GB2270297A

GB2270297A - Improvements in and relating to lifting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2270297A
Application number: GB9302213A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Winston Childs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-09-08
Filing date: 1993-02-04
Publication date: 1994-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2013-02-04
Also published as: GB9218963D0; GB2270297B; GB9302213D0

Abstract

Lifting apparatus for two-wheeled vehicles such as motor-cycles, comprises a frame 22 including a cross member 21 which supports a pivotable lever 28. The lever 28 is pivotable about the cross member 21 to inclined positions to facilitate sequential connection thereto of front and rear structures of a vehicle, and to a generally horizontal position in which the vehicle is suspended from the cross member. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO LIFTING APPARATUS This invention relates to lifting apparatus and more especially to apparatus for lifting and supporting two wheeled vehicles such as motor-cycles in a raised position.

At the present time there is available no satisfactory hoist for lifting a motor-cycle to a raised position off the ground to enable inter alia repairs, servicing, and wheel changes to be effected. Hitherto, for repairs necessitating the removal of one or both wheels, it has been conventional to position jacks centrally of the motor-cycle frame to raise one or both tyres of the motor-cycle above ground level. In such a precarious position, the motor-cycle and those working on it are potentially at risk due to the motor-cycle falling from the jacks.

The present invention sets out to provide lifting apparatus for vehicles such as motor-cycles which is relatively easy to operate and, when in use, provides a secure support for a vehicle.

According to the present invention in one aspect there is provided lifting apparatus for two-wheeled vehicles such as motor-cycles, the apparatus comprising a frame including a cross member which supports a pivotable lever connectable when inclined to front and rear structures of a vehicle positioned below the cross member, the lever being pivotable about the cross member to inclined positions to facilitate sequential connection thereto of front and rear structures of a vehicle, and to a generally horizontal position in which the vehicle is suspended from the cross member.

The frame preferably comprises a pair of spaced leg members which provide support for the cross member. In a preferred embodiment, the lever is secured to a tubular member whose internal diameter is such that it can slide over the external periphery of the cross member and is rotatable relative thereto, the axis of rotation of the tubular member lying in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the lever.

Alternatively, the tubular member may carry a socket through which the lever may slide.

The leg members may be detachably secured to the cross member and may be inclined to the vertical. In this arrangement, the leg members may be of tubular construction, and the cross member may include downwardly extending spigots insertable into the tubular ends of the legs. The cross member and/or the lever may also be of tubular construction, possibly produced from metal (e.g.

steel) tube of the same diameter. Thus, the entire lifting apparatus can readily be disassembled into a plurality of individual elongate members preferably of tubular form.

The pivotable lever may comprise a generally straight elongate member and may carry at or towards each end means from which front and rear structures of a vehicle can be supported. One or each such means may be movable lengthwise of the lever.

In an alternative construction, the pivotable lever may include a generally straight section and a second section which is angularly displaced along at least a portion of its length from the straight section.

Preferably; the second lever section is secured (e.g. by welding) permanently to the straight section and includes an end section which lies above and generally parallel to the neighbouring end of the straight lever section. The straight section of the lever may include an extension piece over which can slide a carrier including means by which a front or rear structure of a two wheeled vehicle and/or a cross member of the support frame can be secured. The carrier can selectively be locked in position on the extension piece by the weight of a vehicle supported by the frame. The second lever section may include means for adjusting the position of the carrier on the extension piece. The adjusting means may comprise a rod slidable at one end within a key way formed in the second lever section and secured at its other end to the carrier.

The cross member and legs of the frame may comprise an integral structure. The frame may include a second cross member secured to the legs at a height below the other cross member and spaced to one side of the frame by arms which may be formed integrally with the second cross member or be separable therefrom. The attachment means may include a hook which can co-operate with the second cross member to retain the lever in a generally horizontal altitude.

In another aspect, there is provided lifting apparatus for motor-cycles, the apparatus including a lever mounted for pivotal movement about a cross member of a support frame, the lever including connection means positioned one to each side of its mounting- on the cross member and connectable to front and rear structures of.-a motor-cycle positioned below the cross member when suitably inclined, the height of the cross member being such that when the lever is positioned generally horizontally a motor cycle positioned below the cross member is suspended above ground.

The support frame may comprise a pair of downwardly extending, ground engaging, legs connected to support the two ends of the cross member. Each leg may terminate in a forwardly or rearwardly extending foot carrying a ground engaging wheel for ease of movement.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of lifting apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of alternative lifting apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 3; and Figures 5 to 7 show positions of the lifting apparatus during use thereof.

