GB2578768A - Apparatus for raising and lowering a utility pole - Google Patents

Apparatus for raising and lowering a utility pole Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2578768A
GB2578768A GB1818157.8A GB201818157A GB2578768A GB 2578768 A GB2578768 A GB 2578768A GB 201818157 A GB201818157 A GB 201818157A GB 2578768 A GB2578768 A GB 2578768A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
section
utility pole
tool apparatus
actuator
pivot
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1818157.8A
Other versions
GB201818157D0 (en
GB2578768B (en
Inventor
Andrew Weston Paul
Whipps Colin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens Mobility Ltd
Original Assignee
Siemens Mobility Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Mobility Ltd filed Critical Siemens Mobility Ltd
Priority to GB1818157.8A priority Critical patent/GB2578768B/en
Publication of GB201818157D0 publication Critical patent/GB201818157D0/en
Publication of GB2578768A publication Critical patent/GB2578768A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2578768B publication Critical patent/GB2578768B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/18—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures movable or with movable sections, e.g. rotatable or telescopic
    • E04H12/187—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures movable or with movable sections, e.g. rotatable or telescopic with hinged sections
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/34—Arrangements for erecting or lowering towers, masts, poles, chimney stacks, or the like
    • E04H12/345—Arrangements for tilting up whole structures or sections thereof
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/18—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures movable or with movable sections, e.g. rotatable or telescopic
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/36—Hoisting or lowering devices, e.g. for maintenance
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/08—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation with a standard

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electric Cable Installation (AREA)

Abstract

The tool moves a first section of a utility pole, such as a traffic light or street lamp. The tool comprises a first part 202 for removable attachment to an upper section 102 of a pole and a second part 204 for attachment to a lower section 102 of a pole. In use the first and second parts are attached together may be connected together using a first pivot 206. An actuator is connected to the first part and the second part and the actuator is changed in length to cause the first section to rotate about the first pivot. In use the first and second parts move linearly and a key 224 is inserted to restrict movement of the first and second parts before a pivot member, forming the first pivot, is inserted. Also claimed is a system comprising the utility pole and the tool. A method is also claimed where the pivoting occurs as a result of a reduction in the length of the actuator.

