GB2536922A

GB2536922A - Vehicle movement apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2536922A
Application number: GB1505557.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leverton Ken
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-31
Filing date: 2015-03-31
Publication date: 2016-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-31
Also published as: GB2536922B; GB201505557D0

Abstract

A vehicle movement and lifting apparatus comprises location pads 1 for receipt of four axial points of the vehicle, a mechanism 2 for moving a vehicle vertically, which may comprise pneumatic or hydraulic pistons, and may be operable by electric means or be manually driven, and a means 3 for moving the vehicle horizontally, which may comprise six castor wheels 27. The location pads may be adjustable, by adjustment apparatus 5 for example by pin and hole securement, with pins 42 and holes 30, 31, and also possibly by sliding plates 21, allowing for the pads 1 to be adjusted in four directions along two axes. The lifting mechanism 2 may comprise a scissor lift. In some embodiments, the movement means comprises lockable wheels.

Description

VEHICLE MOVEMENT APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to vehicle movement apparatus, in particular apparatus for moving a vehicle upwards and sideways when wheels are removed; more particularly but not exclusively apparatus for a car or other four wheeled vehicle.

Background

Increasing numbers of users are looking to fix or work on vehicles such as older cars on their own or in their own premises or garages. Commercial garages may also have limited space. It can be difficult to work on a vehicle when the wheels are removed or when the user wants to work underneath the vehicle in any way.

Jacks are not easy to use on more than one point and ramps can be difficult tom mount.

In addition or the alternative an elevated vehicle may require moving to facilitate 20 better use of space.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve 25 the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 8 016 303 (ULLMAN at al) discloses a dolly for a vehicle with tires, said dolly comprising: a. an adjustable, generally U-shaped frame assembly for each tire, the frame assembly having a base member and pairs of reciprocally opposed first and second frame members and adapted to be positioned adjacent opposite sides of a tire, each frame member having: (i.) a horizontally elongated, tire support bar extending perpendicularly from the base member, (ii.) a castering wheel assembly supporting the tire support bar on a ground surface, (iii.) roller support brackets, mounted on the tire support bar and supporting vertically staggered, horizontally elongated rollers, b. the base member including a jack, the jack engaging first and second frame members, and positioned to reciprocally draw the opposed first and second frame members together, to contact the elongated rollers with a tire, and lift the tire with the vehicle attached thereto, c. a telescoping arm attached at a first end and at a second end to two U-shaped frame assemblies and mounted on a tractor body through a vertically oriented pivot shaft; and d. a tractor assembly including: (i.) the vertically oriented pivot shaft providing pivoting of the telescoping arm in the horizontal plane about a vertical axis, the vertically oriented pivot shaft attached to (ii.) the tractor body providing support for the telescoping arm, (iii.) propulsion means attached to the tractor body providing for motion of the tractor along the ground surface.

Granted French patent FR 2 749 838 (CHAUVIN) discloses a wheel raising lift consists of a base frame, which is mounted on wheels. The base frame carries two pairs of linked, crossed arms, which, in turn, carry, on their upper extremities two rollers. The lower extremities of the arms carry four wheels, which can be moved along a pair of parallel rails. The axes of the rollers and the wheels all lie parallel to the central pivot axis of the two pairs of arms. A jack, operated manually by the handle, acts on the central pivot bar to displace the wheels on the lower ends of the arms along the rails. One pair of wheels comes up against the end stop of the rails and continued operation of the jack promotes a scissor action in the arms and raises the upper rollers, which carry the wheel to the required height.

Australian patent application AU 552 343 (RAZ) discloses a lifting apparatus comprising: at least one scissors mechanism including: a pair of scissor arms, at least one of said scissor arms having formed thereon a curved cam path; and a cam disposed between said pair of scissor arms for engagement therewith and selectable separtion thereof for producing lifting operation of said scissors mechanism; and load support means mounted onto said scissor arms for selectable positioning thereof; and cable apparatus operative for producing selectable motion of said cams and comprising: crank means; a first winding reel operated by said crank means for winding a cable attached thereto; a primary cable attached to said first winding reel for being selectably wound thereby; first and second selectably positionable pulleys which are engaged by said primary cable for selectable positioning thereof; and first and second secondary cables coupled to said respective first and second selectably positionable pulleys at a first end and engaging respective first and second ones of said cams for selectable positioning thereof in accordance with the positioning of said first and second selectably positionable pulleys; wherein said curved cam path is configured such that a generally constant amount of force is required at all stages of separation of said scissor arms from a fully retracted to a fully raised orientation thereof.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided vehicle movement apparatus comprising location pads for receipt of four axial points of the vehicle, a mechanism for moving a vehicle vertically, and a means for moving the vehicle horizontally.

