AU2013270476A1 - Lighting Module - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A lighting module (10) comprising a frame (12) and a tower (14) extendable from the frame (12) having lights (16) at an upper end thereof. A pair of 5 support legs (42) are secured to opposite sides of the frame (12). The support legs (42) are pivotally mounted relative to the frame (12) such that the support legs (42) can rotate through a generally horizontal plane from a first position in which the support legs (42) are parallel to sides of the frame (12) and a second position in which the support legs (42) extend outwardly from the 10 sides of the frame (12) to engage with the ground and stabilise the frame (12). 4e ce Ct

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention title: "Lighting Module" Applicant: Solar Powered Systems Pty Ltd Associated provisional applications: Number 2012905397 filed 11 December 2012 The following statement is a full description of the invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 "Lighting Module" Field of the Invention [001] The present invention relates to a lighting module. Background to the Invention [002] Lighting towers are commonly used on industrial and mining sites. In order to have the lighting tower easily transportable, these lighting towers are generally built into a trailer which can be easily towed to the desired location. [003] The present invention relates to a design for a lighting unit formed as a separate module which can be transported to site on a truck or separate purpose built trailer. The module comprises an improved design to allow easy transport and installation resulting in a suitably stable configuration Summary of the Invention [004] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a lighting module comprising: a frame; a tower extendable from the frame having lights at an upper end thereof; and a pair of support legs secured to opposite sides of the frame; wherein the support legs are pivotally mounted relative to the frame such that the support legs can rotate through a generally horizontal plane from a first position in which the support legs are parallel to sides of the frame and a second position in which the support legs extend outwardly from the sides of the frame to engage with the ground and stabilise the frame. [005] Preferably the frame includes a first end frame portion at a first end thereof, a second end frame portion at a second end thereof and a plurality of side members extending between the first end frame portion and the second end frame portion.

3 [006] Preferably each of the support legs comprises an elongate member pivotally secured at a first end thereof to an upright of the second end frame portion such that the support leg is rotatable through a generally horizontal plane from a first position in which the support leg is parallel to the side members of the frame and a second position in which the support leg extends outwardly from the side members of the frame. [007] In a preferred embodiment, feet are provided adjacent second ends of the support legs, the feet being adjustable to move upwardly or downwardly relative to the second ends to engage with the ground. [008] In a preferred embodiment, the support legs are formed of a plurality of telescoping sections, such that the length of the support legs may be adjusted. [009] In one embodiment, the first ends of the support legs include slidable sleeves such that when the support legs are extended outwardly in the second position, the sleeves may slide to engage the first ends of the support legs together, thereby locking the support legs from further rotation. [010] In a preferred embodiment, each of the end frame portions comprises a rectangular frame formed from tubular elongate members and four side members are provided extending from each corner of the first end frame portion to a corresponding corner of the second end frame portion. [011] Preferably the side members are longer than the width of the end frame portions such that the frame comprises an elongated rectangular prism shape. [012] In a preferred embodiment, a lower end of the tower is rotatably mounted to a support shaft extending between the upper side members of the frame at a location between a midpoint of the upper side members and the second end frame portion such that the tower rotates through a plane parallel to the side members from a retracted position in which it is oriented horizontally within the frame to an extended position in which the tower extends vertically upwardly.

4 [013] In one embodiment, a support bracket is mounted for rotation about the support shaft, the support bracket being secured to the tower adjacent a side thereof such that when the tower is in the retracted position, the tower is located below the support bracket within the confines of the frame. [014] Preferably movement of the tower from the retracted to the extended position is provided by a first hydraulic cylinder connected at a first end thereof to the lower end of the tower and at a second end thereof to the frame at a position located lower than the first end and offset towards the first end of the frame. [015] Preferably the tower comprises a plurality of telescoping tubes such that the tower can be extended from a lowered position to a raised position. [016] In a further embodiment, the lighting module further comprises one or more solar panels supported from the frame in panel casings, each panel casing comprising a first casing portion and a second casing portion, wherein the first casing portion is pivotally mounted along a first edge thereof to one of the upper side members and the second casing portion is pivotally secured to a second edge of the first casing portion such that the first and second casing portions can be pivoted between a folded position in which the solar panels are adjacent each other and an opened position in which the solar panels are generally coplanar. [017] Preferably a second hydraulic cylinder is provided being connected at a first end thereof relative to the frame and at second end thereof to the second edge of the first casing portion such that extension of the second hydraulic cylinder causes the first casing portion to pivot between a retracted position in which the first casing portion is generally vertical and parallel to the sides of the frame and one or more extended positions in which the first casing portion extends outwardly from the sides of the frame. [018] Preferably the second end of each of the second hydraulic cylinders is connected relative to the second casing portion such that as the second cylinders expand, the second casing portion is rotated relative to the first casing portion from the folded to the extended position.

