Patent Publication Number: US-6665968-B2

Title: Pole with lifting mount and banner display

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US01/10618, designating the U.S. and having an international filing date of Apr. 3, 2001; which is a con&#39;t of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/566,350, filed May 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,150; which in turn claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/194,919, filed Apr. 4, 2000. All said applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to elevated support structures, and more particularly to a support pole for raising and lowering an object between an elevated position and a lower position. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     It is often desirable to support an object in an elevated position. For example, surveillance cameras, lights, signs, flags, banners, antennas and weather monitoring equipment are often supported a distance above the ground by mounting on a pole or mast. The added height can provide considerable advantage, including improved visibility, a better vantage point, improved signal reception, and avoidance of interference by lower structures and objects. However, maintenance, repair and installation of elevated equipment is often difficult and expensive, and may expose personnel to additional risk of injury due to the possibility of falls. Often, special equipment such as ladders, scaffolding or bucket trucks are required for access to elevated equipment. 
     Efforts have been made to facilitate service of elevated equipment at ground level by providing masts having equipment that can be raised and lowered. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,525 to Kelly, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,726 to Latimer disclose poles having cable lift mechanisms for raising and lowering equipment. Previously known poles facilitating the raising and lowering of equipment, however, have not proven fully satisfactory for a variety of reasons. For example, the lift mechanisms of such poles are often quite complex and include a substantial number of moving parts, rendering them expensive to produce and maintain. In addition, many such mechanisms incorporate external working parts such as pulleys and cables, which are exposed to damage from the elements, present a risk of injury to persons coming into contact with moving parts, and detract considerably from the external aesthetic appeal of the overall device. Also, the lift mechanisms of many such poles require specialized tools and equipment to operate and service, and often require a dedicated power source to drive the lift mechanism, adding further to the expense and complexity of the device. 
     Accordingly, it has been found that a need exists for an improved pole having a lifting mount for raising and lowering equipment between an elevated position and a lower position. It is to the provision of a pole and lifting device meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an improved pole for supporting equipment such as surveillance cameras, lights, flags, signs, antennas and weather monitoring equipment in an elevated position a distance above the ground or some other base surface. The pole includes a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the equipment between the elevated position and a lower position. In preferred embodiments described in greater detail herein, the pole of the present invention provides a relatively economical and aesthetically appealing device that is readily operable and easily serviced. 
     In one aspect, the present invention is a support pole for supporting an object in an elevated position. The support pole preferably includes an elongate pole having a top and a bottom, and a channel extending at least partly between the top and the bottom. The support pole preferably also includes a threaded rod rotationally mounted within the channel, the rod comprising a detachable coupling for engaging a drive tool. The support pole preferably also includes a carriage in engagement with the threaded rod, whereby rotation of the rod imparts translational movement upon the carriage through the channel. 
     In another aspect, the present invention is a support pole for raising and lowering a supported object between a lower position and an elevated position. The support pole preferably includes an elongate pole having a top and a bottom, and a channel extending at least partly between the top and the bottom. The support pole preferably also includes a carriage translationally mounted within the channel. The support pole preferably also includes a drive mechanism for imparting translational movement of the carriage along the channel, wherein the drive mechanism is substantially housed within the elongate pole. 
     In another aspect, the present invention is a support pole for raising and lowering a supported object between a lower position and an elevated position. The support pole preferably includes an elongate pole having a top, a bottom, and a channel extending at least partly between the top and the bottom. The support pole preferably also includes a threaded rod rotationally mounted within the channel, the rod comprising a detachable coupling for engaging a drive tool. The support pole preferably also includes a carriage in engagement with the threaded rod, whereby rotation of the rod imparts translational movement upon the carriage through the channel, the carriage comprising a mounting bracket for attachment of the supported object. The support pole preferably also includes a cable having a first end for connection to the supported object, and a second end comprising a detachable coupling. The support pole preferably also includes a pulley carrying the cable, and a return spring connected to the second end of the cable. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of preferred forms of the present invention are described in greater detail herein with reference to preferred and example embodiments. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  show front and side views, respectively, of a pole according to a preferred form of the present invention, supporting a surveillance camera housing in an elevated position, and in broken lines showing a surveillance camera housing in a lowered position. 
