A watch tower, particularly for fire-watching and reporting of fires

Abstract

 The tower (5) includes a foundation structure (6), an observation cabin (7) and a tower structure (8) arranged between the foundation structure (6) and the cabin (7) and including a plurality of identical, superposed modules (21). In order to convey personnel rapidly between an additional base module (34) and the module (21) under the cabin (7), a lift (19) is provided which is operated by an electrical generator arranged in the foundation structure (6). The modules (21, 34) are also interconnected by runged ladders (32, 32', 32''). The cabin (7) has walls (46, 47) with glazed units (56), a peripheral balcony (51) accessible through a door (57) and an insulated roof (64). Each module (21) may be constituted by tubular rods (22,23, 26, 27) arranged in a three-dimensional lattice and may have an associated sheath (74) formed by a mesh screen (77). The sheath (74) includes a portion (76) extending towards the underlying module (21) so as to form a semitransparent cladding for the tower (5) in the form of a sectioned cylinder.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch tower, particularly for fire-watching and reporting of fires.

[0002] As is known, the prevention of forest fires is becoming increasingly important. This prevention also includes surveillance of an area and the provision of early warnings of fires to control centres. Surveillance may be carried out and warnings given from watch towers appropriately positioned across the territory under observation.

[0003] Watch towers known until now have several drawbacks. First of all, they are not modular structures and are therefore relatively expensive. In addition, even lattice-work structures spoil the landscape owing to their architectural and structural configuration. Furthermore, access to the observation and control cabin is by means of external or internal ladders which involve both real and psychological difficulties for the staff. Finally, they are subjected to all kinds of vandalism.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a watch tower which is extremely efficient and eliminates the disadvantages listed in connection with the prior art.

[0005] This object is achieved by the watch tower of the invention which includes at least one foundation structure, an observation cabin and a tower structure arranged between the foundation structure and the cabin and is characterised in that a lift is housed in the tower structure for the rapid transport of personnel between the foundation structure and the cabin.

[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, this tower structure includes a lattice constituted by a plurality of identical superposed modules, each of these modules being formed by tubular rods arranged in a three-dimensional lattice, each module having an associated mesh-screen sheath for covering at least part of its elevation.

[0007] In order to provide a better understanding of the invention, a few preferred embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example with the aid of the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1a is a vertical section of an upper portion of a first embodiment of a watch tower according to the invention;

Figure 1b is a vertical section of a lower portion of the tower of Figure 1a;

Figure 2 is a section taken on the line II-II of Figure 1a on an enlarged scale;

Figure 3 is a section taken on the line III-III of Figure 1a, also on an enlarged scale;

Figure 4 is a section taken on the line IV-IV of Figure 1b;

Figure 5 is a section taken on the line V-V of Figure 1b;

Figure 6 is a detail of a portion of the tower of Figure 1a, on a greatly enlarged scale;

Figure 7 is an elevation view of another embodiment of an observation tower according to the invention;

Figure 8 is a section taken on the line VIII-VIII of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a section taken on the line IX-IX of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is an elevational view of a further embodiment of an observation tower according to the invention;

Figure 11 is a section taken on the line XI-XI of figure 10; and

Figure 12 is a section taken on the line XII-XII of Figure 7.

[0008] With reference to Figures 1a and 1b, a tower which may be used for any type of observation but, in particular, for the detection and reporting of forest fires, is generally indicated 5. It comprises essentially a foundation structure 6, an observation cabin 7 and a tower structure, generally indicated 8, which is disposed between the foundation structure 6 and the cabin 7.

[0009] The foundation structure 6 is constituted by a rigid caisson of reinforced concrete formed by four square-section plinths 9 (Figure 5) joined by peripheral walls 11. The plinths 9 and the walls 11 rest on a concrete bed 12 (Figure 1b) designed in accordance with the stability of the ground on which it rests. The plinths 9, the walls 11 and the bed 12 are waterproofed so as to prevent any infiltration of water from the surrounding ground.

[0010] The plinths 9 and the walls 11 are also covered by a ceiling slab 13 with an opening or trap 14 closed by a pivoted access hatch 15 (see also Figure 4). The slab 13 has two additional openings 16 closed by respective ventilation grills 17. In this way, the foundation structure 6 encloses a cross-shaped chamber 18 for housing a generator and a few items of electrical equipment, not shown in the drawings.

[0011] According to one characteristic of the invention, the tower 5 has a lift 19 housed in the tower structure 8, as will be seen more clearly below. The lift 19 is operated by the generator through a geared electric motor and enables personnel to transfer rapidly between the foundation structure 6 and the cabin 7.

