EP4670912A1

EP4670912A1 - Slab lifting device

Info

Publication number: EP4670912A1
Application number: EP25182394.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luigi Casartelli; Vincenzo Montoli
Original assignee: Brevetti Montolit SpA
Current assignee: Brevetti Montolit SpA
Priority date: 2024-06-26
Filing date: 2025-06-12
Publication date: 2025-12-31
Also published as: CN121205363A

Abstract

A slab lifting device (1, 200) is disclosed, comprising: at least one longitudinal bar (3a, 3b, 201a, 201b), a plurality of connection means (5a-d, 203a-d, 204, 205) configured to be coupled to said at least one longitudinal bar (3a, 3b, 201a, 201b) and to gripping suction cups (V), wherein said at least one longitudinal bar (3a, 3b) comprises at least a first segment (30) and a second segment (31), which are joined to each other by hinge connecting elements (6).

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention is regarding a slab lifting device, specifically a lifting device designed for large-sized stone slabs or tiles.

Background Art

In the building industry, large-sized flat slabs or tiles are increasingly utilized, either as coverings for horizontal or vertical surfaces (e.g., covering tiles as large as 1800x3400 mm) or for the delimitation of transparent openings (e.g., transparent glass). Although these slabs typically have small thicknesses, ranging from 1 to 12 mm, their weight is significant due to their extensive surface area.
On building sites, these slabs are typically removed individually from their packaging and transported by skilled workers to the installation site. At the site, they are often cut, drilled to size, and coated with adhesive on one side before being precisely adhered in the desired position.
It is evident that transportation poses challenges due to a combination of factors, such as bulkiness, weight, and its distribution. Furthermore, because of their large surface area and reduced thickness, the slabs must be lifted and held appropriately to prevent excessive bending under their weight, which could result in breakage (especially in cases where they have been processed or engraved).
As this issue is well-known, several lifting devices for large-sized slabs have been introduced to the market. Generally, these known devices consist of a pair of parallel bars joined by a pair of transverse bars, equipped with suction cups designed to grip the flat surface of the slab at positions appropriately distributed around its center of gravity.
Some of these known devices are illustrated, for example, in EU designs No. 5646940-0012 and 5646940-0015, registered under the name of the same Applicant.
These solutions, however, are not completely satisfactory, leaving room for improvement. In particular, the known lifting devices are bulky and represent a tool immobilization that operators find difficult to justify, given their infrequent use, which discourages their purchase and application.
EP 3 702 105 , IT 2020 00017182 , and IT 2019 00007025 describe similar lifting devices, in which longitudinal lifting bars are adjustable in length through a sliding coupling of reduced-length portions. Each bar is also equipped with a plurality of gripping suction cups, which are mounted on the mutually sliding bars by means of a complex interconnection body. These solutions allow to reduce size, which is appreciated by operators during equipment transport, but at the cost of increased complexity and, consequently, immobilization of costs for equipment that is seldom used.
DE 2020 14002256 discloses a lifting structure that can be disassembled.
US 10859104 discloses adjustable clamping devices for connecting rods of a lifting structure.

Summary of the Invention

The problem underlying the invention is, to provide a slab lifting device that fully overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. Specifically, the objective is to provide a lifting device with reduceable size bulk while maintaining a simple, economical, and robust structure. Additionally, the aim is to offer a lifting device in which the components, particularly the gripping suction cups, are easily detachable and thus reusable for other applications, thereby optimizing the investment in the system's purchase.
These objectives are achieved through the features described in essential terms in the appended claims.
In particular, according to a first aspect of the invention a slab lifting device is supplied, comprising:

at least one longitudinal bar,
at least one pair of gripping suction cups,
a plurality of connection means arranged to be coupled to said at least one longitudinal bar and to said gripping suction cups, wherein said at least one longitudinal bar comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, which are joined to each other by hinge connecting elements.

