GB2331279A

GB2331279A - Stable support device

Info

Publication number: GB2331279A
Application number: GB9822857A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Albert Wells
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-10-23
Filing date: 1998-10-21
Publication date: 1999-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2018-10-21
Also published as: GB2331279B; GB9822857D0; GB9722337D0

Abstract

A rigid support device for attachment to a ball hitch 1, comprising a support socket 20, 120 with a cut out 22, 122 in one end 21, 121, the pipe 20, 120 being designed to fit over the ball 13 of a ball hitch with the ball 13 being accommodated in the pipe 20, 120 and the shank 12 of the ball hitch passing through the cut out 22, 122. To prevent the pipe from being lifted off accidentally a screw 23, 123 is provided above the cut out 22, 122, the screw 23, 123 passing through the pipe 20, 120 for abutment with the underside of the ball 13. For added support two lugs 31, 32 project from the socket. Each lug is provided with a boh 33, 34 for abutment with the back plate of the ball hitch. Once the support socket is secured many systems can be constructed from it, including a work bench and a raised seat.

Description

2331279 STABLE SUPPORT DEVICE The present invention relates to a rigid

system onto which a work bench, or any other fitting requiring a rigid structure can be secured.

On many building sites it is necessary to cut or bend pipes, or carry out other simple tasks that require a work top and suitable vice for clamping the pipe or piece of metal or wood that is being worked on. Often there is no such facility provided on site and workmen are forced improvise and perform these tasks with the work io unclamped.

There are usually large number of cars on and around the building site, which belong to the workmen, many of which are supplied with ball hitches. These cars would provide a stable support for the work bench.

The object of the present invention is to provide a stable support for a workbench or the like, According to the present invention there is provided a stable support device for fitting to a ball hitch having a back plate, a ball and a shank connecting the ball to le back plate, the device comprising a hollow support socket, having:

a hollow body internally dimensioned to receive the ball., an open end of the body through which the ball is passed in use; a cut out in a side wall of the body to receive the shank with the ball engaging in the hollow body; and means for securing the body to the ball hitch.

Usually the securing means will be a threaded aperture in the body and a threaded member engaged in the aperture and abutting an underside of the ball, preventing the body from lifting away from the ball hitch. Preferably the threaded member is positioned above the cut out, and one end of the threaded member is provided with a captured sliding pin, the pin being of a length to abut a side of the shank when the pin extends downwards to its full extent to prevent rotation of the J 1 1 2 threaded member without raising of the pin. Normally a second threaded member is provided diametrically opposite to the first threaded member to increase stability.

Preferably the device includes additional means for positioning of the socket.

While this may be provided as lugs, one each side of the cut out, each having a bolt for abutment with the back plate of the ball hitch. Preferably the additional positioning means includes a plate securable to the back plate and extending beneath the ball, with an aperture for receiving the body such that it is captured.

Normally the support socket will be made from steel, and its upper end provided with a screw thread for attachment to other fittings.

Usually a curved pipe is threaded onto the end of the first pipe, the second pipe being curved away from the ball hitch fixing. This may then be fitted to a T- piece to which a piece of regular scaffold tube has been welded. Standard scaffold pipes and clamps can then be used to build any structure necessary.

Depending on the structure assembled from the device of the present invention, further stabilisation my be necessary. Preferably this consists of a vertical stabilising pipe adapted to fit around the support socket, and a horizontal stabilising bar welded or otherwise attached to the vertical pipe. The horizontal bar, in use, is adapted to lie along the ground, and preferably includes adjustable feet.

A work bench is also provided to attachment to the rigid system, the system supporting and stabilising the workbench. The workbench is-a board secured to the top of a scaffold pipe. To this vices, drills and the like may be secured.

