US20020195295A1 - Safety guard for scissor lift - Google Patents
Safety guard for scissor lift Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020195295A1 US20020195295A1 US09/734,428 US73442800A US2002195295A1 US 20020195295 A1 US20020195295 A1 US 20020195295A1 US 73442800 A US73442800 A US 73442800A US 2002195295 A1 US2002195295 A1 US 2002195295A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- scissor lift
- guard
- lift
- scissor
- arms
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F17/00—Safety devices, e.g. for limiting or indicating lifting force
- B66F17/006—Safety devices, e.g. for limiting or indicating lifting force for working platforms
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F11/00—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for
- B66F11/04—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations
- B66F11/042—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations actuated by lazy-tongs mechanisms or articulated levers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to safety guards for lift mechanisms. More particularly, the present invention relates to an expandable safety guard for preventing pinching between the arms of scissor lifts.
- Scissor lifts are mechanisms used in commercial and industrial settings to safely and easily elevate a work platform to a desired height.
- Most scissor lifts include at least two sets of paired “arms”. The arms are pivotably joined to each other at their ends and midpoints to create an extendible linkage.
- multiple pairs of arms can be connected end-to-end. By expanding or contracting the distance between the ends of the lowest set of arms, the total height of the extendible linkage is increased or decreased.
- a work platform is typically mounted on the uppermost pair of arms.
- the work platform and extendible linkage may vary in size and strength depending upon the foreseeable load bearing characteristics of the scissor lift. Frequently, scissor lifts can support more than one person and extend over thirty feet in height.
- the pairs of joined arms comprising the extendible linkage pivot with respect to one another at numerous pivot points. These pivot points are located both where the ends of the arms join one another, as well as at the midpoints of the arms. Each of these pivot points are potential “pinch points” where the potential exists for pinching body parts or objects between two arms. Even a relatively simple scissor lift can have over a dozen pinch points.
- the operator of the scissor lift is typically positioned on the work platform, and may not always make a careful visual inspection to assure that no one is in a dangerous position with respect to the lift arms. The operator may also find it difficult or even impossible to watch each one of these pinch points at the same time when lowering the scissor lift.
- an operator is controlling the movement of the lift apparatus from on top of the platform, it can be very difficult to see over the edges sufficiently to view all pinch points and ascertain that nobody will be pinched.
- an operator is controlling the movement of the lift apparatus from below, similar difficulties arise due to the large number of potential pinch points, as well as the possibility of a view obstructed by the lift arms as they are being lowered.
- Severe injury may result to body parts at the pinch points during lowering of the scissor lift.
- the operator, or an observer may have fingers, hands, or arms crushed or even severed.
- lifelong debilitation or even death may occur.
- tremendous costs can result from lost wages, rehabilitation, retraining, etc.
- the cumulative personal and economic costs associated with such injuries can be very high.
- the apparatus includes a plurality of plates configured to mount to the scissor lift.
- a front plate, back plate, and at least one intermediate plate are included.
- the intermediate plate pivots between the front plate and back plate to create a barrier restricting insertion of objects and body parts between the arms of the scissor lift.
- a hole extends through the plates, and a mounting pin is positioned within the hole to provide an axis on which the plates pivot during the raising and lowering of the scissor lift.
- Mounting brackets are also disclosed, and secure the front plate to a first arm of the scissor lift and the back plate to a second arm of the scissor lift.
- the scissor lift pinch guard comprises an expandable fan, the fan including a plurality of blades secured to each other along their edges.
- a first mounting surface secures the fan to a first arm of the scissors lift; and a second mounting surface securing the fan to a second arm of the scissors lift.
- the fan is configured and arranged to open and close during the raising and lowering of the scissor lift, the blades preventing the insertion of objects or body parts proximate a point where the first arm and second arm meet.
- Specific implementations include a safety guard having a collapsible guard member configured and arranged to expand and contract with the raising and lowering of the scissor lift to form a barrier restricting the insertion of objects and body parts between the arms of the scissor lift.