[0012] In the embodiment of Figures 1-6, the tower structure 8 (Figures 1a and 1b) is constituted by a lattice structure comprising a plurality of identical modules 21 arranged one on top of the other. Figures 1a and 1b show six modules but this number can vary in dependence on the orographic characteristics of the terrain to be monitored. Each module 21 is formed from a set of seamless tubular-steel rods fixed together by screwed joints. These tubular rods are arranged in a three-dimensional lattice in the form of a square prism.

[0013] More particularly, the module 21 includes four vertical rods 22 (see also Figure 3) arranged along the vertical edges of the prism and connected at their lower ends by four horizontal rods 23 supporting a platform 24. The vertical rods 22 are also interconnected by further diagonal rods 26. Finally, the rods 22 are connected at their upper ends to the next module 21 by suitable joints.

[0014] Each platform 24 is formed by a metal grid, supported and strengthened by appropriate bars, and includes an opening 28 for the passage of the lift 19. Each platform also includes a trap 29 to allow personnel using the tower 5 to pass from one module 21 to the next. In particular, a runged safety ladder 32, fitted with a handrail 33, is arranged between one edge 30 of the trap 29 of the platform 24 of each module 21 and an opposite edge 31 of the trap 29 of the platform 24 of the next module 21 above.

[0015] The tower structure 8 also includes an additional module 34 fixed to the foundation structure 6 and also formed by tubular rods in a three dimensional lattice structure. The module 34 is taller than the module 21 and includes four lattice-structured pillars 36 (Figures 1b and 4), in the form of triangular prisms, connected by four lattice girders 37. Each pillar 36 includes a strong tubular rod 38 which is aligned vertically in use with the corresponding rod 22 of the overlying module 21 and is connected thereto by a respective joint.

[0016] In addition, each pillar 36 includes two vertical tubular rods 39 arranged along the other two edges of the triangular prism. The module 34 is thus in the form of an octagonal prism with four sides parallel to those of the base of the module 21 and of the same length as the sides of the latter. The rods 38 and 39 of each pillar 36 are interconnected by a series of horizontal and diagonal tubular rods 41.

[0017] Finally, the rods 38 and 39 of each pillar 36 are fixed at their lower ends to a base plate 42 by anchoring joints 43. Each base plate 42 is fixed in known manner to the ceiling slab 13 of the foundation structure 6. The girders 37 connecting the pillars 36 are constituted by further horizontal, vertical and diagonal rods 44. Another runged ladder 32', having a length corresponding to the height of the module 34, is arranged between the slab 13 and the edge 31 of the opening 29 of the platform 24 above.

[0018] The observation cabin 7 (Figures 1a and 2) is shaped like a prism having a regular octagonal base, coaxial with the modules 21 and 34 of the tower structure 8. More particularly, the cabin 7 has four tubular columns 45 aligned vertically with the rods 22 defining the vertical edges of the modules 21. The cabin 7 has four walls 46 parallel to the sides of the modules 21 and four walls 47 inclined at 45° and positioned adjacent the columns 45.

[0019] The cabin 7 has a floor 48 supported by projecting beams 49, securely fixed to the module 21 beneath and supporting the columns 45. The projecting portions of the beams 49 support a balcony 51 around the periphery of the cabin 7, with a handrail 52. The floor of the balcony 51 is constituted by non-slip panels of embossed galvanized steel.

[0020] The cabin 7 is closed around its periphery by frames 53 made of corrosion-resistant light alloy or metal profiled sections, for example, coated aluminium. The lower portion 54 of each frame 53 is solid while the upper portion 56 is formed by a glazed unit made from shatterproof or safety glass. The various frames 53 are sealed by sealing strips known per se and not shown in the drawings. The frame 53 has an inwardly-opening door 57 in one side of the octagon of the cabin 7 giving access to the balcony 51.

[0021] The inner floor 48 of the cabin 7 has a trap 58 for access to the module 21 beneath, the trap being closed by a pivoted trapdoor 59. The trapdoor is sealed to prevent draughts and fitted with a safety lock. To one edge 61 of the trap 58 is fixed a ladder 32'' leading to the platform 24 of the module 21 beneath, the ladder having a handrail including a separate portion 62 fixed to the floor 48 of the cabin 7.

[0022] The floor 48 is constituted by multilayered panels 63 sealed together to prevent draughts and securely fixed to a metal structure fixed to the beams 49. The panels 63 are also covered by a layer on non-slip elastomeric material, for example a sheet of rubber of suitable thickness with a bubble-like surface.

