WO2015024051A1

WO2015024051A1 - Service arch

Info

Publication number: WO2015024051A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000820
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jim HEGERTY; Rayan VALIAN
Original assignee: Team Engineering Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-19
Filing date: 2014-08-19
Publication date: 2015-02-26
Also published as: AU2014308543A1

Abstract

A service arch for carrying services, such as cables and/or pipework, having two feet with skids and a frame that carries the services extending upwardly from the feet to define a passageway for vehicles, preferably at least Ultra class haul trucks such as the Caterpillar 797, to pass through without damaging the services, The service arch has a tow mount, which is concealed when not in use, and a pair of pivotable struts that brace the arch when needed to enable the service arch to be relocated by towing it along the ground.

Description

SERVICE ARCH

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a service arch. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a relocatable service arch that allows services, such as cables and/or pipe work, to be ratsed over a roadway to allow vehicles to pass underneath without causing damage to the services conveyed thereon.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.

[0003] In many situations, it is necessary for services, such as cables and pipe work, to cross a roadway. Where the roadway is permanent, such as a highway, the services are also routed in a permanent manner, typically underneath the roadway. However, in some situations the roadways and preferred location of services are temporary, and can both move.

[0004] In an open cut mine site, for example, mining equipment works a face of the mine. A power shovel is often used for mineral extraction, which requires significant power, typically electrical, to operate. Accordingly, a heavy duty, high voltage power cable, e.g. 11 KV+, is routed to the power shovel. As the power shovel moves around the mine site, so do roadways which haul vehicles traverse to transport the extracted minerals. Inevitably, the roadways and cable need to cross each other, and it is thus necessary to safely route the cable across the roadway.

[0005] The cables can be buried below the roadway, but significant costs and downtime occur in preparing the channel for the cable and then again in subsequently moving the cable to a new location. Furthermore, the immense weights being carried by the haulage vehicles, approximately 300 tonnes and greater for ultra-class haul trucks such as the Caterpillar 797, can cause damage to buried services. As the services are buried it is also particularly difficult to service, fault find, and/or repair the cables.

[0006] Similar problems occur in relation to other services, such as pipe work, which may be provided to dewater the mine, or the like.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an aim of this invention to provide a service arch which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0008] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, there is provided a service arch comprising:

a base portion including two feet;

a frame adapted to carry services, the frame extending upwardly from the base portion and defining a passageway between the two feet;

at least one tow mount adapted to connect to a towing system; and at least one strut that selectively extends across the passageway.

[0010] Preferabiy the at least one strut is pivotal!y connected to the base portion. Preferably the at least one strut comprises two struts that are each pivotally connected to one of the two feet. Preferabiy the two struts are interchangeable. Preferably the struts can selectively pivot from a front side or a rear side of the base portion. Preferably the struts have a storage position and a towing position. Preferabiy in the storage position the struts are carried by the base portion, even more preferably each strut is carried on a respective foot. Preferably in the storage position each strut extends between the front side and rear side of the base portion. Preferably in the towing position each strut is substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis. Preferably the longitudinal axis is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the feet.

[001] ] Preferably the struts are elongate members with a connector on each end. Preferably the connectors pivotally connect to the base portion with a hinge member. Preferably the hinge member is received by a hinge aperture of the connector. Preferably the connectors connect to each other with a locking mechanism. Preferably in the storage position each strut has a hinge member located in the hinge aperture of each connector at either end of the strut

[0012] in a form, preferably the locking mechanism is received by at least one locking aperture of the connector. Preferably the hinge aperture and locking aperture are transverse to each other, even more preferably substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0013] in another form, preferably the locking mechanism comprises a sleeve. Preferably the sleeve is substantially cylindrical. Preferably a sleeve is slideably mounted on at least one of the struts. Preferably each strut has an associated sleeve. Preferably the sleeve has handles and/or equipment mounts, preferably chain mounts, to assist with sliding the sleeve. Preferably the locking mechanism further comprises a sleeve lock that retains the sleeve in an engaged position. Preferably the locking mechanism also retains the sleeve in a disengaged position. Preferably in the engaged position the sleeve engages with adjacent ends of two struts. Preferably in the disengaged position the sleeve is mounted near an end of a strut. The locking mechanism may comprise a transfer system to move the sleeve. The transfer system may comprise a rack and pinion, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, or the like.

