Patent Publication Number: US-2021164612-A1

Title: Brake assembly for a pole

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present invention claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2019904503 filed Nov. 28, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to poles suitable for street lighting, displaying banners or signage, conveying electricity, telecommunication boxes and other devices. The invention has been developed primarily for use with poles that are hollow and produced from aluminium, and will be described hereinafter by reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may be applied to other types of poles of similar construction, including electricity poles or telegraph poles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following discussion of the prior art is intended to present the invention in an appropriate technical context and allow its advantages to be properly appreciated. Unless clearly indicated to the contrary, however, reference to any prior art in this specification should not be construed as an express or implied admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     In the field of elongated support structures and in particular street poles or lighting, there have been significant changes made in the manufacture and instalment of such street and outdoor lighting poles, due to architectural design, aesthetic demand and urban design. This has led to the development of poles that can mount a variety of items or modules, such as lighting, traffic control lights, CCTV, banners, signage, public warning signs or lights, telecommunication devices, environmental monitoring device, pedestrian management devices and electronic devices, especially in public areas. 
     The Applicant&#39;s Multipole™ and Multipole Solar™ products deliver an aesthetically pleasing all aluminium multi-function pole that can provide a flexible secure home for many of the services required in the streetscape. In addition the poles can be the basis for the provision of public amenities such as bike racks, bus shelters, water bubblers and seats. Among its many advantages are that the poles are provided with an extruded aluminium base section with a first cross-section shape and size, and a mast of second cross-section shape and size (preferably smaller than said first cross-section) connected to and supported by the mast. The lower supporting mast section is sometimes provided with flutes, reabsorbed channels or ribs. These ribs have multiple functionality including aesthetics, the ability to add accessories, etc. but they also serve the purpose of strengthening. As it will be understood by persons skilled in the art, previously constructed steel poles did not require such strengthening ribs since steel is stronger in a conventional tube. Aluminium on the other hand, can be extruded in quite complex cross-section which are both strong and light weight. 
     Generally, to install or mount items like luminaires, banners, signs, telecommunication boxes or other electronic devices to the pole, it is necessary for a worker in a cherry picker or other lift device to handle the item from above and fasten it to the pole in situ. This can be difficult to perform and there is a risk of the item being dropped, damaging itself or injuring a worker below. Moreover, the task is time consuming, inconvenient and inefficient, increasing installation costs in time and manpower. This problem also occurs when the item is to be removed or replaced. 
     To address these issues, mounting systems have been developed. One such system based on a flag pole, where the item to be mounted is installed from the ground using a cabling or rope system. The item is drawn upwards by a rope, cable, wire and the like into the desired position and the rope, cable, wire or the like is then secured to hold the mounted item in position on the pole. However, a risk with this mounting system is that in the event the rope or cable failure, either by becoming untied, frayed or cut, the mounted item will fall, causing damage to itself, people or structures beneath. 
     It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative. It is an object of the invention in at least one preferred form to provide a brake system for preventing or minimising the risk of mounted items falling from a pole due to failure of the mounting rope or cable, and hence any damage caused by the falling item. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a brake assembly for a module mountable to a pole having an elongate shaft with at least one track, the brake assembly being connectable to the module and comprising at least two brake members configured to fit at least partly adjacent each other and a biasing member for urging the at least two brake members apart such that at least one brake member engages the at least one track to resist falling of the module. 
     According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a pole comprising an elongate shaft having at least one track, the brake assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, a module connectable to the brake assembly for mounting to the pole and a flexible rope connectable to the brake assembly for moving the brake assembly along the at least one track. 
     In some embodiments, the at least two brake members interlock with each other. In other embodiments, the at least two brake members comprise locking portions for mutual engagement with each other. In further embodiments, the locking portions of the at least two brake members each comprises a stop. In yet other embodiments, the locking portions of the at least two brake members have complementary shapes. 
     In some embodiments, the at least two brake members are each connectable to a flexible rope at one end. In other embodiments, the ends of the at least two brake members connectable to the flexible rope are opposite to each other. 
