m above the base.

Preferably, the base comprises receiving means adapted to receive a support means. The receiving means may be any suitable connection to enable pivotable connection between the base and the support means. Preferably, the receiving means comprises a hinge, which connects the support means to the base. Preferably, a first portion of the hinge is connected to a lower end of the support means, and preferably an underside thereof. In one embodiment, the underside of the support means preferably comprise a supporting plate, to which the first portion of the hinge may be attached. Preferably, a second portion of the hinge is connected to the base, and preferably, the base plate.

Preferably, the tilting means is adapted to control the pivoting motion of the support means about the receiving means between the raised and lowered positions. In a preferred embodiment, the tilting means is connected to the base plate of the base, and to the supporting plate on the underside of the support means. Preferably, the tilting means is connected to the support means and the base at a position that is substantially distal from the hinge. For example, the tilting means may be located substantially on an opposite side of the support means to the corresponding position of the hinge. Such positioning of the tilting means with respect to the hinge provides optimum levering or pivoting of the support means.

Therefore, preferably, the hinge is located at a first end of the base plate, and the tilting means is connected to a second, opposite end of the supporting plate. The support means is preferably attached to the supporting plate between the first and second ends. Thus, it will be appreciated that the base plate is arranged to act as a lever to reduce the force required to pivot the support means between the raised and lowered positions. Preferably, the hinge is connected to the plates substantially adjacent the support means. Most preferably, the tilting means is connected to the secondary base plate at a spaced apart location from the support means.

The skilled technician will appreciate the various types of tilting means, which may be used to control the pivoting of the support means. However, preferably, the tilting means is operable to exert a force on the support means and/or the base such that the support means and base are urged apart about the hinge. For example, the tilting means may comprise a linear actuator, which is adapted to exert a force along a substantially straight axis, to urge the support means and base apart. The skilled technician will appreciate the various types of linear actuator, which may be used, for example, a piston, a solenoid, a rack and pinion, or a cam.

Preferably, the tilting means comprises an extendible member, a first portion of which is attached to either the support means or the base, and a second portion of which is attached to the other of the support means or base, wherein extension of the extendible member urges the support means and base apart, thereby pivoting the support means about the hinge. For example, the extendible member may comprise a piston, a first end of which is connected to the support means or the base, and a second end of which is connected to the other of the support means or base, and wherein extension of the piston urges the support means away from the base, thereby pivoting the support means about the hinge.

However, in a preferred embodiment, the extendible member comprises an actuator arm or rod, a first portion of which is connected to the support means by first attachment means, and a second portion of which is connected to the base by second attachment means, and wherein extension of the arm urges the support means away from the base, thereby pivoting the support means about the hinge. Preferably, the arm comprises a threaded portion, and the second attachment means, preferably, comprises an internally threaded bore, through which the threaded portion of the arm may extend. Accordingly, in use, rotation of the arm about its longitudinal axis urges the arm in a longitudinal direction through the threaded bore. Furthermore, because the arm is attached to the support means, rotation of the arm through the bore urges the support means away from the base causing tilting about the hinge. Preferably, the threaded bore and/or threaded portion comprise a phosphur-bronze coating to improve mutual threaded engagement therebetween.

Preferably, the tilting means comprises a housing for receiving the extendible member. Preferably, the housing is attached to the second attachment means and is arranged so that displacement of the extendible member relative to the attachment means moves the member into or out of the housing. The housing may contain lubricant such as grease, to facilitate motion of the extendible member in and out of the housing, and to protect it from corrosion, and seizure during periods of inactivity.

The inventor has recognised that relative movement between the support means and the base during pivoting thereof would apply a bending moment to the tilting means if it were rigidly attached thereto. Therefore, preferably, the tilting means is adapted to pivot with respect to the support means and/or the base. It is especially preferred that the first and/or second attachment means is adapted to pivot or allow relative rotational movement between the tilting means and the base and/or the support means when in use. Preferably, the first and/or second attachment means is pivotally mounted to the support means and base, respectively. Preferably, the housing is pivotally mounted to the second attached means so that it pivots to the same degree as the extendible member. Advantageously, such an arrangement enables the attachment means to remain substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the bar, as the support means is pivoted about the hinge. Hence, the angle formed between the extendible member and the support means is always kept at a minimum when the support means is at various positions between the raised and lowered position.