To help understanding of the invention, a specific embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the back of a car having a ball hitch., Figure 2 is a perspective view of a ball hitch; Figure 3 is a back perspective view of a first embodiment of a support device of the invention; S i 3 Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the support device of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a side view of a securing screw of the invention in relating to the ball hitch; invention; invention; invention; invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a support for a workbench according to the Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a vantage position according to the Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a vantage platform for use with the Figure 9 is a front view of an additional support system for use with the vantage position of Figures 7 or 8.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a support device according to the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a support for a work bench according to the second embodiment; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of Figure 1 I.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a further variant of Figure 1 I.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a lifting device according to the Figure 15 is a front view of the device of Figure 14.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the ball hitch 1 thereshown comprises a back plate 11 for securing the ball hitch, a shank 12 projecting from the plate, and a ball 13 at the end of the shank. Ball hitches 1 are commonly fitted to the back of a car 10 to enable to car to be used to tow various trailers and the like. Ball hitches can also be fitted to any other stable structure, for example a wall or metal stanchion.

First Embodiment of the Invention.

Now turning to Figures 3, 4 and 5, a support socket 20 is of a size to fit closely round the ball 13 of the ball hitch 1. A lower end 21 of the support socket 20 has a cut out 22 to enable the support socket 20 to be fitted around the ball hitch 1, with the shank 12 of the ball hitch accommodated in the cut out 22. Ball hitches are manufactured in standard 2" and 50mm sizes, with the shank varying in diameter. To 1 1 1 f,--) 4 accommodate this the support socket will be sized for each particular ball hitch. Typically a ball hitch fitted to a car will require a 2" internal diameter support socket, which will also accommodate the 50min ball size. Conveniently this is a standard water pipe size.

To secure the support socket around the ball hitch a screw 23 is provided in the socket 20 located slightly above the cut out 22 where it can be tightened against the ball 13. The screw is fitted with a sliding pin trapping device 24. In rest this sliding pin 24 will lie against the shank 12 of the ball hitch 1 preventing any further turning of the screw 23 unless the pin 24 is raised. This prevents accidental loosening of this screw 23 when travelling between locations. Additionally a padlock (not shown) may be fitted to the sliding pin at a position approximately half way along its length. This prevents removal of the screw without unlocking of the padlock, and thus prevents theft of the device.

is For additional stability the support socket 20 has two lugs 31, 32 welded on to it, diametrically opposed. These lugs 31, 32 are provided with nuts 33, 34, which in use abut the plate 11 of the ball hitch 1. Adjustment of these nuts serves to position the socket vertically.

Once the support socket has been secured to the ball hitch of the car, it provides a stable support to which many structures may be secured. The top section 25 of the socket is threaded 26 for attachment of such structures. Additionally a piece of standard scaffold pipe 27 is welded to the socket 20 near its upper end 26. This provides alternative attachment means to enable any structure assembled for standard scaffold equipment to be attacked to the support device. One such structure 60 is shown in Figure 6. This comprises a vertical extension which is screwed onto the socket. Additionally bolts 61, 62 are tightened against the socket. On the top of the vertical extension 60 is welded a plate 63 for use as a support for a workbench.

Another use for the rigid structure of the present invention is to provide an elevated vantage position, which may be used by a camera man or commentator, at a sporting venues or other places where a high vantage position is advantageous. Figure 7 shows a structure 80 assembled using standard scaffold pipes. The assembly has been screwed to the socket 20 and the joint held with bolts. The assembly has also been clamped to the scaffold pipe 27 using standard scaffold clamps 83. The assembly consists of a vertical support 80 to which foot and hand holds 81 have been welded to assist a user in climbing up. On the top of the pipe 80 there is provided a seat 82, which may be a standard garden chair, bolted or otherwise secured to the scaffold pipe 80. Alternatively as shown in Figure 8 a platform 85 is provided with standing board 86 and a hand rail 87. Such a platform would enable a user to pick apples, for example, To give such a tall structure added stability, a stabilised system is provided for the base of the support socket, shown in Figure 9. This consists of lo a vertical stabilising pipe 91 into which the lower end of the support socket 20 is inserted, and a horizontal stabilising bar 92 clamped, welded or otherwise attached to the vertical stabilising bar which rests on the ground, and extends approximately the width of the car. This stabilisation counteracts any sideways movement of the pipe 80 due to the vehicles suspension. Adjustable feet 93 are provided at both ends of the horizontal stabilising bar, which can be used to accommodate any uneven ground.

