DK180004B1

DK180004B1 - Lifting device for moving a pole between a horizontal and a vertical position

Info

Publication number: DK180004B1
Application number: DKPA201870206A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Kristensen Preben
Original assignee: Kristensen Preben
Priority date: 2018-04-09
Filing date: 2018-04-09
Publication date: 2020-01-16
Also published as: EP3553014A1; DK201870206A1; EP3553014B1; DK3553014T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a lifting device to be used when poles, such as a mast for a sailing ship, a Christmas tree, a pole for supporting wires or the like, are either raised to a vertical position or laid down to a horizontal position, i.e. the lifting device may be used both when a pole is brought from a horizontal to a vertical position and when a pole is brought from a vertical to a horizontal position. The invention relates to a lifting device comprising: - a frame (1); - at least one movable part (2)configured to have at least two positions, a first position where the movable part(s) (2) alone or together with the frame (1) forms a closed loop and a second position where the movable part(s) (2) alone or together with the frame (1) forms an open loop providing an opening allowing a pole to exit or enter into the loop; - a closing mechanism (4) comprising means for attaching, fixing or connecting the closing mechanism (4) to the at least one movable part (2); - a release mechanism (3) comprising means for attaching, fixing or connecting the release mechanism (3) to the at least one movable part(s) (2) and means for activating the release mechanism (3) from a distance; and - fastening means (1O) fixing the lifting device to the pole at an operational position. Further, each movable part (2) is made of one or more rigid pieces forming a non-flexible part and the closing mechanism (4) comprises means for activating the closing mechanism (4) from a distance.

Description

Lifting device for moving a pole between a horizontal and a vertical position

Technical field of invention

The invention relates to a device to be used when poles, such as a mast for a sailing ship, a pole for supporting wires or the like, are either erected or laid down, i.e. the lifting device may be used both when a pole is brought from a horizontal to a vertical position and when a pole is brought from a vertical to a horizontal position.

Prior art

Known principles consist in establishing of a fixed grip on a pole, so that a point or points of contact can support the pole in both a horizontal and a vertical position and move the pole in a controlled manner from one position to the other.

US 1908146 A (Glen, Helton) discloses a device used when erecting poles for example poles supporting wires which device may be released from the poles by a person standing on the ground. The device comprises a sling consisting of a body portion 5 provided with parallel flanges 6 and 7 which flanges are connected by a web 8. The web 8 is provided with slots 9 and 10 at opposite ends of the body portion 5. The end 11 of a flexible member such as chain 12 is passed into the slot 9 and a pin 13 is used to holding the end 11 securing this end of the flexible member permanently to the body portion 5. The other end of the flexible member 12 is secured releasably to the body portion 5. To release the chain 12 from the body portion 5, a line 18 is pulled moving a pin 16 against the thrust of a spring 19 thereby releasing the flexible member 12 from the pole. This lifting device is not suitable for bringing a pole from a vertical to a horizontal position, as it is necessary to tighten the flexible member manually, also the loose end of the flexible member could get caught in the body portion 5 and prevent release of the sling or the loose end could be pulled accidently before the pole is in vertical position causing the pole to fall back to a horizontal position.

Summary of invention

The lifting device of the present invention provides an improved tool for moving a pole between a horizontal and a vertical position, the lifting device may be used for both raising and lowering of poles. Also, the lifting device can be used to move poles having varying diameter or branches and the closing and release mechanisms of the lifting device may be controlled from a distance in a safe manner.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a lifting device for moving a pole between a horizontal and a vertical position comprising

- a frame (1);

- at least one movable part (2) configured to have at least two positions, a first position where the movable part(s) (2) alone or together with the frame (1) forms a closed loop and a second position where the movable part(s) (2) alone or together with the frame (1) forms an open loop providing an opening allowing a pole to exit or enter into the loop;

- a closing mechanism (4) comprising means for attaching, fixing or connecting the closing mechanism (4) to the at least one movable part (2);

- a release mechanism (3) comprising means for attaching, fixing or connecting the release mechanism (3) to the at least one movable part(s) (2) and means for activating the release mechanism (3) from a distance;

- fastening means (10) fixing the lifting device to the pole at an operational position;

wherein each movable part (2) is made of one or more rigid pieces forming a non-flexible part and the closing mechanism (4) comprises means for activating the closing mechanism (4) from a distance and the lifting device may comprise one movable part (2) extending in a longitudinally direction and configured to move along a linear track in this direction between a first and a second position, and the frame (1) comprises guiding means (12) defining the linear track.