The first attachment means may be adapted to restrain the extendible member from extending in a longitudinal direction, but allows rotation of the arm about its longitudinal axis and also rotation of the arm about the plane of the base plate. It is preferred that the second attachment means is adapted to allow relative rotational movement of the extendible member. Therefore, a bearing may be provided for supporting the extendible member.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the first and/or second attachment means form a gyroscopic type assembly, wherein the extendible member is adapted to rotate in a plurality of planes. Preferably, the first and/or second attachment means comprises a gimbal assembly, which allows the extendible member mounted in or on the gimbal to tilt freely in any direction, in effect suspending the member at any even when its support is tipped.

The first or second attachment means may be attached to the support means or base, respectively, or corresponding plate thereof by any suitable means, which provides the required degree of rotational freedom. However, preferably, the attachment means is connected to the support means, base or plate thereof, by a pin connection means. Preferably, the support means, base or plate thereof comprises a pair of mutually opposing spaced apart flanges, which extend substantially transversely away therefrom. A pin, or most preferably a pair of mutually opposing pins, may connect the attachment means between the spaced apart flanges and provide an axis of rotation.

The tilting means preferably comprises means for limiting the amount of pivoting between the support means and the base about the hinge. The limiting means may take any convenient form, but for example, may comprise a mechanical stop, an electrical switch, or a cut-out adapted to prevent excessive pivoting. Hence, the limiting means is beneficial in providing additional support for the support means when in the lowered position. In a preferred embodiment, the limiting means comprises abutment means attached to the end of the extendible member. Hence, as the extendible member rotates and passes through the second attachment means, the abutment means eventually abuts the attachment means, and thereby prevents the member from extending any further beyond. The abutment means may comprise a bar or ring, which extends through or is threaded on to the end of the extendible member.

In some embodiments of the installation, the limiting means may be adjustable. Thus, the maximum rotation of the support means may be set for example to take into account the particular location and/or lighting arrangement. In the case of a limiting ring, this adjustment may be carried out by threading the ring to a suitable position on the extendible member.

In one embodiment, the external lighting installation may comprise drive means adapted to drive the tilting means. However, in a preferred embodiment, the installation may comprise removeable drive means. Provision of removable drive means, minimises the cost of the lighting installation, and is particularly useful for preventing unauthorised use of the tilting means. Suitable drive means are conveniently sized so that they may be easily transported from one lighting installation to the next. For example, the drive means may comprise a manual winding tool or a lever, which may be connected to the tilting means. However, it is preferred that the drive means is motorised, and may therefore comprise a motor, and optionally, a gearbox.

hi a preferred embodiment, the lighting installation comprises drive connection means for removeably attaching the drive means thereto. Preferably, the tilting means, and preferably, the first attachment means thereof comprises the drive connection means. Preferably, the drive means itself comprises correspondingly shaped connection means adapted to engage with the drive connection means on the installation. For example, the respective connection means on the installation and on the drive means may comprise complimentarily shaped male and female connectors, which will be known to the skilled technician. Preferably, the drive connection means comprises a substantially flat-sided outwardly-facing surface for engaging a corresponding inwardly facing surface on the drive means. A flat engaging surface is advantageous as it provides a contact point between the drive means and the tilting means to counteract turning moments on the drive means during operation. Preferably, the connection means comprise at least one cut out and the drive means comprises at least one locating lug adapted to engage the cut out to maintain the drive means in position on the installation. Such an arrangement is advantageous in enabling the drive means to remain substantially parallel to the tilting means during pivoting of the support means.

The lighting installation, and preferably, the first attachment means thereof, comprises a protective cover assembly, which is adapted to protect the installation including the drive connection means from the elements. The assembly may be arranged to prevent unauthorised access to the installation, for example by provision of a suitable locking means, such as a padlock or the like.

