GB2418658A

GB2418658A - Slab lifter

Info

Publication number: GB2418658A
Application number: GB0421601A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lawrence Anthony Riches
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-09-29
Filing date: 2004-09-29
Publication date: 2006-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2024-09-29
Also published as: GB0421601D0; GB2418658B

Abstract

A Slab lifter includes a carrier frame G suspended from a lifting arm D. The frame supports a paving slab J in a balanced horizontal position. The lower end of the arm runs on the ground on two independently rotating wheels. A "tee" handle at the upper end of the arm allows an operator who remains in an upright position to move a slab horizontally or in an arc, and to raise and lower the slab vertically. A quick release device H permits the frame to be detached easily from the arm and resilient cords hold the frame materially parallel with the arm. The carrier frame comprises a pair of U-shaped tines A linked by a cross-bar C.

Description

241 8658

DESCRIPTION

SLAB LIFTER

The invention is intended to facilitate the laying of paving slabs by addressing three problems associated with this activity: - The health and safety hazard of manhandling a heavy slab whilst bending down.

- The difficulty of placing a slab onto a prepared bed with accuracy, and without disturbing the bed.

- The disturbance of the bed caused by removing the slab to allow adjustment of the bed if the slab does not lie correctly.

The object of this invention is to provide an aid to the laying of paving slabs which satisfies health and safety requirements, allows accurate placing of the slab and does not disturb the bed.

Accordingly, the invention allows a paving slab to be laid accurately by an operator who remains in an upright position, and to be raised and lowered vertically to allow adjustment to the bed as required, all without disturbance of the bed.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 - Shows an axonometric view.

Figure 2 - Shows a plan view.

Figure 3 - Shows a side elevation.

A typical slab is shown [I] to clarify then operation of the invention, but is not a component of the invention.

The invention consists of two assemblies: the Carrier Frame and the Lifting Arm.

The Carrier Frame Consists of: A Two parallel side members of a "U" shape with unequal arm lengths. The ends of the longer lower arms are tapered to facilitate inserting them under a slab [I] within the bed material.

B Angle cross member fixed to side members. A hole is provided at the centre point for a connection [G] to the lifting arm.

C Cross brace to assist in holding the assembly rigid.

The dimensions of the frame are such that a paving slab of a size and weight that is generally available may be carried upon the lower arms of the frame whilst it is suspended from the lifting arm at the connection point [G] with no material deviation of the slab from a horizontal plane.

The Lifting Arm Consists of: D Lifting beam. This is sized to allow it to carry the load of the slab [J] at the connection point [G] with no material deflection.

E "Tee" handle. This is sized to be rigid, convenient to hold and to provide lateral stability of the invention in use.

F Independently rotating wheels with resilient tyres. These allow the arm to be rolled horizontally, and to pivot about this point. These are sized to allow them to roll across the joints between slabs with ease.

G Carrier frame support connection. This consists of a quick release device which is located in a position along the beam [D] to provide a mechanical advantage which will allow a person of average strength to lift a slab of a standard size and weight.

H Resilient cords to hold the carrier frame materially parallel with the lifting arm, with quick release connections to the carrier frame.

Operation The carrier frame is inserted under the slab [I], ensuring that the slab's centre of gravity is vertically below the centre of the angle member [B]. The beam [D] and cords [H] are attached, the slab is lifted clear of the ground and manoeuvred into position. It is then lowered into place and the frame is slid out from under the slab. The arm may be quickly detached from the frame if this eases removal.

If the bed upon which the slab is placed requires adjustment, then, prior to removal of the frame, the slab may be lifted vertically, swung clear to one side to allow access to the bed, and replaced after adjustment, without any undesired disturbance of the bed.

Claims

CLAIM SLAB LIFTER

1 A device that allows a paving slab to be laid accurately by an operator who remains in an upright position, and to be raised and lowered vertically to allow adjustment of the bed as required, all without disruption of the bed.

2 A device as claimed in claim 1 where the slab is borne by a carrier frame in the manner of a " fork lift" device.

3 A device as claimed in claims 1 and 2 where the frame is suspended from a lifting arm whose lower end is carried by a pair of independently rotating wheels, and whose upper end carries a transverse "tee" handle.

4 A device as claimed in any preceding claim where the lifting arm acts as a lever arm, providing a mechanical advantage at the handle with respect to the connection point.

A device as claimed in any preceding claim where the connection between the carrier frame and the lifting arm is by a quick release device.

6 A device as claimed in any preceding claim where the carrier frame is held materially parallel with the lifting arm by resilient cords connected to the carrier frame by quick release devices.

7 A device as claimed in any preceding claim which is made of metal, wood or plastics material.

8 A device substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.