GB2620196A

GB2620196A - Flue mounted hoist system and parts thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2620196A
Application number: GB2209706.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Downie Simon
Original assignee: Clevatech Ltd
Current assignee: Clevatech Ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-01
Filing date: 2022-07-01
Publication date: 2024-01-03
Also published as: GB202209706D0

Abstract

A boiler hoist 10 has a rigid elongate body 20 having a distal end for mounting in a flue hole in a building wall, and a winch 16 mounted at the opposite end to connect to a boiler for lifting or lowering the boiler. An arm 14 that slides co-axially from the interior of the body has a permanent magnet 62 located towards the distal end, and a magnetically susceptible rail 64 which extends from the distal end of the body whereby the rail is attracted to the magnet to restrict slidable movement of the arm. The arm may extend from the outside wall to the inside wall and a ram 38 may be moveable perpendicularly to the elongate body and the hoist may have a clamp 22 for clamping against the outside of the building. The apparatus may include a boiler lifting frame (66 fig.4) and a harness (68 fig.4), a wall retaining plate (110 fig.11) and a protective device (104 fig.9) to inhibit actuation of a harness release mechanism.

Description

FLUE MOUNLED HOIST SYSTEM AND PARTS THEREOF

TECI1N1(141, F11-1,D0 I-PIE iNI TN% ION The present invention relates to a hoist, in particular to a hoist which can be mounted in a flue hole located through a wall of a building and used to raise or lower a boiler for installation or deinstallation. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved boiler hoist, and parts thereof, that can raise, lower and manoeuvre a boiler securely, and with more control.

BACKGRO LLVD

Boilers are heavy, typically over 30kg. They are also large in size. It is therefore difficult and unsafe for a single person working on their own to lift the boiler and fix it to the wall. Installing a boiler is otherwise a job which can be done by one person, but lifting the boiler safely requires two people. Where an old boiler is being replaced, similarly lowering the old boiler requires two people. This significantly adds to the cost of an installation or replacement works.

In order to address this problem, the applicant of the present application has previously proposed to utilise a boiler hoist that makes use of the flue for exhaust gases which is routed through the wall and out of the building as an anchor point. This innovative solution has culminated in a boiler hoist that dramatically improves this work practice, and has resulted in a number of granted patents, including US 10,676,323 and EP 3 361 151 B1 Despite these significant advances, it may be desirable to address the following needs.

There is a need for a boiler hoist that includes an additional safety feature that inhibits or restricts the extending arm from inadvertently extending when in use. It is also desirable for there to be a boiler hoist that utilises an improved lifting frame and harness that provides for ease of use and increased flexibility and safety for all sizes of boiler. It is also desirable for there to be a protective cover device which inhibits or prevents inadvertent actuation of a harness cam buckle and which improves safety during boiler installation or deinstallation. It is also desirable for there to be a wall retaining plate which temporarily secures the boiler hoist in a flue hole when the hoist is used on single storey properties, or those properties having only several courses of brickwork above the flue hole.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved boiler hoist, and parts thereof, that can raise, lower and manoeuvre a boiler securely, and with more control. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a boiler hoist comprising an additional safety feature that inhibits or restricts the extending arm from inadvertently extending when in use. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a boiler hoist that utilises an improved lifting frame and harness that provides for ease of use and increased flexibility and safety for all sizes of boiler. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a protective cover device which inhibits or prevents inadvertent actuation of a harness cam buckle and which improves safety during boiler installation or deinstallation. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wall retaining plate which temporarily secures the boiler hoist in a flue hole when it is used on single storey properties, or those properties having only several courses of brickwork above the flue hole.

Sblifil4BY OF TIIE INVENTION The present invention is described herein and in the claims.

According to the present invention there is provided a boiler hoist comprising a rigid elongate body having a distal end for mounting in a flue hole located through a wall of a building, and a winch mounted at the opposite proximal end for connection to a boiler for lifting or lowering the boiler, comprising: an arm which slides co-axially from the interior of the body, the arm being provided with at least one permanent magnet located towards the distal end thereof; and a magnetically susceptible rail which extends from the distal end of the body, the rail being attracted to the at least one magnet such that the magnet restricts slideable movement of the arm.

An advantage of the present invention is that the magnetic attractive force restricts free, unhindered movement of the extending arm away from the body. The present invention preventing or mitigating the risk of a hazardous situation occurring should the boiler hoist be angled downwards when the extending arm is disengaged from the body, as it could otherwise extend at speed with the significant risk of injury to the user and/or surrounding environment. Magnetic friction thereby restricts free slideable movement between the extending arm and the body, and which also provides for more precise positioning of the arm in a durable mechanism that has no physically-abutting parts.

