GB2613632A

GB2613632A - A lifting device

Info

Publication number: GB2613632A
Application number: GB2117914.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jones Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-12-10
Filing date: 2021-12-10
Publication date: 2023-06-14
Also published as: GB202117914D0

Abstract

A jack 100 has a base 101, a lifting arm 102 with a first end 103 that is pivotably attached to the base and an opposite second end 104 with two support members 105 pivotably attached. A platform 106 is removably positionable on the support members 105, which may have a recess (108 fig.2) engaging with tabs (110 fig.3), for supporting the jacking point of a vehicle. The jack has a lifting means, which may be hydraulic, to pivot the lifting arm relative to the base. The base, which may have parallel legs 107, and the support members are configured so an axle stand 200 can be placed between the support members and under the jacking point.

Description

A LIFTING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lifting device, and in particular a jack. There is also provided a kit for raising a portion of a vehicle. There is also provided a platform for a jack, and the use of the platform for raising a portion of a vehicle. There is also provided a method for raising a portion of a vehicle.

Background of the Invention

Jacks are commonly used to raise and lower vehicles, since they allow the user to easily lift a heavy load. To allow for the safe use of jacks, most vehicles are provided with four jacking points: one on each quarter of the vehicle. These jacking points are the points of the vehicle that are specifically designed to safely lift the vehicle. Therefore, it is important that the jack is only used at one of the jacking points.

Axle stands are often used in combination with jacks. After the jack has been used to raise a jacking point of a vehicle, an axle stand can be used to support the weight of the vehicle in the raised position for an extended period of time. This allows users to work on the underside of the vehicle, while the vehicle is safely supported.

In order to safely use axle stands, axle stands should also be used at the jacking points of the vehicle. Therefore, the user should raise the vehicle using the jack at the jacking point, and then place the axle stand under the jacking point to support the vehicle for a longer period of time.

However, prior art jacks do not allow an axle stand to be positioned at the jacking point while the jack is in use. That is, since prior art jacks compete for the same place as the axle stand (i.e. the space directly under the jacking point), it is typically not possible to place both the jack and the axle stand at the jacking point at the same time.

As a result, users have to choose between using either the jack or the axle stand at the jacking point. The other piece of kit (either the jack or the axle stand) must then be used at a point of the vehicle other than the jacking point. Since the jacking points are the only points of the vehicle at which a jack or an axle stand can be safely used, the use of a jack or an axle stand elsewhere on the vehicle can cause the vehicle to be unstable. This is unsafe and can lead to damage of the vehicle and injury of the user.

Therefore, there is a need for a jack that can be safely used with an axle stand. In other words, there is a need for a jack that can be used at the jacking point to raise the vehicle, and which allows an axle stand to be placed under the jacking point while the jack is still in place at the jacking point.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jack comprising a base; a lifting arm comprising a first end that is pivotably attached to the base and an opposite second end; two support members pivotably attached to the second end of the lifting arm; a platform removably positionable on the support members, wherein the platform is configured to engage a jacking point of a vehicle; and lifting means configured to pivot the lifting arm relative to the base, such that the platform can be raised and lowered relative to the base; wherein the base and the support members are configured such that, in use, an axle stand can be placed between the support members and under the jacking point.

As will be appreciated, as the base and support members are configured such that, in use, an axle stand can be placed between the support members and under the jacking point, an axle stand can be suitably positioned relative to the jacking point without interference from the base and support arms when the jack is in use and lifting the vehicle via the jacking point.

The support members and base provide a gap in which the axle stand can be placed, while the jack is still positioned at the jacking point.

In contrast, prior art jacks take up the floor space that would be used by an axle stand, if the axle stand was correctly positioned under the jacking point. For example, prior art hydraulic trolley or floor car jacks typically include a rectangular base connected to a lifting arm, with a support pad at the end of the lifting arm. Since these prior art jacks have rectangular bases that are positioned under the jacking point of the vehicle, and support pads that are directly attached to the lifting arm, it is typically not possible to position an axle stand under the jacking point while a prior art jack is being used.

Therefore, it is typically not possible to place both a jack and an axle stand safely at the jacking point of the vehicle, when prior art jacks are used. This means that the user often needs to use the jack and/or the axle stand at a point of the vehicle other than the jacking point, which can be unsafe.