     FIGS. 2 a - 2   d  show alternate mounting embodiments of a pole according to preferred forms of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pole of FIG. 1, taken at section line  3 — 3 , according to a preferred form of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 shows another cross-sectional view of a portion of the pole of FIG. 1, taken at section line  4 — 4 , according to a preferred form of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  show an exploded perspective view and a top sectional view, respectively, of a carriage portion and elongate pole portion of the pole of FIG. 1, according to a preferred form of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the carriage portion of the pole of FIG. 1, according to a preferred form of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b  show a perspective view and a side elevational view, respectively, of an upper portion of the pole of FIG. 1, supporting a supported object in an elevated position. 
     FIG. 8 shows an assembly view of carriage transport portions of the pole of FIG. 1, according to a preferred form of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing details of drive portions of the pole of FIG. 1, according to a preferred form of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is an assembled perspective view of a base portion of the pole of FIG. 1, according to a preferred form of the present invention, showing a flexible drive shaft portion extended out of the pole&#39;s interior. 
     FIGS. 11 a  and  11   b  show separate and assembly views, respectively, of a stabilizer frame portion of the pole of FIG. 1, according to a preferred form of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the carriage, carriage lock and pulley portions of the pole of FIG. 1, according to a preferred form of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a top portion of the pole of FIG. 1, showing cable and carriage transport portions of the pole, according to a preferred form of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 14 a  and  14   b  are perspective assembly views of first and second alternate embodiments of a base portion of the pole of FIG. 1, showing cable transport portions of the present invention, depicted exterior of the pole for clarity. 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a remote control panel of the present invention, according to a preferred form. 
     FIGS. 16 a  and  16   b  are perspective views of an alternate embodiment of the pole of the present invention, including banner display elements, shown in lowered and raised positions, respectively. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, preferred forms of the present invention will now be described. As seen with reference to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention is a support pole  10  for raising and lowering one or more supported objects  12 , such as a surveillance camera, a light, a flag, a banner, a sign, an antenna, or weather monitoring equipment. The pole supports the object  12  in an elevated position, shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b,  and permits the object to be lowered to a lower position, shown in broken lines as element  12 ′, for maintenance, installation, service, etc. 
     In one embodiment, described with reference to FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b,  the support pole  10  includes a base plate  14  for mounting to a sidewalk or other surface, as with anchor bolts or other attachment means. In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 2 a , the support pole  10  is mounted to a telephone emergency call station  16 . In another alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 2 b , the support pole  10  is mounted to an existing pole such as a telephone pole or sign pole, preferably using mounting brackets  20 . In still another alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 2 c , the support pole  10  is mounted to a wall  18  or other structure. In yet another alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 2 d , the support pole  10  is mounted to a transformer base  22  or other enclosure. 
     The support pole  10  preferably comprises an elongate pole portion  30 , having a top  32 , a bottom  34 , and a channel  36  extending at least partly between the top and the bottom. The elongate pole portion  30  is preferably formed as an extrusion of a substantially rigid material such as aluminum, steel or plastic. In preferred form, the height of the elongate pole portion  30  is between about 10′ to about 20′, and most preferably about 16′. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that the height may be greater or less than the stated example dimensions, depending upon a particular intended application. For certain applications, the channel  36  will extend substantially the entire distance from the top  32  to the bottom  34 , thereby allowing the supported object to be raised and lowered along substantially the entire length of the elongate pole portion  30 . For example, if the support pole  10  is mounted to the top of a telephone call station  16 , it may be desirable that the supported object  12  be lowered to immediately adjacent the bottom  34  of the elongate pole portion  30  to permit a person standing on the ground or on a short ladder to reach the supported object. For other applications, the channel  36  may extend along only a portion of the height of the elongate pole portion  30 , ending a distance from either the top  32  or the bottom  34 . For example, if the support pole  10  is mounted on the ground, it may be easier to service the supported object  12  at a position several feet above the ground than at ground level, in which instance the channel  36  need not extend all the way to the bottom  34  of the pole. Preferably, the lower position of the supported object  12  will be within or just above the reach of a person of average height, whereby a short ladder is utilized to access the supported object. 
