Communications mast

Abstract

 A method of constructing a communication mast is provided, which comprises the steps of providing an existing mast provided with one or more antennas, adding one or more additional masts subject to the existing mast, and connecting the or each additional mast to the existing mast to form a composite structure. Using this method, an existing mast, be it a tubular or other type of construction, can be modified in order to increase the load bearing capacity of the structure.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication mast and more particularly to an improved method of constructing a communication mast.

[0002] Communication masts are used for all types of wireless communication and come in many different shapes and sizes. From a structural point of view, a lattice construction has been shown to provide a strong durable structure upon which to locate antennae of different types and size. However, many people consider lattice constructions to be unattractive and in the recent past this has resulted in slim tubular constructions being utilised in order to reduce the visual impact of the mast.

[0003] A problem with a tubular construction is that in order to ensure that it has little visual impact, the outside diameter of the tube is kept to a minimum having regard to the load which it is designed to carry. This means that if one wishes to fit further antennae on such a mast, it may prove impossible to do without entirely replacing the mast and in turn this has resulted in a number of monopole masts being located close to each other which is itself visually detrimental.

[0004] The present invention provides a method by which an existing mast, be it a tubular or other type of construction, can be modified in order to increase the load bearing capacity of the structure.

[0005] In its preferred form, the present invention provides a communication mast structure which comprises the original communications mast supplemented by one or more additional masts which are connected to the original mast in order to provide a composite structure which is capable of bearing a greater load than the original mast.

[0006] In order that the present invention be more readily understood, an embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig 1 shows an existing form of communications mast; and

Fig 2 shows a communications mast according to the present invention.

[0007] Before describing the present invention in detail, it is considered helpful to show an example of an existing form of communication mast and attention is directed to Fig 1 which shows a communication mast 10 in the form of a tapering tubular structure 11 which has, at its free end, an antenna or antennas 12. In order to reduce the visual impact of the mast, the outer diameter of the tapering structure 11 is carefully designed having regard to the loads being placed on it by the antenna or antennas 12 as well as the usual environmental loads. This, in turn, means that the structure cannot normally support any further antenna or other electronic equipment.

[0008] In the present planning climate, site sharing is being encouraged and so there is a requirement for each mast to be provided with as many antennae as possible utilising the same mast location and communications cabinet and other ancillary equipment.

[0009] Turning now to Fig 2, this shows a proposal for allowing the same location to be used for additional antennae. It consists of an existing mast for example the one shown in Fig 1 but there are one or more additional masts erected adjacent to the existing mast and connected to it. In Fig 2, two additional masts 14 and 15 are provided which are slightly shorter than the original mast 11. The tops of the additional masts are connected to each other and to the original mast in order to form a triangular structure when received from above. As shown the connection can be in the form of struts 16 and cross-bracing 17. Additional antennae or other communications equipment 19 can be provided on improved structure by being fitted to the additional mast or masts or even on the original mast.

[0010] Many variations can be made on the basis of this concept. For example the number of additional masts can be varied considerably. Also, the additional masts need not be connected to each other but can simply be connected to the existing mast, the additional mast or masts can be of similar shape and dimensions to the original mast or can vary considerably in terms of height and/or width (diameter if circular in cross section). Preferably, the or each additional mast is no higher than the original mast. However, in certain circumstances it may prove possible to create a composite structure with the additional masts higher than the original mast.

Claims

1. A method of constructing a communication mast comprising the steps of:

a) providing an existing mast provided with one or more antennas;

b) adding one or more additional masts subject to the existing mast; and

c) connecting the or each additional mast to the existing mast to form a composite structure.

2. A method according to claim 1, and comprising adding additional equipment to the composite structure.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each additional mast is no higher than the existing mast.

4. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the or each additional mast is connected to the existing mast at a location at or near the top of the additional masts.

5. A method according to any one of previous claims wherein the existing past is a monopole.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the or each additional mast is a monopole.

Drawing