SE543485C2 - Lifting arrangement for a cargo area of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A lifting arrangement (1) for a cargo area of a vehicle (100) and a use for such a lifting arrangement is provided. The lifting arrangement (1) comprises: a base frame (10) comprising a first longitudinal bar (11a, 11b); and a lifting member (20) arranged pivotably to said first longitudinal bar (11a) about a first rotational axis (A), a first linking member (30a) comprising a first (31a) and a second longitudinal link bar (32a), wherein a first longitudinal end portion of each link bar (31a, 32a) are pivotably arranged to one another, and wherein a second longitudinal end portion of the first link bar (31 a) is arranged pivotably to the first longitudinal bar (11a) of the base frame (10) and wherein a second longitudinal end portion of the second link bar (32a) is arranged pivotably to the lifting member (20); wherein a translation of the first interlinking point (Pa) relative the base frame (10) causes the lifting member (20) to rotate relative the base frame (10) between a first position and a second position.

Description

LIFTING ARRANGEMENT FOR A CARGO AREA OF A VEHICLE Technical FieldThe present disclosure relates to a lifting arrangement for a cargo area of avehicle, and in particular to a lifting arrangement for a cargo area of a van.

BackgroundPresently, a lifting arrangement may conveniently be placed in cargo areas of vehicle for portable use. Such a lifting arrangement may facilitate lifting of objects inconnection to a transport of said objects, either into the cargo area or out of thecargo. However, such lifting arrangement are often associated with a set ofproblems. Either they take up a considerable amount of space of the cargo area,thereby reducing the size of an object to be transported, or an amount of a plurality ofobjects. Alternatively, such lifting arrangements are constructed to be smaller andthinner to increase the available space for objects to be transported, consequently atthe cost ofdurability and maximal lifting force.

Hence, there is a need to provide a lifting arrangement which facilitates liftingof objects, which lifting arrangement makes efficient use of available space of saidcargo area, and which lifting arrangement is capable of lifting heavy objects whilebeing durable.

Summarylt is an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution that alleviates the mentioned drawbacks with present solutions. Furthermore, it is anobject to provide a lifting arrangement for a cargo area of a vehicle, and in particular,a lifting arrangement for a cargo area of a van.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the lifting arrangement rzoragwrtaaa a baaa fraofa rxorrfortatffft a firat taaattutttrfaš bar axtarftftrfft atorfo a fortttštottšffatošratztštsrt” a tàttšfta rrfamtsar aarttaršašrto a firat tfortšorf aortttattratt to ba tzoaašatt to artobšaat to tsa rtfovao arta a aaoooo aortšosf arraræaatt ošvotatsšxr to aašo ftrat toaattuotrwafbar ttbattt a rotattoaat :arraoaaa straff that fàrat rotatšorfiaš stats: iaatsoatartttaštxf oaroartošoatar to tfta tortošttzošrfat ošraottorfi: a firat ššrfkšrto raarrrbaf' aoroartašrfo a firat arta a aaaorso toooštttotrfat Ešrrk bar. xatftssratst a ftrat tanaätutftrffaš ara' aartiaff af Ešai: ara aivtfistaaixf arraaaaa ta arta arfiathar ta aivat aaasat šataraaatiaa axia, tharaav aafëaiaa a firat iatarišaiašaa aašat aatafaaa taa firat aaaaaaaatzï išrtk bar saiaaa tha iaåaraaaåifwa saxša. xixftzarašr: tha šrztaraaatirfa axia iasaastaatiaiiv aaraišai ta tha firat ratatiarzai xaharaia a aaaaswa šaaaitibiašswaš aad:startšaa af tha fšraå šiak tzsär ia :arraaaea a-ivatëabšv ta taa tirsst iaaaàttiafirwzaš bar* af *åtta aaaafsaraa wvitarašr: a aaaaaa Earfiaitaašaai aad aartšasw af tha saaarfia aar arraaaaïš aivataaiv ta tha šiftiiwa awaraaar: xaaawaisw a traasiatšaa aftha firat iritariiakiswaaašat :aiatšva taa aaaa 'íraraa aaaaaa taa šiftifta raamaar ta raiata raiatixfa åtta *aaaatraafia a firat aasätiar aaa a aaaaaa aaaitiaiw aharaatairšzaa av ttirtaaraaraariašrwa a 'first aataiatšrta aaviaa artaaaaa ašvataaitif ta tha iiwtarišrwkšrwa aašrwt at' thafirat iiswkiswa aweataer, xaherašiw tha traasšatiaiw aftha šiwtasriiakiaa aaiat Es aataataa av thaftast saatazatiaa aavšaa. xixfaarašr: åtta aattatšrta aavšaa tsšvatzaaiv tarrrmaaa ta a firataratraašasw taa aasa trama ta aivat a aivat aaiat atfaat ataav fram tha firat iaa* štašašrtaai a: -iaaa-štaa-šaai-a-šifaatiaaag"a--išftšagg»-aaaaaëaaa-aaaæasfišaèæaa--a-ššsfiat-aaatšaa--aaiašiggai»faa--ëa--aaaauafaff ta aa aíüaït ta a: äšftsa aaa a *asaaa aartäaa arsarfif; “vi atahïgf ta aaša fira* m' v iaraaitaaiaaaè-aaa--aaaast-a-=íiifatafatatiaiaaiaaet-šaï-aififaaaaa-aaaa-taa»é-taa-=iïšifat-aatatiaraai- aaraaifiaéraa-a-<šïšraë-aiflëa--a--aaaaiflëa--iaaa-šteaišiaai--i-šraa--aar-í-afèaaraaa-a-fisfaaë-iaaaaitaaiaaE--aawçmfšišfxní a? -v-'w Mia šin if ifxfl v* f: m* ruta: if' Éx ' »wars fwmnü šk-m faüfršffc* f* tifa-Mfrtëxv' šnra f: v!!! \ man ai Mai sv L~ _; mi.> ~< w_ u. iištiafi--rßraa,az~aaefïaaiaasfaia--a--tsfaaaaiatéa-æa-aš--ttzfa--fšifa-ïs--šeat-saaaaèaraa-ftaa-š-.at--efaia»ëiaa--tèaa-aaaa “F-"nrwafi vvs: :tvärs 'taxa Éiåtšwrw sflvszflri-aiwmw *m rniwyifa rmimå-isrn 'Ham tex-äran wfrfwwflsrfl hahawxflafl f: “Fšvsflë.lKÄn-É \c'KÄ \n' När -ÉÉ .l-i. :ii iii v' Kn' Ü \ -KÄ ß' n i \ YLO -Üi QÉ~\.\J' i ÅÉÉÉ »Y o' “WG v' i KÄ :ii ï-Ü aaaètèair-a-ar-:a-a--aaaaraa-aaašeëiaav-íïiïaa-iéraaéraa-aaairataar--»faaa--aa-asfiftaaaaa--ta-»ëiaa-aa-aa -tåaa--fštfat--ifata-tiaaaai--axiaa One advantage of the Iifting arrangement is that the first linking memberprovides further support between the Iifting member and the base frame. Thisenhances the durability of the Iifting arrangement when subjected to stresses due tothe experienced weight of an object Iifted, moved or suspended in mid-air. Further,the first Iongitudinal bar may be configured to be arranged closer to one inner wall side of the cargo area. The first and second portion of the lifting member may be twoportions of a single solid component. The first and second portion of the liftingmember may be two separate components arranged fixedly to one another. Thesecond portion may have a substantially longitudinal shape extending away from saidrotationa| connection to the base frame. The second portion may extendperpendicular relative the first rotationa| axis from the base frame. The first portionmay have a shape suitable for allowing coupling of objects to the lifting member. Thefirst portion of the lifting member may also have a longitudinal shape. The first portionof the lifting member may extend away from the second portion at an opposite end ofthe second portion rotatably arranged to the base frame. The first portion and thesecond portion may be arranged substantially perpendicular to one another. Thelifting member may be substantially L-shaped or T-shaped.

