BE1028615B1 - Detachable removable system for lifting a load - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a removable load lifting structure intended to be installed on a ladder. It is a dismountable, easily transportable crane-type device and its method of use. The structure allows loads to be moved between the interior and exterior of a building, through an opening. The removable removable system for lifting a load comprises a horizontal attachment structure of a boom to a ladder and a boom arranged to allow the horizontal and vertical movement of the load.

Description

Removable removable system for lifting a load The present invention relates to a removable structure for lifting loads intended to be installed on a ladder.

More specifically, it is a dismountable, easily transportable crane-type device and its method of use.

This device is particularly suitable for moving loads between the interior and exterior of a building through an opening.

Heavy lifting devices come in many variations of shape, capacity or use, to enable humans to raise heavy objects to a height, lightening their own task or transferring the entire of the task to a machine.

These machines are called, depending on the case: industrial elevator, hoist, freight elevator, crane, etc.

They are generally large and often require special means of transport and installation, limiting their use to professionals.

Compact, transportable and easy-to-use devices are known, including in particular a ladder as a constituent element in its own right.

Patent US4598795 presents a system for attaching to a ladder an arrow of fixed length at the end of which is attached a pulley.

The ladder is stabilized by resting on the ground at one end and on a support accessory, free to rotate around a rung of the ladder, intended to rest on the edge of a roof.

This support accessory makes it possible, in addition to holding the ladder in place, to move the ladder away from the edge of the roof, to free up a passage column for the load to be lifted or lowered.

This device requires manipulation of the support accessory, and therefore modification of the angle of inclination of the ladder, when the load is lifted in order to allow a translational movement of the load in the longitudinal axis of the boom. to unload it on the roof.

This device is only suitable for a roof whose edge is flat and large enough to accommodate the support accessory.

The uplift volume is constrained by the depth and width of this support, but also by the length of the jib.

In addition, the need to modify the inclination of the ladder during the operation can compromise the balance of the ladder and be dangerous.

The applicant therefore deemed it necessary to propose a more versatile device, usable both by professionals and individuals, safer and removable in order to facilitate its movement and installation.

SOLUTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a removable removable system for lifting a load comprising a structure for horizontal attachment of a jib to a ladder and a jib arranged to allow the horizontal and vertical movement of the load.

A lifting system designates a system which makes it possible to raise and lower loads by having them, in the meantime, possibly moved horizontally.

The removable lifting system is therefore a kit comprising two main elements (the attachment structure and the jib) which, once assembled together, form a single-piece device. The assembly of these two elements is reversible.

The lifting system is removable, i.e. it can be securely hooked (fixed) to a ladder and unhooked at will. This makes it easy to move and install the system anywhere.

The attachment structure includes means for attaching the structure to a ladder. Preferably, these are fixing means by shape cooperation, such as for example non-linear recesses in the structure, shaped to allow the insertion of at least two rungs of a ladder in said recesses up to a position of abutment defining a stable fixing position. The fastening means can also comprise hooks fixed to the plates of the fastening structure or any other means that can be envisaged by those skilled in the art. The fixing structure of the lifting system preferably comprises at least two separate parts, preferably two plates, intended to be arranged side by side, preferably parallel, each in a vertical plane, possibly similar plates, and whose height is greater at the step of two rungs of the ladder on which the fixing structure is intended to be fixed. The parallel arrangement of the plates is easier to use, but they also might not be.

These parts are preferably made of a material strong enough to withstand the load stresses. These rigid fixing plates can have any shape appropriate to their function, for example square, rectangular, triangular or generally polygonal.

These fixing plates can be secured to each other using crosspieces, or any other suitable means, so as to maintain a constant gap between the plates. The plates and the crosspieces then form one and only one rigid fixing structure to which it is possible to fix an arrow. Advantageously, the fixing structure comprises two parallel triangular plates arranged face to face.

Alternatively, the fixing plates of the invention can be held apart, preferably parallel, by the arrow of the device fixed directly on said plates providing the crosspiece function. The jib can then be arranged to be fixed horizontally between the plates of the fixing structure, for example using bolts, screws or any other suitable means known to those skilled in the art. The arrow is therefore preferably removable from the plates of the structure, this makes it easier to move and store the device of the invention.

