AU2016200160B2

AU2016200160B2 - Systems, methods and apparatus for the assembly of towers

Info

Publication number: AU2016200160B2
Application number: AU2016200160A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Morato
Original assignee: Ugl Eng Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Ugl Engineering Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-23
Filing date: 2016-01-11
Publication date: 2021-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2036-01-11
Also published as: AU2016200160A1

Abstract

SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE ASSEMBLY OF TOWERS Guide systems, methods and apparatus are provided for aligning sections of a tower, such as communications and power transmission towers, and in particular such towers having lattice structures. The guide system comprises one or more pin devices to couple to a first section of the tower and one or more socket devices to couple to a second section of the tower. A pin of each pin device is configured to be received in a socket of a respective socket device to align the first section and the second section of the tower for connection. 2521061v1 lool 180 170 160 150 140 130 1 20 110 FIG. 1 2/11 200 220 o 222 224 210 FIG. 2 300 312 320 310 324 314 0 322 FIG. 3 3/11 40220 or 0 400 \ (410 (2 222 /2 22620 200- 226 412 412 414 21 210 414 430 322 3003040 432 0G432 3100 326 426 422 2 320 422 422 420 420 FIG. 4 FIG. 5

Description

lool

180

170

160

150

140

130

1 20

110

FIG. 1

2/11

200 220 o 222

224

210

FIG. 2

300

312

320

310 324

314 0 322

FIG. 3

3/11

40220 or 0 400 \ (410

(2 222 /2 22620 200- 226

412 412 414 21 210 414

430 322 3003040

432 0G432

3100 326 426

422 2 320 422 422 420 420 FIG. 4 FIG. 5

SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE ASSEMBLY OF TOWERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the assembly of towers, such as, but not limited to, towers having a lattice structure which are typically used fbr communications or power transmission. In particular, the present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for aligning and supporting sections of such towers during assembly and connection.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] In many applications where towers are large and/or heavy, for example, in communications and power transmission, the towers are transported in sections and assembled on site. An example of such a tower 100 having a lattice structure is shown in FIG. 1. The dashed lines illustrate the sections of the tower 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 and 180 that have been assembled.

[0003] Traditionally, the sections of the tower are assembled by erecting the lowest section in the ground and then lifting one or more other sections onto the tower one by one using a crane and/or a helicopter depending on the terrain. Workers known as riggers climb the already erected sections of the tower to align and then connect each new section as it is lifted onto the tower.

[0004] One problem with this traditional approach is that it poses a significant health risk to the riggers. For example, the riggers must work at height which presents a falling risk for the riggers. Riggers must also work beneath a heavy section of the tower that is suspended from the crane or helicopter, which could fall on them in the event of a failure. The tower sections could also move unpredictably, for example, in windy conditions, and injure the riggers.

2521061v1

[0005] Some solutions to this problem have been proposed, such as the attachment of guide plates to a top of an already erected section of the tower, which guide the suspended section to sit atop of the already erected section. However, such solutions are time consuming to use because they require the suspended section to be accurately aligned with the guide plates as it is lowered. Such solutions also require a rigger to remove the guide plates from the tower sections prior to securely joining the suspended section to the already erected sections. Such solutions are also not suitable for joining superstructure sections such as section 170 shown in FIG. 1.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is a preferred object of the invention to provide an improved system, method and/or apparatus for the assembly of towers that addresses or ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides a useful commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Generally, the present invention relates to the assembly of towers, such as, but not limited to, towers having a lattice structure which are typically used for communications or power transmission. In particular, the present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for aligning and supporting sections of such towers during assembly and connection.

[0008] In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a guide system for aligning sections of a tower, the guide system comprising: one or more pin devices to couple to a first section of the tower; and one or more socket devices to couple to a second section of the tower; wherein a pin of each pin device is configured to be received in a socket of a respective socket device to align the first section and the second section for connection, wherein each pin device is couplable to the first section of the tower and each respective socket device is couplable to the second section of the tower such that at least part of a joint between the first section and the second section is available for connection, wherein the one or more pin devices and/or the one or more socket devices comprise an attachment means to attach the pin or socket device to the respective section of the tower, and wherein the attachment means comprises an attachment plate for connecting the first section and the second section of the tower together.