The jack according to the present invention includes a base and support members that are configured such that an axle stand can be placed under the jacking point of the vehicle, while the jack is in use. In this way, a user can safely use the jack to raise the vehicle at the jacking point, and then position the axle stand under the jacking point while the jack is still in use.

Therefore, the jack according to the present invention allows the user to use both the jack and an axle stand at the jacking point of a vehicle. That is, the jack according to the present invention allows the axle stand to occupy the floor space that is typically occupied by prior art jacks.

The jack according to the present invention therefore avoids the above-mentioned need to use the jack and/or the axle stand in positions other than the jacking point, and therefore allows the user to more safely use the jack in combination with an axle stand.

The jack may be used to raise the jacking point of a vehicle. In other words, the jack may be used to "jack up" a vehicle, i.e. to lift the jacking point of the vehicle such that the portion of the vehicle closest to the jacking point is lifted from the ground. In one example, the vehicle may be a car. However, it is envisioned that the jack could be used to jack up a van, bus, lorry, or any other suitable vehicle.

Preferably, the base is also configured such that the user can remove the remainder of the jack from under the jacking point, while the platform remains in place between the axle stand and the jacking point. This allows the user to remove the jack from under the jacking point, leaving the vehicle safely supported on the axle stand at the jacking point.

As mentioned above, a platform is removably positionable on the support members. In other words, the platform can be placed on the support members and then removed from the support members.

This allows an easy transfer of the vehicle from the jack to an axle stand. In particular, in use, the platform can be placed on the support members and the lifting means can be used to pivot the lifting arm relative to the base.

The lifting arm can be pivoted until the platform is in contact with the jacking point of the vehicle. The lifting arm can then be further pivoted, such that the platform is raised relative to the base, causing the platform to force the jacking point upwards, so that the vehicle is raised from the ground.

After the jack has raised the vehicle to a suitable height (the "raised position"), it may be desirable to use an axle stand to support the vehicle in the raised position for an extended period of time To this end, the axle stand may be placed directly under the jacking point. The axle stand may be placed in between the support members such that the "head" of the axle stand, i.e. the part of the axle stand that is furthest from the ground in use, is in between the support members and under the platform of the jack.

Once the axle stand has been positioned under the jacking point, with the head of the axle stand adjacent the platform of the jack, the remainder of the jack may be removed from under the jacking point.

After the jack has been removed from under the jacking point, the lifting means may pivot the lifting arm such that the lifting arm and the support members return to the lowered position.

Since the axle stand may be placed adjacent the platform, when the jack is removed from under the jacking point, the platform may be held in place between the jacking point of the vehicle and the axle stand.

In this way, the remainder of the jack may be removed from under the jacking point, while the axle stand safely supports the vehicle in the raised position, with the platform supporting between the head of the axle stand and the jacking point of the vehicle.

Therefore, the platform of the jack according to the present invention allows an easy transfer of the jacking point from the jack to an axle stand.

Preferably, the base may comprise two parallel legs and, in use, the axle stand can be placed between the parallel legs of the jack. This configuration provides a stable base and allows the axle stand to be easily placed under the jacking point, in the gap between the two parallel legs.

Alternatively, the base could have any other suitable shape that allows an axle stand to be placed under the jacking point, while the jack is in use. For example, the base could be annular in shape, and the axle stand could be positioned in a gap in the base. Alternatively, the base could comprise two oblique legs, which diverge from the lifting means.

Preferably, the two support members may be spaced apart from one another such that, in use, an axle stand can be placed in between the support members.

Preferably, the support members may be parallel and, in use, the axle stand can be placed between the support members of the jack.

Preferably, each one of the support members may comprise a recessed portion, which is complementarily shaped with the platform such that the platform can be positioned on the recessed portions of the support members. In this way, the support members may ensure that the platform does not slide forwards or backwards (i.e. towards or away from the vehicle) while the lifting arm is being raised. Therefore, the recessed portions of the support members allow the platform to be more securely positioned, by preventing the platform from sliding out of position on the support members.

However, it is envisioned that the support members may have any suitable shape and configuration, provided that they are configured such that an axle stand can be positioned under the jacking point while the jack is in use. It is also envisioned that the jack could comprise more than two support members.