Second Embodiment of the Invention.

Referring to Figure 10, the second embodiment thereshown is similar to the first embodiment in that the device consists of a support socket 120 of a size to fit closely round the ball 13 of the ball hitch 1. A lower end 121 of the support socket has a cut out 122 to enable the socket 120 to be fitted around the ball hitch 1, with the shank 12 of the ball hitch accommodated in the cut out 122. As in the first embodiment, to secure the support socket around the ball hitch a screw 123 is provided in the socket 120 located slightly above the cut out 122 where it can be tightened against the ball 13. Similarly the screw is fitted with a sliding pin trapping device 124, which may be fitted with a padlock (not shown). A second screw 125 is be provided diametrically opposite to the first screw.

For additional stability a plate 140 is provided which is fitted behind the ball hitch 1. The plate has a back portion 141 to enable it to be connected behind the ball hitch, and a substantially horizontal extension 142 which projects below the ball hitch 1. The extension is provided with an aperture 143. The aperture 143 has a size and dimension to allow the support socket 120 to pass through it, but to prevent any horizontal or rotational motion once the socket is fitted. The aperture is substantially 6 circular in shape, but with a solid segment 144 corresponding to the cut out 122. As shown, this plate is provided as a separate entity, which may be bolted behind the ball hitch. Alternatively the ball hitch and plate may be cast as a complete unit (not shown), including the ball hitch and the horizontal extension.

1 1 To enable connection of the support socket to other structures a top end 126 of the socket is provided with a screw fitting 127. A curved extension 150 is provided for connection to the top of this pipe also provided with screw fittings at each end, This curved extension 150 is positioned to extend the device away from the back of a car, or other fixing for the ball hitch 1. As shown in Figure 11, a T- piece 160 is then fitted to the curved extension with the horizontal portion 161 screwing onto the curved extension 152. The top of the vertical portion 162 is welded to a plate 163 to which a work bench 164 is screwed. Once the device is assembled the work bench has a secure base and can be used as a standard work bench. For example, a vice may be fitted to the bench for steadying hardware to be cut or drilled.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12, a piece of standard scaffold pipe 170 is welded to the T-piece 160. This enables the construction of any structure using standard scaffold pipes and clamps. One piece of scaffold pipe 175 is provided with a plate 176 to which a work bench 177 is secured. This work bench may be used in the same way as the one described above, but being fixed to the standard scaffold piping gives greater flexibility of positioning of the bench.

Turning now to Figure 13, as described in the first embodiment, the ball hitch may also be used to support a raised seat or platform. The T-piece 170 thereshown is all female and screws onto the curved pipe 150. A tall pipe 180 has a sliding fit inside the upright limb 171 of the T-piece 170. The pipe 180 is fitted with sliding threaded bushes 182, 183. The bushes are adapted to be screwed into the T-piece 170. The upper end of the pipe 180 may be fitted with a seat or platform and foot and hand hold as shown in Figure 7 and 8. The pipe 180 extends to the ground and is stabilised by a horizontal bar 190, clamped to it by a standard scaffold clamp 19 1. It may be advantageous to move a vehicle to which this structure is attached without dismantling the structure. To enable this, the pipe 180 is provided with apertures 184 along its length. The pipe 180 can be lifted so that there is an aperture above the bush 1 7 183. A pin 185, inserted into the aperture prevents the pipe 180 from sliding through the bush holding it in position. The aperture 184 is provided with a notch 186 and the pin is provided with a lug 187 so that the pin can be inserted into the aperture and twisted preventing accidental removal of the pin as the vehicle is moved.