According to any embodiment of the invention, the frame (1) may be configured to be attached to a powered lifter.

According to any embodiment of the invention, the movable part(s) (2) may (each) be attached to the frame (1) in such a way that the movable part(s) (2) can move relative to the frame (1) e.g. by sliding or rotation.

That the movable part(s) is/are constructed of rigid materials makes it possible to control, not only the exact start and end position of a movable part, but also the route that a movable part(s) travels when changing position. This means that it is possible to close the loop high up while standing on the ground i.e. at a distance.

According to any embodiment of the invention, the lifting device comprises at least two movable parts (2). The lifting device may comprise one, two, three or more movable parts which are moved simultaneously or individually.

According to any embodiment of the invention, each movable part (2) during opening or closing of the loop may be configured to move by a sliding movement, a rotational movement or a combination of a sliding and rotational movement between the first and second position relative to the frame (1).

According to any embodiment of the invention, the lifting device may comprise at least one movable part (2) extending in a longitudinally direction and being rotationally fixed to the frame (1) at one end such that the movable part(s) (2) may swing from one position where a closed loop is formed to a second position where an open loop is formed around the fixing point.

According to any embodiment of the invention, the closing mechanism (4) may be a flexible member such as a rope, a line, a chain or the like.

According to any embodiment of the invention, the release mechanism (3) may be a flexible member such as a rope, a line, a chain or the like.

According to any embodiment of the invention, the frame (1) may comprise a balancing element (5) comprising guiding means (13, 14) for either the release mechanism (3) or the closing mechanism (4).

According to any embodiment of the invention, a balancing element (5) may be attached to the frame (1) during operation, which balancing element (5) has a weight and weight distribution i.e. size, allowing the balancing element (5) to balance the frame (1) of the lifting device in a horizontal position.

According to any embodiment of the invention, the closing mechanism (4) may be constituted of a flexible member such as a rope or a line or a chain, which flexible member is fixed to the movable part (2) at one end and attached to or fixed to the pole, normally the lower end of the pole, during lifting.

According to any embodiment of the invention, the closing and release mechanisms (4, 3) may be construed as a single part or tool such as a flexible cable transferring mechanical power or energy by moving an inner cable normally of steel or stainless steel, relative to a hollow outer cable housing which cable housing is composed of a flexible structure e.g. consisting of a screwshaped steel wire, often lined with nylon and with a plastic outer sheath.

According to any embodiment of the invention, the lifting device may comprise a separate part configured to transfer the power from a crane or hoist or other lifting facility to the pole, e.g. comprising a rope or a chain or a cable connected to the crane or hoist or other facility at one end and connected to the pole at the other end. According to this embodiment, the separate part will comprise the fastening means (10).

Definitions:

“Pole” - when the word “pole” is used in the present document it refers to parts comprising or being constituted of a long body of wood or metal or another material such as plastic, polymer, concrete or the like, typically mounted with one end placed in a hole in the ground or at another adapted surface adapted to receive the pole, normally a pole provides a support for something. In this context “long body” means that the length of the body is at least 20 times larger than the maximum width of the body. The long body may comprise branches or other mountings, have a varying cross-section or be constructed of a plurality of poles being held together e.g. by a lattice structure or the like.

“A distance” - when a closing or opening mechanism is activated from “a distance”, this means that the mechanism is out of reach for a person, such as if a person is standing on the ground while the lifting device is positioned high up in the air. Normally, the opening and closing and position control mechanisms of a lifting device according to the invention are configured to function as remote-control tools for an operator standing approximately between 2-30 meters from the lifting device when operating the device.