A further advantage of the lifting arrangement is that it may occupy less spaceof the cargo area of a vehicle than conventional lifting arrangements. This makes itpossible for larger objects or greater amounts of cargo may be stored. A furtheradvantage is that the lifting arrangement is realized with a structural design suitablein any vehicle having a cargo area, for instance a van. This, however, does not limitthe invention to be used in such a vehicle. The lifting arrangement may also bearranged in the cargo area of any vehicle, for instance a trailer.

Further, the lifting arrangement is not limited to lifting objects into and out of acargo area of a vehicle for transport. The lifting arrangement may also allow lifting ofobjects not intended to be transported in said cargo area. For instance, the liftingarrangement may be used to lift heavy objects such as manhole covers, cables, andfallen trees. The lifting arrangement, being portable when in use, may convenientlyprovide the required lifting force to lift heavy objects.

According to one embodiment, wherein the base frame of the liftingarrangement comprises a second longitudinal bar arranged parallel to the firstlongitudinal bar, wherein the lifting member comprises a third portion arrangedpivotably to said second longitudinal bar also about the first rotationa| axis. By havinga second longitudinal bar arranged parallel to the first longitudinal bar, the liftingarrangement may be supported more securely when moving or suspending objects.The second longitudinal bar may allow stresses throughout the lifting arrangement tobe distributed in a more desirable manner. The first and second longitudinal bar mayconveniently be placed at an offset relative each other, such that a wide gap exist between them. This gap may be wide enough such that objects may be moved, andpossibly placed, within said gap. Hence, when the lifting arrangement comprising thesecond longitudinal bar is arranged in a cargo area, the available cargo space is onlymarginally reduced.

According to a further embodiment, wherein the ššftšfto sattehoetheftt tzorootšeeoe eeootto Ešhkšho tttethoet. tšte seoooo tthkšho rhethbet' oohtotteštfio itirst etto o seoottoiohoitoošhot tirtk het oshetešo a tštet šoooštttotrtat eod oortioet of eeoh Ešhk ere ošvotebštf ettehoeo to one ettothet to ošvot about tšte štttetseotštto thetehv oettstšho o eeoooo totettifiwttiiwt; ooifitt oehoeseit the titet eho eeooho Ešol: har ešoht; theštttereeottho tatto tftfhetešh e eeootto Eohošttzošttet eho oottštiwrt of tštet Ešhk her Esertertoetš oivotehtv to the eeoosto tooottttdtstoš ot the oaee tteroe ehd »where-ih seooooï tortoàtttttšrtzaš erto' oottioh ot the eeootttt tthk her ie :atttertoetï tthfottaâottf to ~ iåwcíråmrw -rww-fifafomnvv: 'wei- .fwmmwvxriøm f: *afmflwxfi Éšræi Emo: Vvxn-fiflßrts* Hmmv!!! kv: !!\,i tvi !!\,I' K leo; !\,i SQ ii i ii :Jšiii !!i».> S, il ššttiot; tttetoherftx U -e--íštfet--iotflttg-šteso-šoet--etfito--eevtfttee--otë-oeoh--š-šett-eotfl-e-tfie--gïttttote-eiy-etffetfitoeo-to--otte-e-tfitotëtetfl; Hwmrfihsf fiafiminrw f: csrnflwrvå åafltnrišsfwïvšsfwm swmšvw* fsmri ut harrfim f* nwmsflwrë Énnrwïšizråïsflsfii mßvšili v' \i* .y \pl Gl I. á Kai är i > IKÅ l-K-On iinl ii .šj P5.iin\$ KÄ \vi Y s' i fl KM J ii i' á i KÄ ii i o' \Ji eet-'ttee--ot--the-tteet--iittk--eet--te-eefefetteete-tst-itflotteeše--te--ttte--eeeette-toeeitttottteš-teetf-et--ttte etter-teee--eteeteotyfl--te-the--šttïtiee-etettteee; By having a second linking member, thelifting member is further supported when coupled to objects to be lifted, moved orsuspended in mid-air.

