GB2315729A

GB2315729A - Central heating radiator lift, tilt and hold device

Info

Publication number: GB2315729A
Application number: GB9615827A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Cairns
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-07-27
Filing date: 1996-07-27
Publication date: 1998-02-11
Also published as: GB9615827D0

Abstract

A device for lifting, tilting and holding a radiator comprises an upright support frame 1 with adjustable brackets 2 which fit under the radiator, jacking levers 4 and an offset rear leg assembly 6. To allow access to the wall behind the radiator, eg for decorating, the device is placed under the radiator and lifted up, using the jacking legs, to remove the radiator from its brackets and then tilted over and supported in its leaning position by the rear leg assembly 6. The reverse procedure is used to replace the radiator. A cushioned horizontal rail 3 may be provided to protect the paintwork of the radiator.

Description

CENTRAL HEATING RADIATOR LIFT TILT AND HOLD DEVICE This invention relates to a central heating radiator lift. tilt and hold device Central heating radiators present a major problem to both professional decorators and the DIY enthusiast in that the discerning customer or enthusiast likes to see the wall area behind the radiator decorated in the same manner as its surroundings. The normal practice is to have the radiator drained and removed.

risking stains on floorcoverings and extra cost. or to work at the problem with lonf handled tools and the like, which are time consuming and generally unsatisfactory.

Many central heating systems now use small bore 10mm or 6mm copper pipe. in some cases a flexible plastic type material. The ease of bending small bore pipe means it generally passes from it's source directly to the radiator valve without joints or ready made benads.

more in the nature of electroc cable than traditional plumbing. There is normally to be found spare pipe between the underside of the floow and the bend taking the pipe to it's source, the pipe will also pass through a hole in the floow which is in most cases much larger than the pipe. If all of these conditions are favourable, and with a slight flexing of the pipe.

it is possible to lift the radiator the 10mm or so it takes to release itr from the wall brackets and tilt it some 10 - 12 degrees away from the wall thereby gaining reasonable access to the area behind.

According to the present invention there is provided a central heating lift, tilt and hold device for the purpose of lifting from the support brackets, tilting, temporarily supporting and replacing a panel type.

water filled central heating radiator, while at the same time the radiator is still fixed to suitably fitted copper or metal pipes of 10mm or less in diameter. Comprising an upright main support frame provided with vertically adjustable or sliding brackets adapted to fit under and support a panel type. water filled central heating radiator, means to releasably secure the brackets in position once adjusted. The device is raised and lowered by a lever arrangement attached and hinged at or adjacent the bottom ends of the main support frame which is supported in the adjustment and hold positions by an offset rear leg assembly which is attached and hinged to the main support frame at or adjacent the top end thereof.

A specific embodyment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which : Figure 1 shows the front view of a suitably fixed and fitted panel type central heating radiator.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a suitably fixed and fitted panel type central heating radiator.

Figure 3 shows in perspective a central heating radiator lift, tilt and hold device in the hold position.

Figure 4 illustrates a side view ofthe device positioned ana ready for use.

Figure 5 illustrates a sid view of the device ready to lift ne radiator.

Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the device with the radiator raised and removed from the wall brackets Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the device in the hold position supporting the radiator.

Figure 8 illustrates . 1:1 , the effect on the lower part of the radiator and connecting pipework. ( With outway and edited views of parts 1 and 2 of the device. The radiator valve is not shown.) Referring to the drawings the central heating radiator lift, tilt and hold device comprises a main support frame of two uprights 1 and cushioned horizontal beam 3.adjustable brackets 2. a jacking lever arrangement 4 and an offset rear leg assembly 6. The jacking levers 4 and the rear leg assembly 6. The jacking levers uprights 1 by hinges 5 and 8 which could have a built in restrictive action, ie to prevent extremes of lift or tilt.

In order to lift, tilt and hold a radiator with the device it is first necessary to make sure the radiator is suitably fixed and fitted by examining the pipework and lifting the radiator, carefully, at each end to check for spare pipe under the floor. ( If any resistance is noted due to tight pipework at any stage in the operation the radiator can be replaced with no danage done.) The device is positioned as Fig 3 , the sliding brackets 2 are adjustes and locked. The operators hand is placed through rear leg assembly @ above the crossbar 7, to grip the jacking levers 4 centrally, raising then to the jacking position Fig 5.

as this is done the rear leg assembly 6 is pushed back by the action of his forearm on the crossbar 7. The lever 4 is pulles upwards lifting the device, by carefully pulling at the top of the radiator, at the same time. It will come free from it's wall brackets Fig 6. The lever 4 is lowered, resting the frame 1 on the floor. the operators hand is removed allowing the rear leg assembly 6 ro fall into place. the radiator rests on the brackets 2 and the cushioned beam 3.

The rear leg assembly 6 can be repositioned to increase the tilt angle. depending on the suitability of the connected pipework Fig 7.

To replace the radiator, the lever 4 is returned to it's position as in Fig 5 and the above steps are carried out in reverse order. Once the radiator is replaces the compression fittings at the valves must be checked for leaks, and retightened if required.

The effect of the device on the pipework is shown in big 8. The radiator, fixed to the wall in Pos l, is then raised some 10mm. The force required to lift the radiator is constant, therefore any additional resistance, which could contribute to deforming the pipe or separating it from the valve fitting. would be noted immediately. The radiator in Pos 2 has been tilted some 12 degrees. The pipe is still under tne same upwards force, and by this has the effect of trying to pull the pipe round the corner, like a train, spreading the bending forces over a length of approximately 200 - 300mm of pipe length, thus avoiding point loading, which would kink or permanently disfigure the pipe.

Claims

1 A central heating radiator lift, tilt and hold device for the purpose of lifting from the support brackets, tilting, temporarily supporting and replacing a panel type, water filled central heating radiator.

while at the same time the radiator is still fixed to suitably fitted, copper or metal, pipes of 10mm or Less in. diameter or flexible plastic pipes of any diameter. Comprising an upright main support frame provided with vertically adjustable or sliding brackets adapted to fit under and support a panel type, water filled central heating radiator, means to releasably secure the brackets in position once adjusted. The device is raised and lowered by a lever arrangement attached and hinged at or adjacent the bottom ends of the main support frame which is supported in the adjustment and hold positions by an offset leg assembly which is attached and hinged to the main support frame at or adjacent the top end thereof

2 A central heating radiator lift, tilt and hold device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main upright frame is provided with at least one supporting rear leg.

3 A central heating radiator lift, tilt and hold device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the jacking levers are iined or joined togetner so as both can operate as one.

4 A central heating radiator lift, tilt and hold device as claimed in. any precedIng ciaim, wherein the points of contact with radiator and floor are provided with cushicning or a soft, materiai. 5 A central heating radiator lift, tilt and hold device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.