The fixing plates can also be kept apart and/or parallel by an intermediate element between the plates and the boom, such as for example a mechanical support for actuating the boom.

The jib is a rigid element capable of withstanding the bending forces transmitted by the weight of the load. As suggested by its name, the arrow is an element much longer than it is wide; in other words, the arrow resembles a beam, with a solid or hollow section. The jib can completely cross the attachment structure and possibly extend beyond the rear of this structure, for example to attach a counterweight or a winch.

The boom can be one piece or consist of several separate parts, thus facilitating the transport of the device and allowing a flexible boom length, adaptable to different situations. It can also be a telescopic boom.

In one embodiment of the invention, the boom is a metal lattice structure, of triangular or square section.

These truss structures, often used for show stage assembly, are available on the market, for example from Eurotruss®.

A jib is, by analogy with a crane, the horizontal arm under which the load is attached. The jib is therefore equipped with means for attaching the load, preferably a rope (cable, chain, strap, etc.), one end of which is equipped with a hook or any other means for attaching the load at the wire.

The other end of the rope is attached to a lifting device, such as a winch or a hoist, to impart vertical movement to the load.

“Vertical displacement” of the load means any change in altitude of said load.

The lifting device can be any type of winch or hoist known to those skilled in the art, electric or not. It can be attached directly to the boom or remotely, such as on the ladder, on the boom mounting structure, or on a nearby vehicle. If the lifting device is not on the boom, the boom is equipped with at least one pulley intended to transmit the forces between the load and the winch.

The boom is also arranged in such a way as to allow the load to move horizontally, that is to say in the longitudinal axis of the boom, in other words, to allow the load to move away or approach the ladder.

The means for horizontal displacement of the load may comprise a rack or a slide associated with a movable carriage along at least part of the jib or any other equivalent means known to those skilled in the art.

Alternatively, the carriage can be the fixed element allowing the movement of the beam along a horizontal axis.

In the case of a telescopic boom, the movement of the load can be ensured by the extension/retraction of the boom.

Properly assembled together, the ladder and the lifting system of the invention form a gallows.

The stability of this gallows 5 is ensured by the stability of the ladder which rests, in an inclined manner, on its two ends, on and against a frame.

The bottom of the ladder preferably rests on a flat surface, the top of the ladder preferably leans against a flat vertical surface.

Advantageously, to ensure optimum stability of the system, the ladder is inclined at an angle of between 60 and 80 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

More advantageously, it is inclined at an angle of 70 degrees relative to the horizontal.

The ladder of the device can be a standard one-piece ladder or a modular ladder, well known to those skilled in the art.

In the case of a modular ladder, the upper part of the ladder can be tilted horizontally so as to form (seen from the side), with the frame, a rectangular trapezium whose small base is the upper part of the ladder.

This configuration increases the space of the (un)loading area under the ladder and can improve the stability of the jib crane.

The invention also consists of a method of using the lifting system, comprising the following steps: A ladder is stabilized against a frame; — Fix the fixing structure to the ladder; — The arrow is fixed to the fixing structure; — A lifting device is associated with the jib; — Connect the load to the lifting device; — The hoist is operated to move the load vertically upwards, and — The hoist is operated to move the load vertically downwards.

To stabilize the ladder, rest it on a flat surface, with the top of the ladder preferably leaning against a flat vertical surface.

In addition, external stabilization means, such as wedges, ropes, straps can be provided to stabilize the ladder.

If the load must be moved, the load is moved horizontally after having moved it vertically upwards.

One can therefore either simply temporarily lift a load or move it between two different places, possibly separated by an obstacle, for example through a window. The boom is then installed, via the fixing structure, at the height of the opening and completely crosses the opening. For example, from a loading area located inside a room below the ladder, a load can then be hoisted, passed through the window, and then unloaded into an unloading area located on the other side of the window.

