POLE STAND

The present invention relates to a stand for mounting a pole.

There are many situations in which it is necessary to temporarily mount an upright pole. The pole in question could for example be a flag pole. A user might wish to display a flag temporarily to mark a particular event such as a major sporting competition. Upright poles are also needed in certain games such as those requiring a net - beach volleyball provides an example.

Poles can of course be driven directly into the ground but only where a suitable ground surface is available, and doing so of course involves labour, some damage to the ground which may be unacceptable, the use of a suitable tool such as a mallet or hammer, etc. It is known instead to support a pole upon a ballasted stand. GB 2124280 provides an example. A hollow plastics container of pyramidal shape is intended to be filled with sand or other ballast material and supports the lower end of a pole carrying a road sign. To provide the necessary stability and weight, such stands are typically large and somewhat cumbersome. Consequently their storage and transportation can be problematic.

In accordance with the present invention, there is a stand for mounting a pole, the stand comprising a set of panels which are configurable to form together a container which has a base for resting stably upon a supporting surface, which forms an enclosed internal space for receipt of ballast, and which is provided with

means for receiving and releasably mounting a lower end of an upright pole, the panels being re-configurable to form a more compact arrangement for storage and transportation.

Because the panels making up the ballast container of the present invention can be re-configured, the stand can be easy and compact to transport, store and package for sale. It may for example be flat-packable for sale when the panels are in their compact arrangement.

Ballast may be obtained on-site rather than being supplied and transported with the stand, and may for example take the form of water, sand, stones, etc.

It is particularly preferred that edge portions of the panels are provided with inter- engageable mating features to enable panels to be releasably connected to one another.

Such inter-engagement of mating features on adjacent panels can serve to maintain them in the container configuration, whilst permitting them to be subsequently disconnected to allow them to be re-configured for storage and transport. The mating features are preferably engageable by pushing the panels together. Disengagement of course involves pulling them apart. They may for example be a press or snap fit with one another.

The means used for receiving and mounting the pole may comprise an upwardly open socket. A releasable arrangement is preferably provided to retain the pole in position and this can take the form of a locking bar passable through the pole.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stand comprises a main body having a base panel and side panels which are engageable with opposite edges of the base panel . End panels are preferably additionally provided which are engageable with edges of the side panels to form a box-like container. The end panels may be separately formed from the main body and releasably engageable with the base panel. The stand may further comprise a top panel which is engageable with the upper edges of the two end and side panels.

An internal upright wall is preferably provided for carrying the means for receiving the pole.

The pole itself is preferably formed of multiple pieces (i.e. two or more pieces) so that it can be broken down for storage and transportation. Bayonet fittings may be provided to enable the pole pieces to engage with one another.

The pole may be provided with attachment means to enable the attachment of various objects thereto. For example, the attachment means may permit the

attachment of chains so that multiple poles can be linked together as a barrier at conferences etc, or may carry a boom for display of rigid or flexible display panels.

If the pole is manufactured from a material allowing which allows the transmission of light to some degree, then the stand may further comprise a light source adapted to illuminate the pole.

It is especially preferred that the stand further comprises a collapsible ballast container for insertion in the container. The ballast container may in particular be for receiving and retaining water, and may be formed as a bag having a sealable water inlet/outlet.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stand comprises a main body having a base panel and with side panels hingedly coupled to opposite edges of the base panel. The side panels can be folded upwards in the container configuration, or folded out flat in the compact configuration

Access to the interior of the container for insertion/removal of ballast is preferably provided by virtue of at least one hinged panel which is able to be folded back.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the stand comprises individual panels which are coupled together in order to form stand. In order to reduce

tooling costs, the base portion may be formed from two or more parts which are engageable with one another.

hi accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stand for mounting a pole, the stand comprising a container which has a base for resting stably upon a supporting surface, which forms an internal space for receipt of a ballast, the stand fiirther comprising a means for receiving and releasably mounting a lower end of an upright pole, and a cover which is adapted to fit over the container.

The stand may further comprise an upwardly open socket for receiving the pole. The means for receiving and releasably mounting the lower end of an upright pole may be integrally formed with the cover.

The container may be formed with one or more apertures to provide access to the interior of the container for insertion/removal of ballast.

It is preferred that the cover is formed from a metallic material. If required, an additional transparent cover may be placed over the cover in order to protect the finish of the stand or to carry advertising material.

It will be apparent that the pole and ballast as described in the stand of the previous aspect of the invention will also be suitable for use in the stand of the present aspect.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective illustration of a stand embodying the present invention, partly opened out to reveal internal detail;

Figures 2a and 2b correspond to Figure 1 but additionally include a pole and a locking bar;

Figure 3 shows an arrangement used to couple adjacent parts of a multi-part pole;

Figure 4a is a perspective illustration of a fϊnial for mounting at the head of the pole, opened out to illustrate its construction, and Figure 4b shows the same finial ready for use;

Figure 5a shows an arrangement comprising the pole cap and a flag carrier, and Figure 5b shows the flag carrier on its own.

