GB2531342A

GB2531342A - Safety device and method

Info

Publication number: GB2531342A
Application number: GB1418449.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Woods
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-17
Filing date: 2014-10-17
Publication date: 2016-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-17
Also published as: GB2531342B; GB201418449D0

Abstract

A safety device 10 for use with a lifting jack 80 for lifting a heavy vehicle 90 includes a platform 20 adapted to attach to a lifting column 82 of the lifting jack 80 and a securing member 60 comprising a flexible portion 72 such as a roller chain configured for movement substantially restricted to a plane perpendicular to a plane of the platform 20 and the securing member 60 is configured to connect to the platform 20 and the flexible portion is configured to at least partially surround a portion of the vehicle 90 to secure the safety device 10 to the vehicle 90. The platform 20 may comprise first and second planar portions 30, 40 fastened around the lifting column 82.

Description

SAFETY DEVICE AND METHOD

[0001] There is disclosed a safety device and a method for use with lifting jacks for lifting large objects. In particular, there is disclosed a safety device and a method for use with lifting jacks for lifting heavy vehicles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Lifting jacks provide a way of lifting heavy objects. Lifting jacks are used widely in the motor industry to lift vehicles. Lifting jacks come in a variety of types including simple mechanical lifting jacks such as floor jacks, car jacks, or garage jacks, to more sophisticated jacks such as hydraulic jacks. Hydraulic jacks can be used to lift lorries, wagons and trucks as well as trains, and such jacks can be rated to lift many tonnes. As lifting jacks have become more and more powerful, users are able to lift heavier objects.

However, the consequence of a heavy object falling due to a poorly positioned lifting jack, or due to unexpected movement of the object pose serious risks to persons working underneath such objects.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] In accordance with a first aspect there is disclosed a safety device for a lifting jack, suitable for lifting vehicles, the safety device comprising: an platform adapted to attach to a lifting column of a lifting jack; and a securing member, comprising a flexible portion; wherein the securing member is configured for movement substantially restricted to a plane perpendicular to a plane of the platform; and wherein the securing member is configured to connect to the platform and the flexible portion is configured to at least partially surround a portion of the vehicle to secure the safety device to the vehicle.

[0004] An advantage of the safety device is that it provides a safe retrofit device for use with a lifting jack for reliably securing a vehicle to the lifting jack to prevent the vehicle from becoming unsecured from the lifting jack while the vehicle is being worked on.

[0005] Optionally the securing member is indirectly connected to the platform via at least one extendible connector for connecting the flexible portion to the platform.

[0006] Optionally, the platform comprises a first planar portion and a second planar portion, adapted for mutual attachment to surround the lifting column of the lifting jack.

The first and second planar portions may be adapted for arranging around the lifting column, and the first and second planar portions may be secured in an end to end arrangement via a fastener. The fastener may be a nut, a bolt, an insertable member and locking pin, or a threaded screw.

[0007] Optionally, the first and second planar potions are provided with cut-outs shaped to complement the shape of the lifting column.

[0008] Optionally, the cut-outs are provided with indentations and/or protrusions, configured to complement a screw thread profile of the lifting column.

[0009] Optionally, the at least one extendible connector is a pillar, configured to pass through an aperture in the platform. The pillar may be secured in the aperture using a stopper. The pillar may have a threaded surface. The stopper may be a nut configured to screw onto the pillar.

[0010] Optionally, the aperture has a threaded inner surface.

[0011] Optionally, the flexible portion connects to the extendible connector via a joint member enabling movement substantially restricted to a plane perpendicular to a plane of the platform about the joint. The joint may be formed from a socket and pin arrangement.

[0012] The flexible portion may be a chain. The chain may be a roller chain.

Alternatively, the flexible portion may be formed from wire rope.

