JP3190751B2 - Lifting device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lifting device for lifting a machine for inspection, maintenance, and repair of the machine, and particularly to a power machine, an amusement vehicle, a utility vehicle, etc. used outdoors. The present invention relates to a power lifting device useful for lifting.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Golf course mowers and other professional lawn mowers usually require frequent (eg, daily) inspection, adjustment, or repair of their components. It is very difficult to access all of the parts of the machine without lifting or digging under the machine. Conventional ordinary chain hoists are not applicable for lifting such machines, since most types of powered machines do not have an easily accessible portion of the frame on which the chain can be hung to lift. Further, the machine cannot be stably supported by the chain.

Conventional automotive hoists and lifts also lift commercial mowers (eg, three-wheel mowers) and other various machines that do not have a frame that can easily engage the hoisting arms of the hoist. It cannot be applied to Conventional ordinary hoists or lifts do not provide the various types of adjustability required to lift various types of powered machines. Those hoists that have arms extending beneath the machine or vehicle to be lifted require those arms to reach and engage the frame of the vehicle. While it is possible to lift an ordinary car, it is difficult or impossible to lift a variety of different types of powered machines.

In addition, it is difficult to match a power machine, such as a commercial lawn mower, with a conventional hoist or lift for lifting an automobile. This makes it more difficult or complicated to use conventional hoists or lifts to lift machines such as large mowers, tricycles, and the like.

[0005] Hoists, jacks, and other types of devices have been used in the past for a variety of lifting purposes. For example, US Pat. Nos. 2,099,636 and 2,5
No. 64,267, No. 3,734,466, No. 4,05
Nos. 8,293, 4,196,887, and 4,8
No. 56,618 describes a hoist. Other lifting devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,593, 4,540,329 and 2,840,248.

[0006] None of these conventional hoists and lifting devices are applicable or practical for lifting irregularly shaped vehicles or certain types of powered machines (eg, tricycles such as lawnmowers). Also, hoist systems used to lift automobiles, garden tractors, and the like typically require that the vehicle be meticulously aligned with the lifting device. If the vehicle is not properly aligned, the lifting mechanism will not be able to engage the vehicle, or the weight of the vehicle will be imbalanced on the lifting mechanism. In such a state, the vehicle may be damaged by sliding down from the lift, or may be injured by an operator near or below the vehicle, which is extremely dangerous.

[0007] Certain conventional hoist systems are also not applicable because they include rails, platforms, and other lifting structures that extend beneath the vehicle. Such a structure hinders access to the underside of the vehicle, which is necessary for inspection, maintenance, repair, etc. of the vehicle.

[0008] Lamps are sometimes used to support the vehicle in a raised position, which is very dangerous.
Also, the height obtained with lamps is limited.

As described above, a lifting device which can be applied or practically used for safely and effectively lifting an outdoor power machine (for example, a three-wheel mower), a practical vehicle, a game vehicle, etc., has not been proposed yet.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a lifting device that is particularly useful for lifting vehicles and machines (eg, three-wheel mowers) for inspection, maintenance, and repair. This lifting device is particularly useful for lifting and supporting large-scale commercial lawn mowers and other outdoor power machines that cannot be safely lifted and supported by conventional ordinary car hoists and lifts. Useful for
The lifting device of the present invention can also be used to lift and support vehicles such as golf carts, play vehicles, and the like.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, the lifting device of the present invention is adapted for lifting a three-wheeled vehicle, and is provided with an unobstructed approach path and lifting equipment that is easily adapted to the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to easily enter the device without having to align the vehicle with the longitudinal axis of the lifting device. The lifting device of the present invention is adaptable to a variety of different sized vehicles.

Thus, in one embodiment, the lifting device of the present invention comprises, in one embodiment: (a) two generally laterally spaced apart laterally spaced-apart vehicles to provide an unobstructed access path between two toolbar members. A horizontal toolbar member, (b) two side wheel lifts which are easily attached to the toolbar member respectively and engage the side wheels of the vehicle, and are easily adapted to vehicles of various different sizes; And a side wheel lift longitudinally movable along the toolbar member to easily fit a vehicle that is misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the lifting device; (c) engaging a third wheel of the vehicle. And (d) a lifting device for lifting the vehicle by lifting the two toolbar members and the third wheel lifting device.