The lighting installation further comprises means for automatically electrically isolating the support means when pivoted by the tilting means. The electrical isolation means may comprise a switch, for example a trip mechanism or a movement sensor. In some embodiments, the switch may be activated by the tilting means itself. In other embodiments, the switch may be activated directly by movement of the support means.

In a preferred embodiment, the lighting installation comprises an electrical connector between the base and the support means, which connector is adapted in use so that as the support means is pivotted away from the base, the electrical connection is broken. This is a useful safety feature to ensure that the lighting means etc is not electrically live as it is lowered down to the lower position for maintenance. Accordingly, the connector may be arranged to completely break the power supply to the support means when pivoted. A further advantage of this arrangement is that the support means may be provided in a pre-wired condition with a suitable connector thereon such that tilting of the support means on to a base having a compatible connector will automatically make the required electrical connections.

Preferably, the electrical connector comprises a first electrical connector provided on the support means and a second complementary connector provided on the base, wherein when the support means is in the raised position, the first and second electrical connectors engage to form an electrical circuit, and wherein when the support means is in the lowered position, the first and second electrical connectors disengage thereby breaking the electrical circuit. Preferably, the first electrical connector is provided on a lower portion of the support means, and preferably, the supporting plate. Preferably, the second electrical connector is provided on base, and preferably, the base plate. Hence, the supporting plate and the base plate abut each other when the support means is in the raised position, ensuring electrical connection.

The inventors also believe that the lighting installation according to the first aspect enables an efficient method of installing at a site.

Therefore, according to a second aspect, there is provided a method of installing an external lighting installation according to the first aspect, the method comprising: -

(i) securing a base of the lighting installation according to the first aspect to a surface, which base comprises tilting means;

(ii) connecting support means to the base; and

(iii) actuating the tilting means so that it pivots the support means from a lowered position to raised position.

Step (i) of the method may comprise securing the base along a roadside, or motorway, or away from a road, for example, in a field. Hence, the surface may be the ground. The method may comprise digging a root, which extends downwardly into the ground. The root may be formed of the same materials as the support means and/or may comprise reinforced concrete. The base may also be bolted to a hardened surface (for example, concrete or tarmac etc), by drilling in bolt and bolting the base thereto.

Step (ii) of the method may comprise connecting the support means to the base using a releasable electrical connector. In some embodiments, the support means may comprise illumination means that is integral therewith, or already connected thereto. However, in other embodiments, the method may comprise a further step of connecting illumination means to the support means prior to step (iii).

Preferably, step (iii) of the method comprises attaching drive means to the installation, which drive means is adapted to power the tilting means to pivot the support means (and in some embodiments, illumination means) from the lowered position to the raised position. It will be appreciated that following step (iii), the method may comprise subsequently actuating the tilting means so that it pivots the support means from the raised position back to the lowered position, for example, to enable inspection or maintenance thereof, in particular an upper section of the support means or the illumination means, if present.

Hence, the external lighting installation in accordance with the first aspect of the invention also enables an efficient method of inspecting and/or maintaining an upper section of the support means and/or the illumination means supported thereby.

Therefore, according to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of inspecting and/or maintaining an external lighting installation according to the first aspect, the method comprising: -

(i) actuating the tilting means of a lighting installation according to the first aspect, such that support means attached thereto is pivoted between a raised position and a lowered position; and

(ii) inspecting and/or maintaining the support means.

Preferably, the method comprises attaching drive means to the installation, which drive means is adapted to power the tilting means to pivot the support means about a hinge from the raised position to the lowered position. In some embodiments, the support means may comprise illumination means attached thereto. However, in other embodiments, the method may comprise a further step of connecting illumination means to the support means prior to step (iii). Step (ii) of the method enables inspection and/or maintenance of an upper section of the support means that is out of reach from the ground level, and/or the illumination means, if present, if present. Step (ii) may comprise cleaning, or painting of upper sections of the support means, or cleaning or replacement of the illumination means, or parts thereof. The inventor believes that the provision of a base unit with integral tilting mechanism is novel and useful in its own right, and may be used for any tiltable external equipment installation, and not solely for external lighting installations as in the first aspect.