[0009] Each pin device is couplable to the first section of the tower and each respective socket device is couplable to the second section of the tower such that at least part of a joint between the first section and the second section is available for connection.

[0010] Suitably, the pin of each pin device and the socket of each respective socket device are configured to align the first section and the second section such that the second section supports the first section when the pin is received in the socket.

[0011] Suitably, the pin of each pin device and the socket of each respective socket device are configured to support the first section relative to the second section when the pin is received in the socket.

[0012] The pin of each pin device may comprise a corner or a tapered section which limits an extent to which the pin is received within the respective socket.

[0013] The one or more pin devices and the one or more socket devices comprise an attachment means to attach the pin or socket device to the respective section of the tower.

[0014] The attachment means may comprise a clamp to clamp to the respective section of the tower.

[0015] The attachment means may comprise a bracket to secure to the respective section of the tower. The attachment means may comprise an attachment plate for connecting the first section and the second section of the tower together.

[0016] In some embodiments, the guide system further comprises one or more guide ropes, cables or lines to couple to one or more pins and through a respective socket to guide the pin and the respective socket toward one another.

[0017] Suitably, the guide system comprises:

two pin devices to couple to opposing corners of the first section of the tower; and

two socket devices to couple to corresponding corners of the second section of the tower.

[0018] Suitably, the guide system comprises two guide ropes, cables or lines, each guide rope, cable or line coupled to the pin of one of the two pin devices and through the respective socket device to guide the pins and the respective sockets toward one another.

[0019] Each pin device and/or each socket device may comprise a lock for locking each pin and respective socket together.

[0020] Suitably, the lock automatically locks when the pin is received in the respective socket.

[0021] Suitably, the pin of each pin device may have a cross-shaped cross section.

[0022] In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for connecting sections of a tower, the method comprising: coupling one or more pin devices to a first section of the tower; coupling one or more socket devices to a second section of the tower; bringing the first section and the second section together such that a pin of each pin device is received in a socket of a respective socket device to align the first section and the second section for connection; and fastening the first section and the second section together, wherein each pin device is coupled to the first section of the tower and each respective socket device is coupled to the second section of the tower such that at least part of a joint between the first section and the second section is available for connection,

4a

wherein the one or more pin devices and/or the one or more socket devices are each coupled to the respective section of the tower via an attachment means, wherein the attachment means comprises a bracket, and the method comprises securing the bracket to an attachment plate and/or the respective section of the tower, and wherein fastening the first section and the second section together comprises fastening the first section and the second section of the tower together via the attachment plate.

[0023] Each pin device is coupled to the first section of the tower and each respective socket device is coupled to the second section of the tower such that at least part of a joint between the first section and the second section is available for connection

[0024] Suitably, receiving the pin of each pin device in the socket of each respective socket device aligns the first section and the second section such that the second section supports the first section.

[0025] Suitably, the pin of each pin device is received in the socket of each respective socket device such that each pin device and respective socket device supports the first section relative to the second section.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method comprises routing a rope, cable or line coupled to the pin of one of the pin devices through the socket of the respective socket device to guide the socket and the pin toward one another.

[0027] Suitably, coupling one or more pin devices to a first section of the tower and coupling one or more socket device to a second section of the tower comprises: coupling two pin devices to opposing corners of the first section of the tower; and coupling two socket devices to corresponding opposing corners of the second section of the tower.

[0028] Suitably, the method comprises: coupling a guide rope, cable or line to the pin of each of the two pin devices; and routing the each guide rope, cable or line through the socket of the respective socket device to guide the pins and the respective sockets toward one another.

[0029] Bringing the first section and the second section together may comprise lowering one of the first section and the second section onto the other section.

[0030] The one or more pin devices and/or the one or more socket devices are each coupled to the respective section of the tower via an attachment means.

[0031] Suitably, the attachment means comprises a clamp, and the clamp is clamped to the respective section of the tower.

[0032] The attachment means comprises a bracket, and the method comprises securing the bracket to an attachment plate and/or the respective section of the tower.

[0033] Fastening the first section and the second section together comprises fastening the first section and the second section of the tower together via the attachment plate.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method comprises detaching each socket device and each pin device from the respective section once the first section and the second section are fastened together.