[0023] The cabin 7 has a roof 64 overhanging the periphery of the cabin 7 so as to shade it from the sun. This is formed by a structure of metal girders to which is fixed galvanized sheet steel cladding 67. A wood-laminate ceiling 68 lies beneath the roof 64. Insulation material is fitted in known manner between the cladding 67 and the ceiling 68, in particular to prevent the cabin 7 from overheating during the summer.

[0024] Finally, a photovoltaic system, not shown in the drawings, is arranged on the cladding 67 for charging a battery for starting the generator in the chamber 18 in the foundation structure 6. In the centre of the roof 64 is a trap 69 sealed by a removable cover 71. The opening 69 is covered by a clerestory 72 which enables the photovoltaic installation on the cover 67 to be inspected. Finally, the clerestory 72 has a lightning conductor 73 and is able to house or support possible measuring equipment.

[0025] In order to reduce the environmental impact of the tower 5, each module 21 has a sheath 74 (Figures 1a and 3) which covers at least part of its height. The sheath 74 is essentially cylindrical in shape and formed by four sectors 75, each fixed in known manner to two adjacent vertical rods 22 of the module 21. Each sheath 74 includes a portion 76 extending downwardly towards the module 21 beneath so as to cover the platform 24 separating the two modules 21. The height of the sheath 74 may be chosen, to advantage, to be between 1/5 and 1/3 of the height of the module 21 so as to leave a predetermined gap between the sheaths 74, that is, to form a sectioned cylinder.

[0026] Each sector 75 of the sheath 74 is formed by a mesh-screen 77 (Figure 6), with a mesh of at least 50mm, supported by a supporting framework 78. To advantage, the mesh size of the screen 77 may be between 62 x 100mm and 66 x 114mm and the screen may be made from 25mm wide flat metal profiles with a thickness of between 2 and 2.5mm so that the covering of the tower is substantially transparent or semitransparent.

[0027] The additional module 34 is protected by a fence 79 (Figures 1b and 4) with vertical walls constituted by solid panels 81 of galvanized steel, framed and reinforced by steel box sections 82. The box sections 82 of adjacent walls are fixed together but are independent of the rods 39 of the pillars 36 of the module 34. The fence 79 is slightly higher than the module 34 and is in the form of an octagonal prism.

[0028] The lower portion of the box sections 82 of the walls of the fence 79 are fixed to the four plates 42 in known manner. The fence 79 may also be connected to the module 34 by bars, not shown, which may be fixed to the pillars 36 and/or to the girders 37. The panel 81 in one wall of the fence 79 has a double door 83 for access which opens outwardly and is fitted with a vandal-proof lock. Each panel of the door 83 is also constituted by steel plate reinforced by box sections.

[0029] The lift 19 is constituted by a cabin or car formed by a rectangular floor, wire screens and an access door. The floor carries the usual geared motor which meshes with a rack fixed to a guide column 80 (Figures 3 and 4). This column is arranged in a shaft 84 which passes through the openings 28 in the platforms 24 of the modules 21. The shaft 84 is defined on three sides by vertical bars 85 and horizontal bars 86 (see also Figure 1b) to which wire screens may be added.

[0030] The lift 19 is accessible from the floor of the module 34 and from the platform 24 of the module 21 (Figure 1a) beneath the observation cabin 7. Corresponding lift-access doors 87 and 88 are therefore provided between the bars 85 of the modules 34 and 21. The motor of the lift 19 is powered by the generator housed in the chamber 18 in the foundation 6, this in turn being started by the battery powered by the photovoltaic system. The drive and safety systems for the lift 19 comply with relevant legislation and are thus not described in detail.

[0031] In the embodiment of Figures 7-9, the tower 5 again includes a buried foundation structure 6, an observation cabin 7 and a tower structure 8. This latter is constituted by a lattice structure formed by a plurality of modules 21 and an additional module 34, identical to those of the embodiment of Figures 1a and 1b.

[0032] Each module 21 has a platform 24 but, in elevation, its structure is formed by two substantially identical half-modules 21' and 21''. A lift 19 (Figure 9) housed in the structure 8 passes through the platforms 24 of the modules 21, which also have traps 29 for the safety ladders 32. The traps 29 and associated ladders 32 are arranged alternately in the left-hand corner, as in Figure 9, and in the right-hand corner in the successive modules 21, thus making them easier for staff to negotiate.