The lifting device of the present invention is very versatile and can completely and effectively lift power machines and vehicles of various types and styles. The vehicle lift equipment is adapted to move longitudinally and preferably also laterally with respect to the toolbar member. There is no need to align the machine or vehicle parallel to the toolbar. If there is an inconsistency between the vehicle being lifted and the lifting device, the vehicle lift equipment can be moved and positioned to engage properly and in a required manner with the wheels of the vehicle.

The lifting device of the present invention safely and effectively holds a wide variety of vehicles and power machines (eg, commercial lawn mowers, three and four wheel vehicles, golf carts, play vehicles, etc.). Applicable to raise. The lifting device does not require access to the vehicle's frame to lift the vehicle or machine, nor does it require any special alignment to enable operation of the device. Also, the lifting device of the present invention does not require vertical adjustment of its arms or hangers to properly engage the vehicle or machine to be lifted.

The lifting device of the present invention has a very open structure so that the vehicle can easily enter the area between the two toolbar members. After the wheel lift equipment has engaged the wheels, the vehicle can be lifted to the required height. The underside of the vehicle is completely open and easily accessible for inspection, maintenance and repair. In other words, the lifting device of the present invention does not create an obstruction to approaching the underside of the vehicle.

The present invention also provides a method for lifting a lift fork and a method for attaching the lift fork to a toolbar.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same or similar parts.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a lifting device 10 according to the present invention. The device 10 includes elongated toolbar members 12 and 14 spaced apart from each other, and upright support members 16 and 1.
8 and a cross member 19. Floor supports 15 and 17 are fixed to the lower ends of the upright support members 16 and 18, respectively. If desired, these floor supports 15 and 17 may be bolted to the floor of a store or building where the lifting device 10 is used. That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the floor support 17 is fixed to the floor 11 by bolts 17A. The lifting device is very stable when bolted to the floor and does not move or tilt. Depending on the length of the floor supports 15, 17, they need not be fixed to the floor 11.

The two toolbar members 12 and 14 are laterally spaced apart from each other to create a large open area therebetween and allow a vehicle to be lifted into this open area to enter quickly and easily. Can be. It is not necessary to align the vehicle with the toolbar member or the longitudinal axis of the lifting device 10. The longitudinal axis of the lifting device is the axis perpendicular to the plane containing the two upright supports 16, 18. If the two toolbar members 12 and 14 are parallel to each other,
The longitudinal axis of the lifting device is parallel to the toolbar members.

In the illustrated lifting device 10, the toolbar members 12 and 14 are parallel to each other, but need not be. For example, the toolbar members may be angled such that their rear ends approach each other. Further, the rear ends of the toolbar members may be connected to each other. Preferably, the toolbar members are laid horizontally as shown.

Each toolbar member includes an upright support member 16,
18 are respectively coupled to vertical slider members 20 slidably held therein. The upper end of the slider member is attached to a lifting cable system.

As shown in FIG. 10, the upright support member 1
6, 18 are cylindrical and have wide longitudinal slots over their entire length. At both side edges of the slider member 20, blocks 20A that fit the internal dimensions of the upright support member are mounted. This prevents the toolbar members 12, 14 from tilting, twisting, or rotating with respect to the upright support members 16, 18.
The upright support member is preferably passed a transverse bar or rod at its lower end to maintain its correct dimensions. That is, as shown in FIG. 23, the transverse bar 16A is attached to the lower end of the upright support member 16.

The lifting cable system preferably comprises two cables 21 and 22 which are attached to each slider member 20 by a uniform bar 23. The equalizing bar 23 can be pivoted about its center, for example in FIG.
(A) -As shown in FIG. 8 (C), the slider member 20 is coupled to the upper end of the slider member 20 by a bolt 23A. Should one cable fail (eg, break or relax), the other cable will still retain the toolbar member. This provides additional security. As shown in FIG. 20, holes 16A are drilled in the upright support member 16, and by monitoring whether the equalizing bar 23 is in a horizontal position through these holes, the two cables 21 and 22 are correctly connected and operated. You can know whether or not.

A preferred type of wheel lift equipment used in the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. The illustrated wheel lift device is configured by attaching a long shank member 42 to a lift fork member 40. The lift fork member has spaced apart forks or bars 40A. The length of the forks and the width of separation between the forks could be varied arbitrarily according to the dimensions of the wheels. The forks or bars 40A can be slid into and engaged with the rut of the wheels of the vehicle to be lifted. That is, one fork extends along the floor at the front of the wheel and the other fork slides along the floor at the rear of the wheel. Wheel rut here refers to the part of the wheel that contacts the floor. There is no need to lift the wheel to engage the fork with the wheel.