5 [019] Preferably the angle of the solar panels in the extended position may be adjusted by rotation of the first casing portions about the upper side member. [020] In one embodiment, the frame is provided with a storage drawer extending outwardly from a lower end of the second end frame portion. [021] A tray may be provided extending along the bottom of the frame between the lower side members in which batteries are secured to supply power to the lighting module. Brief Description of the Drawings [022] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which: [023] Figure 1 is a first upper perspective view of a lighting module in accordance with the present invention; [024] Figure 2 is a second upper perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1; [025] Figure 3 is a first lower perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1; [026] Figure 4 is a second lower perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1; [027] Figure 5 is a side view of the lighting module of Figure 1; [028] Figure 6 is a top view of the lighting module of Figure 1; [029] Figure 7 is a first upper perspective view of the lighting module with the legs, solar panels and tower extended; [030] Figure 8 is a second upper perspective view of the lighting module in the configuration of Figure 7; [031] Figure 9 is a first lower perspective view of the lighting module in the configuration of Figure 7; [032] Figure 10 is a second lower perspective view of the lighting module in the configuration of Figure 7; 6 [033] Figure 11 a is an upper perspective view of the lighting module showing the support legs in the extended position; [034] Figure 11 b is a close up view of Detail 0 of Figure 11 a; [035] Figure 12 is an upper perspective view of the lighting module showing extension of the support legs; [036] Figure 13a is an upper perspective view of the lighting module showing movement of the support legs through a number of angular orientations relative to the frame; [037] Figure 13b is a top view of the lighting module showing movement of the support legs through a number of angular orientations relative to the frame; [038] Figure 14 is a front view of the lighting module showing the solar panels partly extended; [039] Figure 15 is a front view of the lighting module showing the solar panels fully extended and rotation through different angular orientations; [040] Figure 16a is a lower perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1 with the solar panels partly extended; [041] Figure 16b is a close up view of Detail M of Figure 16a; [042] Figure 17a is an upper perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1 with the solar panels partly extended; [043] Figure 17b is a close up view of Detail N of Figure 17a; [044] Figure 18a is a top view of the lighting module of Figure 1; [045] Figure 18b is a side cross sectional view of the lighting module of Figure 18a through the line K-K; [046] Figure 19a is an upper perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1; [047] Figure 19b is a close up view of Detail J of Figure 19a; [048] Figure 20a is a top view of the lighting module of Figure 1; [049] Figure 20b is a side cross sectional view of the lighting module of Figure 20a through the line P-P showing the light tower pivoting from a lowered position to a raised position; [050] Figure 21 a is a top view of the lighting module of Figure 1; 7 [051] Figure 21b is a side cross sectional view of the lighting module of Figure 21a through the line Q-Q showing the light tower moving from a retracted to an extended position; [052] Figure 22a is a top view of the lighting module of Figure 1 with the solar panels, the tower and the support legs in the extended positions; [053] Figure 22b is a side cross sectional view of the lighting module of Figure 22a through the line F-F; [054] Figure 23a is an upper perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1 with the solar panels, the light tower and support legs in the extended positions; [055] Figure 23b is a close up view of Detail B of Figure 23a; [056] Figure 24a is an upper perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1 with the solar panels, the tower and the support legs in the extended positions; [057] Figure 24b is close up view of Detail C of Figure 24a; [058] Figure 25a is an upper perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1 with the solar panels, the tower and the support legs in the extended positions; [059] Figure 25b is close up view of Detail C of Figure 25a; [060] Figure 26a is an upper perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1; [061] Figure 26b is a close up view of Detail I of Figure 26a; [062] Figure 27a is an upper perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1 with the solar panels, the tower and the support legs in the extended positions; [063] Figure 27b is close up view of Detail D of Figure 27a; [064] Figure 28a is an upper perspective view of the lighting module of Figure 1 with the solar panels, the tower and the support legs in the extended positions; [065] Figure 28b is close up view of Detail H of Figure 28a; [066] Figure 29a is a front view of the lighting module of Figure 1 with the solar panels, the tower and the support legs in the extended positions; and [067] Figure 29b is close up view of Detail E of Figure 29a.