The means for moving the vehicle horizontally may also comprise adjustment apparatus for moving the pads horizontally. Advantageously the adjustment apparatus therefore enables the pads to be positioned in use under the axial or jack points of the vehicle In preferred embodiments the mechanism acts to move the vehicle vertically at any one or all of the axial points. Ideally the mechanism moves at least two pads at any one time, wherein in some embodiments it may be preferable to lift the front or rear of the vehicle and in other embodiments a requirement to lift a side at a time may be envisaged.

The adjustment apparatus for moving the pads may allow movement in four directions along two axes. In this way the pads may be positioned to accommodate wider and/or longer vehicles. In some embodiments further pads may be envisaged for support of other parts of the vehicle or related or further equipment. In some embodiments the pads may be displaceable, for example in order to accommodate user preference of support points on the vehicle or further related equipment.

In some embodiments the adjustment apparatus may be split into two devices for 30 adjustment of pad position.

In some embodiments the adjustment device for moving the pads along one of the axes may be operable on two pads simultaneously, for example wherein such adjustment of the pads comprises a movement of the apparatus as a whole.

Advantageously this adjustment movement is liable to comprise adjustment with regards to width of the vehicle, in order that the adjustment is less liable to lead to misplacement of the pads and damage to the vehicle and the pads are maintained at all times in a fixed and rectilinear spatial configuration.

In some embodiments this adjustment movement is lockable so as to secure the adjustment prior to movement of the apparatus under the vehicle.

In some embodiments the adjustment along the axis parallel to the length of the 10 vehicle is free and comprises a sliding adjustment movement. In this way the adjustment may be easily accomplished and the vehicle weight may lock the pad in place.

In preferred embodiments the means acts to move the apparatus horizontally with 15 the vehicle supported on the pads. To provide such a transportation system for example the apparatus may comprise an apparatus having a plurality of wheels. In some embodiments the transportation system comprises tracks. In some embodiments the transportation system comprises skis.

Advantageously the wheels may be castor wheels so as to provide a great range of transportation or horizontal movement. Advantageously the wheels may be lockable. The wheels may be locked by use of a wheel locking device, or the apparatus may be locked from using the wheels by means of an extendable foot or feet device; wherein such foot or feet device prevents the wheels' effective contact with any subordinate surface. For example the wheels and feet may be interchangeable or otherwise related.

In some embodiments wheels may be located according to the pads, namely such that each pad has an associated wheel, namely four for the apparatus. In other 30 embodiments wheels may be dispersed about the apparatus to provide a greater spread of wheeled support.

In some embodiments the mechanism for vertical movement may comprise a scissor lift. Ideally such scissor lift may be operable manually or electrically and may act to 35 elevate a single pad at a time or an elongate member supporting at least two pads. Scissors lifts, or hydraulically-operated scaffolding, are known particularly in the construction and maintenance industry fields; and provide a stable elevated work surface that is easy to erect, and most importantly, safe.

In addition or the alternative the heavy mass of power units, hydraulic pumps, and 5 transportation system is located below the lifting portion of the apparatus, always low to the ground, providing a stable apparatus even when lifting a vehicle and a lower centre of balance providing easier movement.

Said elongate member may be elevated by the scissor lift, wherein the lift elevates 10 the member from a base, and slides with respect to the base or member.

In some embodiments the mechanism for vertical movement may comprise hydraulic rams.

In some embodiments the mechanism for vertical movement may comprise pneumatic rams.

Such rams may drive the scissor lift and be controlled by extending pistons. 20 In further embodiments screw thread elevation may be utilised. In yet further embodiments pump elevation may be utilised.

grief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show isometric views of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention with the mechanism extended; Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with all extension refracted; Figures 5 show side views of the embodiment as shown in Figure 4; Figures 6 show plan views of the embodiment as shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 shows an isometric view from below of the embodiment as shown in Figure 4; Figure 8 shows a side view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1; Figure 9a shows a side view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1; Figure 9b shows a side view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 4; Figure 10 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 with all parts extended; And Figure 11 shows a reverse isometric view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 10. Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the apparatus 25 configured for lifting and moving four-wheeled cars even with the car's wheels removed.