Description

Apparatus for raising and lowering a utility pole The present disclosure relates to tool apparatus for moving a first section of the utility pole relative to a second section of the utility pole, for example a roadside traffic signal pole or a lighting column.
Background
Access to the top of utility poles, such as roadside traffic signal poles or lighting columns is required so that equipment at the top of the utility pole can be serviced and maintained. For example, signal heads and antennas may be services and/or replaced with alternatives as requirements change.
Access to the top of the utility poles is conventionally achieved by the use of a ladder.
However, the use of ladders is becoming increasingly problematical due to the risk of working at height and regulatory restrictions of working at height.
To overcome this problem, utility poles including a hinge have been developed such that a first section of the utility pole may hinge relative to a second section of the utility pole. This enables the top of the utility pole to be accessed without the need for an operator to work at height.
However, these hinged poles lead to increased costs for every utility pole that is installed as the hinge mechanisms are relatively complex and expensive to ensure safety of operators and pedestrians. Further, internal hinge mechanisms are difficult to implement without the possibility of fretting movement, and are prone to corrosion.
Further, such utility poles that include hinge mechanisms have fixed axes, so they hinge in one direction only. This means that the orientation of the utility pole has to be specified when ordered, and for its lifetime the pole can only be lowered in the original direction.
Hence a need for improved access to the top of utility poles is highly desirable.
Summary
According to the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a tool apparatus for moving a first section of a utility pole relative to a second section of the utility pole. The tool apparatus comprises a first part configured to be removably attached to the first section of the utility pole, a second part configured to be removably attached to the second section of the utility pole, wherein the first part is configured to be connected to the second part via a first pivot and an actuator configured to be connected to the first part and the second part, wherein, in use, the actuator is configured to change in length to cause the first part of the apparatus to pivot relative to the second part of the apparatus about the first pivot.
Hence there is provided a tool apparatus that acts as an external hinge mechanism to enable access to the top of the utility pole in a safe manner. As the hinge mechanism is located in the re-usable tool apparatus, rather than the utility pole itself, the cost and complexity of each utility pole is significantly reduced.
In one example, the first part of the tool apparatus comprises a proximal end and a distal end and the second part of the tool apparatus comprises a proximal end, adjacent to the distal end of the first part, and a distal end. The actuator is configured to be connected towards the proximal end of the first part and towards the distal end of the second part. Arranging the actuator, first part and second part in this way provides one mechanism for enabling the first part to rotate relative to the second part.
In one example, the actuator is pivotably connected to the first part of the tool apparatus via a second pivot and wherein the actuator is pivotably connected to the second part of the tool apparatus via a third pivot.
In one example, the first part of the tool apparatus comprises at least one first slotted hole and the second part of the tool apparatus comprises at least one second slotted hole, the apparatus comprising a key configured to be received in the first slotted hole and the second slotted hole to enable the first part of the tool apparatus to move linearly with respect to the second part of the tool apparatus. As the tool apparatus enables the first part of the apparatus to move relative to the second part of the apparatus, the apparatus is able to move a first section of the utility pole linearly relative to the second section of the utility pole prior to rotation. This enables the first section to be moved clear of any obstacles that may obstruct the rotation of the first section and allows for a more efficient lowering of the utility pole.
In one example, the key is configured to be a snug fit within the at least one first slotted hole. Providing a snug fit in the at least one first slotted hole means that the key will move as the first part moves.
In one example, the at least one second slotted hole is elongate and restricts the movement of the key within the at least one second slotted hole to a linear direction.
Restricting the movement of the first part to a linear direction relative to the second part means that a connecting member, such as a connecting bolt can be moved out of a hole in a linear direction.
In one example, the actuator comprises a telescopic jack.
In one example, the tool apparatus includes a hydraulic pump attached to the actuator.
In one example, the first part of the tool apparatus is configured to be removably attached to the first section of the utility pole via a first clamp and the second part of the tool apparatus is configured to be removably attached to the first section of the utility pole via a second clamp.
In one example, the tool apparatus is configured to be removably connected to the utility pole via the first part and the second part in any direction about a longitudinal axis of the utility pole. Providing this versatility enables the first section of the utility pole to be lowered in any direction relative to the second section and therefore does not limit the utility poles to be hinged in one direction only.