According to a further embodiment, wherein the first and the second linkingmember of the lifting arrangement are arranged such that the interlinking points arealigned evtttt-teeoeet--te-et-t-so thot the intersecting axis teteteeetit-te--štttereeote both points, .:.::..g,i t. .i By having the first and second interlinking points being substantially aligned withrespect to said intersecting axis, the first and second linking member may supportstresses experienced by the lifting arrangement equally.

According to a further embodiment, wherein the base frame of the liftingarrangement comprises a slide configured to engage with a longitudinal bar andallowing said longitudinal bar to move linearly along the longitudinal direction. Byhaving said slide, the lifting arrangement may be linearly moved in said cargo area inorder to facilitate moving objects in and out of said cargo area. Further, said slidemay allow the rotational center of the lifting member to be moved outside of the cargo area. This may extend the reach of the lifting arrangement, thereby facilitatingmoving objects into and out of said cargo area.

According to a further embodiment, wherein a linking member of the liftingarrangement comprises a supporting link member, wherein a first longitudinal endportion of the supporting link member is pivotably arranged to the first link bar, andwherein a second longitudinal end portion of the supporting link member is arrangedwith a longitudinal slot provided on a longitudinal bar of the base frame of the liftingarrangement. By having a supporting link member, the stresses experienced by thelifting member may be distributed more easily. Further, it may also make the liftingarrangement even more stable.

According to a further embodiment, wherein the second longitudinal endportion of the supporting link member of the lifting arrangement comprises a gearprovided with cogs at least along a portion of the circumferential side of said gear,wherein said cogs are configured to engage with corresponding grooves on a slide ofthe base frame of the lifting arrangement. Hence, when the lifting member is rotatedabout the first rotational axis relative the base frame, the supporting link member isconsequently moved, thereby causing the gear to move relative the slide such thatthe lifting arrangement is translated relative the slide. By having a gear connecting tosaid slide, it may make the lifting arrangement even more stable. Further, the gearallows the lifting arrangement to be translated into, and out of, a cargo area as thelifting member rotates about the first rotational axis.

Accordino to one emioodšmeiwt the Eëftiiid eittertdeniesit cornodeee e eecond:tciitetšito tietfice ttdettoett ošvtytšatßštf to :to šrtterššntzšoo toošnt ot e išiiidiio ttienttser.ttfttetešit ot" en šittettšokšoo oešot ie ecioeted et: the second ectdeiiitddevice. ttstteitešitt the eeeood ectdetšitto device ie ošvoteoitf *tttteottetš to secondotetroeioit the oeee iienie to oivot eooot oivctt ooint eiteet ewev 'ítortt tiie secondšoogitttdistei ber.

According to a further embodiment, wherein the first portion of the liftingmember of the lifting arrangement is arranged pivotably to the second portion and/orthe third portion of said lifting member titftterešrt iiftirio ttriertoeitiettå forttietcornorieee e ttitd endifor e. todnïit ectoetittd device ettentied oivoteoittf tite iiretoottititt ttod second oodšiort oi iiftirio ntenioet tftfitereitt en ectttetšoit estidtitird eitdiot' 'íootttt ecioetšito dexfice rotetee iite 'iiret oortiott ett tite Eštiiitd ttiemoer itetetive the second eoriioii oi tne iiitiiwt; snernbet oettfveeo e first eoeitioiw end e aatzana taaštšan. By having the first portion of the lifting member being pivotable to the second and/or the third portion, the maneuverability of the lifting arrangement isfurther enhanced. This may for instance allow the lifting member to be steered closerto an object to be lifted or suspended. Further, it allows the lifting member to moreaccurately place objects at desirable locations. Finally, it allows the liftingarrangement to reach objects more easily, so that the vehicle does not need to berepositioned. tät; havänt: tha thtrtt ar tattntw antttatšnn tïatfttza arranaan aa aaah. thatttanatsxfarahtššttf tha tštttnn sttattttaat' ia ttnnrtsvad. Farthas". 'tha thšta ar tatsrttt aatuatšna rnatf aravštša tnataaatësd títšvšnn tatna tn tacštttata tšttšstta at aaaaanatan haavšar atíaata. ägt least one linking member ofthe lifting arrangement fitgflcomprisea a third link bar wherein a first longitudinal endportion of the third link bar is pivotably arranged to an interlinking point of the linkingmember, and wherein a second longitudinal end portion of the third link bar isarranged pivotably to the first portion of lifting member of the lifting arrangement. Thismay further improve the stability of the lifting arrangement.

According to a further embodiment, aat-tatatn--tha-tttïttaa-atftftaaaatttaat-aatttatftaaaiat least first ara aatxana actuating device jšlpivotably attraswtgaatastšttkštt š-Wfarw t-'wš-Énfa mi: fem åwt- rtšvwtfšvxre vxfxšvxt 5:* flwvh »rwtrtfš ífx f :HWÉN fet'- iw-“twš- *Errat- -fwfiš-z hwfirvw Nät Éfiw ggK! KJ! Ä \\f l ii !K\,-Vl Kil! 15 thus F: !íl\ l \4'\\.v!§.\\ \Å LJ! i Ä flu' \ÅK !l \ \4'\\.v!\Ã !\§ SQÜ fl-'šf Q to an tatataat-taaattt-ta--tn point of åtta tata linking memberï--tfttttatfaštt--a ttnat tha at šattat ana taattttttàtta ttavtaa ia tzaatataa šrt--hatafaart tha tttrat ana aatztsttttšanattttašstat har at" firat tšttkštta tnattthat". By having at least a first actuating device,the lifting arrangement may move and suspend heavier objects otherwise too heavywhen manually operated. Further, the at least first actuating device may be operatedremotely. .aaaaratag-ta-a-tatthaa-atatataattaaatï-ahatata--aåaid at least first actuatingdevice nnajg arranged pivotably to the first or second longitudinal bar. By havingthe at least first actuating device arranged to the first or second longitudinal bar, theportability of the lifting arrangement is enhanced.