Preferably, the arm can extend from the outer wall of the building to the inside of the building when installed and in use.

Further preferably, the boiler hoist comprising a movable ram, the ram being movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongate extent of the body to extend the ram from the body, or retract the ram into the body.

In use, the boiler hoist may comprise a clamp for deploying from the elongate body outside the building, and clamping against an outer surface of the wall of the building.

Preferably, the at least one permanent magnet comprises one or more rare-earth magnets.

Also according to the present invention there is provided a lifting frame for a boiler, the lifting frame comprising: an elongate threaded bar positionable between the sides of the boiler and which in use projects beyond both sides of the boiler, each of the ends of the elongate threaded bar providing locating means configured to receive a suspending ring on each end of a harness; an adjustable lifting eye being provided substantially in the centre of the elongate threaded bar, which is attached in use to a lifting line via a shackle; and spacing means for raising the bar clear, or proud of, the upper surface of the boiler.

Preferably, the locating means further comprises thumb nut pairs each comprising two identical sections that each include a boss, the boss on one section being positioned in a face-to-face abutting configuration with the boss on the neighbouring section such that the sections can be locked against each other to form a channel for the shackle and/or suspending rings.

Further preferably, the spacing means comprises a base which abuts the upper surface of the boiler when in use, and an opposite upper surface having a plurality of indentations therein for receiving the threaded bar.

In use, each of the plurality of indentations may be spaced-apart from the base by a different height.

Preferably, the spacing means is formed from a rigid plastics material.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a harness for connection to the lifting frame as hereinbefore described, the harness comprising: a lifting strap which passes between the locating means on the elongate threaded bar, and around the sides and bottom of the boiler, the lifting strap having two tensioning buckles each of which is positioned adjacent to opposing sides of the boiler and which adjust the functioning length of the lifting strap; and a plurality of lashing strap locating means positioned along the length of the lifting strap, and which receive one or more lashing straps around the front, back and sides of the boiler.

Preferably, each tensioning buckle is a cam buckle.

Further preferably, a first plurality of lashing strap locating means are positioned one side of the tensioning buckle and a second plurality of lashing strap locating means are positioned at the other opposite side of the tensioning buckle In use, the lashing strap may comprise a slideable adjustment for adjusting the functioning length of the lashing strap and a quick-release mechanism for engagement with one of the plurality of lashing strap locating means.

Preferably, the lifting strap and the lashing straps are formed from a webbing material.

Likewise according to the present invention there is provided a protective device to inhibit inadvertent opening of a buckle, wherein the buckle includes at least one releasable member to release the buckle, the protective device comprising: a cover adapted and arranged in its operative position to substantially enclose the buckle and to inhibit inadvertent access to the at least one releasable member, the cover having a window or opening dimensioned to receive a finger or thumb of a user attempting to release the buckle by depressing at least one releasable member.

Preferably, the buckle is a cam buckle having a body portion and a jaw.

Further preferably, the cover comprises at least two snap-fit projections which connect with the body portion of the buckle In use, the cover may be formed from a semi-rigid plastics material.

Also further according to the present invention there is provided a wall retaining plate for abutting against an elongate boiler hoist being mountable in a flue hole located through a wall of a building, the wall retaining plate comprising: means for temporary securement of the plate to the wall of the building, and an aperture having a profile that substantially matches the outer profile of the boiler hoist and which, in use, is positioned generally co-axial with the flue hole, and wherein the aperture abuts against one or more sections of the outer profile of the boiler hoist.

Preferably, the means for temporary securement of the plate to the outer wall comprises a plurality of fixing holes which can receive one or more wall fixing means.

Further preferably, the wall retaining plate is affixed to the outer wall of the building.

In use, the wall retaining plate may be elongate and planar.

Preferably, the wall retaining plate is U-shaped in cross section with upwardly projecting side walls from a base wall.

Further preferably, the base wall comprises one or more weight-saving openings.

It is believed that a boiler hoist, a lifting frame and harness, a protective cover device and a wall retaining plate in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cutaway perspective view from the side and above of a boiler hoist in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a side plan view of a boiler hoist in accordance with the present invention with the extending arm in a retracted configuration; Figure 3 shows a side plan view of a boiler hoist in accordance with the present invention with the extending arm in an extended configuration; Figure 4 is a side perspective view of a boiler hoist in accordance with the present invention which is attached to a boiler lifting frame and harness; Figure 5 illustrates a side plan view of a threaded bar which forms part of the boiler lifting frame in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are side, top and front plan views, and a side perspective view, respectively, of a spacer which holds the threaded bar clear, or proud, of the upper surface of the boiler when used with the boiler lifting frame in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view from the side and above of a boiler that has been secured in the boiler lifting frame and harness in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 illustrates a side plan view of a lifting strap which forms part of the harness in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figures 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d are front, top and side plan views, and a side perspective view, respectively, of a protective device which inhibits or prevents inadvertent actuation of a cam buckle in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows a side cutaway view of the protective device shown in Figure 9 being affixed to a cam buckle in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figures I la, 1 lb and Ilc illustrate front and top plan views, and a side perspective view, respectively, of a wall retaining plate for use with a boiler hoist in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; and Figure 12 is a cutaway perspective view through a section of a wall and flue hole and which shows the boiler hoist in accordance with the present invention being used with the wall retaining plate shown in Figure 11.