Preferably, the platform may comprise a rectangular base portion and a pair of tabs, wherein the tabs are spaced such that, when the platform is received on the support members, the tabs overhang the external sides of the support members. In this way, the tabs may ensure that the platform does not slide from side to side (i.e. towards one of the support members) while the lifting arm is being raised. Therefore, the tabs allow the platform to be more securely positioned, by preventing the platform from sliding out of position on the support members.

Additionally or alternatively, the platform may comprise at least one stop on the surface of the platform that is furthest from the vehicle in use. The stop may be a protrusion on the surface, which extends for a length that is less than the distance between the support members. In use, the platform may be positioned on the support members with the stop between the support members, such that, if the platform begins to slide from side to side, the stop will contact one of the support members and prevent the platform from sliding further. Therefore, the stop may ensure that the platform does not slide from side to side while the lifting arm is being raised. Therefore, the stop allows the platform to be more securely positioned, by preventing the platform from sliding out of position on the support members.

The stop may be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, the tabs of the platform, in order to ensure secure positioning on the platform on the support members.

Preferably, the platform may comprise a support pad for supporting the jacking point. This provides a stable impact between the jacking point of the car and the platform of the jack.

The platform may comprise a base and a support pad that are manufactured from different materials. For example, the base may be manufactured from metal, and the support pad may be manufactured from rubber. The metal base may provide the necessary strength to support the vehicle, while the rubber support pad may provide the suitable friction to securely support the jacking point.

Alternatively, the platform may be formed of a single component, which may act as both the base and the support pad. For example, the platform may be formed of reinforced rubber.

For example, the platform may comprise steel reinforcing inside a rubber exterior. The reinforced rubber may provide the suitable support and friction for securely supporting the jacking point.

Preferably, the platform may comprise a channel. For example, if the platform comprises a support pad, then the support pad may comprise the channel. The channel may be shaped to complement the shape of the jacking point of the vehicle. In this way, the channel may be configured to engage the jacking point of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the platform may comprise a protrusion. For example, if the platform comprises a support pad, then the support pad may comprise the protrusion. The protrusion may be shaped to complement the shape of the jacking point of the vehicle. For example, the protrusion may be a cuboid. In this way, the protrusion may be configured to engage the jacking point of the vehicle.

As will be appreciated, different vehicles are provided with different types of jacking point.

For example, some vehicles are jacked up on the steel rim of the body sill. Therefore, a jack having a channel would be configured to engage this type of jacking point, since the steel rim of the body sill would sit in the channel. In contrast, other vehicles have jacking points having a square recessed portion. Therefore, a jack having a protrusion would be configured to engage this type of jacking point, since the protrusion would be located in the recessed portion of the jacking point.

Therefore, the platform may be provided with any suitable engagement portion, for example a channel or a protrusion, which is configured to engage the jacking point, depending on the type of vehicle with which the jack is primarily intended to be used.

Preferably, the shape of the support pad may be a cuboid. Alternatively, the support pad could be cylindrical, such as a "hockey puck" shape, or any other suitable shape Preferably, the lifting means may be hydraulic. This allows the jack to provide the required lifting force for raising a vehicle, while still maintaining a compact design.

Alternatively, the lifting means may be pneumatic.

Preferably, the base may comprise a plurality of wheels.

In this way, the jack may be portable. The user can therefore easily use the wheels to slide the jack in place under the vehicle. Additionally, after the axle stand has been positioned under the jacking point, the wheels of the jack may be used to easily remove the jack from under the jacking point. That is, the user may use the wheels to move the jack away from the vehicle. The wheels may preferably be configured to pivot, such that the user can use the wheels to steer the jack into and out of position.

The wheels may also improve the stability of the jack. For example, as the lifting arm is being raised, the jack may move on its wheels in order to centralise the load on the jack. In this way, the wheels can help to ensure that the load is appropriately positioned on the jack.

Preferably, the jack may further comprise a handle. This may improve the portability of the jack, especially if the handle is used in combination with wheels.

Further preferably, the handle may be removably attachable to the base Preferably, the lifting means may be configured to be activated by pivoting the handle relative to the base. For example, if the lifting means is hydraulic, the user may pivot the handle up and down, in order to actuate pistons in the hydraulic lifting means.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit for raising a portion of a vehicle, the kit comprising the above-described jack; and an axle stand; wherein in use, the axle stand can be placed between the support members of the jack and under the jacking point.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit for raising a portion of a vehicle, the kit comprising: a jack; and an axle stand; wherein the jack and the axle stand are cooperatively shaped such that, in use, the jack and the axle stand can both be simultaneously placed under the jacking point.