[0035] Disclosed herein is a socket device for aligning sections of a tower, the socket device comprising: an attachment means for attachment to a section of the tower; and a socket for receiving a corresponding pin attached to another section of the tower.

[0036] Also disclosed herein is a pin device for aligning sections of a tower, the pin device comprising: an attachment means for attachment to a section of the tower; and a pin for insertion into a corresponding socket attached to another section of the tower.

[0037] Further forms and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0039] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example of a tower to which embodiments of the invention may be applied;

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a pin device for aligning sections of a tower according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a socket device for aligning sections of a tower according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a first perspective view of a guide system comprising the pin device of FIG. 2 coupled to a first section of a tower and the socket device of FIG. 3 coupled to a second section of the tower, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates a second perspective view of the guide system of FIG. 4;

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates the guide system of FIGS. 4 and 5 with the pin device received in the socket device to align the first section and the second section of the tower for connection;

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates a second perspective view of the guide system shown in FIG. 6;

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a cover plate for use with the guide system of FIGS. 4-7 according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of the pin device of FIG. 2 coupled to the first section of the tower;

[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of the socket device of FIG. 3 coupled to the second section of the tower;

[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a guide system comprising a rope, cable or line according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0050] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a guide system comprising a lock according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0051] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a guide system for connecting a superstructure section of the tower according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0052] FIG. 14 illustrates a socket device coupled to a second frame member according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0053] FIG. 15 illustrates a first perspective view of a part of the guide system of FIG. 11 with a pin device received in a socket device to align a first section and a second section of the tower for connection;

2521061v1

[0054] FIG. 16 illustrates a second perspective view of a part of the guide system of FIG. 11 with a waist plate aligned with the second section;

[0055] FIG. 17 illustrates a plan view of the pin device of FIG. 11 coupled to the superstructure section of the tower via a waist plate;

[0056] FIG. 18 illustrates a plan view of a socket device of FIG. 11 coupled to a second section of the tower; and

[0057] FIG. 19 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for connecting sections of a tower according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] Generally, the present invention relates to the assembly of towers, such as, but not limited to, towers having a lattice structure which are typically used for communications or power transmission. In particular, the present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for aligning and supporting sections of such towers during assembly and connection.

[0060] In embodiments of the present invention, one or more pin devices are coupled to a first section of a tower and one or more socket devices are coupled to a second section of the tower. For example, the pin devices and socket devices can be coupled to legs or corners of the first and second sections of the tower where, or near to where, the first and second sections are to be joined together. The first section of the tower and the second section of the tower are brought together such that a pin of each pin device is received in a socket of each respective socket device to align the first section and the second section for connection.

[0061] Receiving the pin of each pin device in the socket of each respective socket device secures the first and second sections together such that the first

2521061v1 section is supported relative to the second section, or vice versa, with at least part of a joint between the first section and the second section available for connection. The first section and the second section can then be fastened together at the joint, before detaching the pin and socket devices. The present invention thus enables the sections of the tower to be aligned and supported for connection, without riggers having to work at height under a suspended load.

[0062] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures, which show example embodiments of the invention.

[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates a pin device 200 for aligning sections of a tower 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The pin device 200 comprises a pin 210 and an attachment means 220 extending from the pin 210 for attaching the pin device 200 to a section of the tower. The attachment means 220 comprises a joint plate 222 integrally formed with one end of the pin 210. Alternatively, the attachment means 220 can be a separate piece attached to the pin 210 by any suitable means. The joint plate 222 comprises two holes 224 through which fasteners, such as bolts, can be passed for attachment of the pin device 200 to a section of the tower. The pin 210 can be inserted into a corresponding socket attached to another section of the tower.

[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates a socket device 300 for aligning sections of a tower according to one embodiment. The socket device 300 comprises a socket 310 and an attachment means 320 extending from the socket 310 for attaching the socket device 300 to a section of the tower. The attachment means 320 comprises a joint plate 322 which extends from one side of the socket 310. The attachment means 320 can be a separate piece or be integrally formed with the socket 310. The joint plate 322 comprises two holes 324 through which fasteners, such as bolts, can be passed for attachment of the socket device 310 to a section of the tower. The socket 310 can receive a corresponding pin, such as pin 210, attached to another section of the tower. The socket 310 comprises a flared or funnel shaped first portion 312 to guide the pin into a cylindrical second portion 314 of the socket 310.