[0033] The additional module 34 (Figure 7) is protected by a fence 79, the vertical panels 81 of which are substantially flush with the prismatic structure 8. The observation cabin 7, in turn, is cylindrical (Figure 8) and its floor 148 extends to form a circular balcony 151 concentric with the cabin 7 and provided with a handrail 152.

[0034] The walls 146 of the cabin 7 are formed as cylindrical sectors from panels having a structure similar to that of the walls 46 and 47 of Figure 1 while the circular overhanging roof 164 is substantially flat and has a structure similar to that of the roof 64 explained above whereby these will not be described in detail. Finally, the roof 164 carries a lightning conductor 73 and a photovoltaic system identical to those of Figure 1a.

[0035] In the embodiment of Figures 10-12, the tower 5 includes a tower structure 8 extending between the foundation structure 6 and the observation cabin 7. This tower structure 8 is constituted by a hollow metal cylinder 91. Alternatively, the structure 8 may be constituted by a hollow metal prism with a regular polygonal, for example octagonal section.

[0036] The structure 8 of Figure 10 is also formed by a plurality of superposed modules 21 and an additional base module 34, the walls of which are welded so that it looks like a single column. This structure 8 has at least one set of windows 92 associated with the modules 21 and aligned vertically, both for lighting and ventilating the inside of the structure 8 and for alleviating the heavy aspect of the structure 8 itself.

[0037] Each module 21 has a platform 24 (Figure 12), preferably of polygonal shape, through which the lift 19 passes and which has a trap 29 for the safety ladder 32. The additional module 34 (Figure 10) also has a window 93 aligned with the windows 92 but of a larger size to allow personnel access to the structure.

[0038] The observation tower 7 (Figure 11) is cylindrical, coaxial with the column 91, but of a diameter greater than that of the column 91. The structure of the cabin 7 is similar to that of the cabin 7 of Figures 7 and 8 and will not be described further.

[0039] The advantages of the watch tower 5 of the invention over prior art watch towers will be clear from the above. In fact the tower 5 enables one or two people to watch for and report forest fires from the cabin. In addition, the lift 19 gives staff rapid and easy access to the observation cabin 7.

[0040] The modular structure 8 in turn enables the height of the tower 5 to be adapted easily to the prevailing orographic conditions by varying the number of modules. Finally, in the embodiment of Figures 1-6, the architectural structure of the sectioned-cylindrical sheath 74 minimises the impact on the surrounding landscape. Similarly, the vertically aligned windows of the embodiment of Figures 10-12 reduces the environmental impact of the metal column.

[0041] It is clear that various other alterations and improvements may be made to the tower described without departing thereby from the scope of the claims. For example, all the platforms 24 of the modules 21 may have access doors 88 to the lift 19. In addition, the cabin 7 may be equipped with measuring, signalling or telecommunications instruments.

[0042] In the embodiments of Figures 1-9, the section of the modules 21 may be rectangular or polygonal. In addition, in the embodiment of Figures 1-6, the cylindrical sheath 74 may have a curved section other than circular, while the cabin 7 may have no clerestory 72. Finally, the cabins 7 of the embodiments of Figures 7-12 may have a clerestory giving access to the roof 164, similar to that of Figure 1a.

Claims

1. A watch tower, particularly for fire-watching and reporting of fires, including at least one foundation structure (6), an observation cabin (7) and a tower structure (8) arranged between the foundation structure (6) and the cabin (7), characterised in that a lift (19) is housed in the tower structure (8) for the rapid transport of personnel between the foundation structure (6) and the cabin (7)

2. A tower according to Claim 1, characterised in that the foundation structure (6) is able to house an electrical generator for driving the lift (19).

3. A tower according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that the tower structure (8) includes a plurality of identical, superposed modules (21), these modules (21) having a protected shaft space (84) for the passage of the lift (19).

4. A tower according to Claim 3, characterised in that each of the modules (21) includes a platform (24) with a trap (29), at least one module (21) of the said plurality also having a door (88) giving access to the lift (19).

5. A tower according to Claim 4, characterised in that each of the modules (21) includes a safety ladder (32) extending between two adjacent modules (21) of the said plurality, the ladder (32) being connected to an edge (31) of the trap (29) and having a handrail extending between the two adjacent modules (21).

6. A tower according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the observation cabin (7) has walls (46, 47; 146) formed by glazed units (56) supported by frames (53) made of a corrosion-resistant light alloy or metal.

7. A tower according to Claim 6, characterised in that the cabin (7) also has a balcony (51; 151) accessible through a door (57) arranged in a wall (46; 146) of the cabin (7).