- a recess is positioned in the intermediate plate.
- a guide post positioned on the back plate engages the recess in the intermediate plate and assists in lifting the intermediate plate when the scissor lift is raised
- the guide post includes a shaft and head secured to the end of the shaft. The head has a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft and is configured to retain the guide post within the recess in the intermediate plate.
- the present invention also provides a method for preventing pinching at the joint connecting two arms of a scissor lift.
- the method uses a pinch guard comprising a front plate, a back plate, and an intermediate plate.
- the front plate is configured and arranged to mount to a first arm of the scissor lift
- the back plate is configured to mount to a second arm of a scissor lift.
- the intermediate plate is configured to pivot between the front plate and back plate, forming a barrier restricting insertion of objects and body parts between the arms of the scissor lift.
- the method further comprises providing a hole extending through the plates and providing a mounting pin on which the plates may pivot.
- FIG. 1 is an elevated view of a scissor lift including safety guards constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the safety guards extended.
- FIG. 2 is an elevated view of a scissor lift including safety guards constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the safety guards contracted.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a safety guard constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the guard secured to scissor lift arms.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a safety guard and two scissor lift arms taken along lines A-A′ of FIG. 1, showing the safety guard extended.
- FIG. 5A is a partial elevational view of scissor lift arms and a safety guard constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the guard extended.
- FIG. 5B is a view of a pin inserted within the safety guard, showing the pin with a hollow center.
- FIG. 6A is a top view of back plate constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6B is a front view of the plate shown in FIG. 6A.
- FIG. 6C is an end view of a plate shown in FIG. 6A.
- FIG. 7A is a top view of a front plate constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7B is a front view of the plate shown in FIG. 6A.
- FIG. 7C is an end view of a plate shown in FIG. 7A.
- FIG. 8 is a back view of an intermediate plate constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is an elevated view of a scissor lift safety guard constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the scissor lift safety guard depicted in FIG. 9, showing the safety guard in an open position.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of the scissor lift safety guard depicted in FIG. 9, showing the safety guard in a closed position.
- the present invention is directed generally to a device for preventing the pinching of hands, arms, feet, heads, and other body parts between the arms of a scissor lift.
- the device generally comprises a number of “plates” or “blades” positioned at the point where two arms of a scissor lift connect with one another. Upon raising of the scissor lift the arms extend and the plates slide relative to one another to create a guard or shield hindering the insertion of body parts and other objects into the space between the arms, particularly the space closest to the pinch point.
- the device may be installed on a new scissor lift during manufacture of the lift, or alternatively, may be installed on new or existing scissor lifts after manufacture.
- the invention has many advantages.
- the risk of serious injury from the pinching or severing of body parts at the joints connecting two arms can be dramatically reduced.
- Scissor lifts may continue to be used for a wide variety of lifting requirements without hindering their operation.
- Another advantage of the present invention is ease of use.
- New scissor lifts may be manufactured with the safety guard pre-installed at the manufacturing facility, and existing scissor lifts may be retrofitted quickly and easily.
- the safety guard is easily maintained, and replacement parts easily installed when necessary.
- the inspection, maintenance, and repair of the scissor lift is also not impaired by the invention.
- the present invention has a great deal of versatility and can be used with almost any type of scissor lift that is currently manufactured.
- a scissor lift generally shown as 12 , contains two safety guards 10 .
- the scissor lift 12 includes a base 19 , arms 15 a , 15 b , 16 a , and 16 b, and a platform 14 .
- Platform 14 is generally configured for providing a work surface for one or more workers.
- a handrail 13 is attached to and wraps around the platform 14 . The handrail 13 provides protection against accidental falls of people or equipment from the platform 14 .
- the arms 15 a , 15 b , 16 a , and 16 b are joined to one another at a pivot points 18 a and 18 b.
- Pivot points 18 a are formed at the ends of the arms, and form “external” pivot points.
