MXPA99000491A - Ascensor device for construction frames - Google Patents

Abstract

An elevator device for attaching to building frames having a pair of jaw members (14,18), at least one of which is movable with respect to the other. The spacing between the jaw members can be adjusted, and a level mechanism (36) is provided to allow the user to detachably join the elevator device to the frame of a building. A support member (28) is also provided to provide a pedestal holder for a user, so that the user can stand on the device during use. The device can also be connected to a fastener, or safety line and finally connected to a harness fixed to the user's body.

Description

ELEVATOR DEVICE FOR CONSTRUCTION FRAMES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to devices that are attached to frames of structures such as buildings, forts, bridges and the like during the construction of the structure and after its completion. and in particular relates to an elevator device that is removably attachable to a beam, joist or column of a building frame, such as a beam in 1, to provide secure base or secure fixing for construction personnel to the frame while working in building. 2. Discussion of the Prior Art The construction of large steel structures, such as office buildings, bridges, departmental rooms and other large multi-story buildings, often places construction personnel in potentially hazardous locations both during construction of the building and afterwards. of its completion, typically during the maintenance and general conservation of the structure. Typically, during construction, after. that the foundation is laid the frame of the building is constructed of steel beams that have the general cross section in the form of an "I", and are typically known as beams in 1. Since the beams in 1 are placed in place , they are screwed together to form the building frame so that the floors and walls can be placed in place as the building construction moves toward completion. Beams in 1- are usually lifted into place by cranes and other large pieces of equipment, and then joined by steel workers who bolt the beams in 1 to their place in specific locations. Steel workers are typically placed in potentially hazardous locations, where there is no safe base and floor in place until the L-beams are actually screwed into place. The steel worker can screw the beams into 1 in place while standing in a ladle of a conventional bucket truck, or, in more common situations, the worker must wrap a belt or safety belt around a beam in 1 or column already in place, and connect the band or belt to a harness that you wear on your upper body. This makes a slow and tedious process; each time the worker moves from beam to beam, he must disconnect, unwrap the band from the column or beam, and move to the next location. A further disadvantage of the existing methods for building building frames resides in the fact that most of the beams in 1 on which the workers are expected to stand are typically between 20.32 cm and 60.96 cm, respectively in width. The thinner the beam is, the less base the worker has to stand on and consequently the worker must take great care in securing his base and strip to the existing frame of the building. This slows down the construction process, and consequently increases the cost both of the construction of the building, and of its related costs such as insurance premiums. There is a need for an elevator device that allows a worker to detachably attach a lifting device to the beam in and / or column, which provides both a secure base and a quick connection for a safety band or harness line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an elevator device that includes a pair of jaw members wherein one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other jaw member for securing a portion of the building frame such as a girder. or a column. A support member extends away from the pair of jaws to provide a base for a user on which the user can stand while working on the building frame, or used to climb the beam at 1 or column. The weight of the user creates a moment force on the jaw members which increases the clamping force of the jaw members on the beam in 1 or column to further secure the elevator device in place. The jaw members may include grip improving members that rise from the opposite faces of the jaw members to improve the grip function of the jaw members on the beam in 1 or column. A jaw assembly is provided that preferably includes a "U" shaped block having a movable jaw member disposed between the "U" leg portions of the jaw assembly. The movable jaw can be positioned so as to adjust the spacing between the jaw members and comprises a slide member which is fixed to the "U" shaped portion by an adjusting screw and at least one guide pin. The second jaw member comprises a leg of the "U" shaped portion of the jaw assembly, so that the movable jaw member can be moved with respect to the stationary jaw member by the adjusting screw. Extending from the jaw assembly is the body of the elevator device, which