AU2022203186A1

AU2022203186A1 - Adaptor device and counterbalance assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2022203186A1
Application number: AU2022203186A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Oliver MUSE
Original assignee: Abacus Lighting Ltd
Current assignee: Abacus Lighting Ltd
Priority date: 2021-01-08
Filing date: 2022-01-07
Publication date: 2022-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2042-01-07
Also published as: GB2594770A; WO2022148962A1; GB202100260D0; AU2022203186B2; GB2594770B

Abstract

Title: Adaptor device and counterbalance assembly ABSTRACT An adaptor device for converting a fixed column into a hinged raise and lower column, the adaptor device comprises: a first sleeve which fits on a cut-off upper section of a fixed column; a second sleeve which fits on a remaining lower section of a fixed column; and a hinge which connects the first sleeve and the second sleeve so that, in use, the first sleeve can pivot with respect to the second sleeve to provide access to an upper region of the upper section, the first sleeve comprises a first retainer for holding in place a coupling member of a counterbalance assembly and / or the second sleeve comprises a second retainer for holding in place a coupling member of a counterbalance assembly.

Description

Title: Adaptor device and counterbalance assembly

Field of the invention

Embodiments of the invention relate to an adaptor device for converting fixed columns, such as lampposts, into hinged raise and lower columns. Embodiments of the invention also relate to a counterbalance assembly for counterbalancing the headload of a raise and lower column.

Background

It is known to provide adaptor devices for converting fixed columns into hinged raise and lower columns. It is generally easier and cheaper to convert an existing fixed column into a hinged column using an adaptor device, rather than replacing a fixed column with an entirely new hinged column. Therefore, such adaptor devices provide a convenient and comparatively inexpensive way of making hinged columns out of existing fixed columns.

Examples of known adaptor devices can be found in WO 03/029581.

These adaptor devices depend on an internal spring to counterbalance the headload of the column. There have been various problems associated with the internal spring counterbalance assembly.

One problem is that the spring is prone to failure and when the spring fails it can be cumbersome to fix due to its internal location. As such, the most desirable option in these circumstances is often to replace the entire adaptor device. Either option (i.e. fix or replace) usually requires a service engineer to be called out which can result in the column experiencing downtime.

Another problem is that the adaptor device is still somewhat expensive to manufacture. This is due, at least in part, to the internal spring and other associated parts which make up the counterbalance assembly.

Furthermore, the internal spring takes up space inside the adaptor device which could otherwise be put to good use. As there is limited space inside the adaptor device, cabling (such as electrical wiring used to supply power to the column's lighting assembly) can become impacted at the hinge of the adaptor device, particularly when the column headload is lowered. This may cause damage to the cabling after the column headload has been lowered a number of times.

Summary of invention

It is a non-exclusive object of the present invention to overcome or at least substantially alleviate one of more of the problems associated with the prior art.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an adaptor device for converting a fixed column into a hinged raise and lower column, the adaptor device comprising a first sleeve configured to be fitted on a cut-off upper section of a fixed column, a second sleeve configured to be fitted on a remaining lower section of a fixed column and a hinge connecting the first sleeve and the second sleeve so that, in use, the first sleeve can be pivoted with respect to the second sleeve to provide access to an upper region of the upper section, wherein the first sleeve comprises a first retainer for holding in place a coupling member of a counterbalance assembly and / or the second sleeve comprises a second retainer for holding in place a coupling member of a counterbalance assembly.

Optionally, the first retainer comprises a recess formed on an external surface of the first sleeve.

Optionally, the recess extends at least partially around the perimeter of the first sleeve.

Optionally, the first sleeve comprises a first pair of protruding lips spaced either side of the recess.

Optionally, the first pair of protruding lips extend at least partially around the perimeter of the first sleeve.

Optionally, the first retainer comprises at least one locating member for co operating with a corresponding locating member of a coupling member. The locating member(s) of the first retainer may be in the form of a projection or a slot.

Optionally, the second retainer comprises a recess formed on an external surface of the second sleeve.