In this way, the above-described kits allow both the jack and the axle stand to be placed under the same jacking point of the vehicle, thereby providing a safer kit for raising a portion of a vehicle.

Preferably, the jack of the kit may be the above-described jack.

Preferably, the maximum height of the jack may be equal to the height of the axle stand. In other words, the maximum distance between the platform and the ground on which the base is placed in use may be equal to the height of the axle stand.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a platform for the above-described jack, the platform comprising: a main body comprising a top surface; wherein the top surface comprises an engagement portion that is configured to engage a jacking point of a vehicle; wherein the platform is configured to be positioned on the support members of the jack.

In use, the platform can be placed on the support members of the jack. After the jack has raised the vehicle to the desired height, such that the engagement portion on the top surface engages the jacking point, an axle stand may be placed adjacent the platform. The jack can then be removed from under the jacking point, leaving the platform held in place between the jacking point of the vehicle and the axle stand.

In this way, the platform of the present invention allows an easy transfer of the vehicle from the jack to an axle stand.

Preferably, the engagement portion may be a channel. The channel may be shaped to complement the shape of the jacking point of the vehicle. In this way, the channel may be configured to engage the jacking point of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the engagement portion may be a protrusion. The protrusion may be shaped to complement the shape of the jacking point of the vehicle. For example, the protrusion may be a cuboid. In this way, the protrusion may be configured to engage the jacking point of the vehicle.

The platform may be provided with any suitable engagement portion, for example a channel or a protrusion, which is configured to engage the jacking point, depending on the jacking point of the type of vehicle with which the jack is primarily intended to be used.

Preferably, the platform may comprise a pair of tabs, wherein the tabs are spaced such that, when the platform is received on the support members of a jack, the tabs overhang the external sides of the support members. In this way, the tabs may ensure that the platform does not slide from side to side (i.e. towards one of the support members) while the lifting arm is being raised. Therefore, the tabs allow the platform to be more securely positioned, by preventing the platform from sliding out of position on the support members.

Additionally or alternatively, the platform may comprise at least one stop on the surface of the platform that is furthest from the vehicle in use (i.e. the surface of the platform that is furthest from the top surface). The stop may be a protrusion on the surface, which extends for a length that is less than the distance between the support members.

In use, the platform may be positioned on the support members with the stop between the support members, such that, if the platform begins to slide from side to side, the stop will contact one of the support members and prevent the platform from sliding further.

Therefore, the stop may ensure that the platform does not slide from side to side while the lifting arm is being raised. Therefore, the stop allows the platform to be more securely positioned, by preventing the platform from sliding out of position on the support members.

Preferably, the top surface may be rectangular. If the engagement portion is a channel, then the rectangular top surface may ensure that there is consistent support on the jacking point along the length of the channel. Alternatively, the top surface may be circular.

In another aspect, the present invention provides the use of the above-described platform to raise a jacking point of a vehicle. In other words, the present invention provides the use of the platform to jack up a vehicle.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for jacking up a vehicle, the method comprising: positioning the above-described jack under a jacking point of the vehicle; using the lifting means to pivot the lifting arm away from the base such that the platform is in contact with the jacking point; continuing to use the lifting means to pivot the lifting arm away from the base such that the platform raises the jacking point of the vehicle further from the base; positioning an axle stand under the platform after the jacking point of the vehicle has been raised; and removing the jack from the jacking point such that the platform remains between the jacking point and the axle stand, and the jacking point is supported in a raised position by the axle stand.

The method in accordance with the present invention allows the user to safely use both a jack and an axle stand at a jacking point of a vehicle. In this way, the method is safer than prior art methods of using a jack and axle stand, in which the user is typically forced to use the jack and/or the axle stand at a point of the vehicle other than the jacking point.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a jack in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the platform removed, wherein the jack is in the lowered position; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the jack of Figure 1, with the platform removed, wherein the jack is in the raised position; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the jack of Figure 2, including the platform, wherein the jack is in the raised position; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a kit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the kit comprising the jack of Figure 3 and an axle stand; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a jack in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, including a platform, wherein the jack is in the raised position; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a kit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the kit comprising the jack of Figure 5 and an axle stand; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

In one aspect, the present invention provides a jack 100, as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

The jack 100 comprises a base 101 and a lifting arm 102. The lifting arm 102 comprises a first end 103 that is pivotably attached to the base 101 and an opposite second end 104.

