Elevator – industrial lift truck – or stationary lift for vehicle – Having specific load support drive-means or its control – Includes threaded rider mating with support screw in...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-17
2001-07-03
Kramer, Dean J. (Department: 3652)
Elevator, industrial lift truck, or stationary lift for vehicle
Having specific load support drive-means or its control
Includes threaded rider mating with support screw in...
C187S240000, C074S089100, C182S141000, C182S148000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253878
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to platforms used to elevate a machine operator. More particularly, the invention is directed to improvements in adjustable machine operator platforms.
2. Related Art
Assembly line work typically requires a worker to standing at a station for an extended period of time to perform a manual task. The machinery is typically fixed at a predetermined height. If the operator is taller or smaller than average, the operator cannot comfortably work at the station. The operator must bend, extend or reach to do the work which causes the operator to prematurely fatigue. Therefore, the operator's height must be taken into consideration in achieving maximum work productivity. Accordingly, there is a need to accommodate the height of the machine operator. Platforms have been made to accommodate the machine operator's height.
For example, there exist platforms which are height adjustable to aid the machine operator in comfortably performing the job. Height adjustable work platforms maximize the operator's effectiveness by positioning the operator at a height which permits easier access to work areas. These platforms have aided by preventing muscle strain and fatigue.
While the advent of adjustable platforms have been an improvement over traditional fixed work platforms, they have had problems in their implementation into the work environment. For example, present height adjustable platforms frequently fail due to the environment in which they are used. Debris, such as metal shavings have a tendency to become caught in the moving parts and cause seizure. Hydraulic systems employed are relatively expensive and also are less reliable than desired.
Thus, a more suitable height adjustable platform is desired which is readily movable to a desired location and able to withstand rigorous environments while maintaining user friendly characteristics. Also, a platform structure which is relatively low cost, easy to manufacture and use is desirable. The present invention aims at meeting these desires.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object to improve work conditions in an assembly or work line environment.
It is another object to improve height adjustable platforms.
It is another object to improve the lifting mechanisms in height adjustable platforms.
Another object is to provide a platform which is electro-mechanically height adjustable to a desired height.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a platform which is relatively low cost, user friendly, mobile and rugged.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an ergonomically adjustable machine operator platform, which includes:
a worker support surface which includes a top surface and a bottom;
a plurality of support legs disposed on a floor, wherein each said support leg includes an external threaded surface portion;
a drive member operably connected to each support leg and having an inner threaded bored surface therethrough which is configured to be complimentary threaded to the external threaded surface portion in a manner to permit axial movement along the support leg and wherein the drive member includes a bearing support surface disposed adjacent the bottom, the drive member further includes an exterior sprocket surface extending generally radially from said drive member; and
means connected to the external sprocket surface for rotating the drive member to cause axial movement along the support leg to vertically move the worker support surface.
Other objects and features of the invention advantage which will become apparent from reading the following and are set forth in more detail in the description and accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1905852 (1933-04-01), Greer
patent: 2268800 (1942-01-01), Butzien
patent: 4005785 (1977-02-01), Manaugh
patent: 4459867 (1984-07-01), Jones
patent: 4919236 (1990-04-01), Karlsson et al.
patent: 5172442 (1992-12-01), Bartley et al.
patent: 5201084 (1993-04-01), Johnson
patent: 5217090 (1993-06-01), Billingtin, III et al.
patent: 5273132 (1993-12-01), Sasaki et al.
patent: 5282593 (1994-02-01), Fast
patent: 5404968 (1995-04-01), Fletcher
patent: 5461935 (1995-10-01), Hill
patent: 5501296 (1996-03-01), Fletcher
patent: 5573083 (1996-11-01), Fletcher et al.
patent: 5617622 (1997-04-01), Anderson
patent: 5626208 (1997-05-01), Sprague et al.
patent: 5704249 (1998-01-01), Krauska
patent: 5755310 (1998-05-01), Wourms
patent: 5951776 (1999-09-01), Selyutin et al.
patent: 6009791 (2000-01-01), Medlin
Chin Paul T.
Graham R. William
Kramer Dean J.
LandOfFree
Ergonomically adjustable machine operator platform does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Ergonomically adjustable machine operator platform, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ergonomically adjustable machine operator platform will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2525461