US2229113A

US2229113A - Lifting device

Info

Publication number: US2229113A
Application number: US255449A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph J Mizer
Original assignee: Walker Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Walker Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 1939-02-09
Filing date: 1939-02-09
Publication date: 1941-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 1958-01-21

Description

Jan. 21, 1941. J. J. MIZER 2,229,113

LIFTING DEVICE Filed Feb. 9, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I INVENTR I E 7. Mai Z62:

BY W2 9 M49, A TTORNEYS.

'Jan. 21, 1941. J. J. MlZER 2,229,113

LIFTING DEVICE Filed Feb. 9, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 2 4 F F4 S w |l+ L V INVENTOR Patented Jan. 21, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIQE LIFTIN G DEVICE poration of Wisconsin Application February 9,

10 Claims.

The present invention relates to lifting devices, and, in the specific embodiments herein disclosed, provides improved vehicle lifting jacks particularly adapted for use in lubricating stations for relaxing springs, locating squeaks, raising the body of the car from the chassis, and other general purposes.

Principal objects of the present invention are to provide a lifting device of the above indicated type, which is extremely efficient in operation; and which may be economically manufactured and installed, to provide such a device including a base structure adjustably supported on the wheel runway of a pit or lift, and including a jack which is freely adjustable upon the base structure; to provide such a structure wherein the jack is adjustable between a lifting position and a retracted position; to provide such a structure including a jack having a lifting column, a supporting structure therefor, and means associated with the column and the supporting structure for holding the column in either a vertical lifting position or a substantially horizontal retracted position; to provide such a structure arranged to provide for a quick initial adjustment of the height of the lifting column; and to generally provide improved lifting devices of the above generally indicated character.

With the above as well as other objects in view,

30 which appear in the following description and in the appended claims, preferred but illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, throughout the several views of which corresponding reference characters 35 are used to designate corresponding parts and,

in which:

Figure 1 is a view in elevation, showing the general arrangement of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a detailed view, partly in section, of

40 the improved lifting device;

Fig. 3 is a view in elevation of the improved lifting device;

Fig. 4 is a view in top plan of the device shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view in top plan, but showing the lifting device in its retracted position;

Fig. 6 is a view in elevation, of a modified em' bodiment of the invention;

Fig. '7 is a view in vertical section, taken along 50 the line 'I'I of Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is a view in top plan of the structure shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

It will be appreciated that at the present time vehicle lubricating stations, in general, utilize equipment of either the so-called pit type or the 1939, Serial No. 255,449

so-called lift type. Both classes of equipment conventionally comprise a pair of laterally spaced runways, upon which the vehicle may be driven. In the pittype, these runways are positioned at respectively opposite sides of the pit and in the lift type, these runways are carried by the hoisting mechanism so that the vehicle may be elevated above the ground. In using either class of equipment, it is desirable to provide supplemental lifting means, by which, for example, the sprung 10 parts of the vehicle may be elevated relative to the unsprung parts thereof, so as to locate and facilitate the elimination of rattles, and so as to relax the springs and facilitate proper lubrication thereof, and the like. The present invention provides extremely simple and effective lifting devices for the just mentioned purposes, which are freely slidable along the runways so as to enable the operator to work at any point along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and which comprise a 9;,

lifting column, which is freely movable laterally of the base of the lifting device, so as to enable the operator to Work at either side of the vehicle. In addition, the present structures preferably comprise means for adjustably supporting the lifting for effecting an initial quick adjustment of the 9".

vertical height of the lifting column.

Referring first to the general view, Fig. l, the improved lifting device I0 of the present invention is illustrated as supported between the runways I2 and I4 of a lift type vehicle supporting structure. It will be understood that the runways I2 and I4 are suitably interconnected to form a unitary structure, and are arranged, in the illustrated instance, for operating by a lifting column It. The lifting device It comprises generally a supporting base I8, the opposite ends 20 whereof are arranged to freely seat over the side flanges of the runways I2 and I4; and the lifting column 22 of the screw type, the upper end whereof is provided with a suitable cap 24, which may be engaged under a desired part of the associated vehicle 26. In Fig. 1, the cap 24 is engaged under the bumper of the vehicle 26, and is shown in the elevated position, in which the device I ll functions to relieve the load upon, and relax, the vehicle springs 26a.

Referring to Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the base I8 of the lifting device III is formed by a pair of channel members 39, arranged in spaced back-to-back relation. The channel members 38 are retained 5 in assembled relation to each other by studs 32, the reduced ends whereof extend through openings in the webs of the channel members and are threaded to receive holding nuts 34. The studs 32 also serve to retain the end members 28 in place, each end member 20 being illustrated as composed of a pair of spaced hook-like members, generally channel-shaped in section, the inner portions 36 whereof are adapted to nest within the corresponding channel shaped members 30. The portions 36 are provided with elongated slots 38 to receive the pins 32, so that the end members 28 may be adjusted inwardly or outwardly, whereby to increase or decrease the length of the lifting device II]. It will be understood that the oonformation of the portions 40 of the end members 20 is determined by the form of the runways I2 and I4 with which the lifting device is to be associated.

The lifting column 22, illustrated as being of the screw type, passes through a sleeve 42, which is internally threaded so as to accommodate the threads on the screw 22, and which is supported between the channel-shaped members 30 of the base, by a pair of generally channel-shaped supporting members 44 and 45. The channel-shaped members 44 are freely fitted over the base channel members 30, so as to be freely slidable therealong, and are provided with axially aligned openings 46 in the webs thereof, which rotatably receive a pair of diametrically opposite, radially extending trunnions 48 formed on the sleeve 42. It will be understood that the trunnions 48 may be slightly shouldered adjacent the body of the sleeve 42, which shoulders abut the inner faces of the webs of the channel members 44, so as to hold these channel members in predetermined spaced relation. With the foregoing arrangement, the sleeve 42 is rotatable relative to the supporting base about the axes of the trunnions 48, so that the screw 22 may be adjusted between the vertical or lifting position shown in Figs. 1 through 4 and a substantially horizontal or retracted position shown in Fig. 5. In order to releasably lock the screw 22 in either the lifting or the retracted position, the structure is provided with the yoke 56, the spacing between the legs 52 whereof is dimensioned to freely but relatively snugly receive the upper end of the sleeve 42. The yoke 50 is pivotally connected to one of the supporting channels 44 by means of a pin 54, which is journaled in bosses 56 formed as extensions of the flange 44a of the member 44. In the normal position of the yoke 50, shown in Fig. 2, the free ends of the legs 52 overlie the companion supporting channel 45 and also overlie the flange of the adjacent base member 3|]. It will be understood, accordingly, that the yoke 50, when in the full line position of Figs. 2 and 3, serves to positively lock the sleeve 42 and, consequently. the lifting screw 22 in the lifting position. If, however, the yoke 58 is swung from the full line position of Fig. 2 to the dotted line position thereof, the sleeve 42 and screw 22 may be swung about the axes of the trunnions 46 to a generally horizontal position shown in Fig. 5, in which position the screw 22 and the sleeve 42 lie within the space between the side channels 30. Preferably, the swivel cap 24 is dimensioned so that it also may be introduced into the space between the base channels 30.

In order to releasably retain the screw 22 in the horizontal position, the sleeve 42 is provided with radially projecting fingers 58, which project radially from the opposite sides thereof, and either of which is adapted to occupy the space between the legs 52 of the yoke 50 when the screw is in the retracted position. With this relation, it will be understood that upon swinging the screw 22 to the retracted position, in either direction, the yoke 50 may be released to the full line position in Fig. 2, in which position the legs 52 thereof embrace one or the other of the fingers 58, and positively hold the lifting screw in the retracted position.

Reviewing the operation of the device, it will be understood that the lifting device designated as 'a whole at I8 may initially be adjusted as to length so as to accommodate it to different spacings between the associated runways, such as I2 and I4, by suitably adjusting the end members 20 relative to the base members 30. When so adjusted, the lifting device is freely suspended over the runways I2 and I4, and may, therefore, when unloaded, be freely slid longitudinally of the runways. The supporting structure between the lifting column 22 and the base structure I8, illustrated as comprising the sleeve 42, the brackets 44, and the yoke 50, is freely slidable longitudinally of the base members 30, so that the lifting column 22 may be positioned at any point along the length of the base I8. The, lifting column itself is readily adjustable between the lifting and retracting positions, by retracting the yoke 50, which yoke, however, serves to positively hold the column in either of its adjusted positions. The raising and lowering movements of the screw 22 may, of course, be controlled by the usual handle 60, which is adapted to be freely passed through an opening formed in one end of the screw, and which, when not in use, may be received in clips such as 62 secured to the web of one of the base members 30.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 6, 7, and 8 embodies the same operating characteristics as are provided by the device of Figs. 1 through 5, but in addition incorporated what may be called a quick adjusting feature, by which the lifting screw may be initially and rapidly adjusted as to height. In Figs. 6, 7, and 8, the lifting screw I8 is threaded through a sleeve I2, having a releasable driving connection with a supplemental sleeve 14, through which the screw I0 freely passes. The supplemental sleeve I4 corresponds generally to the previously described sleeve 42, and is provided with trunnions I6 which are rotatably received in bearing openings 18 formed in the supporting side members 88. As in the previous instance, the supporting side frame members 88 are fitted over the main base channel members 30 associated with the supporting base of the lifting device. The sleeve I2 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposite, axially-extending tongues 82, which are freely but relatively snugly received in notches 84 formed at the upper end of the sleeve 14. With this relation, it will be understood that with the parts in the positions shown in Figs. 6 and '7, the sleeve I2 is non-rota-' tive relative to the sleeve 14. Consequently, a rotation of the screw I0 under the influence, for example, of the handle 86, causes a corresponding raising or lowering movement of the screw. If, however, the screw 22 and the sleeve I2 are bodily lifted vertically sufficiently far to retract the tongues 82 from the notches 84, it will be understood that the sleeve I2 may be freely rotated on the screw relative to the sleeve 14. The sleeve I2 is provided with usual handles 88, to facilitate its rotation, and it will be understood that the sleeve I2 may thus be rapidly adjusted along the length of the screw 10. When a desired position of initial adjustment between the sleeve I2 and the screw III is arrived at, the screw may be lowered relative to the sleeve 14 sufficiently far to re-introduce the tongues 82 into the notches 84, thus establishing the original non-rotative connection between these sleeves, and enabling the further lifting and lowering movements of the screw to be accomplished by rotation thereof under the influence of the handle 86.

As in the previous instance, the assembly comprising the screw 10, the sleeves l2 and 14, and the side members 89, is releasably held in either the lifting or the retracted position by a yoke 90, the spaced legs 92 whereof embrace the upper end of the sleeve 14. The sleeve 14, in turn, is provided with radially extending fingers 94, one or the other of which is received between the legs 92 of the yoke 90 when the column I!) is swung to the retracted position.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail and with reference to specific uses of the invention, it will be appreciated that these specific embodiments and uses are herein disclosed in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. In a lifting device, a base structure having spaced side members, a lifting column, a first member positioned between said side members and slidable therealong, a second member having a driving connection with said lifting column so as to effect the raising and lowering of the latter, and means providing an adjustable connection between said first and second members so that said lifting column may be adjusted between retracted and lifting positions without altering the position of said first member relative to the base. said connection being positioned in the space between said side members so that when said column is swung to its retracted position it lies substan tially wholly in the said space.

2. In a lifting device, a base structure having spaced side members, a lifting column extending between said side frame members, a first member slidable along said side frame members, a second member having a driving connection with said lifting column, and means forming a rotative supporting connection between said first and second members, said connection being positioned between said frame members so that said lifting column may be swung to a retracted position between said frame members.

3. In a lifting device, a base structure having spaced side members, a lifting column extending between said side frame members, a first member slidable along said side frame members, a second member having a driving connection with said lifting column, means forming a rotative supporting connection between said first and second members, said connection being positioned between said frame members so that said lifting column may be swung to a retracted position between said frame members, and a locking device arranged to releasably holdsaid first and second members in predetermined relative rotative positions.

4. In a lifting device, a base structure having spaced side members, a lifting column extending between said side frame members, a first member slidable along said side frame members, a second member having a driving connection with said lifting column, means forming a rotative supporting connection between said first and second members, said connection being positioned between said frame members so that said lifting column may be swung to a retracted position between said frame members, and a yokelike member secured to one of said members and arranged so that the legs thereof embrace the other of said members so as to releasably hold said members in predetermined relative rotative positions.

5. In a lifting device, the combination of a base member having spaced side walls, a lifting screw, a first supporting member slidable along said base member, a sleeve adapted to threadably receive said screw, means connecting said sleeve to said supporting member so that said sleeve is nonrotative about its own axis, but enabling said sleeve to be rotated so as to swing said lifting screw between lifting and retracted positions, said connecting means being positioned between. said walls so that when said screw is in its retracted position it lies in the space between said walls.

6. In a lifting device, the combination of a base structure having spaced side walls, a lifting column, means connecting the lifting column to the base including first and second relatively adjustable members, one of said members being slidably mounted upon the base, the other of said members being connected to the lifting column, and means forming a rotative connection between said first and second members so that the lifting column can be swung between a lifting position and a retracted position, said connecting means being positioned in the space between said walls so that when said column is swung to its retracted position it lies substantially wholly within said space.

7. In a lifting device, the combination of a base structure having spaced side walls, a lifting column, means connecting the lifting column to the base including first and second relatively adjustable members, one of said members being slidably mounted upon the base, the other of said members being connected to the lifting column, means forming a rotative connection between said first and second members so that the lifting column can be swung between a lifting position and a retracted position, said connecting means being positioned in the space between said walls so that when said column is swung toits retracted position it lies substantially wholly within said space, and means forming a connection between the first and second members whereby the lifting column can be releasably locked in either of said positions.

8. In a lifting device, the combination of a base structure having spaced side walls, a lifting column, means connecting the lifting column to the base including first and second relatively adjustable members, one of said members being slidably mounted upon the base, the other of said members being connected to the lifting column, means forming a rotative connection between said first and second members so that the lifting column can be swung between a lifting position and a retracted position, said connecting means being positioned in the space between said walls so that when said column is swung to its retracted position it lies substantially wholly within said space, and a yoke carried by said one of said members and adapted to embrace the other of said members so as to releasably lock said lifting column in at least one of said positions.

9. In a lifting device, the combination of a base member having spaced side walls, a lifting screw, a support slidably mounted upon said base member for adjustment transversely thereof, and means forming a connection between said screw and said base member comprising a first element threadably associated with said screw, a second element having a rotative connection with said support whereby said screw can be swung between a lifting position and a retracted position, said connecting means being positioned in the space between said walls so that when said column is swung to its retracted position it lies substantially wholly within said space, and means forming a separable clutch connection between said first and second elements.

10. In a lifting device, the combination of a base member having spaced side walls, a lifting screw, a support slidably mounted upon said base member for adjustment longitudinally thereof, means forming a connection between said screw and said base member comprising a first element threadably associated with said screw, a second element having a rotative connection with said support whereby said screw can be swung between a lifting position and a retracted position, said connecting means being positioned in the space between said walls so that when said column is swung to its retracted position it lies substantially wholly within said space, means forming a separable clutch connection between said first and second elements, and a locking member connected between said means and said support for releasably locking said screw in at least one of said 10 positions.

JOSEPH J. MIZER.