Adjustable framework and components therefor

Abstract

17 ABSTRACT: An adjustable framework for a headframe support structure for mobile antennas or other data transfer receiving and / or transmitting equipment wherein the adjustable framework includes: a first horizontal support structure layer on which the antennas are to be supported in-use, including: mtwo to four outrigger elongate (outrigger) members; two to four internal bracing elongate members (bracing members); two to four external boundary elongate members (boundary members); wherein each of the bracing members connect: at a distal end thereof to one of the respective boundary members via a clamp arrangement which enables longitudinal positioning of a boundary member relative to a bracing member to be altered in either direction; and wherein each of the outriggers: connect near a distal end thereof to one of the respective bracing members via a clamp arrangement which enables longitudinal positioning to be altered in either direction along the boundary members; and in-use can connect at a proximate end thereof to a central vertical support (CVS) structure via a bracket arrangement; wherein in- use located underneath the first horizontal support structure is at least one further horizontal layer comprising: two to four outrigger elongate members; two to four internal bracing members; two to four boundary members; each outrigger being connected - as described above for first horizontal support layer – to the boundary member and the CVS structure; and wherein the second and any additional horizontal layer(s) are connected to the first horizontal support structure layer via vertically spanning (VS) elongate members. ABSTRACT: An adjustable framework for a headframe support structure for mobile antennas or other data transfer receiving and / or transmitting equipment wherein the adjustable framework includes: a first horizontal support structure layer on which the antennas are to be supported in-use, including: mtwo to four outrigger elongate (outrigger) members; two to four internal bracing elongate members (bracing members); two to four external boundary elongate members (boundary members); wherein each of the bracing members connect: at a distal end thereof to one of the respective boundary members via a clamp arrangement which enables longitudinal positioning of a boundary member relative to a bracing member to be altered in either direction; and wherein each of the outriggers: connect near a distal end thereof to one of the respective bracing members via a clamp arrangement which enables longitudinal positioning to be altered in either direction along the boundary members; and in-use can connect at a proximate end thereof to a central vertical support (CVS) structure via a bracket arrangement; wherein in- use located underneath the first horizontal support structure is at least one further horizontal layer comprising: two to four outrigger elongate members; two to four internal bracing members; two to four boundary members; each outrigger being connected - as described above for first horizontal support layer - to the boundary member and the CVS structure; and wherein the second and any additional horizontal layer(s) are connected to the first horizontal support structure layer via vertically spanning (VS) elongate members. 17 20 24 21 63 49 26 A ug 2 02 4 A B S T R A C T : 2 0 2 4 2 1 6 3 4 9 2 6 A u g 2 0 2 4 A B S T R A C T : 2 0 2 4 2 1 6 3 4 9 2 6 A u g 2 0 2 4 1 / 9 FIG 1 1 / 9 FIG1 (85) 10 6 OH 10 110 x 1 100 10 110 10 85 20 24 21 63 49 26 A ug 2 02 4 8 8 7 9 7 6 1 4 1 0 1 4 t & 1 0 8 8 6 8 2 0 2 4 2 1 6 3 4 9 2 6 A u g 2 0 2 4 8 8 7 9 7 6 o 1 4 1 0 1 4 t - 1 1 0 8 8 9 8 2 0 2 4 2 1 6 3 4 9 2 6 A u g 2 0 2 4