     Above and below the channel  36 , the elongate pole portion  30  is preferably a multi-sided or round extrusion having a partially hollow interior comprising one or more chambers extending substantially continuously along the height of the pole. For example, as seen with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the elongate pole portion  30  preferably comprises first and second side walls  40 ,  42 , a back wall  44 , and a front wall  46 . Outer surfaces of the elongate pole portion  30  can optionally be provided with fluting or other decorative features, and/or informational indicia such as signage. One or more recesses are preferably formed in the outer surface of the pole  30  to receive changeable graphics for aesthetic, advertising or identification purposes. The front wall  46  preferably defines an opening or slot  48  extending at least partly along its length, defining the opening to the channel  36 . A gasket  50  preferably seals the slot  48  to prevent external elements such as rain, dust, insects and debris from entering into the interior chambers of the pole, but to allow passage of a carriage (described below) through the slot. In preferred form, the gasket  50  comprises cooperating first and second ribs formed of a resilient material such as rubber. The elongate pole portion  30  is preferably extruded to include keeper slots on opposed sides of the slot  48  to hold the gasket ribs. Alternatively, the gasket  50  can be affixed along the slot  48  by fasteners or adhesive. 
     An endcap  52  is preferably attached at the top  32  of the elongate pole portion  30 , as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 7-8. Alternatively, a flashing light or other indicator can be attached at the top  32  of the elongate pole portion  30 , for example, to indicate the location of a telephone call station. The endcap  52  preferably comprises a drip ledge  54  overhanging the front wall  46  to prevent rain from running into the slot  48 . A lifting bracket  85  is preferably affixed to the pole  10  adjacent the top  32 . The lifting bracket  85  preferably comprises one or more openings or couplers for connection to a crane or other external lifting mechanism during installation, and/or for mounting a lightning rod or other component to the pole. One or more flanges  56  preferably provide structural bracing at the bottom  34  of the elongate pole portion  30 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The bottom portion  34  of the pole preferably defines an interior chamber providing sufficient space to house any electronics and other equipment necessary for operation of the supported object. 
     With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the support pole  10  preferably further comprises a carriage  70 , mounted for translational movement within the channel  36 , between a lower position and an elevated position. The carriage  70  preferably comprises a carriage body portion  72  defining a threaded bore  74  aligned generally coaxially with the elongate pole portion  30 , and generally parallel to the slot  48  of the channel  36 . The carriage  70  preferably further comprises one or more carriage guides  76 . Most preferably, first and second carriage guides  76   a ,  76   b  are mounted on opposite sides of the carriage body  72 . Each carriage guide  76  is preferably generally wedge-shaped when viewed from the side, in a viewing direction perpendicular to the axis of the bore  74 ; and is generally rectangular in cross-section when viewed end-on, in a viewing direction parallel to the axis of the bore  74 . Each carriage guide  76  preferably includes a beveled, inclined surface  78 , facing toward the top  32  of the elongate pole portion  30 . For example, as seen best with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the surface  78  is preferably inclined at an acute angle a relative to the axis of the bore  74 ; and as seen best with reference to FIG. 4, the surface  78  is preferably beveled at an angle θ relative to the sides of the carriage guide  76 . 
     With reference now to FIGS. 5-7, the carriage preferably further comprises a mounting bracket  80  attached to the carriage body  72  by a connecting strut  82 . The connecting strut  82  preferably traverses the slot  48  along the length of the channel  36 , between and in sealing contact with the ribs of the gasket  50 . The connecting strut  82  preferably has rounded edges to prevent damage to the gasket  50 , and slopes downwardly from the carriage body  72  to the mounting bracket  80 , toward the bottom  34  of the elongate pole portion  30 , so that any rainwater contacting the strut  82  runs toward the exterior of the channel  36 . The mounting bracket  80  is preferably a generally flat metal plate, offset a small distance outside the channel  36 , and preferably does not physically contact the channel. The mounting bracket  80  preferably traverses immediately adjacent and external of the channel  36 , and is sized and shaped to substantially cover any opening formed between the gasket  50  and the strut  82  as the gasket parts to permit passage of the strut, thereby excluding any rain or debris from entering the interior of the channel. The mounting bracket  80  preferably defines one or more holes  84  for receiving bolts or other fasteners for attaching a supported object  12  to the carriage  70 . The holes  84  can be internally threaded or can be unthreaded through holes. The mounting bracket  80  preferably also defines a cable opening  86  for passing a cable connecting the supported object  12  to a remote location. The strut  82  preferably defines a conduit in communication with the cable opening  86 , and a cable clamp  88  is preferably mounted to the carriage  70  for securing the cable thereto. 