DEIAILED DESCRIP17ON Of THE PREP ERRED EWBODIAILINISY The present invention has adopted the approach of utilising an improved boiler hoist, and parts thereof that can raise, lower and manoeuvre a boiler securely, and with more control. Advantageously, the present invention provides a boiler hoist comprising an additional safety feature that inhibits or restricts the extending arm from inadvertently extending when in use. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a boiler hoist that utilises an improved lifting frame and harness that provides for ease of use and increased flexibility and safety for all sizes of boiler. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a protective cover device which inhibits or prevents inadvertent actuation of a harness cam buckle and which improves safety during boiler installation or deinstallation. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a wall retaining plate which temporarily secures the boiler hoist in a flue hole when it is used on single storey properties, or those properties having only several courses of brickwork above the flue hole.

Referring now to the drawings, a boiler hoist 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. The boiler hoist 10 comprising an elongate anchor section 12 having a distal end which can be received in a flue hole, an extending arm 14, and a winch 16 at the proximal end of the extending arm 14. A flange 18 defines the boundary between the anchor section 12 and the extending arm 14.

The anchor section 12 is designed to be inserted into a hole located through the exterior wall of a building. The hole is drilled to provide a flue/exhaust for a boiler, and typically the hole is substantially circular with a diameter between around 100 mm and 130 mm An elongate body 20 of the anchor section 12 is made from a strong, rigid material, for example the body 20 could be an aluminium extrusion. The body 20 is preferably substantially hollow and may have various channels and features to accommodate and connect with other components. The body is sized to fit easily within even the smallest diameter flue hole. For example, where the smallest flue hole envisaged by the design is 100 mm, the elongate body 20 may be for example 80 mm at its widest point, so that it can fit easily through the hole without fouling on any uneven interior surfaces.

The flange 18 on the proximal end of the anchor section 12 is larger than the largest flue hole envisaged by the design. For example, where the largest flue hole envisaged is 130 mm in diameter, the flange may be at least 150 mm across in at least one direction. The flange 18 therefore stops the hoist 10 passing all the way through the hole to the outside of the building. It ensures that only the anchor section 12 is seated in the flue hole.

A movable clamp 22 can be moved along the length of the anchor section 12, along a channel 24 which runs substantially along the underside of the body 20. The clamp 22 can be extended (as shown in the drawings) or retracted into the body 20. The clamp 22 is, in a preferred embodiment, spring-loaded into an extended position, and is retracted by moving it outwards along the length of the anchor section 12 until the fixed hook 26 forces it into a retracted position.

The clamp 22 is pivotally mounted to a carriage 26, and a spring 30 urges the clamp 22 into an extended position, substantially perpendicular to the elongate anchor 12 and extending out of the bottom of the elongate anchor 12. The hook 26, which is fixed to the body 20 of the elongate anchor 12, will act against the spring 30 and cause the clamp 22 to retract when the clamp 22 is moved against the hook 24. Moving the clamp 22 is achieved by means of a threaded rod 32 which passes through a threaded aperture 34 in the carriage 28. The threaded rod 32 is attached to a handle 36 which is disposed in an accessible position on the flange 18. The clamp 22 can therefore be moved along the length of the anchor section 12 by turning the handle 36, and can be extended or retracted simply by turning the handle 36 to move it in, or out of, the fixed hook 26.

An extendable ram 38 is provided on an upper part of the anchor body 20, at a point spaced from the flange 18. The extendable ram 38 includes a foot 40 of sufficient linear extent to accommodate a range of cavity wall thicknesses. The overall arrangement of the ram 38 is substantially similar to a scissor jack. Two arms 42, 42' are pivotally mounted to the foot 40 and are also pivotally mounted to a frame 44.