[0013] In accordance with a second aspect there is disclosed a lifting jack, suitable for lifting vehicles, the lifting jack comprising: a lifting column, a stand and a means for raising the lifting column relative to the stand; an platform adapted to attach to a lifting column of a lifting jack; and a securing member, comprising a flexible portion; wherein the securing member is configured for movement substantially restricted to a plane perpendicular to a plane of the platform; and wherein the securing member is configured to connect to the platform and the flexible portion is configured to at least partially surround a portion of the vehicle to secure the safety device to the vehicle.

[0014] An advantage of the lifting jack is that it provides a safer way of reliably securing a vehicle to the lifting jack to prevent the vehicle from becoming unsecured from the lifting jack while the vehicle is being worked on.

[0015] In accordance with a third aspect there is disclosed a method for lifting a vehicle, the method comprising: locating a portion of the vehicle suitable for forming a jack point; attaching a safety device according to the first aspect to a lifting jack or using a lifting jack according to the second aspect; positioning the lifting jack underneath the jack point and raise the lifting column to meet the jack point; and arranging the securing member at least partially around the jack point and securing the securing member by rigidly connecting at least on extendible connector to an platform to secure the lifting jack to the vehicle.

[0016] An advantage of the method is that the vehicle is secured to the lifting jack so that the vehicle is prevented from becoming detached from the lifting jack and the vehicle cannot inadvertently drop onto a person working underneath the vehicle. This is especially important for large vehicles such as lorries, wagons and trucks, and such vehicles pose an acute risk of death or serious injury if the vehicle becomes unsecured from the lifting jack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Embodiments are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an example of a safety device attached to a hydraulic lifting jack; Figure 2 shows a side view of an example of a safety device; Figure 3 shows a top view of an example of an platform; and Figure 4 shows an example of a safety device attached to a hydraulic lifting jack, the safety device being secured to the underside of a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Figure 1 shows a safety device 10 attached to an existing hydraulic lifting jack 80.

The safety device 10 includes a platform 20 formed from plate. The plate has a first planar portion 30 and a second planar portion 40. The planar portions 30, 40 are provided with connectors 32, 42 for connecting the first and second planar portions 30, 40 together along an edge 34, 44 so that the platform 20 surrounds a lifting pillar 82 of the lifting jack 80.

[00191 The first and second planar portions 30, 40 have a cut-out 36, 46 along one edge 34, 44. The cut-out 36, 46 is shaped to complement the shape of the lifting column 82 of the lifting jack 80. In one example, the cut-out 36, 46 is semi-circular because this complements the cylindrical shaped lifting column 82. The cut-out 36, 46 is also provided with indentations or protrusions. The indentations or protrusions are located in the edge 34, 44 of the plate and they are configured to complement a screw thread profile of the lifting column. When the first and second planar portions 30, 40 are arranged around the lifting column 82 and secured via a fastener 50, the platform 20 is able to grip the lifting column 82 because the protrusions or indentations complement the thread on the lifting column 82 and thereby lock the position of the platform 20 onto the lifting column 80.

[00201 The first and second planar portions 30, 40 are secured in an end to end arrangement via a fastener 50. The fastener 50 in this example comprises a nut and bolt.

The first and second planar portions 30, 40 thereby extend around the lifting column 52 and are attached securely into the lifting column 82 via the fastener 50 to provide a platform for a securing member 60. The first and second planar portions 30, 40 are each provided with apertures 38, 48 for accepting a securing member 60. The apertures 38, 48 allow the securing member 60 to be attached to the first and second planar portions 30, 40.

[0021] The securing member 60 includes two extendible connectors 62, 64 for connecting to each planar portion 30, 40 of the platform 20. The two extendible connectors 62, 64 are pillar-like members. The pillar-like members 62, 64 allow the securing member 60 to adapt to extend the reach of the securing member and thereby allow the safety device to accommodate different securing points on a vehicle. The pillar-like members 62, 64 provide a rigid connection to the platform 20. The extendible connectors are secured to each planar portion 30, 40 of the platform 20 via a nut or other fastener 63, 65.