     As seen best with reference to FIGS. 3-5, the elongate pole portion  30  preferably comprises one or more carriage guide tracks  90  extending lengthwise within the channel  36 . Preferably, first and second guide tracks  90   a ,  90   b  are provided on opposite sides of the channel  36 , extending generally parallel to and adjacent the sidewalls  40 ,  42 . Each track  90   a ,  90   b  is preferably configured to engage a respective carriage guide  76   a ,  76   b , and constrain the carriage  70  to translational movement along the longitudinal axis of the channel  36 , thereby preventing any significant twisting, pivotal or transverse movement of the carriage. Each track  90   a ,  90   b  is preferably formed as part of the channel  36  by extruding an opposed pair of fins  92  along the interior front and back surfaces of the channel. The tracks  90   a ,  90   b  and the carriage guides  76   a ,  76   b  preferably comprise contacting surfaces presenting a low coefficient of friction, whereby the carriage  70  slides smoothly within the channel  36 . For example, the tracks  90   a ,  90   b  are preferably formed of smooth aluminum, and the carriage guides  76   a ,  76   b  are preferably formed of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene. In alternate embodiments, the tracks  90  may be periodically lubricated if needed, and/or self-lubricating materials of construction can be utilized. 
     The support pole  10  preferably further comprises a drive mechanism for imparting translational movement of the carriage  70  along the channel. In preferred form, the drive mechanism is substantially entirely housed within the elongate pole  30 , thereby protecting the drive mechanism from the elements, shielding personnel from injury by contact with moving parts, and improving the aesthetics of the overall device. With particular reference now to FIGS. 3,  4  and  8 - 10 , the drive mechanism preferably comprises a threaded rod  100  rotationally mounted within the channel  36 , and extending between the elevated position and the lower position. The threaded rod is preferably between about ¾″ to 1″ in diameter, and has an Acme single thread profile with a pitch of about six threads per inch (6 tpi). Of course, the size and thread characteristics may vary depending upon the particular application. A support bracket or block  102  is preferably mounted in the base of the elongate pole portion  30 , adjacent the bottom  34 , for supporting the threaded rod  100 . A bearing  104  is preferably provided between the support bracket  102  and the threaded rod  100  to facilitate smooth rotation and constrain the bottom end of the rod in position, preventing any significant axial or transverse motion of the rod. A top plate  106  is preferably mounted at the top  32  of the elongate pole portion  30 , and defines an opening and/or bearing  108  constraining the top end of the rod  100  to rotational motion. The threaded rod  100  preferably engages the threaded bore  74  of the carriage  70 , whereby rotation of the rod  100  imparts translational movement upon the carriage  70  through the channel  36 . Rotation of the rod  100  in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) thereby imparts translation of the carriage  70  along the channel  36  in a first direction (e.g., upwardly), and rotation of the rod  100  in a second rotational direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) thereby imparts translation of the carriage  70  along the channel  36  in a second direction (e.g., downwardly). 
     The threaded rod  100  is preferably connected to a detachable coupling for engagement of a drive tool  128 . For example, the lower end of the rod  100  preferably comprises a first element of a detachable coupling  119 , adapted to cooperatively engage a second detachable coupling element of a flexible drive shaft  120  at a first end  121  of the flexible drive shaft. Alternatively, the flexible drive shaft  120  can be permanently coupled to the rod  100 . The second end  122  of the flexible drive shaft  120  is preferably releasably or permanently coupled to a drive tool  128 . The drive tool  128  can be manually driven, such as a wrench or a handcrank, or can be power driven, such as an electrical or pneumatic motor. In a particularly preferred form, the coupling is adapted to detachably couple with a portable cordless drillmotor. The flexible drive shaft  120  can be permanently or detachably coupled to the threaded rod  100 . In preferred form, and as seen with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the flexible drive shaft  120  has a length that permits the shaft to be housed within the interior of the base of the elongate pole portion  30 , beneath the support bracket  102 , when not in use; and to be accessed for use through an access opening  124  in the elongate pole portion  30 , whereby the coupling  122  can be withdrawn to a position external of the elongate pole portion  30  for connection to the drive tool. A cover plate  126  preferably covers the access opening  124  when the drive shaft  120  is not in use. 