List of figures

Figure 1 shows an assembled first embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a frame of the first embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a movable part of the first embodiment

Figure 4 shows a balancing element of the first embodiment

Figure 5 shows an example of a support part for the frame of the first embodiment

Figures 6A and 6B show an assembled second embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention comprising release, closing and guiding mechanisms. Fig. 6A shows the device in a closed state and fig. 6B shows the device in an open state.

Figure 7 shows a lifting device mounted on a pole

Detailed description of invention

A lifting device according to the present invention comprises a frame 1 configured to be attached to a powered lifter such as a crane or a hoist either permanently or releasably, at least one movable part 2 configured to have at least two positions, a first position where the movable part(s) 2 alone or together with the frame 1 forms a closed loop and the lifting device is in a closed state, and a second position where the movable part(s) 2 alone or together with the frame 1 forms an open loop and the lifting device is in an open state, providing an opening which is large enough to allow a pole to exit or enter sideways into the loop.

The lifting device comprises a closing mechanism 4 and means 8 for attaching, fixing or connecting the closing mechanism 4 to the at least one movable part 2. The closing mechanism 4 may e.g. be constituted of a flexible member such as a rope or a line or a chain, or of a nonflexible member, also the closing mechanism may be a combination of flexible and non-flexible members or the like. If the closing mechanism 4 is a flexible member, the flexible member may at one end be tied or otherwise fastened to the means 8 of the movable part 2 and the means 8 may be constituted of an eye bolt or not. The closing mechanism 4 may be activated or operated from a distance, i.e. the closing mechanism 4 comprises either a mechanical member having a physical length making it possible for a user to activate or operate, i.e. close, the movable part(s) 2 when standing on the ground while the lifting device is e.g. mounted at the upper half of a pole, or the closing mechanism 4 comprises an electronic member which may be activated or operated by a signal being either wired or wireless.

The lifting device further comprises a release mechanism 3 comprising means 7 for attaching, fixing or connecting the release mechanism 3 to the at least one movable part(s) 2, also, it comprises means for activating the release mechanism 3 from a distance. Like the closing mechanism 4, the release mechanism 3 may e.g. be constituted of a flexible member such as a rope or a line or a chain or the like, and if the release mechanism 3 is a flexible member, the flexible member may at one end be tied or otherwise fastened to the means 7 of the movable part 2. The release mechanism 3 may be activated or operated from a distance, i.e. the release mechanism 3 comprises either a mechanical member having a physical length making it possible for a user to activate or operate i.e. open, the movable part(s) 2 when standing on the ground while the lifting device is e.g. mounted at the upper half of a pole, or the release mechanism 3 may comprise an electronic member which may be activated or operated by a signal being either wired or wireless. Alternatively, the release mechanism 3 may comprise or be constituted of an elastic spring which either pushes or pulls the movable part(s) 2 relative to the frame 1, or of a mass being attached to the movable part(s) 2 and pulling the movable part(s) 2 relative to the frame 1, the spring or mass will then permanently force the movable part(s) 2 into the second position forming an open loop when the closing mechanism 4 is not activated. The closing mechanism 4 will then need to be permanently activated to keep the loop closed, and this may be done by letting the closing member 4 be constituted by a flexible member such as a rope which is not only pulled upon closing but which is afterwards fixed to the lower end of the pole to be lifted, e.g. by tying a knot. In this case, the release mechanism 3 does not need to be activated upon opening as it is permanently activated, The lifting device may be provided with either a closing mechanism or a release mechanism 3 which is permanently activated, and which is therefore operated by being forcing the movable part(s) 2 into the opposite position. In general, the closing and the release mechanisms may be construed as a single part or tool configured to bring the movable part 2 both into the open position and into the closed position, such as a flexible cable transferring mechanical power or energy by moving an inner cable normally of steel or stainless steel, relative to a hollow outer cable housing which cable housing is composed of a flexible structure e.g. consisting of a screw-shaped steel wire, often lined with nylon and with a plastic outer sheath. Such pull/push cables are generally known.

