GB2433535A

GB2433535A - Apparatus for lifting a cover

Info

Publication number: GB2433535A
Application number: GB0526114A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael William Passey
Original assignee: T W ENGINEERING CO Ltd
Current assignee: T W ENGINEERING CO Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-22
Filing date: 2005-12-22
Publication date: 2007-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-22
Also published as: GB0526114D0; GB2433535B

Abstract

The apparatus, particularly for use with manhole covers, comprises a rigid frame connecting a handle portion, an attachment portion for releasably engaging a cover and a support portion which defines a pivot point, the apparatus being arranged so that movement of the handle causes the frame to pivot and move the attachment portion to remove the cover. The frame preferably has portions adjacent the handle and attachment portion which are at an angle to one another, preferably with an angle of about 40 degrees between the two portions. The apparatus preferably includes a leg 28 that can move between a stowed position and an operative position where the leg engages an edge of a manhole to prevent a lifted cover from falling when a downward force on the handle is removed. The leg may be biased towards the stowed position where it may be locked in place. The support preferably comprises at least one wheel. Also claimed is apparatus for lifting a bell housing.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR LIFTING A COVER

The invention relates to an apparatus for lifting a cover, and in particular a manhole cover or a bell housing.

S Background of the Invention

Known devices and methods for lifting manhole covers and bell housings typically result in an unnecessary amount of musculoskeletal strain being placed on the operator during use.

In the UK, musculoskeletal disorders are the greatest cause of absence from work.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention, there is provided an apparatus for lifting a cover from an aperture, the apparatus comprising a handle portion and an attachment portion for releasably engaging the cover, the handle portion being arranged relative to the attachment portion for operation of the removal of the cover from the aperture with limitation of musculoskeletal strain on an operator during use of the apparatus.

A first embodiment of the invention is operable to lift a manhole cover and comprises a rigid frame connecting the handle portion to the attachment portion and further comprises a support defining a pivot point, the support being arranged such that, in use, movement of the handle portion in one direction causes the frame to pivot about the pivot point resulting in movement of the attachment portion for removal of the manhole cover from the aperture.

In one form, the movement of the handle portion is downward and the resultant movement of the attachment portion is upward.

By "downward" and "upward" is meant movement respectively towards and away from the ground, in the conventional sense, whether or not any sideways movement is involved.

In this way, an operator may use the apparatus of the invention to lift a manhole cover without having to apply any lifting effort. Instead, he can merely use his own body weight to apply a downward force onto the handle portion, thereby levering the manhole cover away from the manhole.

In the first embodiment, the handle portion is preferably arranged to be held using both of an operator's hands, the apparatus being arranged such that both of the operator's hands remain at the same height as each other during use.

Thus, the operator may retain a symmetric body position while applying a downward force to the handle portion, thereby further reducing musculoskeletal strain.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a frame connecting the attachment portion to the handle portion, the frame including a first portion adjacent the attachment portion and a second portion adjacent the handle portion, the first and second portions respectively forming first and second angles relative to the ground, the second angle being greater than the first angle.

Advantageously, such an arrangement allows the attachment portion to move in a direction which is more perpendicular relative to the manhole cover, while the handle portion is presented to the operator at a higher position, reducing the need for the operator to stoop in order to use the apparatus.

In the first embodiment, the difference between the first and second angles is preferably about 40 .

The apparatus may include a leg being moveable between an operative position and a stowed position, the leg in the operative position being arranged to engage an edge of a manhole to prevent a lifted manhole cover from falling when a downward force on the handle portion is removed.

Advantageously, the leg obviates the need for a continuous downward force to be applied in order to retain the manhole cover in a lifted position.

The apparatus may include a lock to retain the leg in the stowed position.

The apparatus may include a resilient element being attachable to the leg whereby the leg is biased towards the stowed position. Preferably, the resilient element is a tension cord.

In the first embodiment, the support preferably comprises a pair of wheels.

The wheels facilitate removal of the manhole cover by allowing movement of the pivot point relative to the ground.

A second embodiment of the invention is operable to lift a bell housing and comprises a shaft connecting the handle portion to the attachment portion the handle portion and attachment portion being spaced apart for the operator to retain a proper posture during use of the apparatus.

By "proper posture" is meant any posture which involves stooping only to an extent unlikely to cause unnecessary musculoskeletal strain.

Preferably, the shaft is electrically-insulating.

The attachment portion may include a plate having an upturned portion.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for lifting a manhole cover from an aperture, the apparatus comprising a handle portion and an attachment portion for releasably engaging the cover, the handle portion being arranged relative to the attachment portion for operation of the removal of the cover from the aperture with limitation of musculoskeletal strain on an operator during use of the apparatus, a rigid frame connecting the handle portion to the attachment portion and further comprising a support defining a pivot point, the support being arranged such that, in use, movement of the handle portion in one direction causes the frame to pivot about the pivot point resulting in movement of the attachment portion for removal of the manhole cover from the aperture.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for lifting a bell housing, the apparatus comprising a handle portion and an attachment portion for releasably engaging the cover, the handle portion being arranged relative to the attachment portion for operation of the removal of the housing with limitation of musculoskeletal strain on an operator during use of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a shaft connecting the handle portion to the attachment portion, the handle portion and attachment portion being spaced apart in order for the operator to retain a proper posture during use of the apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may more readily be understood, a description is now given, by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figures 1(a) and (b) are side views of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows in detail part of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows in detail part of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a front view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 5.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figures 1(a) arid (b) show apparatus 10, which is a first embodiment of the invention intended for use with manhole covers. The apparatus 10 includes a rigid frame 12 connecting a handle 14 to a hook 16, and further includes a pair of wheels 18 attached to the frame 12.