8 Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments [068] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a lighting module 10 comprising generally a frame 12 for supporting a tower 14 on which is provided one or more lights 16. [069] The frame 12 comprises a plurality of elongate members defining an interior space in which is located the tower 14, when the tower 14 is in a retracted position. In the embodiment shown, the frame 12 comprises a first end frame portion 18 at a first end thereof, a second end frame portion 20 at a second end thereof and a plurality of side members 22 extending between the first end frame portion 18 and the second end frame portion 20. [070] Each of the end frame portions 18 and 20 comprises a rectangular frame formed from tubular elongate members. Four side members 22 are provided, each extending from a corner of the first end frame portion 18 to a corresponding corner of the second end frame portion 20. There is therefore provided first and second upper side members 24 and first and second lower side members 25. The upper and lower side members 24 and 25 are parallel and define an interior space within the frame 12 which is a rectangular prism in shape. The side members 22 are longer than the width of the end frame portions 18 and 20 such that the frame comprises an elongated rectangular prism shape. [071] A support shaft 26 is provided extending generally between the first and second upper side members 24. The support shaft 26 extends generally horizontally between the upper side members 24 at a location between a midpoint of the upper side members 24 and the second end frame portion 20. Mounted for rotation about the support shaft 26 is a support bracket 28. The support bracket 28 is secured to the tower 14 adjacent the lower end thereof such that as the support bracket 28 rotates about the support shaft 26, the tower 14 rotates through a plane parallel to the side members 22. That is, through a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame 12. [072] As can be seen in Figures 18 to 20, the tower 14 can therefore be pivoted from a retracted position in which it is oriented horizontally within the 9 frame 12 and adjacent the upper side members 24 to an extended position in which the tower 14 extends vertically upwardly. The support bracket 28 is secured to the tower 14 adjacent a side thereof such that when the tower 14 is in the retracted position, the tower 14 is located below the support bracket 28 within the confines of the frame 12. In the extended position, the tower 14 extends upwardly from a location between the midpoints of the side members 22 and the second end frame portion 20. [073] The movement of the tower 14 from the retracted to the extended position is provided by a first actuator. The first actuator comprises a first hydraulic cylinder 30 connected at a first end thereof to the lower end of the tower 14. A second end of the first hydraulic cylinder 30 is connected to the frame 12 at a position located below the first end and offset towards the first end of the frame 12 (as best seen in Figure 18b). As can be seen in Figure 20b, operation of the first hydraulic cylinder 30 to reduce its length causes the tower 14 to pivot from the retracted to the extended position. [074] The tower 14 comprises a plurality of telescoping tubes. The tower 14 can therefore be extended from a lowered position to a raised position. The movement of the tower 14 between the lowered and raised positions can be seen in Figure 21 b. [075] The lighting module 10 is provided with one or more solar panels 32. The solar panels 32 are supported from the frame 12 in panel casings 34. In the embodiment shown, two panel casings 34 are provided extending from opposite sides of the frame 12. [076] Each panel casing 34 comprises a first casing portion 36 and a second casing portion 37. The first and second casing portions 36 and 37 are each generally planar and support one or more solar panels 32. The first casing portion 36 is pivotally mounted along a first edge thereof to one of the upper side members 24. The second casing portion 37 is pivotally secured to a second edge of the first casing portion 36, the second edge being opposite the first edge. The first and second casing portion 36 and 37 can therefore be pivoted between a folded position in which the solar panels 32 are adjacent 10 each other (as shown in Figure 1) and an opened position in which the solar panels are generally coplanar (as can be seen in Figure 7). In the opened position, the angle of the solar panels 32 may be adjusted by rotation of the first casing portion 36 about the upper side member 24 (as is shown in Figure 15). [077] One or more second actuators are provided to move each panel casing 34. The second actuators comprise second hydraulic cylinders 38 connected at first ends thereof relative to the frame 12 and at second ends thereof to the second edges of the first casing portions 36. The first ends of the second hydraulic cylinders 38 are connected to a mounting bracket 40 extending away from the first edge of the first casing portion 36 (as can be seen in Figure 16). The orientation of the second hydraulic cylinders 38 is such that the second hydraulic cylinders 38 can be expanded or contracted to cause the first casing portions 36 to pivot between a retracted position in which the first casing portions 36 are generally vertical and parallel to the sides of the frame 12 and one or more extended positions in which the first casing portions 36 extend outwardly from the sides of the frame 12. [078] The second ends of the second hydraulic cylinders 38 are also connected relative to the second casing portions 37 such that as the cylinders expand, the second casing portions 37 are rotated relative to the first casing portions 36 from the folded to the opened positions. As can be seen in Figures 14 to 17, expanding the second hydraulic cylinders 38 therefore moves the first and second casing portions 36 and 37 from the retracted, folded positions to the extended, opened positions. [079] The lighting module 10 is provided also with support legs 42 for increasing stability of the lighting module 10 when the tower 14 is in place. There is provided a first support leg 42 extendable outwardly from a first side of the frame 12 and a second support leg 42 extendable outwardly from a second side of the frame 12. [080] Each of the support legs 42 comprises an elongate member secured to the second end frame portion 20. The first support leg 42 is secured to an 11 upright of the second end frame portion 20 on a first side thereof and the second support leg 42 is secured to an upright of the second end frame portion 20 on a second opposite side thereof. Each of the support legs 42 are secured to extend generally transversely away from the uprights of the second end frame portion 20. The support legs 42 are pivotally mounted to the uprights such that the support legs 42 can rotate through a generally horizontal plane from a first position in which the support legs 42 are parallel to the side members 22 of the frame 12 (as shown in Figure 1) and a second position (as shown in Figure 7) in which the support legs 42 extend outwardly from the sides of the frame 12. [081] Each of the support legs 42 includes a brace member 44 extending from the upright of the second end frame portion 20 above the support leg 42 downwardly away from the upright to the support leg 42. The brace member 44 is also rotatably secured to the second end frame portion 20. [082] As can be seen in Figure 11 b, the first ends of the support legs 42 include slidable sleeves 46 such that when the support legs 42 are extended outwardly in the second position, the sleeves 46 may slide to engage the first ends of the support legs 42 together, thereby locking the support legs 42 from further rotation. [083] The support legs 42 include adjustable feet 48 at second ends thereof. The feet 48 may be adjusted to move upwardly or downwardly relative to the second ends of the support legs 42 so that the feet 48 engage with the ground. Also, the support legs 42 are formed of a plurality of telescoping sections, such that the length of the support legs 42 may be adjusted. The support legs 42 in use thereby extend outwardly from adjacent the second end of the frame 12 to engage with the ground and stabilise the frame 12 to prevent tipping. This arrangement with the elongate shape of the frame 12 provides a triangular type configuration that is expected to be suitably stable. The angular position of the support legs 42 relative to the frame 12 may also be adjusted to suit the conditions, as shown in Figure 13.