Atmarttttta to a tittttttar attthattttttant at taaat ana »at a tittat ana aaaarttt aatatatšrtaaavttza ta nantšattratt ta ha naaratatt ratnatattf. tïtttztzatttšttn ta a “íarthatt attwh-atttttttattt. šštttrta tarnartaarnattt tttrtttar aarnanaaaattanhtnastt rnaasta 'tw aactstahf attaattštta tha tratna ta ttaar at tha santa ara-a at' aattt tfattnattst àeeeeàšitgg--te--a--íesrätter-etwaestimeefetasterešiä--tiäe-lištiitgj-tarraiflëgåenteitt--eemgsirises f: Hfiiwfš är' Fn: :s-“rïw -rwmš-i :fsfråmrw rinxfåm- famflfwxm m4 n 5 mífifaifxix: š-m Fran fårrßš' Vxmwtšm-w fnmwš Här;KÄ MÉÉ !\Å KJ' ÉMÉÉ É,.\\4'\ KJ l kv: I V \4'\p' KJ §5\j\\\ F! uKJ luv K\l K!! l K ES; i i !! Kflí \Å uÉÉ \~ \ š-iíæviimy*-the-tfailed--er-šeesåh--:set-zeiating--desiee--arreiflëgåetš--as--suehï--the-iiflteiaeeseeifebiiity-eš*Ewe lifting; :wferffibër i šitztepre=red. šïfurtitzer, the third nr *1 ffuntirff; drsxfëffie mayjssesieše-inereased--eštflisiteg-ieree--te-=fasiiitate-iiftšiigg--er--seseeesieit-eiï-ifeaviesf-eiajests-f According to a further embodiment, wherein at least one of said first or secondactuating device is a mechanical actuator such as a servomotor, a stepper motor, apneumatic or hydraulic cylinder arrangement. Such actuating devices may improvedurability and driving force of the lifting arrangement, while still being relatively lightweight.

According to a further embodiment, wherein the lifting member comprises atleast one suspension element configured to be coupled to an object to be lifted. Byhaving at least one suspension element, lifting is facilitated. Furthermore, it mayimprove coupling to objects to be lifted, moved or suspended in mid-air. Suchsuspension elements may be hooks, loops, clamping devices or suspensionelements of the like. The lifting arrangement may comprise any number ofsuspension elements to facilitate lifting, either by allowing multiple objects to be liftedsimultaneously or to provide more coupling points for a heavier object to beconnected to. fiilhe base frame fiymcomprisesa telescopic bar, comprising an inner bar and an outer bar, wherein said telescopicbar arranged in a transversal direction relative the first longitudinal bar, saidtelescopic bar being extendable in said transversal direction. Said telescopic bar maybe arranged to the first longitudinal bar. The telescopic bar may be configured toprovide further support to the lifting arrangement. By having a telescopic bar, thestability of the lifting arrangement may be further improved. The extendabletransversal bar may be adjusted to fit any cargo area. The inner or outer bar of thetelescopic bar may be arranged fixedly to the first longitudinal bar. lf the liftingarrangement comprises a second longitudinal bar, an inner bar may be arrangedfixedly to one of the first or second longitudinal bar while the outer bar of thetelescopic bar is arranged fixedly to the other of the first or second longitudinal bar.

Further, the lifting arrangement may comprise a plurality of telescopic bars. Aplurality of these may be arranged in between the first and second longitudinal bar.Hence, the distance between the first and second longitudinal bar may be adjusted.This is advantageous, as the Iongitudinal bars may be adjusted to be arranged inclose proximity of two opposing side walls of a cargo area of a vehicle, for instance avan.

The second and third portions of the lifting member may also comprisetelescopic bars. The first portion may also comprise telescopic bars. Either telescopicbars may improve the reach of the lifting member.

Further, the base frame telescopic bars and the lifting member telescopic barsmay both be maneuvered using corresponding actuating devices. These may be remote controlled. Åflßrv-*fšå-wrw frn Pi :wnfvxvwfl fwfivvnrfl* mi: Hw- šrw :wmš-Éwm :www m? fw iÉFš-ïmm fiwr-"v-'vw- narin?I \ ä v' !\Å !!\ v' !! \Åš;.,> än l l \lv il íßß \\,$' a \J i K Kli í\j RÃil !!\ \.vllí Éi -xßait-,--ès-«gi=>ife\fflštåedaAccording to a tlsirsëfsecoiwd aspect of the invention, a *var for transportšng rttatsrial Es WFQxršdQd. the-inventionast-avitä-es-a-vart-ter--ïeifanspertirfi-na:stark-sä- van comprises a lifting » .w w arrangement, according to first as *act of the šntfentior: or anv embodiments therecf arranged in said cargo area.