Hence, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an external equipment installation comprising a base adapted in use to receive support means, which support means is operable in use to support an item of external equipment, the base comprising tilting means, which tilting means is operable, in use, to pivot the support means between a raised position and a lowered position.

Advantageously, the external equipment installation comprising the base with integral tilting means may be any installation in which an elongate support means may be attached thereto, and which would benefit from being tilted between the raised and lowered positions for installation, inspection and/or maintenance purposes. Preferably, the external equipment installation is for permanent attachment to the ground. The support means may be a column, which in the raised, working position is substantially vertical with respect to the ground. Preferably, the lowered, maintenance position is substantially horizontal with respect to the ground.

For example, the external equipment supported by the support means may comprise display means, such as a display device. Hence, the external equipment installation according to the fourth aspect comprises an external display installation. Advantageously, the integral tilting means allows installation, inspection and/or maintenance of the display means when at the lowered position. Examples of suitable display devices include a sign, which may be a sign face, or an electric sign. Alternatively, the display device may be an information board, or a matrix signal, or the like.

Alternatively, the external equipment may comprise telecommunications hardware, for example, a transmitter, receiver, and/or repeater. Hence, the external equipment installation according to the fourth aspect comprises an external telecommunications installation. Advantageously, the integral tilting means allows installation, inspection and/or maintenance of the telecommunications device when at the lowered position. Alternatively, the external equipment may comprise illumination means, such as a luminaire.

The external equipment installation may be adapted to support street furniture, i.e. equipment that is situated generally on or close to a street, road, or motorway, or the like. Alternatively, the external equipment installation may be located away from highways, such as on or adjacent railways, sports facilities, car parks and the like.

AU of the features described herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. For example, embodiments of the method in accordance with the second aspect of the invention may be arranged to utilise any or all of the embodiments of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: -

Figure 1 is schematic cross-sectional side view of a lighting installation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a column, base and an actuator assembly of the lighting installation shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the actuator assembly shown in Figure 2; and

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c are enlarged side views of the base, column and actuator assembly of the lighting installation with the column in various positions of elevation.

Figure 4a shows the column in a vertical orientation, Figure 4b shows the column at an angle of 45° to the ground, and Figure 4c shows the column in a horizontal orientation. Example

Referring to the Figures, there is shown an external lighting installation 1 according to the invention, which may be used in many applications, for example, the illumination of streets, highways, railways, sports facilities, car parks and the like. The lighting installation 1 has the ability to be lowered and raised about a pivot point to assist the maintenance thereof. Figures 1 and 2 generally show the arrangement of the lighting installation, Figure 3 shows an actuator mechanism for powering the raising and lowering of the installation 1, and Figure 4 shows the lighting installation 1 at different positions during maintenance thereof.

Referring to Figure 1, the lighting installation 1 includes an elongate column

3 having a hollow, polygonal cross-section, which is formed from a pressed steel construction and has a typical length of about 15 metres. However, it will be appreciated that the height (or length) of the column 3 will vary depending on its specific use, as some applications may require longer or shorter columns 3 to provide suitable illumination. The column 3 is connected to a base 4, which is supported by ground 10. The base 4 includes a root 8, which extends below the ground level 10 to provide a secure foundation for the lighting installation 1, and particularly the column 3 above. For example, for a 15 metre column 3, the root 8 will extend at least 2 metres below the ground level 10. The base 4 is further secured into the ground 10 by a surrounding concrete foundation 9.

The column 3 is provided with a tapered profile with a diameter that reduces from its base 4 of the column 3 (i.e. the lower end) to a distal point at the opposite end, i.e. the upper end. The column 3 can taper inwardly at a constant rate along its length, or in some embodiments, it may have a stepped profile.

As shown in Figure 1, at the end of the column 3 opposite to the base 4, there are provided a pair of luminaires 2, each of which consists of a bulb 2a and a reflector 2b enclosed within a protective casing 2c. The luminaires 2 provide the lighting, and it is these, which require regular maintenance, for example, replacing the bulbs 2a, or cleaning the reflector 2b.