includes a support surface that can be used as a foot hold by the construction worker to provide a platform to stand on once the elevator device is clamped on a beam in 1 or column. The body of the device also includes a spring-deflected lever mechanism for varying the spacing between the jaws by controlling the position of a piston member passing from the body of the elevator device through the second jaw member and ending at a point adjacent to the first jaw member. By tightening the handle portion of the lever mechanism the piston member moves away from the first jaw member, to allow the user to place the elevator device on a portion of the beam in 1 or column, between the two jaw members. Releasing the handle of the lever mechanism moves the piston back towards the first jaw member to clamp the elevator device towards the beam at 1 between the jaw members. It is contemplated that the first jaw member includes a plurality of raised, hardened steel points that improve the clamping function of the elevator device "biting" toward the steel once the lever mechanism is released. In a second embodiment, it is contemplated that the piston member terminates in the movable jaw, so that as the handle is tightened, the movable jaw moves away from the stationary jaw to increase the spacing between the jaws to allow the user to hold onto a beam in 1 or column. In this case, both opposite faces of the jaw members preferably include the grip improvement points, so that as the lever mechanism is released, the piston moves the first jaw towards the second jaw to allow the points of improvement of grip "bite" towards the beam in 1 or column. The elevator device of the present invention is further contemplated for use with a safety device, such as a strap or a harness, and includes an eyelet for connection to said device. The safety harness would be used by the construction worker and would include at least one of the lift devices, so that the worker would only hold onto the beam in 1 or column quickly and safely by squeezing the lever / handle mechanism to open the jaws and then release the lever / handle mechanism to close the jaws. In such an embodiment, the support member, which is used as a foot hold, can be removed from the device to facilitate carrying the device in the harness. In said device, the jaw assembly fits directly into the palm of the worker's hand. A plunger mechanism can take the place of the lever to move the piston member to vary the space between the jaws. By depressing the plunger the piston moves away from the first jaw to allow the user to hold onto the beam at 1. In this embodiment, a belt connects the elevator device to a belt or harness used by the user, thus reducing the chances of a fall of the worker in case of an accidental slip. The lift device can be carried by the user when not in use by fixing the belt or harness through any appropriate connection, for example, a hook-and-loop fabric connection. The elevator device of the present invention can be used to attach to any building structure, such as the frame of a building under construction, a bridge frame for general construction work and general maintenance, finished structures such as warehouses and other buildings that have joist or beam racks in 1, and the like. The elevator device is used to provide a foot retention to the user, and an element to fix the user, through a belt arrangement, to the structure to reduce the possibility of a fall through accidental slip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These features and other features of the present invention will become more readily apparent as they are described in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the elevator device of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a side elevation view of the elevator device of Figure 1; Figure 2A illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the jaw mechanism of the elevator device of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a top plan view of the elevator device, taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 4 illustrates a rear elevation view of the elevator device, taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 2; Figure 5 illustrates a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, showing the operation of the elevator device of Figure 1; Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the elevator device in use, fixed to a beam in 1 of a building frame; and Figure 7 illustrates in a side elevational view of a further embodiment of the elevator device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Turning now to the drawings, in which the same reference numbers identify similar or identical elements through the various views, the elevator device of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. The device 10 is preferably constructed of a metallic material, such as steel, in order to support the weight of a person using the device and to prevent damage to the device during use. However, other suitable materials having a high impact strength or hardness may be used.