In another aspect, there is provided a system including a utility pole comprising a first section and a second section and a tool apparatus.
In one example, the first section of the utility pole and the second section of the utility pole are connected together via an internal fixing.
In another aspect, there is provided a method of moving a first section of a utility pole relative to a second section of the utility pole. The method includes the steps of removably attaching a first part of a tool apparatus to the first section of the utility pole, removably attaching a second part of the tool apparatus to the second section of the utility pole, connecting the first part of the tool apparatus to the second part of the tool apparatus via a first pivot and reducing the length of an actuator connected to the first part of the tool apparatus and the second part of the tool apparatus to move the first section of the utility pole relative to the second section of the utility pole about the first pivot. This method provides a tool apparatus that acts as an external hinge mechanism to enable access to the top of the utility pole in a safe manner. As the hinge mechanism is located in the re-usable tool apparatus, rather than the utility pole itself, the cost and complexity of each utility pole is significantly reduced.
The method may also include the step of increasing the length of the actuator prior to the step of connecting the first part of the tool to the second part of the tool via the first pivot to linearly move the first section of the utility pole relative to the second section of the utility pole.
The method may also include the step of increasing the length of the actuator to return the first section of the pole to its initial position relative to the second pole.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an illustrative schematic of a utility pole; Figure 2 shows an illustrative example of part of a first section of a utility pole; Figure 3 shows an illustrative example of part of a second section of a utility pole; Figure 4 shows an illustrative example of part of the first section and part of the second section of a utility pole; Figure 5 shows an alternative example of part of a utility pole; Figure 6 shows an example of a tool apparatus for moving a first section of a utility pole relative to a second section of the utility pole; Figure 7 shows an example of the tool apparatus removably connected to a utility pole in a hinged position; Figure 8 shows an example of a part of the tool apparatus removably connected to a utility pole; Figure 9 shows an example of a part of the tool apparatus removably connected to a utility pole in an extended position; Figure 10 shows an example of a part of the tool apparatus removably connected to a utility pole in an extended position; Figure 11 shows an example of the tool apparatus removably connected to a utility pole in a hinged position; and Figure 12 shows an example of a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method of moving a first section of a utility pole relative to a second section of the utility pole.
The illustration in the drawings is shown schematically. It is noted that for similar or identical elements in different figures, the same reference signs will be used.
Detailed Description
Figure 1 shows an example of a utility pole 100. In the example shown in Figure 1, the utility pole 100 includes a first section 102 and a second section 104. In use, when the utility pole 100 is installed, the first section 102 may be located above the second section 104 and is supported by the second section 104. In one example, the first section 102 and the second section 104 are tubular and substantially cylindrical, however, other shapes are envisaged. The first section 102 and the second section 104 are connected at a join 106.
In the example shown in Figure 1, a set of traffic lights 108 is shown at the top of the utility pole 100, however, in other examples, there may be a signal box, or other equipment, at the top of the utility pole 100. The traffic lights 108 may be connected to the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 via one or more fixings 110.
Figure 2 shows an illustrative example of part of a second section 104 of the utility pole 100. The first section 102 has been removed from the utility pole 100 in Figure 2 to expose a top 112 of the second section 104. In one example, the top 112 of the second section 104 includes a top plate 114 including a connecting hole 116 for receiving an internal fixing, such as a connecting bolt and one or more wire holes 118 for receiving one or more wires. The second section 104 may also include one or more access door openings 120 in the sidewall of the second section 104 to enable access to the inside of the second section 104 in use. The door is not shown in the example in Figure 2. In one example, the top plate 114 may be recessed from the top of the second section 104 so as to form a rim or lip around the edge of the top of the second section 104.
Figure 3 shows an illustrative example of part of a first section 102 of a utility pole 100. The second section 104 has been removed from the utility pole in Figure 3 to expose a bottom 122 of the first section 102. In one example, the bottom 122 of the first section 102 includes a bottom plate 124 and an internal fixing such as a connecting bolt 126, for example an M24 bolt, although other fixings may be used. In some examples, the connecting bolt 126 is received in the connecting hole 116 of the top plate 114 of the second section 104. In other examples, there is not a connecting bolt connecting the first section 102 to the second section 104.