The shank 42 extends from the fork member 40 as shown. The length of the shank 42 can be changed arbitrarily. Also, the diameter and cross-sectional shape of the shank can be arbitrarily changed. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the shank is square or rectangular.

The lift fork equipment is removably coupled or attached to each toolbar member 12, 14 by a hanger 45 having a body member including opposed arms 46 and 47. When the hanger 45 is attached to the toolbar member, the arm 46 strikes one side of the toolbar member and the arm 47 strikes the other side. This condition is best shown in FIG.

When the toolbars 12, 14 are lifted, the toolbars 12, 14 are preferably non-movable so that the hanger equipment 45 on which the lift fork 40 is mounted does not rotate toward the object to be lifted. It has a circular cross section. Very preferably, the toolbar has a rectangular cross section as shown in the drawing. Square cross sections, other polygonal or non-circular cross sections could also be used. If the cross section of the toolbar is circular, it must be bolted, pinned, or keyed to prevent undesired angular rotation of the hanger 45.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a lower end of the arm 46 of the hanger 45 is provided with a lip 46A that extends below the lower edge of the toolbar. The lip 46A prevents (a) the hanger 45 from being lifted straight up and (b) prevents the hanger 45 from being positioned partially beyond the ends of the toolbars 12,14. Preferably, the end of each toolbar is raised slightly as indicated at 12A and 14A. Thus, the vertical dimension of the ends 12A and 14A of the toolbar is changed to the horizontal bar 49 of the hanger 45.
Greater than the vertical dimension between the lip 46A and
The hanger will not be attached to that end of the toolbar. Therefore, the safety of preventing the hanger from being partially located at the end of the toolbar is maintained.

A receiving portion for slidably receiving the fork-equipped shank 42 is provided at an upper portion of the hanger body.
The receptacle includes a top bar 48 that prevents the shank 42 from being released from the toolbar and moving upward. The bar 48 is integrally provided with a handle 48A.

In the above construction, the angular movement or rotation of the hanger 45 in the direction of the lifting object with respect to the toolbar is prevented by the arms 46 and 47 engaging the both sides of the toolbar. Angular movement or rotation of the shank 42 relative to the toolbar is prevented by a bar 48 extending over the shank 42. The lower surface of the shank member 42 is supported by a horizontal bar 49. Thus, the shank member 4
2 counters a downward force applied to the fork member 40,
It is supported in the hanger 45 in a very stable state.

The shank member 42 is slidably received within the hanger so that its lateral or lateral position with respect to the hanger 45 can be easily adjusted as required. This allows the fork 40A to be (a) slid into the periphery of the wheel 102 of the vehicle to be lifted, or (b) withdrawn from the wheel after maintenance or repair of the vehicle.

The hanger 45 for the toolbars 12 and 14
In the longitudinal direction lifts the fork member and the mounting end of the shank (see FIG. 5 (A)).
Can be adjusted by sliding the along the toolbar to the required position. When the fork and shank are lowered at the required position, the hanger 45 is engaged with both sides of the toolbar again (FIG. 5B). When weight is added to the fork member, the hanger grips the toolbar tightly,
You cannot slide along the toolbar.

The position of the fork member 40 with respect to the toolbars 12, 14 can be adjusted both longitudinally and laterally or laterally so that the fork member can be moved to any desired position on the toolbar, where the vehicle relative to the toolbar is located. Regardless of the position, the fork member can be properly engaged with the vehicle wheel. This means
Large commercial lawn mower 100 has toolbar members 12 and 1
3 can be better understood in FIG. In the figure, the mower 100 is not aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool bar 12, 14 or the lifting device 10, but still the fork member 4
0 can easily engage the side wheels 102 of the lawnmower.

Another fork member may be attached to one of the toolbars 12 or 14 for engaging and lifting the third wheel 103 of the lawnmower. , 14 can be used. The position of the tray 35 with respect to the toolbar is made adjustable. For this purpose, for example, a plurality of mutually spaced holes 13 are provided along the upper surface of the toolbar, and handles 36 at both ends of the tray are provided with downwardly extending ends or pins 36A,
These pins are inserted into holes 13 at required positions along the toolbar (see FIGS. 14 and 15). This prevents the tray from sliding relative to the toolbar.