The lift device, as seen in Figure 1, includes a jaw assembly 12 constructed of a "U" shaped frame 14 in which one of the legs of the "U" shaped frame defines a second member 16. of jaw while a first movable jaw 18 is provided within the frame 14 in a "U" shape as shown. The first movable jaw member 18 can be moved to adjust the spacing 19 between the first and second jaw members, and as shown in Figure 1, moves through the provision of an adjustment handle 20 that rotates the screw. 22 adjustment. The movable jaw 18 advances along guide pins 24, so that the distance between the first jaw member 18 and the second jaw member 16 can be varied to accommodate the varying sizes of construction frames, in particular girders 1. or columns. Once the spacing 19 is adjusted, the device 10 can be secured to the building frame in a manner as described below. The second jaw member 16 preferably includes an opening through which a movable piston member 26 passes. The piston member 26 is connected to the body support member 28 through the provision of the bolt 29. The support member 28 extends generally perpendicular to the first and second jaw members generally parallel, and the support member 28 includes preferably the foot support plate 30 to provide foot retention for a user. The standing plate 30 may include a plurality of grip members 32 to reduce the possibility of sliding when a user is standing on the elevator device. A back plate 34 may be provided to prevent the user's foot from slipping off the rear end of the support member during use. After the spacing 19 is adjusted, the elevator device can be fixed to the beam at 1 by moving the piston member 26 away from the first jaw member 18. A lever member 36 including a lever handle 44 is provided. As stated in the above, the piston member 26 is secured to the support member 28 through the bolt 29. The lever handle 44 is secured to the support member 28 through the provision of the spring link 38 and lever link 40 which serve to pivot the support member 28 around the bolt 39 when the lever handle 44 moves towards the support member 28. The links 38 and 40 extend to the damping spring assembly 42 in a manner that will be described later. The elevator device may include a strap attaching portion 46 having an eyelet 48 for connection to a strap line, such as a cord or other "safety device." It is also contemplated that the eyelet 48 may be connected to a strap that finally it is connected to a harness or belt worn by the user.The elevator device, once connected to the construction frame, will not be released until the lever handle 44 moves again by pressing in the direction towards the support member 28 , to uncouple the piston member 26 from the beam in 1. Consequently, in the event that a person using the elevator device "slides and falls, the strap passing through the eye 48 and attached to the user's body will reduce the possibility of a free fall. Turning now to Figure 2, the device 10 is shown in a rest position in which the lever handle 44 is in a position away from the support member 28. In this position, the piston member 26 extends through the face of the second jaw member 16 as shown, and will eventually cooperate with the grip enhancement points 52 projecting from the face of the first jaw member 18. The adjusting screw 20 is preferably spring-biased by the adjusting spring 21, so that the adjustment screw 22 only moves during manual rotation of the handle 20. In use, as best seen in Figure 5, the user rotates the handle 20 in the direction of the arrow "A" to move the first jaw 18 along the guide pins 24 in the direction of the arrow "B" to the second jaw member 16. Once the spacing 19 is adjusted, the user will squeeze the lever handle 44 in the direction of arrow "C" to cause the support member 28 to rotate in the "D" direction around the bolt 39. As it occurs this, the piston member 26 is attracted in the direction of the arrow "E" and in effect increases the space 19 with respect to the points of improvement of grip. When the lever handle 44 moves in the direction of arrow "C", the links 38 and 40 cause the damping piston 54 to extend in the direction of the arrow "F" against the deflection of the damping spring 56 of the damping spring assembly 42, until the user releases lever handle 44. When the handle is released, the elevator device returns to the position shown in Figure 2, and a portion of the beam in 1 or column is clamped between the piston member 26 and the grip enhancing points 52. 52 of preferably improving grip are constructed of a hardened steel material which in effect "bite" towards the beam in 1 or column to hold the beam in 1 or column between the jaw members 18 and 16. As seen in FIG. Figure 6, once the elevator device is placed on the beam 60 in 1, the user can step on the supporting foot plate 30 of the support member 26, which creates a downward force in the direction of the arrow "H Referring to Figure 2, this causes the support member 28 to rotate in the left-hand direction around the bolt 39 and further forces the piston member 26 through the face of the second jaw member 16 to provide a force higher over the beam in 1. Additionally, the downward "H" force, as seen in Figure 6, creates a moment force in the direction of the arrow "" G "which drives the grip improving points 52 towards the beam 60 in 1 with greater force to hold the elevator device in place. Figures 3 and 4, the links 38 and 40 are arranged on both sides of the support member 28. Although this is shown in the present embodiment, it is also contemplated that a single link for each of the links 38 and 40 may be used, if desired, Figure 2A "illustrates an alternative embodiment of the jaw mechanism of the elevator device. In Figure 2A, the elevator device 100 includes a jaw assembly 102 in which the first movable jaw member 106 is secured directly to the piston member 114. In this device, the second jaw 108 is part of the "U" shaped frame 104 as described with respect to Figure 1 above. The first jaw member 106 moves along with the piston member 114 along the guide pins 112, and it is contemplated that both jaw members may include the grip enhancement points 110 as shown. The device of Figure 2A operates in a similar manner to that described above with respect to Figure 2 except that squeezing the handle 44 of lever mechanism 36 lever the member 114 piston is attracted, and consequently the first member 106 jaw in a direction away from the second jaw member 108. Releasing lever handle 44 moves the first jaw member 106 toward the second jaw member 108 to clamp the elevator device 100 to a beam in 1 or column, similar to that as described above.