The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, withembodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the followingdescription and in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawinds The invention will in the following be described in more detail with reference tothe enclosed drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a side view of the lifting arrangement according to oneembodiment of the present invention when arranged in a vehicle; Fig. 2 shows a side view of the lifting arrangement according to oneembodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the lifting arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the lifting arrangement according to oneembodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the lifting arrangement according to oneembodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the lifting arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention areshown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Although specificterms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor the purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the followingclaims. ln the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements. ln the present disclosure, a lifting arrangement relating to lifting objects intoand out of a cargo area of a vehicle is described. This lifting arrangement 1comprises a base frame 10 and a lifting member 20 pivotably arranged to said baseframe 10 about a first rotational axis A.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of such a lifting arrangement 1 whenarranged inside a cargo area of a vehicle 100. The base frame 10 is configured to bearranged onto a floor of the cargo area of said vehicle 100. The lifting arrangement 1is configured to be arranged such that the lifting member 20 is extendable out fromsaid cargo area of said vehicle. The lifting arrangement 1 further comprises a firstlinking member 30 arranged pivotably to the lifting member 20 and the base frame10. Further, the lifting arrangement 1 comprises a first actuating device 40 arrangedpivotably to the first linking member 30 and the base frame 10.

The first actuating device 40 is configured to actuate the first linking memberto rotate the lifting member 20 relative the base frame 10. As can be seen in Figs. 1 -2, the lifting member 20 is arranged closer to one end of the base frame 10. This isnot a requirement, and the lifting member 20 may be arranged closer to a center ofthe base frame 10. However, by arranging the lifting member 10 closer to an end of the base frame, it allows for the lifting member 20 to have an increased reach whenrotated to move out of said cargo area, when said end is placed closer to the openinginto said cargo area of said van. This is preferable as it allows for greatermaneuverability when lifting objects into or out of said cargo area. Further, the liftingarrangement may comprise a suspension element 25 for facilitating coupling of saidlifting member 20 to one or more objects to be lifted. Such a suspension element 25may be arranged at one end of the lifting member 20 as shown in Figs. 1 - 2. Forinstance, such suspension elements may be loops, hooks, clamps, or other similarsuspension elements.

Fig. 2 illustrates a more detailed view ofa lifting arrangement 1 according toone embodiment of the present invention. The lifting arrangement 1 comprises abase frame 10, a lifting member 20, a first actuating device 40a and a first linkingmember 30a. lt may also comprise a second actuating device 40b and a secondlinking member 30b. The base frame 10 comprises a first longitudinal bar 11aextending along a longitudinal axis L. The base frame 10 may comprise attachmentmeans 13 for securely attaching the base frame 10 to the floor of the cargo area ofsaid vehicle 100. The attachment means 13 may be embodied as feet configured toattach or adhere to said cargo area floor. Said feet may have a floor facing surfacehaving a texture which provides friction against the cargo area floor, such substantialfriction that the base frame 10 does not move relative the cargo area floor when thevehicle 100 is on motion, or when the lifting arrangement 1 is moving or supportingan object. Said attachment means 13 may also be suction cups configured to attachto said cargo area floor. Said attachment means 13 may be screws configured toengage with corresponding holes in the cargo area floor.

The first linking member 30a comprises a first longitudinal link bar 31a and asecond longitudinal link bar 32a, wherein a first longitudinal end portion of each linkbar 31a, 32a are arranged pivotably to one another, thereby defining a firstinterlinking point Pa. A second longitudinal end portion of the first link bar 31a isarranged pivotably to the base frame 10. Also, a second longitudinal end portion ofthe second link bar 32a is arranged pivotably to the lifting member 20. The firstlinking member 30a is configured to induce a rotation of the lifting member 20 relativethe base frame 10 whenever the first interlinking point Pa is translated relative the base frame 10. 11 The lifting member 20 comprises a first portion 21 configured to provide asuitable component to which an object to be moved may be coupled to enablemovement of said object. The lifting member 20 also comprises a second portion 22aarranged pivotably to the base frame 10. The second portion 22a is in oneembodiment arranged pivotably specifically to the first Iongitudinal bar 11a. The firstportion 21 may have a Iongitudinal shape. The first portion 21 may comprise arectangular frame, wherein each frame member is a bar. Said suspension element25 may be arranged to one frame member of the first portion 21 of the lifting member20. Said suspension element 25 may protrude from the first portion 21, thereby beingan integral element of the first portion. The first portion 21 may thereby comprisesuch a suspension element 25 as previously disclosed.

The lifting member 20 also comprises a second portion 22a arranged pivotablyto the base frame 10 about the first rotational axis A. The second portion 22a mayalso be arranged pivotably to the first Iongitudinal bar 11a of the base frame 10. Thesecond portion 22a of the lifting member 20 may have a substantially longitudinalshape. One Iongitudinal end of the second portion 22a may be connected to the baseframe 10, or more specifically the first longitudinal bar 11a, to rotate about said firstrotational axis A. A second Iongitudinal end of the second portion 22a may beconnected to the first portion 21 of the lifting member 20. lf the first portion 21comprise a rectangular frame shape, the second Iongitudinal end of the secondportion 22a may be connected to the first portion 21 at a corner of the rectangularframe of the first portion 21. The first portion 21 and the second portion 22a may beprovided as a solid component. Alternatively, the first portion 21 and the secondportion 22a may be provided as two separate components. The second linking bar32a of the first linking member 30 may be pivotably arranged to the second portion22a of the lifting member 20. Alternatively, the second linking bar 32a of the firstmember 30 may be pivotably arranged to the first portion 21 of the lifting member 20.