- Pivot points 18 b are formed at the point where two arms meet at their middles, and thus form “internal” pivot points.
- guards 10 are positioned for demonstration purposes at one pivot point 18 a and one pivot point 18 b. In practice, guards 10 are typically positioned at all pivot points, including both internal and external pivot points.
- the guards 10 depicted in FIG. 1 are shown in an extended mode, with the individual plates or blades 60 (FIGS. 2 and 3) pivoted apart.
- the scissor lift 12 is shown in a lowered position.
- the arms 15 b , 16 b are adjacent to one another, and the platform 14 and base 19 are also in close proximity to one another.
- the guards 10 are contracted, and the individual plates are aligned with one another.
- Yet other embodiments have only the front and back plates 20 and 40 .
- Still other embodiments include only a single plate or other form of a barrier that expands when the scissors lift is raised in order to limit entry into the space 26 .
- the single plate can be folded in an accordion style such that it easily expands and contracts as the scissor lift is opened and closed.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 Perspective views of the guard 10 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
- the plurality of plates forming the guard are positioned on the front of arm 15 b when the scissor lift is in a lowered position.
- the cross-sectional view shows arm 15 b and arm 16 a extended.
- the plates 20 , 40 , 60 are spread apart from one another to form a barrier limiting entry into the space 26 between the extended arms 15 b , 16 a .
- One front plate 20 , one back plate 40 , and multiple intermediate plates 60 are depicted. In certain embodiments, only one intermediate plate 60 is used, while in other embodiments a multitude of plates 60 are used.
- the plates overlap one another at area 46 .
- the overlap area 46 increases as the scissor lift is lowered, and decreases as the scissor lift is raised.
- Retainers 24 , 44 secure the guard 10 to the arms 15 b , 16 a of the scissor lift. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, in one implementation of the present invention, a first retainer 24 secures the front plate 20 to the front arm 15 b , while a second retainer 44 secures the back plate 40 to the back arm 16 a . Upon raising the scissor lift 12 , the retainers 24 and 44 secure the guard 10 and allow it to pivot.
- the guard 10 pivots along pivot point 22 .
- Pivot point 22 runs through each of the plates 20 , 40 , 60 which form the guard 10 .
- Pivot point 22 aligns with the pivot point joining the two arms, for example 15 a and 16 b , of the scissor lift 12 .
- a pin 21 is inserted into the pivot point 22 to form an axis of rotation around which the plates 20 , 40 , 60 rotate.
- pin 21 is hollow and open ended, as shown in FIG. 5B, thereby allowing a person to inspect a pin holding the arms of the scissor lift together, as well as remove, lubricate, or otherwise maintain the pin extending through the arms of the scissor lift.
- the plates 20 , 40 , 60 may be constructed of plastic, metal, or other material known to those of skill in the art.
- each plate is formed of a blow-molded plastic.
- the plates are formed of cast plastic or metal.
- the plates are formed of sheet metal.
- FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6 C depict an embodiment of the back plate.
- the top view shown in FIG. 6A shows a retainer 44 on the back side of the plate, which is in contact with the arm of the scissor lift 12 .
- a top edge 56 , bottom edge 57 , and side edges 54 , 55 define the perimeter of the back plate depicted.
- Hole 42 permits the insertion of the pin 21 forming the axis of rotation upon which the plates of the guard 10 pivot.
- a guide post 48 is shown.
- Guide post 48 includes a head 52 and a stem 50 , and engages a recess 66 in the back side of intermediate plate 60 , shown in FIG. 8.
- back plate 40 and guide post 48 are lifted upward.
- Guide post 48 slides within recess 66 until the stem 50 of guide post 48 reaches the upper end 64 a of recess 66 .
- guide post 48 lifts intermediate plate 60 .
- additional guide posts are installed on the front surface of the intermediate plates 60 . The additional guideposts engage the recesses 66 of the intermediate plates in front of the guide post, thereby assisting in lifting of each intermediate plate as the scissor lift is raised.
- FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7 C show front plate 20 .
- the top view 7 A, front view 7 B, and end view 7 C show retainers 24 for securing the front plate 20 to the lift arms.
- a top edge 36 , bottom edge 37 , and side edges 34 , 35 define the perimeter of the front plate depicted.
- Hole 22 is configured for receiving pin 21 .
- FIG. 8 shows intermediate plate 60 .
- the recess 66 is designed to both engage the stem 50 and head 52 of guide post 48 as well as retain the head 52 .
- a first portion 67 of the recess 66 is wide enough for the stem 50 to slide within the recess 66 , but too narrow for the head 52 to leave the recess 66 . This configuration permits adjacent plates to be held against one another, thereby increasing the stability of the guard 10 and enhancing the protective features.
- a portion of the first portion 67 is widened to create an opening 68 for insertion and removal of the head 52 into and out of the recess 66 . Opening 68 allows the removal and replacement of individual plates 60 when desired, such as for repair, expansion, etc.
- the retainers 24 , 44 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are secured to the scissor lift in order to provide a solid attachment for the guard 10 .
- the retainers 24 , 44 are held to the arms by adhesive in one implementation of the present invention. In another implementation of the present invention, the retainers 24 , 44 are secured to the arms by screws or bolts.
- FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 a further embodiment of the invention is depicted in which a scissor guard 80 is placed on two arms 82 , 84 of a scissor lift.
- the scissor guard 80 is shown in an elevational view in FIG. 9 and a side view in FIGS. 10 and 11.
- FIG. 10 specifically shows the guard 80 in an open position
- FIG. 11 shows the guard 80 in a closed position.
- Scissor guard 80 is formed with an expandable fan, the fan including a plurality of blades 86 secured to each other along their edges 88 .
- the plurality of blades 86 are formed of a single material that is folded to form the guard.
- each individual blade is independently formed and joined to adjacent blades.
- the blades can include a sheath, such as a fabric, holding a rigid material, such as metal or plastic plates.
- the fabric can flex at the edges 88 of the scissor guard 80 while the blades 86 remain substantially rigid, thereby forming a physical barrier from entry of hands or other objects between the scissor guard arms 82 , 84 .
- FIGS. 10 and 11 further include retainers 90 , 92 for securing the guard 80 to the arms 82 , 84 .
- multiple scissor guards 80 are placed on the scissor lift such that all accessible arms contain a guard.
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Abstract
An expandable safety guard for a scissor lift is disclosed. The safety guard has a plurality of pivoting plates or blades which expand to create a barrier preventing insertion of objects and body parts between the arms of the scissor lift. A method of preventing pinching at the joints connecting arms of a scissor lift is also disclosed.
Description
- This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/056,438, filed Apr. 7, 1998, which claims benefit from Provisional Application Serial No. 60/043,662, filed Apr. 11, 1997. The text of both of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to safety guards for lift mechanisms. More particularly, the present invention relates to an expandable safety guard for preventing pinching between the arms of scissor lifts.
- Scissor lifts are mechanisms used in commercial and industrial settings to safely and easily elevate a work platform to a desired height. Most scissor lifts include at least two sets of paired “arms”. The arms are pivotably joined to each other at their ends and midpoints to create an extendible linkage. In order to extend the range of the scissor lift, multiple pairs of arms can be connected end-to-end. By expanding or contracting the distance between the ends of the lowest set of arms, the total height of the extendible linkage is increased or decreased.
- A work platform is typically mounted on the uppermost pair of arms. The work platform and extendible linkage may vary in size and strength depending upon the foreseeable load bearing characteristics of the scissor lift. Frequently, scissor lifts can support more than one person and extend over thirty feet in height.
- During the raising and lowering of a scissor lift, the pairs of joined arms comprising the extendible linkage pivot with respect to one another at numerous pivot points. These pivot points are located both where the ends of the arms join one another, as well as at the midpoints of the arms. Each of these pivot points are potential “pinch points” where the potential exists for pinching body parts or objects between two arms. Even a relatively simple scissor lift can have over a dozen pinch points.
