WO2007135119A1

WO2007135119A1 - A device for supporting a pole

Info

Publication number: WO2007135119A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/054867
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henry P. Mccarthy; Frank Gogarty; Donagh Mccarthy; Clare Mccarthy; Joseph Kearney
Original assignee: Square Systems Limited
Priority date: 2006-05-22
Filing date: 2007-05-21
Publication date: 2007-11-29
Also published as: IES20070366A2

Abstract

A modular retention system for a pole is described. The retention system has a head unit and a base unit, and is adaptable to receive an intermediate riser of any length between the head unit and the base unit. The system is reinforced by the use of reinforcing struts between the head unit and the base unit.

Description

A Device For Supporting A Pole

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for supporting a pole.

Background of the Invention

With reference to Fig. 1, the Applicant's UK patent GB 2 254 349 discloses a device 10 for supporting a pole, the device 10 comprising a housing 12 set into the ground to releasably receive a suitable pole, for example a signpost or a traffic bollard. The pole (a section of which is shown at 14) is placed within a chamber 16 in the housing 12, and is secured into place in the device 10 through the tightening of setscrews 18 against the pole 14 itself. Access to the setscrews 18 is provided via a side chamber 20 adjacent the chamber 16 for receipt of the pole 14. Through use of the device 10 (also called a pole retention system) , the installation and removal of such poles at a site is greatly simplified, as it eliminates the need for the excavation and accurate vertical alignment necessary for traditional installation of a pole in the ground.

However, situations have arisen that require the refinement of the existing pole retention system. Firstly, new advances in pole technology have led to the development of lighter poles for use. These poles (generally made of lightweight metals, such as aluminium) are designed to absorb energy in the event of an impact from a vehicle, therefore reducing the effect of the impact on the vehicle, and consequently on the occupants of the vehicle. The use of these poles in the conventional retention system however presents several problems .

The setscrews 18 used to secure the pole in place, being designed to act upon sturdy, heavy metal poles, can damage or even puncture newer light metal poles. Also, if the pole has been distorted in an accident, the pole can be difficult to remove from the retention system, and can sometimes result in the retention system having to be dug up entirely to remove the pole from the ground.

Secondly, increased use of poles with powered components, for example traffic lights, has led to a desire to produce retention systems that are more tailored towards easy wiring of contained components.

Finally, conventional retention systems 10 have sometimes employed an extension tubular portion 22 that extends down from the housing 12. As the extension tubular portions used are generally made of flexible materials, sometimes damage can result to these portions or to their contents due to the portions bearing some of the load of the system and of the supported pole. Therefore there is a need for a retention system that provides for improved load distribution. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a pole retention system that provides a solution to the above issues.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the invention provides a retention system for a pole comprising a head unit and a base unit which are adapted to receive a riser and one or more reinforcing elements therebetween, and further comprising a pivoting coupling associated with the head unit or the base unit and allowing relative rotation between the head unit and the base unit.

The adaptation of the head and base unit to receive a riser and reinforcing elements allows for an improved load distribution throughout the retention system.

The pivoting coupling allows for a portion of the system to pivot about the centre line of the system.

Preferably, the head unit and the base unit are provided with securing means to which the one or more reinforcing elements may be secured.

As the reinforcing elements are coupled to the head unit and the base unit, this allows for the retention system to be strengthened, and for the load applied to the base unit to be re-distributed about the retention system. Preferably, the system comprises the one or more reinforcing elements.

Preferably, the reinforcing elements comprise at least one rod.

Preferably, the system comprises the riser.

Preferably, the pivoting coupling is connectable to or formed integrally with the head unit.

Preferably, the pivoting coupling is connectable to or formed integrally with the base unit.

As the couplings are pivotable, this allows for more flexible installation of the retention system at a site, once the system has been assembled.

Preferably, the riser is formed from plastic.

Preferably, the head unit provides a chamber to receive a pole.

Preferably, the head unit comprises securing means to secure a pole in the retention system.

Preferably, the securing means comprises a pressure plate .

The use of a pressure plate allows for the securing force to be distributed over a larger surface area of the pole, resulting in reduced structural damage to the pole .

Preferably, the head unit provides an access chamber adjacent the chamber for receiving the pole, the actuation means for the securing means being accessible from within the access chamber.

Preferably, the actuation means comprise at least one setscrew.

Preferably, the base unit comprises a t-bend.

Preferably, the base unit comprises a duckfoot bend.

Preferably, the base unit comprises supporting means to support a pole.

Preferably, the chamber of the head unit extends through the head unit.

Preferably, the chamber comprises a coupling section for engagement with said riser.