2521061v1

[0065] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate perspective views of a guide system 400 comprising the pin device 200 and the socket device 300 according to one embodiment. The pin device 200 is coupled to a first frame member 412 of a first section 410 of the tower 100 via a first attachment means 220. The socket device 300 is coupled to a second frame member 422 of a second section 420 of the tower 100 via a second attachment means 320. For example, the first section 410 of the tower 100 can be section 130 shown in FIG. 1 and the second section 420 of the tower 100 can be section 120 shown in FIG. 1.

[0066] In this example, the first frame member 412 and the second frame member 422 have an L-shaped cross section. FIG. 4 shows a first side of the frame members and FIG. 5 shows a second side of the frame members.

[0067] The first attachment means 220 comprises the joint plate 222 and a clamp 226 which is coupled to the joint plate 222 via fasteners (not shown). The clamp 226 comprises a pin-clamp assembly which clamps around the first frame member 412.

[0068] The second attachment means 320 comprises the joint plate 322 and a bracket 326 which is coupled to the joint plate 322 via fasteners (not shown). The bracket 326 is coupled to an outer face on the first side of the second frame member 422 via fasteners 424. The fasteners 424 also secure an attachment plate 430 to an inner face of the second frame member 422. The attachment plate 430 provides a joint to which the first frame member 412 can also be connected to secure the first section 410 and the second section 420 of the tower together. The attachment plate 430 is an angle member and has an L-shaped cross-section which fits within the first frame member 412 and the second frame member 422. The first frame member 412 comprises holes 414 and the attachment plate 430 comprises holes 432 on each side to receive fasteners to secure the first frame member 412 and the attachment plate 430 together. The second frame member 422 comprises holes 426 to receive fasteners to secure the second frame member 412 and the attachment plate 430 together.

2521061v1

[0069] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the guide system 400 with the pin 210 received in the socket 310. FIG. 6 shows the first side of the frame members and FIG. 7 shows the second side of the frame members. The pin 210 and the socket 310 align the first section 410 and the second section 420 such that the second frame member 422 supports the first frame member 412. The attachment plate 430 overlaps and aligns with the first frame member 412 such that the holes 414 of the first frame member 412 align with the holes 432 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) of the attachment plate 430. The attachment plate 430 can then be fastened to each of the first frame member 412 and the second frame member 422 via fasteners on the second side, shown in FIG. 7.

[0070] In preferred embodiments, a cover plate 434, as shown in FIG. 8, is placed over the outer surface of the frame members on the second side. The cover plate 434 comprises holes 436 which align with the holes 432 on the second side of the attachment plate 430, the holes 414 of the first frame member 412 and the holes 426 of the second frame member. Fasteners are then received through the aligned holes to fasten the frame members between the attachment plate 430 and the cover plate 434 on the second side.

[0071] The fasteners 424 can then be removed from the bracket 326 on the first side to detach the bracket 326, and hence the socket device 300, from the second frame member 422. A second cover plate 434 is then placed over the outer surface of the frame members on the first side in the same way, and fasteners are received through the aligned holes to fasten the frame members between the attachment plate 430 and the second cover plate 434 on the first side.

[0072] FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of the pin device 200 coupled to the first frame member 412 of the first section 410 of the tower 100. The pin 210 of the pin device 200 has a cross-shaped cross-section. The joint plate 222 has a flange 223 on a part of a first side 225 and is flat on a second and opposing side 227 to enable the clamp 226 to be fastened to the joint plate 222 via fasteners 228 (indicated by lines).

[0073] The clamp 226 comprises an inner corner section 230 and an outer corner section 232, which clamp around the first frame member 412. The

2521061v1 outer corner section 232 is secured to the inner corner section 230 via fasteners 234 (indicated by lines). The clamp 226 also comprises an arm 236 which extends outwardly from the outer corner section 232 and is fastened to the joint plate 222. The arm 236 meets the outer corner section 232 at an angle of about 135 degrees. Hence, when the pin 212 is received in the socket 312, the first frame member 412 is held against the attachment plate 430.

