Elevator – industrial lift truck – or stationary lift for vehicle – Transportable elevator – Knockdown or collapsible for transport
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-17
2001-10-30
Olszewski, Robert P. (Department: 2167)
Elevator, industrial lift truck, or stationary lift for vehicle
Transportable elevator
Knockdown or collapsible for transport
C187S242000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308802
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an elevator type device and more particularly, relates to a mobile elevator assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are numerous occasions wherein it is required that one gain access to an elevated location such as for purposes of repair. There are many different types of apparatuses which can be used for such purposes and one common type of apparatus is a moveable platform such as may be used in repairing electrical or telephone cables or the like.
For the consumer, one occasion where a mobile elevator assembly would be desirable is when it becomes time to move furniture or appliances from an upper story. This upper story may either be in a house or in an apartment building. Frequently, one has to move relatively heavy objects down staircases with limited room for maneuverability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile elevator assembly which permits one to gain access to elevated locations and which is transportable.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile elevator assembly comprising a base, a plurality of telescoping frame assemblies, means for raising and lowering the telescoping frame assemblies from a first nested position to an erect position on the base, means for securing the telescoping frame assemblies together when the telescoping frame assemblies are in an erect position, a vertically extending track member secured to the telescoping frame assemblies to thereby form a substantially continuous track when the telescoping frame assemblies are in an erect position, a carriage moveable along the track member, and lift means for raising and lowering the carriage.
In a greater detail, the mobile elevator assembly of the present invention can be used in a great number of applications. Thus, a primary use would be to gain access to the upper floors of low rise apartment buildings and/or residences. However, it could equally well be used to serve as a temporary replacement for scaffolding, ladders, etc.
As aforementioned, the mobile elevator assembly includes a base. Although a separate base could be provided upon which the frame assemblies are subsequently mounted, a preferred embodiment provides that the mobile elevator assembly is transported on a conventional type of trailer and the trailer serves as the base. To this end, the trailer, when hauled to the site where the mobile elevator assembly is to be used, would require means of stabilizing the same. Conventional stabilizing legs can be used.
The mobile elevator assembly includes a plurality of frame assemblies which are connected one to the other. Any convenient number may be utilized and preferably, the frame assemblies are arranged in a telescoping fashion such that when in a storage position, they nest one within the other and yet can be readily raised to achieve the desired height. Two or more such telescoping frame assemblies are utilized.
Each of the telescoping frame assemblies may be constructed in a conventional manner having both horizontal frame members and vertical frame members with reinforcing members extending between. Any number of such structures are known in the art. Although, the frame assemblies may have any conventional configuration such as a rectangular shape, a preferred embodiment uses triangularly shaped frame sections which provide sufficient structural integrity while minimizing the weight and cost of the structure.
Once erected, the frame assemblies are secured together to form a solid structure. While many means for securing members together are known in the art including various types of clamp structures, etc, a convenient means may include a connecting member mating with like members on vertical frame members of the respective frame assemblies.
In order to erect the frame assemblies, there may be provided a gin pole which is also mounted on the base and which with a suitable winch and cable arrangement, either driven manually or electrically, can be utilized to raise the telescoping frame assemblies. One particular embodiment will be described in the preferred embodiments of the invention.
There is provided at least one vertically extending track member which is secured to the telescoping frame assemblies when they are in an erect condition. The track member is that in which the carriage will ride along. Although a single track member may be employed, in a preferred embodiment, a pair of such track members are utilized.
The carriage which is moveable along the track member or members may assume many different forms. Thus, it could comprise a platform upon which a person can stand. Alternatively, it may comprise a fork member similar to that used in lift fork trucks. It suffices to say that many different types of carriages can be employed with the present invention.
In order to raise the carriage member, suitable lift means are provided. Again, it is well known in the art to use different types of lift mechanisms including hydraulic, electrical and/or manual. It again suffices to say that any conventional lift means may be utilized.
In one embodiment of the invention, there are provided telescoping rails which may be used in conjunction with the carriage assembly. This arrangement can be particularly useful when it is desired to load or unload furniture or other goods from a balcony. In such an instance, the carriage moves above the balcony and the telescoping rails will then extend down to the balcony and a suitable transporting member may ride along the rails.
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patent: 4134237 (1979-01-01), Armstrong
patent: 4491196 (1985-01-01), Bocker
patent: 2587399 (1987-12-01), None
patent: 401203200 (1989-08-01), None
patent: 000048465 (1964-10-01), None
Fincham Eric
McAllister Steven B.
Olszewski Robert P.
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