     In some embodiments, the at least two brake members are configured to fit at least partly adjacent each other on the at least one track. In other embodiments, on the at least one track the at least two brake members are configured to fit at least partly laterally adjacent each other on the at least one track. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member urges the at least two brake members apart in a lateral direction to a longitudinal axis of the at least one track. In some embodiments, the biasing member urges the at least two brake members apart in at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis of the at least one track. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member comprises a spring. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the at least two brake members have a cam portion to facilitate movement of the at least two brake members apart from each other. In other embodiments, the cam portion comprises a linear cam portion. In further embodiment, the linear cam portion takes the form of an inclined portion or ramp. In yet other embodiments, the at least two brake members have cam portions that are engageable with each other. 
     In some embodiments, one of the at least two brake members comprises an opening for receiving the biasing member. In other embodiments, the opening comprises a bore, cavity, recess or the like in the brake member. 
     In some embodiments, one of the at least two brake members is pivotable relative to the other of the at least two brake members. 
     In some embodiments, the brake assembly is slidable on the at least one track. In further embodiments, the brake assembly is configured to engage laterally extending ribs of the at least one track. In other embodiments, the brake assembly comprises one or more base members for engaging the at least one track. 
     In some embodiments, each brake member is connected to a base member. In other embodiments, at least one brake member is pivotally connected to the base member. In further embodiments, at least one brake member is fixedly connected to the base member. 
     Alternatively, in some embodiments, the at least two brake members are pivotably connected to each other. In other embodiments, a first brake member has an opening for receiving a fastener to pivotally connect the first brake member to a second brake member. 
     In some embodiments, the base member comprises an engagement portion for engaging the track. In other embodiments, the engagement portion comprises one or more flanges for engaging a rib of the track. In further embodiments, the engagement portion comprises two flanges defining a groove for receiving the retaining rib. 
     In some embodiments, the brake assembly comprises a mounting element for connecting the brake assembly to the module. In other embodiments, the mounting element is connected to the base members or the at least two brake members. In further embodiments, the mounting element comprises a mounting plate. 
     Alternatively, in some embodiments, a mounting element connects the brake assembly to the module. In other embodiments, the mounting element is slidable on the at least one track. In further embodiments, the mounting element comprises a mounting plate. 
     In some embodiments, there is a plurality of brake members. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting element comprises a bar for supporting the module on the pole. In other embodiments, the module comprises a bar for supporting a flag, banner, sign or other planar element. In further embodiments, the bar extends substantially orthogonal to the mounting element. In yet other embodiments, the bar extends at an oblique angle to the mounting element. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one track extends along the length of the elongate shaft from a first point to a second point, wherein the brake assembly is slidable along the at least one track between the first and second points. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one track is located in an interior surface of the elongate shaft. Preferably, the at least one track is recessed in the elongate shaft. In other embodiments, the at least two brake members are configured to fit at least partly adjacent each other within the at least one track and the biasing member urges the at least two brake members apart and into engagement with the sidewalls of the at least one track. 
     In other embodiments, the at least one track is located in an exterior or outer surface of the elongate shaft. In other embodiments, the biasing member urges the at least two brake members apart such that one brake member engages the at least one track and the other brake member engages the module or the mounting element. 
     In some embodiments of the second aspect, the flexible rope is connected to the brake assembly under tension such that the at least two brake members interlock with each other and, when the flexible rope loses tension, the biasing member urges the at least two brake members apart. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one track comprises a channel. In other embodiments, the at least one track comprises one or more retaining ribs extending laterally of the at least one track to retain the brake assembly, module or mounting element on the at least one track. In one preferred embodiment, the at least one track comprises a pair of retaining ribs extending inwardly of the at least one track. The retaining ribs may also provide additional structural support to the pole. 
     In some embodiments, there is a plurality of the tracks. In other embodiments, the elongate shaft may have a generally rectangular, square, circular, oval or other polygonal cross-sectional profile. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the elongate shaft has a generally rectangular or square cross-sectional profile and the tracks are located at the vertices of the rectangle or square. 