- During use, the operator of the scissor lift is typically positioned on the work platform, and may not always make a careful visual inspection to assure that no one is in a dangerous position with respect to the lift arms. The operator may also find it difficult or even impossible to watch each one of these pinch points at the same time when lowering the scissor lift. When an operator is controlling the movement of the lift apparatus from on top of the platform, it can be very difficult to see over the edges sufficiently to view all pinch points and ascertain that nobody will be pinched. When an operator is controlling the movement of the lift apparatus from below, similar difficulties arise due to the large number of potential pinch points, as well as the possibility of a view obstructed by the lift arms as they are being lowered.
- Severe injury may result to body parts at the pinch points during lowering of the scissor lift. For example, the operator, or an observer may have fingers, hands, or arms crushed or even severed. In the case of the most severe injuries, lifelong debilitation or even death may occur. In addition to the pain and suffering inflicted upon the injured person, tremendous costs can result from lost wages, rehabilitation, retraining, etc. The cumulative personal and economic costs associated with such injuries can be very high.
- In addition to the potential for injury to operators and observers of the scissor lift, damage to the scissor lift itself or to objects positioned near the scissor lift is possible.
- The hazards associated with using scissor lifts have been recognized by industry groups such as the Scaffold Industry Association, which has prepared standards for the design, manufacture, maintenance, and use of lift platforms. The Scaffold Industry Association has also welcomed proposals for improving safety standards for scissor lifts.
- Many scissor lifts are currently in use, and the majority of these do not include safety guards. In order to improve the safety of such scissor lifts, a retrofitted guard must be installed on the scissor lift. In retrofitting these scissor lifts, the guard must be able to be installed on an existing scissor lift with a minimum of effort and expense. Also, the guard is preferably removable for maintenance on the lift apparatus or on the guard itself.
- Accordingly, there is a need for a guard preventing pinching between the arms of a scissor lift. Even further, there is a need for a guard that can easily be installed on existing scissor lifts, as well as included with newly manufactured scissor lifts.
- In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method is provided for preventing pinching between the arms of a scissor lift. In a first implementation, the apparatus includes a plurality of plates configured to mount to the scissor lift. A front plate, back plate, and at least one intermediate plate are included. The intermediate plate pivots between the front plate and back plate to create a barrier restricting insertion of objects and body parts between the arms of the scissor lift. A hole extends through the plates, and a mounting pin is positioned within the hole to provide an axis on which the plates pivot during the raising and lowering of the scissor lift. Mounting brackets are also disclosed, and secure the front plate to a first arm of the scissor lift and the back plate to a second arm of the scissor lift.
- In a second implementation, the scissor lift pinch guard comprises an expandable fan, the fan including a plurality of blades secured to each other along their edges. A first mounting surface secures the fan to a first arm of the scissors lift; and a second mounting surface securing the fan to a second arm of the scissors lift. The fan is configured and arranged to open and close during the raising and lowering of the scissor lift, the blades preventing the insertion of objects or body parts proximate a point where the first arm and second arm meet.
- Specific implementations include a safety guard having a collapsible guard member configured and arranged to expand and contract with the raising and lowering of the scissor lift to form a barrier restricting the insertion of objects and body parts between the arms of the scissor lift.
- In some implementations of the present invention, a recess is positioned in the intermediate plate. A guide post positioned on the back plate engages the recess in the intermediate plate and assists in lifting the intermediate plate when the scissor lift is raised In specific embodiments, the guide post includes a shaft and head secured to the end of the shaft. The head has a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft and is configured to retain the guide post within the recess in the intermediate plate.