Figure 6 is a perspective illustration of a stand in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, partially constructed and with part of the top panel being cut away;

Figure 7 corresponds to Figure 6, but shows a pole and a locking bar in an exploded configuration;

Figures 8a to 8 d are perspective illustrations of the stand shown in Figures 6 and 7 in various orientations and states of assembly. Figure 8a shows the stand partially assembled. Figure 8b shows the stand completely assembled with a pole in situ. Figure 8c shows the stand partially assembled with a pole in situ. Figure 8d shows the underside of a stand which, is partially assembled.

Figure 9a shows an arrangement used to couple adjacent parts of a multi-part pole, and Figure 9b shows an enlarged view of the arrangement.

Figure 10 is a perspective illustration of a finial for mounting at the head of the pole.

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective illustration of a stand in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

The pole stand 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises multiple panels. These can be configured/assembled to form a stable container for receiving ballast and supporting an upright pole. They can also be reconfigured/collapsed to form a relatively compact arrangement which is convenient to transport and store. According to the present embodiment, the components of the pole stand are plastics mouldings and they can consequently be both economical to manufacture

and tough. More specifically the components of the present embodiment are formed of polypropylene, although other plastics materials, and indeed non- plastics materials, could be used in other embodiments.

The principal component of the stand is a main body 12 formed as a single plastics moulding which is generally rectangular in plan when opened out - and the drawings show a front portion of the main body 12 opened out flat whilst a rear portion of it is folded upwardly to define walls of the stand's ballast container. In the middle of the main body 12 is a base panel 14 of rectangular shape. On opposite sides of the base panel are side panels 16 and 18, which are integrally formed with the base panel and coupled to it through "living hinges" 17, 19 which are thin, flexible, straight regions of the moulding which allow the side panels to be moved rotationally between the folded position of side panel 18, in which the panel forms a generally upright wall of the ballast container, and the opened out position of side panel 16. Outer edges of the side panels 16 and 18, remote from the base panel 14, are coupled by further living hinges 20, 22 to respective top panels 24, 26. These can be folded over to form a roof of the ballast container, as is the top panel 26 or opened out as is the top panel 24.

Long edges of the main body 12, running perpendicular to the various hinges 17, 19, 20, 22 carry integrally formed upstanding channels 34, 36, each channel being defined by a parallel pair of walls 38, 40. The walls 38, 40 serve to stiffen the entire main body. To enable the side and top panels 16, 18, 24, 26 to be folded over as already mentioned, the walls 38, 40 are cut away on either side of each

hinges 17, 19, 20, 22 to form a "V" shape which is closed up when the panels are folded over. Additionally, the walls 38, 40 are linked at intervals through integral partitions such as 39, so that between the partitions are defined multiple sockets 41 whose function will be explained below. Note that a third channel 42 extends along the centre line of the main body 12 and is likewise divided into a set of separate sockets 44 by partitions 46. Along the outer edges of the top panels 24, 26 are upstanding outer walls 48, 50. The outer edges of these panels are each semi-circularly cut away so that when folded over to form the top of the ballast container they together define a circular opening around a pole socket 52, which will be described shortly. The end walls 48, 50 are shaped to surround and define these semi-circular cut-aways.

In addition to the main body 12, the stand 10 comprises separately formed and removable end walls 54, 56 and an internal wall 58, which is parallel to the end walls. They each have a generally trapezoidal shape with upper and lower edges 58, 60 which are parallel, and left and right hand edges 62, 64 which converge in the upward direction, so that the assembled ballast container is broader at its base that at its top. Along all of their edges, the end walls 54, 56 and the internal wall 58 are provided with projecting engagement blocks 66 for receipt by corresponding sockets 41, 44 of the main body 12. The engagement blocks 66 are formed to be a snap-fit in the corresponding sockets 41, 44, e.g. because their outermost part is slightly broader than their root. The lower edges of the walls 54, 56, 58 are each received and releasably mounted through their engagement blocks in respective channels in the base panel 14 of the main body 12. It will be

apparent from a study of Figure 1 that when the side panels 16, 18 and top panels 24, 26 are folded upwards as previously described, the sockets which they carry mate with the corresponding engagement blocks of the walls 54, 56, 58 and so retain the side and top panels in the folded configuration.

A rigid, stable container is thus formed for receiving, enclosing and concealing the ballast needed to render the entire structure acceptably stable, even when a pole is mounted upon the stand. By folding the main body 12 out flat, and removing from it the end and internal walls 54, 56 and 58, the components of the container can be placed in a more compact configuration which is convenient for storage, transportation, stacking and for packaging prior to sale. The end and internal walls may be adapted to be mounted flat against the main body 12 for storage and transportation.