     In some embodiments, the elongate shaft is substantially hollow. In other embodiments, the elongate shaft is formed by extrusion. Preferably, the at least one track is integrally formed with the elongate shaft by extrusion. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one track may be formed separately and attached to the elongate shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one track extends substantially along the entire length of the elongate shaft. In other embodiments, the at least one track extends from a base portion of the elongate shaft to the top of the elongate shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the first point is located adjacent at a base of the elongate shaft. In other embodiments, the first point is located a predetermined distance from the base of the elongate shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the second point is located adjacent or at the top of the elongate shaft. In other embodiments, the second point is located a second predetermined distance from the top of the elongate shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the module comprises a luminaire or other light fitting. In other embodiments, the module comprises a banner, sign, flag or planar element. In further embodiments, the module comprises a telecommunications box, traffic control, CCTV, one or more environmental sensors, an electronic module or other electrical device. 
     In some embodiments, the pole includes one or more solar panels. In further embodiments, the one or more solar panels comprise one or more batteries on its inner surface for storing electrical power generated by the one or more solar panels. In yet another embodiment, the elongate shaft comprises one or more cavities in the exterior surface for receiving the one or more solar panels. In some embodiments, the one or more cavities include a resilient member for spacing the one or more solar panels from the inner surface of the cavity. In other embodiments, the cavity may accommodate wiring and other electrical equipment for connecting the one or more solar panels to the module. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. 
     Furthermore, as used herein and unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the brake assembly according to an embodiment of the invention connected to a module; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial close up perspective view of the brake assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the brake assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a brake assembly of  FIG. 1  installed on a pole; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial close up perspective view of the brake assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial front view of the pole of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the pole taken along line A-A of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the brake assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the brake assembly and pole of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a close-up perspective view of the brake assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is another perspective view of the brake assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a further perspective view of the brake assembly of  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is yet another perspective view of the brake assembly of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described with reference to the following examples which should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. In the Figures, corresponding features within the same embodiment or common to different embodiments have been given the same reference numerals. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , there is illustrated a brake assembly  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention for a module  110  mountable to a pole  115  having an elongate shaft  120  with a plurality of tracks  125 . The brake assembly comprises at least two brake members  130 ,  140  configured to fit at least partly adjacent each other and a biasing member  150  (preferably in the form of a spring) for urging the brake members apart such that at least one brake member engages the track  125  to resist falling of the module  110 . 
     The brake members  130 ,  140  are designed to detachably interlock with each other. To that end, the brake members  130 ,  140  each have locking portions for mutual engagement with each other. In this embodiment, the locking portions take the form of stops  135 ,  145  that abut each other when the brake members are adjacent each other on the track  125 . In addition, the brake members each have a cam portion to facilitate movement apart from each other, preferably a linear cam portion. In this embodiment, the linear cam portions take the form of inclined portions or ramps  137 ,  147  that are engageable with each other. When the brake members  130 ,  140  are partly laterally adjacent to each other and interlocked, the ramps  137 ,  147  are in engagement with each other. 
     The fall assembly  100  further comprises two base members  153 ,  155  that are respectively connected to the brake members  130 ,  140 . The base members  153 ,  155  enable the brake assembly  100  to engage and slide along the track  125 . In this embodiment, the base members  153 ,  155  have engagement portions  157 ,  158  to mutually engage each other, as best shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The brake member  130  is pivotally connected to the base member  153 , while the brake member  140  is fixedly connected to the base member  155  by a plurality of fasteners  160 , such as bolts, screws or nails, as best shown in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the base members  153 ,  155  may be integrally formed as a single base member. 
     The brake member  130  in this embodiment has an opening for receiving a fastener to pivotally connect it to the base member  153 . The opening takes the form of a slot  165 , but it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, it may take other forms, such as a bore. Similarly, the fastener in this embodiment is a pin  170 , but other embodiments may use other types of fasteners, such as bolts, screws or nails. 
     The brake assembly  100  also has a mounting element in the form of a mounting plate  172  for fixedly connecting the base members  153 ,  155 , and hence the brake members  130 ,  140 , together as a single unit. The mounting plate  172  also enables the module  110  to be removably attached to the brake assembly  100 . 