The lifting arrangement 1 may also comprise a first actuating device 40a toactuate a translation of said interlinking point Pa. The first actuating device 40a is inFig. 2 pivotably arranged to the first interlinking point Pa. However, the first actuatingdevice 40a may alternatively be pivotably arranged to either the first or second linkbar 31a, 32a at a point offset from the first interlinking point Pa. The first actuatingdevice 40a may also be pivotably arranged to the base frame 10. Specifically, thefirst actuating device 40a may be pivotably arranged to the first Iongitudinal bar 11a. 12 The first actuating device 40a may be arranged to a first protrusion 12a of the baseframe 10. The first protrusion 12a may protrude out of the first longitudinal bar 11a.The first protrusion 12a and the first longitudinal bar 11a may be formed as twoseparate components. The protrusion 12a may be arranged fixedly to the firstlongitudinal bar 11a or the base frame 10. The protrusion 12a may be arranged tomove linearly along the longitudinal axis L. Said |inear movement may be guidedusing an actuating device. Said |inear movement may also be guided using rotatablegears, said gear comprising cogs configured to engage with cogs on the protrusion12a. The rotatable gears may rotate about a fixed point, and the protrusion 12aconfigured to be translated due to a rotation of said rotatable gear re|ative said fixedpoint.

The lifting arrangement 1 in a first embodiment comprises the base frame 10,the first longitudinal bar 11a, the linking member 30a, and the lifting member 20. Thelifting arrangement 1 may also comprise a second longitudinal bar 11b. Said secondlongitudinal bar 11b may be arranged parallel to the first longitudinal bar 11a. Thelifting member 20 may comprise a third portion 22b arranged pivotably to the secondlongitudinal bar 11b. The third portion 22b may substantially have a shape reflectingthat of the second portion 22a. The second portion 22a and the third portion 22b maybe configured to move parallel to each other as the lifting member 20 rotates aboutthe first rotational axis A re|ative to the base frame 10. The lifting arrangement 1 mayalso comprise a second linking member 30b arranged pivotably to the secondlongitudinal bar 11b and the third portion 22b of the lifting member 20. Said secondlinking member 30b may also comprise a first link bar 31 b and a second link bar 32b,wherein a first longitudinal end of the first and second link bar 31 b, 32b are arrangedpivotably to one another, and wherein a second longitudinal end of the first link bar31 b may be arranged pivotably to the base frame 10, alternatively to the secondlongitudinal bar 11b. Further, the second longitudinal end of the second link bar 32bmay be arranged pivotably to the lifting member 20, specifically to either the firstportion 21 or the third portion 22b. The lifting arrangement 1 may also comprise asecond actuating device 40b arranged to actuate a translation of the secondinterlinking point Pb of the second linking member 30b. The second actuating devicemay be arranged to the base fame 10 and the second linking member 30b. The second actuating device 40b may be arranged to the base frame 10 and the second 13 linking member 30b in such a way to reflect how the first actuating device 40a isarranged to the base frame 10 and the linking member 30a.

Fig. 3 show a perspective view of the lifting arrangement 1 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. The lifting arrangement 1 comprises a baseframe 10 comprising a first and a second |ongitudina| bar 11a, 11b, and a liftingmember 20 comprising a second and a third portion 22a, 22b each pivotablyarranged to the first and second |ongitudina| bar 11a, 11b. The lifting member 20 alsocomprises a first portion arranged between the second portion 22a and the thirdportion 22b. The first portion 21, the second portion 22a, and the third portion 22b allcomprise |ongitudina| shapes and are mutually connected at respective |ongitudina|ends. The lifting arrangement 1 also comprises a first and a second linking member30a, 30b, each linking member comprising a first link bar 31a, 31 b and a second linkbar 32a, 32b. Each pair of link bars, 31a, 32a and 31b, 32b, are arranged to the baseframe 10 and the lifting member 20 as disclosed previously. A first and a secondactuating device 40a, 40b are arranged pivotably to the first and second linkingmember 30a, 30b and a first and a second protrusion 12a, 12b of the first andsecond |ongitudina| bar 11a, 11b. The lifting arrangement 1 shown is Fig. 3 alsocomprises three suspension elements 25 arranged to the first portion 21 of the liftingmember 20. An object to be lifted may thus be coupled to first portion, in particular tosaid suspension elements 25 to facilitate coupling. When coupled, the first andsecond actuating device 40a 40b may then actuate a translation of the first andsecond interlinking point Pa, Pb relative the base frame to rotate the lifting member 20relative the base frame 10. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the first and second linkingmember 30a, 30b are mutually arranged such that the first and second interlinkingpoint Pa, Pb are aligned with respect to an intersecting axis l. Further, the first andsecond linking member 30a, 30b are mutually arranged such that the intersectingaxis I and the first rotational axis A are substantially parallel to each other.

Fig. 4 show a further embodiment of the present invention. The liftingarrangement 1 also comprises two slides 14a, 14b arranged on a bottom side of thefirst |ongitudina| bar 11a and the second |ongitudina| bar 11b. The first and secondslide 14a, 14b are configured to engage with said first and second |ongitudina| bar11a, 11b to enable said first and second |ongitudina| bar to linearly moved along the |ongitudina| direction L, or in a direction parallel to said |ongitudina| direction L. 14 Further, the first and second linking member 30a, 30b further comprise a firstand a second supporting link member 33a, 33b. The first and the second supportinglink member 33a, 33b both have a longitudinal shape, wherein a first longitudinal endportion of the first and second supporting link member 33, 33b is arranged pivotablyto the first link bars 31a, 31 b of the first and second linking member 30a, 30b.Further, a second longitudinal end portion of the first and second supporting linkmember are each arranged to a longitudinal slot provided on each first and secondlongitudinal bar 11a, 11b of the base frame 10 of the lifting arrangement 1.Alternatively, the first longitudinal end portion of the first and second supporting linkmember 33a, 33b may be arranged pivotably to the second link bars 32a, 32b of thefirst and second linking member 30a, 30b, respectively. When the first and secondactuating device 40a, 40b actuates a rotation of the lifting member 20, the first andsecond supporting member 33a, 33b provides further support of the first link bars31a, 31 b or the second link bars 32a, 32b of the first and second linking member30a, 30b.