[0074] FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of the socket device 300 coupled to the second frame member 422 of the second section 420 of the tower 100. The bracket 326 comprises a plate 330 and an arm 332. The plate 330 is coupled via fasteners 334 (indicated by lines) to the second frame member 422 and the attachment plate 430. The arm 332 extends at an angle of about 135 degrees from the plate 330 such that the arm 332 extends outwardly from a corner of the second frame member 422 when the plate 330 is coupled to the second section 420 of the tower 100. The arm 332 is fastened to the joint plate 322 via fasteners 336 (indicated by lines).

[0075] In some embodiments, the guide system comprises a rope, cable or line coupled to the pin of the pin device and which passes through the socket of the socket device to assist in guiding the pin and the socket toward one another for engagement.

[0076] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a guide system 700 according to such an embodiment. The guide system 700 comprises a pin device 500, the socket device 300 and a rope, cable or line 600 which is coupled to an aperture 540 in a pin 510 of the pin device 500 and routed through the socket device 300. The pin device 500 is coupled to a first section 410 of the tower and the socket device 300 is coupled to a second section 420 of the tower, as described above.

[0077] The rope, cable or line 600 can be held and pulled, for example, by a person on the ground, to assist guiding the pin 510 of the pin device 500 and the socket 310 of the socket device 300 toward one another as the first section 410 and the second section 420 of the tower 100 are brought together. In this embodiment, the rope, cable or line 600 passes through two

2521061v1 further apertures 542 in the pin 510 such that pulling the rope, cable or line 600 will also align the pin 510 to be substantially parallel with the socket 310. The rope, cable or line 600 is threaded through apertures 542 such that the rope, cable or line 600 is accommodated within the cross-shaped cross section of the pin 510 such that the pin 510 can be received in the socket 310 without obstruction from the rope, cable or line 600.

[0078] In some embodiments, the pin and/or the socket of the guide system comprises a lock for locking the pin and the socket together.

[0079] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a guide system 800 according to such an embodiment. The guide system 800 comprises a pin device 810, the socket device 300 and the rope, cable or line 600, as described above. A pin 820 of the pin device 810 comprises a lock 822 at its distal end. The lock 822 automatically locks the pin 820 in position within the socket 310 when the pin 820 is received in the socket 310 to beyond a certain depth. The lock 822, as shown in FIG. 12, is in the form of a metal plate that acts as a catch. As the pin 820 is received via a top of the socket 310 the catch 822 is caused to rotate in a clockwise direction by contact with an inner wall of the socket 310 such that the catch 822 is within the cross-shaped cross-section of the pin 820. Once the pin 820 is received in the socket 310 to beyond a certain depth, i.e. the bottom of the socket, the catch 822 rotates anti-clockwise under gravity to extend beyond the cross-shaped cross-section of the pin 820. Any upward movement of the pin 820 relative to the socket 310 is prevented by the catch 822 abutting against a base of the socket 310, this locking the pin 820 and the socket 310 together. While one embodiment of the catch has been described in the present embodiment, a skilled addressee will appreciate that another type of lock could be used, such as a catch biased with a spring.

[0080] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a guide system 900 according to one embodiment. The guide system 900 comprises a pin device 910, a socket device 950 and a rope, cable or line 600, as described above. The pin device 910 comprises a pin 920 and an attachment means 930. The attachment means 930 comprises a joint plate 932 and a bracket 935 which is

2521061v1 coupled to the joint plate 932 via fasteners (not shown). The bracket 935 is configured to couple to an attachment plate in the form of a waist plate 1012. The waist plate 1012 is for coupling a first section of the tower, for example, a superstructure section, such as section 170 shown in FIG. 1, to a second section of the tower, such as section 160 shown in FIG. 1.

[0081] The socket device 950 comprises a socket 960 to receive the pin 920 and an attachment means 970. The attachment means 970 comprises a joint plate 972 and a clamp 975. The clamp 975 comprises a pin-clamp assembly which clamps around a second frame member 1022 of a second section 1020 of the tower. The waist plate 1012 comprises holes 1016 and the second frame member 1022 comprises holes 1024. The holes 1016 and the holes 1024 enable the second waist plate 1012 and the second frame member 1022 to be fastened together via fasteners.