- The present invention also provides a method for preventing pinching at the joint connecting two arms of a scissor lift. The method uses a pinch guard comprising a front plate, a back plate, and an intermediate plate. The front plate is configured and arranged to mount to a first arm of the scissor lift, and the back plate is configured to mount to a second arm of a scissor lift. The intermediate plate is configured to pivot between the front plate and back plate, forming a barrier restricting insertion of objects and body parts between the arms of the scissor lift. In certain implementations, the method further comprises providing a hole extending through the plates and providing a mounting pin on which the plates may pivot.
- FIG. 1 is an elevated view of a scissor lift including safety guards constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the safety guards extended.
- FIG. 2 is an elevated view of a scissor lift including safety guards constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the safety guards contracted.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a safety guard constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the guard secured to scissor lift arms.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a safety guard and two scissor lift arms taken along lines A-A′ of FIG. 1, showing the safety guard extended.
- FIG. 5A is a partial elevational view of scissor lift arms and a safety guard constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the guard extended.
- FIG. 5B is a view of a pin inserted within the safety guard, showing the pin with a hollow center.
- FIG. 6A is a top view of back plate constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6B is a front view of the plate shown in FIG. 6A.
- FIG. 6C is an end view of a plate shown in FIG. 6A.
- FIG. 7A is a top view of a front plate constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7B is a front view of the plate shown in FIG. 6A.
- FIG. 7C is an end view of a plate shown in FIG. 7A.
- FIG. 8 is a back view of an intermediate plate constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is an elevated view of a scissor lift safety guard constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the scissor lift safety guard depicted in FIG. 9, showing the safety guard in an open position.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of the scissor lift safety guard depicted in FIG. 9, showing the safety guard in a closed position.
- The present invention initially will be described in general terms. Various embodiments of the present invention will then be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. References to the described embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
- The present invention is directed generally to a device for preventing the pinching of hands, arms, feet, heads, and other body parts between the arms of a scissor lift. The device generally comprises a number of “plates” or “blades” positioned at the point where two arms of a scissor lift connect with one another. Upon raising of the scissor lift the arms extend and the plates slide relative to one another to create a guard or shield hindering the insertion of body parts and other objects into the space between the arms, particularly the space closest to the pinch point. The device may be installed on a new scissor lift during manufacture of the lift, or alternatively, may be installed on new or existing scissor lifts after manufacture.
- The invention has many advantages. The risk of serious injury from the pinching or severing of body parts at the joints connecting two arms can be dramatically reduced. Scissor lifts may continue to be used for a wide variety of lifting requirements without hindering their operation. Another advantage of the present invention is ease of use. New scissor lifts may be manufactured with the safety guard pre-installed at the manufacturing facility, and existing scissor lifts may be retrofitted quickly and easily. Furthermore, the safety guard is easily maintained, and replacement parts easily installed when necessary. The inspection, maintenance, and repair of the scissor lift is also not impaired by the invention. As a result, the present invention has a great deal of versatility and can be used with almost any type of scissor lift that is currently manufactured.