The lifting arm 102 further comprises two support members 105, which are pivotably attached to the second end 104 of the lifting arm 102.

A platform 106 is removably positionable on the support members 105, as shown in Figure 3.

The base 101 and the support members 105 are configured such that, in use, an axle stand 200 can be placed between the support members 105 and under the jacking point.

The jack 100 includes lifting means (not shown) configured to pivot the lifting arm 102 relative to the base 101, such that the platform 106 is raised from the base 101. Therefore, in use, when the base 101 is placed on the floor under a vehicle, the lifting means will lift the platform 106 further from the ground.

Figure 1 shows the jack 100, with the platform 106 removed, in the original, lowered position.

Figure 2 shows the jack 100, with the platform 106 removed, in the raised position, i.e. after the lifting means has pivoted the lifting arm 102 relative to the base 101. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support members 105, and hence the platform 106 when it is placed on the support members 105, have been raised from the base 101 due to the pivoting of the lifting arm 102.

In use, the platform 106 can be placed on the support members 105 and the lifting means can be used to pivot the lifting arm 102 relative to the base 101.

The lifting arm 102 can be pivoted until the platform 106 is in contact with the jacking point of the vehicle. The lifting arm 102 can then be further pivoted, such that the platform 106 is raised relative to the base 101, causing the platform 106 to force the jacking point upwards, so that the vehicle is raised from the ground.

After the jack 100 has raised the vehicle to the desired height, it may be desirable to use an axle stand to support the vehicle in the raised position for an extended period of time.

To this end, the axle stand 200 may be placed directly under the jacking point, with its head 201 between the support members 105 of the jack 100, as shown in Figure 4.

As shown in Figure 4, the base 101 is configured such that the axle stand 200 can be positioned directly under the jacking point, i.e. directly under the platform 106, without the base 101 of the jack 100 obstructing the placement of the axle stand 200.

Likewise, the support members 105 of the jack 100 are spaced apart such that the head 201 of the axle stand 200 can be placed in between the support members 105 of the jack 100.

As shown in Figure 4, the maximum height of the jack 100 is approximately equal to the height of a typical axle stand 200. Therefore, when the jack 100 is in the raised position, the axle stand 200 can be positioned under the jacking point such that the head 201 of the axle stand 200 is adjacent the platform 106 of the jack 100.

Once the axle stand 200 has been positioned under the jacking point, with the head 201 of the axle stand 200 adjacent the platform 106 of the jack 100, remainder of the jack 100 may be removed from under the jacking point.

Since the axle stand 200 may be placed adjacent the platform 106, when the remainder of the jack 100 is removed from under the jacking point, the platform 106 may be held in place between the jacking point of the vehicle and the axle stand 200.

In this way, the remainder of the jack 100 may be removed from under the jacking point, while the axle stand 200 safely supports the vehicle in the raised position, with the platform 106 supporting between the head 201 of the axle stand 200 and the jacking point of the vehicle.

After the remainder of the jack 100 has been removed from under the jacking point, the lifting means may pivot the lifting arm 102 such that the lifting arm 102 and the support members 105 return to the lowered position, as shown in Figure 1.

Since the base 101 is configured and the support members 105 are spaced such that, in use, an axle stand 200 can be placed between the support members 105 and under the jacking point, the jack 100 according to the present invention allows both the jack 100 and an axle stand 200 to be used at the jacking point of a vehicle.

In this way, the jack 100 can be used safely at the jacking point of the vehicle to raise the vehicle. Then, when the vehicle has been raised, the axle stand 200 can also be placed at the jacking point of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 4. The jack, excluding the platform, can then be removed, leaving the axle stand 200 safely supporting the vehicle at the jacking point.

In contrast, prior art jacks do not allow for an axle stand to be placed under the jacking point while the jack is being used. This means that users often have to use unsafe alternatives to the jacking point, to use a jack or axle stand.

However, when the jack 100 according to the present invention is used, the axle stand 200 is able to occupy the floor space that is typically occupied by prior art jacks. In this way, the user can safely use both the jack 100 and an axle stand 200 at the jacking point.