     With reference to FIGS. 11 a  and  11   b,  the support pole  10  preferably further comprises a stabilizer frame  140 , for bracing the threaded rod  100  to reduce vibration during rotation of the rod  100 . The stabilizer frame generally comprises an upper stabilizer block  142 , a lower stabilizer block  144  spaced a distance d from the upper plate, and one or more connecting members  146  extending between the upper and lower blocks. The distance d is preferably about ⅓ to ½ the length of the threaded rod  100 . Each of the upper and lower blocks  142 ,  144  define an opening  148 ,  150  having an inner diameter approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the threaded rod  100 . The upper and lower blocks  142 ,  144  are preferably formed of UHWM polyethylene or other low-friction material. The stabilizer frame is mounted within the channel  36 , with the threaded rod  100  engaged within the openings  148 ,  150 , and with the carriage  70  between the upper and lower blocks  142 ,  144 . The upper and lower blocks  142 ,  144  are preferably sized and shaped to slide in close registration within the channel  36 , for example, between the fins  92  forming the guide tracks  90 . In this manner, the upper and lower blocks provide bracing against lateral vibration of the rod  100  as the rod is rotated. The stabilizer frame is preferably carried along with the carriage  70  as the carriage traverses the channel  36 . For example, if the distance d between the upper and lower blocks  142 ,  144  is about ½ the length of the threaded rod  100 , the upper block  142  will brace the threaded rod near the midpoint of the rod&#39;s length when the carriage  70  is below the midpoint of the rod&#39;s length. As the carriage  70  moves upwardly along the channel  36 , the top of the carriage will contact the upper block  142 , and carry the stabilizer frame  140  upwardly through the channel. When the carriage  70  reaches the top of the channel, the lower block  144  of the stabilizer frame  140  will be positioned at about the midpoint of the threaded rod  100 . Because the threaded rod  100  is constrained against lateral deflection at its top and bottom ends by bearings  108 ,  104 , respectively, in the absence of the bracing provided by the stabilizer frame, the rod would be prone to maximum vibratory deflection at or near its midpoint. Thus, by providing a stabilizer frame having a distance d between blocks  142 ,  144  of ⅓ to ½ the length of the rod  100 , the threaded rod is braced at or near the point of greatest susceptibility to vibration throughout the traverse of the carriage  70 . 
     The support pole  10  of the present invention preferably further comprises at least one carriage lock, which will be described with particular reference to FIG.  12 . In preferred form, a pair of carriage locks  170   a ,  170   b  are affixed within the guide tracks  90   a ,  90   b , adjacent the top  32  of the elongate pole  30 , for example by attachment to the top plate  106 . The carriage locks  170   a ,  170   b  comprise beveled, inclined surfaces supplementary to the beveled, inclined surfaces  78  of the carriage guides  76   a ,  76   b . As the carriage  70  is raised into the elevated position adjacent the top  32  of the elongate pole  30 , the beveled, inclined surfaces of the carriage guides  76   a ,  76   b  contact and engage the beveled, inclined surfaces of the carriage locks  170   a ,  170   b  to lock the carriage  70  in position and thereby prevent vibration and lateral movement of the supported object  12  in the elevated position. The cooperating beveled, inclined surfaces provide increased surface area of contact between the carriage locks  170   a ,  170   b  and the carriage guides  76   a ,  76   b , and provide compressive forces therebetween in both an axial and a lateral direction, thereby providing more solid bracing against movement and vibration than would be provided by contact between non-inclined and/or non-beveled surfaces. 