This allows for the head unit to couple with different attachments, which may be a riser or a base unit.

Preferably, the coupling section comprises a plurality of engaging ribs formed on the interior of the coupling section. Preferably, the riser is provided with a plurality of engaging ribs formed on the surface of the riser for engagement with the ribs on the coupling section.

Preferably, the pivoting coupling is provided as a clamping section to couple the base unit to the riser.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be further illustrated by the following description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings .

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art post retention system;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a post retention system according to one embodiment of the invention having a t-bend base unit and an intermediate riser;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the post retention system similar to that of Fig. 2 having a duckfoot bend base unit and an intermediate riser;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a bottom clamp section;

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the clamp section of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a post retention system similar to that of Fig. 2, but without the riser .

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a post retention system similar to that of Fig. 3, but without the riser;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a post retention system similar to that of Fig. 2, but having a plug base unit and without the riser;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of post retention system according to a second embodiment of the invention having a t-bend base unit and an intermediate riser;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a half portion of the head unit of the post retention system of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling portion of the post retention system of Fig. 9; and

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the t-bend base unit of Fig. 9.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

With reference to Fig. 2, a post retention system 30 according to one embodiment of the invention is shown. The retention system 30 comprises a head unit 32 and a base unit 34. In this embodiment, the head unit 32 and base unit 34 are each cast in two halves, which are secured together when installing the retention system 30 at a site. A plurality of suitable lugs 31 are provided about the exterior of the units 32,34 to allow the halves to be bolted together.

The head unit 32 comprises a first surface 33, which is exposed above ground when the retention system 30 is in use .

With reference to Fig. 3, the head unit 32 provides a through-bore extending from the first surface 33 having a first receiving portion 36 of substantially uniform cross-section leading to a second coupling portion 38 having a greater cross-section than the receiving portion 36. The receiving portion 36 has an internal wall 37. The coupling portion 38 has an internal wall 39 having a plurality of engaging ribs 40 located thereon. The receiving portion 36 is arranged to receive a pole (not shown) , and the coupling portion 38 is arranged to receive a riser 58 (as described further below) which in turn receives the base of the pole internally.

The head unit 32 further comprises an access chamber 42 having an internal wall 43, adjacent the first receiving portion 36. The access chamber 42 extends from the first surface 33. A threaded bore 44 (Fig. 2) is provided from the internal wall 43 of the access chamber 42 to the internal wall 37 of the first receiving portion 36. A recess 46 is defined in the internal wall 37 of the receiving portion 36. The recess 46 accommodates a pressure plate 48. A setscrew 50 is provided in the access chamber 42, extending though the threaded bore 44. The setscrew 50 is operable to act on the pressure plate 48, to advance the pressure plate 48 into the receiving portion 36.

While the embodiment shown displays a single setscrew 50 acting on the pressure plate 48, it will be understood that a plurality of setscrews 50 may be employed, in order to increase the overall force applied to the plate 48.

Turning to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the base unit 34 comprises a base pipe section 51 comprising a first retention system end 52 and a second access end 54. The base pipe section further comprises a through- bore that extends from the first end 52 to the second end 54, that can be coupled to an existing pipe system to allow access to the interior of the retention system 30. An engaging lip 56 is located at the first end 52 of the base unit 34.

While in Fig. 2, an embodiment is shown wherein the base unit 34 is a t-bend 34a, it will be understood that other embodiments having different configurations of base unit 34 may be employed. For example, a duckfoot bend 34b is shown as the base unit 34 in Fig. 3, for which the original numbering scheme is adhered to. The bend base units 34a, 34b are generally used with the installation of powered poles, e.g. traffic light poles, streetlights, etc. The bend sections allow for the easy routing of power cables from the interior of the retention system 30 to suitable power sources. As can be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, a ribbed riser 58 having a plurality of ribs 59 defined thereon extends between the coupling portion 38 of the head unit 32 and the first end 52 of the base unit 34. The riser 58 acts to protect contained poles and/or power cables from damage. The riser 58 is secured to the head unit 32 by engagement between the ribs 59 defined on the riser 58 and the engaging ribs 40 located on the internal wall 39 of the coupling section 38.

The riser 58 is secured to the base unit 34 via a clamping section 60. As with the head unit 32 and the base unit 34, the clamping section 60 is cast in two separate halves, and is secured by bolting together the two halves through a plurality of lugs 31 located around the clamping section 60.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the clamping section 60 will now be described in more detail. The clamping section 60 comprises a circular collar 62, having an internal wall 64. A plurality of coupling ribs 66 are defined on the surface of the internal wall 64.