This reduces the risk of the vehicle falling and causing damage to the vehicle or injury to the user.

Therefore, the jack according to the present invention is safer than prior art jacks.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting means is hydraulic. To this end, the base 101 comprises pistons that are activated to raise and lower the lifting arm. However, it is envisioned that other lifting means could be used. For example, the lifting means could by pneumatic.

The base 101 comprises four wheels 113 and a handle 114. In this way, the user can use the handle 114 and the wheels 113 to push the jack 100 into position under the jacking point of the vehicle. After the axle stand 200 has been positioned, the user can use the wheels 113 and handle 114 to remove the jack 100 from under the jacking point. Therefore, the jack

100 is portable.

The handle 114 is removably attachable to the base 101, and the lifting means is configured to be activated by pivoting the handle 114 relative to the base 101.

The base 101 shown in Figures 1 to 4 comprises two parallel legs 107, which are spaced apart such that the gap between the legs 107 is larger than the width of a typical axle stand 200. Therefore, in use, the axle stand 200 can be placed between the parallel legs 107 of the jack 100, as shown in Figure 4. However, it will be appreciated that other shaped bases could be used in the jack, provided that the base is configured to allow an axle stand to be placed below the jacking point while the jack is in use. For example, the base could be annular in shape, and the axle stand could be positioned in a gap in the base. Alternatively, the base could comprise two oblique legs, which diverge from the lifting means.

The support members 105 of the illustrated embodiment are parallel and, in use, the axle stand 200 can be placed between the support members 105 of the jack 100, as shown in Figure 4. That is, the head 201 of the axle stand 200 can be positioned in between the support members 105.

Each one of the support members 105 comprises a recessed portion 108, which is complementarily shaped with the platform 106 such that the platform 106 can be positioned on the recessed portions 108 of the support members 105, as shown in Figure 3. However, it is envisioned that the support members may have any suitable shape and configuration.

The platform 106 comprises a rectangular base portion 109 and a pair of tabs 110, and wherein the tabs 110 are spaced such that, when the platform 106 is received on the support members 105, the tabs 110 overhang the external sides of the support members 105, as shown in Figure 3.

The platform 106 comprises a support pad 111. This provides a stable impact between the jacking point of the car and the platform 106 of the jack 100.

The support pad 111 shown in Figures 3 and 4 has a cylindrical shape and comprises a channel 112. The channel 112 is shaped to complement the shape of the jacking point of the vehicle. However, the support pad could be any suitable shape. It is also envisioned that the platform could be provided with no support pad, and, in use, the jacking point could be supported directly by the platform.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a jack 120 in accordance with the present invention, wherein the platform 116 is formed of a single component, which may act as both the base portion and the support pad. Figure 6 shows a kit including the jack of Figure 5 and an axle stand.

Figures 7 shows a close-up version of the platform 116 of Figures 5 and 6.

The platform of Figures 5 to 7 is formed as a single, reinforced rubber component, which acts as both the base and the support pad.

The platform 116 comprises an engagement portion in the form of a channel 122, which is shaped to complement the shape of the jacking point of the vehicle and is therefore configured to engage the jacking point. The platform is substantially cuboid shaped, i.e. the top surface is rectangular. This ensures that there is consistent support on the jacking point along the length of the channel 112.

Figure 8 shows an alternative platform 126 in accordance with the present invention.

Similarly to the previously described platform, the platform 126 of Figure 8 is formed as a single, reinforced rubber component, which acts as both the base and the support pad. The platform 126 comprises an engagement portion in the form of a protrusion 132, which is shaped to complement the shape of the jacking point of the vehicle and is therefore configured to engage the jacking point.

Therefore, the platforms of Figures 7 and 8 are configured to engage different jacking points.

Either the platform of Figure 7 or the platform of Figure 8 may be advantageous, depending on the type of vehicle with which the jack is primarily intended to be used.

Figure 9 shows an alternative platform 136 in accordance with the present invention.

Similarly to the platform of Figure 7, the platform 136 of Figure 9 is formed as a single, reinforced rubber component, which acts as both the base and the support pad, and the platform 136 comprises an engagement portion in the form of a channel 142, which is configured to engage the jacking point.

