Material or article handling – Process
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-05
2001-07-24
Olszewski, Robert P. (Department: 3652)
Material or article handling
Process
C414S011000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06264423
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a hoisting apparatus. More particularly, it relates to a hoisting apparatus which may be used to facilitate installation of a garage door opener.
STATEMENT OF THE PRIOR ART
Numerous devices have been developed for hoisting or lifting heavy or bulky objects in order to effect installation, repair or removal of the object. To that end, many different types of simple machines have been modified in order to perform highly specific tasks in a most efficient manner. Engine hoists, for instance, are configured for removing/installing a heavy object from a confined space, and there are cranes and winches which are specifically adapted for use, e.g., for loading and unloading ships.
There are also specialized devices for installing garage door openers. However, these devices, such as clamps, brackets, etc., do not facilitate the proper positioning of the garage door opener to allow the installer to place the garage door opener in position to secure it for proper operation. While there are devices used to allow workmen to access workpieces that are in elevated, difficult to reach areas, none of these has particular application for positioning a garage door opener.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,744 issued to Sumter discloses a device which may be used to facilitate the installation of ⅜″, ½″, and ⅝″ gypsum board to ceilings as a temporary support devise during installation only and until permanent attachment to ceiling members can be made. The workpiece holder cannot be adapted to hold and manipulate relatively heavy machinery such as a garage door opener.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,429 issued to Young is another patent directed to a device for a panel lifting apparatus having at least three telescoping elongated sections telescoping into one another and all telescoping into a non-telescoping elongated frame member. The assembly is relatively complex and includes a gear driven mechanism which is not compact or easily transported from one site to the other. By contrast, the present invention utilizes a pulley driven lifting mechanism, which lifts a workpiece holder sized for holding a garage door opener. The holder, and therefore the garage door opener, may be selectively tilted as required to facilitate installation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,744 issued to Herde discloses an apparatus for moving construction material relative to a building frame which includes a weighted, pivotable base, an extensible shaft projecting from the base, and a carrier assembly adjustable transversely of and pivotable relative to the shaft and including releasable grippers for holding construction material on the assembly, positioned on the shaft. A spring loaded mechanism is used to urge the workpiece into position. The workpiece holder is not “device specific” and is not specifically adapted to use with any one type of workpiece. By contrast, the present invention is directed to a workpiece manipulating device which has no springs or other elements which are subject to wear with repeated use. Also, the workpiece holder is sized and shaped for use with garage door openers and thus does not need to be interchangeable.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a hoist for a garage door opener. The device has three main components. A base which is sufficiently wide to provide stability and has wheels to facilitate placement of the device, an extensible shaft extending from said base, and a self leveling workpiece holder for holding said garage door opener in position for installation. Installation of the garage door opener is then accomplished by placing the motor and motor housing of the opener on the workpiece holder and positioning the free end of the drive shaft of the opener above the door. The extensible shaft of the device is raised until the opener housing is properly positioned for installation on the garage ceiling. Once the opener housing is securely attached to the ceiling the device may be collapsed and transported or stored as required.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a new and improved hoisting apparatus specifically adapted to facilitate installation of a garage door opening.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved hoisting apparatus which is portable and lightweight.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved hoisting apparatus having an adjustable extending shaft for lifting a garage door opener motor and housing into position for attachment to a garage ceiling.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved hoisting apparatus which has a pulley driven crank mechanism for raising and lowering a workpiece holder.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved hoisting apparatus having a self adjusting workpiece holder adapted for supporting and positioning the motor housing of a garage door opener during the entire installation processing.
Finally, it is a general object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
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patent: 5704755 (1998-01-01), Jesperson
patent: 5984605 (1999-11-01), Young
O'Connor Gerald J.
Olszewski Robert P.
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