     In many instances, the supported object  12  must be coupled, electronically or otherwise, to one or more remote devices and/or power sources. For example, a supported surveillance camera is typically coupled electronically and/or optically to a remote power source and to remote monitoring and/or recording devices. The support pole  10  of the present invention preferably further comprises a cable transport mechanism for coupling the supported object  12  to a remote device and permitting the supported object to be raised and lowered between the elevated and lower positions. With reference now to FIGS. 6,  13  and  14   a , the support pole  10  preferably comprises a cable  180 , having a first end connected to the supported object  12 , and a second end comprising a detachable coupling  182  for detachable connection with a cooperating coupling adjacent the bottom  34  of the elongate pole  30 . Adjacent its first end, the cable  180  is preferably attached to the carriage  70  by the cable clamp  88  and extends through the cable opening  86  in the mounting bracket  80 . An intermediate portion of the cable  180  between its first and second ends is preferably carried by a pulley  184  mounted to the top plate  106  beneath the endcap  52 . When the carriage  70  is raised to the elevated position, the cable  180  extends over the pulley  184 , and the second end of the cable reaches to a position adjacent the bottom  34  of the elongate pole  30  where its coupling  182  is connected to a cooperating coupling to complete the connection between the supported object  12  and the external device and/or power source. The coupling  182  is detached to lower the supported object to the lower position. As the carriage  70  is lowered through the channel  36 , the first end of the cable  180  is carried downwardly with the carriage. The cable  180  passes over the pulley  184 , and the second end and coupling  182  of the cable  180  are raised upwardly through the elongate pole  30 . As seen best with reference to FIGS. 3,  4  and  13 , the extrusion profile of the pole preferably defines at least one cable duct  190 , extending along substantially the entire length of the pole  30 , for enclosing the first end and intermediate portion of the cable  180  along its path of travel as the supported object is raised and lowered. In the depicted embodiment, first and second cable ducts  190   a ,  190   b  are arranged on opposite sides of the channel  36 . The provision of the cable duct(s)  190  provide a protective enclosure for the cable  180 , as well as for additional cables, wires or other equipment extending between the top and bottom of the pole, and helps prevent the cable  180  from kinking or snagging on adjacent structure as the supported object is raised and lowered. 
     The cable transport mechanism of the present invention preferably further comprises a return mechanism for retrieval of the cable  180  and for maintaining tension on the cable during transport. In a first preferred embodiment, the return mechanism comprises a connector block  172 , a tension pulley  174  biased by a spring  176 , and a return lanyard  178 , as seen best with reference to FIG. 14 a . The second end of the cable  180  comprising the coupling  182  is preferably attached to the connector block  172  by a clamp, a set screw, or other retainer. The connector block  172  is preferably shaped to slide freely within the cable duct  190  as the carriage  70  is raised and lowered. The return lanyard  178  is preferably a steel cable or other flexible element, having a first end attached to the connector block  172  and a second end connected to the carriage  70 . An intermediate portion of the return lanyard  178  passes through and engages the tension pulley  174 . In this manner, the cable  180  and the return lanyard  178  form a continuous loop around the upper pulley  184  and the lower tension pulley  174 . As the carriage  70  is lowered, the connector block  172  and the first end of the lanyard  178  are raised upwardly through the cable duct  190 ; and as the carriage is raised, the connector block and first end of the lanyard return to the lower position adjacent the base of the pole. The spring  176  biases the tension pulley away from the upper pulley  184 , to maintain the cable  180  and the return lanyard  178  in tension, so that they remain straight during travel and prevent kinking. The spring and pulley mechanism is preferably mounted to the pole  10  by a bracket  177 . Components of the return mechanism are depicted externally of the pole for clarity in the perspective view of FIG. 14 a , but in use are actually housed within the pole as shown in the cross-sectional detail of the assembled mechanism. 
     In an alternate embodiment depicted in FIG. 14 b , the return mechanism comprises a return spring  186  such as a constant force coil spring, which is preferably attached to the second end of the cable  180  to retract the second end of the cable back to the bottom of the elongate pole  30  when the carriage is again raised to the elevated position. The return spring  186  maintains tension on the cable  180  throughout the traverse of the carriage, thereby preventing kinking of the cable and retaining the cable within the track of the pulley  184 . The return spring  186  also serves as a security lanyard for retrieving or freeing the cable  180 , should the cable become stuck as the supported object is raised or lowered. The return spring  186  is depicted externally of the elongate pole  30  in FIG. 14 for purposes of clarity; however, the return spring is preferably mounted within the interior of the elongate pole  30  in actual use. The housing or main body of the spring  186  is attached to the base of the pole  30  by a keeper, screw or other attachment means. The free end of the spring  186  is preferably attached to a spring guide  188 , which is slidably mounted within one of the cable ducts  190   a ,  190   b . The spring guide  188  is preferably a generally rectangular block of low-friction material, such as UHMW polyethylene sized and shaped to slide translationally within the cable duct  190 , but to resist rotation or twisting. In this manner, because the free end of the spring  186  is affixed to the spring guide  188 , the spring does not twist or tangle as it is uncoiled from its retracted state. 