12 [084] The lights 16 are connected to the upper end of the tower 14 by a light support bracket 50, as shown in Figures 23 to 25. The light support bracket 50 includes a first portion 52 connected to the tower 14 and a second portion 53 connected to the lights 16. The first and second portions 52 and 53 are pivotally connected to allow adjustment of the tilt of the lights 16, as can be seen in Figure 23. The angular position of the second portion 53 relative to the first portion 52 is preferably controlled by a third hydraulic cylinder 54, as shown in Figure 23b. The first portion 52 is rotatable relative to the end of the tower 14 and the lights 16 are rotatable relative to the second portion 53 (as shown in Figures 24 and 25) to further control the orientation of the lights 16. [085] The frame 12 is also provided with a storage drawer 56 as shown in Figures 26 and 27. The storage drawer 56 is provided extending outwardly from a lower end of the second end frame portion 20 and may be used to store a fire extinguisher. [086] The lighting module 12 is also provided with a plurality of batteries 58. The batteries 58 are connected to store energy generated by the solar panels 32 and to provide power to the lights 16. A tray 60 is provided extending along the bottom of the frame 12 between the lower side members 25 in which the batteries 58 are secured (as shown in Figure 28). The operation of the lighting tower 14 is controlled from a control panel 62. The control panel 62 is mounted to the first end frame portion 18 and includes a number of control buttons and a display screen 64 by which operation of the lighting module 10 may be controlled [087] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims (18)

1. A lighting module comprising: a frame; a tower extendable from the frame having lights at an upper end thereof; and a pair of support legs secured to opposite sides of the frame; wherein the support legs are pivotally mounted relative to the frame such that the support legs can rotate through a generally horizontal plane from a first position in which the support legs are parallel to sides of the frame and a second position in which the support legs extend outwardly from the sides of the frame to engage with the ground and stabilise the frame.