Referring to Figure 14, the ball hitch may also be used as attachment means for a vehicle manoeuvring device. The device comprises a hollow square section tube 200, one end 201 of which is provided with a cover 202. The cover has an aperture 203 through which passes a threaded rod 204. The tube 200 is also provided with an attachment collar 230 for attachment to the curved pipe 150 connected to the socket 10 fitted over a ball hitch. The attachment collar 230 is threaded internally 230, and has a nut 232 welded over an aperture 233 in its wall 234. A bolt 235 can be passed through the nut and tightened against the curved pipe 150 securing it to the tube 200. A second tube 220, also having a square section, sized to fit slidingly inside is the first tube 200, has welded to its upper end 223, a block 221 with a threaded aperture 222 through it. The rod 204 engages with, and passes through the threaded block 221. The lower end 205 of the rod 204 has a nut 206 welded to it to prevent the rod 204 being removed from the block 22 1. The upper end of the rod 204 is provided with a thrust ball race 207 under a plate 208. Above the plate 208 is a bevel gear 209.

The other bevel gear 2 10 is welded to a handle 211. Turning the handle 211 will raise or lower the rod 204, which in turn will raise or lower the second tube 220. The gears 209, 210 and thrust bell race 207 are protected from the elements by a housing 212.

The housing is bolted to the plate 208 and the cover 202 of the outer tube 200. A stabilising bar 225 having a square section, is provided attached to the lower end of the inner tube 220. The stabilising bar is attached to the inner tube 220 by flanges 223 which are bolted through apertures 234 in the tube 220. Each end of the stabilising bar is provided with a wheel 226, raising the stabilising bar off the ground. The wheels allows sideways movement only, acting as a brake and preventing the vehicle from moving forwards or backwards on uneven ground.

When the handle 211 is turned the inner tube 230 is lowered until the wheels 226 are on the ground. Further turning of the handle 211 results in the back of the car (not shown) being lifted until the rear wheels are off the ground, being supported by the front wheels and the stabilising bar 225 and wheels 226. The car can then be 1 8 manoeuvred by pushing the back end of the car sideways moving the device on its wheels of the device along the ground. This enables a car to be manoeuvred into a small space, or where the driver is not adept at such manoeuvres.

The invention is not intended to be limited by the above description, which is by way of example only. For example, a high vantage point can be secured to the support socket of the second embodiment, or any other construction of standard scaffold pipes.

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is

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A stable support device for fitting to a ball hitch having a back plate, a ball and a shank connecting the ball to the back plate, the device comprising a hollow support bracket, having:

a hollow body internally dimensioned to receive the ball., an open end of the body through which the ball is passed in use; a cut out in a side wall of the body to receive the shank with the ball engaging in the hollow body; and means for securing the body to the ball hitch.

A stable support device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the securing means is a threaded aperture in the body and a threaded member engaged in the aperture and abutting the ball for clamping the device to the hitch. 3. A stable support device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the threaded member is positioned above the cut out. 4. A stable support device as claimed in claim 3, wherein one end of the threaded member is provided with a captured sliding pin, the pin being of a length to abut a side of the shank when the pin extends downwards to its full extent to prevent rotation of the threaded member without raising of the pin. 5. A stable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a second 20 threaded member is provided diametrically opposite to the first threaded member. 6. A stable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support socket further includes two lugs, one each side of the cut out, each having a bolt for abutment with the back plate of the ball hitch. 7. A stable support device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device further includes a plate securable to the back plate and extending beneath the ball, with an aperture for receiving the body such that it is captured. 8. A stable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support socket is made from steel, and its upper end provided with a screw thread for attachment to other fittings.

A stable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, further including a curved pipe for threading onto the end of the support socket, the second pipe being curved away from the ball hitch fixing.

9.

1 10. A stable support device as claimed in claim 8, further including a T- piece for attachment to the end of the curved pipe, the T-piece having a piece of standard scaffold tube welded to it. 11. A stable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, further including a vertical stabilising pipe adapted to fit around a lower end of the support socket, and a horizontal stabilising bar welded or otherwise attached to the vertical pipe for lying along the ground. 12. A stable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, further including a work bench secured to the device, and being supported by it.

io 13. A stable support device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

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