The frame 44 is movable relative to the body 20 of the anchor portion 12. The movement is achieved by a threaded rod 46 and handle 48, in a similar way that the carriage 28 is moved by threaded rod 32 and handle 36. One of the arms 42' is pivotally mounted to the frame 44 on a moving pivot 50, and the other arm 42 is pivotally mounted to the frame 44 on a fixed pivot 52. Note that the fixed pivot 52 is fixed to the frame 44, but since the frame 44 moves with respect to the body 20 of the anchor portion 12, the fixed pivot 52 moves with respect to the body 20. The moving pivot 50 is movable with respect to the frame 44 in slotted tracks 128. A strip spring 130 provides preload to the ram 38, via the arms 42, 42', to help raise the ram 38 from the parallel to the body 20 for around the first 10 mm of lift. After this the ram 38 extends until resistance is received from the flue hole in the walls. The ram 38 therefore having essentially a self-levelling scissor jack mechanism.

The ram 38 may be movable along the length of the body 20 to accommodate different thicknesses of cavity wall. to

In use, to anchor the hoist 10 to a flue hole located in a wall, firstly the ram clamp 38 and clamp 22 are retracted. The anchor portion 12 in this condition is much smaller in cross section than the diameter of the flue hole, and can easily be pushed in from the inside of the building. Once the anchor portion 12 is fully inserted into the flue hole, up to the point where the flange 18 prevents any further movement, the handle 36 can be turned to move the clamp 22 towards the building (leftwards in Figure 1). As the clamp 22 moves to the left, it is disengaged from the hook 26 and extends automatically by means of the spring 30. The handle 36 is turned until the clamp 22 is against the outside wall of the building and cannot be moved any further to the left.

The ram 38 is now extended by turning the handle 48. The combination of the clamp 22 and the ram 38 provides a very secure anchor in the flue hole, which is more than enough to safely support the weight of a typical boiler. It will be noted that the whole operation can take place from the inside of the building. There is no need to access the outside of the flue hole, and therefore working at height is avoided where the boiler is being installed on an upper floor in for example flats or apartments.

Also as shown in Figure 1, the winch 16 includes a spool 54 which is driven by a worm wheel 56. The worm wheel 56 in turn is driven by a worm (not visible in the drawings) but is disposed underneath the worm wheel 56 and meshes with the worm wheel 56. The worm is connected to a drive shaft 58, which can be wound manually by a removable handle (not shown in the drawings) or alternatively can be attached to an electric drill via an adaptor (not shown in the drawings).

Sliding movement of the extending arm 14 in, and out, of the rigid body 20 is enabled using complementary-shaped guide rails and rollers 60 therebetween, and the extending arm 14 is otherwise free to slide in, and out, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows the boiler hoist 10 in accordance with the present invention in a retracted configuration whereby the extending arm 14 is slideably received and retained entirely within the body 20 of the anchor section 12. Although not shown in the drawings, a short loop of webbing or the like can be connected between the flange 18 and the winch 16 to retain the extending arm 14 in a retracted configuration within the body 20. This section of webbing can be used to secure the extending arm 14 within the body 20 to prevent the extending arm 14 inadvertently sliding outwards (leftwards in Figures 2 and 3) during use. Figure 3 shows the boiler hoist 10 in accordance with the present invention in an extended configuration whereby the extending arm 14 is entirely extended from the body 20 of the anchor section U. It is this free movement of the arm 14 relative to the anchor section 12, and the fact that the arm 14 can be partially extended and retracted, that provides the necessary flexibility and ease of use in the installation of boilers, as described in further detail below.

The skilled person will appreciate that largely unhindered movement and adjustability of the arm 14 is desirable as this assists with a common installation situation whereby a boiler is being installed above a kitchen worktop. Without removing or risking damage to the fitted kitchen, the boiler can be lifted well in front of the kitchen units, above the level of the worktops The extending arm 14 may then be retracted to move the boiler towards the wall, above the worktop, for securing the boiler on its bracket.

However, a problem exists should the boiler hoist 10 be angled downwards when the extending arm 14 is disengaged from the body 20, as it could otherwise extend at speed with a significant risk of injury to the user and/or surrounding environment. The boiler hoist 10 of the present invention therefore includes a magnetic friction device which restricts movement of the extending arm 14 using magnetic attraction, and as described in further detail below.

Referring again to Figure 1, the arm 14 can be provided with at least one permanent magnet 62 which is affixed at the distal end thereof A magnetically-susceptible rail 64 extends from the distal end of the body 20 along a longitudinal channel within the body 20. The rail 64 being positioned at a distance such that it is physically spaced-apart from the magnet 62, but is close enough to be attracted to the least one magnet 62, such that a magnetic attractive force acts to restrict free, slideable movement of the arm 14. In this way, should the arm 14 be free from the body 20 and the proximal end titled downwards, it would not accelerate under gravity with a significant risk of injuring the user, but instead extend in a much slower, controlled manner as the arm 14 would have to overcome the magnetic attractive force which leads to increase friction between the arm 12 and body 20. Such magnetic friction restricts slideable movement between the extending arm 12 and body 20, which also provides for more precise positioning of the arm 14 in a durable mechanism that has no physically-abutting parts.