Thus, the height of hoisting and lowering of the load is limited only by the length of the rope. The invention makes it possible to manage large differences in level between the loading and unloading zone. The invention will be better understood using the following description, with reference to the drawing in which: Figure 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a plate of the fixing structure of the lifting system, seen from side ; Figure 2 illustrates a lifting system according to the invention in operational mode; Figure 3 illustrates another lifting system according to the invention in operational mode; Figure 4 illustrates another operational mode of the lifting system of Figure 2; Figure 5 illustrates another lifting system according to the invention in operational mode; Figure 6 is a perspective diagram of the attachment structure of a lifting system according to the invention, and Figure 7 is a perspective diagram of a lifting system according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a plate 10 of the mounting structure of the lifting system is of generally triangular shape whose outer corners 11 have been rounded. A triangular recess 12 is made in the plate. Two non-linear recesses 15 for inserting a U-shaped ladder rung are formed open on one of the edges of the plate at the level of entry openings 17 as far as an abutment bottom 16. The abutment positions 16 are separated by a center distance equal to the pitch of two rungs of a ladder.

Three bores 14 for fixing the boom are provided here, distributed over the plate 10, as well as three bores 13 for fixing crosspieces.

Plate 10 can be metal, reinforced PVC, wood or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art.

The triangular recess 12 has the function of optimizing the production cost and reducing the total mass of the plate.

A triangular recess 12 is presented here but any other form of adapted recess is possible.

The recesses 15 are the means of fixing the plate 10 to two rungs of the ladder.

Their non-linear U shape is intended to be traversed by the rungs of the ladder from the entrance 17 to the stop position 16 defining a stable fixing position.

The stop positions 16 are separated by a center distance equal to the pitch of two ladder rungs.

In this configuration, the maintenance of the plate on the ladder is therefore ensured by shape cooperation.

These fixing means 15 make it possible to associate the structure with the ladder in a secure manner, that is to say that the dissociation of the assembly cannot be done accidentally, thanks to the non-linear profile of the recesses.

The entrance 17 to each recess may comprise (not shown in FIG. 1) an additional securing means, for example a pin or a latch.

To ensure sufficient stability, each plate comprises at least two fixing means.

In Figure 1, these two recesses are aligned on an inclined axis, preferably an axis inclined at an angle between 60 and 80 degrees relative to the horizontal represented by the base of the triangle, more preferably an axis inclined 70 degrees from the horizontal.

This inclination corresponds to the desired inclination for optimal stability of the ladder.

Thus, once the plate is placed on the rungs of the ladder, the user can adjust the inclination of the ladder so that the base of the triangle is horizontal, which will allow the arrow, once attached to the fixing structure is also perfectly horizontal. A level indicator can optionally be integrated into the plate for this purpose.

The removable removable system for lifting a load according to the invention preferably comprises two plates, preferably identical, arranged face to face in parallel planes and fixed to at least two same rungs of the ladder. For example, two plates 10 as shown in Figure 1 are integral with each other, as shown schematically) in Figure 6 (taking up some elements of Figure 1), by means of crosspieces 60 fixed at the bore points 13 in order to maintain a constant gap therebetween.

The crosspieces, not shown in the figures, can be rigid elements made of metal, reinforced PVC or any other suitable material. They are inserted between the plates of the fixing structure and are fixed using bores 13 intended to receive the means for fixing the crosspieces to said plates. These fixing means can be flat-head screws screwed directly into the end of a previously tapped crosspiece. Alternatively, the end of each crosspiece may include a thread, of length at least greater than the thickness of the plates, in order to fix them using a nut. Alternatively, the jib of the lifting system can perform the role of crosspiece. Alternatively again, the crosspiece may be a hollow tube, in which a threaded rod is inserted blocked by nuts on the outside of each plate.

The bores 14 of Figure 1 are intended to receive the attachment means of the jib of the lifting system. These fastening means are, for example, bolts, a hook system or any other suitable means known to those skilled in the art.

Once assembled, the attachment structure and the jib 70 form the lifting system of the invention, a schematic perspective view of which is shown in Figure 7.

For the rest of the description, "assembly" and "configuration" must be understood as synonymous with one and the same thing: a lifting system - ladder - lifting device assembly.