Optionally, the recess extends at least partially around the perimeter of the second sleeve.

Optionally, the second sleeve comprises a second pair of protruding lips spaced either side of the recess.

Optionally, the second pair of protruding lips extend at least partially around the perimeter of the second sleeve.

Optionally, the second retainer comprises at least one locating member for co operating with a corresponding locating member of a coupling member. The locating member(s) of the second retainer may be in the form of a projection or a slot.

Optionally, the adaptor device further comprises a locking assembly to prevent pivoting of the first sleeve with respect to the second sleeve.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a column comprising upper and lower column sections connected by an adaptor device according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a counterbalance assembly comprising a ram comprising a cylinder and a piston reciprocally movable within the cylinder, the counterbalance assembly further comprising a first coupling member connected to the cylinder and a second coupling member connected to the piston, wherein the first coupling member comprises a first clamp for tightening around a sleeve of an adaptor device and / or the second coupling member comprises a second clamp for tightening around a sleeve of an adaptor device.

Optionally, the first coupling member is pivotably connected to the cylinder.

Optionally, the second coupling member is pivotably connected to the piston.

Optionally, the first clamp comprises first and second clamp parts that are adjustable relative to each other to tighten or loosen the first clamp.

Optionally, the first clamp comprises at least one locating member for co operating with the corresponding locating member of a retainer. The locating member(s) of the first clamp may be in the form of a projection or a slot.

Optionally, the second clamp comprises first and second clamp parts that are adjustable relative to each other to tighten or loosen the second clamp.

Optionally, the second clamp comprises at least one locating member for co operating with the corresponding locating member of a retainer. The locating member(s) of the second clamp may be in the form of a projection or a slot.

Optionally, the first coupling member or the second coupling member comprise(s) a foot for engaging a lower column section, in use.

Optionally, the ram is a hydraulic ram.

According to fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an adaptor kit comprising an adaptor device according to the first aspect of the invention and a counterbalance assembly.

The counterbalance assembly of the adaptor kit may comprise a ram, optionally a hydraulic ram.

The counterbalance assembly of the adaptor kit may be in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

The adaptor kit may further comprise a fixed column or separate upper and lower column sections.

Optional features from one aspect of the invention may be combined with other aspects where not explicitly stated.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of an adaptor device; Figure 2 is a rear view of the adaptor device of figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the adaptor device of figure 1; Figure 4 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a counterbalance assembly; Figure 5 is a side view of the counterbalance assembly of figure 4; Figure 6 is rear view of the counterbalance assembly of figure 4; Figure 7 is a top view of the counterbalance assembly of figure 4; Figure 8 is an isometric view of the counterbalance assembly of figure 4 shown coupled to the adaptor device of figure 1; Figure 9 is a side view of the arrangement shown in figure 8; Figure 10 is a rear view of the arrangement shown in figure 8; Figure 11 is a top view of the arrangement shown in figure 8; Figure 12 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a counterbalance assembly shown coupled to the adaptor device of figure 1; Figure 13 is a side view of the arrangement shown in figure 12; Figure 14 is a rear view of the arrangement shown in figure 12; and Figure 15 is a top view of the arrangement shown in figure 12.

Description of invention

Referring first to figures 1 and 3 there is an adaptor device, shown generally at 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The adaptor device 1 is fitted to a column, shown generally at 3, having an upper section 31 and a lower section 32. The column 3 may initially have existed as a fixed column (i.e. one which does not have the functionality to pivot its headload about a pivot axis) which has been cut into the upper section

31 and the lower section 32. Alternatively, the upper section 31 and the lower section 32 may have been supplied as separate components.

The adaptor device 1 has a first sleeve 11 fitted on the upper section 31 and a second sleeve 12 fitted on the lower section 32.

In embodiments, the sleeves 11, 12 are fitted on the respective upper and lower sections 31, 32 by fixings, such as rivets. Accordingly, locating holes 13 for receiving the fixings may be provided in the sleeves 11, 12. Alternatively or additionally, other suitable fastening means may be used such as cementing or welding.