The magnet 62 contained at the distal end of the arm 14 is preferably a rare-earth magnet, such as neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) or samarium-cobalt (SmCo), which can exert an powerful magnetic force to securely constrain the arm 14 in position in relationship to the magnetisable rail 64. The magnet 62 is positioned such that it acts to direct the magnetic flux towards the rail 64, increasing the strength of attraction while reducing any stray magnetic fields.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a boiler hoist 10 that utilises an improved lifting frame 66 and harness 68 that provides for ease of use and increased flexibility and safety for all sizes of boiler is shown in Figure 4. For reasons of clarity, Figure 4 shows the lifting frame 66 and harness 68 with no boiler attached, whereas Figure 7 shows a boiler 100 that has been secured in the lifting frame 66 and a harness 68. The lifting frame 66 comprises a number of parts, as shown in further detail in Figures 5 and 6, and further detail of a lifting strap 88 which forms part of the harness 68 is shown in Figure 8.

The lifting frame 66 for the boiler 100 includes an elongate threaded bar 70 that, in use, is positionable between the sides of the boiler 100 (see Figure 7), and is dimensioned such that, in use, the ends of the bar 70 each project beyond the sides of the boiler 100.

The threaded bar 70 receives three pairs of brass thumb nuts 72a, 72b, 72c along its length. These are generally configured as follows. The first pair of brass thumb nuts 72a is positioned generally midway along the length of the elongate threaded bar 70. As best shown in Figure 5, the second and third pairs of thumb nuts 72b, 72c are positioned generally equidistantly from the ends of the threaded bar 70. The first pair of thumb nuts 72a includes a shackle 74, that, in use, is connectable to a lifting cable or strap (not shown) that is wound on spool 54. The second and third pairs of thumb nuts 72b, 72c positioned generally at each of the ends of the elongate threaded bar 70 provide locating means which can receive suspending rings 76, 76' formed at each end of the harness 68.

As best shown in Figure 5, each thumb nut pair 72a, 72b, 72c (although for reasons of clarity, only thumb nut pair 72b has been numbered accordingly) comprises two identical sections 72b', 72b" that each include a boss 132. The boss 132 on section 72b' is positioned in a face-to-face abutting configuration with the boss 132 on the neighbouring section 72b". In this way, the boss 132 locate, and can be locked against, the opposing thumb nut boss 132 to create a channel 134 for the D-shackle 74 or suspending rings 76, 76' formed at each end of the harness 68. In use, each thumb nut pair 72a, 72b, 72c moves along the length of the threaded bar 70 to their desired positions, then are locked against each other so that they do not move.

Figure 6 shows detail of spacers 78 for raising the bar 70 clear, or proud, of the upper surface of the boiler 100. The spacers 78 are generally formed from a rigid plastics material and include a base wall 80 at its underside. The base wall 80 may support one or more feet 82 that can be formed from a deformable material, and which increases friction between the feet 82 and the upper surface of the boiler 100. As shown in Figure 7, the threaded bar 70 can be received on one of the indentations 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d, 84e disposed in an upper surface 86 of the spacer 78. In this way, the threaded bar 70 is held clear from the upper surface of the boiler 100 ensuring that there is no damage to the boiler 100, including the flue exit pipe 102, during lifting operations.

The spacer 78 shown in Figure 6 includes five indentations (numbered as indentations 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d, 844 and which provides five discrete height-settings for the threaded bar 70 to be spaced-apart from the upper surface of the boiler 100. The skilled person will understand that the threaded bar 70 would be spaced-apart from the upper surface of the boiler 100 by the greatest extent when the bar 70 is situated in indentation 84c. Equally, the threaded bar 70 is closest to the upper surface of the boiler at 100 when the bar 70 is situated in indentation 84e. Although five indentations 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d, 84e are described and illustrated in Figure 6, this is in no way intended to be limiting as the present invention can be implemented using any number of indentations 84.

Figures 4 and 7 show further detail of the harness 68 which is releasably affixed to the lifting frame 66 when in use. Further detail of a lifting strap 88 which forms part of the harness 68 is shown in Figure 8. The harness 68 comprises a lifting strap 88 which passes around the sides and bottom of the boiler 100. The harness 68 is formed from three pieces, namely a lifting strap 88 having free ends which are connected to buckles 90, 90' which are adjacent to each side of the boiler 100 when in use. The buckles 90, 90' each connect to first and second lifting strap portions 92, 92', which are, in turn, each connected to the corresponding suspending rings 76, 76'.