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to an adjustable framework and components therefor. In particular, the invention provides an adjustable framework for supporting a headframe suitable for holding mobile antennas or other communication data relay apparatus thereon. BACKGROUND ART Communications and other data transfer receiving and / or transmitting equipment typically needs to be supported at an above ground elevation for reliable data transfer on a support structure in the form of a horizontal platform (also known as a headframe). In general, such data transfer receiving and / or transmitting equipment is located on a headframe is positioned at an elevation which is: - above actual ground level at the GPS location of the data transfer equipment, and / or - above the maximum elevation of n other support structure such as the top of a building, on which the data transfer equipment will be located, typically, the distance above ground level, or maximum elevation above the other support structure, may be at least 10m or more. However, given vertical support structures can be in the form poles or lattice towers of variable external dimensions, configurations, and / or outer profiles customising all components to fit a pole outer dimension or lattice tower construction or outer 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 dimension, is time consuming and not to mention adds unnecessary manufacturing costs. Additionally, the span of the adjustable framework may need to be expanded to hold more equipment or reduced to reduce the impact of environmental factors which may be present at a particular GPS location. Ideally, it would be good to have an adjustable framework which can do one or more of the following: • allow flexibility of the headframe installation on different pole diameters without changing the parts. • allow for adjustment of the headframe outside footprint in different situation, for contraction of the headframe footprint, and expansion of the headframe footprint. • allow for expansion of the headframe size in the future without the need for the replacement of the headframe main members (outrigger & diagonal bracing) It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable framework for a headframe support structure for mobile antennas or other data transfer receiving and / or transmitting equipment wherein the adjustable framework includes: - a first horizontal support structure layer on which the antennas are to be supported in-use, including: - two to four outrigger members (outriggers); - two to four internal bracing elements; - two to four external boundary members; wherein each of the bracing elements connect: at a distal end thereof to one of the respective boundary elements via a clamp arrangement which enables longitudinal positioning of a boundary member relative to a bracing element to be altered in either direction; and wherein each of the outriggers: - connect near a distal end thereof to one of the respective bracing elements via a clamp arrangement which enables longitudinal positioning to be altered in either direction along the boundary members; and - in-use can connect at a proximate end thereof to a central vertical support (CVS) structure via a bracket arrangement; wherein in- use located underneath the first horizontal support structure is at least one further horizontal layer comprising: - two to four outrigger; - two to four internal bracing elements; - two to four boundary members; 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 each outrigger being connected - as described above for first horizontal support layer - to the boundary member and the CVS structure; and wherein the second and any additional horizontal layer(s) are connected to the first horizontal support structure layer via vertically spanning (VS) elongate members. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracing element for a headframe support structure, the bracing element including: - an elongate member; - a first end plate which is angled or orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, and wherein: -the bracing element has a second end plate at the opposite end to the first end plate wherein the second plate is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member; wherein the external dimensions of the plates are greater than those of the elongate member to provide a projecting surface, wherein the projecting surface of the plates each include four spaced apart apertures therein. A bracing element substantially as described above wherein there are two end plates, at either end of the elongate member, which are both angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. A bracing element substantially as described above wherein there are two end plates, at either end of the elongate member, wherein one plate is angled, and one plate is orthogonal, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The plates on the respective ends of the bracing element may have four apertures therein for receiving bolts to enable the plates to form part of a clamp. 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an outrigger which includes, and elongate member with an end plate on one end thereof adapted to connect the outrigger to an interchangeable bracket arrangement. Abracing element having a rectangular cross-sectional profile which incudes a centrally located plate with bigger cross-sectional dimensions than those of the bracing element which is located in-use on a top-side or an under-side thereof. The plate may include apertures therein for locating U-bolts therein for attachment in use to a bracing element. In one example the plate has external dimensions of the plate that are greater than those of the elongate member, wherein the plate includes apertures in those regions of the plate which project beyond the external dimensions elongate member. An outrigger substantially as described above wherein the plate in-use connects -via fixing elements - to a corresponding plate on attached to the collar portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTHE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1      a plan view of an adjustable framework for a headframe support structure detailing the top structure layer in accordance with one preferred embodiment of one aspect of the present invention. Figure 2      shows an isometric view of Figure 1. Figure 3      shows a side elevation of Figure 2. 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 Figure 4 shows an adjustable framework as an alternate preferred embodiment to that in Figure 1 with bracket arrangement surrounding a support pole with a narrow diameter; Figure 5 shows an adjustable framework as shown in Figure 4 but with a larger a footprint. Figure 6 shows an adjustable framework as shown in Figures 3 and 4 with a bracket to fit an even larger diameter pole than shown in Figures 3 and 4 and a larger footprint. Figure 7 shows one preferred bracket connecting the bracing element to the outrigger as shown in the previous drawings. Figure 8 shows a bracket connecting the bracing element to the boundary members. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an adjustable framework for a headframe support structure where the vertical support is provided by a lattice in accordance with one further preferred embodiment of one aspect of the present invention. Figure 10 shows the bracket arrangement for a lattice 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In Figures 1, 2 and 3 there is shown an adjustable framework 1 for a headframe support surface HS structure top layer 1000 for supporting mobile antennas or other data transfer receiving and / or transmitting equipment (not shown). The adjustable framework 1 is located on a central vertical support (CVS) structure in the form of a circular pole 2. The adjustable framework 1 has: - three outrigger elongate members (outriggers) 5; - three internal bracing elongate elements (bracing elements) 6; - three external boundary elongate members (boundary members) 7. There is shown in Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 7 an additional horizontal lower layer 3000 which is connected to the adjustable bracing system 1 shown in Figure 1 via a plurality of vertically spanning (VS) elongate members 4 - thus forming two layers 1000 and 3000. It should be noted that layers 1000 and 3000 are demarcated via the three external boundary members 7 and 7a on each layer. The VS elongate members 4 are connected respective boundary members 7 and 7a which are vertically aligned and adjacent one another via clamping brackets 8 and 8a. The VS elongate members 4 can be located on the inside or outside edge of the 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 boundary members 7,7a. If the VS members 4 are located on the outside edge of the boundary members 7,7a they are spaced apart therefrom via a spacer element 8s which has a bracket 8 or 8a at either end thereof. The brackets 8, 8a are the same just located on different layers 100 or 300 respectively. The clamps 8,8a have plates and U-bolts and is substantially similar to, what is described below, in relation to clamp 10. Adjustment of the footprint of the adjustable framework 1 to provide a smaller or larger platform is achieved via the outrigger / bracing clamping bracket 9 and external bracing / boundary clamping bracket 10. This outrigger / bracing bracket 8s is configured to enable the bracing elements 6 to slide relative to the outrigger 5 in directions shown by arrows X-Y until a clamping force is applied to hold the bracing member fixed in place relative to the outrigger 5 - as shown in Figures 4 - 6. In turn, bracing / boundary clamping bracket 10 enables the boundary member 7 to slide in direction A or Z to adjust the size of the footprint created by the span of the boundary members 7 out from the centre of the CVS 2. In Figures 4 -6 the adjustable bracing system 1 (shown in each of Figures 4 - 6) have outriggers 5 with the same length and bracing elements 6 also of the same length. Figures 4 and 5 also have the same bracket arrangement fitting around a CVS 2 having the same diameter (0 470mm) - whereas Figure 6 has a larger diameter (0 810mm) CVS 2 and a larger bracket arrangement 103 to accommodate same. 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 The boundary members 7 in Figure 4 have a length of 2500mm and in Figure 5 the boundary members have a length of 3200mm. In Figure 6 the boundary members have a length of 4200mm. The outriggers 5 attach to the central vertical support (CVS) structure in the form of pole 2 via a bracket arrangement 100. Figures 1 and 4 - 7 illustrate two different embodiments for the bracket arrangement. In Figure 1 the bracket arrangement 100 is formed via three arcuate collar portions 110 - surrounding the outer diameter of CVS 2 - to which respective connection plates 14 on the proximate end of each outrigger 5 directly bolt. The ends of the curved collar portions 11 are bolted to one another with bolts 110a. As can be seen this embodiment has three layers of arcuate collar portions. By way of contrast the bracket arrangement 101 in Figures 4 - 6 have the bracket arrangement 101 is formed via three semi-circular collar portions 111 which have a neck 12 portion and connection plate 13 at the end thereof, to which respective connection plates 14, on the proximate end of each outrigger 5, directly bolt. The ends of the curved collar portions 111 are bolted to one another as shown. This bracket arrangement 100,101, 102 enable collars of different sizes (or shapes) to be swapped onto the proximate end of an outrigger to accommodate different diameter poles. This is illustrated in Figures 4 and 6. 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 The outrigger 5 attaches to the bracing element 6 via a clamp 9. The clamp 9 in Figure 7 comprises two plates 18a, 18b on either side of bracing element sections 6a, 6b the plates are connected via four bolts 19 which pass through apertures in the plates 18a, 18b. The nuts 20 are tightened to enable the clamp 9 to hold the bracing element 6 (comprised of halves 6a, 6b) in place relative to the outrigger 5. The distal ends of the bracing elements 6 attach to the external boundary members 7 via a clamp 10 as shown in detail in Figure 8. The clamp 10 has a plate 16 which is welded to the respective ends of the bracing elements 6 (6a, 6b) and two spaced apart U-bolts 17 which are placed over the external boundary members 7 and then pass through apertures in the plate. Each U-bolt is threaded at each end to engage with two nuts (not shown). The nuts are tightened to hold the bracing elements 6 in place relative to the external boundary member 7. Alternately the nuts are loosened to allow the boundary member 7 to slide relative to the clamp 10 to enable for adjustment. As can be seen the plate 16 at either end of the bracing element 6 are obliquely angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bracing element 6. The angle a of each plate 16 (see Figures 4 and 8) is 60 degrees for a triangular shaped headframes such as illustrated in Figures 1 - 6. or the angle is 45 degrees for a square shaped headframes such as illustrated in Figure 9. 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 Figure 9 shows an alternate support structure arrangement when the CVS is in the form of a lattice 2A. The lattice 2A has vertical corner members 900 which have a right-angled profile. Like elements to the previous figures have like reference numerals the discussion now focusses on the key differences to what is shown described in relation to the earlier figures. The key difference is the bracket arrangement 103 which is in the form of an L-section plate 30 which corresponds to an L-section plate 31 on the proximate end of the outrigger 5. The plates 30, 31 are connected via four bolts 32. The plates 30, 31 clamp around and vertical corner members 900 of the lattice 2A. ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION The bracing elements may come in a variety of different forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one example the bracing elements may be in the form of a single elongate member - where the bracing element passes under or over the outrigger. In a second example the bracing element may be in the form of two elongate half members which are connected to one another via plates and fixing elements such as connecting bolts to straddle either side of an outrigger member in a clamping arrangement. The clamping arrangements used may come in variety of different forms without departing from the scope of the present invention as would be known to one skilled in the art. 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 In one example the present invention uses bolts to draw together two opposed plates on either side of an elongate member / bracing element to provide a clamping force. In another example the present invention uses a single plate and fixing elements in the form of U-Bolts. The U-bolts pass around an elongate member and through apertures in the plate. Tightening nuts on the U-bolts creates a clamping force. In some embodiments the bolts may be in form of cam quick release bolts or the like. Advantages that may be conferred by preferred embodiments may include but should not be limited to: - the ability to provide adjustable diagonal bracing to the adjustable framework for a headframe support for greater structural integrity relative to lateral bracing; -   the ability to adjust the footprint of the headframe support; -   the ability to adjust the footprint of the headframe support simply by changing the length of the boundary member alone; - the ability to adjust to different vertical support diameters or structures simply by changing the bracket arrangement connected to the proximal end of the outrigger; - the ability to provide a kit of parts which has two or three components, for example the boundary members or bracket arrangement (for the central vertical support) of the kit which can be swapped out for adjusting the footprint size, vertical support dimensions or structure. 2024216349   26 Aug 2024 The adjustable framework and / or components therefor may be made from a variety of materials without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one example the adjustable framework may be made from galvanized steel. In another example, the adjustable framework may be made from aluminium. <list other examples of suitable materials here> The invention may also be said the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments or examples described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