The adaptor device 1 comprises a hinge 14 connecting the first sleeve 11 and the second sleeve 12. Once the adaptor device 1 has been installed, the first sleeve 11 can be pivoted with respect to the second sleeve 12 about a pivot axis X-X of the hinge 14 (shown on figure 2) in directions indicated by the double-headed arrow (shown on figure 3). This means that a user, e.g. an engineer, can gain access to an upper region of the upper section 31, e.g. to service a lighting unit.

In contrast to the prior art and referring in particular to figure 2, the first sleeve 11 may comprises a first retainer 15 and the second sleeve 12 may comprise a second retainer 16. As will be discussed in further detail below, the retainers 15, 16 are for holding coupling members 44, 45; 44', 45' of a counterbalance assembly 4, 4' in place.

In the illustrated embodiment each sleeve 11, 12 comprises a respective retainer 15, 16, although it is envisaged that in some embodiments only one of the sleeves 11, 12 may comprise a retainer 15, 16.

In embodiments, the first retainer 15 may comprise a recess 150 formed on an external surface of the first sleeve 11. The recess 150 may extend at least partially around the perimeter of the first sleeve 11. For instance, the recess 150 in the embodiment shown in the figures extends most of the way around the perimeter of the first sleeve 11. In some embodiments, the recess 150 may extend around the entire periphery of the first sleeve 11.

In embodiments, the first retainer 15 may comprise a locating member 151, such as a slot.

The second retainer 16 may comprise a recess 160 formed on an external surface of the second sleeve 12. The recess 160 may extend at least partially around the perimeter of the second sleeve 12. For instance, the recess 160 in the embodiment shown in the figures extends most of the way around the perimeter of the second sleeve 12. In some embodiments, the recess 160 may extend around the entire periphery of the second sleeve 12.

In embodiments, the second retainer 16 may comprise a locating member 161, such as a slot.

Referring in particular to figure 3, the first sleeve 11 may comprise a pair of protruding lips 11a; 11b spaced either side of the recess 150. The protruding lips 11a; 11b may extend at least partially around the perimeter of the first sleeve 11 and are utilised to hold the coupling member 45 in situ.

In embodiments, the second sleeve 12 may comprise a pair of protruding lips 12a; 12b spaced either side of the recess 160. The protruding lips 12a; 12b may extend at least partially around the perimeter of the second sleeve 12 and are utilised to hold the coupling member 44 in situ.

In embodiments, the adaptor device 1 may further comprise a locking assembly, shown generally at 17, to prevent pivoting of the first sleeve 11 with respect to the second sleeve 12 when the column 3 is in its upper and / or its lowered configuration. Such locking assemblies 17 are known in relation to the prior art adaptor devices and will therefore not be discussed in detail. Examples of suitable locking assemblies can be found in WO 03/029581.

Turning now to figures 4 to 7 there is shown a counterbalance assembly, shown generally at 4, comprising a ram 41. The ram 41 comprises a cylinder 42 and a piston 43 reciprocally movable within the cylinder 42. The ram 41 may be a hydraulic ram, although in some embodiments the ram 41 may be a pneumatic ram.

The counterbalance assembly 4 may further comprise a first coupling member 44 connected to the cylinder 42 and a second coupling member 45 connected to the piston 43.

In embodiments, the first coupling member 44 may comprise a clamp 440 for tightening around a sleeve 11, 12 of an adaptor device 1. Additionally or alternatively, the second coupling member 45 may comprise a clamp 450 for tightening around a sleeve 11, 12 of an adaptor device 1.

In embodiments, the first coupling member 44 may be pivotably connected to the cylinder 42 via a hinge 46.

In embodiments, the second coupling member 45 may be pivotably connected to the piston 43 via a hinge 47.

In embodiments, and referring in particular to figure 5, the clamp 440 may comprise first and second clamp parts 440a; 440b that are adjustable relative to each other to tighten or loosen the clamp 440.