The base panel 14 has through-going openings 59 (four of them, in the present embodiment) which can receive respective threaded adjustable screw fixings carrying levelling feet (not shown) or alternatively respective ground spikes for use on grass or earth.

The pole socket 52 is integrally formed with the internal wall 58, and is an upright cylinder with an open upper end to receive the lower end of the pole 70. The pole 70 can be secured in place by means of a locking bar 72 as indicated in Figure 2. The end walls 54, 56 have upon their upper edges respective blocks defining apertures 74, 76 for receiving the locking bar 72, these being aligned with each

other and with corresponding apertures 78 in the pole socket 52, so that the locking bar can be passed through all the apertures, and through the pole itself, to resist unintentional removal of the pole. The top panel 26 renders the locking bar 72 captive when folded over upon it, in the assembled configuration.

The end walls 54, 56 are cut away to form hand holds 80 for handling the stand, which is heavy when loaded with ballast.

The ballast itself can be chosen by the user. Sand or stones may for example serve the purpose, e.g. when the stand is used on the beach. However water is expected to be the usual choice and to this end the stand is provided with collapsible water containers (not shown) for placement within the container formed by the stand. These may for example be formed of flexible material in the manner of a water impermeable bag having a sealable fill/drain opening. The top panels 24, 26 can be folded back to allow insertion/removal of the ballast and then folded over to close the container and conceal the ballast. Typically, the stand will be sold without ballast, and where the stand is transported to its point of usage - the beach, a sports field, etc. - the ballast will not need to be transported along with it since suitable material will be available on site.

The stand 10 could be used with a one-piece pole 70, but this would be potentially awkward to transport, store and package for sale, so instead the present embodiment uses a pole which can be broken down into two or more pieces. Figure 3 shows an arrangement for releasably connecting pieces 86, 88 of the pole

end-to-end, which uses a bayonet type coupling. A generally tubular male part 90 has an enlarged flange 92 which divides it into a mounting portion 94, to be inserted and secured in the end of pole piece 86, e.g. by adhesive or by virtue of a firm friction fit, and a spigot portion 96 having lateral protuberances 98. A female part 100 has a mouth defined by an enlarged flange 102, leading to a socket portion 104 which is to be inserted and secured in the end of pole piece 88. "L" shaped slots 106 are provided in the socket portion 104 to receive the lateral protuberances 98 when spigot portion 96 is inserted in socket portion 104, and provide a part turn lock to resist unintentional disengagement of the pole pieces. As well as providing positive engagement of the pole pieces, the arrangement makes it possible to use plain walled tube to form the pole. Nonetheless simpler arrangements could be adapted in other embodiments, e.g. using a narrowed spigot formed at the end of one pole piece for receipt in the other.

In the present embodiment, and with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the top of the pole is to receive a finial 110 which according to the present embodiment is a unitary moulding defining two finial halves 112, 114 linked through a living hinge 116 so that they can be folded together to provide a cylindrical mating part 118 for insertion in the pole and an enlarged head 120, which is generally spherical in the illustrated embodiment. Shallow ridges 122 on the mating part 118 provide a friction fit in the pole.

To mount a flag, pennant or similar, the pole is fitted with one or more mounting rings 130 (Figure 5) having integral side rings 132 for receiving e.g. a string

connected to the flag. The mounting rings 130 are able to rotate to allow the flag to align with the wind without becoming wound around the pole.

One of the slide rings 132 can be located immediately below the head 120 of the fmial 110. To this end it receives an internal snap ring 134, adapting it to ride upon the finial's mating part 118 which is of smaller diameter than the pole 70 itself, and is retained between the pole's upper end and the head 120.

The panels making up the stand can be provided with decoration and/or advertising material.

With reference to Figures 6-8, there is shown a further pole stand 200 in accordance with a second embodiment and which, differs from the first embodiment in a number of features. As in the first embodiment, the pole stand 200 comprises multiple panels which can be configured/assembled to form a stable container for receiving ballast and supporting an upright pole. The components of the pole stand are plastics mouldings, which are both economical to manufacture and tough.

In the second embodiment, the panels are not hinged to one another but releasably attached to one another. In the middle of the pole stand 200 are two base panels 202, 204 which can be releasably coupled to one another in order to form the base of the stand. On opposite sides of the base are side panels 206, 208, which are releasably connected to the base panels 202 and 204 respectively by means of a

coupling arrangement which will be described below. The upper edges of the side panels 206, 208 remote from the base panels 202, 204 are releasably coupled to a top panel 210. Each panel 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 contains integrally formed upstanding channels which run perpendicular to the edge to which an adjacent panel is releasably coupled. From the figures it can be seen that the right hand side panel 208 has an integrally formed upstanding channel 212 having a number of apertures 214 therein, hi a similar fashion, the right hand side base panel 204 shows a first upstanding channel 216 and a second upstanding channel 204 containing apertures 220 and 222 respectively. A third, centrally located, upstanding channel 224 can also be seen in the figures, although its apertures are obscured from view. Similar upstanding channels are provided on the side and top panels.