Turning now to Fig. 3, in securing the clamping section 60 to the base unit 34, the engaging lip 56 of the base unit 34 is coupled with the bottom rib 66a of the clamping section 60. The engaging lip 56 secures the base unit 34 to the clamping section 60, while allowing the base unit 34 to swivel (i.e. rotate or pivot) relative to the clamping section 60. When installed with the ribbed riser 58, the coupling ribs 66 engage with the last few ribs 59 defined on the bottom end of the riser 58 to secure the clamping section 60 to the riser 58.

The length of the riser 58 can be altered so as to accommodate any particular length of pole to be retained within the retention system 30, or to adjust the depth of the base unit 34 below surface level. The pole is lowered into the retention system through the receiving portion 36, and down through the ribbed riser 58. The pole is then rested on the surface of the engaging lip 56 of the base unit 34. The pole can be rotated at rest within the retention system 30, for example to correctly align traffic lights with the direction of the road. The pole can then be secured in place through tightening of the pressure plate 48 against the pole via actuation of the setscrew 50.

Optionally, a resilient ring 57 may be used to rest the pole upon. The ring 57 is placed on top of the engaging lip 56, and acts to buffer the pole against the base unit 34.

In order to protect the pole against damage through the action of the pressure plate 48 against the surface of the pole, the pole may be issued with a protective sleeve (not shown) when being installed in the retention system.

In use, the base unit 34 is generally located deep in the ground, to provide for coupling with further communications or power means. However, this sometimes leads to the base unit 34 being located in relatively soft earth. As the riser 58 is generally formed of a plastic or malleable material, it is unsuitable for the task of supporting the load of a pole installed in the retention system 30, which may lead to sinking of the base unit 34 and the pole once installed.

In contrast, the head unit 32 is normally installed in a suitably load bearing material, e.g. concrete. In this case, it is necessary to provide reinforcing means that allow the retention system 30 to bear the load of the pole more effectively.

With reference to Figs. 2 and 5, the connection between the head unit 32 and the base unit 34 of the retention system 30 is reinforced by way of load bearing rods 68. A plurality of rod lugs 70a are located on the head unit 32, around the exterior of the coupling portion 38. A corresponding number of rod lugs 70b are located on the clamping section 60, around the exterior of the circular collar 62.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, in use, the riser 58 is secured to the head unit 32 and the base unit 34 (via the clamping section 60) . The clamping section 60 is arranged so that the head unit rod lugs 70a are lined up with the corresponding base unit rod lugs 70b. A load bearing rod 68 is then passed through the corresponding rod lug pair 70a, 70b. The rods 68 are then bolted in place onto the lugs. The retention system 30 is now secure. Once the retention system 30 is secure, the base unit 34 is still free to rotate (or pivot) with respect to the remainder of the retention system 30. This will allow for fine adjustment of any subsequent connections. Additionally, while the head unit is shown as a single piece, it can be formed with a pivoting coupling allowing it to rotate relative to the remainder of the retention system 30. This can be implemented in addition to or as an alternative to the pivoting coupling provided in the base unit.

Due to the modular construction of the retention system 30, different configurations of head unit 32 and base unit 34 can be employed. If the ribbed riser 58 is not needed in the retention system 30, for example if the pole to be installed does not require a deep installation, the riser 58 can be removed from the retention system.

Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, embodiments of the invention are shown wherein the head unit 32 is directly coupled to the base unit 34.

To secure the head unit 32 to the base unit 34, the engaging lip 56 of the base unit 34 is coupled with the bottom rib 40a of the coupling portion 38 of the head unit 32. While the base unit 34 is secured to the head unit 32, it is still free to swivel relative to the head unit 32. In Fig. 6, an embodiment is shown having a t-bend base unit 34a, while in Fig. 7 an embodiment is shown having a duckfoot bend base unit 34b.

Turning now to Fig. 8, if it is not desired to provide for the installation of a powered pole, the retention system 30 can be further adapted to allow for a more suitable base unit 34.

A stopper base unit 34c is shown in Fig. 8. This base unit 34c comprises a generally flat circular base 72 having a first surface 72a, the diameter of the base 72 corresponding to the diameter of the coupling portion 38 of the head unit 32. A supporting collar 74 projects orthogonally from the first surface 72a of the base 72, at the periphery of the base 72. An engaging lip 76 projects from said supporting collar 74, away from the centre point of said circular base 72. An aperture 78 is provided at the centre of said circular base 72, to allow for drainage etc.