The clamp 440 may comprise a locating member 441 which is co-operable with the locating member 161 of the second retainer 16. The locating member 441 may be in the form of a projection. The locating member 441 is shown best in figure 4, where it is provided in the second clamp part 440b. However, it is to be appreciated that the or a locating member 441 may be provided additionally or alternatively in the first clamp part 440a.

In embodiments, the clamp 450 may comprise first and second clamp parts 450a; 450b that are adjustable relative to each other to tighten or loosen the clamp 450.

The clamp 450 may comprise a locating member 451 which is co-operable with the locating member 151 of the first retainer 15. The locating member 451 may be in the form of a projection. The locating member 451 is shown best in figure 4, where it is provided in the second clamp part 450b. However, it is to be appreciated that the or a locating member 451 may be provided additionally or alternatively in the first clamp part 450a.

In the embodiment shown in figures 4 to 7 the first coupling member 44 comprises a foot 48.

Figures 8 to 11 show the counterbalance assembly 4 fitted to the adaptor device 1.

The counterbalance assembly 4 may be fitted by mounting the first coupling member 44 on the second sleeve 12 and mounting the second coupling member 45 on the first sleeve 11. In embodiments comprising clamps 440, 450, this may involve aligning the locating member 441 of the clamp 440 with the co-operating locating member 161 of the second retainer 16 and aligning the locating member 451 of the clamp 450 with the co-operating locating member 151 of the first retainer 15. Once the clamps 440, 450 are aligned they can be tightened around the respective sleeves 12, 11, e.g. by rotating a screw or adjusting a lever.

Once the counterbalance assembly 4 is fitted to the adaptor device 1, the upper section 31 of the column 3 can be pivoted relative to the lower section 32 in much the same way as described in WO 03/029581. However, the ram 41 acts to counterbalance the headload of the upper section 31 instead of the internal spring.

Advantageously, the retainers 15, 16 enable the counterbalance assembly 4 to be connected securely and safely to the respective sleeves 11, 12.

The locating members 151, 161, 441, 451 prevent relative movement between the sleeves 11, 12 and the coupling members 45, 44, thereby making it simple to fit the counterbalance assembly 4 to the adaptor device 1. The locating members 151, 161, 441, 451 also prevent such relative movement (e.g. skewing) when the ram 41 is being used to lower or raise the headload, thereby improving safety aspects of the counterbalance assembly 4.

In embodiments where the counterbalance assembly 4 comprises a foot 48, the foot 48 engages the lower section 32 of the column 3, in use. This means some of the weight of the headload can be distributed to the lower section 32, thereby alleviating the forces experienced by the ram 41.

There are numerous further advantages associated with the invention.

First, the counterbalance assembly 4 is less prone to failure than its spring counterpart. However, even in the event that the counterbalance assembly 4 does fail it is usually possible to fix or replace it without the column 3 experiencing any significant downtime.

Second, since the counterbalance assembly 4 is not an integral component of the adaptor device 1, the adaptor device 1 per se becomes much cheaper to manufacture when compared to the prior art. Every prior art adaptor device has its own integral counterbalance, whereas in the invention a single counterbalance assembly 4 can be used to raise and lower multiple columns 3.

Third, the adaptor device 1 does not comprise an internal spring counterbalance, which means that there is a greater volume of space within the adaptor device 1 to utilise, e.g. to accommodate cabling. Advantageously, this extra space means that impaction of the cabling is less likely, thereby resulting in a lower likelihood of damage to the cabling in use.

Referring now to figures 12 to 15 there is shown a counterbalance assembly 4' fitted to the adaptor device 1. The counterbalance assembly 4' is similar to the counterbalance assembly 4. Therefore, corresponding components have been denoted with a prime ('). The only notable difference is that the cylinder 42' and the piston 43' have been interchanged. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the second coupling member 44' comprises the foot 48'. One reason for switching the cylinder 42' and the piston 43' is that the counterbalance assembly 4' is of a heavier duty when compared to the counterbalance assembly 4. In other words, the ram 41' is designed to counterbalance heavier loads than the ram 41.

