AU2015264923A1 - Illumination Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The invention relates a lighting tower comprising a base and a mast having a lower end adapted to be attached to the base and an upper end comprising a light assembly, the base comprising a body for receiving at least a portion of the mast and the mast being adapted to be selectively displaced between an extended condition and a retracted condition; wherein the mast comprises a telescopic mast. The lighting tower also comprises a system for retracting the mast during adverse conditions such as high winds. The lighting tower may be operated by solar panels and engines. Further, the lighting tower is adapted for being lifted by a crane or by fork lifts. Moreover, the base of the lighting tower is configured in such a manner that when located side by side with other lighting towers an arrangement of relative low foot print is defined. Fig 1 26a 26,C, 2&b 1-2 f:Lo

Description

1 2015264923 15 Dec 2015

Illumination Apparatus TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to illumination apparatus and systems.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to lighting towers; and in particular, to portable lighting towers.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Portable lighting towers are currently being used in numerous applications. These applications are used in the building construction industry, road construction industry as well as the mining industry. Portable lighting towers are also widely used in property surveillance as well as emergency services during search and rescue operations.

[0005] Providing illumination to remote areas having no access to electric energy is typically done through portable lighting towers that generate their own electric energy. For this, the lighting towers comprise electric generators driven by combustion engines. Alternatively, the portable lighting towers comprise solar panels for generation of the electric energy.

[0006] For sufficient solar electric energy to be produced so as to provide relative intense light that permit illumination of relative large areas for relative long periods of time, the lighting towers need to have (1) electric generators and engines of a relative large size or (2) relative large surfaces for supporting relative large number of solar cells. These electric generators and engines as well as the relative large surfaces for supporting the solar panels make the portable lighting towers difficult to handle and to transport. 2 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 [0007] Typically, lighting tower comprise a base and a mast comprising the light assembly, the base includes the electric generator and the combustion engines; alternatively, the base may include the surfaces supporting the solar panels.

[0008] Typically, the masts are relatively high; in this manner, the lighting tower may provide illumination to a relative large area without generating shadows that define dark areas. Thus, handling and transportation of the conventional portable lighting towers is cumbersome; this is particularly true due to the relative high masts, and the relative large solar panels that are attached to the base of the lighting tower or the relative heavy and clumsy engines and electric generators incorporated in the bases of the lighting towers.

[0009] Further, conventional lighting towers are typically configured as trailers permitting towing of the lighting towers to the particular locations that need to be illuminated. The trailers may include relative large surfaces for supporting the solar panels or the relative heavy and clumsy engines and electric generators.

[0010] Handling of trailers or storage of the trailer, for example, within ports and sea-containers to permit delivery of the lighting towers to remote locations, is also cumbersome. Also, the shape of trailers used for lighting towers do not permit arranging a plurality of lighting towers in a compact assembly so as to store a relative large number of lighting towers in a reduced space such as a sea-container.

[0011] Moreover, lighting towers are typically used outdoors; thus, the lighting towers can be subject to harsh weather conditions that typically damage the conventional lighting towers. In particular, high winds can be a threat to the integrity of the lighting towers and to the safety of the public located close to the lighting towers; this is particularly true, due to the relative high masts of the lighting towers for locating the light assembly as high as possible. The relative high masts offer a resistance to high winds generating a force capable of damaging the mast and/or producing the lighting tower to roll over during adverse weather conditions.

[0012] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. 3

SUMMARY OF INVENTION 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 [0013] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a lighting tower comprising a base and a mast having a lower end adapted to be attached to the base and an upper end comprising a light assembly, the base comprising a body for receiving at least a portion of the mast and the mast being adapted to be selectively displaced between an extended condition and a retracted condition; wherein the mast comprises a telescopic mast.

[0014] Preferably, the lighting tower comprises a system for selectively displacing the mast between an extended condition and a refracted condition.

[0015] Preferably, the system for selectively displacing the mast between an extended condition and a retracted condition comprises a hydraulic system.

[0016] Preferably, the lighting tower further comprises at least one solar panel.

[0017] Preferably, the solar panel is located above the light assembly.