Figure 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the elevator device in accordance with the present invention. The elevator device 200 includes a jaw mechanism 202 that is similar to that described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2. the jaw mechanism 202 is part of a frame 204 that includes the jaw mechanism and the mechanism for driving the jaws . It is contemplated that the elevator device 200 is sized to fit within a user's hand to allow rapid deployment of the device by the construction worker using the device. The jaw mechanism 202 includes a first movable jaw 206 and a second stationary jaw 208 that are constructed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2. The end member 210 is part of the frame assembly 204, and retains the rotation handle 212 that allows adjustable movement of the first jaw 206 along the guide pins 213. The rotation of the handle 212 moves the first jaw 206 to adjust the spacing 209 between the first jaw 206 and the second jaw 208. The drive mechanism includes a plunger member 214 which is secured to the frame 204 and is movable relative to the frame. to the frame on ts 222. The drive mechanism includes link members 216 and 218 that during movement of plunger member 214 in the direction of arrow "M", causes piston member 224 to move in the direction of the arrow "N" against the deflection of the spring member 223. As this occurs, the face of the piston member 224 moves out of the spacing 209 between the jaw members 206 and 208, thereby enabling the attachment of the elevator device 200 to a beam in 1 of a building frame. When the plunger mechanism 214 is released, the link members 216 and 218 cause the plunger to move back to the position shown in Figure 7 to hold a portion of the construction frame such as the beam at 1 at the spacing 209 between the face of the plunger 224 and the grip enhancing points 225 in the first jaw member 206. In use, it is contemplated that the elevator device 200 includes some fastening means, such as a hook and loop fastener arrangement to allow the user to carry the device 200 elevator by fixing it to a belt or waistcoat on the user's body.A band or rope is connected from the harness or belt worn by the user through the ojet 226. When the user wishes to connect to a portion of the construction, the elevator device 200 is separated from the belt or harness, and held in the palm of a user's hand. The plunger member 214 is then depressed in the direction of arrow "M" to increase the spacing 209 between the jaw members, and then the plunger member 214 is released to clamp the beam at 1 between the face of the limb member 224. piston and grip enhancing points 225. The user is connected to the beam in 1 through the provision of eyelet 226 which is attached to the harness or belt (not shown). With the elevator device 200 held in place in the construction frame, user safety is ensured through the provision of the strap connected to the eye and the user's harness or belt. In case the user slips or accidentally falls, the strap will reduce the possibility of a free fall through the provision of the unique safety mechanism of the elevator device 200. This safety mechanism includes a pivotable arm 228 that will pivot in the direction of arrow "M" to engage the piston block 230. As this occurs, the piston is propelled in the direction of the arrow "M" thus tightening the device as it is connected to the beam at 1 and preventing its sliding or removal. In this way, the weight of the user serves to improve the holding capacity of the elevator device 200 to the construction frame. Even though the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made in form and detail therein without abandoning the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, modifications such as those suggested above, but not limited thereto, should be considered within the scope of the invention.