     The brake member  130  also has an opening in the form of a bore  175  of receiving the biasing member  150 . In other embodiments, the opening comprises a cavity, recess or the like in the brake member  130 . The bore  175  is preferably arranged so that the biasing member applies a biasing force at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axes of the brake members  130 ,  140 . This ensures that the spring  150  acts to force the brake members  130 ,  140  apart and cause a braking action between the brake assembly  100  and the track  125 . It will be appreciated that the biasing member  150  can be arranged to be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the brake members  130 ,  140 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 to 10 , the brake assembly  100  is illustrated when installed on the track  125  of the pole  115 . The pole  115  may be used as a street lighting pole, a telecommunications pole, pole supporting a banner or sign, a mast or the like. 
     The brake members  130 ,  140  are each connectable to a flexible rope  180  at respective ends  190 ,  195 . As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the respective ends  190 ,  195  of the brake members  130 ,  140  are opposite to each other. The flexible rope  180  may be connected by either tying a loop around an eyehole (such as the eyehole  200  shown at end  190  of brake member  130 ) or a ring (such as the ring  210  shown at end  195  of brake member  140 ). It will be appreciated that the flexible rope  180  may the connected to the ends  190 ,  195  of the brake members  130 ,  140  by other fastening arrangements. 
     In this embodiment, the track  125  takes the form of a longitudinal channel running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft  120 . As best shown in  FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, the tracks  125  are recessed in the elongate shaft  120  so as to be located in an interior surface  230  and extend along the length of the elongate shaft from a base portion (not shown) of the pole  115  to a top portion (not shown) of the pole. 
     In addition, the track  125  has one or more retaining ribs  240  extending laterally of the at least one track to retain the module on the track. In this embodiment, there are a pair of retaining ribs  240  extending inwardly of the track  125 , as best shown in  FIG. 7 . The retaining ribs  240  may also provide additional structural support to the pole  115 . 
     The brake members  130 ,  140  are configured to fit at least partly adjacent each other on the track  125 , preferably laterally adjacent each other. In other words, the brake members  130 ,  140  are partly side by side on the track  125 . In other embodiments, the brake members  130 ,  140  may be fully aligned side by side on the track  125 . Likewise, the base members  153 ,  155  are also configured to fit laterally adjacent each other in the track  125 , as best shown in  FIG. 7 . The base members  153 ,  155  each have engagement portions in the form of flanges  245  that define grooves  250  for receiving the retaining ribs  240  to ensure that the brake assembly  100  is securely held in the track  125 . The brake assembly  100  is thus located within the track  125  so that it is slidable along the track. 
     In this embodiment, the module  110  comprises a bar  270  for supporting a flag, sign or banner  272  (as indicated by dotted lines in  FIG. 10 ) from the pole  115 . The module  110  is removably fixed to the mounting plate  172  by a pair of cover plates  275  and fasteners  280 . This enables the module  110  to be easily installed on the pole  115  by way of its removable attachment to the brake assembly  100 , as discussed below. 
     To install the module  110  on the pole  115 , the module is removably attached to the mounting plate  172  of the brake assembly  100 , as discussed above. The brake assembly  100  is then inserted into a lower end of the track  125  near the base of the pole  115 , so that the grooves  250  of the flanges  245  of base members  153 ,  155  receive the retaining ribs  240  of the track. The flexible rope  180  may be attached to the ends  190 ,  195  of the brake members  130 ,  140  of the brake assembly  100  before or after the brake assembly is slid into the track  125 . The brake assembly  100 , now carrying the module  110 , is then pulled up along the track  125  by the flexible rope  180  to a desired position on the pole  115 . As the module  110  travels along a path defined by the track  125  and held on the track by the retaining ribs  240 , there is no risk of the module  110  or the brake assembly  100  deviating out of position as it moves along the pole  115 . The flexible rope  180  is then secured or tied to retain the brake assembly  100  and mounted module  110  in its desired position on the pole  115 . To replace or remove the module  110 , the process is performed in reverse; the flexible rope  180  is untied and the brake assembly  100  (and hence module  110 ) is lowered along the track  125 . 
