Method to raise vehicles

Details Method to raise vehicles Method to raise vehicles

1999-07-14

2001-03-13

Watson, Robert C. (Department: 3723)

Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force

Miscellaneous

C254S090000, C254S088000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06199825

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a vehicle lifting method. More specifically, with a pair of pivotal ramps on which a vehicle can be placed on. The ramps are initially in an angled position, thus, allowing the vehicle to be driven directly from the ground onto the ramps. The ramps are then lifted by means of a lifting bar into a generally horizontal position. Generally, vehicle lifting apparatus are known in the prior art.
2. Prior Art
Vehicle lifting apparatus are exemplified in the disclosures of Munday, U.S. Pat. No. 1,527,901 of Feb. 1, 1924; Hunter U.S. Pat. No. 4,238,003 of Dec. 9, 1980; Fawdry U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,006 of Dec. 4, 1984 and Rober U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,150 of Jun. 24, 1997. Each of these prior art patents embody a vehicle lift apparatus in which a pair of pivotal ramps move between a generally horizontal position and an angled position. The pivoting mechanism is either a fulcrum type mechanism located approximately at the center of each ramp or a pivotal mechanism connected to a base at one end of each ramp. The lifting mechanisms of each apparatus have taken on different forms including pistons, pressurized fluids lifting devices and cylinder lifting devices.
The prior art discloses a number of problems and difficulties, the first of which is the complicated nature of the devices. Due to the intricate nature of these devices, great care is needed when during the installation and use of these devices. Another problem in the art is the lack of portability of the apparatus. The prior art patents disclose apparatus which are required to be secured to a floor or include bulky or heavy machinery.
The present invention is directed toward an improved vehicle lift method which address the problems in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed toward an improved vehicle lift method which includes a pair of ramps, each ramp having one end pivotally connected to a base. Each ramp is able to be moveable between a generally horizontal position and an angled position. When in the angled position, a second end of each ramp is in contact with the ground. While in this position, the vehicle can be loaded onto or off of each ramp. The ramps are moved in unison into the desired position by the use of a lifting bar. Support legs pivot from each ramp in which to secure the ramp in a generally horizontal position.
The lifting bar, which has an intermediate offset portion, is pivotally connected to both ramps in a generally perpendicular manner and is movable between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. When the lifting bar is in a generally vertical position, the offset portion creates a recess between the bar and the ground. A lifting means such as a floor jack can be placed within the recess and when activated lift the ramps via the lifting bar to a desired height. When the lifting bar is in a generally horizontal position, the offset portion is in contact with the ground, allowing vehicles to be loaded onto or off of the ramps without contact to the bar.
The lifting bar provides additional benefits over the prior art. The lifting bar provided latitudinal support to the pair of ramps. By being connected to both ramps, the lifting bar prevents the ramps from moving independantly of each other in a latitudinal manner. Further, the distance between the pair of ramps can be adjusted to accommodate the wheelbase of any vehicle. This is accomplished by adjusting the length of the lifting bar or by having multiple connections on the lifting bar.
Further, by having the lifting bar located near the rear portion of the ramps, there is no lifting machinary located directly underneath the vehicle. This will allow a person, such as a mechanic, to have complete access to the undercarriage of the vehicle. This is an advantage over prior art lifting devices.
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an method embodying simple effective means for lifting a vehicle.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an method which does not require the use of complicated machinery.


REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 26232 (1967-06-01), Lill
patent: 777219 (1904-12-01), Owen
patent: 1265688 (1918-05-01), Lively
patent: 1334431 (1920-03-01), Ball
patent: 1448261 (1923-03-01), Custer
patent: 1477332 (1923-12-01), Elzey
patent: 1480529 (1924-01-01), Baker
patent: 1527901 (1925-02-01), Munday
patent: 3804206 (1974-04-01), Bubik
patent: 3888100 (1975-06-01), Chisum
patent: 4134501 (1979-01-01), Tune
patent: 4238003 (1980-12-01), Hunter
patent: 4486006 (1984-12-01), Fawdry
patent: 4886243 (1989-12-01), Trumbull
patent: 5141371 (1992-08-01), Pish
patent: 5215287 (1993-06-01), Leski
patent: 5641150 (1997-06-01), Rober

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