[0014] Preferably the service arch further comprises a strut adjustment system adapted to adjust the height of at least a portion of the strut. Preferably the strut adjustment system comprises a tensioning cable affixed to the strut that can be actuated to provide a lifting force. Preferably the tensioning cable is extendable and retractable to provide a lower and lifting effect, to at least a portion of the strut, respectively.

[0015] Preferably the two feet include ground engagement portions. Preferably the ground engagement portions are adapted to traverse terrain, typically earthen terrain. Preferably the ground engagement portions comprise skids. Preferably the skids are elongate members with transverse portions at either end. The transverse portions may be substantiaiiy planar and/or curved. Preferably the skids comprise a wear resistant material located on at least a portion of ground engagement surfaces of the skids.

[0016] Preferably the frame comprises two support members which extend upwardly from the base portion and one cross member that extends between the two support members. Preferably the support members are substantiaiiy parallel to each other and the cross member is substantially perpendicular to the support members. Preferably the frame comprises brackets that retain services, preferably cables and/or pipes, thereto.

[0017] Preferably a tow mount cover system is provided to selectively cover the tow mount. Preferably the tow mount comprises a tow eye which is concealed by the tow mount cover system in the closed position and is revealed by the tow mount cover system in the open position. Preferably the tow mount cover system is automatically actuated when the strut is pivoted between a storage position and a towing position such that the tow mount cover system is closed in the storage position and open in the towing position.

[0018] Preferably the tow mount cover system comprises a biased housing which is urged open during movement of the strut from the storage position to the towing position. Preferably the biased housing is opened by a portion of the strut adjacent the hinged connector engaging with a portion of the biased housing. Preferably the biased housing is biased using a spring.

[0019] Preferably each strut has a latch that engages with a portion of the tow mount cover such that movement of the strut causes the latch to engage with, and open, the tow mount cover. Preferabiy the latch is a tab mounted on the strut. Preferabiy the tab is movable relative to the strut between a storage position and an in use position. Preferabiy the tab is pivotably mounted to the strut, preferably such that the tab folds out perpendicularly from a longitudinal axis of the strut. Preferably the tow mount cover system has a catch adapted to receive the tab when it is in the in use position.

[0020] According to another form of the invention, there is provided a method of moving a service arch having a two feet and a frame that extends between the two feet, the method comprising the steps of:

locating at least one strut between the feet of the service arch; connecting a towing system to at least one tow mount of the service arch;

towing the service arch with the towing system;

disconnecting the towing system; and

removing the at least one strut from between the feet of the service arch.

[0021] The method may further comprise the step of connecting and/or disconnecting services from the service arch. Preferably the services comprise an electrical cable and/or pipe work.

[0022] The method may further comprise the steps of selecting a side of the service arch to brace with the at least one strut and locating the at least one strut on the side of the service arch to be braced. Preferably the side of the service arch to be braced is a side of the service arch being towed from. Preferably the at least one strut is pivoted from at least one of the feet of the service arch. Preferably two struts are provided and the step of locating at least one strut between the feet of the service arch comprises pivoting the two struts from respective feet. Preferabiy the two struts are connected together when located between the two feet. [0023] Preferably the two struts are connected together by a sleeve. The method may further comprise the step of sliding a sleeve from one of the struts towards the other of the struts to connect the two struts together. The method may further comprise the step of actuating a sleeve lock to retain the sleeve in an engaged position that connects the two struts together and/or in a disengaged position that carries the sleeve on one of the struts.

[0024] The method may further comprise the step of revealing and/or concealing the tow mount. Preferably the tow mount is revealed and/or concealed automatically when the at least one strut is located between the feet. The step of towing the service arch with the towing system preferably comprises dragging skids of the feet of the service arch along the ground.