The lifting arrangement 1 may further comprise first and second supportingmembers 33a, 33b, each comprising a gear 34a, 34b provided with cogs at leastalong a portion of the circumferential side of said gear, wherein said cogs areconfigured to engage with corresponding grooves on the slides 14a, 14b of the baseframe 10 of the lifting arrangement 1.

Fig. 5 illustrate a perspective view of a further embodiment of the presentinvention. The lifting arrangement 1 comprises a lifting member 20 comprising a firstportion 21, a second portion 22a and a third portion 22b. The first portion 21 of thelifting member 20 is arranged pivotably to the second and third portion 22a, 22b torotate about a second rotational axis B. The lifting member 20 is configured such thatthe first rotational axis A is substantially parallel to the second rotational axis B.Further, the first portion comprises three bar members 21a, 21 b, 21c, arrangedtogether forming a U-shaped first portion 21. The first bar member 21a and thesecond bar member 21 b are longitudinally arranged and substantially parallel to eachother, wherein the third bar member 21 c is transversally arranged relative the firstand second bar member 21a, 21b. The first bar member 21a of the first portion 21 ofthe lifting member 20 is arranged pivotably to the second portion 22a, wherein thesecond bar member 21 b of the first portion 21 of the lifting member 20 is arrangedpivotably to the third portion 22b. The first portion 21 is thusly arranged to the second and the third portions 22a, 22b to rotate about the second rotational axis B. Thesecond and third portion 22a, 22b of the lifting member 20 are arranged pivotably tothe first and second bar member 21a, 21 b at a location offset from a Iongitudinal endof the first and second bar members 21a, 21 b. Specifically, the second and thirdportion 22a, 22b of the lifting member 20 are arranged pivotably to the first andsecond bar member 21a, 21 b at a location offset from a first Iongitudinal end of thefirst and second bar member 21a, 21b of the lifting member 20, said Iongitudinal endbeing the Iongitudinal end most distant to the location at which the third bar member21 c is arranged to.

The lifting arrangement 1 may further comprise a first and second linkingmember 30a, 30b, wherein the first and second linking member each comprise athird link bar, see Fig. 5. The third link bars 35a, 35b are each arranged pivotably tothe first and second interlinking point Pa, Pb of the first and second linking member30a, 30b. Specifically, a first Iongitudinal end of each third link bar 35a, 35b arearranged pivotably to the first and second interlinking point Pa, Pb. A secondIongitudinal end of each third link bar 35a, 35b are arranged pivotably to the firstportion of the lifting member 21. Specifically, the second Iongitudinal end of eachthird link bar 35a, 35b are arranged pivotably to a Iongitudinal end of the firstIongitudinal bar member 21 a and the second Iongitudinal bar member 21 b of the firstportion 21 of the lifting member 20. The third link bars 35a, 35b are configured toinduce a rotation of the first portion of the lifting member 21 when the first andsecond actuating device 40a, 40b induce a translation of the first and secondinterlinking point Pa, Pb.

Fig. 6 illustrate a perspective view of a further embodiment of the presentinvention. The lifting arrangement 1 comprises a third and fourth actuating device50a, 50b, wherein each actuating device being arranged pivotably at one end to thesecond and third portions of the lifting member 20, and wherein a second end ofeach actuating device 50a, 50b are arranged pivotably to the first portion 21 of thelifting member 20. Specifically, the second end of each actuating device 50a, 50b arearranged pivotably to the first and second bar member 21a, 21b. The third and fourthactuating device 50a, 50b are configured to allow the first portion 21 of the liftingmember 20 to rotate relative the second and third portions 22a, 22b about thesecond rotational axis B irrespective of a rotation of the lifting member 20 relative thebase frame 10. 16 Further, the base frame 10 of the lifting arrangement 1 may preferably bearranged to rest on a floor of a cargo area of a vehicle 100, in particular a van havinga covered cargo area. The cargo area can thus be covered both with walls and aroof. However, the base frame 10 may also be configured to be arranged to sidewalls of a cargo area of said vehicle. ln particular, the first and second longitudinalbar 11a, 11b may be arranged to respective side walls of said cargo area of saidvehicle 100.

The lifting arrangement 1 comprise a number of pivotable points, wherein thenumber of pivotable points alters depending on embodiment. The lifting arrangement1 may be embodied to provide low friction at each pivotable point to facilitate rotation.For instance, the lifting arrangement 1 may comprise a plurality of bearings, such asplain bearings or ball bearings, to facilitate rotation.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawingsand foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be consideredillustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to thedisclosed embodiments. The skilled person understands that many modifications,variations and alterations are conceivable within the scope as defined in theappended claims.

Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood andeffected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study ofthe drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Specifically, combinations ofdisclosed embodiments may be used in any way, as long as they are compatible.

Claims (14)

1. A lifting arrangement (1) for a covered cargo area of a vehicle (100)comprising a base frame (10) comprising a first Iongitudinal bar (11a, 11b) extendingalong a longitudinal direction (L); a Iifting member (20) comprising a first portion (21) configured to be coupled to an object to be moved,anda second portion (22a) arranged pivotably to said first Iongitudinal bar (11a) about a first rotationa| axis (A), arranged such that the first rotationa| axis (A) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L); a first linking member (30a) comprising a first (31a) and a secondlongitudinal link bar (32a), wherein a first longitudinal end portion of each linkbar (31a, 32a) are pivotably arranged to one another to pivot about anintersecting axis (I), thereby defining a first interlinking point (Pa) between thefirst (31a) and second link bar (32a) along the intersecting axis (I), tiaherein theintersecting ål) is subst wtiaššv p-araišeš to the first rotatšonaš axis šAï andwherein a second Iongitudinal end portion of the first link bar (31a) is arrangedpivotably to the first longitudinal bar (1 1a) of the base frame (10) and whereina second Iongitudinal end portion of the second link bar (32a) is arrangedpivotably to the lifting member (20); wherein a translation of the first interlinking point (Pa) relative the baseframe (10) causes the lifting member (20) to rotate relative the base frame (10)between a first position and a second position, characterized by further comprising a first actuating device (40a) arrangedpivotably to the interlinking point (Pa) of the first linking member (30a), whereinthe translation of the interlinking point (Pa) is actuated by the first actuatingdevice (40a), wherein the first actuating device (40a) is pivotably arranged to a firstprotrusion (12a, 12b) of the base frame (10) to pivot about a pivot point offsetaway from the first Iongitudinal bar (11a, 11b). 18