The lifting apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises an "A" frame 1 including a generally horizontal tubular cross member 2 supported at each end by outwardly and rearwardly inclined legs 3. The legs 3may, alternatively, be inclined forwardly. The legs 3 are of tubular construction and are releasably connected to the cross member 2 by downwardly projecting spigots 4 which pass into and locate within the upper ends of the tubular legs. Each leg 3 includes a ground engaging foot 5 terminating in a wheel 6. Each wheel is positioned such that it can be moved into engagement with the ground when the frame is inclined. The feet 5 are welded to the legs by welds and additional support is provided by curvilinear braces 7. The legs are joined by cross pieces 8.

Positioned about the periphery of the cross member and rotatable relative thereto is a tube 9. Welded to one side of the tube 9 is a lever 11 whose longitudinal axis lies generally normal to the axis of rotation of the tube 9 about the cross member 2. The lever 11 carries at one end a slidable hollow support 12 including a lifting hook 13, sling, straps or the like, and at its other end a support 14 to which can be secured straps 15, sling, or the like.

A pin 16 is provided to lock the tube 9 and, consequently, the lever 11 in a horizontal position relative to the cross member 2. An extension handle 17 is slidable into the rear end of the lever 11 for enhanced leverage.

In use, a motor-cycle to be repaired or serviced is wheeled into position between the legs 3 and below the cross member 2. The lever 11 is then rotated by hand using the extension handle 17 about the cross member 2 to moe the support 14 towards the front end of the motor.

cycle to enable the straps 15 to be positioned around, for example, the head yoke of the motor-cycle. The lever 11 is then pivoted in the opposite sense about the cross member 2 to lift the front end of the motor cycle off the ground to enable the grab handle (i.e. pillion handle) of the motor cycle to be attached to the lifting hook 13 by sliding the support 12 along the lever. Once secured, the lever 11 is moved to a generally horizontal position thereby lifting the motor cycle entirely off from the ground. The locking pin 16 is employed to prevent unwanted pivotable movement of the suspended motor cycle which can then be worked on in relative safety.

An additional locking mechanism or the like may be provided to hold the motor-cycle steady while it is supported by the frame. The lifting hook 13 may be replaced by alternative support members of differing length and configuration depending upon the motor cycle to be supported. Thus, a support member shaped to complement the under surface of the rear mud guard of a motor cycle and to rest on the rear frame rail of the motor cycle may be employed.

In an unillustrated embodiment, the cross member may be of a length to enable two or more motor-cycles to be supported therefrom. In this embodiment, the legs may be replaced by more robust supports or stands, which may be permanent or movable.

Turning now to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, it will be seen that the lifting apparatus illustrated comprises an "A" frame including a generally horizontal tubular cross member 21 supported at each end by inclined legs 22. As for the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the legs 22 are of tubular construction and each includes a ground engaging foot 23. The feet 23 are welded to the legs and additional support is provided by braces 24. A second cross member 25 is secured to the legs 22 at a height below that of cross member 21 and is spaced rearwardly from the legs by a pair of side members 26 welded to the legs. A tube 27 is positioned co-axially about the cross member 21 and a lever 28 is welded to the tube 27 such that the lever lies generally normal to the tube axis. The tube 27 is rotatable about the cross member 21 and may be slidable relative thereto.The lever 28 includes a straight section 29 including an extension piece 31 of generally square section along which can slide a hollow carrier 32 whose internal cross section complements that of the extension piece 31. The carrier supports lower and upper hook members 33,34. The hook 33 includes a catch plate 30 movable over the cross member 25 when.the hook 33 engages the under surface of the cross member. Secured by welding to the upper surface of the lever section 29 is a second lever section 35 which is angularly displaced from the rear end of the lever section 29. The lever section 35 includes an inclined section 36 and a generally horizontal section 37 which lies above and generally parallel to the neighbouring end-of lever section 29.The horizontal section 37 is formed with an open ended slot or key way 38 within which can slide one end of a rod 39 secured at its other end to the carrier 32. Thus, movement of the rod 39 moves the carrier along the extension piece 31 to adjust the position of the hooks 33,34 with respect to members to be supported by or attached thereto.

Positioned on and towards the rear end of the extension piece 31 is a second carrier 41. This carrier may slide along the extension piece -or be secured permanently thereto. In the former case, alternative carriers of differing length and/or construction may be positioned on or towards the rear end of the extension piece. The carrier 41 illustrated includes a downwardly extending yoke 42 including side pieces 43 to which support straps 44 of a motor cycle may be attached. The front end of the straight section 29 includes upwardly and/or sidewardly extending members to which support straps 45 of a motor cycle may be attached.