In general, either the frame 1 or the moving part(s) 2 may be provided with a support part 11 providing an increased support surface for the pole to be either raised or lowered. Such a support part 11 may level the pressure of the pole against the lifting device and prevent damages to the pole and/or the lifting device.

In the context of the present document “a distance” in general means that the device is out of reach for a person operating the device, the closing and/or opening mechanism(s) is a tool configured to allow operation of the lifting device without being able to touch the lifting device. I.e. a distance may be defined as above 2 or 3 meters, normally be between 2 and 30 meters, where the distance is the distance between the lifting device to be operated and the operator.

In a lifting device according to the invention, the movable part 2, or if there are more than one movable part 2, then each movable part 2, is made of one or more rigid pieces forming a nonflexible part. That the pieces are rigid means that each piece - and therefore also the movable part 2 provided by such pieces - has a defined shape and size which does not change during normal working operation. I.e. a movable part 2 has the same shape and size when in open position, in closed position and when moving between open and closed positions, only the position of the movable part(s) is varied.

Bringing a pole from a horizontal to a vertical position

A pole 15 is positioned horizontally, normally on the ground where the pole 15 is available for an operator in its full length. The operator may therefore manually position a lifting device to the pole 15 before raising the pole 15 to a vertical position.

First, a loop constituted by the frame 1 and the movable part(s) 2 is placed in an open-state where the movable part 2 is in a second open position, in the open-state the loop has an opening large enough to let the pole 15 pass into the loop, normally either around the center of gravity of the pole or above the center of gravity of the pole. If the movements of the lower end of the pole is controlled otherwise, e.g. by placing the lower end of the pole in a hole or a tilting lock or the lower end of the pole is manually controlled, then the loop of the lifting device may be placed below the center of gravity.

The loop is then closed as the movable part 2 is moved to the first closed position, this may be done either manually or by activating the closing mechanism 4. How the movable part is brought from a first to a second position will depend on the embodiment of the lifting device.

Then the lifting device is fastened to the pole15 at a fastening point by fastening means 10 e.g. as shown in fig. 7 the fastening point is positioned below the loop constituted of the frame 1 and the movable part(s) 2 close to the lower end of the pole 15. In general, it is advantageous if the lifting device has a fastening point relatively close to the foot of the pole 15 as the fastening means 10 may then be attached manually to the pole even when the pole is in upright position. Alternatively, the fastening means 10 may be connected directly to the powered lifter 16, e.g. by connecting a flexible or non-flexible member to the powered lifter 16 and to the lower end of the pole 15 thereby forming a connection able to transfer the force needed to lift the pole 15.

Either before or after closing the movable part 2, a powered lifter 16 such as a crane or a hoist may be attached or fixed to the frame 1 at a position 6 on the frame 1.

According to an embodiment of the lifting device the movable part 2 is constituted by a longitudinal piece, which piece at one end is provided with means 7 for attaching, connecting or fixing the release mechanism 3 to the movable part 2, and at the opposite second end the piece is provided with means 8 for attaching or connecting or fixing the closing mechanism 4 to the movable part 2. The release mechanism 3 may be constituted by a flexible member such as a rope or a line which is fixed to the means 7 e.g. by a knot or the like, and the means 7 may be an eye bolt or nut. The closing mechanism 4 may be constituted by a rope or a line which is fixed to the means 8 e.g. by a knot or the like, and the means 8 may be an eye bolt or nut.

When the release mechanism 3 is constituted of or comprises a flexible part such as a rope or a line, then the movable part 2 or the frame 1 or a balancing element 5 may comprise guiding means 13, such as a semi-closed or fully closed track, one or more U-bolts or eye bolts or nuts or other guiding means, directing the flexible release mechanism 3 from the means 7 to a shifting point 9a defining a change of direction for power exercised on the movable part 2 by the release mechanism 3 and further in direction to a user placed on the ground.