The bottom plate 124 may also include one or more wire holes 128 for receiving one or more wires. In one example, the bottom plate 124 may protrude from the bottom of the first section 102 so as to form a spigot, a rim or lip around the edge of the bottom of the first section 102 so as to form a complementary shape with the top 112 of the second section 104 to provide a positive engagement between the first section 102 and the second section 104.
Figure 4 shows an illustrative example of part of the first section 102 and part of the second section 104 of a utility pole 100 connected together. In the example of Figure 4, the connecting bolt 126 is received in the connecting hole 116 of the top plate of the second section 104 and a nut 128 is threaded around the bolt 126. The nut 128 and bolt 126 may be accessed through the access door opening 120 of the second section 104.
Figure 5 shows another example of a utility pole 100. In this example, the utility pole includes a first section 102 (only the outline of which is shown in Figure 5 for clarity) and a second section 104. The utility pole 100 shown in figure 5 is similar to the utility pole 100 shown in figures 1 to 4, except that the top 112 of the second section 104 and the bottom 122 of the first section 102 are different. In this example, the utility pole 100 includes one or more internal fixings 126 in the form of a connecting member 107 configured to be located inside the first section 102 and the second section 104 of the utility pole 100. The one or more connecting members 107 may be shaped to engage with an inner sleeve 109 within the first section 102 and the second section 104. One or more first fixings 111 may be used to connect the first section 102 to the connecting member 107. One or more second fixings 113 may be used to connect the second section 104 to the connecting member 107. In one example, the one or more first fixings 111 and/or the one or more second fixings 113 comprises a bolt. In use, the first section 102 may be disconnected from the second section 104 by removing the one or more first fixings 111. Further, the one or more connecting members 107 may be moved away from the inner sleeve 109, for example, they may be moved towards a centre of the utility pole 100. To move the connecting members 107, the one or more second fixings 113 need to be loosened or removed.
Figure 6 shows an example of a tool apparatus 200 for moving the first section 102 of a utility pole 100 relative to a second section 104 of the utility pole 100. The tool apparatus 200 includes a first part 202 and a second part 204. The first part 202 is configured to be removably attached to the first section 102 of the utility pole 100. In one example, the removable connection may be in the form of a clamp, such as a saddle clamp and a u-bolt. However, other fixings may be used to removably connect the first part 202 to the first section 102. In one example, the tool apparatus 200 is configured to be removably connected to the utility pole 100 via the first part 202 and the second part 204 in any direction about a longitudinal axis of the utility pole.
The second part 204 is removably connected to the second section 104 of the utility pole 100. In one example, the removable connection may be in the form of one or more clamps, such as a saddle clamp and a u-bolt. However, other fixings may be used to removably connect the second part 204 to the second section 104. The removable connection enables the tool apparatus 200 to be easily temporarily fixed to and removed from the utility pole 100.
As the tool apparatus 200 is removable from the utility pole 100, the tool apparatus 200 may be used on a plurality of different utility poles during the lifetime of the tool apparatus 200.
In the example shown in Figure 6, the tool apparatus 200 includes a first pivot or hinge 206 about which the first part 202 may pivot relative to the second part 204. In one example, the first pivot 206 is formed from matching openings in adjacent locations of the first part 202 and the second part 204 and a removable pivot pin that is received in the matching openings. In use, the pin and matching openings enable the first part 202 to rotate about the pin and matching holes relative to the second part 204.
When the removable pivot pin is in place, the first part 202 is configured to be connected to the second part 204 via the first pivot 206.
The tool apparatus 200 also includes an actuator 208 that is configured to be connected to the first part 202 and the second part 204 of the tool apparatus 200. In operation, the actuator 208 is configured to change in length to cause the first part 202 of the apparatus 200 to pivot relative to the second part 204 of the apparatus 200 about the first pivot 206. In one example the actuator 208 is a hydraulic or mechanical jack. In one example, the actuator includes a telescopic arrangement that may either increase or decrease in length.
In one example, the first part 202 of the tool apparatus 200 comprises a proximal end 210 and a distal end 212 and the second part 204 of the tool apparatus 200 comprises a proximal end 214, adjacent to the distal end 212 of the first part 202, and a distal end 216. In the example shown in Figure 6, at least some of the second part 204 of the tool apparatus towards the proximal end 214 of the second part 204 is received within the first part 202 of the tool apparatus 200, such that the first part 202 and the second part 204 partially overlap. However, in other examples, some of the first part 202 of the tool apparatus 200 may be received within the second part 204.
In one example, the actuator 208 is configured to be connected towards the proximal end 210 of the first part 202 and towards the distal end 216 of the second part 204.