[0018] Preferably, the lighting tower further comprises a plurality of solar panels arranged in spaced apart relationship with respect to each other along the mast.

[0019] Preferably, the lighting tower further comprises a battery for storing the electric energy generated by the solar panels.

[0020] Preferably, each solar panel is oriented perpendicularly to the mast.

[0021] Preferably, the solar panels are aligned with respect to each other along the mast.

[0022] Preferably, the surface area of each solar panel is substantially the same or less than the surface area of the base.

[0023] Preferably, each solar panel comprises an aperture, the apertures being aligned with respect to each other.

[0024] Preferably, each solar panel is adapted to track the sun. 4 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 [0025] Preferably, each soiar panel is adapted to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the mast.

[0026] Preferably, the lighting tower further comprises a lifting lug, the lifting lug being attached to the base of the lighting tower extending substantially parallel to the mast.

[0027] Preferably, the lifting lug comprises a body having a first end attached to the base and a second end comprising an opening.

[0028] Preferably, the body of the lifting lug is attached to the base at a location such that the lifting lug is aligned with the apertures of the solar panels permitting that the body of the lifting lug traverse the apertures of the panels during displacement of the mast into the retracted condition.

[0029] Preferably, the lighting tower is operatively connecting to a system for detecting wind speed and wind gusts, the system for detecting wind speed and wind gusts being adapted for selectively displacing the mast between the retracted and the extended condition.

[0030] Preferably, the system for detecting wind speed and wind gusts is incorporated in the lighting tower.

[0031] In an alternative arrangement, the system for detecting wind speed and wind gusts is located at a remote location and the system for selectively displacing the mast between the retracted and the extended condition is operatively connected to the system for detecting wind speed and wind gusts located at the remote location.

[0032] Preferably, the lighting tower further comprises an engine and an electric energy generator operatively connected to the engine for generating electric energy to operate the light assembly and/or charging the batteries.

[0033] Preferably, the lighting tower further comprises a control system comprising means for monitoring the amount of electric energy stored in the batteries and means for starting operation of the engine for operation of the light assembly and/or charging 5 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 the battery when the amount of energy stored in the battery has reached a particular lower threshold.

[0034] Preferably, the Sight assembly comprises a plurality of lights arranged in spaced apart relationship around the mast allowing provision of a 360° illumination field.

[0035] Preferably, the light assembly comprises a plurality of lights arranged in spaced apart relationship arranged partially around the mast allowing provision of an illumination field of iess than 360o.

[0036] Preferably, the mast is adapted to rotate around its longitudinal axis.

[0037] Preferably, the lighting tower is adapted to operate without external intervention.

[0038] Preferably, the lighting tower is adapted to be operated from a remote location.

[0039] Preferably, the base of the lighting tower is configured in such a manner that when located side by side with other lighting towers an arrangement of relative low foot print is defined.

[0040] Preferably, the base comprises a lower end adapted to rest on a surface, the lower end comprising a plurality of openings for receiving the forks of fork lifts.

[0041] Preferably, the base comprises a drip tray for receiving substances leaking from the interior of the base.

[0042] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a lighting tower comprising a base, a telescopic mast having a lower end adapted to be attached to the base and an upper end comprising a light assembly, and at least one solar panel attached to the mast, the base comprising a body for receiving at least a portion of the mast and the mast being adapted to be selectively displaced between an extended condition and a retracted condition; wherein the solar panel comprises a surface area of substantially identical or lesser magnitude than the magnitude of the surface area of the base. 6 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 [0043] Preferably, the base of the lighting tower is configured in such a manner that when located side by side with other lighting towers an arrangement of relative low foot print is defined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first arrangement of a lighting tower in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in the extended condition;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lighting tower shown in figure 1 in the contracted condition;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the lighting tower shown in figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a detail of the lighting tower shown in figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the lighting tower shown in figure 1;

Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the light assembly of the lighting tower shown in figure 1;

Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the base of a second arrangement of the lighting tower in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention in the extended condition;

Figure 9 is a side perspective view of a detail of the upper portion of the base shown in figures 7 and 8; 7 2015264923 15 Dec 2015

Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a detail of the upper portion of the base shown in figures 7 and 8; and

Figures 11 to 14 are side views of the base of the first arrangement of the lighting tower in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention depicting each side of the lighting tower. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) [0045] Figures 1 to 14 depict particular arrangements of a Sighting tower 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] The iighting tower 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention is particuiariy suited for ilium inating areas that may be subject to harsh weather conditions such as high winds; this is because the lighting tower 10 comprises a mast 12 for supporting a light assembly 14 wherein the mast 12 is adapted to be selectively displaced between an erected condition and a collapsed condition; in this manner, the mast 12 may be collapsed during high winds and returned to the erected condition after easing of the high winds.

[0047] In a particular arrangement, the lighting tower comprises a control system for detecting high winds and automatically retracting the mast 12 into the collapsed condition. Alternatively, the control system may be operated remotely for retracting or erecting the mast 12 from a remote location.

[0048] Collapsing of the mast 12 also facilitates handling, transportation and storage of the lighting tower 10. As will be described at a later stage, the lighting tower 10 comprises a hoist point for lifting and handling of the lighting tower after the mast 12 has been located into the collapsed condition. Also, the lighting tower 10 is adapted to be lifted and transported using a fork lift.

[0049] Further, the lighting tower 10 is configured to permit arranging a plurality of lighting towers 10 to define an arrangement of lighting towers 10. The lighting towers 10 are configured in such a manner that the arrangement of iighting towers 10 have a relative small foot print; this is, the arrangement of iighting towers 10 covers a relative small surface area permitting storage of a relative large number of lighting towers in a 8 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 relative small area, such as for example, a sea-container; thus it is possible to transport a relative large number of lighting towers 10 in a single sea-container.

[0050] Referring now to figures 1 to 3.

[0051] The lighting tower 10 comprises a base 16 and the mast 12. The mast 12, comprises the light assembly 14 located at an end distal to the base 16. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, the base 16 is configured as a rectangular box defining an inner space surrounded by four sides 18 and having a bottom end 20 and an upper end 22.

[0052] The bottom end 20 may comprise a drip tray for containment of any substances that may be leaking out the apparatus and systems contained in the base 16.

[0053] The inner space is adapted to receive at least part of the equipment for operating the lighting tower 10. The sides 18 comprise openings 42 having doors for selectively dosing and opening of the openings 42 to provide access to the inner space of the base 16.

[0054] The mast 14 extends upward from the upper end 22. The mast 12 comprises a telescopic mast 12 permitting the mast 12 to be displaced between an extended condition and a collapsed condition (see figure 2). In a particular arrangement, the telescopic mast 12 comprises a hydraulic operated telescopic mast 12.

[0055] Figure 2 shows the lighting tower 10 in the collapsed condition; as shown, when the mast 12 is in the collapsed condition, the light assembly 14 is located proximal to the upper end 22 of the base 16 of the lighting tower 10.

[0056] Further, in a particular arrangement, the lighting tower 10 is adapted to be operated via electric energy generated by a diesel engine and/or energy generated by a plurality of solar panels 24.

[0057] In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, the lighting tower 10 comprises three solar panels 24 that are attached to the mast 12. There is one solar panel 24a mounted onto the mast 12 above the iight assembly 14; and, there are a 9 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 plurality of solar panels 24b and 24c arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other.

[0058] The solar panels 24 may be spaced apart with respect to each other in such a manner that the solar panel 24 do not interfere with respect to each other; for example, adjacent panels 24 are arranged with respect to each other so that the shadow produced by one particular solar panel 24b is not casted onto the solar panel 24c adjacent to that particular solar panel 24c. For example, in a particular arrangement, the solar panels 24 may be adapted to rotate around the mast 12 permitting that the solar panels 24 are not located on the top of each other while the mast 12 is located in the erected condition.

[0059] Further, as shown in figure 1, the telescopic mast 12 comprises a plurality of sections 26a to 28e. The section 26b to 26e are configured as sleeves permitting the mast sections 26 to slide into and out each other during selective displacement of the mast 12 between an extended condition and a collapsed condition.