The stand 200 also comprises two end walls 226, 228 and an internal wall 230 which are very similar in construction to the end walls 54, 56 and internal wall 58 of the first embodiment. Along their edges, the end walls 226, 228 and the internal wall 230 are provided with projecting engagement blocks 232 for receipt by corresponding apertures 220, 222 on the base panel 202 and side panel 208 (and all other panels). As with the first embodiment, the engagement blocks 232 are formed to have a snap-fit connection with corresponding apertures 220, 222.

The internal wall 230 differs from the wall 58 of the first embodiment in that its pole socket 234 does not form a continuous cylindrical tube for receiving the end of a pole, but rather is formed by a collar 237 and two downwardly projecting

guide struts 236. The struts 236 terminate in a round shaped protrusion 238 at the base of the internal wall which can be received by the aperture formed at the end of a pole. Top panel 210 has a circular hole 240 formed in its centre for receiving the pole and allow it to communicate with the pole socket 234.

The edges of the panels which are adjacent to one another can be releasably coupled together by a snap-fit coupling arrangement. Base panel 204 is in fact identical to base panel 202 but oriented through 180°. Thus, when the two base panels are placed adjacent to one another, an elongated lug 242 can be received in elongated channel 244. The top panel 210 also has elongated lugs 246 which can be received in elongated channels (not shown) on the adjacent edge of side panels 206, 208.

When the panels of the stand are assembled to one another, the stand 200 is formed and as with the first embodiment, the volume formed between the end walls 226, 228 and internal wall 230 can receive a ballast (examples of which have already been described).

Furthermore, the stand 200 can also receive a pole 250. The pole 250 can be secured in place by means of a locking bar 252 which is received in an aperture 254 in the pole 250. The pole 250 is securely held within the stand 200 as any vertical movement of the pole 250 would result in the protruding ends of the locking bar 252 abutting the underside of the top panel 210.

Figures 9a and 9b show a coupling arrangement which can be used to connect two separate parts of a multi-part pole 250 together. The arrangement is very similar to the bayonet arrangement shown in Figure 3 and is used to releasably connect pieces 256,258 of the pole end-to-end. However, in the present embodiment, the "L-shaped" slot 260 which is provided in a first socket portion 262 is wider than that shown in Figure 3 and this assists in the engagement with the lateral protuberances 264 located on the second socket portion 270. Furthermore, the mounting parts of socket portions 268, 270 have longitudinally extending "crush ribs" 269,271 so that the socket portions 262, 263 are snugly received in the two separate pieces 256, 258 of the pole.

Figure 10 shows the top of the pole 250 which receives a finial 270 formed of two finial halves 270, 274 which are linked together through a living hinge 276 and are inserted into the end 278 of the pole. Additionally, a standard mounting ring 280 is already attached to a lower portion of the pole. A rotatable slide ring 281 is also shown to be inserted between end of the pole 278 and the finial 270. Figure 10 also shows the finial 270 as having a spherical shape with a mating part 282 for insertion into the end of the pole 278 having a number of longitudinally extending "crush ribs" 284 which allow the finial to be held snugly in place.

With reference to Figure 11, there is shown a further pole stand 300 embodying aspects of the present invention. The stand 300 is formed of a trapezoidal shaped frame 302, which in this embodiment is not collapsible, and a trapezoidal shaped cover 304. The frame 302 has a rectangular flat base 306, from whose corners

upright members 310 extend upwardly to the corners of a rectangular top panel 308. The top panel 308 has a centrally located aperture (not shown) which is surrounded by an upwardly extending cylindrical collar 310 to which is attached a locking ring 312 which can be manually adjusted by means of butterfly clips 314. The collar 310 permits the end of a pole 314 to be inserted into the interior of the frame 302. The locking ring 312 can be adjusted so as to engage the pole 314 and prevent the pole 314 from being unintentioinally removed. The interior of the frame can be filled with a ballast, examples of which have been previously described in other embodiments. A cover 304 is placed over the frame 302 in order to cover the locking ring 310, frame 302 and ballast material (not shown). The cover 304 has an aperture 316 through which the pole 314 can be inserted. The cover 304 may be manufactured from a number of materials, although a metallic material is preferred. If required, advertising material etc. can be placed directly on the cover 304. Additionally, a plastics film (not shown) or overlay can be placed over the cover 304 in order to protect the finish of the cover or to carry further advertising material etc.

The above described embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation. Numerous modifications, developments and variants are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.