The actuator 208 may be pivotably connected to the first part 202 of the tool apparatus 200 via a second pivot or hinge 218 and the actuator 208 may be pivotably connected to the second part 204 of the tool apparatus 200 via a third pivot or hinge 220.
As with the first pivot 206, the second pivot 218 may be formed by a pin that passes through one or more holes in the first part 202. The pin and the matching one or more holes allow the actuator 208 to rotate about the pin and one or more holes relative to the first part 202. Further, the third pivot 220 may be formed by a pin that passes through one or more holes in the second part 204. The pin and matching one or more holes allow the actuator 208 to rotate about the pin and one or more holes relative to the second part 204.
In the example shown in figure 6, a removable pivot pin may be inserted into the pivot 206. When the pivot pin is inserted into the pivot 206, the actuator 208 may be reduced in length to cause rotation of the first part 202 relative to the second part 204. In this example, the connecting bolt 126 is not present. For example, the apparatus 200 is attached to the utility pole 100 shown in figure 5 comprising the internal connecting member 107 Figure 7 shows an example of the tool apparatus 200 for moving the first section 102 of a utility pole 100 relative to a second section 104 of the utility pole 100. In the example shown in Figure 7, the pivot pin has been inserted into the pivot 206 and the actuator 208 (not shown) has been reduced in length resulting in the first part 202 of the apparatus 200 being rotated relative to the second part 204 about the first pivot 206. If the utility pole 100 comprises one or more first fixings 111, then these will need to be removed prior to the actuator 208 reducing in length. Further, if the utility pole 100 comprises one or more second fixings 113, these will need to be loosened and/or removed prior to the actuator 208 reducing in length. As the first part 202 is removably connected to the first section 102 and the second part 204 is removably connected to the second section 104, the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 is rotated relative to the second section 104 of the utility pole 100. In the example of the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 being arranged above the second section 104, i.e. the first section 102 is the upper section of the utility pole 100, then as the first section 102 is moved, the top of the utility pole 100 will be lowered. As such, a user will have access to the top of the utility pole 100 to perform maintenance and/or repair on the components located at the top of the utility pole 100. In the example of figure 7, a bolt 126 will not be present between the first section 102 and the second section 104 of the utility pole 100, for example, the apparatus 200 is used with the utility pole 100 comprising the at least one connecting member 107.
Figure 8 shows an example of a part of the tool apparatus 200. In the example shown in Figure 8, the first part 202 includes one or more slots 222 for receiving a key 224. In one example, the key 224 is shaped to be a snug fit within the one or more slots 222 of the first part 202. Further, the second part 204 may include one or more slots 226.
The slots 226 of the second part may be sized so as to allow the key 224 to slide in a single direction, for example, in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the utility pole 100. In one example, the first part 202 includes two slots 222, wherein one slot 222 is located on a first side of the longitudinal axis of the utility pole 100 and a second slot 222 is located on a second side of the longitudinal axis of the utility pole 100. Further, the second part 202 includes two slots 226, wherein one slot 226 is located on a first side of the longitudinal axis of the utility pole 100 and a second slot 226 is located on a second side of the longitudinal axis of the utility pole 100. A first slot 222 of the first part 202 is configured to substantially align with a first slot 226 of the second part 204 and a second slot 222 of the first part 202 is configured to substantially align with a second slot 226 of the second part 204. As such, the key 224 may pass through the first and second slots 222 of the first part 202 and first and second slots 226 of the second part 204.
In the example of the apparatus of Figure 8, the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 may be moved linearly relative to the second section 104 of the utility pole 100 prior to being rotated relative to the second section 104 of the utility pole 100. This enables any interference between the first section 102 and the second section 104 to be avoided. For example, if a connecting bolt 126 is present, then a user may first undo and remove the nut 128 and then lift the first section 102 of the utility pole so that the bolt 126 is clear of the hole 116 in the top plate of the second section 104 prior to the first section 102 being rotated relative to the second section 104.
In the example shown in Figure 8, the slots 222 of the first part 202 are aligned with the slots 226 of the second part 204, but the key 224 has not been received in the slots 222, 226.
Figure 9 shows an example of a part of the tool apparatus 200. In the example shown in Figure 9, the key 224 has been inserted into the slots 222, 226 of the first and second parts 202, 204 and the pivot pin is not yet inserted into the pivot 206. The actuator 208 has been extended so as to move the first part 202 of the tool apparatus away from the second part of the tool apparatus 204 in a substantially linear direction (following the removal of the nut 128 connecting the first section 102 of utility pole 100 to the second section 104 of the utility pole 100). As the actuator 208 is extended, the first part 202 of the tool apparatus 200 is moved linearly with respect to the second part 204 of the tool apparatus due to the connection 218 between the actuator 208 and the first part 202. The pin is not shown in the connection 218 in Figure 9. When the key 224 is in located in the one or more slots 222 of the first part 202 and the one or more elongate slots 226 in the second part 204, the first part 202 will be restricted to moving linearly with respect to the second part 204, along the direction of the elongate slot 226.