Said hinge connecting elements preferably comprise a hinge assembly, on one side of said first and second portions, and an alignment bar arranged on the opposite sides of said first and second bar portions.
Preferably, said hinge assembly comprises two brackets rotationally linked to each other by a hinge pin defining an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said bar portions, said brackets being configured with a base flange by means of which they are fixed to said bar portions respectively.
According to an additional aspect, the alignment bar is permanently attached to said second bar portion while coupling through removable coupling means to said first bar portion.
According to another aspect, the connecting means comprise a first pair of opposing clamping elements, and a second jumper clamping element, which are clamped together by means of hand-operated clamping means.
Further, the opposing clamping elements are identical and have two shaped end wings and an intermediate saddle portion wherein said hand-operated clamping means are engaged. Preferably, the opposing clamping elements are arranged mirror-like to each other and between said homologous shaped end wings may be interposed and locked, on the one hand, one of said longitudinal bars and, on the other hand, a handle of a gripping suction cup.
According to a further aspect, the system is provided with at least two longitudinal bars and at least one transversal bar engaged in the jumper clamping element.
According to a further aspect, the longitudinal bars are tubular and have ends suitable for accommodating sliding and adjustable accessories. For example, the ends of the longitudinal bars or transverse bars are alternatively coupled with wheeled legs or hook shaped arm ends.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, provided purely by way of example and not limitation, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a slab lifting device according to the present invention;
figs. 2A and 2B are two perspective views, respectively with and without the longitudinal and transverse bars, of the interconnection body with the gripping suction cup;
fig. 2C is a view similar to that of fig. 2B from a different perspective;
fig. 3 is a perspective view similar to that of fig. 1 according to a different version;
figs. 4A and 4B are interrupted perspective views with parts removed of the hinge mechanism according to the invention in an open configuration;
figs. 5A and 5B are views from two different perspectives of the slab lifting device according to the invention in a folded configuration;
figs. 6A, 7, 8, and 10 are views from different perspectives of the slab lifting device according to the present invention in various configurations;
figs. 6B and 6C are detailed views of the accessory with ground translation wheels; and
fig. 8A is a detailed view of the part identified in fig. 8 . Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring to fig. 1, a slab lifting device 1 is shown, attached to a large-sized slab L, for example, 1800x3400 mm.
In a manner known per se, device 1 comprises two longitudinal bars 3a, 3b joined together by two transverse bars 4a, 4b through connection means 5. The longitudinal bars 3a, 3b and the transverse bars 4a, 4b intersect in the device 1 under conditions of perpendicularity (or near perpendicularity).
At least the longitudinal bars 3a and 3b are made of tubular elements into which handle terminals 7 can be fitted, slidably mounted, adjustable, and then lockable by fixing means 8.
According to the invention, approximately halfway along the length of each longitudinal bar 3a and 3b, a hinge connecting element 6a, 6b is provided.
Fig. 4A illustrates in greater detail the hinge element 6a and the longitudinal bar 3a on which it is installed. In particular, it can be seen that the longitudinal bar is formed by two portions or segments that are perfectly aligned, a first segment 30 and a second segment 31, which are longitudinally abutting at their head ends and joined by a hinge assembly 60.
The hinge assembly 60 consists of two brackets 60a and 60b hinged to each other, free to rotate, and a hinge pin 60c that defines an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bar segments 30 and 31. The two brackets 60a and 60b are designed with a base flange 60', by means of which they are fixed to the bar segments 30 and 31, and two lateral wings 60'' arranged on planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hinge pin 60c. The two wings 60'' of a first bracket 60a are spaced at a greater distance than the wings 60'' of the other bracket 60b: in this way, the two brackets can rotate at least 180° relative to each other, partially interpenetrating.
Thanks to the presence of the hinge assembly 60, the two segments 30 and 31 can rotate relative to each other in one direction until they overlap. Reverse rotation, however, is prevented by an alignment bar 61, which is arranged, in use conditions (fig. 4A), as a bridge between the two segments. The alignment bar 61 is installed adjacent to the segments 30 and 31 on the side opposite the hinge assembly 60.