When lifting a four-wheeled vehicle, two wheels could be supported on a tray and the other two wheels could be lifted using two fork members. Alternatively, each wheel could be lifted with four separate fork members.

Another feature of the lift tray 35 is shown in FIGS. In the lower position of the toolbar,
One edge 35A of the tray extends to the floor 11 to facilitate rolling the wheels of the vehicle onto the tray 35. The edge 35B on the opposite side of the tray is the floor 1
Does not extend to 1. This prevents the operator's feet from being pinched beneath the edge 35B when the toolbar is lowered. Raised ribs are provided on both sides of the tray to help hold the wheels on the tray.

As another feature, a toe or foot guard bar 38 is provided which extends the entire length of the lift tray 35. The bar is pivoted on both ends. Bar 38
Extends slightly forward from the tray 35. When the protective bar 38 contacts the operator's foot as the toolbars 12, 14 are lowered, the protective bar pushes the operator's foot from below the tray edge 35B. This is shown in FIG. 26 (A) and FIG.
6 (B).

When the vehicle is lifted by the lifting device 10, workers performing inspection, maintenance, and repair can easily access the entire lower side of the vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, FIG.
In the case of a large-scale commercial lawn mowing machine 100 as shown in FIG. 1, the operator can move the functional elements of the machine (for example, a lawn mowing blade or a knife) without going under the machine as shown in FIG. ) Is easily accessible. As shown in FIG. 4, the worker can work in a comfortable posture sitting on the swivel chair. Therefore any inspection, maintenance or repair can be performed very effectively and easily.

The hydraulic cylinder 24 is carried on the cross member 19. The cylinder 24 includes an electric motor 27, an oil tank 29,
It is driven by a hydraulic power unit including a hydraulic pump 31 having a check valve, a valve body assembly 32, and a control shaft 33. The tank 29 has an end plate 37 with an oil level display window 37A. The ram 24A of the hydraulic cylinder 24 is moved between the extended position and the retracted position. A pulley 26 is connected to the outer end of the ram 24A. Cables 21 and 22
Is fixed by a bolt 25 in the middle between both ends thereof,
The cables are then hung on pulleys 26 and 28. One tail end of the cable 21, 22 extends downward through the upright support member 16 as shown in FIG. 6 and is connected to the equalizing bar 23 and the slider member 20. The other tail end of the cable is once hung on a pulley 28 and then extends along the cross member 19, hung on the pulley 30 and then extends downward in the upright support member 18 to be joined to the equalizing bar and the slider member. .

When the ram 24A of the hydraulic cylinder 24 is retracted into the cylinder, the cables 21, 22 pull up the two toolbars 12, 14. Thus, needless to say, the object placed on the fork member 40 and the lift tray 35 is lifted. Since the ram 24A is retracted into the cylinder 24 when the toolbar is lifted, there is no need to provide a separate guide for the ram. The pull on the cable maintains the alignment of the ram with the cylinder. Since both tail ends of each cable are connected to the respective toolbars 12 and 14 via the respective equalizing bars 23, the loads applied to the respective pulleys 26 are equalized. Therefore, an ordinary small hydraulic cylinder can be used.

The lifting device 10 of the present invention also preferably includes a removable safety lock system which prevents the toolbar members 12, 14 from undesirably lowering under load. The safety system includes a rack that is attached to the slider member 20 or directly to the toolbar member. Preferably one rack is attached to each slider member. The rack is vertically aligned.

The preferred safety lock system used here is shown in FIGS. The rack includes a plurality of protrusions or shelves 50 that are vertically spaced and aligned with one another. In the embodiment shown, the shelves 50 are fixed directly to the slider member 20. Alternatively, they may be secured to a separate bar or strip, and the strip may be attached to the slider member.

A locking member 52 pivoted by a pin 53 cooperates with the rack. As the slider member 20 (and thus the toolbar members 12, 14) is lifted, the shelf 50 passes through the locking member while pushing the locking member 52 in a direction away from the slider member. When you have passed,
The locking member moves toward the slider member due to its weight,
Re-engage the underside of the shelf. As a result, the locking member 52
In the event of a cable or hydraulic unit failure, the slider member 20 is prevented from undesirably lowering.

When removing the lock system, the lever 5
4 by manually pressing down the locking member 52
Release from 0. The toolbar can now be lowered.

A preferred system includes a safety lock for each toolbar. In other words, each slider member 20 is provided with a rack. A locking member 52 cooperating with each rack is supported by each of the upright support members 16 and 18.