In use, the engaging lip 76 of the base unit 34c is coupled with the bottom rib 40a of the coupling portion 38. During installation of a pole, the pole is lowered down through the receiving portion 36 to the coupling portion 38, and rests on the supporting collar 74 of the base unit 34c. The pressure plate 48 can then be tightened against the surface of the pole to secure it in place as before.

A second embodiment of the post retention system of the invention is shown in Figs. 9-12. The system is indicated generally at 100. System 100 comprises a head unit 102 and a base unit 104. A riser 106 extends between the head unit 102 and the base unit 104. A coupling portion (or coupling collar) 107 is rotatably mounted to the base unit 104, the coupling portion 107 engaging with the riser 106. A plurality of reinforcing elements 108 extend between the head unit 102 and the coupling portion 107, adjacent and parallel to the riser 106.

The head unit 102 and base unit 104 of the system 100 can each be provided in two parts, as symmetric half- portions. With reference to Fig. 10, a half-portion 102a of head unit 102 is illustrated. As previously described in relation to the first embodiment, the head unit 102 comprises a body 103 defining a main chamber 110 to receive a pole and an access chamber 112 adjacent the main chamber 110. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, a pair of setscrews 114 are located in the head unit 102, accessible from the access chamber 112.

As before, the setscrews 114 act on a pressure plate 116 located in the main chamber 110, the plate 116 being operable to act on the surface of a pole inserted into the main chamber 110, to secure such a pole within the main chamber 110.

Turning to Fig. 11, an exploded view of a coupling portion 107 is provided. The coupling portion 107 is formed from two half collar portions 107a, 107b, secured together via the nut and bolt arrangement indicated at 118. The coupling portion 107 comprises a plurality of lugs 120 to receive the reinforcing elements 108. A plurality of engaging ribs 122 are formed on the inner surface of the coupling portion 107. The engaging ribs 122 couple with both the riser 106 and the base unit 104.

Fig. 12 shows an exploded view of the base unit 104, formed from two half portions 104a, 104b, as with the head unit 102 and the coupling portion 107. An engaging collar 124 is located on the base unit 104. The engaging collar 124 interlocks with the engaging ribs 122 of the coupling portion 107, thus providing a pivoting coupling. The base unit 104 is thereby operable to rotate relative to the coupling portion 107, and by extension to the remainder of the retention system 100. This rotation allows for fine-tuning of the retention system when it is being installed on site. In this embodiment the base unit 104 is a t-bend attachment, but it will be understood that other forms of base unit may be employed. Similarly, the pivoting coupling (or an additional pivoting coupling) could be provided on the head unit.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A retention system for a pole, the retention system comprising a head unit and a base unit, the head and base units each being adapted to receive a riser and one or more reinforcing elements therebetween, and further comprising a pivoting coupling associated with the head unit or the base unit and allowing relative rotation between the head unit and the base unit.

2. A retention system according to claim 1, wherein the head unit and the base unit are each provided with securing means to which the one or more reinforcing elements may be secured.

3. A retention system according to claim 2, wherein one of said securing means is provided on the pivoting coupling.

4. A retention system according to any preceding claim, further comprising the one or more reinforcing elements .

5. A retention system according to claim 4, the reinforcing elements comprising at least one rod.

6. A retention system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises the riser.

7. A retention system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said pivoting coupling is connectable to or formed integrally with the head unit.

8. A retention system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said pivoting coupling is connectable to or formed integrally with the base unit.

9. A retention system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the head unit provides a chamber to receive a pole .

10. A retention system according to claim 9, wherein the head unit comprises securing means to secure a pole in the retention system.

11. A retention system according to claim 10, wherein the securing means comprises a pressure plate.

12. A retention system according to claim 11, wherein the head unit provides an access chamber adjacent the chamber for receiving the pole, the actuation means for the securing means being accessible from within the access chamber.

13. A retention system according to claim 12 wherein the actuation means comprises at least one setscrew.

14. A retention system according to any preceding claim, wherein the base unit comprises one of a t-bend or a duckfoot bend.

15. A retention system according to any preceding claim, wherein the base unit comprises supporting means to support a pole.

16. A retention system according to claim 9, wherein the chamber of the head unit extends through the head unit .

17. A retention system according to claim 9, wherein the chamber comprises a coupling section for engagement with said riser.

18. A retention system according to claim 17, wherein the coupling section comprises a plurality of engaging ribs formed on the interior of the coupling section.

19. A retention system according to claim 18, wherein the system comprises the riser, and wherein the riser is provided with a plurality of engaging ribs formed on the surface of the riser for engagement with the ribs on the coupling section.

20. A retention system according to any preceding claim, wherein the pivoting coupling is provided as a clamping section to couple the base unit to a riser.