To lift a motor cycle 46 when using the apparatus illustrated, the motor cycle is wheeled between the legs 22 and below the cross member 21 to the position illustrated in Figure 5. The lever 28 is inclined and the straps 45 are secured to, for example, the head yoke or front forks of the motor cycle. The lever is then rotated about the cross member 21 to the position illustrated in Figure 6-and the lower hook 33 or upper hook 34 located below the cross member 25. The lever is then rotated again about the cross member 21, to the generally horizontal position shown in Figure 7.The straps 44 of the yoke 42 of the carrier 41 are then positioned below the rear structure (e.g. frame rail) of the motor cycle and the carrier 32 repositioned by the rod 39 and the hook 33 engaged below the cross member 25 and the catch plate moved to prevent accidental removal of the hook 33 from the cross member 25.

The motor cycle can then be worked on in safety.

By selective use of the upper and lower hooks 33,34, a motor cycle can be supported in an inclined or generally horizontal altitude.

It will be appreciated that a wide variety of support means for securing a motor cycle safely to the lifting apparatus can be employed. Thus, the carrier 41 may comprise a simple hook bracket to which, for example, seat straps or removable straps positioned below the saddle of a motor cycle can be secured. Alternatively, the carrier may include a suitably curved bracket which can locate below and within the internal surface of a wheel arch or guard. Also, a variety of yoke-type structures can be used.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is simply exemplary of lifting apparatus in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention. -Thus, the lifting apparatus may be supported on castors for ease of movement. Also, an-open sided frame including only one leg 22 may be employed to provide additional access to a motor cycle supported thereby.

Claims

1. Lifting apparatus for two-wheeled vehicles such as motor-cycles, the apparatus comprising a frame including a cross member which supports a pivotable lever connectable when inclined to front and rear structures of a vehicle positioned below the cross member, the lever being pivotable about the cross member to inclined positions to facilitate sequential connection thereto of front and rear structures of a vehicle, and to a generally horizontal position in which the vehicle is suspended from the cross member.

2. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim wherein the frame comprises a pair of spaced leg members which provide support for the cross member.

3. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the lever is secured to a tubular member whose internal diameter is such that it can slide over the external periphery of the cross member and is rotatable relative thereto, the axis of rotation of the tubular member lying in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the lever.

4. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the tubular member carries a socket through which the lever may slide.

5. Lifting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the leg members are detachably secured to the cross member and are inclined to the vertical.

6. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the leg members are of tubular construction, and the cross member includes downwardly extending spigots insertable into the tubular ends of the legs.

7. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the cross member and the lever are also of tubular construction.

8. Lifting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pivotable lever comprises a generally straight elongate member and carries at or towards each end means from which front and rear structures of a vehicle can be supported.

9. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the supporting means is movable lengthwise of the lever.

10. Lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4 wherein the pivotable lever includes a generally straight section and a second section which is angularly displaced along at least a portion of its length from the straight section.

11. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the second lever section is secured permanently to the straight section and includes an end section which lies above and generally parallel to the neighbouring end of the straight lever section.

12. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the straight section of the lever includes an extension piece over which can slide a carrier including means by which a front or rear structure of a two wheeled vehicle and/or a cross member of the support frame can be secured.

13. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the carrier is selectively lockable in position on the extension piece by the weight of a vehicle supported by the frame.

14. Lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein the second lever section includes means for adjusting the position of the carrier on the extension piece.

15. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the adjusting means comprises a rod slidable at one end within a key way formed in the second lever section and secured at its other end to the carrier.

16. Lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 15 wherein the cross member and legs of the frame comprise an integral structure.

17. Lifting apparatus for motor-cycles, the apparatus including a lever mounted for pivotal movement about a cross member of a support frame, the lever including connection means positioned one to each side of its mounting on the cross member and connectable to front and rear structures of a motor-cycle positioned below the cross member when suitably inclined, the height of the cross member being such that when the lever is positioned generally horizontally a motor-cycle positioned below the cross member is suspended above ground.

18. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the support frame comprises a pair of downwardly extending, ground engaging, legs connected to support the two ends of the cross member.

19. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein each leg terminates in a forwardly or rearwardly extending foot carrying a ground engaging wheel for ease of movement.

20. Lifting apparatus as substantially herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2; or Figures 3 to 7 of the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.