     The present invention optionally further comprises a remote control panel  200  mounted to the base of the support pole  10 , which allows a user to verify the operation of a pan/tilt mechanism  201  of a surveillance camera housing carried as the supported object  12  in certain particular applications of the support pole. Provision of the remote control panel  200  permits testing of the pan/tilt mechanism  201  without the need for climbing a ladder or lowering the camera housing. As seen best with reference to FIG. 15, the remote control panel  200  preferably comprises a video connector  202  for connection to an external video monitor. The remote control panel  200  preferably further comprises a control signal connector  204  for connection of an external controller  206 , such as a programmed computer, for selectively controlling the pan/tilt mechanism  201 . A power connector  208  for connection to an external power source  210 , and/or an internal power source (unshown) are also preferably provided. The remote control panel  200  is preferably connected to the communication and video lines that are used to normally control the pan/tilt mechanism  201  and transmit video signals, but does not affect the normal operation of the pan/tilt mechanism. Video output signals from the supported surveillance camera are transmitted via the video connector  202  to the connected video monitor as the controller  206  is operated to actuate the pan/tilt mechanism  201 . The user observes the displayed image on the video monitor to verify the operation of the pan/tilt mechanism  201 . The remote control panel  200  preferably also comprises a control signal interface  212  for converting the electrical signal levels from the controller  206  to the electrical signal levels of the pan/tilt mechanism  201 . The remote control panel  200  preferably also comprises a control signal isolator  214  for isolating control wires from external equipment. The control signal isolator  214  can comprise means for manually isolating control wires from external equipment, or alternatively can comprise means for automatically isolating control wires from external equipment by detecting the presence of signals from the controller  206 . 
     FIGS. 16 a  and  16   b  depict an alternate embodiment of the pole of the present invention, comprising a banner display system, shown in a lowered and a raised configuration, respectively. One or more lower banner posts  220  are preferably mounted to the pole between the top  32  and the bottom  34 . Two lower banner posts  220  are depicted, permitting a pair of banners to be displayed simultaneously. The lower banner posts  220  are optionally detachably mounted to the pole to permit selective positioning depending upon the size of the banner to be displayed. Alternatively, the lower banner posts  220  are permanently mounted in a fixed position on the pole. One or more upper banner posts  222  are preferably mounted to the carriage  70 , whereby the upper banner posts are raised and lowered along with the carriage. The mounting bracket  80  is preferably modified to include one or more side flanges for mounting the upper banner post(s)  222 . In use, the bottom of a banner  224  is secured to the lower banner posts  220 , and the top of the banner is secured to the upper banner posts  222 . The carriage  70  and attached upper banner post(s)  222  are lowered to install and remove the banner(s)  224 , and raised to display the banner(s). 
     In operation, a supported object such as a surveillance camera is mounted to the mounting bracket  80 . The carriage  70  is preferably lowered to the lower position shown in broken lines in FIG. 1 for installation and maintenance of the supported object. The flexible drive shaft  120  is connected between the drive tool and the threaded rod  100 . The drive tool is actuated to rotationally drive the threaded rod  100 , thereby moving the carriage  70  upwardly through the channel  36 , into the elevated position shown in solid lines in FIG.  1 . In the elevated position, the carriage locks  170  engage the carriage guides  76  to prevent vibration of the supported object. The coupling  182  of the cable is connected to a cooperating coupling adjacent the bottom  34  of the elongate pole  30  to connect the supported object to a remote device and/or power source. The flexible driveshaft  120  is removed, and cover plate(s) are installed over all access openings  124 . The supported object is then used according to standard practice. For example, a supported surveillance camera obtains images from a monitored area surrounding the support pole  10 , and sends signals to remote monitoring and/or recording devices. To service the supported object, the cover plate(s) are removed from access opening(s)  124 , the cable coupling  182  is detached, the driveshaft  120  is coupled between a drive tool and the threaded rod, and the threaded rod is rotationally driven to lower the carriage  70 . When servicing is complete, the supported object is raised back into the elevated position as described above. 
     It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many additions, modifications and deletions can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.