[0022] The two extendible connectors 62, 64 are separated by a flexible portion 70 connected there between. The flexible portion is a roller chain 72 which is connected to the extendible connectors 62, 64 via a pin 66 and toothed socket 68 arrangement. An end portion 74 of the chain 72 slots into the toothed socket 68 and a pin 66 secures each end of the chain 72 to the extendible connector 62, 64.

[0023] The securing member 60 is restricted to movement only in a plane perpendicular to a plane of the platform. The roller chain 72 limits the movement of the flexible portion to movement only in a plane perpendicular to a plane of the platform. The flexible portion connects to the extendible connector via a joint member 66, 68 restricting movement about the joint to one plane.

[00241 Figure 2 shows a side view of the safety device 10. The platform 20 and the securing member 60 connect together to secure a jack point of a vehicle to the safety device 10. The platform is formed from two parts to allow easy retro fitting to an existing lifting jack lifting column which is typically threaded. Indentations or protrusions 39, 49 are formed in the edge of first and second planar portions 30, 40. The protrusions or indentations 39, 49 in the first and second planar portions 30, 40 cooperate with the thread of a lifting column of a lifting jack.

(0025] Figure 3 shows a top view of the platform 20. The apertures 38, 48 are elongate to provide some tolerance for accepting the extendible connectors 62, 64. The first and second planar portions 30, 40 are connected together at opposing edges 34, 44, which abut, and are fixed via fasteners.

(0026] Figure 4 shows the lifting jack in use. The safety device 10 is attached to the lifting column 82 of a hydraulic lifting jack 80. The lifting jack 80 is chosen to suit the requirements of the vehicle 90 being lifted. The safety device 10 may connect to different parts of the vehicle such as a specified jacking point, an axle beam, or a suspension part of spring.

(0027] A portion of the vehicle 90 suitable for forming a jack point 92 is identified and the lifting jack 80 is positioned directly underneath the jack point 92. The safety device 10 is arranged to at least partially surround the jack point 92. This securing member is arranged to at least partially surround the jack point 92 by disconnecting one of the extendible connectors 62, 64 from the platform 20, and threading the securing member 60 around the jack point 92. The roller chain 72 of the flexible portion 70 surrounds at least a portion of the jack point 92 to ensure the lifting jack is secured to the vehicle 90. The extendible members 62, 64 are then tightened by tightening the nuts 63, 65 which connect the extendible connectors securely and rigidly to the platform 20.

(0028] The benefit of the above mentioned device and method is that the vehicle is prevented from becoming unsupported by the lifting jack which reduces the risk of death or serious injury to a worker working underneath the vehicle. The device provides an economical and efficient way of making existing lifting jacks used in the motor industry safer by providing an easily retrofittable device to make existing lifting jacks safer to use.

(0029] The safety device has been described having extendible connectors. In a more simple arrangement, the securing member comprises only a flexible portion which is connected directly to the platform. The flexible portion is restricted to movement only in a plane perpendicular to a plane of the platform.

[00301 Although the In one example, the safety device is incorporated into a lifting jack and the platform is permanently fixed to the lifting column. The lifting jack therefore includes a lifting column, a stand and a means for raising the lifting column relative to the stand. An platform is attached to a lifting column of a lifting jack; and a securing member, comprising at least one extendible connector, and a flexible portion connected to the extendible connector. The extendible connector is configured to rigidly connect to the platform and the flexible portion is configured to at least partially surround a portion of the vehicle to secure the safety device to the vehicle.

[0031] The lifting jack has a lifting capacity ranging from approximately 5 tonnes to approximately 20 tonnes. The lifting jack may have a lifting capacity of approximately 10 to approximately 15 tonnes.

[0032] The safety device 10 may be formed from a metal material or a composite material being capable of supporting large loads. The platform 20 may be formed from mild steel cut with a laser profile machine and it may be finished in a lathe and then drilled.

The securing member 60 may be formed from an alloy steel such as that described in the art by EN24T, using a CNC turning lathe.