[0060] In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, each solar panel 24 is attached to an end of the respective section 26 to which each pane! 24 is attached; in particular, each panel 24 is attached to the end (of, for example, the respective section 26d) that is opposite to the end of the section 26e defining the sleeve into which the section 26d slides during collapsing of the mast 12. This particular arrangement permits that the panels 24 may be relative close to each other when the mast 12 is in the collapsed condition; permitting the lighting tower 10 to be located in a relative compact condition - see figure 2.

[0061 ] Referring now to figures 4 and 5.

[0062] it was mentioned earlier, that the lighting tower 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention comprises a hoist point for lifting and handling of the lighting tower 10 after the mast 12 has been located into the collapsed condition.

[0063] The hoist point is defined by a lifting lug 28. As shown in figure 4, the lifting lug 28 comprises an extended body 30 with an opening 32 at its end; in particular, the extended body 30 has an end attached to the upper end of the base 16 of the lighting tower 10 and an opposite end comprising the opening 32. 10 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 [0064] The lifting lug 28 is located below the solar panels 24 and, preferably, centered on the upper end 22 of the base 16. As mentioned before, the hoist point (defined by the lifting lug 28) permits lifting and handling of the lighting tower 10 using a crane after the mast 12 has been located into the collapsed condition. For this, the solar panels 24 are adapted to permit the lifting lug 28 to traverse the solar panels 24; in particular, the solar panels 24 comprise apertures 34 for permitting the Sifting Sug 28 to traverse the solar panels 24 - see figure 5. This permits, when the Sighting tower 10 is in the collapsed condition, the opening 32 of the lifting lug 28 to be located above the panels 24 allowing lifting of the lighting tower 10 via a crane.

[0065] Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of the lighting tower 10 in the extended condition. As shown in figure 5, each of the solar panels 24 comprises an aperture 34. The solar panels 24 as well as its apertures 34 are aligned with respect to each other to permit the lifting lug 28 to traverse the solar panels during contraction of the mast 12 of the lighting tower 10.

[0066] Further, the lighting tower 10 is adapted to be lifted and transported using a fork lift. As shown in figure 4, each side of the base 16 comprises a plurality of openings 36 spaced apart with respect to each other for receiving the forks of forklifts.

[0067] Referring now to figure 6.

[0068] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the light assembly 14. As shown in figure 6, the light assembly 14 is located below the solar pane! 24a attached to a support surface 25. The support surface 25 comprises a lower face for attachment of a fitting 27 for attachment of the light assembly 14, and an upper face for receiving the solar panels 24a.

[0069] The particular arrangement shown in figure 5, shows a light assembly 14 having a plurality of lights 38 arranged in spaced apart relationship around the mast 12. This particular arrangement allows provision of a 360° illumination field.

[0070] Further, each light 38 is pivotally attached to the fitting 27 used for attachment of the light assembly 14 permitting varying orientation of each individual light 38. 11 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 [0071] In an alternative arrangement, the light assembly 14 may provide a illumination field of less than 360°; for example, the light assembly 14 may comprise a plurality of lights 38 arranged in spaced apart relationship around the mast 12 defining an arc of lights 38 having a particular angle less than 360°- so that the light assembly 14 surrounds partially the mast 12. This particular arrangement permits illumination of a particular region - for example, the front area of the lighting tower 10.

[0072] Referring now to figures 7 and 8.

[0073] Figures 7 and 8 depict a particular arrangement that allows orienting the light assembly 14 to direct the light to a particular area for illumination of that particular area. This arrangement is particularly useful if the iight assembly 14 provides an illumination field of less than 380° because it permits orienting this particular illumination field of less than 360° to a particular location - for example, the illumination field may be displaced from the front area of the lighting tower 10 to a iocation lateral to the front area of the lighting tower 10. Orienting the light assembly 14 is performed by rotating the mast 12 around its longitudinal axis.

[0074] As shown in figure 7, the mast 12 is adapted to rotate around its longitudinal axis. For this, the lower end of the mast 12 is rotatably attached to the upper surface of the lower end 20 of the base 16.

[0075] The mast 12 may be rotated through a lever 40. The lever 40 is operatively attached to the mast 12 at a location adjacent to the Sower surface of the upper end 22 of the base 16. The lever 40 is adapted to be displaced between an operative condition (as shown in, for example, figures 7 and 8) and a stored condition (as shown figure 11).

[0076] Access to the lever 40 is provided through an opening 42 extending into the side 28 of the base 16. As shown in figure 11, the opening 42 may be closed via a door 44.

[0077] Furthermore, the mast 12 may be fastened at particular orientations around its longitudinal axis. For this, there is provided a fastening disc 45 attached to the mast 12 and surrounding the mast 12. 12 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 [0078] As shown in figure 8, the fastening disc 45 is rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the upper end 22 of the base 16; in this manner, during rotation of the mast 12, the fastening disc 45 rotates on the upper surface of the upper end 22 of the base 16.

[0079] The fastening disc 45 comprises a flange 46 surrounding the exterior periphery of the fastening disc 45. The flange 46 extends upward opposite to the upper surface of the upper end 22 of the base 16. The flange 46 comprises a plurality of sections 48 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. Each of the sections 48 comprises an opening 50. In this manner, a plurality of openings 50 surround the mast 12; this arrangement permits securing the mast at a particular orientation - see figure 9.

[0080] As shown in figure 9, there are provided a plurality of pins 52 arranged in a opposite relationship with respect to each other. The pins 52 comprises springs 54 for biasing the pins 52 to be in an extended condition in order for the ends of the pins 52 to be located inside respective openings 50; in particular, the ends of the pins 52 are kept inserted in the openings 50 that are located in front of the pins 52 due to the springs 54 biasing the pins 52 towards the fastening disc 45. By locating the pins 52 inside the openings 50, the mast 12 is secured at a particular orientation.

[0081] For orientating the mast 12 to other orientations, the pins 52 are extracted from the openings 50. At this stage, the mast 12 may be oriented towards the other orientation using the lever 40; after rotation of the mast 12, the mast 12 may be secured at the other particular orientation by permitting the ends of the pins 52 to slide into the respective openings 50 located in front of the pins 52.

[0082] Referring now to figure 10.

[0083] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the upper surface of the base 16. As shown in figure 10, the section 26f of the mast 12 extends upwards traversing the upper surface of the upper end 22 of the base 16 defining a sleeve section for receiving the section 26e of the mast 12. The upper edge of the section 26f comprises a flange 56 extending perpendicular around the upper edge of the section 26f, Further, there are a plurality of stoppers 58 located at each corner of the upper edge of the section 28f. The stoppers 58 are adapted to receive the solar panel 24c that is attached to the upper end 13 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 of the section 26e. The stopper 56 may include cushions for absorbing the impact of the solar panel 24c when the mast 12 is located into the retracted condition. In a particular arrangement, each of the sections 26 that define the telescopic mast 12 comprises a flange 56 and stoppers 58 as described herein for receiving and absorbing the impact of a solar panel 24.

[0084] Referring now to figures 11 to 14.

[0085] Figure 11 to 14 depict side views of the base 16. Each of the sides of the base 16 comprises an opening 42 to provide access to the inner space of the base 16. Each side also comprises a door 44 for selectively dosing and opening of the opening 42.

[0086] The particular arrangement of the base 16 may be adapted to receive accessories such a fire extinguisher. For example, as shown in, for example, figure 8, a corner of the base 18 comprises a recess 60 for receiving a fire extinguisher.

[0087] Further, the inner space of the base 16 is configured to receive the apparatus and control systems for operating the lighting tower 10.

[0088] It was mentioned before that the lighting tower 10 comprises two different type of electric energy generators.

[0089] A first type of electric energy generators are the solar panels 24 that receive the light and transform it into electric energy for, mainly storing the energy in a battery assembly, comprising, for example, deep cycle batteries. The stored energy may be used at a later stage to operate the light assembly 12 and the systems for controlling operation of the lighting tower 10 such as, for example, the system for retracting and extending the mast 12.

[0090] A second type of energy generators comprises an engine such as a combustion engine driven, for example, by diesel. The engine is operatively connected to an electric generator which may produce the electric energy for charging the batteries and/or operating the light assembly 14 and the control systems such as, for example, the system for retracting and extending the mast 12. 14 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 [0091] In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention, the second type of the energy generator may start operating if the batteries do not have stored sufficient electric energy to properly operate the lighting tower 10. Thus, the second type of electric generator may act as back up of electric energy in case the solar panels did not produce enough energy for storing within the batteries. For this, the control system comprises (1) means for monitoring the amount of energy present in the batteries and (2) means that may start operation of the diesel engine if the amount of electric energy stored in the battery is not sufficient for properly operating the lighting tower 10.

[0092] Moreover, it was mentioned before, that the mast 12 may be selectively displayed between an erected condition and a retracted condition. In a particular arrangement of the present embodiment, the mast 12 may be a hydraulic telescopic mast 12. The hydraulic mast 12 is operated by a pump system for generating the hydraulic fluid flow; and, a control system that controls operation of the hydraulic system for selectively displacing the hydraulic telescopic mast 12 between the extended condition and the retracted condition. The pump system and the hydraulic control system may be located within the inner space of the base 16.

[0093] Furthermore, the lighting tower 10 comprises a system for retracting the mast 12 in the event of adverse weather conditions, such as high winds. The system also may extend the mast 12 after easing of the high winds. For this, there is provided a control system for monitoring the speed of the winds impinging onto the lighting tower 10. The control system may be operably connected to a wind weather station continuously (at least while the mast 12 is in the extended condition) recording wind speed, direction and wind gust. The control system is adapted to retract the mast 12 when wind speeds and wind gusts exceed a specific threshold that may pose a threat to the integrity of the mast 12. The wind station may be incorporated in the iighting tower 10 or the control system may be operatively connected (for example, wirelessly) to wind stations (exterior to the lighting tower 10) that monitor the wind speed and possible advent of wind gusts in the particular location where the iighting tower is located.

[0094] The lighting tower may include software and hardware systems that permit the lighting tower to be self-sufficient; that is, the lighting tower 10 may operate without the need of external intervention. This also applies for orientating the mast 12 to 15 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 illuminate a particular location situated around the longitudinal axis of the mast 12. For this, the lighting tower 10 may incorporate means for rotating the mast 12.

[0095] Alternatively, the lighting tower 10 may be monitored and operated from a remote location. This permits monitoring, actuating of the Sighting assemble 14, rotation of the mast 12 and orientation of individual light 38 of the light assembly 14, and tracking of the particular location of the lighting tower 10 from a location remote with respect to the lighting tower 10. For this, the lighting tower 10 comprises a system for, for example, wirelessly connecting the lighting tower 10 to a remote location and permitting the remote location access and control of the control systems for partially or fully taking control of the operation of the iighting tower 10.

[0096] Moreover, the particular arrangements of the lighting towers 10 shown in the figures comprise solar panels 24 that do not exceed the dimensions of the transversal cross section of the base 16. In this manner, the lighting tower 10, when in the collapsed condition, may be located such that the sides of adjacent lighting tower abut each other. Further, the base 10 is configured as a rectangular body having flush surfaces. This permits the bases 10 to be arranged to define an arrangement with a relative small foot print as was discussed before in connection to storing a plurality of lighting towers 10 in a sea-container.

[0097] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0098] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. For example, the arrangement shown in the figures has been described as having solar panels arranged perpendicularly to the mast and stationary with respect to the mast 12 when the mast 12 is in the extended condition. In alternative arrangements, the solar panels 24 may be adapted to track the sun for increasing collection of solar energy. The solar panels 24 may also be adapted to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the mast 12 within respective planes perpendicular to the mast 12.

[0099] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to 2015264923 15 Dec 2015 16 imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (31)

1. A lighting tower comprising a base and a mast having a lower end adapted to be attached to the base and an upper end comprising a light assembly, the base comprising a body for receiving at least a portion of the mast and the mast being adapted to be selectively displaced between an extended condition and a retracted condition; wherein the mast comprises a telescopic mast.

2. A lighting tower according to claim 1 wherein the lighting tower comprises a system for selectively displacing the mast between an extended condition and a retracted condition.

3. A lighting tower according to claim 2 wherein the system for selectively displacing the mast between an extended condition and a retracted condition comprises a hydraulic system.

4. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lighting tower further comprises at least one solar panel.

5. A lighting tower according to claim 4 wherein the solar panel is located above the light assembly.

6. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a plurality of solar panels arranged in spaced apart relationship with respect to each other along the mast.

7. A lighting tower according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the lighting tower further comprises a battery for storing the electric energy generated by the solar panels.

8. A lighting tower according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein each solar panel is oriented perpendicularly to the mast.

9. A lighting tower according to any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the solar panels are aligned with respect to each other along the mast.

10. A lighting tower according to any one of claims 4 to 9 wherein the surface area of each solar panel is substantially the same or less than the surface area of the base.

11. A lighting tower according to any one of claims 4 to 10 wherein each solar panel comprises an aperture, the apertures being aligned with respect to each other.

12. A lighting tower according to any one of claims 4 to 11 wherein each solar panel is adapted to track the sun,

13. A lighting tower according to any one of claims 4 to 12 wherein each solar panel is adapted to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the mast.

14. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lighting tower further comprises a lifting lug, the lifting lug being attached to the base of the lighting tower extending substantially parallel to the mast.

15. A lighting tower according to claim 14 wherein the lifting lug comprises a body having a first end attached to the base and a second end comprising an opening.

16. A lighting tower according to claims 14 or 15 wherein the body of the lifting lug is attached to the base at a location such that the lifting lug is aligned with the apertures of the solar panels permitting that the body of the lifting lug traverse the apertures of the panels during displacement of the mast into the retracted condition.

17. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lighting tower is operatively connecting to a system for detecting wind speed and wind gusts, the system for detecting wind speed and wind gusts being adapted for selectively displacing the mast between the retracted and the extended condition.

18. A lighting tower according to claim 17 wherein the system for detecting wind speed and wind gusts is incorporated in the lighting tower.

19. A lighting tower according to claim 17 wherein the system for detecting wind speed and wind gusts is located at a remote location and a system for selectively displacing the mast between the retracted and the extended condition is operatively connected to the system for detecting wind speed and wind gusts located at the remote location.

20. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lighting tower further comprises an engine and an electric energy generator operatively connected to the engine for generating electric energy to operate the light assembly and/or charging the batteries.

21. A lighting tower according to claim 20 wherein the lighting tower further comprises a control system comprising means for monitoring the amount of electric energy stored in the batteries and means for starting operation of the engine for operation of the light assembly and/or charging the battery when the amount of energy stored in the battery has reached a particular lower threshold.

22. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the light assembly comprises a plurality of lights arranged in spaced apart relationship around the mast allowing provision of a 360° illumination field.

23. A lighting tower according to any one claims 1 to 21 wherein the light assembly comprises a plurality of lights arranged in spaced apart relationship arranged partially around the mast allowing provision of an illumination field of less than 360°.

24. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mast is adapted to rotate around its longitudinal axis.

25. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lighting tower is adapted to operate without external intervention.

26. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lighting tower is adapted to be operated from a remote location.

27. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base of the lighting tower is configured in such a manner that when located side by side with other lighting towers an arrangement of relative low foot print is defined.

28. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base comprises a lower end adapted to rest on a surface, the lower end comprising a plurality of openings for receiving the forks of fork lifts.

29. A lighting tower according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base comprises a drip tray for receiving substances leaking from the interior of the base.

30. A lighting tower comprising a base, a telescopic mast having a lower end adapted to be attached to the base and an upper end comprising a light assembly, and at least one solar panel attached to the mast, the base comprising a body for receiving at least a portion of the mast and the mast being adapted to be selectively displaced between an extended condition and a retracted condition; wherein the solar panel comprises a surface area of substantially identical or lesser magnitude than the magnitude of the surface area of the base.

31. A lighting tower according to claim 30 wherein the base of the lighting tower is configured in such a manner that when located side by side with other lighting towers an arrangement of relative low foot print is defined.