[0025] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a service arch in an in use position;

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the service arch half way between the in use position and a first towing position;

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the service arch in the first towing position;

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the service arch half way between the in use position and a second towing position;

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the service arch in the second towing position; [0032] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a strut of the service arch;

[00333 Figure 7 illustrates a close up perspective view of a hinge portion of the service arch half way between an in use position and a towing position;

[0034] Figure 8 illustrates a close up perspective view of joined connector portions of the struts in a towing position;

[00353 Figure 9 illustrates a close up perspective view of a tow mount cover system in a dosed position;

[00363 Figure 10 illustrates a close up perspective view of the tow mount cover system in an open position

[0037] .Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of another service arch in in a towing position;

[00383 Figure 12 illustrates a close up perspective view of a connector portion of the struts in an open position;

[00393 Figure 13 illustrates a close up perspective view of a connector portion of the struts in a closed position; and

[0040] Figure 14 illustrates a close up perspective view of a tow mount cover system in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a service arch 10 carrying services 2, the service arch 10 having a base portion 12 including two feet 20 each having ground engagement portions in the form of skids 22, A frame 40, having two support members 42 and one cross member 44, extends upwardly from the base portion 12 defining a passageway 14 sized and configured to allow vehicles, preferably haulage vehicles and even more preferabiy ultra-class haulage vehicles such as the Caterpillar 797, passage therethrough. [0042] The skids 22 of each foot 20 have transverse portions 24 which, in the illustrated embodiment, are substantially planar at an angle that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of each skid 22. Two tow connectors 30 are located in an upper surface of each foot 20, one at each end of each skid 22. The feet 20 also have a cable connection platform 26 and a basket 28. Brace members 32 also extend from each foot 20 to provide additional support to the frame 40.

[0043] The frame 40 is a substantially open rectangle shape with the cross member 44 being substantially perpendicular to the two support members 42. Brackets 46 are provided on the frame 40 to retain services 2, such as cables and/or pipe work, thereto. In the illustrated embodiment the cross member 44 is affixed to each of the two support members 42 through a flange and bolt arrangement 48. The support members 42 are connected to the base 12 in a similar manner.

[0044] Two struts 50 selectively extend between the two feet 20 across the passageway 14. In figure 1 the two struts are in a storage position, wherein they are carried by the base portion 12. Each end of each strut 50 is pivotaliy connected to the base portion 12 such that release of one end of each strut 50 from the base portion 12 will allow the strut to pivot around the other end connected to the base portion 12.

[0045] Figures 2 and 4 illustrate the struts 50 being pivoted from each end between a first towing position as shown in figure 3 and a second towing position as shown in figure 5, respectively. Figures 3 and 5 further illustrate a towing assembly in the form of a towing rope or chain 4 extending from the tow connectors 30 for connection to a tow vehicle (not shown).

[0046] The arrangement shown in figures 1 to 5 allows the struts to be pivoted to the front or rear of the service arch 10 (i.e. figures 3 and 5, respectively). Although this arrangement is preferable, it could also be the case that onfy one end of each strut 50 need to be pivotal iy connected to the base 12 to allow the struts to be pivoted to one side of the service arch 10.

[0047] Figure 6 illustrates a strut 50 in greater detail. Each strut 50 is substantially symmetrical, with a connector 52 on each end. The connectors 52 are identical, arranged facing opposite directions. The connectors 52 have a hinge aperture 54 and a plurality of locking apertures 56. The hinge aperture 54 is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the locking apertures 56. Also provided on the strut 50 are lugs 58 for connection to a tensioning cable 60 (seen most clearly in figures 3 and 5) adapted to provide a lifting force to the strut 50. The strut 50 has flanged ends 62 that provide a planar surface that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strut 50. A projection 64 extends downward from each of the flanged ends 62.

[0048] Figure 7 illustrates a hinged end of a strut 50 that is between a storage position and towing position. A hinge member 66 is located in a hinge assembly on the base 12 and through the hinge aperture 54 of the connector 52 of the strut 50. Hinge member 66 is removable, enabling the hinged end of the strut 50 to be released from the hinge assembly if desired. A stopper 68 is provided on the base 12 which engages with the flanged end 62 of the strut 50 when it is located in the towing position (e.g. as illustrated in figure 3). Adjacent the hinged end of the strut 50 is a tow mount cover system 70 which conceals the tow mount 30, and is described in further detail in relation to figures 9 and 10.

[0049] A portion of the skid 22 is also more clearly illustrated in figure 7. A wear resistant material 22' is located on a ground engagement surface of the skid 22. Transverse portion 24 also comprises two planar portions that are each transverse to the ground engagement surface of the skid 22. The transverse portions 24 may also have a wear resistant material 24^' located on an outer surface thereof. [0050] Figure 8 illustrates adjacent connectors 52a and 52b of two struts 50a and 50b when in the towing position. The two struts 50a and 50b are aligned longitudinally with their flanged ends 62a and 62b abutting each other. The struts 52a and 52b are connected to each other with a locking mechanism comprising locking members 80. The locking members 80 extend through respective locking apertures 56a and 56b and are held in place by retainer pins 82.

[0051] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the tow mount and tow mount cover system 70 in greater detail. Figure 9 illustrates the tow mount cover system 70 in a closed position and figure 10 illustrates the tow mount cover system 70 in an open position. As seen in figure 10, the tow mount 30 is a tow eye, connectabie with an appropriate connector such as a shackle (not shown) to the tow rope or chain 4.

[0052] The tow mount cover system 70 comprises a housing 72 adapted to conceal the tow mount 30. The housing 72 is biased using a spring 74 that urges the housing 72 into the closed position as shown in figure 9. The housing 72 has a catch 76 that extends from the housing 72 and is located to engage with the projection 74 of the flanged end 62 of the strut 50 as the strut pivots towards the towing position as shown in figure 10.

[0053] Figure 11 illustrates a slightly different service arch 10, in the towing position carrying services 2. Like the service arch 10 illustrated in figures 1 to 10, the service arch 10 illustrated in figure 11 has a base portion 12 including two feet 20 each having ground engagement portions in the form of skids 22, and a frame 40, having two support members 42 and one cross member 44, extending upwardly from the base portion 12 defining a passageway 14 sized and configured to allow vehicles, preferably haulage vehicles and even more preferably uitra-ciass haulage vehicles such as the Caterpillar 797, passage therethrough. [0054] The primary difference between the service arch 10 iilustrated in figure 11 and the service arch 10 iilustrated in figures 1 to 10 is that the service arch 10 illustrated in figure 11 has a locking mechanism that uses sleeves 90 instead of locking members 80. Each strut 50 has an associated sleeve 90 with one of the sleeves 90 being used as a locking mechanism in a first towing position and the other of the sleeves 90 being used as a locking mechanism in a second towing position.

[0055] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a sleeve 90, and the ends of adjacent struts 50a and 50b, in closer detaii. In figure 12 the sleeve 90 is located on first strut 50a in a disengaged position. The adjacent struts 50a and 50b are aligned such that adjacent ends meet. Each strut 50 has a sleeve retainer 51 a and 51b adjacent an end thereof. A chain block 61 is illustrated connected to the sleeve 90, via a chain 63 connected to a chain mount 92, to assist with sliding the sleeve 90 from the disengaged position (as illustrated in figure 12) to an engaged position (as illustrated in figure 13).

[0056] In the engaged position, as illustrated in figure 13, the sleeve 90 is located on the sleeve retainers 51a and 51 b (see figure 12) of the adjacent struts 50a and 50b, respectively. With the sleeve 90 in the engaged position a sleeve mount 53 on the first strut 50a is revealed. In the disengaged position {as illustrated in figure 12) the sleeve 90 is carried by the sleeve mount 53 of the first strut 50a. The sleeve mount 53 and the sleeve retainers 51a and 51b are all shaped to correspond with an inside profile of the sleeve 90, which in the illustrated embodiment is substantially cylindrical in shape. This enables the sleeve 90 to slide from the sleeve mount 53 to the sleeve retainers 51a and 51b. Advantageously, the sleeve 90 can slide from the disengaged position to the engaged position even if the struts 50a and 50b are not perfectly aligned, and is particularly forgiving of any torsional misalignment.

[0057] A storage stopper 55a and a locking stopper 55b are provided on the struts 51a and 51 b, respectively. The storage stopper 55a prevents the sleeve 90 from sliding further along first strut 50a when it is moved into the disengaged position. The locking stopper 55b prevents the sleeve 90 from sliding further along second strut 50b when it is moved into the engaged position. A sleeve lock 57 is provided which keeps the sleeve 90 in either the engaged or disengaged position.

[0058] Figure 14 illustrates a tow mount and tow mount cover system 70 having a latch in the form of a foldable tab 65 that folds perpendicularly from a longitudinal axis of its associated strut 50. When folded out in an in use position (as illustrated in figure 14) the tab 65 engages with catch 76 of the housing 72 as the strut 50 is moved towards a transport position which in turn opens the tow mount cover system 70 to reveal the tow mount 30.

[0059] In use, the service arch 10 allows services 2 to be passed over a roadway, or the like, for vehicles to pass through passageway 14. As the roadway and/or service location requirements change, the service arch 10 can be relocated as desired. First, the struts 50 carried on the base portion 12 of the service arch 10, as illustrated in figure 1 , are released from one of their hinged connections to enable them to pivot around the other, as illustrated in figures 2 and 4. They are then pivoted to a selected side of the service arch 10 that corresponds to the side of the service arch 10 that it is going to be towed from.

[0060] As the struts 50 are pivoted toward each other, the projection 64 of the flanged portion 62 of the struts 50 adjacent the hinged end engages with the catch 76 of the tow mount cover system 70 and urges the tow mount cover system 70 to the open position such that the tow mount 30 is revealed. Once I the towing position, the ends of the struts 50 adjacent each other are then locked together using the locking members 80 as illustrated in figure 8. The service arch 10 is now in the towing position as illustrated in figures 3 and 5, and can be connected to a tow rope or chain 4 and towed using a tow vehicle to the desired location. As the service arch 10 is being towed, the skids 22 of the feet 20 slide along the ground, with the struts 50 providing a bracing effect to the feet 20.

[00613 Once in its new location , the service arch 10 is then converted back to an in use position, wherein the struts 50 are in a stored position, as illustrated in figure 1. As the struts 50 pivot back to their storage position on the feet 20, the biased housing 72 of the tow mount cover system 70 closes and conceals the tow mount 30, Once in the in use position the service arch 10 can then be reconnected to services and allow vehicles to pass therethrough without causing damage to those services.

[0062] Advantageously, the service arch 10 allows temporary passageways to be formed over roadways for services such as cables and/or pipe work. The service arch 10 prevents damage occurring to the cabies and/or pipe work and can be located, or relocated, as desired depending on the location of the services and/or roadways. Relocation of the service arch 10 is safe and easy, without causing damage to any services or equipment.

[0063] The struts 50 ensure that the service arch 10 is adequately braced for traversal of the ground. Without bracing the service arch 10 would have to be of a much heavier duty construction which not only increases weight, which in turn increases difficulties in towing, but also increases costs significantly.

[0064] The tensioning cable 80 allows the height of the struts 50 to be adjusted, if necessary, in order to provide support and align their ends for connection in the towing position. The tow mount cover system 70 ensures that the service arch 10 cannot be towed without the struts 50 in place as the tow mount 30 is otherwise concealed. The tow mount cover system 70 also protects the tow mount 30 when if is not in use from damage and the elements.

[0065] The symmetrical nature of the struts allows them to pivot to either the front or back of the service arch 10, aiiowing to wing from either side without having to turn the service arch 10 around. Furthermore, the as the struts 50 are able to be carried by the feet 20, they are able to stored safely on the service arch 10 without getting in the way and are available and ready for use when needed. Having identical struts also reduces construction costs and allows for easy replacement should a strut ever get damaged.