The wheels 18 define a pivot point or an axis about which the frame 12 rotates when in use. The wheels 18 are arranged relative to the frame 12 such that, in use, downward movement of the handle 14 causes the frame 12 to pivot about the pivot point resulting in upward movement of the hook 16.

The handle 14 as shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a T-bar having a cross piece and an upright element 22. The cross piece 20 extends either side of the upright element 22 and provides room for an operator's hand on either side, such that the handle 14 may be held using both of the operator's hands. The cross piece 20 extends parallel with the axis of rotation defined by the wheels 18 and remains so in use, such that such that both of the operator's hands remain at the same height above the ground as each other during use.

The frame 12 includes a first portion 24 adjacent the hook i 6 and a second portion 26 adjacent the handle 14. The first 24 and second 26 portions respectively form first a and second 1 angles relative to the ground, as shown in Figure 1. The second angle j3 is greater than the first angle a. In this embodiment, the difference between the first a and second (3 angles is about 40 .

The apparatus 10 includes a leg 28 pivotally attached to the frame 12. The leg can be placed in a stowed position, shown in Figure 3, in which it lies flush with the frame 12. The leg 28 can be pivoted from the stowed position to an operative position, shown in Figure 4, in which it is arranged to engage an edge of a manhole, as will be described below. A lock (not shown) is operable to retain the leg 28 in the stowed position.

The apparatus 10 also includes a cord 30 attached to the leg 28 whereby the leg 28 may be moved to the stowed position. The cord 30 can be attached to a stud (not shown) on the apparatus 100, as will be described, to exert a force on the leg 28 in a direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 4.

In use, the apparatus 10 is positioned next to a manhole, as shown in Figure 1(a), and manoeuvred so that the hook 16 is placed in the keyhole of the manhole cover.

The leg 28 is released from its stowed position, and the operator then applies a downward force to the handle 14, such that the frame 12 pivots about the pivot point defined by the wheels 18 and causes the hook 16 to lift, the apparatus 10 thereby levering the manhole cover away from the manhole to the position shown in Figure 1(b). When the manhole cover has reached a sufficient height, the leg 28 is pivoted into its operative position in which it engages the edge of the manhole and supports the lifted manhole cover, as shown in Figure 1(b), allowing the operator to discontinue application of the downward force.

When it is time to replace the manhole cover, the operator pulls on the cord 30 and locks the cord 30 to the stud to create tension which acts on the leg 28. When the cover is raised, the leg 28 retracts from its operative position, such that the manhole cover can be replaced by following the reverse of the above procedure.

Figure 5 shows an apparatus 100, which is a second embodiment of the invention particularly intended for use with bell housings. The apparatus 100 includes a shaft 112 connecting a handle 114 to a hook 116 in the form of a plate 118 having an upturned portion 120. The upturned portion is used to engage under a bell housing in order to lift the cover from the aperture.

The shaft 112 is of such a design and length that an operator retains a proper posture during use of the apparatus, in which posture the operator does not stoop to an extent likely to cause unnecessary musculoskeletal strain.

The apparatus 100 has a total length of 0.71 metres.

The shaft 112 is electrically insulating such that the operator need not wear insulating gauiitlets or gloves.

In use, the operator simply engages the bell housing using the hook 116 and, standing fairly upright, lifts the bell housing by grasping the handle 114 and raising the apparatus 100.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. An apparatus for lifting a cover from an aperture, the apparatus comprising a handle portion and an attachment portion for releasably engaging the cover, the handle portion being arranged relative to the attachment portion for operation of the removal of the cover from the aperture with limitation of musculoskeletal strain on an operator during use of the apparatus.

2. The apparatus of Claim I being operable to lift a manhole cover, the apparatus comprising a rigid frame connecting the handle portion to the attachment portion and further comprising a support defining a pivot point, the support being arranged such that, in use, movement of the handle portion in one direction causes the frame to pivot about the pivot point resulting in movement of the attachment portion for removal of the manhole cover from the aperture.

3. The apparatus of Claim 2 wherein the movement of the handle portionis downward and the resultant movement of the attachment portions is upward.

4. The apparatus of Claim 2 or 3 wherein the handle portion is arranged to be held using both of the operator's hands.

5. The apparatus of Claim 4 being arranged such that both of the operator's hands remain at the same height as each other during use.

6. The apparatus of any of Claims 2 to 5 including a frame connecting the attachment portion to the handle portion, the frame including a first portion adjacent the attachment portion and a second portion adjacent the handle portion, the first and second portions respectively forming first and second angles relative to the ground, the second angle being greater than the first angle.

7. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein the difference between the first and second angls is about 400.

8. The apparatus of any of Claims 2 to 7 including a leg being moveable between an operative position and a stowed position, the leg in the operative position being arranged to engage an edge of a manhole to prevent a lifted manhole cover from falling when a downward force on the handle portion is removed.

9. The apparatus of Claim 8 including a lock to retain the leg in the stowed position.

10. The apparatus of Claim 8 or 9 including a resilient element being attachable to the leg whereby the leg is biased towards the stowed position.

11. The apparatus of any of Claims 2 to 10 wherein the support comprises at least one wheel.

12. The apparatus of Claim 1 being operable to lift a bell housing, the apparatus comprising a shaft connecting the handle portion to the attachment portion, the handle portion and attachment portion being spaced apart in order for the operator to retain a proper posture during use of the apparatus.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim comprising a shaft is electrically-insulating.

14. The apparatus of Claim 10 or 11 wherein the attachment portion includes a plate having an upturned portion.

15. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, any one or more of the accompanying drawings.