The platform 136 comprises a pair of tabs 140, wherein the tabs 140 are spaced such that, when the platform 136 is received on the support members 105, the tabs 140 overhang the external sides of the support members. In this way, the tabs may ensure that the platform does not slide from side to side (i.e. towards one of the support members) while the lifting arm is being raised.

Figure 10 shows an alternative platform 146 in accordance with the present invention.

The platform 146 is formed as a single, reinforced rubber component, which acts as both the base and the support pad.

The platform 146 comprises an engagement portion in the form of a protrusion 153, which is shaped to complement the shape of the jacking point of the vehicle and is therefore configured to engage the jacking point.

The platform 146 further comprises a pair of tabs 150, wherein the tabs 150 are spaced such that, when the platform 146 is received on the support members 105, the tabs 150 overhang the external sides of the support members. In this way, the tabs may ensure that the platform does not slide from side to side (i.e. towards one of the support members) while the lifting arm is being raised.

It is envisioned that the platform in accordance with the present invention could comprise any suitable engagement portion, such as the channel shown in Figures 7 and 9, or the protrusion shown in Figures 8 and 10.

Claims

Claims 1 A jack comprising: a base; a lifting arm comprising a first end that is pivotably attached to the base and an opposite second end; two support members pivotably attached to the second end of the lifting arm; a platform removably positionable on the support members, wherein the platform is configured to engage a jacking point of a vehicle; and lifting means configured to pivot the lifting arm relative to the base, such that when the lifting means is actuated the platform can be raised and lowered relative to the base; wherein the base and the support members are configured such that, in use, an axle stand can be placed between the support members and under the jacking point.
2. The jack of claim 1, wherein the base comprises two parallel legs and wherein, in use, the axle stand can be placed between the parallel legs of the jack.
3 The jack of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the support members are parallel and wherein, in use, the axle stand can be placed between the support members of the jack 4 The jack of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of the support members comprises a recessed portion, which is complementarily shaped with the platform such that the platform can be positioned on the recessed portions of the support members.The jack of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform comprises a rectangular base portion and a pair of tabs, and wherein the tabs are spaced such that, when the platform is received on the support members, the tabs overhang the external sides of the support members 6. The jack of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform comprises a support pad for supporting the jacking point.7. The jack of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform comprises a channel configured to engage the jacking point.8. The jack of any one claims 1 to 6, wherein the platform comprises a protrusion configured to engage the jacking point.9. The jack of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting means is hydraulic.10. The jack of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises a plurality of wheels.11 The jack of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle.12. The jack of claim 11, wherein the handle is removably attachable to the base. 15 13. The jack of any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the lifting means is configured to be activated by pivoting the handle relative to the base.14 A kit comprising: a jack according to any one of the preceding claims; and an axle stand; wherein in use, the axle stand can be placed between the support members of the jack and under a jacking point of the vehicle.15 A kit comprising: a jack; and an axle stand; wherein the jack and the axle stand are cooperatively shaped such that, in use, the jack and the axle stand can both be simultaneously placed under a jacking point of the vehicle.16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the jack is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 13.17. The kit of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the maximum height of the jack is equal to the height of the axle stand.18. A platform for the jack of any one of claims 1 to 13, the platform comprising: a main body comprising a top surface; wherein the top surface comprises an engagement portion that is configured to engage the jacking point; wherein the platform is configured to be positioned on the support members of the jack.19. The platform of claim 18, wherein the engagement portion is a channel.20. The platform of claim 18, wherein the engagement portion is a protrusion. 10 21 The platform of any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising a pair of tabs, wherein the tabs are spaced such that, when the platform is received on the support members, the tabs overhang the external sides of the support members.22. The platform of any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising a support pad for supporting the jacking point.23. The platform of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the top surface is rectangular.24. The use of the platform of any one of claims 18 to 23 to raise a jacking point of a vehicle.A method for jacking up a vehicle, the method comprising: positioning a jack in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 13 under a jacking point of the vehicle; using the lifting means to pivot the lifting arm away from the base such that the platform is in contact with the jacking point; continuing to use the lifting means to pivot the lifting arm away from the base such that the platform raises the jacking point of the vehicle further from the base; positioning an axle stand under the platform after the jacking point of the vehicle has been raised; and removing the jack from the jacking point such that the platform remains between the jacking point and the axle stand, and the jacking point is supported in a raised position by the axle stand.