[0033] There are many types of lifting jacks appropriate for use with the safety device 10.

Such lifting jacks include hydraulic or air jacks, mechanical jacks such a trolley jacks and car jacks, and mechanical truck jacks.

[0034] In one example, the extendible connectors 62, 64 are provided with screw threads on the outer surface of the pillar-like members 62, 64. The screw threads cooperate with threaded apertures of the first and second planar portions 30, 40. In another example, a portion of the pillar-like member is threaded to allow movement of the pillar-like member 62, 64 in the aperture relative to the first and second planar portions 30, 40 while limiting motion of the pillar-like member relative to the first and second planar portions 30, 40.

[0035] The first and second planar portions 30, 40 include apertures 36, 46, the at least one extendible connector is a pillar, configured to pass through an aperture in the platform.

The pillar maybe secured in the aperture using a stopper. The pillar may have a threaded surface. The stopper may be a nut configured to screw onto the pillar.

[0036] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features described in relation to any of the embodiments described above can be applicable interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments described above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention [0037] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words comprise' and contain" and variations of them mean including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0038] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0039] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A safety device for a lifting jack, suitable for lifting vehicles, the safety device comprising: an platform adapted to attach to a lifting column of a lifting jack; and a securing member, comprising a flexible portion; wherein the securing member is configured for movement substantially restricted to a plane perpendicular to a plane of the platform; and wherein the securing member is configured to connect to the platform and the flexible portion is configured to at least partially surround a portion of the vehicle to secure the safety device to the vehicle.
2. A safety device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the securing member is indirectly connected to the platform via at least one extendible connector for connecting the flexible portion to the platform.
3. A safety device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the platform comprises a first planar portion and a second planar portion, adapted for mutual attachment to surround the lifting column of the lifting jack.
4. A safety device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first and second planar portions are adapted for arranging around the lifting column, and the first and second planar portions may be secured in an end to end arrangement via a fastener.
5. A safety device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fastener is selected from: a nut, a bolt, an insertable member and locking pin, or a threaded screw.
6. A safety device as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the fiist and second planar potions are provided with cut-outs shaped to complement the shape of the lifting column.
7. A safety device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cut-outs are provided with indentations and/or protrusions, configured to complement a screw thread profile of the lifting column.
8. A safety device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the at least one extendible connector is a pillar, configured to pass through an aperture in the platform.
9. A safety device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pillar is secured in the aperture using a stopper.
10. A safety device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 9, wherein the pillar is provided with a threaded surface.
ii. A safety device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the aperture is provided with a threaded inner surface.
12. A safety device as claimed in any of claims ito 11, wherein the flexible portion connects to the extendible connector via a joint member enabling movement substantially restricted to a plane perpendicular to a plane of the platform about the joint.
13. A safety device as claimed in any of claims ito ii, wherein the flexible portion is a chain, and optionally, the chain is a roller chain.
14. A lifting jack, suitable for lifting vehicles, the lifting jack comprising: a lifting column, a stand and a means for raising the lifting column relative to the stand; an platform adapted to attach to a lifting column of a lifting jack; and a securing member, comprising a flexible portion; wherein the securing member is configured for movement substantially restricted to a plane perpendicular to a plane of the platform; and wherein the securing member is configured to connect to the platform and the flexible portion is configured to at least partially surround a portion of the vehicle to secure the safety device to the vehicle.
15. A method for lifting a vehicle, the method comprising: locating a portion of the vehicle suitable for forming a jack point; attaching a safety device according to the first aspect to a lifting jack or using a lifting jack according to the second aspect; positioning the lifting jack underneath the jack point and raise the lifting column to meet the jack point; and arranging the securing member at least partially around the jack point and securing the securing member by rigidly connecting at least on extendible connector to an platform to secure the lifting jack to the vehicle.
16. A safety device, substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying figures.
17. A lifting jack, substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying figures.
18. A method, substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying figures.