The alignment bar 61 is permanently attached to the second segment 31 by means of screws or rivets 62. Conversely, at the first segment 30, the alignment bar 61 includes a hole 63 designed to receive a threaded stem 64 of a knob or handle 65 attached to it. Preferably, the threaded stem 64 does not engage with a threaded hole directly provided in the underlying bar segment 30 but engages with a threaded hole made in a flat plate 66 (visible in fig. 4B), which clamps the segment 30 in cooperation with the base flange 60' of the opposing hinge assembly 60 by means of a pair of tie rods 67.
The tightening of the threaded stem 64 on the segment 30 ensures the consolidation of the hinge assembly, maintaining a stable and robust alignment between the two segments 30 and 31 of the longitudinal bars. Conversely, by unscrewing the threaded stem 64 and releasing the handle 65, the second segment 31 can freely rotate relative to the first segment 30 by approximately 180°, until it reaches the configuration illustrated in fig. 5A, where one segment 30 overlaps the other 31, and the overall longitudinal size of the bar is reduced by half (if the two segments 30 and 31 are of equal length).
Figs. 5A and 5B clearly illustrate the folded configuration of the lifting device 1.
To change from the folded configuration to the extended configuration of the device 1, it is sufficient to remove the threaded stem 64 with the handle 65, rotate the pair of first segments 30 of the two longitudinal bars until they come into contact with the alignment bars 61; subsequently, the threaded stem 64 is reinserted and screwed into the respective threaded hole of the flat plate 66, tightened with the handle 65, and the longitudinal bars are locked in the extended position.
Figs. 2 and 3 provide a detailed illustration of the connection means 5 designed, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, to simultaneously clamp a longitudinal bar 3a, a transverse bar 4a, and a gripping suction cup V.
As shown, the connection means 5 primarily consist of a first pair of opposing clamping elements, for example, a lower element 50a and an upper element 50b, and a second jumper clamping element 51, which are clamped together by means of a knob 52 equipped with a threaded stem 52a.
The opposing clamping elements 50a and 50b are identical and feature two shaped terminal wings and an intermediate saddle portion where the threaded stem 52a is engaged. The two opposing clamping elements 50a and 50b are arranged mirror-like to each other and then clamped together by the knob 52.
Between the homologous shaped terminal wings of the two opposing clamping elements 50a and 50b, it is possible to interpose and lock, on one side, one of the longitudinal bars 3a or 3b, and on the other side, a handle of a gripping suction cup V. The clamping action between the two opposing clamping elements 50a and 50b, which occurs in the intermediate saddle area, allows the connection means to be clamped even if only the longitudinal bar 3a or 3b or only the handle of the gripping suction cup V is interposed.
The second jumper clamping element 51 consists of an inverted U-shaped bracket 51a, equipped with a short lateral flange 51b that includes a hole for inserting the threaded stem 52a. One side of the U-shaped bracket 51a is fixedly attached to the upper clamping element 50b, while the other side can be partially extended and then clamped against the upper clamping element 50b by the knob 52, which acts on the flange 51b.
Within the second jumper clamping element 51, one of the transverse bars can be inserted and locked.
With this configuration, the connection body 5 is capable of securing the longitudinal and transverse bars together and, at the same time, a gripping suction cup equipped with a standard handle, or even just one or two of these three components.
In particular, it should be noted that the suction cup V, exemplarily illustrated, features a cylindrical handle V1, which, for example, houses the vacuum pump that allows to establish a vacuum, in a manner known per se, inside the suction cup body. The gripping suction cup V thus constitutes an autonomous device, which can be detached from the connection means 5 and used for other purposes.
As illustrated in fig. 2A, the connection means 5 can be used to secure a suction cup V at the intersection between a longitudinal bar 3a and a transverse bar 4b (as shown in fig. 1). The same connection means 5 can also be employed differently, for example, to secure a gripping suction cup V at any position along a transverse bar or a longitudinal bar, as illustrated in fig. 3.
Advantageously, four connection means 5 can be used at the intersections between the longitudinal bars 3a and 3b and the transverse bars 4a and 4b to stabilize the frame of the lifting device 1. Subsequently, additional connection means 5 can be provided at any position along the longitudinal bars 3a and 3b or the transverse bars 4a and 4b to attach the gripping suction cups V to the lifting device 1 in the most suitable positions for the specific slab to be lifted.
Since the connection means 5 can be easily opened by operating the knob 52 to release the bars and/or the suction cup V, the system is easily configurable as desired by the user. Additionally, the standard suction cups V can be easily detached from the lifting device and repositioned elsewhere on the frame of the device 1 or made available for other uses.