Once the first part 202 has been lifted or moved linearly with respect to the second part 204 then the pivot pin may be inserted into the pivot 206.
Figure 10 shows an example of the part of the tool apparatus 200 in an extended state. The example of the apparatus 200 shown in figure 10 is similar to the apparatus shown in figure 9, except that the key 224 has been removed from the slots 222, 226 and the pivot pin has been inserted into the pivot 206. In this example, as the key 224 has been removed and the pivot pin has been inserted, then as the actuator 208 is reduced in length, the first part 202 of the apparatus 200 will rotate relative to the second part 204 of the apparatus 200 about the pivot 206. In one example, the pin is only able to be inserted into the pivot 206 once the first part 202 has been moved linearly relative to the second part 204 so that the corresponding holes of the pivot 206 are aligned. Due to the removable connection between the first part 202 and the first section 102, then the first section 102 will also rotate relative to the second section 202 enabling an operator to access the top of the utility pole 100 without the need to work at a height.
In the example of a hydraulic actuator, a dual overcentre valve may be incorporated into the circuit to increase control of an operator.
As the tool apparatus 200 may be removably attached to a utility pole 100 in any direction around the axis of the utility pole 100, then the user will be able to control the direction in which the first section 102 (for example an upper section) of the pole 100 will be lowered. This is specifically beneficial in built up locations in which the local environment around the utility pole 100 may often change and so the operator will be able to avoid potential hazards by lowering the top of the utility pole 100 in the safest direction.
Figure 11 shows an example of the tool apparatus 200 for moving the first section 102 of a utility pole 100 relative to a second section 104 of the utility pole 100. In the example shown in Figure 11, the pivot pin has been inserted into the pivot 206 following an extension of the actuator 208 to linearly move the first part 202 of the apparatus 200 relative to the second part 204 of the apparatus 200. The actuator 208 has been reduced in length resulting in the first part 202 of the apparatus 200 being rotated relative to the second part 204 about the first pivot 206. As the first part 202 is removably connected to the first section 102 and the second part 204 is removably connected to the second section 104, the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 is rotated relative to the second section 104 of the utility pole 100. In the example of the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 being arranged above the second section 104, i.e. the first section 102 is the upper section of the utility pole 100, then as the first section 102 is moved, the top of the utility pole 100 will be lowered. As such, a user will have access to the top of the utility pole 100 to perform maintenance and/or repair on the components located at the top of the utility pole 100. In the example of figure 11, a bolt 126 may be present between the first section 102 and the second section 104 of the utility pole 100, but as the apparatus 200 is configured to move the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 linearly relative to the second section 104 of the utility pole 100 prior to being rotated, the connecting bolt 126 may be moved clear of the hole 116 prior to rotation.
Figure 12 shows an example of a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method of moving a first section 102 of a utility pole 100 relative to a second section 104 of the utility pole 100.
In step 300, a first part 202 of a tool apparatus 200 is removably attached to the first section 102 of the utility pole 100. The first part 202 may be removably attached to the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 via a removable clamp.
In step 302, a second part 204 of the tool apparatus 200 is removably attached to the second section 104 of the utility pole 100. The first part 202 may be removably attached to the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 via a removable clamp.
In step 304, the first part 202 of the tool apparatus 200 is connected to the second part 204 of the tool apparatus 200 via a pivot 206.
In step 306, the length of an actuator 208 connected to the first part 202 of the tool 25 apparatus 200 and the second part 204 of the tool apparatus 200 is reduced to move the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 relative to the second section 104 of the utility pole 100 about the pivot 206.
In a further example, the method may include the step of increasing the length of the actuator 208 prior to the step of connecting the first part 202 of the tool apparatus 200 to the second part 204 of the tool apparatus 200 via the pivot 206 to linearly move the first section 102 of the utility pole 100 relative to the second section 104 of the utility pole 100.
In a further example, the method includes the step of increasing the length of the actuator 208 to return the first section 102 of the pole 100 to its initial position relative to the second pole 104.
Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (14)

  1. CLAIMS1 A tool apparatus (200) for moving a first section (102) of a utility pole (100) relative to a second section (104) of the utility pole (100), the tool apparatus (200) comprising: a first part (202) configured to be removably attached to the first section (102) of the utility pole (100); a second part (204) configured to be removably attached to the second section (104) of the utility pole (100), wherein the first part (202) is configured to be connected to the second part (204) via a first pivot (206); and an actuator (208) configured to be connected to the first part (202) and the second part (204), wherein, in use, the actuator (208) is configured to change in length to cause the first part (202) of the apparatus (200) to pivot relative to the second part (204) of the apparatus (200) about the first pivot (206).
  2. 2 The tool apparatus (200) according to claim 1, wherein the first part (202) of the tool apparatus (200) comprises a proximal end (210) and a distal end (212) and the second part (204) of the tool apparatus (200) comprises a proximal end (214), adjacent to the distal end (212) of the first part (202), and a distal end (216), wherein the actuator (208) is configured to be connected towards the proximal end (210) of the first part (202) and towards the distal end (216) of the second part (204).
  3. 3 The tool apparatus (200) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the actuator (208) is pivotably connected to the first part (202) of the tool apparatus (200) via a second pivot (218) and wherein the actuator (208) is pivotably connected to the second part (204) of the tool apparatus (200) via a third pivot (220).
  4. 4 The tool apparatus (200) according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first part (202) of the tool apparatus (200) comprises at least one first slotted hole (222) and the second part (204) of the tool apparatus (200) comprises at least one second slotted hole (226), the apparatus (200) comprising a key (224) configured to be received in the first slotted hole (222) and the second slotted hole (226) to enable the first part (202) of the tool apparatus (200) to move linearly respect to the second part (204) of the tool apparatus (200).
  5. The tool apparatus (200) according to claim 4, wherein the key (224) is configured to be a snug fit within the at least one first slotted hole (222).
  6. 6 The tool apparatus (200) according to either claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one second slotted hole (226) is elongate and restricts the movement of the key (224) within the at least one second slotted hole (226) to a linear direction.
  7. 7 The tool apparatus (200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator (208) comprises a telescopic jack.
  8. 8 The tool apparatus (200) according to any preceding claim comprising a hydraulic pump attached to the actuator (208).
  9. 9 The tool apparatus (200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part (202) of the tool apparatus (200) is configured to be removably attached to the first section (102) of the utility pole (100) via a first clamp and the second part (204) of the tool apparatus (200) is configured to be removably attached to the first section (102) of the utility pole (100) via a second clamp.
  10. The tool apparatus (200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool apparatus (200) is configured to be removably connected to the utility pole (100) via the first part (202) and the second part (204) in any direction about a longitudinal axis of the utility pole (100).
  11. 11 A system comprising: a utility pole (100) comprising a first section (102) and a second section (104); and a tool apparatus (200) according to any preceding claim.
  12. 12 The system according to claim 11, wherein the first section (102) of the utility pole (100) and the second section (104) of the utility pole (100) are connected together via an internal fixing (126).
  13. 13 A method of moving a first section (102) of a utility pole (100) relative to a second section (104) of the utility pole (100), the method comprising: removably attaching a first part (202) of a tool apparatus (200) to the first section (102) of the utility pole (100); removably attaching a second part (204) of the tool apparatus (200) to the second section (104) of the utility pole (100); connecting the first part (202) of the tool apparatus (200) to the second part (204) of the tool apparatus (200) via a first pivot (206); and reducing the length of an actuator (208) connected to the first part (202) of the tool apparatus (200) and the second part (204) of the tool apparatus (200) to move the first section (102) of the utility pole (100) relative to the second section (104) of the utility pole (100) about the first pivot (206).
  14. 14 A method according to claim 13, further comprising increasing the length of the actuator (208) prior to the step of connecting the first part (202) of the tool to the second part (204) of the tool via the first pivot (206) to linearly move the first section (102) of the utility pole (100) relative to the second section (104) of the utility pole (100).A method according to claims 13 or 14, further comprising increasing the length of the actuator (208) to return the first section (102) of the pole to its initial position relative to the second pole.
GB1818157.8A 2018-11-07 2018-11-07 Apparatus for raising and lowering a utility pole Active GB2578768B (en)

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GB2578768A true GB2578768A (en) 2020-05-27
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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2594770A (en) * 2021-01-08 2021-11-10 Abacus Lighting Ltd Adaptor device and counterbalance assembly

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2248861A (en) * 1990-10-20 1992-04-22 British Steel Plc Tiltable column
GB2482888A (en) * 2010-08-18 2012-02-22 Richard Anthony Smith Separating and pivoting upper and lower parts of an elongate post

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2248861A (en) * 1990-10-20 1992-04-22 British Steel Plc Tiltable column
GB2482888A (en) * 2010-08-18 2012-02-22 Richard Anthony Smith Separating and pivoting upper and lower parts of an elongate post

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2594770A (en) * 2021-01-08 2021-11-10 Abacus Lighting Ltd Adaptor device and counterbalance assembly
GB2594770B (en) * 2021-01-08 2022-03-30 Abacus Lighting Ltd Adaptor device

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GB201818157D0 (en) 2018-12-19
GB2578768B (en) 2022-09-21

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