Several embodiments of the lifting system integrated into different lifting system-ladder-hoisting apparatus assemblies will be presented.

For the sake of clarity, the crosspieces (as well as the associated fixing means) and the means for fixing the jib to the fixing structure are not shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. With reference to FIG. 2, an assembly 200 (lifting system-ladder-hoisting device) comprises a structure 210 for attaching an arrow 220, a ladder 230 and a winch 240. The removable and removable lifting system of the invention therefore comprises the elements 210 and 220. assembly 200 rests on a frame 250, for example the floor and the wall of a room, comprising an opening 251, for example a window.

The structure 210 is fixed by form cooperation by means of two plates provided with recesses 211 (for example the plates of FIG. 1) to two rungs 231 of the ladder 230. The arrow 220 here is a lattice structure of square section, i.e. the boom comprises four metal tubes (of length equal to the length of the boom) arranged in a square and fixed to each other by means of a system of triangulated bars on each side face of said arrow; these structures are well known and are marketed in particular by Eurotruss®. The horizontal boom 220 is fixed to the fixing structure by means of U-bolts.

These U-bolts clamp the boom tubes against the plates of said attachment structure.

The assembly stress comes from nuts screwed from the outer faces of said plates.

Thus, it is the jib which keeps the two plates of the fixing structure 210 fixed and parallel to each other. The jib comprises a rack 221, installed over part of the length of the jib, on which is movable horizontally a carriage 222 provided with a pulley 223 (partially shown). At the left end of this arrow is fixed another pulley 224. Alternatively, the arrow could be a simple metal beam comprising a rack or a slide on which a carriage moves horizontally.

The winch 240 is attached to the bottom of the ladder via a suitable support 241, this position allows the winch to also act as a counterweight to the boom. The rope 242 of the winch, is deployed along the arrow, supported by the pulleys 223 and 224, and ends in a hook 243 serving to hang the load to be moved. The winch allows, by winding or unwinding the rope, to raise and lower the load vertically. In this configuration, the unwinding (winding) movement of the winch is preferably coordinated with the movement of the mobile carriage so as not to vary the altitude of the load when the carriage moves.

This assembly therefore forms a stable device allowing, by means of the lifting system, to move a load vertically and horizontally through the opening 251.

For example, the frame 250 can be a room on the floor of a building, provided with a window 251 from which one wishes to lower a piece of furniture below to the outside. A user can then bring all the parts of assembly 200 into the chamber. He positions the ladder, at an angle of about 70 degrees, in front of the open window. He inserts the two plates 210 of the fixing structure to the rungs of the ladder, at the height of the bedroom window, rather towards the top of the window. It fixes the jib, including the rack and the mobile carriage, between the two plates of the structure so that the jib is horizontal and the plates fixed relative to each other. He then installs the winch on the first rung of the ladder and adjusts the trajectory of the rope using pulleys 223. In this example, the winch is an electric winch operable using an electric screwdriver equipped with a tip that fits into the hub of the winch. Once the installation is complete, all the user has to do is hang the furniture on the rope hook and activate the winch to lift the furniture by winding the rope. Once the piece of furniture has been raised to the height of the window, the user moves it horizontally, manually or electrically, by sliding the carriage 222 towards the end of the arrow 220. The piece of furniture thus crosses the window and finds itself suspended above from the outer courtyard. The user operates the winch electrically in the other direction and the furniture descends outside until it is placed on the ground. Thanks to the invention, it is not necessary to lower the piece of furniture by an internal staircase or to use a more complex and cumbersome device of the lift-lift type. The only limit here is the size of the window.

The ladder does not move during the operation.

The jib and the attachment structure are dimensioned so as to correspond to a predefined maximum load depending in particular on the materials used.

Figure 3 shows an assembly 300 similar to the assembly of Figure 2 but for which, alternatively, the electric winch 301 is fixed directly to the mobile carriage. This configuration advantageously makes it possible to eliminate the use of pulleys and no longer have to coordinate the unwinding (rolling up) of the winch with the horizontal movement of the carriage. Here, the arrow can contain a sheath facilitating the movement of the electric cable of the winch following its movement. Advantageously, the winch can be powered by a battery.