The locking members are interconnected so that the two locking members 52 can be unlocked with a single lever 54. To this end, the elongated rod 55 is moved upward from one locking member 52 to the one upright support member 18.
Extends to one end of an arm 56 installed at the upper end of the arm. A horizontal rod 57 is fixed to the other end of the arm 56, and extends through the cross member 19 to an arm 58 installed at the upper end of the other upright support member 16. A rod 59 is attached to one end of the arm 58.
Are connected and extend downward from this to the other locking member 52.

In the above-described configuration, when the lever 54 is moved downward, the locking members 52 on the upright support members 16 and 18 are simultaneously removed from the racks of the slider members 20. Such a configuration is a significant advantage over many conventional hoist locking systems where the locks on both sides of the hoist must be individually unlocked.

Another advantage of the unlocking system used in the present invention is that when the rod 55 is pushed up, the rod 59 is also pulled up, releasing the locking member of the other toolbar. As the rod 55 moves downward, the locking member in the support member 18 re-engages the rack coupled to the toolbar 14. If the locking member in the support member 16 cannot be engaged with the rack connected to the toolbar 12 for any reason, this does not hinder the locking member engaged with the rack of the toolbar 14. Absent.

If desired, other equipment for simultaneously unlocking both locking members can be used. For example, a cable or a wire may be connected between the two locking members, and tension may be applied to the cable or the wire so that both the locking members are unlocked.

The control lever 60 for operating the hydraulic power unit is preferably located adjacent to or at least adjacent to the unlocking lever 54 so that the operator can release the locking system and lower the toolbar in the same location. It is installed on the same upright support member.

The control lever 60 has an electric switch 62
It is connected to a vertical rod 61 extending upward. The lever 60 is pivoted, and as the lever pivots upward, the rod 61, which is pivotally attached to the opposite end of the lever 60, is moved downward. This causes the arm 64 carrying the switch device 62 to pivot downward. When the arm 64 pivots downward, the switch device 62 is mounted.
Push button 62A hits the shelf or plate 63,
Close the switch equipment. When the switch device 62 is closed, the electric motor 27 operates to drive the hydraulic pump 31. There, hydraulic fluid is pumped from the tub 29 through the valve body assembly and line 34A, causing the ram 24A of the cylinder 24 to retract into the cylinder. When the ram is retracted, the toolbars 12 and 14 are lifted equally. When the lever 60 is returned to the middle position, the switch arm 64 is lifted and the motor 27 stops. When the motor stops, the toolbar stops rising. Oil pressure in the line prevents the toolbar from descending. Also, the locking member engages with the rack connected to the toolbar to perform mechanical locking,
Prevent toolbars from descending.

When attempting to lower the toolbars 12, 14, the locking member 52 is first removed as described above. Then the control lever 60 is depressed. This moves the rod 61 upward, where the switch arm 64
Pivots upward. In response to the pivoting of the arm 64, the control shaft 33 fixed to one end of the arm 64 is turned. The other end of the shaft 33 is inserted into the valve body assembly 32, and this end is provided with a concave shelf portion 33A. When the shaft 33 rotates in one direction, the valve 7
0 is opened to allow the hydraulic fluid in line 34A to return to tank 29. The toolbar can be lowered slowly when the fluid returns to the bath.

A preferred valve system is shown in FIGS.
It is shown in (B). The hydraulic fluid from the pump 31 passes through the passage 3
It is pushed through 2A to the inlet port of the valve body 32, and is sent out from the outlet port or opening to the line 34A to retract the ram 24A of the hydraulic cylinder 24 into the cylinder (lift the toolbar). In this mode, the valve 70 remains seated on the valve seat 80. Valve 7 in this position
0 prevents hydraulic fluid from returning to tank 29 through passageway 32C and delivery port 32B.

To open the valve and allow the hydraulic fluid to return to the reservoir, the control shaft 33 is turned slightly in one direction so that the flat portion 33A of the shaft 33 is moved to the lower end 7 of the valve 70.
0A, thereby causing the valve to tilt and then lift from the valve seat 80 (FIG. 28B).
reference).