     It should be noted that as the brake assembly  100  is hauled up the track  125 , the flexible rope  180  at the end  195  of brake member  140  applies an upward force that causes the stop  145  to engage the stop  135  on the brake member  130 . This causes the brake members  130 ,  140  to align partly adjacent each other and to interlock together, which permits the brake assembly  100  to move smoothly along the track  125 . This upward force also overcomes the biasing action of the biasing member  150  to urge the brake members  130 ,  140  apart. The interlocking of the brake members  130 ,  140  remains so long as the flexible rope stays under tension, including when the flexible rope  180  is tied to secure the brake assembly  100  and module  110  into position on the pole  115 . 
     In the event of a failure event occurring, such as the flexible rope  180  breaking (suddenly or due to fraying) or becoming untied, this causes a loss in tension in the flexible rope. This causes the brake assembly  100 , including the module  110 , to begin to fall. However, the brake assembly  100  and module  110  are still retained in the track  125  and so the path of the fall is limited to the track. In response to this loss of tension, the biasing member  150  is able to exert a lateral force to move the brake members  130 ,  140  apart from each other in a generally lateral direction to the track  125 , at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axes of the brake members  130 ,  140 , as well as the longitudinal axis of the track. As the biasing member  150  is located within the bore  175  of the brake member  140 , it tends to move the brake member  130 . However, the pin  170  restrains the range of movement of the brake member  130 , causing it to pivot outwards and away from the brake member  140  into engagement with the sidewall of the track  125 . This separation of the brake members  130 ,  140  is facilitated by the ramps  135 ,  145 , which cause the brake members to progressively slide apart in a lateral direction to the track  125 . As a consequence of this separating action, the brake members  130 ,  140  engage the sidewalls of the track  125 , resisting the falling action of the brake assembly  100  and module  110 , effectively acting as a brake. Thus, the brake assembly  100  and module  110  will either come to a complete stop further down the track  125  or at least slow down the fall to a safe speed, limiting any damage to people underneath and/or the module  110  when striking the ground. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 to 15 , another embodiment of the invention is illustrated, where the brake assembly  300  is adapted to slide on a pole  115  that has a track  325  located on an exterior or outer surface of the elongate shaft  120  instead of being recessed within an interior surface. The track  325  in this instance may be extruded with the elongate shaft  120  or be attached separately. In this embodiment, the brake assembly  300  is substantially the same as the brake assembly  100 , comprising brake members  130 ,  140  but is adapted to fit on the external track  325 . This is achieved by providing base members  330 ,  340  with inwardly extending flanges  350  that engage outwardly directed retaining ribs  360  of the track  325 . That is, instead of the base members  153 ,  155  of the brake assembly  100  fitting within the track  125 , the brake assembly  300  is mounted on the track  325  by having the base members  330 ,  340  surround the ribs  350  via the inwardly extending flanges  350  to grip the track  325 . 
     Also, the brake members  130 ,  140  are connected to the base member  330 , the brake member  130  being pivotally connected to the base member  330  by a pin  170  secured to a slot  165  in the brake member  130 . 
     Moreover, the brake assembly  300  is also arranged so that the brake members  130 ,  140  lie on and adjacent the track  325 , orthogonal to the orientation of the brake assembly  100 . This arrangement for the brake assembly  300  means that biasing member  150  can urge the brake members  130 ,  140  apart so that the brake member  130  engages the track  325  while the brake member  140  engages the base member  340 , creating the same braking action as described above to resist falling of the brake assembly  300  and the attached module  110 . In all other respects, the brake assembly  300  operates in the same way as the brake assembly  100 . 
     While the embodiments of the invention describe the biasing member  150  being generally positioned in the bore  175  to urge the brake members at an oblique angle in a generally lateral direction to the track  125 ,  325 , it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the biasing member  150  may urge the brake members  130 ,  140  in a substantially orthogonal or perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis of the track  125 ,  325 . In both cases, the separating action creates a braking action to resist the falling movement of the brake assembly  100 ,  300  and module  110 . 
     Similarly, the brake assembly  100 ,  300  may be configured to slide on the track  125 ,  325  without necessarily requiring the base members  153 ,  155 . Also, the brake assembly  100  may use other removable connecting elements to secure the brake assembly  100  to the track  125  other than the flanges  245 . Furthermore, the brake assembly  100 ,  300  may have multiple brake members  130 ,  140 . For example, a second brake member of the same type as the brake member  130  may be pivotally connected to the base member  153  or  155  to provide a fail-safe in the event that the brake member  130  fails to operate. 