- Referring now to the figures, in FIG. 1, a scissor lift, generally shown as12, contains two
safety guards 10. Thescissor lift 12 includes abase 19,arms platform 14.Platform 14 is generally configured for providing a work surface for one or more workers. Ahandrail 13 is attached to and wraps around theplatform 14. Thehandrail 13 provides protection against accidental falls of people or equipment from theplatform 14. - The
arms pivot point 18 a and onepivot point 18 b. In practice, guards 10 are typically positioned at all pivot points, including both internal and external pivot points. Theguards 10 depicted in FIG. 1 are shown in an extended mode, with the individual plates or blades 60 (FIGS. 2 and 3) pivoted apart. - Referring now to FIG. 2, the
scissor lift 12 is shown in a lowered position. Thearms platform 14 andbase 19 are also in close proximity to one another. Theguards 10 are contracted, and the individual plates are aligned with one another. Yet other embodiments have only the front andback plates space 26. For example, the single plate can be folded in an accordion style such that it easily expands and contracts as the scissor lift is opened and closed. - Perspective views of the
guard 10 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIG. 3, the plurality of plates forming the guard are positioned on the front ofarm 15 b when the scissor lift is in a lowered position. In FIG. 4, the cross-sectional view showsarm 15 b andarm 16 a extended. Theplates space 26 between theextended arms front plate 20, oneback plate 40, and multipleintermediate plates 60 are depicted. In certain embodiments, only oneintermediate plate 60 is used, while in other embodiments a multitude ofplates 60 are used. The plates overlap one another atarea 46. Theoverlap area 46 increases as the scissor lift is lowered, and decreases as the scissor lift is raised. -
Retainers guard 10 to thearms first retainer 24 secures thefront plate 20 to thefront arm 15 b, while asecond retainer 44 secures theback plate 40 to theback arm 16 a. Upon raising thescissor lift 12, theretainers guard 10 and allow it to pivot. - As shown generally in FIG. 5A, the
guard 10 pivots alongpivot point 22.Pivot point 22 runs through each of theplates guard 10.Pivot point 22 aligns with the pivot point joining the two arms, for example 15 a and 16 b, of thescissor lift 12. Apin 21 is inserted into thepivot point 22 to form an axis of rotation around which theplates pin 21 is hollow and open ended, as shown in FIG. 5B, thereby allowing a person to inspect a pin holding the arms of the scissor lift together, as well as remove, lubricate, or otherwise maintain the pin extending through the arms of the scissor lift. - The
plates - As shown generally in FIGS. 6, 7, and8, the
plates scissor lift 12. FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C depict an embodiment of the back plate. The top view shown in FIG. 6A shows aretainer 44 on the back side of the plate, which is in contact with the arm of thescissor lift 12. Atop edge 56,bottom edge 57, and side edges 54, 55 define the perimeter of the back plate depicted.Hole 42 permits the insertion of thepin 21 forming the axis of rotation upon which the plates of theguard 10 pivot. - In addition, a
guide post 48 is shown.Guide post 48 includes ahead 52 and astem 50, and engages arecess 66 in the back side ofintermediate plate 60, shown in FIG. 8. Upon raising of thescissor lift 12, backplate 40 and guidepost 48 are lifted upward.Guide post 48 slides withinrecess 66 until thestem 50 ofguide post 48 reaches theupper end 64 a ofrecess 66. Upon reaching theupper end 64 a, guide post 48 liftsintermediate plate 60. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, additional guide posts are installed on the front surface of theintermediate plates 60. The additional guideposts engage therecesses 66 of the intermediate plates in front of the guide post, thereby assisting in lifting of each intermediate plate as the scissor lift is raised. - FIGS. 7A, 7B, and7C show
front plate 20. The top view 7A, front view 7B, and end view7 C show retainers 24 for securing thefront plate 20 to the lift arms. Atop edge 36,bottom edge 37, and side edges 34, 35 define the perimeter of the front plate depicted.Hole 22 is configured for receivingpin 21. FIG. 8 showsintermediate plate 60. - In some implementations, the
recess 66 is designed to both engage thestem 50 andhead 52 of guide post 48 as well as retain thehead 52. A first portion 67 of therecess 66 is wide enough for thestem 50 to slide within therecess 66, but too narrow for thehead 52 to leave therecess 66. This configuration permits adjacent plates to be held against one another, thereby increasing the stability of theguard 10 and enhancing the protective features. In certain implementations, a portion of the first portion 67 is widened to create anopening 68 for insertion and removal of thehead 52 into and out of therecess 66.Opening 68 allows the removal and replacement ofindividual plates 60 when desired, such as for repair, expansion, etc. - The
retainers guard 10. Theretainers retainers - In reference now to FIGS. 9, 10, and11, a further embodiment of the invention is depicted in which a
scissor guard 80 is placed on twoarms scissor guard 80 is shown in an elevational view in FIG. 9 and a side view in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 specifically shows theguard 80 in an open position, while FIG. 11 shows theguard 80 in a closed position.Scissor guard 80 is formed with an expandable fan, the fan including a plurality ofblades 86 secured to each other along theiredges 88. Typically the plurality ofblades 86 are formed of a single material that is folded to form the guard. However, in specific implementations each individual blade is independently formed and joined to adjacent blades. Alternatively, the blades can include a sheath, such as a fabric, holding a rigid material, such as metal or plastic plates. In this manner the fabric can flex at theedges 88 of thescissor guard 80 while theblades 86 remain substantially rigid, thereby forming a physical barrier from entry of hands or other objects between thescissor guard arms retainers guard 80 to thearms multiple scissor guards 80 are placed on the scissor lift such that all accessible arms contain a guard. - While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that different alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to these embodiments or the use of elements having specific configurations and shapes presented herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of the present invention is dictated by the following claims.