[0066] in this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0067] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace ail alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0068] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', includes', Including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Claims

Claims:

1. A service arch comprising:

a base portion including two feet;

at least one tow mount adapted to connect to a towing system; and

at least one strut that selectively extends across the passageway.

2. The service arch of claim 1 , wherein the at least one strut is pivotaily connected to the base portion.

3. The service arch of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one strut comprises two struts that are each pivotaily connected to one of the two feet.

4. The service arch of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the struts can selectively pivot from a front side or a rear side of the base portion.

5. The service arch of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the struts have a storage position and a towing position, with each strut being carried on a respective foot in the storage position and with the struts being substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis in the towing position.

6. The service arch of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking mechanism that connects adjacent connectors of the struts to each other.

7. The service arch of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism is received by at least one locking aperture of the connectors.

8. The service arch of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism is a sleeve,

9. The service arch of claim 8, wherein the s!eeve is slideably mounted on at least one of the struts.

10. The service arch of claim 8 or 9, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a sleeve lock.

11. The service arch of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a strut adjustment system adapted to adjust the height of at least a portion of at least one strut.

12. The service arch of claim 11 , wherein the strut adjustment system comprises a tensioning cable affixed to the strut that can be actuated to provide a lifting force.

13. The service arch of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two feet include ground engagement portions adapted to traverse terrain.

14. The service arch of claim 13 wherein the ground engagement portions comprise skids.

15. The service arch of claim 14, wherein the skids have transverse portions at either end.

16. The service arch of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises two support members which extend upwardly from the base portion and one cross member that extends between the two support members.

17. The service arch of anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a tow mount cover system that selectively covers the tow mount.

18. The service arch of ciaim 17, wherein the tow mount comprises a tow eye which the tow mount cover system is adapted to conceal in a closed position and reveal in an open position.

19. The service arch of ciaim 17 or 18, wherein the tow mount cover system is automatically actuated when the strut is pivoted between a storage position and a towing position such that the tow mount cover system is closed in the storage position and open in the towing position.

20. The service arch of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the tow mount cover system comprises a biased housing.

21. The service arch of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein each strut has a latch adapted to engage with a catch of the tow mount cover system.

22. The service arch of claim 21 , wherein the latch is a tab that is movable between a storage position and an in use position.

23. A method of moving a service arch as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

locating the at least one strut between the feet of the service arch; connecting a towing system to the at least one tow mount;

towing the service arch with the towing system;

disconnecting the towing system; and

removing the at least one strut from between the feet of the service arch.

24. A method of moving a service arch having a two feet and a frame that extends between the two feet, the method comprising the steps of:

locating at ieast one strut between the feet of the service arch; connecting a towing system to at Ieast one tow mount of the service arch;

towing the service arch with the towing system;

disconnecting the towing system; and

removing the at Ieast one strut from between the feet of the service arch.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24 further comprising the step of connecting services to the service arch.

26. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising the step of selecting a side of the service arch to brace with the at Ieast one strut and locating the strut on the side of the service arch to be braced.

27. The method of any one of claims 23 to 26. wherein the step of locating at Ieast one strut comprises pivoting the at Ieast one strut from at ieast one of the feet of the service arch.

28. The method of any one of clai ms 23 to 27, wherein two struts are provided and the step of locating at least one strut between the feet of the service arch comprises pivoting the two struts from respective feet.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the two struts are connected together when located between the two feet.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the two struts are connected together by a sieeve.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of sliding the sleeve from one of the struts towards the other of the struts to connect the two struts together.

32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising the step of actuating a sleeve lock to retain the sieeve in an engaged position.

33. The method of any one of claims 23 to 32, further comprising the steps of revealing the tow mount and concealing the tow mount.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of revealing the tow mount occurs automatically as the at least one strut is pivoted from the feet of the service arch and wherein the step of concealing the tow mount occurs automatically as the at least one strut is pivoted to the feet of the service arch.