2024216349   26 Aug 2024WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. An adjustable framework for a headframe support structure for mobile antennas or other data transfer receiving and / or transmitting equipment wherein the adjustable framework includes:- a first horizontal support structure layer on which the antennas are to be supported in-use, including:- two to four outrigger elongate (outrigger) members;- two to four internal bracing elongate members (bracing members);- two to four external boundary elongate members (boundary members);wherein each of the bracing members connect: at a distal end thereof to one of the respective boundary members via a clamp arrangement which enables longitudinal positioning of a boundary member relative to a bracing member to be altered in either direction; andwherein each of the outriggers:- connect near a distal end thereof to one of the respective bracing members via a clamp arrangement which enables longitudinal positioning to be altered in either direction along the boundary members; and- in-use can connect at a proximate end thereof to a central vertical support (CVS) structure via a bracket arrangement; whereinin- use located underneath the first horizontal support structure is at least one further horizontal layer comprising:- two to four outrigger elongate members;- two to four internal bracing members;- two to four boundary members;2024216349   26 Aug 2024each outrigger being connected - as described above for first horizontal support layer - to the boundary member and the CVS structure; andwherein the second and any additional horizontal layer(s) are connected to the first horizontal support structure layer via vertically spanning (VS) elongate members.

2. A bracing element for a headframe support structure, the bracing element including:- an elongate member;- a first end plate which is angled or orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, and wherein:-the bracing element has a second end plate at the opposite end to the first end plate wherein the second plate is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member;wherein the external dimensions of the plates are greater than those of the elongate member to provide a projecting surface, wherein the projecting surface of the plates each include four spaced apart apertures therein.

3. An outrigger which includes, an elongate member with an end plate on one end thereof adapted to connect the outrigger to an interchangeable bracket arrangement.

4. A kit of parts for in-use forming an adjustable framework for a headframe support structure for mobile antennas or other data transfer receiving and / or transmitting equipment wherein the kit includes:- outrigger members ;- bracing elements;2024216349   26 Aug 2024- boundary members;wherein each of the bracing elements includes two opposed clamp arrangements which enable longitudinal positioning of the boundary member relative to the bracing element to be altered in either direction.

5. A kit of parts for in-use forming an adjustable framework for a headframesupport structure for mobile antennas or other data transfer receiving and / or transmitting equipment as claimed in claim 4 wherein each of the outriggers include:- a bracket attachment plate at a proximate end thereof for attachment inuse to a bracket arrangement for attachment to a support (CVS) structure.

Images