Whilst each sleeve 11, 12 of the adaptor device 1 embodiments shown in the figures comprise respective retainers 15, 16, it is to be appreciated that in some embodiments only one of the sleeves 11, 12 may comprise a retainer 15, 16. For instance, in some embodiments the coupling member 44 may be coupled to the lower section 31 of the column 3, e.g. at the foot 48. In such embodiments the sleeve 12 may not comprise the retainer 16.

Moreover, whilst the retainers 15, 16 of the embodiments shown in the figures comprise respective recesses 150, 160, in some embodiments one or both of the retainers 15, 16 may take a different form. For instance, a retainer may be in the form of a flange extending around the perimeter of the sleeve. In such embodiments, the flange would function to hold the coupling member in place.

The adaptor device of the present invention has particular application to lighting columns, although it may be useful for any electrical equipment or even mechanical supports for signs and so forth.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

1. An adaptor device for converting a fixed column into a hinged raise and lower column, the adaptor device comprising: a first sleeve configured to be fitted on a cut-off upper section of a fixed column; a second sleeve configured to be fitted on a remaining lower section of a fixed column; and a hinge connecting the first sleeve and the second sleeve so that, in use, the first sleeve can be pivoted with respect to the second sleeve to provide access to an upper region of the upper section, wherein the first sleeve comprises a first retainer for holding in place a coupling member of a counterbalance assembly and / or the second sleeve comprises a second retainer for holding in place a coupling member of a counterbalance assembly.

2. An adaptor device according to claim 1 wherein the first retainer comprises a recess formed on an external surface of the first sleeve.

3. An adaptor according to claim 2 wherein the recess extends at least partially around the perimeter of the first sleeve.

4. An adaptor device according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the first sleeve comprises a first pair of protruding lips spaced either side of the recess.

5. An adaptor device according to claim 4 wherein the first pair of protruding lips extend at least partially around the perimeter of the first sleeve.

6. An adaptor device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the second retainer comprises a recess formed on an external surface of the second sleeve.

7. An adaptor device according to claim 6 wherein the recess extends at least partially around the perimeter of the second sleeve.

8. An adaptor device according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the second sleeve comprises a second pair of protruding lips spaced either side of the recess.

9. An adaptor device according to claim 8 wherein the second pair of protruding lips extend at least partially around the perimeter of the second sleeve.

10. An adaptor device according to any preceding claim further comprising a locking assembly to prevent pivoting of the first sleeve with respect to the second sleeve.

11. A column comprising upper and lower column sections connected by an adaptor device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A counterbalance assembly comprising: a ram comprising: a cylinder; and a piston reciprocally movable within the cylinder; a first coupling member connected to the cylinder; and a second coupling member connected to the piston, wherein the first coupling member comprises a first clamp for tightening around a sleeve of an adaptor device and / or the second coupling member comprises a second clamp for tightening around a sleeve of an adaptor device.

13. A counterbalance assembly according to claim 12 wherein the first coupling member is pivotably connected to the cylinder.

14. A counterbalance assembly according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the second coupling member is pivotably connected to the piston.

15. A counterbalance assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the first clamp comprises first and second clamp parts that are adjustable relative to each other to tighten or loosen the first clamp.

16. A counterbalance assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the second clamp comprises first and second clamp parts that are adjustable relative to each other to tighten or loosen the second clamp.

17. A counterbalance assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the first coupling member or the second coupling member comprises a foot for engaging a lower column section, in use.

18. A counterbalance assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 17 wherein the ram is a hydraulic ram.

19. An adaptor kit comprising an adaptor device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a counterbalance assembly.

20. An adaptor kit according to claim 19, wherein the counterbalance assembly comprises a ram, optionally a hydraulic ram.

21. An adaptor kit according to claim 19 wherein the counterbalance assembly is in accordance with any one of claims 12 to 18.

22. An adaptor kit according to any one of claims 19 to 21 further comprising a fixed column.

23. An adaptor kit according to any one of claims 19 to 21 further comprising separate upper and lower column sections.

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Figure 3

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Figure 4

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Figure 5

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Figure 6

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Figure 8

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