The buckles 90, 90' provide a means for adjusting the functional length of the strap 88. The functional length refers to the length of material of the loop of the strap 88 and depends on the size of the boiler 100 that is to be lifted. The means for adjusting the functional length of the strap 88 can be, for example, a cam buckle 90, 90', as best shown in Figure 10. The skilled person will understand that the cam buckles 90, 90' are used to securely tension the strap 88, and first and second lifting strap portions 92, 92', around the bottom and sides of the boiler 100 and the threaded bar 70 seated on the spacers 78 at the upper surface of the boiler 100.

The lifting strap 88 includes four pairs of strap buckles 94a, 94a' to 94d, 94d' which are symmetrical about the centre of the strap 88, as best shown in Figure 8. Each side of the lifting strap 88 therefore comprises four pairs of strap buckles 94a, 94a' to 94d, 94d' which, in use, will be situated at both sides of the boiler 100, as best shown in Figure 4.

The pairs of strap buckles 94a, 94a' to 94d, 94d' are spaced-apart and positioned along the length thereof, and which can receive one or more pairs of lower lashing straps 96a, 96a' around the front, back and sides of the boiler 100.

The first and second lifting strap portions 92, 92' includes two pairs of strap buckles 94e, 94e' and 94f, 94? which are symmetrical about the centre of the strap 92, 92', again as best shown in Figure 8. Each side of the straps 92, 92' comprises two pairs of strap buckles 94e, 94e' and 94f, 94f' which, in use, will be situated at both sides of the boiler 100, as best shown in Figure 4. The pairs of strap buckles 94e, 94e' and 94f, 94? are spaced-apart and positioned along the length thereof and which receive one or more upper lashing straps 96b, 96b' around the front, back and sides of the boiler 100.

Each perimeter or lashing strap 96a, 96a', 96b, 96b' therefore has four locking points for safety.

In the specific example shown in Figure 7, the lower lashing straps 96a, 96a' which would be proximate the bottom of the boiler 100 is positioned in pre-set strap buckle pairs 94b, 94b' and the upper lashing straps 96b, 96b' which would be proximate the top of the boiler 100 are positioned in pre-set strap buckle pairs 94e, 94e'.

The harness 68 therefore provides an intuitive and flexible way of quickly securing a boiler 100 and which, in use, enables easy and rapid adjustment of the lifting strap 88, first and second lifting strap portions 92, 92' and lashing straps 96a, 96a', 96b, 96b' to thereby provide a secure and prompt fitment for all sizes of boiler 100.

The lifting strap 88, first and second lifting strap portions 92, 92' and lashing straps 96a, 96a', 96b, 96b' are all formed from a webbing material.

In a preferred embodiment, the pairs of buckles 94a, 94a' to 94f, 941' include a quick-release mechanism. As best shown in Figure 7, the lashing straps 96a, 96a', 96b, 96b' can be quickly and easily connected and disconnected by engaging and disengaging corresponding male or female parts on the buckles 94a, 94a' to 94f, 941' The boiler hoist 10 that utilises such an improved lifting frame 66 and harness 68 provides for ease of use and increased flexibility and safety for all sizes of boiler 100 and avoids any metal-to-metal contact therebetween, which can otherwise lead to unwanted scratches and/or dents and/or damage to the boiler 100 and flue exit pipe 102.

The cam buckles 90, 90 provide a means for adjusting the functional length of the strap 88, and are the primary means by which the boiler 100 can be released from the harness 68. The skilled person will understand that, in use, should the flap 98 on the cam buckle 90, 90' (Figure 10) be inadvertently depressed, even by being nudged or bumped, that as it is under a great deal of tension given the typical weight of a boiler 100, this could cause a dangerous scenario where the boiler 100 could be released from the harness 68 unintentionally.

Figure 9 shows detail of a buckle cover 104 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. The buckle cover 104 being a protective device which inhibits or prevents inadvertent actuation of the harness cam buckle 90, 90' and which improves safety during boiler installation or deinstallation. The buckle cover 104 being a cover adapted and arranged in its operative position to substantially enclose the buckle 90, 90', and to inhibit inadvertent access to the flap 98. The cover 104 instead having a window or opening 106 dimensioned to receive a finger or thumb of a user attempting to open the buckle 90, 90' by depressing the cam flap 98.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover 104 is formed from a semi-rigid plastics material and having at least two snap-fit projections 108, 108' which connect with the body of the buckle 90, 90.

