A mast raising assembly includes a base that is securable to a horizontal support surface. A tube is insertable into the base such that the tube is vertically oriented. A winch is coupled to the tube and a pair of lower pulleys is each rotatably coupled to the tube. A mast is pivotally coupled to the tube. The mast is positionable in a raised position and a folded position. A plurality of upper pulleys is each of the upper pulleys is rotatably coupled to the mast. A cable extends between the winch, the lower pulleys and the upper pulleys. The cable urges the mast into the raised position when the winch is rotated in a raising direction. Additionally, the cable urges the mast into the folded position when the winch is rotated in a lowering direction.

A utility pole is resistant to breakage by providing a connection between an upper and a lower portion. In many embodiments, the upper portion with an arm supporting a utility line is able to deflect relative to a lower portion at the connection and then either be replaced or restored to the upright configuration.

An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

A portable lightning protection system including a multi-section conductive mast assembly including at least a base mast section and a top mast section; an air terminal attachable to the top mast section; and a base assembly attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly may be configured to allow the base mast section to hinge relative to the base assembly. A catenary lightning protection system including at least two lightning protection systems, each lightning protection system may include a multi-section conductive mast assembly including at least a base mast section and a top mast section; an air terminal attachable to the top mast section; a base assembly attachable to the base mast section; and may further include a catenary wire connected between the at least two lightning protection systems.

A deployable mast structure (100) is disclosed, comprising a body configured to adopt a tubular shape when the mast structure is in a deployed configuration, and a plurality of openings (102) formed in a wall of the body so as to define a plurality of integral tape-spring hinges (103) in the wall of the body, the plurality of openings being configured so as to permit the body to collapse along its longitudinal axis into a stowed configuration when the tape-spring hinges are buckled. In the stowed configuration, the integral tape-spring hinges are configured to exert a force which urges the structure towards the deployed configuration. Since the mast structure collapses along its longitudinal axis, the structure only occupies a small volume in the stowed configuration. A method of fabricating the deployable mast structure from a layered composite material is also disclosed.

An extendable arm structure includes: an upper extendable arm and a lower extendable arm which extend parallel in a same direction; and a vertical coupling member that couples the upper and lower extendable arms. Each of the extendable arms includes a plurality of X-shaped cross units each formed by pivotally coupling two rigid members via a middle coupling shaft, and two end coupling shafts that pivotally couple ends of adjacent ones of the cross units. The extendable arm structure further includes: a planar member that closes, in a planar fashion, a space between the rigid member of the upper extendable arm and the rigid member of the lower extendable arm which extends parallel to the rigid member of the upper extendable arm in a same direction.

A portable tower trailer having a light tower housing constructed to allow for both stacking and nesting which is beneficial in both storage and shipping of light towers is disclosed. The portable tower trailer employs a frame having a hinged axle that allows the wheels to operate in a conventional manner. The hinged axle further allows the wheels to be rotated upward allowing the frame to rest flush on the ground or stacked upon a similar shaped portable tower. The stackable light tower is constructed having a base employing an engine system and a fuel tank; and a mast pivotally coupled to the base and movable between a storage configuration and a positioning configuration. The storage configuration is when the mast is folded over an upper surface of the base whereby an additional light tower base or tower trailer may be placed or stacked over the top of the first light tower base.

A portable multi-functional system having a multi-functional apparatus customizable by way of devices arranged to respectively perform different functions, and a container arranged to be transported by way of ground, naval or air transportation and having predetermined external dimensions is provided. The multi-functional apparatus is secured to the container, and is arranged to take at least two types of layout: a first layout or transport layout wherein the multi-functional apparatus is inside the predetermined external dimensions and a second layout or lifting up layout wherein the multi-functional apparatus projects from the predetermined external dimensions of the container so as to realize a tower. The invention also relates to a method for realizing the multi-functional system.

A folding light tower is provided that utilizes a 4-bar linkage mechanism which enables full vertical extension of the tower with the use of one actuator. The exemplary tower generally includes a base, a lower lift arm, and an upper lift arm. Spring elements are used near the rotating joints of the lower lift arm and upper lift arm of the tower. The spring elements act to preload the joints and help to remove play and movement when the tower is unfolded/during the vertical extension process.

Disclosed herein is a flagpost to facilitate visibility and safety of an object. Accordingly, the flagpost may include a flagpole and a flag. Further, the flagpole may include a plurality of flagpole segments. Further, any two flagpole segments of the plurality of flagpole segments may be detachably coupled. Further, the flag stand may be configured to be affixed on at least one surface of an object using at least one adhesive. Further, the flag stand may be detachably coupled to the flagpole.