[0082] FIG. 14 illustrates a socket device 980 coupled to the second frame member 1022 of the second section 1020 of the tower, according to an alternative embodiment. The socket device 980 comprises a socket 985 to receive the pin 920 and an attachment means 990. The attachment means 990 comprises a joint plate 992 and a bracket 995. The bracket 995 is fastened to the second frame member 1022 via fasteners 997. The second frame member 1022 comprises additional holes (not shown) which receive fasteners 997. The additional holes (not shown) are located below the holes 1024 such that the holes 1024 are available for connection when the bracket 995 is fastened to the second frame member 1022. In alternative embodiments of the guide system 400, shown in FIGS. 4-7, the clamp 226 can be replaced by a bracket in a similar way.

[0083] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate perspective views of parts of the guide system 900 when the pin 920 is received in the socket 960. As shown in FIG. , the bracket 935 is coupled to the waist plate 1012 and a first section 1010 of the tower 100. The extent to which the pin 920 is received within the socket 960 is limited by a corner or tapered section 922 of the pin 920. The pin device 910 and the socket device 950 support the second section 1020, shown in FIG. 16, relative to the first section 1010. As shown in FIG. 16, the

2521061v1 second section 1020 is aligned with the waist plate 1012 for connection with the holes 1016 aligned with the holes 1024.

[0084] FIG. 17 illustrates a plan view of the pin device 910 coupled to the first section 1010 of the tower via the waist plate 1012. The waist plate 1012 is coupled between the first section 1010 and the bracket 935 using fasteners 1014 (represented by lines). The second section 1020 of the tower is shown aligned for connection to the waist plate 1012.

[0085] FIG. 18 illustrates a plan view of the socket device 950 coupled to the second section 1020 of the tower. The pin-clamp assembly 975 is L-shaped to clamp around the L-shaped frame member 1022.

[0086] FIG. 19 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 1600 for connecting sections of a tower according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method 1600 comprises the following steps.

[0087] At step 1610, the method 1600 comprises coupling one or more pin devices 200 to a first section 410 of the tower 100, for example, via an attachment means 220, as previously described.

[0088] At step 1620, the method 1600 comprises coupling one or more socket devices 300 to a second section 420 of the tower 100, for example, via an attachment means 320, as previously described.

[0089] At step 1630, the method 1600 comprises bringing the first section and the second section together such that a pin 210 of each pin device 200 is received within a socket 310 of each respective socket device 300 to align the first section and the second section for connection. In preferred embodiments, each pin device 200 is coupled to the first section of the tower and each respective socket device 300 is coupled to the second section of the tower such that at least part of a joint between the first section and the second section is available for connection.

[0090] The first section and the second section can be brought together by lowering the second section onto the first section, or vice versa, for example, via a crane or a helicopter. In some embodiments, a rope, cable or line

2521061v1 coupled to the pin of one of the pin devices and routed through the socket of the respective socket device is used to guide the socket and the pin together.

[0091] At step 1640, the method 1600 comprises fastening the first section and the second section together. In some embodiments, each socket device and each pin device is detached from the respective leg once the first section and the second section are fastened together. Each socket device and pin device can then be reused, for example, when connecting other sections of the same tower or another tower together.

[0092] In some embodiments, the guide system comprises at least two pin devices and at least two socket devices. For example, the method comprises coupling a pin device to each of the opposing corners of the first section of the tower and coupling a socket device to corresponding opposing corners of the second section of the tower. In some embodiments, a guide cable is coupled to the pin of each of the two pin devices and routed through the socket of the respective socket device to guide the pins and the respective sockets toward one another. The guide cables coupled to pins on opposing corners of the suspended section of the tower can also be used to control rotation of the suspended section of the tower as it is lowered. In some embodiments, such as for connecting sections of the superstructure of the tower, only two pin devices and two socket devices are required.

[0093] In some embodiments, the guide system comprises four pin devices and four socket devices. One of the pin devices is coupled at each corner of the first section and one socket device is coupled at each corner of the second section.

[0094] The present invention thus addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the problems of the prior art. The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for aligning sections of a tower to be connected together that do not require personnel, such as riggers, to work at height under a suspended load. In particular, embodiments of the present invention enable sections of a tower to be aligned and securely supported in position for safe connection.