8. A tower according to Claim 7, characterised in that the floor (48; 148) of the cabin (7) has an access trap (58) with an openable trapdoor (59), the access trap (58) being fitted with a ladder (32'') associated with the underlying module (21) and the floor (48; 148) being covered with a layer of non-slip elastomeric material.

9. A tower according to Claim 7 or Claim 8, characterised in that the cabin (7) includes an overhanging roof (64; 164) for protecting the cabin from the sun, the roof (64; 164) being thermally-insulated and carrying photovoltaic panels for generating electricity.

10. A tower according to Claim 9, characterised in that the roof (64) has a clerestory (72) for housing observation or signalling equipment which is accessible from the cabin (7) through a trap (69) fitted with a closure (71).

11. A tower according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the tower structure(8) is constituted by a hollow metal cylinder (91) or a hollow prism of polygonal section having at least one series of vertically-aligned windows (92) for lighting and ventilating the interior of the structure (8) and for making its shape less solid.

12. A tower according to any one of Claims 3 to 10, characterised in that the tower structure (8) comprises a lattice structure constituted by a plurality of the said modules (21), each module (21) being made of tubular rods (22, 23, 26, 27) arranged in a three-dimensional lattice, the module (21) being in the form of a substantially square prism the edges of which are formed by vertical rods (22).

13. A tower according to Claim 11 or Claim 12, characterised in that the cabin (7) is in the shape of a circular-section cylinder, the balcony (151) being circular and coaxial with the cabin (7).

14. A tower according to Claims 12 and 13, characterised in that each module (21) is divided into two half-modules (21', 21''), the traps (29) being arranged alternately in two different positions in the platforms (24) of successive modules (21) so that the ladders (32) are staggered correspondingly.

15. A tower according to Claim 12, characterised in that the tower structure (8) further includes an additional module (34) also formed by vertical and horizontal rods (37-41, 44) and fixed directly to the foundation structure (6).

16. A tower according to Claim 12 or Claim 15, characterised in that the floor of the additional module (34) is formed by a slab (13) of the foundation structure (6), this slab (13) having a trap (14) closed by a trapdoor (16) giving access to the foundation structure (6), the additional module (34) also including a ladder (32') giving access to the module (21) above.

17. A tower according to Claim 15 or Claim 16, characterised in that the additional module (34) is closed by a fence (79) having a series of walls formed by vertical panels (81) of metal plate reinforced by box-sections (82), the panel (81) of one of these walls also having a door (83), fitted with a vandal-proof lock, providing access from the outside.

18. A tower according to Claim 15 and Claim 17, characterised in that the additional module (34) is constituted by four lattice-structure pillars (36) interconnected by four lattice girders (37), the pillars (36) and the girders (37) being formed by a three-dimensional lattice of tubular rods (38-41, 44).

19. A tower according to Claim 18, characterised in that each of the pillars (36) is in the form of a triangular prism so that the additional module (34) has the shape of an octagonal prism with at least four sides having the same length as a side of the base of a module (21) of the aforesaid plurality of modules.

20. A tower according to any one of Claims 15 to 19, characterised in that the ladder (32) rests on opposite edges (30, 31) of the traps (29) of two adjacent modules (21).

21. A tower according to any one of Claims 15 to 20, characterised in that the base of the cabin (7) is a regular octagon, the balcony (51) is also octagonal and coaxial with the cabin (7), and four walls (47) of the cabin (7) are substantially in contact with four columns (45) aligned with the said vertical rods (22).

22. A tower according to any one of Claims 15 to 21, characterised in that each of the modules (21) is clad in a sheath (74) constituted by a mesh screen (77) which covers at least part of its height.

23. A tower according to Claim 22, characterised in that each sheath (74) includes a portion (76) which extends towards the underlying module (21) of the plurality of modules so as to cover the connection between the two adjacent modules (21), two adjacent sheaths being separated by a predetermined height, the mesh screen (77) having meshes with sides measuring at least 50mm whereby the screen (77) makes the sheath (74) substantially transparent.

24. A tower according to Claim 22 or Claim 23, characterised in that the base of the module (21) is substantially square and the sheath (74) is substantially cylindrical whereby the assembly of sheaths (74) is substantially in the form of a sectioned cylinder.

25. A tower according to any one of Claims 22 to 24, characterised in that the sheath (74) is formed by vertical sectors (75) fixed to two rods (22) forming two adjacent vertical edges of the module (21).

Drawing