The apparatus comprises four pads 1 which are placed in use under the axial jack points of the vehicle. The pads are supported by sliding plates 21, which slide in 30 order to individually provide adjustment apparatus 5 for the pads to be distanced or approximated longitudinally.

The pads are supported and spaced apart by elongate members 24.

Adjustment of the axial jack pads is therefore manually controlled, wherein the pads are secured by weight of the vehicle.

The plates have slots 22 which accommodate spindles 23 to support weight on the pads.

The apparatus further comprises horizontal movement means 3 which comprises six castor wheels 27, with superior cowls 33 to minimise snagging or damage.

The apparatus comprises adjustment means 4 which comprises two parallel elongate parts with pin and hole engagement, which adjustment means is comprised so as to 10 laterally approximate the pads and accommodate different widths of vehicle.

Adjustment of the width of therefore is manually controlled and fastened by pin 42 and hole securement, wherein respective holes 30 and 31 are provided in transverse part 29 and spurs off the wheel supporting parts 41.

The vertical movement mechanism 2 comprises four scissor lifts comprising a hydraulically-powered folding scissor lift assembly with the rams moving horizontally and comprising a plurality of upwardly extending diagonal elements 38 joined by pivot pins 36 to the members 24 which support two outermost pads, sliding in slots 37 therein.

Pneumatic or hydraulic pistons 25 are used to drive rams 26 and cause elevation of the scissor lifts.

The rams drive pivot pins 35 for the ends of the two of the scissor lifts, so as to slide in slots 28 in elongate parts 41 supporting the wheels. The other two scissor lifts are driven by the adjacent driven lift, and comprise pins 34 sliding in the slots 28. End pins 40 act as reference on the elongate parts 41. End holes 39 act as reference on the elongate members 24, with the pins 23.

Such pistons may be operable by electric means or manually driven, comprising a manual pumping mechanism or an electric or electronic control unit.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated 35 that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. Vehicle movement apparatus comprising location pads for receipt of four axial points of the vehicle, a mechanism for moving a vehicle vertically, and a means for moving the vehicle horizontally.
2. Vehicle movement apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means acts to move the apparatus horizontally with the vehicle supported on the pads.
3. Vehicle movement apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the means for moving the vehicle horizontally also comprises adjustment apparatus for moving the pads horizontally.
4. Vehicle movement apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the adjustment apparatus therefore enables the pads to be positioned in use under the axial or jack points of the vehicle.
5. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the means further comprises adjustment means for mutually moving the pads horizontally so as to allow variation in relative positioning of the pads.
6. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the mechanism acts to move the vehicle vertically at any one or all of the axial points.
7. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any of the preceding claim wherein the mechanism moves at least two pads at any one time.
8. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any of the preceding claim wherein the adjustment apparatus for moving the pads allows movement in four directions along two axes.
9. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any of the preceding claim wherein comprising adjustment with regards to width of the vehicle.
10. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the mechanism comprises vertical adjustment of the vehicle is a scissor lift mechanism.
11. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising electric power.
12. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising manual control.
13. Vehicle movement substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows Claims 1. Vehicle movement apparatus comprising a sliding plate (21) having slots (22) for horizontal adjustment on which are supported location pads (1) for receipt of four axial points of a vehicle, a folding scissor lift assembly for moving the vehicle vertically comprising an upwardly extending diagonal element (38) having an end hole (39) to act as a reference on an elongate plate (24) in which the sliding plate slides; the diagonal element (38), sliding plate (21), and elongate plate (24) are joined by a spindle (23) through the slot and end hole such that the spindle facilitates the horizontal adjustment, and wherein the apparatus further comprises wheels, tracks, and/or skis for moving the apparatus horizontally with the vehicle supported on the pads.2. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the scissor lift assembly acts to move the pads vertically at all of the axial points. cr)3. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the scissor lift assembly moves at least two of the pads at any oneO CO time.CO 4. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any of the preceding claims CD comprising width adjustment means which comprises two parallel elongate parts with pin and hole engagement to laterally adjust the scissor lift and another scissor lift for the width of the vehicle.5. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising electric power means for operating the scissors lift.6. Vehicle movement apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising manual control means for operating the scissors lift.7. Vehicle movement apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.