2521061v1

[0095] In embodiments of the present invention, the first section and the second section of the tower can be secured together before removing the pin device and the socket device.

[0096] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a rope, cable or line to guide the pin and the socket toward one another, for example, from the ground. This can reduce dangerous swinging of the suspended sections as well as reduce the time taken to lower the pin into the socket and align the sections of the tower for connection. In this regard, using embodiments of the present invention, it can take as little as 5 minutes to align and position each new section of the tower, compared with up to 30 minutes per section using prior art methods.

[0097] In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0098] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0099] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

2521061v1

Claims

1. A guide system for aligning sections of a tower, the guide system comprising:

one or more pin devices to couple to a first section of the tower; and

one or more socket devices to couple to a second section of the tower;

wherein a pin of each pin device is configured to be received in a socket of a respective socket device to align the first section and the second section for connection,

wherein each pin device is couplable to the first section of the tower and each respective socket device is couplable to the second section of the tower such that at least part of a joint between the first section and the second section is available for connection,

wherein the one or more pin devices and/or the one or more socket devices comprise an attachment means to attach the pin or socket device to the respective section of the tower, and

wherein the attachment means comprises an attachment plate for connecting the first section and the second section of the tower together.

2. The guide system of claim 1, wherein the pin of each pin device and the socket of each respective socket device are configured to support the first section relative to the second section when the pin is received in the socket.

3. The guide system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pin of each pin device and the socket of each respective socket device are configured to align the first section and the second section such that the second section supports the first section when the pin is received in the socket.

4. The guide system of any preceding claim, wherein the pin of each pin device comprises a corner or a tapered section which limits an extent to which the pin is received within the respective socket.

5. The guide system of any preceding claim 5, wherein the attachment means comprises a bracket to secure to the respective section of the tower.

6. The guide system of any preceding claim, wherein the guide system further comprises one or more guide ropes, cables or lines to couple to one or more pins and through a respective socket to guide the pin and the respective socket toward one another.

7. The guide system of claim 6, wherein the rope, cable or line passes through two apertures in the pin such that pulling the rope, cable or line will also align the pin to be substantially parallel with the socket.

8. The guide system of claim 7, wherein the rope, cable or line is threaded through the two apertures such that the rope, cable or line is accommodated within the cross section of the pin such that the pin can be received in the socket without obstruction from the rope, cable or line.

9. The guide system of any preceding claim, wherein the guide system comprises:

10. The guide system of any preceding claim, wherein each pin device and/or each socket device comprises a lock for locking each pin and respective socket together.

11. The guide system of claim 10, wherein the lock automatically locks when the pin is received in the respective socket.

12. The guide system of any preceding claim, wherein the pin of each pin device has a cross-shaped cross-section.

13. A method for connecting sections of a tower, the method comprising:

coupling one or more pin devices to a first section of the tower;

coupling one or more socket devices to a second section of the tower;

bringing the first section and the second section together such that a pin of each pin device is received in a socket of a respective socket device to align the first section and the second section for connection; and

fastening the first section and the second section together,

wherein each pin device is coupled to the first section of the tower and each respective socket device is coupled to the second section of the tower such that at least part of a joint between the first section and the second section is available for connection,

14. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving the pin of each pin device in the socket of each respective socket device aligns the first section and the second section such that the second section supports the first section.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the pin of each pin device is received in the socket of each respective socket device such that each pin device and respective socket device supports the first section relative to the second section.

16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein coupling one or more pin devices to a first section of the tower and coupling one or more socket device to a second section of the tower comprises:

coupling two pin devices to opposing corners of the first section of the tower; and

coupling two socket devices to corresponding opposing corners of the second section of the tower.

17. The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising:

coupling a guide rope, cable or line to the pin of each of the two pin devices; and routing the each guide rope, cable or line through the socket of the respective socket device to guide the pins and the respective sockets toward one another.

18. The method of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein bringing the first section and the second section together comprises lowering one of the first section and the second section onto the other section.

19. The method of any one of claims 13 to 18, further comprising routing a cable coupled to the pin of one of the pin devices through the socket of the respective socket device to guide the socket and the pin toward one another.

20. The method of any one of claims 13 to 19, further comprising detaching each pin device and each socket device from the respective section once the first section and the second section are fastened together.