The flat portion 33A of the control shaft 33 is first
When engaged at zero, the valve is first tilted slightly from valve seat 80 to one side. As a result, a small opening is formed between the valve 70 and the valve seat 80, through which hydraulic fluid flows downward and through the passage 32C and the delivery port 32B, the oil tank 2
Reflux to 9 is possible. In other words, in the present invention, the length of the valve stem 70 is increased relative to the diameter of the valve seat 80, and this preferred mechanical feature makes it possible to withstand hydraulic pressure in the system with low mechanical force. . This is a unique advantage of the valve system of the present invention.

After the valve 70 has been slightly tilted to one side with respect to the valve seat 80, the shaft 33 continues to rotate to further tilt the valve 70. Additional engagement of the shaft portion 33A with the valve end 70A by this additional engagement causes the valve 70 to be released upward from the valve seat 80,
The flow opening of the fluid returning to the tank through the valve assembly is enlarged (see FIG. 28B). In other words, the part 33
When A engages the lower end 70A of the valve stem 70, both vertical and horizontal force components are created, whereby the valve 70 is first tilted with respect to the valve seat 80 and then lifted. .

After the valve has first tilted, the pressure difference at the valve seat becomes smaller. Accordingly, the force required to lift the valve from the valve seat is also reduced.

As can be seen from the above description, the opening operation of the valve according to the present invention moves the movable valve element directly against the hydraulic pressure in the system, and therefore, in accordance with the conventional valve opening method requiring a large force. It is remarkably superior.

To facilitate the centering of the valve 70 with respect to the valve seat 80 when the control shaft 33 is returned to its original position, the valve 7
0 is a conical or sloped section 70 just below its head
B is provided. Valve 70 is biased to its normally closed position by a spring 82. When the shaft 33 is turned in the direction opposite to the direction in which it engages the valve 70,
In order to push back to the normal position shown in FIG.
A pin 84 with five is provided. The lower end of the valve stem is preferably tapered as shown, but this taper is not essential. For example, the valve stem may be a cylindrical body without a tapered end.

As another feature of the present invention, a high-level lifting notification system can be provided for notifying when a predetermined height is reached. For this purpose, for example, an electromagnetic radiation source 66 is mounted on the upper end of one of the upright supports 16 or 18, and an electromagnetic wave reflector 65 is mounted on the upper end of the other upright support 18 or 16. The radiator 66 emits a narrow radiation beam (for example, infrared light) toward the reflector 65. The reflected beam is received at the sensing portion of radiation source 66. Toolbar 12,
If an object lifted by 14 enters and blocks the beam path, the sensing portion will not receive the beam. As a result, an audible alarm is sounded indicating that the lifting has reached the predetermined high-level condition. Then, the electric motor 27 for driving the hydraulic lifting system is stopped.
At the same time, the acoustic alarm goes off.

Another advantage of the signaling system shown here is that power is only required for one upright support member. There is no need to send power to the other upright support member. Reflector 65 does not require power.

The notification system could be of another type. For example, one upright support member may include a light source and the other upright support member may include a photodetector that receives a light beam from the light source. When a lifted object interrupts the light beam, a photodetector activates an audible alarm indicating that the object has reached a high lift condition.

Of course, it is also possible to mount a light source and a detector (or reflector) on a wall or other support structure adjacent to the lifting device for the same or similar purpose.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate yet another hanger arrangement of the present invention for mounting and supporting a fork shank on a toolbar. In FIG. 24, the hanger equipment 90 includes a tubular section 92 slidably engaging a toolbar of rectangular cross section.
Is provided. A second tubular section 94 is fixed to the top surface of the section 92 at right angles thereto. A reinforcement member 93 for reinforcement is fixed between these two tubular sections by welding or the like. The tubular section 94 has a square cross section as shown, to slidably receive a square cross section fork shank. With the above configuration,
The hanger 90 can move longitudinally along the toolbar member, and the fork shank can move laterally or laterally relative to the toolbar member.

FIG. 25 is an end view showing the toolbar member 97 having a circular cross section. The toolbar member 97 comprises a generally cylindrical tube or bar as shown, and has a key member 98 having a square or rectangular cross section fixed to the outer surface thereof. The hanger equipment 95 includes a lower section having a through opening that conforms to the outer surface of most of the toolbar 97. The opening preferably has an extension 9 as shown.
6 is provided. The hanger 95 can move longitudinally along the toolbar 97. The provision of the opening extension 96 allows the hanger to rotate about 90 ° in one direction (eg, can be tilted upward away from the vehicle being lifted).

The hanger 95 is also provided with the fork shank member 4.
2 is provided with a lateral opening slidably receiving the same. The shank 42 can then move laterally or laterally with respect to the toolbar 97.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lifting device of the present invention before installation of a side wheel lift device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lifting device of FIG. 1 together with a large commercial lawn mower placed between two toolbar members for lifting with the device.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing that the lifting device of the present invention can engage and lift a large commercial three-wheel mower even when the mower is not aligned parallel to the toolbar.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a case where a worker checks and maintains parts under the lawnmower.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing that a large-scale commercial lawn mower is safely supported at a lifting position where repair can be performed.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are views showing a preferred embodiment of a wheel lift fork device used in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a cable device and a hydraulic cylinder for lifting a toolbar member.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a cross member connecting the upper ends of two upright support members.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a preferred embodiment in which a cable is coupled to a vertical slider member for lifting a toolbar.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view showing the toolbar member and a part of the upright support member in a cutaway manner.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view showing a part of the upright support member for showing the detachable safety lock device.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the operation of the safety lock device.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a tray used in the present invention.

14 is a sectional view of the tray of FIG. 13 taken along line 14-14.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the tray of FIG. 13 taken along line 15-15.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the upper end of one upright support member.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the upper end of the other upright support member.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a control lever attached to one upright support member.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a safety lock device attached to the other upright support member.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view with a portion cut away of an upright support member to show an opening for monitoring an equalizing bar to which a lift cable is attached.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are views showing the installation mode of a photovoltaic cell and a reflector used in the high-lift notification system.

FIG. 22 is a drawing showing one mode of fixing the leg of the upright support member to the floor.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the lower end of the upright support member in a cutaway manner.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fork hanger used in the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a toolbar and a fork hanger used in the present invention.

26 (A) and (B) are elevation views showing a foot protection system and an operation mode thereof.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hydraulic power unit used in the present invention.

FIGS. 28 (A) and (B) are cross-sectional elevation views showing a preferred embodiment of a hydraulic valve used in the present invention and an operation mode thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Lifting device 12 Toolbar member 14 Toolbar member 16 Upright support member 18 Upright support member 19 Cross member 20 Slider member 21 Cable 22 Cable 23 Equalization bar 24 Hydraulic cylinder 27 Electric motor 29 Oil tank 31 Hydraulic pump 32 Valve body assembly 33 Control shaft 33A Recessed portion 35 Lift tray 38 Foot protection bar 40 Lift fork member 40A fork 42 Shank member 45 Hanger 46 Arm 47 Arm 50 Shear 52 Locking member 54 Locking lever 55 Vertical rod 57 Horizontal rod 59 Vertical rod 60 Control Lever 61 Vertical rod 62 Electric switch 64 Arm 65 Reflector 66 Electromagnetic radiation source 70 Valve 80 Valve seat 82 Spring 84 Pin 90 Hanger equipment 95 Hanger equipment 96 Opening extension 97 Toolbar member 9 Key members 100 mower 102 side wheel 103 third wheel

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (31) Priority claim number 802450 (32) Priority date December 4, 1991 (1991.12.4) (33) Priority claim country United States (US) (72) Inventor Jimmy Dee. Shinden East Sixtyth Street, Greeley, Colorado, United States of America 300 (56) References JP-A-60-29363 (JP, A) JP-A-53-55833 (JP, A) , U) (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B66F ^7/ 00-7/28

Claims (15)

(57) [Claims] 1. A lifting device for lifting a three-wheeled vehicle of the type having two side wheels and one third wheel, the device being easily adapted to an unobstructed approach path and the vehicle. Lifting equipment so that the vehicle can be quickly and easily entered into the lifting device, the lifting device can be easily adapted to vehicles of various different sizes, and the length of the device A lifting device that can be easily adapted to a vehicle that is misaligned with a directional axis, comprising: (a) two laterally spaced apart vehicles having an unobstructed access path between the two toolbar members; (B) two side wheel lifts, each of which is easily mounted to the toolbar member and engages in front of and behind the rut of the vehicle's side wheels; different Equipping a side wheel lift longitudinally movable along the toolbar member so as to be easily adapted to vehicles of the same type and to be easily adapted to vehicles which are not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lifting device; And (d) a lifting device including a lifting device for lifting the three-wheeled vehicle by lifting the two toolbar members and the third wheel lifting device and lifting the three-wheeled vehicle. 2. The lifting device of claim 1, wherein said side wheel lift equipment is movable laterally with respect to said toolbar member. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising first and second upright support members spaced apart from each other, wherein the first toolbar member is positioned adjacent to the first upright support member, and wherein the second toolbar member is second. A lifting device according to claim 1, wherein a lifting device is positioned adjacent to said second upright support member and said lifting equipment is supported by both said upright support members. 4. A power supply unit and a hydraulic cylinder are further provided.
The lifting device of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and wherein the toolbar member is lifted when the hydraulic cylinder moves from the extended position to the retracted position. 5. The lifting device of claim 4, further comprising a releasable safety lock to prevent the toolbar member from moving downward. 6. The safety lock device includes: (a) an elongate vertical rack member attached to each of the toolbar members; and (b) a locking member attached to each of the upright members, wherein the locking members are provided. 6. The lifting device of claim 5 wherein the tool bar prevents the toolbar member from moving downward by engaging the rack member. 7. Each of the side wheel lift devices includes: (a) a hanger device; and (b) a fork member including an elongated shank member, wherein the shank member is slidably received and retained within the hanger device. 2. The lifting device of claim 1 wherein said fork member is movable laterally with respect to said toolbar member. 8. The hanger device has a body member which engages the toolbar member such that (a) angular rotation of the body member relative to the toolbar member in at least one direction is restricted. 8. The lifting device of claim 7, further comprising: a first and second arm that engages; and (b) a receiving portion for receiving and supporting the shank member so as not to rotate the toolbar member in the one direction. 9. The apparatus further comprises first and second vertical slide members fixed to the first and second toolbar members, respectively, wherein the first and second slide members are respectively the first and second upright members. A lifting device slidably retained in a support, the lifting device comprising: (a) a power device; and (b) a cable device operatively coupled between the power device and the first and second slide members. The lifting device according to claim 3. 10. A method for lifting and supporting a vehicle of the type having two side wheels and one third wheel, comprising: (a) providing an unobstructed access path for the vehicle between two toolbar members. Providing first and second generally horizontal toolbar members spaced apart from each other; (b) each being easily attached to the toolbar members and engaging front and rear of the rut of the vehicle's side wheels. Two side wheel lifts, which are easily adapted to vehicles of various different sizes and which extend longitudinally along the toolbar member so as to be easily adapted to vehicles which are misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the lifting device. (C) having a third wheel lift device, (d) having a lifting device for lifting the toolbar member and the third wheel lift device, (e). Both tool bars Placing the vehicle between members; (f) engaging two side wheels of the vehicle with the side wheel lift device; (g) connecting a third wheel of the vehicle with the third wheel lift device. Engaging; and (h) lifting the vehicle by lifting both the toolbar member and the third wheel lift device. 11. Each of the lift fork equipment comprises: (a) a hanger equipment; and (b) a fork member including an elongated shank member, the hanger equipment being attached to the toolbar member, and the shank member comprising: The method of claim 10, wherein the method is slidably received and retained within the hanger equipment. 12. A lift fork device comprising: (a) a fork member including a long shank member; (b) (i) first and second opposed arms;
i) Hanger equipment with a body member having a receiving part
And the body member has a corner of the body member with respect to a toolbar.
Tool so that rotation is regulated in at least one direction
The receiving portion is adapted to engage with a bar.
Slidably receive the shank member and forward to the body member
The shank member is supported against angular rotation in one direction.
Lift fork device characterized by the following . 13. A lifting device of the type comprising an elongated toolbar member and a device for lifting the toolbar member, comprising: (a) a hanger device carried on the toolbar member and movable along the toolbar member; (b) A lifting device comprising a fork member including a mounting device for mounting a fork member on the hanger device, wherein the fork member is laterally adjustable with respect to the hanger device. 14. A method of attaching a non-circular cross-section of the elongate lifting fork member to toolbar having a longitudinal axis in the horizontal plane, be attached to the closed, and the toolbar (a) a body member and the receiving portion (B) a lift fork member having an elongated shank member; (c) the hanger device such that angular rotation of the hanger device in at least one direction with respect to the toolbar is regulated. Attaching the body member of the shank member to the toolbar, wherein the body member is made movable along the toolbar, (d) (1) the one-way angular rotation of the shank member relative to the toolbar. is regulated, and (2) said shank member so as to be movable transversely to the longitudinal axis center of the toolbar, the shank member of the hanger equipped Serial accepted
A method comprising steps of slidably inserting a part . 15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising the step of slidably receiving the shank member into the receiving portion.