Claims (33)

1. - An elevator device for attachment to a building frame, comprising: first and second jaw members having opposite faces, substantially parallel, and a support member extending substantially perpendicular to the opposite faces of the jaw members, so that the jaw members are spaced apart to accommodate a portion of a building frame to secure the support member to the building frame.

2. An elevator device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other of the jaw members to adjust the spacing between the opposite faces.

3. An elevator device according to claim 1, wherein the support member comprises a footboard platform to accommodate at least one foot of a user standing on the footboard, so that the user's weight creates a moment force. on the opposite sides to hold the construction frame.

4. - An elevator device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the opposite faces includes improved grip members raised to facilitate fastening to the building frame.

5. An elevator device according to claim 2, further comprising an element for moving one of the jaw members with respect to the other of the jaw members.

6. An elevator device according to claim 1, further comprising a reciprocable piston member associated with one of the jaw members for adjusting the spacing between the jaw members.

7. An elevator device according to claim 6, further comprising a lever mechanism for moving the piston member, the lever mechanism being spring deflected.

8. An elevator device according to claim 6, wherein the piston member passes through one of the jaw members and terminates on an opposite face a and substantially parallel to the face of the other of the jaw members for fastening between them to the construction frame.

9. An elevator device according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the jaw members includes raised grip improving members, the grip improving members and the piston member cooperating to hold the construction frame.

10. An elevator device according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the jaw members includes adjustment elements for moving the jaw member with respect to the other jaw member.

11. A lifting device according to claim 6, wherein the piston member is secured to the first jaw member, so that the movement of the piston member moves the first jaw member with respect to the second jaw member. jaw.

12. An elevator device according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the jaw members includes raised improvement members to facilitate holding the construction frame.

13. An elevator device according to claim 12, wherein the second jaw member includes adjustment elements for moving the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member.

14. - An elevator device according to claim 1, further comprising a connection point for a security device.

15. A fastening device for construction frames, comprising: first and second jaw members having opposed, substantially parallel faces, a piston member associated with the second jaw member and movable to vary the spacing between the jaws. opposite faces, and an element for moving the piston member, so that the jaw members are spaced apart to accommodate a portion of a construction frame, the construction frame portion being clamped between the piston member and the first jaw member.

16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the piston member passes through an opening in the second jaw member and ends adjacent to the face of the first jaw member, the piston member cooperating with the first jaw member for clamping the construction frame portion

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the face of the first jaw member includes raised grab improvement members, the raised limbs and the piston member. cooperating to hold the construction frame portion

18. A device according to claim 15, wherein the piston member is secured to the second jaw member, so that the element for moving the piston member moves to the second. jaw member for varying the spacing between the jaw members

19. A device according to claim 18, wherein at least One of the faces of the first and second jaw members includes raised grip enhancement members to facilitate fastening of the construction frame portion.

20. A device according to claim 15, further comprising an adjustment element for moving the first jaw member with respect to the second jaw member to adjust the spacing between the opposing faces of the jaw members.

21. A device according to claim 15, wherein the element for moving the piston member comprises a spring-biased lever mechanism.

22. A device according to claim 15, further comprising a support member extending from the first and second jaw members to allow a user to stand on the device, so that the weight of the user creates a force for the moment on the opposite faces of the jaw members to hold the construction frame portion.

23. A device according to claim 15, further comprising a connection point for a security device.

24. An elevator device for attachment to a construction frame, comprising: first and second jaw members having opposed, substantially parallel faces, the first jaw member being movable with respect to the second jaw member to adjust the spacing between the opposite faces, the second jaw member having a passage through at least the face of the second jaw member, a movable piston member disposed in the passageway and extending beyond the face of the second jaw member in a direction towards the face of the first jaw member, and a support member extending substantially perpendicular to the opposite parallel faces of the first and second jaw members, so that the jaw members are spaced apart to accommodate a portion of a frame of construction, the construction frame portion being clamped between the piston member and the first member or gag.

25. An elevator device according to claim 24, wherein the support member comprises a foot retention for a user, so that the weight of the user creates a moment force on the opposite faces of the jaw members for hold the construction frame portion.

26. An elevator device according to claim 24, further comprising raised grip enhancing members extending from the face of the first jaw member, the raised members and the piston cooperating to hold the construction frame portion.

27. An elevator device according to claim 24, further comprising a lever mechanism for effecting the movement of the piston member. the lever mechanism being deflected by spring.

28. - An elevator device for fixing to a construction frame, comprising: a releasable element for holding a portion of the construction frame, an element for actuating the releasable fastening element, and an element for fixing the elevator device to a user.

29. An elevator device according to claim 28, further comprising a support element for supporting a user, the support element extending from the releasable fastening element.

30. An elevator device according to claim 28, wherein the fastening element comprises a pair of gripping member to be fixed to the construction frame portion, at least one of the gripping members being movable with respect to the other .

31. An elevator device according to claim 28, wherein the actuating element comprises a lever spring-deflected. 32.- An elevator device according to claim 28, wherein the element for fixing the elevator device to a user includes a line of - 21 belt . 33.- An elevator device according to claim 32, further comprising a harness to be used by the user.