When the closing mechanism 4 is constituted of or comprises a flexible part such as a rope or a line, then the movable part 2 or the frame 1 or a balancing element 5 may comprise guiding means 14, such as a semi-closed or fully closed track, one or more U-bolts or eye bolts or nuts or other guiding means, directing the flexible closing mechanism 4 from the means 8 to a shifting point 9b defining a change of direction for power exercised on the movable part 2 by the closing mechanism 4 and further in direction to a user placed on the ground.

According to the embodiment disclosed in fig. 6 and 7, the frame 1 constitutes a Π-shape or a U-shape comprising two side pieces and a bottom piece, and the movable part 2 comprises a longitudinal piece able to reach from one side piece of the frame 1 to the other side piece opposite the bottom piece thereby closing a loop constituted by the three pieces of the frame 1 and the piece of the movable part 2.

The balancing element 5 may be fixed to the frame 1 close to a position 6 on the frame 1 where a lift of a pole is powered either manually or by a crane or a hoist or the like. The position 6 at which a powered lifter is attached should be configured to allow attachment of the powered lifter and should be robust enough to carry the weight of the pole.

The function of the balancing element 5 is to stabilize the position of the horizontal part of the lifting device constituting the loop, i.e. the balancing element 5 may stabilize the horizontal position of the frame 1 and the closing mechanism 4. If the device is not provided with a balancing element 5, it may depending on the construction of the frame and movable part(s) constituting the loop - be difficult to keep the loop-members in a horizontal position and capture the pole at a distance. The longer and heavier the balancing element 5 is, the more stability will be experienced during operation of the device while the device is hanging freely in the air. The optimized size of the balancing element 5 will be determined by the size and weight of the horizontal parts of the device. Alternatively, one or two or more e.g. a plurality of flexible or non-flexible members may be attached to the lifting device e.g. the frame 1, and be operated at a distance by the user, thereby making it possible to position the lifting device relative to a pole 15.

The fastening means 10 and the closing mechanism 4 may be constituted of a single flexible member such as a rope, a line, a chain or the like, where one end of the flexible member is fixed to the means 8 for fixing the closing mechanism, the flexible member is then mounted through guiding means 14 in form of one or more U-clamps or eye bolts or eye nuts or the like.

If the fastening means 10 and the closing mechanism 4 are constituted of a single flexible member, then the moveable part 2 may be closed by pulling the flexible member until the pole is fully enclosed by the loop formed by the frame 1 and the movable part 2 and subsequently the fastening means 10 may be fixed at the foot of the pole. The fixation of the fastening means 10 must be capable of holding the entire weight of the pole when the pole is lifted vertically. Then powered lifter such as a crane or the like is attached to the frame 1 at the position 6, and as the pole is lifted - when the lifting device is fastened at or above the center of gravity - the pole will gradually tilt from horizontal to vertical. As the pole tilts, the lifting force will gradually move from the frame 1 to the fastening means 10 and the fastening point. When the pole is in vertical position, the entire lifting force is absorbed in the fastening means 10.

The lifting device comprising the frame 1 and the movable part 2 enclosing the pole, will in the vertical position only serve to balance the pole.

When the pole is in vertical position, the pole may be fixed at the lower end and afterwards the lifting device can be removed by releasing the fastening means 10 and then activate the release mechanism 3, e.g. pull if the release mechanism is formed as a flexible member, and thereby pulling the movable part 2 into the open position where after the lifting device may be removed from the pole.

Bringing a pole from a vertical to a horizontal position

The lifting device is attached to powered lifter 16 with the movable part 2 in the open position.

If the cross-section of the pole varies or the pole is provided with protruding parts, then the lifting device is raised to a height at or above the center of gravity of the pole while the movable part(s) 2 are in the open position and then the lifting device is maneuvered into position by maneuvering the powered lifter 16, and possibly by maneuvering the lifting device by pulling e.g. the closing mechanism 4 and/or possible the release mechanism 3 and/or an independent guiding mechanism 17 e.g. attached to the lifting device at a point placed at a distance from the point 6 at which the powered lifter is attached to the frame 1. The independent guiding means 17 may e.g. comprise a line hanging from the position 8 where the means for fixing a closing mechanism 4 may be attached or the independent guiding means may be a nonflexible member such as a stick or a rod.

By maneuvering the crane or hoist and possibly mechanical means hanging from the lifting device, the pole is brought through the opening of the open loop and the frame 1 and/or the movable parts are positioned around the pole so that the pole is enclosed by the frame 1 and/or the open movable part(s) 2 of the lifting device.

When the lifting device is in this position, the closing mechanism 4 is activated and the lifting device is locked around the pole as the movable part 2 closes the opening of the loop preferably at a vertical position above the center of gravity. The closing mechanism is then attached to the foot of the pole in a manner where it can absorb the entire weight of the pole axially, alternatively the pole is fixed to the crane or hoist by another connection not constituted by the closing mechanism 4.

If the cross-section of the pole does not vary to a degree which makes it impossible to mount the lifting device near the lower end of the pole, close the loop by moving the movable part(s) 2 into the closed position and then let the lifting device slide up the pole to its operational position, the pole is brought through the opening of the open loop and the frame 1 and/or the movable parts are positioned around the pole where after the movable part(s) are brought into the closed position so that the pole is enclosed by the frame 1 and/or the open movable part(s) 2 of the lifting device at a height where this procedure may be done manually. Afterwards, the lifting device is then raised to a height where lifting of the pole may take place. However, when the “pole” is e.g. a Christmas tree or similar having branches pointing to the sides it is not possible to attach a lifting device at the lower end of the pole before lowering it.

In general, the lifting device according to the invention may be applied for raising or lowering poles where the lifting device cannot encircle the entire diameter of a pole in the loop, a lifting device according to the invention may e.g. be attached to a single leg of a pole constructed with 2, 3, 4 or more legs joined by cross-bars e.g. a lattice construction, or the lifting device according to the invention may e.g. by attached to a protruding part or “eye” which is either a natural part of the pole or which protruding part may be fastened or fixed to the pole to perform lowering of the pole.

When the lifting device is positioned around the pole at an operational height then the fastening means 10 are secured to the pole 15 locking the vertical position of the lifting device relative to the pole.

Then the powered lifter 16 is activated again, and the lifting device and the pole is lifted upwards, and if the closing mechanism consists of a flexible member which also constitute the fastening means, then the closing mechanism 4 is pulled with a force approximately equal to the weight of the pole.

The pole is released from any fixation which might keep the pole in a steady or locked vertical position and then the pole may be lifted and gradually tilted while changing position from vertical to horizontal. When the pole is laid to rest in a horizontal position, the closing mechanism 4 or another connection which has provided the fastening means 10 to the pole, is released from the pole and then the release mechanism 3 is activated and the movable part 2 brought to the open position.

In general, the closing mechanism 4 may exclusively serve the purpose of moving the movable part 2 from an open to a closed position, in this case the closing mechanism 4 comprises parts configured for releasing and moving the movable part 2 into the closed position, if this is the case, the assembly constituting the lifting device will further comprise a separate part e.g. a rope or chain which provides a connection directly from the pole 15 to the powered lifter 16 which separate part then may carry the weight of the pole and the lifting device. Alternatively, a closing mechanism may comprise a part e.g. a rope or a chain, providing a connection to the crane or hoist which part is able to carry the weight of the pole and the lifting device.

When the closing mechanism 4 comprise a part transferring the lifting force to the pole e.g. by a long flexible part as shown in the embodiments of the figures, then it will not be possible to bring the movable part 2 into the open position by mistake during lifting, i.e. the construction functions as a safety device preventing that the movable part 2 is moved to the open position during lifting.