Referring to Figure I₅ the column 3 and the base 4 are shown being connected together by a hinge 5, about which the column 3 pivots during the maintenance thereof. The pivoting of the column 3 about the hinge 3 is achieved by an actuator assembly 30, which is powered or driven by a removable motor and gearbox assembly 50, as will be described hereinafter. The base 4 of the lighting installation 1 includes a primary base plate 6, which is provided directly above the root 8, and is provided to support the column 3 thereabove. The base 4 also includes a secondary base plate 7, which is connected to the lower end of the column 3. The primary and secondary base plates 6,7 are provided with interacting hinge members, which are pivotally connected together by a pin extending therethrough, to thereby form the hinge 5.

Referring to Figure 2, the base 4 of the lighting installation 1 includes a control unit 20, for controlling electrical feed to the luminaires 2, and if required, the motor and greabox assembly 50. The base 4 also includes the actuator assembly 30 for tilting the column 3. The control unit 20 consists of twin circuits 20a contained within an enclosure box 21, which is attached to the base 4. The enclosure box 21 is an IP68 rated control box. The control circuits 20a, and associated components are conveniently mounted in a cartridge manner within the enclosure box 21 so as to allow the circuits 20a to be easily removed and replaced in the event of failure. The enclosure box 21 also includes a die-cast aluminium lid 21a, the upper surface of which is provided with a series of fins 21b, which facilitate passive cooling of the box 21, and prevent overheating thereof. An automatic shut-off (not shown) is also provided to isolate the electrical control circuitry upon opening of the enclosure box 21, which is a unique safety mechanism. Hence, the electrical circuits 20a are not electrically live when the lid 21a is taken off the box 21.

As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 20 is supplied with power via a spur- line 22 taken from a main feed cable 24 by means of a cable connector clamp 23. The main feed cable 24 can be a ring circuit provided for powering a series of lighting installations (not shown). The connector clamp 23 has a two part sealed construction which provides a waterproof connection that can be used with or without the need for any separate resin filling. Furthermore, the connector clamp 23 includes a plurality of needle-like elements, which penetrate the insulation of each individual line of the main feed cable 24, and thereby form a connection without the need for cutting the main feed cable 24.

Referring to Figure 2, the actuator assembly 30 is shown being connected between the primary and secondary base plates 6,7. In order to provide maximum mechanical strength to the lighting installation 1, the hinge 5 and the actuator assembly 30 are connected to opposite ends of the base plates 6,7. Hence, the actuator assembly 30 is disposed in an opposed position with respect to the hinge 5, i.e. it is positioned on a circumferentially opposite side of the column 3 with respect to the hinge 5. As shown in the Figure, the column 3 is disposed adjacent to the hinge 5 and the actuator assembly 30 is spaced apart from the column 3.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown the actuator assembly 30 in more detail. The actuator assembly 30 includes a threaded bar 31 contained within a grease-filled thread protector housing 32. The upper end of the bar 31 is fitted with a check plate 33, that is arranged to enclose and protect the outer portion thereof. The check plate 3 can in some embodiments be provided with a lock to prevent unauthorised access to the actuator assembly 30. The lower end of the threaded bar 31 is provided with a collar 36, which prevents the bar 31 from extending too far out of the housing 32 during pivoting of the column 3. The collar 36 is threaded onto the bar 31 so that its longitudinal position therealong can be easily adjusted.

Referring to Figure 3, the uppermost end of the threaded bar 31 is engaged by an upper "gimbal" assembly 34. The upper gimbal assembly 34 is arranged to connect the bar 31 of the actuator assembly 30 to the secondary base plate 7 provided on the lower end of the column 3. A lower "gimbal" assembly 35 is provided for connecting the threaded bar 31 of the actuator assembly 30 to the primary base plate 6 on the base 4 of the lighting installation 1. The upper and lower gimbal assemblies 34,35 are arranged to provide the threaded bar 31 with some degree of rotational freedom while coupling the threaded bar 31 to the plates 6,7. This gives some flexibility to the arrangement, to ensure the actuator assembly 30 functions well irrespective of weather conditions.