     In alternative embodiments, the mounting element or plate  172  may be a separate component to the brake assembly  100  or even be part of the module  110 . The mounting element may also be a block, boss or other mounting member and need not be a plate. Similarly, the bar  270  may be part of the mounting element  172  or the module  110 . The bar  270  may also extend at an oblique angle to the mounting element or plate  172  or the pole  115 , as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the elongate shaft  120  is substantially hollow and the tracks  125  are integrally formed with the elongate shaft by extrusion. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the track  125  may be formed separately and attached to the elongate shaft  120 . In addition, the elongate shaft  120  has a generally circular cross-sectional profile and the tracks  125  are located at equidistant locations on the circumference of the circle. Again, it will be appreciated that the elongate shaft  120  may have other cross-sectional profiles, such as rectangular, square, oval, hexagonal, pentagonal or other polygonal cross-sectional profile. Where the cross-sectional profile is one with vertices, it is preferred that the tracks are located at those vertices to remove sharp edges from the pole. 
     In other embodiments, the length of the track  125  may vary as desired. For example, the track  125  may extend substantially along the entire length of the elongate shaft towards the bottom of the pole. Similarly, the track  125  may extend along only a portion of the elongate shaft. For example, one end of the track  125  may be located at a point a predetermined distance from the base portion or bottom of the elongate shaft  120 . Likewise, the other end of the track  125  may be located predetermined distance from the top of the elongate shaft  120 . 
     In other embodiments, a removable end cap may be provided on one or both ends of the track  125  to secure the brake assembly  100  (and hence module  110 ) on the pole  115 . The removable end cap also closes off the track  125  from the egress of contaminants. 
     While the embodiment has been described in relation to the module  110  comprising a bar  275  for supporting a flag, sign or banner or other planar element, persons skilled in the art will recognise that the module can be any other type of item that may be used in conjunction with a street pole. For example, the module can be a luminaire or other type of light fitting, telecommunications box, traffic control, CCTV, an electronic module or other electrical devices like environmental sensors. The module  110  may either replace the bar  275  with or add other supporting structures for telecommunication boxes, traffic control, CCTV, an electronic module or other electrical devices. 
     In the described embodiment, the pole  115  may also have a plurality of solar panels for providing power to the module  110  where it takes the form of a luminaire or other lighting, telecommunications box, traffic control, CCTV, one or more environmental sensors, an electronic module or other electrical device, as well as and any other electrical equipment housed within the pole. The solar panels may batteries on its inner surface for storing electrical power generated by the one or more solar panels. In general, the solar panels are fitted to the outer surface of the elongate shaft, which has cavities for receiving the solar panels. A resilient member in the form of a pre-loaded spring is located within each cavity to space and support each solar panel from the inner surface of the cavity. The cavities may accommodate wiring and other electrical equipment for connecting the solar panels to the module  110  or providing power to other devices within or attached to the pole  115 . 
     It will further be appreciated that any of the features in the preferred embodiments of the invention can be combined together and are not necessarily applied in isolation from each other. For example, the bar  270  of the module  110  may extend at an oblique angle to the pole  115  while the brake assembly  100 ,  300  has an integrated base member instead of separate base members  153 ,  155 . Similar combinations of two or more features from the above described embodiments or preferred forms of the invention can be readily made by one skilled in the art. 
     Since the brake assembly  100 ,  300  is connected to the track  125 ,  325 , module  110  and the flexible rope  180  holding up the module  110 , it can respond when a fall event occurs to brake or resist falling of the module. Thus, it avoids the risk of injury to workers or bystanders, and damage to the module, that could by caused by the module  110  falling from a height during installation or when the flexible rope  180   b  breaks or is suddenly released (such as becoming untied) when the module is in position on the pole. These advantages also extend to situations where the module is removed and/or replaced, reducing maintenance time and costs. Hence, the present invention provides the benefits of improved safety during installation or removal of modules  110  to and from the pole  115 , as well as when the module is in position on the pole. In addition, by having the brake assembly  100 ,  300  engageable to the track  125 ,  325 , it minimises the risk of detachment and thus damage or injury caused by a falling module. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.