It is clear from the view of Figure 9 that the projections 108, 108 are only connected to the side walls of the cover 104, and are able to be urged apart and the buckle 90, 90' inserted therebetween and which then retains the buckle 90, 90' in place via a snap-fit connection. The skilled person will understand that to release the buckle 90, 90', the user has to intentionally depress the flap 98 through the window or opening 106.

Figures 11 and 12 shows detail of a wall retaining plate 110 for use with a boiler hoist 10 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. The wall retaining plate 110 is particularly useful when the boiler hoist 10 is used on single storey properties, or those properties having only several courses of brickwork above the flue hole 122.

The wall retaining plate 110 is formed as an elongate unitary body, and having an opening 112 that receives the elongate body 20 of the boiler hoist 10 when in use. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening 112 has a generally cruciform-shape when in plan view from above. The engagement of the retaining plate 110 of the present invention with the boiler hoist 10 is explained in further detail below.

The wall retaining plate 110 is formed having a generally rectangular shape in plan view having a generally flat base 114 and side walls 116 which extend upwardly from the side of the base 114. The wall retaining plate 110 also includes a plurality of openings 118 which can receive a plurality of threaded fixtures or fasteners (not shown) which temporarily secure the wall retaining plate 110 to a wall 126 that is outside of the building when in use.

In use, the aperture 112 has a profile that substantially matches the elongate body 20 of the boiler hoist 10 and which, in use, is generally co-axial with the flue hole 122 such that the aperture 112 receives and secures the outer profile of elongate body 20 to provide additional structural support to the brickwork that is above the flue hole 122, as shown in Figure 12.

The base panel 114 can also include a one or more additional holes or cut-outs 120 to save weight.

The use of the boiler hoist 10 and wall retaining plate 110 is shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 illustrates the boiler hoist 10 being used to install a boiler 100. A flue hole 122 has been drilled through a cavity wall 124, and a retaining plate 110 has been temporarily fixed to the outer wall 126 around the flue hole 122 using fixtures (not shown) through apertures 118. The hole 112 in the retaining plate 110 is mounted co-axially with the flue hole 122 such that the aperture 112 surrounds, and can receive, the outer profile 20 of the boiler hoist 10.

When the outer section 20 of the hoist 10 has been anchored into the flue hole 122 as per the procedure described herein, the arm 14 can be extended as shown in Figure 3, and which allows a boiler 10 to be attached to the winch 16 via a lifting cable or strap (not shown) which is connected to shackle 74 of the threaded bar 70.

When the boiler is installed, the lifting cable or strap may be disconnected from the boiler, and then the hoist 10 may be removed from the flue hole 122 by retracting the extendable ram 38, moving the clamp 22 to its outermost extent so that it is retracted by the hook 26, and then simply pulling the hoist 10 back into the building, out of the flue hole 122. The temporary wall retaining plate 110 can then be removed from the outer wall 126 around the flue hole 122. The flue pipe may then be installed through the hole 122, and the boiler installation completed as per existing practice In a preferred embodiment, the spacer 78 is formed from a polymer such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Alternatively, the spacer 78 can be formed from a polymer such as Polypropylene (PP), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or blends thereof Equally, the skilled person will appreciate that the spacer 78 can be formed from any number of synthetic plastics, such as a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The above list is no way intended to be limiting or exhaustive.

In a preferred embodiment, the buckle cover 104 is formed from a semi-rigid polymer such as Nylon (PA). This pliable polymer having enough flexibility to enable the snap-fit projections 108, 108' to deform and abut against the cam buckle 90, 90' to retain the cover 104 in place.

The spacer 78 and buckle cover 104 can be manufactured using techniques such as injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum forming, rotational moulding, compression moulding, rim moulding, powder impression moulding or any other form of plastics or rubber manufacture, as additive manufacturing or 3D printing.

The construction of the boiler hoist 10, or parts thereof, including the wall retaining plate 110, can be via any suitable form of metal fabrication, e g, machined, pressed, extruded, cast or forged from a suitable metal, such as aluminium, brass, stainless-steel and combinations and alloys thereof The magnetically-susceptible rail 64 being formed from compounds and alloys containing iron, cobalt, or nickel, e.g., steel, stainless-steel, ferrites, etc. Therefore, an improved boiler hoist 10, and parts thereof, according to the present invention can be used to raise, lower and manoeuvre a boiler 100 securely, and with more control.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms -comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The singular forms "a", "an' and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes" and/or "including-when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, separately, or in any combination of such features, can be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. It will be understood that features described in relation to any particular embodiment can be featured in combination with other embodiments It is contemplated by the inventor that various substitutions, alterations and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims

Claims

CLAIMS1. A boiler hoist comprising a rigid elongate body having a distal end for mounting in a flue hole located through a wall of a building, and a winch mounted at the opposite proximal end for connection to a boiler for lifting or lowering the boiler, comprising: an arm which slides co-axially from the interior of the body, the arm being provided with at least one permanent magnet located towards the distal end thereof; and a magnetically susceptible rail which extends from the distal end of the body, the rail being attracted to the at least one magnet such that the magnet restricts slideable movement of the arm.
2. The boiler hoist as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arm extending from the outer wall of the building to the inside of the building when installed and in use.
3. The boiler hoist as claimed in claims 1 or 2, further comprising a movable ram, the ram being movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongate extent of the body to extend the ram from the body, or retract the ram into the body.
4. The boiler hoist as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a clamp for deploying from the elongate body outside the building, and clamping against an outer surface of the wall of the building.
The boiler hoist as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one permanent magnet comprises one or more rare-earth magnets.
6. A lifting frame for a boiler, the lifting frame comprising: an elongate threaded bar positionable between the sides of the boiler and which in use projects beyond both sides of the boiler, each of the ends of the elongate threaded bar providing locating means configured to receive a suspending ring on each end of a harness; an adjustable lifting eye being provided substantially in the centre of the elongate threaded bar, which is attached in use to a lifting line via a shackle; and spacing means for raising the bar clear, or proud of the upper surface of the boiler.
7. The lifting frame as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locating means further comprises thumb nut pairs each comprising two identical sections that each include a boss, the boss on one section being positioned in a face-to-face abutting configuration with the boss on the neighbouring section such that the sections can be locked against each other to form a channel for the shackle and/or suspending rings.
8. The lifting frame as claimed in claims 6 or 7, wherein the spacing means comprises a base which abuts the upper surface of the boiler when in use, and an opposite upper surface having a plurality of indentations therein for receiving the threaded bar.
9 The lifting frame as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of indentations are spaced-apart from the base by a different height.
The lifting frame as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the spacing means is formed from a rigid plastics material
11. A harness for connection to the lifting frame as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10, the harness comprising: a lifting strap which passes between the locating means on the elongate threaded bar, and around the sides and bottom of the boiler, the lifting strap having two tensioning buckles each of which is positioned adjacent to opposing sides of the boiler and which adjust the functioning length of the lifting strap; and a plurality of lashing strap locating means positioned along the length of the lifting strap, and which receive one or more lashing straps around the front, back and sides of the boiler.
12. The harness as claimed in claim 11, wherein each tensioning buckle is a cam buckle.
13. The harness as claimed in claims 11 or 12, wherein a first plurality of lashing strap locating means are positioned one side of the tensioning buckle and a second plurality of lashing strap locating means are positioned at the other opposite side of the tensioning buckle.
14. The harness as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the lashing strap comprises a slideable adjustment for adjusting the functioning length of the lashing strap and a quick-release mechanism for engagement with one of the plurality of lashing strap locating means.
15. The harness as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the lifting strap and the lashing straps are formed from a webbing material
16. A protective device to inhibit inadvertent opening of a buckle, wherein the buckle includes at least one releasable member to release the buckle, the protective device comprising: a cover adapted and arranged in its operative position to substantially enclose the buckle and to inhibit inadvertent access to the at least one releasable member, the cover having a window or opening dimensioned to receive a finger or thumb of a user attempting to release the buckle by depressing at least one releasable member.
17. The protective device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the buckle is a cam buckle having a body portion and a jaw.
18. The protective device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the cover comprises at least two snap-fit projections which connect with the body portion of the buckle.
19. The protective device as claimed in any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the cover is formed from a semi-rigid plastics material.
20. A wall retaining plate for abutting against an elongate boiler hoist being mountable in a flue hole located through a wall of a building, the wall retaining plate comprising: means for temporary securement of the plate to the wall of the building; and an aperture having a profile that substantially matches the outer profile of the boiler hoist and which, in use, is positioned generally co-axial with the flue hole, and wherein the aperture abuts against one or more sections of the outer profile of the boiler hoist.
21. The wall retaining plate as claimed in claim 20, wherein the means for temporary securement of the plate to the outer wall comprises a plurality of fixing holes which can receive one or more wall fixing means.
22. The wall retaining plate as claimed in claims 20 or 21 wherein the wall retaining plate is affixed to the outer wall of the building.
23. The wall retaining plate as claimed in any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the wall retaining plate is elongate and planar.
24. The wall retaining plate as claimed in any of claims 20 to 23, wherein the wall retaining plate is U-shaped in cross section with upwardly projecting side walls from a base wall.
25. The wall retaining plate as claimed in claim 24, wherein the base wall comprises one or more weight-saving openings.