Referring to Figure 3, the lower gimbal assembly 35 consists of a threaded block 40 through which the threaded bar 31 extends. Two mutually opposing "cheek" plates 41 extend transversely downwardly from the base plate 6, and engage the threaded block 40 by means of two circumferentially opposing pins 42, which extend radially inwardly from the cheek plates 41. Phosphur-bronze alloy is provides about these parts to improve threaded engagement between the threaded bar 31 and the block 40 of the lower gimbal 35. This arrangement allows the threaded bar 31 to rotate about its longitudinal axis under the control of the motor 50, with it's thread engaging the corresponding inner thread of the threaded block 40. Furthermore, the bar 31 is able to pivot about the two opposing pins 42 about a plane that is substantially parallel to that of the primary base plate 6.

Referring to Figure 3, the upper gimbal assembly 34 consists of a "thrust" bearing 46 consisting of a series of ball-bearings arranged circumferentially around the upper portion of the threaded rod 31, which is held in position by a bearing restraint 47. Above the restraint 47 there is provided a deep groove bearing 48, and the whole bearing assembly is retained in position along the rod 31 by a circlip 49, as shown. A pair of mutually opposing cheek plates 43 extend transversely upwardly from the secondary base plate 7, and engage the threaded block 40 by means of two circumferentially opposing pins 44, which extend radially inwardly from the cheek plates 43. Hence, the upper gimbal assembly 34 is arranged to allow rotation of the threaded bar 31 about its longitudinal axis under the control of the motor 50, but is able to pivot with respect to the secondary base plate 7 about the pins 44.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown the removable motor and gearbox assembly 50, which is provided to drive the actuator assembly 30. The upper gimbal assembly 34 of the actuator assembly 10 includes a 'male' drive member 45, which is pivotable about the secondary base plate 7, and remains in alignment with the actuator assembly when in use. The motor and gear box 50 includes a corresponding 'female' drive member 51, which engage the male drive member 45 on the upper gimbal assembly 34. Locating pins 52 are provided adjacent the female drive member 51 for securing the motor and gearbox 50 in place on the upper gimbal assembly 34. The male and female drive members 45,51 are provided with complimentary flat-sided surfaces, which provide a contact point to help counteract any turning moments on the motor 50 during use

Referring to Figures 4a, 4b and 4c, there are shown the lower portion of the column 3 of the lighting unit 1 at various angles with respect to the base 4. Figures 4a- 4c show the lighting installation 1 and actuator assembly 30 when the column 3 is in an upright, semi-rotated and rotated position, respectively.

Referring to Figure 4a, in use, an operator first connects the female drive member 51 of the motor and gearbox assembly 50 to the male drive member 45 on the upper gimbal assembly 34. The locating pins 52 secure the motor and gearbox 50 in place on the upper gimbal assembly 34. The operator then initiates the motor 50, which thereby applies a rotational turning force to the threaded bar 31 of the actuator assembly 30. The thread of the bar 31 passes through the threaded block 40 of the lower gimbal assembly 35, and the upper gimbal assembly 34 restrains the bar 31 in its longitudinal direction relative to the secondary base plate 7. However, the bearings 46,48 of the upper gimbal assembly 34 allow the bar 31 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. This rotational movement causes the bar 31 to begin extending out of the housing 32.

Referring to Figure 4b, the rotating bar 31 of the actuator assembly 30 is shown extending further out of the housing 32 in a direction indicated by arrow X.

The rotating bar 31 applies a force to one end of the secondary base plate 7, which force urges the plate 7 upwardly so that it is lifted at this end away from the base 4.

Insodoing, the plate 7 pivots about the hinge 5, thereby tilting the column 3 in a direction indicated by arrow X. Figure 4b illustrates the column 3 forming an angle of about 45° with the base 4.