Reference no.	Name of reference
1	Frame
2	Movable part
3	Release mechanism
4	Closing mechanism
5	Balancing element
6	Position on frame 1 for fixing a crane or hoist able to elevate the pole
7	Means for attaching/connecting/fixing a release mechanism 3
8	Means for attaching/connecting/fixing a closing mechanism 4
9a	Shifting point for release mechanism
9b	Shifting point for closing mechanism
10	Fastening means
11	Support part for frame or moving part
12	Guiding means for movable part defining a track
13	Guiding means for release means 3
14	Guiding means for closing means 4
15	Pole
16	A powered lifter such as a crane or hoist
17	Guiding means for lifting device

Claims

Lifting device for moving a mast between a horizontal and a vertical position, comprising

- a frame (1);

at least one movable part (2), which is arranged to have at least two positions, a first position, where the movable part / parts (2) alone or together with the frame (1) form a closed loop, and a second position in which the movable part (s) (2) alone or together with the frame (1) forms an open loop which provides an opening which enables a mast to exit or enter the loop;

a closing mechanism (4), comprising means for securing, fixing or connecting the closing mechanism (4) to the at least one movable part (2);

a release mechanism (3) comprising means for securing, fixing or connecting the release mechanism (3) to the at least one movable part (s) (2) and means for activating the release mechanism (3) remotely;

fastening means (10) which fix the lifting device to the mast in an operative position;

each movable part (2) is made of one or more rigid pieces which form an inflexible part, and the closing mechanism (4) comprises means for activating the closing mechanism (4) remotely;

characterized in that the lifting apparatus comprises a movable part (2) which extends in a longitudinal direction and is arranged to move along a linear track in this direction between a first and a second position, and the frame (1) comprises guide means ( 12), which defines the linear track.

Lifting device for moving a mast between a horizontal and a vertical position according to claim 1, wherein the lifting device comprises at least two moving parts (2).

Lifting apparatus for moving a mast between a horizontal and a vertical position according to any preceding claim, wherein each movable part (2) during opening or closing of the loop is arranged to move with a sliding movement, a rotating movement or a combination of a sliding and rotating movement between the first and second positions relative to the frame (1).

Lifting device for moving a mast between a horizontal and a vertical position according to any preceding claim, wherein the lifting device comprises at least one movable part (2) which extends in a longitudinal direction and is rotatably fixed on the frame (1). at one end so that the movable part (e) (2) can pivot from a position where a closed loop is formed to another position where an open loop is formed around the fixation point.

A lifting apparatus for moving a mast between a horizontal and a vertical position according to any preceding claim, wherein the closing mechanism (4) is a flexible element, such as a rope, a line, a chain or the like.

A lifting apparatus for moving a mast between a horizontal and a vertical position according to any preceding claim, wherein the release mechanism (3) is a flexible element, such as a rope, a line, a chain or the like.

Lifting device for moving a mast between a horizontal and a vertical position according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame (1) comprises a balancing element (5), which comprises control means (13, 14) for either the release mechanism (3) or the closing mechanism (4).

A lifting apparatus for moving a mast between a horizontal and a vertical position according to any preceding claim, wherein a balancing element (5) is fixed to the frame (1) during operation, said balancing element (5) having a weight and weight distribution, i.e. size which allows it to balance the frame (1) of the lifting device in a horizontal position.

Lifting device for moving a mast between a horizontal and a vertical position according to any preceding claim, wherein the closing mechanism (4) is constituted by a flexible element, such as a rope or a line or a chain, which flexible element is attached to the movable part (2) at one end and fastened

5 on or fixed to the mast, usually the lower end of the mast, during lifting.

A lifting apparatus for moving a mast between a horizontal and a vertical position according to any preceding claim, wherein the lifting apparatus comprises a separate part adapted to transmit the force from a crane or a hoist

10 or another lifting facility for the mast, e.g. which comprises a rope or a chain or a cable which is connected to the crane or the hoist or the other facility at one end and is connected to the mast at the other end.