Through the connection means 5, the user can also select the type of standard suction cup V based on their preferences or market availability. For example, the suction cup V can be of the type with a manual or electric vacuum pump.
Fig. 6A illustrates the foldable lifting device 1 equipped with an accessory that allows it to slide on a support surface, typically the floor of a building site. Specifically, two ends on the same side of the transverse bars 4a and 4b are equipped with wheels 100a, 100b mounted on tubular legs 101a, 101b. These legs are held in position on the transverse bars 4a and 4b by appropriate fastening means: for example, as shown in figs. 6B and 6C, threaded stem knobs 102a, 102b can be provided, which engage with counter nuts (not visible) inserted into longitudinal grooves S made in the transverse bars 4a and 4b.
Fig. 7 illustrates a variant of fig. 6A, in which the legs with wheels are applied to the ends on the same side of two longitudinal bars. The variant in fig. 7 is shown exemplarily with only two gripping suction cups V.
Fig. 8 illustrates another variant of fig. 6A. In this case, a lifting device 200 comprises two longitudinal bars 201a, 201b and two transverse bars 202a, 202b, which are connected to each other in a substantially perpendicular manner by connection means 203a-d, at which respective suction cups V are provided. Additional gripping suction cups V are mounted, through additional connection means 204 and 205, near the joints 206 and 207 of the longitudinal bars.
Additionally, at the ends of the transverse bars 202a and 202b opposite those equipped with wheels, safety retaining brackets 208a and 208b are provided. Specifically, the safety retaining brackets 208a and 208b are in the form of an arm with a proximal end adjustably attached to the transverse bar - e.g., by means of a tightening knob 209 (similar to the one used for the legs equipped with wheels) - and a distal end shaped as a hook, designed to embrace an edge of a slab L adhered to the suction cups V (see detail in the enlargement of fig. 8A). These hook-shaped distal ends, under normal operating conditions of the lifting device, are positioned near the edge of the slab L - adjusting their extension along the transverse bar and then securing them with the knobs 209 - but do not actively contact the slab; only in the event that one of the suction cups V loses its grip, they act as a safety mechanism and prevent the slab from completely detaching from the frame of the lifting device 1, thereby avoiding an accidental fall to the ground.
Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the lifting device 1 without wheels but equipped with four safety retaining brackets, one for each end of the transverse bars. If more than two transverse bars are installed, the number of safety retaining brackets could be proportionally increased.
Fig. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the lifting device according to the invention, in which the two longitudinal bars are used without transverse consolidation bars. If the slab L has reduced transverse dimensions, it may even be sufficient to use a single longitudinal bar.
In general, in all the illustrated embodiments, the longitudinal bars 3a and 3b are preferably tubular with a square cross-section, as also shown. Since manually holding a square cross-section bar can be uncomfortable, especially under the weight of the slab L, the handle terminals 7 are preferably in the form of profiles with a substantially round cross-section. Advantageously, the profiles also feature longitudinal grooves suitable for engaging counter nuts for the fixing means 8; in such cases, it is preferable to provide straight strips of plastic material to be inserted into the parts of the grooves not engaged by the fixing means, thereby making the grip ergonomic and comfortable for the users' hands.
As can be understood, the lifting device according to the invention perfectly achieves the objectives set forth in the preamble. It is, in fact, composed of very simple and robust linear bars, joined by appropriately shaped connection means that make the gripping suction cups easily available, so that they can also be used for other purposes.
The presence of the hinge joints allows the longitudinal bars to be folded onto themselves, significantly reducing the overall size of the lifting device during transport. Once the frame of the lifting device 1 is folded onto itself (as illustrated in fig. 5A), it can be easily stored in a carrying bag that also contains all the various components and accessories.
It is understood, however, that the invention should not be considered limited to the particular arrangements described above, which constitute merely exemplary embodiments, but that various modifications are possible, all within the reach of a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention itself, as defined by the claims that follow.
For example, it is understood that the transverse bars could also be equipped with hinge joints, or that particularly long longitudinal bars could be divided into three portions and thus equipped with two hinge joints instead of one.
Finally, the number of longitudinal and transverse bars that are part of the lifting system could be greater than those illustrated.