As can be seen in Figure 4b, as the motor 50 causes the threaded bar 31 to rotate, the bar 31 extends further out of its housing 32. As the bar 31 extends further out of the housing 32, the upper and lower gimbal assemblies 34, 35 pivot about their respective mounting pins 44, 42. This pivoting allows the gimbal assemblies 34,35 to remain substantially parallel to the axis of the rotating threaded bar 31 and prevents a bending moment being applied to the bar 31. The housing 32 is attached to the lower gimbal assembly 42, and so it remains parallel to the threaded bar 3, which rotates and extends out of the housing 32. Arrow A indicates the effective movement of the housing 32, which stays parallel with the rotating bar 3.

Referring to Figure 4c, the bar 31 is shown at an advanced stage of rotation under the power of the motor 50. The bar 31 continues to extend out of the housing 32 in the direction of arrow X, and housing 32 continues to pivot about the gimbals 34,35 so that it remains parallel with the rod 31. The column 3 is pivoted further about the hinge 5 in the direction of arrow X₅ until the limiting collar 36 on the bar 31 abuts the lower surface of the threaded block 40 of the lower gimbal assembly 35. Hence, the limiting collar prevents the threaded bar 31 from extending completely out of its housing 32, and provides a useful safety feature. As shown in Figure 4c, with the rod 31 in the fully extended position out of the housing 32, the column 3 is in a fully pivoted position, such that it lies horizontally on the ground 10. The two base plates 6, 7 form a perpendicular angle between each other, such that the luminaires 2 are in a position at or close to the ground level 10. Hence, the operator can now very easily reach and maintain the luminaires 2, which may include replacing the bulbs 2a or cleaning the reflectors 2b.

To ensure that the column 3 and luminaire 2 are electrically isolated when the actuator assembly 30 is used to rotate the column 3, the lower part of the column 3 includes an electrical connector 100, and the base 4 is provided with a corresponding connector 120. Accordingly, the displacement of the base plates 6, 7 may be arranged to break the electrical connection between connectors 100,120 between the column 3 and base 4.

Once the operator has maintained the luminaires 2, he then initiates the motor 50 to rotate the bar 31 in the opposite direction. This rotation causes the rod 31 to extend back into its housing 32 in a direction as shown by arrow Y. This in turn causes the column 3 to be raised away from the ground level 10, and back up into a vertical position. The housing 32 is attached to the lower gimbal assembly 42, and so remains parallel to the threaded bar 3, which rotates and extends back into the housing 32. Arrow B indicates the effective movement of the housing 32, which stays parallel with the rotating bar 3 at all times. When the column 3 has reached the vertical, the operator stops the motor 3, which is then disconnected from the male drive member 45 on the upper gimbal 34. A lock (not shown) is then attached to prevent unauthorised tampering.

Advantages of the lighting installation 1 reside in the quick and effective way in which the column 3 may be attached to the base 4, and then raised and lowered by the actuator assembly 30 under the power of the motor and gearbox 50. This allows a single operator to maintain the luminaires 2 without the need to climb up or be raised up to the column 3, which can be 15m above ground level 10. The arrangement of the threaded rod 31, housing 32, and upper and lower gimbals 34,35 allow fast and yet safe raising and lowering of the column 3.

Claims

1. An external lighting installation comprising a base adapted, in use, to receive support means, which support means is operable in use to support illumination means, the base comprising tilting means, which tilting means is operable, in use, to pivot the support means between a raised position and a lowered position.

2. An installation according to claim 1, wherein the support means comprises a substantially elongate column.

3. An installation according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the illumination means comprises at least one luminaire.

4. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the installation comprises control means for controlling the illumination means.

5. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises receiving means adapted to receive a support means.

6. An installation according to claim 5, wherein the receiving means comprises a hinge.

7. An installation according to claim 6, wherein a first portion of the hinge is connected to a lower end of the support means, and a second portion of the hinge is connected to the base.

8. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the tilting means may comprise a linear actuator, which is adapted to exert a force along a substantially straight axis, to urge the support means and base apart.

9. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the tilting means comprises an extendible member, a first portion of which is attached to either the support means or the base, and a second portion of which is attached to the other of the support means or base, wherein extension of the extendible member urges the support means and base apart, thereby pivoting the support means about the hinge.