Claims (7)
1. A scissor lift pinch guard, the pinch guard comprising:
an expandable fan, the fan including a plurality of blades secured to each other along their edges,
a first mounting surface securing the fan to a first arm of the scissors lift; and
a second mounting surface securing the fan to a second arm of the scissors lift;
wherein the fan is configured and arranged to open and close during the raising and lowering of the scissor lift, the blades preventing the insertion of objects or body parts proximate a point where the first arm and second arm meet.
2. The scissor lift pinch guard according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a hole extending through each blade from a front surface to a back surface; and
a mounting pin, the mounting pin providing an axis on which the plates pivot.
3. The scissor lift pinch guard according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of blades comprises at least 3 blades.
4. A scissor lift having an expandable safety guard, the scissor lift comprising:
a scissor lift;
an expandable safety guard attached to the scissor lift, the safety guard including a collapsible guard member configured and arranged to expand and contract with the raising and lowering of the scissor lift to form a barrier restricting the insertion of objects and body parts between the arms of the scissor lift.
5. The scissor lift according to claim 4 , wherein the collapsible guard member comprises a unitary fan.
6. The scissor lift according to claim 4 , wherein the collapsible guard member comprises a flexible sheet having multiple alternating creases.
7. The scissor lift according to claim 4 , further comprising:
first and second mounting brackets secured to the collapsible guard member and retaining the collapsible guard member to separate arms of the scissor lift.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/734,428 US20020195295A1 (en) | 1997-04-11 | 2000-12-11 | Safety guard for scissor lift |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US4366297P | 1997-04-11 | 1997-04-11 | |
US09/056,438 US6158550A (en) | 1997-04-11 | 1998-04-07 | Safety guard for scissor lift |
US09/734,428 US20020195295A1 (en) | 1997-04-11 | 2000-12-11 | Safety guard for scissor lift |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/056,438 Continuation-In-Part US6158550A (en) | 1997-04-11 | 1998-04-07 | Safety guard for scissor lift |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020195295A1 true US20020195295A1 (en) | 2002-12-26 |
Family
ID=26720683
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/734,428 Abandoned US20020195295A1 (en) | 1997-04-11 | 2000-12-11 | Safety guard for scissor lift |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20020195295A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140037365A1 (en) * | 2011-04-07 | 2014-02-06 | Funtastic Limited | Finger guard |
JP2017061360A (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-30 | シャープ株式会社 | Lifting device and mobile vehicle |
USD856623S1 (en) * | 2017-07-13 | 2019-08-13 | Jcb Access Limited | Scissor lift |
USD859773S1 (en) * | 2017-07-13 | 2019-09-10 | Jcb Access Limited | Scissor lift |
-
2000
- 2000-12-11 US US09/734,428 patent/US20020195295A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140037365A1 (en) * | 2011-04-07 | 2014-02-06 | Funtastic Limited | Finger guard |
JP2017061360A (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-30 | シャープ株式会社 | Lifting device and mobile vehicle |
USD856623S1 (en) * | 2017-07-13 | 2019-08-13 | Jcb Access Limited | Scissor lift |
USD859773S1 (en) * | 2017-07-13 | 2019-09-10 | Jcb Access Limited | Scissor lift |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |