GB2558760A

GB2558760A - Signal installation and method

Info

Publication number: GB2558760A
Application number: GB1719211.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Weston Paul
Original assignee: Siemens PLC
Current assignee: Siemens PLC
Priority date: 2016-11-23
Filing date: 2017-11-20
Publication date: 2018-07-18
Also published as: GB201619796D0; GB201719211D0

Abstract

A traffic signal installation system comprises a base 28, a first pole section 1 and a second pole section 7. A pole section lifting device 27 is fixed via a mount 15 on one of the first section or the base. The first section may comprise a connector piece to fit it to the base. The second section may comprise a pre-assembled pole and traffic signal head combination, and the lifting device may be removably attached to the first section or the base. The lifting device may comprise a rope or chain pulley system. A method of installing a traffic signal head on a pole comprises the steps of attaching a first pole section to a base 5, lifting the head and second section into position, and detaching the lifting device. The second pole section may be mounted on a trolley before being lifted into place. A method of carrying out maintenance of a traffic signal head includes the step of using a lifting device to lower a signal head and second section to the ground.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Signal installation and method Abstract Title: A traffic signal installation system (57) A traffic signal installation system comprises a base 28, a first pole section 1 and a second pole section 7. A pole section lifting device 27 is fixed via a mount 15 on one of the first section or the base. The first section may comprise a connector piece to fit it to the base. The second section may comprise a pre-assembled pole and traffic signal head combination, and the lifting device may be removably attached to the first section or the base. The lifting device may comprise a rope or chain pulley system. A method of installing a traffic signal head on a pole comprises the steps of attaching a first pole section to a base 5, lifting the head and second section into position, and detaching the lifting device. The second pole section may be mounted on a trolley before being lifted into place. A method of carrying out maintenance of a traffic signal head includes the step of using a lifting device to lower a signal head and second section to the ground.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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SIGNAL INSTALLATION AND METHOD

This invention relates to a system for installing traffic signals, in particular roadside signals.

Installation of roadside traffic signals conventionally required a ladder, but modern safe working practices now require an operative to use an aerial work platform to allow safe access above ground level. These may extend into the road beside the path or verge on which the traffic signal is being installed. This means that the road width is restricted, or the road is closed, causing inconvenience and congestion for road users. In city centres, in particular, it is desirable to avoid or minimise road closure, or other interference with traffic flow.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a traffic signal installation system comprises a traffic signal base, a first traffic signal pole section, a second traffic signal pole section and a traffic signal pole section lifting device; the system further comprising a lifting device mount on one of the first traffic signal pole section or the traffic signal base.

Preferably, the first traffic signal pole section comprises a connector piece to fit the first section to the base.

Preferably, the second traffic signal pole section comprises a pre-assembled pole and traffic signal head combination.

Preferably, the lifting device is removably mounted to the first pole section, or to the base.

Preferably, the lifting device comprises a rope or chain pulley system.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a method of installing a traffic signal head on a traffic signal pole comprises providing a first traffic signal pole section; attaching the first traffic signal pole section to a traffic signal base; providing a second traffic signal pole section pre-assembled with one or more traffic signal heads; attaching a lifting device to one of the first pole section or the base; connecting the lifting device to the assembled traffic signal head and second pole section; lifting the traffic signal head and second pole section into position on top of the first pole section; and detaching the lifting device from the pre-assembled traffic signal head and second pole section.

Preferably, the second traffic signal pole section removably mounted to a trolley and is brought within reach of the lifting device before being attached to the lifting device.

Preferably, the method further comprises fastening the second pole section to the first pole section after locating the second pole section on the first pole section.

Preferably, the method further comprises detaching the lifting device from the base or first pole section, for reuse with another traffic signal pole section.

The assembly may be carried out at a location remote from the traffic signal base installation location. The lifting device and its mounting connector may be removeably mounted to the first pole section or base, reducing overall component use.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a method of carrying out maintenance at ground level of a traffic signal head on a traffic signal pole, the method comprising providing a removable lifting device and fitting on a first traffic signal pole section, or in a base; attaching a lifting element of the lifting device to the traffic signal head on a second traffic signal pole section; disconnecting the first and second pole sections, lifting the traffic signal head and second pole section assembly off the first pole section and lowering them to ground level, so that they are accessible for maintenance.

An example of a traffic signal installation system and method according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompany drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a pole base section in the ground for a traffic signal installation system and method in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a pole upper section for use with the base section of Fig. 1;

Figure 3 illustrates a stillage for use in a traffic signal installation system and method according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a mounting component for use with the stillage of Fig.3;

Figure 5 shows more detail of how the section of Fig.2 may be mounted on the stillage of Fig. 3

Figure 6 illustrates a plurality of assembled signal heads and pole top sections on the stillage;

Figure 7 illustrates multiple stillages with assembled signal heads and pole top sections mounted on the stillages;

Figure 8 illustrates how a lifting device of an installation system and method in accordance with the present invention may be mounted to a pole base section installed in the ground;

Figure 9 shows an assembled signal head and pole top section combination on a trolley;

Figure 10 shows an assembled signal head and pole top section combination on a trolley being brought to the base pole;

Figure 11 shows a pole base section and upper section, as well as the lifting device of the installation system of the present invention, in place on the base section;

Figures 12 to 15 illustrate various stages of carrying out a method of traffic signal installation in accordance with the present invention

As discussed above, modem safety requirements restrict or entirely prevent the use of ladders for working at height. Mobile elevating work platforms, or vehicles equipped with a crane are a relatively expensive alternative, as well as sometimes being difficult to place near enough to the pole, or blocking traffic. Some access issues have been addressed by adapting poles to have doors near to the base so that connections between the cables coming down from the signal heads and those coming up from the controller can be made at ground level. However, this does not solve the problem of installing the signal heads themselves at height. Traffic signals are typically installed on top of poles, usually about 4 metres high, although shorter or taller installations may be used in some cases. The traditional method of installation is to fit the poles into sockets in the ground, and then to fit the signal heads by carrying them up a ladder and bolting them onto the pole. The signal heads are attached to the pole by means of brackets and U-Bolts.

Another problem is that installing signal heads from a ladder in potentially challenging weather and site conditions is inherently time consuming, as well as the conditions making it difficult for the operative to actually carry out the work to the highest quality. It is desirable that the time spent by operatives working on the street should be minimised. As already mentioned, there may be difficulties in getting a vehicle equipped with a crane near to the pole to install the traffic signals, and the use of large vehicles poses problems with inter alia traffic management.

The present invention addresses these problems by providing an installation system and method which minimises the amount of fitting work that needs to be done on site and then provides equipment which allows an operative working from the ground to install the traffic signal without the need for an aerial work platform at all. This means that the amount of space required around the installation is reduced and in many cases the installation can be carried out without any road closures.

The installation system splits the pole into at least two sections. A first section is designed to be fitted to a traffic signal base at the site. The second section is designed to take the signal heads. This allows the process of installing the first section on the base to be separated from the process of installing the signal heads on the second pole section. The assembly of the signal heads and second pole section may be carried out as a bulk process in a factory, or other offsite location.

Although in the present invention, more than two signal pole sections may be used, the preferred arrangement is for the traffic signal poles to be split in two, i.e. into first and second sections. The proportion of the whole pole that each section has may vary according to customer requirements, but it is preferred that each section is approximately half of the overall length. For the example of a 4 metre pole, each pole section is about 2 metres long. In this example, a spigot joint is provided so that the sections of the pole can be securely fastened together, although other suitable types of joint may be used. The pole, comprising lower and upper sections, connected with a suitably strong joint, can be readily assembled in the field.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example of the first pole section 1. The first pole section 1, the base section, typically comprises lengths 2a, 2b of standard cross section provided with an enlarged cross section 3 and opening 4 to allow ground level access to electrical cable connections. The lower part 2b of the pole may be fitted into a ground socket 5 at the location where the traffic signals are to be installed. The ground socket is typically concreted in place in advance and the fitting of the base section lean easily be done by hand without the requirement for a vehicle equipped with a crane, or for the operative to work at height.

The signal heads 6 may be assembled onto the second section 7, the top section, of the poles prior to installation on site, preferably in a factory, in order to have control over the quality of the complete assembly of the signal heads on the top section of the pole. In the example shown in Fig.2, two sets of signal heads, facing in opposite directions on the top section are shown, but in other cases the pole may only carry one set. To assist the assembly process, stillages 8 as shown in Fig.3 may be provided so that the top pole sections 7 are held securely in place in a socket 9 in the stillage. The pole may be protected in the socket by a plastic sleeve 10 as shown in Fig.4. The stillages may be provided with a deck 11 at a convenient height to aid assembly, and can be moved easily with a forklift. The stillage is adapted to secure the upper pole sections in openings in the deck of the stillage. The stillage is made of strong material such as steel and can be lifted by a forklift or crane in the factory. The openings in the deck provided on top of the stillage are such that assembly personnel are able to access the top of the pole from the deck. Eyes may be provided on the stillage, for tying down the signal pole assemblies to provide further security, particularly in transit.

The bottom of the pole may be held securely by fitting the end of the pole into a socket, for example a peg, or spigot, may be attached to the stillage to receive the pole. The design of an example of a spigot is shown in Figure 5, onto which the pole section 7 may be fitted. Cable (not shown) from the pole 7 may be led through the spigot 13 and through a slot 14 in the deck 11 of the stillage. Fig. 6 shows a plurality of upper parts 7 of the poles, which have been assembled with signal heads in the factory mounted to a stillage, which can be moved in the factory on the forks 16 of a forklift. Multiple stillages populated with the assembled signal head and pole sections may be loaded onto a truck bed 17 for easy transport to the site, as shown in Fig.7. Each base section 1 of the pole is manufactured with a suitable mounting connector 15 to which a lifting gear, such as a lightweight rigid arm 20 with block and tackle, or other type of crane may be removably attached. A joint, or connector 30, which may be a spigot, peg, or pipe and socket joint - with one diameter enlarged with respect to another - but which may also be a flange or other type of joint, is preferably attached to either the lower, or upper section of the pole, to join the two pole sections 1, 7 together.

Fig. 8 illustrates more detail of how the lifting device is fitted by its arm 20 to the lower pole section 1. The connector 15 may take any suitable form - in this example, the connector comprises a pair of support arms 18, each having a part circular opening 19 chosen to have a similar diameter to the arm 20, so that the arm can be slotted into the openings 19 from above. The support arms may be joined to the pole section 2a, for example by welding or riveting. If required, a fixing by means of a plate 21 and compression cable around the back of the pole section may be provided. In combination with a friction surface on the ends of the support arms which contact the pole, this allows the mount to be removable, put in place only for the installation work, or during maintenance, but otherwise removed and reused like the lifting device itself. The opening in the lower pair of arms may be provided with a ridge of slightly smaller diameter to prevent the bottom of the arm going all the way through that opening. The openings may be slightly offset in order to angle the arm, to alter the position of the top of the arm. The installation system of the present invention permits a lightweight crane to be used, as there is limited overturning moment. As all fastenings are within reach of the ground, there is no requirement for working above ground level.

The installation system may make use of specially adapted trolleys to move the assembled upper section 23 into position close to the already installed base section 1. The trolleys are also useful for moving the assembled section 23 around in the factory. Fig.9 illustrates an assembled section 23 on a trolley 24. The trolley may be provided with an incision 26 in a platform 25, so that the section 23 may be brought into close contact with the base section 1, as illustrated in Fig. 10, before being lifted into position. The trolley 24 is designed to allow the assembled signal head section 23 to get close to the pole section 1 in the ground. For convenience, a mounting spigot may be provided beneath the platform to support the assembled pole section 23. Fig. 11 shows a lifting device 27 mounted to the support connector 15 on the base section 1 and the assembled signal head and pole section 23 having been installed, in place on top of the base section 1.

The complete signal head and top section pole assemblies may be loaded onto a vehicle for transport to site. On site, the top pole sections/signal head assembles may be lifted from the stillages, one at a time and loaded onto the trolley. The trolley is then pushed to the base section of the pole base on to which it is to be installed, or directly onto the ground next to the base. As well as the mounting for the pole, eyes may be provided for lashing the pole down securely on the trolley. The trolley may be provided with a wide base so that it is stable when traversing obstacles.

The process of manufacturing the various parts of the system and carrying out the installation will now be described in more detail with particular reference to Figs.

to 15. In a factory, base pole sections 1 are manufactured and separately, upper pole sections 7 and their traffic signal heads 6 are assembled, for example by locating a plurality of upper pole sections 7 on a spigot 13 in a stillage 8, then attaching the appropriate signal heads to each pole section 7. The assembled sections 23 may then be labelled in order that they are installed at the correct location. The deck of the stillage may be used by assembly personnel to stand on to facilitate installation.

The base pole sections may be delivered to pre-assigned locations and installed by inserting the end 2b of the base pole into a suitably shaped slot or connector 5 that has previously been embedded in the ground, or in a solid base, such as concrete. The pole base is relatively small and light, and may be inserted into the ground socket by hand. Figure 12 shows a typical lower pole section 1 installed in a socket 5 in a concrete base 28.

The assembled traffic signal and upper pole sections 23 on their stillages may be delivered to the site. The maximum number of assemblies which each stillage is designed to support may be varied depending on the space available on vehicles and factory. The examples of Figs.3 and 6 show four poles per stillage, but more, or fewer, may be used. The stillages 8 are designed so that they can be stacked when empty and may be moved around the factory by forklift. When the stillages have been populated, they are loaded onto a vehicle for transport to the site. Transport may be, for example, in a high top van, or on a flatbed truck or trailer. As an alternative, the stillages may be provided with a drawbar, a wheelset and lights so that they can be used as a road capable trailer. Base sections 1 and assembled sections 23 may be alternated on the stillage. For a small site, the bases 1 may be loaded into the same stillage 8 as the pole/signal head assemblies 23, but for larger sites the bases 1 may be transported separately and installed prior to the top assemblies 23 arriving at the site. At the site, the populated stillages are lowered to the ground from the trailer or vehicle in which they have been transported. A lifting bar assembly (not shown) which clamps round the pole may be used for lifting, although other methods could be used, such as a crane attached to the stillage or trolley.

As described above with respect to Fig.8, the lifting gear, such as a hoist, or light crane, has a simple design and may be attached to the lower part 1 of the pole, or to a fitting on the base 28. In order to install the assembled signal heads and top section of the pole 23, the lifting gear is fitted to the base pole section 1 then a moveable end 29 of the lifting device is connected to the top section and signal head assembly 23, for example by wrapping a strop around signal head supports on the pole section. The assembly is then lifted into place by the operative, using the crane. The connecting fasteners between the upper and lower sections 1, 7 are tightened, and cables terminated through the opening 4, so that the complete installation is done without any need for working at height, or using a vehicle equipped with a crane, or a mobile elevating work platform. Even if the top section and signal heads need to be assembled locally on site, this can be done a ground level and the operative has the option to keep out of wind and rain whilst carrying out the assembly, which helps improve the overall quality of the assembled traffic signal pole.

The lifting device, or crane 27, is preferably powered by hand, but could be powered either with an integral motor or with a battery drill attachment. Fig. 13 shows a typical example of a crane attached to the lower, or base, pole section. The crane shown is of a simple hand powered type, with rope block and tackle falls, but other types could be used, including telescopic cranes. The signal head assembly 23 in this example is shown lying on the ground beside the base pole section 1, but could equally be mounted on a trolley as in Fig. 10. The crane may be attached to the lower pole with a clamp similar to that shown in Figure 8, but other types of attachments may be used, such as pipe of appropriate diameter, fixed to the base pole section, such that a rigid arm of the crane can be dropped into the pipe and held firmly, then removed easily after use.

For lifting the top section, the pole may be attached to a crane hook, or a strop may be used, wrapped around the pole. There may be a special eyebolt provided in the top of the pole, or alternatively the top signal head brackets may be used to attach the crane to the top section. A downhaul (not shown) may also be attached to the strop, so that the strop may be pulled down the pole to disconnect the crane once the top section has been installed. When the strop has been pulled down by the downhaul line, the strop can then be disengaged, sometimes with a hook mounted on a short pole. Other lifting arrangements may be used with alternative methods of disengaging the strop at ground level, for example with a long hook. A piece of flexible conduit may be provided to protect the cable in-way at the bottom of the pole. To facilitate dropping the cable through the lower pole, a weight may be affixed to the cables.

The top assembly is lifted vertically by the operator using the lifting gear, as shown in Figure 14. The cable from the bottom end of the top section is lined up with the lower section and passed down through the lower tube, typically with the help of a weight. The top section pole 7 is lowed onto the top of the bottom section 1 and the connector 30 between the two pole parts tightened as shown in Fig. 15. The crane, and optionally the mounting bracket 15, is then removed from the lower pole section and installation is complete.

A traffic signal installation system may comprise a traffic signal base, a first traffic signal pole section, a second traffic signal pole section and lifting gear. The first traffic signal pole section may be fitted to the base and the second traffic signal pole section may comprise a pre-assembled pole and traffic signal head combination. The lifting gear may be removably mounted to the first pole section. The lifting gear may comprise a crane.

A method of installing a traffic signal head on a traffic signal pole may comprise providing a first traffic signal pole section for fitting to a traffic signal base and assembling the traffic signal head to a second traffic signal pole section. The assembly may be carried out at a location remote from the traffic signal base installation location. Lifting gear may be removably fitted to the first traffic signal pole section when it has been installed in its base and the assembled traffic signal head and second pole section are brought to the base and first pole section. The assembled signal head and second pole section may be lifted onto the first pole section, then the crane may be removed for reuse elsewhere.

A method of maintaining a traffic signal head on a traffic signal pole without a maintenance worker having to work above ground level may comprise providing a removable crane and fitting it to a first traffic signal pole section in a base; attaching the lifting element of the crane to the traffic signal head on a second traffic signal pole section; disconnecting the first and second pole sections, lifting the traffic signal head and second pole section assembly off the first pole section and lowering them to ground level, so that they are accessible for maintenance.

The system of the present invention has a number of benefits and advantages. The assembly of the signal heads to the upper pole sections may be carried out in a factory environment, rather than in the field. The assembled signal heads are easy to manage and transport to the site, as well as having a simple storage arrangement on site for the assembled signal heads. Installation of the ground part of pole is straightforward. No unassisted manual handling by the operative is required. The assembled poles may be easily transported around the site using a specially designed trolley. The trolley interfaces close to the pole and the lifting gear, or crane, used to install the top section pole may be lightweight, as there is limited overturning moment.

The lightweight crane uses the installed lower pole as its base - there is no need for separate crane outrigger legs or counterweight. All fastenings are within reach of the ground, so there is no requirement for working above ground level. Traffic management is simplified and the need to block off pathways is reduced. The overall system is less intrusive than conventional installation methods, with noise and disturbance for residents reduced and pollution minimised.

It should be readily appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from, or reasonably suggested by, the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and presents examples of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. This disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the particular systems or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A traffic signal installation system comprises a traffic signal base, a first traffic signal pole section, a second traffic signal pole section and a traffic signal pole section lifting device; the system further comprising a lifting device mount on one of the first traffic signal pole section or the traffic signal base.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first traffic signal pole section comprises a connector piece to fit the first section to the base.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second traffic signal pole section comprises a pre-assembled pole and traffic signal head combination.

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the lifting device is removably mounted to the first pole section, or to the base.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the lifting device comprises a rope or chain pulley system.

6. A method of installing a traffic signal head on a traffic signal pole, the method comprising providing a first traffic signal pole section; attaching the first traffic signal pole section to a traffic signal base; providing a second traffic signal pole section preassembled with one or more traffic signal heads; attaching a lifting device to one of the first pole section or the base; connecting the lifting device to the assembled traffic signal head and second pole section; lifting the traffic signal head and second pole section into position on top of the first pole section; and detaching the lifting device from the pre-assembled traffic signal head and second pole section.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the second traffic signal pole section removably mounted to a trolley and is brought within reach of the lifting device before being attached to the lifting device.

8. A method according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the method further comprises fastening the second pole section to the first pole section after locating the second pole section on the first pole section.

5

9. A method according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the method further comprises detaching the lifting device from the base or first pole section, for reuse with another traffic signal pole section.

10. A method of carrying out maintenance at ground level of a traffic signal head

10 on a traffic signal pole, the method comprising providing a removable lifting device and fitting on a first traffic signal pole section, or in a base; attaching a lifting element of the lifting device to the traffic signal head on a second traffic signal pole section; disconnecting the first and second pole sections, lifting the traffic signal head and second pole section assembly off the first pole section and lowering them to ground

15 level, so that they are accessible for maintenance.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1719211.3 Examiner: Mr William Crowe