Claims

A slab lifting device (1, 200) comprising:
at least one longitudinal bar (3a, 3b, 201a, 201b),

at least one pair of gripping suction cups (V),

a plurality of connection means (5a-d, 203a-d, 204, 205) arranged to be coupled to said at least one longitudinal bar (3a, 3b, 201a, 201b) and to said gripping suction cups (V), characterized by that said at least one longitudinal bar (3a, 3b) comprises at least a first portion (30) and a second portion (31), which are joined to each other by hinge connecting elements (6a, 6b).
The slab lifting device (1, 200) as in claim 1, wherein said hinge connecting elements (6) comprise
a hinge assembly (60), on one side of said first and second portions (30, 31), and

an alignment bar (61) arranged on the opposite sides of said first and second bar portions (30, 31).
The slab lifting device (1, 200) as in claim 2, wherein said hinge assembly (60) comprises two brackets (60a, 60b) rotationally linked to each other by a hinge pin (60c) defining an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said bar portions (30, 31),
said brackets (60a, 60b) being configured with a base flange (60') by means of which they are fixed to said bar portions (30, 31) respectively.
The slab lifting device (1, 200) as in claim 2 or 3, wherein said alignment bar (61) is permanently attached to said second bar portion (31) while coupling through removable coupling means (63, 64, 65) to said first bar portion (30).
The slab lifting device (1, 200) as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting means (5) comprise a first pair of opposing clamping elements (50a, 50b), and a second jumper clamping element (51), which are clamped together by means of hand-operated clamping means (52, 52a).
The slab lifting device (1, 200) as in claim 5, wherein said opposing clamping elements (50a, 50b) are identical and have two shaped end wings and an intermediate saddle portion wherein said hand-operated clamping means (52, 52a) are engaged.
The slab lifting device (1, 200) as in claim 6, wherein said opposing clamping elements (50a, 50b) are arranged mirror-like to each other and between said homologous shaped end wings may be interposed and locked, on the one hand, one of said longitudinal bars (3a, 3b) and, on the other hand, a handle of a gripping suction cup (V).
The slab lifting device (1, 200) as in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein at least two longitudinal bars (3a, 3b, 201a, 201b) and also at least one transversal bar (4a, 4b) engaged in said second jumper clamping element (51) are provided.
The slab lifting device (1, 200) as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said longitudinal bars (3a, 3b, 201a, 201b) are tubular and have ends suitable for accommodating sliding and adjustable accessories (7, R).
The slab lifting device (1, 200) as in 8 or 9, wherein ends of said longitudinal bars (3a, 3b, 201a, 201b) or transverse bars (4a, 4b) are alternatively coupled with wheeled legs (100, 101, 102) or hook shaped arm ends (208a,208b).