Figure 4 shows an assembly 400 similar to the configuration of Figure 2 with a different positioning of the arrow 401. This does not protrude from the rear of the fixing structure, allowing the assembly to be less bulky . In this configuration, a single pulley 402 is used to support and direct the rope. Although not shown in Figure 4, a second pulley can be attached to the left end of the boom to keep the line close to the boom over its entire length.

Figure 5 shows, alternatively, an assembly 500 similar to the configuration of Figure 2 but for which the ladder is a modular ladder whose upper end 501 is inclined horizontally so as to rest orthogonally on the frame. This increases the stability of the assembly and also makes it possible to increase the size of the movable loads by increasing the surface available under the ladder.

Moreover, the arrow 502 here is an arrow comprising two identical elements 503 and 504. These elements can be lattice structures of the Eurotruss® type with a square section.

In this configuration, the rack also consists of two separate elements specific to each element of the jib.

The two elements of the arrow line up seamlessly.

The advantage of this configuration lies in the use of smaller elements that are more easily transportable after dismantling and/or the possibility of having a longer jib or a variable length depending on the needs.

More generally, the jib can therefore consist of a succession of identical lattice structures, allowing the lifting system to be adaptable to the frame.

The assembly of the parts of the arrow together is well known to those skilled in the art.

Advantageously, although not shown in the photo, the rigidity of the arrow 502 can be reinforced by hooking, using a cable or a rigid element of adequate length, the middle of the arrow to the horizontal part 501 of the adjustable scale.

The frame 505 can be, for example, a garage in which there is a car.

The lifting system of the invention can be used, with the modular ladder and the electric winch, by a user who wishes to completely remove the engine of a car in order to carry out repairs.

He can then work in the motor and easily reposition it by operating the electric winch.

Dane another configuration not shown, the boom can be movable along a rack fixed to a carriage immobilized on the fixing structure.

This makes it possible in particular to use existing systems of the type used for core drills, marketed in particular by Hilti® or Mégatron®, in which the drilling motor is fixed to a carriage movable along a beam.

The beam would then serve as a mobile arrow at the end of which would be placed the pulley for the passage of the rope connected to the hook.

The boom would be moved by actuation of the carriage, which is fixed to the fixing structure.

The drilling motor could also be coupled to a winch, so as to simply integrate all the functionalities of the assembly of the invention.

The various options described in the embodiments of the examples illustrated above can be combined independently,

and are not to be considered solely in the context of illustration.

Claims (13)

1. Detachable removable system for lifting a load comprising a structure (210) for horizontal attachment of an arrow to a ladder and an arrow (70; 220) arranged to allow the horizontal and vertical movement of the load. 2. System according to claim 1, in which the structure for horizontal attachment of an arrow to a ladder comprises means (15; 211) for attachment by form cooperation with the ladder. 3. System according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the fixing structure comprises at least two plates (10) intended to be arranged parallel, each in a vertical plane. 4. System according to claim 3, in which the plates (10) each comprise at least two non-linear recesses (15), shaped to allow the insertion therein of at least two rungs of a ladder up to a position of stopper (16). 5. System according to one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the plates (10; 210) are held together by means of crosspieces (60). 6. System according to one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the plates (10; 210) are held together by means of the boom or a boom actuation support. 7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the boom (220) is a metal lattice structure. 8. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the jib is arranged to be movably mounted horizontally on the attachment structure. 9. System according to claim 8, in which the boom comprises a carriage movable along the boom secured to the boom, the fixing structure being arranged to be fixed to the carriage. 10. System assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a winch (240). 11. The entire system according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a ladder (230). 12. Method of using the lifting system of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: - stabilizing a ladder (230) against a frame (250); - Fixing the fixing structure (210) to the ladder; - the arrow (220) is fixed to the fixing structure (210); - A lifting device (240) is associated with the jib; — Connect the load to the lifting device; — The hoist is operated to move the load vertically upwards, and — The hoist is operated to move the load vertically downwards. 13. Method according to claim 12, in which the load is moved horizontally after having moved it vertically upwards.