2. Lifting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the base frame (10) ofthe lifting arrangement (1) comprises a second longitudinal bar (11b) arrangedparallel to the first longitudinal bar (11a), wherein the lifting member (20)comprises a third portion (22b) arranged pivotably to said second longitudinalbar (11b) also about the first rotational axis (A).

3. Lifting arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the lifting arrangement(1) comprises a second linking member (30b), the second linking membercomprising a first and a second longitudinal link bar (31b, 32b), wherein a firstlongitudinal end portion of each link bar (31 b, 32b) are pivotably arranged toone another to pivot about aiæggggintersecting axis, thereby defining a secondinterlinking point (Pb) between the first (31 b) and second link bar (32b) alongthe intersecting axis (I), and wherein a second longitudinal end portion of thefirst link bar (31 b) is arranged pivotably to the second longitudinal bar (1 1 b) ofthe base frame (10) and wherein a second longitudinal end portion of thesecond link bar (32b) is arranged pivotably to the lifting member (20).

4. Lifting arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the first and thesecond linking members (30a, 30b) of the lifting arrangement (1) are arrangedsuch that the interlinking points (Pa, Pb) are aligned so that the intersectingaxis (I) intersects both pointsï-tvtäeæfešra--ëhe-érateræetšng--së-xšs--šiš--šs--subsëarttéaišy- sw-"wfaiïni š-m *in w 'ïšaflflir rwir-'wtimrwfii -fwvšfl f~'\\šuf KKJ! \ \ S0 ÉI\J ÉXJ' Éfil\ \ll RÃÉ f §\J' ä) .in

5. Lifting arrangement according to any preceding claims, wherein the baseframe (10) of the lifting arrangement (1) comprises a slide (14a, 14b)configured to engage with a longitudinal bar (11a, 11b) and allowing saidlongitudinal bar to move linearly along the longitudinal direction (L).

6. Lifting arrangement according to any preceding claims, wherein a linkingmember (30a, 30b) of the lifting arrangement (1) comprises a supporting linkmember (33a, 33b), wherein a first longitudinal end portion of the supportinglink member is pivotably arranged to the first link bar (31a, 31 b), and wherein asecond longitudinal end portion of the supporting link member is arranged witha longitudinal slot provided on a longitudinal bar (11a, 11b) of the base frame(10) of the lifting arrangement (1 ). |30 19

7. Lifting arrangement according to claim 5 and 6, wherein the secondlongitudinal end portion of the supporting link member (33a, 33b) of the liftingarrangement (1) comprises a gear (34a, 34b) provided with cogs at least alonga portion of the circumferential side of said gear, wherein said cogs areconfigured to engage with corresponding grooves on a slide (14a, 14b) of the base frame (10) of the lifting arrangement (1).

8. Lifting arrangement according to any preceding claims, wherein the liftingarrangement (1) comprises a second actuating device (40b) arrangedpivotably to an interlinking point (Pb) of a linking member (30b), wherein atranslation of an interlinking point (Pb) is actuated by the second actuatingdevice (40b), wherein the second actuating device (40a) is pivotably arrangedto a second protrusion (12a, 12b) of the base frame (10) to pivot about a pivotpoint offset away from the second longitudinal bar (11a, 11b).

9. Lifting arrangement according to r * fcšašrn wherein the first portion (21a, 21b) of the lifting arrangement (1) is arranged pivotablyto the second portion (22a) and/or the third portion (22b) of said lifting member(20), wherein the lifting arrangement (1) further comprises a third and/or afourth actuating device (50a, 50b) arranged pivotably to the first portion (21a,21b) and the second portion (22a, 22b) of the lifting member (20), wherein anactuation of said third and/or fourth actuating device (50a, 50b) rotates the firstportion (21a, 21b) of the lifting member (20) relative the second portion (22a,22b) of the lifting member (20) between a first position and a second position.

10. Lifting arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, furthercomprising attachment means (13) for securely attaching the base frame (10) to the floor of the cargo area of said vehicle (100).

11. _ Lifting arrangement according to any of »ätas-preeeëšrëgå-ešæ-:flšrtšs-ciašms å «- wherein at least one of the first and second actuating device (40a, 40b) isa mechanical actuator such as a servomotor, a stepper motor, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder arrangement.

12. Lifting arrangement according to any of claimsmëimji,wherein at least one of the first and second actuating device (40a, 40b) is pivotably arranged to the interlinking point (Pa, Pb) of the first linking member(30a, 30b) so that the at least one actuating device (40a, 40b) is coupled in- betvveen the first and second longitudinal link bar (31a, 32a; 31b, 32b) of thefirst linking member (30a, 30b).

13. Lifting arrangement according to any of-the--pifeeedšngfig--sšaënfas- cäaims ëš » wherein at least one of a first and second actuating device (40a, 40b) isconfigured to be operated remotely.

14. Lifting arrangement according to any of the preceding claims wherein thelifting member (20) comprises at least one suspension element (25), such as ahook, a loop, a clamping device or suspension element of the like, which isconfigured to be coupled to an object to be lifted. itä-WA van for transporting material, comprising a covered cargo area, said van : according to any of the preceding claims arranged in said cargo area. v. w characterized bv corntßršssirto a lifting arrangement