10. An installation according to claim 9, the extendible member comprises an actuator arm or rod, a first portion of which is connected to the support means by first attachment means, and a second portion of which is connected to the base by second attachment means, and wherein extension of the arm urges the support means away from the base, thereby pivoting the support means about the hinge.

11. An installation according to claim 10, wherein the arm comprises a threaded portion, and the second attachment means comprises an internally threaded bore, through which the threaded portion of the arm extends.

12. An installation according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the tilting means comprises a housing for receiving the extendible member.

13. An installation according to claim 12, wherein the housing is attached to the second attachment means and is arranged so that displacement of the extendible member relative to the attachment means moves the member into or out of the housing.

14. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the tilting means is adapted to pivot with respect to the support means and/or the base.

15. An installation according to any one of claims 10-14, wherein the first and/or second attachment means is pivotally mounted to the support means and base, respectively.

16. An installation according to any one of claims 12-15, wherein the housing is pivotally mounted to the second attachment means so that it pivots to the same degree as the extendible member.

17. An installation according to any one of claims 10-16, wherein the first and/or second attachment means form a gyroscopic type assembly, wherein the extendible member is adapted to rotate in a plurality of planes.

18. An installation according to any one of claims 10-17, wherein the first and/or second attachment means comprises a gimbal assembly, which allows the extendible member mounted in or on the gimbal to tilt freely in any direction, in effect suspending the member even when its support is tipped.

19. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the tilting means comprises means for limiting the amount of pivoting between the support means and the base.

20. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the limiting means comprises a mechanical stop, an electrical switch, or a cut-out adapted to prevent excessive pivoting.

21. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the external lighting installation comprises removeable drive means adapted to drive the tilting means.

22. An installation according to any one of claims 10-21, wherein the tilting means and the first attachment means comprises drive connection means.

23. An installation according to claim 22, wherein the drive connection means comprises a substantially flat-sided outwardly-facing surface for engaging a corresponding inwardly facing surface on the drive means.

24. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting installation comprises a protective cover assembly, which is adapted to protect the installation from the elements.

25. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting installation comprises means for automatically electrically isolating the support means when pivoted by the tilting means.

26. An installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting installation comprises an electrical connector between the base and the support means, which connector is adapted in use so that as the support means is pivoted away from the base, the electrical connection is broken.

27. A method of installing an external lighting installation according to any one of claims 1-26, the method comprising:-

(i) securing a base of the lighting installation according to any one of claims 1-26 to a surface, which base comprises tilting means;

(ii) connecting support means to the base; and (iii) actuating the tilting means so that it pivots the support means from a lowered position to raised position.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein step (ii) of the method comprises connecting the support means to the base using a releasable electrical connector.

29. A method according to either claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the method comprises a further step of connecting illumination means to the support means prior to step (iii).

30. A method according to any one of claims 27-29, wherein step (iii) of the method comprises attaching drive means to the installation, which drive means is adapted to power the tilting means to pivot the support means from the lowered position to the raised position.

31. A method of inspecting and/or maintaining an external lighting installation according to any one of claims 1-26, the method comprising:-

(i) actuating the tilting means of a lighting installation according to any one of claims 1 -26, such that support means attached thereto is pivoted between a raised position and a lowered position; and

(ii) inspecting and/or maintaining the support means.

32. An external equipment installation comprising a base adapted in use to receive support means, which support means is operable in use to support an item of external equipment, the base comprising tilting means, which tilting means is operable, in use, to pivot the support means between a raised position and a lowered position.

33. An external equipment installation according to claim 32, wherein the external equipment installation is for permanent attachment to the ground.

34. An external equipment installation according to either claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the external equipment supported by the support means comprises display means, such as a display device.

35. An external equipment installation according to claim 34, wherein the display device includes a sign, which may be a sign face, or an electric sign, information board, or a matrix signal, or the like.

36. An external equipment installation according to either claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the external equipment comprises telecommunications hardware, for example, a transmitter, receiver, and/or repeater.