2. A lighting module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the frame includes a first end frame portion at a first end thereof, a second end frame portion at a second end thereof and a plurality of side members extending between the first end frame portion and the second end frame portion.

3. A lighting module in accordance with claim 2, wherein each of the support legs comprises an elongate member pivotally secured at a first end thereof to an upright of the second end frame portion such that the support leg is rotatable through a generally horizontal plane from a first position in which the support leg is parallel to the side members of the frame and a second position in which the support leg extends outwardly from the side members of the frame.

4. A lighting module in accordance with claim 3, wherein feet are provided adjacent second ends of the support legs, the feet being adjustable to move upwardly or downwardly relative to the second ends to engage with the ground.

5. A lighting module in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support legs are formed of a plurality of telescoping sections, such that the length of the support legs may be adjusted. 14

6. A lighting module in accordance with any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first ends of the support legs include slidable sleeves such that when the support legs are extended outwardly in the second position, the sleeves may slide to engage the first ends of the support legs together, thereby locking the support legs from further rotation.

7. A lighting module in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the end frame portions comprises a rectangular frame formed from tubular elongate members and four side members are provided extending from each corner of the first end frame portion to a corresponding corner of the second end frame portion.

8. A lighting module in accordance with claim 7, wherein the side members are longer than the width of the end frame portions such that the frame comprises an elongated rectangular prism shape.

9. A lighting module in accordance with claim 7 or 8, wherein a lower end of the tower is rotatably mounted to a support shaft extending between the upper side members of the frame at a location between a midpoint of the upper side members and the second end frame portion such that the tower rotates through a plane parallel to the side members from a retracted position in which it is oriented horizontally within the frame to an extended position in which the tower extends vertically upwardly.

10. A lighting module in accordance with claim 9, wherein a support bracket is mounted for rotation about the support shaft, the support bracket being secured to the tower adjacent a side thereof such that when the tower is in the retracted position, the tower is located below the support bracket within the confines of the frame.

11. A lighting module in accordance claim 9 or 10, wherein movement of the tower from the retracted to the extended position is provided by a first hydraulic cylinder connected at a first end thereof to the lower end of the tower and at a second end thereof to the frame at a position located lower than the first end and offset towards the first end of the frame. 15

12. A lighting module in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tower comprises a plurality of telescoping tubes such that the tower can be extended from a lowered position to a raised position.

13. A lighting module in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more solar panels supported from the frame in panel casings, each panel casing comprising a first casing portion and a second casing portion, wherein the first casing portion is pivotally mounted along a first edge thereof to one of the upper side members and the second casing portion is pivotally secured to a second edge of the first casing portion such that the first and second casing portions can be pivoted between a folded position in which the solar panels are adjacent each other and an opened position in which the solar panels are generally coplanar.

14. A lighting module in accordance with claim 13, wherein a second hydraulic cylinder is provided being connected at a first end thereof relative to the frame and at second end thereof to the second edge of the first casing portion such that extension of the second hydraulic cylinder causes the first casing portion to pivot between a retracted position in which the first casing portion is generally vertical and parallel to the sides of the frame and one or more extended positions in which the first casing portion extends outwardly from the sides of the frame.

15. A lighting module in accordance with claim 14, wherein the second end of each of the second hydraulic cylinders is connected relative to the second casing portion such that as the second cylinders expand, the second casing portion is rotated relative to the first casing portion from the folded to the extended position.

16. A lighting module in accordance with claim 15, wherein the angle of the solar panels in the extended position may be adjusted by rotation of the first casing portions about the upper side member.

17. A lighting module in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein the frame is provided with a storage drawer extending outwardly from a lower end of the second end frame portion. 16

18. A lighting module in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 17, wherein a tray is provided extending along the bottom of the frame between the lower side members in which batteries are secured to supply power to the lighting module. Solar Power Systems Pty Ltd by its Patent Attorneys Armour IP